Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Premier League referee – but by night I live a very different life as a prison officer

      by

      HISTORY-MAKER Sunny Gill Singh uses skills he learnt working in jails to keep control on a football pitch.Prison officer Gill will become the first British South Asian to referee a top-flight match in England when he takes charge of the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Luton tomorrow.Sunny Gill Singh will become the first South Asian to referee a Premier League matchCredit: RexGill also works as a prison officerCredit: GettyHe worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022Credit: PA:Press AssociationGill worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022 and still does the occasional shift in the prison service.He said: “I find it a little bit easier managing players!“But there’s always pressure and there are 22 sets of eyes in different positions that will always have an opinion. “In a prison, you’ve got to know how to talk to people when they get angry and frustrated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Players are the same when things don’t go their way.“You have to sell your decision to them straight away. You have to be a bit cute.”When Gill started reffing Sunday league football at the age of 17, he found it a lot tougher.He explained: “The players would turn up half-drunk from the Saturday night out. They always thought they knew more than you.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Every decision you made, it was World War III.“For £25 a match or whatever, I didn’t even enjoy it and it put me off.’Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview“I never faced any racial comments, but I nearly got into a few fights, definitely.“And as a non-white person in the game, it’s easier for people to remember your face if you make a mistake.”Fortunately, Gill and his brother Bhupinder, a high-level assistant referee, had the perfect role model in their father, Jarnail Singh.The latter remains the only man wearing a turban to ref an English league match, having taken charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010.Gill, 39, said: “The first match I went to with my dad was Arsenal vs Everton when he was fourth official.“I was used to seeing my dad on Match of the Day and speaking about it at school.”Now Gill will make his debut on the BBC show after a meteoric rise.When SunSport spoke to the family in 2020, Gill had just been promoted to National League Premier level.I’m improving in every department… I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dreamSunny Gill SinghIn April 2021, he and Bhups were the first South Asians to officiate at the same Championship game when he was fourth official and his brother was an assistant for Nottingham Forest’s visit to Bristol City.Then in November 2023, Gill was the first South Asian since his dad to ref a Championship game as he took charge of Huddersfield vs Watford.He and his brother benefited from the FA’s three-year equality, diversity and inclusion plan, In Pursuit of Progress, and its specific Asian Inclusion Strategy.Gill has learnt how to deal with footballers thanks to his other jobCredit: ReutersThe ref compared players to angry inmatesCredit: AlamyGill is following in the footsteps of his refereeing fatherCredit: GettyIn 2019, the FA launched its Asian Inclusion Strategy, a five-pillar plan that aims to address the underrepresentation of Asian communities by encouraging more players, coaches, referees and staff from an Asian background to make football their chosen career path.Now the FA and refereeing body the PGMOL are working together via the new Core X programme to create more diversity among top-level match officials, while a separate initiative aims to recruit 1,000 more referees from under-represented backgrounds.Bhups made his Premier League debut last season and now Sunny will take the biggest step of all for British Asian match officials – just as he hoped to do when speaking last October.READ MORE SUN STORIESGill said: “It’s been a lot of hard work training away from the pitch, improving in every department with the help of the PGMOL and my coaches.“I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dream of becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League.” Jarnail Singh took charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010Credit: GettySunny’s brother Bhupinder made his Premier League debut as an assistant last seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton captain Tom Lockyer becomes a dad after cardiac arrest as he tells Gary Lineker ‘it changes everything’

      by

      LUTON captain Tom Lockyer has become a father for the first time after suffering a cardiac arrest.The defender, 29, collapsed during a Premier League match away to Bournemouth in December.Tom Lockyer spoke on Good Morning Britain about his experience having an ICD fittedCredit: RexThe Luton captain’s heart collapsed for nearly three minutesCredit: ReutersHe told Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football podcast that the birth of his daughter has “changed my world”.He said that he previously believed “football was the most important thing in the world” but he now has a new perspective on life.Speaking to Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, he said: “This little girl came along and changes everything for me.”When previously opening up about the experience, Lockyer told Sky Sports that he was “technically dead” for nearly three minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was discharged from hospital four days later and is continuing his recovery to this day.He told Lineker and Co that “The first thought I had when I came round was ‘My missus is in the stand and she’s seven months pregnant.'”But she seemed to have handled it really well and was amazing throughout the birth. I can’t speak highly enough of her.”Lockyer spoke of a return to the club once his recovery is complete and he gets his bearings as a father.Most read in FootballHe said: “Obviously the baby’s come along, I don’t have the energy at the minute, but when things settle down a little bit hopefully I can try and get in a little bit more.”The player has not decided yet whether he will return to the club in a playing capacity.Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clashHe has been fitted with an ICD device which helps the heart restart instantly if Lockyer were to suffer a cardiac arrest in the future. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘steal march on Arsenal and Newcastle in race for £68m Sporting star Ousmane Diomande’

      by

      CHELSEA are leading the race to sign Ousmane Diomande, according to reports.The defender, 20, has impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Midtjylland last year.Ousmane Diomande has impressed for Sporting Lisbon this seasonCredit: GettyHis strong performances for Sporting have already attracted plenty of Premier League interest.According to Portuguese paper Record, Chelsea are very keen on Diomande.They claim that the Blues have already made contact with his representatives ahead of potentially getting a deal done.Chelsea would reportedly be willing to pay around £51million up-front for the Ivory Coast international.READ MORE ON CHELSEASporting are claimed to want a further £17m in add-ons, which Record claim Chelsea would be willing to pay.Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in Diomande.And should Chelsea’s potential FFP concerns lead to them having to tighten the purse strings this summer, Diomande could move to the Toon or Gunners.Elsewhere, Juventus are also believed to be interested in the commanding 6ft 3in ace.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But the Serie A side would be unlikely to be able to match Sporting’s asking price.Diomande has made 43 appearances for the Portuguese giants since signing in January 2023.Pochettino reacts to Chelsea_s draw at Brentford, PAHis side currently top their league, while they are also fighting on the European front.Earlier this week Diomande featured as they drew 1-1 with Atalanta in the Europa League round of 16.They will travel to Italy next week for the second leg.Diomande, 20, was in action for Sporting earlier this weekCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea set for £28m windfall as transfer exit for forgotten star is all-but confirmed

      by

      EDDIE HOWE insists it’s “nailed on” that Lewis Hall WILL be a Newcastle player next season.Toon have agreed to pay Chelsea £28million this summer following the end of his season-long loan.Lewis Hall will stay with Newcastle beyond the summerCredit: GettyEddie Howe insists the left-back is one to watch for the futureCredit: GettyThe situation is complicated given left-back Hall, 19, has not met all the criteria for the move to be made permanent.Given the highly-rated youngster has only made 11 appearances across all competitions, it was thought the Magpies may send him back to Stamford Bridge.But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.“He was always brought in with a long-term view and I’m delighted because he has many qualities we are looking for.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“Something we just need some patience. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.“We have always believed in him and his quality, and we have been working really hard with him on his game. He’s a really talented lad. I believe in him and my vision is that he will be here for many years.”Fans have questioned why Howe has been so reluctant to play Hall, especially given the injury crisis that has dogged their campaign.Yet the Mags manager admits it has been a tricky adaptation for the boyhood Newcastle supporter to move from London to the North East at such a young age.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Hall has been limited to five Premier League appearances this seasonHowe added: “I have no doubt it’s been hard. When you look at someone of that age moving away from home, you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that.“He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long-term.”Howe also revealed that club captain Jamaal Lascelles has triggered a one-year contract extension to extend his stay on Tyneside. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he has turned down several job offers as ex-Man Utd boss names conditions to return

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has hit back at the rumours that he will be returning to management.It has been over two years since he was sacked at Manchester United and the Norwegian has revealed he is not ready just yet to head back into the dugout until certain conditions are met.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he has turned a ‘few’ job offersCredit: GettyThe ex-Man Utd boss lists what the conditions are for him to return to managementCredit: ReutersSolskjaer, 50, returned to United in 2018 as caretaker boss after Jose Mourinho was given not the boot.And three months later, after an impressive start, the former Red Devils forward signed permanently. But in November 2021 after three years in charge, Solskjaer was given the boot – and he hasn’t managed another club since.Speaking on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, Solskjaer revealed he has been offered a “few” managerial roles recently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I have a few offers but I’m not ready.”It’s got to be somewhere I can be myself not like anyone dictating ‘you need to do this, you need to do that’.”Because when you have been at United and managed them. You learn a few things and you want to do it your way the next time.”Solskjaer has been searching for a new job since the beginning of the season but has yet to find the right project.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He was linked to Besiktas in January and revealed he rejected two offers from Saudi Arabia.The Norwegian said previously: “I’ve had offers. Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia.Stunned Roy Keane checks Solskjaer’s drink after he claims former Man Utd star ‘gave 8-10 every time'”My best mate, who is also my agent, sifts through them. If you’ve managed Man Utd, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with. I love England and the Premier League.”Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language.”The DNA and identity of the club are important, a club where I can be the best me. It has to be a match.”Maybe I made the wrong decision to go to Cardiff, for example, where there was a clash of identities and styles.”What I miss most is working with good people, coming in every day, discussing football and putting a plan together for the next game.”It’s not just about formations, but creating a culture where the staff enjoy their job and building a team together.” More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Make it make sense’, rant fans after realising Liverpool and Arsenal WON’T be at 2025 Club World Cup.. but Chelsea will

      by

      CHELSEA and Manchester City have earned a spot at the 2025 Club World Cup.However, Premier League title-chasers Liverpool and Arsenal are yet to feature on the line-up.Chelsea will feature at the 2025 Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Blues won the competition in 2021Credit: GettyThe Club World Cup will be expanded to 32 teams for the first time in the competition’s history next year.Teams are selected from six confederations across the world including AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania) and Uefa (Europe).The competition’s four previous winners have also been invited to take part.That means Chelsea, who were crowned champions in 2021, will feature.Read More in FootballThe Blues have struggled to compete in the Premier League over the last two years despite spending over £1billion on player transfers.They finished 12th in the table last season and currently sit 11th with 12 games left to play.As a result of last season’s poor results Chelsea also failed to qualify for Europe, leaving many fans baffled as to why they will be allowed to take part in the Club World Cup.One football fan took to X to write: “Liverpool & Arsenal not playing but Chelsea playing.. the 32 teams Club World Cup is outlandishly embarrassing. Chelsea isn’t even in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “How tf does it make sense?”Another questioned: “This is f***ing stupid, why is Chelsea playing?”Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?While a third wrote: “Snuck in Chelsea like we won’t notice 😂.”Man City have also qualified for the Club World Cup next year.Pep Guardiola’s side won the competition at the end of 2023 after clinching the Treble.Among the other clubs that have already qualified are Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Auckland City, Palmeiras and Seattle Sounders.The Club World Cup will be expanded to 32 teams next yearCredit: AFP More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I played with Xabi Alonso at Liverpool – you always knew he would be a great manager but I have major reservation too

      by

      PETER CROUCH has given his verdict on Xabi Alonso potentially landing the Liverpool job.The Reds are searching for a new manager with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the season.Xabi Alonso is in the running to be appointed Liverpool bossCredit: GettyPeter Crouch believes he is incredible but lacks experienceCredit: PAAlonso, 42, is the leading candidate to take over amid his incredible run at Bayer Leverkusen.The German club have not lost a game this season and are on course to win the Bundesliga, while remaining in the hunt for Europa League and DFB-Pokal glory.He has been in charge of Leverkusen since October 2022 but Crouch is concerned over his lack experience amid the Spaniard’s potential return to Anfield.Crouch, who was Alonso’s team-mate for three seasons at Liverpool, said: “I think he’s the standout candidate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s done incredible things at Leverkusen, knows the club inside out. “I’ve played with him, I know the person. He’s a fantastic person, very studious, was always asking questions and you knew he was going to be a manager. “But it is very early days and Liverpool is a massive club and you’ve got to follow Jurgen Klopp. “Only time will tell.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlonso is also in the running to be appointed Bayern Munich manager, with Thomas Tuchel leaving in the summer.Reports in Germany claim Alonso prefers a move to the Bavarian giants amid concerns that following on from legend Klopp will be too challenging.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quitLiverpool have also been linked with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Germany gaffer Julian Nagelsmann, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Star who flopped at Man Utd admits he’s baffled by club exit after manager told him he was ‘happy with me’

      by

      SERGIO REGUILON remains baffled by his Tottenham exit.The Spaniard claims he was told by Ange Postecoglou he was in the Spurs boss’ plans at the start of the season.Sergio Reguilon remains baffled by his latest Tottenham exitCredit: GettyThe Spaniard spent the first half of the season on loan at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut he was then shipped off on loan to Manchester United for the first half of the season as cover for the injured Luke Shaw, before being farmed out to Brentford in January.Reguilon, 27, said: “During pre-season I was very happy and he (Postecoglou) was happy with me, also the staff.“I was playing like a normal player, all the games.“The week before, I went to see him. ‘You want me at the club?’ ‘Yes, I have to do a list and you are in my squad’. It was strange.READ MORE FOOTBALL“The next day I was out of the training and I didn’t know what happened.”Destiny Udogie emerged as Postecoglou’s first choice, while Reguilon – signed for £32million from Real Madrid in 2020 – underwent his second and third loans away from the club.The ex-Atletico Madrid star, who will have one year left on his Spurs contract in the summer, told The Times: “I know I can play in Spurs, but in many aspects in football the player doesn’t have control.“And I don’t want to stay to sit in the stadium watching. I am 27, I have too much football to live.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING“I don’t understand why one day is ‘yes’ and next day is ‘no’ but… “I don’t think it’s performance reason, I think it’s another reason, this is football, this is business.”Sergio Reguilon shows why his football skills were loved at Sevilla Reguilon is now on loan at BrentfordCredit: GettyReguilon has so far played 67 times for Spurs, with his last appearance coming two years ago.He featured 12 times at Atletico last season and managed a further 12 games at United this term.Reguilon has so far featured five times for Brentford.But with Rico Henry expected to regain his spot when he eventually returns from a long-term injury, Reguilon may not have a future at the West London club either. More