List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford can take the Premier League by storm and reach the very top, according to his England Under-21 coach Joleon Lescott. Trafford is in line for a top-flight debut on Friday against old club Manchester City, who allowed him to make the move to Turf Moor last month. While Trafford is only 20 and has never played higher than Sky Bet League One, he starred for England during the summer to earn them European Under-21 Championship glory with a stunning stoppage-time penalty-kick save to deny Abel Ruiz in the 1-0 win over Spain. Lescott was part of Lee Carsley’s staff for the tournament and knows the young goalkeeper from his time as loan manager at City. TNT Sports pundit Lescott said: “James is ready for the Premier League. He is top, he is top with temperament, quality. “I think everyone sees the quality but his temperament is he loves it, but nothing fazes him. He is not bothered by anything. “He said it in his interview after the (Spain) game, that he knew he would save a penalty and I genuinely believe him. In no arrogant way at all, I think he is just so comfortable with his quality. He works extremely hard and is so aware of what it will take to have a top career. “I have no doubt he will reach the very top of the game. “Potentially he ends up back there (at Man City). But James will go on to have an exceptional career.” Asked if Trafford could make his senior debut for England soon if he impresses for Vincent Kompany’s new boys, Lescott added: “Yeah, 100 per cent. Whatever he achieves, touch wood barring any unfortunate injuries, will not surprise me. “I spoke to Vinny before they acquired him and I told him I’ve not seen a keeper that composed at that age, so yeah he’s very good.” Former City defender Lescott is equally enthusiastic about how old team-mate Kompany will fare during his maiden campaign in the Premier League. Kompany and Burnley took the Championship by storm last season, but they are odds-on to return back to the second tier ahead of Friday’s opener. “Vinny will be prepared and nothing Vinny does will surprise me,” Lescott insisted. “He will not leave any stone unturned. I don’t think it’ll be easy, but Vincent is a very impressive coach, a very impressive man, and a very fast learner. “I’m sure he’ll recognise what allows Burnley to stay in the league and try to do that to the best of his capabilities.” The fixture gods have not been kind to Burnley but while it does not get much tougher than hosting the Premier League champions, Lescott feels Pep Guardiola’s side could struggle early on after the high of clinching the treble with a first Champions League title in June. Lescott admitted: “I think the fact that people are just assuming they can do that again, the quadruple and treble, I think it slightly underestimates what they’ve achieved and how hard that is. “That could potentially produce a slower start to the season and (other) teams are raring to go “I’m sure they’re the team to beat and everybody recognises that, but it can take a toll what they’ve achieved.” : TNT Sports is the ultimate home for sports fans. You can stream TNT Sports on the discovery+ app and watch on all major TV platforms. This isn’t Just Sport, This is Everything. For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea Premier League may have to scrap mid-season break due to demands of calendar I’ve struggled with the pressure – Katie Archibald misses out on omnium medal

The Premier League may have to scrap its mid-season break due to the overcrowding of the football calendar. The change could come into effect next season with FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in the summer of 2025, as well as a larger-scale World Cup the following year. The Premier League introduced the break – which this season will take the form of a structured two-week period in January – in 2018 in a bid to ease the workload on players, but chief executive Richard Masters admits it is under discussion as it could become unworkable. “It is one of the things we are discussing with the FA and EFL. We want the Premier League, the big cup competitions and the EFL to flourish and that requires an adjustment,” he said. “It is the last season where it’s recognisable under the current international match calendar, where the Premier League starts on a particular weekend and the FA Cup final has its own weekend and you have the Champions League after that and a mid-season player break in the middle. “A lot will have to change because of the additional European dates. We are also very much aware of the changes to FIFA’s competitions. The World Cup is getting bigger, an additional group stage game is going to be added. Inevitably that’s going to take up more calendar space. “You obviously have the views of the players’ union and the players being expressed very strongly now. “From a leagues perspective, the European Leagues and World Leagues Forum are very clear on this, there has to be a forum for domestic competitions to be able to discuss the impact of regional and global decisions on the calendar. “There’s lots of dialogue with UEFA, very little dialogue with FIFA.” There were almost double the usual amount of yellow cards shown over the first weekend of the EFL season as the crackdown on time-wasting and player behaviour came into force. Masters expects the same in the top flight until players and managers get used to the law changes. “I think these things will level out,” he added. “It’s not the first crackdown that the governing bodies have had, in relation to surrounding referees for example. “Players and managers need time to adjust and actually the officials need time to adjust. “But over a period of time, rather than it to sort of dissipate and not have impact, everyone’s behaviour adjusts and things settle down. “There will be more yellow cards. I don’t know whether a doubling of yellow cards is a good thing or a bad thing. It certainly sends a message that the officials are true to their word.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea I’ve struggled with the pressure – Katie Archibald misses out on omnium medal Gael Monfils rolls back the years to shock Stefanos Tsitsipas in Canada

Chief executive Richard Masters has confirmed the Premier League is investigating Chelsea regarding “historic” financial issues that the club reported. It was reported on Tuesday the Blues are the subject of a Premier League investigation for alleged breaches of financial regulations during Roman Abramovich’s time at the club. Current owners Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital Consortium, who took over last summer after Abramovich was forced to sell following sanctions as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reportedly flagged the potential issue to the Premier League and Football Association themselves. That now appears to have been confirmed by Masters, who said: “We don’t comment on investigations unless they are out in the public domain. You obviously know who has been charged, that much is clear. “We have been pretty open about the historic issues with regard to Chelsea because they self-reported to the Premier League and to the FA so it is obvious we are looking into that.” UEFA announced last month it had been approached “proactively” by the club, who agreed to pay 10million euros (£8.57million) to Europe’s governing body after owning up to “incomplete financial reporting” between 2012 and 2019. We have been pretty open about the historic issues with regard to Chelsea because they self-reported to the Premier League and to the FA so it is obvious we are looking into that. Richard Masters Chelsea said in a statement at the time their new owners became aware of potential impropriety when carrying out a “thorough due diligence process” prior to the purchase. According to reports, no charges have yet been brought by the Premier League, but, even though the allegations relate to a previous ownership, possible sanctions could include a fine or points deduction if the club are found guilty of any wrongdoing. Chelsea have been contacted for comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Barcelona are looking at a sensational loan with an option to buy for Neymar, as the Brazilian's fractious time at Paris Saint-Germain is coming to a close. The French club’s new manager Luis Enrique and football advisor Luis Campos have been working on a vision for the team that involves hard running and young players. And the Ligue 1 champions have told the 31-year-old he can leave six years after his world-record €222 million (£200m) transfer. Neymar's main preference is to return to Barcelona, and the club are investigating the possibility despite some internal debate. Although a primary issue is that they would likely need to offload a series of players to make Neymar’s return financially viable. This is also why an initial loan is being looked at, as PSG are looking to bring in around £60m (£51.8m) for Neymar. The Camp Nou executive feels that they can make it work due to his huge commercial profile. That is one reason he hasn't yet accepted a huge offer from the Saudi Pro League, since he wants to be in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Neymar is said to be obsessed with becoming a star in America. As such, he wants to continue playing Champions League football until then. The negotiations may be smoothed over by the fact PSG are poised to sell Marco Verratti to Al Hilal for €50 million, with that deal going down to the final details. The Saudi Pro League may end up being Neymar's most viable destination, but he is intent on staying in the Champions League. The main issue is that Luis Enrique is now preparing a team without him. Read More First golf, now football? Saudi Arabia’s grand plan and the 72 hours that changed everything Saudi transfers reveal difference between Premier League and European rivals Neymar incident could see F1 clampdown on grid access

Northwestern footballstaffers appeared to honor disgraced former head coach Pat Fitzgerald at practice on Wednesday.The Northwestern football program has undergone a period of tremendous turmoil after a hazing scandal resulted in the firing of longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The 48-year-old ...

Cats against the world.

Fantasy Premier League is back for another season and the deadline for gameweek one is fast approaching – it’s time to join your work leagues, make promises to stay involved more than a month this season and, perhaps, try out the different league scoring systems too. Here, The Independent’s sports desk have combined forces to pick out 30 players to consider adding to your squad for 2023/24: Five goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and seven forwards who we feel could be big points-earners across the campaign. Goalkeepers Premium Ederson, Manchester City - 5.5 Despite conceding the joint-lowest number of goals last season, the Man City shot-stopper notched up just 11 clean sheets. That tally is the exception and not the rule, however, for the first-rate Brazillian who, prior to last season, had recorded at least 16 clean sheets in his five seasons at the club. As one of the few City players safe from Pep Guardiola’s rotation strategy and with Josko Gvardiol’s (5.0) arrival further strengthening City’s defence, he should be expected to hit those heights again. Mid-range Emi Martinez, Aston Villa - 5.0 After the top-rated goalkeepers, the World Cup winner might be the best of the rest in terms of consistency, clean-sheet potential and the odd bonus points pickup. Unai Emery’s teams are habitually strong at home, but first and foremost concerned with not losing matches on the road – perhaps leading to a few more dull games, but shutouts for Martinez. Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal - 5.0 With David Raya’s arrival set to provide competition, Ramsdale made his case to remain No.1 even stronger after his display in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City. For now, he looks set to start the season between the posts for the Gunners and with four three home fixtures in their first four games, the Englishman could notch up a few early clean sheets and cement his place in the starting eleven. At 5.0m, and with the second-most clean sheets last season, he’d be a solid addition to any FPL team if that’s the case. Budget enablers Mark Flekken, Brentford - 4.5 David Raya finished last season with the most points of any goalkeeper (166) due to Brentford’s defensive organisation and hard-working style. But with the Spaniard set to leave this window, summer signing Flekken looks set to take the No.1 jersey. The Dutch international has enjoyed two successful seasons with Freiburg in the Bundesliga and should fit seamlessly into Thomas Frank’s well-oiled machine. Jason Steele, Brighton - 4.5 The 32-year-old was a surprise name on Brighton’s team sheet towards the latter half of the season having impressed Roberto De Zerbi and usurped Robert Sanchez, who has since departed for Chelsea. The Englishman kept six clean sheets in his 16 starts and could well offer a valuable route into the much-fancied Brighton defence although he could face competition from summer signing, Bart Verbruggen. Defenders Premium Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool - 8.0 Naturally it’ll feel an obvious pick, but such is Liverpool’s new vice-captain’s impact that he’s a full 1.5m more costly than any other defender this season. Even so, we’d go as far to suggest he’s a must-have if you’re looking for attacking points in deeper areas. Alexander-Arnold isn’t just a set-piece taker, he’s now playing much higher up in midfield in possession, has scored for England from that area and looked in incredible creative form at the back end of last term too. Kieran Trippier, Newcastle - 6.5 His starting price may have risen 1.5 from last season but the experienced English right-back still offers plenty of upside, having scored 42 more points than the next best defender last season. One goal, nine assists and 16 clean sheets was an excellent return and, despite a tough opening run of fixtures this season, he should be primed for another excellent showing this season. Mid-range Luke Shaw, Manchester United - 5.5 With the most clean sheets and third-fewest number of goals conceded, Manchester United’s defensive performance last season may have gone under the radar. Despite his nightmare debut, Andre Onana’s signing should improve Erik ten Hag’s side in that capacity with Shaw set to play a key part once again. The 28-year-old take some set pieces, offers a threat of attacking returns and scored more points last season than his Liverpool rival, Andy Robertson, who is 1m more expensive. Pervis Estupinan, Brighton - 5.0 The 10th most points from defenders last year (128), a goal and seven assists was a great return. The left-back has a gentle start to the season with four of the favourites for the drop including Luton, Wolves, West Ham and Bournemouth in Brighton’s first six games. Pedro Porro, Tottenham - 5.0 Pedro Porro quietly assembled an impressive debut fantasy season for Spurs after arriving in January. With three goals and three assists from just 1,132 minutes, you could be looking at a top-five defender under Ange Postecoglu if things break right. Pervis Estupinan, a comparable full-back alternative, played 2,674 minutes last season for Brighton in the Premier League, finishing with the 10th most points, if Porro replicates that game time with last season's output, he'll score 139 points, enough to rank sixth among defenders last year. Budget enablers Illia Zabarnyi, Bournemouth - 4.5 While it has been a case of gentle regeneration at Bournemouth this summer so far, they did make waves in January so there’s a bit of a head-start on a new-look team just by integrating faces only at the club half a season. Defender Illia Zabarnyi is chief among them, handed a few starts at the end of last term and surely ready to push for more action this year. He’s a top prospect among European centre-backs and might be a decent gamble to add a low-cost defender to the squad. Sven Botman, Newcastle - 4.5 While other Newcastle defensive assets, like Trippier and Fabian Schar, have risen in price, the Dutch centre-back remains at an enticing 4.5m price point. Like Trippier, he will have to contend with tricky opening fixtures, but as a nailed-on starter and the joint eighth-highest-scoring defender last season (129), Botman also has an aerial threat from set-pieces and is one to consider if you are looking for a cheaper way into Eddie Howe’s defensive quartet. Pau Torres, Aston Villa - 4.5 The much-coveted Spaniard made the move to Aston Villa for £31.5m after a number of impressive seasons with Villareal and will reunite with former boss, Unai Emery. As an early summer signing, he has had time to adapt to Villa’s system and bed in with his team-mates in pre-season and should improve the already-solid Villa defence right off the bat. Levi Colwill, Chelsea - 4.5 Although the 20-year-old has yet to make a first-time appearance for Chelsea, his new, six-year contract with the club should be a signal of how highly he is rated by the west London club. Colwill will likely have to compete with Benoît Badiashile, Trevor Chalobah and Axel Disasi for the other starting berth alongside Thiago Silva but having impressed on loan at Brighton last year, he could well be fast-tracked into the starting eleven and worth a punt as Mauricio Pochettino looks to rebuild at Stamford Bridge. Midfielders Premium Mohamed Salah, Liverpool - 12.5 Perhaps overshadowed by Erling Haaland, the Egyptian still managed 32 goal involvements last season (19 goals, 13 assists) and the highest number of points for any midfielder (239). With Liverpool’s midfield refreshed after a summer spending spree and talks of a move to Saudi Arabia firmly denied by his agent, the 31-year-old looks set to hit the ground running for another season. He’s 0.5m cheaper than last season and now 1.5m cheaper than Haaland, meaning he could provide an intriguing differential captaincy pick if you are willing to bet against the City forward. Son Heung-Min, Tottenham, 9.0 After a disappointing season last year for Son, which still saw him register 10 goals and six assists, it’s worth remembering that he was the second-highest point scorer in 2021/22 after notching up 23 goals and 10 assists. Now priced at just 9m - a 3m drop from last season - the 31-year-old could well offer plenty of value if revitalised as part of Postecoglu’s gung ho, attacking system. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal - 8.5 If Erling Haaland is selected, then savings need to be made elsewhere. Users may look to surround Saka, as a premium option at 8.5, with other bargain midfielders. And while Salah (12.5) offers huge upside, Saka's 14 goals and 12 assists (plus a healthy 19 bonus points) last season returned 202 total points last season. Kevin de Bruyne has only topped that twice in his career, and the City star is 2.0 more expensive. With Kai Havertz and Declan Rice strengthening the Gunners' XI, Saka should hold those exceptional numbers. Mid-range Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool - 7.0 One of Liverpool’s two new midfield recruits, Szoboszlai should prove a far more regular goal-getter than the club’s usual midfielders, with a long-range threat and great ball-carrying skills to go along with his set-piece prowess. He’s guaranteed as a starter too, given the number of players who have left this summer, and is cheaper than teammates Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton - 6.5 Electric last season for the Seagulls, returning seven goals and nine assists, with an extra 11 bonus points. Look for the Japanese star to take on even more responsibility this season, and at just 6.5, there are 23 more expensive midfielders, having finished 20th in total points from midfielders last season. His arrow is pointing up and a start against three relegation-threatened side - (Luton (H), Wolves (A) and West Ham (H) - offers up a chance at an early return. Bernardo Silva, Man City - 6.5 Twice in the last five seasons, Man City’s Portuguese schemer has clocked up over 150 points. In 2021/22, he managed eight goals and eight assists as a vital component of the title-winning team. Last year both that output and his minutes on the pitch were reduced - but with Ilkay Gundogan’s drive from midfield gone and so too Riyad Mahrez’s goals from the flank, is Silva the man to fill the void for both in different ways? Pep Guardiola wants him to stay; if he’s a regular starter, the price is a steal. Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle - 6.0 A decent point-scorer last season, but he might be far more impactful in FPL terms this term if Eddie Howe’s plan proves to be to start new addition Sandro Tonali as the deepest midfielder and push Bruno Guimaraes further forward as a No.8. Between his creativity and his penchant for scoring important goals for Newcastle, the Brazilian could prove a total bargain if that’s the case. Over 100 points from defensive midfield; how many more if he’s unleashed? Budget enablers Philip Billing, Bournemouth - 5.5 The Bournemouth midfielder finished inside the top-25 highest-scoring midfielders last year, with his seven goals and two assists a solid return for a midfielder within his price range. In fact, Everton’s Dwight McNeil - set to miss the start of the season through injury - is the only midfielder priced below 5.5m who matched Billing’s goal output last season. With new manager, Andoni Iraola likely to have the team playing on the front foot, the Danish attacking midfielder could provide a low-cost option with an eye for goal. Josh Brownhill, Burnley - 5.0 Previously known as an industrious, combative midfielder when Burnley were last in the Premier League, the Englishman enjoyed a new lease of life under Vincent Kompany in the Championship last season. Playing in a more advanced role, Brownhill notched up seven goals and eight assists and could offer a valuable rotation option off the bench for any FPL side. Forwards Premium Erling Haaland, Man City - 14.0 Does this really need explaining? With 36 goals and nine assists from 33 starts last season, the Man City forward more than justified the hype around his signing from Borussia Dortmund. Now, in his second season at the club, Haaland is 2.5m more expensive but still impossible to ignore. You could get creative and explore other captaincy picks but to leave him out of an FPL team entirely feels like a massive risk given the fact he is owned by nearly 90% of teams already. Mid-range Cody Gakpo, Liverpool - 7.5 The starting point for many is Kane or Haaland, with a few managers no doubt trying to cram in both. But who is best of the rest up front? To start with, Gabriel Jesus is injured, so too Christopher Nkunku, Ivan Toney suspended, Aleksandar Mitrovic potentially leaving and both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak could cancel each other out in rotation. From the most expensive forwards, your eyes may then be immediately drawn to Liverpool’s duo of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman has the centre-forward jersey right now and he’s also played in midfield in pre-season, so even if Nunez features, Gakpo could still do so alongside him. Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa - 8.0 While your eyes may be drawn to Liverpool’s free-flowing forward line, it’s important to not forget about the superb season had by Villa’s Ollie Watkins last time out. With Danny Ings departing in January, Watkins repaid the faith shown in him, with his 15 goals only bested by three strikers - Haaland, Kane and Wilson. With new signing Moussa Diaby adding more creativity down the right, users would be brave to bet against Watkins this season. Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea - 7.0 After Christopher Nkunku's injury, Nicolas Jackson is destined to start up front for Chelsea for the foreseeable future. Without Nkunku's creative side, Jackson's output takes a hit, but at 7.0, the value is there for a player who can be trusted to provide assists for runners in behind if Mauricio Pochettino can inspire movement in the final third. If the Senegalese can match his goal or assist every 100 minutes for Villarreal last season in LaLiga, fantasy owners will be delighted. Budget enablers Evan Ferguson, Brighton - 6.0 Roberto De Zerbi’s team were excellent to watch even under Graham Potter, but the Italian coach has brought end product and a bit of ruthlessness to the team. Irish teenager Ferguson was a beneficiary of some more direct, sustained attacking play and there’s every reason to think he’ll take another step forward this year as a regular goal-getter - he managed one per 161 minutes last season which isn’t shabby at all, given he was essentially a rookie and how many times he was subbed on or off. Yoanne Wissa, Brentford - 6.0 A big problem for Brentford this year will be replacing the goals of Ivan Toney who continues to serve his ban for gambling-related offences. Thomas Frank’s side haven’t turned to the transfer market thus far, meaning Wissa could be the man to lead the line next season. With seven goals last season, he showed his capabilities with a goal and an assist as Brentford won 3-1 away at Tottenham late on in the season. If you are looking for a budget option to partner alongside Haaland, the 26-year-old could be your man. Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 6.0 Injuries have hampered his last two seasons and this pre-season, but with minutes and a goal in Everton’s most recent friendly against Sporting, he may well be nearing full fitness at long last. The Englishman notched up 16 and 13 goals respectively in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons and could thrive in Sean Dyche’s system with regular minutes. At 6.0m and with a favourable fixture list to start the season, he could be one to consider. Read More Today at the World Cup: Lucy Bronze admit England not happy with performances Wolves move quickly to appoint Gary O’Neil following Julen Lopetegui departure Benjamin Mendy chasing back pay from Manchester City, bankruptcy court told The ‘incredible’ Micky Van de Ven trait that Tottenham want to weaponise The factors which could stop Man City making Premier League history Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher highlight what could stop Man City winning Premier League title The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Cole Palmer shows he can replace Riyad Mahrez — and become Man City’s missing piece Curiously expensive mediocrity cost Wolves a manager and now threatens their future Inspired appointment Vincent Kompany repaying Burnley’s gamble

The last day of the 2023 Leagues Cup Round of 16 is here, and it was a good one. There was a lot of action that brought on penalty shootouts, close matches, red cards, and then one blowout match. If you are a soccer fan, this was the day you wanted to watch the Round of 16.Five matches were play...

Ex-Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is chasing millions of pounds of back pay from his former club and is selling his house in a bid to avoid bankruptcy, the High Court has heard. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is seeking a bankruptcy order against the France international over a nearly £800,000 tax debt, a specialist judge was told. The hearing in London on Wednesday comes less than a month after the 29-year-old was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court. Jacquille Jarrett, representing HMRC, said proceedings at the Insolvency and Companies Court had previously been postponed pending the outcome of the criminal trial and for a settlement of Mendy’s debt from backdated salary or the sale of his property. “There has been no contact from the debtor,” Jarrett said, adding: “The agreement advises that an update would be given to HMRC but no contact was made. “We look to secure a bankruptcy order today.” Mendy’s accountant, who refused to give reporters his full name, told the hearing the now Lorient defender “was found not guilty in respect of those very serious criminal charges against him”. He said Manchester City had not paid Mendy, who was not present at Wednesday’s hearing, since September 2021. He was very short of money indeed, the cost of the legal case were over one million pounds Benjamin Mendy's accountant The accountant said Mendy’s agent is “in negotiations with Manchester City to get the back pay on the basis that he has been found not guilty”. The sum is “in the order of nine to 10 million pounds gross”, the accountant told the court. He also said Mendy’s house in Cheshire is being marketed by estate agent Savills for £5million. “He himself has moved back to France where he comes from,” the accountant said. “I would like to ask for a short extension because I am told very firmly by his agent that the pay issue will be resolved from Manchester City. “He was very short of money indeed, the cost of the legal case were over one million pounds.” Mendy left City in June at the expiration of his contract, having not played for the European champions since August 2021. He has since signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient. Judge Clive Jones told Wednesday’s hearing that Mendy’s HMRC debt is £788,409. Criticising Mendy, the judge said: “I’m very unimpressed at the lack of information that’s been provided both to HMRC and to the court prior to this hearing. “That, I really think, is the wrong step for him to take,” he said, adding that Mendy must attend any further hearing or be legally represented. The judge adjourned the bankruptcy proceedings to 11am on October 4 to allow Mendy to sell his house. He said he has been told there is “more than sufficient equity in a house”, adding that “time should be given to enable payment to be made”. “I also bear in mind that there are also negotiations in place about the backdated pay,” the judge said, adding that Mendy could be being paid “a large sum in wages” in France. On July 14 this year, jurors found the full-back not guilty of a charge of rape and one of attempted rape, following a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court. Mendy had been on trial for a second time, the jury failing to reach verdicts on the allegations made by two women. In his first trial, lasting six months and ending in January, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to four other young women or teenagers. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Leona Maguire taking valuable lessons learned into bid for glory at Women’s Open Boost morale and win over the fans – The issues facing Gary O’Neil at Wolves Wolves move quickly to appoint Gary O’Neil following Julen Lopetegui departure

UNC football is dealing with the fallout of the NCAA's questionable ruling on wideout Tez Walker's eligibility for the 2023 season.Drake Maye's top rumored target in 2023, Devontez "Tez" Walker, may not actually see the field at all.Wide receiver Tez Walker transferr...

Gary O’Neil has been appointed as the new Wolves head coach on a three-year contract following the departure of Julen Lopetegui. Here, the PA news agency looks at the key issues in his in-tray at Molineux. Steady ship and pick up morale It has been a turbulent summer at the club. Relegation was ultimately avoided with something to spare last season, but then problems began as the reinforcements Lopetegui wanted did not arrive and some key players left. With rumours of disquiet growing louder by the week, the players left have effectively been told throughout pre-season that they are not good enough. Morale will likely be low and one of O’Neil’s first tasks will be to restore some order. Get the fans onside As well as getting the players on board, O’Neil is going to have to win over the fans. After the high-profile appointment of Lopetegui, a former Spain and Real Madrid coach with a strong reputation, the arrival of the former Bournemouth boss is underwhelming by comparison. It was clear some supporters were beginning to tire of Lopetegui’s complaints and perhaps felt replacing him now was better than allowing the situation to deteriorate further, but they could be forgiven for having doubts about the new man at the helm. Despite making an impression at Bournemouth last season, he remains relatively inexperienced and needs to prove himself. Identify modest targets The root of Lopetegui’s problems with the club was their need to balance the books. After spending heavily prior to the Spaniard’s arrival, a tightening of the purse strings has been necessary to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. The implication from Lopetegui was that he was not aware of the extent to which this was necessary and consequently felt let down. After that rumpus, O’Neil should be more aware of the club’s financial constraints. The squad will need strengthening in areas, particularly in terms of strikers, and he will need to identify realistic targets. Make a point to Bournemouth This will not be in his in-tray as such, but O’Neil will also be driven by personal ambitions as well as those of the club. He took over in difficult circumstances at Bournemouth early last season, when Scott Parker was sacked after saying his squad was “under-equipped” to compete in the Premier League. He took the same group of players and guided them to a 15th-placed finish. His subsequent dismissal by the Cherries was widely regarded as harsh. By making an impact at Molineux he can undoubtedly make a point. Prepare for Old Trafford There will be little time to settle before the first game of the Premier League season arrives, and it is hardly a straightforward opener. Wolves travel to Manchester United on Monday. He will need to catch up quickly on Wolves’ pre-season performances, analyse what he has at his disposal and put a team together. It is a tall order but, in terms of assessing United, he may at least have some recent work to fall back on, having faced Erik ten Hag’s side in his penultimate match with Bournemouth. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Lee Mason will return as a referees’ coach this season, the PA news agency understands. Mason left his role as a video assistant referee at Professional Game Match Officials Limited in February by mutual consent. He had been involved in controversy earlier that month when he failed to spot an offside in the build-up to a Brentford equaliser against Arsenal. However, as Mail Sport first reported, he has now returned, with the PGMOL keen to draw on his experience of officiating in over 500 matches after he progressed to the Football League in 1998. Mason is understood to be one of a number of referee coaches who have joined the ranks. He will specifically work with officials at League One and Two level, and will not be involved in VAR work. The recruitment of Mason and others is part of a drive by PGMOL to grow its workforce and enhance expertise as part of the wider support available to its officials. Coaching is a key focus, with a number of appointments made within that structure over the summer including football insights coaches, including former player Chris Kiwomya and ex-referee Andre Marriner. Managers, including Mark Warburton and Karl Robinson, have also delivered sessions to referees. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live