List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named the League Managers Association’s manager of the year. Guardiola, who has guided City to a third straight Premier League title and is hunting a domestic treble, has won the Sir Alex Ferguson trophy for a third time and was also named Premier League manager of the year. City face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Guardiola, who has previously won the award in 2017-18 and 2020-21, said: “I’m delighted to receive the Premier League Manager of the Year. It’s an incredible honour to get his trophy. “We are in the best league in the world and I promise you we will be there next season.” Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and Fulham’s Marco Silva had all been nominated. Vincent Kompany, who guided Burnley straight back to promotion to the top flight, won the Championship award, beating fellow nominees Michael Carrick (Middlesbrough), Paul Heckingbottom (Sheffield United), Rob Edwards (Luton) and Mark Robins (Coventry). Kompany said: “The players have done it and the staff have been relentless. “I can still relate to the players, I feel connected to what they are going through. I make mistakes and don’t see myself as the finished article. You make mistakes and learn. I’m pretty pleased where I am today.” Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher took the League One award after guiding the Pilgrims to the title and Richie Wellens was voted League Two manager of the year after leading Leyton Orient to the top of the fourth tier. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Padres send 16-year-old phenom Ethan Salas directly to Low-A ball.

Anthony Martial will miss the FA Cup final with a hamstring problem as his injury-hit season has come to an end. The French forward strained his hamstring in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday and tests showed he tore a muscle. Without Martial, who has scored nine times this season, United’s 30-goal top scorer Marcus Rashford could play as a centre-forward against Manchester City at Wembley. Wout Weghorst, who has only scored twice in his loan spell and who has not found the net in his last 15 games, is the other option available to manager Erik ten Hag. Martial has been Ten Hag’s first-choice striker this season but has only started 17 of their 61 matches in all competitions and has only struck two goals in his last 12 appearances. However, he did score twice against City as a substitute in United’s 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in October. Concerns about Martial’s fitness are a reason why Ten Hag’s major objective in the summer transfer market is to sign a centre-forward. United are also waiting to see if winger Antony will recover from an ankle injury in time, with Ten Hag saying the Brazilian will "probably" be fit. Read More ‘He has a decision to make’: Erik ten Hag delivers stark message to Harry Maguire Premier League 2022/23 season awards: Best player, manager, transfer flop and breakthrough act

Rangers have announced the signing of Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling. The 23-year-old will join on a four-year contract on July 1 when his Chelsea deal expires. The versatile player made two substitute outings for Chelsea in cup competitions but has made more than 100 first-team appearances across loan spells with Coventry, Wigan, Blackpool and Stoke. He played 28 times this season with Sky Bet Championship side Stoke. Rangers manager Michael Beale told his club’s official website: “I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad. “He is someone I was aware of from my time at Chelsea, and I have always kept an eye on his career as it has progressed. “He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.” Sterling added: “I am really excited to come to such a big club, there’s a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled. “I wasn’t expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need. “We were on the same wavelength, he believes in me and I believe in what he is trying to do as well so it was a no-brainer for me to come.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

An illegal streaming gang who offered cut-price subscriptions for Premier League matches to more than 50,000 people have been jailed. The Premier League said five men were convicted of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and contempt of court after generating more than £7 million in five years. Mark Gould, from London, was reported to have masterminded the operation and was handed an 11-year prison sentence at Chesterfield Crown Court on Tuesday. The 36-year-old and co-defendants Steven Gordon, Peter Jolley, William Brown and Christopher Felvus offered illegal access to matches from hundreds of channels around the world, as well as tens of thousands of on-demand films and TV shows. A sixth gang member, Zak Smith, failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, the Premier League said. We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League's rights Kevin Plumb The league added that the illegal streaming businesses had 30 employees, with one undercover at a specialist anti-piracy company. Brown, from Stoke-on-Trent, denied the offences, claiming to have been an undercover informant acting in the interests of law enforcement authorities and broadcasters But the 33-year-old was unanimously convicted by a jury after a seven-week trial as the Premier League said he used his technical skills to hack legitimate customers’ accounts to access and copy streams – intending for them to take the blame if identified by authorities. The prosecution was supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s trading standards team and the intellectual property protection organisation Fact. Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of a long and complex prosecution of a highly sophisticated operation. “The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes. “This prosecution is another concrete example of the clear links between piracy and wider criminality, a warning we repeatedly make. “While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who were customers of these services were effectively supporting individuals involved in other sinister and dangerous organised crime. “The Premier League’s substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights. “We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League’s rights. “We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Umpire Sue Redfern: I’ll feel awkward and fortunate to break new ground in Blast Daniil Medvedev dumped out of French Open in first round by Thiago Seyboth Wild Dean Windass proud as Conor McGregor splashes cash – Tuesday’s sporting social

Who needs Caleb Love? UNC basketball received some great news on Tuesday morning, as top-ranked junior Elliot Cadeau is reclassifying.While high school to college basketball is a massive jump for most prospects, Elliot Cadeau is not 'most prospects'. The Link Academy player is reclassi...

It’s always the case that there are winners and losers at cup finals, but perhaps there was just an extra edge to both the highs and lows from this year’s Scottish women’s soccer cup final.The women’s soccer league season in Scotland came to a last-minute rollercoaster en...

Karim Benzema is seriously considering a mega deal from Saudi Arabia to join Al Hilal, in a move that could have a major effect on the summer transfer market. While Real Madrid are hopeful the 35-year-old accepts their offer to stay another season before they go big on a striker in 2024, Benzema could earn €100m a year if he goes now. Al Hilal are currently hopeful of planning for Benzema and Lionel Messi for next season, although those close to both players insist nothing is yet signed. It all forms part of a wider move to make the Saudi Pro League the most attractive for the game's megastars as they go into their thirties, as they gradually seek to bring that age down and make it a genuine domestic powerhouse. Cristiano Ronaldo's spell at Al Nasr has so far not gone as well on the pitch as had been anticipated, but is seen as hugely influential in changing perceptions. A number of players who previously rejected offers from Saudi Arabia sought to re-open negotiations once Ronaldo signed. Madrid have been hopeful of avoiding a move for a striker until next summer, especially since they plan a huge purchase of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham this window. Benzema's decision may well influence that, though, and potentially hasten a move for Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian has just left Liverpool as a free agent, and already has interest from rivals Barcelona. Read More Jude Bellingham holds key to Man City future as Barcelona move for Ilkay Gundogan Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent and powerless Champions League exit

David Brooks has been recalled to the Wales squad for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. Brooks, who was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma while on international duty in October 2021, announced he was cancer-free in May last year. The 25-year-old midfielder returned to club action for Bournemouth in March and started the Cherries’ last two Premier League games. “I am pleased for him because he’s had a long journey,” Wales boss Rob Page said ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey. “I tried to get him on camp (in March) because you want your best players around you. “He definitely falls into that category. We knew we had to manage it. “You don’t go through what he’s gone through and not have little setbacks. Bournemouth have been incredible with the way they have handled it and got him back up to speed. It’s great that we have got him available.” Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson also return, having missed the opening qualifiers in March through injury. Wales’ 25-man squad includes Neco Williams, who broke his jaw last month and was ruled out of the rest of the season by his club Nottingham Forest. Page said last week that he wanted clarity from Forest whether full-back Williams could make next month’s Euro double-header. Skipper Aaron Ramsey and goalkeeper Danny Ward both feature despite fitness concerns. Ramsey has missed Nice’s last three games with a calf problem and is expected to be absent again when the Ligue 1 club conclude their season against Lyon on Sunday. Ward was ruled out of the final three games of Leicester’s ill-fated Premier League run-in with a dislocated finger. Tom Lockyer is unavailable after collapsing during Luton’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry on Saturday. Luton boss Rob Edwards said on Monday that Lockyer is “fine” and images of the central defender watching the Hatters’ promotion celebrations from his hospital bed were posted on social media. Bristol City youngster Joe Low replaces Lockyer to win a first senior call-up. Morgan Fox, currently without a club after being released by Stoke, Luke Harris and Liam Cullen are the three uncapped players in the party. Wales host Armenia in Cardiff on June 16 before playing Turkey in Samsun three days later. Page’s side made a positive start to Euro 2024 qualifying in March by drawing 1-1 away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia before beating Latvia 1-0 at home. Wales squad for Armenia and Turkey: W Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), D Ward (Leicester), A Davies (Sheff Utd), J Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham), B Cabango (Swansea), C Mepham (Bournemouth), J Low (Bristol City), B Davies (Tottenham), C Roberts (Burnley), M Fox (unattached), N Williams (Nottingham Forest), E Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), J Morrell (Portsmouth), J James (Birmingham), A Ramsey (Nice), H Wilson (Fulham), O Cooper (Swansea), L Harris (Fulham), D Brooks (Bournemouth), D James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds), K Moore (Bournemouth), T Bradshaw (Millwall), N Broadhead (Ipswich), L Cullen (Swansea), B Johnson (Nottingham Forest). Read More From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments From Conte and Tuchel’s clash to Kane’s heroics – Premier League best moments Wales boss Robert Page wants clarity over severity of Neco Williams injury Erik ten Hag talks up Man Utd’s defending as David de Gea wins goalkeeper award Casemiro goal puts Manchester United on verge of Champions League qualification Mauricio Pochettino does not want to keep Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid president

Joao Felix is heading back to Atletico Madrid with Chelsea choosing not to retain the Portugal winger following his loan deal, according to the Spanish club’s president Enrique Cerezo. Felix, 23, joined Chelsea on loan in January for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign and went on to score four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues. On Monday, after a difficult campaign in which they finished a lowly 12th in the Premier League, Chelsea announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach. And, as reported by Marca, Cerezo said of Felix: “The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao. “It’s the news we had yesterday, that the new coach doesn’t have him for Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet, Joao is an Atletico player now.” Atletico paid £113million to sign Felix, who is under contract with them until 2027, from Benfica in 2019. He has made 131 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 34 goals, and helped them win the 2020-21 LaLiga title. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Rob Page expects to welcome Tom Lockyer back into the Wales squad in September after the Luton defender collapsed during Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final. Lockyer was stretchered off after just eight minutes of the Hatters’ Wembley win against Coventry and remains in hospital. But Luton boss Rob Edwards has reported the 28-year-old is “fine” and Wales manager Page said Lockyer was in good spirits during a 20-minute telephone conversation he had with the central defender on Monday. “You are always going to phone your players and show them support,” said Page after confirming Lockyer would be absent from next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey. “It was just to say that we are here for him, in any capacity. “I am not going into detail of what’s happening or what’s going to happen. That’s conversations we are going to have with Luton Town Football Club. “It would be silly of me to even suggest what those reasons (for his collapse) were and the most important thing in this is health. “For us it’s just about getting him fit and ready for our camp in September.” Wales, who picked up four points from their opening two qualifiers in March, travel to Latvia in September. David Brooks has been recalled to the Wales squad for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. Brooks, who was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma while on international duty in October 2021, announced he was cancer-free in May last year. The 25-year-old midfielder returned to club action for Bournemouth in March and started the Cherries’ last two Premier League games. Page said: “I wanted to pick him in March. He played some minutes before that camp and I wanted to get him involved as soon as possible. “But I get that it was too soon and it was more beneficial for him to stay behind and play for Bournemouth Under-23s in a game that was organised for him. He's back fit, starting games in the Premier League and has the quality to be in our plans moving forward Rob Page on David Brooks “Brooksy is definitely part of the changes I wanted to make post-World Cup and the way we want to play. He’s back fit, starting games in the Premier League and has the quality to be in our plans moving forward.” Neco Williams is also included after fracturing his jaw playing for Nottingham Forest last month. The 22-year-old has not played since. “He’s not played minutes because of the significance of the injury but he will be fit for camp,” said Page. “You can’t take away every risk and I think he’s got a protection to wear for that reason. “He’s so many weeks down the line so I’d think the opportunity of a refracture is very unlikely. We’ll get the medical team to assess him on camp and take away the risk as much as possible.” Midfielder Aaron Ramsey (calf) and goalkeeper Danny Ward (dislocated finger) have also been named in Page’s 25-man squad despite fitness issues over the pair. Skipper Ramsey has missed Nice’s last three games in Ligue 1. Page said: “The little niggle, and that’s all it is, has probably come at a good time for him. “He’s at an age now where he knows his body and how to manage it. “He’s got one eye on these two games and it is not an issue. Aaron has played more football this season than he has done for the last few years.” Bristol City youngster Joe Low has been called up into the senior squad for the first time to replace Lockyer.

England boss Gareth Southgate will be an interested spectator as the summer transfer window opens on June 14, with several members of his squad potentially on the move. Skipper Harry Kane’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months amid Tottenham’s difficulties, and he is not alone. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of those whose club futures may lie elsewhere. Harry Maguire Manchester United defender Maguire has been one of Southgate’s most dependable performers in recent campaigns, but has slipped painfully down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag and has been warned his international place could be under threat. The 30-year-old, who cost United £80million when he joined them from Leicester in August 2019, has been linked with West Ham, but also with a loan move to Italy with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma said to be eyeing his situation. Harry Kane Kane and Tottenham both have big decisions to make this summer after the club missed out on European football. The 29-year-old will enter the final year of his current contract and if he does not sign an extension, could leave for free in 12 months’ time. Manchester United are long-term admirers of the free-scoring striker – although it has been suggested Spurs would be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival – while both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest. Mason Mount Midfielder Mount was caught up in the malaise which engulfed Chelsea during a chaotic season and six of his last seven appearances before injury ended his campaign prematurely came from the bench. The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and new boss Mauricio Pochettino has a decision to make with Manchester United leading a posse of interested parties waiting in the wings. Declan Rice Rice’s reputation has continued to blossom despite what at times has been a difficult season for West Ham, and manager David Moyes is bracing himself. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Manchester United and Chelsea also touted as possible destinations, while resurgent Newcastle could offer him Champions League football, but know they may not be able to compete financially as they attempt to comply with spending rules. James Maddison Maddison, another player with 12 months remaining on his contract, seemed destined to leave Leicester during the close season regardless of whether or not the Foxes retained their Premier League status. Newcastle pursued the 26-year-old playmaker doggedly last summed and remain keen on him as they strengthen for a European campaign, but they are likely to face competition with Manchester United and Tottenham rumoured to be among his suitors. Jude Bellingham Liverpool’s interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Bellingham is long-standing, but reports from Spain have suggested his future could lie instead with Real Madrid. Manchester City and neighbours United have also been touted as potential buyers with the 19-year-old former Birmingham midfielder one of the hottest properties in European football. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live I am done – Edwin van der Sar ends long association with Ajax Chelsea appoint Chris Jurasek as chief exec with Tom Glick also leaving his role A look at the numbers behind England’s opening partnerships