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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Leicester face battle to find a manager to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy amid points deduction fears
No fewer than EIGHT players have entered the final year of their contracts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEICESTER face a battle to convince their top managerial targets to take on the chaos gripping the crisis-hit club. The Foxes finally parted company with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on Friday — 33 days after the end of the season — and a whopping 68 days since relegation was confirmed against Liverpool with five games remaining. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Ruud van Nistelrooy left Leicester City this week 7 The Foxes were relegated back to the Championship after just one season Credit: Getty 7 Sean Dyche has been linked with the Leicester job Credit: Getty Sean Dyche and Sheffield Wednesday's departing boss Danny Rohl have emerged as the front-runners to replace the Dutchman following his marathon period as a dead-man walking. Former Wolves boss Gary O'Neil and ex-Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick are also on Leicester's radar. However, club chiefs will find it tough to persuade any potential candidate to accept what increasingly appears to be a poisoned chalice. The Foxes seem to be in freefall and have a potential points deduction hanging over them in the Championship as Prem bosses charged them with breaching strict Profit and Sustainability Rules. READ MORE LEICESTER NEWS CAR CRASH Fans claim Carabao Cup draw is 'rigged' as huge derby clash is handed out Meanwhile, the club's main backers, King Power, have been plunged into a financial crisis and are feared to be on the brink of collapse after running up eye-watering losses of £450million. Legendary striker Jamie Vardy quit the East Midlands outfit this summer to cut the last ties with the club's 5,000-1 title-winning team which famously lifted Premier League trophy in 2016. Wilfred Ndidi, 28, is expected to follow him out of the door, with Everton and Manchester United looking to sign the powerful midfielder. No fewer than EIGHT players have entered the final year of their contracts, while Van Nistelrooy banished Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard for refusing to stay one night a week in Leicester. 7 Former Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been linked with taking over at the King Power Stadium Credit: AP 7 Manchester United legend Michael Carrick is also on the Foxes' radar after leaving Middlesbrough last month Credit: PA CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS With little cash available to patch up a wafer-thin squad already low on confidence following relegation, the new boss may also struggle to convince potential targets to join. It is a bleak prospect for Leicester chiefs — club chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha and beleaguered director of football Jon Rudkin — as they try to find 48-year-old Van Nistelrooy's replacement. Ruud Van Nistelrooy speaks after Leicester relegated to the Championship Title-winner Marc Albrighton fears for his former club, whose players return for pre-season training on Monday. The 35-year-old former wideman told SunSport: 'Most clubs are prepared for the worst now. 'They sack their manager in the morning and by the afternoon they've got someone else in charge. 'But it will be hard for Leicester to get someone in with a potential points deduction hanging over the club. 'Any new manager will be conscious of that and won't want to commit until they know what they're dealing with. 7 Title-winner Marc Albrighton exclusively opened up about his fears to SunSport Credit: Getty 'The fans will be expecting an early appointment, given the length of time the board must have known Ruud was going. 'But I wouldn't be too hasty with a new appointment. 'I'd be really thorough because they MUST get this appointment right. 'They obviously went through two major managerial changes last season, and they won't want to go through that again. 'They'll want a manager who is hopefully going to be there for quite a while. So I wouldn't be rushing too much into it if I was them."
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘Delighted' Premier League club gets green light for 35,000-seater stadium redevelopment with stand to be demolished
There are more plans for further expansion in near future NEW LOOK 'Delighted' Premier League club gets green light for 35,000-seater stadium redevelopment with stand to be demolished NOTTINGHAM FOREST have been given the green light for a major stadium redevelopment which will see a stand get demolished. Forest put forward plans to their local council this week expressing their desire to bulldoze and rebuild the Peter Taylor stand. 4 Nottingham Forest have received the green light for a stadium redevelopment Credit: Benoy Architects 4 A new stand will be erected costing £130million and boosting capacity to 35,000 Credit: Benoy Architects The huge project costs around £130million — up £36m from its original estimates in 2019. And Forest's plans have now been approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council, allowing the club to move forward with building work. They will now rip down the Peter Taylor Stand and replace it with a new 10,000-seater terrace coming in at 38m high. That will boost the City Ground's capacity from 30,000 seats to 35,000. And it will also inject £13million a year into the local economy by creating hundreds of new jobs. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL CAR CRASH Fans claim Carabao Cup draw is 'rigged' as huge derby clash is handed out Forest revealed their 'delight at the news' in a statement on Friday. They added: 'We look forward to working closely with our partners on the next steps and will provide a further update in due course.' The rebuild comes at a perfect time for Forest, who defied expectations to qualify for the Conference League last season. The City Ground has seen multiple improvements since it opened in 1898, with the last of five rebuilds taking place in 1996. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But once work is done on the new stand, Forest plan on another expansion. The longer-term plan is to develop the Bridgford Stand, eventually taking the City Ground's capacity to 40,000. Nuno Espírito Santo signs new contract but Nottingham Forest appear to make gaffe in statement announcing it 4 The City Ground was built in 1898 Credit: AFP 4 The last work done on it was in 1996 Credit: Getty An apartment block of 169 flats is also in the works to built next door. But that would not start until 2026 at the earliest.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Watford player of the season Imran Louza hands in transfer request after falling out with new manager in his first week
After struggling initially last season Louza flourished under Cleverley, even captaining the team LOSE LOUZ Watford player of the season Imran Louza hands in transfer request after falling out with new manager in his first week WATFORD midfielder Imran Louza wants to leave the club after a fall-out with the new head coach. Uruguayan boss Paulo Pezzolano has only just taken over at Vicarage Road from Tom Cleverley but after an exchange of views with the new manager, Louza - last season's player of the year - has told the Hornets he is looking to find another club. Advertisement 2 Imran Louza wants to leave Watford Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 The midfielder has fallen out with new boss Paulo Pezzolano Credit: Getty Owner Gino Pozzo had been hoping to keep hold of the Moroccan international, along with the likes of Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah, in an attempt to try and challenge for at least a Championship play-off spot. But a week into the reign of Pezzolano, Louza has told club officials that he is looking at other options. Louza joined from Nantes in 2021 for £9million but is now worth about £12m. He signed a new contract in 2023 with his deal running to 2028. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL CAR CRASH Fans claim Carabao Cup draw is 'rigged' as huge derby clash is handed out Louza made 33 appearances, scored twice and picked up five assists last season having improved under Cleverley who left the club at the end of the campaign. Prior to that, Louza had spent half a season out on loan at Lorient and seemed set to leave Watford. However, after struggling initially last term Louza flourished under Cleverley, even captaining the team. Following new boss Pezzolano's arrival at Vicarage Road last month, Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani said: "Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad. Advertisement CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research. "He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. Christian Norgaard to Arsenal LATEST | Transfers Exposed "We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. Advertisement "He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge."
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Liverpool playing waiting game for ‘dream' transfer signing Isak and could return for Newcastle star after key deadline
LIVERPOOL are willing to play a waiting game to land dream striker Alexander Isak after a key pre-season deadline. 2 After securing Champions League football next season, Eddie Howe sees Isak as a crucial part of his project as he looks to make Newcastle a dominant force in English football. Howe has spoken openly about Newcastle tying Isak down to a new mega contract, with his current deal worth £120,000-a-week until June 2028. But fresh talks have yet to materialise and this has given rival clubs, including Arsenal, hope they can pull off a remarkable swoop. Liverpool Echo correspondent Paul Gorst has reported the Premier League champions will keep tabs on the situation over the summer, and wait until after Profit and Sustainability Regulations reset on June 30. This is because the end of June marks the end of the financial year for most clubs, and meeting PSR requirements (specifically, not exceeding a £105m loss over a three-year period) is crucial to avoid potential points deductions Isak was lethal once again last season, netting 27 goals in 42 games across all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League. He played a key role, scoring a goal in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool as Newcastle ended their 70-year trophy drought, while also qualifying for the Champions League via a fifth-placed Prem finish. Newcastle broke their transfer record by spending £63million on Isak in August 2022 and they have no intention of losing him anytime soon. But Liverpool seem prepared to break a British transfer record to prise the Sweden international away from St James' Park, with Newcastle slapping a £150million price tag on the 25-year-old. Manager Arne Slot is in the market for a new No 9 as Darwin Nunez closes in on an exit to Serie A champions Napoli after failing to impress. If Liverpool miss out on Isak, then they could pursue Hugo Ekitike or Joao Pedro instead, with the club also registering an interest in Arsenal and Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres. Anfield chiefs have already splashed out more than £200million over the last month since the season ended, with Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez their latest signing. Kerkez joins Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as the next major arrival on Merseyside this summer. 2 Along with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose transfer is reportedly set to be included in this summer's accounts despite being sealed last year, Liverpool's summer spending has hit a whopping £216MILLION already. Having conducted the bulk of their transfer work more than a fortnight before the players return for pre-season training, sporting director Richard Hughes and Slot are relaxed about the situation around Isak.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Brentford's new boss Keith Andrews is Guinness-loving former Premier League star who suffers no fools
Scroll down to see his amazing career stats THE BEE'S KNEES Brentford's new boss Keith Andrews is Guinness-loving former Premier League star who suffers no fools Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KEITH ANDREWS is a people's person who loves a pint of Guinness and a night out. But when comes down to business, the new Brentford boss suffers no fools and his attention to detail is off the charts. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 New Brentford boss Keith Andrews is ready to prove himself in his first-ever managerial role Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Andrews has replaced Thomas Frank after the Dane joined Tottenham Credit: PA That is the view of two of his ex-team-mates who have also observed his coaching abilities first hand. Andrews, 44, is taking over from Thomas Frank at Bees after being promoted from set-piece coach. David Dunn played alongside him in Blackburn's midfield in the Premier League while Dean Lewington was a team-mate at MK Dons and later coached there by him too. And both say Andrews is far from a risky appointment despite never having been a manager - let alone in the top flight. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL CAR CRASH Fans claim Carabao Cup draw is 'rigged' as huge derby clash is handed out Former England international Dunn, 45, told SunSport: 'I read and hear this stuff that he was just their set-piece coach. But he's been doing much more than that. 'I've spent a lot of time with Brentford recently. 'And I've got to know the guys there inside out. They've got everything covered. 'They've spent so much on research and development, finding small fine margins to give them an edge. It's a brilliant club. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'Keith did the set-piece coach role brilliantly. Look at the amount of goals they scored and how few they conceded from set-pieces. 'But he was also helping the guys in lots of other areas too. He's been coaching for years and along with his playing career fully understands all aspects of the game.' Claudia Schiffer's film-maker husband in talks to buy stake in Brentford after supermodel seen at Premier League game 4 Andrews enjoyed a successful playing career and was an Irish international Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription 4 Andrews had been set-piece coach at Brentford before his promotion Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Andrews joined Rovers in 2008 after winning promotion with MK Dons in League Two and following his boss Paul Ince to Ewood Park. The ex-midfielder spent three seasons in the top flight, playing also under Sam Allardyce and Steve Kean. Dunn added: 'His leadership qualities and work ethic were excellent and he led by example. 'He was insightful and thoughtful in his views about the game and never afraid to give his opinion. I'm not surprised he's gone on to do well in coaching.' MK Dons legend Lewington won promotion with Andrews in 2008 as well as winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley - with Andrews scoring in the 2-0 victory over Grimsby at Wembley. Lewington, who retired this summer at the age of 41 after making an incredible 916 appearances for the club, said: 'Keith was our talisman and captain that season. 'In all honesty he was above our level. He was a Championship-standard player who went on to play in the Prem. 'He just oozed leadership and professionalism — and speaks concisely and with such great authority. Keith Andrews' career stats Wolves, 1999-2005: 72 games, 0 goals Oxford (loan), 2000-2001: 5 games, 1 goal Stoke (loan), 2003: 16 games, 0 goals Walsall (loan), 2004: 10 games, 2 goals Hull, 2005-2006: 30 games, 0 goals MK Dons, 2006-2008: 87 games, 22 goals Blackburn, 2008-2011: 76 games, 5 goals Ipswich (loan), 2011: 20 games, 9 goals West Brom, 2012: 14 games, 2 goals Bolton, 2012-2013: 29 games, 4 goals Brighton (loan), 2013-2014: 35 games, 1 goal Watford (loan), 2014: 11 games, 1 goal MK Dons (loan), 2015: 5 games, 0 goals Republic of Ireland, 2008-2012: 35 games, 3 goals Trophies MK Dons: League Two, EFL Trophy ROI: Nations Cup Coaching career MK Dons, assistant manager ROI U21s, assistant manager ROI, assistant manager Sheffield United, coach Brentford, set-piece coach Brentford, manager 'Keith is also passionate and demands high and immaculate standards. 'We used to enjoy some nights out and he loved a beer, especially Guinness, but when it was time to work he was ultra professional. 'When he came back as a coach under Karl Robinson everything had to be perfect. Even the smallest detail was important to him. 'And he isn't a person who suffers fools gladly. You had to be with him. 'Hopefully Keith will be another successful story for Brentford.' This is echoed by Dunn, who points to the fact that Frank led the club into the Prem after being promoted from within to replace Dean Smith. And he said: 'Often people say it's a risk to appoint from within. Blackburn promoted Ray Harford to replace Kenny Dalglish and that didn't work out. 'But there are equally examples where it did work, no better than the one set by Brentford with Frank. 'Brentford might well be losing quite a few big players this summer and it will be down to their excellent recruitment team there to get the right players in. 'Yet, knowing Keith and his abilities, he has all the attribute to be a success. He knows what it takes and is a great fit.'
