jobs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter locking horns with sacked Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for major European job

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER is in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig.Potter is keen on a return to work and the Bundesliga giants may come for him soon if results fail to improve under Marco Rose.Graham Potter is finally tipped to return to management soonCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is also in contention for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyThe former Brighton and Chelsea boss, 49, has been a free agent since leaving Blues in April 2023.He has always had one eye on a foreign role and Leipzig may be an attractive option  — although former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is also linked with the job.Potter is also on the radar of Prem strugglers West Ham and Wolves — who play each other on Monday night — and has long-term admirers at Ajax.In the meantime he’s been providing TV analysis as a Sky Sports pundit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut speculation over a return to management has spiralled.Leicester were said to be keen in April 2023 on their way out of the Prem. But he’s understood to have turned them down.Instead Enzo Maresca got the job at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after taking the Foxes back to the top flight, the Italian landed the Chelsea job over the summer.Leicester then reportedly rekindled their interest in Potter following the sacking of Steve Cooper in November. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeHowever, the boss job went to ex-Red Devils’ caretaker chief Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, Potter is arguably more in demand than ever.And although the Hammers have given Julen Lopetegui a stay of execution, Monday’s home clash with second-bottom Wolves could yet be another indicator towards Potter’s future. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star Van der Vaart reveals why he never saw ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo naked

      by

      RAFAEL VAN DER VAART hilariously explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is the hardest worker he’s ever played with.Van der Vaart, 41, and Ronaldo, 39, played together at Real Madrid for only a year until the former left in 2010 for Tottenham.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael van der Vaart spent a year together at Real MadridCredit: GettyRonaldo is the hardest worker Van der Vaart has ever played withCredit: GettyVan der Vaart has a hilarious way to explain Ronaldo’s work ethicCredit: GettyBut that was enough for the Manchester United legend to make a major impression on the ex-Netherlands international thanks to his undying work ethic.CR7’s passion has led him to a staggering five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles throughout his 22-year career that’s still going on as he plays for Al-Nassr.Van der Vaart is not surprised as he claims the star forward was constantly on the training pitch.So much so that the former playmaker never saw Ronaldo in the dressing room.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart told talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp: “He never left his house!”I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player that I never saw his willy!”He was the first one on the training [pitch]! And the last one who went.”First of all his body, wow! A machine. He was a little bit ahead of his time, players now are the same.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But his training in the gym, food, sleep. For him that was more important than training extra hard.”Ronaldo was so unbelievably selfish, if we won 6-0 and he did not score, he was not happy. When we lose but he scored twice, it’d be alright!”Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphVan der Vaart never won anything with Ronaldo, who conquered his first of many pieces of silverware with Real in 2010 by claiming the Copa del Rey. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘No wonder management didn’t work for you’ says Jamie Carragher as he calls out Gary Neville’s controversial opinion

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER called out Gary Neville’s controversial Manchester United opinion – and aimed a dig at his managerial career. The Liverpool and United legends were working on a special Overlap watchalong covering Wednesday night’s round of Premier League fixtures.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on The Overlap watchalongNeville was left bemusedDuring the broadcast, Neville claimed that his former team-mate Jaap Stam was a better defender than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.He then suggested Stam was better than both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But Neville – who was sacked as Valencia manager in 2016 after just 28 games – revealed Stam would not make his all-time United XI. That is because partnerships like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister supersede Stam’s individual talent. READ MORE IN footballAnd the comment sparked a hilarious back-and-forth between former Prem rivals Neville and Carragher. Neville said: “I haven’t got Jaap in my best Man United team but if you said to me, ‘Who is the best defender as an individual?’ I’d say Jaap Stam.”Vidic and Ferdinand and Bruce and Pallister were unbelievable pairs and you can’t deny it.”I’m saying Jaap Stam is the best sort of one-on-one defender that United had.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher: “Who’s the best centre-back you played with at Manchester United? Just answer that.”Neville: “I think Jap Stam but he’s not in my best 11.”Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Carragher: “No wonder management didn’t work for you!”Neville: “The strength of Vidic and Ferdinand together or Bruce and Pallister is stronger than the individual ability of Jaap.”Carragher: “So two players are stronger than one? Yeah, well done.”Neville, with a bemused look, then said down the camera: “Am I making sense at home?” Stam spent three seasons at United from 1998-2001, leaving Manchester with three titles to his name. Vidic and Ferdinand formed a legendary partnership under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Champions League together and FIVE Prem titles. Bruce and Pallister were also league title winners during the 1990s. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand formed a legendary partnershipCredit: Getty Images – GettyJaap Stam spent three seasons with Man UtdCredit: ReutersSteve Bruce and Gary Pallister in 1993Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel to start England job three weeks EARLY as former Chelsea boss will attend World Cup qualifying draw

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL will begin his England duties three weeks early – after receiving the green light to attend the 2026 World Cup draw.German Three Lions chief Tuchel had not been expected to take up any England role until the start of his 18 month contract on January 1.Thomas Tuchel is set to pick up his Three Lions duties three weeks earlyThe former Chelsea manager will represent England at the World Cup qualifying draw on December 13It was suspected that there may have been issues with his contract position following his summer departure from Bayern Munich.But Tuchel will now headline the FA delegation when Wembley chiefs travel to Zurich on December 13 for the start of the European road to the World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.Tuchel’s participation in the post-draw interview round will represent his first formal involvement in the national team – while he may also discover the opponents for his debut match.England are one of the 12 top seeds in the draw to help decide the 16 European places at the tournament.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSix of the groups will contain four teams, with the rest made up of five sides.However, with four of the smaller groups set aside for the winners of the Nations League A quarter-finals – being played in March – England have a 75 per cent chance of being in one of the five-team groups.Those groups are scheduled to see matches played in March and June, whereas the four-team sections will be entirely compressed into the autumn breaks in September, October and November.Fifa will announce the fixtures schedule soon after the draw and it could mean Tuchel’s first match in charge is the opening World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former PSG boss had previously been blocked from attending the draw after being appointed in his new job two months ago.That could be against second seeds Wales, with Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all possible pot three opponents. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdThe 12 group winners will gain automatic qualification, with the runners up joined by four teams from the Nations League to play off the for the remaining places.As a top ranking side, England have been drawn in Pot 1 with Nations League quarter-finalists Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain.What are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1SpainGermanyPortugalFranceItalyNetherlandsDenmarkCroatiaEnglandBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPot 2UkraineSwedenTurkeyWalesHungarySerbiaPolandGreeceRomaniaSlovakiaCzech RepublicNorwayPot 3ScotlandSloveniaRepublic of IrelandAlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgiaFinlandIcelandNorthern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4BulgariaLuxembourgKosovoBelarusArmeniaKazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatviaLithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan Marino More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jorginho says Arsenal dressing room tease Gabriel over his ‘Batman’ celebration but love Brazilian’s goal record

      by

      NOT many central defenders in world football feel the need to have a trademark goal celebration.But then again, not many are as deadly with their head as Arsenal’s Gabriel.Gabriel showed off his trademark celebration at the London StadiumCredit: AlamyGabriel scored his fourth of the season in all competitions with another headerCredit: AFPThe Brazilian centre back’s 10th minute header to open the scoring against West Ham at the London Stadium was his third in the Premier League this season – and fourth in all competitions.That takes his headed tally to 12 in the league since arriving in England in September 2020 – just five away from Virgil van Dijk and Sami Hyppia in the Prem all-time headed goal chart.And while he is still 15 away from John Terry’s tally, only a fool would bet against Gabriel edging closer to – or even surpassing – that target this term, let alone by the time the 26-year-old calls it a day in North London.His latest offering – a flicked header from a Bukayo Saka corner in a 5-2 thrashing of a woeful Hammers outfit – was followed by an unusual celebration, interlinking his fingers over his eyes.read more arsenalIt was first on show this campaign in Tuesday night’s 5-1 Champions League victory away at Sporting Lisbon, with some suggesting it was done to mock Viktor Gyokeres’ similar goal-getting theatrics – the Swede’s fingers covering his mouth instead.But a repeat showing in East London perhaps quashes those theories.Gabriel’s version is said to be a nod to comic book legend Batman – backed up by Arsenal’s social media team posting a masked superhero emoji moments after the header.Expect to see that celebration a lot more over the coming weeks with Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency back on show having overcome a recent four-match winless Prem slump to reignite a title charge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not stopping Gabriel’s teammates teasing, though. Jorginho admitted: “We make fun of [the celebration] and he has fun with it as well. It is great stuff what is happening.”After five different goal scorers in Lisbon, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal repeated that feat against West Ham with Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Saka also netting in the first half.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAaron Wan Bissaka and Emerson scored to briefly make it 4-2 but the visitors’ comeback was short-lived.Yet the name up in lights is Gabriel’s – the last player to leave the pitch on Saturday night as he soaked up the admiration of the away end by orchestrating the chants.His goal came from a slightly altered NFL-style routine conjured up by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover with Gabriel given freedom to roam at the back post while the others act as blockers.How West Ham allowed Arsenal’s biggest threat a free header is anyone’s guess. It is not exactly a secret where the ball is going – the corner-takers even point to Gabriel before their delivery.Asked how you stop Gabriel, Jorginho laughed: “I’m not going to tell you! He’s really good and it requires a lot of work from the whole team. Everyone does their job and then he’s a real threat.“He’s been so helpful to us.”Arteta added: “The more [Gabriel scores] the more you believe it. You can tell straight away from the body language of the player, how they communicate, that something is coming up.“To have various ways of scoring goals makes the team more unpredictable, the opposition have to work on many more things. It’s a good thing for us.”There is some concern over Gabriel’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Prem clash with Manchester United at the Emirates after he was subbed at half-time as a precaution owing to an ongoing muscular problem picked up in Lisbon.But Arsenal are heading into the festive period looking back to their best, winning their last three in all competitions and scoring 13 in the process, including a 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest.Arteta’s men also have the advantage of not leaving London for any games until January 4.READ MORE SUN STORIESJorginho said: “We are in a good momentum now. We need to carry on and focus.“Having players back from injury, having the whole squad available, has made a huge difference. We fixed something that wasn’t working and now it is.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chris Coleman hired by Premier League owner as he takes on tenth managerial job in seventh country

      by

      CHRIS COLEMAN has joined the Leicester group after being appointed boss of OH Leuven in Belgium.The ex-Wales manager, 54, keeps his colourful managerial adventure going by working in his seventh different country.Chris Coleman has been appointed as the new manager of OH LeuvenCredit: GettyColeman will be working for Leicester chairman Aiyawatt “Top” SrivaddhanaprabhaCredit: GettyColeman, who left AEL Limassol by mutual consent after 11 games last week, has signed an 18-month contract.He will be presented ahead of Sunday’s top-flight home game with Anderlecht in the Belgian pro league.OH Leuven are third bottom in 14th after 15 games.The club are owned by the King Power International Group with Foxes chairman Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha performing the same role at both clubs.Read More on FootballOH Leuven’s stadium is also called the King Power, like that of Leicester, who appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as their own manager on Friday night.Coleman worked in Wales where he led his country to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.He managed in England with Fulham, Coventry and Sunderland.But he likes a challenge overseas with various different experiences abroad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSColeman coached Real Sociedad in Spain, Larissa and Atromitos in Greece and Hebei China Fortune in China before his short stint in Cyprus at AEL Limassol.The Welshman has managed many players around the world but declared in March that none compared to Gareth Bale.Sunderland boss Chris Coleman helps clear snow off pitch before training Coleman said: “[Bale] Is the best player Wales have ever had.”I also think he’s the most successful British player to ever go abroad, he won four Champions League titles, no one has ever done that from Britain.”You don’t have to coach players who are that good, you’ve just got to make sure they have got what they need.”Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Scott Parker says working-class spirit comes from helping Heinz delivery driver dad do 3am rounds while he was at school

      by

      SCOTT PARKER’S eyes still light up at the memory of lorry rides with dad at three in the morning.Sometimes there would be trips along the Kent coast as he accompanied his old man Michael on his rounds as a Heinz delivery driver — followed by maybe ice cream and the amusement arcades.Scott Parker has opened up on how helping his dad deliver heinz at 3am has helped his motivationCredit: PAParker, who memorably appeared in a television advertisement for McDonalds as a kid, would help out his dadCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNow manager at Burnley, Parker smiles as he looks back and said: “As a kid every day I was on at my dad to take me out on the lorries.“Twice a week he’d take me out of school — probably not the right thing to do — but we’d get up at 3am and pick up the lorry.“Thursdays were the best because he’d have coast runs — Ramsgate, Margate — then he’d take me to the amusements after.“For a young kid, those days were fantastic. Great memories.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they also helped form the bit inside that now drives him on in his managerial career after a hat–trick of sackings — at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.That treble, all within 19 nightmare months, might have suggested that being a boss was not for him — even if he did take the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before each gave him his P45.In Belgium he lasted just 69 days and 12 games.He could have, as he knows, joined the bleeding hearts club, bleating about the unfairness of it all.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet his only public complaint throughout was to claim after a horrendous 9-0 loss at Anfield in Bournemouth’s fourth game back in the Prem that his squad were “unequipped” for the top flight.He was fired four days after that statement in August 2022 that came on the back of defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4–0 at   Manchester City.Scott Parker talks about the challenges of being head coach at FulhamAsked why he has never talked about the sackings that might have cost him so much inside, he bluntly declared: “Well, in the last four months, nobody ever asked me.”Parker, 44, gives the impression that he would  rather throw himself off Margate’s Harbour Arm than show his true feelings.But for once he dropped the mask and admitted: “Standing on the touchline that day at Anfield, that was a lonely, lonely place.“I was disappointed it had to end way it did and of the three, Bournemouth still hurts the most. But we move on.“The pitfalls you fall into, the bumps we managers take along the road, you just deal with them.“Some have been knockouts for me but you dust yourself off, get back up and go again. There were times things were very tough. No denying that.“That’s why I took a year out after Brugge because at that point there had been a lot of jabs on the nose and I needed to mend, to get out of the fire.“I had to adjust and I realised a long time ago you can feel a bit sorry for yourself, mope around and be a victim. But there was no chance of that.“Not with my upbringing, not from where I come from  — the Lettsom Estate in Camberwell, inner London.“Dad a lorry driver, mum a special needs teacher and it was what it was.“No hard story, but my career was the be-all and end-all for my mum and dad because of where we were. Did I ever think I had  huge talent? Never.“Never even contemplated what life was like then, to the position I’m in now. But I’m always conscious of how different it could have been for me.“Those memories of going to Margate are great — but what I also realise now that it was that work inside my dad that became ingrained in me.“That’s what I stand for now. What I’ve always stood for. Working class values — and working as hard as you can. No one really sees that, that core inside me.“I understand what and how the people are at whatever club I am. Working-class people,  just like they are here at Burnley because I’m one of them.“It’s because I’m one of them that I’ll do everything in my power to take this club back up.”He is making a good fist of it too, the Clarets travel to Stoke today sitting in third.And the former West Ham and England midfielder stressed: “Heading off with my dad, they’re my fondest memories because of the fine margins of what it was and where it was.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Core values were instilled in me. They are as strong as ever. There’s been disappointments and triumphs, a roller coaster ride.“But sitting next to my dad in that lorry helped form who I am today and I’m proud of that.” More