Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Where Chelsea could play for six years while they await new stadium including setting up camp at Premier League rivals

      by

      CHELSEA have a number of options on the table should they be forced to move out of Stamford Bridge.SunSport exclusively revealed the Blues face SIX YEARS away from their home if they go through with ambitious redevelopment plans.Chelsea could be forced out of Stamford Bridge for six years if they redevelop their homeCredit: GettyThe Blues would be forced to look for a temporary groundCredit: GettyThe only other option for Chelsea is to pay over-the-odds for a new plot.But Todd Boehly and Co are eager to remain by Fulham Broadway.And as a result, Chelsea look set to leave the Bridge behind for six long years.Redeveloping their home, built nearly 120 years ago in 1905, brings its own complications.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, with a capacity of just 40,000, it is lagging behind the likes of city rivals like Arsenal and Tottenham.And there are plenty of stadiums in the west London area that could become their new temporary base while Stamford Bridge gets a facelift to 60,000 seats.But Chelsea could yet make a controversial switch across the capital to share with a fierce rival.Here, SunSport looks at the stadiums that Chelsea could end up calling home for a while.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWEMBLEYCapacity: 90,000The home of English football is no stranger to hosting Premier League clubs.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?Wembley is one option for ChelseaCredit: AFPThe home of English football hosted Tottenham for several yearsCredit: GettyTottenham used it between 2017 and 2019 as the finishing touches were put on their £1billion super-stadium.Brent Council gave Spurs permission to allow 62,000 fans in for each home match.It means should Chelsea get the green light for Wembley, they would be facing a similar number rather than a maximum 90k capacity crowd.However, the stadium’s location makes it a tricky issue for fans.Wembley is located 10 miles away from Stamford Bridge, in what is a 50 minute Tube journey with THREE line changes.The world-famous arena also plays host to massive music and sporting events, which could cause consistent fixture clashes for Chelsea.Chelsea could fancy the look of TwickenhamCredit: PAIt currently only hosts rugby matchesCredit: GettyTWICKENHAMCapacity: 82,000From the home of English football to the home of English rugby, also 10 miles away from the Bridge.On paper, Twickenham could be an ideal location for Chelsea.Its large size would bolster ticket sales for the Blues, while its western location could be more accessible for fans.And because it hosts fewer major events than Wembley, it would provide less of a fixture headache for Premier League chiefs.However, the handful of games it does host already causes huge problems for local residents.There would undoubtedly be uproar over the regular road closures needed, as well as the knock-on congestion in surrounding streets.Twickenham is not particularly well serviced by public transport either, and an increase of cars on the road could cause environmental concerns.Fulham’s Craven Cottage is the closest optionCredit: AlamySharing with their rivals could cause fixture headachesCredit: PACRAVEN COTTAGECapacity: 29,600The move that makes the most sense, logistically at least.Craven Cottage is the home of Chelsea’s derby rivals Fulham, and at just 1.7miles away, it’s just two stops down the District Line.But how will the most ardent Blues supporter feel about playing at another Premier League club’s ground?Chelsea and Fulham fans don’t see eye-to-eye at the best of times, which could potentially cause clashes down the line.At less than 30,000 capacity, going to the Cottage would also see Chelsea lose out on a significant number of ticket sales.There would also be constant fixture clashes and changes, with both teams needing to be kept away from each other.And Blues chiefs are thought to be concerned about a lack of corporate facilities which are crucial to their income.The London Stadium is a wildcard betCredit: ReutersWest Ham’s stadium is located on the other side of the capitalCredit: ReutersLONDON STADIUMCapacity: 62,500A wildcard option to say the least.The thought of playing at West Ham’s stadium on the opposite side of London is a dire prospect for any Blue.The 12-mile journey would take well over an hour by car from Stamford Bridge – and that’s without any real gridlock.Even Hammers supporters dislike the tedious journey to their home, which includes a 15 minute walk from the nearest station in Stratford.But the London Legacy Development Committee, who own the stadium, have made huge losses since West Ham’s arrival in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they could welcome the presence of another major team to increase business.Yet it would take some convincing for Chelsea to settle on an east London switch, with fans sure to protest loudly at the decision. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘They’d do my nut in’, fumes Alan Shearer as he calls out two Man Utd stars for ‘annoying’ habit

      by

      ALAN SHEARER took another brutal swipe at Manchester United wingers Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.The Red Devils suffered their 11th Premier League defeat of the season after bitter rivals Manchester City came back to win 3-1 on Sunday.Shearer has again laid into Antony’s reluctance to use his right footCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho also fell victim to criticism from the England legend amid his failure to impress at the Etihad on SundayCredit: RexShearer would be unhappy if he played with both United starsCredit: GettyDespite taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s 20-yard stunner, United were lacklustre and barely threatened Pep Guardiola’s team after.Fans criticised Garnacho’s inability to effect the game, and he was subbed off for Omari Forson in the last 10 minutes.Meanwhile, United flop Antony has faced heavy criticism for his reliance on his left foot, making him predictable for opponents to defend against when he cuts inside onto it from the right. Despite the injured Rasmus Hojlund finding his goal-scoring form of late, he remains almost bottom of the list of strikers when it comes to receiving passes from his team-mates this term.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe lack of crosses from both players left Shearer exasperated as he answered questions on the Rest of Football podcast. When quizzed on his biggest pet hate, he said: “Wingers cutting inside on their other foot and having a shot and not crossing it.”That would do my nut in playing for Man Utd with those two, Antony and Garnacho, who keep doing that all the time.”Micah Richards answered with: “When midfielders have the chance to play forward, but play backwards just to keep their pass completion up.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAntony has registered zero assists so far this seasonAnd Gary Lineker added: “I think mine is the squealing when players get slightly touched on their ankle and they go down like they’ve been shot by a sniper.”But United fans seemed to agree with Shearer after the derby defeat.One supporter wrote: “I don’t care how bad Rashford has been how can you sub him for Antony?”A second said: “We need a goal, but Antony is brought on. He’s a one trick pony.”Another added: “Antony provides nothing. Such as useless signing.”Shearer has definitely doubled down on his United fury, after having criticised Antony in December, as well as Rashford in last week’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over Forest.Alejandro Garnacho ‘performs disgusting act on bench’ as fans joke ‘it’s peak Man Utd at the moment’Garnacho’s stats this term More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Roberto De Zerbi’s compensation fee revealed as Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool keep tabs on manager

      by

      BRIGHTON want a huge fee to part ways with Roberto De Zerbi this summer.The Italian manager is in high demand after impressing on the South Coast, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all keeping tabs.Brighton are demanding a hefty fee for wanted manager Roberto De ZerbiCredit: GettyHe led Brighton to a sixth-place finish last season, booking their place in Europe for the first-ever time.The Seagulls remain in the Europa League as they prepare to face Italian giants Roma tomorrow.And they currently sit ninth in the Premier League after picking up wins over the likes of United, Tottenham and Newcastle.De Zerbi, who joined Brighton 18 months ago as a replacement for Graham Potter, has also implemented a bold attacking style of play at the Amex.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd several teams are keen on hiring him this summer.At home, there is reported interest from Chelsea, United and Liverpool.While abroad, giants including Barcelona and AC Milan have been linked.But De Zerbi, who is contracted to Brighton until 2026, will not be available on the cheap.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Telegraph claims Seagulls chiefs are reluctant to lose another progressive manager following Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022.Todd Boehly was forced to cough up a mind-blowing £21.5million for the Englishman and several staff members.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?And while Brighton will not hold out for another audacious fee, they do want to bank at least £12m if De Zerbi leaves.But the Italian insists he remains committed to his contract for the meantime.He said last month: “I have only Brighton in my head.“I would like to finish the season in the best way possible with our young players – to compete and win as many games as we can.“Yes, I have a contract. I have decided nothing. My focus is on Brighton – 100 per cent.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Solskjaer reveals Cristiano Ronaldo demanded to skip games… but then kicked off when he was benched

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off when he was benched after arriving at Manchester United – despite asking not to play.The superstar was signed in 2021 to help boost United’s Premier League winning chances after Solskjaer had finished second the year before.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was generally well behaved except for one incidentCredit: The OverlapRonaldo once kicked off over being a substitute despite requesting itCredit: GettySolskjaer revealed all on the Stick to Football podcastCredit: The OverlapRonaldo joined in the same summer as Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho and he hit the ground running.He scored twice on his second debut against Newcastle and again in his second game against West Ham.The Portuguese then started against Aston Villa for the third consecutive game – just as he had requested.Solskjaer then benched him at his request but Ronaldo still threw his toys out of the pram, according to the Norwegian.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAppearing on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Solskjaer said: “Part of signing Cristiano Ronaldo was getting that passion from him, but that did have its complications. “You’ve got Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who can learn from Cristiano as he’s the best, the most disciplined and he’s been the best player in the world, and you think he’s going to help them.“When he arrived at the club, he told me to start him for three games in a row, and then put me on the bench for the fourth game, but he’s so passionate so when I did that, he didn’t like it.”Despite a rocky start, Solskjaer revealed he did not have many problems with Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo stormed off the pitch after being subbed on more than one occasion, but Solskjaer believes he behaved well even when he was disappointed.He added: “When I was manager of Manchester United, I can’t remember too many problems from Cristiano Ronaldo. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals moment he ‘100 per cent knew’ he was getting sacked as Man Utd managerSolskjaer spent nearly three years as Man Utd managerCredit: The Overlap“It was the game against Everton when he walked straight off the pitch after I brought him on as a substitute, but there were more problems with him after I had left the club.“I had a good relationship with Cristiano and there’s loads of respect between us. I think he behaved really well in his disappointments when I was there.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Andy Cole names top three strikers in world football but brutally snubs Erling Haaland AND Harry Kane

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole brutally snubbed Erling Haaland AND Harry Kane when picking his top three strikers in the world. Cole is well placed to give his expert opinion having scored 121 goals in his 275 United games, winning both the Premier League and Champions League. Erling Haaland was left off Andy Cole’s top three strikers in the worldCredit: RexHarry Kane was also a shock snubCredit: GettyAndy Cole had a shock pick for his top threeCredit: The SunAnd when asked to name his top three strikers in the world right now he had a surprising response. He told ESPN: “At the peak of their powers, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Karim] Benzema… Benzema, oh my days. “Probably you can say [Cristiano] Ronaldo. The managers change [but] they’ve evolved their games, you know.”Lewandowski, 35, became one of the world’s most prolific scorers in Germany but left Bayern Munich for Barcelona in 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 18 goals in 36 games this season with Barca struggling to keep pace with Real Madrid in the league. Meanwhile, former Madrid stars Benzema, 36, and Ronaldo, 39, are both playing their football in Saudi Arabia. Still top talents, but eyebrows were raised as Cole left off Haaland and Kane on his list. Haaland, 23, helped City to a remarkable Treble last season and has 28 goals in 31 this season. Most read in FootballAnd Kane – who left Tottenham for Bayern last summer – has astonishngly scored 33 times in as many matches this term. But the German champions are way off the pace in second place, ten points adrift of leaders Bayer Leverkusen. It could extend 30-year-old Kane’s agonising wait for a trophy.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Boehly is struggling with stadium problem that even Abramovich couldn’t solve… but it is CRUCIAL to Chelsea’s future

      by

      WHILE Mauricio Pochettino struggles to construct a team on the pitch, his Chelsea bosses are finding it just as hard to build a stadium off it.The consortium fronted by Todd Boehly is not only struggling to match the football success achieved under Roman Abramovich.Todd Boehly has inherited a daunting problem over facilitiesCredit: RexPredecessor Roman Abramovich couldn’t solve pretty much the same issuesCredit: GettyTheir new regime is also finding it hard to overcome the main problem that even the billionaire Russian failed to solve in his 19-year reign.Namely, how to provide the  stadium and facilities befitting  a club that aspires to be one of the world’s best and necessary to generate the revenue to keep it that way.Chelsea, situated in one of the richest postcodes in the country, should be the most glamorous place to watch football in the Premier League, perhaps the world.But it is not even the top destination in London any more.READ MORE TOP STORIESArsenal, Tottenham and West Ham all moved into 60,000-seater homes while Roman’s roubles were taking the lion’s share of trophies to SW6.Stamford Bridge, with its three ageing stands and capacity of just over 40,000, now feels shabby and outdated by comparison.Just as importantly, both Arsenal and Tottenham make significantly more money per home match than Chelsea — £870,000 and £1.03million more per game, respectively.And that is a big reason why, in the latest Deloitte Money League, Tottenham overtook Chelsea for total income for the first time and became the top-earning club in  London with £549.2m in 2022-23.Most read in FootballIt would be unfair to say Abramovich and his henchmen and women did not see the writing on the wall. Battersea Power Station, White City, Chelsea Barracks and the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre — all were considered, rejected and, for some, considered again.To finance the move to a new site, Abramovich wanted to sell Stamford Bridge. But a key problem was — and is — that the club does not own the freehold of the stadium itself.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?That was sold to a fan-run organisation called Chelsea Pitch Owners in 1997, in a move designed to  protect the club and its home after property speculators almost sold it out from under them.In 2011, Abramovich tried to buy back the freehold.SunSport revealed how a number of people connected to Abramovich, chairman Bruce Buck and other members of the Chelsea hierarchy bought large numbers of CPO shares in the build-up to the vote.But, perhaps because of the  atmosphere of distrust created, they failed to secure the 75 per cent of shareholder votes required to approve the sale.It was not the kind of cock-up you could imagine being made by Abramovich’s old pal Vladimir Putin.It was Abramovich’s links to Putin’s regime that ultimately killed off plans for a new stadium during his reign — and to him being forced to sell up and pass on the problem to new owners.Chelsea received planning permission for a new 60,000-seater ground at Stamford Bridge in early 2017.The FA liked the idea  of moving Tottenham out of Wembley and welcoming in another money-spinning tenant. But the Blues announced they were suspending plans indefinitely in May 2018, not long after the UK government refused to grant Abramovich a new visa.After Russia invaded Ukraine, Abramovich was among the cronies sanctioned and for a while the club’s existence seemed in the balance.Whose ground could Chelsea share?Any revamp of Stamford Bridge means a huge headache if Chelsea have to move out temporarily.
      Fulham is the nearest top-flight – but groundsharing would be a logistical nightmare.
      That’s why the Blues have already all but ruled it out.
      It’s mainly because Chelsea want a stadium holding at least 40,000, whereas Craven Cottage has a capacity of just 29k.
      But Stamford Bridge chiefs are also thought to be worried about the ground’s lack of corporate facilities.
      Wembley could be another option.
      Brent Council gave Tottenham permission to host 62,000 supporters when Spurs used the national stadium in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
      And a similar arrangement would suit the Blues.
      But there are practical difficulties, including Wembley being 10 miles away from Stamford Bridge and not the easiest of trips by public transport or car from Chelsea.
      Speculation has also surrounded West Ham’s London Stadium and rugby union “capital” Twickenham.
      But opposition from residents as well as fans make both venues appear to make long shots both venues.

      When Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea for £2.5billion in May 2022, they pledged to invest £1.75bn more in a number of projects, including Stamford Bridge.They swiftly appointed Janet Marie Smith, an architect with extensive experience in renovating major sports venues in America, to oversee plans to revamp the Blues’ stadium.Last October, Chelsea agreed to buy Stoll Mansions and 1.2 acres of land next to the ground for £80m.Even that was not without controversy, since Chelsea pensioners living there would need to be relocated.But far bigger issues remain with Chelsea’s current home.The District Line runs east to west along one side of it and mainline rail north to south on another.There are important roads, social housing, Brompton Cemetery and all manner of things that make redeveloping the area a complicated, long and expensive process.The latest view from inside the club is that it would take six years to achieve but even that inconvenience would be better than the previous plan of going stand by stand.The alternative is to cough up for some prime real estate elsewhere — and the club seems no nearer to finding an affordable, viable site than it was before. Not if Earls Court would cost half a billion.It is a tough decision, crucial to the club’s future. Not something to rush.But the longer Chelsea’s owners wait, the more ground they will lose to their rivals, on and off the pitch. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea could be homeless for SIX YEARS as Todd Boehly faces huge dilemma over Stamford Bridge stadium redevelopment

      by

      CHELSEA are facing a nightmare choice over plans for a new stadium.Blues, bosses believe they have only two options — spend SIX YEARS away from Stamford Bridge while it is redeveloped, or pay over the odds to buy land and build elsewhere.Chelsea’s ageing stadium faces an uncertain futureCredit: GettyPrevious plans have hinted at how a future Stamford Bridge could lookCredit: Doug Seeburg – The SunBlues’ supremo Todd Boehly is tangling with huge practical and financial issuesCredit: ReutersAnd there is growing frustration inside the club that little progress has been made since the new owners arrived nearly two years ago.Chelsea had previously wanted to revamp the current stadium stand by stand, as Liverpool have been doing at Anfield.In October, the owners of a veterans’ housing block next to Stamford Bridge agreed to sell the club, under new owner Todd Boehly, a plot of land adjacent to the stadium for £80million.That deal is still to be finalised but sources say club chiefs have now decided that going through separate planning and construction processes and all the associated disruption, would be unworkable.READ MORE TOP STORIESSo if the Blues are determined to stay at the Stamford Bridge site that has been their home since 1905, it would mean demolishing the whole complex and starting again.The latest estimate is that such a project would take six years, forcing the club to rent a temporary home such as Wembley.Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with building a new ground on the site of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre, about a mile from their current stadium. But just buying the land there would cost at least £500m before a brick was laid.Most read in FootballWhose ground could Chelsea share?ANY revamp of Stamford Bridge means a huge headache if Chelsea have to move out temporarily.

      Fulham is the nearest top-flight – but groundsharing would be a logistical nightmare.
      That’s why the Blues have already all but ruled it out.
      It’s mainly because Chelsea want a stadium holding at least 40,000, whereas Craven Cottage has a capacity of just 29k.
      But Stamford Bridge chiefs are also thought to be worried about the ground’s lack of corporate facilities.
      Wembley could be another option.
      Brent Council gave Tottenham permission to host 62,000 supporters when Spurs used the national stadium in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
      And a similar arrangement would suit the Blues.
      But there are practical difficulties, including Wembley being 10 miles away from Stamford Bridge and not the easiest of trips by public transport or car from Chelsea.
      Speculation has also surrounded West Ham’s London Stadium and rugby union “capital” Twickenham.
      But opposition from residents as well as fans make both venues appear to make long shots both venues.

      A new 60,000-seat stadium similar to Tottenham’s new ground would set them back at least £1billion more.The Chelsea ownership group fronted by Boehly spent £2.5bn buying the club in 2022 and promised £1.75bn of further investment.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?Since then, more than £1bn has been spent on players.But the stadium project has moved much more slowly.Why the Blues must make the right decisionDAN KING gives his verdict on the big issues behind Chelsea’s redevelopment saga…
      Stamford Bridge, with its three ageing stands and capacity of just over 40,000, now feels shabby and outdated in comparison to their London rivals.
      Just as importantly, both Arsenal and Tottenham make significantly more money per home match than Chelsea — £870,000 and £1.03million more per game, respectively.
      And that is a big reason why, in the latest Deloitte Money League, Tottenham overtook Chelsea for total income for the first time and became the top-earning club in  London with £549.2m in 2022-23.No path forward looks simple.
      It is a tough decision, crucial to the club’s future. Not something to rush.But the longer Chelsea’s owners wait, the more ground they will lose to their rivals, on and off the pitch.
      Click here to read Dan King’s full view of Chelsea’s stadium predicament. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid ‘unofficially recalled’ from disastrous loan spell after playing just 63 minutes following transfer

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Maxi Oyedele has returned to the club from his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers, according to reports.The midfielder joined the League Two strugglers on loan on a deal until the end of the season in January.Maxi Oyedele, second left, has been unofficially recalled by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe was signed by Troy Deeney who has since been sacked and he failed to win over his replacement Steve Cotterill.Oyedele has now been unofficially recalled by United, report the Daily Mail.He made just four appearances for Forest Green Rovers totalling 63 minutes – the longest of which was a 35-minute display against Crawley.Oyedele, 19, did not make a single start and was left on the bench after playing in three consecutive games after signing.Cotterill then left the youngster on the bench for three games on the bounce after the defeat to Crawley, with the veteran boss calling him out in public.The Forest Green boss said: “He has to do a lot more to get in the starting line-up.”I didn’t feel there was enough productivity from him in the second half.”Oyedele will return to Carrington where he will feature in Under-21 matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe played in a Premier League 2 game against Derby on Sunday but he is also expected to take part in first-team training.Oyedele has made 11 appearances for the U21s this season and even captained the side against Bayern Munich.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson More