Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester set asking price for James Maddison as Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle prepare to fight over England star

      by

      LEICESTER CITY have reportedly set their asking price for James Maddison amid interest from Tottenham and Newcastle.The midfielder has impressed this season with nine goals in 21 Premier League games.
      Leicester could be forced to sell James Maddison this summerCredit: Getty
      Maddison’s form has won him many admirers as well as his first England cap, which came against Montenegro in November.
      And Leicester could be forced to sell their prized asset with Maddison’s contract expiring in 2024.
      That means the Foxes have one last opportunity to cash in and are demanding £50million to let him leave, report The Telegraph.
      Leicester announced losses of £92.5million for 2021-22 and selling Maddison would help their financial situation.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The club have tried to tie Maddison down to a new deal but there has reportedly been no breakthrough in talks.
      That could allow potential suitors to pounce when the transfer window opens.
      Tottenham are believed to be keen on the England star as they rebuild following Antonio Conte’s departure.
      Newcastle also want Maddison and could reignite their interest after missing out on the midfielder in January.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The Magpies also tried to sign the 26-year-old last summer but had a bid worth £45million rejected.
      There is also said to be interest in the playmaker from Arsenal and abroad, so Maddison looks set to be involved in a summer transfer tussle. More

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Premier League cult hero but was stunned when Thierry Henry asked for my shirt – I thought he had wrong room

      by

      FORMER Premier League striker James Beattie has revealed he thought Thierry Henry had the wrong room when he turned up to ask for his shirt. Beattie, 45, made 331 Premier League appearances during his career, scoring 91 goals and providing 37 assists.
      James Beattie scored 91 Premier League goals in his careerCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Beattie played for the likes of Sheffield United, Everton, and SouthamptonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The former striker started his career at Blackburn before having stints at Southampton, Everton, Stoke, Sheffield United, Rangers, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley.
      Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes Fanzone Beattie recalled a moment in 2003 that left him stunned.
      He said: “Over the years I’ve had some right battles with Arsenal. I scored two in a 3-2 win over them for Southampton back in 2002, and I’ve scored an own goal while playing for Stoke in a 4-0 defeat.
      “But, probably, the one standout moment would’ve been in the 2003 FA Cup final. They beat us 1-0 down in Wales on the day and, to be fair, we probably should have been down to 10-men but for the referee maybe being a little generous towards us with it being a cup final.
      Read more football
      “But, after the game, after all of the celebrations, we get a knock on our dressing room door, and it’s Thierry Henry. He’s turned up asking for my shirt. I’m thinking ‘has he got the wrong room?!’ It’s a special moment that will always stay with me, and I’ve still got that shirt to this day.”
      The Englishman made his debut against the Gunners for Blackburn in a 2-0 defeat and received some words of encouragement after the game from another Arsenal and Premier League legend.
      He said: “That Arsenal team communicated so well, mainly Adams and Keown, and the whole team just did not stop talking to each other, from start to finish.
      “Even communicating over the tiniest of things, they had each other covered. It’s something I’ve always carried with me as a player, and I look at teams now and wonder if anyone else is at the level those guys were.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “The second thing I took from that game was something Ian Wright said to me at full-time – as I said, we lost the game 2-0, and unsurprisingly Wright scored both of their goals, but after the game he made a point of coming over to talk to me: “Keep that up, you’ll go far, son.”
      Since retiring from football Beattie has been part of Garry Monk’s back room staff at Birmingham, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea and was an assistant at Wigan.
      He had a spell as manager of Accrington Stanley from May 2013- September 2014 winning 16 of his 58 games in charge.
      The closest Beattie came to winning a trophy in his career was when he finished runner in the FA Cup with Southampton in 2003. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Roy Keane claims Arsenal will bottle Premier League title in ‘pressure games’ and Man City will win it

      by

      ROY KEANE believes that Arsenal will choke in the Premier League title race.The Gunners are currently eight points clear of Manchester City at the top, although Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.
      Roy Keane has backed Arsenal to squander top spotCredit: Getty
      The Irishman reckons that Arsenal will lose out to Man City in the title raceCredit: Reuters
      Mikel Arteta’s men will also travel to the Etihad on April 26 – while they have further tough fixtures against Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea to contend with.
      Speaking on The Overlap, Keane claimed that “brilliant” City’s experience will get them over the line.
      He said: “They (Arsenal) are in a great position, wouldn’t have thought that at the start of the season but they’ve been brilliant, a lot of the young players have been very consistent, they can just focus on the league.
      “They’re definitely favourites for the title. I don’t think they’ll do it.
      Read More Football Stories
      “I still have to fancy City but Arsenal have got themselves in a great position.
      “You need a little bit of luck, injuries over the last few months, they’re in a great position and you have to admire them for that – can’t begrudge them.
      “I just think City are that brilliant. The games they (Arsenal) have to go and win, these are obviously pressure games and they’ve not dealt with that over the last few years.
      “Even last year with top four they came up short, that’s the question mark that’s just hanging over them.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “But again, they’ve been brilliant, if they did go on and win it you have to give them the plaudits, but this is the crunch time, when you sort the men out from the boys, who can get over the line?”
      While Arsenal have a tough run in, City have a comparatively favourable fixture list.
      The reigning champions do still have European football to contend with, however, as well as an FA Cup semi-final.
      Their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich is sandwiched by Prem clashes with Southampton and Leicester.
      While their home fixture against Arsenal will come just four days after their FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.
      Manchester City are still fighting on three frontsCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd LIVE: Ten Hag issues WARNING to stars, £43m Kim min-jae LINKED, Van de Beek EXIT, takeover latest updates

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag has issued a warning to his players his underperforming players.Meanwhile, The Red Devils will face competition from other Premier League sides for Napoli star Kim Min-jae.
      Elsewhere, Donny van de Beek has been linked with a sensational return to former club Ajax.
      And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Wout better for United than Ron – stats say
      United are much BETTER with Wout Weghorst than Cristiano Ronaldo – at least in terms of results.
      That is despite the Dutchman barely scoring since arriving at Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo, 38, was axed by United in November following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      That left Erik ten Hag without a recognised senior striker in his squad with the Red Devils battling on four fronts.

      And he made the shock swoop for Burnley centre forward Weghorst, who in turn cut his loan at Besiktas short to make his temporary switch to Old Trafford.
      To say he has struggled for goals would be an understatement – the Carabao Cup winner has managed just two goals in 19 starts and is yet to get one in the Premier League.
      But despite Ronaldo hitting the net 11 times in his last 19 starts for the club, the data proves United are a stronger team with the giant Holland international up front rather than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and record-breaking machine.

      In those last 19 starts, Ronaldo helped United to nine wins, three draws and seven defeats.
      Over the same period, Weghorst’s return is a whopping 12 wins, four draws and just three losses – a significant improvement.
      Though those are across all competitions and include knockout cup games, that would work out as 40 points for Weghorst – 2.11 per game – compared to 30 points or 1.58 per game for Ronaldo.
      You should know what I want by now
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told his under-performing stars they are at the wrong club if they still do not know what he wants from them.
      Ten Hag wants to see a reaction in tonight’s clash against Brentford — who gave him a rude 4-0 awakening in the second game of the season.
      The Dutch tactician was asked if he was worried some of his players were not getting the message about hunger and motivation.
      Ten Hag responded: “When they can’t get it, then they are in the wrong place.”
      Credit: Rex
      Ten Hag’s five guys
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is ready to put five players on the chopping block this summer – including a favourite of co-owner Joel Glazer.
      According to Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly will all be up for sale in the summer.
      Martial is believed to be Glazer’s favourite and he has intervened to stop the striker being sold previously.
      But the 27-year-old, who was signed with high expectations in 2015, has failed to convince over a sustained period and has been increasingly hampered by various injuries.
      More from Parker
      Manchester United hero Paul Parker added that Luke Shaw is “not a leader”.
      Parker added: “Shaw has played a lot of games in the Premier League and a lot of games for his country.
      “Way more games than I did, so you would expect more from him but he is not a leader. It is a huge weakness in his game.
      “For me it seems like he wants to put his team in jeopardy by the way he conducts himself.
      “You should want to die for Man United and it makes me think that he is not a player that should play for Man United, when he is not acting like that.”
      Are you Shaw?
      Manchester United star Luke Shaw is “petulant” and “can’t be trusted”, claims Old Trafford hero Paul Parker.
      Parker told BonusCodeBets: “When Man United are struggling and the results have not gone their way, Shaw has reacted by being petulant and his performances have been very disappointing.
      “We are talking about a player who is England’s left full-back so you would expect mature performances and a mature behaviour but you are not getting that from him.
      “When I’m watching him I get this playground feeling. He feels like he is the best player on the team and if it’s not going his way he wants to pick up the ball and go home. That’s the way he is and he ends up kicking people.
      “Against Liverpool he tried to get a red card in the last 15 minutes. He wanted to get sent off and I got the same feeling against Newcastle.
      “If we were going to judge him right now we would ask ourselves the question, what is he doing as England’s left full-back? Because you can’t trust him when things aren’t going his way.”
      Eriksen injury status
      Manchester United star Christian Eriksen is back in first-team training in a huge boost for manager Erik ten Hag.
      Eriksen has been missing since the end of January after he was poleaxed by a reckless challenge by Reading’s Andy Carroll in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.
      Ten Hag said: “Not for tomorrow but he’s returning on the pitch.
      “He’s returned to team training today, so we have to see now how quickly he can make the progress.”
      Partey slams Man Utd
      Arsenal star Thomas Partey took a surprise swipe at Manchester United on social media.
      Partey was particularly pleased when United dropped to fifth place after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
      The midfielder appeared in a video by media personality and Red Devils fan Nana Aba Anamoah with whom he was having lunch.
      Aba Anamoah asked the Ghana international to send a message to Arsenal fans and that is when he decided to poke fun at United.
      Partey said: “Join us in celebration of United’s loss.”
      Arsenal star Thomas Partey trolled Manchester United
      Man Utd’s mission Kim-possible
      Manchester United are interested in triggering the release clause of Napoli star Kim Min-jae, but will have to fend off a lot of competition.
      According to Mail Online, United are among three Premier League clubs who are keen on a move for Kim.
      The 26-year-old is rumoured to be interested in a move to the Prem and will have plenty of options if his clause is triggered.
      The Red Devils are said to be joined in the chase for the South Korea international by Liverpool and Tottenham.
      More from Ten Hag
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag defended his players after a dip in form.
      Ten Hag said: “I agree we return to old habits but I also know there are fluctuations because people are not robots.
      “But we have to act as robots, as machines, we have to expect and demand of our players that they match the standards.
      “So, when we are not doing it we are disappointed because that is our job. There is a very strong belief, very strong confidence and passion and togetherness.
      “We have shown it in many games and big games, we have shown we can win the games. But you have to do it in every game because that is the demand on Manchester United.”
      Wil I never
      Arsenal Under-18s boss Jack Wilshere has taken a swipe at Manchester United fans ahead of the FA Youth Cup final.
      Looking ahead to the final against either West Ham or Southampton, Wilshere revealed his hope for a full-capacity crowd on April 29.
      The 31-year-old head coach referred to last year’s final between United and Nottingham Forest as he took a dig at United fans.
      Wilshere said: “I watched the Youth Cup final last year and there was 60,000 there. And I know that our fans are better than Man United fans.”
      Ten Hag warning
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told his under-performing stars they are at the wrong club if they still do not know what he wants from them.
      Ten Hag wants to see a reaction in tonight’s clash against Brentford — who gave him a rude 4-0 awakening in the second game of the season.
      The Dutch tactician was asked if he was worried some of his players were not getting the message about hunger and motivation.
      Ten Hag responded: “When they can’t get it, then they are in the wrong place.”
      Credit: Rex
      Don his way?
      Ajax are keen on bringing Manchester United ace Donny van de Beek back to the club this summer.
      Van de Beek is currently sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury picked up in January.
      According to Football Insider, the playmaker is set to be one of the names to leave Old Trafford this summer as the Red Devils look to sell as many as eight players.
      The same report adds that the Netherlands international’s former club Ajax would be interested in bringing him back to Amsterdam.
      The Manchester giants would be prepared to accept a bid of £25million to end the 25-year-old’s disappointing three-year spell at the club.
      Man Utd takeover latest
      The UK government has raised concerns about Manchester United’s potential buyer Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani amid his bid to take over from the Glazers.
      Sheikh Jassim is one of the frontrunners to buy United, with the Qatari banker going up against British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus.
      The takeover process is continuing to drag on, but the Raine Group expected to provide an update in the coming days.
      Sheikh Jassim is looking to make a 100 per cent buyout, as well as clearing the club’s debt.
      Marcus Rashford change
      Former Manchester United coach Neil Ryan claims Marcus Rashford wanted to play as a holding midfielder after suffering a crisis in confidence.
      Ryan, who worked with United’s youth team, revealed Rashford wanted to play in the deeper role as he could not “burn past” players.
      However, the now England Under-18s manager insisted that the 25-year-old would always be a forward and that his pace would come once he grew more.
      Ryan told FourFourTwo: “In the Under-12s and Under-13s he was fantastic and often up against older boys. You didn’t feel that it was effortless like it was with Ravel Morrison.
      “Marcus’ attitude and talent always stood out, but aged 14 he had a confidence crisis and wanted to be a holding midfielder. I recall talking to his mother and brothers.
      “He spoke about wanting to get on the ball more.He didn’t have the pace then to burn past others because he was still growing, but we always thought he’d be a forward.”
      Hugo Ekitike alert
      Paris Saint-Germain are tipped to offload Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike after one season.
      Ekitike, 20, has also been previously linked with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
      PSG landed the striker on loan from Reims last summer.
      But although that deal means the reigning French champions have to buy the France Under-20 international at the end of the season, Le Parisien say he will then be transfer-listed.
      The Frenchman has, unsurprisingly, struggled to displace Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar up front.
      And to many pundits, Ekitike’s form has been a disappointment.
      Credit: Getty
      Morning, United fans
      Brazil striker Vitor Roque has joined Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen on United’s summer wishlist for strikers.
      And the Red Devils are considering triggering the £43million release clause of Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae.
      That’s the top transfer gossip ahead of tonight’s home Prem clash with Brentford.
      United need just a point to leapfrog Tottenham and Sunday’s conquerors Newcastle to return to third place.
      Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the squad after illness.
      But although Christian Eriksen has resumed full training it’s thought he’s still a week or so away from competitive action.
      It’s claimed Nigeria striker Osimhen has indicated he’d be interested in moving to Old Trafford.
      That comes as United are rated as frontrunners for his club-mate Kim, ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham.
      But Barcelona are said to be ahead of United in the hunt for Athletico Paranaense starlet Roque, 18. 
      Finally, United will play Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on July 30 as part of their USA summer tour.
      Piers blasts Ten Hag after Ron’s latest masterclass
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s deadly double shows Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag made one of football’s worst blunders EVER, Piers Morgan claims.
      And as fans hailed Ronaldo’s display in Al-Nassr’s 5-0 rout of Al Adfalah, one reckoned his second goal proved he has the “the greatest weak foot in the history of this beautiful game”.
      United ousted the Portugal legend, 38, in November following his searing verdict in a TalkTV interview with Sun Columnist Morgan over how the club and Ten Hag had treated him.

      But now, after a mediocre World Cup and slow start to his career in Saudi Arabia, Ron’s in scorching form again.
      He bagged Al-Nassr’s penalty opener and a stunning third goal on Tuesday
      Picking up a pass from two-goal strike-partner Talisca, he accelerated into the box and lashed a left-footer inside the far corner.
      One enthusiast tweeted: “The greatest weak foot in the history of this beautiful game. 156th weak foot goal for the Greatest of all time.”
      And Morgan posted: “Two more goals for @Cristiano so far tonight, including this superb one which once again suggests Ten Hag’s decision to dump him for Wout Weghorst was one of the worst in football history.”
      Old Trafford chief Ten Hag has stuck with Weghorst in attack despite the loanee’s lack of goals.
      ‘Rashford wanted change’
      A former Manchester United coach has claimed that Marcus Rashford wanted to place as a holding midfielder after suffering a crisis in confidence.
      Neil Ryan, who worked with the youth team at United, revealed that Rashford, 25, wanted to play in the deeper role as he could not “burn past” players.

      However, the now England under 18s manager, 48, insisted that Rashford would always be a forward and that his pace would come once he grew more.
      He told FourFourTwo: “In the Under 12s and Under 13s he was fantastic and often up against older boys. 
      “You didn’t feel that it was effortless like it was with Ravel Morrison.
      “Marcus’ attitude and talent always stood out, but aged 14 he had a confidence crisis and wanted to be a holding midfielder. 
      “I recall talking to his mother and brothers.
      “He spoke about wanting to get on the ball more.
      “He didn’t have the pace then to burn past others because he was still growing, but we always thought he’d be a forward.”
      Red Devils to face Dortmund in Vegas
      United will play Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in July as part of its summer tour of the US, bringing the most famous football club on the planet to the entertainment capital of the world, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
      The match at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday July 30, is the second fixture of the Club’s Tour 23 to be announced, with more fixtures and locations to be revealed in the coming weeks.
      United have not met the Bundesliga side since a 2016 tour game in China and the pair have only played six competitive matches in their histories, – making this summer’s encounter a rare opportunity for US fans to see two of Europe’s leading football teams go head-to-head.
      Last week, United announced a game against Welsh side Wrexham at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, on 25th July. Tickets for this match have already sold out, with fans eager to see the Red Devils return to the US for the first time in five years.
      United Football Director, John Murtough said: “We have worked with the manager and his staff to provide a mix of competitive opponents to play during our tour of the US and we look forward to the match against Borussia Dortmund.
      “As well as gaining valuable playing time, the squad will also be participating in training camps within the best sporting facilities available, giving our players the opportunity to build fitness before the start of the new Premier League season.
      “The response we have received from fans since announcing we will be returning to the US has been incredible. We already have a full house for the match in San Diego and I am sure it will be the same for this fixture in Vegas.”
      Utd ‘in for Kim’
      United are reportedly interested in triggering the £43million release clause of Napoli star Kim Min-jae, but will have to fend off a lot of competition.
      The Mail Online has reported that the Red Devils are among three Premier League clubs who are keen on a move for the centre-back.
      The 26-year-old is rumoured to be interested in a move to the English top flight and will have plenty of options if his clause is triggered.
      United are said to be joined in the chase for the South Korea international by Liverpool and Tottenham.

      Kim has been a crucial part of Napoli’s impressive campaign this season.
      He has featured 36 times for the club already as they sit 16 points clear at the top of Serie A with a Champions League quarter-final tie with AC Milan to come.
      The former Fenerbahce defender joined the Italians in the summer for a modest £16million, but is understood to be valued significantly higher now.
      The release clause in his contract – thought to be be 50million euros – would see him leave for below his market value after only one season at the club.
      Napoli could try to remove the clause by offering Kim a fresh set of terms despite his recent arrival.
      Prem clubs on Hugo alert
      PSG are tipped to offload Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike after ONE season.
      The French striker, 20, has previously been linked with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
      PSG landed the Under-20 international on loan from Reims last summer.

      But although that deal means the Ligue 1 leaders have to buy him at the end of the season, Le Parisien sayhe will then be transfer-listed.
      Ekitike has, unsurprisingly, struggled to displace Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar up front.
      And to many pundits his form has been a disappointment.
      Nev stirs up Spurs row
      United legend sparked a furious Twitter row with Jermaine Jenas and Jamie O’Hara with his cutting comments about former Tottenham players.
      The Sky Sports pundit, 48, took a swipe at his fellow footballers-turned-pundits criticising the club after they blew a lead to draw 1-1 at lowly ten-man Everton on Monday.
      Spurs still rose to fourth on goal difference but some ex-Spurs players hit out, especially when caretaker boss Cristian Stellini claimed his team “played a good game”.

      Jenas tweeted: “I can’t watch this team anymore ffs.”
      And O’Hara raged on talkSPORT before storming out of the studio: “I’m done. Someone save me. I’m done, I am done. Who is this imposter? Has Antonio Conte come back?”
      Neville tweeted: “Interesting seeing ex-Spurs players that never got near to Champions League places for years when they played for the club saying they can’t watch this current team now.
      “Spurs are in fourth place currently ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. Perspective!”
      O’Hara said: “Massive fan of Gary Neville so won’t get into a slanging match. I did play for Spurs, grew up at Spurs and a huge fan who cares about the club and seeing the awful football week in week out is hard to watch.
      “Everyone is entitled to an opinion and we may be fourth but it’s diabolical.”
      Jenas shared a photo of himself playing for Tottenham in the Champions League and captioned it: “… maybe he wasn’t taking about me. Apologies if so @GNev2.”
      Victor fancies becoming a Red Devil
      Napoli star Victor Osimhen is interested in a move to Manchester United.
      According to TeamTalk, the Osimhen is ‘eyeing up’ a move to United in the summer.
      This season the striker has excelled in Serie A and has provided plenty of goals in the club’s title charge.
      The Nigeria international has registered a staggering total of 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances.

      Red Devils and Barca ‘keen on Roque’
      United and Barcelona are regarded as two of the massive European clubs interested in 18-year-old Brazil striker Vitor Roque.
      The Athletico Paranaense starlet has notched 10 goals and three assists in 40 games for the Brazilian top-flight club.
      It’s claimed he’d prefer a move to Barca.
      And that would hardly be a surprise, given that fellow countrymen Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have also swapped Brazil for the Nou Camp.
      Villa ‘in for Henderson’
      Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move to sign Man United’s Dean Henderson.
      The goalkeeper is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, who will be in the hint for his signature should they beat the drop.
      But according to Football Insider, the Villans are also interested in signing the internationally capped stopper.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest give Steve Cooper dreaded vote of confidence as they confirm manager will STAY but fire warning

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have announced that Steve Cooper will remain as manager despite growing speculation over his future. Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Leeds heaped more pressure on Cooper but the club have moved to quell the speculation.
      Steve Cooper signed a new contract with Forest in back in October until 2025Credit: PA
      Owner Evangelos Marinakis confirmed that Cooper was staying in a statement posted on the club website.
      The statement read: “No one denies that our club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.
      “We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.
      “Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players – to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.
      Read more football
      “There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation.  There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”
      Forest are struggling this season despite heavy backing and an influx of players with no fewer than 30 new faces arriving at the City Ground.

      They sit 17th on 27 points and remain outside the drop zone on goal difference.
      Cooper’s men have picked up one win on the road and just six all season.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The former Swansea manager has been at Forest since 2021 and took them back to the Premier League for the first time since 1999 with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield in the play off final at Wembley in 2022.
      The 43 year old was close to losing his job in October but subsequently signed a new contract until 2025.
      There have been a record number of sackings in the Premier League this season with no fewer than 12 managers losing their jobs. More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Damning stats show how Chelsea paid over £3million per win and £1m PER GOAL after spending huge fee to get Potter

      by

      THE shocking stats behind Graham Potter’s Chelsea exit have shown just how costly his time in charge was. Potter was appointed by Todd Boehly in September on a five-year contract but was sacked on Sunday after seeing Chelsea slip to 11th in the Premier League with a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
      Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Graham Potter’s record at Chelsea was far from ideal reading
      And the staggering financial cost of Potter’s ill-fated rein has now been laid bare.
      Potter took charge of 31 matches in all competitions.
      Across these games, the 47-year-old had a record of 12 wins, eight draws and 11 defeats.
      This came with 33 goals scored and 31 goals against.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Chelsea paid a record fee for a manager when they prised Potter away from Brighton for £21.5million.
      This is ironically the same number of league goals the team scored under his tenure: 21.
      Potter’s £190,000 per week wages also saw him rack up £6.5m.
      The termination of his contract has seen him rake in another £13m, roughly a quarter of his £50m contract.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Crunching the numbers down, we can see Potter’s tenure at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea pay £3.4m per win and £1.2m per goal in all competitions.
      What’s more, Potter is statistically the joint-worst manager in Chelsea’s Premier League history.
      Chelsea had little time to adjust to life in the post-Potter era before drawing 0-0 with Liverpool in a game which echoed much of the frustrations with Potter’s time in charge with lacklustre finishing.
      Bruno Salter took charge of his first-ever game against the Reds, but the search for a permanent coach is well underway.
      Luis Enrique has reportedly flown to London for talks to take over at Chelsea, though the Blues reportedly have a seven-man shortlist of candidates.
      Among these is ex-boss Frank Lampard, who SunSport revealed Chelsea are considering handing the reins to until the end of the season. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester considering shock return for Premier League icon who last managed them 23 YEARS ago after Rodgers axe

      by

      LEICESTER are considering a shock move to bring Martin O’Neill back to the club 23 years after he left, according to reports.The Foxes dismissed Brendan Rodgers on Sunday with the club in danger of being relegated to the Championship.
      Martin O’Neill has been linked with a shock return to the clubCredit: Getty
      Brendan Rodgers was sacked after four years in charge of the clubCredit: PA
      The Independant are reporting that the club want to bring in an experienced interim to guide the them to Premier League safety.
      And Leicester chiefs have selected O’Neill and Rafael Benitez as potential options.
      The hierarchy supposedly wanted to bring in the just sacked Chelsea boss Graham Potter, but he has rejected a move to the club.
      Instead, they could try to bring O’Neill, 71, back to Leicester.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Northern Irishman managed them between 1995 and 2000, helping guide the team to promotion to the Premier League and then two League Cup victories.
      O’Neill went on to manage Celtic, Aston Villa, Sunderland and the Ireland national side before stepping away from management in 2019 following a spell at Nottingham Forest.

      Some of Rodgers’ assistants Mike Stowell and Adam Sadler are currently in charge of the team and got off to a bad start, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa last night.
      After the defeat, Sadler refused to give a time frame on how long he could take caretaker charge, saying: “The club have asked me to take the game tonight, that’s what I have done, I know nothing more than that at this stage.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Leicester currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, just two points from safety.
      They face a huge clash on Saturday against fellow relegation candidates Bournemouth.
      Martin O’Neill was a Filbert Street favourite in the late 1990sCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Best XI of most expensive players in world with Kylian Mbappe costing staggering transfer fee and young stars on list

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE is the most valuable player in the world – but only just.The Paris Saint-Germain forward is worth £158million, according to Transfermarkt.
      The most expensive World XI contains several young players
      Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable player in the worldCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland follows closely behindCredit: PA
      Jude Bellingham is the most expensive English playerCredit: Getty
      Mbappe’s value is reflected by his staggering pay packet with the forward signing a contract reported to be worth around £80m a year.
      He has increased his value since putting pen to paper too, scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final with an overall tally of eight goals in the competition.
      However Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland is not too far behind.
      The pair are tipped to be Ballon d’Or rivals over the next few years with Haaland scoring 42 goals in just 37 games this season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He is said to be worth £149m, with Borussia Dortmund receiving just a fraction of that price from City last summer due to a buyout clause in his contract.
      Haaland, 22, is one of only three Premier League players included in the most valuable world XI.
      England pair Reece James and Bukayo Saka also feature with respective valuations of £61m and £97m.
      However the Arsenal star is not the most valuable Englishman – that accolade goes to Jude Bellingham.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The midfielder is the subject of significant transfer interest from a host of top European clubs and Dortmund could demand £130m to let him leave, though Transfermarkt measure his valuation close to £105m.
      Bellingham, 19, is one of several young players to make the list, and he is joined in midfield by Barcelona wonderkid Pedri, worth £88m.
      Bayern Munich’s £97.5m-rated youngster Jamal Musiala is the other midfielder in the team.
      His team-mates Matthijs de Ligt and Alphonso Davies feature in defence, with the latter worth £61m.
      De Ligt is slightly more expensive at £66m, a similar fee which Bayern paid Juventus for him last summer.
      Another promising defender Josko Gvardiol is also said to be worth £66m, but RB Leipzig will likely demand much more when clubs come knocking this summer.
      Chelsea tried to sign the centre-back last summer and have been tipped to reignite their interest in the Croatia international when the transfer window re-opens.
      Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes the team, pipping Gianluigi Donnrumma to the place thanks to a valuation of £52.6m. More