For any Arsenal fan eager to know what Christos Tzolis might bring to the Premier League champions, the winger’s swiftly earned nickname at his new club might prove instructive. In the 2006 action film 300, the leading figure of King Leonidas guides a meagre bunch of Spartans against an overwhelmingly large invading army. Although doomed … Read more
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has stepped down from his position before the start of the Women’s Super League season. The 43-year-old has been in charge of United for five years and led them to their first major trophy with victory in the Women’s FA Cup final in 2024. He helped them reach the Women’s … Read more
It is 50 years since Antonin Panenka won the European Championship for Czechoslovakia with the most audacious penalty ever taken. His signature chip wasn’t instantly eponymous. A search of the British newspaper archives shows that it was barely mentioned until Francesco Totti dusted it off for the internet generation at Euro 2000. It was at … Read more
On the flight home from Chicago, as he reflects on the 4-2 loss to Leeds that ended Liverpool‘s United States tour, manager Andoni Iraola will have plenty to think about. The first-half display was arguably the best since he took charge of Liverpool, but the second was categorically their worst as they conceded four times … Read more
After 45 minutes at Soldier Field the tale of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the US was of three straight wins and Andoni Iraola’s ideas taking shape thanks in no small part to Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. After 90, with Liverpool’s expensive duo off the scene, it centred on a stirring Leeds fightback and the … Read more
Chelsea have signed the Argentina international Valentín Barco from their sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year deal. The 22-year-old, who played seven times for Brighton including six Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, becomes the eighth arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso’s reign. A versatile player who can be used in central midfield as … Read more
Tottenham make an approach for Victor Osimhen, Atletico Madrid consider a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has positive talks with Spurs. Tottenham have made an initial approach worth up to £55m for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, 27, but the Turkish champions are looking for closer to £65m for … Read more
Alfred Johansson appeared to have walked into an incredibly difficult job at Motherwell this summer. Motherwell finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership last season, playing some of the best football you could wish to see, and all on one of the top-flight’s lowest budgets. Not only was Johansson following in Jens Berthel Askou’s sizeable footsteps … Read more
Chelsea has stunned the football world by announcing the signing of veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 35-year-old former England international arrives at Stamford Bridge on a deal that runs until 2028, adding significant experience to Xabi Alonso’s evolving squad. A surprise move for the veteran In a transfer that few … Read more
It is imperative that the board deliver on their promise after mounting unrest between fans and club threatened to somewhat derail last season. It also cannot be taken for granted that O’Neill has now shown he can lead Celtic to honours with a squad light on both numbers and quality. He too will be demanding … Read more