jobs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      If Ratcliffe wants to take Man Utd back to the top then send pampered stars back to The Cliff – it might toughen them up

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and his team continue to leave no stone unturned in their bid to take Manchester United back to the top.Having cheesed off most of the staff with their penny-pinching, new plans have emerged for the club’s ­Carrington training ground.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to build a state of the art training groundCredit: PABut he should really take his pampered stars back to The CliffCredit: RexThese include a ‘pre-activation and player performance’ zone and — wait for it — sky lights and more communal areas.In the meantime, a toxic atmosphere remains among beleaguered workers, who have received critical emails and offers of redundancy.The latest body blow came in what should have been a time of celebration after United’s FA Cup final victory.Already the ‘new broom’, that was apparently putting a spring in everyone’s step, had swept away the traditional Cup final day perks of free travel, food, a ticket for better halves and a party afterwards.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWorse still for those who work behind the scenes, they then had to witness some social media clown called IShowSpeed lapping up the hospitality at the players’ after-match do, in a room that could have easily housed a few hundred more.As it was, those staff might have dodged a bullet. The whole thing resembled the final hour of a wedding, when the last of the quiche and chicken legs are brought out to be finished off.Looking to the future, here is a radical tip for Sir Jim if he wants to save cash and get United back to the top . . . go back to The Cliff. United’s old training ground which still exists, albeit in a rather dilapidated state.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGet the modern-day stars — who require the most up-to-date technology, pitches, pampering and a swimming pool to get the best out of them — to toughen up.Show them where Sir Matt Busby laid the foundations of United’s success — and Sir Alex Ferguson built an empire.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Tell the new boss that if Fergie could plot the Treble from a c**p little office in a building that resembles a council-run sports centre, it is good enough for them. And don’t give me all this, ‘things have moved on’.Tottenham have got some of the best facilities going — and they are still Spurs.Leicester were acclaimed for their new training base when it was built in 2020 — and Luton replaced them in the top flight, even if they swapped places again last month.So if you take United’s overpaid players back to where it all began, it may give the club a fresh start.United used to train with a bare bones approachCredit: GettyScott so wrong to zone outIN 25 years of covering Manchester United there have been several highs and lows from the after-match mixed zone area.But Saturday was something else as the players, bar Jonny Evans, snubbed multiple interview requests that used to be granted with no problems by greats like Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.At one point, Scott McTominay just walked through ignoring everyone, before coming back off the team bus so that he could ignore everyone again.This time on his return from the dressing room he carried a Budweiser box, inside of which was a ghetto blaster booming out music.You know what goes through your head when someone stops their car at the lights with their window down so that everyone within a square mile can hear their favourite song . . . McTominay ignored journalists after FA Cup victoryCredit: GettyFergie banned me from Man Utd press conferences SEVEN TIMES – I once rowed with him in the toiletsBy SunSport’s Manchester United correspondent Neil Custis.

      MUCH consternation recently at the news that three football writers were denied the chance to ask Erik ten Hag a question over three consecutive press conferences.
      The dismay did not stretch to myself despite being one of those placed briefly on the naughty step.
      I don’t agree with such ‘punishments’ for stories or opinions but Ten Hag has had to take a bucketload this season and has never been anything but polite and helpful.
      So if he wanted to do something to have a go back for once, no problem.It’s all sorted now and everyone is friends again.
      Having been brought up on Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and downright unfair bans of varying lengths, seven in my case, you become immune to middle-aged men having a hissy fit.
      Recent events reminded me of a lovely warm day at the Haydock Thistle Hotel some years back, where North-West based managers and writers were all invited to a lunch.
      Sir Alex was there on the main table laughing, singing and generally holding court when simultaneously all the writers’ phones bleeped with a message from United’s “no communication department”.
      He had no doubt arranged for it to be sent bang in the middle of the lunch informing us all that relations would be suspended forthwith.
      Our crime was to use his words from a local radio interview he had done that week and the controversial comments he made within it.
      We were all fuming so, when he got up to leave I followed him out of the luncheon suite.
      As I ranted about how unfair his actions were, he ignored me and walked on ahead, entering another room.
      I followed, still ranting, but he kept his back to me and looked down silently.
      Was he having a rethink as his gaze remained concentrated, his head stooped?
      No, he was having a wee! We had entered the gents but, in my own hissy fit, I hadn’t quite realised.
      I’m not sure what the hotel guest two urinals down made of it but how absurd the whole scene must have appeared.
      Defeated and deflated, I returned to the luncheon where the free red wine got a hammering and I sulked.
      There would be more such incidents, told and retold to this day with laughter.
      I always say covering United when Sir Alex was boss was like a stay at Fawlty Towers — not particularly comfortable but certainly unforgettable.

      Not Jur greatest bossBRIAN CLOUGH remains one of the greatest managers of all time for his incredible feats at Nottingham Forest and Derby.His exit was quite sad as his beloved Forest went down and his farewell speech went to TV’s Barry Davies in the City Ground tunnel.Everyone knew in advance he was going and the warmth from the fans showed what a title, two European Cups and the sheer genius and charisma of the man meant.There were back slaps at Portman Road where he presided over his final game. That was that.It was months before a then up-and-coming commentator called Darren Fletcher — you might have heard of him now — contacted Clough’s son Nigel to ask, if his dad wasn’t busy, would he mind doing some co-commentary on local radio.Nigel was delighted, commenting that the football fraternity had largely ignored his dad since his retirement.To recap, Clough had won the league title with Derby and, with Forest, landed another title plus back-to-back European Cups and four League Cups.Sir Alex Ferguson, of course, took to the microphone at the centre of Old Trafford following his last home game, effectively saying ‘thanks a lot — now support the next bloke’.At Liverpool, Bill Shankly — three First Division titles, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup — was treated appallingly by the club he made great after his retirement and said he had felt more welcome at Everton.Meanwhile, the greatest of all, Bob Paisley — six championship titles and three European Cups — never seems to pop up when the debate begins about who was the best manager ever.So to Jurgen Klopp and his nine years at Liverpool.Honours: One Premier League title, two League Cups, one FA Cup and that one Champions League trophy.Joe Fagan did the bulk of that in ONE SEASON.Klopp will no doubt chuck in the Uefa Super Cup and World Club Cup, neither of which have ever held much store over here.As for the send-off, well it has been going on longer than Elvis Presley’s residency in Las Vegas.Just when you thought it was over, it emerged there was another event this week with 10,000 people packing into the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.He did a good job, but this is Liverpool and in the pantheon of the true great Reds managers there are two — still just two.Klopp doesn’t crack the top two when it comes to Liverpool managersCredit: PAA Kie to successWHEN it comes to awards season this year, the front of the queue has to be those representing Vincent Kompany and Kieran McKenna.After a season where Burnley won only five Premier League games, Kompany was launched into a stratosphere frequented by current greats in landing the Bayern Munich job.McKenna did a fine job in achieving successive promotions with Ipswich.But with his close confidants convincing the world he was inches away from getting the Manchester United job, his stock increased exponentially.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd shock, horror he lands a pay rise and a new contract with the club he was always going to be staying at in the first place.Marvellous stuff!McKenna was never leaving IpswichCredit: PAPundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?

      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Enzo Maresca, from forgotten EFL youngster and working under Pep Guardiola to Chelsea’s top boss target

      by

      ENZO MARESCA has gone from forgotten Football League youngster to working under Pep Guardiola and now Chelsea’s top managerial target.The Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak to their Championship-winning boss as they look for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: RexMaresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: EPAMaresca started his career at West BromCredit: GettyIt could bring Chelsea’s search for a new manager to a close with Maresca the latest in the ever-changing Stamford Bridge hotseat. But who is the 44-year-old Italian? Well, Maresca actually started his professional playing career at 18 with West Brom after coming through Cagliari’s youth system.That was despite not speaking any English when he first arrived in the West Midlands. READ MORE IN football In an interview with Manchester City, Maresca recalled: “When you move from, in my case Italy to England directly to Birmingham, you can adapt immediately to the language and to the country.“My English was not so good and also I learned a lot when I was there, though I struggled a bit at the beginning but after it worked quite well.” Maresca had two seasons with the Baggies before moving to Juventus in 2000 for what was a West Brom record £4.5million deal.He played under two of football’s managerial greats in Turin, in Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.

      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca told SunSport in September: “Ancelotti was just starting his career as a manager but you could see clearly how he wanted to coach. “He was so straight, honest and humble — and unbelievable in terms of relations with his players.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses“Lippi was much stronger but fantastic in terms of motivation.”Maresca bounced around Europe playing for Bologna, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.He then ended his playing career in 2017 with Hellas Verona in Italy’s second division. Maresca had three years away before returning to football with City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 in 2021. He also coached current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time at the Etihad. The tactician had a short spell in charge of Parma before going back to City in 2022 as Guardiola’s assistant. It gave Maresca the chance to learn from the Spanish legend up close and personal, as Mikel Arteta once did before taking the Arsenal job. Maresca joined Juventus from West BromCredit: GettyHe bounced around European clubs, including SevillaCredit: EPAMaresca had a spell with PalermoCredit: GettySo before long it was Maresca’s turn to take the leap of faith when Leicester – who had just been relegated from the Premier League – came knocking. He said at the time: “Coming to Leicester was an easy decision because our ideas are perfectly aligned. “They wanted to change the way they play and refresh things. And the most important thing is that they’re patient.“The club knows sometimes it’s not so quick to change things, they’re aware of that.“When the club is aware and patient, the only target is to realise what you want to realise. “The problem is when people start to get nervous, this can be a big problem.”City recruited assistant managers Carlos Vicens and Juanma Lillo after Guardiola gave his blessing for Maresca to leave.Maresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: GettyJack Grealish speaking to Maresca in 2023Credit: GettyMaresca left City to become Leicester bossCredit: Getty“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. “But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”Maresca turned the Foxes into a possession-based side who regularly lined up with 4-3-3 or the occasional 4-2-3-1 while being known to play with inverted full-backs. His side went from strength to strength and ultimately pipped Ipswich to the title by just a point.But Maresca’s revolutionary football at the King Power came at the cost of top clubs suddenly taking notice. And for Chelsea, Maresca fits their criteria. Maresca speaking to SunSportCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyMaresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: GettyIt was his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: GettyExperienced former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino left the club after just one season and a clear falling out with the board. So for the third time under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, they were seeking a permanent replacement. But the board were not out for a serial winner who would demand a say in the running of the club. Instead, they turned their attention to a young boss with fresh ideas who would do their part to turn things around of the field and leave the rest to the hierarchy. Kieran McKenna – whose Ipswich were just pipped by Maresca’s Leicester – was an early favourite. But Chelsea informed McKenna – a former United coach who is linked with replacing Erik ten Hag – that he was no longer being considered.Maresca became Chelsea’s No1 managerial targetCredit: RexBrentford’s Thomas Frank was another appreciated by the Blues board. But none made as bigger impact than Maresca, who is now closing in on a deal to take over at Chelsea. It will cost the West Londoners around £10million in compensation but the board will feel it is money well spent. They have been encouraged by how Guardiola’s protege Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders. And Maresca faces an equally challenging task following Chelsea’s underwhelming sixth-placed finish. Pochettino lasted a season, Graham Potter just over half a year and Thomas Tuchel just four months working under Boehly and Eghbali. Now it is just a matter of time until Maresca becomes the latest to try and take Chelsea back to their trophy-laden glory days. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is to be offered a three-year deal – a mark of the Blues’ commitment to make the appointment part of a long-term plan. And Chelsea hope to wrap the deal up in just a matter of days. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Kieran McKenna ‘no longer under consideration for Chelsea job as Blues aim to confirm new boss this week’

      by

      KIERAN McKENNA is no longer in contention for the Chelsea job. The Blues board are in the process of finding a successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club after just one season. Kieran McKenna is no longer in contention for the Chelsea jobCredit: GettyMcKenna – who led Ipswich to Premier League promotion – was an early favourite for the role. The Northern Irishman took Ipswich from League One to the Premier League to become a hot commodity. Chelsea were seeking a younger candidate for the role and McKenna was deemed the perfect candidate. But according to The Athletic, the ex-Manchester United coach is no longer being considered by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt is believed McKenna is still in the running to take over from Erik ten Hag, who faces being sacked despite winning the FA Cup. Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi are now in a three-horse Chelsea race. The search is being led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart alongside owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Maresca, who worked alongside City manager Pep Guardiola, is coming off a title-winning Championship season at Leicester. Most read in FootballTHE RISE AND RISE OF McKENNAFew managers have risen so dramatically as Kieran McKenna.

      But then few were tipped for coaching success so young.
      London-born McKenna, now 38, retired as a player aged just 22 due to a chronic hip injury.
      He’d begun with  Northern Irish sides Enniskillen Town United and Ballinamallard United before joining Tottenham in 2002.
      But by the time he was forced to quit seven years later, he’d failed to make a single senior appearance.
      However, after graduating from Loughborough University, Spurs appointed him Head of Academy Performance Analysis.
      It was then, in two years guiding Manchester United Under-18 where his reputation soared fastest.
      Having won the Premier League Northern Division title, McKenna was promoted all the way up to Jose Mourinho’s assistant in 2018, remaining high up in the backroom under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick.
      Ipswich took the plunge on him in 2021.
      And after an impressive half-season in League One, he took the Tractor Boys up in his first full campaign – repeating the feat this term to restore the club’s long-lost top-flight status.
      Now, one way or another,  McKenna is poised for his greatest challenge in management – either keeping Ipswich up or moving to a major club.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the Blues board are admirers of his style of play but it could cost £10million to prise him away from the Foxes. De Zerbi meanwhile is said to have impressed Eghbali and would cost £5m in compensation despite leaving Brighton in the summer. Frank is an outsider for the job despite gaining plaudits for his work with Brentford as Chelsea look to announce their new manager this week. Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kieran McKenna would be mad to take Chelsea job and would think twice about Brighton – but couldn’t turn down dream role

      by

      KIERAN McKENNA is the hottest managerial property but I would be gobsmacked if he quits Ipswich this summer.UNLESS  … Manchester United come knocking.Kieran McKenna might resist anything except Man UtdCredit: GettyThere is a gut feeling around Portman Road he would be unable to turn them down.I’ve met and spoken to McKenna on a number of occasions, talked to his players, some of those who work alongside him and watched his team’s incredible journey from League One mid-table fodder to the Premier League.And it is no surprise he is being linked with the current vacancies at Chelsea and Brighton. He was already getting touted for top-flight jobs LAST SUMMER such is the high regard he is held in elite football circles.Crystal Palace approached him before opting for Oliver Glasner when Roy Hodgson left.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet — knowing the way McKenna operates and works — he would think twice about making what is effectively a side-step move to the Sussex coast after everything he has built in Suffolk.Yes, Brighton are more advanced in their journey and now an established Premier League club that has just had a season in the Europa League — but McKenna firmly believes Ipswich can reach that level too.And he would be stark raving mad to walk into what is effectively a snake pit at Stamford Bridge. Talk of him suddenly pitching up at Chelsea — especially after what happened to Graham Potter — is for the birds.A few defeats there and he would be out of a job and his reputation could be tarnished.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever keeping Ipswich up would only enhance his standing in the game — while going down would not harm it at all. Although Ipswich are already a better side than the likes of Luton and Nottingham Forest.McKenna has a long-term strategy of where he wants to head. That is to manage in the Champions League and competing for trophies. Clearly that is something that is unlikely to happen at Ipswich.How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino But, he understands that he is only two-and-a-half years into his own frontline management journey.McKenna is genuinely excited to be leading Ipswich into the Premier League and has no desire to walk away at this moment.He has completely invested himself into Ipswich and when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago he was adamant he wanted to write another glorious chapter in his Portman Road story.And that is what he is most likely to do before inevitably leaving for one of the big guns.But I understand Manchester United would be too huge an opportunity and personally special for him to turn down if they decide to give Erik ten Hag the tin tat after this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.McKenna understands United inside out — running their academy and working as an assistant and first-team coach under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer.He always speaks highly of his time there and his fondness for United as a club and is still popular and in touch with many of the backroom staff he worked with during his five years there.It was apt he received his LMA manager of the year award from Sir Alex Ferguson and there is a gut instinct at Ipswich that they would struggle to keep him if SIr Jim Ratcliffe did call him up.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, who was with McKenna, certainly is not worried about losing McKenna and is confident that quadrupling his annual salary to £5million-a-year in a new four-year deal is proof they mean business and are not just going into the top flight to make up the numbers.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players. You will struggle to find a single one who has anything but the highest praise.McKenna’s biggest assets are his calmness under pressure, his meticulous attention to detail, attacking mindset and loyalty to those he has enjoyed working with.When Ipswich won promotion to the Championship, players at Portman Road were openly talking at the start of the season about having a tilt for Premier League football.Leif Davis — who McKenna signed from Leeds two years ago and has helped make him the best left-back in the Championship last season — told me the manager spoke only about going for promotion rather than consolidating.And that is typical of McKenna — he doesn’t see any point in setting the bar low. His bar is always raised high. Anyone who has played for him or worked with him will tell you exactly that.He is always bold when making substitutes. The amount of games that have been won thanks to McKenna switches usually around the hour mark has been nothing short of remarkable.Just when teams feel they have had Ipswich’s measure he has brought on impact players such as Omari Hutchinson and Jeremy Sarmiento in particular to power to victory.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players and egos. You will struggle to find a single one of them who has anything but the highest praise for McKenna.Even Solskjaer believes McKenna is destined for the top – and he is. But not right now.Another manager being touted for a switch this summer after leading his club to promotion is Leicester’s Enzo Maresca.Oliver Glasner, seen with England call-up Eberechi Eze, landed the Crystal Palace job despite McKenna being approached for the jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes boss, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, won the Championship title, pipping Ipswich by a point.Chelsea are said to have spoken with him.There is little doubt that the Spaniard has transformed the way Leicester play — and at times this season were the Man City of the Championship.But Leicester fans started to get restless with him for what they perceived as painstakingly slow football at times. Maresca was unhappy when details came out that Leicester could face a points deduction in the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.When I spoke with him after they wrapped up the Championship title at Preston, he was seeking assurances going forward that the club were not in any danger of being punished this coming season.Although he did a pretty good job at the King Power, he surely needs to earn his stripes in the top-flight before he can be seriously considered for the Stamford Bridge job.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs good as he has been, he is not as strong a candidate at McKenna.The Ipswich boss is destined for a top job soon — but the jury is still out on Maresca. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho ‘close’ to sealing deal to return to football after four months unemployed

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO is closing in on a return to football, it’s been claimed.The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has been unemployed since being sacked by Italian giants Roma in January – eight months after guiding them to Europa Conference League glory.Jose Mourinho has been unemployed for four months after being axed by RomaCredit: AFPThe Portuguese is reportedly close to becoming the Sporting Director oF Saudi Pro League side Al-QadisiyahCredit: REXMourinho, 61, has been linked with a slew of jobs in the four months since his axing – including a shock return to Old Trafford.But The Special One’s period of unemployment is said to be nearing an end.That’s according to SportItalia, who claim the Portuguese is being lined up to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah.But the controversial Mourinho won’t be taking charge of the Saudi Pro League side’s first team.READ MORE ON MOURINHIOIt’s claimed he’s “close” to being appointed as the Kingdom club’s new sporting director.The job would be the first first non-managerial role of Mourinho’s recent career.Mourinho has remained tight-lipped on the intense speculation over his future, which included rumours of a move to Liverpool to replace the recently departed Jurgen Klopp.He did, however, outline the minimum requirements for his next job in late April.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told The Telegraph: “The only thing I want is that the targets and the objectives have to be established by everyone in a fair way.”I cannot go to a club where, because of my history, the objective is to win the title. No.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conference”The only thing I want is that it has to be fair.”Do you think if I was at a big Premier League club and we were sixth, seventh, eighth, in the table, I still have a job?”What I am saying is people [should] look at me the way they look at others.”What is important for me is if the club has objectives and for me to be able to say I am ready to fight for these.”I don’t want to say realistic, but [at least] semi-realistic.”Because when I went to Roma nobody was dreaming about European Cup finals and we did it.”It’s not possible I go to a club almost relegated and the objective is to win the Champions League. It’s good but it is not fair.” More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I won biggest game of my club’s 148-year history at Wembley – 48 hours later I’m back at my humble day job

      by

      A NON-LEAGUE star has returned to his day job despite helping Romford win their first national cup competition.Romford trounced Great Wakering Rovers 3-0 on Saturday at Wembley to lift the FA Vase.Lee Hursit helped Romford to the FA Vase trophyThe cup victory has gone down as one of the greatest moments in the ninth-tier club’s 148-year history.After a goalless first half, Romford sprung to life as Hassan Nalbant broke the deadlock.Sam Deering doubled the lead in the 54th minute before Nalbant bagged his brace to seal the result.But unlike the eventual winners of the world’s biggest tournaments, the players afterwards returned to their day jobs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is down to many of them being part-time footballers One such player was Lee Hursit, 27, who made a late appearance as a substitute in the match.He posted on social media that he would be back “cutting lawns”.He posted: “Back to cutting lawns today I guess.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans were quick to spot the comment on social media as they hailed his modesty.One commented: “The life of a non-league footballer hahahaha, it keeps you honest and hard working.”Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowA second said: “It still seems so unreal it’s like it didn’t really happen to me mad.”Hursit had been a regular for “Boro” throughout the season having made 43 appearances, scoring once.The midfielder was once of Hashtag United and had even scored a goal at Manchester United’s Old Trafford in a match against Tango Squad FC.It was not the only notable goal during his time at the club, as he also scored from halfway in 2021.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker says ‘I’ve heard a little rumour’ about Jurgen Klopp’s next job despite ex-Liverpool boss’ retirement hint

      by

      GARY LINEKER “heard a little rumour” that Jurgen Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund after leaving Liverpool.Klopp, 56, rolled credits on a glittering nine-year stint with the Reds that saw him winning all major honours, including a first league title in 30 years.Gary Lineker heard a wild rumour about Jurgen Klopp’s next job after leaving LiverpoolCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund, claims LinekerCredit: RexThe German tactician led the Merseysiders to a 2-0 victory over Wolves during his last ever match in charge of the Premier League giants at Anfield on Sunday.The Liverpool legend announced his departure in January as he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.Lineker expects Klopp to take some time off but is confident “there will be a battle” between the world’s biggest clubs to sign him in “a year or so’s time”.But the Match of the Day host also revealed there’s been speculation about him returning to Dortmund in a different capacity that would see him taking charge of the entire club.Read More on FootballKlopp burst onto the scene back in 2008 when he was appointed to the Bundesliga giants’ dugout and led them to two consecutive league titles as well as the 2013 Champions League final.Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast: “I will be interested to see what Jurgen Klopp does next. “I think he will definitely take some time out because I think he’s genuine when he says he has run out of energy.“You can see why that job is so demanding. There will be a battle for him in a year’s time. Or they’ll be lining up for a year or so’s time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I heard a little rumour that he might end up being president of Borussia Dortmund, which would be amazing.”Klopp appeared to have hinted towards managerial retirement after leaving Liverpool.Moment Pep Guardiola is brought to tears and struggles to speak as he pays respects to Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool exitHowever, the ex-Dortmund boss set the record straight after the victory over Wolves and insisted he is not done just yet.Klopp said: “I will work. I have just finished this job. I don’t know exactly why nobody believes I will probably not be a manager again, but I understand because obviously it seems to be a drug.”It looks like that as everybody comes back and everybody works until they are 70-something. I have always had the idea I won’t do that. “Other people are smarter and do it in different ways, but I have to be all-in. I have to be the spark, I have to be the energiser, I have to be all these kind of things. And I am empty. That’s it.”My biggest worry today was that [goalkeeping coach] John Achterberg was coughing all the time next to me, and I thought I’d wake up tomorrow and I’ll be ill because he’s coughing in my direction! I have to start with the rest now and then we will see.”It’s not that I’m looking outside for the next opportunity and which clubs are available and stuff like this. There will be opportunities but I’m not thinking, ‘Maybe in a year’s time I’ll take that’. In this moment, see you later.”I have no clue [what I will do tomorrow]. Packing probably. I have enough things to do, private life must be planned as well but I’ve been here doing things and probably Ulla [Klopp’s wife] will update me where we go. I have no clue what’s coming up. We have a party tonight.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Neil Lennon back in football and opens up on ‘responsibility’ in new role worth £1.5m and Celtic similarity

      by

      NEIL LENNON has landed a new job after 19 months out of the game.The Celtic icon and former Hibs boss has recently been working as a pundit on TV and online, but has landed a lucrative return to the dugout.Neil Lennon has been working as a pundit since returning to ScotlandCredit: PAAs Omonia Nicosia boss he earned plaudits for performances against Man UnitedCredit: PAHe’ll now look ahead to the Romanian Super LigaCredit: GettyHe has been linked to vacancies at Aberdeen and a return to Easter Road – as well as interviewing for the vacant Republic of Ireland post.But Lennon has now agreed to become new boss of Romanian side Rapid Bucharest.It’s a massive change for the Northern Irishman who broadened his horizons with a surprise move to Cyprus in 2021.He led Omonia Nicosia to the Europa League group stages including commendable performances against Manchester United before being sacked in October 2022.Now he’s heading to Romania where Rapid share the stage with city rivals Steaua, CFR Cluj and rising side FCV Farul Constanta.Sunsport carried the news earlier this month and exclusively revealed he had accepted the lucrative terms of his two-year and £1.5m contract.Lennon led Celtic to five SPFL titles in two spells as manager, adding to another five as player and captain of the Hoops.He also steered Hibs’ return to the Premiership and had a two-year spell at Bolton Wanderers.Most read in FootballHe’s become a regular pundit and analyst on TV since returning from his stint in Cyprus.Watch hilarious moment Chris Sutton pokes fun at Neil Lennon’s pronunciation He frequents online video at PLZ Soccer and is also a regular on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme.Sky have also drafted him in for studio punditry in their live SPFL games, as have Premier Sports and Viaplay for Cup games.But now he has a big “responsibility” in Romania.He opened up on his new move and said: “In the beginning, I spoke with Mr. Șucu and Daniel Sandu, I had extensive discussions with them. “Then we met again a few weeks ago and I was very impressed with the project they presented to me. I was very impressed by Mr. Șucu, he is a very strong, very intelligent man, a man with principles. “It was impressive to me. Then, talking to Daniel as well, it was a simple decision for me. I am very happy to be here, I know that Rapid is a very important name in the history of Romanian football. It’s an opportunity for me.”I hope to create a strong connection between myself and the fans, but that comes with getting positive results and performing. It is my responsibility. “I know they are very passionate supporters who love the club. They are similar to Celtic fans. I want us to perform, that’s my main goal.I hope to meet the supporters soon and I will do everything possible to perform with Rapid.”Rapid axed boss Cristiano Bergodi last month. He had replaced former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu at the Giulesti Stadium.They finished second in Liga 1 before losing seven of their eight play-off matches. His new club confirmed his appointment on Monday lunchtimeThey were initially linked with a move for veteran Hoops favourite Martin O’Neill before turning attention to his Parkhead captain.Chairman Dan Sucu added: “I am pleased that Mr. Neil Lennon, a legend in Great Britain, both as a player and as a coach, is joining our project. Considering his career, he is the most titled foreign specialist who came to train in Romania.”He comes from a soccer culture based on seriousness, work, success. A culture where decisions, once made, are no longer commented on or negotiated, but simply implemented.”A coach with exceptional results, experienced but still young, energetic, very authoritative, a true leader. And, on top of everything, a coach who can make balanced decisions without coming with a baggage of dislikes or subjective preferences regarding the team.”Rapid last won their national league 23 years ago but fell on hard times and went bankrupt in 2016 and had to reform in the fifth tier of football, before battling back and returning to the top flight three years ago.Rapid sports director Daniel Sandu said: “Moving forward, we have to figure out exactly what we’re looking for and what we want from both the players and the new staff.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At the moment we are not in a very good place, but I have faith the new management team will reset us and show what Rapid is all about.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More