Saints beat Valkyrie to reach Challenge Cup final
St Helens (2) 10
Try: Hoyle Goals: Gaskin 2, Harris
York Valkyrie (0) 6
Try: Marshall Goal: Williamson
St Helens reached their fifth consecutive Women's Challenge Cup final with victory in a tight, error-strewn semi-final win over York Valkyrie.
Saints will face Wigan Warriors at Wembley on 7 June after a try from Shona Hoyle and the trusty kicking of Faye Gaskin saw them home at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Reigning Women's Super League champions Valkyrie, who have now lost to Saints in the last four for the past three years, hit back through Rhiannon Marshall but Saints kept them at arm's length.
That means Saints, who lost to Valkyrie in the Grand Final last year, stay on course for a record-extending fifth consecutive triumph in the competition.
More to follow
St Helens: Salihi; Hook, E Stott, Hardcastle, McGifford; Harris, Gaskin; Crowl, Casey, D. Stott, Hoyle, Rudge, Cunningham.
Interchanges: Whitfield, Mottershead, Sutherland, McColm.
York Valkyrie: Dagger; Partington, Renouf, Rampton, Kershaw; Rihari, Williamson; Brennan, Peach, Parker, Andrade, Wood, Bell.
Interchanges: Bibby, Marshall, Hornby, Stimpson.
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New York Times
13 minutes ago
- New York Times
Alexander Isak, Newcastle and Liverpool: What happens next?
The Alexander Isak saga took another twist on Tuesday, with the Newcastle United striker issuing an incendiary statement outlining his grievances at being denied a transfer by the club. Newcastle then responded in kind, insisting they had never promised he could leave and that they could not foresee circumstances in which he could depart this summer. So, with Newcastle determined not to sell and Liverpool still keen to buy, what happens now? The abridged version — a more exhaustive explanation can be found here — is that Isak feels Newcastle know he has long wished to leave and that he could do so this summer, something Newcastle have always refuted. The striker's camp claims that in the spring of 2024, it had been intimated by Amanda Staveley, Newcastle's former co-owner, that talks over an improved contract would take place the following summer. But financial pressures and the arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director meant giving increased terms to a high earner who had four years remaining on his deal was not a priority. Advertisement While those inside Newcastle maintain that Isak, while unsettled, had suggested he was receptive to contract talks this summer, those close to the striker insist that he repeatedly made clear his intention to leave after the 2024-25 campaign. Isak did not feature for Newcastle during pre-season and has chosen not to train with the senior group, missing the opening-day draw at Aston Villa. Liverpool indicated a willingness to pay around £120million ($162m) for Isak last month, before bidding £110m three weeks ago, which was instantly dismissed. They are yet to return with another offer, but they remain interested, and Isak is desperate to move to Merseyside. He decided to take his frustrations public for the first time on Tuesday. Having been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25 despite not attending (Newcastle and Liverpool officials were at the dinner in Manchester), Isak wrote on Instagram that Newcastle had broken 'promises' to him and that their 'relationship can't continue'. A blindsided Newcastle responded with an equally extraordinary statement three and a half hours later, saying 'no commitment has ever been made by a club official' that Isak could leave this summer. They conceded for the first time that 'players have their own wishes', but that they must protect the 'best interests of Newcastle United'. They added that 'conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired' and 'we do not foresee those conditions being met', before saying that a rapprochement with 'the Newcastle family' was still possible. Newcastle have been steadfast that Isak is not for sale and their stance has only been hardened by his outburst on Tuesday. Senior club figures were angered and insisted that they will not be 'bullied' into selling, particularly given the message it may send to other star players, such as Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento. Advertisement There is also the issue that PIF will not want to lose face. Those with connections to PIF believe this will only strengthen their resolve to keep Isak, even if he is unhappy. Eddie Howe has always trodden a delicate line. He has tried to keep Isak away from the squad so that he is not a distraction, but has not overtly criticised him, insisting he will be able to rejoin the squad once the window closes. Seemingly, that remains Howe's viewpoint, even if there is an acceptance that Isak's actions cannot go unpunished. Newcastle are yet to confirm whether Isak has been disciplined, but having missed the Villa match, the expectation was that he would be. As outlined in the Premier League's handbook, the club can fine Isak up to two weeks of his basic wage (around £150,000 a week) for a first disciplinary offence and 'up to four weeks for subsequent offences' inside a 12-month period. Anything beyond that would need to be approved by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), who have not yet been asked to intervene by either party. The PFA did not comment when approached by The Athletic. Newcastle have always intended to keep Isak, but that does not mean they have not considered the possibility of him departing. Once Isak absented himself from first team duties, it would have been negligent not to have at least looked into alternative options, and the club have scouted multiple top-level centre-forwards, just as they do for every position. Newcastle's stance is that the board may have sanctioned Isak's departure had they signed two strikers, one of whom they deemed to be of Champions League standard, and received an offer close to their valuation of around £150m. Advertisement Following Callum Wilson's departure, Newcastle needed a centre-forward regardless of the Isak situation. Joao Pedro was their top target, but he opted to join Chelsea, while an ambitious move for Hugo Ekitike was thwarted by Liverpool. Ironically, Ekitike's transfer to Merseyside made a departure for Isak less likely because, although he was targeted to play alongside the Sweden international, he was also seen as a potential long-term replacement. Once Ekitike joined Liverpool, Isak became more militant, which did not appear coincidental. Newcastle then aggressively pursued a deal for Benjamin Sesko, despite their feeling all along that the Slovenian preferred Manchester United. Sesko is the only striker Newcastle have bid for who was genuinely considered a direct Isak replacement. Subsequently, Porto's Samu Aghehowa, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos have been discussed internally, but none look likely to be pursued as things stand. Yoane Wissa, meanwhile, was always deemed to be a Wilson successor, but that deal has not progressed decisively over the past three weeks, with Newcastle having had a bid worth up to £40m rejected today. In the interim, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as a potential alternative. Wissa or Strand Larsen signing would not meet the 'conditions' Newcastle mention. They would still require an elite striker, or one with elite potential, to join, plus a massively increased offer from Liverpool. The club do not feel both will happen. The response has not been homogeneous, although Dan Burn and Gordon pinpointing the 'team spirit' and 'togetherness' during post-match interviews after the Villa draw seemed to be part of a coordinated message. Newcastle fans were quick to pounce on Bruno Guimaraes, the captain, posting a captionless photo of himself in a black-and-white club shirt on social media a few minutes after Isak's statement dropped, although his intentions are unclear. Advertisement Some players are said to feel disappointed by Isak's actions, but others are more sympathetic, echoing similar sentiments to Howe, who, earlier in the summer, said he understood that players' careers are short and they have their own ambitions. Clubs can be ruthless when it comes to discarding players and there is a recognition of that, although others in the squad have flirted with leaving and have not behaved in this manner. Isak — who is especially close to Sven Botman and Joe Willock — did thank his colleagues and 'everyone at Newcastle' in his statement. He is regularly described as 'complex' by those who know him, but he has a dry sense of humour and led the celebrations following Newcastle's Carabao Cup victory. Isak is on Tyneside and, despite reports to the contrary, has not moved out of the area. The long-term lease on his house in Northumberland has not been renewed, but this is due to multiple break-ins at that property, rather than being directly connected to his desire to leave Newcastle. Last month, Isak temporarily trained at Zubieta, the training ground of his former club, Real Sociedad, although Howe only discovered this through the media. Isak has now been in north-east England for almost three weeks, attending individual sessions at Newcastle's Benton facility. But he was not invited to a squad-and-family BBQ earlier this month and his training programmes are orchestrated so they do not overlap with the first-team squad. Some supposition is required here, given Isak did not specify and Newcastle have subsequently denied that any 'commitment has ever been made by a club official' that he can leave this summer. However, it is believed Isak is referring to the suggestion in 2024 that talks over a new-and-improved deal may have been forthcoming. The perception of those close to Isak is that an assurance was made, only for that to be reneged upon once the hierarchy at the club changed and a vow was made internally to ensure the club never again got into a mess with profit and sustainability rules. Advertisement Some viewed Isak's comments on Tuesday as an attack on Howe, given he is the only person to have spoken on the record this summer, and Isak referred to his own silence with the 'allowing people to push their own version of events' comment. Equally, it may be a reference to media coverage in general, which has been sourced by other figures with connections to Newcastle. 'He can't just walk away, he's under contract,' says Jibreel Tramboo, sports law barrister at 33 Bedford Row. 'If he says he won't play, then he's technically in breach of contract, and that's enforceable if Newcastle wanted to. 'The reality is that Newcastle hold the cards. They can block him from leaving. There are no grounds for termination of contract.' There is a framework in which players are able to terminate their own contracts, but that would require the club to not fulfil its contractual obligations. That scenario typically arises when clubs fail to pay players on time. Isak is yet to submit an official transfer request, although there is little to suggest it would have much effect, given he has already made clear his intentions of not playing for Newcastle again. There would, though, be potentially significant financial ramifications for Isak should he take that step. 'If a player hands in a transfer request, then it can affect some of their loyalty bonuses in the contract and some of those can become void,' adds Tramboo. 'I don't think handing in a transfer request does much for a player in terms of negotiation. It has no real legal power. In practice, it's a political tool, which is why you rarely see them anymore.' Similarly, the idea that Newcastle have not fulfilled a gentleman's agreement is legally flimsy. 'He's arguing he's been given assurances by the club that he can move on, but that's not going to trump the provisions of the contract,' says Jamie Singer, partner at Onside Law. 'But because his registration is so valuable, he does have that player power. He will know his value can come down if he's an unhappy player, not playing to the best of his ability.' Advertisement Isak's camp is insistent that he will still refuse to play. With the Champions League beginning next month and a World Cup next summer, that seems remarkable, but even if he does eventually relent, Newcastle's pathway to reconciliation may be a slow one. There is an international break immediately after the transfer window closes, so theoretically mediation could occur then, though Isak may be called up by Sweden to face Slovenia and Kosovo. The grey area is whether Newcastle consider Isak to be in breach of his contract. The Premier League's standard contract stipulates that Isak must attend matches and training sessions when instructed to by a club official and 'play to the best of his skill and ability at all times'. But Isak was seemingly given permission not to join the club's pre-season tour and has since reported to training, albeit in a pattern that avoids him being part of the first-team's schedule, so proving he is in breach may not be straightforward. Isak's statement on social media is another move that risks him breaching his contract. 'There are provisions about acting in the best interests of the club and there are non-disparagement provisions in the contracts as well,' explains Singer, partner at Onside Law. 'Isak is getting closer to being in breach, but the question then becomes what are the consequences of that? It's pretty limited.' A legal action against Isak is an option for Newcastle, but there is no precedent for this, and for good reason. The forward remains the club's greatest asset and reconciliation would appear the only means of protecting that if Isak fails to get his move. This, for now, is a domestic dispute between player and club. FIFA can become involved in such cases if an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is being disputed, but attempting to join Liverpool would ultimately need a challenge to the Premier League's rules. Advertisement There could be long-term implications for this kind of stand-off in light of the recent Lassana Diarra legal case, but a landmark ruling (explained at length here) that brought changes to Article 17 of FIFA's regulations does nothing to alter Isak's position this summer. 'The problem for Isak is that he can't tear up his own contract, so you can't force Newcastle to pass on your registration,' says Singer. 'Premier League rules are very strong and, at the moment, there's no other club involved. It's just the player who is employed under a Premier League contract at a Premier League club, who both submit to the authority of the Premier League and its rules.' Newcastle's swift rejection of Liverpool's £110m offer meant Liverpool felt that submitting an improved second bid would be futile. However, the Premier League champions haven't pursued an alternative target and remain keen to secure Isak's services if Newcastle's stance changes. Liverpool have the funds to break the British transfer record for Isak. They have embarked on the biggest spending spree in their history this summer, with around £320m, including add-ons, committed to new signings, but have also generated up to £220m from sales. Arne Slot has made it clear that he feels Liverpool need to sign another attacker in this window, but will be only too aware that Isak agitating for a move won't necessarily improve their chances of getting him. Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho behaved similarly when they were pursued by Arsenal and Barcelona respectively. However, on both occasions, Liverpool refused to sanction a sale in those summer windows. Isak's statement only inflames tensions further from a Newcastle perspective. Advertisement Newcastle supporters have been critical of what many perceive to be Liverpool's covert backing of Isak's stance. The feeling is that this is a deliberate attempt to force through a transfer at a fee substantially lower than Newcastle's valuation, a view shared by some figures at the club. From Liverpool's perspective, Isak's statement and talk about 'broken promises' is an issue between the player and Newcastle. Earlier in the summer, Liverpool were baffled by reports that they had hijacked Newcastle's pursuit of Ekitike. Club officials had been in contact with the player's camp since January and Slot held talks with the player in May. They believed Newcastle were simply late to the party. The two clubs were also in competition for defender Giovanni Leoni, who arrived at Anfield from Parma last week. Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe have been friends since their time together at Portsmouth more than two decades ago, but business is business. On the field, meanwhile, a 'mini' rivalry was already emerging, at least from the Newcastle side, following March's Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool. Howe has also yet to beat Liverpool in the Premier League and is desperate to change that. Wor Flags, the Newcastle supporters' group that orchestrates displays at St James' Park, is planning a pre-match reveal. Security-wise, Newcastle insist they always put on adequate provisions and there is no suggestion of special measures being laid on. Whether Edwards and Hughes will attend as part of the visiting delegation is unclear. Edwards and FSG technical director Julian Ward were both present at the corresponding fixture last season, as they tied it in with a visit to see Ben Doak, then on loan at Middlesbrough. The Liverpool executives who attend away matches vary between the likes of CEO Billy Hogan, club ambassadors Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush (both former Newcastle employees), club secretary Danny Stanway, and chief legal and external affairs officer Jonathan Bamber. Extremely unlikely. Harry Kane at Tottenham and Wayne Rooney at Manchester United both pushed to leave their clubs and ended up fully reintegrated, but in the social-media-dominated landscape of 2025, it is difficult to envisage the resentment and hurt many Newcastle fans feel dissipating entirely. Advertisement That does not mean it is unthinkable that Isak will play for Newcastle again. He is a world-class centre-forward and Newcastle desperately need goals. If he plays, shows commitment and scores, then the strength of feeling may begin to wane, if never entirely dissipate. Isak, too, may get frustrated at not playing, but as an olive branch to fans, a public apology would feel a minimum requirement. Either way, Isak's reputation among Newcastle fans has been irretrievably damaged. Additional reporting: James Pearce Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Alexander Isak told exactly what he must do to end Liverpool transfer drama
Stan Collymore believes Alexander Isak must submit a formal transfer request if he wants to secure his dream switch from Newcastle to Liverpool. The former Reds striker, who became Britain's most expensive footballer when he joined Anfield three decades ago from Nottingham Forest, suggests the "f----- up nature" of soccer could even see the unsettled Isak pen a fresh deal at St. James' Park should the transfer collapse. Liverpool saw a bid turned down by the Magpies in early August following Isak's private admission that he wished to depart the North East after three years. Isak chose not to accompany his teammates on their pre-season Far East tour in July, citing a minor thigh complaint, and has been training in isolation since before being omitted from Saturday's goalless stalemate with Aston Villa in the Premier League. READ MORE: Alexander Isak finally breaks silence on Newcastle fallout as Liverpool transfer hangs in the balance READ MORE: Alexander Isak could use little-known FIFA rule to force Newcastle transfer exit He is virtually guaranteed to miss Monday's encounter between the two sides at St. James' Park. The Sweden international made his Anfield ambitions public on Tuesday, releasing a statement via his Instagram account moments after being named in the PFA Team of the Year for 24/25, a season in which he netted 23 league strikes and propelled the Magpies to Champions League qualification plus their first domestic silverware in 70 years with the Carabao Cup triumph. Following Isak's initial statement that referenced unfulfilled commitments and his wish to depart St. James' Park, ex-Reds striker Collymore weighed in on the discussion, writing on X: "A lot to unpack." Collymore noted how Isak is "under contract" and believes he will not submit a "transfer request as it means giving up a large chunk of bonus/loyalty/salary." The ex-player added: "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." Collymore believes Isak should consider changing his agent. The ex-pro insists he would "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'" clause included in it. He added: "Any public statement can be used in any tribunal against the (pl)ayer do advise him to keep it shut. P--- poor agent work, naive player, 'possible' reneging (pure speculation at this point) on handshake by club, a football transfer room 101 in how not to handle a febrile situation." Newcastle subsequently responded to Isak's social media statement, maintaining there had been no agreement to permit his departure this summer and indicated the circumstances that would have facilitated his exit now appear unlikely as it faces ongoing challenges in securing a suitable replacement. Writing after Newcastle's statement was released later that evening, Collymore continued: "So of course Newcastle United double down after Isak's statement and say conditions haven't been met for a sale, he'd be welcomed back and effectively saying they never said he could leave. "The last sentence (if Isak was promised something) is going to take some reconciling because that's one side saying the other isn't telling the truth. But the f------ up nature of football is such that who'd be surprised at Isak signing a new contract in 5 days time, smiling and it was 'a miscommunication.'" Collymore believes Liverpool may have to pay up to £150 million ($202 million) to land Isak. He continued: "Not convinced they (Liverpool) need him at that value."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Shearer accuses Isak of pouring 'flames on fire' of Newcastle row
Newcastle great Alan Shearer has accused wantaway striker Alexander Isak of pouring "flames on the fire" of his row with the Magpies by accusing the club of breaking promises. The Sweden international, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for Newcastle in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a goalless draw away at Aston Villa last Saturday. Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid ($149 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million. Isak released a statement on Tuesday after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year. "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time," said Isak, with the 25-year-old adding: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue." But former Newcastle captain and manager Shearer, speaking to Betfair, labelled the current situation an "absolute mess" as he accused Isak's agent, Vlado Lemic, of failing his client. "If I was him, I'd get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there's no get out clause," Shearer said. "I mean, it's ridiculous. And to take anyone's word in football... it's nonsensical to say that someone said, 'Oh, I'll be able to get out at the end of the season'. Really? I mean, come on." - 'Wrong way' - The ex-England striker added: "I've always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he's gone about it in the wrong way. "I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn't need to do... It doesn't benefit anyone." According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for Newcastle to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules. Newcastle issued a statement late Tuesday saying while they were saddened by Isak's comments, they could yet welcome him back into the squad. "No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer," said the statement. "We want to keep our best players... Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates." Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year that ended Newcastle's 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy. Liverpool have already spent around £300 million overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season. But they have also recouped over £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and tragic death of Diogo Jota. Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Monday at St James' Park. jdg/bsp/mw
