Wrexham’s promotion: ‘Feelgood fairy tale’ or ‘brand-building exercise that sticks in the craw’? Our writers debate April 25, 2023 Wrexham clinched the National League title at the weekend, securing their promotion to the English Football League two years after being bought by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. But is the story, which has been played out in a reality TV series as well as on the pitches of England and Wales, an [...]
Why 2023 is the year of the litmus test for women’s rugby, cricket and football April 24, 2023 On Saturday afternoon more than 50,000 fans will descend on Twickenham Stadium to not only watch England’s final match of the Women’s Six Nations against France but also be part of history. Because the fixture is set to smash all previous records for attendances at a women’s rugby match and set a new standard in [...]
Stellini sacked: What Levy said as Tottenham Hotspur switch manager AGAIN April 24, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Cristian Stellini from his duties as interim manager after his side were humiliated 6-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday. Spurs conceded five goals inside the opening 21 minutes at St James’ Park in a thrashing at the hands of Eddie Howe’s men. Ryan Mason will take over at the Tottenham Hotspur [...]
Exclusive: 777 Partners confirm they’re looking at ‘interesting assets’ amid Everton takeover rumours April 24, 2023 777 Partners has confirmed it is “looking for interesting assets” amid reports that the US investment group is close to takeover of struggling Premier League club Everton. Owner of the British Basketball League and its leading club London Lions, as well as European football clubs Hertha Berlin and Genoa, 777 has been on a buying [...]
Emergency alert: Review to probe why some phones did NOT buzz as Three customers left out April 24, 2023 A review will be conducted to find out why some mobile phones did not receive the test of a new national emergency alert system on Sunday. The cabinet office said the “vast majority of compatible phones” received the alert as part of what was said to be the biggest public communications exercise carried out in [...]
Starmer can’t help but echo Blair with a tough on crime attack on the Tories April 24, 2023 Keir Starmer has done well in following Tony Blair's strategy of using crime as a slogan against the Conservatives. But he'll also have to convince voters that Labour can deliver on it, writes Eliot Wilson
Manchester United to play Manchester City in FA Cup final after win over Brighton April 23, 2023 The FA Cup final will be contested between the Premier League’s two Manchester clubs for the first time ever after United beat Brighton and Hove Albion 7-6 on penalties yesterday following a goalless 120 minutes at Wembley. In a match where neither side took their opportunities, both Manchester United and Brighton enjoyed 15 shots on [...]
‘Very embarrassing’: Tottenham captain admits shame after Newcastle rout April 23, 2023 Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris accused his team-mates of lacking pride after their Champions League hopes suffered a major setback in a 6-1 defeat at Newcastle United. Spurs shipped five in a wretched opening 21 minutes that saw Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy score twice and Joelinton hit another. Harry Kane pulled one back for the [...]
Three charts that show the chasm between Manchester United and Brighton’s spending April 22, 2023 Manchester United’s vast financial advantage over Brighton is illustrated by analysis of both clubs’ spending over the last decade as they prepare to meet in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final. When Manchester United last met Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium in the 1983 FA Cup final replay, it was already a financial mismatch. Although [...]
Premier League ‘shutting the door on those below’ by ‘distorting competition’ April 19, 2023 MPs have accused the Premier League of “shutting the door on those below” with the parachute payments system of financial redistribution to relegated football clubs. Julian Knight, chairman of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport select committee, urged England’s leading clubs to find a “fairer solution” that doesn’t have a “distorting effect on competition”. [...]