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Rob Page discusses possibility of Gareth Bale joining Wales coaching staff
The former Wales captain and Real Madrid forward retired from football in January
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Rob Page discusses possibility of Gareth Bale joining Wales coaching staff
🕦 2 hours | independentuk
Gareth Bale will not be joining the Wales coaching staff, manager Rob Page has said. Former captain Bale ended his stellar playing career in January with a farewell statement announcing he was “stepping down but not stepping away” from the Wales environment. Page said he wanted to keep the former Real Madrid forward, his country’s most capped men’s player with 111 appearances, involved in some capacity but the Wales manager has now confirmed that will not be in a coaching role.
“I spoke to Gareth on Monday and I’m due to have another conversation with him this week,” Page said ahead of this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey.
“Nothing particular or specific, just a general. He’s open to conversations and he wants to play a part in the future, but not from a coaching point of view. “For me to have another voice from the outside watching things is beneficial.
He’s enjoying his retirement.” Bale’s former team-mate Chris Gunter joined Page’s backroom staff ahead of two qualifiers in March, from which Wales made a positive start to Euro 2024 qualifying by picking up four points against Croatia and Latvia.
Page said: “Gunts has come up and he’s a first-class lad. He’s doing his coaching badges, he’s great around the changing room and the lads love him to bits. He’s doing really well at the minute. “We’ve just had a four-day camp with the under-21s and our EFL players and we’ve given him more responsibility with regards to the training sessions.
“The culture in the changing room is the most important thing. When I had him as a player, he was key to that. “He was never afraid to come to talk to the coaching staff and I still want that.
He drives that for us.” Wales head to Portugal this week to prepare for their Euro 2024 double-header, with three key players nursing injuries. Skipper Aaron Ramsey (calf), goalkeeper Danny Ward (dislocated finger) and Neco Williams (broken jaw) missed the final games of the season for their respective clubs.
But Page has been encouraged by his squad playing more Premier League minutes this term, a top-flight total of 251 appearances being 135 more than the previous campaign and the most since the 2016-17 season.
He said: “You want your best players playing at the top level because that will help us to compete against the top teams in Europe and the rest of the world. “We need our players being exposed to the top teams, whether that’s in the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga or Serie A.
“Thankfully, we now have more of our Welsh players playing at the top level.”
“I spoke to Gareth on Monday and I’m due to have another conversation with him this week,” Page said ahead of this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey.
“Nothing particular or specific, just a general. He’s open to conversations and he wants to play a part in the future, but not from a coaching point of view. “For me to have another voice from the outside watching things is beneficial.
He’s enjoying his retirement.” Bale’s former team-mate Chris Gunter joined Page’s backroom staff ahead of two qualifiers in March, from which Wales made a positive start to Euro 2024 qualifying by picking up four points against Croatia and Latvia.
Page said: “Gunts has come up and he’s a first-class lad. He’s doing his coaching badges, he’s great around the changing room and the lads love him to bits. He’s doing really well at the minute. “We’ve just had a four-day camp with the under-21s and our EFL players and we’ve given him more responsibility with regards to the training sessions.
“The culture in the changing room is the most important thing. When I had him as a player, he was key to that. “He was never afraid to come to talk to the coaching staff and I still want that.
He drives that for us.” Wales head to Portugal this week to prepare for their Euro 2024 double-header, with three key players nursing injuries. Skipper Aaron Ramsey (calf), goalkeeper Danny Ward (dislocated finger) and Neco Williams (broken jaw) missed the final games of the season for their respective clubs.
But Page has been encouraged by his squad playing more Premier League minutes this term, a top-flight total of 251 appearances being 135 more than the previous campaign and the most since the 2016-17 season.
He said: “You want your best players playing at the top level because that will help us to compete against the top teams in Europe and the rest of the world. “We need our players being exposed to the top teams, whether that’s in the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga or Serie A.
“Thankfully, we now have more of our Welsh players playing at the top level.”
Isle of Man TT: The sights, sounds and stars of the most dangerous race in the world
Six lives were claimed in last year’s event. 265 motorbike riders have died on the mountain course. So, what triggers riders to risk it all year-on-year? Kieran Jackson travels to the Isle of Man to m...
🕦 3 hours | independentuk
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Isle of Man TT: The sights, sounds and stars of the most dangerous race in the world
🕦 3 hours | independentuk
J ohn McGuinness is all too aware that this time, any time, could be the last time. With 23 Isle of Man TT wins to his name – a record for any living rider – and more than 100 races heading into his 20 th year in 2023, the 51-year-old does not need telling twice. He might not be coming back.
One form of preparation always needs fulfilling. “When I’m getting ready for the TT, I wash the cars, mow the lawn, put the finances straight,” he says. “Stuff like that. Because you never know.” It’s more than caution. It’s reality. Why? Well, for two weeks every year, this island in the middle of the Irish Sea plays host to – with little argument – the world’s most dangerous race.
The 37-mile Mountain Course, with 219 turns where speeds can hit a lap-average of 135 mph and a maximum pace of 206mph, has claimed 265 lives in both the TT and August’s Manx Grand Prix, effectively the amateur competition.
But there is nothing amateurish about it. For its treachery and deadliness comes a thrill and exhilaration which, as The Independent learns in speaking to those who risk their lives for such sensations, is not matched anywhere.
Not just in motor racing. Literally anywhere. Yet is that enough? After six riders died in the 2022 edition, have some not thought twice about a return this year? And as they propel themselves down Bray Hill up to the formidable Ago’s Leap – flying through time in the most spine-chilling seconds in motorsport – do they actually think about the unthinkable? *** They say the moments before take-off are the worst.
Anticipation has been bubbling, nerves jangling, ever since last year’s TT concluded. For most 12 months’ worth of work, of preparation, of jostling with the mind, comes down to an official’s tap on the shoulder – the TT’s rather old-school method of lights out.
For Ryan Cringle, this will all be new. Cringle is a local; a Manxman who has dominated the island’s racing scene.
His younger brother, Jamie, made his debut last year. Now 29, he is no stranger to being in-and-around the paddock but had delayed entering the TT until he felt comfortable. Well, as comfortable as can be. “My emotions have not been bad until this weekend,” he says, the night before his first laps on the bike as a newcomer.
“I struggled to sleep last night because, s***, it’s getting real now.” Beyond the experienced racers who, of their own accord, return every year there is a fervour that the ultimate decision comes at the beginning.
Aware of the very real consequences – with little in the way of course protection should you crash – will you give it a go? Seek the ultimate thrill, parallel to the peril of a lifetime. “I’m not shy speaking about what could happen,” Cringle adds. “That’s the reality and everyone knows that.
There’s no point getting beat up about it. I see certain sections of the track and start getting anxiety, a sick sinking feeling in my stomach. “When your time is up, it’s up. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.” Come Monday morning, with the start delayed by 25 minutes, Cringle’s time has arrived.
Starting in view of the main grandstand on Glencrutchery Road, he is away. The acceleration, even from a standing-start, is mind-boggling. And on the approach to Bray Hill, the pace only picks up. On the other side of the road from the stands is Douglas Borough Cemetery; the underlying threat in very firm view.
Cringle’s TT career has begun, an ambition realised. But some don’t make it back. The first week of practice and qualifying is designed to give the riders ample time to learn the intricacies of the course, with a typical lap taking around 17 minutes.
Confidence is slowly built-up, lap times are slowly whistled down. By the second week, race-week, the field are ready to put it all on the line. 2023 will be the biggest event in the competition’s history with 10 races in total, while the finale of the Senior TT is now a day later, on Saturday.
Two of those 10 races are sidecar races; piloted by a driver and a passenger, these three-wheeled machines can hit speeds of 160mph, with the TT track run with roughly 60% of the throttle wide open.
Driver and passenger must work in perfect harmony, with the driver kneeling behind the wheel while the passenger transfers their weight left-to-right or forward-to-back, depending on the corner. Which is why, often, teams are families.
Last year, tragedy struck. The father-and-son duo of Roger and Bradley Stockton died after a crash at Ago’s Leap on the final lap of the final sidecar race. Roger, 56, was competing in his 11 th TT; Bradley, 21, his first. Heartbreaking, of that there is no doubt. But Bradley had fulfilled a dream by competing in the TT alongside his father.
Having grown up in the paddock, he decided at 16 he wanted to replicate his dad, insisting he simply “couldn’t wait to race in the TT.” It is a feeling all too familiar to the Birchall brothers. Hailing from Mansfield, the brothers nine years apart in age are 12-time TT winners – and won both sidecar races last year.
“You’re so desperate to come back,” Ben, the driver, says in the refreshingly informal environment that is the TT paddock. “It’s like touching a f***ing red hot poker.
You’re not supposed to but you keep thinking… should I? And you do.” Tom, the passenger, is in agreement: “You do not experience this buzz anywhere else. Ever. You’ve done so much work, it’s now or never. Put it all behind you and go for f***ing hell. He’s fully committed so I need to be on his level of commitment.
You know what’s at stake – that big silver trophy and the feeling in the winners’ enclosure. “It’s a drug. It’s your dopamine level saying get me back there, I want to do that.” Thundering down Bray Hill past the petrol station on the right, with hordes of spectators lining the playing fields of St Ninian’s High School on the left, there cannot be any second thoughts.
“No build-up,” says Ben of the race start and negotiating Bray Hill. “Zero to 160, get on with it. If you want to do it any good, you have to do it flat out.
There’s no choice. “Because you set off from a standing start and you’ve got time, you make a better job of your [gear] shift. Perfect, perfect, perfect.” Tom has to match it, too. “You set off down Bray Hill, there’s no point going ‘hang on Ben, I’m not ready.’ Be ready.
Be there. You’re not going to better that. You build up this protective barrier.” Not for the first time, the pair are in agreement. “He’s my mate. Imagine, you’ve just won a TT. And I get to do it with my brother who I love,” concludes Ben.
No wonder they’re the favourites again this year. Yet if to illustrate the risk that comes with the reward, later on opening day, The Independent is pencilled in to speak to the Crowe brothers, who also ride a sidecar. But passenger Callum is being treated for a leg injury in hospital after clipping the inside of Laurel Bank in qualifying.
“Bit sore, but nothing major,” is the response from their camp. In the Isle of Man, no interview is guaranteed. A crash in practice week, you would think, puts you off. That dose of reality amid the adrenaline-fuelled ride.
But not for Sam West. In 2022, he was involved in a high-speed crash at Laurel Bank. Suffering a hole in his hand and severe knee injuries, his bike quickly burst into a fireball. But a few days later, miraculously, he was back on the bike in time for race week.
“I was so frustrated with my body taking its time to heal,” he says, present in the paddock a year on. “By the end of race week, I definitely wasn’t fit. I was fatigued, it was dangerous. “But the TT has become my life’s work. Everything revolves around it, even my motorbike shop in Stoke.
I can only do the life I have because of the TT. Without it, I’d feel like I wouldn’t have a life. My girlfriend who I met racing in Macau, says stop doing it but I don’t think she quite understands how important it is to me.” The buzz is something every rider talks about it, understandably so.
But something quite often overlooked is the skill of each competitor to compete on the mountain course. Crazy lunatics? Solely adrenaline junkies? Insults, the pair of them. “A lot of people think we have to take out our brains to go fast here, it’s the complete opposite,” tells Peter Hickman , the all-time lap record-holder at an average speed of 135.452mph in 2018.
“It’s about using your brain and calculating the risk at the right time. We’re not just idiots, we’re not just crazy.
The people who win here and are here for a long time are clever people.” If the skillset of the drivers is an aspect of the event often ignored, calls for it to be banned are not. Nowadays, those calls usually rear their head on social media. But every driver spoken to repeats the same fundamental principle: free choice.
“It’s a risk we’ve all already accepted,” Hickman insists after the first day of practice, where he hit a top speed of 200mph. “If I make a mistake, I know what the consequences are. If I’m OK with that, I’m here.
If I’m not, then I wouldn’t be here.” And some do think twice. Glenn Irwin was 2022’s best newcomer but is missing out this year, stating: “As a father, it is the right choice.” But for most, the temptation is too strong. “You can talk about this place until you’re blue in the face… until you stand at the roadside and see a bike go past you at 190mph, you won’t get it,” says Hickman, who like many others ‘warms up’ for the TT by playing the official video game on his PlayStation.
“It’s not just visual, it’s a feeling. When people come here for the first time, even people into bikes and racing, they see the first bike go through and they literally can’t talk.” Above confirmed.
As the bike accelerates down Bray Hill up to Quarterbridge Road and over Ago’s Leap in a manner ethereal as well as ferocious, leaves are shifted from their spot on the pavement.
A marshal in a high-vis top standing on the footpath, unfathomably close, raises his eyebrows. You hear the bike’s engine before you see it, but only marginally. Gone before you can blink, fans touch their left ear.
A deafening sound. For a spectator, a spectacle like no other. For a regular rider, the norm; apexes must be hit. For a newcomer? “I had a lot of doubt just before I started,” says Cringle, the morning after the day before. “Bray Hill is mental – as you go over the right before you flick a left and go down the hill, there’s a bump.
The wheel comes up and you start setting the bike down, then there’s a big bump again and before you get to the bottom, the bike compresses and you’re doing a wheelie. “I don’t know how to put the whole lap into words.
It’s scary, the bike was shaking, but it’s just grit your teeth and get through it. “I did it and was like holy s***. It was nuts. But so, so good.” The danger is palpable but improvements in safety are always strived for. Virtual red flags are in operation to quicken communication between the 400 marshals positioned around the course.
Each bike is now fitted with compulsory GPS technology. Riders must also wear chest armour beneath their racing suits; a move enforced last year which West credits for saving his life. “I hit the wall and while the armour was pulled apart, I didn’t have a single bruise on my chest,” he reveals.
“It saved my life – 15 years ago, I’d have died from internal organ failure. It’s the ignorance of the human though. We think it won’t happen to us, we turn a blind eye as much as we can.” And there, in essence, is the TT.
The ultimate risk, with the prize of ultimate liberation. As qualifying fizzles out with race week on the horizon, the riders are in their own zone. Not racing others, so much as themselves. Enraptured in their own bubble, under the helmet, with just the bike and the road in their minds.
Little wonder they keep coming back. “It’s a compliment to the TT to say I’d stick my neck on the line,” West sums up, leaving a question lingering in the air. “The course is hair-raising. This is my life.
I give everything to the sport. “Life is there to be lived. Would you give up your life to avoid dying?”
One form of preparation always needs fulfilling. “When I’m getting ready for the TT, I wash the cars, mow the lawn, put the finances straight,” he says. “Stuff like that. Because you never know.” It’s more than caution. It’s reality. Why? Well, for two weeks every year, this island in the middle of the Irish Sea plays host to – with little argument – the world’s most dangerous race.
The 37-mile Mountain Course, with 219 turns where speeds can hit a lap-average of 135 mph and a maximum pace of 206mph, has claimed 265 lives in both the TT and August’s Manx Grand Prix, effectively the amateur competition.
But there is nothing amateurish about it. For its treachery and deadliness comes a thrill and exhilaration which, as The Independent learns in speaking to those who risk their lives for such sensations, is not matched anywhere.
Not just in motor racing. Literally anywhere. Yet is that enough? After six riders died in the 2022 edition, have some not thought twice about a return this year? And as they propel themselves down Bray Hill up to the formidable Ago’s Leap – flying through time in the most spine-chilling seconds in motorsport – do they actually think about the unthinkable? *** They say the moments before take-off are the worst.
Anticipation has been bubbling, nerves jangling, ever since last year’s TT concluded. For most 12 months’ worth of work, of preparation, of jostling with the mind, comes down to an official’s tap on the shoulder – the TT’s rather old-school method of lights out.
For Ryan Cringle, this will all be new. Cringle is a local; a Manxman who has dominated the island’s racing scene.
His younger brother, Jamie, made his debut last year. Now 29, he is no stranger to being in-and-around the paddock but had delayed entering the TT until he felt comfortable. Well, as comfortable as can be. “My emotions have not been bad until this weekend,” he says, the night before his first laps on the bike as a newcomer.
“I struggled to sleep last night because, s***, it’s getting real now.” Beyond the experienced racers who, of their own accord, return every year there is a fervour that the ultimate decision comes at the beginning.
Aware of the very real consequences – with little in the way of course protection should you crash – will you give it a go? Seek the ultimate thrill, parallel to the peril of a lifetime. “I’m not shy speaking about what could happen,” Cringle adds. “That’s the reality and everyone knows that.
There’s no point getting beat up about it. I see certain sections of the track and start getting anxiety, a sick sinking feeling in my stomach. “When your time is up, it’s up. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.” Come Monday morning, with the start delayed by 25 minutes, Cringle’s time has arrived.
Starting in view of the main grandstand on Glencrutchery Road, he is away. The acceleration, even from a standing-start, is mind-boggling. And on the approach to Bray Hill, the pace only picks up. On the other side of the road from the stands is Douglas Borough Cemetery; the underlying threat in very firm view.
Cringle’s TT career has begun, an ambition realised. But some don’t make it back. The first week of practice and qualifying is designed to give the riders ample time to learn the intricacies of the course, with a typical lap taking around 17 minutes.
Confidence is slowly built-up, lap times are slowly whistled down. By the second week, race-week, the field are ready to put it all on the line. 2023 will be the biggest event in the competition’s history with 10 races in total, while the finale of the Senior TT is now a day later, on Saturday.
Two of those 10 races are sidecar races; piloted by a driver and a passenger, these three-wheeled machines can hit speeds of 160mph, with the TT track run with roughly 60% of the throttle wide open.
Driver and passenger must work in perfect harmony, with the driver kneeling behind the wheel while the passenger transfers their weight left-to-right or forward-to-back, depending on the corner. Which is why, often, teams are families.
Last year, tragedy struck. The father-and-son duo of Roger and Bradley Stockton died after a crash at Ago’s Leap on the final lap of the final sidecar race. Roger, 56, was competing in his 11 th TT; Bradley, 21, his first. Heartbreaking, of that there is no doubt. But Bradley had fulfilled a dream by competing in the TT alongside his father.
Having grown up in the paddock, he decided at 16 he wanted to replicate his dad, insisting he simply “couldn’t wait to race in the TT.” It is a feeling all too familiar to the Birchall brothers. Hailing from Mansfield, the brothers nine years apart in age are 12-time TT winners – and won both sidecar races last year.
“You’re so desperate to come back,” Ben, the driver, says in the refreshingly informal environment that is the TT paddock. “It’s like touching a f***ing red hot poker.
You’re not supposed to but you keep thinking… should I? And you do.” Tom, the passenger, is in agreement: “You do not experience this buzz anywhere else. Ever. You’ve done so much work, it’s now or never. Put it all behind you and go for f***ing hell. He’s fully committed so I need to be on his level of commitment.
You know what’s at stake – that big silver trophy and the feeling in the winners’ enclosure. “It’s a drug. It’s your dopamine level saying get me back there, I want to do that.” Thundering down Bray Hill past the petrol station on the right, with hordes of spectators lining the playing fields of St Ninian’s High School on the left, there cannot be any second thoughts.
“No build-up,” says Ben of the race start and negotiating Bray Hill. “Zero to 160, get on with it. If you want to do it any good, you have to do it flat out.
There’s no choice. “Because you set off from a standing start and you’ve got time, you make a better job of your [gear] shift. Perfect, perfect, perfect.” Tom has to match it, too. “You set off down Bray Hill, there’s no point going ‘hang on Ben, I’m not ready.’ Be ready.
Be there. You’re not going to better that. You build up this protective barrier.” Not for the first time, the pair are in agreement. “He’s my mate. Imagine, you’ve just won a TT. And I get to do it with my brother who I love,” concludes Ben.
No wonder they’re the favourites again this year. Yet if to illustrate the risk that comes with the reward, later on opening day, The Independent is pencilled in to speak to the Crowe brothers, who also ride a sidecar. But passenger Callum is being treated for a leg injury in hospital after clipping the inside of Laurel Bank in qualifying.
“Bit sore, but nothing major,” is the response from their camp. In the Isle of Man, no interview is guaranteed. A crash in practice week, you would think, puts you off. That dose of reality amid the adrenaline-fuelled ride.
But not for Sam West. In 2022, he was involved in a high-speed crash at Laurel Bank. Suffering a hole in his hand and severe knee injuries, his bike quickly burst into a fireball. But a few days later, miraculously, he was back on the bike in time for race week.
“I was so frustrated with my body taking its time to heal,” he says, present in the paddock a year on. “By the end of race week, I definitely wasn’t fit. I was fatigued, it was dangerous. “But the TT has become my life’s work. Everything revolves around it, even my motorbike shop in Stoke.
I can only do the life I have because of the TT. Without it, I’d feel like I wouldn’t have a life. My girlfriend who I met racing in Macau, says stop doing it but I don’t think she quite understands how important it is to me.” The buzz is something every rider talks about it, understandably so.
But something quite often overlooked is the skill of each competitor to compete on the mountain course. Crazy lunatics? Solely adrenaline junkies? Insults, the pair of them. “A lot of people think we have to take out our brains to go fast here, it’s the complete opposite,” tells Peter Hickman , the all-time lap record-holder at an average speed of 135.452mph in 2018.
“It’s about using your brain and calculating the risk at the right time. We’re not just idiots, we’re not just crazy.
The people who win here and are here for a long time are clever people.” If the skillset of the drivers is an aspect of the event often ignored, calls for it to be banned are not. Nowadays, those calls usually rear their head on social media. But every driver spoken to repeats the same fundamental principle: free choice.
“It’s a risk we’ve all already accepted,” Hickman insists after the first day of practice, where he hit a top speed of 200mph. “If I make a mistake, I know what the consequences are. If I’m OK with that, I’m here.
If I’m not, then I wouldn’t be here.” And some do think twice. Glenn Irwin was 2022’s best newcomer but is missing out this year, stating: “As a father, it is the right choice.” But for most, the temptation is too strong. “You can talk about this place until you’re blue in the face… until you stand at the roadside and see a bike go past you at 190mph, you won’t get it,” says Hickman, who like many others ‘warms up’ for the TT by playing the official video game on his PlayStation.
“It’s not just visual, it’s a feeling. When people come here for the first time, even people into bikes and racing, they see the first bike go through and they literally can’t talk.” Above confirmed.
As the bike accelerates down Bray Hill up to Quarterbridge Road and over Ago’s Leap in a manner ethereal as well as ferocious, leaves are shifted from their spot on the pavement.
A marshal in a high-vis top standing on the footpath, unfathomably close, raises his eyebrows. You hear the bike’s engine before you see it, but only marginally. Gone before you can blink, fans touch their left ear.
A deafening sound. For a spectator, a spectacle like no other. For a regular rider, the norm; apexes must be hit. For a newcomer? “I had a lot of doubt just before I started,” says Cringle, the morning after the day before. “Bray Hill is mental – as you go over the right before you flick a left and go down the hill, there’s a bump.
The wheel comes up and you start setting the bike down, then there’s a big bump again and before you get to the bottom, the bike compresses and you’re doing a wheelie. “I don’t know how to put the whole lap into words.
It’s scary, the bike was shaking, but it’s just grit your teeth and get through it. “I did it and was like holy s***. It was nuts. But so, so good.” The danger is palpable but improvements in safety are always strived for. Virtual red flags are in operation to quicken communication between the 400 marshals positioned around the course.
Each bike is now fitted with compulsory GPS technology. Riders must also wear chest armour beneath their racing suits; a move enforced last year which West credits for saving his life. “I hit the wall and while the armour was pulled apart, I didn’t have a single bruise on my chest,” he reveals.
“It saved my life – 15 years ago, I’d have died from internal organ failure. It’s the ignorance of the human though. We think it won’t happen to us, we turn a blind eye as much as we can.” And there, in essence, is the TT.
The ultimate risk, with the prize of ultimate liberation. As qualifying fizzles out with race week on the horizon, the riders are in their own zone. Not racing others, so much as themselves. Enraptured in their own bubble, under the helmet, with just the bike and the road in their minds.
Little wonder they keep coming back. “It’s a compliment to the TT to say I’d stick my neck on the line,” West sums up, leaving a question lingering in the air. “The course is hair-raising. This is my life.
I give everything to the sport. “Life is there to be lived. Would you give up your life to avoid dying?”
DIDI HAMANN: Inter Milan will need a 'miracle' to snatch the Champions League from Man City
City deserve to lift the trophy because they've clearly been the best team in Europe this season. Over two legs, they're practically unbeatable and, while it's not impossible I'd be surprised if Milan...
🕦 3 hours | dailymailuk
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DIDI HAMANN: Inter Milan will need a 'miracle' to snatch the Champions League from Man City
🕦 3 hours | dailymailuk
DIDI HAMANN: Liverpool went to Istanbul knowing everything had to go perfectly for us to beat the mighty AC Milan. This time round it's Inter who will need the 'miracle', rather than Man City, who deserve to lift the trophy Manchester City are still on track to win a historic treble after their FA Cup win Pep Guardiola's side go up against Inter Milan in the Champions League final But they will not need a 'miracle' like Liverpool did in Istanbul in 2005 to win By Didi Hamann For The Mail On Sunday Published: 18:23 EDT, 3 June 2023 | Updated: 04:46 EDT, 4 June 2023 e-mail 12 View comments My former club Manchester City don’t need another ‘ Miracle of Istanbul ’ to bring home the Champions League, as we at Liverpool did in 2005.
City deserve to lift the trophy because they’ve clearly been the best team in Europe this season .
Over two legs, they’re practically unbeatable and, while it’s not impossible for Inter Milan to win a one-off game, I’d be surprised.
Having Erling Haaland next to them must give the City players incredible belief because he can score out of nothing and at the back Ruben Dias has been as important as Virgil van Dijk is to Liverpool.
City have gone from being leaky in big games to having the best defence in the Premier League. It’s a crazy coincidence that the first Champions League final in Istanbul for 18 years again features an English club against opponents from Milan.
Man City won the FA Cup on Saturday and are now set to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final next weekend as they vie to claim a historic treble Dietmar Hamann (left) says Man City will not need a 'miracle' in Istanbil like his Liverpool side did in 2005 Hamann (right) who also played for City, believes the Citizens deserve to win the Champions League I’ll be working on the game from a TV studio in Germany and I’m sure I’ll get goosebumps watching events at the Ataturk Stadium because it was the most famous club game I played in.
Coming on at half-time 3-0 down to AC Milan and helping Liverpool win the cup on penalties is something I’m extremely proud of.
Liverpool were underdogs that night, just as Inter are now. AC Milan were the best team in the world at that time, with stars like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo.
But we had a fantastic team spirit — as City have now — and although Inter have good players, I’m not sure they have the equivalent of Steven Gerrard. People know my Liverpool connections but I also spent three years at City between 2006 and 2009, a transformative time.
We fought relegation in my first season with Stuart Pearce. Things began to improve under Sven Goran Eriksson, when Vedran Corluka, Martin Petrov and Elano were signed to join the homegrown youngsters, Stephen Ireland, Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha.
And then it really took off. My last season coincided with the Abu Dhabi takeover. It was mad. Robinho, one of the most sought-after players in the world at that time, signed on their first day.
What’s happened since is fantastic. Spending money helps but is no guarantee of success. City were smart enough to keep a lot of the staff even from my time so they could retain their identity. Paul Webster (physio) stayed 12 years until 2016 and Vicky Kloss (communications) was there for 21 years until 2022.
Pep Guardiola's (middle front) side have been imperious this season claiming the league and cup double Ilkay Gundogan (pictured) netted a brace of goals to help City claim a 2-1 win against Man Utd Erling Haaland (pictured) has been pivotal for City this season, scoring 52 goals in all competitions on his debut Premier League season Danny Wilson (operations) is still there, as is first-team support manager Clare Marsden.
People like that ensure everyone who works at City, including newer arrivals, understand how special the club are.
On the pitch, better players like Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Nigel De Jong had started to arrive by the time I left in 2009. Standards were being raised and the younger ones like Micah Richards knew they had to improve if they wanted to be part of it.
In terms of the Champions League, City have had some near misses. Inter will be awkward opponents but I hope and expect them to do it. We went to Istanbul knowing everything had to go perfectly for us to beat the mighty Milan.
This time round it’s Inter who will need the ‘miracle’, rather than City. Share or comment on this article: DIDI HAMANN: Inter Milan will need a 'miracle' to snatch the Champions League from Man City e-mail Add comment Comments 12 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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City deserve to lift the trophy because they’ve clearly been the best team in Europe this season .
Over two legs, they’re practically unbeatable and, while it’s not impossible for Inter Milan to win a one-off game, I’d be surprised.
Having Erling Haaland next to them must give the City players incredible belief because he can score out of nothing and at the back Ruben Dias has been as important as Virgil van Dijk is to Liverpool.
City have gone from being leaky in big games to having the best defence in the Premier League. It’s a crazy coincidence that the first Champions League final in Istanbul for 18 years again features an English club against opponents from Milan.
Man City won the FA Cup on Saturday and are now set to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final next weekend as they vie to claim a historic treble Dietmar Hamann (left) says Man City will not need a 'miracle' in Istanbil like his Liverpool side did in 2005 Hamann (right) who also played for City, believes the Citizens deserve to win the Champions League I’ll be working on the game from a TV studio in Germany and I’m sure I’ll get goosebumps watching events at the Ataturk Stadium because it was the most famous club game I played in.
Coming on at half-time 3-0 down to AC Milan and helping Liverpool win the cup on penalties is something I’m extremely proud of.
Liverpool were underdogs that night, just as Inter are now. AC Milan were the best team in the world at that time, with stars like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo.
But we had a fantastic team spirit — as City have now — and although Inter have good players, I’m not sure they have the equivalent of Steven Gerrard. People know my Liverpool connections but I also spent three years at City between 2006 and 2009, a transformative time.
We fought relegation in my first season with Stuart Pearce. Things began to improve under Sven Goran Eriksson, when Vedran Corluka, Martin Petrov and Elano were signed to join the homegrown youngsters, Stephen Ireland, Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha.
And then it really took off. My last season coincided with the Abu Dhabi takeover. It was mad. Robinho, one of the most sought-after players in the world at that time, signed on their first day.
What’s happened since is fantastic. Spending money helps but is no guarantee of success. City were smart enough to keep a lot of the staff even from my time so they could retain their identity. Paul Webster (physio) stayed 12 years until 2016 and Vicky Kloss (communications) was there for 21 years until 2022.
Pep Guardiola's (middle front) side have been imperious this season claiming the league and cup double Ilkay Gundogan (pictured) netted a brace of goals to help City claim a 2-1 win against Man Utd Erling Haaland (pictured) has been pivotal for City this season, scoring 52 goals in all competitions on his debut Premier League season Danny Wilson (operations) is still there, as is first-team support manager Clare Marsden.
People like that ensure everyone who works at City, including newer arrivals, understand how special the club are.
On the pitch, better players like Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Nigel De Jong had started to arrive by the time I left in 2009. Standards were being raised and the younger ones like Micah Richards knew they had to improve if they wanted to be part of it.
In terms of the Champions League, City have had some near misses. Inter will be awkward opponents but I hope and expect them to do it. We went to Istanbul knowing everything had to go perfectly for us to beat the mighty Milan.
This time round it’s Inter who will need the ‘miracle’, rather than City. Share or comment on this article: DIDI HAMANN: Inter Milan will need a 'miracle' to snatch the Champions League from Man City e-mail Add comment Comments 12 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
View all The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules .
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England captain Ben Stokes talks the Ashes and bowling pain free with Mail Sport's Nasser Hussain
EXCLUSIVE: In the second part of Nasser Hussain's interview with England captain Ben Stokes, he focuses on the Ashes, bowling pain-free and his fast bowler sledging the Aussies!
🕦 3 hours | dailymailuk
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England captain Ben Stokes talks the Ashes and bowling pain free with Mail Sport's Nasser Hussain
🕦 3 hours | dailymailuk
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ben Stokes looks ahead to his first Ashes series as England Test captain with Mail Sport's Nasser Hussain, talks about bowling pain-free and loves that his fast bowler is sledging the Aussies already! Ben Stokes is preparing for his first Ashes as captain of the England's Test side Stokes claims England's approach will not change and expects to be fit to bowl Mail Sport's Nasser Hussain sat down with Stokes ahead of the Ashes this month By Nasser Hussain For The Daily Mail Published: 17:30 EDT, 3 June 2023 | Updated: 04:45 EDT, 4 June 2023 e-mail 152 shares 1 View comments Mail Sport columnist Nasser Hussain travelled to India during the IPL for an extensive interview with Ben Stokes.
As part of his documentary on leadership for Sky, Hussain has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport.
On Friday we brought part one of his sitdown with Stokes , now in part two the England captain focuses on the Ashes, bowling pain-free and why he loves it that his fast bowler is sledging the Aussies already! NASSER HUSSAIN : What do you think makes a good leader? BEN STOKES : I think getting the best out of everybody as individuals and for people to want to follow you out of admiration rather than fear.
Ben Stokes (above) sat down with Mail Sport columnist Nasser Hussain ahead of the Ashes NASSER : But is there a bit of fear with you? Jurgen Klopp says he’s mates with his team but not their best mate.
I see a little bit of that with you… BEN : You’ll have to ask the team about that! I do think I’m an easy-going leader in most situations but there have been a few times when I have been pretty stern.
Once that’s done it’s over and done with and we crack on but one thing they all know they will get from me is the straight, honest truth.
There’s no beating around the bush. NASSER : When you took over what did you see needed changing in a team that had won one of its previous 17 Tests? BEN : Just coming up with a way and a language to allow players to express themselves and get the best out of their ability.
Hopefully the players do not feel like they’re restricted by anything. Half the battle for batsmen is worrying about being out while they’re not out.
Take away the fear of getting out and put all your concentration into scoring runs. If you get out we’ll deal with that later… NASSER : How do you take away that fear of failure? BEN : By telling the players the only opinions that matter are those in the changing room.
Pundits and commentators have a job to do and that’s fine but it’s not what we need to worry about. The players have the backing of me, Brendon and the dressing room and that’s what matters. Not the opinion of those writing articles or commentating on you while it happens.
Understanding we are in the entertainment business has really freed everyone up. NASSER : This is your first Ashes series as captain. How much are you looking forward to it? Stokes believes he is an easy-going leader but can be stern when required with the team England enjoyed a dominant year under Stokes but he now faces his first Ashes as captain BEN : I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to it as much as my first official captaincy in a Test but I’m extremely excited.
I’m glad I’ve managed to captain 12 games before going into the Ashes as captain because I’ve got a lot of things I can look back on under pressure.
The Ashes are huge for England and Australia cricketers and the captaincy is the icing on top. NASSER : Is it still though? There’s so much other cricket. We’re at the IPL. Do we make too much of the Ashes? Is it still the pinnacle? BEN : I don’t think you can ever make too much of what the Ashes is.
It was even being spoken about by the players last summer. The closer it gets the more media attention there is and it’s huge. It is simply the biggest Test series there is.
NASSER : You’ve spent the last year having fun. How do you shut out the noise and the importance of an Ashes series? BEN : We’ll keep on doing the same things we’ve done. We won’t change anything we’ve done over the last year just because we’re coming into an Ashes series.
Every player knows the Ashes is where everything is ramped up a bit but me, Baz and the senior players have been round long enough to understand that and will ensure those little things won’t creep into the dressing room. NASSER : Ten wins in 12 games.
Everything has been positive. Do you have to plan in case anything goes in the other direction? BEN : No, no. If you plan for negativity then it will inevitably happen… NASSER : And how are the team placed? How many of your XI do you know? BEN : I could pick a 20-man squad if I really wanted to.
I’ve already said that with our bowling group. I’ve asked our medical team to give us as many opportunities as possible to pick from eight bowlers every game. The games are closer together than in past series so having those resources available is something I’m keen to have.
I’m really fortunate to have so many good players available but I think I know what the starting XI will be, there or thereabouts. NASSER : How important was it to get some red-ball cricket in before the Ashes? Some Australians have been playing county cricket.
They have the World Test Championship final too so they’ll hit the ground running. Will your team be able to do that as well? BEN : Whatever you do in the gym, or whatever, you can’t replicate a full day in the field and that’s something you need to get the body ready for and make sure it’s up to scratch.
I don’t really play in warm-up matches anymore because I like to use those for training-specific stuff but there will be some guys who wanted to play three or four red-ball games before the Ashes. Others wanted just one and concentrate on nets.
We like to leave it up to the individuals and say ‘what do you guys want to do?’ England beat Ireland in a one-match Test this week as the build-up continues to the Ashes The England Test captain has been managing his workload due to an injury to his left knee NASSER : What do you think of some counties letting Australians have some match practice? BEN : I’ve got absolutely no issue with it whatsoever.
Marcus North (Durham director of cricket) messaged me and said: ‘Is it OK if we sign an Australian?’ and I said: ‘Mate, it’s absolutely fine.
Don’t worry.’ It’s great for our game if you get international players coming over. Why would you not want superstar players representing our counties? When it comes to the Ashes I don’t think it will make any difference. Steve Smith could have got four ducks in a row for Sussex but we all know he could still then get 700 runs in the Ashes.
NASSER : How’s the body? How’s the knee? BEN : It’s been a very frustrating year bowling with this knee problem and not being able to fulfil my role as fourth seamer properly.
I’ve worked so hard to get to the point where, touch wood, I can bowl pain free. I’ve had a little bit of help from some cortisone injections but everything is going nicely and I won’t rush it because the priority is making sure I can fulfil that role as fourth seamer in the Ashes NASSER : Can you put your body on the line if you need to bowl long spells? BEN : I’ve had some good conversations with people who look after us body-wise and told them I did everything possible while I was in India to give myself the best opportunity to fulfil my role and if I need anything else to give me a bit of assistance, so be it.
I’ll do whatever I can to be able to do that.
NASSER : The war of words has already started. Usually, it’s Glenn McGrath making his predictions but this time it’s been Ollie Robinson saying we want to give Australia a good hiding.
You want confident cricketers but did you wince a bit? Stokes is confident he will be in a position to bowl pain free and be England's fourth seamer Stokes has no issue with Australian stars Steve Smith playing in the County Championship BEN : No.
It goes back to treating people as individuals and letting them operate as the characters they are. And that is Ollie. He’s such a confident individual not only within himself but also in the people he has around him in this team. I saw he’d said that and I thought, ‘That’s Robbo down to a tee.
That’s his character’. There’s no arrogance in that. He just believes in himself and firmly believes in this team’s capabilities. I’d rather him say that than, ‘I don’t know how we’ll get on. Perhaps we’ll get beat’. NASSER : Like we used to! It’s being said that the Dukes ball will be back to its best this season and will stay hard.
Does that suit either team? They’ve got a gun attack but so have you. BEN : I hope the balls are better than last year’s. They were dreadful. I don’t know. Australia are an incredible team in Australia and very hard to play against.
I liken it to playing India in India. In England perhaps the ball brings the teams closer together. The attacks are different. Australia have got the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who bowl fast.
We’ve still got that option with Woody but we’ve also got three incredibly skillful bowlers in Robbo, Jimmy and Broady. And we know what they can do with the Dukes ball in England. We’ll see. I don’t know if the Ashes will come down to bowlers v bowlers or batters v batters.
We’re evenly matched teams. NASSER : Will you always want that extra pace in your attack or would you be happy to go Anderson, Broad, Robinson? Ollie Robinson has declared that England want to give Australia a good hiding in the Ashes Stokes says Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad are prepared to go for runs to attack Australia BEN : Having someone who can bowl above 90 miles per hour is something every captain wants.
When it comes to that first Test I’ll be making sure I pick the best team for that game. We’ve been very clear to ground-staff what kind of wickets we want — flat and fast —and they’ve been very responsive to that.
It’s something we want because we want to go out there and score quickly. It will bring their guys into it because they will want those wickets too… I’m smiling because I’m just looking forward to it so much.
NASSER : How do you see Australia? They haven’t won an Ashes series in England since 2001… BEN : They’re always a seriously competitive team. You look at the likes of Warner, Labuschagne, Smith and Travis Head as well. Head is someone who has taken his opportunity and said ‘this is how I’m going to play’ and him being allowed to play the way he has is why he’s been so successful.
He was so hard to bowl to when we played Australia last time because he just threw counter punches and was really hard to set fields to.
But we’re prepared for that and we’re also prepared to go for runs which is something that has got easier for the bowlers the more games we’ve played. Jimmy and Broady have been so protective in the past of their economy rates and have hated going for runs whereas now they’ve seen a different side to it.
Seeing those two who have been so skilful over their careers having an ‘it’s fine to go for runs’ mentality is something that will stand us in good stead should Australia come back at us with any sort of counter punching, like Head in particular likes to do.
NASSER : With the schedule as it is do you think you’ll have to rotate your attack? BEN : It would be silly to say no because Tests are gruelling on bodies and who knows what conditions will be as we go from game to game. We might feel that having high-end pace is something we need throughout the series.
We might decide we don’t need it in every game. Having those options and a group of eight fast bowlers available despite the injuries we’ve had is something I really want each game. Stokes believes England will be prepared to combat the counter punching of Travis Head The England captain insists that their attacking style will not change against Australia NASSER : Will your captaincy style be the same as we’ve seen in the last 12 Tests? Say you’re 2-1 up going to the Oval.
Will you declare on 480 for eight in the first innings? BEN : Yes.
Especially if we’ve only got Jimmy left. God, walking wicket isn’t he? NASSER : And how about if on the last day you’re 300 ahead with three wickets down. You just need a draw to win the Ashes, bails off like at the Oval in 2005.
Are you declaring or batting on? BEN: I’ll declare. I’m not going to change anything just because it’s the Ashes. Every game we play in this series I’ll be trying to produce a result. I won’t change in any situation otherwise I won’t be being true to myself and what I’ve done over the last year.
Share or comment on this article: England captain Ben Stokes talks the Ashes and bowling pain free with Mail Sport's Nasser Hussain e-mail 152 shares Add comment Comments 1 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have been moderated in advance.
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As part of his documentary on leadership for Sky, Hussain has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport.
On Friday we brought part one of his sitdown with Stokes , now in part two the England captain focuses on the Ashes, bowling pain-free and why he loves it that his fast bowler is sledging the Aussies already! NASSER HUSSAIN : What do you think makes a good leader? BEN STOKES : I think getting the best out of everybody as individuals and for people to want to follow you out of admiration rather than fear.
Ben Stokes (above) sat down with Mail Sport columnist Nasser Hussain ahead of the Ashes NASSER : But is there a bit of fear with you? Jurgen Klopp says he’s mates with his team but not their best mate.
I see a little bit of that with you… BEN : You’ll have to ask the team about that! I do think I’m an easy-going leader in most situations but there have been a few times when I have been pretty stern.
Once that’s done it’s over and done with and we crack on but one thing they all know they will get from me is the straight, honest truth.
There’s no beating around the bush. NASSER : When you took over what did you see needed changing in a team that had won one of its previous 17 Tests? BEN : Just coming up with a way and a language to allow players to express themselves and get the best out of their ability.
Hopefully the players do not feel like they’re restricted by anything. Half the battle for batsmen is worrying about being out while they’re not out.
Take away the fear of getting out and put all your concentration into scoring runs. If you get out we’ll deal with that later… NASSER : How do you take away that fear of failure? BEN : By telling the players the only opinions that matter are those in the changing room.
Pundits and commentators have a job to do and that’s fine but it’s not what we need to worry about. The players have the backing of me, Brendon and the dressing room and that’s what matters. Not the opinion of those writing articles or commentating on you while it happens.
Understanding we are in the entertainment business has really freed everyone up. NASSER : This is your first Ashes series as captain. How much are you looking forward to it? Stokes believes he is an easy-going leader but can be stern when required with the team England enjoyed a dominant year under Stokes but he now faces his first Ashes as captain BEN : I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to it as much as my first official captaincy in a Test but I’m extremely excited.
I’m glad I’ve managed to captain 12 games before going into the Ashes as captain because I’ve got a lot of things I can look back on under pressure.
The Ashes are huge for England and Australia cricketers and the captaincy is the icing on top. NASSER : Is it still though? There’s so much other cricket. We’re at the IPL. Do we make too much of the Ashes? Is it still the pinnacle? BEN : I don’t think you can ever make too much of what the Ashes is.
It was even being spoken about by the players last summer. The closer it gets the more media attention there is and it’s huge. It is simply the biggest Test series there is.
NASSER : You’ve spent the last year having fun. How do you shut out the noise and the importance of an Ashes series? BEN : We’ll keep on doing the same things we’ve done. We won’t change anything we’ve done over the last year just because we’re coming into an Ashes series.
Every player knows the Ashes is where everything is ramped up a bit but me, Baz and the senior players have been round long enough to understand that and will ensure those little things won’t creep into the dressing room. NASSER : Ten wins in 12 games.
Everything has been positive. Do you have to plan in case anything goes in the other direction? BEN : No, no. If you plan for negativity then it will inevitably happen… NASSER : And how are the team placed? How many of your XI do you know? BEN : I could pick a 20-man squad if I really wanted to.
I’ve already said that with our bowling group. I’ve asked our medical team to give us as many opportunities as possible to pick from eight bowlers every game. The games are closer together than in past series so having those resources available is something I’m keen to have.
I’m really fortunate to have so many good players available but I think I know what the starting XI will be, there or thereabouts. NASSER : How important was it to get some red-ball cricket in before the Ashes? Some Australians have been playing county cricket.
They have the World Test Championship final too so they’ll hit the ground running. Will your team be able to do that as well? BEN : Whatever you do in the gym, or whatever, you can’t replicate a full day in the field and that’s something you need to get the body ready for and make sure it’s up to scratch.
I don’t really play in warm-up matches anymore because I like to use those for training-specific stuff but there will be some guys who wanted to play three or four red-ball games before the Ashes. Others wanted just one and concentrate on nets.
We like to leave it up to the individuals and say ‘what do you guys want to do?’ England beat Ireland in a one-match Test this week as the build-up continues to the Ashes The England Test captain has been managing his workload due to an injury to his left knee NASSER : What do you think of some counties letting Australians have some match practice? BEN : I’ve got absolutely no issue with it whatsoever.
Marcus North (Durham director of cricket) messaged me and said: ‘Is it OK if we sign an Australian?’ and I said: ‘Mate, it’s absolutely fine.
Don’t worry.’ It’s great for our game if you get international players coming over. Why would you not want superstar players representing our counties? When it comes to the Ashes I don’t think it will make any difference. Steve Smith could have got four ducks in a row for Sussex but we all know he could still then get 700 runs in the Ashes.
NASSER : How’s the body? How’s the knee? BEN : It’s been a very frustrating year bowling with this knee problem and not being able to fulfil my role as fourth seamer properly.
I’ve worked so hard to get to the point where, touch wood, I can bowl pain free. I’ve had a little bit of help from some cortisone injections but everything is going nicely and I won’t rush it because the priority is making sure I can fulfil that role as fourth seamer in the Ashes NASSER : Can you put your body on the line if you need to bowl long spells? BEN : I’ve had some good conversations with people who look after us body-wise and told them I did everything possible while I was in India to give myself the best opportunity to fulfil my role and if I need anything else to give me a bit of assistance, so be it.
I’ll do whatever I can to be able to do that.
NASSER : The war of words has already started. Usually, it’s Glenn McGrath making his predictions but this time it’s been Ollie Robinson saying we want to give Australia a good hiding.
You want confident cricketers but did you wince a bit? Stokes is confident he will be in a position to bowl pain free and be England's fourth seamer Stokes has no issue with Australian stars Steve Smith playing in the County Championship BEN : No.
It goes back to treating people as individuals and letting them operate as the characters they are. And that is Ollie. He’s such a confident individual not only within himself but also in the people he has around him in this team. I saw he’d said that and I thought, ‘That’s Robbo down to a tee.
That’s his character’. There’s no arrogance in that. He just believes in himself and firmly believes in this team’s capabilities. I’d rather him say that than, ‘I don’t know how we’ll get on. Perhaps we’ll get beat’. NASSER : Like we used to! It’s being said that the Dukes ball will be back to its best this season and will stay hard.
Does that suit either team? They’ve got a gun attack but so have you. BEN : I hope the balls are better than last year’s. They were dreadful. I don’t know. Australia are an incredible team in Australia and very hard to play against.
I liken it to playing India in India. In England perhaps the ball brings the teams closer together. The attacks are different. Australia have got the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who bowl fast.
We’ve still got that option with Woody but we’ve also got three incredibly skillful bowlers in Robbo, Jimmy and Broady. And we know what they can do with the Dukes ball in England. We’ll see. I don’t know if the Ashes will come down to bowlers v bowlers or batters v batters.
We’re evenly matched teams. NASSER : Will you always want that extra pace in your attack or would you be happy to go Anderson, Broad, Robinson? Ollie Robinson has declared that England want to give Australia a good hiding in the Ashes Stokes says Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad are prepared to go for runs to attack Australia BEN : Having someone who can bowl above 90 miles per hour is something every captain wants.
When it comes to that first Test I’ll be making sure I pick the best team for that game. We’ve been very clear to ground-staff what kind of wickets we want — flat and fast —and they’ve been very responsive to that.
It’s something we want because we want to go out there and score quickly. It will bring their guys into it because they will want those wickets too… I’m smiling because I’m just looking forward to it so much.
NASSER : How do you see Australia? They haven’t won an Ashes series in England since 2001… BEN : They’re always a seriously competitive team. You look at the likes of Warner, Labuschagne, Smith and Travis Head as well. Head is someone who has taken his opportunity and said ‘this is how I’m going to play’ and him being allowed to play the way he has is why he’s been so successful.
He was so hard to bowl to when we played Australia last time because he just threw counter punches and was really hard to set fields to.
But we’re prepared for that and we’re also prepared to go for runs which is something that has got easier for the bowlers the more games we’ve played. Jimmy and Broady have been so protective in the past of their economy rates and have hated going for runs whereas now they’ve seen a different side to it.
Seeing those two who have been so skilful over their careers having an ‘it’s fine to go for runs’ mentality is something that will stand us in good stead should Australia come back at us with any sort of counter punching, like Head in particular likes to do.
NASSER : With the schedule as it is do you think you’ll have to rotate your attack? BEN : It would be silly to say no because Tests are gruelling on bodies and who knows what conditions will be as we go from game to game. We might feel that having high-end pace is something we need throughout the series.
We might decide we don’t need it in every game. Having those options and a group of eight fast bowlers available despite the injuries we’ve had is something I really want each game. Stokes believes England will be prepared to combat the counter punching of Travis Head The England captain insists that their attacking style will not change against Australia NASSER : Will your captaincy style be the same as we’ve seen in the last 12 Tests? Say you’re 2-1 up going to the Oval.
Will you declare on 480 for eight in the first innings? BEN : Yes.
Especially if we’ve only got Jimmy left. God, walking wicket isn’t he? NASSER : And how about if on the last day you’re 300 ahead with three wickets down. You just need a draw to win the Ashes, bails off like at the Oval in 2005.
Are you declaring or batting on? BEN: I’ll declare. I’m not going to change anything just because it’s the Ashes. Every game we play in this series I’ll be trying to produce a result. I won’t change in any situation otherwise I won’t be being true to myself and what I’ve done over the last year.
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Russell blames Mercedes for collision with team-mate Hamilton at Spanish GP qualifying
George Russell has blamed his team after colliding with team-mate Lewis Hamilton and demanded internal talks after the incident at the Spanish GP on Saturday.
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Russell blames Mercedes for collision with team-mate Hamilton at Spanish GP qualifying
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'It shouldn't happen': George Russell blames Mercedes for his 'really dangerous' collision with team-mate Lewis Hamilton at Spanish GP qualifying and demands internal talks to improve 'communication' Russell and Hamilton collided at qualifying for the Spanish GP on Saturday After the collision, Russell slammed his team and demanded 'internal talks' Hamilton starts Sunday's race in fourth, though Russell is down in 12th By Nick Emms For Mailonline Published: 08:39, 4 June 2023 | Updated: 09:43, 4 June 2023 e-mail 9 View comments George Russell has blamed his team after colliding with team-mate Lewis Hamilton and demanded internal talks after the incident.
The Brit has it all to do as he is set to start 12th on the grid after a miserable showing, failing to make it to the final part of qualifying.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Russell pointed the finger at his team and defended his innocence after forcing Hamilton onto the grass on a tight turn.
'It was just a massive miscommunication,' he revealed. 'I was looking ahead trying to get the slipstream from Carlos [Sainz] and next thing Lewis was there.
'So we need to talk internally about how that happened, because between two team-mates, it never should. It was neither [driver's] fault. George Russell (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R) clashed during the qualifying session in Spain Hamilton described the collision as 'really dangerous' but doesn't hold Russell accountable Russell slammed Mercedes for the incident and admitted that communication should be better 'Nothing by either driver was necessarily wrong, just within the team, it shouldn't happen and the communication should be better.' The driver continued to admit that he believes the setup of his car led to his failure and knew that he was going to perform badly before stepping onto the track.
He continued: 'We made some small changes from FP3 to qualifying and the car was bouncing.
'The high speed corners that were easy flat in practice, I couldn't take flat, couldn't the tyres working and it all went wrong.
'Back in Q1, I knew we weren't going to have a good day, it was strange. We should be capitalising on conditions like that, we usually do – the team is very good when it is challenging.
'It was pretty telling the first lap in Q1 with [Nico] Hulkenberg P1, one-a-half-seconds quicker than we could achieve. 'I was trying all sorts on the out lap, all sorts of pressures, and we probably just got ourselves a bit confused.
A set-up change we made into qualifying was definitely the wrong direction for these cold, damp, greasy conditions, which is a shame especially because I think we have a fast race car.' Hamilton himself described the collision as 'really dangerous', but luckily both drivers escaped unharmed and will try to put the incident behind them and move on as a team.
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The Brit has it all to do as he is set to start 12th on the grid after a miserable showing, failing to make it to the final part of qualifying.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Russell pointed the finger at his team and defended his innocence after forcing Hamilton onto the grass on a tight turn.
'It was just a massive miscommunication,' he revealed. 'I was looking ahead trying to get the slipstream from Carlos [Sainz] and next thing Lewis was there.
'So we need to talk internally about how that happened, because between two team-mates, it never should. It was neither [driver's] fault. George Russell (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R) clashed during the qualifying session in Spain Hamilton described the collision as 'really dangerous' but doesn't hold Russell accountable Russell slammed Mercedes for the incident and admitted that communication should be better 'Nothing by either driver was necessarily wrong, just within the team, it shouldn't happen and the communication should be better.' The driver continued to admit that he believes the setup of his car led to his failure and knew that he was going to perform badly before stepping onto the track.
He continued: 'We made some small changes from FP3 to qualifying and the car was bouncing.
'The high speed corners that were easy flat in practice, I couldn't take flat, couldn't the tyres working and it all went wrong.
'Back in Q1, I knew we weren't going to have a good day, it was strange. We should be capitalising on conditions like that, we usually do – the team is very good when it is challenging.
'It was pretty telling the first lap in Q1 with [Nico] Hulkenberg P1, one-a-half-seconds quicker than we could achieve. 'I was trying all sorts on the out lap, all sorts of pressures, and we probably just got ourselves a bit confused.
A set-up change we made into qualifying was definitely the wrong direction for these cold, damp, greasy conditions, which is a shame especially because I think we have a fast race car.' Hamilton himself described the collision as 'really dangerous', but luckily both drivers escaped unharmed and will try to put the incident behind them and move on as a team.
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Man United co-owner Avram Glazer IGNORES questions about proposed takeover at FA Cup final
Glazer, 62, one of the deeply unpopular co-owners of the English giants, watched on at Wembley Stadium as United lost the FA Cup final 2-1 against rivals Manchester City.
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Man United co-owner Avram Glazer IGNORES questions about proposed takeover at FA Cup final
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Man United co-owner Avram Glazer IGNORES questions about proposed takeover at the FA Cup final... with reviled American chiefs holding out for £6bn from Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari bidders amid fan protests Avram Glazer has blanked questions about the proposed takeover of Man United Glazer, one of the deeply unpopular American co-owners , ignored all questions He was present at Wembley as his side lost against Man City in the FA Cup final By Max Mathews For Mailonline Published: 09:01 BST, 4 June 2023 | Updated: 09:38 BST, 4 June 2023 e-mail 2 View comments Avram Glazer blanked all questions about the proposed takeover of Manchester United at the FA Cup final on Sunday.
Glazer, 62, one of the deeply unpopular co-owners of the English giants, watched on at Wembley Stadium as United lost the FA Cup final 2-1 against rivals Manchester City.
And after the match, Glazer was approached by Sky with questions on the long-running takeover saga.
He was asked: 'Are you definitely selling Manchester United? Are you going to accept the Jim Ratcliffe or Qatari bid? 'Why are you not speaking to the fans? Don't the fans deserve to know what's happening with the takeover?' Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer (second right) ignored all questions about the club's potential takeover when asked by a reporter Avram Glazer was watching on for Man United's 2-1 FA Cup final defeat against rivals Man City 62-year-old was pictured alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and former United executive David Gill Questioning Avram Glazer on the Manchester United sale - silent for the fans @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/XfTEOvrKpV — Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 3, 2023 But, despite clearly hearing the reporter, Glazer marched straight past him, refusing to make eye contact or acknowledge his presence.
His stance may anger fans given genuine questions over the state of the protracted potential takeover, with the Glazers holding out for £6billion.
The Glazer family have spent more than 15 years at the helm of the club since acquiring a majority stake in 2005, and have presided over an ever-deteriorating relationship between the ownership and the Old Trafford faithful.
The family's reign at the club could end this summer as a long-rumoured takeover looks set to finally be in motion.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, of Qatar, and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the only publicly interested parties in a full takeover, with a recent report from the sun claiming Ratcliffe is the Glazers' preferred bidder.
However, sources close to both of the club's prospective new owners claimed last month that stories about Ratcliffe now being in pole position may in fact be part of strategic play by New York bankers Raine to squeeze yet bigger bids from both parties.
The six Glazer siblings reportedly could retain shares in United as part of Ratcliffe's phased takeover bid - as opposed to a full sale to Sheikh Jassim - which would cause more fury among supporters.
Delays to the sale as the Glazers hold out for £6bn could have a severe impact on manager Erik ten Hag's plans to rebuild his squad this summer.
Mail Sport 's Chris Wheeler insists the 'only winners of this chaotic affair' are the Glazers. The United co-owner was pictured shaking hands with City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak The Glazers have had a fractious relationship with the club's fans during their time in charge Last month, pundit and United club legend Gary Neville ripped into the Glazer family for handling Man United 's takeover process 'unprofessionally'.
The Red Devils have been searching for a new owner for months now and seemed as though they were closing in on a potential announcement earlier in May.
Reports suggested that Ratcliffe had been identified as the preferred bidder to buy the club from the Glazer family, but has not received the green light to commence the takeover.
And, as United's fans continue to be left in the dark over the matter, former right-back Neville has voiced his displeasure with the situation on social media. Taking to his Twitter page on Wednesday morning, Neville wrote: ' Plainly obvious the Glazer family aren't going to announce anything on the ownership until the season is closed! 'They've been spinning it out unprofessionally for weeks and months now.
They know fan protests would have been more significant than they already have if matches were still being played and the end result of the sale process is unpopular.
'Basically any family members staying in would be deemed unacceptable by all fans. Is this why they're holding off?'. Having announced during the World Cup that they were seeking fresh revenue streams, be that an investment in the club or an outright sale, much speculation has surrounded United and the potential next owners.
Gary Neville has again taken aim at the Glazer family for their handling of the takeover process Neville voiced his opinions about the ongoing takeover process on his social media accounts Share or comment on this article: Man United co-owner Avram Glazer IGNORES questions about proposed takeover at FA Cup final e-mail Add comment Comments 15 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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Glazer, 62, one of the deeply unpopular co-owners of the English giants, watched on at Wembley Stadium as United lost the FA Cup final 2-1 against rivals Manchester City.
And after the match, Glazer was approached by Sky with questions on the long-running takeover saga.
He was asked: 'Are you definitely selling Manchester United? Are you going to accept the Jim Ratcliffe or Qatari bid? 'Why are you not speaking to the fans? Don't the fans deserve to know what's happening with the takeover?' Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer (second right) ignored all questions about the club's potential takeover when asked by a reporter Avram Glazer was watching on for Man United's 2-1 FA Cup final defeat against rivals Man City 62-year-old was pictured alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and former United executive David Gill Questioning Avram Glazer on the Manchester United sale - silent for the fans @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/XfTEOvrKpV — Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 3, 2023 But, despite clearly hearing the reporter, Glazer marched straight past him, refusing to make eye contact or acknowledge his presence.
His stance may anger fans given genuine questions over the state of the protracted potential takeover, with the Glazers holding out for £6billion.
The Glazer family have spent more than 15 years at the helm of the club since acquiring a majority stake in 2005, and have presided over an ever-deteriorating relationship between the ownership and the Old Trafford faithful.
The family's reign at the club could end this summer as a long-rumoured takeover looks set to finally be in motion.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, of Qatar, and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the only publicly interested parties in a full takeover, with a recent report from the sun claiming Ratcliffe is the Glazers' preferred bidder.
However, sources close to both of the club's prospective new owners claimed last month that stories about Ratcliffe now being in pole position may in fact be part of strategic play by New York bankers Raine to squeeze yet bigger bids from both parties.
The six Glazer siblings reportedly could retain shares in United as part of Ratcliffe's phased takeover bid - as opposed to a full sale to Sheikh Jassim - which would cause more fury among supporters.
Delays to the sale as the Glazers hold out for £6bn could have a severe impact on manager Erik ten Hag's plans to rebuild his squad this summer.
Mail Sport 's Chris Wheeler insists the 'only winners of this chaotic affair' are the Glazers. The United co-owner was pictured shaking hands with City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak The Glazers have had a fractious relationship with the club's fans during their time in charge Last month, pundit and United club legend Gary Neville ripped into the Glazer family for handling Man United 's takeover process 'unprofessionally'.
The Red Devils have been searching for a new owner for months now and seemed as though they were closing in on a potential announcement earlier in May.
Reports suggested that Ratcliffe had been identified as the preferred bidder to buy the club from the Glazer family, but has not received the green light to commence the takeover.
And, as United's fans continue to be left in the dark over the matter, former right-back Neville has voiced his displeasure with the situation on social media. Taking to his Twitter page on Wednesday morning, Neville wrote: ' Plainly obvious the Glazer family aren't going to announce anything on the ownership until the season is closed! 'They've been spinning it out unprofessionally for weeks and months now.
They know fan protests would have been more significant than they already have if matches were still being played and the end result of the sale process is unpopular.
'Basically any family members staying in would be deemed unacceptable by all fans. Is this why they're holding off?'. Having announced during the World Cup that they were seeking fresh revenue streams, be that an investment in the club or an outright sale, much speculation has surrounded United and the potential next owners.
Gary Neville has again taken aim at the Glazer family for their handling of the takeover process Neville voiced his opinions about the ongoing takeover process on his social media accounts Share or comment on this article: Man United co-owner Avram Glazer IGNORES questions about proposed takeover at FA Cup final e-mail Add comment Comments 15 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to forget at Wembley
CHRIS WHEELER: Erik ten Hag's side came out second best after an intense encounter at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, following a brace from German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
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MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to forget at Wembley
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MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: David de Gea and Christian Eriksen fail to make their mark as Erik ten Hag's side suffer defeat in the FA Cup final - while Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to forget against Man City at Wembley Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by rivals Man City in the FA Cup final David de Gea and Christian Eriksen struggled to impact the match at Wembley REPORT: City go within touching distance of Treble with FA Cup win over United By Chris Wheeler for MailOnline Published: 18:29, 3 June 2023 | Updated: 09:27, 4 June 2023 e-mail 444 shares 243 View comments Manchester City put themselves within touching distance of a historic Treble after beating rivals Man United 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
Erik ten Hag's side came out second best after an intense encounter at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, following a brace from German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan .
The 32-year-old opened the scoring with a record-breaking goal, after notching just 12 seconds into the first-half - the quickest goal in FA Cup final history.
Bruno Fernandes struck back before the break but the German fired his back ahead in the second-half and they didn't look back from there.
And so, here, Mail Sport's Chris Wheeler provides ratings and reviews for each player in the United side. Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester City in the 2022-23 FA Cup final Manchester City made it a domestic double having won the Premier League title last month DAVID DE GEA 5 – Wrong-footed for the first goal and slow to react for the second, but kept United in the game with reflex save from Haaland AARON WAN-BISSAKA 7 – Selected to man-mark Grealish and did his job well.
Even won a penalty for handball off the City No.10 RAPHAEL VARANE 6.5 – Handled Haaland well on the whole and could have scored with close-range volley before half-time.
VICTOR LINDELOF 6 – Unconvincing header presented Gundogan with a chance for the opener but settled after that.
LUKE SHAW 7 – Didn’t emerge as an attacking presence until the second half. Made a vital interception to deny Grealish late on. CASEMIRO 6 – Lucky to get away unpunished with a late challenge on Akanji in the first half. Didn’t have a big enough impact.
Brazilian midfielder Fred put himself about but ultimately couldn't prevent United's defeat FRED 6.5 – Used as the extra midfielder to try and stifle City and put himself about. Finally booked for a foul on Grealish. BRUNO FERNANDES 6.5 – Played on the right and he isn’t as effective as in a central role.
Cool finish from the penalty spot. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN 5 – Handed the No.10 role but it didn’t work on this occasion. First player to be replaced by Erik ten Hag. JADON SANCHO 4.5 – Another big chance on the big stage goes begging.
Didn’t really turn up and subbed by Weghorst. MARCUS RASHFORD 6 – One shot narrowly over but isolated and largely subdued. Finished the game limping heavily. Jadon Sancho (right) struggled to impact the match at Wembley for Manchester United ERIK TEN HAG 6 – Tried the same tactics that worked against Pep Guardiola in the Old Trafford derby, but lost to a better side.
Subs: Butland, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot, Weghorst (for Sancho 73, 5), Pellistri, Elanga, McTominay (for Lindelof 83, 6), Garnacho (for Eriksen 62, 6.5) Scorer: Fernandes pen 33 Booked: Fred, Wan-Bissaka Attendance: 83,179 Share or comment on this article: MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to forget at Wembley e-mail 444 shares Add comment Comments 247 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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Erik ten Hag's side came out second best after an intense encounter at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, following a brace from German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan .
The 32-year-old opened the scoring with a record-breaking goal, after notching just 12 seconds into the first-half - the quickest goal in FA Cup final history.
Bruno Fernandes struck back before the break but the German fired his back ahead in the second-half and they didn't look back from there.
And so, here, Mail Sport's Chris Wheeler provides ratings and reviews for each player in the United side. Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester City in the 2022-23 FA Cup final Manchester City made it a domestic double having won the Premier League title last month DAVID DE GEA 5 – Wrong-footed for the first goal and slow to react for the second, but kept United in the game with reflex save from Haaland AARON WAN-BISSAKA 7 – Selected to man-mark Grealish and did his job well.
Even won a penalty for handball off the City No.10 RAPHAEL VARANE 6.5 – Handled Haaland well on the whole and could have scored with close-range volley before half-time.
VICTOR LINDELOF 6 – Unconvincing header presented Gundogan with a chance for the opener but settled after that.
LUKE SHAW 7 – Didn’t emerge as an attacking presence until the second half. Made a vital interception to deny Grealish late on. CASEMIRO 6 – Lucky to get away unpunished with a late challenge on Akanji in the first half. Didn’t have a big enough impact.
Brazilian midfielder Fred put himself about but ultimately couldn't prevent United's defeat FRED 6.5 – Used as the extra midfielder to try and stifle City and put himself about. Finally booked for a foul on Grealish. BRUNO FERNANDES 6.5 – Played on the right and he isn’t as effective as in a central role.
Cool finish from the penalty spot. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN 5 – Handed the No.10 role but it didn’t work on this occasion. First player to be replaced by Erik ten Hag. JADON SANCHO 4.5 – Another big chance on the big stage goes begging.
Didn’t really turn up and subbed by Weghorst. MARCUS RASHFORD 6 – One shot narrowly over but isolated and largely subdued. Finished the game limping heavily. Jadon Sancho (right) struggled to impact the match at Wembley for Manchester United ERIK TEN HAG 6 – Tried the same tactics that worked against Pep Guardiola in the Old Trafford derby, but lost to a better side.
Subs: Butland, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot, Weghorst (for Sancho 73, 5), Pellistri, Elanga, McTominay (for Lindelof 83, 6), Garnacho (for Eriksen 62, 6.5) Scorer: Fernandes pen 33 Booked: Fred, Wan-Bissaka Attendance: 83,179 Share or comment on this article: MAN UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to forget at Wembley e-mail 444 shares Add comment Comments 247 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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Claressa Shields defends middleweight world title as she dominant victory over Maricela Cornejo
The 28-year-old triumphed with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 to take her professional record to 14 wins and no defeats.
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Claressa Shields defends middleweight world title as she dominant victory over Maricela Cornejo
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Claressa Shields defends middleweight world title as she secures dominant victory over Maricela Cornejo to take professional record to 14 wins and no defeats Claressa Shields beat Maricela Cornejo to defend her middleweight world title The 28-year-old triumphed with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 Shields interested in facing either Franchon Crews-Dezurn or Savannah Marshall By Pa Sport Staff Published: 09:03, 4 June 2023 | Updated: 09:03, 4 June 2023 e-mail View comments Claressa Shields defeated Maricela Cornejo in a dominant victory at the Little Caesars Arena in Michigan on Sunday to defend her middleweight world title.
The 28-year-old triumphed with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 to take her professional record to 14 wins and no defeats.
'I won every round like I knew I could,' Shields told DAZN after defending her crown.
'It was a great fight and I think I looked really good.' Afterwards, Shields indicated her interest in facing the victor in the up-coming bout between Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Savannah Marshall in the super middleweight world championship fight due to take place later in June.
Claressa Shields defended her middleweight world title with a win against Maricela Cornejo Shields managed to triumph in Michigan with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 Earlier this week Marshall stated that she is eager for a rematch with Shields.
Shields prevailed against Marshall in an undisputed heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena in October. Marshall, from Hartlepool, is stepping up to super-middleweight as she faces the undisputed 168lb world champion Crews-Dezurn on July 1. Speaking to Sky Sports, Marshall said: 'I've seen how my profile grew just from that one fight and I believe that it was down to the rivalry massively.
'Even now, all people are saying is: 'When's the rematch? When's the rematch?' That's what boxing's about. It's a business. If you haven't got a rival, it's not that you're going to struggle.
But that's where it happens. Savannah Marshall stated that she is eager for a rematch against Shields to take place 'They're the fights people want. Where there's a bit of needle. 'Look I got beat, I'm not a champion anymore.
But I've got the backing and people want to see me fight. There's a buzz already around this fight and I don't think she [Shields] likes that.' Marshall added that she is willing to go to the United States to fight Shields. She said: 'She wanted me to go to America.
I agreed. I said I'd go to America but I want paying. It doesn't generate the same money as it does here. I think she's starting to realise that. 'I think we will eventually get there. She needs me just as much as I need her. She's never going to make as much money fighting anyone else than what she would fighting me.
'I've learned that that's what boxing's about. People love confrontation. People love watching people who actually hate each other fight.' Share or comment on this article: Claressa Shields defends middleweight world title as she dominant victory over Maricela Cornejo e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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The 28-year-old triumphed with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 to take her professional record to 14 wins and no defeats.
'I won every round like I knew I could,' Shields told DAZN after defending her crown.
'It was a great fight and I think I looked really good.' Afterwards, Shields indicated her interest in facing the victor in the up-coming bout between Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Savannah Marshall in the super middleweight world championship fight due to take place later in June.
Claressa Shields defended her middleweight world title with a win against Maricela Cornejo Shields managed to triumph in Michigan with judges' scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90 Earlier this week Marshall stated that she is eager for a rematch with Shields.
Shields prevailed against Marshall in an undisputed heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena in October. Marshall, from Hartlepool, is stepping up to super-middleweight as she faces the undisputed 168lb world champion Crews-Dezurn on July 1. Speaking to Sky Sports, Marshall said: 'I've seen how my profile grew just from that one fight and I believe that it was down to the rivalry massively.
'Even now, all people are saying is: 'When's the rematch? When's the rematch?' That's what boxing's about. It's a business. If you haven't got a rival, it's not that you're going to struggle.
But that's where it happens. Savannah Marshall stated that she is eager for a rematch against Shields to take place 'They're the fights people want. Where there's a bit of needle. 'Look I got beat, I'm not a champion anymore.
But I've got the backing and people want to see me fight. There's a buzz already around this fight and I don't think she [Shields] likes that.' Marshall added that she is willing to go to the United States to fight Shields. She said: 'She wanted me to go to America.
I agreed. I said I'd go to America but I want paying. It doesn't generate the same money as it does here. I think she's starting to realise that. 'I think we will eventually get there. She needs me just as much as I need her. She's never going to make as much money fighting anyone else than what she would fighting me.
'I've learned that that's what boxing's about. People love confrontation. People love watching people who actually hate each other fight.' Share or comment on this article: Claressa Shields defends middleweight world title as she dominant victory over Maricela Cornejo e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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York City snap up former Premier League man as first Summer signing
YORK City have unveiled former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale as their first Summer signing of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season.
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York City snap up former Premier League man as first Summer signing
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YORK City have unveiled former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale as their first Summer signing of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season. Stockdale returns to the club he began his career at in 2003, after accumulating over 450 appearances throughout a 20-year career. The experienced shot-stopper will act in a dual role, also as York's new Head of Recruitment.
The 37-year-old made 24 appearances in Sky Bet League One last season, helping guide Sheffield Wednesday to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after overcoming rivals Barnsley in the play-off final.
He will be a regular face amongst the York community, after Stockdale first began his career in North Yorkshire in the year 2000. Stockdale made his first appearance in 2003 in the Third Division, before becoming a regular starter in the 2004/05 season in the Conference National.
After turning out for 16 different clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Hull City and Leicester City, Stockdale has returned to York to help City build towards their upcoming National League season. Stockdale has also won the golden glove accolade at every English Football League level, in Sky Bet League Two, League One and in the Championship.
Having also earning a cap at England C level whilst as a youngster with City, Stockdale went on to receive call-ups under Fabio Capello's England side after impressing at Fulham.
It's Michael Morton's first signing of the new season, with Stockdale likely to come into the side to provide guidance for academy graduate Ryan Whitley, who starred in the back end of last season. Telling the club website, Stockdale said: “It was one of the things I wanted to do, to come back here.
“I didn’t express that to anybody but my family, but 20 years after I made my debut, to come back and try and help while I can, I’m really pleased. “What a place this is to have York City and York RLFC. I remember them talking about it years back when I was carrying buckets around Bootham Crescent trying to save the club.
“Those feelings lay deep when you’re stood outside a club trying to save its existence.” Stockdale added on his dual role as Head of Recruitment: “I could have stayed just playing in the EFL, but I also wanted to go into that side of it.
"I’ve been getting experience of it alongside doing my FA courses. So it’s something that I’ll be doing in between helping the gaffer, and basically trying to put in place things for the future of this club.” Stockdale will potentially make his non-competitive debut against either Championship outfit Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 15 or against Tadcaster Albion on Saturday, July 22.
The 37-year-old made 24 appearances in Sky Bet League One last season, helping guide Sheffield Wednesday to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after overcoming rivals Barnsley in the play-off final.
He will be a regular face amongst the York community, after Stockdale first began his career in North Yorkshire in the year 2000. Stockdale made his first appearance in 2003 in the Third Division, before becoming a regular starter in the 2004/05 season in the Conference National.
After turning out for 16 different clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Hull City and Leicester City, Stockdale has returned to York to help City build towards their upcoming National League season. Stockdale has also won the golden glove accolade at every English Football League level, in Sky Bet League Two, League One and in the Championship.
Having also earning a cap at England C level whilst as a youngster with City, Stockdale went on to receive call-ups under Fabio Capello's England side after impressing at Fulham.
It's Michael Morton's first signing of the new season, with Stockdale likely to come into the side to provide guidance for academy graduate Ryan Whitley, who starred in the back end of last season. Telling the club website, Stockdale said: “It was one of the things I wanted to do, to come back here.
“I didn’t express that to anybody but my family, but 20 years after I made my debut, to come back and try and help while I can, I’m really pleased. “What a place this is to have York City and York RLFC. I remember them talking about it years back when I was carrying buckets around Bootham Crescent trying to save the club.
“Those feelings lay deep when you’re stood outside a club trying to save its existence.” Stockdale added on his dual role as Head of Recruitment: “I could have stayed just playing in the EFL, but I also wanted to go into that side of it.
"I’ve been getting experience of it alongside doing my FA courses. So it’s something that I’ll be doing in between helping the gaffer, and basically trying to put in place things for the future of this club.” Stockdale will potentially make his non-competitive debut against either Championship outfit Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 15 or against Tadcaster Albion on Saturday, July 22.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou 'will look to bring forward Kyogo Furuhashi with him to Tottenham'
Postecoglou is open to joining Tottenham , with the north London club looking to appoint a permanent boss following a challenging campaign.
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Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou 'will look to bring forward Kyogo Furuhashi with him to Tottenham'
🕦 3 hours | dailymailuk
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou 'will look to bring Kyogo Furuhashi with him to Tottenham' if he takes over as manager... with Japanese forward 'seen as long-term replacement' for Harry Kane Ange Postecoglou will look to sign Kyogo Furuhashi if he joins Tottenham Celtic boss Postecoglou has been heavily linked with the manager's job at Spurs Furuhashi is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Harry Kane By Jeorge Bird For Mailonline Published: 02:04 EDT, 4 June 2023 | Updated: 03:59 EDT, 4 June 2023 e-mail 1 View comments Ange Postecoglou will reportedly look to bring Kyogo Furuhashi with him from Celtic if he is appointed as Tottenham's new manager.
Postecoglou is open to joining Spurs , with the north London club looking to appoint a permanent boss following a challenging campaign.
Should Postecoglou head to Tottenham then he could be followed by Furuhashi, who scored as Celtic beat Inverness 3-1 to win the Scottish Cup and secure the domestic treble.
Furuhashi, who has scored 33 goals across all competitions this season, is seen as a partner, cover or a potential replacement for Harry Kane, according to The Sun.
Tottenham's chances of signing Furuhashi would increase significantly if they bring in Postecoglou as manager. Ange Postecoglou will look to sign Kyogo Furuhashi if appointed as Tottenham manager Furuhashi has been prolific for Postecoglou's Celtic side in their treble-winning campaign Furuhashi, who has 16 caps for Japan, has been at Celtic since 2021, when he joined from Vissel Kobe.
The 28-year-old's current contract at Celtic runs until the summer of 2025. Kane has been linked with both Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Tottenham are in need of additional attacking options regardless of whether he stays or departs.
Richarlison endured a disappointing first season at Tottenham during which he scored just one goal in the league. As well as Postecoglou, other candidates for the Tottenham job include former Spain coach Luis Enrique and Fulham's Marco Silva.
Furuhashi could replace Harry Kane, who has been linked with a departure from Tottenham Share or comment on this article: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou 'will look to bring forward Kyogo Furuhashi with him to Tottenham' e-mail Add comment Comments 27 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
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Postecoglou is open to joining Spurs , with the north London club looking to appoint a permanent boss following a challenging campaign.
Should Postecoglou head to Tottenham then he could be followed by Furuhashi, who scored as Celtic beat Inverness 3-1 to win the Scottish Cup and secure the domestic treble.
Furuhashi, who has scored 33 goals across all competitions this season, is seen as a partner, cover or a potential replacement for Harry Kane, according to The Sun.
Tottenham's chances of signing Furuhashi would increase significantly if they bring in Postecoglou as manager. Ange Postecoglou will look to sign Kyogo Furuhashi if appointed as Tottenham manager Furuhashi has been prolific for Postecoglou's Celtic side in their treble-winning campaign Furuhashi, who has 16 caps for Japan, has been at Celtic since 2021, when he joined from Vissel Kobe.
The 28-year-old's current contract at Celtic runs until the summer of 2025. Kane has been linked with both Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Tottenham are in need of additional attacking options regardless of whether he stays or departs.
Richarlison endured a disappointing first season at Tottenham during which he scored just one goal in the league. As well as Postecoglou, other candidates for the Tottenham job include former Spain coach Luis Enrique and Fulham's Marco Silva.
Furuhashi could replace Harry Kane, who has been linked with a departure from Tottenham Share or comment on this article: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou 'will look to bring forward Kyogo Furuhashi with him to Tottenham' e-mail Add comment Comments 27 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated.
View all The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
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'I want to be next': Albazi wins, seeks title fight
Iraq's Amir Albazi picked up a massive win in the UFC's flyweight division, as he narrowly edged former title challenger Kai Kara-France via split decision at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday ...
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'I want to be next': Albazi wins, seeks title fight
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LAS VEGAS -- Iraq's Amir Albazi picked up a massive win in the UFC's flyweight division, as he narrowly edged former title challenger Kai Kara-France via split decision at UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Albazi (17-1) defeated Kara-France (24-11) over the course of five competitive rounds inside the UFC's Apex facility in Las Vegas.
Two judges scored the bout for Albazi 48-47, while a third saw it 48-47 for Kara-France. It's the biggest win of Albazi's UFC career. He was ranked No. 7 going into the 125-pound bout, while Kara-France was ranked No. 3. Immediately after results were read, Albazi called for the winner of a flyweight title fight between champion Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja on July 8.
"There is no name," Albazi said on what he wants next. "The only thing I want is to get the title. That's all that matters.
[UFC 294 in] Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21. I know they're going to Abu Dhabi. Whoever wins that [title fight on July 8], I want to be next." Originally from Iraq now fighting out of Las Vegas, Albazi improved to 5-0 since debuting with the UFC in 2020. He is known for his finishing ability on the ground, but Kara-France did very well against the takedown, defending eight of nine takedown attempts according to UFC Stats.
In addition to defending the takedown, Kara-France, of New Zealand, outlanded Albazi in total strikes 122 to 65, although Albazi was more efficient with his output.
Neither flyweight ever hurt the other, but Albazi landed at a higher percentage and when he did convert a takedown in the third round, he accumulated some control time in top position. It was a very close fight that could have gone either way.
Albazi winning is a massive boost to his title aspirations. Kara-France won three in a row between 2021 and 2022 before coming up short to Moreno in an interim title fight last July. That was Kara-France's last appearance prior to Saturday. This is the first time he has suffered consecutive losses since 2015.
"I know it was a close fight," Albazi said. "It's not how I planned the fight to go. It is what it is. I showed my guts and what I can bring to the table. I can stand with these guys no problem." Albazi, 29, has recorded finishes in three of his five wins in the UFC.
Moreno (21-6-2) will be seeking his first title defense against Pantoja at UFC 290 next month in Las Vegas. He won the undisputed championship by defeating Deveison Figueiredo at UFC 283 in January.
Two judges scored the bout for Albazi 48-47, while a third saw it 48-47 for Kara-France. It's the biggest win of Albazi's UFC career. He was ranked No. 7 going into the 125-pound bout, while Kara-France was ranked No. 3. Immediately after results were read, Albazi called for the winner of a flyweight title fight between champion Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja on July 8.
"There is no name," Albazi said on what he wants next. "The only thing I want is to get the title. That's all that matters.
[UFC 294 in] Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21. I know they're going to Abu Dhabi. Whoever wins that [title fight on July 8], I want to be next." Originally from Iraq now fighting out of Las Vegas, Albazi improved to 5-0 since debuting with the UFC in 2020. He is known for his finishing ability on the ground, but Kara-France did very well against the takedown, defending eight of nine takedown attempts according to UFC Stats.
In addition to defending the takedown, Kara-France, of New Zealand, outlanded Albazi in total strikes 122 to 65, although Albazi was more efficient with his output.
Neither flyweight ever hurt the other, but Albazi landed at a higher percentage and when he did convert a takedown in the third round, he accumulated some control time in top position. It was a very close fight that could have gone either way.
Albazi winning is a massive boost to his title aspirations. Kara-France won three in a row between 2021 and 2022 before coming up short to Moreno in an interim title fight last July. That was Kara-France's last appearance prior to Saturday. This is the first time he has suffered consecutive losses since 2015.
"I know it was a close fight," Albazi said. "It's not how I planned the fight to go. It is what it is. I showed my guts and what I can bring to the table. I can stand with these guys no problem." Albazi, 29, has recorded finishes in three of his five wins in the UFC.
Moreno (21-6-2) will be seeking his first title defense against Pantoja at UFC 290 next month in Las Vegas. He won the undisputed championship by defeating Deveison Figueiredo at UFC 283 in January.
Shields cruises in one-sided win over Cornejo
Back in her home state, Claressa Shields put on a show at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena, dominating from start to finish in a unanimous decision victory over Maricela Cornejo.
🕦 6 hours | espn
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Shields cruises in one-sided win over Cornejo
🕦 6 hours | espn
Claressa Shields returned to her home state of Michigan and left the same way she went in -- as the undefeated, undisputed middleweight champion of the world. Shields beat challenger Maricela Cornejo by unanimous decision at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night, dominating from start to finish.
The judges scored the bout 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90. "I felt great, landed my shots," Shields said in the ring after the fight. "I won every round. Got to do what I could. ... I went for the knockout I don't know how many times in the fight. Maricela was just tough." Shields landed massive punches every round, including one that caught Cornejo square in the face and appeared to stagger the challenger, who took the fight on less than two weeks' notice.
Shields (14-0, 2 KO), from Flint, Michigan, was supposed to fight Hanna Gabriels, the only fighter to knock Shields down in her pro career, but Gabriels tested positive for a banned substance and Cornejo stepped in to replace her.
It showed. Cornejo (16-6, 6 KO) absorbed the many power punches Shields threw throughout the fight but very rarely landed her own.
"It was like, I could land most of my shots, but some of them were curving that landed pretty good also," Shields said. "But the straight rights were money, and when I would hit her and hurt her, she would just take off. "I let her out to the right too many times, so we'll work on that when I get back to the gym." Saturday's bout was the culmination of a big night for Shields, who wanted to take championship-level boxing back to Detroit, once one of the biggest cities for the sport in the United States.
Undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, who will defend her titles in Detroit next month, was among the fighters in attendance.
Rapper Kash Doll walked Shields out to the ring, performing along the way -- and briefly in the walkout, Shields and Doll faced each other to sing together.
It was a Detroit-themed night as The Four Tops performed the national anthem, each wearing a different jersey of Detroit's four major sports teams. Shields left her options open for her next opponent but said she will travel to Great Britain next month to attend the undisputed super middleweight title fight between champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn and challenger Savannah Marshall.
Shields has already beaten both opponents -- Crews-Dezurn in 2016 in the debut for both fighters and Marshall in her last fight in October -- but Marshall has been her toughest fight to date.
Shadasia Green, the WBC mandatory challenger for the super middleweight title, is expected to fight the winner of Crews-Dezurn vs. Marshall, but Shields could be another option, especially because of her status in the sport.
"I'm only interested in the best," Shields said. "I'll be looking at the fight. I think I'll go over to the U.K., show my face a little bit. She added: "Whoever wins, if they want to come meet me here at Little Caesars again, and when all my fans come out and watch me fight, I'm all down for it."
The judges scored the bout 100-89, 100-90 and 100-90. "I felt great, landed my shots," Shields said in the ring after the fight. "I won every round. Got to do what I could. ... I went for the knockout I don't know how many times in the fight. Maricela was just tough." Shields landed massive punches every round, including one that caught Cornejo square in the face and appeared to stagger the challenger, who took the fight on less than two weeks' notice.
Shields (14-0, 2 KO), from Flint, Michigan, was supposed to fight Hanna Gabriels, the only fighter to knock Shields down in her pro career, but Gabriels tested positive for a banned substance and Cornejo stepped in to replace her.
It showed. Cornejo (16-6, 6 KO) absorbed the many power punches Shields threw throughout the fight but very rarely landed her own.
"It was like, I could land most of my shots, but some of them were curving that landed pretty good also," Shields said. "But the straight rights were money, and when I would hit her and hurt her, she would just take off. "I let her out to the right too many times, so we'll work on that when I get back to the gym." Saturday's bout was the culmination of a big night for Shields, who wanted to take championship-level boxing back to Detroit, once one of the biggest cities for the sport in the United States.
Undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, who will defend her titles in Detroit next month, was among the fighters in attendance.
Rapper Kash Doll walked Shields out to the ring, performing along the way -- and briefly in the walkout, Shields and Doll faced each other to sing together.
It was a Detroit-themed night as The Four Tops performed the national anthem, each wearing a different jersey of Detroit's four major sports teams. Shields left her options open for her next opponent but said she will travel to Great Britain next month to attend the undisputed super middleweight title fight between champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn and challenger Savannah Marshall.
Shields has already beaten both opponents -- Crews-Dezurn in 2016 in the debut for both fighters and Marshall in her last fight in October -- but Marshall has been her toughest fight to date.
Shadasia Green, the WBC mandatory challenger for the super middleweight title, is expected to fight the winner of Crews-Dezurn vs. Marshall, but Shields could be another option, especially because of her status in the sport.
"I'm only interested in the best," Shields said. "I'll be looking at the fight. I think I'll go over to the U.K., show my face a little bit. She added: "Whoever wins, if they want to come meet me here at Little Caesars again, and when all my fans come out and watch me fight, I'm all down for it."
Late surge lifts Knights past Panthers in Game 1
Vegas broke open a tie game with three goals in the third period on Saturday night en route to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, giving the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
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Late surge lifts Knights past Panthers in Game 1
🕦 6 hours | espn
LAS VEGAS -- Zach Whitecloud scored from long range with just over 13 minutes left, after Adin Hill made arguably the best save of the playoffs, and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 Saturday night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Whitecloud's goal put Vegas ahead, a crucial penalty kill followed and captain Mark Stone scored an insurance goal that was reviewed for a high stick and confirmed.
That combination, plus Hill's 31 saves, gave Vegas the lead in the series after a feisty opener between Sun Belt teams that wasted little time getting acquainted with big hits during play and plenty of post-whistle pushing and shoving.
Original Knights players Jonathan Marchessault and Shea Theodore also scored on Florida's two-time Vezina winner, Sergei Bobrovsky. Back in the Final, they'll now try to avoid the same result as in 2018, when Vegas beat Washington in Game 1 and lost the next four to fall short of hoisting the Cup in its inaugural season.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Panthers, who breezed past the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 before sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes last week.
Florida also lost a road game for the first time since Round 1, when the Panthers upset the Boston Bruins. Game 2 is Monday in Las Vegas. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
That combination, plus Hill's 31 saves, gave Vegas the lead in the series after a feisty opener between Sun Belt teams that wasted little time getting acquainted with big hits during play and plenty of post-whistle pushing and shoving.
Original Knights players Jonathan Marchessault and Shea Theodore also scored on Florida's two-time Vezina winner, Sergei Bobrovsky. Back in the Final, they'll now try to avoid the same result as in 2018, when Vegas beat Washington in Game 1 and lost the next four to fall short of hoisting the Cup in its inaugural season.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Panthers, who breezed past the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 before sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes last week.
Florida also lost a road game for the first time since Round 1, when the Panthers upset the Boston Bruins. Game 2 is Monday in Las Vegas. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judge thrills with HR, highlight-reel catch at wall
Aaron Judge hit his 19th homer of the season and made a running catch that took him through Dodger Stadium's visiting bullpen door to help the Yankees top the Dodgers 6-3 on Saturday.
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Judge thrills with HR, highlight-reel catch at wall
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LOS ANGELES -- Aaron Judge slugged his 19th home run of the season Saturday, but it was his spectacular running catch at the fence that had people talking after the New York Yankees' 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Judge, the reigning American League MVP, put a line drive into the short left-field porch in the sixth inning for the Yankees, who rebounded from an 8-4 loss Friday night in the opener of the high-profile interleague series.
The homer, off Dodgers reliever Shelby Miller, traveled only 360 feet, but Judge's 113.7 mph line drive got into the low stands before left fielder David Peralta could attempt to make a play on it.
Then in the eighth, Judge might have saved a run for the Yankees with his sprinting catch on J.D. Martinez's liner into the right-field corner with Max Muncy on first base and nobody out.
Judge made the catch an instant before running into the bullpen door, which came partly open when he hit it. "I thought I had a chance off the bat, but you never know," Judge said. "I knew it was going to be close to the wall there, but luckily I came down with it." Judge hung on to the ball and stayed upright while putting one foot in the bullpen, but Muncy was allowed to advance to second apparently because Judge technically left the field of play.
Judge said he wasn't injured by his latest fearless fielding feat. "I'm feeling good," Judge said.
"The fence got most of it. Thankfully, it was that part of the wall where it had some give, so I think that saved me quite a bit. If it was a solid wall, it might be a different story, but [I] made the play." Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he didn't mind Judge's heedless run into the corner for a difficult catch, saying it's the only way Judge knows how to play.
The Yankees were fairly sure the bullpen door had been latched closed, but it wasn't strong enough to contain Judge. "Honestly, I feel like it probably softened the blow a little bit," said Yankees starter Gerrit Cole, who improved to 7-0.
"For him to just blow through it, I think it took a little bit of the kinetic energy out of just slamming up against the wall, but it's still very concerning when such a great player has to go so hard into the wall.
He's got a lot of guts." Boone briefly argued the umpires' decision to send Muncy to second, but only after detouring out to right field to check on Judge. Boone had been worried about Judge's right foot, which kicked the concrete ledge below the swinging door fairly hard.
"When we got halfway out there, he was pushing us back, like, 'I'm fine, fine,'" Boone said with a grin. "I just ran out and said, 'I just wanted to tell you what a great catch that was.'" The catch was Judge's second spectacular fielding play on the Yankees' West Coast trip.
On Monday night in Seattle, Judge leaped at the wall and used every inch of his 6-foot-7 frame to take away a home run from the Mariners' Teoscar Hernández. "I keep trying to tell myself every now and then to appreciate what we're watching," Boone said.
"He's just one of the great players we'll see, and he does it in so many ways, and he's the best person." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The homer, off Dodgers reliever Shelby Miller, traveled only 360 feet, but Judge's 113.7 mph line drive got into the low stands before left fielder David Peralta could attempt to make a play on it.
Then in the eighth, Judge might have saved a run for the Yankees with his sprinting catch on J.D. Martinez's liner into the right-field corner with Max Muncy on first base and nobody out.
Judge made the catch an instant before running into the bullpen door, which came partly open when he hit it. "I thought I had a chance off the bat, but you never know," Judge said. "I knew it was going to be close to the wall there, but luckily I came down with it." Judge hung on to the ball and stayed upright while putting one foot in the bullpen, but Muncy was allowed to advance to second apparently because Judge technically left the field of play.
Judge said he wasn't injured by his latest fearless fielding feat. "I'm feeling good," Judge said.
"The fence got most of it. Thankfully, it was that part of the wall where it had some give, so I think that saved me quite a bit. If it was a solid wall, it might be a different story, but [I] made the play." Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he didn't mind Judge's heedless run into the corner for a difficult catch, saying it's the only way Judge knows how to play.
The Yankees were fairly sure the bullpen door had been latched closed, but it wasn't strong enough to contain Judge. "Honestly, I feel like it probably softened the blow a little bit," said Yankees starter Gerrit Cole, who improved to 7-0.
"For him to just blow through it, I think it took a little bit of the kinetic energy out of just slamming up against the wall, but it's still very concerning when such a great player has to go so hard into the wall.
He's got a lot of guts." Boone briefly argued the umpires' decision to send Muncy to second, but only after detouring out to right field to check on Judge. Boone had been worried about Judge's right foot, which kicked the concrete ledge below the swinging door fairly hard.
"When we got halfway out there, he was pushing us back, like, 'I'm fine, fine,'" Boone said with a grin. "I just ran out and said, 'I just wanted to tell you what a great catch that was.'" The catch was Judge's second spectacular fielding play on the Yankees' West Coast trip.
On Monday night in Seattle, Judge leaped at the wall and used every inch of his 6-foot-7 frame to take away a home run from the Mariners' Teoscar Hernández. "I keep trying to tell myself every now and then to appreciate what we're watching," Boone said.
"He's just one of the great players we'll see, and he does it in so many ways, and he's the best person." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Luis Binks is Serie A's forgotten Scot trying to follow Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson's Bologna blueprint
Binks has learned from pal Hickey and Ferguson but loan spell under Cesc Fabregas at Como was different level.
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
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Luis Binks is Serie A's forgotten Scot trying to follow Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson's Bologna blueprint
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
Luis Binks of Como × Group 28 Get the latest news from Record Sport with our daily newsletter Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you.
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More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice He’s the forgotten Scot of Serie A . Okay, so he wasn’t actually born here. And he sounds more Cockney than Caledonia. But Luis Binks’ dream is to pull on a Dark Blue shirt and join Steve Clarke’s boys on the road to Euro 2024.
Everyone here is aware of our current Italian success stories. Lewis Ferguson is flying at Bologna. Before him, Aaron Hickey was ripping it up there ahead of making a £14million move to Brentford.
At Verona, Josh Doig has made an impact in his first season. While Liam Henderson rarely looks fazed up against any of the top sides when he plays for Empoli. They are all household names at home having made their mark at Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs.
But Binks? Far less so. He was born in Gillingham and grew up at Tottenham Hotspur . But as a kid he’d regularly take trips to Dunbar to see his Scottish grandad Richard and his mum’s side of the family. Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor That’s why, when the Tartan Army first clapped eyes on him in the Victory Shield six years ago, he was proud to be called a Scot.
Later, as he progressed at Spurs, he played for both England and Scotland up to Under-19 level.
But there was one place he felt more comfortable – and it wasn’t with the Auld Enemy. Binks is now 21 and at Bologna alongside Ferguson. He’s also best pals with Hickey and a former team-mate of both Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour at youth level.
The centre-back has already played in Serie A and last season spent a year on loan at Como, playing alongside ex- Arsenal and Spain legend Cesc Fabregas. Before that, he was in the MLS at Montreal Impact where his gaffer was Thierry Henry.
And now he’s got his eye on a future Scotland call-up. Speaking exclusively to MailSport , Binks said: “It does feel a bit like I’m the Scot in Italy who no one in Scotland really knows about! Obviously, I’m English-born and that’s clearly a factor.
People hear my accent and wouldn’t know that I’m eligible for Scotland. “But I’m Scottish as well. I hope I’ve got a chance to be involved with the national team. I definitely want it – but it’s whether Scotland wants me? “My grandad Richard was Scottish, from Dunbar.
I actually spoke to someone from the SFA a few months ago and told them I’d like to play for Scotland. There seems to be a perception that I have said no before. “But that’s not the case, I’d never say no to Scotland. If the opportunity ever came up, of course I’d want to be part of it.
Luis Binks (no 6) with Scotland at youth level “I had a positive experience with Scotland when I was involved at Under-16 and Under-18 level. The group of boys I played with were great. I learned back then that the Scottish lads are so down to earth.
“When you go away with other countries, they can be a bit big-time. “I’m not like that. “I fit in with the Scottish boys a lot more than I did when I went away with England. I look at lads like Gilmour and Patterson and they’re so grounded.
“Obviously I know Aaron and he’s very level-headed as well. That’s why I’d like to be part of it. “From the outside, the camp looks so positive right now. I watched the win over Spain at Hampden and it was rocking that night. “That definitely appeals to me. But for me to get an opportunity I know I need to do well in Italy “If I do that next season, I might get a call-up.
“My grandad would be so proud if I played for Scotland, as well as all his family up there. My mum – my grandad’s daughter – would take us there when we were kids to see him.
She’s always tried to keep the Scottish going in me.” When Binks joined Bologna from Spurs in 2020, he immediately moved to Montreal to work with Henry. Last season, he returned to Italy and made 15 appearances in Serie A. He could have stayed there this season alongside Ferguson – but opted to join Fabregas at Como, where he got proper game time under his belt.
He said: “It was great to play with Cesc. I’d heard he was going there before I signed. So I thought: ‘If it’s good enough for him, it has to be good enough for me’.
Cesc Fabregas “The whole project at Como in Serie B appealed to me but Cesc being there was a big factor. To play with players like that is incredible. “Around the place, he was just top drawer. Cesc is so down-to-earth, so normal. But he’s won the World Cup, the Euros and the Champions League.
“So for him to have the time of day for everyone was amazing. He was always giving me advice. He wants to be a manager, he’s passionate about that. “So you could always go to him for help. Sometimes he’d give you it even when you didn’t ask, which was brilliant.
“Asking someone like Fabregas a question isn’t always easy for a young player. For him to go out of his way and tell you what he thought was great for me. “It was a thrill to play alongside him because I grew up watching him on TV. To watch him win the World Cup then have him as my captain was just unreal.” But Binks also loved being a team-mate of current Scotland star Hickey in Bologna.
They’re still in regular contact, even though the full-back is now in the Premier League. And Binks says they’re both proof that taking a gamble and moving abroad can reap huge rewards He said: “I was close to Aaron when he was here.
We lived literally a minute away from each other in Bologna. Hirving Lozano in action against Luis Binks and Aaron Hickey “We used to share a room together before games, home or away.
Being the same age, and coming from where we’d been, we clicked straight away. “I still speak to him now and we’re quite close. With Lewis, I only had a few days with him before leaving for Como but I’ve spoken to him and he’s done so well this season. “Since Thiago Motta has come in as manager, he’s playing every week and scoring in Serie A.
He’s on fire. “I would tell any young player from Scotland or England that if they get the chance to move to Italy, they should go and experience it. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it at Bologna and Como.
Look at Doig in Verona, he’s moved to a top league and played against all the top Italian clubs. “That’s much better than going on loan to the English Championship or somewhere like that. Of course it’s a risk. I could have moved to other English clubs from Tottenham.
“But it was more exciting to go abroad so I took a gamble. Hopefully it’s now paying off.” READ NEXT: Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou admits he was Celtic 'joke' as sceptics fired reminder after Scottish Cup victory seals Treble Read More Related Articles Dave Cormack in brutal Hearts troll as he bites back at Andrew McKinlay with 'season ticket league' putdown Read More Related Articles Jota cuts Celtic interview short as Ange to Tottenham question receives blunt response from winger Read More Related Articles Why were Celtic presented with the Scottish Cup on the pitch at Hampden? Read More Related Articles Watch Celtic fans march over Albert Bridge as stunning drone footage captures aerial view of walk to Hampden Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
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This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time.
More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice He’s the forgotten Scot of Serie A . Okay, so he wasn’t actually born here. And he sounds more Cockney than Caledonia. But Luis Binks’ dream is to pull on a Dark Blue shirt and join Steve Clarke’s boys on the road to Euro 2024.
Everyone here is aware of our current Italian success stories. Lewis Ferguson is flying at Bologna. Before him, Aaron Hickey was ripping it up there ahead of making a £14million move to Brentford.
At Verona, Josh Doig has made an impact in his first season. While Liam Henderson rarely looks fazed up against any of the top sides when he plays for Empoli. They are all household names at home having made their mark at Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs.
But Binks? Far less so. He was born in Gillingham and grew up at Tottenham Hotspur . But as a kid he’d regularly take trips to Dunbar to see his Scottish grandad Richard and his mum’s side of the family. Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor That’s why, when the Tartan Army first clapped eyes on him in the Victory Shield six years ago, he was proud to be called a Scot.
Later, as he progressed at Spurs, he played for both England and Scotland up to Under-19 level.
But there was one place he felt more comfortable – and it wasn’t with the Auld Enemy. Binks is now 21 and at Bologna alongside Ferguson. He’s also best pals with Hickey and a former team-mate of both Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour at youth level.
The centre-back has already played in Serie A and last season spent a year on loan at Como, playing alongside ex- Arsenal and Spain legend Cesc Fabregas. Before that, he was in the MLS at Montreal Impact where his gaffer was Thierry Henry.
And now he’s got his eye on a future Scotland call-up. Speaking exclusively to MailSport , Binks said: “It does feel a bit like I’m the Scot in Italy who no one in Scotland really knows about! Obviously, I’m English-born and that’s clearly a factor.
People hear my accent and wouldn’t know that I’m eligible for Scotland. “But I’m Scottish as well. I hope I’ve got a chance to be involved with the national team. I definitely want it – but it’s whether Scotland wants me? “My grandad Richard was Scottish, from Dunbar.
I actually spoke to someone from the SFA a few months ago and told them I’d like to play for Scotland. There seems to be a perception that I have said no before. “But that’s not the case, I’d never say no to Scotland. If the opportunity ever came up, of course I’d want to be part of it.
Luis Binks (no 6) with Scotland at youth level “I had a positive experience with Scotland when I was involved at Under-16 and Under-18 level. The group of boys I played with were great. I learned back then that the Scottish lads are so down to earth.
“When you go away with other countries, they can be a bit big-time. “I’m not like that. “I fit in with the Scottish boys a lot more than I did when I went away with England. I look at lads like Gilmour and Patterson and they’re so grounded.
“Obviously I know Aaron and he’s very level-headed as well. That’s why I’d like to be part of it. “From the outside, the camp looks so positive right now. I watched the win over Spain at Hampden and it was rocking that night. “That definitely appeals to me. But for me to get an opportunity I know I need to do well in Italy “If I do that next season, I might get a call-up.
“My grandad would be so proud if I played for Scotland, as well as all his family up there. My mum – my grandad’s daughter – would take us there when we were kids to see him.
She’s always tried to keep the Scottish going in me.” When Binks joined Bologna from Spurs in 2020, he immediately moved to Montreal to work with Henry. Last season, he returned to Italy and made 15 appearances in Serie A. He could have stayed there this season alongside Ferguson – but opted to join Fabregas at Como, where he got proper game time under his belt.
He said: “It was great to play with Cesc. I’d heard he was going there before I signed. So I thought: ‘If it’s good enough for him, it has to be good enough for me’.
Cesc Fabregas “The whole project at Como in Serie B appealed to me but Cesc being there was a big factor. To play with players like that is incredible. “Around the place, he was just top drawer. Cesc is so down-to-earth, so normal. But he’s won the World Cup, the Euros and the Champions League.
“So for him to have the time of day for everyone was amazing. He was always giving me advice. He wants to be a manager, he’s passionate about that. “So you could always go to him for help. Sometimes he’d give you it even when you didn’t ask, which was brilliant.
“Asking someone like Fabregas a question isn’t always easy for a young player. For him to go out of his way and tell you what he thought was great for me. “It was a thrill to play alongside him because I grew up watching him on TV. To watch him win the World Cup then have him as my captain was just unreal.” But Binks also loved being a team-mate of current Scotland star Hickey in Bologna.
They’re still in regular contact, even though the full-back is now in the Premier League. And Binks says they’re both proof that taking a gamble and moving abroad can reap huge rewards He said: “I was close to Aaron when he was here.
We lived literally a minute away from each other in Bologna. Hirving Lozano in action against Luis Binks and Aaron Hickey “We used to share a room together before games, home or away.
Being the same age, and coming from where we’d been, we clicked straight away. “I still speak to him now and we’re quite close. With Lewis, I only had a few days with him before leaving for Como but I’ve spoken to him and he’s done so well this season. “Since Thiago Motta has come in as manager, he’s playing every week and scoring in Serie A.
He’s on fire. “I would tell any young player from Scotland or England that if they get the chance to move to Italy, they should go and experience it. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it at Bologna and Como.
Look at Doig in Verona, he’s moved to a top league and played against all the top Italian clubs. “That’s much better than going on loan to the English Championship or somewhere like that. Of course it’s a risk. I could have moved to other English clubs from Tottenham.
“But it was more exciting to go abroad so I took a gamble. Hopefully it’s now paying off.” READ NEXT: Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou admits he was Celtic 'joke' as sceptics fired reminder after Scottish Cup victory seals Treble Read More Related Articles Dave Cormack in brutal Hearts troll as he bites back at Andrew McKinlay with 'season ticket league' putdown Read More Related Articles Jota cuts Celtic interview short as Ange to Tottenham question receives blunt response from winger Read More Related Articles Why were Celtic presented with the Scottish Cup on the pitch at Hampden? Read More Related Articles Watch Celtic fans march over Albert Bridge as stunning drone footage captures aerial view of walk to Hampden Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
Follow Daily Record Facebook Twitter Comment More On Champions League Scottish Football Association Armed forces Tartan Tartan Army
Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic is a Rangers boost but key barometer will prove how big that is - Kenny Miller
Our man says only time will be able to prove how much of an impact Ange's exit would have on Celtic
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
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Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic is a Rangers boost but key barometer will prove how big that is - Kenny Miller
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
Rangers Manager Michael Beale and Celtic Manager Ange Postecoglou (Image: SNS Group) × Group 28 Get the latest Celtic news sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you.
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As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Celtic fans won’t want to hear me say it. But I’m sorry.
If Tottenham Hotspur want Ange Postecoglou – he will be their next manager. There isn’t even a debate about it. If this was Bournemouth or Fulham, I don’t think we’d even be asking the question. Even if it was a huge club in Leeds United – who are now in the Championship – he probably wouldn’t fancy it.
Because, trust me, that league is a landmine for gaffers. But this is a different proposition for Ange. Spurs are one of ‘The Big Six’ in the Premier League. This is Tottenham Hotspur who are coming for you. No-one can blame or vilify him if he wants to take that opportunity.
Because this is a step to what I imagine he’s always wanted – to manage at an elite level. And if he excels at Spurs, he might even get a chance to go higher. So, if they want him, it’s happening. He can’t turn it down. Off the back of winning a Treble with Celtic , the timing might be just right.
Remember, only two years ago Ange was still in Japan waiting for ANY opportunity in Europe. Read More Related Articles Celtic fans are like hospital visitors about to lose a loved one but must assess how Ange will be remembered - Hugh Keevins Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings If you’d said that two years later, he’d be manager of Spurs – he’d have bitten your hand off.
This is a club that were in England’s top four not so long ago.
In 2019, they were in the Champions League Final under Mauricio Pochettino. And even now, they have a wonderful squad of players. Tottenham fans like to play The Spurs Way. They want to be entertained. Well, they only need to look at how Celtic have attacked teams since Ange took over.
It will be an exciting challenge for him if he goes there. And if he can improve those players – the way he’s done at Celtic – they will be on to a good thing. The question is, where will it leave Celtic? And more importantly for me, what impact could it have on Rangers ? First of all, it throws Celtic into a state of uncertainty and back where they were two years ago.
When they didn’t get Eddie Howe as gaffer, it rumbled on and they landed on their feet with Ange . But we don’t know who would come in next.
And I really believe that Postecoglou’s departure would give Rangers a lift. Everyone at Ibrox will say they can’t control what goes on across the city – they just focus on themselves. That’s right. But there’s no getting away from the fact that Ange leaving is NOT a good thing for Celtic.
So call it what you want. A boost, an advantage whatever – it gives Rangers something. Any new Celtic manager will come in with his own staff and want some of his own players. Relationships are everything in football. Ange has them with this group at Celtic.
He’s brought players in and there’s a trust and belief between them. If he leaves, those relationships will need to be rebuilt. That takes time. You don’t know what a new boss will think of Daizen Maeda or Matt O’Riley. They might not be his type of players.
Celtic should have a succession plan in place. From the minute Ange arrived, they must have known there was a chance he’d eventually move on. The best club in Britain, when it comes to succession planning, are Brighton. When Graham Potter left, everyone thought it was a disaster.
But they go and get Roberto de Zerbi – and he’s made them even stronger. So it can happen if you’ve planned properly. Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou (Image: SNS Group) But Rangers changed their manager mid-season and Michael Beale’s rebuild is already well down the road.
We’ve seen that with the signings of Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, as well as the departures of some big-name players. The process at Ibrox has started, it’s well down the road. They’ve had uncertainty when Gio van Bronckhorst left. But Beale is now gearing up for a really positive summer.
If your biggest rivals suddenly lose their manager? Questions are then raised over there about what happens next. The new Celtic boss won’t come in and say to John Kennedy: ‘What did Ange do? We’re winning, so let’s do that’.
No gaffer will ever do that. There will be differences. Because everyone wants to show how good they are. Ange leaving, at this moment in time, is a negative for Celtic. And that’s where I think Rangers will get a lift. Only time will tell just how big a lift it is.
Michael strengthened his squad again last week by getting Sterling on board. The guy looks to be in the mould of Calvin Bassey – but on the other side of the pitch. He’s a young, strong, athletic player who can play at right-back or right centre-back. It looks like a really flexible signing on a free transfer.
And looking at Sterling’s profile, it reminds me so much of Bassey. And that didn’t work out too badly for the club, did it? READ NEXT Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou admits he was Celtic 'joke' as sceptics fired reminder after Scottish Cup victory seals Treble 10 best photos from Celtic Treble celebrations from madcap Oh dressing room party to emotional Ange View gallery Read More Related Articles Luis Binks is Serie A's forgotten Scot trying to follow Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson's Bologna blueprint Read More Related Articles Brian Graham admits Ross County relegation would hurt but Partick star is primed for final Premiership push Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
Follow Daily Record Facebook Twitter Comment More On Champions League Celtic FC Rangers FC Tottenham Hotspur FC Kenny Miller Ange Postecoglou
This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible.
As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Celtic fans won’t want to hear me say it. But I’m sorry.
If Tottenham Hotspur want Ange Postecoglou – he will be their next manager. There isn’t even a debate about it. If this was Bournemouth or Fulham, I don’t think we’d even be asking the question. Even if it was a huge club in Leeds United – who are now in the Championship – he probably wouldn’t fancy it.
Because, trust me, that league is a landmine for gaffers. But this is a different proposition for Ange. Spurs are one of ‘The Big Six’ in the Premier League. This is Tottenham Hotspur who are coming for you. No-one can blame or vilify him if he wants to take that opportunity.
Because this is a step to what I imagine he’s always wanted – to manage at an elite level. And if he excels at Spurs, he might even get a chance to go higher. So, if they want him, it’s happening. He can’t turn it down. Off the back of winning a Treble with Celtic , the timing might be just right.
Remember, only two years ago Ange was still in Japan waiting for ANY opportunity in Europe. Read More Related Articles Celtic fans are like hospital visitors about to lose a loved one but must assess how Ange will be remembered - Hugh Keevins Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings If you’d said that two years later, he’d be manager of Spurs – he’d have bitten your hand off.
This is a club that were in England’s top four not so long ago.
In 2019, they were in the Champions League Final under Mauricio Pochettino. And even now, they have a wonderful squad of players. Tottenham fans like to play The Spurs Way. They want to be entertained. Well, they only need to look at how Celtic have attacked teams since Ange took over.
It will be an exciting challenge for him if he goes there. And if he can improve those players – the way he’s done at Celtic – they will be on to a good thing. The question is, where will it leave Celtic? And more importantly for me, what impact could it have on Rangers ? First of all, it throws Celtic into a state of uncertainty and back where they were two years ago.
When they didn’t get Eddie Howe as gaffer, it rumbled on and they landed on their feet with Ange . But we don’t know who would come in next.
And I really believe that Postecoglou’s departure would give Rangers a lift. Everyone at Ibrox will say they can’t control what goes on across the city – they just focus on themselves. That’s right. But there’s no getting away from the fact that Ange leaving is NOT a good thing for Celtic.
So call it what you want. A boost, an advantage whatever – it gives Rangers something. Any new Celtic manager will come in with his own staff and want some of his own players. Relationships are everything in football. Ange has them with this group at Celtic.
He’s brought players in and there’s a trust and belief between them. If he leaves, those relationships will need to be rebuilt. That takes time. You don’t know what a new boss will think of Daizen Maeda or Matt O’Riley. They might not be his type of players.
Celtic should have a succession plan in place. From the minute Ange arrived, they must have known there was a chance he’d eventually move on. The best club in Britain, when it comes to succession planning, are Brighton. When Graham Potter left, everyone thought it was a disaster.
But they go and get Roberto de Zerbi – and he’s made them even stronger. So it can happen if you’ve planned properly. Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou (Image: SNS Group) But Rangers changed their manager mid-season and Michael Beale’s rebuild is already well down the road.
We’ve seen that with the signings of Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, as well as the departures of some big-name players. The process at Ibrox has started, it’s well down the road. They’ve had uncertainty when Gio van Bronckhorst left. But Beale is now gearing up for a really positive summer.
If your biggest rivals suddenly lose their manager? Questions are then raised over there about what happens next. The new Celtic boss won’t come in and say to John Kennedy: ‘What did Ange do? We’re winning, so let’s do that’.
No gaffer will ever do that. There will be differences. Because everyone wants to show how good they are. Ange leaving, at this moment in time, is a negative for Celtic. And that’s where I think Rangers will get a lift. Only time will tell just how big a lift it is.
Michael strengthened his squad again last week by getting Sterling on board. The guy looks to be in the mould of Calvin Bassey – but on the other side of the pitch. He’s a young, strong, athletic player who can play at right-back or right centre-back. It looks like a really flexible signing on a free transfer.
And looking at Sterling’s profile, it reminds me so much of Bassey. And that didn’t work out too badly for the club, did it? READ NEXT Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou admits he was Celtic 'joke' as sceptics fired reminder after Scottish Cup victory seals Treble 10 best photos from Celtic Treble celebrations from madcap Oh dressing room party to emotional Ange View gallery Read More Related Articles Luis Binks is Serie A's forgotten Scot trying to follow Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson's Bologna blueprint Read More Related Articles Brian Graham admits Ross County relegation would hurt but Partick star is primed for final Premiership push Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
Follow Daily Record Facebook Twitter Comment More On Champions League Celtic FC Rangers FC Tottenham Hotspur FC Kenny Miller Ange Postecoglou
Steve Clarke names Scotland striking stars of the future but needs Shankland and Nisbet to fill Che Adams void now
Scotland gaffer Clarke believes Aston Villa hit-kid Rory Wilson and Liverpool winger Ben Doak can eventually gatecrash his national team squad.
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
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Steve Clarke names Scotland striking stars of the future but needs Shankland and Nisbet to fill Che Adams void now
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
Steve Clarke has named his Scotland squad for crucial qualifiers (Image: Tony Nicoletti Daily Record) × Group 28 Get the latest news from Record Sport with our daily newsletter Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you.
This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible.
As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice It takes quite a lot to get Steve Clarke excited.
Even when Scotland are flying and beating Spain at Hampden, it’s very unlike the man from Saltcoats to get carried away. And certainly when it comes to nurturing young players, Clarke is always keen to keep their feet firmly on the ground. So when he talks up a couple of Scottish teenagers he hopes can one day gatecrash his national team squad, it’s worth listening to.
Ordinarily, a 17-year-old striker playing in Aston Villa’s Under-23 side wouldn’t even be on Clarke’s radar. But that shows how prodigious a talent Rory Wilson must be.
The same goes for Liverpool live wire Ben Doak . Clarke is a big admirer of the kid who has already clocked up five appearances for the Anfield club. He’s not the type to hype up youngsters. And don’t expect Wilson and Doak to be in Scotland’s first team for the Euros next summer.
Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor But in terms of the future? He believes they’ve got the potential to be big players for their country.
Clarke has shown with the likes of Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour that if you’re good enough you’re old enough. So if Wilson and Doak continue to progress at their Premier League clubs, it might not be too long before we see them in a dark blue shirt.
Clarke said: “They tell me the young boy Wilson is doing very well at Aston Villa. He has grown a little bit and is in good shape. I watched him for the Scotland Under-17’s in the Euros tournament recently where he got another goal.
He’s only a youngster and is probably a couple of years away. “But if he continues to develop, without putting too much pressure on his shoulders, he’s one who is maybe going to come through. The more the merrier. Doak is similar. He’s an attacker and probably a really difficult player to play against.
Because he just runs. He’s so quick and he can go either way. “You could probably play him as a striker. Just ask him to run in behind teams and stretch them. Again, at 17 he’s just a youngster. But he’s been in and around the Liverpool first team, without making the breakthrough.
That’s not a criticism because it’s difficult to do at a club like that. Hopefully going forward those two boys can be a big part of our future. “Let’s not put too much pressure on them. But if someone is playing regularly somewhere and scoring goals, they can be in Scotland’s first-team squad.
I don’t think Ben is quite at that level yet but he’s working towards it. If he shows he’s good enough to be involved, he can be, for sure.” (Image: SNS Group / SFA) For Scotland’s crucial Euro qualifier against Norway in a fortnight, Clarke will travel to Oslo without his main striker, Che Adams .
The Southampton man was born in England, while his likely replacement in Oslo will be Aussie hit-man Lyndon Dykes. There seems to be a dearth of homegrown Scottish forwards making an impact.
That’s why Clarke has high hopes for Wilson and Doak. In the meantime, he does believe that Adams and Dykes’ deputies - Kevin Nisbet and Lawrence Shankland - are capable of performing at international level. When asked about why the nation has found it difficult to produce an elite centre-forward, the manager said: “I’m not sure, that’s probably above my pay grade.
“It would be nice to get one or two more. We just have to keep looking to find these guys who can eventually come through. But both Nisbet and Shankland can score goals.
Kevin had a tough spell with an injury and he’s taken a little bit of time to get back up to speed. But he looks closer now to the Kevin Nisbet pre-injury. He certainly has an eye for a goal. “And Lawrence has shown he will score goals in the Scottish Premiership.
Hopefully they will come away with us and, if required, contribute up front to take a load off Lyndon. There’s no reason for them to be fazed by it because they have both been involved with Scotland before. Kevin scored against Holland. It was friendly but he scored against the Dutch, which is not a bad thing to do.
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“Lawrence nearly scored off the bench against Spain recently and if I’m being critical, I thought he should have! He gets into goal scoring positions and so does Kevin. They have shown they can handle it.Hopefully if we need to use them we can create chances for them.
It’s disappointing to lose Che, who has been a vital part of the team. But don’t forget the contribution Lyndon made in the last game. Dykesy played up front against Spain and was excellent.
He did a marvellous job for the team, so we have good options up front.” For Scotland to get the result they need against the Norwegians and put one foot in the Euros next summer - Clarke will need goals from elsewhere. John McGinn has become a talisman at this level, while Scott McTominay’s brace against the Spanish at Hampden will live long in the memory.
The Scots gaffer said: “We’ve got Ryan Christie who does a really good job for the team, while Stuart Armstrong normally delivers the goods for his country. McGinn can score from midfield and in the last camp I discovered I’ve got another guy who can do it in McTominay.
So that’s a good place to be. “In any team, it’s important not just to look at the striker. There’s a train of thought that if you’ve got a 30-goals a season striker but nobody else scores, you don’t win anything.
I agree with that. We need goals from all over the pitch. You want them from everywhere because if you’re relying on just one person, you can become a little bit predictable.” READ NEXT Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic is a Rangers boost but key barometer will prove how big that is - Kenny Miller Read More Related Articles Celtic fans are like hospital visitors about to lose a loved one but must stop to assess the Ange legacy - Hugh Keevins Read More Related Articles Dave Cormack in brutal Hearts troll as he bites back at Andrew McKinlay with 'season ticket league' putdown Read More Related Articles Jota cuts Celtic interview short as Ange to Tottenham question receives blunt response from winger Read More Related Articles Green Brigade declare Celtic 'Scotland's most successful club' with Rangers record in sight after landing Treble Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
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Follow Daily Record Facebook Twitter Comment More On Liverpool FC Aston Villa FC Scotland football team Scotland U19s football team Ben Doak Steve Clarke Lawrence Shankland Kevin Nisbet Che Adams Lyndon Dykes Euro 2024
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As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice It takes quite a lot to get Steve Clarke excited.
Even when Scotland are flying and beating Spain at Hampden, it’s very unlike the man from Saltcoats to get carried away. And certainly when it comes to nurturing young players, Clarke is always keen to keep their feet firmly on the ground. So when he talks up a couple of Scottish teenagers he hopes can one day gatecrash his national team squad, it’s worth listening to.
Ordinarily, a 17-year-old striker playing in Aston Villa’s Under-23 side wouldn’t even be on Clarke’s radar. But that shows how prodigious a talent Rory Wilson must be.
The same goes for Liverpool live wire Ben Doak . Clarke is a big admirer of the kid who has already clocked up five appearances for the Anfield club. He’s not the type to hype up youngsters. And don’t expect Wilson and Doak to be in Scotland’s first team for the Euros next summer.
Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor But in terms of the future? He believes they’ve got the potential to be big players for their country.
Clarke has shown with the likes of Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour that if you’re good enough you’re old enough. So if Wilson and Doak continue to progress at their Premier League clubs, it might not be too long before we see them in a dark blue shirt.
Clarke said: “They tell me the young boy Wilson is doing very well at Aston Villa. He has grown a little bit and is in good shape. I watched him for the Scotland Under-17’s in the Euros tournament recently where he got another goal.
He’s only a youngster and is probably a couple of years away. “But if he continues to develop, without putting too much pressure on his shoulders, he’s one who is maybe going to come through. The more the merrier. Doak is similar. He’s an attacker and probably a really difficult player to play against.
Because he just runs. He’s so quick and he can go either way. “You could probably play him as a striker. Just ask him to run in behind teams and stretch them. Again, at 17 he’s just a youngster. But he’s been in and around the Liverpool first team, without making the breakthrough.
That’s not a criticism because it’s difficult to do at a club like that. Hopefully going forward those two boys can be a big part of our future. “Let’s not put too much pressure on them. But if someone is playing regularly somewhere and scoring goals, they can be in Scotland’s first-team squad.
I don’t think Ben is quite at that level yet but he’s working towards it. If he shows he’s good enough to be involved, he can be, for sure.” (Image: SNS Group / SFA) For Scotland’s crucial Euro qualifier against Norway in a fortnight, Clarke will travel to Oslo without his main striker, Che Adams .
The Southampton man was born in England, while his likely replacement in Oslo will be Aussie hit-man Lyndon Dykes. There seems to be a dearth of homegrown Scottish forwards making an impact.
That’s why Clarke has high hopes for Wilson and Doak. In the meantime, he does believe that Adams and Dykes’ deputies - Kevin Nisbet and Lawrence Shankland - are capable of performing at international level. When asked about why the nation has found it difficult to produce an elite centre-forward, the manager said: “I’m not sure, that’s probably above my pay grade.
“It would be nice to get one or two more. We just have to keep looking to find these guys who can eventually come through. But both Nisbet and Shankland can score goals.
Kevin had a tough spell with an injury and he’s taken a little bit of time to get back up to speed. But he looks closer now to the Kevin Nisbet pre-injury. He certainly has an eye for a goal. “And Lawrence has shown he will score goals in the Scottish Premiership.
Hopefully they will come away with us and, if required, contribute up front to take a load off Lyndon. There’s no reason for them to be fazed by it because they have both been involved with Scotland before. Kevin scored against Holland. It was friendly but he scored against the Dutch, which is not a bad thing to do.
Sign up to our Record Sport newsletter Get all the latest Sports news sent straight to your Inbox every day by signing up to our newsletter. We cover every morsel of information regarding your favourite club in the form of articles, videos and podcasts.
The newsletter will arrive every day at 12pm, giving you a round up of the best stories we've covered that in the last 24 hours. To sign up, simply enter your email address into the link here . And if you aren't already, make sure you join the conversation over on our Facebook groups and Record Sport Instagram .
“Lawrence nearly scored off the bench against Spain recently and if I’m being critical, I thought he should have! He gets into goal scoring positions and so does Kevin. They have shown they can handle it.Hopefully if we need to use them we can create chances for them.
It’s disappointing to lose Che, who has been a vital part of the team. But don’t forget the contribution Lyndon made in the last game. Dykesy played up front against Spain and was excellent.
He did a marvellous job for the team, so we have good options up front.” For Scotland to get the result they need against the Norwegians and put one foot in the Euros next summer - Clarke will need goals from elsewhere. John McGinn has become a talisman at this level, while Scott McTominay’s brace against the Spanish at Hampden will live long in the memory.
The Scots gaffer said: “We’ve got Ryan Christie who does a really good job for the team, while Stuart Armstrong normally delivers the goods for his country. McGinn can score from midfield and in the last camp I discovered I’ve got another guy who can do it in McTominay.
So that’s a good place to be. “In any team, it’s important not just to look at the striker. There’s a train of thought that if you’ve got a 30-goals a season striker but nobody else scores, you don’t win anything.
I agree with that. We need goals from all over the pitch. You want them from everywhere because if you’re relying on just one person, you can become a little bit predictable.” READ NEXT Read More Related Articles Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic is a Rangers boost but key barometer will prove how big that is - Kenny Miller Read More Related Articles Celtic fans are like hospital visitors about to lose a loved one but must stop to assess the Ange legacy - Hugh Keevins Read More Related Articles Dave Cormack in brutal Hearts troll as he bites back at Andrew McKinlay with 'season ticket league' putdown Read More Related Articles Jota cuts Celtic interview short as Ange to Tottenham question receives blunt response from winger Read More Related Articles Green Brigade declare Celtic 'Scotland's most successful club' with Rangers record in sight after landing Treble Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
Follow Daily Record Facebook Twitter Comment More On Liverpool FC Aston Villa FC Scotland football team Scotland U19s football team Ben Doak Steve Clarke Lawrence Shankland Kevin Nisbet Che Adams Lyndon Dykes Euro 2024
Brian Graham admits Ross County relegation would hurt but Partick star is primed for final Premiership push
Graham still has friends in Dingwall and admitted post-match text from old Staggies pal bore no grudges after first leg win.
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Brian Graham admits Ross County relegation would hurt but Partick star is primed for final Premiership push
🕦 6 hours | dailyrecord
Brian Graham helped Thistle to a huge lead in their promotion hopes × Group 28 Get the latest news from Record Sport with our daily newsletter Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you.
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As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice He had just scored the goal that could send her club down. But the text message that pinged from Dingwall didn’t surprise Partick Thistle striker Brian Graham.
It was Susan from the kit department at Ross County . She messaged just after Thursday night’s relegation play-off first-leg that put a nail in the Staggies’ coffin. But even after the 2-0 loss to the Jags, Susan said she didn’t hold a grudge against the Partick hitman.
Graham spent three years at the Staggies and Susan was like his surrogate mum in the Highlands. And when he returns there today for the second leg, she’ll be the first person he looks out for. But it won’t stop Graham from potentially finishing the job to book promotion for Thistle.
The veteran front-man admits it would hurt to see his old club drop into the Championship. But at 35, having enjoyed a stunning season at Firhill, he’s desperate for one last crack at the top flight.
Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor Even if it upsets his old friends at Dingwall.
Graham and Aidan Fitzpatrick scored in the crucial first-leg win for Kris Doolan’s side on Thursday. Graham said: “I’ve been at Ross County and they are a special club to me. One of the best days of my career was winning the League Cup with them at Hampden.
“So it’s unfortunate this is against them. If we do put them down it will be a sore one for me, I’m not going to lie. There are some very special people at that club. Wee Susan the kit woman, I still text her now. When I was up there she was like my wee mum.
She texted me on Thursday night after the game to say she still loves me even though I scored! She’s a very special lady and I can’t wait to give her a cuddle today. “I had a great relationship with the fans at County. The only reason I left to come to Partick Thistle was because my family was here.
I had a year left and took a massive pay cut to come here. It was a decision I made because of my kids. “Now, I want another crack at the Premiership, of course I do. That’s why we’re here but I’m under no illusions ahead of the play-off final.
We saw what happened with Sheffield Wednesday in their play-off down in England (they overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit). "Football is never over. We can’t count our chickens or look too far ahead. But it would be incredible for me to get up. I’ve been through the mire with this club.
I could have left but I stuck with it. Maybe it’s written in the stars. Hopefully by the end of 90 minutes, that will be the reason I did it. “To come here three years ago, score more than 50 goals, win a league then have a chance to get into the Premiership – it’s the stuff of dreams at my age.” When Graham took on the job of coaching Thistle’s women’s team, people maybe thought he was winding down.
The arrivals of strikers like Danny Mullen and Anton Dowds threatened his place up front. Partick's Brian Graham applauds the fans (Image: SNS Group) But he says he’s as fit and as hungry as he’s ever been to make a return to the top level in Scotland.
He said: “If anyone thinks that, they don’t know me. People can think what they want but I’ve still got plenty left in me, another couple of years at least.
“I’ve scored 21 goals this season – I want a new deal! When was the last time someone scored 21 goals for Partick Thistle? I’m a very busy man coaching the women’s team. But if I have to sit and stare at four walls, I think I’d start climbing them. “It’s good to be busy as it takes your focus off the game.
If anyone tells you they don’t get nervous before a game, they’re lying. There are always butterflies. I remember Derek Lilley telling me as a young kid that as soon as the butterflies aren’t in your belly that’s when you chuck it.
So there will be more butterflies and nerves when we face County again. But I will relish that feeling.” Even at 35, Graham is immersed in the game. That’s why he’s keen to be a gaffer when he eventually hangs up his boots. If he’s not playing or managing the women’s side, he is at his son’s games supporting him.
Oh, and he’s also currently sitting his A-licence with the SFA, which was always scheduled for around these play-off ties. The former St Johnstone, Hibs, Dundee United, Morton and Raith Rovers striker said: “I don’t do anything that doesn’t revolve around football.
I take my wee boy to his games too on a Saturday morning then I’ve got the women’s team on a Sunday. “Football is my life. It’s been that way since I was a kid playing for Glasgow North Boys Club at seven years old. “It’s something I’m very passionate about and it’s what I want to do when I finish playing.
That’s why I’m managing while I’m still a player, getting experience, building up my CV and doing my badges. “While the other boys were resting last week, I was in Edinburgh doing my A licence.
But I’m fully focused on the job in hand here. “The final will be a tough game, a different one to Thursday night. But we’re playing with freedom and no pressure. The momentum is with us as a group. But we can’t get carried away, we must keep going.” READ NEXT: Read More Related Articles Marti Cifuentes faces Hammarby mutiny as next Hearts manager candidate holds crisis talks after training ground bust up Read More Related Articles Vasilis Barkas agrees Celtic 'release' as £4.5m flop keeper finally brings nightmare Hoops spell to a 'close' Read More Related Articles Ianis Hagi Rangers transfer hope shared as legendary dad Gheorghe wants son to follow in his footsteps Read More Related Articles David Moyes facing West Ham 'sack' as Celtic next manager favourite in potential win or bust Euro final scenario Read More Related Articles Ronny Deila puts Celtic and Club Brugge on 'same level' as Norwegian opens up on Standard Liege defection Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
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This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible.
As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice He had just scored the goal that could send her club down. But the text message that pinged from Dingwall didn’t surprise Partick Thistle striker Brian Graham.
It was Susan from the kit department at Ross County . She messaged just after Thursday night’s relegation play-off first-leg that put a nail in the Staggies’ coffin. But even after the 2-0 loss to the Jags, Susan said she didn’t hold a grudge against the Partick hitman.
Graham spent three years at the Staggies and Susan was like his surrogate mum in the Highlands. And when he returns there today for the second leg, she’ll be the first person he looks out for. But it won’t stop Graham from potentially finishing the job to book promotion for Thistle.
The veteran front-man admits it would hurt to see his old club drop into the Championship. But at 35, having enjoyed a stunning season at Firhill, he’s desperate for one last crack at the top flight.
Read More Related Articles Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen Hearts and Hibs eye signings Read More Related Articles Kyogo on Ange's Tottenham transfer 'wishlist' as Celtic striker seen as £30m Harry Kane successor Even if it upsets his old friends at Dingwall.
Graham and Aidan Fitzpatrick scored in the crucial first-leg win for Kris Doolan’s side on Thursday. Graham said: “I’ve been at Ross County and they are a special club to me. One of the best days of my career was winning the League Cup with them at Hampden.
“So it’s unfortunate this is against them. If we do put them down it will be a sore one for me, I’m not going to lie. There are some very special people at that club. Wee Susan the kit woman, I still text her now. When I was up there she was like my wee mum.
She texted me on Thursday night after the game to say she still loves me even though I scored! She’s a very special lady and I can’t wait to give her a cuddle today. “I had a great relationship with the fans at County. The only reason I left to come to Partick Thistle was because my family was here.
I had a year left and took a massive pay cut to come here. It was a decision I made because of my kids. “Now, I want another crack at the Premiership, of course I do. That’s why we’re here but I’m under no illusions ahead of the play-off final.
We saw what happened with Sheffield Wednesday in their play-off down in England (they overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit). "Football is never over. We can’t count our chickens or look too far ahead. But it would be incredible for me to get up. I’ve been through the mire with this club.
I could have left but I stuck with it. Maybe it’s written in the stars. Hopefully by the end of 90 minutes, that will be the reason I did it. “To come here three years ago, score more than 50 goals, win a league then have a chance to get into the Premiership – it’s the stuff of dreams at my age.” When Graham took on the job of coaching Thistle’s women’s team, people maybe thought he was winding down.
The arrivals of strikers like Danny Mullen and Anton Dowds threatened his place up front. Partick's Brian Graham applauds the fans (Image: SNS Group) But he says he’s as fit and as hungry as he’s ever been to make a return to the top level in Scotland.
He said: “If anyone thinks that, they don’t know me. People can think what they want but I’ve still got plenty left in me, another couple of years at least.
“I’ve scored 21 goals this season – I want a new deal! When was the last time someone scored 21 goals for Partick Thistle? I’m a very busy man coaching the women’s team. But if I have to sit and stare at four walls, I think I’d start climbing them. “It’s good to be busy as it takes your focus off the game.
If anyone tells you they don’t get nervous before a game, they’re lying. There are always butterflies. I remember Derek Lilley telling me as a young kid that as soon as the butterflies aren’t in your belly that’s when you chuck it.
So there will be more butterflies and nerves when we face County again. But I will relish that feeling.” Even at 35, Graham is immersed in the game. That’s why he’s keen to be a gaffer when he eventually hangs up his boots. If he’s not playing or managing the women’s side, he is at his son’s games supporting him.
Oh, and he’s also currently sitting his A-licence with the SFA, which was always scheduled for around these play-off ties. The former St Johnstone, Hibs, Dundee United, Morton and Raith Rovers striker said: “I don’t do anything that doesn’t revolve around football.
I take my wee boy to his games too on a Saturday morning then I’ve got the women’s team on a Sunday. “Football is my life. It’s been that way since I was a kid playing for Glasgow North Boys Club at seven years old. “It’s something I’m very passionate about and it’s what I want to do when I finish playing.
That’s why I’m managing while I’m still a player, getting experience, building up my CV and doing my badges. “While the other boys were resting last week, I was in Edinburgh doing my A licence.
But I’m fully focused on the job in hand here. “The final will be a tough game, a different one to Thursday night. But we’re playing with freedom and no pressure. The momentum is with us as a group. But we can’t get carried away, we must keep going.” READ NEXT: Read More Related Articles Marti Cifuentes faces Hammarby mutiny as next Hearts manager candidate holds crisis talks after training ground bust up Read More Related Articles Vasilis Barkas agrees Celtic 'release' as £4.5m flop keeper finally brings nightmare Hoops spell to a 'close' Read More Related Articles Ianis Hagi Rangers transfer hope shared as legendary dad Gheorghe wants son to follow in his footsteps Read More Related Articles David Moyes facing West Ham 'sack' as Celtic next manager favourite in potential win or bust Euro final scenario Read More Related Articles Ronny Deila puts Celtic and Club Brugge on 'same level' as Norwegian opens up on Standard Liege defection Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
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Bettman, NHL 'hopeful' Coyotes remain in Arizona
Speaking before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas on Saturday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated that the league is bullish on finding a solution to keep the Coyotes in Arizona, sayi...
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Bettman, NHL 'hopeful' Coyotes remain in Arizona
🕦 8 hours | espn
LAS VEGAS -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman remains bullish on finding a solution to keep the Coyotes in Arizona, saying the league is "hopeful" it won't lose the "terrific market." Speaking before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, Bettman addressed the uncertain future of the Coyotes yet again, two weeks after the team's $2.1 billion Tempe arena plan was rejected by voters.
"The Coyotes are exploring their options in the greater Phoenix area, and our hope is that one of those options being explored will come to fruition," Bettman said. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league has talked with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who hopes to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City.
Bettman said that expansion is currently not a top priority for the NHL, and he is hopeful to avoid relocation. "We're in a better position to resist leaving than maybe we were 20 or 30 years ago," Bettman said, adding that he hasn't "prejudged any markets if we were going to add or relocate teams." Bettman said he remains committed to keeping a team in Arizona because of how large and growing the market is, and he believes the team has been put in "unfortunate" situations, having also been a "victim to circumstance." Newly appointed NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh said he has met with Bettman to address players' many concerns about the situation, including subpar conditions at their temporary home at Arizona State University's Mullet Arena.
The NHL has said the Coyotes will play at the 5,000-seat venue again in the 2023-24 season.
"I'd love to know, by beginning of the season, what the plan is for next year," Walsh said.
"If we don't have in the near future a new location, we have to have a serious conversation.
These players can't continue to play in a college hockey arena as NHL players. They just can't do it. It doesn't look right; it doesn't feel right." Bettman broached several other topics, as well: * He said it is "likely" that the salary cap will only rise by $1 million this offseason as the players continue to pay off COVID-19 pandemic revenue losses.
The NHLPA and Bettman met recently on the topic; players and teams were hopeful that the 2023-24 season could see a larger bump.
However, the collective bargaining agreement signed by players in 2020 capped escrow at 6%. Walsh said the payers do not have an appetite to change the escrow, which will necessitate yet another small increase. Bettman said the larger, more regular increase is "overwhelmingly likely" for 2024-25.
Bettman said there were "still beans to count" but the projections for hockey-related revenue for this season is $6 billion, which is encouraging but not enough to allow teams to increase spending significantly.
* There was no update on the Ottawa Senators sale. Bettman said all four groups that submitted bids on May 15 remain in the mix, and the league expects a "good outcome in the next few weeks." "Buying a billion-dollar asset isn't the same as buying a new car," Bettman said in regard to why the process is still taking time.
* Bettman said former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and former general manager Stan Bowman have independently requested meetings to discuss reinstatement into the league. The commissioner said he will schedule them after the Stanley Cup Final.
Bettman said neither man is currently eligible to work for an NHL team following their involvement in the Blackhawks' handling of sexual assault allegations in 2010 from former player Kyle Beach against the team's then-video coach Brad Aldrich.
* Some NHL teams have expressed interest in staging a game in Mexico. The league has done "exploratory research," but Bettman said he doesn't think it will happen in the "very short term" because of logistical hurdles, including with facilities.
* The NHL is not investigating the incident regarding Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin. Daly said the league knows "exactly what happened" and believes it was handled "appropriately" by the Avalanche. Nichushkin left the team's playoff series in Seattle after a woman was found intoxicated in his hotel room and needed to be transported for medical attention.
* The NHL's independent investigator has completed its investigation into the 2018 Canadian World Junior team. Police in London, Ontario, also are investigating allegations that five members of that team -- some of whom are currently in the NHL -- sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room following a team gala.
The NHL's independent investigator is preparing a report, which is expected in early summer.
"The Coyotes are exploring their options in the greater Phoenix area, and our hope is that one of those options being explored will come to fruition," Bettman said. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league has talked with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who hopes to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City.
Bettman said that expansion is currently not a top priority for the NHL, and he is hopeful to avoid relocation. "We're in a better position to resist leaving than maybe we were 20 or 30 years ago," Bettman said, adding that he hasn't "prejudged any markets if we were going to add or relocate teams." Bettman said he remains committed to keeping a team in Arizona because of how large and growing the market is, and he believes the team has been put in "unfortunate" situations, having also been a "victim to circumstance." Newly appointed NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh said he has met with Bettman to address players' many concerns about the situation, including subpar conditions at their temporary home at Arizona State University's Mullet Arena.
The NHL has said the Coyotes will play at the 5,000-seat venue again in the 2023-24 season.
"I'd love to know, by beginning of the season, what the plan is for next year," Walsh said.
"If we don't have in the near future a new location, we have to have a serious conversation.
These players can't continue to play in a college hockey arena as NHL players. They just can't do it. It doesn't look right; it doesn't feel right." Bettman broached several other topics, as well: * He said it is "likely" that the salary cap will only rise by $1 million this offseason as the players continue to pay off COVID-19 pandemic revenue losses.
The NHLPA and Bettman met recently on the topic; players and teams were hopeful that the 2023-24 season could see a larger bump.
However, the collective bargaining agreement signed by players in 2020 capped escrow at 6%. Walsh said the payers do not have an appetite to change the escrow, which will necessitate yet another small increase. Bettman said the larger, more regular increase is "overwhelmingly likely" for 2024-25.
Bettman said there were "still beans to count" but the projections for hockey-related revenue for this season is $6 billion, which is encouraging but not enough to allow teams to increase spending significantly.
* There was no update on the Ottawa Senators sale. Bettman said all four groups that submitted bids on May 15 remain in the mix, and the league expects a "good outcome in the next few weeks." "Buying a billion-dollar asset isn't the same as buying a new car," Bettman said in regard to why the process is still taking time.
* Bettman said former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and former general manager Stan Bowman have independently requested meetings to discuss reinstatement into the league. The commissioner said he will schedule them after the Stanley Cup Final.
Bettman said neither man is currently eligible to work for an NHL team following their involvement in the Blackhawks' handling of sexual assault allegations in 2010 from former player Kyle Beach against the team's then-video coach Brad Aldrich.
* Some NHL teams have expressed interest in staging a game in Mexico. The league has done "exploratory research," but Bettman said he doesn't think it will happen in the "very short term" because of logistical hurdles, including with facilities.
* The NHL is not investigating the incident regarding Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin. Daly said the league knows "exactly what happened" and believes it was handled "appropriately" by the Avalanche. Nichushkin left the team's playoff series in Seattle after a woman was found intoxicated in his hotel room and needed to be transported for medical attention.
* The NHL's independent investigator has completed its investigation into the 2018 Canadian World Junior team. Police in London, Ontario, also are investigating allegations that five members of that team -- some of whom are currently in the NHL -- sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room following a team gala.
The NHL's independent investigator is preparing a report, which is expected in early summer.
Eden Hazard to leave Real Madrid at end of June
Eden Hazard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the month after agreeing to mutually terminate his contract a year early
🕦 10 hours | sportsmole
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Eden Hazard to leave Real Madrid at end of June
🕦 10 hours | sportsmole
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, signing a five-year deal after completing a transfer believed to be worth €100m (£83.1m). The Belgium international has struggled with injuries and poor form during his four-year stay in the Spanish capital. The 32-year-old has been restricted to just 10 competitive appearances in the 2022-23 campaign, registering just one goal and two assists.
Having failed to live up to expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard will leave Real Madrid this summer after agreeing a deal to terminate his contract a year early.
© Reuters In a statement, Real Madrid said: "Real Madrid Football Club and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will leave the club as of 30 June 2023. "Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, during which time he has won eight titles: one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
"Real Madrid would like to express our affection to Eden Hazard and we wish him and his family the best of luck for the next stage of his career." Hazard featured in 76 games during his time as a Real Madrid player, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
© Reuters According to The Athletic , retirement is a consideration for Hazard, but he is yet to make a definitive decision on his future.
The former Chelsea man will be followed through the exit door by Mariano Diaz , who will leave the Spanish giants when his contract expires at the end of the month. Real Madrid also confirmed that Marco Asensio will depart on a free transfer after spending nine years with the club.
Hazard, Mariano and Asensio are all expected to be involved when Real Madrid round off the campaign with a home fixture against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Having failed to live up to expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard will leave Real Madrid this summer after agreeing a deal to terminate his contract a year early.
© Reuters In a statement, Real Madrid said: "Real Madrid Football Club and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will leave the club as of 30 June 2023. "Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, during which time he has won eight titles: one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
"Real Madrid would like to express our affection to Eden Hazard and we wish him and his family the best of luck for the next stage of his career." Hazard featured in 76 games during his time as a Real Madrid player, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
© Reuters According to The Athletic , retirement is a consideration for Hazard, but he is yet to make a definitive decision on his future.
The former Chelsea man will be followed through the exit door by Mariano Diaz , who will leave the Spanish giants when his contract expires at the end of the month. Real Madrid also confirmed that Marco Asensio will depart on a free transfer after spending nine years with the club.
Hazard, Mariano and Asensio are all expected to be involved when Real Madrid round off the campaign with a home fixture against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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