Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Vasili Kulkov dead aged 54: Former Millwall, Russia and Benfica star dies after battle with cancer and ‘Covid diagnosis’

      by

      FORMER MILLWALL star Vasili Kulkov has died aged 54 following a battle with cancer.
      The Russian, who was best known for his spells at Spartak Moscow and Benfica, passed away on Saturday.

      2

      Former Millwall player Vasili Kulkov has passed away

      2

      The 54-year-old was best known for featuring for Russian giants Spartak MoscowCredit: Alamy

      Os nossos pensamentos estão com os familiares e amigos do Vasily Kulkov. Será, por nós, sempre lembrado como um dos obreiros do primeiro campeonato do Penta. Descansa em paz, campeão 💙#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/dl5kzpo7oF
      — FC Porto (@FCPorto) October 10, 2020

      According to Portuguese outlet Record, Kulkov was also diagnosed with coronavirus shortly before his untimely death.
      The former defender-cum-midfielder had been undergoing chemotherapy for esophagus cancer but his wife Elena Makharadze sadly confirmed his passing over the weekend.
      Kulkov featured for 11 clubs in a varied 440-appearance playing career including stints at Porto and Zenit St Petersburg.
      Yet he is best known on these shores for his brief ill-fated tenure at Millwall.

      The ex-Russian international joined the Lions in a six-month loan deal alongside compatriot Sergei Yuran back in 1996.
      The pair were recommended to then-Millwall boss Mick McCarthy by the legendary Bobby Robson in what was seen as a huge coup at the time.
      But Kulkov, who had made a name with his goal against Arsenal in the 1992 European Cup, turned out for the Lions just six times before his exit.
      However he was a serial winner across the rest of Europe, winning the Portuguese league title twice at rivals Porto and Benfica.

      He also lifted the Portuguese Cup at the latter and tasted domestic glory in his homeland with Spartak.
      Kulkov hung up his boots in 2001 following a stint at amateurs FC Shatura before embarking on a coaching career at C.S. Maritimo and the Russian national team.
      His agent led the tributes to his passing and revealed that the defensive midfielder, who could also play at centre-back, had been unwell for a year.
      Paulo Barbosa told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias: “Sad news. He had been fighting cancer for over a year and was hopeful. But unfortunately he was unable to win this battle.
      “We were good friends and we used to talk. We were together about a year ago. He was a huge football player and he was a special person.”

      We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Vasily Kulkov. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/f6ZOTyELtl
      — FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) October 10, 2020 More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Millwall chief issues stark warning on devastating damage to communities if clubs go under

      by

      MILLWALL chief Steve Kavanagh believes the impact on communities will be devastating if EFL clubs go to the wall.
      The Lions bigwig has called on the Government to act swiftly to save Covid-crippled clubs from going bust.

      2

      Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh has highlighted the community work done by football clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His stark warning is that, if they do, many communities across the country could be ravaged by emotional and economic depression for years.
      Speaking to SunSport as part of the Save Our Clubs drive highlighting the work clubs do on and off the field, Kavanagh said: “We’re not just talking about our national sport, the community work done by clubs in this country is vital. It has been for years.
      “Boris Johnson came  to The Den to see it first hand when he was Mayor of London and was highly impressed.
      “And when you take into consideration lockdown and what clubs, including Millwall, did to support their local communities, society and the vulnerable who were scared and did not have food . . . the work that went on was incredible.

      “We sheltered the homeless, we delivered more than 5,000 free dinners to children and care packages to the vulnerable and needy.
      “We didn’t just deliver food packages, with them we  delivered cooking lessons to ensure people could sustain themselves with good food, not just ready meals.
      “We also stored PPE for the NHS, while other clubs allowed stadiums to be used as testing centres.
      “Despite having absolutely no income, Millwall, through our chairman John Berylson, pledged £300,000 to our community trust during this period when we were on our knees.

      “Our community work is valued at more than £10million to Lewisham and the local area. And that is replicated all over the country.
      “If clubs are lost, that will be lost — and that would result in real damage to society.
      “And that’s before you get into job losses in and around football clubs.
      “The Government has to start recognising what football actually does — and not just continue taking from it all the time.
      “It needs to understand what we do for communities outside of actually playing, which is extremely important in itself for wellbeing. And it needs to help.”
      Millwall, who have spent more than £100,000 reconfiguring The Den to make it safe to host matches, have been hit hard by the ban on fans attending matches.
      American Berylson is having to pump in £1m a MONTH to keep them afloat.
      And Kavanagh admitted: “Unfortunately, we have had to make some staff redundant. It’s been really, really sad.
      “But I’m having to try to run a business which is haemorrhaging money and have no idea when its income streams will be returning.”
      The PM plus Culture, Media and Sports Secretary Oliver Dowden have announced rescue packages for the arts — but not our national sport.
      Kavanagh added: “The Government is not treating football fairly and in line with other entertainment businesses.
      “I can’t believe we haven’t lost more clubs in the EFL. That’s a testament to the club owners and chairmen.

      “They’re all putting their hands in their pockets to keep clubs and their community assets alive by feeding the vulnerable and schoolkids, sheltering the homeless and helping the NHS.
      “What worries me is I don’t know where the breaking points for these owners and chairmen are. Even with John.
      “I don’t want to over- dramatise that but when does he say enough is enough? I hope to God I never find out.”

      2

      Steve Kavanagh, right, is worried that entire areas could be hung out to dryCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Watch hilariously blunt Crawley boss give grumpy short answers in post-match interview after defeat to Millwall More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale expected to be key cog in Tottenham’s transfer hunt for in-demand Swansea defender Joe Rodon

      by

      GARETH BALE is expected to play a big role in convincing compatriot Joe Rodon to join Tottenham Hotspur from Swansea , according to reports.
      The transfer deadline for Premier League clubs to buy players from each other and around Europe passed on Monday this week.

      3

      Joe Rodon featured for Wales against England on Thursday nightCredit: Reuters

      But teams still have until Friday to do deals with clubs in the EFL.
      Spurs are still hoping to sign Rodon, 22, before the window shuts for good.
      But SunSport exclusively revealed this weekend that they are facing competition from Leicester.

      In fact, the Foxes have tabled a bid of £20million for the defender, while Tottenham have offered just £7m.
      According to the Star, however, Spurs may have found an edge in their chase for Rodon.
      They claim that the Swansea academy product’s fellow Wales internationals Bale and Ben Davies could play a big part in attracting their team-mate to North London.
      Davies, 27, captained Ryan Giggs’ side against England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.

      And he featured alongside Rodon for the opening 45 minutes, as the Three Lions eased to a 3-0 win.

      3

      Welsh legend Gareth Bale could help persuade Rodon to come to SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rodon has become a key player for the Swans since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
      The centre-back has made 54 first-team appearances, first under Graham Potter, and then current boss Steve Cooper.
      He has played every minute of Swansea’s opening four Championship games this term, as well as their ill-fated League Cup tie with Newport County.

      3

      Rodon also knows Ben Davies from international dutyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett gives his views on his return to Tottenham More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham ‘agree terms’ with Brentford star Said Benrahma as David Moyes closes in on £17m transfer for winger

      by

      WEST HAM are closing in on a £17million transfer for Brentford star Said Benrahma after agreeing personal terms, according to reports.
      And the Algerian’s wage demands are not expected to be an issue in any deal this time around.

      2

      West Ham launched a £17m-plus bid for Brentford winger Said BenrahmaCredit: Reuters

      The Bees wide man, 25, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer following their failure to win promotion last season.
      According to 90min.com, the Hammers submitted a £17m-plus-add-ons offer to the West London club on Friday night.
      And Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reckons talks are continuing between the two clubs while personal terms with the player are already sorted over a five-year contract.

      Brentford value the winger at around £25m and are yet to accept the offer with just days to go until the transfer deadline.
      Although the international window closed last Monday, Premier League clubs can do business with the EFL up until 5pm on Friday.
      And that could give West Ham time to secure a deal.
      Benrahma was linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal earlier in the summer before Crystal Palace emerged as favourites to land him.

      However, SunSport revealed the ex-Nice forward may have priced himself out of a move with his £16million contract demands, wanting at least £60,000 per week on a five-year deal.

      2

      The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

      Benrahma, who is seeing former team-mate Ollie Watkins banging in the goals for Aston Villa, missed the first five games of the new season but came off the bench in the Championship clashes with Millwall and Preston.
      In the Carabao Cup, however, his double against Fulham set up a quarter-final with Newcastle.
      West Ham have begun the season strongly with Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals all hitting early form.
      But allowing Felipe Anderson out on loan to Porto and the controversial sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom mean there is scope for an extra attacker to bolster the squad and Benrahma fits the bill.

      Said Benrahma proves he has the right moves in Brentford training More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool line up shock transfer move for Stoke outcast Jack Butland after Adrian shipped seven at Villa

      by

      LIVERPOOL are lining up a shock transfer move for Stoke outcast Jack Butland, according to reports.
      With No1 Alisson injured, Jurgen Klopp was forced to turn to back-up goalkeeper Adrian for the clash at Aston Villa last week.

      4

      Liverpool are eyeing up Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland as a back-up option to AlissonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it did not go according to plan for the Spaniard as he shipped seven goals in a humiliating defeat, including the opener when he passed the ball to Jack Grealish inside his own box.
      And according to the Sunday Mirror, Liverpool could turn to Butland to replace as Adrian as the No2.
      Butland, 27, is one of Stoke’s top earners but has not played for the club since a 5-0 defeat to Leeds in July.

      Welsh international Adam Davies has claimed the first-choice spot under Michael O’Neill with the Potters sat 13th in the Championship table.
      Butland broke on to the scene at Birmingham and made his senior England debut aged just 19 to become the Three Lions’ youngest goalkeeper.
      A £4million move to Stoke and a further eight caps followed with the Bristol-born stopper tipped by many to be the national team’s No1 for many years.
      However, after relegation with Stoke in 2018, he has struggled for form in the second tier with no one meeting the club’s £30m valuation for him.

      That asking price will now have dropped significantly.

      4

      Butland has been frozen out at Stoke and has not featured since a 5-0 defeat to Leeds on July 9Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      Adrian did not cover himself in glory when he filled in for Alisson as he conceded seven at Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His contract expires at the end of this season but a transfer could still be done before Friday’s domestic transfer deadline.
      And that could see Butland thrown straight in with a debut against Merseyside rivals and table-toppers Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday as Alisson is expected to be out for a few weeks still with his shoulder injury.
      Liverpool did sign goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga from Fluminense this week as well.
      However, the 17-year-old is not expected to be thrown into first-team action just yet but instead link up with the development teams.

      4

      The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Touching moment Jack Butland FaceTimes 11-year-old kid who went viral for practising his goalkeeping in back garden More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham eye £8m transfer for Steve Cook from Bournemouth as desperate Moyes prepares to raid Championship for defender

      by

      WEST HAM are considering a shock move for Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, according to reports.
      The Hammers have failed to land a single one of their centre-back targets this summer and have reportedly switched their attention to the £8million Cherries veteran.

      3

      West Ham are considering a move for £8m Bournemouth man Steve CookCredit: Alamy Live News

      3

      David Moyes has seen just one new face arrive at the London Stadium this summerCredit: AFP or licensors

      West Ham have made just two signings this summer despite narrowly escaping relegation last term.
      Right-back Vladimir Coufal arrived in a £4m deal from Slavia Prague.
      And Tomas Soucek’s loan was made permanent thanks to a clause included in the initial deal that brought him to the London Stadium in January.
      Cook, 29, is now on the Hammers’ radar, according to the Daily Star.

      The Bournemouth captain won the club’s player of the season award last year as the south coast side were relegated – and he would be available for £8m.
      The Englishman has made 341 appearances for Bournemouth since his 2012 arrival.
      And he could be joined in East London by current team-mate Josh King – who the Hammers are prepared to pay between £12m and £17.5m for.

      David Moyes was hoping to build on the Hammers’ strong finish to last season but he started the new campaign with even FEWER players.
      Albian Ajeti, Jordan Hugill, Josh Cullen, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson have all left the London Stadium.
      And promising young star Grady Diangana was also sold to West Brom for £18m – a move which incurred the fury of disgruntled Hammers supporters and captain Mark Noble.
      The Scot has also seen his club continually linked with centre-backs but fail to get any over the line.

      3

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer could look

      Wesley Fofana joined Leicester City and the Hammers’ board refused to meet the asking prices for Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
      While Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori pulled out of a last minute, deadline day loan deal despite the clubs having agreed terms.
      Earlier this year, Moyes spoke of his desire to build a young, hungry team at the Hammers after he started his second spell in charge.
      But despite the ex-Manchester United manager’s impressive impact on the team’s results, it appears he will have to make do with cheaper and older arrivals – if any more at all.
      The Hammers have also been linked with Craig Dawson, 30, from Watford – who were also relegated.

      Jack Wilshere in ‘advanced talks’ with Rangers over shock free transfer for former Arsenal and West Ham star More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ashley Young insists he would ‘walk from Italy right now’ to play for Watford again 13 years after quitting for Villa

      by

      ASHLEY YOUNG has revealed he would love to retire at Watford if given the chance as he declared he would happily walk away from Inter Milan.
      The 35-year-old came through the ranks at Vicarage Road – joining the academy in 1995 before making his first team debut in 2003.

      2

      England international Ashley Young departed Watford 13 years ago for Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      2

      Young has stated he would leave Inter Milan to return to Watford if given the the chanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He would go on to score 22 goals in 110 games for the Hornets before departing for Aston Villa in 2007.
      And on Watford’s ‘Golden Tales’ podcast, he said: “If I could go back and play there [at Watford] again, I would walk from Italy right now because it’s what I know, it’s where I come from and it’s what allowed me to be who I am and get where I am.
      “For me, at my age now, and you can ask my family, you can ask my agent, if I had the opportunity to go back and finish my career at Watford, I would jump at the chance.”
      He did sting the Hornets’ fanbase in 2017 when he scored twice for Manchester United at Vicarage Road and celebrated provocatively.

      The England international cupped his ears to the Watford supporters after his superb half-volley, before running to the corner flag after dispatching a free-kick.
      But Young – who has one year left on his deal at the San Siro – has insisted he meant nothing by it, as he spoke of his love for the club.
      He added on the podcast: “I’ve not got nothing against any Watford fan. None whatsoever, and I’ve always wanted to set the record straight.
      “When you do score a goal, I’m passionate, I want to celebrate. I remember thinking as soon as I scored, ‘Yeah I’m running to that corner, and I’m going to celebrate’.

      ASHLEY YOUNG’S CLUBS

      Watford (2003-2007)
      Aston Villa (2007-2011)
      Manchester United (2011-2020)
      Inter Milan (2020-)
      Honours: Premier League x1, FA Cup x1, EFL Cup x1, Europa League x1
      England caps: 39

      “It wasn’t one of those things that crossed my mind like ‘What have you done?’, it’s just I’ve scored a goal, I want to celebrate.
      “But I have got nothing against any Watford fan, and I know I took abuse that day, and do you know what, if I could go back and change it, would I? No.
      “I know what started my career. It was Watford. I always say and I will always say it’s my home.”

      Jadon Sancho scores goals in England training More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      West Brom in talks with Bournemouth over £10m Josh King transfer after Bilic pleads with board to solve striker crisis

      by

      WEST BROM have opened talks with Bournemouth over a £10million move for Josh King after Slaven Bilic pleaded with his board to solve his striker crisis.
      Bilic made signing a striker one of his top priorities after winning automatic promotion to the Premier League in July.

      1

      West Brom have approached Bournemouth over wantaway striker Josh King

      However, his pursuit of Huddersfield’s £16million-rated Karlan Grant has hit a brick wall and to add to the Croatian’s hitman headache Hal Robson-Kanu had surgery on his broken right arm yesterday and will be out for months.
      Now, with just one week to go until next Friday’s second summer transfer deadline, Albion are no closer to signing the striker Bilic believes is critical to his side’s hopes of survival.
      He has applied pressure to his board who have responded by approaching Bournemouth about their wantaway striker King.
      The Norwegian international is available for a cut-price £10million but Albion don’t have that kind of cash to pay out up front as the Coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc with their business plan.

      But with Bournemouth eager to get King off their wage bill, the Baggies’ bean counters are trying to come up with a compromise by offering to pay a lump sum of around £5million up front and the remainder in instalments.

      West Brom manager Slaven Bilic gets drenched in champagne after clinching promotion into the Premier League More