Premier league

The players have needed to be reassured over their safety and they have been won over. The back-to-play protocols have been robust and José Mourinho said he and his Tottenham squad could not “ask for more than the authorities are giving us, which is maximum security”. One executive at a major club told his players there were 71 Covid-19 deaths in March and April for men aged 15-34 and 81% of those had underlying health conditions. So, at the peak of the pandemic, according to his statistics, there were 13 deaths among men of equivalent age and health to a footballer. … [Read more...] about Premier League emerges from lockdown changed but bringing hope

With the sale’s completion seemingly stuck Ashley, who has exchanged contracts and collected a £17m non-refundable deposit, will demand clarification from the Premier League this week. Numerous jobs in his high-street chains could hinge on the answer but it appears he did not bargain for being drawn into the ongoing proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. … [Read more...] about Premier League returns but at Newcastle everything has stopped

What needs to be done to have a successful end to the season? The takeover to be resolved and the current state of uncertainty-suffused limbo to end. To virtually banish lingering relegation fears by beating Sheffield United at St James’ Park in their first game back and then proceed to overcome Aston Villa, also at home, before facing Manchester City, again on Tyneside, in an eagerly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final. For backroom staff – including members of the scouting department – to be removed from furlough and season-ticket holders refunded. To persuade Matty Longstaff to agree a new deal. For the £40m centre forward Joelinton to finally locate his shooting boots – maybe, just maybe, the Brazilian might prosper when deployed to the left of a fit Carroll. And, above all, pray Dubravka remains fit to help Bruce lead Newcastle to a first major trophy since the Fairs Cup in 1969. … [Read more...] about Premier League restart preview No 13: Newcastle United

Reports suggested the Blues were willing to double Henderson's money to bring him to Stamford Bridge but now could be forced to pay far more to convince the highly-rated stopper to move south. … [Read more...] about Man Utd offer Dean Henderson £60k a week in FIVE-fold wage increase to fend off Chelsea transfer interest

His entourage feel the Blues did not try hard enough to stop him joining rivals Arsenal, only offering him a two-year extension when he demanded a further three years. … [Read more...] about Lampard insists Chelsea ‘have done everything’ they can to keep Willian as Arsenal transfer looms closer for Brazilian