Brailsford reign may be over

SIR Dave Brailsford’s seven-year reign as boss of Team Sky could be coming to an end after Chris Froome last night did not respond to a request for the riders to support him. A source said cyclists were asked to tweet support for their boss ‘or else the team is done’. But although some of them responded, team leader and three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome was noticeably silent.

said the club record haul of 95 points might be under threat. ‘It’s a solid step for us,’ said Conte, having watched his closest challengers Manchester City and Tottenham win on Sunday. ‘It’s not easy to play after your opponents. To feel this type of pressure is good. ‘We played a good game. We controlled the game. We scored and we had different chances to score the other goals. ‘It’s a pity for the goal we conceded at the end. Not keeping a clean sheet is not good. But I’m pleased. Great commitment and a great will to win. ‘We have found a good answer and now we must continue and prepare for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.’ West Ham manager Slaven Bilic rued the ‘cheap’ goals conceded by his team. ‘I’m a bit disappointed by the mistakes which led to the goals but there are positives,’ said Bilic, who does not expect Chelsea to be caught at the top. ‘They won’t become casual. They are serious. It won’t be easy but I can see them staying on top. They look the most solid. ‘They always defend with numbers and they are really fit and they make the offensive transition. ‘They are 10 points clear at the top for a reason.’