John McHale

I think Botman will recapture beast mode.

I’ve captained him in fantasy football so he’s unlikely to do much of anything. But Gakpo will probably score.

La Storia del Milan è in lacrime per la scomparsa di Franco Baresi. Il suo esempio e la sua profondità saranno, per sempre come la sua maglia numero 6, parte integrante e fondamentale del DNA e del cammino di tutto il Club. Le condoglianze che AC Milan porge alla famiglia tutta di Franco Baresi sono le stesse che ogni tifoso rossonero fa a sé stesso in un'ora così dura. The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi's family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.

🤍 🕊️ A statement on behalf of Kevin Keegan’s family: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. “Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. “This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.” #NUFC

With Anthony Gordon departing #NUFC, the club have a BIG job on their hands to replace him effectively. According to many reliable reports, Abde Ezzalzouli is the no.1 target. From underlying data to surprising statistics, here's why he'd be a brilliant signing. a thread 🧵

A lot to unpack. Firstly, he's under contract, one he willingly signed. Secondly, and I've experienced this as have a million players, he's alluding to ( on signing that contract) the old "do well and if someone offers £80m for you we'll let you go. Answer to this of course is a buy out clause that both parties agreed to. Thirdly, he's doing something every modern ( and I hate it) player does. Down tools, don't take the very old school route of transfer request if he wants out which he won't do as it means giving up a large chunk of bonus/loyalty/salary. In short, modern players want to leave, be paid on leaving and on signing for a new club. Cake meets eating it. If Newcastle said to him and his agent a year ago " we'll let him go if he has a great season " but it wasn't written down, tough on Isak. If the player wants to leave but doesn't want to go on the transfer list, then that's the player wanting that cake and eating it. If he's desperate to leave, put in a request, that alerts every club on earth of his availability ( if Newcastle accept it, and that should because no club wants a player who doesn't want to stay publicly/officially) he forfeits some cash but he's outta there pronto. Newcastle can play hardball and make him fulfill his contractual obligations but they'll lose money month on month plus they'll need a replacement who does want to play for Newcastle. I'd sack the agent if I'd received the advice he has, because his contract didn't have a " if you do well you can go at £xxxx", he's basically been on strike for a couple of weeks ( what's the agent doing to get him and club to agree an exit strategy???), an agent several weeks in should advise pulling the transfer list rip cord ( " you're going to lose some dough but your next club will make it up ") etc etc. And any public statement can be used in any tribunal against the ayer do advise him to keep it shut. Piss poor agent work, naive player, "possible" renaging ( pure speculation at this point) on handshake by club, a football transfer room 101 in how not to handle a febrile situation.