More stories

  • in

    Graham Potter’s move to Leicester plunged into doubt opening door for Steve Cooper to become manager

    GRAHAM POTTER’S Leicester appointment is close to collapsing after a breakdown in talks.The former Chelsea manager had agreed terms with the Foxes this week and was discussing backroom staff appointments.Steve Cooper could now be set to take the Leicester jobCredit: AFPIt comes after talks with Graham Potter broke downCredit: GettyHowever, despite confidence from both parties that a formal agreement was close, doubts emerged overnight and the newly-promoted side have re-opened talks with Steve Cooper.The former manager of Leicester’s rivals, Nottingham Forest, held talks with the club earlier in the summer but Potter had emerged as favourite to replace Enzo Maresca.Talks with the 49-year-old had dragged, leading to frustration from the Leicester ownership, who are now discussing terms with Cooper.The ex-Swansea and England youth manager has been out of work since being sacked by Forest in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCooper took the City Ground club from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League and kept them up in his first season before being replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo last term.Potter has turned down a number of jobs since being sacked by Chelsea in April last year.The former Brighton boss was considered by his old club to replace Roberto De Zerbi while he also came close to taking the Ajax job before pulling out of talks.Leicester had also met with West Brom boss Carlos Corberan for talks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSTEVE COOPERThis is Cooper’s managerial record to date:
    Clubs managed:

    England U16s (2014-2015)
    England U17s (2015-2019)
    Swansea (2019-2021)
    Nottingham Forest (2021-2023)

    Club honours:

    England U17s: Fifa U17 World Cup (2017)
    Nottingham Forest: Championship play-offs (2022)

    Individual honours:
    Championship Manager of the Month x3: August 2019, January 2021, April 2022

    Whoever takes the post as Maresca’s replacement will face concerns over financial regulations.The Foxes are facing a potential points deduction following a previous breach of profit and sustainability rules, meaning they may need to sell top players to balance the books.Frank Lampard tells brilliant story live on BBC about why he ‘stayed away’ from Cristiano Ronaldo on holidayEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAcademy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a target for Brighton, who had a bid for the midfielder rejected in January.GRAHAM POTTERHere’s the highly-rated coach’s managerial record:
    Clubs managed:
    Ostersund (2011-2018)
    Swansea City (2018-2019)
    Brighton (2019-2022)
    Chelsea (2022/23)
    Club honours:
    Ostersund
    Svenska Cupen (2017)
    Superettan runner-up (promotion): 2015
    Division 1 Norra: 2012
    Division 2 Norrland: 2011
    Individual honours: 
    Swedish Football Awards Manager of the Year: 2016, 2017
    Swedish Sports Awards Coach of the Year: 2017 More

  • in

    Chelsea Champions League winner Ryan Bertrand, 34, announces retirement from football live on Sky Sports

    FORMER Chelsea star Ryan Bertrand announced his retirement live on Sky Sports.The 34-year-old had been without a club for a year after leaving Leicester.Ryan Bertrand announced his retirement live on Sky SportsThe defender helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2012Credit: GettyBertrand spent the majority of his career at SouthamptonCredit: GettyAnd he won 19 England capsCredit: PA:Empics SportBertrand has struggled with injury issues in the past few years and he made just 11 appearances for the Foxes.So he has decided to call it quits and announced his decision live on air.He said: “Just to clarify officially I will be retiring from football.”It’s been a little while but I get asked a lot of questions – ‘When are you coming back, what are you doing?’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So, just to make that official I am retiring and very much looking forward to the next steps.”Bertrand began his career at Chelsea and made 57 appearances for the Blues between 2010 and 2013.He started the 2012 Champions League final, helping Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties.The left-back also won 19 England caps, scoring once, and spent the majority of his career at Southampton where he made 240 appearances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBertrand now has plenty of time to pursue other interests, having already set up and sold his own company “Silicon Markets” – which aims to “bring institutional tools to the at-home trader”.Bertrand also developed an emoji business alongside ex-team-mate John Terry.Former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante reduces fans to tears with incredibly humble arrival to France’s Euro 2024 camp Speaking to Sky Sports in 2021, he said: “Sports is my passion, that’ll never leave, but finance is another one.”As you’re building the blocks towards post-career, you’ve got to re-learn, re-train, help yourself become an expert in something different.”It’s those horror stories that have kept me ahead of the game, I’m always thinking forward.”Bertrand’s impressive business-savvy attitude also led him to complete the Harvard alternative investments course. More

  • in

    How Leicester could line up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Man Utd’s past, present and future all making transfers

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could be ready to make a shock comeback to a Premier League dugout.As exclusively revealed by SunSport, Leicester City have been in contact with the Norwegian about appointing him as their new boss.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in contention to be the new Leicester managerCredit: GettyChampionship-winning gaffer Enzo Maresca left the King Power earlier this week to succeed Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.And that has left the hierarchy at Leicester drawing up a shortlist of candidates to take over from the Italian.Ruud van Nistelrooy, West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, ex-West Ham boss David Moyes, free agent Graham Potter and former Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper are all in contention with the bookmakers.But Solskjaer emerged as a surprise candidate – and SunSport understands the former Manchester United boss is keen to take over.READ MORE ON LEICESTERThe Foxes are likely to be hit with a points deduction and any transfers will need to be kept within a strict budget. But how could Leicester line up if Solskjaer does take over? GK: MADS HERMANSEN The Danish goalkeeper was super-reliable for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign.Comfortable with his feet and an excellent shot-stopper, he may get snapped up by a bigger club next summer.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

    RB: AARON WAN-BISSAKASolskjaer signed Wan-Bissaka for United from Crystal Palace in 2019 and was his No1 right-back during his Old Trafford tenure. Aged 26, the defender’s contract expires next year so a deal could get done – especially if Leicester cash in on Ricardo Pereira. Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskCB: WOUT FAESThe Belgian defender played most of the 2023-24 season.Though he has a blunder in him and often a rush of blood to the head, the crazy-haired centre-back will likely be a key figure.CB: JANNIK VESTERGAARDThe Danish giant was public enemy No1 around the KP a year ago but a year under Maresca changed everything.He was rewarded with a shock new three-year deal to stay put at Leicester – although Solskjaer may prefer Conor Coady or rising young talent Ben Nelson. LB: JAMES JUSTINThe versatile defender broke into the England squad in 2022 and battled it out with loanee Callum Doyle at left-back last season.He is a solid option – although his big salary could see him moved on to balance the wage bill out, with Brandon Williams now a free agent.Solskjaer was United boss when they signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLeicester will want to keep as much of the Championship-winning squad together as possibleCredit: GettyCM: JAMES MCATEELeicester have been long-term admirers of McAtee, who has been loaned out by Manchester City to Sheffield United twice.SunSport revealed Leicester were battling Girona to land him this summer – although Maresca’s departure may make it tricky. CM: JORDAN JAMESThe Foxes also like Birmingham City and ten-cap senior Wales star James a lot – as does Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.The 19-year-old was a rare shining light in a disappointing Blues season – and could be a replacement should Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and/or Harry Winks follow Maresca out the exit door.RW: OMARI FORSONForson joined the United academy in January 2019, a month after Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho.The attacker, 19, though, has struggled to break into the first team under Erik ten Hag, making his debut against Wigan in January, and is out of contract this month so could be available on a free transfer. CAM: JESSE LINGARDLingard has been at Leicester before – a short five-match, two-month loan spell in 2012-13 – and is now with FC Seoul following a year at the Foxes’ rivals Forest.He left United under a cloud and had a public spat with Solskjaer – citing “false promises” – but this could be a perfect chance to bury the hatchet and resurrect his Premier League career.Omari Forson could be a free agent optionCredit: AlamySolskjaer and Jesse Lingard may be reunited at the King PowerCredit: PA:Press AssociationLW: STEPHY MAVIDIDIFormer Arsenal and Juventus winger Mavididi lit up the Championship in his first season at Leicester – racking up 13 goals and six assists.Abdul Fatawu caused chaos on the right wing – seven goals and 13 assists – and Foxes fans will be desperate he joins permanently from Sporting following promotion.READ MORE SUN STORIESST: JAMIE VARDYThe veteran striker was Leicester’s top scorer in the second tier, smashing in an impressive 18 goals.And after putting pen to paper for another one-year deal, Premier League defenders will be terrified that a soon-to-be-38 Vardy will be running them ragged once again, especially after Kelechi Iheanacho’s release. James McAtee may be on the move again this summerCredit: GettyJordan James has impressed for Birmingham and WalesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea reach agreement to hire Enzo Maresca with Mauricio Pochettino’s successor handed mega-contract by Boehly and Co

    ENZO MARESCA has agreed to become Chelsea’s new manager, according to reports.The 44-year-old succeeds Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent last week.Enzo Maresca has agreed to become Chelsea’s new managerCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last weekCredit: GettyChelsea had considered the likes of Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank for the job.However, Maresca emerged as the overwhelming favourite over the weekend following his success with Leicester City.The Blues will pay Leicester £10million in compensation to formally complete the deal.It is understood Maresca will put pen to paper on a FIVE-YEAR deal – with the option of an extra year until 2030 – before getting to work on stamping his identity on the squad.Read More on FootballThe Italian took over at the King Power Stadium last summer and guided Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.He won 31 out of 46 Championship games during his only season with the Foxes.Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.He played an important role in guiding the Sky Blues to their historic Treble.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeet 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.

    Leicester midfielder Harry Winks recently hailed Maresca as an “incredible” manager.He told Sky Sports: “He’s by far the best manager I’ve worked for. He’s incredible.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses”Everybody will say he’s going right to the top in terms of managerial stature. He’s got everything. He’s a great man manager.”He’s tactically incredible in some of the decisions that he tells us to do before the game and how he views the match is something I’ve never experienced before in football.”Leicester are considering West Brom boss Carlos Corberan as an option to replace Stamford Bridge-bound Maresca.The ex-Huddersfield manager guided West Brom to the play-offs this season despite not spending a single penny on new signings.Corberan’s men fell short, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Southampton in their semi-final.However, the energetic Spaniard’s stock remains high and he is regarded as one of the most tactically astute managers in the Championship.Leicester will also have to replace the majority of their backroom staff.Maresca is set to take the five coaches he brought with him to the club down to West London.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero, who retired to take up the post last summer, is part of his staff.Also expected to make the move are Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez and Javier Molina Caballero.Leicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
    It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
    OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
    But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
    The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
    Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
    Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
    So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
    It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
    During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
    Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
    But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
    And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

    Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s No2 in the Treble-winning season at Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea paid £10m to Leicester in compensationCredit: GettyThe Foxes marched to the Championship titleCredit: PA More

  • in

    Chelsea chiefs left stunned at Enzo Maresca’s inside knowledge of club with Leicester boss poised to succeed Pochettino

    CHELSEA are on the verge of making Enzo Maresca their new boss.Todd Boehly and the Chelsea ownership group identified the 44-year-old Leicester City head coach as the man they want to replace Mauricio Pochettino.Chelsea are set to appoint Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacementCredit: GettyAnd they have been granted permission by Leicester City to speak to the Italian who led the Foxes to Championship glory and promotion back to the Prem in his debut season at the King Power.Chelsea’s co-Sporting Directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will jet into Marbella for face-to-face talks with Maresca in the next 24 hours.That suggests Chelsea have triggered the £9million release clause in Maresca’s three-year-contract with the Foxes.Chelsea are confident a three-year-deal will be agreed swiftly with Maresca understandably keen to move to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaresca’s appointment will complete a meteoric rise for the 44-year-old Italian who has emerged ahead of Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel to become Chelsea’s top target.Maresca’s first managerial role was a short-lived one as he only lasted 14 games at fallen Italian giants Parma in the summer of 2021 before he was dismissed by the Serie B club.However he returned to City, where he had enjoyed success as manager of their elite development squad, to become Pep Guardiola’s first team assistant coach in the summer of 2022.A year later, after celebrating a historic treble, including Champions League success with City, Maresca was on the move again to newly-relegated Leicester City.Most read in FootballPochettino was given the boot after differences with the Chelsea boardCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThere he lived up to his reputation as one of Pep Guardiola’s disciples – in common with Mikel Arteta and Vincent Kompany – by playing a patient, possession-based style of football similar to City’s blueprint.That made him unpopular at times with fickle Foxes fans, who preferred a much more direct approach.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesHowever, despite a few bumps along the road, Maresca led Leicester back to the Premier League at the first attempt and lifted the Championship trophy too.It is Marseca’s sometimes stubborn, painstaking attention to detail and his tactical nous which has attracted him to Blues chiefs.Leicester City’s former Spurs midfielder Harry Winks described Maresca as the best head coach he’d ever worked with – even though he had previously played for Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho in his Spurs days.Meet 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.

    And Chelsea were staggered by Maresca’s knowledge of their own youthful squad as well as his single-minded determination over the brand of football he intends to bring to Stamford Bridge.While many managers may see the Chelsea job as something of a poisoned chalice, Maresca can’t wait to work with their vast squad of expensive, quality kids and convince them of his methods.SunSport understands the Italian would have faced financial hardship and an expected points deduction at Leicester City and feels the Foxes didn’t reveal the true extent of their financial situation to him.However, with no practical experience of managing in the Premier League, Maresca may have to win Chelsea fans over quickly – as he clearly has already done with their Board. More

  • in

    Rio Ferdinand tells Jamie Vardy to play one more Premier League season before transfer to end ‘Hollywood career’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Jamie Vardy to have another crack at the Premier League.Vardy’s contract with Leicester City is set to expire next month but he is understood to be in talks with club chiefs over an extension.Jamie Vardy’s Leicester contract is set to expire next monthCredit: GettyRio Ferdinand believes he should either stay for one more year or join WrexhamCredit: AlamyShould he decide to leave the King Power Stadium, Wrexham have been linked with an audacious transfer.However, Ferdinand believes the striker deserves another shot at England’s top tier.Speaking on the Vibe with FIVE YouTube series, the ex-defender said: “He’s got to play another season in the Premier League.”I want to see him get a couple of goals in the Premier League, it’s nice.”Read More on FootballLeicester secured the Championship title with a 3-0 win over Preston last week.The Foxes are now set to make a triumphant return to the Prem, just one year after suffering relegation.Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and has since made 464 senior appearances.He helped the club clinch a historic Premier League title in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVardy is still a key player for Leicester CityBut although he is now in the latter stages of his career, the 37-year-old has no plans to retire just yet.Vardy has been heavily linked with a move to Wrexham in recent weeks.Jamie and Rebekah Vardy lead Leicester celebrations as thousands flood onto streets for Championship title paradeThe move would see him join up with Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in Wales.Wrexham’s executive director, Humphrey Ker, has refused to rule out the possibility of a transfer.He told SPORTbible: “There’s nothing to say that Jamie Vardy wouldn’t be a great Wrexham player.”It’s not a name I’ve had mentioned inside the building before. But, you know, age and profile wouldn’t put us off.”Ferdinand believes Wrexham would be the perfect destination for Vardy should he decide to move on from Leicester.The United icon added: “The only club I’d like him to go to if he leaves is Wrexham.”It’s got that Hollywood feel and he’s had a bit of a Hollywood career.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore joining Leicester, Vardy spent several years playing non-league football.As well as spending time with Fleetwood, he also played for Halifax Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels. More

  • in

    Leicester manager Enzo Maresca ‘being monitored by English clubs’ after winning promotion back to Premier League

    ENZO MARESCA is being linked with Sevilla and a string of English clubs after taking Leicester back to the Premier League in his first season.The ex-Parma chief’s suitors will be encouraged by the Italian asking to sit down with the Foxes to discuss things he “didn’t like”.Enzo Maresca, seen rejoicing with Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, is being eyed by other clubsCredit: GettyMaresca has also admitted some “problems” over not being able to splash out in the January transfer window.Sevilla have been mentioned in connection with their former midfielder for several months.The LaLiga club’s current boss Quique Sanchez Flores is due to leave when his contract runs out this summerAnd journalist Guillem Balague, a friend of Maresca, says a handful of English teams have also shown interest in the 44-year-old.READ MORE TOP STORIESLeicester’s flowing style, as they pipped Ipswich to the Championship title by a point, has won many admirers.And the Foxes are expected to hold talks with Maresca soon.It’s understood he’s unhappy with the club’s communication over Financial Fairplay issues – which led to an allegation of  breaching profitability and sustainability spending rules.And star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is tipped to be a summer transfer target for Prem rivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor now, though, Maresca is departing with his jubilant squad for a three-day break.And although Balague revealed some sticking points, he also confirmed the ex-Manchester City academy coach IS keen to stay with Leicester.It comes after striker Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah led wild street celebrations of Championship glory.Poignantly, however, Leicester’s players also displayed a picture of former owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium six years ago. More

  • in

    Leicester called ‘champions’ BEFORE season had even started thanks to eerie omen as tweet from 10 MONTHS AGO goes viral

    A FAN with a special King Power of prediction hailed Leicester’s promotion 10 MONTHS before they did the trick this week – thanks to an incredible omen.Huddersfield supporter Oliver Eaton’s June 2023 tweet explaining his Foxy feeling has now gone viral after City sealed an instant return to the Premier League.Leicester stars revelled after sealing promotionCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe jubilant Foxes even trolled second-placed rivals LeedsCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeeds’ 4-0 loss at QPR on Friday night ensured Leicester’s elevation from the Championship, three days after the Foxes beat Southampton 5-0.Yet Eaton had already “congratulated” Enzo Maresca’s men for their upcoming achievement last summer.And it’s all down to a staggering stat involving his beloved Terriers!The marketing executive revealed each of Town’s opening-day Championship opponents from the past three seasons went up the same campaign. READ MORE TOP STORIESHe posted: “Here is your reminder that whoever gets Huddersfield’s first home game has gone on to be promoted as Champions for the last three seasons.”Norwich 20.21… Fulham 21.22… Burnley 22.23.”And once  a home match with the Foxes was scheduled for the August 12 curtain-raiser, Eaton added: “I guess it’s congratulations to Leicester City.”True, his title prediction isn’t quite home and dry, as Ipswich have an outside chance of overhauling Maresca’s leaders.Most read in ChampionshipHere’s how a Huddersfield fan announced the Foxes’ success earlyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNonetheless, fans on social media saluted Eaton for being so on the crystal ball – one saying “unbelievable stat that”.But with Huddersfield doomed to relegation, one sad supporter posted: “Incredible coincidence! But it isn’t going to be the case next season.”Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for IpswichMeanwhile, ironically, Leicester revelled in their promotion joy with a prophecy of their own.The Foxes trolled second-placed rivals Leeds by tweeting “I predict a riot”.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More