Women’s football in England should be “open” to the idea of a closed league, says Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. The Women’s Super League in England, as with other European leagues, operates on a traditional promotion and relegation system. In contrast, the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States is a closed league featuring the same teams, or franchises, each season. “I’ve worked in that in the United States,” said…
Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi is still hopeful he will be fit for the Viaplay Cup final against Rangers after sustaining a shoulder injury against St Mirren on Saturday. (Scottish Sun)external-link Rangers are in line to bank another £7m in transfer add-ons following the sales of some of their top academy talents to the Premier League. (Glasgow Times)external-link Former Brazil and Inter Milan defender Ze Maria is a shock contender for…
Gennaro Gattuso had been spoiling for a fight all night. Peter Crouch was not built to react to the Milan midfielder’s late lunges and provocation, Rafael van de Vaart and Steven Pienaar too amiable or astonished to respond to his antics, the officials seemingly unwilling to properly clamp down. However, in the Tottenham technical area stood a square-jawed, shaven-headed Scot, eyes burning, dentures grinding. Joe Jordan had spent nearly half…
It’s now over two weeks since Jim Goodwin walked down the Easter Road pitch with his bag over his shoulder, before climbing over a cartoon cat on an advertising board and ignominiously leaving the stadium. Since that undignified exit as Aberdeen manager, there has been a strange silence about who might replace him. The usual rumour mill which goes into frenzied overdrive when a manager departs has been oddly quiet.…
Hundreds of grassroots referees have told the BBC they fear for their safety when refereeing and are dissatisfied with current measures to tackle abuse. More than 900 referees in England responded to a Radio 5 Live questionnaire, with 293 saying they had been physically abused by spectators, players, coaches or managers. Some described being punched, headbutted and spat at. Almost all the respondents had experienced some form of verbal abuse.…
It is a Merseyside derby that will see two clubs in crisis situations come up against each other. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side go into Monday’s Premier League meeting at Anfield in freefall. They are without a victory in their past four league games and suffered a humbling defeat at Wolves in their last game. Sean Dyche, meanwhile, enjoyed a dream start as Everton manager last weekend with victory over leaders…
Rangers are being linked with a summer move for FCSB midfielder Darius Olaru, 24, according to reports in the Romania international’s homeland. (Scotsman – subscription required)external-link Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Celtic and Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi, 28. (Football Insider)external-link Oh Hyeon-gyu is ready to lead the line for Celtic against Rangers in the Viaplay Cup final on 26 February if Kyogo is unfit to play following a…
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou insists he will not be distracted by the “noise” of speculation linking him with Leeds United. The Elland Road club are seeking a replacement for Jesse Marsch. When asked what he would say to any fans who may be concerned by media links, the Australian replied: “I don’t think I need to say anything to them. “I think what supporters want is to make sure I’m…
Celtic are sweating over Kyogo Furuhashi’s fitness for the Viaplay Cup final against Rangers on 26 February after the forward injured his arm in Saturday’s 5-1 Scottish Cup defeat of St Mirren. (Express)external-link Ange Postecoglou says he makes decisions “as if I’m going to be here forever – but I won’t be” as the Celtic manager continues to be linked with Leeds United. (Sun)external-link Postecoglou insists he’s never considered leaving…
Canada’s women’s team say they will not go on strike because of threats of legal action by Canada Soccer. Captain Christine Sinclair said on Friday the team would strike because of concerns over funding cuts and a lack of pay equity. The team said they would call off the strike as they “cannot afford the risks” any action will entail. Sinclair said the team were playing the upcoming SheBelieves Cup…