FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans spot spooky omen that proves Erik ten Hag was always doomed to face the sack by Man Utd this season

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG was always doomed for the sack this year thanks to a spooky omen.The Dutchman was finally relieved of his duties after being given a stay of execution for the start of the season.Erik ten Hag was hit with a Man Utd FA Cup curseCredit: ReutersUnited chiefs considered firing Ten Hag in the summer before giving him a two-year deal which guarantees him a pay off worth £15million.The Red Devils suffered their worst Premier League finish last term in eighth but Ten Hag saved his job by winning the FA Cup.However the 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City meant Ten Hag was perhaps always destined for the sack this year, thanks to a strange omen.The last United manager to win the FA Cup, Louis van Gaal, was also sacked after winning the FA Cup final 2-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBizarrely, Tommy Docherty met the same fate after winning the 1977 FA Cup final by the same scoreline.Fans picked up on the peculiar coincidence, with one saying: “Spooky fact. It’s almost as if they decided against sacking him in the summer so they could deploy it this week 🎃”Stats prove the writing may have been on the wall long before the FA Cup final, as Ten Hag’s win rate at Old Trafford plummeted following the 7-0 loss to Liverpool in March 2023.Prior to the defeat at Anfield, Ten Hag’s United had boasted a 73 per cent win rate, losing just six games over the course of the manager’s first 41 matches in all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut things started to look bleak after their 7-0 embarrassment with the win percentage plummeting to just 46 per cent from that game onwards.Including the 7-0 defeat, United lost 29 games in 87 fixtures from March 2023 until last weekend.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace him More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten Hag ‘had to be talked out of kamikaze FA Cup final tactic by Darren Fletcher’ which helped extend Man Utd stay

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG’S final glory at Manchester United might have NEVER have happened if he had persisted with his original tactical plan in the FA Cup final.The Dutchman was sacked from his post as Man Utd manager on Monday following a controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Erik ten Hag won the FA Cup with Man Utd in MayCredit: GettyBut the tactical tweaks made before the game came after hours of debate led by Darren FletcherCredit: GettyIt left Man Utd down in 14th place in the Premier League after their worst-ever start to the season.Ten Hag, 54, had looked like a dead man walking at Old Trafford after finish a record low of eighth in the Prem last season.But he earned himself an unlikely lifeline by shocking Manchester City to win the FA Cup final in May, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.However, the result of that game could have turned out very different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because, according to The Independent, Ten Hag had to be talked out of his planned tactics for the Wembley showdown by concerned Darren Fletcher.It is claimed Ten Hag wanted to go “toe-to-toe” against the league champions in a kamikaze plan.And it was only after hours of debate led by then-technical director Fletcher that Ten Hag relented.The tactical tweaks he eventually did make prior to the game worked as a treat, as the 4-4-2 shape helped United defend against Pep Guardiola’s side and gave United the ability to be dangerous on the counter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReports at the time suggested that Ten Hag had also listened to the advice from new club chief Jason Wilcox to use Bruno Fernandes as a False 9 for the final, which yielded the captain an assist for the winner.Man Utd have tried going match up with teams this season, and come up embarrassingly short against Liverpool and Tottenham in 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimBehind the scenes, one senior member of the Ineos hierarchy is reported to have said: “I told you this would happen,” in key meetings, where the main dividing factor was who could come next.However, after getting their first transfer window out of the way Ineos now appear to have made swift progress on appointing a potential successor.According to reports, Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has agreed to become the new Red Devils boss.United will have to pay his £8.5million buy-out fee, but the 39-year-old has impressive credentials behind him with two league titles ending a 19-year league drought at the club.The “Special One 2.0” has been heavily linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City, while was also linked with Liverpool, West Ham, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.Amorim has a distinct style with his 3-4-3 system and will have a five-point checklist of things to do upon arriving.The former midfielder has already broken his silence on the prospect of taking the job, admitting: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”The Portuguese tactician actually already has a tenuous link to Man Utd, having faced them three times in his career, including one player who he is now set to coach. More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Failed Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag handed £15m payoff after his sacking from Prem giants as he flees UK on private jet

      by

      SACKED Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to Amsterdam just hours after being sacked as Man Utd’s managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester AirportCredit: ZenpixThe Dutchman is in line for a £15million payday despite his turbulent spell as managerCredit: AlamyHe was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.READ MORE ON ERIK TEN HAGUnited chiefs had extended Ten Hag’s £6.5million-a-year deal until June 2026 just 166 days ago.Fellow Dutchman and ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was his assistant, has taken over as interim boss.A club insider said: “The dressing room has been like a morgue recently — and it is no wonder Ten Hag has gone.“The owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told people he acted with his heart not his head when he gave him the extension in the summer. Now he is acting with his head.”Most read in FootballUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Andy Mitten, from fanzine United We Stand, said: “I would never celebrate United sacking a manager but this season has been a nightmare and finishing eighth last year is not good enough.“It is a very expensive move after what happened in the summer – and that is the last thing the club needs at the moment and when we’ve made huge pay-offs to managers in the past.”’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedClub owner Ineos handed Ten Hag the extension after a shock FA Cup Final win over rivals Manchester City in May.A separate United source said of the sacking: “This is long overdue and no one could be that shocked the hierarchy have finally acted.“But the way it has been done is chaotic and shows the club is in a mess from top to bottom.“The worst thing the club did was extend Ten Hag’s contract after the FA Cup win. While that was a great achievement, it was so obvious that it glossed over a dreadful season. And it has now cost the owners potentially over £10million.“While there may be room for negotiation, Erik is not going to go without a hefty pay-off.“It is not the first time it has happened recently either with former managers like Jose Mourinho getting huge payouts as well.“It is a symptom of the chaos that has gripped the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”Announcing the sacking, United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over as interim bossCredit: AlamyTen Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is the current favourite to take over as managerCredit: GettyNames in the frame to take over include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and Germany’s national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, who recently hired Jimmy Worrall, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as his agent — and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also contenders for the Old Trafford job.In 2019, United paid £19.6million in compensation after axing Jose Mourinho and backroom staff.Two weeks ago it was revealed Sir Alex is leaving his £2million-a-year role as a United ambassador at the end of the season.That decision was branded scandalous by club legend Eric Cantona and came amid an Ineos-led ­economy drive and after 250 staff lost their jobs in the summer.Ten Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised him after leaving in 2022.Management slammedMany of his recruits came from the Dutch league or played under him at previous clubs.Some signings like £85million Brazilian winger Antony have under-performed.RUUD PIC REMOVEDRUUD van Nistelrooy deleted an old social media post of him in black make-up hours after his appointment as interim boss.The 11-year-old image, inset, of him dressed in jewelled headdress and robe as King Balthazar at a charity event in Marbella, Spain, had been re-shared ­thousands of times.Van Nistelrooy had visited a hospital to mark the Spanish Parade of the Three Kings. In a caption with the picture, he wrote: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.”The source added: “There has definitely been a divided dressing room recently. A lot of players did not like Ten Hag and quite a few will be happy with this news.“His man-management has not been great, and the way he has handled stars has got to be called into question.“No one doubts Erik was a likeable and honourable man who worked extremely hard and loved the club. But he could be dogmatic and inflexible — and that is one of the things that caused friction. The players who are happy he has gone are pleased because they didn’t think his tactics would work.“It is not because they didn’t like him as a person.“There is a new energy now Ruud is in charge, and a growing feeling that – if he does well – he will get the job permanently.United captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, said of the news: “Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Pundit and former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we’ve still had the same results.“Someone’s got to come in and change that now.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

      by

      MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘That’s a cracking football.. lovely memories’, say fans as retro Mitre ball for FA Cup released

      by

      THIS season’s official FA Cup ball has taken fans on a trip down memory lane.The FA revealed a nostalgic Mitre football to be used throughout the 2024/25 edition of the world’s oldest football competition. Mitre have unveiled the new Ultimax Pro to be used in FA Cup games this seasonCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsThe new balls have transported nostalgic fans of a certain age back to their childhoodsCredit: https://x.com/MitreSportsMitre unveiled the Ultimax Pro 3 on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup first round proper next month. The company have supplied official match balls for the tournament since 2018, taking over from Nike. And the latest, featuring an iconic V-shape and dashes of silver, has fans of a certain age remembering the classic Mitre Delta and Mouldmaster. Both of the balls were used throughout English football in the 1990s and early 200s, with the Mouldmaster a staple in playgrounds across the country. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Mitre official X account wrote: “Introducing the @emiratesfacup Official 24/25 Match Ball. “Inspired by the magic of the cup, and what it means to the fans. “Flashes of silver, etched and scratched to reflect tin foil trophies. Power, precision, perfection.”One nostalgic fan wrote on X: “That is a cracking football. Came along way since the mouldmaster. Lovely memories of that skelping my leg in a gale force wind.”#Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Great to mitre balls being used in top games again.”While a third added: “Absolutely love these!Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kitBut a baffled non-league fan commented: “Why now? We’ve already had 6 rounds!”The first round of this season’s FA Cup will be held between Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4.The original Mitre Ultimax was used over 20 years ago in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup.Tamworth’s clash against League One outfit Huddersfield Town will begin a bumper weekend of TV coverage.Other ties set for broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town and Birmingham City’s clash with Sutton United. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

      by

      EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘England is not a dream job’ – Premier League managers react after being snubbed by FA for Thomas Tuchel

      by

      SEAN DYCHE claims managing England is no longer a job bosses are desperate to land.The Everton chief had no interest in succeeding Gareth Southgate and says “lots of coaches” felt the same.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettySean Dyche has claimed the England role is no longer a ‘dream job’Credit: ReutersSteve Cooper believes British coaches need to prove themselvesCredit: PADyche confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the FA before they appointed Thomas Tuchel and said: “I’m not sure ‘dream’ is the right word for the England job.“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers  — it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now — for lots of coaches.”Tuchel won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 18 months at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFA chief executive Mark Bullingham gave the England job to the German — on an 18-month deal worth £7.5million — because he believes there is a lack of elite English coaches.Eddie Howe was not one of those approached because the FA knew that Newcastle would demand huge compensation.Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are the only other English bosses working in the Prem.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the FA’s shortlist.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDyche, 53, added: “I know most people would have liked an English coach to come in but Tuchel clearly has a record that says he can do it.“Gareth did a fantastic job but there have also been plenty of other very good managers since we won the World Cup in 1966.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.“It’s not disheartening for English coaches like me — and I certainly wasn’t one of the candidates.”England legend Wayne Rooney is “surprised” that Tuchel landed the job.The Plymouth boss, 38, said: “What the FA have built over the last ten to 15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through.“So I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own.“He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him.”Leicester manager Steve Cooper believes British coaches need to stop moaning about not landing the England job until they prove they can compete on a global stage.But the Welshman, 44, does not feel the FA’s coaching pathway is broken.Cooper won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, with a squad that included Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.He said: “Hopefully over the course of time, British coaching will continue to improve and we’ll be right up there with the world’s best.“In the meantime, any opportunity we’re given, we have to take it and do a good job.“Until we do that on a regular basis maybe we shouldn’t say so much.“I really believe in British culture, I believe in the coaching education pathway as well.“The ones I’ve been involved with have been the FA and FA of Wales, and they have been  brilliant courses which have evolved over time.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“They develop coaches and educate coaches in the right way.“But there’s no doubt the FA have appointed a top coach — and assistant with Anthony Barry — and hopefully they can carry on the progress of the last few years.”Gary Neville, who worked as No 2 to former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, feels that England are “damaging ourselves” with Tuchel’s appointment and says it leaves “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.Yet his old Manchester United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, now in charge at Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong.“It would be nice if there were more English coaches at the top level and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Southampton’s Russell Martin, born in England but a Scotland international, insists “loads of English coaches are capable of doing the job”.He added: “Maybe English managers aren’t given enough credit. Or maybe they are deemed not good enough by the most important people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s going to cause a lot of interesting discussion,  especially at the FA.“We have a renowned coaching education system that people come from far and wide to do, then we can’t appoint someone from that.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup first round TV games revealed as BBC and ITV choose NOT to show MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon

      by

      FIVE of the FA Cup first-round fixtures have been selected for TV – but a huge derby has been omitted.The BBC and ITV have selected their picks to broadcast with the competition’s games scheduled for November.The FA cup first-round picks for TV coverage have been madeCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThe first game to be shown on TV will be Tamworth’s clash against Championship outfit Huddersfield Town.The fixture will be shown on BBC 2 at 7.45pm on November 1.The other four ties that will be broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town on November 2.Sutton United will face Birmingham City on November 3, which will be on ITV 1 at 12.30pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHarrogate will host Wrexham on the same date but in the 3.30pm slot on ITV X.The final televised match will be Chesham’s attempt to cause an upset against League One Lincoln City on ITV 4.However, fans are fuming that the rival match between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon has not been selected for coverage.One posted: “No MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “How do you consistently manage to get it so wrong?”A third commented: “Can’t believe Birmingham and Wrexham are on TV!!! Plenty of better games missed… again!!!!” Non-league club’s stadium underwater as thunderstorms wreak havoc with entire pitch engulfed in flood waterFA Cup first-round drawHere is the FA Cup first round proper in full…Rotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughA fourth asked: “Who picks these things? Why not Bristol Rovers vs Weston-super-Mare? AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons?”A fifth said: “Wow no Dons v Dons.”A sixth fumed: “Harrogate vs Wrexham is a real stinker.”Another added: “So the tie of the round AFC Dons v MK is being ignored.”MK Dons and Wimbledon have had bad blood since the formation of of the former in 2002.The owners of the original Wimbledon FC moved the side to Buckinghamshire and changed the name.This led furious supporters of the club to form AFC Wimbledon, which has worked itself up from non-league to the professional game.Who are these famous footballers? More