Anthony Hay, Luke Bosher and more
March 29, 2022 at 7:57 AM EDT
March 29, 2022 at 7:57 AM EDT
Championship clubs boosted by parachute payments three times more likely to win promotion
Championship clubs with parachute payments are three times more likely to be promoted than those who do not have them, according to a new study.
A report from Sheffield Hallam University has claimed parachute payments “continue to distort Championship competition”, ascribing a value of an average of £33 million per club last season for the teams that received them.
This figure stands in stark contrast to the average revenue of clubs without parachute payments, which is around £20 million.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 29, 2022 at 7:34 AM EDT
Trent Alexander-Arnold in race to be fit for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a race against time to be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with title rivals Manchester City.
The England right-back is expected to miss Saturday’s meeting with Watford at Anfield and next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Benfica due to the hamstring injury he sustained against Arsenal prior to the international break.
The game with Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad on April 10 is viewed as a possible comeback date for the 23-year-old.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 29, 2022 at 6:20 AM EDT
‘There’s no point going back to Manchester United and just sitting on the bench’ — Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has said he would be against returning to Manchester United if he is not promised regular first-team game time.
Williams, 21, joined Norwich City on a season-long loan deal in August as Luke Shaw and Alex Telles were above him in the left-back pecking order at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United academy graduate’s breakthrough year in the 2019-20 season was extremely successful with Williams playing 36 times under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 29, 2022 at 5:27 AM EDT
ICYMI: European clubs presented with new Champions League qualification model – with two slots for ‘historic’ performance
The European Club Association has been presented with a new qualification model for the Champions League — with two places going to teams partially based on their historical performance, The Athletic understands.
The Champions League will use the so-called “Swiss-model” from the 2024-25 season. This will involve every team playing in a single league at the group stage, with a guarantee of at least 10 games. There will also be 36 teams in the Champions League-proper, four more than the current 32.
Of those places, two would go to teams with the best historical performance — although they have to finish in the places just outside the Champions League spots in their own league — and these will be known as the two co-efficient places that take into consideration a club’s performance over the previous five seasons.
Click here to read more.
(Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Adam Crafton·
Football Writer
March 29, 2022 at 4:30 AM EDT
‘We are not considering Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona’ — Joan Laporta
Barcelona club president Joan Laporta has played down talk of Lionel Messi returning to the Nou Camp in the summer.
Messi, 34, has been linked with a move back to the club he was associated with for 21 years.
The Argentinian’s time in Paris has not gone to plan with Messi scoring just two league goals in 18 games at the Parc des Princes.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 29, 2022 at 3:18 AM EDT
Good morning
We will be keeping you in the loop with all the big news around the football world today.
All eyes will be on tonight’s World Cup play-offs with Portugal vs North Macedonia, Nigeria vs Ghana and Senegal vs Egypt among the highlights.
You can follow our World Cup blog by clicking here as we bring you all the latest news ahead of Friday’s big draw.
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
March 28, 2022 at 5:30 PM EDT
That’s all for today!
Thank you for tuning into today’s news blog.
We will be back tomorrow to provide you with the latest updates ahead of England’s second friendly against Ivory Coast.
Also, Portugal will take on North Macedonia in the World Cup play-off final so plenty to keep you updated on.
Goodnight!
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 4:45 PM EDT
Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
Manchester United’s search for a striker this summer will have lots of spotlights on whichever players get linked to the club.
Laurie Whitwell has provided all the info you need on Harry Kane and his potential links with Manchester United.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Manchester United, Harry Kane and the search for a striker this summer
March 28, 2022 at 4:27 PM EDT
Analysing the pros and cons of US owners in the Premier League
American owners in the Premier League is a phrase that gets a very mixed reception.
With a handful of American businessmen linked with the purchase of Chelsea, Adam Crafton has provided a list of the pros and cons of American owners in the Premier League.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Analysing the pros and cons of US owners in the Premier League
March 28, 2022 at 3:14 PM EDT
Salah, Mane and a year like no other
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have both had quite the year.
Caoimhe O’Neill has detailed the year like no other for the Liverpool duo.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Salah, Mane and a year like no other
March 28, 2022 at 2:37 PM EDT
Baroness Sue Campbell on the Women’s Euros
With 100 days to go until the Women’s Euros on home turf, Baroness Sue Campbell spoke about the tournament.
Baroness Campbell said: “I am delighted to hear there has been a great response from fans wanting UEFA Women’s EURO tickets today. The pleasing thing is it is not just England matches that have caught the imagination but also that there is interest in other competing teams.
“With 100 days to go, it brings home just how close we are to England kicking off the opening game at Old Trafford. I was with Sarina and the squad recently and there is real excitement within the group for what’s to come. We are all hoping it is going to be a summer to remember where we can celebrate the very best of women’s football.
“I can’t wait to see fans of all ages cheering the players on and hopefully all generations feeling inspired to get involved as a player, coach, referee or volunteer.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:43 PM EDT
NEWS: European clubs presented with new Champions League qualification model
The European Club Association has been presented with a new qualification model for the Champions League — with two places going to teams partially based on their historical performance, The Athletic understands.
The Champions League will use the so-called “Swiss-model” from the 2024-25 season. This will involve every team playing in a single league at the group stage, with a guarantee of at least 10 games. There will also be 36 teams in the Champions League-proper, four more than the current 32.
Of those places, two would go to teams with the best historical performance — although they have to finish in the places just outside the Champions League spots in their own league — and these will be known as the two co-efficient places that take into consideration a club’s performance over the previous five season.
Another slot will go to the fifth best-performing league in Europe, and one extra for the ‘Champions’ pathway in qualification.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM EDT
Jeff Stelling to stay at Sky Sports
He’s not leaving!
Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling originally announced he was stepping away from the show late last year but has now decided to stay on for another season.
“Sky Sports is my home, and the Soccer Saturday team are a big part of my life,” said Stelling. “As the end of the season approached, and I was preparing to say goodbye, I realised that I was not ready to blow the final whistle and leave the best job in the world.
“I am thrilled to be staying, and excited about moving the show forward and creating more special Saturday afternoons on Sky Sports.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 12:05 PM EDT
Roberto Mancini to stay on as Italy manager
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed he will stay on as the national team’s boss despite his team missing out on this year’s World Cup.
Italy were knocked out of the World Cup play-offs after a surprising 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia. Aleksandar Trajkovski’s 92nd-minute goal was the only difference between the two sides.
“We need to start again”, said Mancini. “I talked to the president, we’re in agreements on everything. We’ll have time to discuss what we need to improve.”
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News
March 28, 2022 at 11:42 AM EDT
West Brom facing fight to keep youth prospects Reyes Cleary and Josh Shaw
West Bromwich Albion are facing another battle to keep hold of their top young talent with highly-rated development players Reyes Cleary and Josh Shaw yet to sign the professional deals offered to them by the Championship club.
Cleary — the 17-year-old striker who has scored seven goals for the Under-23s and another 12 for the Under-18s this season — is wanted by a number of clubs on the continent as well as plenty in the Premier League.
Shaw, 18, was signed from Everton two years ago and is recognised as a left-back with considerable potential. He, too, has numerous clubs interested in signing him.
Albion want to tie both players down for the future but have yet to reach an agreement with either.
For more, click here.
Holly Percival·
Junior Editor, News