From ‘Stokealona’ to the relegation abyss: From Stoke’s slide to the Championship gate The last time Stoke City were relegated to the third division was 1998 and now, more than a quarter of a century later, this famous old football club is teetering on the edge again. Stoke are lurching towards the trap door to… Read More »
New players like Millie Turner (left) impressed for England – Getty Images/Naomi Baker Sarina Wiegman says she faces a selection crunch for April’s Euro 2025 qualifiers after many of her England players had full opportunities to impress in wins over Austria and Italy in February. “There is a lot of depth in the squad and… Read More »
Bundee Aki, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Duhan van der Merwe play in countries they were not born in Your best against our best: This is the sacred principle on which all international team sports are built. And yet even a rivalry as intertwined with tribal identity as the Six Nations has strayed from these moorings. Take… Read More »
Mauricio Pochettino admits he finds criticism of Chelsea’s spending disturbing – Getty Images/Darren Walsh Mauricio Pochettino claims he “feels the support” of the Chelsea hierarchy and has had positive face-to-face conversations with co-owner Behdad Eghbali following Sunday’s disappointing Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool. The under-pressure Chelsea head coach also received a “very, very nice… Read More »
Erik ten Hag (left) responds to Jamie Carragher’s ‘subjective’ criticism of his tactics Challenger Erik ten Hag has emerged swinging over his future at Manchester United, accusing Jamie Carragher of having an agenda against him while insisting Sir Jim Ratcliffe does not need public support. United face a potentially season-defining week that could have significant… Read More »
Erling Haaland was unstoppable, scoring five goals on a night to remember – Getty Images/Shaun Botterill Master striker Erling Haaland’s qualities are many and varied and it was Luton Town’s misfortune to encounter them all on an FA Cup evening. Of course, the Manchester City striker can score any goal. He can run in behind… Read More »
Shoaib Bashir was one of the few shining lights in a disappointing series for England – AP/Ajit Solanki In August 2022 at the Wells Cathedral School Ground, Berkshire U18s took on Somerset U18s and recorded a surprise eight-wicket win. The victory was achieved thanks to five-for-26 play by Shoaib Bashir, a tall 18-year-old off-spinner. “He… Read More »
Emma Raducanu’s comeback fails to gain momentum two months after surgery – Kamran Jebreili/AP Emma Raducanu’s manager said that “people should not be malicious” in their assessment of her post-US Open career, which lacked momentum two months before her post-surgery comeback. Speaking on the Served With Andy Roddick podcast, Max Eisenbud said: “The girl did… Read More »