Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      I became an Ally Pally legend for my ‘Pie Man’ nickname but I’m unrecognisable after my incredible body transformation

      by

      DARTS legend Andy Smith was known on the circuit as the “Pie Man” thanks to his larger-than-life personality and affection for short-crust confectionery.The three time World Grand Prix quarter-finalist won six PDC Pro Tour Titles after joining the organisation in 2004.
      The Pie Man would walk on to ‘Eat It’ by Weird Al YankovichCredit: Getty
      Andy Smith was a regular at Ally PallyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Like many darters, that came after years of ploughing away on the BDO circuit before working his way up to the pros.
      While in the PDC he embraced his stocky figure by having Weird Al Yankovic’s “Eat It” as his walk out song as he made his way to the oche.
      Now 56, he has not returned to the tour since losing his PDC Card in December 2016.
      And he has taken that time away from the oche to reinvent himself with an incredible body transformation.
      READ MORE IN DARTS
      New pictures show the “Pie Man” looking far trimmer than his throwing days – with Smith looking almost unrecognisable.
      His new look has had fans on X in shock.
      Darts commentator Matthew Edgar posted two photos of the Pie Man’s transformation, saying: “Got to be one of the most amazing transformations I’ve ever seen.
      “Andy ‘Pie Man’ Smith may need a new nickname if he returns to darts.”
      Most read in Football
      Another fan replied that Smith may have to change his nickname to the Salad Man.
      The Pie Man has now drawn comparisons with Ross Kemp in his much slimmer frameCredit: Twitter @theedgar501
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      A third likened Smith’s new look to Ross Kemp and tweeted a gif of the former Eastenders actor.
      A fourth added a message of support, saying: “He has done fantastic to lose the weight and looking a lot better now”
      A fifth said: “Good for him, he looks great.” More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Rio Ferdinand names Wayne Rooney as his ‘worst Man Utd team-mate’ in BBC podcast

      by

      RIO FERDINAND has explained how Wayne Rooney was his worst team-mate to play with due to the number of arguments they had on the field.Ferdinand and Rooney played in one of the most successful Manchester United teams of all time under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning several Premier Leagues and a Champions League together.
      Rio Ferdinand said he and Wayne Rooney would argue because he wanted to get the best out of the strikerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During their ten years together at United, Rooney established himself as the club’s all time record goalscorer and Ferdinand became a Premier League hall of fame defender.
      But Ferdinand has revealed that he and Rooney would have their differences on the pitch which led to multiple arguments during games.
      The former England centre-back was appearing on rugby league legend Rob Burrow’s podcast.
      Burrow suffers from motor neurone disease and asks questions using an eye-gaze machine.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      He asks each guest seven questions as he looks to understand how top players operate.
      Ferdinand explained his desire to get the best out of Rooney on the field led to arguments.
      He said: “The worst team-mate I probably had the most arguments with Wayne Rooney to be honest with you. Never came to blows, it was on the pitch.
      “We never argued in training really, it was just match day, we probably argued once every two or three games, effing and blinding, screaming at each other because I wanted more from him.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “The biggest thing for me with Wayne is he wanted to play 30 or 40 yard passes like Paul Scholes, and he could do it, he was that good. I wanted him to score 30 or 40 goals a season, because he could. 
      “We played one season and he scored 30-something goals and he wasn’t happy because he wasn’t getting involved in the game and dictating it, he was having to play high. And I couldn’t get my head around it. That’s the top striker, I want you to be that because I know you can be that. 
      “But he loved football that much he wanted to play football like he was playing in the park, and we used to argue, I’d tell him to shoot and he’d scream back at me. But they were good arguments.
      The internal arguments proved to be fruitful as Rooney went on to score 253 goals and become United’s all time top goalscorer.
      He would re-join his boyhood club Everton in 2017, where he did operate deeper in the team – either as an attacking or defensive midfielder.
      Rooney is the current manager of Birmingham in the Championship – but has endured a tough period since taking over in October. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend tears into current Blues flops saying ‘do your f***ing job, wake up’ after Everton embarrassment

      by

      JOHN OBI MIKEL has ripped into Chelsea’s current flops after their embarrassing defeat to Everton.The Blues legend has told his former club’s stars to “do your f***ing job, wake up” in a passionate rant.
      Chelsea’s struggling stars have been told to ‘do your f***ing job’Credit: Reuters
      John Obi Mikel called for the Blues’ current flops to ‘wake up’ in a passionate rantCredit: Talksport
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side find themselves 14 points adrift of the top four after 16 matches this season.
      Sunday’s 2-0 loss at relegation-threatened Everton was Chelsea’s third defeat in four matches, leaving the Blues 12th in the table.
      Reacting to the result, Mikel claimed his old side are lacking leadership compared to his time at Stamford Bridge.
      The Nigerian was part of a Chelsea team featuring the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Speaking on his The Obi Wan podcast, he fumed: “There is no identity of how the team want to play. I am a big believer in giving a manager time, I am not a believer in sacking managers left, right and centre.
      “Are we just going to sit on the fence and say we are still in a rebuilding process.
      “There is no time for that. We need to start winning games. When I look at at the team, it comes down to a lack of leaders.
      “In the game against Everton, I looked around the pitch, there is not one single leader.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      Sunday’s loss at Everton leaves Chelsea 12th in the Premier League and 14 points off the top fourCredit: Getty
      “There is no one to come out on the pitch to go at your colleagues and say, ‘Wake up, what are you doing?’, come to you and scream at you – this is what we had before.
      “The likes of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard, when you are having a s*** game, these guys would make you wake up.
      “I look all around the pitch and I look at the manager, I didn’t see him scream at one of the players to say, ‘Do your f***ing job, wake up, make sure you run around and make sure we win the game’.”
      Mikel made 372 appearances for Chelsea during 11 years with the club, winning 11 major trophies during that time, including two league titles and the Champions League.
      However, his former club now find themselves struggling in the bottom half despite spending over £400million in the summer.
      Pochettino also now faces injury woes within his squad after Reece James was ruled out until March.
      The Blues captain was forced off with a hamstring injury during the loss at Goodison Park to add to the club’s problems. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s transfer strategy is ‘ridiculous’ and no manager could succeed with Blues squad, ex-Man Utd star claims

      by

      FORMER Manchester United striker Louis Saha has berated Chelsea’s “ridiculous” transfer strategy.The Blues have spent over £1BILLION in the transfer market since Todd Boehly took over in May 2022.
      Chelsea’s transfer strategy has been criticisedCredit: Reuters
      Louis Saha has branded the Blues as “ridiculous”Credit: Alamy
      Amid the huge cash splash 30 new players have walked through the doors of Stamford Bridge in the last 18 months.
      However, Chelsea are still struggling in the Premier League.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sit 12th in the table with just 19 points from 16 games.
      Blues fans have grown increasingly frustrated in recent weeks, with some even calling for a new manager.
      Read More on Chelsea
      But ex-Prem striker Saha is not convinced that such a change would spark an improvement.
      Speaking to Paddy Power, the former United star said: “From the start of the season I never understood the strategy behind Chelsea’s signings – it was ridiculous.
      “You could put any manager in there and I doubt that he will manage those young players well.  
      “The structure is really hard to find – it seems like they don’t know each other, especially when playing at Manchester United – there was quality, but no links between players.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Chelsea have the worst points-per-game record in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      “This is why they are struggling – they can impress and be frustrating, they are good players but there is no strategy behind it.  
      “Those are the basics of football – you can’t just expect signings to be the solution, you have to give the players the right time and get the proper education on how they will play and put the players in the best positions.
      “At the moment, I don’t see any of it – there are some games they are playing very well, but the Premier League is tough.”
      Chelsea currently have the worst points-per-game record in the Premier League for 2023.
      This record is only matched by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, however, they played one less game than the Blues. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Audio of Erling Haaland’s Tottenham meltdown is released as Howard Webb explains bizarre reason play was stopped

      by

      AUDIO from Erling Haaland’s meltdown against Tottenham has been released.The Manchester City striker reacted furiously after referee Simon Hooper denied his side a chance to win the game.
      Audio from Erling Haaland’s meltdown against Tottenham has been releasedCredit: Rex
      During the closing stages of the 3-3 draw on December 3, Haaland sent Jack Grealish through on goal after being fouled by Emerson Royal.
      However, Hooper blew his whistle to pull the game back after initially waving play on.
      His decision prompted an angry reaction from the City players, with Haaland confronting the official before exploding into an X-rated rant as he left the pitch at full-time.
      Audio from the incident has now been released in the latest instalment of Match Officials Mic’d Up.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      PGMOL chief Howard Webb put the decision down to human error as he explained the footage.
      Hooper can be heard saying: “No, sorry,” after blowing his whistle before being surrounded by City players.
      He then repeatedly tells them “calm” as Haaland gestures and shouts in his face.
      Reflecting on the incident, Webb said: “It is an officiating mistake.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Haaland and his Man City team-mates were left fuming with referee Simon HooperCredit: Rex
      “As officials, we’re always looking to have that positive impact on the game by trying to identify occasions when we can allow the game to play through an advantage and Simon Hooper is normally good at identifying those things.
      “On this occasion, he sees a pretty strong, reckless foul by Emerson Royal on Haaland and it’s in midfield and the ball comes backwards.
      “He does the hard work and just hesitates for a moment to see whether an advantage is possible.
      “And he recognises it by going through his mind that it was a strong challenge, it was reckless and he is going to have to caution [Royal].
      “At ground level, it’s not quite easy to see how things are playing out compared to an elevated view.
      “And he decides to penalise just at the moment when the ball is about to go and then realises that a wonderful advantage was available.

      “For sure, he was devastated. He refereed the game really well for 93 minutes but he knows this is going to be the only talking point, right at the end of the game.
      “I understand the disappointment that Manchester City felt on this one, because it would have been a wonderful advantage but he [Hooper] blew at the wrong time.
      Howard Webb reviewed the incident on Match Officials Mic’d UpCredit: Sky Sports
      “It looked like he was ready to play advantage, but you never heard him shout: ‘advantage’. I asked him about the arm and he said he didn’t even realise he was doing it in the moment.
      “It was disappointing for Simon, he would have loved to have played advantage there.
      “I said to him afterwards: ‘just hold your hands up, be a remorseful man and show your disappointment in the moment’. Because he was certainly feeling that at the time. We took the learning from that and we hope he won’t do that again.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Haaland later criticised the officials’ performance during the match on social media, risking the wrath of the FA.
      Although he has faced no further action for his post-match rage, City were charged with failing to control their players. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Reece James horror injury record revealed with Chelsea captain now set to miss THREE MONTHS with hamstring issue

      by

      CHELSEA captain Reece James has been dealt another huge injury setback.The defender, 24, was forced off just 26 minutes into the Blues’ Premier League defeat against Everton on Sunday with a hamstring injury.
      Reece James is set to be unavailable until MarchCredit: PA
      He was forced off with an injury against Everton at the weekendCredit: Getty
      It has since been confirmed that he could now be unavailable until March.
      James has already missed nine games so far this season due to injury.
      And he is now set for an even longer spell on the sidelines taking to social media to reveal he’s “devastated” by his latest setback.
      The defender has been plagued by injuries since making his Chelsea debut in 2019.
      Read More on Chelsea
      In fact, James has already missed around 30 per cent of the club’s competitive games.
      An ankle issue hindered his debut season at Stamford Bridge before another ankle knock and a hamstring issue limited his 2020-21 season.
      He then missed 20 games the following season due to a muscular injury and another two hamstring injuries.
      But arguably his biggest setback so far came during the 2022-23 campaign, when he missed 25 games.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Reece James’ injury record
      Two knee injuries, a thigh problem and a hamstring issue stopped him from from seeing out the season.
      And shortly after he was named Chelsea captain at the start of this season, James suffered a torn hamstring against Liverpool on the opening day.
      He returned in October, but now he is set for another several months on the sidelines in a huge blow to Maurico Pochettino’s side.
      In the England star’s absence, Malo Gusto is expected to step in.
      Taking to Instagram following the confirmation of his latest setback, James simply wrote: “Devastated 💔.” More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola gives Jack Grealish death stare in Man City training as fans warn star about golden rule

      by

      FANS spotted Pep Guardiola giving Jack Grealish a ‘death stare’ after the midfielder rocked up late to training.Manchester City are in full prep as the reigning Champions League holders train ahead of their trip to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night.
      Jack Grealish rocked up late to training ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash
      Grealish was seen smiling and jogging onto the pitch
      Pep Guardiola gave the winger a long and hard stare after he turned up
      In a video shared by Hayters TV, Grealish was spotted smiling and jogging onto the pitch late for training.
      Moments later the boss walked behind and appeared to give the star a questionable stare.
      Fans were quick to warn the Birmingham-born star to “never” break one of Guardiola’s golden rules otherwise he could lose his spot on the team.
      One fan said: “Never be late under Pep👀.”
      READ MORE MAN CITY NEWS
      While another added: “Grealish playing with FIRE turning up late in front of Pep Guardiola😂👀.”
      A third then put: “His lucky he scored Saturday😂Pep was Going 2 Fume.”
      Lucky for Grealish he scored the winner against Luton on Saturday so he has some credit in the bank.
      That victory ended what has been a miserable few weeks for Man City having dropped points in four of their last five Premier League games.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Their unsuccessful performances means last year’s Treble winners now sit fourth in the Premier League four points behind front-runners Liverpool.
      This week the pressure is off the Spanish boss as his squad sit at the top of their Group G table with 15 points already securing qualification to the knockout stages in the Champions League.
      Guardiola however will still be eager for City to clinch a victory over Red Star on Wednesday. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle ‘interested in Jose Mourinho as manager’ as fans say ‘sincerely hope not’

      by

      NEWCASTLE are reportedly keeping tabs on Roma manager Jose Mourinho with his contract rapidly running out.Mourinho’s deal with the Giallorossi expires in June and talks have begun between him and the club’s hierarchy.
      Newcastle are interested in Roma manager Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty
      Mourinho’s contract at Roma runs out in June and Newcastle are ‘fascinated’Credit: Getty
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants want to keep the Portuguese tactician who has also won the fans over.
      The Roma faithful are so behind the ex-Chelsea boss that they even put up a banner at Olimpico, calling him a “Romanista for life” on Sunday during the 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
      However, the former Manchester United manager wants another two-year deal in Rome whereas the club chiefs are more keen on a one-year extension.
      Nevertheless, Roma officials are willing to pay Mourinho €7.5m (£6.4m) per season.
      Read More on Newcastle
      However, a return to the Premier League isn’t out of the question for the ex-Tottenham boss.
      That is because interest from Newcastle is “looming” with club bigwigs “fascinated” by the 60-year-old.
      However, there are currently no indications that Toon manager Eddie Howe’s position is under threat.
      And it doesn’t seem like the Magpies’ fans are all keen on replacing Howe with Mourinho.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A Newcastle fan tweeted: “We have great team morale at Newcastle at the moment.
      “Sincerely hope Mourinho doesn’t rock up here and destroy that.”
      Real Madrid are also interested in bringing Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu with current manager Carlo Ancelotti’s deal running out in June as well. More