Month: May 2023

Hibernian will host a 24-hour charity football match at their training ground next month in memory of their late owner Ron Gordon.

The event will kick off at 3pm on Saturday, June 24 and finish the following afternoon, with as many supporters as possible encouraged to participate, while there will also be involvement from Lee Johnson’s first team.

Gordon died in February after a battle with cancer and funds raised from the match in his honour will go to the Hibernian Community Foundation.

“Ron was an extremely passionate man and someone who cared dearly about the role the football club plays in the local community,” said chief executive Ben Kensell.

“We want to create something special and something that carries on the legacy of a great man, by bringing supporters and people together, right to the heart of the football club, to raise money for the Hibernian Community Foundation.

“I think this challenge is really exciting and could be really testing – especially for those playing at 3am or 4am – but ultimately, it’ll be a good laugh for everyone and will bring the football club, the supporters, and the Community Foundation all together.”

The Women’s Super League trophy is back in Chelsea’s hands after they completed the domestic double for the second year running on the final day of the season.

Manchester United put up a tremendous fight and pushed Emma Hayes’ side all the way to the finish line but it was not enough to dethrone the West London club.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa excelled with Rachel Daly leading the line, while Arsenal and Manchester City fell behind the top two and will be hoping to bounce back next term.

And it was heartbreak for Reading, who were relegated after picking up three wins and 11 points over the 22-game campaign.

As players prepare for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, we take a look at the stars of the 2022-23 WSL season.

Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa have transformed into a team that can challenge the WSL’s top dogs and Daly’s 22 goals meant that she collected the Golden Boot on the final day.

Daly, 31, was also voted the league’s Player of the Season and her tally is the highest ever for an Englishwoman in the WSL era.

Her form has been magnificent for the Villans, who managed to reach their first-ever FA Cup semi-final and she is a sure bet to feature in a packed-out attacking line for England at the World Cup this summer.

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

Sam Kerr has been a top performer for Chelsea for three seasons and she picked up the FWA Women’s Player of the Season award after another trophy-laden campaign.

The Australian bagged 12 strikes and five assists for the Blues and also scored the goal that helped Emma Hayes’ side secure the FA Cup at the expense of United.

Kerr’s brace on the final day was enough to deliver the title and she will be keen to inspire her team-mates to new heights next season as Chelsea aim to win the Champions League for the first time.

Mary Earps (Manchester United)

United may not have the best defensive record in the WSL but Mary Earps does take home the Golden Glove having kept 14 clean sheets across the campaign.

It is a new record for a single season and the 30-year-old also holds the record for the most games without conceding in WSL history with 56.

Her performances helped guide Marc Skinner’s runners-up to crucial victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Guro Reiten (Chelsea)

Another Chelsea star who had a spectacular season was 28-year-old Guro Reiten.

The Norwegian winger had a hand in 20 of the 66 goals tallied by the Blues in 2022-23, scoring nine and assisting 11 times.

Her partnership with Kerr in the final third has been devastating and the No11 was unlucky to miss out on the Player of the Season award at the hands of Villa’s Daly.

Ona Batlle (Manchester United)

Only Reiten recorded more assists than United’s Ona Batlle this season, which is incredible considering she plays at right-back.

The Spaniard has enjoyed her time in England so far but is rumoured to be on her way to Barcelona at the conclusion of her current deal this summer.

And if her time at United is over, then the 23-year-old will be leaving as a highly-respected defender who is bound to find success in a career that is starting to really take off.

Thiago Silva has been voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season for 2022-23 by Blues supporters.

The 38-year-old won by an overwhelming majority thanks to his commanding displays during a tough season, which saw the West Londoners finish 12th in the Premier League table and without a trophy. 

The Brazil international will be key to Mauricio Pochettino’s plans to get his new side back on track next term.

Fan favourite

Silva knows very well how tough the season has been for Chelsea fans.

On the reception he received when collecting his award after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle last Sunday, he said: “It was a very emotional moment for me, especially because in spite of the bad season we have had, fans still wanted to show me their support.

“It’s been a hard year, so the recognition fills me with happiness, pride and pleasure for being part of this team. 

“From my first day here, I have been warmly welcomed by Chelsea fans and so my commitment is even greater than before because I know we need to respond to them with better performances on the pitch and give them the response they deserve.”

Terrific Thiago

In a league campaign where Chelsea won just 11 games and scored only 38 goals, Silva remained a ray of hope.

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain centre-back completed the most passes of any player in the West Londoners’ squad (1,854) with an eye-catching accuracy of 91.29%.

He made more interceptions (34) and clearances (109) than all of his team-mates, too.

And the Champions League winner also topped the charts for possessions won in the defensive third (88), despite only featuring in 27 of the 38 league matches.

Chelsea is home

There was speculation that Silva could return to Brazil this summer but he appears intent on seeing out his contract at Stamford Bridge, which runs until the end of next season.

Speaking about the importance of the Blues to him and his family, he said: “The club is really important to all of us — it’s a mutual love. 

“My wife, for instance, takes the underground to games and when she gets off the train people recognise her and start to sing my name to her! That just shows the love that they have for us, and we have for them.

“I need to live close to Cobham because I have to focus more on my personal care and treatment. But I know my wife goes to London a lot, far more than I do, and I know she really likes it — she says it’s a very welcoming city. 

“Bit by bit, we are feeling more and more like Londoners. The whole family have fallen in love with Chelsea.

“My sons, Isago and Iago, both play for Chelsea. Isago has extended his contract here for the next two seasons, which means we are going to be here for two years. We just hope it’s more!”

New era

Pochettino’s arrival as Graham Potter’s permanent successor has given fans cautious optimism for 2023-24, where the team will not be playing in Europe. 

The Argentine faces one of the toughest jobs in football, with perhaps the biggest problem of all being Chelsea’s bloated squad — caused by Todd Boehly’s lavish spending.

But at least the ex-Tottenham boss will have a defensive general in Silva he can lean on to assist steering the ship in the right direction.

The South American stalwart added: “Things obviously haven’t happened the way we wanted them to this season. 

“It’s the hardest season I can remember having and it’s been really tough for me this year. I’m just thinking about looking forward towards a better future.”

The Premier League may have only just concluded but a new season is already on the horizon.

We have rounded up all you need to know about the 2023-24 campaign in one handy place.

When does the 2023-24 Premier League season start?

The new season is set to start on the weekend of August 12, 2023 — though the opening fixture may yet be moved for broadcast reasons in line with recent seasons.

Meanwhile, the 38th and final round of fixtures will take place on May 19, 2024.

It marks a return to the traditional scheduling after three seasons of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last year’s winter World Cup in Qatar.

As well as kicking off a week earlier than the last edition, a winter break will once again be in action with no games taking place between January 13 and January 20, 2024.

When will this season’s Premier League fixtures be announced?

Fans will soon be able to plan out their team’s upcoming campaign with the top tier’s new fixture list set to be confirmed on Thursday, June 15.

With a traditional 9am announcement expected, be sure to stick with LiveScore on the day for reaction to your side’s schedule.

Who are the new sides in the 2023-24 Premier League?

Leeds, Leicester and Southampton were relegated from the English top flight in 2022-23 and will be replaced by the trio of Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton.

The Clarets bounced back at the first attempt when romping to the Championship title under Vincent Kompany, while the Blades return after a two-season absence.

For the Hatters, this will mark a first Premier League campaign in their history and a return to the first division of English football for the first time since 1992.

When does the Premier League summer transfer window open?

Clubs are able to start officially signing players from Wednesday, June 14, with the transfer window slamming shut again on September 1.

This season’s winter window opens on January 1, 2024 and closes on February 1, in line with the EFL and several other top European leagues including LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

When do Premier League sides begin their pre-season schedules?

Most sides are due to play their opening game of pre-season in middle of July, with some glamorous friendlies already organised.

You can keep up to date with the schedules of all 20 Premier League sides in our handy guide below.

Coventry have condemned online racist abuse towards Fankaty Dabo after his decisive penalty miss in the Sky Bet Championship play-off finals against Luton.

The club announced they will work with the PFA, EFL and the police to seek, ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.

Owner and executive chairman Doug King said: “The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments.

“The club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.”

Coventry also confirmed the defender will leave the club following the conclusion of his contract alongside Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker.

Loan players Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally will return to their parent clubs.

Manager Mark Robins thanked those leaving and paid tribute to Dabo and Rose for playing key roles in Coventry’s League One success in 2019-20.

He told the club website: “I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions that they have made to Coventry City, and wish them all of the best for their future careers.

“In particular, Fankaty Dabo and Michael Rose were huge parts of the side that won the League One title and then established us in the Championship.

“They will both be fondly remembered for many years to come by all Sky Blues fans, and the outpouring of support for Fanky (Dabo) from our supporters following Saturday goes to show the esteem he is held in.”

Coventry have confirmed Fankaty Dabo will leave the club at the end of the season — just days after his decisive penalty miss in the Championship play-off final against Luton.

The defender has been with the Sky Blues since 2019 and joins Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker in leaving the club when their contracts expire.

Loan players Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally will return to their parent clubs.

Manager Mark Robins thanked those leaving, and paid tribute to Dabo and Rose for playing key roles in Coventry’s League One success in 2019-20.

He told the club website: “I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions that they have made to Coventry City, and wish them all of the best for their future careers.

“In particular, Fankaty Dabo and Michael Rose were huge parts of the side that won the League One title and then established us in the Championship.

“They will both be fondly remembered for many years to come by all Sky Blues fans, and the outpouring of support for Fanky (Dabo) from our supporters following Saturday goes to show the esteem he is held in.”

Andre Marriner has announced his retirement from refereeing after a distinguished 23-year career in football’s upper echelons.

The 52-year-old’s decision was confirmed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited on Tuesday, two days after he took charge of his last fixture, Arsenal’s 5-0 Premier League victory over Wolves, his 391st in the top flight.

Marriner said: “I’ll miss the moments out on the pitch but I’ve got so many great memories to look back on – I’ve loved almost every minute of it.

“It’s been a long and hugely-enjoyable road since qualifying through the Birmingham County FA in my early 20s and I’m proud of what I’ve fortunately been able to go and achieve in the game.

“To officiate internationally, on domestic finals and in the best league in the world, I feel very honoured.

“I’ve had brilliant support along the way and I’d like to thank my family, my colleagues, PGMOL and The FA in particular – refereeing has been my life for years but it’s a tough job at times and they’ve been there for me which I will always appreciate.”

Marriner became a Football League official – initially an assistant referee – in 2000 and started to take charge of games in his own right three years later.

He was in the middle for Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final success over Southampton four seasons later, and was on FIFA’s list for nine years.

Joao Felix is heading back to Atletico Madrid with Chelsea choosing not to retain the Portugal winger following his loan deal, according to the Spanish club’s president Enrique Cerezo.

Felix, 23, joined Chelsea on loan in January for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign and went on to score four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues.

On Monday, after a difficult campaign in which they finished a lowly 12th in the Premier League, Chelsea announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach.

And, as reported by Marca, Cerezo said of Felix: “The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao.

“It’s the news we had yesterday, that the new coach doesn’t have him for Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet, Joao is an Atletico player now.”

Atletico paid £113million to sign Felix, who is under contract with them until 2027, from Benfica in 2019.

He has made 131 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 34 goals, and helped them win the 2020-21 LaLiga title.

England boss Gareth Southgate will be an interested spectator as the summer transfer window opens on June 14, with several members of his squad potentially on the move.

Skipper Harry Kane’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months amid Tottenham’s difficulties — and he is not alone.

Here, we take a look at some of those whose club futures may lie elsewhere.

Harry Maguire

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been one of Southgate’s most dependable performers in recent campaigns.

However, he has slipped painfully down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag and has been warned his international place could be under threat.

The 30-year-old, who cost United £80million when he joined them from Leicester in August 2019, has been linked with West Ham, but also with a loan move to Italy with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma said to be eyeing his situation.

Harry Kane

Kane and Tottenham both have big decisions to make this summer after the club missed out on European football. 

The 29-year-old will enter the final year of his current contract and if he does not sign an extension, could leave for free in 12 months’ time. 

Manchester United are long-term admirers of the free-scoring striker – although it has been suggested Spurs would be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival – while both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest.

Mason Mount

Midfielder Mason Mount was caught up in the malaise which engulfed Chelsea during a chaotic season and six of his last seven appearances before injury ended his campaign prematurely came from the bench. 

The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and new boss Mauricio Pochettino has a decision to make with Manchester United leading a posse of interested parties waiting in the wings.

Declan Rice

Declan Rice’s reputation has continued to blossom despite what at times has been a difficult season for West Ham, and manager David Moyes is bracing himself.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Manchester United and Chelsea also touted as possible destinations.

Resurgent Newcastle could offer him Champions League football, but know they may not be able to compete financially as they attempt to comply with spending rules.

James Maddison

James Maddison, another player with 12 months remaining on his contract, seemed destined to leave Leicester during the close season regardless of whether or not the Foxes retained their Premier League status.

Newcastle pursued the 26-year-old playmaker doggedly last summed and remain keen on him as they strengthen for a European campaign, but they are likely to face competition with Manchester United and Tottenham rumoured to be among his suitors.

Jude Bellingham

Liverpool’s interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham is long-standing, but reports from Spain have suggested his future could lie instead with Real Madrid.

Manchester City and neighbours United have also been touted as potential buyers with the 19-year-old former Birmingham midfielder one of the hottest properties in European football.

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw has signed a two-year contract extension with the Women’s Super League outfit running to the summer of 2026.

The Jamaica international, nicknamed Bunny, scored 31 goals in 30 City appearances in all competitions in the 2022-23 season and has netted 50 times for them in total since joining in 2021 from Bordeaux.

Shaw, 26, said: “I’m delighted to continue my journey with this amazing group.

“Everyone made me feel welcome from the first day I came here. I enjoy the way we play and I’m at a stage now where I understand the way we play and I can only get better and grow.

“I think here at City is the perfect place for me. I put all my effort and time on the pitch and obviously for the position I play and the quality I have around me, I know I’m going to be in positions to score goals.

“I’ve always said Manchester feels like home away from home too. I enjoy coming into the City ground every day and training with the group, vibing with the girls and I also have family here, so Manchester has felt like home ever since I arrived.

“I just want to thank our fans for everything, all the love and support they’ve given me since I arrived. I’ll just try my best to continue repaying them on the football pitch.”

City boss Gareth Taylor said: “Bunny’s growth and development as a player over the past two years, but particularly this season, has been fantastic and we’re thrilled to see her extend her contract with us.

“She has thrived having had the opportunity of extended runs in the team throughout the current campaign and has shown on a regular basis what a talent she is and why we brought her to the club.

“She scored goals regularly in France and America prior to joining us and has now shown what she’s capable of in England too – which says a lot about her ability.

“She is still a young player though who wants to improve and is hungry for success and we’re only scratching the surface with her which is a very exciting prospect as we aim to develop her even further over the next three years.”