BBC

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      New MOTD host Kelly Cates almost SNUBBED football completely – despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty

      by

      KELLY Cates almost snubbed football completely despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty.Gabby Logan, Cates and Mark Chapman will host Match Of The Day after Gary Lineker leaves at the end of the season.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: GettyCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kenny Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe confirmation follows speculation about the presenting line-up of the BBC’s flagship football show following news last year that Lineker would step back from the role.The former England striker has presented the show since 1999.Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.”I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.Read more Sports News”I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”She has been a presenter with Sky Sports since rejoining them in 2016, fronting their coverage of the Premier League.The 49-year-old daughter of former Scotland and Liverpool footballer Sir Kenny Dalglish also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage.But Cates had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths.Most read in FootballShe comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.It was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PA”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31.”I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head.”I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change.”I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump’.”Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESCates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 200 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      New Match of the Day hosts officially CONFIRMED including Liverpool icon’s daughter after Gary Lineker’s exit

      by

      THE new hosts of the BBC’s Match of the Day have been confirmed for when Gary Lineker leaves.Kelly Cates, 49, will be part of a three-person presenting team alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Kelly Cates, 49, will be a presenter on Match of the DayCredit: GettyGabby Logan, 51, will share hosting duties on Match of the DayCredit: RexCurrent MOTD 2 presenter Mark Chapman, 51, will continue in his role and host MOTDCredit: PAGary Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day presenterCredit: BBCCates, Chapman and Logan will share presenting duties for the flagship Match of the Day on a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings.A statement posted on the show’s X page read: “New squad for next season!”We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”Former England striker Lineker has hosted the highlights programme since 1999.Read more Sports NewsHe will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and its coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.Lineker said last month it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day.But he added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time (to leave).”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Most read in FootballOn becoming one of the presenters Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.”I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”Logan, who is also at the heart of the BBC’s rugby and athletics coverage, said: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such history.”It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TVs changed so much.”There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today.”People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”Chapman will continue his usual programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live, including Saturdays with the iconic Sports Report.He added: “I know the history of a lot of radio programmes and TV programmes and I do feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the people that we are following in and respectful of what they have done.”On sharing the role, Cates said: “This isn’t about the three of us, it’s about the three of us plus our pundits, plus our editors, plus our analysts and stats people and production people, radio and online.”Genuinely this is about all of us as a department working together.”Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.Logan and Chapman have worked for the BBC for several years including on Match of the Day.Cates has worked as a presenter on Sky Sports since 2016Credit: GettyShe has presented flagship shows including Super SundayChapman already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday nightCredit: GettyHe has been on the sofa for the new BBC Champions League highlights showCredit: BBCLogan is a top broadcaster who has worked on the biggest sporting eventsCredit: AlamyFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PA More

    • 288 Shares60 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This has run over into Countryfile ffs’ – Fans rage as iconic BBC show postponed as Arsenal v Man Utd goes to penalties

      by

      SUNDAY evening television viewers were not happy Manchester United’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup forced iconic BBC show Countryfile to be postponed.Ruben Amorim’s men sealed a memorable victory over their London hosts to seal their spot in next month’s fourth round.Viewers fumed as Countryfile was delayed due to Arsenal vs Man Utd going past 90 minutesCredit: GettyFans were not happy that Countryfile was delayedCredit: BBCAltay Bayindir, who had already saved a penalty in normal time, kept out Kai Havertz’s effort in the spot-kicks to help set up a tie against Leicester.However, because United vs Arsenal went past the 90 minute mark into a further 30 minutes of extra time – plus the shootout – it meant another TV show was put on pause.With the BBC showing the game, it meant fan favourite programme Countryfile was pushed back past its original time slot of 6pm.It led to an outpouring of rage on social media, with many lamenting the fact United vs Arsenal had run over into Countryfile’s allotted time slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that was before the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup had even been remembered.One fan said: “This has run over into Countryfile ffs.”Another declared: “Countryfile viewers will be thrilled to know we haven’t had the draw yet.”One added: “Countryfile will follow this episode of Harry Maguire calling someone a s***house.”Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRed Devils supporters won’t have minded pushing back the episode though.United took the lead early on in the second half thanks to a goal from captain Bruno Fernandes.Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)But things turned sour moments later when Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow.It allowed Arsenal to fight their way back as a goal from Gabriel Magalhaes levelled things up.United then gave away a penalty but Martin Odegaard’s effort was kept out by Bayindir.The goalie was the hero again in the shootout as he saved Havert’s penalty.United scored all five of theirs, with Joshua Zirkzee netting the decisive won to set up a tie against Leicester.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

    • 188 Shares71 Views

      in Soccer

      Is Chelsea vs Morecambe on TV? FA Cup third round fixtures on BBC and ITV

      by

      CHELSEA will be hoping to forget their recent run of Premier League form when they face League Two Morecambe on Saturday.Ezno Maresca’s team had threatened Liverpool at the top of the table after five consecutive league wins in November and early December.Enzo Maresca will be desperate to end Chelsea’s poor run of formCredit: GettyMorecambe sit 23rd in League Two – but have won two of their last threeBut Chelsea have now picked up just two points in their last four matches – against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. They now sit eight points off of Liverpool having played a game more.Chelsea will be hoping a match against a team EIGHTY-SEVEN places below them in the English football pyramid can reignite their season.The Blues will likely rotate several of their stars but will still be expecting to score a comfortable victory.Morecambe – who beat Worthing and Bradford to reach the third round – have enjoyed a recent turnaround.Having gone winless in five consecutive games, they have now won two in three.They still sit second second bottom, though, and remain four points off of Swindon Town outside the relegation spots.Is Chelsea vs Morecombe on TV today?The short answer is no, Chelsea match against Morecombe has not been selected to go on UK TV this weekend.Most read in FA CupThe match is also kicking off at 3pm, which means it falls under the UK TV broadcasting blackout and is not allowed to be shown on British television in that time slot.However, BBC have revealed that there will be extended highlights available for the match on the BBC Sport website and app.’Beautiful’ moment ‘gutted’ Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clashIt is unclear exactly when those highlights will be available, although it seems as if they will be ready before Match of the Day at 10.30pm.Leicester City’s game against Queens Park Rangers is also getting extended highlights, but the other eight 3pm kick-offs are not.What FA Cup matches are on BBC and ITV this weekend?FA Cup third round action has already started and a total of 11 matches have been made available to British viewers across various BBC and ITV platforms.On Saturday the day is headlined by Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley – on ITV at 12.15pm – and Man City vs Salford City on BBC at 5.45pm.The biggest game of the weekend takes place on Sunday, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United at 3pm on BBC.That game is preceded by Tamworth vs Tottenham at 12.30pm (ITV).The final FA Cup third round match takes place on Monday night, with Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge on ITV4.Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton 2-0 Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham 4-1 WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

    • 275 Shares100 Views

      in Soccer

      Wycombe and Portsmouth fans can watch their moved FA Cup clash in Kyrgyzstan or Papua New Guinea… but NOT in UK

      by

      THIRD ROUND weekend is upon us, with a seemingly endless list of FA Cup ties kicking off at different times over a five-day spell.Starting with Thursday’s tie between Sheffield United and Cardiff City at Bramall Lane, there are some FOURTEEN different kick-off times.The FA Cup has been on display at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyWhile the BBC and ITV have a host of games between them, including glamour ties like Liverpool vs Accrington and Tamworth vs Tottenham, other matches were moved after being picked for overseas TV.Among the slightly less glamorous ties moved are Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth on Friday night and Birmingham vs Lincoln on Saturday lunchtime.Yet, despite being moved, many of these ties are NOT available to watch in the UK.When League One Wycombe host Championship rivals Pompey on Friday, overseas fans in SEVENTY FOUR countries will be able to tune in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters in Kyrgyzstan can tune in for the 7:45pm kick off at nearly 2am local time time should they so wish – nothing screams finishing your Friday night out with an afterparty watching the FA Cup.Likewise, any avid Pompey fans in Papua New Guinea can sit down and watch the game if they like – though it would mean a very early 5:45am start.The decision to move many of these fixtures has been controversial with home and away fans alike, particularly ahead of Everton vs Peterborough on Thursday night.The final third round tie at Goodison Park is available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button, but the decision went down like a lead balloon with much of the Posh fanbase, who face a 300-mile round trip in icy conditions on a school night.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen TV selections were confirmed, the League One club urged the FA to rethink the decision, saying: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup draw”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Ultimately, the match is a sell out, with both home and away fans coming out in their thousands for what looks set to be a strange night on Merseyside.The Toffees sacked Sean Dyche earlier today, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman set to take charge, and David Moyes among the contenders to land the vacant job. More

    • 238 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

      by

      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

    • 263 Shares125 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd icon

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the rest of the Manchester United squad.A new documentary about the legendary Scottish manager released on BBC iPlayer Boxing Day, titled “Sir Alex”, saw details of the exchange come to light.Sir Alex Ferguson once made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of his team-matesCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand recalled the story on the new documentary about Ferguson’s life titled ‘Sir Alex’Credit: GettyMany of the stars who played under Ferguson were asked for interviews about their time under the 13-time Premier League-winning manager.One of these was Rio Ferdinand, who starred under Ferguson from 2002 until the 82-year-old’s retirement in 2013.On the incident between Ferguson and Ronaldo, Ferdinand recalled: “He hadn’t played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. “‘Who do you think you are? You’re coming here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He doesn’t care who you are’.”Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or and be named as the world’s best player in 2008 at United. Ferguson did not experience unprecedented success only at Man Utd.He had also managed to do so at Aberdeen, winning the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup glory against Real Madrid – still the last time the Spanish giants lost a major European final – and breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly of the Scottish Premiership with titles in 1980, 1984 and 1985.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer right-back Stuart Kennedy recalled Ferguson’s hairdryer as a “blast furnace”, while Mark McGhee compared it to a “volcano”.However, speaking about Ferguson in the past, Ronaldo admitted they had many “beautiful moments” together and praised his old manager’s compassion after his father fell ill.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Speaking to United club media in 2021, Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to mention just one [moment].”There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not just winning things. But in my heart I keep the most difficult things.“Probably he doesn’t remember, but I will say it because it’s a beautiful story. “One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’“We had difficult games [coming up],” he continued, “and I was a key player in that moment. “He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. “So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

    • 213 Shares135 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice

      by

      FANS were left stunned by Gary Lineker’s throaty voice as he presented Match of the Day last night.The veteran host, 64, fronted a bumper Boxing Day MOTD for the final time ahead of his exit at the end of the season.Gary Lineker presented his final Boxing Day MOTD last nightAlan Shearer and Joe Hart laughed at Lineker’s quipCredit: BBCAs he introduced the show, Lineker sounded more like Sean Dyche than his usual self.In gruff tones, he grunted: “Ready for some football? Eight games underway.”Introducing pundits Alan Shearer and Joe Hart, he continued: “Look who we’ve got for Christmas, one of them’s a keeper and the other one’s getting returned.”Despite Lineker’s quip, several viewers at home could only focus on his voice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “Lineker talking like his mom’s upstairs and told him and his mates to keep the noise down, or they’ll have to go home!”While a second claimed: “Blimey, Gary Lineker sounds rough.”A third pointed out: “Gary Lineker voice shot to bits.”And a fourth joked: “Lineker turned into Barry White.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Gary Lineker sounds awful on #MOTD are they so desperate for him to present it even when he’s clearly ill?”At the end of the programme, Lineker referenced his unusual-sounding voice.Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming inHe closed the show by saying: “So Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester, and it’s beginning to look a Slot like Christmas is over… and I’ve got a cold. Goodbye.”Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day after 26 years at the end of the season.He is reportedly set to be replaced by a rotating cast of Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage during the 2025-26 campaign.He will then bring the curtain down on his illustrious Beeb career at the 2026 World Cup. More