List of All Articles with Tag 'tb'

Picking a football team isn't as simple as a line on a map for people living in Northern Ireland.

Tennessee football has a 5-star QB in Nico Iamaleava in the building, but now the Vols have added a 5-star weapon with their latest 2024 commitment.Josh Heupel has created quite an enticing succession plan for Tennessee football at quarterback, which is obviously a pivotal point to the Vols main...

An increased police presence will be seen around Auckland as the Women’s World Cup gets underway after a shooting at a construction site in the city left three people dead. New Zealand Police reported that a gunman had killed two people before he died and there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which came just hours before co-hosts New Zealand were due to kick off the tournament against Norway at Eden Park. Addressing media in New Zealand on Thursday morning, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. “The government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned. There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don't think there is an ongoing security or safety risk New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins “Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident. “New Zealanders’ safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority. “There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.” In the wake of the incident, New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. “We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” The US Women’s Team also confirmed the safety of its players and staff. The US Soccer Comms Account tweeted: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe. “Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” New Zealand Police earlier wrote on Twitter: “Police have contained a serious incident that unfolded at a construction site in Auckland’s CBD this morning. “Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased. Police are now commencing an investigation into what has occurred this morning. “Cordons remain in place and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ryan Searle requires new hotel after shocking Peter Wright in Blackpool Wayne Rooney remaining patient at DC United in bid to ‘develop’ as manager Wayne Rooney backs Declan Rice to be ‘leader’ for Arsenal

National football teams have begun to issue reports around the safety of players and staff, following a shooting in Auckland just hours before the start of the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and opponents Norway in Auckland, a gunman was found dead after killing two people and injuring multiple others in the city on Thursday (20 July). The shooting took place at a building site in Auckland city centre. New Zealand Football issued a statement on social media, writing: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” Meanwhile, reigning world champions USA issued the following statement: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT [US Women’s National Team] players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information. Read More How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV Women’s World Cup: Group guides and players to watch for every team ‘That World Cup Guy’ arrives in Australia to back the Lionesses

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart issued a message at SEC Media Day when discussing the team's traffic and speeding incidents.The Georgia Bulldogs are the first team to win the National Championship in back-to-back years in the College Football Playoff era and are looking to go for th...

Should James Harden get his way and join the Los Angeles Clippers, he'd be linking up with Russell Westbrook for the third time in his career. Does that matter?It's no longer news that James Harden wants to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. It's also not new that his preferre...

Wayne Rooney roared onto the scene as a player but is taking a more patient approach to coaching as the Manchester United and England great strives to become a top manager. Nobody could forget his stunning breakthrough as a teenager with Everton and then the national team, leading to his big-money move to Old Trafford in 2004. Rooney was a force of nature that won trophies aplenty as records fell with United before winding down his career with spells at Everton, DC United and Derby. The forward hung up his boots in January 2021 to take on the full-time managerial role at County, steering them through tough times during a rollercoaster start to his coaching career. The 37-year-old decided to return to the USA and has overseen a marked improvement since taking over then Major League Soccer strugglers DC United last July as he builds his coaching pedigree. “It’s been a great experience,” Rooney told the PA news agency. “Obviously I had the challenge at Derby County, which was a difficult one to say the least. “But coming out here has just really been about gaining experience and for me to try and develop as a coach. “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article, but these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips and getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players. But it is something I really enjoy.” Rooney seems to be approaching his coaching career with a calm, patient mindset – something that might surprise those that watched this aggressive whirlwind of a forward thunder around the pitch. “I think patience is key and understanding that you are going to lose games, you’re not going to win every game and staying calm in them situations,” he said ahead of managing the MLS All-Stars against Arsenal at Audi Field. “I think that’s something that’s really a strength of mine is understanding that. “I’ve picked two difficult jobs to take, to be fair, but I really believe that they’ll help me in the future. I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article, but these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips and getting the best out of myself. Wayne Rooney “When DC came in I felt it was a great opportunity to come out and keep developing. “A difficult job in terms of where the club was at, so I had to try to improve the club first of all and get them up the table. “And really just seeing different challenges, different things – obviously languages, culture, religion – and understanding all them different scenarios which could happen if you manage at the top level, which you will have to deal with.” Rooney’s knowledge and experiences have clearly made him an empathetic, considered coach, who is focused on developing himself as well as his players at DC United. “I think it’s a place where I’m coming to work and to learn and develop,” he said. “Of course, after games you can get frustrated and you are always thinking of how the game has gone but I think it’s the right place now, in this moment in time, for me to develop.” With his family back in the UK, Rooney says he lives a “quite boring” existence Stateside around a 45-minute drive from downtown Washington DC. He stays with his fellow coaches and the relaxed environment is allowing the football obsessive to try new things. “If you would have asked me a year ago if I would play with a back five I would have said no,” Rooney said. “Then I’ve gone to a back five quite a few times this season because of probably the quality of the players and it suited the squad more with the players I had. “So, there are small things like that which it has allowed me to learn and develop tactically with different formations. “It’s a great experience for me to come here and work and I think it will really help me moving forward.” Rooney has never shied away from his ambitions to one day manage at the top level, previously saying he would “love” to coach Manchester United or boyhood club Everton. But right now it is DC United that holds his full focus in a competition that feels like it is about to take a giant leap forward. Lionel Messi’s stunning move to Inter Miami certainly has the potential to take football in North America to new heights, while Rooney believes MLS’ true quality has long been underestimated. “I think it’s surprised a lot of people,” he said. “Still now I get agents phoning me up and saying there’s a striker in League Two and he’s ready now to come to the MLS. “I’m like: ‘He’s nowhere near good enough to come and play in the MLS!’ “I think that’s a lack of understanding of the league maybe and there’s maybe a little bit of disrespect towards the league from that point of view. “There are some really quality players in this league who can play at a high level. “There’s different challenges, there’s technically some great players in this league, athletically there’s some really fit players in the league. “It’s a league which I feel is still improving and can get better, but I think it’s really got to a very good level.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Wayne Rooney backs Declan Rice to be ‘leader’ for Arsenal Jamie Smith century puts Surrey in control against Middlesex Stuart Broad reveals addiction to Test cricket after taking 600th wicket

England great Wayne Rooney believes Declan Rice will prove a “huge player” and key leader for title-chasing Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder completed his £105million switch from West Ham to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, signing a long-term deal with the north London club. Rice immediately jetted off with his new team-mates to Washington DC, where Arsenal kick-off their US pre-season tour against the Major League Soccer All-Stars. DC United boss Rooney is managing the hosts and believes Mikel Arteta’s men have secured a vital figure as they look to win the Premier League. “I think could be the one who could… well, he has to be the leader now, really, I think of that Arsenal team,” he told the PA news agency. “I saw Frank Lampard saying he felt Declan could be the Chelsea captain for the next 10 years if he went there. “I think he can do that (for Arsenal) and he seems to have that character and I believe he will be a huge player for Arsenal.” Rooney knows a thing or two about expectation after big-money moves but flourished rather than wilted after joining Manchester United from Everton in 2004. The 37-year-old expects the same from Rice and fellow England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who last month completed his move to Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m rising to a possible £115m. Asked how much he would gone for in an era of eye-watering transfer fees, Rooney said with a laugh: “It’s crazy, isn’t it? Yes, it’s mad. “The money players are getting sold for now is crazy and I suppose that’s where the value is nowadays. “I think someday it’s got to just crash because it can’t keep going that way but that is what the value is and good luck to the two of them. “They are obviously two different type of players. Bellingham is very good athletically, a box-to-box midfielder, more attacking. “Declan Rice is a powerful lad when he drives with the ball and also defensively and tactically he is very aware. “I think they are two different players but both with a huge future. The moves for the two of them are probably the right ones for them.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jamie Smith century puts Surrey in control against Middlesex Stuart Broad reveals addiction to Test cricket after taking 600th wicket Inter Milan sign Juan Cuadrado on one-year deal

Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £12million plus add-ons to sell Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, the PA news agency understands. The 33-year-old is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with the club – who are now managed by former Anfield teammate Steven Gerrard – over a reported wage of £700,000 a week. The Reds’ captain has been in Germany with the team on their pre-season tour but was left out of Jurgen Klopp's squad to face Karlsruhe in their first friendly on Wednesday (19 July). Henderson has made 491 appearances since signing for Liverpool from Sunderland for £20m in 2011 and skippered the side to the Premier League title and the Champions League. He has also won the FA Cup and two League Cups. Last week the England LGBT+ supporters group criticised Henderson, as rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia circulated, with the midfielder having been a vocal ally of the LGBT+ community in football. He wore rainbow laces during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and has repeatedly voiced his support for greater inclusivity in the game. Meanwhile, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in the Gulf state of Saudi Arabia. A statement from the group read: “Our joy for Mr Henderson when he scored against Ukraine in the Euros [quarter-final] was, in part, due to his kindness and his ‘lucky’ rainbow laces. A banner was created to commemorate the low bar he had achieved in being outspoken on our right to support England & show visibility on the pitch. “If the rumours are true, then that banner will be consigned to the depths of history.” PA Read More Who could replace Fabinho? Liverpool transfer options analysed Man City accept Riyad Mahrez bid from Saudi club Al Ahli Man Utd edge closer to Rasmus Hojlund signing amid advanced talks with Atalanta

Inter Milan have announced the signing of former Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado. The 35-year-old has joined Inter on a one-year deal after arriving at the San Siro on a free transfer. Cuadrado was a free agent following the end of his Juventus contract this summer, after a successful spell at the club in which he won 11 trophies in eight years. Cuadrado has also had spells in Italy with Udinese, Lecce and Fiorentina and made the move to Juve in 2017 permanent following a two-year loan spell from Chelsea. “I’m delighted and would like to thank God for this opportunity. For me, it’s an honour to be here at one of the biggest teams in Europe. I’m happy,” Cuadrado told the Inter website. “I had many offers, but Italy is a second home for me. My family is very attached to this country, and there was the opportunity to stay here and play for a big team with a fantastic history. “I chose Inter because we all know what they represent on a global level. The important thing is for my family and I to feel good. We had the opportunity to remain in a place that, for us, is home. It’ll definitely be the best choice.”

Manchester City have accepted a bid worth up to £30million for Riyad Mahrez from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, the PA news agency understands. The Algeria international has consequently been given permission to miss the treble winners’ pre-season tour of Asia. Mahrez, 32, is now set to discuss terms ahead of a potential move to the Jeddah-based Saudi Pro League outfit. Reports have suggested he has been offered a three-year contract. The former Leicester winger was not included in the 25-man City squad due to leave for Japan and South Korea on Wednesday. Mahrez had two years remaining on a contract which he extended last summer but had reportedly been frustrated with a lack of game time in the treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. Mahrez made just 22 Premier League starts last term and was an unused substitute in the finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League. He joined City in a £60million deal from Leicester in 2018 having helped the Foxes to win the Premier League two years previously. He went on to win the title four more times with Pep Guardiola’s side. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Donny van de Beek celebrated a “big moment” after the Manchester United midfielder returned from a long-term knee injury to score the winner in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Lyon at Murrayfield. The Netherlands international had not played since suffering a knee problem in United’s win at Bournemouth on January 3. He has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax, where he played under United boss Erik ten Hag, in the summer of 2020 and has been linked with a move away from the Red Devils this summer. “It was great. My first game after six months. I don’t have to tell you after such an injury, such a mentally difficult period for me and my family, to be back on the pitch was great and it is nice if you score a goal,” Van de Beek told MUTV. “It is amazing because I have been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it is just a friendly game but for me it is a big moment.” United started brightly with three big chances inside five minutes, with Antony denied by Anthony Lopes before Amad Diallo dragged a shot wide and had another parried away by the Lyon goalkeeper. Van de Beek was one of 11 changes made at half-time and his goal came just four minutes later as he latched on to youngster Dan Gore’s chipped cross from the right to volley first time into the top corner. Jonny Evans played the second half for United having returned to the club on a short-term deal. The 35-year-old academy graduate, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford before leaving in 2015, will join the squad on their pre-season tour of the USA. “He came to train with us, to work on his fitness and not all the players are in – internationals are out, still having their break – so I thought it was a good idea to help each other out,” Ten Hag said. “Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out. “The level, we know he is a really experienced player but also a very good person, a big personality and I think he has big authority as well. He will help the young players especially. It is a benefit for both sides.” After the match, Ten Hag added: “You can see he is a fine character, he is a leader. He understands football. He really contributed to the good performance of the team in the second half.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live