Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle tracking England star Angel Gomes as they plot January transfer – but could face fight with two Prem rivals

      by

      NEW England star Angel Gomes has become Newcastle’s top target.But Toon chief Eddie Howe faces competition for the former Manchester United midfielder from Liverpool, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.Angel Gomes is out of contract at Lille next summerCredit: GettyLee Carsley says Gomes ‘fully deserves’ the plaudits he’s receivedCredit: AlamyA string of clubs are understood to have watched the Lille star shine for the Three Lions in Tuesday’s 2-0 Nations League win over Finland.Spurs were already keen on the 24-year-old, who is out of contract at his Ligue 1 team next summer. Interim England chief Lee Carsley gave Gomes his England debut as a late sub in Saturday’s 2-0 victory in Ireland.The ex-Old Trafford academy ace then played the whole of the Wembley clash against the Finns three nights later.READ MORE TOP STORIESReports last week suggested Gomes is not currently planning to renew his Lille deal at the end of the season.He’s been a big hit in the French top flight after switching from a role just behind the attack to a more central position under Paulo Fonseca.And it’s reckoned Newcastle could even ponder a January bid for Gomes.That follows Carsley saying he “fully deserves” the plaudits for his breakthrough on the full international scene.Most read in FootballGomes picked up his first two England caps over the international breakCredit: RexBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe former Under-21 chief also highlighted the player’s incredible knowledge of the game.Carsley said: “He loves football, he watches football, he’s interested in tactics.Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 “He knows all the players in any league.”If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he’s going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll often say about some build-ups he’s done with other clubs, or what he’s played against, because he’s obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.”Gomes’ classy, controlled display against Finalnd also won praise from England legends.Ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright hailed the Salford lad for being “constantly on the move” and also highlighted “his touch”.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham hit with their own injury blow after Arsenal lost Odegaard as star limps off on international duty

      by

      YVES BISSOUMA is a doubt for the North London derby after limping off on international duty.The Tottenham midfielder, 28, was in action for Mali against Eswatini on Tuesday and netted the only goal of the game.Yves Bissouma limped out of Mali’s clash with EswatiniCredit: GettyArsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an injury against AustriaCredit: SplashBut he was forced off with a knock in the 65th minute after a heavy tackle and now Spurs are sweating on his fitness for Sunday’s powder-keg clash at home to Arsenal.Bissouma was handed a one-match club ban last month for filming himself inhaling nitrous oxide, so missed the season-opener at Leicester.Yet he has started both games since and netted a stunner in the 4-0 victory over Everton.The blow comes just days after Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury while playing for Norway.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners’ captain will miss the derby game and could be out for at least three weeks.Meanwhile, fellow midfielder James Maddison says it is the current Spurs squad’s “duty” to end their trophy famine.Tottenham have not tasted silverware since winning the League Cup in 2008.They compete in the Europa League this term, while they have a potential banana skin of an opening Carabao Cup tie away to Coventry on Wednesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Australian channel Optus Sport, Maddison said: “What trophy would I like to win? I’d like to win all of them!“It’s spoken about a lot in the media here and kind of a bit of a black mark against Tottenham’s name in terms of silverware.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TV“That’s on us, that’s our duty to try to change the history of recent times and try to get our hands on silverware.“It’s not a thing that we should not talk about.“The club needs to be winning trophies of this size and with the quality that we have, we should be battling it out for trophies.“So we’ve got a good few competitions this year with the Europa League, the Carabao, the FA Cup and the Premier League.“Hopefully we can have a deep run in one of them because winning trophies is for sure the best thing about football.“When all is said and done at the end of your career, you look back on what you’ve won, I think.”James Maddison wants to end Spurs’ trophy droughtCredit: GettyHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Garnacho ‘likes’ Cristiano Ronaldo criticism of Ten Hag as fans say he’ll ‘be out of the squad tomorrow’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Erik ten Hag will DROP Alejandro Garnacho after he gets wind of his recent social media activity.Eagle-eyed Red Devils supporters spotted that the winger liked an Instagram post including Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest scathing rant about his former manager.Cristiano Ronaldo launched a blistering attack on Erik ten Hag before leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPAlejandro Garnacho recently liked an Instagram post including Ronaldo’s latest criticism of Ten HagRed Devils fans reckon Ten Hag could punish Garnacho by dropping himCredit: REXAnd many of the Old Trafford faithful believe the Argentina international could be set for a stint on the sidelines once Ten Hag is informed of his antics.One United supporter wrote: “He wants problems.”Another said: “Boy’s getting benched indefinitely now.”And another said: “Hopefully Garnacho gets sold.”READ MORE UNITED NEWSOne remarked: Good, we’ll see more of [Amad] Diallo now.”Another chimed in: “Garnacho liked it. My brother will be out of the squad tomorrow.”Garnacho is no stranger to liking critical Ten Hag content, liking a number of posts slamming his gaffer after he was subbed in United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in April.But his liking of Ronaldo’s rant could land him in real hot water with the former Ajax manager.Most read in FootballRonaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford ended prematurely following a public bust-up with his former manager, who he slammed in a tell-all interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Portuguese has once again taken aim at the under-fire Dutchman, telling former team-mate Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel Ugarte“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League.“You have to be, to mentally say, ‘Listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that.'”We’re going to try. You have to try.'”Ronaldo, 39, reckons Ten Hag must heed the advice of former players, including new assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he’s to have any chance of turning the club’s fortunes around.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself].”I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen (to) the guys who were there.“You [Rio] or Roy Keane or Paul Scholes or Gary Neville, whatever, Sir Alex Ferguson.Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in the wake of his explosive interview with Piers MorganCredit: TalkTV”You cannot, you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge. “Not guys who work in [the] office. They understand.“The people who understand the football, it was, 99 per cent is the people who were there in the dressing room.”They know how to deal with the players. It’s the people who understand these things.“So I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club. He knows the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve a little bit the club.”United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to St Mary’s to take on Southampton. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Man Utd are confident they won’t break PSR rules despite announcing £113m loss last season

      by

      TRANSFER spending to bolster Erik ten Hag resulted in Manchester United losing £113m last season.Despite record revenues of £661.8m in the financial year to June 30, United posted a nine-figure loss.Man Utd transfer spending to bolster Erik ten Hag’s side has resulted in a £113m loss at the club last termCredit: AlamyDespite the loss the club believe they are safely inside Profitability and Sustainability Rules requirementsCredit: GettyThe club pin-pointed spending on wages and transfers as a significant factor in the latest annual financial results.The club’s incomings last summer saw Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir for a combined £183.5m including add-ons.But despite United’s new managing structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe green-lighting another £182m in transfer spending this summer – although sales recouped £87m – the Old Trafford outfit remain bullish they are safely inside Profitability and Sustainability Rules requirements.And the club is pushing ahead with plans to axe 250 jobs – for an annual saving of up to £38m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited’s published figures – including half a year under the new regime – showed the club made a record  £137.1m through the gate, with 171,000 fans on the season ticket waiting list.While Prem clubs are only allowed to make “permitted losses” of £105m over three seasons, football accountancy allows transfer fees paid to be “amortised” over contract lengths of up to five years while receipts such as the £26m received from Napoli for Scott McTominay can be counted in full.Deductions are also made for investment and spending on stadium costs, women’s football and youth development, with United understood to remain confident they will not breach the PSR limit when their accounts are handed over to Prem bosses later this year.Ratcliffe’s new-look upper-tier management included the appointments of chief executive officer Omar Berrada – who formerly held a senior role at Manchester City – sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was part of the club’s “strategic review” which brought what have been described as “one-off exceptional costs” of £47.8m as part of a long-term streamlining programme overseen by Ratcliffe.Despite last season’s eighth-placed Prem finish – United’s worst league performance since 1990 – ten Hag’s FA Cup triumph over City allowed him to keep his job, with summer arrivals including Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro adding to his squad.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedRatcliffe has committed himself to a £230m cash injection by the end of the year, £50m of which will pay for the required upgrade of the club’s Carrington training base.While failing to qualify for the Champions League will mean an estimated £30m European revenue drop, the club still anticipates income reaching up to £670m this season.Berrada promised: “We are all extremely focused on working collectively to create a bright future with football success at the heart of it.“Ultimately, the strength of Manchester United is driven by the passion and loyalty of our supporters.“Our clear objective is to return the club to the top of European football.“Everyone at the club is aligned on a clear strategy to deliver sustained success both on and off the pitch, for the ultimate benefit of our fans, shareholders, and hugely diverse range of stakeholders.” More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10/1

      by

      LEE CARSLEY is the nailed-on favourite to land the England job on a full-time basis.The bookies are backing the interim head coach to be offered the role by the FA.Lee Carsley is the favourite to land the England jobCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is rated at 10/1 to be the next full=time England bossCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, has stepped in to lead the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Bookmaker Coral has placed Carsley as the massive favourite for the job full-time.He is rated at 1-20 to get the role, which is ahead of the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.Coral’s John Hill said: “We now make Lee Carsley long odds-on to land the England job permanently following back-to-back victories in the Uefa Nations League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”England are next in action in October against Greece and it looks very likely that Carsley will be charge of the Three Lions for that game at Wembley where he will be bidding to keep up his 100 per cent record.”Guardiola is the second favourite at 10/1 and 12/1 for Howe.While the likes of Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Frank Lampard are seen as much less likely.Carsley has enjoyed a perfect start to his reign in charge of England.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis Three Lions have won both Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Both games finished 2-0, with the side joint top of League B Group 2 along with Greece.England’s player ratings against FinlandNext England manager oddsHere are the latest odds on who will be the next England manager…Lee Carsley – 1/20Pep Guardiola – 1/10Eddie Howe – 1/12Graham Potter – 1/16Jurgen Klopp – 1/25Frank Lampard – 1/33Kieran McKenna – 1/33*Odds from CoralDeclan Rice and Jack Grealish were the goalscorers against Ireland as they silenced the boo-boys in the crowd.While against Finland, Harry Kane stepped up to fire in a brace on his 100th appearance for the national side.Speaking after the win over Finland, Carsley admitted he does not yet feel comfortable in his position.He told ITV: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone.”Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards.”[We were] fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:READ MORE SUN STORIESEstablishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.  More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      If Arsenal lose to Tottenham they have one game to save their season – and it’s against Man City seven days later

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE titles aren’t won in September.But they can be lost. And that is what Arsenal fans – and perhaps even boss Mikel Arteta – may be starting to fear.Arsenal have some major injury concerns ahead of the North London DerbyCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard is expected to miss Sunday’s match due to an injury sustained on international dutyCredit: SplashRiccardo Calafiori is also a doubtCredit: GettyDeclan Rice will serve a one-match suspension against Tottenham after his red card vs BrightonCredit: GettyBecause if the Gunners fail to beat local rivals Tottenham on Sunday, they will be under huge pressure to win against title rivals City at the Etihad a week later.And defeat by Pep Guardiola’s side would put Arsenal up to eight points behind City with only five games gone.Which, given the fact that Guardiola’s winning machine tends to hit absolute top gear only in the second half of the season, would feel like an almost impossible gap to close.The injury to captain Martin Odegaard which is likely to keep him out of both big Premier League games, either side of the awkwardly-scheduled Champions League trip to Atalanta, underlines the inferiority of Arsenal’s squad.Read More in FootballIn the summer transfer window, the Gunners added cover in key positions: Riccardo Calafiori in defence, Raheem Sterling on the wing and Mikel Merino in midfield.It was very unfortunate that Merino suffered a significant injury in his first training session, especially with Declan Rice out of the North London derby because of suspension.Jorginho is a decent deputy to play alongside Thomas Partey, at least.But the problem is that Arteta has no-one who can replace Odegaard’s qualities at a high enough level in attacking midfield (although it might have been less challenging if Emile Smith Rowe had not been sold).Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal face Tottenham this weekendCredit: AFPThe Gunners face Manchester City next weekCredit: PAKevin De Bruyne has remained fully fit this seasonCredit: ReutersYou can argue that there are very few players in the world who could.But consider how City skipper coped, despite losing captain Kevin De Bruyne for half of last season.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TVDe Bruyne featured in only 18 Premier League matches. It is true that City lost three games during the time he was sidelined with a hamstring problem and Arsenal streaked ahead.But over the course of the season, it did not matter. Julian Alvarez, in particular, and City’s star-studded squad in general, were able to contribute enough that the Belgian’s lack of gametime did not stop them winning another title.After a De Bruyne-less City side went down 1-0 at Aston Villa on December 6, they did not lose another game, winning 19 of their 23 remaining fixtures.Don’t forget, either, that Erling Haaland missed a handful of games at the turn of the year. Fortunately for Guardiola, they were mostly against lower-level opposition and City won four out of five.Which brings us to another issue – luck.No-one is saying that Odegaard will be unavailable nearly as long as De Bruyne was. But the quirks of the fixture list  – or a conspiracy, if you’re a particularly rabid Arsenal fan – mean his ankle problem has come at a really bad time.You can still see a Gunners side without Rice and Odegaard finding a way to beat Spurs. But the absence of Odegaard from the Etihad, where Arsenal have not won a league game since January 2015, would be a massive blow to their chances.Looking at it the opposite way, Arteta was very fortunate with injuries last season.Rice and Odegaard were among six players to start at least 34 of the 38 Premier League games, with William Saliba playing every single minute. Another four players made at least 30 appearances as starters or subs.That good fortune appears to have run out.Meanwhile, the signs are Liverpool might well emerge as City’s biggest challengers.The Reds have a pretty kind run of league fixtures between now and October 27, when they are due to face Arsenal at the Emirates.The longer Odegaard is out, the bigger the potential gap by then.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta needs his full squad to step up, on Sunday and in the coming weeks as the dual challenge of competing in the Premier League and Champions League resumes.If they do not, after two seasons of fading in the final straight of the title race, Arsenal could be all but out of it while there are still plenty of leaves on the trees.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      The story behind Scott Sinclair’s football career: How Helen Flanagan’s ex-boyfriend found his way back to boyhood club

      by

      SCOTT Sinclair is known to football fans as a legend and to many others as the ex-boyfriend of reality star Helen Flanagan.He supported Manchester United from a young age and has gone on to have a successful career across multiple clubs.Scott was born on March 25, 1989, in Bath, Somerset.He got engaged to Corrie actress Helen Flanagan in 2018, but they split in 2022.Their relationship made headlines when Helen appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2024 and opened up about her love life.So what clubs has the football legend played for?Read more in sportsScott has been training since the age of nineCredit: Getty ImagesScott shares two daughters and a son with Corrie actress Helen FlanaganCredit: Splash NewsBristol RoversScott joined the Bristol Rovers at just nine years old.He became the second-youngest debutant on the club’s first-team at the age of 15 years old and 277 days.The youngest ever debutant in the first-team was Ronnie Dix, aged 15 180 days.The then-15-year-old’s first appearance was as a late substitute for Junior Agogo in a League Two game against Layton Orient in 2004. Most read in FootballScott left his boyhood team Bristol Rovers for ChelseaCredit: ReutersChelseaIn July 2005, Scott was signed to West London football club Chelsea FC. Scott scored his first goal for the blues in September 2007 when they faced off against Hull City, in a match Chelsea won 4-0.The young footballer signed a new four-year deal with the football club in August 2007 and received the squad number 17.History repeated itself for him, as his first goal for Chelsea as a senior player was against Hull City, which ended in a 4-0 win for the London side in the League Cup.Plymouth Argyle (loan)Plymouth Argyle was the first of Scott’s loans from Chelsea to another football club.When Scott was just ten, he was noticed by Plymouth manager Ian Holloway as a future star. Whilst playing for Plymouth for one month during 2007, he helped the team beat Coventry City, Barnet, Derby County and Crystal Palace.Scott signed with the Queen’s Park Rangers in November 2007Credit: PA: Empics sportQueen’s Park RangersScott had a brief, month-long stint at Queen’s Park Rangers after he helped Plymouth beat Crystal Palace in November 2007.At the time, it was reported that QPR had beaten off “stiff competition” to sign Scott. Charlton Athletic (loan)In February 2008, Sinclair was in demand as an upcoming star. He was signed to Charlton Athletic that month, but had little opportunity to play as a member of the first-team. Scott’s loan was terminated after just a month, during which he had three appearances from the bench.Crystal Palace finished fifth in the Championship with Scott in 2008Credit: Getty ImagesCrystal Palace (loan)Scott joined Crystal Palace in March 2008 for the rest of the season. Here, he had many more opportunities to play than he did at Charlton Athletic.He scored twice against Hull and Burnley, in six appearances, and was a key player in helping Crystal Palace to finish fifth in the Championship.Birmingham City (loan)Yet another loan brought Scott to Birmingham City, where his one-month stint was extended to span over the entire season.During his time with Birmingham, Scott made 14 appearances before returning to Chelsea in May.Upon his return to Chelsea, Scott was a substitute for the Blackburn Rovers but did not play.Wigan Athletic (loan)In 2009, Sinclair signed to Wigan Athletic for the 2009-2010 season. Whilst at the Premier League club, he scored his first goal against a familiar foe: Hull City.Unbelievably, his second goal with Wigan was scored (yet again) against Hull.Scot joined Swansea in a £1 million dealCredit: Action ImagesSwansea CityScott’s period of loans and transfers came to an end, as he signed a three-year contract with Swansea in 2010.The fee was worth £500,000 with the potential of the number moving up to £1 million. The footballer quickly made waves, when he scored a his first hat-trick against Peterborough united in a 3-1 win.He later scored another hat-trick against Reading and helped get Swansea promoted to the the Premier League.With only one season remaining, it was reported that he would not be extending his contract with Swansea. Scott transferred to Man United for a reported £8 millionCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdManchester CitySinclair signed for Manchester City in 2012, with a four-year contract.The transfer was reportedly worth £8 million.During his time with the club, he often made late appearances as a substitute which limited his time on the pitch.Surgery on a blood clot in his shoulder took him off the pitch for even more time, before he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion.West Bromwich Albion (loan)Scott started playing with West Bromwich Albion in August 2013, in a season-long loan.His time was cut short with the club though, when a hamstring injury kept him off the pitch until December. Scott played little for the team when he recovered, after their new manager Pepe Mel took over.Scott’s success with Aston Villa led to him being offered a permanent positionCredit: Dave Pinegar- The SunAston Villa (loan)A new period of being loaned to various football clubs continued for Scott, as he joined Aston Villa. He signed with the club in January 2015 as part of a season-long loan.Here, Scott was able to make a big impact.Scott scored their only goal in a 2–1 defeat to Stoke City and helped the team win by scoring in an FA Cup Quarter Final against rivals West Bromwich Albion.Aston Villa (permanent transfer)Scott joined Aston Villa permanently in May 2015 in a deal reportedly worth £2.5 million. At the time, he said: “This is the happiest I have been in a long time.”He stayed with the club until 2016 and scored 27 goals for the team. Scott was voted the player of the year for Celtic in 2017Credit: Kenny Ramsay- The SunCelticThe footballer signed with Celtic on August 7, 2016, and debuted on that same day.He scored the winning goal in that match against Hearts in the 81st minute.In 2017, he was voted Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year at Celtic’s Player of the Year Awards.He described his time with the club as “the best time and the happiest time in my career”.In May 2019, Celtic exercised a clause in his contract to keep him at the club, for one more season.During his time with Celtic, he was the club’s second-highest scorer with 25 goals, behind Moussa Dembélé.Moussa scored 32 goals during this time.Preston North EndScott was signed to Preston North End in January 2020.However, the Covid lockdown, announced in March 2020, made it difficult for the team to play together.He was released by Preston North End at the end of the 2021-22 season.Scott’s journey in football eventually led him back to the Bristol Rovers in 2022Credit: Getty ImagesBristol Rovers (second spell)After a long and varied career, it was announced that Scott would rejoin his childhood team in October 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned for a short-time, at first, and beat another former club: Plymouth Argyle.In 2024, it was announced that Scott had accepted a one-year deal with the team and that he would be staying on to become club captain. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

      by

      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More