Broad revives England's victory bid in Ashes opener
England's Stuart Broad took two late wickets on Monday to pile pressure on Australia as the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston...
2023-06-20 03:21
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to use FA Cup final defeat as motivation
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must use the pain of their narrow FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City to improve and eventually catch their dominant neighbours. The eyes of the footballing world were on Wembley as these rivals went toe-to-toe in a major cup final for the first time on Saturday afternoon. Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a stunning volley after 12 seconds, with Bruno Fernandes’ penalty cancelling out the quickest goal in FA Cup final history. But City regained the lead through another Gundogan volley to seal a 2-1 win, giving them a chance to emulate United’s 1999 treble heroes in next weekend’s Champions League final. Many United fans had started the long, train strike-impacted journey home when their rivals lifted the trophy, but Ten Hag and his team watched those celebrations. “First of all, show respect always,” the Dutchman said. “But, yeah, of course, it’s a motivation. “You have to feel it in your stomach. This hurts and it has to be fuel. You have to feel it in your stomach. This hurts and it has to be fuel Erik ten Hag “We want to be there and our team, my players, deserved it, but you have to grab it and that is the next step we have to make.” It was a galling end to a promising first season under Ten Hag, who is proud to have overseen a third-placed finish, Carabao Cup win and narrow FA Cup final loss. “I want to congratulate City for winning the FA Cup, but I think it was very narrow, it was head to head,” he said. “We played very competitive out of a very good organisation. “We didn’t allow them out from open play against probably the best team in the world in this moment. “We fought back after going a quick goal down and I think we are the only team in the world who is capable of fighting back against this team from City. “So, yeah, I was happy with the performance of my team.” David De Gea’s role has been debated all season and his part in City’s second goal has been called into question, leading Ten Hag to be asked whether he was comfortable having him going into next season. “In this moment, I don’t want to talk about such issues, about criticism because we played all a great season, including David De Gea,” he said of the goalkeeper, who has yet to extend his contract beyond the summer. “He played a fantastic season. If you consider that City and us before today both had 42 wins. “Now they have one win more, so the difference was made today. Then you can tell we played a fantastic season and it’s more than we could have expected before. “We were third in the league, we are qualified for the Champions League, and we won a trophy and we were in another final. “So, yeah, I’m really happy with the performance from my team all over.” Ten Hag bemoaned “soft goals” after a loss and season where the lack of quality and depth compared to treble-chasing City has been clear. United have work to do in the summer but the interminable takeover process continues to hang over the club as the Glazer family drag the process out. Co-owner Avram Glazer was at Wembley for the final and ignored questions about the takeover as he left through the interview area. “I think in this moment I don’t want to discuss that,” Ten Hag said when asked about the takeover and summer improvements. “It’s about finalising the season. We have to be quiet, analyse the season, go into the depth, then set the right conclusions and then take action. It’s about that. “Of course, during the season you continually make your considerations and already some actions are into process. “But, yeah, now the season is finished and the conclusion all over is we played a brilliant season.” Asked if he has different plans for whether there is a takeover or not, Ten Hag said: “I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and to improve this team. “I will fight for (that). I have my ideas and I already talked with the club about what we have to do for that. “But also what I said, yeah, I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better in next season.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mirra Andreeva feared French Open disqualification for ‘really stupid move’ Casper Ruud and Holger Rune close on French Open rematch after third-round wins Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’
2023-06-04 02:53
'Follow your dreams' say Afghan women's volleyball team
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2023-10-01 22:26
Georgia Stanway disappointed to miss ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Ballon d’Or ceremony
Georgia Stanway says it is frustrating the Ballon d’Or ceremony taking place on the eve of a round of women’s international games was not “planned a little bit better”. The England and Bayern Munich midfielder is among the nominees but will not be at Monday evening’s ceremony in Paris as she prepares for the Lionesses’ match against Belgium in Leuven, part of a busy schedule of Nations League fixtures on Tuesday. Stanway, whose international team-mates Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Rachel Daly have also been shortlisted, told a press conference regarding her nomination: “It’s very cool, and nice to get the accolade as well as a lot of the team-mates in the Lionesses. “There’s a few people I would also add to the list who have had very, very successful years. It’s a real achievement to be amongst those names. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t be there. That’s something we spoke as a player group (about), and we just kind of said it would be nice in the future if it wasn’t on a matchday minus one, so that we could enjoy the experience. “It is (frustrating), because it’s potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You never know if you’re ever going to get selected for such an accolade like that again, so it would be really nice to enjoy the experience and be there and feel like a star amongst the stars. It would be nice in the future if it wasn’t on a matchday minus one, so that we could enjoy the experience. Georgia Stanway “If it was planned a little bit better, then maybe it would be easier for a lot of female footballers to be there.” Asked for her thoughts on the matter, and on there only being one female Ballon d’Or category, England boss Sarina Wiegman added: “You hope that develops too. “We talk about the planning now. Everyone is working so hard and of course we have to do a job, that’s what we’re here for. “So you can’t attend that, and it would be really nice if things like that are organised so that players have the opportunity to join too.” Read More Bukayo Saka does not fear burnout and is keen to feature in every Arsenal match Early exit puts Champions Trophy at risk – England’s dismal World Cup defence A Premier League winner and ex-England international – Danny Drinkwater retires
2023-10-30 20:59
El Shaarawy's late strike fires Roma past 10-man Monza
Stephan El Shaarawy shot Roma to within touching distance of Serie A's Champions League places with the late winner in Sunday's...
2023-10-22 21:21
Britain eyes boost for baseball with return of MLB, new youth programs
Baseball in Britain got a boost from the national team's performance at the World Baseball Classic
2023-06-22 21:25
Premier League ‘appalled’ by abuse of referee Anthony Taylor at airport
The Premier League has joined refereeing body PGMOL in condemning abuse directed at Anthony Taylor after video footage emerged of him being accosted by angry fans at Budapest Airport. Taylor and his family can be seen trying to evade a mob, who were shouting at him as he travelled home after refereeing Wednesday night’s Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla in the Hungarian capital. A Premier League spokesperson said it was “shocked and appalled by the abuse suffered by Taylor, whilst PGMOL described the incident as “unjustified and abhorrent”. The Premier League official was criticised for his performance in the final by Roma boss Jose Mourinho during his post-match press conference after the Italian side lost on penalties to Sevilla. And in video footage which later emerged on social media, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager is seen gesticulating at Taylor and officials in the stadium car park and heard saying “disgrace”. In the incident at the airport, clips on Twitter show a chair and drinks being thrown in the direction of Taylor and his group as they make their way through a gathering of Roma fans. A Premier League spokesperson said: “We are shocked and appalled by the unacceptable abuse directed at Anthony Taylor and his family as they travelled back from the UEFA Europa League Final. “No one should have to suffer the inexcusable behaviour they had to endure yesterday. “Anthony is one of our most experienced and accomplished match officials and we fully support him and his family.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement on Thursday evening: “PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport. “We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final. “We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.” UEFA is awaiting Taylor’s reports before deciding whether to take action against Mourinho for his rant. Taylor booked Mourinho during the game, which finished 1-1 after extra time before Sevilla sealed their seventh Europa League triumph by winning 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out. Tempers simmered on and off the pitch in a disappointing final, with 13 players shown yellow cards, seven of them to Roma players, while fourth official Michael Oliver had his work cut out to keep control of both dug-outs. The game was littered with delays, with a total of 25 minutes’ stoppage time added to the 120 minutes of playing time. West Ham boss David Moyes condemned the treatment of Taylor as he prepares his side for Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague. “I didn’t see the game so I can’t comment on the game itself or the officiating,” Moyes said. “All referees have a really difficult job and shouldn’t be put through any difficult situations, which I heard about this morning. That’s not correct.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Discipline is key for David Moyes as West Ham promise fair play in Prague final Champions League final referee could be removed over alleged far-right links Jude Bellingham determined to inspire the next generation of footballers
2023-06-02 18:59
Brighton boosted as Roberto De Zerbi's 'top player' signs new long-term contract
Kaoru Mitoma signs a new long-term contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. Liverpool and Manchester City have shown interest in the Japanese winger while Barcelona and Napoli have also kept tabs on his progress.
2023-10-20 17:57
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wants aspiring black managers to get ‘a fair chance’
Former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes aspiring black managers are not taking their coaching badges because they do not believe they are given ‘a fair chance’. The ex-Netherlands international has reunited with former Middlesbrough team-mate Gareth Southgate earlier this year when he joined the England boss’ staff in March ahead of the Euro 2024 qualification campaign. Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League ensured the top flight would have one black manager this season – Vincent Kompany – but once again highlighted the disparity between the number of black players and bosses, a problem that extends beyond the pitch. Asked on the latest episode of the Matt Haycox Show podcast, to be released on Wednesday, if football was moving in the right direction, Hasselbaink said: “The only thing that I can say is I have applied for a lot of jobs, and the majority I didn’t get an interview. “Why? I don’t know. I can only tell you I didn’t get an interview, and I only want to get a job because they think that I’m the right person for the job. “And I do know that a lot of black ex-players don’t want to go and take their coaching badges because they think that we don’t get a fair chance. “I can only give you an answer of my experience, and my experience is that I don’t get interviewed.” I do know that a lot of black ex-players don't want to go and take their coaching badges because they think that we don't get a fair chance Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Hasselbaink’s managerial career started at League Two Burton in 2014 and also took in Championship QPR and League One Northampton, before his second stint with the Brewers ended with his resignation last year. He continued: “I was always told, ‘Jimmy, start in League Two, and start small, do well, and then you will get an opportunity’. “However, other players who are white, who have more or less a name like mine, they don’t have to do that. So, that is my fact. “Patrick Vieira would say the same. Thierry Henry would say the same. Sol Campbell would say the same. Those are the facts, you know.” Last season saw Vieira sacked at Crystal Palace and Hope Powell dismissed by Women’s Super League Brighton, leaving both the English men’s and women’s top flights without a black manager until Kompany steered the Clarets to promotion. And a January 2023 paper commissioned by the Black Footballers Partnership revealed that while black athletes comprised 43% of players in the Premier League and 34% in the EFL in 2021, black employees accounted for just 4.4 per cent of those occupying management-related positions in football clubs the following year. Hasselbaink told entrepreneur and investor Haycox: “I know there’s a lot of black managers that want to be coaches, but they have to put bread on the table as well. “They need to make a living and they’re thinking ‘I need to do something that is going to feed my kids, and if I’m not going to get a chance, why pursue this?’ While Hasselbaink believes some prominent football figures could be stronger allies for black players hoping to pursue leadership roles, he has nothing but praise for Southgate, his former captain at Middlesbrough, who brought the 51-year-old into the England fold after a chance meeting. He added: “He believes in me, and he gives me the chance to be with him and to help the team. “Black or white, Gareth doesn’t look at me like that. And I know that, because I’ve played with him for two years. “Gareth was always around everybody. He was with the white guys, he was with the black guys. He was joking with all of us, and he was tough on all of us as a captain when he needed to be, regardless of our backgrounds. “Working with the best talent in the country, seeing them flying over the pitch, and seeing that group together is magnificent.” Read More ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report England’s Zach Mercer installs oxygen chamber at home to combat ankle injury Top two tiers of women’s football poised to break away from Football Association Tom Daley targets Paris 2024 in return to British Swimming’s World Class Programme Former Sheffield United and Everton defender Phil Jagielka announces retirement Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray
2023-11-29 02:45
NBA Draft Rumors: Scoot Henderson visits, Lakers plan for pick, Spurs can have both worlds
The latest NBA Draft rumors include Scoot Henderson's pre-draft workouts, the Lakers' No. 17 pick and the Spurs getting the best of both worlds.The NBA Finals may be dominating the spotlight right now but we're only a few weeks away from the NBA Draft and the rumor mill is spinnin...
2023-06-05 10:57
Commentator Martin Tyler stepping down from role at Sky Sports after 33 years
Commentator Martin Tyler is stepping down from his role at Sky Sports ahead of the new season after 33 years. The 77-year-old has been the voice of football on Sky since the launch of the Premier League in 1992. In a statement on the Sky Sports website, Tyler said: “In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League. “It has been a privilege to play a small part in the broadcasting history of the greatest league in the world. “Along the way I have worked alongside legions of wonderful professionals in all aspects of the television industry. I thank them all for their support and expertise. It has been an honour to be a member of a very gifted team.” Tyler worked for ITV throughout the 1980s as the number two to lead commentator Brian Moore, before joining Sky in 1990. His most famous commentary came when Sergio Aguero scored Manchester City’s title-winning goal against QPR in 2012. Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football, said: “Everyone at Sky Sports would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Martin for his unparalleled contribution and dedication to our coverage over the last 30 years. “‘The Voice’ will always be synonymous with the Premier League and Sky Sports. When you think of commentary, you think of Martin Tyler. “‘Collymore closing in’ (from Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Newcastle in 1996) and ‘Aguerrrrrroooooooooo’ are two of the greatest moments in Premier League history. We thank him and wish him all the very best for the future.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-17 16:47
Caleb Williams has championships on his mind when No. 6 USC hosts San Jose State in a season opener
Caleb Williams’ remarkable rise through his first two seasons of college football was built on hard work and preparation, so the Southern California quarterback welcomes the chance to get an early start on reaching all of his remaining goals this fall
2023-08-25 03:52
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