
Republic of Ireland boss Ward 'turned down WSL job'
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward has revealed she turned down an offer to manage a Women's Super League club "a few weeks ago" and has reiterated her full commitment to her present role.Ward succeeded Eileen Gleeson as Republic manager in January and has been at the helm for four Nations League matches to date, three wins and a heavy 4-0 defeat by Slovenia.The primary focus for the 41-year-old however is qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, which begins in February.Ward formerly managed Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa in her native country, but stepped down as Villa boss a year ago."I'll tell you one thing. I was offered a WSL job a few weeks ago and I turned it down because I am loving what I am doing," said Ward after naming her squad for the forthcoming Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia."Listen, I really wanted the Ireland job. I turned down two other countries that offered me the job whilst I was in the interview process for Ireland because I wholeheartedly wanted to manage this country. So when I say I am in, I am in."I am talking long term to the board, not just around the next two games, but how we develop the League of Ireland - we've spoken a lot about that - so there is a bigger picture here. I have loved being here. There have been some challenges of course, but I love being here. I am proud to represent this country."
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Kleberson on the club legend Man United need to embody to turn their fortunes around
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Trent Alexander-Arnold's big day in Madrid
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'Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother's house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt,' he trousered. The English pyramid is 'under strain' in a climate of tension between commercial imperatives and the needs of fans, according to a new Deloitte report. England boss Thomas Tuchel has continued his smooth start, now ingratiating himself with Jude Bellingham. 'If he smiles, he wins everyone but sometimes you see the rage, the hunger and the fire and it comes out in a way that can be a bit repulsive,' tooted Tuchel. 'For example, for my mother when she sits in front of the TV. I see that. But in general, we are very happy to have him.' Sheffield United are considering whether to bin off Chris Wilder. And Tom Cleverley – or TC23 for you old-school brand heads – is about to be back in the game, this time at Plymouth Argyle. Spain's Esther González is one of the world's best strikers and she talks to Megan Swanick for the latest edition of our sister email. Sky Sports News's golden age is very much at an end. John Brewin tunes in and explains why. You can keep up with all the latest transfer moves across the summer with our men's and women's interactives. And the Rumour Mill sifts through all the t1ttle-tattle to produce this. A tidy bit of goalmouth action as Marcus Stewart (left) scores for Huddersfield Town to make it 2-2 in their FA Cup fifth-round draw with Derby County at the McAlpine Stadium in February 1999. 'We will win the replay,' declared Terriers boss Peter Jackson. They would lose it 3-1. Remarkably for old-time emails such as ourselves, it's now more than 30 years since Huddersfield moved to the ground from Leeds Road.


North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Back-to-back matches to be introduced in revamped Women's Six Nations
The 'Super Saturday' style format has been introduced to 'deliver the best possible fan experience' and 'optimise the audience of fans tuning in around the world'. Reigning champions England will launch their title defence on Saturday, April 11 against Ireland at Allianz Stadium Twickenham. 🗓️ Dates for your diary 🤩 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations fixtures 🏆#GuinnessW6N — Guinness Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) June 12, 2025 Perennial runners-up France will host Italy in the opening match earlier that day before Scotland travel to Wales in the third game. Competition will conclude with a 'Super Sunday' on May 17, with England scheduled to visit France for a potential title decider in the final fixture. The Red Roses, who have won seven Six Nations titles in a row and are preparing for this year's home World Cup, will take on Scotland in round two on April 18 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. John Mitchell's side will then host Wales a week later before travelling to Italy in round four on May 9. The final standings in the 2025 #GuinnessW6N 🏆 — Guinness Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 27, 2025 The tournament will begin four weeks after the final weekend of the men's championship, having previously started a week later. 'The new approach to the schedule has been built to deliver the best possible fan experience for those attending fixtures, and through collaboration between unions and broadcasters to meet and optimise the audience of fans tuning in around the world,' read a statement from organisers. 'Following Rugby World Cup 2025 in England later this year, and with interest for the women's game anticipated to be at an all-time high, the opportunity in front of women's rugby is huge, and as the biggest annual event in the women's rugby calendar, the Guinness Women's Six Nations is in pole position to drive momentum.'