Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

      by

      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Pinnacle of tinpot’ – Fans can’t believe why MK Dons have changed their badge as they release new design

      by

      MK DONS have been slammed after they revealed their new badge.The League Two side revealed their new crest on social media on Tuesday.Supporters were given a choice of three new crests to pick fromScott Lindsey was dismissed from his post after he could not turn MK’s slump aroundCredit: RexMK, who finished in 19th in the fourth tier, have had a dismal second season back in the Football League’s basement division. That has led to uproar amongst the club’s fanbase, and they have been ridiculed on X since the announcement of their new logo. In a statement on the club’s website, MK said that the new crest was more than a badge.”It’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going. It brings together our heritage, ambition, and modernity in a way that’s built to stand the test of time.”Read more footballIt delved deeper into the process behind the switch, acknowledging Milton Keynes’ roundabouts as a key inspiration. “The circular shape represents unity and strength, echoing our belief in ‘One City, One Club’,” the announcement continued. “But it also nods to something closer to home, Milton Keynes’ iconic roundabouts. It’s a subtle tribute to the city’s unique identity, woven seamlessly into the heart of our new look.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan said that MK were the “pinnacle of tinpot”, while another commented: “That looks horrendous! You’ve saved me money on kits going forward as I won’t be wearing one with that on it.”Most read in EFL”Who voted for this? Not good,” another comment read. Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesOne fan went even further, tweeting: “You know there’s f*** all historically to your club when you base your new badge on roundabouts”, adding laughing and pointing emojis.Port Vale, who went up automatically from League Two this season, have mocked their rivals on X. The Valiants posted jokey annotations of their current crest in a reply tweet to MK’s original post. Those included “Two of these” and “Not a steak bake”, with corresponding arrows pointing to menial parts of their badge. The post had fans in fits of laughter, with one commenting: “Admin I love you”, and another “Sharp wit is an understatement Admin”. The Buckinghamshire oufit finished fourth last term under Mike Williamson, the former Newcastle United manager, but were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-offs.The scoreline was the largest play-off defeat in EFL history. This term, more misery has been piled onto MK, with promotion hopes dashed prematurely after a run of four defeats in the club’s opening six games. That included a 3-0 humbling at the hands of arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon, which included a late brace from Callum Maycock. That result prompted Williamson to leave his post, with Scott Lindsey dropping down from League One Crawley to take the reins. Read More on The SunHowever, his tenure was short-lived, as he was fired in March after just two wins in 14 games. Paul Warne, the former Derby County boss, took over at the helm with four games to play, and he oversaw three draws and a win in that time. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer issues hilarious eight-word Jose Mourinho slap-down as Besiktas beat Fenerbahce in battle of ex-Man Utd bosses

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER fired back at Jose Mourinho after his Manchester United predecessor took a jab at him.Solskjaer, now the manager of Besiktas, returned to management in Turkey in January 2025. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the better of his Man Utd predecessor Mourinho on SundayCredit: GettyMourinho was not happy after his side’s defeatCredit: GettyThe Norwegian had previously managed Manchester United from 2018, when he came in as caretaker manager, to 2021, when he was sacked. Solskjaer, 52, succeeded Mourinho in the Old Trafford dugout in December 2018, and he landed the job on a full-time basis after winning 14 of his 19 games at the helm.Mourinho now manages Fenerbahce, and the two former United bosses went head-to-head last weekend at Fener’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Solskjaer’s visitors snuck a 1-0 win against the run of play in a game that Fener dominated.Read more Football The hosts had 62 per cent possession and 17 shots to the away side’s 38 per cent and eight.However, it was Gedson Fernandes’ goal on the stroke of half-time that won it for Besiktas, prompting an irate Mourinho to jibe: “If we played Besiktas 10 times, we’d win eight. They’d win one, and one would be a draw.”Solskjaer responded comically, saying simply: “Well then, looks like they’ll be winning the next 8.”The irony in Fernandes scoring the winner for Besiktas is that the Portuguese midfielder signed for Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur on loan in 2020, but he made just seven appearances for the north Londoners in an uninspiring spell. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSolskjaer, who made 235 appearances as a player for United, was dismissed from his post after a 4-1 humbling at Watford in November 2021, and he was replaced by Ralf Rangnick. The former striker previously revealed that he had turned down countless offers to return to management, as he waited for the perfect project.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliHe was lured back to the touchline by Turkish giants Besiktas on a one-and-a-half year contract. He guided the side to eight wins and a draw in his first 12 games, including a 2-1 win in the ferocious derby against Galatasaray in March. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cardiff stars snub final game of miserable season to watch other teams after relegation sparking fan fury

      by

      CARDIFF CITY fans have been left fuming after star players snubbed the chance to watch the final game of the season.The Bluebirds have suffered a dreadful season, which resulted in relegation to League One.Yakou Meite was one of three players to miss Cardiff’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyDimitrios Goutas was also an absenteeCredit: GettyAnwar El Ghazi was also elsewhere for the match against Norwich CityCredit: AlamyThe club were beaten by Norwich City in the final game of the Championship campaign at Carrow Road.The whole squad did not travel for the matchday as Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas and Anwar El Ghazi were all missing, according to the BBC.The trio were left out of the matchday squad ahead of their contracts expiring.It is normal for players to take the day for themselves if they are not selected for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also a regular occurrence that they still watch the match regardless if it is home or away.However, Cardiff supporters have been left fuming after Meite was pictured watching his former side Reading instead,The BBC have also claimed that injured striker Callum Robinson opted to watch Aston Villa over his contracted club.It has not been suggested that the players have broken any rules by going to the other matches.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut this has not stopped fans from coming to their own judgments following a miserable season.The club finished bottom of England’s second division and will now be playing in the third tier for the first time in 22 years.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeCallum Robinson also skipped the match to watch another gameCredit: GettyAs many as 1,242 supporters made the long journey across the UK to watch the match at Carrow Road.The match started awfully as Cardiff fell 3-0 down inside the first 23 minutes.Callum Chambers was also sent off for the Welsh side in the 16th minute.The travelling support were treated to a brace from Yousef Salech on either side of Shane Duffy grabbing Norwich’s fourth.Interim manager Aaron Ramsay thanked the fans after the game.He said: “They’ve been unbelievable and I think they’ve really bought into the boys over the last few weeks and the performances that they’ve produced. Read More on The Sun”I can’t thank them enough for that. It’s a lot of effort for them to come up here today and support us. We appreciate every single one of them doing that and making that journey. “Thank you again to them and they’re going to be a huge part of us bouncing back as a club.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle set to join Man Utd in transfer race for one of world’s most sought-after defenders and Marc Guehi alternative

      by

      NEWCASTLE are set to join the race to sign Jonathan Tah.Tah, 29, is available on a free transfer this summer and a host of clubs are fighting to land the sought-after German.Jonathan Tah is wanted by Newcastle as he prepares to leave Bayer LeverkusenNewcastle remain interested in Marc GuehiCredit: AlamyManchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keen on the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back.And SunSport understands that the Toon are also monitoring the player. Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his defence ahead of next season as he attempts to build a team that can make a genuine title challenge.His top target remains Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who is set to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea also interested. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England and Eagles star was the subject of a £70million bid from Newcastle a year ago.But Tah is another option and he is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany.Real Madrid’s chances could also be boosted if current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.Bayern would offer Tah the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona’s pursuit is thought to be complicated by ongoing financial constraints affecting player registration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-time German international has already confirmed that he is leaving Leverkusen after ten years at the club.He has played a whopping 400 times for them, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal last season.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’ More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      World-famous landmark to have view of top-flight football as Champions League icon Inzaghi, 51, leads club to promotion

      by

      A WORLD-FAMOUS landmark will have front-row seats to top-flight European football next season. There are countless examples of football stadia having views of world landmarks, but this might just top the lot. The Leaning Tower of Pisa overlooks the Arena GaribaldiFilippo Inzaghi is the Pisa head coachNewcastle United’s St James’ Park offers a view of the Tyne Bridge, while the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels gives spectators a glimpse of the Atomium. In Canada, Toronto FC’s BMO Field has sighting of the CN Tower, and Seattle’s CenturyLink Field is a stone’s throw from the Space Needle. But the Leaning Tower of Pisa will have top-flight football on its doorstep next term. That is because local side Pisa have gained promotion from Serie B into the Italian top division, the Serie A. Read more FootballPisa, managed by former Italy legend Filippo Inzaghi, cemented second place in the Italian second tier to return to the top table for the first time since 1991. That means that Pisa’s home ground, the Arena Garibaldi, will host the biggest clubs in Italy once more. The stadium is just a seven-minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, meaning that tourists and fans alike will have no trouble getting access to top-quality Italian football when they visit the city. Pisa’s promotion back to the promised land was confirmed last weekend despite their 1-0 defeat at Bari. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThird-placed Spezia were beaten 2-1 at Reggiana, which meant that Luca D’Angelo’s side could no longer catch Inzaghi’s in the race for automatic promotion. As such, that means that Spezia will be forced into the play-offs, which extends down to eighth place. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Pisa’s promotion also throws up another fun scenario, where the Inzaghi brothers will go head-to-head in opposing dugouts. Filippo’s younger brother Simone is the manager of reigning champions Inter Milan, who are three points off Antonio Conte’s league leaders Napoli. There are three games left to play in the Serie A season, with Inter set to travel to Torino while Napoli host Genoa in the next batch of fixtures. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Blues face having to rip up transfer strategy after Strasbourg success as co-owner issues stadium update

      by

      CHELSEA are facing a major rethink in their transfer strategy for next season – due to the unexpected success of French sister club Strasbourg.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic have starred on loan at the Ligue 1 surprise package, while another hot teenage prospect, Ecuadorian Kendry Paes, is training under the tutelage of boss Liam Rosenior.Andrey Santos has excelled on loan at StrasbourgCredit: GettyStrasbourg could leap into second spot behind runaway champions PSG with just a game to go if they win at struggling Angers on Saturday.Uefa regulations mean Chelsea owners BlueCo had to park their shares in the French side in a blind trust last week.But if the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg this summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents next summer.This means that neither Santos or Petrovic would be able to extend their loan stays.CLUBBING TOGETHERCHELSEA are set to finally discover their opening Club World Cup opponents.The Blues were due to kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon in Atlanta on June 16.But Fifa booted the Central American team out because they are part of the same multi club ownership group as fellow countrymen Pachuca, who have also qualified.Leon appealed to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, but have been unsuccessful.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa decided Leon’s place should be taken by the winners of a play off between Mexico’s Club America and former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s MLS team LAFC, part-owned by the comedian Will Ferrell.But CAS judges will also hear an appeal against Fifa by Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who claim they should be handed Leon’s place by virtue of their coefficient ranking.”WILL POWERENZO MARESCA and Levi Colwill are fully paid up members of the Mutual Appreciation Society.Boss Maresca loves Levi and Levi loves Enzo in return, recently describing his manager as ‘light years ahead’ of his peers.The discussion around the England centre back one day becoming Chelsea captain is gathering momentum and the player is desperate for the responsibility.Colwill is 22 but has been associated with his club since under-nine level.Speaking to a source at Stamford Bridge this week, we were told: “Levi has been at Chelsea for years. He has the DNA of Chelsea in his blood. And he has that winner’s mentality.”“He would LOVE to be captain. His natural character is to lead. He tries his best to push his mentality.”The only problem facing Colwill is the backlog of captains already at the club and the youth-first policy being followed by the powers-that-be.Current captain Reece James is only 25, his vice-captain Enzo Fernandez is 24. Unless Chelsea sell the pair of them, that armband isn’t going anywhere soon.But good luck to Colwill in his mission.Levi Colwill is keen to show off his leadership skillsCredit: RexA TOUCHING TRIBUTEBIG PREMIER League clubs like Chelsea enjoy a pack of ‘regular’ journalists who follow the club around the circuit.Those hacks become like a mini-family over time and everyone was so sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul Lagan last week.Paul was a passionate Chelsea supporter which made for that love-hate relationship all fans have with their favourite team.He also ran a successful agency and was always keen to give young reporters a start. He was only 66 and it was a touching gesture by the club to ‘retire’ Paul’s seat for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and place a wreath upon it.Words were said in the press room before the game and Paul’s face, alongside his hero the late Gianluca Vialli, was displayed on the big screen at Stamford Bridge at half time.The pair of them may now be ‘up there’ reuniting and talking Chelsea for eternity.HOLDING COURTCHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss says leaving Stamford Bridge for Earl’s Court is “the best option” for the club’s future.But the Swiss billionaire pointed to boardroom divisions that have currently left all long-term calls in limbo.Wyss, 89, who joined forces with Todd Boehly to buy out the shares Roman Abramovich was forced to sell in 2022, was collared by a Chelsea Fan YouTube channel after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, when he gave a ringing endorsement of the dressing room “spirit” under Enzo Maresca.Asked about the prospect of leaving the Bridge, Wyss revealed: “Earl’s Court will be the best option we can think of.“But if it’s going to  happen, I don’t know.“There’s a lot of obstacles and right now we don’t have one person who drives the project.“That’s what we need, in the meetings, the directors’ meetings.“Until we have one project, where someone says ‘I’m going to make it happen’, it’s not going to happen.”Hansjorg Wyss joined forces with Todd Boehly in 2022Credit: AlamyROMEO CONCERNSROMEO LAVIA’S long-term injuries have been pin-pointed by Enzo Maresca as a major factor in Chelsea’s wobbles.The Belgian midfielder was outstanding in the win over Liverpool, after another fine display against Everton the previous week,But in both games, fitness worries were clear.Maresca told Reece James to warm up intensively before half-time against the Toffees when it looked as though the £45m recruit from Southampton was struggling.And even in the Liverpool game, Lavia signalled to the bench that he felt his race was run in the second half.Maresca said: “We are a better team with Romeo. He showed again how important he is for the team and how good he is. Unfortunately he has been injured for most of the season.”Finding a way to keep Lavia on the pitch for more than three games in a row might prove the key for next term.Romeo Lavia’s fitness is a key issue for the BluesCredit: GettyMEANS TO AN ENZENZO MARESCA believes his experience of a nail-biting promotion battle with Leicester last season could help him get Chelsea over the Champions League line.Maresca’s Foxes were in danger of blowing a 12 point lead at the top of the Championship as they lurched into a run of just three wins and six defeats in 10 games.But a vital victory over West Brom turned the tide.Chelsea face Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final three matches as they sit bang in the middle of a mini-table with only four points separating third placed Manchester City and Villa in seventh.Maresca, though, feels that going through the wringer 12 months ago will be a factor in his favour now.He said: “For sure the experience I had last year has been great in the sense that I learned from that.“When you don’t win games and struggle with results, you always have to analyse the matches.“We didn’t win some games where we weren’t good enough. But we also didn’t win some where we deserved to win.“So it’s about going game by game, analysing each game and seeing how we can improve.”Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last yearCredit: GettyChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamVIP TREATMENTENGLISH journalists were pleasantly surprised to find themselves being ‘high-fived’ by home supporters after last Thursday’s 4-1 trouncing of Djurgarden by Chelsea.A ‘sterile’ corridor complete with VIP barriers was erected on the touchline to help working reporters reach the Mixed Zone at the 3Arena.So some Swedish fans clearly confused the passing press pack with people of genuine importance. Either that or not much happens in the Stockholm suburbs. Think I know the answer.Chelsea travelled to Sweden last weekCredit: RexVIVID DESCRIPTIONANOTHER clarion call in the past week proudly announcing Chelsea are going digital with their ticketing from next season.The club claims on the all rounder email to members that it is part of their proactive policy to fend off the ticket touts who snap up seats then flog them on at inflated prices.Although it’s eerily quiet on what they are doing to combat unauthorised websites such as ‘Vivid Seats’ which boasts Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly as a shareholder. Funny that.Todd Boehly is an investor in Vivid SeatsCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG vs Arsenal FREE BETS: Get up to £40 bonus to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

      by

      ARSENAL head to Paris on Wednesday, looking for a big result against PSG to reach the Champions League final.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the crunch European showdown.PSG vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*PSG vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes 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 – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More