Weather Morning: 8°c Mostly cloudy Afternoon: 9°c Sunny spells

Sport

Sam Aiken grabs a brilliant pass from Tom Brady to score as New England Patriots crush Tampa Bay Buccaneers  at Wembley
Different class: Sam Aiken grabs a brilliant pass from Tom Brady to score as New England Patriots crush Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley

NFL keen to cash in on Wembley success

David Yuill
26 Oct 2009


The head of NFL UK is confident London will host at least two games next year after more than 84,000 fans saw New England Patriots demolish Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 at Wembley.

Last night was the third successive year that Wembley has staged a regular-season match and the success of the event means the NFL will step up their efforts to bring more games here.

Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK, said: “We now have a track record of six teams coming over with a great level of feedback from all sides. As we look to move to two games a year, I think it's really important that the team, the owners involved and the players are all saying good things.

“I'm going to be working hard with a bunch of other people in the next week or two to try and see if we can get an agreement internally and hopefully by Christmas time be able to make some announcements.”

Patriorts star quarter-back Tom Brady — who threw three touchdowns as his side made easy work of beating the winless Buccaneers — would welcome a return to London.

He said: “It's a unique bonding experience for all of us. As football players we don't often get to spend as much time together as we had. We all went out to dinner on Friday night, which you don't get the chance to do often, spending 10 meals together and sitting on the plane — it's great.”

Brandon Meriweather put the Patriots ahead after just two minutes, running home a great interception, and his side added to the lead with touchdowns from Wes Welker and Sam Aiken, who snapped up Brady's 53-yard pass.

The Buccs — technically the home side — scored when Antonio Bryant caught Josh Johnson's 33-yard pass just before half time.

But the Patriots hammered home their advantage with further touchdowns from Benjamin Watson and Laurence Maroney.

Reader views (1)

 Add your view

They need to be careful they don't kill the golden goose. NFL games are sold out partly because of the novelty value - the fact there is just one opportunity per year to see a game. Familiarity does breed contempt!

- Paul M, London, 26/10/2009 09:43
Report abuse


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Arsene Wenger urges Arsenal to rally for Sunderland clash after 'shocking' defeat to AC Milan Kevin-Prince Boateng Arsene Wenger urged Arsenal to regroup for their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Sunderland after a "shocking" 4-0 defeat to AC Milan shattered...
  • Sir Alex Ferguson accepts European failings this season Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded he got it wrong in Europe this season
  • Manu Tuilagi ready to make fresh start in England colours Manu Tuilagi Manu Tuilagi has done a lot of growing up in the last six months and now feels ready to make a fresh start with England after overcoming a...
  • Roberto Mancini will not be distracted by Carlos Tevez saga Carlos Tevez Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is determined not to let the continuing Carlos Tevez saga derail his side's title push
  • Stoke will not fear Valencia, insists Peter Crouch Peter Crouch Peter Crouch insists Stoke will relish the chance to take on European giants Valencia rather than be cowed by it
  • Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United and Liverpool need each other Luis Suarez Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his Manchester United side need a healthy rivalry with Liverpool
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •