Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s relegation prospects looks alarmingly real – Jim Ratcliffe has done the impossible by making Red Devils worse

      by

      COULD Manchester United actually be relegated? It is a question which was previously unthinkable throughout the Premier League era.Ruben Amorim has admitted relegation from the Premier League is a possibilityCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe has arguably made the Red Devils worse since taking chargeCredit: GettyMan United could face Wrexham if they are relegated to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyBut it’s a prospect first raised by manager Ruben Amorim after last week’s defeat at Wolves. And one which suddenly looks alarmingly real after the first-half horror show which brought a fourth straight loss, against Newcastle United. Could Old Trafford really be hosting Wycombe Wanderers in league football next season? Might United really be contesting derbies with Stockport County?Perhaps a cross-border tussle with Wrexham, who arguably possess more Hollywood quality than the boys from the crumbling Theatre of Dreams? READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe fact that the bookies are still quoting odds as long as 28-1 on United plunging into the Championship – and super-computers make it a one in 500 chance – should tell us all we need to know. Even during a disastrous first half of the season, United have mustered 22 points. Last season, Nottingham Forest stayed up with 32, although a more typical safety figure is somewhere between 34 and 36. Luckily for United, talk of needing 40 points, or even 38, is old hat. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFour more wins would secure United’s Premier League status. But have you actually watched them recently? Would you fancy them to beat anyone? United don’t score many goals – just 21 this league season, fewer than Leicester. They have lost their last three games by a 7-0 aggregate.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.By Amorim’s own admission, his team lack fitness and hunger and give away possession far too easily. And the dogmatic Portuguese is wedded to a 3-4-3 system which doesn’t suit a squad bereft of dynamism in central midfield.  The sight of a tearful Joshua Zirkzee being dragged off after just 33 minutes of the Newcastle debacle, to cheers from his own club’s supporters, was genuinely haunting on a human level. The £36.5m Dutch forward may be one of United’s worst-ever signings – and there were a fair few candidates for that dubious accolade during Ten Hag’s dismal reign – but he was thrown under the bus by his Portuguese manager. A spell out of the firing line, or ideally a January move away, may be best for player and club. It is not as if United are waiting on a host of star names to return from injury and it is not as if they are going to be busy during this transfer window.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has performed the seemingly impossible by actually making United worse than when the Glazer family held full control at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe spends big on pay-offs as he corrects his own blunders – to Erik ten Hag and his backroom boys as well as sporting director Dan Ashworth – while decimating morale by slashing support staff. At least he is saving money on win bonuses just now.  Even more remarkably, Amorim – regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe at Sporting Lisbon – is making United worse than they were under Untenable Hag.   They have lost five of their last six league games. Had it not been for a bizarre 2-1 success at the Etihad – when United struck twice in the dying minutes to win the worst Manchester derby in decades – Amorim might genuinely be staring into oblivion.  And Sunday brings a visit to Anfield against champions-elect Liverpool – who trounced United 7-0 when they were half-decent two seasons ago. The avoidance of complete humiliation will be United’s sole aim on Merseyside.This is comfortably the worst United have been since they were relegated from the top flight half a century ago. And only six teams currently sit below the Old Trafford rabble in the Premier League table. Of those, Crystal Palace have more attacking talent than United, Everton have a game plan which makes them capable of grinding out points in a way Amorim’s men seemingly cannot, while Wolves are on the rise under new boss Vitor Pereira. The idea of United finishing as low as 17th doesn’t feel all that fanciful.   So that brings us to the bottom three – all promoted from the Championship last season. Southampton, the next visitors to Old Trafford on January 16, are on course to be the worst Premier League side of all time. Surely United can win that six-pointer?    Leicester were sploshed twice at by United during Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s stint as caretaker boss. The Dutchman is now in charge of the Foxes, where early optimism is fading. But having watched Ipswich bully Chelsea to defeat on Monday night, bringing them to within seven points of United, you simply never know. Former Red Devils coach Kieran McKenna has masterminded back-to-back promotions and, if Portman Road keeps rocking as it was the other night, the Tractor Boys might overtake a Ferrari or two. Since February, United have lost to 13 of the 16 opponents who have been in the top flight both this season and last – only Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have failed to beat them.  READ MORE SUN STORIESNobody fears facing United any more, home or away.  So who knows, perhaps the outcome of Manchester City’s 115 Premier League charges will see the champions relegated in United’s place?  More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      How footballer went from Euros star to drug dealer gripped by debt & ultimately a Putin pawn killed on Ukraine frontline

      by

      HIS body lies somewhere on the frontline in Ukraine. A former star footballer, now one of the countless casualties of Vladimir Putin’s brutal meat-grinder war.Alexey Bugayev was killed in Ukraine after joining up to escape a jail sentenceCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev, left, playing for Russia against Portugal icon Luis Figo at Euro 2004Credit: GettyBugayev, back row second from left, was a rising star with the Russia teamCredit: GettyTwenty years ago Aleksei Bugayev was playing against footballing icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo at the Euros.He had achieved what millions could only ever dream of; football stardom and a place on a world stage to show off his skills.But when his career ended prematurely in 2010 at the age of 29, Bugayev’s life would begin to spiral out of control.Gripped by poverty, debt, alcoholism and drug dealing, he was left a dishevelled ghost of his former life.READ MORE UKRAINEIt would eventually lead him into a desperate decision – one which would seal a terrible fate in the merciless war in Ukraine.Yesterday Bugayev’s dad confirmed to Russian media that his 43-year-old son had been killed in Ukraine as part of Putin’s “special military operation”.Ivan Bugayev said his son’s body could not be recovered due to “active fighting”.“Now my son’s body is lying somewhere,” he said.Most read in FootballBugayev’s fall into the abyss was a tragedy which friends and fellow players had seen develop when he was just in his 20s.Born in Moscow at the height of the Cold War in 1981, Bugayev was able to sign for one of the city’s footballing giants, Torpedo Moscow, known as the Car Factory Workers.Russian footballing legend Valery Petrakov, who managed Bugayev, said he was as a naturally gifted young player; “superbly equipped technically” and with “an excellent view of the field”.Watch as Putin’s N Korean troops sent to die with suicidal jog on frontline”He could do everything on the field,” he added. “He had speed, a pass, a shot, positioning, coordination, jumping ability… and phenomenal health, too. He was a devil of a player.”Despite being just 5ft 9in, not tall for a centre-back, Bugayev secured a place in the national squad for the Euro 2004 championships held in Portugal. At the Estadio do Benfica in front of 50,000 fans, and millions watching on TV around the world, Bugayev started the game against eventual finalists Portugal.The tournament hosts featured some the world’s greatest players, Luis Figo, Deco and Rui Costa.A young Cristiano Ronaldo, then just 19, came on as a sub during the game which Portugal won, 2-0.A picture from the match shows a dejected Bugayev as striker Rui Costa celebrates Portugal’s second goal.Bugayev looks down as Portugal striker Rui Costa celebrates after scoring in Euro 2004Bugayev’s career would crash soon after his Euros appearanceCredit: GettyThe tournament would mark the breathtaking emergence of Ronaldo at the start if his astonishing rise to a footballing great.But as Ronaldo was bursting onto the world football scene, Bugayev’s Euro appearances would mark a premature epoch for such a young player. He would be capped seven times for Russia, but he was also starting to display the troubling personal demons which would haunt him through the rest of his life.After his international appearances, Bugayev was transferred for $2m to Moscow rivals Lokomotiv.But he failed to secure a regular place in the team and the quiet and reserved young man started drinking.Another former team-mate Igor Semshov told Russian sports reporter Artem Lokalov that Bugayev’s career began to unravel when he moved to Locomotiv and he lost the personal support of his Torpedo team-mates.He added: “Bugayev could break the rules, but we put these moments aside and looked at him as someone the team needed.”If we had managed to spend a career with him in the same club, we would not have let him give up everything and go downhill.“But we all moved to other clubs, where everyone was on their own. At Torpedo, we could shower (him) with care or put pressure on him at the right moment, but everyone went their separate ways.”Bugayev playing against eventual winners Greece at Euro 2004Credit: GettyTransferred to Siberian team Tom Tomsk in 2006, Bugayev quickly found himself in trouble, including disappearing at a beer festival in Moscow.Speaking to Russian media, his former manager Petrakov told Russian media: “It’s a shame that Bugayev drowned his talent in alcohol.“He lasted three or four months, and then everything started all over again.””It all ended with a riot at a training camp in Turkey. He smashed a shop window. The next day, Bugayev’s contract was terminated.”Bugayev was handed a lifeline by the newly formed FC Krasnodar, playing 20 matches before parting company with the club.At the age of 29, he would never play professional football again.Another former coach Nurbiy Khakunov described how at Krasnodar the club “tried to help” the player as his personal life deteriorated.He added: “It didn’t work to restart his career. Bugayev decided to go down a non-sports path. It’s no secret that he had problems with alcohol.“We fought as best we could, but it didn’t work. He came to Krasnodar already with problems and hardly played.“I feel sorry for him, because he could have played (more games) for the national team, but he went down such a bad path. That’s for sure. He had a very good brain, he was very strong in one-on-one combat.”Bugayev, who insisted later that he quit football to spend more time with his family, slipped into obscurity, only reemerging in 2015 when he agreed to an interview about his playing career.Then he was working collecting waste paper and transporting cargo around Russia from a run down home in the Moscow suburb of Chekhov.He said he and his friend made the equivalent of 1p for every kilo of paper they found.There he admitted to Lokalov that he had been drinking through his playing days but looking back on his career said “Do I regret anything? Never and for nothing.”Bugayev’s life would continue to disintegrate however.Bugayev, left, worked in Moscow collecting paper for 1p a kiloCredit: Рейтинг БукмекеровBugayev appears in court charged with drug smugglingSeven years later in October 2023 he was arrested for drug smuggling.He admitted to cops that he “responded to an advert for a job as a drug courier” in a bid to pay off 70,000 roubles of debt – then the equivalent of about £500.Bugayev claimed he had been told to distribute half a kilo of mephedrone, or M-Cat, but was caught. He faced 20-years in prison.After a year on remand, in September a court in Krasnodar sentenced Bugayev to 9 and-a-half years in a maximum security penal colony.It was then he was offered a deal that would seal his tragic fate.Those convicted of serious crimes in Russia are now being lured into the military in a desperate bid by Putin to shore up immense losses in his war against Ukraine.Russian conscripts in Putin’s armyCredit: East2WestKillers, rapists and drug dealers are offered pardons – even before their trials – if they agree to military service and being sent to the front.Facing almost a decade in a dreaded Russian penal colony, Bugayev took the gamble and signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry.He was then quickly sent to Russia’s North Military District and soon, after the most basic military training, to the frontline in Ukraine.There he joined the battered, ill-trained and ill-equipped legions of convicts, many in their 40s, 50s and 60s, being used as cannon fodder to try to secure pitiful yards of gains against Ukraine’s highly trained troops, tanks, killer drones, artillery and trenches.The news of Bugayev’s fate came first from his lawyer Anton Smirnov who told the Russian website Sports.ru that the former player had been killed in action at the front.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Due to the fighting there is no way to pull out the body yet.””Unfortunately, the news of Aleksei’s death is true,” his dad later said. “How did it happen? And how are they killed during the military operations, I do not know.”Bugayev was dead just a few months after joining Russian forces in UkraineCredit: REUTERSUkrainian artillery in actionCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Kieran Trippier locked in row with estranged wife over their three kids as he breaks major rule

      by

      ENGLAND star Kieran Trippier is locked in a feud with his estranged wife Charlotte over their three kids.The 34-year-old footballer broke one of their key parenting rules following their split – leaving his former missus raging.Kieran Trippier with wife Charlotte and their three childrenCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippierTrippier wished fans a Happy Christmas with this pic of his kids showing their facesCredit: Instagram/ktrippier2Charlotte on holiday in Greece this summerThe former couple of eight years have locked horns over a parenting ruleThe Newcastle player – who earns £130,000-a-week – was slapped down by his interior designer ex for sharing snaps of their three children’s faces on social media.Protective mum Charlotte, 34, only shares pictures of the children from behind or uses emojis to cover their faces when posting online – but Trippier has chosen not to follow suit in recent weeks.”They’ve had a massive argument about their kids’ privacy since she moved out,” friends told The Sun. “Charlotte’s always protected their identities and would blur the children’s faces in the pics, but now Kieran’s been posting their faces online.READ MORE ON ENGLAND STARS”It was a rule they both shared until recently and he broke it without asking her permission. “She’s upset, hurt and angry about it.”The pair married in Cyprus in 2016, but sparked split rumours over the summer when Charlotte was missing from the WAGs in Germany for the Euros.She cryptically posted in the group stages: “Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”Most read in FootballThe Sun revealed Charlotte moved out of the £3.8million mansion they shared and relocated 200 miles away in September.It came after their marriage hit the rocks when Trippier was seen lifting up a blonde girl while partying with Newcastle teammates at a packed karaoke bar last year.Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasHe cuddled the woman before wrapping his arms around her and then picking her up by the bottom, while Charlotte was holidaying in Spain.Although the ex-couple have never confirmed their split, they have both ditched their wedding rings.Trippier won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before joining Newcastle in 2021 as one of its highest earners.The England full-back retired from international duty this summer after England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Euros final.He asked for a transfer at Newcastle after losing his place in the team.The club’s Saudi owners are looking to balance the books and he’s believed to be open to another move abroad with a transfer expected as soon as this week.Mum of three Charlotte is fiercely protective of her kidsCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippierCharlotte uses emojis to keep the children’s identities safeCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippierShe often posts snaps with them turning their back on the cameraCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippier More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down

      by

      GARY NEVILLE hilariously demanded that Jamie Carragher apologises as the pundits looked back at their Premier League predictions.At the halfway point of the season, the Sky Sports duo had the chance to revisit and change the calls they made before a ball was kicked.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville tackled their pre-season predictionsCredit: GettyNeville and Carragher made these predictions at the start of the seasonThe pundits updated their estimates at the halfway stage of the seasonCredit: Sky Sports Neville made a wise guess that Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester would get relegated.Carragher also chose the Saints and the Foxes but made a horror prediction that Nottingham Forest would go down.Nuno Espirito Santo’s are instead second in the table on 37 points and are eyeing up Champions League qualification. Neville joked that Carragher should be giving Forest fans an “apology” for underestimating them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough both agreed the high-flyers would finish this season in sixth.Before the first game of the campaign, Carragher thought that Manchester City would win the league. But with his former club Liverpool now eight points clear at the top of the table, he changed his prediction to Arne Slot’s clinching the title.However, Neville did not change his mind and stuck to his guns with Arsenal winning the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “Liverpool are massive favourites and are in great form but there is still a long way to go.”But I just think Arsenal have got a resilience to them and they have got a back four that can hold it together.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by Everton”I think they will hang in there and if it does get close towards the end, they could hunt Liverpool down. That is what I am hoping for.”Neville had boldly predicted his beloved Manchester United would come third.And he even had a bet with Carragher that they would finish above Liverpool.Neville conceded that he will be “paying out early”, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th and manager Ruben Amorim admitting a battle to avoid the drop is a “possibility”.As the former right-back was mocked, he hit back: “Where did Carragher have Manchester United at the start of the season in his predictions? Was it fifth?”Carragher responded: “Well it definitely wasn’t above Liverpool.” More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Alisha Lehmann’s winter Maldives break with best pal Amira Arfaoui, from playing beach football to bikini photos

      by

      WHAT a way to spend the Christmas period.Stunning women’s footballer Alisha Lehmann jetted off to the Maldives, where she has been sunning her amazing bikini body.Alisha Lehmann is enjoying a winter break in the MaldivesCredit: InstagramLehmann is enjoying her downtime – sunning her incredible bikini body during the festive periodCredit: InstagramAlisha is with best pal Amira Arfaoui on the dream holiday, where they have enjoyed a kickabout on the beachCredit: InstagramThe Swiss forward, 25, was joined by her best pal and international team-mate, Amira Arfaoui.But, there was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz who has had to stay in Turin and play for Juventus during the festive holidays.However, Lehmann was able to take advantage of the Serie A Femminile winter break to let her hair down.And she’s even managed to keep herself match-fit by playing a bit of beach football.Read more football news SunSport takes a look inside Lehmann’s dream getaway to a ‘lost island’.Staying activeHolidays are, essentially, for letting your hair down.But when you’re a super-fit athlete like Alisha, there’s absolutely no reason for downtime.She’s made full use of the facilities available at her Maldives resort.Most read in FootballMaking sure they don’t lose their touch, Alisha and bestie Arfaoui, who plays for Werder Bremen, enjoyed a kickabout on the beach in their modified training session.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Both women showed off their skills by performing kick-ups.While Alisha enjoyed showing off her dribbling talents as she bamboozled Arfaoui on the sand.Alisha captioned a video on social media: “POV: Celebrating so many years of friendship on a lost island.”The Blonde beauty also took to her Instagram stories to share a picture of some tennis balls and padel rackets, as she and Arfaoui continued to enjoy their time away.And when they weren’t on the beach, the pair took some bicycles out to cycle around the island, which Arfaoui shared a clip of.In her downtime, Alisha showed off her keepy uppy skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha dazzled onlookers with her football jugglingCredit: InstagramAmira Arfaoui also showed off her amazing skillsCredit: InstagramAlisha showed off some padel rackets, as well as tennis balls and drinksCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresShowing off her amazing bikini bodyAlisha is no stranger to flaunting her incredible curves in revealing swimwear.And with current temperatures in the Maldives at 27 degrees, the Juventus Women’s star has been eager to show off her range of bikinis.In one snap, which sees Alisha beaming for the camera, she is wearing a black and white ensemble – matched with a Santa hat – in fitting with the season.In another series of photos, we see her in a gorgeous pink bikini – performing a number of poses.From looking into the horizon to letting the sea touch her toes, Alisha appears perfectly relaxed.Her mate Arfaoui looks equally as chilled – resting against a palm tree while taking a selfie.Alisha enjoyed soaking up the sun and showing off her amazing bikini bodiesCredit: InstagramIn a series of photos shared on social media, Alisha dipped her toes into the seaArfaoui looked equally rested as she chilled against a palm tree and took a selfieGlam lookNoticeably missing from her Maldives getaway was boyfriend, Douglas Luiz.Unlike Alisha, the Brazilian midfielder didn’t get a winter break this year.He has been in action for his club, Juventus – who drew with Fiorentina 2-2 over the weekend.They did spend Christmas Day together – sharing a romantic snap in front of their tree in the home in Northern Italy.The loved-up duo wore matching pyjamas as they posed for pictures with a number of presents behind them.Despite being without her beau in the Maldives, Alisha has enjoyed dressing up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no sign of boyfriend Douglas Luiz after the pair spent Christmas Day togetherCredit: InstagramAlisha enjoyed dressing up in a glam black dressCredit: InstagramIn one outfit, she can be seen wearing a figure-hugging black dress – complete with pink ribbons.She certainly looks like she’s having the time of her life. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jarrod Bowen suffers fractured foot and facing lengthy spell on sidelines in huge injury blow to West Ham

      by

      WEST HAM star Jarrod Bowen is set to be out for two months after breaking his foot.The club captain picked up the problem in the 5-0 battering by Liverpool on Sunday night.Jarrod Bowen has sustained a broken footCredit: RexBowen is set to be sidelined for two monthsCredit: GettyBowen, 28, hurt himself in the first-half but tried to play on.But following a tackle by Alexis Mac Allister, the winger limped off on the hour mark. SunSport understands West Ham will be without their star man for six to eight weeks. Bowen updated fans on Instagram, writing: “Unfortunately in the first-half of our game on Sunday I suffered a fracture to a bone in my foot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As always I tried to fight on and continue playing until I physically couldn’t. “Injuries happen in football but I’m already looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible. See you all soon!”Bowen, who has 14 England caps, has been the Irons’ shining light in a poor season, scoring six goals and assisting four.The injury is a huge blow to West Ham, who sit 13th in the Premier League table and are eight points above the relegation zone.Most read in FootballFans are already fearing the worst, with one saying: “We’re done out here without Bowen.”Another added: “This club is cursed, speedy recovery captain.”Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamA change is not imminent, with Manchester City to come next, but the Hammers board are keen to see significant improvement – which will be difficult without their talisman.Bowen’s recovery could also impact West Ham’s January business.They had intended to sign a striker on loan following Michail Antonio’s car crash, which ruled him out for the season with a broken leg.There has also been interest in another central midfielder, though given Bowen is also used as a striker it could mean further attacking additions are needed.Any new signings are likely to be on loan as, after a summer spend of £127million. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle ready to cash in on Kieran Trippier in January transfer as Saudi owners look to balance books

      by

      KIERAN TRIPPIER is poised for a Newcastle exit this month as the club’s Saudi owners look to balance the books.The former England full-back is one of the Toon’s highest earners and the club’s hierarchy are ready to cash in on the 34-year-old as they look to stick by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.Kieran Trippier could be set to leave Newcastle in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyTrippier, who won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before joining Newcastle in 2021, is believed to be open to another move abroad.Clubs in Spain, Italy and Turkey have all registered interest in the set-piece specialist who won 54 England caps before retiring from international duty after last summer’s Euros.The right-back has started the last two matches for Eddie Howe’s resurgent side, including Monday’s 2-0 win at Manchester United.But he had previously been short of game time, with Howe preferring England youngster Tino Livramento at right-back.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLivramento, 22, has made 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, solidifying his spot as first-choice.The former Chelsea prospect arrived at St James’ Park in 2023 after completing a transfer worth up to £40million.Trippier still has 18 months to run on his £200,000-per-week contract and the Toon would hope to recoup around half of the £15m they paid Atletico for his services in January 2021.Trippier was the Saudis’ first signing and became a key figure as they qualified for the Champions League and reached the League Cup Final in 2023, often skippering the Magpies.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowe would prefer to keep Trippier but the club hierarchy want to inject fresh blood and need to comply with PSR.A move abroad, rather than to a Premier League rival, would suit both club and player.Kieran Trippier’s Shocking Marital StrugglesTrippier’s career has been a stellar one – having played in a Champions League Final for Spurs and a Euros Final for England, while he is one of only three Englishmen to have scored in a World Cup semi-final, alongside Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker.Meanwhile, star striker Alexander Isak is also being linked with a move away from St James’ Park.The Swedish international is a target of both Arsenal and Chelsea.However, Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of Isak and would demand at least £150m.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is awkward’ joke fans as Wayne Rooney front and centre of Plymouth’s 2025 calendar… but axed on New Year’s Eve

      by

      FANS declared “this is awkward” after seeing Wayne Rooney star on Plymouth’s 2025 calendar following his brutal New Year’s Eve axe.Wazza and the Championship club declared earlier today that they’ve parted ways after just six months.Fans were left bemused after spotting axed Wayne Rooney on Plymouth Argyle’s 2025 calendarWazza and the Championship strugglers parted ways on New Year’s EveCredit: PAThe mutual decision came with Plymouth rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.Argyle are on a winless run of nine games, four points off safety.And both the club and Rooney issued positive statements following their split on the final day of 2024.But fans still managed to spot something awkward on their official Plymouth Argyle calendar for next year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular item was given and received as a Christmas gift among many supporters of the club.And following the news of Rooney’s departure, they were all left amazed to see his picture plastered all over the month of January.One fan hilariously declared: “Well this is awkward.”Another boomed: “They put him in January and he didn’t even survive that long!”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne noted: “The calendar curse strikes again.”Another added: “Good job they didn’t give him December.”Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Announcing Rooney’s exit today, his former club said: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.”First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach.”We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”Rooney himself released a statement too, adding: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with. “Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.”To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.”Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”The club are four points adrift from safety More