Anderlecht

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares158 Views

    Ex-Tottenham star Ryan Mason set for first permanent manager role as he follows footsteps of Premier League legend

    by

    RYAN MASON is in talks to take over as Anderlecht’s new head coach.The Belgian giants sacked Brian Riemer last month after two years in charge, having won just four of the club’s ten league games this season.Ryan Mason is reportedly being lined up to take over as Anderlecht bossCredit: GettyMason has previously had two stints as interim manager at TottenhamCredit: GettyMason, 33, is on Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff but harbours ambitions to be a manager one day.He is understood to be a leading contender for the vacant role.The former midfielder had two stints as interim Spurs boss following the exits of Jose Mourinho in 2021 and then Cristian Stellini, who himself has succeeded Antonio Conte, last year.His brief spells in charge of Spurs saw him oversee 13 games, winning six, losing six and drawing once – including a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the 2021 Carabao Cup final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOutside of those brief spells as boss, Mason has worked as an assistant manager, technical coach and head of academy coaching at the North London club.Ex-England international Mason was forced to retire as a player in 2018 after a sickening head clash with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill while playing for Hull a year earlier.Mason, 33, has never held a full-time managerial position before and would be following in the footsteps of Premier League legend Vincent Kompany, who also began his managerial career with Anderlecht. Kompany, now manager of Bayern Munich, earned his stripes with the Belgian club before joining Burnley and earning his big move to Bavaria.Most read in FootballRyan Mason’s full record as interim managerHere’s a look at the 13 results managed by Ryan Mason during his two spells as Tottenham’s interim boss…Post MourinhoLeicester 2-4 SpursSpurs 1-2 Aston VillaSpurs 2-0 WolvesLeeds 3-1 SpursSpurs 4-0 Sheffield UnitedMan City 1-0 Spurs (Carabao Cup final)Spurs 2-1 SouthamptonPost ConteLeeds 1-4 SpursSpurs 1-3 BrentfordAston Villa 2-1 SpursSpurs 1-0 Crystal PalaceLiverpool 4-3 SpursSpurs 2-2 Man UtdFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA product of the Tottenham academy, Mason made 70 appearances for Spurs during his playing days.And a move to take charge of Anderlecht would see him reunite with one of his former teammates.Ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen is currently on the books at the Belgian side, having made the switch from Benfica in 2022.New Tottenham boss Antonio Conte reveals he visited fans’ favourite Ryan Mason in hospital after horror head injury Anderlecht are currently fourth in the Belgian Pro League having won just four of their opening 10 clashes.However, the Purple and White have won both of their first two Europa League games beating Real Sociedad and Ferencvaros on the European stage.Should Mason get the job then there’s a chance he may come up against Spurs in the latter stages of the Europa League with both sides currently in line to qualify for the knockout stages.It’s claimed that Anderlecht were also looking at coach Mark van Bommel, but have seen the Dutchman drop out of the race to become manager.Mason would reuinte with former teammate Jan Vertonghen if he joined AnderlechtCredit: AFPPremier League legend Vincent Kompany started his managerial career with AnderlechtCredit: Getty More

    More stories

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid who is one of most intelligent people in England – and went to Eton – set for Premier League return

      by

      FORMER Chelsea youngster Tudor Mendel-Idowu who is best-known for being one of the smartest people in England is set for a return to the Premier League.The midfielder, 19, has an incredibly impressive pedigree in academia having been made a King’s Scholar at Eton College at the age of 13 after attending the prestigious boarding school Ludgrove School.Tudor Mendel-Idowu left Chelsea last year and joined Belgian side AnderlechtCredit: GettyHe is one of the brightest people in the UK and was a scholar of Eton aged 13Credit: Instagram / tudormendelKing’s Scholars are, as Mendel-Idowu explained, “the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13”.His admission came after he finished second in the 2014 edition of the Channel 4 show “Child Genius”.Meanwhile on the pitch, in 2022 he was blossoming in Chelsea’s U18s side, regularly contributing goals and assists.But last year he left for Belgian side Anderlecht after rejecting a new deal from the Blues.READ MORE IN SPORTNow, though, he is poised to return to England – who he has represented at U15 and U17 level.According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been agreed for him to join Ipswich.He had already undergone a medical with the newly-promoted Premier League club before the transfer window closed on Friday.In 2022, Mendel-Idowu was asked where he saw his career in five years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTudor Mendel-Idowu’s backgroundAs early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.As of 2022 he was studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.But he is keen to continue thriving in academia and football.He said: “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.”I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!”Speaking to Fifa, he said: “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I will be.”In terms of football, in five years, I’ll be 22. I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.”I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues.Ex-Chelsea and England wonderkid now unemployed”Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see.”Ipswich picked up their first point since returning to the Premier League on Saturday as they drew 1-1 at home to Fulham.Kieran McKenna’s side had begun their campaign with defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Romelu Lukaku drops major hint over next club with Chelsea loanee to seal transfer ‘sooner than people think’

      by

      CHELSEA loanee Romelu Lukaku hinted at a stunning transfer that will happen “much sooner than people think”.Lukaku, 31, returned to Stamford Bridge three years ago following a then record £97.5million deal with Inter Milan but quickly fell out of favour and was sent back on loan to the San Siro only a year later. Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Anderlecht in the near futureCredit: GettyLukaku’s Chelsea future is uncertain after returning from his loan stint at RomaCredit: APThe striker’s future with the Blues is uncertain after returning from his most recent loan stint at Roma.But the Belgium international is adamant he will return to Anderlecht one day.And the ex-Manchester United star insists that comeback is not far away as he misses his family in Belgium.Lukaku told RTL Sports: “Of course. That [a return to Anderlecht] will happen. That will happen, I think, much sooner than people think.Read More on ChelseaThe interviewer asked back: “Much sooner?”Lukaku responded: “Yes. I left Belgium at 18 years old.”The centre-forward was asked again: “Do you miss it? Do you miss Belgium?”Lukaku replied: “My mother, my children…”Most read in FootballThe Belgian star joined Anderlecht in 2006 when he was 13 years old and spent three years within the youth ranks.The ex-Everton star made his senior debut in 2009 and amassed a total of 41 goals and 17 assists in 98 appearances.Romelu Lukaku excels in shooting practice during Belgium training The former West Brom ace left the Belgian giants in 2011 and moved to Chelsea for his first three-year stint with the club. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

      by

      LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I was one of first Belgium stars to play in Premier League and scored worldie vs Man Utd before becoming a greengrocer

      by

      ONE OF the first Belgian stars to grace the Premier League embarked on a very different career as a GREENGROCER after retirement.The 56-year-old is now back on TV screens in his homeland as a TV pundit and may be in action to cover Belgium’s clash away to England at Wembley on Tuesday.Newcastle legend Philippe Albert was one of the first Belgian stars to play in EnglandCredit: GettyHe became a greengrocer in his homeland after retirementCredit: XPhilippe Albert is still fondly remembered on these shores after hitting the big time in the 1990s.He caught the eye after his outstanding performance for Belgium at the 1994 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals against Germany and the Netherlands.Albert left Anderlecht to sign for Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United after turning down transfers to Italian sides Juventus and Fiorentina.He also revealed that he was a huge fan of Keegan from his Liverpool days and it was a dream come true for him to play under his hero.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Albert loved being part of Keegan’s attack-minded team – who were dubbed The Entertainers.Despite being a centre-half, he would often be found loitering on the edge of the opposition’s box.However, he hadn’t even made it that far up the pitch when his most famous and magical moment occurred for the Magpies.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt was a scintillating day in October 1996 when Manchester United were in the North East.Most read in FootballNewcastle smashed Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and were 4-0 up thanks to goals from Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer when Albert wanted in on the action.Belgium boss reacts after Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls him outWith only seven minutes left, the towering defender picked up the ball 45 yards out, ran forward 10, and chipped it straight over Peter Schmeichel in the United goal to send the Toon Army wild.Unfortunately for Albert he left Newcastle once Ruud Gullit had taken over in 1998 to reunite with Keegan at Fulham on loan.Eventually, he was sold back to Belgium when Charleroi paid £600,000 for him in 1999 and he hung up his boots the following season after a great career that also saw him capped 41 times by his country, with him scoring five times.But rather than embark on a career in coaching, the 6ft 3in ace gave up the beautiful game to start life as a greengrocer back home.Albert told the Guardian: “I would prepare the produce for customers.“I did for 11 years and I didn’t touch the money I earned as a footballer. Up early, finishing late, that’s what I wanted: a normal life. I’m very proud of it.“Otherwise when you stop football, you do nothing. You have no life.”Albert worked as a greengrocer until 2012, when he became a full-time pundit for Belgian TV.He explained to FourFourTwo: “For 11 years, before moving into television, I wanted to experience the real world.“I enjoyed life, going about my business each day just like everybody else. And I love eating spinach, to stay strong, and apples.”Philippe Albert celebrates his incredible strike against Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlbert is still best remembered for THAT goal against United, and he told the Newcastle Chronicle: “Remember Peter Schmeichel was one of the best keepers in the world.“He used to come off his line a lot. He did it to reduce the angles of attackers.“It was something special for me, I saw him come off his line and I just thought: ‘Why not?’“It was Man United and Schmeichel, and I knew if it came off people would be talking about it for years. If it didn’t work it was 4-0 anyway.“That’s why I tried something you’d consider very special for a defender.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Technically it’s very difficult to score a goal like this – especially for a defender.“I was lucky to score that type of goal.”The former defender pictured in action for Newcastle against WimbledonCredit: REUTERS More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kasper Schmeichel, 37, ‘lined up for Premier League return’ with Leicester rivals as title winner has low buy-out clause

      by

      KASPER SCHMEICHEL has been lined-up for a shock Premier League return with one of his former club’s biggest rivals.The goalkeeper, who won the Premier League and FA Cup at Leicester City, ended his highly-successful 11-year spell with the Foxes in 2022 to join French side Nice.
      Anderlecht’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel could be coming back to the PremCredit: AFP
      But he left them after just one season to sign a 12-month contract for Belgian outfit Anderlecht after his deal in Ligue 1 was terminated.
      Now Schmeichel, whose father Peter earned legendary status playing for Manchester United, could be heading back to England in a shock move.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that “he has emerged as a potential option for Nottingham Forest if they are able to sign a goalkeeper in January”.
      They state that the 37-year-old “would be open to returning” to our top-flight, despite Forest being East Midlands rivals to Leicester.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      This update also claims that there “is a relatively low buy-out clause in his contract”.
      And it also adds that “initial discussions between representatives have taken place”. 
      Forest were ready to finish the campaign with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos as their two senior goalkeepers.
      However, the recent form of USA international Turner has caused some concerns for new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. 
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      But they must overcome a number of obstacles before they can bring in any new additions.
      Forest are waiting to discover what punishment, which could be a points deduction, they receive after being charged with breaking Premier League spending rules.
      They have signed 43 players since securing promotion 18 months ago and also now they must clear some out before others are brought in.
      They have cancelled Andrey Santos’ season-long loan from Chelsea this month and agreed a £2.6m fee with Flamengo to sell them Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Scarpa.  More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans fear ‘dangerous precedent set’ as top-flight match to be REPLAYED after ‘significant VAR penalty error’

      by

      FANS fear a “dangerous precedent has been set” after a top-flight match in Belgium was ordered to be REPLAYED following a “significant VAR penalty error”Anderlecht beat Genk 2-1 in December’s controversial game, netting a 91st minute to seal all three points.
      Anderlecht vs Genk will be replayed after a major VAR errorCredit: AFP
      Genk should have been allowed to retake a penalty before they went on to loseCredit: Getty
      However, the game was overshadowed by a bizarre penalty incident in the first half.
      Genk had the opportunity to go ahead, but Bryan Heynan saw his spot-kick saved by Anderlecht goalie Kasper Schmeichel.
      Team-mate Yira Sor then pounced on the loose effort before firing it into the net.
      But VAR recommended Nathan Verboomen disallow the effort.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Replays showed that Sor was inside the box when Heynan took his penalty.
      And the goal was subsequently ruled out, with Anderlecht getting a free-kick.
      However, VAR failed to spot in the same replay that two Anderlecht players had also encroached while the penalty was being taken.
      Under the laws of the game, Genk should actually have been allowed to re-take their spot-kick.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      And a football disciplinary body has now ruled that Anderlecht and Genk must replay the match in full following the error.
      The Disciplinary Council for Professional Football made the decision following an appeal by Genk, who are fifth in the Belgian Pro League and eight points behind second-place Anderlecht.
      Referee chiefs had already dismissed the idea of a replay, but that has now been overturned.
      A statement from the DCPF read: “The Disciplinary Council for Professional Football has ruled that the Anderlecht – KRC Genk match at the end of last year should be replayed.
      “The Disciplinary Council initially declared itself competent to rule on the matter. This overturned the earlier decision of the Professional Referee Department not to replay the match.
      “The Council then followed KRC Genk’s argument that the match officials misapplied the rules at the penalty phase in question. KRC Genk hopes that a date will be found soon to replay the match.”
      However, fans fear the move could set a dangerous precedent across European and world football.
      Several Premier League games have seen controversial VAR decisions this season, most notably Tottenham’s win over Liverpool which had a legal goal disallowed.
      One said: “Insanely dangerous precedent.”
      Another declared: “The basic concept of VAR was to minimise human errors.”
      One noted: “If it happened here there would be three games replayed every week.”
      Another yelled: “Might get refs to buck up their ideas.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      One chimed in: “If this happened in the Prem the season would never end.”
      Another added: “Anderlecht to beat Genk through a 91st minute winner again.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Alexis Mac Allister’s brother Kevin sent off for ‘piggybacking’ rival as fans say ‘have you ever seen a better tackle?’

      by

      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER’S brother has been sent off for a bizarre moment during the Brussels derby.Kevin Mac Allister was playing for his club Union SG against local rivals Anderlecht in the quarter-finals of the Belgian cup.
      Kevin Mac Allister was sent off for a bizarre challenge in Union SG’s clash with AnderlechtCredit: Rex
      Kasper Dolberg was through on goal for AnderlechtCredit: X/ RTLsportsbe
      Mac Allister jumped on the striker’s back to prevent him from scoringCredit: X/ RTLsportsbe
      The Argentine was taking no chances in allowing Dolberg to get a shot awayCredit: Rex
      Mac Allister’s attempt to mount Dolberg’s back brought him to the ground and he was dismissed as a resultCredit: AFP
      With both Union SG and Anderlecht located in Belgian capital Brussels there is often drama when the two meet.
      And with the high stakes of the cup it appears that Kevin Mac Allister, 26, lost his head and made a rash decision.
      The Argentine was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute of the cup clash when he appeared to jump on the back of Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg.
      Dolberg was running through on goal when Mac Allister felt he had to intervene to prevent what would have been a clear goal scoring opportunity.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The defender’s intervention worked out well for his side as Anderlecht were awarded a free-kick instead of a penalty following the incident.
      Fans were quick to react to the unusual sending off on social media with many joking that it was a superb intervention.
      One wrote: “Have you ever seen a better tackle?”
      While another added: “An absolutely elite red card for Kevin Mac Allister against Anderlecht this evening.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      A third joked: “Leave him alone he just wanted a Piggyback!”
      And a fourth chimed in writing: “11/10 foul. No notes.”
      Union SG may feel that it was the correct decision after all as they still managed to win the game 2-1 without Mac Allister on the pitch.
      An early goal from Dolberg could have been the difference between advancing to the next round of the cup or being knocked out.
      Union SG will now play Club Brugge in the semi-final of the competition next month.
      Although with his suspension, Kevin Mac Allister could be watching that one from home alone.
      Kevin Mac Allister is the brother of Liverpool and Argentina star AlexisCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Kasper Schmeichel FLOORS team-mate in incredible way in training after ex-Leicester keeper links up with Denmark squad

      by

      KASPER SCHMEICHEL left his team-mate red-faced after producing an incredible piece of skill in training.The former Leicester star linked up with the Denmark squad for the October international break ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and San Marino.
      Kasper Schmeichel produced an incredible piece of skill in Denmark trainingCredit: Rex
      During a game of foot tennis Schmeichel performed an overhead kickCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      The shot ended up hitting his team-mateCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      Leaving him rolling on the floorCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyL0d0IKIpR/
      And the goalkeeper literally left his team-mate red-faced after a stunning piece of skill in training.
      In a video shared to social media, Schmeichel and his fellow goalkeepers were practising their headers and volleys with a game of foot tennis.
      As the ball was headed to his side of the net, Schmeichel’s partner passed the ball high in the air back towards the net.
      The 36-year-old then performed a stunning bicycle kick to get the ball over the net.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, his kick went straight towards his opponent, appearing to hit them in the face and seeing them crumple to the floor in shock.
      Fans were left stunned by the overhead kick, with one writing: “Air Schmeichel 👏.”
      A second said: “When Giroud can take the box, Kaver can also play Giroud,” a reference to ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud playing in goal for AC Milan over the weekend.
      A third commented: “Kasper 😱 Amazing.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      After leaving Leicester, Schmeichel headed to Ligue 1 side Nice.
      However, he left the French outfit – owned by prospective Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – after just one season.
      He now plays for Belgian side RSC Anderlecht after reportedly taking a huge pay cut which is said to be 26 TIMES less than his wages were at Leicester.
      Schmeichel has played 95 times for the Danish national team.
      Denmark are joint top of their Group with Slovenia. More