More stories

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd coach bans Sky Sports News from canteen but unusual methods are paying off with team flying

    IPSWICH TOWN boss Kieran McKenna has banned players from watching Sky Sports News in the canteen – as he aims to reach Premier League status.After five games Ipswich, who have been outside the Premier League for more than two decades, are now second in the league.
    Keiran McKenna has admitted to using unusual methods at IpswichCredit: Alamy
    McKenna bans his squad from watching Sky Sports NewsCredit: Getty
    The former Manchester United coach always dreamed to be a manager by the time he was 35 as he revealed to the Telegraph in an exclusive interview.
    He said: “Why 35? I mapped that out. Mentally in my head that was retirement age as a player. I might have played until I was 35, 36.”
    In December 2021 the former Tottenham star was appointed manager of Ipswich- he was 35 and seven months.
    The Suffolk side were failing to escape the mid-table of League One during this time.
    READ MORE MAN UTD
    But McKenna won promotion back to the Championship in his debut campaign.
    The Blues boss hints the squad’s success is because of his unusual method of banning Sky Sports News – the training ground staple – on the televisions in the canteen.
    Instead, there is footage of that day’s training session, always filmed by a drone or highlights from a recent match.
    According to the Ipswich manager, this allows players to glance up and see their work and its consequences.
    Most read in Championship
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    McKenna added: “My principles are really, really strong and I don’t think I will ever go away from them.
    “I believe in trying to play football a certain way. It’s not just about playing out from the back or pressing high. I want my team to be excellent in all aspects.”
    “This is a progressive club and I know that I want to manage at the highest level of the game.
    “I want to be back to that level – back to the Premier League and manage in the Champions League.”
    McKenna began his footballing career as a youth player for Northern Irish side Enniskillen Town before making his way to Tottenham.
    He was on the verge of being Spurs’ first team but moved into coaching at 22 after a long-term hip injury curtailed his playing career.
    This inspired him to pursue his coaching career and in 2016 McKenna was poached by fan club Man Utd to be the U18 coach. More

  • in

    England and Scotland fans praise ‘genius’ Channel 4 as iconic pundit returns to TV screens after Sky Sports axe

    GRAEME SOUNESS has returned to TV screens after being axed by Sky Sports.The Liverpool legend was on Channel 4’s panel of pundits for Tuesday’s clash between Scotland and England.
    Graeme Souness is part of Channel 4’s team of pundits for Scotland vs EnglandCredit: Channel 4
    Fans were quick to praise the broadcaster’s “genius” for putting Souness back on their screens.
    The former Rangers star left Sky Sports at the end of last season after 15 years as a pundit.
    Reacting to Souness’ appearance during Channel 4’s coverage, one fan tweeted: “Love Souness already on @C4Sport.”
    Another added: “Might be in a minority but whoever decided to put Graeme Souness on the C4 coverage for Scotland v England is a genius.”
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    A third supporter also wrote: “Ally (McCoist) and Souness are quality.”
    Meanwhile, one more commented: “Great to see the main man Souness up at Hampden.”
    Scotland and England’s meeting at Hampden Park on Tuesday marks their 150th Anniversary Heritage match.
    The fixture celebrates the first ever international match, played between the two sides in 1872.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Their clash 151 years ago at a cricket ground in Partick ended in a goalless draw and was watched by a crowd of 4,000 fans.
    Across the two sides’ 115 meetings since, 48 have been won by England and 41 ended in a Scotland victory. More

  • in

    Former Sky Sports presenter shocked after spotting mysterious ‘large cat’ while taking tiny dog out for walk

    CHARLOTTE JACKSON-COLEMAN has revealed she spotted a mysterious “large cat” while taking her tiny dog out for a walk.The former Sky Sports presenter was left shocked after capturing the animal on video in Easton, Hampshire, on Sunday.
    Charlotte Jackson-Coleman spotted a ‘large cat’ while walking her dogCredit: Getty
    Charlotte had been walking her Yorkie-poo in the village when she saw the grey cat from a distance.
    In her video, the cat can be seen lurking behind a tree off a path in the countryside.
    Before running off, the animal peers round the tree at Charlotte and her dog.
    Recalling the incident, Charlotte told the Daily Echo: “It was quite large.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    “The pattern and colour of the coat was not like one I had seen on a cat before.
    “As we got closer, I realised how much bigger it was than other cats – and it had no collar.
    “I put my dog on the lead straight away. He is a Yorkie-poo and much smaller than the cat.
    “It didn’t seem frightened of us, and I got my phone out to take a video as I thought it was really unusual.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    “But I think I was a bit slow in doing so as it ran into the bush and then off.”
    Charlotte worked as a presenter for Sky Sports for a number of years after joining the broadcaster in 2009.
    She has since gone on to become an actress, having previously been a singer and backing vocalist early in her career.
    Having graduated from acting school in 2021, Charlotte has appeared in several projects, including BBC series Silent Witness.
    The 45-year-old is married to former Wales manager Chris Coleman, who is currently in charge of Greek side Atromitos. More

  • in

    Sky Sports and TNT Sports could be forced to make major historic change to Premier League coverage

    BROADCASTERS Sky Sports and TNT Sports are hoping to make a series of changes to their in-game coverage of the Premier League.TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, introduced some unique features ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest last month.
    Broadcasters want to speak to players after they have been substitutedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Fans loved the new features on TNT Sports earlier this seasonCredit: Twitter / @footballontnt
    In one instance, presenter Jules Breach and Ally McCoist spoke to Gunners captain Martin Odegaard at the entrance to the Emirates Stadium.
    Breach also completed a link in the tunnel at half time while the players returned to the pitch.
    The changes proved to be a roaring success among fans, so both TNT Sports and Sky Sports are now keen to implement new features to enhance the in-game experience for fans.
    According to The Daily Mail, in-game interviews and cameras in the dressing rooms could become the norm.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Broadcasters want to be able to speak to players just moments after they are substituted during a match.
    The prospect reportedly received a ‘lukewarm response’ when it was relayed to clubs last week.
    International partners have told Premier League executives that they want them to improve access while matches are taking place, which has prompted the proposals for change.
    In a recent off-pitch change, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has started to release VAR audio as a way of explaining why some decisions were made during games.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    His most recent broadcast was aired last week, when he justified some decisions made during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.
    Webb also spoke about about the decision by Simon Hooper to not award a penalty for Andre Onana’s clumsy collision with Sasa Kalajdzic. More

  • in

    Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse shows off toned abs in barely-there bikini as fans call her ‘absolutely gorgeous’

    SKY SPORTS presenter Anna Woolhouse stunned fans by showing off her toned abs in a bikini picture on social media.The boxing broadcaster, 39, was most recently seen hosting coverage of Chris Eubank’s win over Liam Smith on Saturday night.
    Anna Woolhouse sent fans wild with this picture on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @woolyanna1
    She is the regular boxing presenter on Sky SportsCredit: INSTAGRAM @woolyanna1
    Five days on, she documented some well-earned downtime as she relaxed in the sun.
    Woolhouse wore a black bikini which revealed her incredible physique.
    Alongside the image, she added the caption: “Hilda x Wooly 🖤🤍☀️.”
    And many of her 152,000 followers were quick to hail her impressive look.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    One said: “😍😍🔥stunning.”
    Another added: “Absolutely gorgeous 🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
    A third replied: “🔥🔥🔥 as the weather, enjoy.”
    And a fourth responded: “You look amazing 🔥❤️😍.”
    Most read in Boxing
    Anna often shares pictures and videos of her working outCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1
    She is very into her fitness regimeCredit: Instagram / woolyanna1
    Anna has been working with Sky Sports for many yearsCredit: Instagram / woolyanna1
    Woolhouse is heavily into her fitness routine and regularly shares her workouts on social media.
    She has been presenting boxing on Sky Sports for several years, gaining a reputation as one of the leading broadcasters in the sport.
    Woolhouse is expected to host coverage of the all-British light-heavyweight dust-up between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez at the O2 Arena on October 21.
    She regularly shocks fans with her incredible physiqueCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1
    Anna is one of the most accomplished sports presenters in the businessCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Premier League to release VAR audio on Sky Sports and TNT Sports after Arsenal and Man Utd controversy

    PREMIER LEAGUE referees’ chief Howard Webb will give his first VAR explainer broadcast of the season tomorrow.Webb piloted his planned monthly broadcast of key VAR calls, including some errors by Stockley Park, at the end of last season.
    Howard Webb will give his first VAR explainer of the seasonCredit: Getty
    And now the head of PGMOL is making good on his promise to bring more transparency and insight to fans.
    While Prem bosses have yet to announce which of this season’s incidents will be included in the first 26-minute show, to be broadcast on both Sky and TNT Sports tomorrow evening, it is expected to show both correct and incorrect decisions.
    Webb conceded to Wolves boss Gary O’Neill that his side should have been awarded a penalty at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.
    Liverpool successfully appealed against Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in the win over Bournemouth.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    It is also accepted that Manchester City’s second goal in the 5-1 win over Fulham on Saturday should have been ruled out for offside against Manuel Akanji.
    Former referee Mike Dean had fumed at the decision on Saturday as he raged “it has to be disallowed”.

    But PGMOL bosses were 100 per cent behind all of the decisions made by Anthony Taylor in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United, including overturning his initial penalty verdict when Kai Havertz went over in the Arsenal box, despite the complaints by Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag.
    The decisions of Taylor and VAR Jarred Gillett have been backed by Webb and the PGMOL despite protests from both clubs.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Webb will explain the decisions – right and wrong – to former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen, with the clips including the audio communication between the referee and the VAR crew in West London.
    International FA Board rules prevent those discussions from being broadcast “live” – although Webb and PGMOL are lobbying for a change in regulations – but they can be shown after matches are completed. More

  • in

    Real reason Arsenal fan Scott Law ‘headbutted’ Roy Keane investigated after ‘attack’ left blood on stadium floor

    THE real reason Arsenal fan Scott Law allegedly headbutted Roy Keane is being investigated – after the reported attack left blood on the stadium floor.Law broke his nose clashing with Sky Sports pundit Keane, The Sun revealed yesterday.
    Roy Keane was seen for the first time todayCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    Arsenal fan Scott Law broke his nose headbutting Keane
    Law was bailed last night
    Now it is alleged that Law was fuming after Keane cheered from the punditry studio when United briefly went ahead through Alejandro Garnacho’s 88th minute strike – before it was disallowed for offside.
    Law, 42, was arrested and last night bailed – while Keane was seen today with his face showing no sign of any injuries.
    Witnesses claim Law confronted Keane after Sunday’s Premier League match before launching a bungled headbutt which hit him in the shoulder.
    The impact apparently broke Law’s nose, with hardman Keane unhurt but “a bit shaken”.
    Read More Roy Keane
    Witnesses claimed blood was left splattered on the ground of the West Stand of the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium.
    Pals of Law, a £2,500 hospitality season ticket holder, say Keane hurled abuse at fans below.
    It is claimed Keane was then set upon as he made his way pitchside for analysis of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory.
    Video shared on social media yesterday showed fellow Sky pundit Micah Richards separating Law from Keane.
    Most read in Football
    Keane was heard asking for stewards to call police before Law left the scene.
    Arsenal officials are understood to have worked out his identity from electronic ticket purchases and handed cops his name and address.
    Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of ABH.
    He is understood to have been bailed after spending a few hours in custody.
    A source alleged: “Keane was giving it to the Arsenal fans when United scored, and it wound some up. He seemed to be provoking them.
    “Scott went to the concourse, saw him and headbutted him but he only hit his shoulder and did more damage to himself.
    “He broke his nose and Keane didn’t seem to be hurt at all, just a bit shaken up.”
    ‘SHAKEN’
    Another fan who witnessed the incident said: “The fan seemingly tried to headbutt Roy Keane.
    “Micah Richards stepped in and pushed the fan back against the door. I heard the altercation and I was shocked to see the individuals involved.”
    Sources said former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane and ex-Man City defender Richards, 35, were left “shaken” by the incident but continued with their matchday duties.
    The pair have struck up a firm friendship off the field since meeting through punditry and have appeared in several spin-off shows together.
    Sky Sports will review security for its pundits and presenters for the rest of the season.
    Keane, who clashed with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in the tunnel at Arsenal’s old stadium at Highbury in 2005, was back home with his family yesterday in Hale, Cheshire.
    He was pictured taking his two dogs for a walk but refused to comment, covering his face from the cameras with a jumper.
    SEEING RED
    Richards touched briefly on the incident yesterday while recording The Rest is Football podcast with Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
    Lineker asked: “One of us had an interesting weekend, Micah, you were in the news?”
    Richards responded: “Oh my word. Gary, I’m not allowed to talk about it.”
    Lineker then clarified: “Because it’s under police investigation?”
    Richards confirmed that stating: “Exactly, but when I am allowed to talk about it, The Rest Is Football will get it first.”
    Shearer said: “I think the common opinion is don’t f*** with Big Meeks (Richards)!”
    Referring to the US law about the right to remain silent, Richards replied: “No comment. I plead the Fifth (Amendment)!”
    Lineker wrapped up the discussion by clarifying: “It is not something we should trivialise because it is a serious matter and we will wait until the police investigation is done until we discuss that story further.”
    Arsenal said yesterday: “We are aware of an incident that took place during our match against Manchester United on Sunday.
    “The Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into the matter and we are fully co-operating with their inquiries.”
    Manchester United did not wish to comment. Sky Sports confirmed: “Micah Richards was acting to defuse a situation.”
    The Met said: “Police are investigating an incident at Emirates Stadium on Sunday September 3, during which a man was assaulted.
    “On Monday September 4, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault (ABH).
    Read More on The Sun
    “The man has been taken into custody. Inquiries are ongoing.”
    There was no answer at Law’s Essex home last night. More

  • in

    Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy puts on leggy display in bold outfit as she’s labelled ‘absolutely stunning’

    MELISSA REDDY has been labelled “absolutely stunning” after putting on a leggy display at the Emirates Stadium.The Sky Sports presenter shared a series of snaps and clips from Arsenal’s dramatic 3-1 win over Manchester United.
    Melissa Reddy put on a leggy display at the Emirates StadiumCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy
    Fans labelled Reddy ‘absolutely stunning’ as she posed in a bold outfitCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy
    Reddy had been reporting on Arsenal’s win over Manchester UnitedCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy
    In the post, she showed off her legs in a striking black outfit which had her fans swooning in the comments section.
    “What a game to build up to and watch live!” wrote Reddy in the caption. “Definitely fitted the ‘Super Sunday’ billing.”
    Her followers were quick to comment on the upload, with one writing: “You are Super Sunday.”
    Another added: “Gorgeous.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    A third fan also commented: “The greatest.”
    One more simply said: “Absolutely stunning.”
    Reddy regularly wows her Instagram followers with her bold style choices at matches and in the studio.
    Just last week she flaunted her legs in an equally striking outfit, which had one fan claiming she has the “best legs on the planet”.
    Most read in Football
    Reddy has returned to work with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    The presenter had jetted off on several holidays this summerCredit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
    The South African is back in the UK after soaking up the sun on a series of summer trips, including a break in the French Riviera.
    She also jetted out to the USA to cover United’s pre-season tour.
    Reddy did suffer an on-air gaffe last month, though, as she reported from Old Trafford.
    Sky Sports were forced to apologise for an X-rated phrase she had used whilst building up to United’s victory over Wolves.
    Fans have swooned over Reddy’s holiday snapsCredit: Instagram @melissareddy
    The South African enjoyed a trip to the French RivieraCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy More