Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 4 Luton 3: Semenyo completes epic Cherries comeback after Hatters charged into three-goal lead

      by

      TOM LOCKYER made an emotional return in the stands as his Luton side lost a Premier League classic from 3-0 up.Antoine Semenyo struck two brilliant goals as Bournemouth’s second-half turnaround sealed their first home league win since Boxing Day.Cherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersTom Lockyer met the medical team who helped save his lifeCredit: GettyRoss Barkley and  Carlton Morris show Luton’s despairCredit: ReutersRob Edwards reflects after somehow losing 4-3Credit: ALAMY
      But at least the lowly Hatters were cheered by the sight of Lockyer watching on fit and healthy.The Luton skipper “died” for two minutes at the Vitality Stadium 89 days ago when his heart stopped beating.And on Wednesday night he was smiling then applauding his team-mates as they raced 3-0 up at the interval.Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley took full advantage of naive Bournemouth defending.Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on this pitch in December, with his team-mates in tears as they feared the worst before the match was abandoned.And before Wednesday’s kick-off the Wales international shook the hands of the four paramedics who saved his life.Then he walked to the centre of the pitch clapping both sets of fans, giving the away supporters the thumbs up sign.The home club band struck up “The Great Escape” in the pre-match entertainment which was fittingly appropriate on the night.PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsBournemouth midfielder Philip Billing was the first player to react to Lockyer’s plight in the first game and instantly summoned for help.Billing revealed in last night’s programme: “It was just a natural reaction to try and help him, even though I don’t feel like I did anything.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV “Credit has to go to the medical people, they’re the life savers.“I didn’t know until after the game and in the tunnel that his girlfriend was pregnant at the time, and things like that come before football.“Being there for his child is more important than football, at the end of the day, so it is beautiful to see him back on his feet and being with his family.”Rob Edwards’ desperate eyes were full of tears the last time we saw the Luton gaffer in these parts-but it wasn’t long in the match when he was full of smiles.That was in the ninth minute when the unmarked Chong thundered a header high into the net from Issa Kabore’s cross.Then a wonderful move by the Hatters saw Chong find Alfie Doughty who set-up Ogbene for the second on 31 minutes.And in first half stoppage time Barkley was left alone to smash Issa Kabore’s pass into the top corner.But the great Cherries’ fight-back started on 50 minutes when Dominic Solanke turned smartly and fired home his 17th goal which was given after a VAR check.Then 12 minutes later the Cherries had a second when goal-line technology confirmed that Illia Zabarnyi’s header was over the line before Doughty cleared.And amazingly it was 3-3 two minutes later when Ghana striker Semenyo cut inside and found the corner with a low shot.But Semenyo wasn’t finished. He took a return pass from sub Enes Unal and beat goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski at his near post for the winner.Semenyo cracks home his dramatic winner for BournemouthCredit: ReutersLockyer with the team who saved his life More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tom Lockyer reunites with heroic ambulance medics who saved his life after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch

      by

      TOM LOCKYER has been reunited with the medics who helped save his life on his return to the Vitality Stadium.Luton took on Bournemouth on Wednesday night in a replay of the fixture that was abandoned after the 29-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.Tom Lockyer met the medics that saved his life on his return to Bournemouth’s stadiumCredit: Prime MediaLockyer suffered a cardiac arrest in the fixture earlier this seasonCredit: PAThe Luton star did a lap of honour before kick-offCredit: PAHatters supporters held up a mural of LockyerCredit: ReutersLockyer featured on the front of the programmeCredit: RexCherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersThe Hatters skipper was technically dead for two minutes before medics resuscitated him back in December.Lockyer showed his appreciation to those first on the scene as he greeted the ambulance staff who rushed over to him with a defibrillator ahead of the 4-3 thriller on the South Coast.The defender was all smiles as he chatted and posed for photos with the medics.He was presented pitchside and did a lap of honour ahead of kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLockyer juggled the ball as fans held aloft a mural of him.The game itself also gave fans plenty of entertainment. Luton blew a 3-0 half-time lead to lose 4-3, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the late winner for the hosts.Hatters manager Rob Edwards said before the replayed fixture: “It will be emotional going back and reliving that experience but we know we have to do it.“Locks will meet the people who helped saved his life and see their supporters, who were unbelievable.Most read in Football“It will be really nice for him to meet those heroes and he’ll get a brilliant reception.“The main thing now is that Locks is okay and the silver lining is that some good will have come from it, with more awareness on CPR.”Wales star Lockyer spent five days in hospital and now has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in his chest.Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clashHe may never play professional football again.In a programme interview, Lockyer said: “I can’t wait to see them in person and thank them myself.“They almost go under the radar at every game. You don’t really see them until something serious happens.“That’s when you see what incredible human beings they are. They deliver such swift and fast life-saving care to people who need it, so I can’t honestly thank them enough.”A Bournemouth supporters’ trust raised £2,000 to put on coaches for Luton fans. There was also a minute’s applause in tribute to the incredible work of the medics.Edwards added: “They are the true heroes. It is only football and there are more important things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCherries boss Andoni Iraola said he was looking forward to greeting Lockyer too.He said: “I am happy to know that he is doing well. It will be amazing to see him.”Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch on December 16Credit: RexMedics were able to save his lifeCredit: GettyHe was rushed to hospital and has now been fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillatorCredit: RexThe match was abandoned at 1-1 and was replayed on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersManager Rob Edwards has called the medical staff ‘heroes’Credit: GettyLockyer’s football career is in doubtCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Ukraine Under-17s captain… but turn attention to team-mate after shining in defence’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch a Ukrainian wonderkid – but ended up liking the look of his team-mate.United are turning over a new leaf under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and are planning some major changes at the end of the season.Man Utd initially targeted Kyrylo Digtyar but now focus on Demyan TretyakCredit: GettyRatcliffe’s Ineos group is now responsible for all football matters and will be overseeing operations across all of the Red Devils’ teams, including the youth squad.According to Scouts in Attendance, the Manchester giants sent representatives to Greece for an Under-17 tournament.United were initially keen on Ukraine’s 16-year-old centre-back Kyrylo Digtyar, whose club is Metalist Kharkiv.According to Sport.UA, however, the scouts ended up preferring Digtyar’s national team-mate and fellow defender Demyan Tretyak, 16.Read More on Man UtdTretyak plays for Dynamo Kyiv and has become the representatives’ main focus.The centre-back captained Ukraine during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Slovakia.United have started collecting information about the talented youngster and will continue to monitor him in his next few matches.Tretyak played in all three matches during the mini tournament in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And he helped Ukraine’s Under-17s win all three matches in the elite round to qualify for the European Championship.United could be set for major changes in defence with Raphael Varane linked with a move away.Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsJonny Evans’ deal also runs out in June while Harry Maguire has been unable to live up to expectations after his £85million arrival in 2019. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s honestly so good’, says Anthony Elanga as winger names forgotten Man Utd star as ‘most underrated footballer’

      by

      ANTONY ELANGA believes former Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes is the most underrated player he’s ever played with.Gomes, 23, came through the Red Devils’ youth system with Elanga but left for Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2020.Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga has named Angel Gomes as the most undervalued playerCredit: GettyFormer United wonderkid Gomes is now at LilleCredit: AFPThe England Under-21 midfielder has since blossomed under Paulo Fonseca in France.Elanga, 21 – who left United last summer after sealing a £15m move to Nottingham Forest – has now delivered the ultimate compliment to his former team-mate.When asked to name the most underrated player he has ever played with Elanga told Rising Ballers: “One that comes off my head is Angel Gomes. He’s honestly so good.“I feel like people watched him in the U21 Euros that England won, he showed his qualities as a No6, eight and 10 – amazing.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I could name more players, but Angel comes to my head.”His answer threatened to cause further friction among supporters and United’s owners after the Glazers failed to keep him.One fan wrote: “The amount of talent we have ruined is genuinely scary.”Another said: “Another mistake we made selling him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time, United reportedly offered a new and improved contract as, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described him as a “top, top kid”.In 2020 the Norwegian said: “We’ve offered him a deal. Hopefully, he’ll take that.”Man Utd chiefs spotted meeting Barcelona legend Deco with fans convinced they’re plotting two transfersBut Gomes made the tough decision to pursue a new challenge, because he felt first-team opportunities at Old Trafford would be limited.He made his United first-team debut in May 2017 under Jose Mourinho, becoming the first person born in the 21st century to play in the Premier League. He came on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney, who was playing his last game for the Red Devils. He has delivered another impressive campaign for Lille so far this season, scoring twice while also providing seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.James Garner and Gomes have both left the club, while Mason Greenwood is out on loan at GetafeCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane signed me for Sunderland but didn’t even know what position I played… he’s not cut out for club management

      by

      ROY KEANE signed Dwight Yorke for Sunderland without knowing he had changed position.The pair played for Manchester United and were part of the famous Treble-winning team.Roy Keane signed Dwight Yorke without knowing he had changed positionCredit: GettyYorke and Keane played together at Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersKeane quit playing in 2005 and became manager of Championship Sunderland a year later.And he signed his former team-mate Yorke just days into his tenure, but ended up playing him in a different role to the one intended.Yorke explained he was a holding midfielder by summer 2006, and pointed out Keane would have been aware of that if he watched him play for Trinidad & Tobago at the World Cup that year.He told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I played in that holding midfield role for Trinidad and Tobago against England in the World Cup. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I captained the team and played in holding midfield; it wasn’t that difficult: just get the ball, hold it, and give it to the players who can run faster than you!”Roy Keane didn’t know that I had made that transition he thought that I still played in the number 10 role. “But when you’re playing at that level, it’s a frustrating role to play because your team-mates would very rarely see the pass quick enough to make it, and so I would drop deeper to get involved.”I think something happened where one of our players had got sent off, and so I dropped into midfield and dictated the play for the rest of the game, and then the following game, he came to me and said I’d be playing in midfield. Most read in Football”But I don’t think he realised I was already playing in that position for my country and out in Australia.”Keane, 52, has not managed since 2011 but has been linked with a return to the Black Cats in recent years.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL However Yorke believes he would be better suited to international management rather than club, suggesting modern coaches are required to do to much at clubs – something Keane is not cut out to do.He added: “He’s got all of the ingredients, Keano. Roy Keane tips Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make move to ‘top team’ like Man Utd, City or Liverpool”I just think that the individual I know, and what is required of a manager nowadays – a modern coach who deals with every aspect of the football club – isn’t Roy Keane. “I don’t think he’s cut out to be that way; you’ve got to be more of a people-person, and Keano’s never really been that.”I think international management is more suited to Keano, where he can have control, get the players for a period of time, and pretty much f*** them off for a bit when they’re done, and then get them again.”He has that presence, and that aura… Keano has it all, but I just think an international job is much more suited to him. I’d take a chance on him internationally.” More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is David Manasseh? Gareth Bale’s agent who owns Cheltenham racehorse

      by

      DAVID MANASSEH has made a career representing some of the biggest names in football.But now he’s also turned his attention to racehorses, as he owns Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle winner Ballyburn. Gareth Bale’s agent David Manasseh was suspended from football-related activity for three months in 2018Credit: AFP OR LICENSORSWho is David Manasseh?David Manasseh went to Harrow School and left in 1988 with a choice of a contract at Somerset Cricket Club or a career in business.He opted to go into the property sector with Clive Lewis and Partners, while continuing to play cricket as captain of MCC.In 1992 he established the Stellar Group with his business partner Jonathan Barnett.He has been there ever since.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLWhich players does David Manasseh represent as an agent?As well as Gareth Bale, Manasseh has an illustrious list of British talent on his books, including Jack Grealish.The likes of Ashley Cole, Joe Hart, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Jordan Pickford were all recruited by the agent at a young age.Why wasDavid Manasseh been suspended and how long for?David Manasseh was banned from all football-related activity for three months for illegally entering into a contract with an underage player back in 2018.FA Regulation B8 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries states that contracts between agents and players can only be signed from January 1 in the year of the player’s 16th birthday.An FA spokesperson said: “Registered intermediary David Manasseh has been suspended from all intermediary activity, commencing today [1 October 2018] running up to and including 31 December 2018, and fined £50,000 for misconduct relating to intermediary activity.”It was alleged he entered into a representation contract with a minor before the 1st day in January of the year of that player’s sixteenth birthday, contrary to Regulation B8 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries 2017-2018.”Mr Manasseh denied the charge, however, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Chelsea are set to receive £4million windfall if forgotten man DOESN’T start this weekend

      by

      CHELSEA will bank a cool £4million if forgotten man Armando Broja does NOT start for Fulham this weekend.The misfit striker was shipped out by the Blues to their west London rivals on loan in January.Fulham will pay Chelsea £4m if Armando Broja does not start against Spurs on SaturdayCredit: PAChelsea had initially looked to sell Broja for a staggering £50million, despite him scoring just once in the league this season.But after suitors including Wolves failed to come up with an adequate offer, Broja was packed off to Fulham on deadline day.Chelsea struck a bizarre agreement with their neighbours, allowing Fulham to take the 22-year-old for free — provided he started 60 per cent of their matches.The idea was for Broja to gain valuable match experience while showcasing his talents, giving Chelsea a greater chance to demand top dollar this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut things have not gone according to plan for the Albania international.He has failed to start a single match since arriving at Craven Cottage.Instead, Rodrigo Muniz has entered a hot streak of form, scoring five goals in the six games Broja has been available for.There are now just 10 matches remaining for Fulham, starting with a trip to Tottenham on Saturday.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGAnd should Broja fail to start, it would make it seven games on the bench with just nine remaining.That would finally shatter Chelsea’s 60 per cent deal, meaning Fulham must cough up £4m.Astrid Wett arrives at Cheltenham in inappropriate outfit but wears cheeky nod to beloved ChelseaIn fact, the only way the Cottagers can get around the fee is by starting Broja in every single remaining match.And with Muniz failing to hit the target in last weekend’s defeat at Wolves, Marco Silva could decide the time is right for his loanee to finally get some action from the off.Broja has so far featured just four times from the bench, failing to score in any of his appearances.And with Chelsea still remaining eager to cash in this summer, he could be available for a fraction of his initial £50m price tag for interested teams like Wolves. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘may be forced to NOT sack Erik ten Hag over FFP fears as cost of axing Dutchman revealed’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to splash over £10million to sack Erik ten Hag in June.Ten Hag’s position as United manager continues to come under pressure amid a turbulent campaign that has seen the team plunging to sixth place in the Premier League table.Manchester United will have to splash over £10m to sack Erik ten HagCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to reconsider Ten Hag’s position if Man Utd miss out on Champions League qualificationCredit: PAAccording to The Times, however, dismissing the Dutchman won’t be simple as he and his coaching staff would cost a large sum to offload this summer.The 54-year-old tactician warned the Red Devils were close to the spending limit which was allowed under Profitability and Sustainability rules in January.That is why the ex-Ajax boss was not allowed to sign a striker midseason.Therefore, new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to decide whether sacking Ten Hag and recruiting a new manager would be worth it.Read More on Man UtdRatcliffe will have to take into account that the club needs every last penny to recruit new players and staff.The Manchester giants are also very keen on landing Dan Ashworth as their new director of football but Newcastle have slapped a £15m price tag on him after placing him on gardening leave.Nevertheless, Ten Hag is well respected among the Ineos hierarchy and there is a feeling that he had limited help before Sir Jim’s arrival.That is why the new club chiefs have included him in recent discussions regarding next season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL However, Ten Hag will come under scrutiny if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.The Red Devils are currently eight points away from Aston Villa and fourth place.’So refreshing’, says Rio Ferdinand after interview with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd training groundTherefore, United might find themselves needing that extra Champions League spot as they are six points away from fifth place.But that would only happen if England’s coefficient ranking is higher than Germany or Italy’s at the end of the season. More