West Ham will play their first second-tier match in 14 years today when they visit Burnley in their Championship opener at 4pm. The club’s relegation at the end of last season came after the Hammers spent a decade trying to establish themselves as a Premier League force, only to be undone by a series of … Read more
Looking back, it’s funny to think we might have picked berries from the same bush. Back in 1959, those blackberries proliferated to the rear of The Bend, the most unlovely corner of an unfashionable ground – Vicarage Road, home of the equally forgotten Watford FC. Then, I was 18 and one of the ‘Boys on … Read more
Key events League Two roundup York debutant Harry Boyes bagged a brace to mark the club’s EFL return after a 10-year absence with a thrilling 3-2 home triumph over Bristol Rovers. Boyes – a summer signing from Southend – netted the first EFL goals of his career and was joined on the Minstermen scoresheet by … Read more
If Leicester thought this season was going to be the footballing equivalent of a gap year, visiting new places and learning some life lessons before returning home, then they were mistaken. Being outfought and outperformed by Notts County, a well-organised and energetic team promoted from the fourth tier, brought the harsh reality of life to … Read more
Considering the current Premier League champions play in the game every season it is surprisingly rare for the Community Shield winners to go on to win the league. Since the Premier League started in 1992-93, only eight of the 34 winners of the Charity or Community Shield have done so. Five of those happened in … Read more
While managerial changes provide unfamiliarity for some of Arsenal’s rivals, it is hard to argue that some of those have every chance of boosting their title chances. Chelsea, for example, have one of the most sought-after young managers in the game in Xabi Alonso, and also look to have bought well in the transfer market. … Read more
Aston Villa are in negotiations over Zion Suzuki, boosting Juventus’ hope of signing Emiliano Martinez, while Arsenal are told price for Victor Osimhen. Aston Villa are in negotiations to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma after the 23-year-old’s proposed move to Paris St-Germain collapsed. (Talksport), external Villa’s interest in Suzuki has boosted Juventus’ hope … Read more
Once they are into the meat of the season, few at Old Trafford will remember this day. However, depending on how the situation unfolds before the transfer window closes on 1 September, it could be very significant in one way. With an hour gone, Marcus Rashford was introduced by Carrick as one of six substitutes. … Read more
Espanyol sporting director Monchi believes Spanish clubs should be paying closer attention to England’s Championship, describing it as one of football’s “least understood” competitions and an increasingly attractive source of talent. The former goalkeeper has returned to his native Spain after two years as president of football operations at Aston Villa, having previously held sporting … Read more
Former Rangers defender Richard Foster It’s been tough. The level of performance is the thing that they’re questioning but they’re also not winning games, they’re out of the Europa League. I do believe Derek is the right man. He’s not become a bad manager in four games. I think he will get Rangers to a … Read more