Liverpool learn why Virgil van Dijk's goal at Man City was disallowed as PGMOL chief Howard Webb defends decision

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Liverpool have got their explanation as to why Virgil van Dijk's goal against Manchester City was disallowed, with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb confirming the VAR decision was correct. The club had formally lodged a complaint to PGMOL after the Dutch defender's goal was chalked off during their 3-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola's men.

  • Controversial offside call at Etihad Stadium

    With City leading 1-0, Van Dijk’s thumping header appeared to have levelled the score, but referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal for offside after the assistant's flag went up. It was a ruling which was confirmed moments later by VAR Michael Oliver. The decision hinged on whether Andy Robertson, who was standing near the six-yard box, had obstructed Gianluigi Donnarumma’s ability to react. While Robertson never touched the ball, the officials deemed his movement to duck under Van Dijk’s header as an "obvious action" that interfered with play. According to Law 11, an offside player can only be punished if their action "prevents an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball" by either blocking vision or directly impacting the opponent’s ability to make a move. Liverpool believe neither of these conditions applied.

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    What did Webb say?

    While speaking on the show, Webb acknowledged the controversy but remained adamant that the decision was not unreasonable given the evidence.

    "Interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and the officials have to make a judgment whether the actions of that player impact an opponent, are some of the most subjective decisions that we have to make," said Webb.

    "Therefore, it's no surprise that some people believe this goal should have stood, so I think it's important that we look at the facts of what actually happened in this situation. We know the corner comes in and the ball reaches Van Dijk. As the ball's coming across the penalty area, the Manchester City players move out, they leave Robertson in that offside position in the heart of the six-yard box.

    "When Van Dijk heads the ball forward, that's the moment when we have to make an offside judgment about Robertson and about what he's doing there. We know he doesn't touch the ball but what does he do? Well, as the ball moves towards him, three yards out from goal, right in the middle of the six-yard box, he makes that clear action to duck below the ball. The ball goes just over his head, and the ball finds the goal in the half of the six-yard box where he is. Then, the officials have to make a judgment – did that clear action impact on Donnarumma, the goalkeeper, and his ability to save the ball? And that's where the subjectivity comes into play.

    "Obviously that's the conclusion they drew on that. They looked at that position, they looked at that action, so close to the goalkeeper, and they formed that opinion. I know that's not a view held by everybody, but I think it's not unreasonable to understand why they would form that conclusion. The player is so close to the goalkeeper, the ball's coming right towards him and he has to duck to get out of the way of the ball – and they form the conclusion that that impacts Donnarumma's ability just to dive towards the ball and make that save. And then, of course, once they've made that on-field decision, the job of the VAR is to look at that and decide, was the outcome of offside clearly and obviously wrong?

    "Only Donnarumma truly knows if he was impacted by this and, of course, we have to look at the factual evidence, and when we see that factual evidence of that position of the player ducking below the ball, so close to the goalkeeper, the VAR determines that the outcome of offside is not clearly and obviously wrong, and they stay out of it."

  • Line of vision and beyond

    Webb claimed that VAR officials must weigh several other factors, other than the line of vision, before intervening. 

    He said: "You do hear the assistant [on the VAR audio], in this case, talk about line of vision. I agree with you, the line of vision normally would relate to the view being blocked of the ball. On that one, he does see the ball all the way, but the assistant also talks about other things, ducking below the ball, being close to the goalkeeper.

    "Those in themselves can be enough to penalise a player for offside, [by] interfering with an opponent. Even if the keeper can see the ball coming all the way along, he's still in front of the goalkeeper, he still makes that ducking action that could still cause hesitation from the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers work on reactions that make it possible to pull out some incredible saves and that's the judgment formed on the field. So, [apart from] the line of vision, there's other aspects that can also say that this is an offside offence, and that's why the VAR left it alone."

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    Slot draws comparison to City's own controversy

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot referenced a strikingly similar situation from last season, when Bernardo Silva appeared offside in the build-up to a Manchester City goal against Wolves; a strike that was ultimately allowed to stand after a VAR review. Webb, however, argued that the two incidents were "fundamentally different."

    "I think there's a clear difference here in that the ball goes directly over the goalkeeper Jose Sa's head," Webb explained. "It doesn't go over Bernardo Silva. Bernardo Silva is an offside position when John Stones heads the ball forward. Importantly, he moved to the left, away from the flight of the ball, and the ball goes straight over Sa, it doesn't go over the head of Bernardo Silva in the way that it went over the head of Robertson, who ducked below it.

    "So, I think it's difficult here to see this and think in any way that Jose Sa is impacted by an action of Bernardo Silva. If the ball had gone over Bernardo Silva's head, maybe causing Jose Sa to hesitate in case it hits Bernardo Silva, then we'd come out with the same outcome of check complete on the on-field decision of disallowed goal."

    While Liverpool’s frustration simmered, City made the most of their good fortune. With momentum on their side, Guardiola’s men tightened their grip after the interval, with Jeremy Doku scoring the third to see out the match and maintain their unbeaten record at the Etihad. They climbed to the second spot after the victory, cutting down the gap at the summit with Arsenal to just four points.

'I feel for him' – AC Milan's Christian Pulisic shows support for Gio Reyna amid his USMNT return

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Christian Pulisic has voiced strong support for USMNT teammate Gio Reyna, acknowledging the challenges the young midfielder has faced while expressing confidence in his future. Speaking ahead of the November international window, the AC Milan star offered insight into their relationship and Reyna’s potential impact on the national team.

Getty Images Sport'He’s a really, really good player'

During his comments, Pulisic acknowledged that while he and Reyna don't maintain frequent communication, they have developed a positive professional relationship through their time with the national team. The Milan forward expressed empathy for Reyna's situation, noting that the 23-year-old has endured significant challenges, particularly with injuries that have disrupted his development at both club and international levels.

“Yeah, I mean, we don’t talk a bunch,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo. “But we’ve had a good relationship, and I think he has had a really tough time, and kind of unfairly in a lot of ways. I feel for him, it’s not difficult what we go through. Some of the injuries he’s dealt with are really hard. And with the national now, also seeing him on the roster, I think it’s really exciting for him.

“I will say, when I have him on the field with me on the national team, I always feel a lot more relaxed. I feel like he’s a really, really good player, and I think that’s not a crazy take. I think a lot of people see that.”

Advertisement'Stay patient'

Pulisic argued that Reyna has faced a run of bad luck and unusually high expectations since his early breakthrough, saying the player’s recent troubles have not been solely of his making. He urged patience while Reyna finds form and rhythm again.

“I just tell him to stay patient,” Pulisic said. “I mean, he’s a guy that’s gone through a bit of a tough time, he’ll admit that, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t have really good things ahead. And people put pressure, and I get that too, because he had such a crazy start to his career where he was doing unbelievable things at 17 years old, and then you expect the same thing.

“Then all of a sudden, you go to the national team and people are like, ‘You need to be that guy. You need to perform for us right away.' And it’s like it’s not that easy, there are a lot of factors and things that he has to work out. And I do think it's been unfair, but I think he’s going to come around, and people are going to see that soon.”

A slow start to the season

After joining Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, Reyna has struggled to secure consistent playing time, making just six Bundesliga appearances while continuing to battle fitness issues. 

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Getty Images SportNovember friendlies await.

Reyna has been picked as a part of the November international break for the USMNT and could earn his first cap since March 2025 when the team gets back to action this Saturday against Paraguay. 

Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen takes charge of Australia Under-19s

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen will take over as Australia’s Under-19s coach ahead of the upcoming series against India Under-19s with the World Cup on the horizon but Australia’s squad won’t feature star batter Oliver Peake as he will be touring with the Australia A team.Cricket Australia announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming home series against India Under-19s in Brisbane and Mackay starting next month, which will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day games. The three Youth ODIs will be played on September 21, 24 and 26 at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane. The first Youth Test will be held at the same venue starting on September 30 while the second will played in Mackay from October 7.Nielsen, 57, coached Australia’s men’s team between 2007 and 2011, having been a long-time assistant to former Australia coach John Buchanan before that, as well as being head coach of CA’s Centre of Excellence, a position that no longer exists.Related

  • Mhatre to lead India U-19 in multi-format tour of Australia

  • Konstas, Peake, McSweeney named in Australia A squad for India tour

  • Weatherald 'ready' for Test cricket, excitement around teen-prodigy Peake

Following his stint with Australia’s men, Nielsen was South Australia and Adelaide Striker’s long-time high performance manager before resigning in February 2024. He took up a brief post as Pakistan’s high-performance red-ball coach alongside close friend and long-time colleague Jason Gillespie when the latter was Pakistan’s Test coach in 2024.Nielsen returns to a development role at CA after Lachlan Stevens resigned as CA’s development coach earlier this year and his first duty will be to lead an Under-19s squad in their last bilateral series before the Under-19s World Cup in January in Zimbabwe and Namibia.Australia’s 15-player squad looks very different to the one CA sent to India in September and October last year, where they were beaten soundly 2-0 in the Youth Test series and 3-0 in the Youth ODI series. Only four players, Simon Budge, Steve Hogan, Hayden Schiller and Alex Lee Young, remain from that tour where India batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi announced himself with a 58-ball century in the first Youth Test.Oliver Peake made an impressive 52 on first-class debut aged 18•Getty Images

Suryavanshi has been named in India’s Under-19 squad to tour Australia. But Peake, who made a century in the second youth Test in India last year, has been selected on Australia A’s tour of India that will occur at the same time, following an impressive first-class debut for Victoria in March and scoring 92 for Australia A against Sri Lanka A last month. Peake, 18, is still eligible to play in the Under-19s World Cup next year but it remains to be seen whether he will given he is contracted to Melbourne Renegades in the BBL and a key part of Victoria’s plans for the upcoming Sheffield Shield season.”We’re excited to continue our preparation for the ongoing ICC U19 World cup cycle, with an exciting squad of emerging players,”CA’s Head of National Development Sonya Thompson said.”This series against India provides a valuable opportunity for our young players to experience international cricket in white-ball and red-ball formats, and to test themselves against a high-quality opponent.”The multi-format tour is designed to challenge players to adapt and grow, while also giving selectors and coaches meaningful insights ahead of the National U19 Championships in December.”We’re also thrilled to welcome Tim Nielsen as Head Coach of the National U19 squad. His extensive international experience and leadership will be instrumental in guiding and inspiring Australia’s next generation of cricketers.Australia Under-19 squad: Simon Budge, Alex Turner, Steve Hogan, Will Malajczuk, Yash Deshmukh, Tom Hogan, Aryan Sharma, John James, Hayden Schiller, Charles Lachmund, Ben Gordon, Will Byrom, Kasey Barton, Alex Lee Young, Jayden Draper

Afghanistan bring in Ghazanfar to strengthen spin department for Asia Cup

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran and allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf have also been included

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2025

AM Ghazanfar is yet to make his T20I debut•ACB

Rashid Khan will lead a strong-looking Afghanistan side at the upcoming men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, with Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi completing a formidable spin-bowling attack along with their captain.Afghanistan, the second-best side from Asia at the last men’s T20 World Cup behind champions India, have not played a single T20I since the start of 2025 and no international cricket since the Champions Trophy in February. They have, in fact, played just three T20Is in the last 12 months, against Zimbabwe in Harare in December 2024, in a series they won 2-1. They will play a triangular T20I series in Sharjah against hosts UAE and Pakistan from Friday ahead of the Asia Cup.From the squad that made the Zimbabwe tour, top-order dasher Hazratullah Zazai and batting allrounder Zubaid Akbari have been dropped, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been moved to the reserves. Coming in are top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and Ghazanfar, the mystery spinner who hasn’t made his T20I debut in his short career so far.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Ghazanfar has so far played 42 T20s since his debut in the format in April 2023. His ODI career – now 11 matches old – has been quite spectacular, though. At just 19, he has two five-wicket hauls already – the 6 for 26 against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November last year his best – and has been doing the rounds of the franchise T20 circuit, including at the IPL, the CPL, and the ILT20. He couldn’t make his IPL debut earlier this year though, as he picked up a back injury late last year on the tour of Zimbabwe, after being picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 4.80 crore (US$ 570,000 approx at the time).Related

Pakistan, Afghanistan, UAE to play T20I tri-series in Sharjah

How a break from cricket helped Rashid rediscover his best

He joins Rashid, who had a poor IPL 2025 but was in stellar form for Oval Invincibles at the Hundred before cutting his stint short for national duty, and Nabi, who recently played the Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament), which ended on July 31 with Nabi’s team, Mis Ainak Knights, losing in the final to Amo Sharks, who had among the Asia Cup squad Mohammad Ishaq, Ashraf, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi in their ranks.Noor, Chennai Super Kings’ star bowler at IPL 2025 and currently in action for Manchester Originals at the Hundred, Mujeeb, who is part of Barbados Royals at the CPL but not always a part of the starting XI, round off Afghanistan’s strongest department.The fast-bowling attack, meanwhile, is headlined by Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, with Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib the fast-bowling allrounders.Ibrahim’s return gives the batting a strong look too, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal the other major top-order options. Darwish Rasooli and batting allrounder Karim Janat are the other top-order contenders.At the Asia Cup, Afghanistan are with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka in Group B, while India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE are in Group A. Afghanistan’s campaign begins against Hong Kong in the opening match of the tournament, in Abu Dhabi on September 9.Afghanistan squad for men’s T20 Asia CupRashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Reserve players: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai

Perfect for Bruno: Man Utd preparing club-record bid for "world-class" star

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United supporters have for so long been used to countless levels of success and trophies – often having the bragging rights over the supporters of their rivals.

However, over recent years, the Red Devils faithful have often been disappointed, with only a handful of FA Cups and Carabao Cups to show for their efforts.

The club have also gone an unthinkable 12 years without a Premier League triumph, with no manager able to win the title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try his luck at Old Trafford, with the hierarchy already handing the 40-year-old over £200m worth of additions since his arrival 12 months ago.

However, despite his spending spree in the summer transfer window, he could be about to be handed another significant backing from the board to aid his quest for success in the role.

United’s hunt for a new midfielder in the January window

The recent additions may have massively improved the options in the final third, but neglected the central midfield department, which desperately needs addressing in the winter.

Jobe Bellingham has been one name mentioned with a potential move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, after failing to nail down his side in Borussia Dortmund’s starting eleven.

The 20-year-old has started just two Bundesliga games in 2025/26, which could see the Englishman being tempted to return to his homeland to reignite his once-promising career.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson another midfielder the Red Devils hierarchy are targeting.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s side are currently preparing a bid in the region of £100m for the England international – a deal that would be a club-record, surpassing the fee paid for Paul Pogba.

The report also states that the hierarchy have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old in recent months and are preparing a move before his value soars further amid his recent international success.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has for so long been a shining light within the United ranks, but he’s had to take on a new responsibility within the first-team side in recent weeks.

As a result of the big-money additions in the final third, he’s had to drop into a slightly deeper number eight role – a position which is a slightly unfamiliar one to him.

Given his previous attacking midfield role, the 31-year-old still likes to get forward and impress – as seen by his tally of four chances created against Forest – the most of any player on the pitch.

However, if Bruno is to continue to do so during Amorim’s spell, he desperately needs a deep-lying option alongside him to regain possession and allow him to reach the heights he achieved last season.

Casemiro has recently partnered the Portuguese international, but at 33, he’s coming to the back end of his career – with a long-term replacement needed in January.

Anderson could provide Amorim with just that, with the 23-year-old having the talents to be an immediate fan-favourite whilst having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.

He’s developed into an elite-level number six in 2025/26, with the Englishman ranking at the top of 13 different categories for all midfielders in the Premier League this season.

Numbers such as 2.6 tackles won and 7.7 duels won per 90 showcase his ball-winning capabilities, which have led to one commentator labelling him as “world-class.”

Such numbers would allow Bruno to operate in his slightly more advanced role, taking the defensive responsibility away from him and reach his peak levels – as seen in 2024/25.

Elliot Anderson – PL stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

87%

Progressive passes

8.9

Passes into final third

8.8

Take-ons completed

2.5

Ball recoveries

8.5

Tackles made

2.6

Duels won

7.7

Stats via FBref

Anderson has also thrived with the ball at his feet, subsequently registering 8.9 progressive passes and 8.8 passes into the final third per 90 – figures which would hand Bruno the ammunition he needs to create chances in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as 2.5 take-ons attempted and 8.5 ball recoveries made, further highlight his phenomenal all-round quality – with the younger certainly one of the country’s hottest properties.

A deal for his signature would certainly cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, but it would allow the club to land the deep-lying option they have been craving for many months.

The prospect of Anderson partnering with Bruno at the heart of the side is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with such a duo potentially leading Amorim to new heights during his tenure at Old Trafford.

Not Bruno or Mbeumo: Man Utd star is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have already unearthed a new world-class under Ruben Amorim.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 7, 2025

حكم مباراة الزمالك وزيسكو يونايتد في الكونفدرالية

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

أخطر الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، مسؤولي نادي الزمالك باختيار طاقم تحكيم من جيبوتي لإدارة مباراة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم أمام زيسكو يونايتد الزامبي في الجولة الأولى لمباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة زيسكو في الجولة الأولى لمباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، في التاسعة مساء يوم الأحد الموافق 23 نوفمبر الجاري على ستاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع.. خاص | فيريرا يتوعد بتقديم شكوى ضد الزمالك في فيفا

ويتواجد الزمالك على رأس المجموعة الرابعة ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، والتي تضم معه أندية المصري، وكايزر تشيفز الجنوب أفريقي وزيسكو يونايتد الزامبي طاقم حكام مباراة الزمالك وزيسكو 

ويتكون طاقم التحكيم من:

محمد ديراني حكم ساحة 

ليبان عبد الرازق أحمد: مساعد أول 

ورشيد وايس بوراله مساعد ثاني

ومحمود ناصر حسين حكم رابع

واختار “كاف” الليبي عمر جمعة عبد السيد مراقبًا عامًا على المباراة.

Cardinals' Nolan Arenado Would Approve a Trade to These Six Teams

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

As the St. Louis Cardinals explore the trade market surrounding eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado, the veteran third baseman has given the club some assistance in the form of a list of teams he'd be willing to approve a trade to.

Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause in his contract, reportedly would approve a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets or Boston Red Sox, a source told John Denton of MLB.com.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Arenado's agent Joel Wolfe said that the star third baseman doesn't have a geographical preference of where he'd like to play, but that the 33-year-old, who has never won a World Series, is clearly prioritizing a contending team as his next destination.

"A team that he thinks is going to win now and consistently for the remainder of his career," Wolfe told a throng of reporters. "… He wants a team that has the throttle down — not saying that the Cardinals don't — but one where he can jump right in and they're going to win right now. … He's good.

"Nolan's a unique individual, so it's hard to describe his headspace at any one moment, but he's good."

St. Louis, which has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, has expressed a desire to get younger, and the club's president of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged that a trade of Arenado, who is due to be paid $74 million over the next three seasons, would be a "big help" financially.

Arenado is a 10-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, and remains an elite defender but has experienced a downturn in production at the plate, posting a .746 OPS across 296 games between 2023 and 2024, the worst mark in any two-year stretch in his decorated career. The Newport Beach, Ca. native is reportedly open to playing first base, at least on a part-time level, to help facilitate a trade to a contender.

It's not clear if Arenado's wish list includes just these six teams, or if there are any others he would be willing to play for. When asked about the number of teams his client would approve a trade to, Wolfe said, it's "bigger than you might think."

It would not be a surprise to see Arenado dealt at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, Tx., which began on December 9 and will span four days.

Reds Finalizing Deal to Acquire Gavin Lux in Trade With Dodgers

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving on from former top prospect Gavin Lux, having reportedly agreed to send the second baseman to the Cincinnati Reds, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

In exchange for Lux, the Dodgers will reportedly receive a Competitive Balance Round A pick, as well as outfield prospect Mike Sirota.

Lux, 27, has played his entire MLB career with the Dodgers. He debuted in 2019, when he was a highly touted infielder. In 2024, he featured in 139 games and recorded a 2.1 WAR while logging 10 home runs, 50 RBI and a .703 OPS.

The middle infield in L.A. was crowded with Mookie Betts poised to move to shortstop for the upcoming season. In addition to Betts, the Dodgers also have Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas and the recently-signed Hye-Seong Kim capable of handling middle infield duties.

Lux figures to find some opportunities to slot in at second base for the Reds, who parted ways with Jonathan India this offseason through a trade with the Kansas City Royals.

Sirota, who was rated as the Reds’ No. 14 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was a former 16th round pick by the Dodgers in the 2021 MLB draft, but he opted to attend college at Northeastern rather than sign with the team. In 2024, the grand nephew of Yankees legend Whitey Ford re-entered the draft, at which point he was selected by the Reds in the third round. Now, the speedy outfielder is back with the team that originally drafted him a few years ago.

How Middlesbrough feel about Raphael Wicky as Swiss manager holds Riverside talks

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Still searching for their next manager, Middlesbrough are now reportedly serious about hiring Swiss manager Raphael Wicky, who has emerged as an early candidate to take the job.

Unlike other managerial vacancies in the Championship, coaches would be walking into a fairly healthy environment at Middlesbrough. The Teesside club currently sit second in England’s second tier and five points behind leaders Coventry City. As things stand, they will be earning promotion to the Premier League come May.

A lot can still change, however, and Boro must get their next manager right whilst they are in such a positive position. Just who that next manager is remains the question. Steven Gerrard, Tony Mowbray and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink have all been mentioned as early candidates, with Gerrard the most interesting option of the three.

The former Rangers boss recently rejected the chance to return to Ibrox, but is keen to make a return to the dugout for the right job. With Boro on course to fight for automatic promotion in the Championship, it’s tough to pick out a reason why most managers of Gerrard’s calibre wouldn’t want to walk straight into the job before the end of the international break.

Replacing Rob Edwards, who chose to leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers, will be no easy task for any potential candidate. As much as he has ruined his reputation with those in Teesside, the former Luton Town boss certainly steered the club in the right direction and attempted to explain his decision in a recent statement.

Boro fans are unlikely to forgive or forget any time soon, however, and must instead hope that the club’s next appointment continues their push for automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough get serious about appointing Raphael Wicky

As reported by Sports Boom, Middlesbrough are now serious about appointing Wicky after he impressed Riverside chiefs with an unofficial presentation. The Swiss manager is currently a free agent and will be easier to convince as a result, but that’s not to say the 48-year-old isn’t an impressive candidate.

During his time in Switzerland, Wicky won the league and cup double with BSC Young Boys and his 4-4-2 diamond system proved to be incredibly successful. If Middlesbrough fail to hire the likes of Gerrard, then the former Young Boys manager is someone who’d offer them similar experience and success.

Middlesbrough keen on Championship title-winning manager alongside Gerrard

Steve Gibson’s search for a new permanent Boro boss is underway.

1 ByCharlie Smith Nov 13, 2025

The manager’s style also includes an exciting high press, which could yet help Boro bridge the gap on an exciting Coventry side at the top of the Championship.

The fact is, although they run the risk of getting their next appointment wrong, Riverside chiefs could also take their side up another level entirely if they get things right.

As things stand, the battle seems to be between Gerrard and Wicky for the job. With both holding similar reputations though, it remains to be seen which direction Middlesbrough head towards.

Middlesbrough make "impressive" manager top target to replace Edwards

Southampton manager timeline confirmed as Gary O'Neil emerges as "strong contender"

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Gary O’Neil is a “strong contender” for the current managerial vacancy at Southampton with a recent update sharing the latest timeline on getting a new boss through the door.

After becoming the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with as many as seven games remaining last season, Southampton hoped for a swift return to the top flight. In the summer, Will Still, who carved out a reputation for himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, moved to St Mary’s.

Despite an influx of summer signings, Still struggled to make things click with the Saints, winning just two out of 13 Championship games. Following three successive defeats, Still was dismissed from his position, with under-21s coach Tonda Eckert taking interim charge of the club.

Eckert, who guided Southampton to a 2-1 win away at Queens Park Rangers, will remain in charge of the team until Southampton make a permanent appointment. Now, it would appear that the Saints could be closing in on Still’s replacement.

O'Neil to take over at Southampton?

According to Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, O’Neil is very much in contention for the Southampton job, with “admirers at St Mary’s after his work at Bournemouth and Wolves”.

O’Neil received his first experience of senior management with Bournemouth, succeeding Scott Parker and keeping the Cherries in the top flight before being replaced by Andoni Iraola.

O’Neil’s next job was with Wolves, after the 42-year-old replaced Julen Lopetegui as the 2023/24 season began. Though he guided the club to a comfortable mid-table finish, the Englishman struggled for form in the opening chunk of the following campaign, which led to his sacking.

Wolves, who themselves are seeking a new manager following Vitor Pereira’s dismissal, were linked with bringing O’Neil back to the club, only for the manager to pull himself out of the running.

O’Neil, who shares the same agent as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, tends to favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, which he found success with during his early days at Wolves. Such a set-up, in theory, would work well with Southampton and their current crop of players.

McGrath also reported that it is “still early in the process for Southampton” and their search for a new manager. Given his status as a free agent, O’Neil would be available immediately, which may further bolster his chances of getting the job.

Whoever takes over at Southampton will be expected to take the club towards the play-offs. Whether that person ends up being O’Neil, ultimately, remains to be seen.

Southampton keen on veteran manager to replace Still