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      Vincent Kompany described as ‘beautiful girl’ in bizarre analogy by Burnley chairman

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      VINCENT KOMPANY has been compared to a ‘beautiful girl’ in a wacky comparison from his team chairman.The Burnley manager has been linked to jobs at Chelsea and Tottenham, but recently signed a five-year contract with the Clarets to end the speculation.
      Vincent Kompany recently signed a deal to keep him at Burnley for the next five yearsCredit: Rex
      The Burnley manager led the team to the top of the Championship this yearCredit: Getty
      But, his own club chairman described having him as manager being like dating “the most beautiful girl in town”.
      The bizarre comparison was made by Alan Pace, who was talking about how long the Clarets can hold onto Kompany as manager.
      Kompany managed to lead the team back to the Premier League on his first attempt, but Pace knows he wont be able to keep him at Burnley forever.
      Speaking to BBC Lancashire, Pace said: “My worry, as I tried to explain to him… it’s like dating the most beautiful girl in town and knowing there’s probably no chance she’s ever going marry you.
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      “But, everyone else wants to marry her. So how long can you date, how long can you stay together as a couple?
      “I hope it’s for a very very long time. But that’s kind of up to her.”
      Kompany has dismissed speculation that he might leave Burnley, saying he is “completely dedicated” to his role as manager.
      He has been a massive hit at the team since taking the reins last summer.
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      Burnley owner and chairman Alan Pace will want to keep Kompany as long as possibleCredit: Getty
      After completely rebuilding the playing squad and reinventing their playing style, Kompany managed to lead Burnley to the top of the Championship.
      With the team finishing with 101 points, it made it one of the division’s best sides ever.
      But the current rising star in management will have his work cut out trying to survive next year’s Premier League.
      The top flight will be a much harder test for Burnley, Pace and Kompany compared to the Championship.
      The team will know they can’t rest on their laurels after such a strong season, so the upcoming transfer window will be an important one.
      Kompany will be in high demand by other teams after his huge successCredit: Reuters More

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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star signed by Sir Alex Ferguson wakes up unemployed at 29 after Championship club release him

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      FORMER Manchester United man Nick Powell is without a club after being released by Stoke.The forward, 29, was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 in a deal worth up to £6million.
      Stoke released Nick Powell at the end of his contractCredit: Getty
      Powell, right, was signed by Manchester United in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And he featured six times in Fergie’s final season in charge of the Red Devils.
      But over the course of the following three years he played just three games for Man Utd as he was farmed out on loan to Wigan, Leicester and Hull.
      He left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2016 and signed a permanent deal with Wigan – who were in the second tier at the time but suffered relegation down to League One the following year.
      After helping The Latics return to the Championship, he joined Stoke in 2019 and would rack up 119 appearances for the club.
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      But now he has been released after his contract expired at the end of the season.
      Powell was among a host of players axed by Stoke.
      They included former England centre-back Phil Jagielka, Morgan Fox, Aden Flint, Demeaco Duhaney, Sam Clucas and Tashan Oakley-Boothe.
      Stoke’s technical director, Ricky Martin, said: “It is well documented that we are looking to execute a significant reset within our squad ahead of the new season.
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      “The result of players leaving the club is that it provides additional scope for us to recruit in the transfer market, as we look to put building blocks in place that help us progress towards a successful future.”
      The Potters finished 16th in the Championship, 16 points adrift of a play-off place and nine clear of the relegation zone.
      Stoke have not finished in the top half of the second tier since being relegated from the Premier League in 2018.
      Powell scored one goal in nine games for Man UtdCredit: AFP More

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      Former England star left unemployed at 40 after being released by Championship club

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      FORMER England international Phil Jagielka has been released by Stoke.Jagielka, 40, is one of eight players the Potters have let go following the conclusion of the Championship.
      Phil Jagielka has been released by Stoke alongside eight other playersCredit: Getty
      Jagielka rose to prominence at Everton in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jagielka also made England’s squad for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty
      Jagielka is now a free agent at the age of 40 years oldCredit: Getty
      According to the BBC, Morgan Fox, Aden Flint, Demeaco Duhaney, Nick Powell, Sam Clucas and Tashan Oakley-Boothe are also leaving the Bet365 Stadium.
      Mario Vrancic has also joined Rijeka on a permanent basis after spending this season with the Croatian outfit on loan.
      Those departures have signalled at an imminent reboot by Stoke, who finished 16th in the Championship table.
      Technical director Ricky Martin said: “It is well documented that we are looking to execute a significant reset within our squad ahead of the new season.
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      “The result of players leaving the club is that it provides additional scope for us to recruit in the transfer market, as we look to put building blocks in place that help us progress towards a successful future.”
      Jagielka finds himself a free agent at a senior age without any indication he is set to retire.
      The centre-back recently hinted he has more left in the tank after a cryptic post on social media.
      Jagielka posted: “New chapter, pending.”
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      The experienced defender rose to prominence at Everton after his move from Sheffield United in 2007.
      The Toffees’ hero amassed a total of 19 goals and 11 assists in 385 appearances across 12 years with the Merseysiders.
      Jagielka’s convincing performances at Goodison Park led to an England call-up in 2008 and 40 caps down the road.
      He also made the Three Lions’ squad for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
      The centre-half left Everton in 2019 and returned to Sheffield United before moving to Derby two years later.
      Jagielka then joined Stoke last year and registered a total of 50 appearances. More

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      Watford announce former Bayern Munich star as new manager but fans all ask: ‘Will he last until pre-season?’

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      WATFORD have confirmed the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager.The former Barnsley and West Brom boss replaces Chris Wilder in the Vicarage Road hotseat.
      Valerien Ismael has been confirmed as Watford’s new bossCredit: Getty
      Ismael, 47, is the Hornets’ SEVENTH manager of the last two years.
      In this period, Watford have been managed Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri, Roy Hodgson, Rob Edwards, Slaven Bilic and Wilder.
      Upon confirming their latest appointment, Hornets technical director Ben Manga told their official website: “Being able to appoint a new coach so soon in May means we can prepare very well together for next season.
      “To be able to welcome someone of Valerien’s experience to Watford is good news for our club. We are all looking forward to working with him.”
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      Former Bayern Munich defender Ismael began his senior managerial career in Germany with Nurnberg and Wolfsburg.
      He later managed Apollon Smyrnis and LASK before landing the Barnsley job in 2020.
      Ismael guided the Oakwell men into the Championship play-offs, before departing for West Brom.
      He lasted just 31 games in charge of the Baggies, and was sacked in February 2022 following a four-match losing streak.
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      The Frenchman then moved to Besiktas, where he managed Dele Alli, but was sacked in October after winning eight of his 19 matches in charge.
      Upon Ismael’s appointment, fans pondered how long Watford’s latest boss will get at the helm.
      One joked: “Will he last until pre season is the question.”
      While a second wrote: “Odds on him being sacked before the season starts.”
      Another joked: “Very clever to get him 3 months before our season starts to make him one of our longest serving managers. Respect.” More

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      Man Utd loanee Amad Diallo has ‘special FA Cup final suit reserved’ as fans ask ‘who will he bench?’

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      AMAD DIALLO will be invited to attend the FA CUP final ahead of a possible role in the Manchester United squad next season.According to the Manchester Evening News, Diallo has had a suit reserved in his measurements for the showdown against rivals Manchester City next month.
      Diallo is preparing for a possible role in the United squad next seasonCredit: Getty
      The Ivory Coast international has scored 13 league goals for Sunderland this seasonCredit: PA
      Although he can’t play in the final, United are understood to want Diallo to feel involved as he prepares to return to the club ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States.
      The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Serie A side Atalanta in 2019 for a fee that could rise to £37million.
      The Ivory Coast international has only made nine appearances for the Old Trafford outfit and joined Rangers on loan midway through last season.
      However, Diallo has enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Sunderland this season scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances as the Black Cats secured a Championship play-off spot.
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      If Sunderland overcome Luton in the play-off semi final then Diallo will be returning to Wembley a week after the FA Cup final for Tony Mowbray’s side.
      After their 3-0 win against Preston on Monday in which he scored a screamer, Diallo hinted he could stay at Sunderland beyond this season.
      He said: “Playing against Luton is very hard but I hope we’ll be in the Premier League next season and maybe I’ll come back, I don’t know.”
      United fans took to social media reacting to the news with a lot of clamour for Diallo to return.
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      One user said: ” Give him the right wing position next season, have to make Antony feel some threat.”
      A second commented: “Nice touch, definitely feels there is a better organized pathway for Amad and other young players under this management team.”
      A third replied: “Question is who is he going to bench? Rashford on the left, antony on the right.. and we might be shopping for a centre forward.?”
      United manager Erik ten Hag opted against recalling Diallo from Sunderland in January as he did not want to halt his development.
      He said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about [recalling Amad] because I don’t want to stop the process.
      “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
      “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.
      “I didn’t see him in the starting XI or a player who had already had an impact [in pre-season]. But I see and value his potential and capabilities.
      “What I saw is that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think there are many aspects of football to get strong physically and mentally, and also skills-wise, to improve and develop that so he can have value for us.” More

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      Three EFL clubs watching former Liverpool ace with star set for transfer after stunning season in Scotland

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      YAN DHANDA is being watched by Blackburn, Birmingham and Ipswich.The Ross County attacking midfielder, 24, has shone for the Scottish Premiership club this season.
      Yan Dhanda has impressed in his first season in Scotland with Ross County after leaving Swansea last summer.Credit: PA
      The Birmingham-born midfielder started his career at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Dhanda has had nine assists and three goals in 31 games north of the border.
      And he even scored directly from a corner against Hibs in February.
      Dhanda moved to Scotland on a free transfer from Swansea.
      He signed a two-year deal with the SPL side.
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      But the Englishman could be available for a price of £400,000.
      Dhanda started his career with the Liverpool academy before joining Swansea in 2018.
      Since his move to Ross County, Dhanda’s performances have improved as the season has gone on.
      And that has attracted the Championship trio to register their interest in the Birmingham-born player.
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      Ross County travel to relegation rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
      Malky Mackay’s side are bottom of the table but just one point behind Kilmarnock and the Tangerines. More

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      Cardiff WILL lodge £80million legal action against Nantes over Emiliano Sala death as club look at Tevez precedent

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      CARDIFF CITY have confirmed they will lodge an astonishing £80million-plus legal action against Nantes over the transfer of Emiliano Sala – just as The Sun first revealed.The club has been taking detailed legal advice for many months on this landmark case, more than four years after the tragic death of the Argentinian striker in the plane crash in January 2019.
      Cardiff are lodging an £80m legal action against Nantes over the transfer of Emiliano SalaCredit: Getty
      The striker tragically died in a plane crash travelling from the France to Wales in 2019Credit: AFP
      After failure to get satisfaction with Fifa, the Sport of Arbitration and the Swiss Federal Tribunal, the Championship club will next week lodge their legal papers in the French courts.
      A Cardiff statement said yesterday: “The Swiss Federal Tribunal has decided the Court of Arbitration for Sport does not have jurisdiction to deal with Cardiff City’s claim for damages against FC Nantes.
      “This is not a surprise and the club has already prepared separate legal action against them which will be started straight away.”
      They maintain that “FC Nantes must be held responsible for the accident” which they allege was “organised by their agent” Willie McKay who organised the ill-fated flight with a pilot who did not have a commercial licence, did not have the appropriate papers to fly at night, and who was actually a part time DJ and plumber!
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      The Welsh club added the legal action will be to “recover what the club paid for Emiliano and additional damages for further consequential losses”.
      They were forced by Fifa to pay the full £15m transfer fee, despite claims that he was not properly registered as a Cardiff player, but the main compensation claim will be the cost of relegation from the Premier League £100m minus the £20m parachute payments.
      Fifa originally imposed a three-window transfer embargo when Cardiff refused to pay the first instalment of the £15m fee.
      Cardiff failed in their appeal to CAS in January and agreed to pay £7m to enable the embargo to be lifted.
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      Now, as first reported in The Sun, the club’s legal team will formally go ahead with a massive compensation claim on the basis that Sala’s death was negligent, and their legal documents might even refer to the tragic death as ‘manslaughter’.
      The Carlos Tevez affair at West Ham is a precedent Cardiff City believe backs their £80m ‘relegation’ compensation claim.
      Sheffield United won £26m compensation 15 years ago, the cost they claimed for relegation.
      Cardiff feel their case is strengthened by the tape recording where pilot David Ibbotson revealed the plane was in such a “dodgy” state that he feared for his life in the journey from Nantes back to Cardiff.
      Ibbotson was so scared that he said he wanted to wear a life jacket as he had no idea why a loud and scary bang had occurred on the first flight and he told a friend that would be the last chat between them such was the shoddy state of the the Piper Malibu plane.
      Ibbotson had been hired by pilot David Henderson, who served a jail sentence for his part in the scandal, who had in turn taken instruction from Willie McKay, whose son Mark, had the mandate for the transfer from Nantes.
      Cardiff dropped out of the Premier League by just one point, and they argue that a new striker would have saved them from the drop, the cost of relegation was £100m plus, minus parachute payments of £20m.
      The Sala tragedy came too late for Cardiff to buy an alternative striker as the transfer window closed.
      Only a few Sala goals might have kept Cardiff up, just the way that vital Tevez goals saved the Hammers. More

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      Watch QPR fan’s hilarious act after nicking rivals’ flag but away supporters are not happy

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      A QPR fan had his fellow supporters cheering but angered Bristol City’s travelling faithful with his hilarious antics. The cheeky chap was in the lower tier of the School End on Monday, with the Robins above in the upper tier.
      A QPR fan picked up a Bristol City flag at Loftus RoadCredit: Twitter / @zacqpr
      He pretended to wipe his bottom with itCredit: Twitter / @zacqpr
      But the City followers managed to drop a big flag down in front of the QPR section behind the goal.
      And one plucky joker seized his moment with both hands.
      A video circulated on social media showed the bloke run down the steps at the front of the stand and pick up the giant St George’s Cross.
      He then threw it to the ground and repeatedly stamped on it before cupping his ears to the rest of the supporters.
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      Those in the lower tier absolutely loved it and went wild but those looking down from above furiously booed as they helplessly asked for it back.
      Clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight, the Hoops fan decided to carry on.
      He picked the flag up and threw it to the ground again before pretending to wipe his behind, sending his fellow supporters crazy.
      The man then danced on the flag and, as a steward eventually headed over to tell him off, he nonchalantly dropped it over the advertising hoardings, cue more cheers.
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      He then strolled back to his seat – but not before giving it large to the away fans as the banter continued.
      Viewers online could not get enough of the naughty behaviour.
      One said: “Thank you to this fan who has single-handedly given us the most entertainment all season.”
      Another wrote: “Waited for the a*** wipe. Didn’t disappoint fair play.”
      A third added: “This QPR fan decided to have a bit of fun with a Bristol City flag that got dropped from the away end. CLASS.”
      However, some on Twitter were appalled by the fan with suggestions the Robins flag was dedicated to a fan who passed away.
      And it was the Bristol City supporters who has the final say as Mark Sykes and Sam Bell secured a 2-0 win on the final day of an exciting Championship season to finish 14th under Nigel Pearson.
      Bristol City fans fumed at the home supporter’s anticsCredit: Twitter / @zacqpr
      The Robins had the last laugh with a 2-0 winCredit: PA More