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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Connor Goldson has Rangers fans in stitches as he goes full Joey Barton with surprise accent
The defender is now with Aris Limassol and raised eyebrows with his latest interview It is now approaching 12 months since Connor Goldson left Rangers - and it appears he has already picked up a Cypriot accent following the transfer. The centre-back spent six years at Ibrox and was a key member of Rangers' title-winning squad in 2021 and a pivotal figure in the team that reached a Europa League Final in Seville. But last summer the experience 32-year-old defender made the move Aris Limassol - and has quickly embedded himself in the culture on the other side of the Mediterranean. Speaking to Cypriot media, Goldson was asked about his time in Glasgow as well as in the English Premier League - and his ability to stay motivated with Aris. The English defender appeared to have adopted a new accent, responding: "Ambition. I love football. "Apart from my family, it's the one thing that I care about. I want to make my career as long as possible. "If I can play until 38, 39 this what I will do. I work everyday for this, I try to keep my body as strong and as fit as possible. "I want to try and stay at as high a level as I can for as long as possible. You know how football is, one year can be good and the next you can be forgotten quickly. "I work before training, after training to keep my body healthy and try to prolong my career. I know that one it's over you don't get a chance again." Rangers fans were quick to latch on to the interview - comparing it to Joey Barton's infamous press conference where he adopted a bizarre French accent during his time at Marseille. One punter said on X: "Joey Barton eat your heart out. The big man is picking up the accent." Another added: "He's only been gone a year where has that come from?" A sympathetic Ibrox diehard added: "Deserves to enjoy himself over there, even with that accent." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kemar Roofe couldn't take constant Rangers questions anymore as he reveals the story of woe fans don't know
The Jamaica international had been playing through the pain barrier for the Ibrox cause. It got to the point where Kemar Roofe just couldn't take it any more. The questions were constant and it was the same one over and over again. 'When will you be back fit?' That's all the Rangers fans - and staff - wanted to know. It was his third season at the club, working firstly under Gio van Bronckhorst and then Michael Beale. Previously, the striker had been Gers' top scorer in their 2021 title triumph. The following year, he'd scored another 16 goals in 40 appearances - and helped them get to the Europa League Final in Seville. But the truth is, the Jamaica international had been playing through the pain barrier for the Ibrox cause. Roofe was taking injections and disguising injuries in a desperate bid to win silverware for the club. Even in that Europa Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, he was in AGONY while scoring Gers' fifth penalty in the shoot-out. So it's no wonder the 2022/23 campaign was a miserable one when, at times, he couldn't even bear to watch games at Ibrox for fear of being bombarded with queries on his fitness. He managed just six games for Rangers that year, scoring twice. One of those goals was a vital winner against Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final - only for Roofe to then damage his shoulder and spend more time on the sidelines. Roofe endured tough times at Rangers through injury. But he insists it was largely due to him putting his body on the line for the club - and says he has no regrets. In the second part of Record Sport's exclusive interview with the former Rangers front-man, he said: 'That 2022/23 season was annoying. 'Because I had kept playing through injuries, I never had a period of time where I could just strip it back to basics. 'I didn't get the chance to go through all the steps and stages of rehab to get 100 percent fit. 'I was coming back sooner than I should have - just because I didn't want to miss any more games. 'I played games for Rangers when I had injury issues. And it was only a matter of time before my body couldn't take it any more. 'I got silly injuries. I came off the bench against Aberdeen in that semi-final to score the winner. 'But then I fell on my shoulder and tore the ligaments. How can you predict those things? 'I should have had an operation which would have been three or four months out. 'Instead, I just strapped it up, took injections and played with it. I was effectively playing with one shoulder. 'These little things have a knock-on effect on the rest of your body. 'The amount of times I got injured just to play and win - I sacrificed myself to win games and I'd never change that. 'If I took the correct time out, I wouldn't have achieved certain things or scored certain goals for Rangers. 'I wouldn't have made certain finals. 'When I eventually did it and had my hip operation, I hardly played any games. 'So it's a Catch 22. Do you take the time out and miss games or keep trying to go through it? 'It got to the point where I HAD to have surgery. 'Thankfully, my big strength is my mental strength and handling disappointments. 'I use it to fuel me. The only thing I hated and struggled with was when people kept asking me: 'When are you going to back'? 'That's when I started not going to Ibrox and I started just watching the games at home. 'I was trying to avoid people and those questions.' That campaign might have gone better for Roofe if he hadn't been so determined to play in the Europa League Final a few months earlier. He had scored the extra-time winner against Braga in the quarter-final that was vital in getting Rangers to Seville. But an injury against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final win at Hampden meant he was a major doubt. Incredibly, Roofe made it on to the bench against Eintracht and was introduced late on. He set up a golden chance for Ryan Kent to win it but the winger couldn't convert - then he stepped up in pain to score in the spot-kick defeat. Roofe loved the European nights at Ibrox more than anything and he's still devastated he didn't get a winner's medal from that sensational run to the final. He said: 'I was just returning from an LCL knee injury. 'I rushed back to make the final but every time I kicked the ball I was in agony. 'I didn't really train before Seville. I was in a lot of pain. 'My brain knew I was going to be sore before I received the ball. Even taking that penalty was painful. 'I scored but it meant nothing because we didn't win. 'That run in 2022 was special. For me personally, playing in Europe is just the best. 'It's a different feeling to anything else, especially at Ibrox. 'The atmosphere, the buzz, everything about those games - it's hard to explain. 'You can only understand it if you're actually on the pitch playing in it. I'll never forget it. 'We just kept going that year with the fans behind us. 'The only disappointment was getting to Seville, having a really good chance to win - but then losing it. 'We probably won't ever have that chance again. 'I'm just gutted that we couldn't take advantage. 'I was put on for the last few minutes but I felt if I'd been given more time, I could have had a bigger influence on the game.' When Roofe was fit, he thrived in the big games. His Rangers career had got off to a flying start with a league title win under Steven Gerrard - and an Old Firm brace in a 4-1 victory over Celtic at Ibrox. Injuries curtailed him after that but he still relished derbies against Gers' bitter rivals. And even after having played for the likes of Leeds United and Anderlecht, Roofe says no atmosphere comes close to an Old Firm. He said: 'The Old Firm games were even more special than I thought they would be. 'They were just hectic, 100mph, you got no rest. 'There was football being played but it was just so quick and intense. 'Everyone has to be at it in those games. And the noise levels are incredible. 'I like watching games I've played when I get home to listen to what the commentators are saying. 'But I remember putting Sky on after one of the Celtic games and I couldn't hear what they were saying because the fans were so loud - even on TV. 'I've never experienced that before. 'The Old Firm games and European nights were the best atmospheres I've ever played in during my career. 'Leeds was good as well at Elland Road. But the extra 20,000 or so at Ibrox really makes a difference. 'The way I play football is that I'm all in. I was gripped by Rangers from minute one. 'I can never play half-hearted or not try to win every game. 'So for me, that atmosphere and the relationship with the Rangers fans was ideal for me. It was the perfect match. 'They took to me and I'm grateful for that. I think they appreciated the way I played and the effort I put in.' Roofe's Rangers career ended a year ago with a seven-minute cameo from the bench in a game against Dundee last May. It wasn't the trophy-laden farewell he wanted. But the 32-year-old says he's proud of what he achieved in Glasgow, winning all three domestic prizes. Roofe said: 'I had four really good years at Rangers. 'I spent a bit of extra time applauding the fans at the end of my last game. 'I think they understand that I wish I could have played more games and scored more goals. 'I'd rather have said goodbye that way rather than a token gesture as a sub. 'But I take real pride in my time at Rangers. When people ask me about my career and what it was like at Ibrox - when I break it down, I won all three trophies in Scotland and got to a Europa Final. 'So I had a really good time there.'
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Thomas Frank shows his true colours over Ange Postecoglou as new Tottenham boss makes feelings clear
The former Brentford manager was hired by Daniel Levy to take over from the ex-Celtic gaffer in North London Thomas Frank has spoken out on Ange Postecoglou as part of his first interview as Tottenham's new manager – hailing him as a legend. The former Celtic boss delivered on his second season trophy promise as he sparked wild scenes in Bilbao by defeating Manchester United in the Europa League Final and ending the long wait for silverware in North London. The triumph also booked a golden ticket to the Champions League this season and landed Spurs a mega windfall in the process. However, a 17th place finish in the English Premier League - despite the success in Europe's second tier competition - proved to much for Daniel Levy and club bosses as they decided to axe Ange after two seasons at the club. They moved quickly and turned attentions to Brentford boss Frank and got a deal over the line with the Bees. Now, the new Spurs boss has spoken for the first time since taking up his new position and he has shown his true colours over the man he has replaced. Speaking as part of an in-house interview, Frank said: "I think Ange has done something special. He'll forever be a legend in Tottenham. "It's important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. "I'm going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I'm very humble about that. "I'll do my very best to continue the great work he put in. "The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans' faces, the pictures were 'wow'. "Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that." Tottenham kick off the new season at home to Burnley but before that EPL showdown they have the small matter of fighting PSG in the Super Cup with more silverware on the line before the campaign even gets up and running. Ange has already been linked with a quick-fire return to the dugout in Saudi as he ponders his next steps. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kemar Roofe fires Rangers regret warning over Cyriel Dessers as he pinpoints critical moment in Ibrox career
The Nigeria international splits opinion among the Ibrox legions and his old team-mate has given the lowdown Kemar Roofe fears Rangers could live to regret selling Cyriel Dessers. The current Ibrox number nine is on the verge of a move to Greek outfit AEK Athens for around £4 million. Rangers look set to get their money back on the 30-year-old who has bagged 51 goals in two seasons at Gers. If Dessers goes, new gaffer Russell Martin will be charged with finding a replacement up front and has already been linked with moves for Israeli ace Dor Turgeman and Croatian hit-man Matija Frigan. However, former Rangers striker Roofe - who played alongside Dessers at Ibrox - believes the Nigerian international will be a big loss. He insists his old club must find a player who can replicate Dessers' goal return on the pitch - as well as his character and resilience off it. In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, Roofe said: 'I rated Cyriel highly at Rangers. First and foremost, he's a good human being. 'A really good guy and brilliant for the squad. He has lots of respect for everyone. 'Cyriel worked really hard to get his goals and I think some players end up with unfair opinions on them. 'He was definitely one of them at Rangers. The thing about Cyriel is that when he was criticised - it didn't affect him. 'He just kept going and that's massive as a player. Everyone will get criticised at some point but it's how you handle it. 'Cyriel handed it tremendously. He's got the character and personality to be a Rangers player. 'Could they regret selling him if he goes? Yeah, because goals are goals - and you have to replace them. 'It depends who Rangers bring in his place. If they get someone who can score more than Cyriel it will be the right decision. 'But if they don't, it'll be the wrong decision. We'll find out at the end of this season.' Roofe spent a year with Dessers at Ibrox under ex-boss Michael Beale before leaving last summer. The 32-year-old - who was the club's top scorer in Rangers' 2021 title win and reached the Europa League Final in 2022 - was impressed by his strike partner's attitude at Ibrox. Because Roofe says some players, unlike Dessers, couldn't handle the expectations at such a big club. He said: 'At Rangers, it all comes down to whether players - or staff - can handle the pressure there. If you can't handle it and you crumble, you get found out by the fans. 'And as soon as they see it, you're finished. It takes a special kind of character to play for Rangers under that pressure. 'From my experience at Rangers, Leeds, Anderlecht - massive clubs where the pressure is huge - it's all about winning. Just win, win, win, that's all that matters. 'Anything less is no good. Being able to deal with that demand every day is tough. But if you can't do it, the fans will see it and eventually it affects results. 'I saw it with players at Rangers, many times. Players who couldn't handle it. But not everyone is built the same. There are strengths and weaknesses in every team.' In Roofe's last season at Ibrox, he played alongside Dessers in a controversial Old Firm derby defeat in September 2023. Dessers dispossessed Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke and set up Roofe to score - only for it to be chalked off for a foul by the Nigerian. Rangers lost the game 1-0 to a Kyogo Furuhashi strike and then-gaffer Michael Beale was sacked later that season. But Roofe says the Dessers decision was harsh - and a pivotal moment for Beale and the club. He said: 'What I remember is that it should have been a goal when Cyriel played me in - and we should have won that game. 'It was a huge moment for Michael. If that goal had stood and we'd have beaten Celtic, things could have been a lot different for him at the club." ** Kemar Roofe has launched his own football journal at **
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch Chelsea vs Manchester United live: Stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction
Chelsea's tenuous hold on a Champions League space meets an old rival when lower-half Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Friday. The Blues enter Week 37 with 63 points, above sixth-place Aston Villa on goal differential and seventh-place Nottingham Forest by a single point. Advertisement WATCH — Chelsea v Manchester United Enzo Maresca's men control their own destiny with the visit from the Red Devils before a potentially-huge scrap at Forest to close the season. As for Friday's visitors, Manchester United are prepping for the Europa League Final, their only path to the Champions League thanks to a mostly-abysmal Premier League campaign. The 16th-place Red Devils go to London with more than a single eye on their Wednesday UEL Final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. For live updates and highlights throughout Chelsea vs Manchester United, check out PST's live blog coverage below… How to watch Chelsea vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 3:15pm ET Friday Venue: Stamford Bridge TV Channel: Peacock Streaming: Premier League on Peacock Chelsea team news, focus OUT: Nicolas Jackson (suspension), Jadon Sancho (loan - unable to fce parent club), Christopher Nkunku (undisclosed), Aaron Anselmino (thigh), Wesley Fofana (thigh - out for season), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Omari Kellyman (hamstring - out for season), Marc Guiu (thigh) Manchester United team news, focus OUT: Matthijs de Ligt (knee), Diogo Dalot (calf), Joshua Zirkzee (thigh - MORE), Ayden Heaven (leg - MORE), Lisandro Martinez (torn ACL - MORE), Toby Collyer (leg) | QUESTIONABLE: Leny Yoro (ankle) Chelsea vs Manchester United prediction This, in theory, should look more like a Conference League match than a Premier League match, as the Blues will arrive with urgency while United simply want to be healthy for Spurs and the UEL Final. Of course Amorim will expect fire from the players he selects for this match, but Chelsea's first-choice team — even without suspended Nicolas Jackson — is better than United's first-choice team, let alone its depth. Chelsea 3-1 Man United.
