List of All Articles with Tag 'tb'

Mason Mount has confirmed on Instagram that he will be leaving Chelsea after 18 years at the club. The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and since making his first-team debut in 2019 has gone on to score 27 goals and provide 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances. The PA news agency understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder for an initial £55million. Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has earned 36 caps for England, posted a farewell message to Blues fans on Instagram. He said: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea. “I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career. “I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together. “Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League. “I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age. “The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter), the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers. “My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Aryna Sabalenka makes up for lost time with ruthless Wimbledon win Wimbledon day two: Andy Murray puts on a show as rain decimates schedule Cameron Norrie overcomes tricky first-round opponent at Wimbledon

England forward Alessia Russo is targeting silverware after joining Arsenal on a free transfer. As her contract with Women’s Super League rivals Manchester United expired, the Gunners swooped to land the 24-year-old striker. Russo hit 10 goals in the WSL last season as United finished runners-up to champions Chelsea. She emerged as a January transfer target for Arsenal, but a world-record bid was shunned by the Red Devils as they pushed to claim the title. Russo did not sign a new deal and was instead free to leave Manchester for north London - where she is keen to add domestic medals to the Women’s Euro success she enjoyed with the Lionesses last summer. “I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” Russo said after joining Arsenal. “I want to win trophies - as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player - it’s a new challenge and a new environment.” “I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal. “The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.” Russo, who is part of the England squad heading to the World Cup later this summer, has hit 11 goals in 21 senior appearances for her country. “Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving,” said Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. “She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.” Russo becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer following the acquisitions of defender Amanda Ilestedt and forward Cloe Lacasse from Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica respectively. Read More Sarina Wiegman insists England in ‘very good place’ despite draw with Portugal Sarina Wiegman has no concerns with England display despite Portugal stalemate England held to goalless draw by Portugal in Women’s World Cup warm-up Sheffield Wednesday appoint former Watford boss Xisco Munoz as their new manager Business as usual for Fleetwood as former chairman is jailed Manchester City fans group urges FA to change Community Shield kick-off to 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed former Watford boss Xisco Munoz as their new manager. The 42-year-old Spaniard replaces Darren Moore, who surprisingly departed the Owls having guided the club to promotion via the League One play-offs. Munoz steered Watford back into the Premier League having taken charge midway through the 2020-21 campaign, but was sacked during November 2021 after just 36 games in charge. Former winger Munoz won both the LaLiga title and the UEFA Cup while at Valencia, before moving into management with Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi and moved to Watford in December 2020. A short statement on the Owls’ club website read: “Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to announce the appointment of Xisco Munoz as our first team manager. “The Spaniard, who gained promotion to the Premier League with Watford in 2020/21, takes charge of the Owls with immediate effect.” Munoz will give his first press conference as the club’s new manager at Hillsborough on Wednesday afternoon.

Fleetwood will continue to go about the club’s normal business following the sentencing of former chairman Andy Pilley. Pilley, who stepped down as chairman and director of the League One club during May after being convicted on four counts of fraud, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday. He was found guilty of two counts of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation and being involved in the acquisition, retention, use or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts. Also chairman of BES Utilities, Pilley had been involved in High Court litigation with Cheshire West and Chester Council, but lost a civil court fight over investigating allegations of mis-selling. At the Crown Court sentencing, the 53-year-old, who had been was remanded in custody, was jailed for a total of 13 years and was also disqualified from being a director for 13 years. Pilley had been the chairman and owner of Fleetwood for 20 years and overseen the club’s rise from non-league status to the English Football League. Fleetwood, who finished 13th last season, had already announced the club were in discussions surrounding a change of ownership and control which remain ongoing. A statement on Tuesday afternoon read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the sentencing in the court case involving former club chairman, Andy Pilley. “The club would like to reiterate convictions are against individuals and not Fleetwood Town FC, or any of the businesses associated with them, and will continue to operate as normal. “Fleetwood Town remain in communication with the EFL and will be making no further comment at this time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Jacob Ramsey will miss the remainder of England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign with an ankle injury. The Aston Villa midfielder, who featured in England’s first four games, was replaced after 67 minutes during their 1-0 victory over Portugal and will sit out Wednesday’s semi-final.Lee Carsley’s side will look to maintain their flawless defensive record when they play Israel for the second time in as many weeks in the last four. Anthony Gordon insisted England’s 2-0 victory over Israel in the group stage is in the past and called for a fresh approach going into the tie.“The group stage games now don’t really matter,” Gordon said. “It doesn’t matter how we played against them or how we beat them. “They played really well against Georgia and won the game ultimately so it’s win or go home and hopefully we can put on another good performance and win the game.” Morgan Gibbs-White reiterated that message by highlighting Israel’s hunger to seek revenge after goals from Gordon and Emile Smith Rowe firmed England’s bid to qualify from Group C. And the Nottingham Forest midfielder, who leads the competition’s assist chart with three, admitted rest and recovery should be at the forefront of England’s thinking.“It’s a completely new game. [Israel] are even more hungry now they are in the semi-final. They are going to want revenge,” Gibbs-White said. “We beat them in the group stage and now they are going to want to beat us, so we have got to make sure we are fully prepared, well rested, fully recovered and hopefully we can go again and get to the final.”

Burnley forward Michael Obafemi will miss the start of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury suffered while on international duty. The 22-year-old tore his hamstring in the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win over Gibraltar and will undergo an operation later this week before beginning a rehabilitation process. Obafemi joined the Clarets on loan from Swansea in January, and scored two goals in 14 appearances before making his move permanent earlier this month. The injury will be a blow to Vincent Kompany’s attacking options as Burnley make their return to the Premier League. The Clarets reportedly remain in talks to re-sign Nathan Tella from Southampton after he topped Burnley’s scoring charts with 19 goals last term. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

A Manchester City fans group has accused the Football Association of “doing the bare minimum” in amending the Community Shield kick-off time and called for a further change. The 1894 group urged supporters to boycott the treble winners’ season-opener against Arsenal at Wembley on August 6 after it was originally scheduled for 5.30pm on Sunday, August 6. After this and other complaints, the FA, in conjunction with broadcaster ITV, moved the game to 4pm. This has not gone far enough for some fans and, while they are no longer expecting a “full boycott”, 1894 still feels the kick-off should be brought forward again by another hour. A statement from the group, issued via the Football Supporters’ Association, read: “We repeat our request to the FA and to ITV to help more fans attend the game by bringing the kick-off time to 3pm. “In the eyes of many fans, the very quick decision to move the game from 5.30pm to 4pm and hastily-arranged PR releases from the FA came across as them doing the bare minimum and expecting a round of applause for the decision. “The subsequent statement from the FA said 4pm was agreed after consultation with the police, the local council and the broadcaster (ITV). However, the most important stakeholder was not consulted… the fans!” Travel arrangements for Wembley fixtures have been a recurring source of frustration for north west teams in recent seasons. Late kick-offs leave supporters travelling by rail limited time to get back to stations before the final trains north and there are general concerns about arriving home late at night and the high costs involved. These issues have been exacerbated for some high-profile fixtures by rail strikes and engineering works. The 1894 statement added: “We feel 3pm is a fair request to the authorities to allow more people to travel back at a sensible time. “To expect 30,000 fans to travel back north late on a Sunday evening is unfair. Wembley is a great, iconic venue but there are challenges getting to and from there, so we call on ITV and the FA to help our fans in particular by offering an earlier kick-off which allows families to attend.” The group is still encouraging fans not to attend the game and support local foodbanks instead. It has organised a screening of the match at the Band on the Wall venue in Manchester city centre and proceeds will be donated to such causes. “Fans can make a difference – even if a full boycott is not expected at this stage,” the statement added. “It’s hard to sacrifice watching your own team play. However, some fans are seeing it is an opportunity to make a statement. “It’s not the FA Cup final, it’s not the Champions League final. It is a game in the scheme of things where fans, if they are not valued, can choose to walk away from attending.” The FA has been approached for comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Joe Root: England can leave a legacy by taking different approach to Australia Roger Federer welcomed back to Centre Court for first time since his retirement Spurs in talks to sign Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven

Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe didn't hear his name called during the NBA Draft, but has found a home in the NBA.Oscar Tshiebwe wasn't one of the 60 players lucky enough to hear their name called in the 2023 NBA Draft, but the former Kentucky basketball star has made his way into the lea...

European airports are in the middle of another busy summer as passenger numbers globally recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Tottenham have entered talks with Wolfsburg over the signing of centre-back Micky van de Ven. Spurs are in the market for new central defenders and Netherlands Under-21 international Van de Ven has been high on their list of potential targets. Talks have now started between Tottenham and Wolfsburg over a deal that could eventually be worth in the region of £30million but no agreement is currently in place, the PA news agency understands. Despite being without a director of football, chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini and chairman Daniel Levy have taken a lead role on transfers, which has seen Spurs be extremely active since Ange Postecoglou was appointed on June 6. Dejan Kulusevski’s loan was made into a permanent deal while moves for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have been completed. Attacker Manor Solomon is set to be Tottenham’s fourth addition of the summer with the ex-Fulham loanee undergoing a medical ahead of a free transfer, having exercised his right to cancel his terms with Shakhtar Donetsk, as per FIFA rules, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. If a deal can be agreed with Wolfsburg, Van de Ven would become the club’s fifth signing of the Postecoglou era. The 22-year-old started his career with Volendam in his homeland before he moved to Wolfsburg two summers ago. An encouraging 2022-23 season, where Van de Ven featured 36 times for the Bundesliga club, brought him to the attention of several teams across Europe. Last month, the Dutch defender told De Telegraaf: “I have always dreamed of the Premier League because the biggest clubs play there and I also see that competition as the best in the world.” Spurs still hold an interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who only has one year left to run on his deal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Chelsea have signed England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton on a free transfer from Aston Villa. The 22-year-old, capped twice by her country and named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, has signed a three-year deal after her contract with Villa expired. She brings Women’s Super League experience from stints with both Birmingham and Villa, having made 15 appearances while helping the latter to a fifth-placed finish last term. Hampton was part of England’s trophy-winning squad at Euro 2022 and also has honours to her name from the Finalissima earlier this year and 2022’s Arnold Clark Cup. In joining the reigning WSL champions, she now wants to add club silverware to her collection. “I’m very excited,” Hampton said on the Chelsea website. “It’s a massive club, it’s an honour to be a part of this and to be able to wear the club’s badge. I want to keep improving, to help the team however I can and I’d love to win some trophies with the club at the same time.” Hampton began her career with Villarreal in Spain after moving to the country as a youngster, but then returned to England with Stoke before joining hometown club Birmingham, making her senior debut in 2017 and making 50 appearances before switching to rivals Villa in 2021. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes added: “There is no doubt that Hannah is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. Her performances have been improving year on year, and we have high hopes for her future with us.”

Alabama football has dominated the recruiting scene but it's especially impressive the way the Crimson Tide have gotten the most out of the best prospects.As the most successful program of the century bar none, it's no secret that Alabama football is a recruiting powerhouse, particular...