Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd lined up last time they faced Fenerbahce in loss under JOSE MOURINHO… with two stars still in squad now

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing to face former manager Jose Mourinho when they take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.It comes eight years after he was sacked by Red Devils chiefs following a mixed two and a half seasons at the helm.Jose Mourinho faced off against Fenerbahce as Manchester United boss eight years agoCredit: PA:Empics SportIt was during his first campaign at Old Trafford that he took Man Utd to Fenerbahce in the Europa League.And while he would eventually win the competition at the end of the season, the group-stage clash in November 2016 was an evening to forget for the iconic Portuguese coach.Man Utd, who had beaten Fenerbahce 4-1 two weeks earlier, trailed after just two minutes and fell 2-0 down before the hour mark thanks to goals from Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens.Wayne Rooney pulled one back late on, but it proved to be merely a consolation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while it was nearly a decade ago, two of Man Utd’s starting line-up are still in Erik ten Hag’s squad.They are left-back Luke Shaw and forward Marcus Rashford.Shaw played in front of keeper David de Gea and alongside defenders Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian.Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba made up the midfield trio.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLuke Shaw and Marcus Rashford started against Fenerbahce eight years agoCredit: Getty Images – GettyHow Man Utd lined up in their 2017 defeat to Fenerbahce under Jose MourinhoAnd Rashford and Rooney were joined up front by Anthony Martial.Pogba lasted just 30 minutes before he was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings The Swedish striker was one of three substitutions made by Mourinho.Juan Mata came on for Schneiderlin at half-time, before Rashford made way for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.The unused substitutes were Sergio Romero, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside the glam lives of England’s Lionesses, from trendy fashion photoshoots to walking red carpets and a dream wedding

      by

      THE success of the women’s game and the Lionesses has allowed these footballers to flourish away from the pitch.Leah Williamson, Mary Earps, Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Lauren James have transcended the sport to become iconic pioneers.Lionesses captain Leah Williamson lives a glam lifestyle away from the pitchWilliamson is often joined by England teammates Mary Earps, left, and Chloe Kelly, right at fashion eventsAlessia Russo has also upped the glam stakes in the women’s gameEngland’s women’s winning Euro 2022 and reaching the World Cup 2023 final – catapulted them to fame, while inspiring the legions of young girls around the country wanting to follow in their footsteps.That rise means these girls are getting to live their best lives.From stylish photoshoots with fashion mags to exclusive red carpet invites, it could not get more glam.Leah WilliamsonLeah is one of football’s leading fashionistas.Read more football newsSince her heroics with the Three Lions, she has become a hot commodity reportedly raking in £4million.Her bank balance boosted by deals with Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.While the 27-year-old is also a regular feature on the red carpet, and attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards with pals Alex Scott, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMagazines like Vogue, GQ and Elle have featured her in fancy fashion shoots.Most read in FootballWilliamson, who scored an OBE in the 2022 King’s New Year’s Honours list, also features heavily in Arsenal kit and fashion launches.When she’s not playing, she’s likely to be seen letting down her hair at a music festival, enjoying Glastonbury earlier this year.England’s Alessia Russo proves her pinpoint shooting accuracy transcends sports – by hitting a bullseyeLeah Williamson celebrates receiving an OBE in 2022Credit: GettyWilliamson let her hair down in the summer at GlastonburyArsenal star Williamson also made time for a luxurious holiday with her palsChloe KellyEqually, Chloe – who famously scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final – also appears on the celebrity party circuit.Last year, she attended the Glamour Women of the Year Awards where she dazzled in a risqué black dress.She posed for pictures with Spice Girl Geri Horner, and was joined by Jess Carter, Bethany England, and Alessia Russo.Before the World Cup, the blonde beauty, 26, stripped down for an artsy black and white for a Calvin Klein photoshoot.Chloe modelled Calvin Kleins’ famous cotton underwear, as well as their essential baggy jeans style.Back in August, she married her boyfriend of five years – Scott Moore – in a glittering ceremony at Merrydale Manor in Cheshire.The event was hosted by British Vogue and was some spectacle.Chloe Kelly regularly shows off her amazing bikini body on social media on luxury breaks awayCredit: instagram @chloekellyCalvin Klein signed Kelly up for a fancy photoshoot before the World CupIn the summer, Man City’s Kelly married longterm partner Scott Moore at a lavish ceremony in CheshireMary EarpsSince moving to PSG, the queen of TikTok is enjoying a new city.Earps still poses hilarious videos online, including getting to grips with driving in Paris as she settles in in the French capital.Shortly before she inked her deal with the club, she enjoyed a day at Silverstone where she was invited by McLaren for the British Grand Prix.The 31-year-old goalie, who wore a dress created by a designer who works with Beyonce and Rita Ora, also made time for a stunning holiday in Ibiza to recharge her batteries.Back in February, the BBC SPOTY winner upped her game – appearing in a gorgeous photoshoot for Women’s Health UK.She also became the new face of Victoria’s Secret – designing a range that includes “ultra-comfy and supportive styles, super soft materials and understated designs” to promote self-love and women empowerment.Last year, Earps was crowned as the BBC Sports Personality of the YearCredit: PAEarps recently became the face of Victoria’s SecretLionesses goalie Earps also glammed up for a photoshoot with Women’s HealthEarps was a guest of McLaren at the Silverstone Grand Prix this yearAlessia RussoRusso, who last month appeared at London Fashion Week, is believed to be the first woman in the WSL to earn more than £1million-per-year.She has done that through sponsorships, including with Adidas, Gucci, PlayStation, Oakley, and Beats by Dre.With celeb fans such as David Beckham — and his daughter Harper — she is already such a national treasure that her boots have been displayed in the Tower of London.She has amassed over 850,000 followers on Instagram, where she gives fans a glimpse into her epic lifestyle.Russo, 25, shares pics of her amazing fashion sense, including glam photoshoots showing off collaborations with Adidas and Gucci, as well as a pair of Paul Smith/Stan Smith trainers she’s seen clutching tightly and smiling.In the summer, she and Ella Toone went partying at the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.They also rented a boat for the day and topped up their tans.Last year, Russo appeared at the Fifa Football Awards and dazzled in a David Kona dress, matched with Louboutins and expensive De Beers jewellery. She screams star power.Fashionista Alessia Russo shows off the Adidas x Gucci collaboration in a fancy shootRusso starred at London Fashion Week last month at the JW Anderson showOakley sunglasses are one of many sponsors Russo boastsRusso was a guest at Wimbledon this summer with pal Williamsonread more sport featuresElla TooneRusso’s best mate, Toone – the Man Utd star is equally up for a good laugh.She is the Arsenal forward’s partner in crime, they regularly travel together during preseason break, and have their own podcast.Like her Lionesses teammates, Ella also makes a few quid from paid partnerships on Instagram.Back in June, she shared her skincare routine using Charlotte Tilbury products.Toone, 25, is also in a romance with fellow footballer Joe Bunney, who plays for Stalybridge Celtic.They reportedly met through mutual pals, and were spotted enjoying a romantic break away in Ibiza shortly after she tasted success at Wembley.Back in March, they took some time out to enjoy the five-star Carden Hotel & Spa in Cheshire.Toone posted pics of the pair enjoying the hot tub and keeping warm round a fire pit in their robes.Ella Toone and Russo are best pals and have a podcast togetherToone features in a paid partnership testing Charlotte Tilbury make-upEngland’s Toone is in a romance with fellow footballer Joe BunneyLast summer, Toone and Russo enjoyed Vip treatment at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach HotelLauren JamesJames, 23, is already one of the hottest commodities in the women’s game.The Chelsea forward has football connections, with her brother Reece captaining the Blues’ men’s team.Independently, she has scored off the pitch – earning sponsors including  Nike, Google Pixel, Optimum Nutrition, Barclays, and Sure.It is believed she has a net worth over £1million, despite her tender years.She has over 870,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares snippets of family life.James is also quite the hipster, mixing streetwear and sporty attire – wearing brands like Justin Bieber’s Drew House, Supreme, and Adidas.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also teamed up with Spotify, revealing her diverse playlist.In an ad, she revealed: “I could go from Afrobeats to… next one could be a country song.”Lauren James is one of the hottest commodities in football right nowHer brother is Chelsea captain Reece JamesJames boasts her own unique fashion styleLast month, James was seen wearing Justin Bieber’s brand Drew House More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man Utd

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO had claimed he’s still holding out hope that he will win the Premier League with Manchester Utd – nearly six years after being sacked by them.The now Fenerbahce boss faces his old club on Thursday in the Europa League.Jose Mourinho is still holding out hope for a Premier League title as Manchester United bossCredit: ReutersMourinho won the Europa League during his spell with the Red DevilsCredit: Rex FeaturesHe also guided United to a second place finish in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMourinho, 61, spent two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and helped the Red Devils win the Europa League and the League Cup during his tenure before he was axed in 2018.However, the Special One is claiming that he might still be able to add a Premier League title to that tally amid Man City’s battle against their 115 charges. Mourinho has claimed that he is still hoping that his side’s second place finish behind City in the 2017/18 season will be turned into a league title if the Etihad outfit are stripped of their achievements as a result of their ongoing court case.And the Portuguese manager is also hoping it might earn him a pretty penny too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking ahead of Thursday’s clash, he said: “As you know, we won the Europa League and finished second in the Premier League.”I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league.”Then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”Mourinho was sacked after United failed to live up to the standards they’d set with their second place finish the season before.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have only finished second in the league once in the six years that have followed Mourinho’s departure.And when asked if he thinks that the Red Devils have improved since he was axed, the Fenerbahce manager gave an uncharacteristically diplomatic answer. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightHe said: “I wish the best to Man Utd since the moment I left.”I left with a good feeling to the club and a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them.”So if things are not going amazingly well for them it’s not something that makes me happy.”But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or didn’t happen.”Mourinho also added that United have “kept faith” in Erik ten Hag, claiming that the Dutchman is having different treatment to him at the Theatre of Dreams.Ten Hag remains under pressure at United after a poor start to the season has seen his side lose three of their opening eight Premier League clashes.While they are yet to win a European game this season either, with Thursday’s tie against Fenerbahce another tough test for Ten Hag’s men.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Shakhtar Donetsk chief tells off Chelsea saying ‘you don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it’

      by

      SHAKHTAR DONETSK general director Sergiy Palkin has slammed Chelsea for not knowing how to use “Ferrari” Mykhailo Mudryk.The Ukrainian has failed to make his mark in the Prem after signing from Shakhtar for £88.5m in January 2023.FC Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has questioned how Chelsea use MudrykMykhailo Mudryk has failed to hit the mark at Stamford BridgeChelsea flop Mudryk has scored just seven goals and provided seven assists in 66 appearances for the Blues.The winger has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team, which has been compounded by the arrival of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix this summer – all of whom are above him in the pecking order.The 23-year-old has started just ONE game this season, where he was hauled off at half-time in Chelsea’s 6-2 win at Wolves.And his most recent blow came after being left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – which the Blues lost 2-1. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Shakhtar director Palkin has accused Chelsea of not having a plan for the Ukraine international and likened him to a sportscar.Palkin told GOAL: “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it.“A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”I am sure that he will show his qualities when he gets the chance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMudryk is linked with a move away from Chelsea”He is an absolute difference maker, which can also be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.”Mudryk was locked in a transfer tussle between top-flight rivals Arsenal and Chelsea but eventually settled on a move to West London. Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A The Gunners had led the charge for Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.Mikel Arteta’s side then signed Leandro Trossard for £30m from Brighton instead.Bizzarely enough, Trossard missed a penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, fans were shocked to spot Mudryk cheering on his former side, who lost 1-0 at the Emirates after Gabriel Martinelli’s tame shot hit in off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk’s backside inside 29 minutes.Mudryk was spotted at the Emirates as Shakhtar Donetsk took on Arsenal in the Champions League More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I was coached by Wenger, Benitez and Steve Bruce but one ex-manager had us singing R Kelly in the dressing room’

      by

      JERMAINE PENNANT has revealed that his former Billericay boss Glenn Tamplin had players singing R Kelly in the dressing room.The former Liverpool and Arsenal star, now 41, joined the non-league side as a 34-year-old in 2017.Jermaine Pennant has recounted his bizarre non-league experienceCredit: RexFormer Liverpool and Arsenal star Pennant signed for Billericay in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorPennant played under Glenn Tamplin for the Essex sideCredit: Getty Images – GettyPennant, who played in the Champions League final a decade earlier, was convinced to sign for Billericay by fellow former Premier League star Jamie O’Hara, who claimed that they were paying “League One wages”.He lasted just four months with the Essex outfit, however, after finding Tamplin’s unorthodox methods difficult to work with.Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, Pennant recounted his unusual experience.He said: “Jamie told me they were going to be flying; the owner wanted to sign a load of ex-pros and try and climb up the leagues, and he said he reckoned the project could’ve taken the team up to the National League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought that sounded like a decent thing to be a part of, so decided to get involved.”Then, after around six months I just thought ‘I need to get out of this.’ The manager, Glenn Tamplin, was just a bit of a fruitcake.”You know, we’d be beating teams like Wingate & Finchley, on a Tuesday night, in the rain, maybe 3-0, and he’d come in screaming, because we hadn’t scored five or six goals.”Because he had a load of ex-pros, he thought we should have been battering everyone 7-0. If I hadn’t scored three – even if I’d scored and set a couple up, or created a load of chances, he’d have a go; he just didn’t understand it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I’m just there like ‘I’ve had Arsene Wenger coaching me, Steve Bruce, Rafa Benitez… and you’re telling me what’s good and what’s not?'”I couldn’t listen to it, and so I just had to get out in the January.”I’m ex-Arsenal ace who turned John Terry inside out.. Chelsea idol isn’t even in Premier League’s top three centre-backsOn one of Tamplin’s more unusual tactics, Pennant continued: “Sometimes, when we played big teams, he’d get us all in the dressing room singing R. Kelly – The World’s Greatest.”I can remember looking around thinking ‘I’ve played in a Champions League final. What am I doing?’ I’m just looking at Kevin Foley, and Jamie, thinking ‘what am I doing?'”You know; I couldn’t imagine Stevie Gerrard, in Athens, singing The World’s Greatest, before we played AC Milan! I was just like, oh my God… where’s my career gone?! How’ve I got to this point?!”Prior to dropping down to non-league, Pennant had been playing in League One for Bury.After leaving Billericay, the winger did not sign for another club, soon announcing his retirement.’I COULD HAVE GONE TO REAL MADRID’A far cry from non-league, Pennant also revealed that he nearly signed for Real Madrid.He said: “I had six months left on my contract at Liverpool, and I could have gone to Real Madrid. The manager at the time was Juande Ramos, I think. He cancelled the deal.”It was more a deal the general manager and the hierarchy wanted to make happen; they wanted to bring in a right-winger because someone had got injured in the squad, and they spoke to my manager at the time.”I was absolutely up for the move, because I was in the last year of my contract and I wasn’t playing at Liverpool.”As we got nearer to agreeing everything, Juande cancelled the move, and they contacted me to tell me the manager wasn’t happy about it. They didn’t go to him first, and that had obviously bothered Ramos, and so they looked elsewhere.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But, yeah, I’d got as far as learning a deal had been agreed – so of course I started to think about the idea of playing for Real Madrid… who doesn’t dream about that kind of move? Yeah, I got excited by it, but it didn’t happen, so I was like “alright… let’s go to Portsmouth!””I’m not holding it against Juande Ramos, but if I do ever see him, he’s going to get it; I’m going to tell him if we ever cross paths… I’ll ask him why he did that!”Juande Ramos is unlikely to be on Pennant’s Christmas card listCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Best free betting tips, odds and preview for Europa League tie

      by

      TOTTENHAM are two from two in the Europa League and their 100% record is put to the test when AZ Alkmaar visit North London this week.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTottenham vs AZ Alkmaar previewBarring THAT Brighton collapse, it’s been a terrific spell for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou.Six wins from their last seven, 17 goals in their last six games – Angeball is looking like taking shape again.They’ve won both of their Europa League games so far and three from three here would put them in a strong position.They fielded a bit of a second string side in this competition last time out and still won, and they likely could do so again.AZ have lost their last four games in all competitions, seeing them dropping down to fifth in the Dutch top flight and three points in Europe.They do have one very interesting player to keep an eye on this week. Troy Parrott came through the youth ranks at Spurs and will lead the line on Thursday on his return to north London.Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar betting oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar predictionsTimo timeTimo Werner was the most experienced in the Tottenham front four against Ferencvaros last time and could be again here.Still lacking confidence it would seem and needs a goal to get that going.Not yet scored this season but that only means the value of him FINALLY scoring is getting higher!Speaking of scorers, you can’t ignore the storyline of Troy Parrott scoring against his former side!Troy Parrott to score anytime at 23/10 – CLAIM HEREComfyGoals are expected when Spurs are in town and the side’s confidence should be fairly high.They’ve scored 10 times in their last three home games and that average can continue.Spurs win and 4+ goals in match at 15/8 – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember 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 – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I won Sky Sports competition and ended up playing for Chelsea – I’ll never forget my first day sat in the canteen

      by

      CARL MAGNAY lived a young footballer’s dream when he won a competition to sign for Chelsea.Out of thousands of applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, he claimed a six-month contract at Stamford Bridge after starring on Sky Sports’ Football Icon 2 show.Carl Magnay spent four years at Chelsea after winning a Sky Sports competitionCredit: GettyHe jumped from playing for Birtley Town U17s as a regular sixth form student, to rubbing shoulders with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry on a daily basis.During the final stages of Football Icon 2, he was invited to train alongside Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.And the centre-back, 35, admits it was an incredible experience to see Chelsea’s superstars at work.Speaking to Football London, he said: “It was surreal. You’ve got no option but to take it in your stride. Like I said, looking back now I didn’t know it at the time, I had a strong mentality and I was quite level headed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Chelsea’s first-team players were really respectful. They were just going about their daily jobs and their routines. I remember sitting in the canteen and I’m sharing an area where we’re all eating.”It took me about an hour to eat my food because I was just looking round the room staring at people.”Lampard going up to get food and get a plate of second and I’m looking at his physical stature thinking ‘look at the size of his quads’ and I was just in awe of everything that was going on around me.”It was really surreal but I knew I was there and had to prove myself and when you got on the pitch you had to push all that to one side and just focus on the session.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I think I did that really well to be fair.”Magnay ended up spending four years at Chelsea and played under a number of high-profile managers including Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassHowever, he failed to secure a single first-team appearance and left in 2011 to join non-league side Gateshead.He went on to feature for Grimsby, Hartlepool, Spennymoor Town, before he returned to Gateshead in 2022.The defender, who earned one cap for Northern Ireland’s U21s, retired last year and is now Gateshead manager. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More