List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Mark Randall believes lining up for Larne on the club’s Champions League debut will top his experiences with Arsenal. The Irish Premiership champions are set to make history on Wednesday when they begin their two-legged first qualifying round tie against HJK Helsinki in Finland. Former Gunners midfielder Randall made 13 appearances under Arsene Wenger between 2006 and 2009, including two European outings and a brief cameo in a north London derby against Tottenham. The 33-year-old trained and played alongside the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry back then but is now preparing for what he anticipates will be the highlight of his career. “This will be at the top, I think, because of the achievement for the club and the fans,” he told the PA news agency ahead of the midweek visit to the 10,770-capacity Bolt Arena in Finland’s capital. “It’s little old Larne but it’s a massive achievement and everyone’s really looking forward to it. “I think this tops it because at clubs like Arsenal you get that every year but this is such a massive thing for the club and the town. “It’s not expected over here, especially to have a good run. For me, it means a lot more, competing in that competition for Larne.” Randall helped Larne claim the Irish Premiership title for the first time in their 134-year history last season. The former England Under-18 international made his Champions League debut aged 18 in August 2008 when eventual semi-finalists Arsenal defeated FC Twente in the final qualifying round before he appeared in a group stage clash with Porto four months later. Yet, following just two Premier League substitute appearances for the Gunners and a handful of loan spells, he moved on to Chesterfield in 2011 before arriving on Northern Ireland’s east coast via stints with Italian side Ascoli, MK Dons, Barnet, Newport, Crawley and Hemel Hempstead. Randall is loving life in County Antrim after being tempted over by the vision of millionaire owner Kenny Bruce – co-founder of online estate agent Purplebricks – following the club’s promotion to the top flight in 2019. “This was a new challenge for me and my family,” said the father-of-three. “We were looking to get away from England and this came up. “I was a hundred per cent in, my wife was a bit worried at the start but as soon as she came over she absolutely loved it, the kids love it here, so it’s probably the best thing we’ve ever done. “I wanted to come over and play in a league where I could win things instead of being in League Two, League One just floating about at mid-table teams. “I could see the vision before I signed when I met Kenny and the manager (Tiernan Lynch) and they’ve been true to their word. “I love it here. People around the town are just really great people. After games we’ll go and have a beer with the fans and it’s just little things like that that make a massive difference.” Randall was initially tipped for big things by long-reigning Arsenal boss Wenger. He has no real regrets about his time in north London but concedes his attitude and work ethic perhaps dipped below the required level. “It’s the best coaching you will get at that age,” said Randall, who remains in contact with former Gunners team-mate Kieran Gibbs from that era. “Back then, they had unbelievable players that you can learn so much from on a daily basis. “At a top Premier League club, you’re going to get the best facilities, best training ground, best food and the lower you go, you don’t really get that. “Probably, if I’m honest, my attitude and maybe my work ethic weren’t up to scratch as the top players are. They are 100 per cent professional and maybe that’s where I let myself down.” Larne’s greatest European adventure follows two successive Europa Conference League qualifying campaigns, which included a run to the third round in 2021-22. They will play next week’s second leg against HJK at Cliftonville’s Solitude stadium in Belfast after the synthetic pitch at their Inver Park home failed to satisfy FIFA criteria. The 32-time Finnish champions have far more experience at this level and even reached the group stage in 1998-99, leading to clashes with Kaiserslautern, Benfica and PSV Eindhoven. “We feel like on our day we can give anyone a good game,” said Randall. “I don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park for them.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Romelu Lukaku willing to take pay cut for permanent Inter move The sporting weekend in pictures Third Ashes Test: England keep series hopes alive in latest Headingley thriller

What the papers say Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who was on loan at Inter Milan last season, is reportedly willing to take a £1million pay cut for a permanent move to the Italian club, the Telegraph reports. Lukaku featured in the Champions League final for Inter, scoring 10 goals and assisting six times in his 25 matches in Serie A last year. Bayern Munich have reportedly sent a revised offer of £70million plus add-ons to Tottenham for Harry Kane, the Guardian said. The Daily Mail says Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard is keen to sign free agent Wilfried Zaha, who saw his Crystal Palace contract expire this summer, for around £16million per season. Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has completed a medical at Arsenal and the Metro says he has returned home for a farewell party before he completes his move to the club. Social media round-up Players to watch Harvey Barnes: The Leicester winger is reportedly keen on a move to Newcastle following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship, according to Football Insider. Rasmus Hojlund: The 20-year-old has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United, who are set to submit a new bid to Atalanta for the Danish striker. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

As of Sunday, here is all that we know about Northwestern football and its hazing allegations, including the status of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.NOTE:This story is ongoing, and FanSided will provide further updates as they become available.What was a typical Friday afternoon in Evanston, Ill...

Mark Ingram is joining FOX's Big Noon Kickoff, pushing Reggie Bush to the side with this move.Thursday was a very complicated day for New Orleans Saints fans, and those who care deeply about the Heisman Trophy.Longtime NFL running back Mark Ingram replaced Reggie Bush for one of the fiv...

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has seemingly gone the extra mile to make new signing Lionel Messi feel welcome. Beckham’s wife Victoria posted a short video clip on social media of what appears to be her husband – the former Manchester United and England midfielder – on a cherry picker applying the finishing touches to a giant mural of Messi in the Wynwood neighbourhood of the city. Alongside the clip on Instagram the former Spice Girl wrote: “Is there nothing @davidbeckham can’t do?? “Only been in town a few days, he got straight to it!! Yes that is him whitening the teeth as we watch!!! X kisses from Miami!!! X @leomessi”. Argentinian Maximiliano Bagnasco is the artist behind the mural of his compatriot and World Cup winner, who announced his move to Major League Soccer last month as his contract with Paris St Germain came to an end. The 36-year-old had been strongly linked with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, a move which would have seen him playing in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Northwestern University president Michael Schill said he "may have erred in weighing the appropriate sanction" after suspending head football coach Pat Fitzgerald for two weeks.

Georgia football fans are chomping at the bit to see what Carson Beck can do as their starter.Although Joe Burrow will forever be a college football legend from his time at LSU, the Georgia football program might have its closest approximation to date under center in one Carson Beck.On3'...

England Under-21s captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis has declared “it was our time” after the Young Lions’ European Championship success. Lee Carsley’s side lifted the trophy for the first time in 39 years in Georgia with victory over Spain in Saturday’s final and Manchester City defender Harwood-Bellis hailed the squad’s collective effort. Goalkeeper James Trafford saved Spain skipper Abel Ruiz’s stoppage-time penalty and Aimar Oroz’s follow-up in a thrilling 1-0 win at the Batumi Arena as England finished the tournament without conceding a goal. England last lifted the trophy under Dave Sexton in 1984 after beating Spain 3-0 on aggregate over two legs and Harwood-Bellis said: “We’ve been talking about it a lot and we felt it was our time to do it. “There was a lot of pressure on us to do well as we have a good team. We’re like one big family, it’s like a club. We’ll all celebrate together.” Harwood-Bellis also saluted City team-mate Trafford, who revealed after the win over Spain that he had told team-mates and friends before the match that he was going to save a penalty. Harwood-Bellis added: “Traff has to take a lot of the credit, but everyone has played their part. “We kept a clean sheet against Germany, they’re a top team, it’s not easy to do that. All the lads have pushed each other when they’ve not been playing. “That’s something we take pride in. We dug in against Portugal, we dug in here again, and having that in our locker is massive.” The Under-21s were losing finalists in 2009, but Saturday’s success follows the U19s Euro triumph last year, while the U17s and U20s both won their age-group World Cups in 2017. Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham, who was at Saturday’s final, said: “Congratulations to Lee Carsley, his players and support team for winning the U21 European Championship. The manner in which this England squad has progressed through the tournament has been hugely impressive and to do it without conceding a goal is simply remarkable FA chief executive Mark Bullingham “The manner in which this England squad has progressed through the tournament has been hugely impressive, and to do it without conceding a goal is simply remarkable.” Bullingham added: “This is the second successive summer that one of our men’s development teams have been crowned champions of Europe and that is testament to the on-going work across our entire England pathway, and the outstanding work being done by clubs. “We are fortunate to have talented people at St George’s Park and we continue to invest in creating winning England men’s and women’s teams that consistently reach the latter stages of tournaments.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lucy Bronze says ‘it’s a shame’ women have to fight for change amid bonus row Harry Brook keeps England’s Ashes hopes alive in thrilling win over Australia Paul Dummett and Loris Karius commit futures to Newcastle with new deals

With Pat Shurmur joining Deion Sanders' Colorado football staff, here's what to keep an eye on.The expectation is for former NFL head coach Pat Shurmur to join the college ranks in his next coaching gig by linking up with Deion Sanders at Boulder.Shurmur is slated to join Sanders&#...

England defender Lucy Bronze admitted it is a “shame” women often find themselves entrenched in battles for change amid reports the Lionesses are unhappy with the situation around performance-related bonuses at the World Cup. Bronze and her team-mates arrived in Australia on Friday to begin preparations for this summer’s showpiece, which under a new model will see players guaranteed remuneration directly from FIFA with amounts increasing the deeper teams go in the tournament. They range from 30,000 US dollars (£23,367) per athlete for the group stage to USD 270,000 (£210,305) allotted to each champion. Previously, it was up to individual national governing bodies to decide how money was allocated, with some still agreeing to fund additional payments in 2023 beyond the new deal – though multiple media outlets have suggested the Football Association has no current plans to do the same. It's a shame that women in sport in general have to do that, but I think it's a role than many athletes, many women take on in society and in sport. Lucy Bronze When asked about the bonus talks, Bronze told Sky Sports: “I think a lot of these issues happen in women’s football – you don’t just see it for our team. “There are many teams where players or associations or teams are having to fight to make changes in the game. “We are pushing the game on, we’re trying to hit new levels and that’s what we want to do as players both on the pitch and off the pitch. “It’s a shame that women in sport in general have to do that, but I think it’s a role than many athletes, many women take on in society and in sport.” The PA news agency has contacted the FA for comment. Players from Canada, France, Jamaica, Spain and South Africa are among the women who have recently raised concerns or taken action over issues ranging from personnel to pay and conditions, while 2023 will be the first World Cup for double defending champions the United States following their landmark legal battle to secure equal compensation with their male counterparts. It will also mark a final World Cup for US forward Megan Rapinoe, who on Saturday announced she would be hanging up her boots at the end of this season. The outspoken Ballon D’Or Feminin winner, 38, is one of the most recognisable faces in the game, both for her often colourful hairstyle and equally vibrant personality, as well as her leadership and advocacy work including the equal pay fight. Bronze, speaking at Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Stadium, added: “Icon gets used a lot but she’s an icon on and off the field. “People talk about her hair but the way she’s stood up and spoken out on so many issues is incredible, it’s changed the lives of so many people around the world, not just in football but in society as well, and I think there’s been many times where she’s taken stick for it but she just carries on because she knows what she’s doing, she’s doing it for the good things.” Sunday’s England training session was held in front of about 3,000 spectators, which Barcelona’s Bronze felt helped lend her side a sense of familiarity despite the 10,000-plus mile distance and nine-hour time difference from London. She said: “I think in a way it’s like being at home because in England we get this kind of support for open training days. “It feels like an English summer, there’s so many fans, you can interact and speak with them, which doesn’t necessarily happen when you go halfway around the world, you can’t always connect as much as that. It’s nice, it’s just like another day in England in a way.” Head coach Sarina Wiegman named an unchanged starting XI for the entirety of her side’s winning Euro 2022 campaign, but the team that will line up against Haiti for their July 22 World Cup opener in Brisbane will necessarily look very different following the retirement of Ellen White and injuries to captain Leah Williamson, forward Beth Mead and midfielder Fran Kirby. Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly, meanwhile, has been swapped from the back to the front, named among Wiegman’s forwards for England’s pursuit of a maiden global title, while Niamh Charles, Laura Coombs, Lauren James, Esme Morgan, Katie Robinson and Katie Zelem will all be playing at their first major tournament. Following the opener, England face Denmark in Sydney before wrapping up the group stage against China in Adelaide with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Harry Brook keeps England’s Ashes hopes alive in thrilling win over Australia Paul Dummett and Loris Karius commit futures to Newcastle with new deals We knew this day would come – Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg ends career

Newcastle pair Paul Dummett and Loris Karius have signed new deals to keep them at the club until the end of next season. Dummett, at 31 the Magpies’ longest serving current player, and Karius, 30, were both offered contract extensions last month after the expiry of their previous deals. Newcastle said: “Newcastle defender Paul Dummett and goalkeeper Loris Karius have agreed to extend their contracts at St James’ Park until summer 2024.” Left-back Dummett, who joined the club’s academy aged nine, made his first-team debut over a decade ago in early 2013 and has made more than 200 appearances for the club in all competitions. Former Liverpool keeper Karius joined the Magpies in September 2022, initially on a short-term deal, and has extended his stay for a second time. The German has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club, but played the full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester United in February. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has hailed the Lionesses’ “incredible” World Cup welcome in Australia. Around 3,000 spectators watched England train during an open session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland. “To see so many fans join us today was incredible,” Wiegman said. “We have received such a warm welcome from everyone since we arrived, it really feels like a home away from home for us and we are delighted to be here. “With the brilliant facilities and the excellent climate, we can’t think of anywhere better to get to work and finalise our preparation for the tournament.” England will step up their World Cup preparations with a behind-closed-doors game against Canada on Friday before travelling to Brisbane three days later, where they face their opening group match against Haiti on July 22. They will also meet Denmark in Sydney and China in Adelaide during the competition’s group stage.