Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Mo Salah ‘on brink of signing new Liverpool contract’ after Egyptian attacker went public over negotiation deadlock

    MOHAMED SALAH is on the brink of penning a new deal with Liverpool, it’s been claimed.The Egyptian winger’s current contract with the Reds – who he joined in June 2017 – expires at the end of the season.Mohamed Salah’s current contract with Liverpool expires in the summerCredit: GETTYBut the Egyptian is said to have struck a new two-year deal with the RedsCredit: REXSalah, 32, claimed late last month that the club hadn’t approached him about extending his stay on Merseyside.But the Reds brass are now said to have offered the Egypt international a new contract.That’s according to The Mirror, who claim Salah is on the brink of penning a new two-year deal at Anfield.Salah is said to have demanded a new three-year deal to commit his future to the club, who were reportedly only willing to offer him a new one-year contract.READ MORE ON SALAHBoth parties, however, are said to have recently reached a “compromise” over a new two-year contract.News of Salah’s reported new two-year deal come just days after ex-Egypt international Haytham Farouk claimed the former Chelsea and Roma man had inked a new contract.Along with a picture of himself and Salah, he wrote on X: “Congratulations on renewing your contract with the number you like and the period you want.”The Egyptian king rules with his own judgments.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack RosserSalah’s reported new deal will be music to the ears of Kopites around the world.He’s scored a whopping 15 goals and racked up 12 assists in 21 appearances in all competitions this season.Salah further put Liverpool fans on red alert last Sunday by hinting their 2-0 win over Manchester City could be the last time he plays the Prem champions at Anfield.“Honestly that’s what’s in my head,” he told Sky Sports when asked if it will be the last time he City at Anfield.“This is in all probability the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I am just going to enjoy it.“The atmosphere was incredible so I will enjoy every second here.“Hopefully we just win the league and will see what will happen.”Salah and his team-mates will be back in action on Tuesday evening, travelling to Spain to take on Girona in the Champions League. More

  • 250 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘We wish him well’ – Man Utd issue brutal 41-word statement after Dan Ashworth leaves club after just five months

    MANCHESTER UNITED have released a brutal statement to confirm the departure of Dan Ashworth.The sporting director has surprisingly left the club after just five months.Dan Ashworth has left the club by mutual consentCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe was a driving force behind his exit, with Ashworth’s time over following a meeting with Omar Berrada, seen here between Sir Dave Brailsford and AshworthCredit: GettyUnited confirmed the news in a short statement, which read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”Ashworth held showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and decided to end his time at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in pushing for a shock boardroom shake-up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth’s move from Newcastle has “not worked out” and SunSport exclusively revealed last month the United hierarchy were involved in a blame game over the transfer business in the summer.It comes after the Red Devils had difficulty getting him out of a gardening leave period he took after he departed St James’ Park.The two sides agreed on a £3million compensation deal.Ashworth then went on to spend £183m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui in the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the chief was involved in the decision to eventually keep then manager Erik ten Hag and offer him a new contract.But just 14 matches later, they made a U-turn and sacked him. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Before his arrival in Manchester, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But the owner claimed yesterday that United are still far behind where they need to be in terms of a recruitment structure.Ratcliffe said: “We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. “It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. “It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week’ – Neville slams Man Utd after ‘shambles’ defeat

    GARY NEVILLE has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United following their embarrassing defeat to Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils suffered a 3-2 defeat to Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, their second straight loss under new gaffer Ruben Amorim.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: REUTERSThe defeat was the second of Ruben Amorim’s short spell in charge of the Red DevilsCredit: REXFormer Red Devil Neville launched a scathing attack on his former side after the matchCredit: PAIt came before United announced sporting director Dan Ashworth has left after just five months.Amorim made several changes to the side who lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Wednesday night, much to the annoyance of former United star Gary Neville.He told NBC Sports: “When you keep changing players and you keep changing your back three and you take five players off, you’re basically saying to all of them, because they’ve obviously been taken off at the start of the game, that you don’t trust them.”Ten Hag kept doing that a few weeks ago when he kept changing the back players, changing the midfield.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”All of a sudden you’ve got a completely different system, a completely different set of players on the pitch at the end of the game. You can never get consistency.”It looked really scruffy. They looked a mess at the end United with no real shape. “In the first half they weren’t brilliant but at least they had a shape to them.”Pick an XI that you think are the best. Almost give that XI the faith and trust. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[Enzo] Maresca’s doing it now at Chelsea – he’s playing an XI on a Sunday or a Saturday and then he’s playing a different XI in midweek.”He’s sending some messages to the players that there’s stability here and this is what we’re going to do.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85″When you change players all the time you’re just spinning plates and there’s no consistency.”You need to build patterns together. You need to build that idea of what you are doing together.”Neville was equally as annoyed by United stars not putting the hard yards in on the pitch.The Sky Sports pundit continued: “No good team is ever a good team without hard work.”Manchester United are 13th in the league. Their running stats, their distance covered is 16th in the league.”You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week.”Neville’s former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand offered a brutal one-word assessment of the result, writing on X: “Shambles.”Ruben Amorim lamented Manchester United’s starts to the each halfCredit: REXAmorim, 39, didn’t mince his words after the final whistle, telling Sky Sports: “It was a tough game. We started the two halves really bad.”It was hard to pass on some calm to the players and continue the game as we should do.”We had not a lot of quality but a lot of heart. Suffering two goals after half time in this context is really hard.”We need more time to put positionings in.”If you see the first goal it was good combination between the players and after the first goal we had good moments, creating chances but then we went forward without thinking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a tough context but we have to understand this is a long journey and that’s what our jobs are.”United will be back in action on Thursday, taking on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. More

  • 238 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Meet Dan Ashworth: Ex-Man Utd sporting director who has left Red Devils after just five months following turbulent reign

    DAN Ashworth is a true footballing man who has progressed through the beautiful game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He was most recently Manchester United’s sporting director but has now left his role at the club following their 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Dan Ashworth is the sporting director at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAWho is Dan Ashworth?Born on March 6, 1971, in Norfolk, England, Dan Ashworth began his footballing journey in Norwich City’s youth academy.Though he didn’t make it as a professional player at the highest level, he had stints with non-league clubs including Eastbourne Town and St Leonards.Ashworth also spent time training in the US with West Florida Fury before returning to England.Transition to football adminAfter retiring as a player, Ashworth quickly moved into football administration.read more on dan ashworthIn 2000, he was appointed as the academy director at Peterborough United.He then moved to Cambridge United to work as the director of their Centre of Excellence in 2001.West Bromwich AlbionAshworth’s big break came at West Bromwich Albion, where he started out as a youth team assistant in 2004.He progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s sporting and technical director in December 2007.Most read in FootballAshworth gained a reputation for his scouting abilities and player recruitment during his time at the club.FA and England’s DNAIn September 2012, Ashworth was appointed as the FA’s director of elite development — a role he took up in March 2013.He was instrumental in creating the ‘England DNA’ — a comprehensive plan aimed at developing elite players for both the men’s and women’s national teams.Brighton and Hove AlbionIn 2018, Ashworth joined Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director.His tenure at the Seagulls was marked by the club’s establishment as one of the Premier League’s best-run teams, known for their shrewd recruitment and player development.Newcastle UnitedAshworth’s success at Brighton caught the attention of Newcastle United, who appointed him as Sporting Director in February 2022.Dan Ashworth pictured at St. James ParkCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in Newcastle’s rapid ascent, helping the club secure Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 season.A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.”The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.”Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”A Brighton statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Brighton.Dan Ashworth resigned from his position as Brighton’s technical director to take up a similar role at NewcastleCredit: PA”The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs.”We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”Move to Manchester UnitedIn February 2024, Manchester United made an official approach for Ashworth.This led to a period of gardening leave imposed by Newcastle, as negotiations between the clubs began.On July 1, 2024, The Red Devils confirmed Ashworth’s appointment as their new sporting director, following an agreement with Newcastle.The two clubs released a joint statement reading: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured leaving Ineos HQ following the meeting“The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”Ashworth threw himself into the job quickly, playing a major part in the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui. But the season didn’t start well and by November manager Erik Ten Hag was sacked, having left the club languishing in 14th place. Ruben Amorim was hired to take over after an impressive four years managing Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Amorim has managed five games so far but has only won one game in the Premier League, drawing with Ipswich and losing to Arsenal and Forest. Following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Forest last night, Ashworth has quit by mutual consent.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have been pivotal in the call to part ways.This follows SunSport’s exclusive story from three weeks ago which revealed that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business. More

  • 213 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up

    DAN ASHWORTH has left Manchester United following showdown talks last night.The sporting director’s shock exit comes after just five months at Old Trafford. Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after just five monthsCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upCredit: AlamyAshworth was involved in the club’s summer transfer business and the decision to keep – and then sack – Erik ten HagCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed three weeks ago how United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.Ashworth joined the club in July following a lengthy gardening leave period after he quit Newcastle.The 53-year-old was appointed by Man Utd to oversee “performance, recruitment and operations”, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay £3million in compensation to the Toon.But following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by mutual consent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”The Athletic claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the call to part ways.Ashworth played a huge role in United’s £183million summer spending spree during the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe club signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui. Ashworth was also involved in the decision to initially keep Erik ten Hag and hand him a new contract, only to for him to be sacked just 14 games later.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’The former FA chief, who was credited with creating the “England DNA”, was quoted in the statements confirming every signing.But we did not hear from him on Ten Hag’s axing or on the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Ashworth’s departure comes as a huge shock to many, with one fan saying: “Man Utd waited longer to get Ashworth out of Newcastle than he has lasted in the job. Mad.”Another added: “Utterly embarrassing and the amount of time and money to secure him. The direction of the club is meant to be based on the structure and at this moment that feels insecure. Shambles.”But others defended the decision, commenting: “If someone isn’t working, then get rid. No point keeping someone if its not working.”Ratcliffe previously hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But he was apparently not a good “fit”, according to the Mail. But yesterday he suggested United are still miles behind where they need to be when it comes to transfers.United chiefs have been at war over their summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRatcliffe said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE:As for Amorim, he said in his first press conference after joining last month that he wants the final say on transfers.He explained: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want.”But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together but the final word should be the manager.”Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment.”I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”When Ashworth’s Newcastle exit and United arrival was finally secured, he said: “This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. “It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.“Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.“I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football.”United’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1m More

  • 200 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card

    PEP GUARDIOLA was involved in a bizarre moment with a reporter when asked about Rico Lewis’ red card.Manchester City drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace yesterday to leave them with just one win won in their last nine games.Pep Guardiola bizarrely responded to question about Rico Lewis’ red cardLewis was given a second yellow for a tackle on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: RexGuardiola confronted ref Robert Jones at full-timeCredit: AlamyBeleaguered Guardiola was left fuming when Lewis was sent for an early bath after 84 minutes.The England star picked up a first booking for dissent and then got another following a lunge on Trevoh Chalobah.Replays showed he seemingly did not catch the defender and was in fact caught by the Palace man.Guardiola angrily approached referee Robert Jones on the pitch after the final whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked about the incident by the BBC, the City manager said: “It is because it is Rico.”Match of the Day reporter Mark Scott replied: “Sorry?”Guardiola repeated: “It is Rico.”The interviewer was left perplexed, saying: “Sorry, I could not understand.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the boss doubled down: “It is because he is Rico.”Like most viewers, Scott remained confused: “Because it is Rico Lewis you think he got a yellow card?”Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind’Guardiola then turned the questioning on him, asking: “You think it is a yellow card?”The reporter then said: “No, no. I am asking you do you think it was a yellow card?”But we were going around in circles as Guardiola then replied: “It is Rico Lewis.”Lewis, who scored City’s second goal of the game, will now miss next Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.Fans think it has tipped Guardiola over the edge, with one saying: “He has completely lost it.”And it is not the first bizarre moment from the Spaniard in recent weeks, having hit back at chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” by lifting six fingers to represent how many Premier League titles he has won. A clip also emerged on Friday of him being held back from confronting a fan in the street. More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Arsenal planning shock £20m transfer swoop for Premier League rival’s striker who’s scored just TWO goals this season

    EVERTON will cash in on Dominic Calvert-Lewin next month if the right offer comes in — and £20million could get him.The 27-year-old striker is preparing to end his eight-year stay at Goodison Park.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ready to leave EvertonCredit: RexArsenal could be tempted into a shock swoopCredit: GettyHis contract expires next June and he has no intention of signing another.Everton remain in dire financial straits with Dan Friedkin yet to complete his £600m takeover.They are determined not to lose Calvert-Lewin for nothing and are ready to listen to bids.Calvert-Lewin can speak to foreign clubs in the January transfer window with a view to signing a pre-contract. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAC Milan fancy the front man, who signed for £1.5m from Sheffield United in 2016.But West Ham and Newcastle — who were linked in the summer — also have him on their radar.Mikel Arteta could also be tempted to boost Arsenal’s title push with Calvert-Lewin.The 11-time capped England international has scored twice in 14 games this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has not struck over ten goals in a Premier League term since the 2020/21 season when he hit the back of the net 16 times.And his last Three Lions cap came off the bench in a 4-0 Euro 2020 quarter-final win over Ukraine.Mikel Arteta goes full Arsene Wenger as he struggles to do up his coat after Arsenal’s win over Man Utd More

  • 225 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Piers Morgan leads well-wishes for Michail Antonio after horror crash trapped him in his Ferrari for 45 minutes

    PIERS Morgan has lead well-wishes for Michail Antonio after a car crash saw him trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes. The footballer, 34, was airlifted to hospital with “shattered” legs after the horror unfolded on Coppice Row, in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm. Piers Morgan has led well-wishes after the horror crashCredit: RexA source told The Sun on Sunday ‘everyone at the club is very worried’Credit: GettyPhotographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the FerrariCredit: XThe footballer was trapped for nearly an hour before fire crews cut him freeCredit: XMichail was eventually cut free by fire crews at 1.45pm after being trapped for nearly an hour. Piers Morgan posted his well-wishes on X after shocking photographs from the scene circulated.”Whoa… this looks very bad. Hope he’s OK,” wrote the Uncensored host.When West Ham later posted a major health update stating the player was in “stable condition”, the presenter added: “Good news…”.Michail’s former team-mate Jobi McAnuff, who played with him at Reading, also wrote on Instagram: “Thoughts and prayers to Michail and his family.”It comes after the footballer’s £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road.Ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.Most read in Football“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.”It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.”West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media. “Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. READ MORE SUN STORIES”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”The player is in ‘stable condition’Credit: Getty More