Latest news with #ex-Sunderland
The National
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Defoe's ex-Rangers teammate shoots down Vardy comparisons
The Motherwell midfielder played alongside the veteran England striker during his time in Glasgow. And he believes that comparisons between the ex-Sunderland, Tottenham and Portsmouth man and Vardy - currently on the lookout for a new club - are unfair. Vardy has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox following his departure from Leicester City. "Vardy is 38," Halliday said on Open Goal. "I know people compare him to Jermain Defoe but Jermain was vegan for 20 years and Vardy has Red Bulls for breakfast! The comparison is mental. "My thing about Vardy is, and he's obviously a top striker who I am not saying you wouldn't sign, but he's all about running into space in behind. You'll be playing against teams (at Rangers) who defend on the edge of the box. "Where as Rangers have been linked with Luuk de Jong from PSV and out of them two, de Jong would make more sense." Read more: De Jong is believed to be back training with PSV - but that does NOT close the door on a move to Rangers. Manager Peter Bosz said this week: "He knows that I would really like to keep him. I did talk to him about that on the phone (links with Rangers). "I don't want to bombard him with messages. I don't want to tire him with that. "He knows what I think of him, what the club thinks of him. So he knows how much we want to keep him."
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
James McClean makes telling admission on Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds' involvement
James McClean has reflected on Wrexham's meteoric rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, backing the club to defy doubters with a historic promotion push in the Championship Wrexham skipper James McClean has lifted the lid on how involved co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney get in running the club. The Hollywood actors have transformed the Welsh side's fortunes since taking over more than four years ago. The Red Dragons have enjoyed three successive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson, taking them from the National League to the Championship. Former Republic of Ireland international McClean played a key role in their two most recent campaigns in League One and League Two. And the 36-year-old wing-back has praised Reynolds and McElhenney for resisting the temptation to interfere in playing matters. The pair are heavily involved in supporting the club in other ways, including boosting its profile through the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, providing players with advice and making savvy business deals to increase revenue. However, McClean believes that leaving key football decisions to Parkinson and his coaching staff has been a masterstroke by the two A-listers. He also spoke in glowing terms about his time at the club to date and how it has helped to prolong his career. "It's class and I've found a place where I'm appreciated," McClean told the Irish News. "People have got a lot of respect for me and when that's the case, obviously I'll go above and beyond to repay that. "It has given me a new lease to life, I'm enjoying my football and I feel like I can do this for a long time yet. Rob and Ryan are 100 per cent part of it, but they are very clever men. They are part of it to a certain extent. "They obviously don't get involved with team affairs, they leave that to the managers, but to have owners involved as they are in the right way, it's class. There are no words to describe the impact that they've had and the praise they deserve, because it's absolutely above and beyond." Wrexham are currently preparing to play in the Championship for the first time in 43 years. Parkinson has also brought in two new faces to help his side compete in the second tier, with Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie and Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward joining, and more expected to follow. While the manager is expected to be well-backed in the transfer market by Reynolds and McElhenney this summer, some pundits have already dismissed Wrexham's chances of pulling off an unprecedented fourth promotion in a row. But McClean was bullish when asked about the club's hopes of reaching the Premier League for the first time ever and warned people not to write them off. The ex-Sunderland and West Brom player said: "The rise of the club from where it was a few years ago to where it is now is great. We're on a roll at the minute, momentum is like a steam train, the buzz around the place is brilliant. "From our point of view, it's the same as every year. We'll go into the season with people telling us 'this can't be done' and 'that can't be done' and 'this is a step too far', but with Wrexham it's the old fairytale story and let's see how we get on." McClean added: "We we told two in a row would have been tough, three in a row would be impossible and four in a row is just non-existent and it won't happen. We've done the previous ones, so I wouldn't put it past us doing the unthinkable." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers ready to 'receive offer', Celtic finalising deal, ex-Hibs man taken on trial
The latest Scottish football transfer news on Friday morning involving Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and Ross County. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here are the latest transfer rumours surrounding Scottish football on Friday morning, including Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and more. Ross County capture ex-Sunderland man Ross County have confirmed the signing of former Sunderland defender Ben Crompton on a two-year-contract as boss Don Cowie continues to revamp his Staggies squad following their relegation to the Scottish Championship. The 21-year-defender was released by the Stadium of Light outfit at the end of last season having been unable to break into their first team squad, but featured regularly for Tamworth in the National League after joining them on loan in the second-half of last season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was particularly impressive in their FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur, where he came up against Timo Werner and Spurs captain Son Heung-min, with the fifth tier side taking them all the way to extra-time. 'We are really happy Ben has chosen to join us,' said Staggies boss Cowie. 'He had a really productive loan spell with Tamworth last season, and he offers a strong ability on the ball as well as an imposing physical presence.' Ex-Sunderland defender Ben Crompton has moved to Scotland. Liverpool 'make Robertson decision' Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is 'ready to allow' Scotland captain Andy Robertson to leave Anfield this summer as they edge closer to the megabucks signing of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The 31-year-old has interest from Atletico Madrid, with his place in the Reds starting XI now under serious threat amid the pending arrival of Hungarian international Kerkez. Should the Cherries defender arrive in the coming days, it will leave Liverpool with three left-backs on their books vying for one spot, with fellow full-back Kostas Tsimikas also said to be courting interest from Leeds United. However, according to a new report, Slot is 'prepared to cash in' on Robertson, with the ex-Dundee United man said to favour a move to La Liga rather than remain in the English Premier League. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson could leave Anfield this summer. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Celtic man in 'lowest moment' Forgotten Celtic forward Luis Palma admits being taken off at half-time during Honduras' 6-0 defeat to Canada is one of his lowest moments in football. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Celtic Park this summer having fallen down the pecking order at the club. He spent the second-half of last season on loan in the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, but will not return to Erythrolefki after they opted against taking up the option to make his deal permanent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite being out of favour at club level, he was handed a start for his international side as they faced Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Wednesday, but was hauled off at half-time with his side 3-0 down. "It's one of my lowest moments in my career,' said Palma in the aftermath of the defeat. We have to accept we are going through a very difficult time at the moment. But we all know that was nowhere near acceptable. Now we have to use this as a learning experience for the rest of the tournament. The whole team is devastated by this setback. Luis Palma has an uncertain future at Celtic. | AFP via Getty Images Dundee mull over deal for ex-Hibs man Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is mulling over a former Hibs and St Mirren midfielder Kyle Magennis after taking the 26-year-old on trial. The former Scotland Under-21 international is a free agent after being released by Kilmarnock last month following an injury-plagued couple of years at Rugby Park, but has been offered a chance to prove himself after being offered a trail with the Den's Park side, who returned to pre-season training this week. New boss Pressley, who replaced Tony Docherty earlier this month, will also run the rule over ex-Burnley academy player Tommy McDermott, who was released from Turf Moor last month. Both players have previously worked alongside technical manager David Longwell. Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the departures of Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Mo Sylla and Scott Fraser following the expiration of their contracts. Kyle Magennis is on trial at Dundee following his release from Kilmarnock. | SNS Group Rangers 'set for transfer offer' Rangers are set to receive a 'formal' offer for star striker Hamza Igamane this month, as interest in the Moroccan international heats up. The 22-year-old has interest from English Premier League sides Everton and West Ham United, though it has been reported that the Ibrox hierarchy would request a 'huge price' should any side want to make an offer for his services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, according to a new report, West Ham are now in a position to launch an official bid for the forward. 'West Ham are about make a formal move for Igamane,' ex-scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. They've had scouts up there watching him and he's one of the names on their radar. But I'm told they're not convinced he's ready to make the step up to the Premier League. He's looked impressive for Rangers at times, but he's playing in a side which finished 17 points short of Celtic, so it's a difficult one to judge.' Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is in demand this summer. | SNS Group Celtic 'edge closer' to finalising move Celtic look set to complete their second signing of the summer, after Fulham youngster Callum Osmand was spotted at their Lennoxtown training ground on Thursday, as per a report from the Herald. Brendan Rodgers has already completed the Bosman free transfer signing of former hero Kieran Tierney, and has had a bid of £1.7million accepted for Swedish international Benjamin Nygren by FC Nordsjælland, as he looks to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in the Champions League next season.
Scotsman
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers ready to 'receive offer', Celtic finalising deal, ex-Hibs man taken on trial
The latest Scottish football transfer news on Friday morning involving Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and Ross County. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here are the latest transfer rumours surrounding Scottish football on Friday morning, including Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and more. Ross County capture ex-Sunderland man Ross County have confirmed the signing of former Sunderland defender Ben Crompton on a two-year-contract as boss Don Cowie continues to revamp his Staggies squad following their relegation to the Scottish Championship. The 21-year-defender was released by the Stadium of Light outfit at the end of last season having been unable to break into their first team squad, but featured regularly for Tamworth in the National League after joining them on loan in the second-half of last season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was particularly impressive in their FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur, where he came up against Timo Werner and Spurs captain Son Heung-min, with the fifth tier side taking them all the way to extra-time. 'We are really happy Ben has chosen to join us,' said Staggies boss Cowie. 'He had a really productive loan spell with Tamworth last season, and he offers a strong ability on the ball as well as an imposing physical presence.' Ex-Sunderland defender Ben Crompton has moved to Scotland. Liverpool 'make Robertson decision' Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is 'ready to allow' Scotland captain Andy Robertson to leave Anfield this summer as they edge closer to the megabucks signing of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The 31-year-old has interest from Atletico Madrid, with his place in the Reds starting XI now under serious threat amid the pending arrival of Hungarian international Kerkez. Should the Cherries defender arrive in the coming days, it will leave Liverpool with three left-backs on their books vying for one spot, with fellow full-back Kostas Tsimikas also said to be courting interest from Leeds United. However, according to a new report, Slot is 'prepared to cash in' on Robertson, with the ex-Dundee United man said to favour a move to La Liga rather than remain in the English Premier League. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson could leave Anfield this summer. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Celtic man in 'lowest moment' Forgotten Celtic forward Luis Palma admits being taken off at half-time during Honduras' 6-0 defeat to Canada is one of his lowest moments in football. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Celtic Park this summer having fallen down the pecking order at the club. He spent the second-half of last season on loan in the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, but will not return to Erythrolefki after they opted against taking up the option to make his deal permanent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite being out of favour at club level, he was handed a start for his international side as they faced Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Wednesday, but was hauled off at half-time with his side 3-0 down. "It's one of my lowest moments in my career,' said Palma in the aftermath of the defeat. We have to accept we are going through a very difficult time at the moment. But we all know that was nowhere near acceptable. Now we have to use this as a learning experience for the rest of the tournament. The whole team is devastated by this setback. Luis Palma has an uncertain future at Celtic. | AFP via Getty Images Dundee mull over deal for ex-Hibs man Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is mulling over a former Hibs and St Mirren midfielder Kyle Magennis after taking the 26-year-old on trial. The former Scotland Under-21 international is a free agent after being released by Kilmarnock last month following an injury-plagued couple of years at Rugby Park, but has been offered a chance to prove himself after being offered a trail with the Den's Park side, who returned to pre-season training this week. New boss Pressley, who replaced Tony Docherty earlier this month, will also run the rule over ex-Burnley academy player Tommy McDermott, who was released from Turf Moor last month. Both players have previously worked alongside technical manager David Longwell. Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the departures of Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Mo Sylla and Scott Fraser following the expiration of their contracts. Kyle Magennis is on trial at Dundee following his release from Kilmarnock. | SNS Group Rangers 'set for transfer offer' Rangers are set to receive a 'formal' offer for star striker Hamza Igamane this month, as interest in the Moroccan international heats up. The 22-year-old has interest from English Premier League sides Everton and West Ham United, though it has been reported that the Ibrox hierarchy would request a 'huge price' should any side want to make an offer for his services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, according to a new report, West Ham are now in a position to launch an official bid for the forward. 'West Ham are about make a formal move for Igamane,' ex-scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. They've had scouts up there watching him and he's one of the names on their radar. But I'm told they're not convinced he's ready to make the step up to the Premier League. He's looked impressive for Rangers at times, but he's playing in a side which finished 17 points short of Celtic, so it's a difficult one to judge.' Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is in demand this summer. | SNS Group Celtic 'edge closer' to finalising move Celtic look set to complete their second signing of the summer, after Fulham youngster Callum Osmand was spotted at their Lennoxtown training ground on Thursday, as per a report from the Herald. Brendan Rodgers has already completed the Bosman free transfer signing of former hero Kieran Tierney, and has had a bid of £1.7million accepted for Swedish international Benjamin Nygren by FC Nordsjælland, as he looks to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in the Champions League next season.
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rumoured Love Island bombshell caught drink-driving three times over limit
Gabriella had tried to navigate her Audi through the scene of a crash which was being blocked off by police while she was more than three times the legal drink drive limit Rumoured Love Island bombshell Gabriella Bardsley has admitted drink-driving after she was caught more than three times over the limit. The 23-year-old daughter of ex-Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley, was pulled over in her Audi A3 last month. Bardsley, who was tipped to appear on the latest instalment of hit reality TV show Love Island, had tried to drive through a police blockade at the scene of a crash in Wilmslow, Cheshire, a court heard. When officers approached her car she was visibly intoxicated, 'slurring her words' and 'struggling' to stand on her feet, Charlie Hayward, prosecuting, told South Cheshire Magistrates' Court. After refusing a road-side breath test, Bardsley was taken to a nearby police station and found to have 122 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - more than three times over the legal limit of 35mcg per 100ml. Wearing a black jacket and white pants, she pleaded guilty to one charge drink-driving Her lawyer Gary Hughes told the court that until now she was of 'good character'. He asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by a female probation officer due to 'matters that are sensitive to the defendant'. 'These are issues that can be ventilated at sentencing,' he said, adding that he hoped the author of the report would have a community order at the 'forefront of their mind' when recommending a sentence. Magistrates adjourned the case until Bardsley's sentencing on July 14. But the glamorous brunette sobbed and had to be comforted by her dad as she was slapped with an interim driving ban. The former footballer also tangled with a waiting journalist as he walked with his daughter from the building. Bardsley could face an unlimited fine and/or disqualification from driving following her guilty plea. The influencer was rumoured to be a new Love Island contestant with bosses keen to introduce her as a bombshell on the series which started this week. Her mum Tanya Bardsley revealed in April that her daughter had turned down the show multiple times in the past. 'Gabriella's already said no to Love Island and we do need to get her a boyfriend. Gabriella just lives in fairy land anyway. So it's just another nice thing, you know, a little fairy land', Tanya told Closer Magazine. But her brush with the law may spark the end of the road for her Love Island hopes, after bosses axed fellow hopeful Kyle Ashman following his arrest on suspicion of a machete attack in February.
