We have made some mistakes – Andrea Radrizzani sorry after Leeds’ relegation
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has apologised to the club’s fans following relegation from the Premier League. In a personal statement posted on Twitter, Radrizzani admitted the board of directors had made mistakes and hoped to make some “key appointments in different areas of the club”. But the 48-year-old Italian, who is part of a consortium that has completed a takeover of Sampdoria, made no mention of a possible change of ownership at Leeds. Radrizzani said: “The last few days have been very difficult for everyone associated with Leeds United. “I find it very hard to find the right words to say, other than to apologise to all of our fans for the club’s relegation. I am sincerely sorry for how this season has unfolded. “We have made significant investments to try to keep Leeds United in the Premier League, but in working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes. “We are reflecting on the decisions that we have taken to ensure we learn the lessons to improve our club and make progress in the future. We have made significant investments to try to keep Leeds United in the Premier League, but in working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes Andrea Radrizzani “Leeds supporters deserve more than this. You understand the journey on which we have embarked, and I hope that once the anger and disappointment has subsided you will see that we can come back stronger.” Radrizzani’s company Aser Group, in partnership with finance company Gestio Capital, announced on Tuesday night that they had concluded a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria, recently relegated to Serie B. It had been expected that that deal would lead to Radrizzani selling his 56 per cent stake in Leeds to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises. The financial arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent at the end of 2021 with a deal in place to buy Radrizzani’s stake and take full control before January 2024. But that deal was contingent on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and it would appear Radrizzani is now intent on leading them back to the top flight. “We have invested heavily in Leeds United since 2017 and worked hard to get back to where the club deserves to be,” he added. “With the support of our partners, we can continue that journey to bounce back. “I am proud of the progress we have made in recent years. We have become a club that can attract exciting players, we are strong commercially, we have seen improvements to the academy, introduced a women’s side and so much more. “In many ways the club has been transformed and we are committed and determined to continue on this journey. “I do not like to make false promises, there is still a lot of work to do and change is needed. “We need a clear strategy to continue our vision for the club and work is underway to produce this, which we hope will be reflected in some key appointments in different areas of the club. We will keep you all updated throughout the process.” Leeds’ three-year stay in the Premier League ended last Sunday when they lost 4-1 at home to Tottenham. The Yorkshire club have employed three managers during a disastrous campaign, sacking Jesse Marsch in February and then Javi Gracia earlier this month before appointing Sam Allardyce for the last four games. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tom Lockyer to leave hospital on Thursday and return for pre-season training Olympic medal-winning sprinter Mike McFarlane dies aged 63 Lionesses respond to World Cup inclusion – Wednesday’s sporting social
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Hurricanes evaluate next steps after falling in Eastern Conference Final sweep
The Carolina Hurricanes are evaluating their next steps after falling in the Eastern Conference Final in their fifth straight playoff appearance
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Tom Lockyer to leave hospital on Thursday and return for pre-season training
Luton have confirmed that captain Tom Lockyer will leave hospital on Thursday and is set to be available for pre-season training. The 28-year-old fell to the floor during their Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Coventry on Saturday and was taken to hospital after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher. Lockyer has since undergone tests at the Cavendish Clinic in London and the club confirmed he will be able to join their preparations for Premier League football next season. A statement on the Luton website said: “The Welsh international has completed all the necessary medical tests and observations to be allowed home for a period of rest before the start of pre-season training, which he will be fit to take part in. “We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support for Locks, who has had a season to remember and proudly led the team out on Saturday, with his team-mates completing the job for him. “We can’t wait to see you back home at the Kenny with that trophy in your hands, Locks!” Saturday’s final went to penalties after Jordan Clark’s opener was cancelled out by Gustavo Hamer to finish 1-1 after extra time, but the Hatters secured top-flight football with a 6-5 victory on penalties. Luton players held up Lockyer’s shirt throughout their celebrations and the captain posted an update on Instagram after the game. He said: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle! “I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response. “A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure! “Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties. “I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning. “I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team.. Premier League baby.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Olympic medal-winning sprinter Mike McFarlane dies aged 63 Lionesses respond to World Cup inclusion – Wednesday’s sporting social What challenges lie ahead for Sarina Wiegman and England at the World Cup?
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NBA Finals preview capsule: Breaking down the Nuggets vs the Heat
The Denver Nuggets have reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history
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Need directions to the All England Club? Roland Garros? Roger Federer can guide you on Waze
Roger Federer knows a thing or two — or 20 — about making one’s way to a Grand Slam championship
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England World Cup squad: Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze included but Beth Mead misses out
Bethany England has been included in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, while Beth Mead misses out. Striker England, who has not been involved for her country since last September, is recalled after scoring 12 Women’s Super League goals for Tottenham since joining them from Chelsea in January. But there is no return for Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and player of the tournament Mead, having lost her battle against time after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in November. Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, also sidelined of late, do feature in a 23-player list from which skipper Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby had already been ruled out due to injury.
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Former Broncos kicker Brandon McManus hoping for 'equally great run' with Jaguars
Brandon McManus started planning for the next chapter of his NFL career years ago
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Fan voting starts for MLB All-Star Game in Seattle on July 11
Online voting has begun for starters in Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game at Seattle on July 11
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Mikael Ymer fined about $40K after default for hitting umpire stand with racket
Swedish tennis player Mikael Ymer has been docked a total of about $40,000 after being disqualified for smashing his racket against the umpire’s chair at a tournament the week before he competed at the French Open
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What challenges lie ahead for Sarina Wiegman and England at the World Cup?
England boss Sarina Wiegman has finalised her squad for this summer’s World Cup finals as she targets another taste of glory. The European champions have lost key players since their triumph at Wembley last year, but have potential new stars waiting in the wings. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the challenges which lie ahead in Australia and New Zealand. How does Wiegman plug the holes at the back? The anterior cruciate ligament injury which has ruled skipper Leah Williamson out of the tournament not only robs England of their captain, but also of a key defender. Millie Bright’s inclusion – Wiegman has confirmed the Chelsea star will wear the armband – has allayed fears over her fitness, with both she and full-back Lucy Bronze, who is also included, nursing knee problems. Left-back Alex Greenwood is a candidate to partner Bright in the middle, but Rachel Daly’s inclusion among the strikers suggests she will not be asked to play at full-back as she has done for her country in the past. Who are England’s potential match-winners? The absence of Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and Fran Kirby through injury and retired record goalscorer Ellen White might be felt more acutely if Wiegman did not have a wealth of attacking talent at her disposal. Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo proved game-changers from the bench last summer and will target more significant roles this time around, while Rachel Daly will head for the finals having scored 22 goals for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League this season and the recalled Bethany England has 12 to her name since joining Tottenham from Chelsea in January. In addition, the Lionesses can also call upon emerging talents Lauren James and Katie Robinson. Who are England’s main rivals? Holders the United States are looking to lift the trophy for a third successive tournament – a fifth in total – and FIFA’s number one-ranked team will be hot favourites to do so. England beat the USA 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley in October last year but will not be taken in by that success. Germany, who lost to Wiegman’s side in the Euro 2022 final, will also be expected to feature prominently, as will semi-final opponents Sweden. Olympic champions Canada, whose campaign for equal pay prompted calls for a strike earlier this year, and co-hosts Australia, who will have Chelsea goal-machine Sam Kerr in their ranks, could have a say too. What kind of form are they in? England’s form had been little short of exemplary until April’s 2-0 friendly defeat by Australia at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium brought their 30-game unbeaten run under Wiegman to an end. However, there is a feeling within the camp that the run was always going to end eventually and it is far better that it did so in a friendly. The accuracy of that view will only become apparent when they embark upon their Group D fixtures against Haiti, Denmark and China. Can a depleted squad live up to the expectation they have created? England will head to the tournament having made it to the semi-finals at the last two World Cups, but not managed to go a step further. They cleared a major psychological hurdle last summer when they won the Euros on home soil having negotiated a tense last-eight clash with Spain and nerve-jangling showdown with Germany in the final and will travel Down Under with that vital tournament experience under their belts and confident of making an impression once again. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live I don’t think LIV golfers should be on European Ryder Cup team – Rory McIlroy Sarina Wiegman unwilling to take risks with Beth Mead’s fitness for World Cup Home favourite Caroline Garcia suffers shock second-round exit at Roland Garros
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Diogo Dalot happy to continue ‘special journey’ after signing new Man Utd deal
Diogo Dalot says everyone at Manchester United feels like they are “at the start of a special journey” after signing a new deal until at least 2028. The 24-year-old right-back joined from Porto in 2018 and has gone on to make 107 appearances in all competitions for the club. Dalot, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at AC Milan, has now signed new terms at Old Trafford for the next five years, with the option of a further season. “Playing for Manchester United is one of the highest honours that you can have in football,” the 11-cap Portugal international said. “We have shared some fantastic moments over the past five years and I’ve grown so much and my passion for this incredible club has only increased since the day that I joined. “As a group of players, we all feel like we are at the start of a special journey right now. “I can assure you that I will dedicate myself relentlessly to helping this group to achieve our aims and make the fans proud of this team. “That drive continues this week with everyone intensely focused on preparations for the FA Cup final.” Dalot began the season superbly under Erik ten Hag, but much-improved Aaron Wan-Bissaka may get the nod to start Saturday’s FA Cup final at right-back. Irrespective of his role against Manchester City this weekend, United football director John Murtough is delighted by the strides the full-back has made. “Diogo is an excellent defender, with a great combination of pace, strength and versatility,” he said. “He has consistently developed, improving year-on-year since joining the club in 2018. “Diogo’s work ethic and professionalism is superb; the way in which he prepares himself every day in order to perform at his highest level is exactly what we all want from a Manchester United player. “Diogo has a strong mentality, high standards and a great personality, and we are delighted that he will remain an important member of the squad for the coming years.”
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Debutant Stearns beats former champ Ostapenko to reach French Open 3rd round
Peyton Stearns is playing in the French Open for the first time and now the 21-year-old American is into the third round after knocking off 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko
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