Rick Parry, the chair of the English Football League, has expressed disappointment with Kemi Badenoch for not speaking to the league before coming out against an independent football regulator, and has asked the leader of the Conservative party to consider taking “a more balanced view”. In February, Badenoch declared her personal opposition to a policy … Read more
The level will have to rise when Newcastle return to London with designs on ending their long wait for silverware this weekend. This scrappy performance is unlikely to have sent a shiver down Liverpool’s spine before the Carabao Cup final, although there were positives for Eddie Howe to dwell on after his side boosted their … Read more
Something extraordinary happened at Old Trafford on Sunday, almost without precedent during Ruben Amorim’s four months as the Manchester United manager. His team enjoyed a half-time lead. The only time they had done so previously was in his third game in early December at home against Everton. Back then, they went in 2-0 up en … Read more
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United players, stating some are “not good enough” and “overpaid”, referencing Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and André Onana when doing so. In a series of interviews, Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, also said that Ruben Amorim would be the head coach for a “long … Read more
Cheltenham racecourse has effectively confirmed that crowds at its showpiece meeting will be down for the third year running when the 2025 festival opens on Tuesday, while also suggesting that “unforgettable days out” for racegoers this year will be the catalyst for a revival in the festival’s fortunes from 2026. The overall attendance at last … Read more
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature The teams! West Ham: Areola, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Scarles, Kudus, Soucek, Bowen. Subs: Fabianski, Soler, Lucas Paqueta, Mavropanos, Luis Guilherme, Ings, Rodriguez, Emerson Palmieri, Ferguson. Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Barnes.Subs: Dubravka, … Read more
Andrea Berta is primed to join Arsenal as their new sporting director. The club have conducted a thorough recruitment process to find a replacement for Edu, who resigned from the post last November, and they have considered a number of candidates. They included an internal one – Jason Ayto, who has filled the role on … Read more
Constitution Hill has seen off every challenge with ease in winning all 10 of his races to date, but he could be facing his sternest opponent so far in Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle and Brighterdaysahead (4.00) can also boast the strongest recent piece of form in the field. The Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting … Read more
Listen to Fin Smith wax lyrical about the Wales head coach Matt Sherratt, the influence he had during their days together at Worcester and the debt of gratitude he feels is obvious. Accordingly, Smith sent Sherratt a message of congratulations when he was handed the Welsh reins on a temporary basis after Warren Gatland’s departure. … Read more
Manchester City Women have sacked their head coach Gareth Taylor. “Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard,” said the club’s managing director, Charlotte O’Neill. “With six games of the WSL campaign remaining, we believe that a change of management will breathe fresh life into our bid to ensure qualification for … Read more