List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Swansea are progressing with talks for Michael Duff to become their new manager. Discussions are on-going for the Barnsley boss to succeed Russell Martin in Wales. Swansea have made an approach to the Tykes but no deal has been struck between the clubs yet, the PA news agency understands. The Swans, who finished 10th in the Championship last season, want the ex-Cheltenham boss with Martin poised to move to Southampton. Saints are close to officially announcing Martin as their new manager after the 37-year-old agreed to move to St Mary’s last month. Southampton and Swansea have disagreed over the amount of compensation which should be paid. They have been haggling over £700,000 with Martin’s release clause for Championship clubs and Premier League sides different. The Saints felt they should pay the smaller amount, around £1.25million, after their relegation from the top flight while the Swans have been holding out for £2million. Former Swansea assistant Chris Davies, who is expected to join Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff at Tottenham, was linked while the club held an interest in Birmingham boss John Eustace. But Duff has emerged as the No.1 candidate after just a year at Oakwell having guided them to the League One play-offs. The Tykes lost 1-0 in the last minute of extra time to Sheffield Wednesday in the final at Wembley. Former Burnley midfielder Duff spent four years as Cheltenham manager, winning League Two in 2021 – the club’s first league title in their history – before cementing the Robins’ place in League One and joining Barnsley last summer, finishing fourth last season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Gibraltar defender Jayce Olivero will approach Monday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland as “a final” as the minnows look to add to Stephen Kenny’s misery. The clash between the sides currently occupying the bottom two places in Group B at the Aviva Stadium could prove make or break for Kenny after Friday’s 2-1 defeat in Greece left his team pointless and with his critics once again on the offensive. Gibraltar, who are ranked 201st by FIFA, have lost each of their three opening fixtures against the Greeks, the Netherlands and France 3-0 and while the odds may be heavily stacked against them in Dublin, Europa defender Olivero is relishing the task ahead. He said: “The game for us is a final. Ireland are a great nation and a really, really big team, and they’ve always competed at the very top. “This is what we want. We want to compete against the very best and we prepare with everything we have for every game we have, and that’s what we’re looking to do in our next game. “We compete with everything we have and that’s the most important thing for us.” Ireland were decidedly second-best in Athens as they followed up a 1-0 home defeat by France in their opening fixture – in which they produced a spirited display – with a tepid performance. Asked if Gibraltar could capitalise on the fall-out from that game, manager Jose Ribas said: “It’s important that we focus on our game. “Ireland are a great side regardless of their form at the moment. We’ve seen them playing against Greece, we’ve seen them playing against France and they’ve put in good performances. “We respect them, they’re a great side.” Ribas, who has been in charge since 2018, has assimilated a new generation of players into his squad, but has retained vast experience with defender Roy Chipolina, 40, and 41-year-old striker Lee Casciaro starting against France and 37-year-old Scott Wiseman, who enjoyed a 13-year career in English league football, coming off the bench. Asked how important that experience to his team, the Uruguayan said: “It’s obviously very important. “We’ve got 23 players – some who are unfortunately not with the squad now – some of whom have played right through from Under-17s level, and of course it’s very important to have these very experienced players who have been through a lot with Gibraltar. “We’ve only been admitted to UEFA very recently and it’s great that these young players have that experience to help them. We believe with that, they will grow.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Andy Murray wins back-to-back tournaments with Nottingham Open success Rob Burrow pushed around Leeds fun run course by daughters on Father’s Day Peter Drury joins Sky Sports after Martin Tyler’s departure

Group E at the upcoming Women's World Cup contains Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, and Vietnam. Read to find out who 90min's players to watch from Group E are.

Commentator Peter Drury is joining Sky Sports to cover the Premier League from next season following Martin Tyler’s departure. Tyler, who had spearheaded Sky’s coverage of the competition since it launched in 1992, is stepping down from his role ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. After Drury’s arrival was confirmed on Sunday, he said in a statement: “I’m massively excited to be joining Sky’s outstanding roster of commentators. “To be working on the best games week in week out with a broadcaster that has told the Premier League story since the very beginning feels like the opportunity of my career and I can’t wait to get started.” Sky Sports director of football Gary Hughes said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Peter Drury to Sky Sports. “Peter’s one of the game’s most poetic commentators and will bring great energy and enthusiasm as well as his award-winning broadcasting experience to our unrivalled coverage of the Premier League.” Drury, who has more than 30 years of experience across TV and radio, has previously worked for the BBC, ITV, Premier League Productions and BT Sport. He has been named Football Supporters’ Association Commentator of the Year for three of the last four seasons, and won the Sports Journalists’ Association Sports Commentator of the Year award in 2020. Alongside his work for Sky, he will also continue his role providing commentary on NBC’s Premier League coverage in the United States. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Trent Alexander-Arnold believes becoming Gareth Southgate’s midfield dynamo is his best shot of shining for England. The Liverpool star excelled in a roaming role in Friday’s 4-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Malta. His stunning first-half strike, the 24-year-old’s second England goal, capped a fine performance as he lined up alongside Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice. Alexander-Arnold, first played in midfield by Southgate against Andorra in 2021, has also seen his role at Liverpool evolve and feels the position is a strong option with England given the competition at right-back. He said: “It’s certainly an avenue. One that is clearly being explored and is something the manager wants to explore and I want to explore. It is one that is exciting for the future and who knows? “For me, I want to make sure I am playing as many England games as possible and that has always been the aim, causing headaches for the manager. I think this is a potential route we can go down that will help me get into the team. “I think there is definitely potential there. It is just about putting questions into the manager’s mind, knowing that I can play in there and bring qualities to the game that other players can’t. Hopefully causing headaches is what I need to be doing.” Alexander-Arnold added to Ferdinando Apap’s early own goal, with Harry Kane and Callum Wilson netting penalties to maintain England’s grip at the top of Group C. I want to make sure I am playing as many England games as possible and that has always been the aim, causing headaches for the manager Trent Alexander-Arnold He finished the season in a more advanced central role for Liverpool and admits his positional change at Anfield has been tricky. “There were a lot of questions involved,” he said. “There was me asking questions and absorbing a lot of information about where I needed to be and how I need to play the game. “There was also me feeling natural in there, feeling like it is something I’ve always done and something I could do regularly. I would say it was definitely a mixture of both.” England host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday, with Southgate considering using Alexander-Arnold in midfield again. He has just 19 caps and Southgate knows playing for his nation has not been straightforward for him. He said: “For me, the most pleasing part is that a lot of time with England it’s been difficult. Not our relationship as I’ve always got on well with him, but you’re giving him a lot on confidence because you’re investing in him something specific where he will have different feel about it. “I’m sure he will probably have enjoyed this England game more than any other. I’ve always said he’s a talent we’re trying to find a way with – he’s been unfortunate that we have such high quality full-backs and experienced full-backs. “It’s hard to give somebody the faith. It’s a bit like when we went to tournaments with five or six wingers, you can’t have them all believe that they’re the favourite son because you can’t justify that with your actions in the end. “So whenever you’re putting other players in, it’s inevitably going to hit somebody’s confidence.” Read More Gareth Southgate wants England to retain winning mentality on road to Euro 2024 Gareth Southgate praises Trent Alexander-Arnold’s adaptability in win over Malta Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment means England may have found their ‘quarterback’ England fans soak up the Malta sun and discuss tactics ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier Marcus Rashford couldn’t stomach Man City celebrations but England remain united ‘Serial winners’ can help England finally celebrate silverware – Tyrone Mings

Wales are back in Euro 2024 qualifying action away to Turkey on Monday. Rob Page’s side are bidding to recover from their shock home defeat to Armenia on Friday against the Group D leaders. Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the crunch game in Samsun. Page must strike right balance This time last year Wales boss Page was basking in the glow of guiding Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years. How times have changed. Wales have won only once in 11 games and Page’s tactics have come under intense scrutiny. Reverting to three at the back and playing two holding midfielders in front of them might provide Wales with the solidity they have so woefully lacked over the past 12 months. Counter-attack best form of defence There is no Kieffer Moore after the Bournemouth targetman was sent off against Armenia to earn a ban. Moore’s absence might actually work in Wales’ favour in this instance should Page bolster his defence and pack the midfield. That could give Wales a strong base to release the pace of Brennan Johnson and Daniel James on the break. Should Danny ward off Wayne? Danny Ward’s miserable season suffered further indignity as four goals flashed past him in Armenia’s stunning Cardiff success. Ward’s struggle for form at relegated Leicester saw him lose his place there towards the end of the season and his confidence levels must be a real concern for Page. Wayne Hennessey is the obvious replacement but the 108-times capped veteran – sent off on his last appearance at the World Cup in Qatar – has spent most of the season warming the bench at Nottingham Forest. Revenge or repeat? The two nations have met seven times with Wales winning four games to Turkey’s two and one draw. Their last meeting came two years ago as Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts scored in a 2-0 Wales victory at the delayed 2020 European Championship, securing qualification for the knockout stage at Turkey’s expense. So Turkey have that extra motivation of avenging that Baku defeat in front of what is sure to be a volatile crowd at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium. Balance of power This contest has the appearance of a defining fixture to make next summer’s European Championship finals in Germany. Wales’ promising start with four points from two games, which included a bonus draw away to group favourites Croatia, was blown apart by the Armenia defeat. Turkey are now on the front foot after grabbing a stoppage-time winner to beat Latvia 3-2 on Friday, and victory would take them five points clear of Wales in a potential race behind Croatia for the second qualifying spot. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live A great experience – Doug Watson relishing chance to guide Scotland to World Cup On this day in 2019: Eoin Morgan hits record number of sixes in ODI innings US Open Wrap: Rickie Fowler nails 70 foot putt, shares lead with Wyndham Clark

Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bob Brown, known for his aggressive and intimidating style of play in the 1960s and early 70s, died on Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.

Connor Roberts hopes he can help ignite more favourable memories for Wales in their key Euro 2024 qualifier against Turkey. Monday’s clash in Samsun has gained added significance following Wales’ shock 4-2 home defeat against Armenia that left them third in Pool D, two points behind Turkey. While the group still has a long way to run, Wales’ automatic qualification hopes will be dealt another setback if they suffer a second successive loss. Wales delivered, though, against Turkey at Euro 2020, with Burnley right-back Roberts scoring in a 2-0 victory in Baku. “To jog the memory of what I did at the Euros will be brilliant,” Roberts said. “But that is in the past and I have to create more memories as an individual and as a team. “It is the goal when everything is said and done that I will probably look back on and think I can’t believe I achieved that or did that. “They (Turkey) might be out for revenge, but whether they are or not we have to go there and stick to what we are good at. “It has been a long time since then. I don’t really remember games I lost in the past.” Roberts is back on the international stage after an outstanding season with Burnley that saw them clinch the Championship title and secure a Premier League return. And Roberts has hailed the influence of Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, who recently signed a new five-year contract with the Clarets. “I can’t express how good Vincent and his staff are. To know they are going to be there going forwards is brilliant because you learn so much from them,” he said. “I thought I knew quite a lot about football, about how to play and what to do. But this season working with them, now I know a lot more. “When I watch games now, almost the messages he portrays come into your head. You know what to do in every situation, from build-up to attack to defending in different parts of the pitch. I think Vincent will go and have that Man City job one day Connor Roberts “I feel like 99 per cent of the time when the ball is on the pitch or at a set-piece I know what I am supposed to be doing. You know what you should be doing in every moment of the game. “I watch Manchester City, and we aren’t them, but I see massive similarities in the way we are asked to play. “We might not be able to do it as good as they can, but you do see similarities. I think Vincent will go and have that Man City job one day.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jonny Evans says Denmark defeat ‘hard to take’ after late disappointment Kenny McLean savours special moment after scoring late Scotland winner in Norway Justin Thomas predicts shortest hole in modern US Open history could be ‘spicy’

Jonny Evans said Northern Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Denmark was “hard to take” after he was adjudged to be offside when setting up Callum Marshall for what had appeared to be a stoppage-time equaliser. The 1,700 travelling fans inside the Parken Stadium erupted when teenage debutant Marshall neatly directed Evans’ header inside the post following Jordan Thompson’s free-kick. But when referee Daniel Stefanski signalled there would be a VAR check, a seemingly interminable five-minute wait followed as Tomasz Kwiatkowski took an age to review the footage before eventually ruling that Evans had been offside by the tightest of margins when Thompson struck the free-kick. “I kind of felt I was coming back from an offside position but it wasn’t until we were back in our own half that I even considered it might be a thing,” Evans said. “When they were checking for that long I thought they were going to something to try and disallow it. Those were the emotions going through my mind. “I’ve been involved before where decisions take a long time but that’s definitely the longest. The longer it was going on I kind of felt it was like a dream really. It was strange. The referee tried to explain afterwards that they checked every single possible scenario. “I don’t get many assists and I was gutted and I was obviously gutted for Callum. For him to be able to experience that feeling of scoring was great and I hope that stays with him and he can take motivation from it.” The trip to Copenhagen represented the toughest fixture on paper for Northern Ireland in Group H, and they acquitted themselves well, defending doggedly for long periods and soaking up pressure from the hosts. But a mistake from Ciaron Brown – about the only foot the Oxford defender put wrong – was punished by Jonas Wind at the start of the second half and that proved the difference in the match. “It is hard to take,” Evans said. “Denmark are obviously buzzing. Had it gone our way we would have been the same. You can run all that through. “In the last five or 10 minutes we tired but I thought we did well. We were brought on fresh legs to try and get something out of the game and we nearly did. When we got the free-kick I thought this is our chance… “I thought we did what we had to do. We came in at half-time pretty pleased. We knew the first 10 minutes of the second half would be important and it was disappointing to concede a goal. “I looked up at the clock and saw 47 minutes. We really needed to ride that out but they came out strong and quick and once they got their goal it wasn’t really until they changed their shape that we had a chance to get back in it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Connor Roberts eager to ‘create more memories’ as Wales aim to bounce back Kenny McLean savours special moment after scoring late Scotland winner in Norway Justin Thomas predicts shortest hole in modern US Open history could be ‘spicy’

There are few college coaching trees as impressive as the one stemming from Mike Leach.We may have lost "The Pirate" Mike Leach late last year, but he has so many proteges and disciples who will always proudly swing their sword in honor of him.Leach may have cut through all the noi...

Kenny McLean savoured a special moment in his career after his last-gasp winner earned Scotland a crucial three Euro 2024 qualifying points from a 2-1 victory in Norway. McLean struck a composed 89th-minute finish with his right foot 10 minutes after coming off the bench and two minutes after Lyndon Dykes had cancelled out Erling Haaland’s 61st-minute opener from the penalty spot. Left midfielder McLean said: “It was pretty special, a really good moment for everyone involved and obviously for the fans that travelled – it was amazing, I can hear them outside now. “Obviously I have only had the San Marino goal previously so I am delighted to score such a meaningful goal. “I don’t know if I was too happy with Dykesy – setting me up on my right – but thankfully it worked. It doesn’t come out much but thankfully it paid off.” McLean was part of a triple change from manager Steve Clarke which also saw Billy Gilmour and Stuart Armstrong come on, after Liam Cooper had earlier replaced the fatigued Kieran Tierney. The Norwich player said: “The manager is constantly going about the squad, it’s a squad game and that’s what we are always about. “The majority of times we make four or five subs so everyone needs to be ready and thankfully the lads that came on were. “We have worked for the last couple of weeks together, we had the camp in Spain and worked hard throughout, so to get the rewards is excellent.” Dykes was delighted with his goal and assist after a challenging night up front on his own in temperatures of about 30 degrees at kick-off. The QPR striker said: “It was a tough game. They played well. We didn’t play as well as we wanted to play but I was waiting for that opportunity all night and I was just happy to see it go in. “It’s a hard position sometimes, it doesn’t always go your way. Balls were coming up to me, flying everywhere and they were probably getting the better of me. But I was trying to keep my head and wait for the opportunity. “I have to keep rolling on and hopefully when the chances come, they go in because the ball rolling in that goal was the slowest thing I have ever seen in my life and I was having a heart attack. I was just happy to see it go over the line. “And obviously when Kenny scored, it was the icing on the cake.” Scotland extended their lead at the top of Group A but face a quick turnaround before Tuesday’s visit of Georgia. McLean said: “It was a massive step for us in the group but we have a lot of work to do and we have a game in a few days. “We will enjoy this now but we need to go and recover. Nobody wants to hear it but that’s what we have to do.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Justin Thomas predicts shortest hole in modern US Open history could be ‘spicy’ Dejan Kulusevski’s loan spell at Tottenham turned into permanent deal Usman Khawaja’s first ton in England ‘a bit more emotional’ after crowd taunts

The two ACC schools the Big Ten and SEC might want the most are North Carolina and Virginia.While Clemson, Florida State and even Miami might make more sense in terms of conference expansion on the college football side of things, the two ACC schools leagues like the Big Ten and SEC might covet ...