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The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Plymouth confirm exit of Wayne Rooney replacement in blunt 13-word statement as chairman sends surprise message
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE announced the departure of manager Miron Muslic with a blunt statement on social media after some turbulent negotiations. Muslic, 42, took over at Plymouth in January following the Advertisement 2 Plymouth Argyle confirmed manager Miron Muslic's departure with a blunt statement 2 Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett shared a lengthy statement reacting to Muslic's dramatic exit However, the Austrian-Bosnian tactician couldn't steer The Pilgrims wanted to maintain the ex-Cercle Brugge boss within their ranks but he dramatically opted for a move to Schalke, who will be playing in Germany's second tier this coming term. The Greens went on to confirm Muslic's departure to the German outfit with a very short tweet following Plymouth Advertisement Read More on Football The club shared a longer announcement on their official website where they praised some of his work, such as his Plymouth "Muslic joined Argyle in January, overseeing 23 matches, including the memorable victory against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. "Despite his best efforts, he could not stave off relegation with Argyle dropping to Sky Bet League One on the final day of the season. Advertisement Most read in EFL Exclusive HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING "We wish Miron all the best for his future endeavours." That led to a lengthy statement from Argyle chairman Simon Hallett who insists he didn't want Muslic to leave and wanted him to lead next season's bid to return to the Championship, but was left without a choice as the head coach decided to move on. Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth Hallett Advertisement "As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave. "Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle's prior permission. "We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission. "By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. Advertisement "We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Chairman addresses Muslic exit "Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively." Hallett also had an important message for Plymouth fans admitting there will be no new investors coming in to the club any time soon. However, the owner promised he and existing shareholders will provide the necessary funds that will help the team and Muslic's replacement meet their goals this coming season. Advertisement Hallett added: "As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February. "Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent. "As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. "This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. Advertisement "These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one." Plymouth Argyle Chairman Simon Hallett's message Dear Green Army, I am sorry to have not written earlier after relegation was confirmed, earlier this month. Jane and I had personal issues in the US that forced us to cut short our visit to the UK, and we have been occupied taking care of them for a few weeks. Our thanks to those who sent best wishes, and all is ok now. We are making plans for a return to the UK later this summer. We are disappointed at Miron Muslic's departure – not at his joining a club with a profile such as Schalke, but in the timing and manner of his leaving. We hired Miron in January, giving him a three-and-a-half-year contract. Shortly after his joining us, we also hired the staff he requested, in an assistant head coach, head of elite performance, performance analysis and, a little later, a set-piece coach. A recruitment team was in place for the season, augmented by our securing the services of Stuart Webber, a very experienced and well-regarded Sporting Director, to assist with the post-season rebuild of our squad, along with Tom Randle, who has subsequently joined us on a full-time basis as Head of Recruitment. After the season ended, and with rumours flying that Miron was attracting interest from other clubs, I called him personally and he assured me that he was 100% committed to Argyle. As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave. Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle's prior permission. We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission. By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively. As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February. Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent. As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one. I completely understand that this will be very frustrating for fans, as it is extremely frustrating for me and the rest of the Argyle Board. I have said constantly that my resources can enable us to be a sustainable Championship club, but that if we wish to aspire beyond that we would need new investment. I can provide some of that new investment, with the Holliday family's and Argyle Green's help, but not all. While progress towards a transaction in its current form looks to have stalled, we will continue to explore alternative routes, including being open to revised terms with other investment groups. It is important that we get the right investor, not the quickest investor, and this may take some time. We are committed to this, but in the meantime, current shareholders can (and will) support the club through its next stage of development. This current situation is disappointing, obviously, but honesty and transparency are important to us. It's been a long, ponderous process, but one we thought would come to a successful conclusion. It has not, but we remain in a very strong financial position. Over the past five or six years, we have set out a clear pathway to achieving success at Argyle. In that time, we progressed from League Two to the Championship, where we spent two seasons, before suffering relegation. Our mission has been, and remains, to be a sustainable and competitive Championship club, but some of the decisions we have made in the last two seasons have not worked as we had hoped. Those decisions obviously contributed to our relegation, but were decisions made by the entire board, and it is entirely unfair to blame any individuals. Unfortunately, in sport, as in life, decisions made do not always work out. We are sorry and will do everything we can to put it right. Argyle's long-term strategy is set by the board and executed by Andrew Parkinson, our CEO, and his team. Away from the pitch, the club continues to make significant strides. Thanks to the efforts of all staff, we have seen remarkable off-pitch progress including record revenues this year. We've also been recognised with several industry awards - testament to the quality of work happening every day behind the scenes. This progress is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of staff across all departments. Our focus on sustainable growth has led to significant infrastructure investments that now generate substantial revenue which supports our football operations. The first and still the largest of those investments was the refurbishment of the Mayflower Grandstand. Today, that not only provides outstanding match-day hospitality to our fans, but a facility for businesses and other organisations in the area. The revenues generated now number in the millions, and go directly into the running of the football club, primarily the football budget. The Grandstand refurbishment was the first and remains the biggest investment, but has been followed by the acquisition of Higher Home Park, part of which is now used as the Biffa Fan Zone; by the Green Taverners' building, now the Far Post; by the acquisition of Goals, now Harpers; and by many smaller investments that have improved the experience for fans and sponsors. As a result, the stadium has been full for most home games. We have also invested in players, breaking the club transfer record several times and realising substantial surpluses on subsequent sales of players. The result is that your club is now financially stronger than it has ever been with a strong and diversified revenue base. Those revenues have, until last season, helped lead to our success on the pitch. We have consistently achieved more than would be suggested by what we are able to spend on the first-team squad alone. Sometimes, our results flattered our performances but, overall, the strategy to compete by outsmarting not outspending our competitors has been successful. Last season, it was not, and the board took the decision in January that our best hope of avoiding what by then was a very likely fate was to hire a Head Coach who could introduce a new playing style. We narrowly failed, despite the efforts of our staff and our players. I thank them all. We will play the coming season in League One, as we did three years ago. Our circumstances, though, are much changed, because of the investments we have made and the support you have given us. We will have the financial resources to compete strongly at the top end of the division. Relegation is always disappointing, but we are now in a position where we end up stronger than we began. In the long-term, this is not being a yo-yo club, this is being a club that invests for the long term and emerges stronger from any setbacks. You will know that former Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson has left Argyle after a successful six years. Jimmy has been a positive influence on the club, and we wish him well in the future. We also congratulate Ross Goodwin, our Head of Football Data, who will return home, and take on a senior role as Head of Recruitment at Dundee United. We are delighted to welcome David Fox back to Home Park in a senior management role as Head of Football Operations. He will be responsible for helping formulate and executing strategy on the football side of the club. Initially, he will be aided by Stuart Webber, whose experience and abilities as a Sporting Director will be hugely beneficial to Argyle. David and Stuart have been actively engaged in the process of recruiting a new head coach, and we hope to have an appointment in place as soon as possible. David will be provided with the support, resources and structure he needs. As I mentioned above, we also welcome Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. He, David and Stuart have already been working behind the scenes to identify and recruit the players who will join us this summer. Recruitment is led by David and Tom, with other senior executive involvement. This structure means recruitment continues regardless of any changes in coaching staff, ensuring alignment with the club's long-term football strategy. We have already seen the fruits of this combined effort, and I'd like to welcome Jamie Paterson, Caleb Watts and Jack MacKenzie to Argyle. I'll be back in the UK over the summer, when we will host a Fans Forum ahead of the new season. I'll be very happy to address the questions I'm sure you will have on the investment setbacks and how we intend to take things forward to achieve our goals. Finally, to you, the fans - you have been outstanding. Week after week, match after match, home or away, your support never wavers, and all at your club are grateful to you. We've never been more determined to succeed and, alongside your unrivalled backing, through the highs and the lows, together we'll do this. See you soon, Simon
Metro
7 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Three Manchester United players leave club after final game of season
Manchester United announced the departure of three first-team players after the final game of the season. Ruben Amorim's side concluded a miserable campaign by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford. Villa, who missed out on Champions League qualification, went down to ten men when Emiliano Martinez was sent off for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund as he raced through on goal. The hosts made their numerical advantage count in the second half, sealing a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen. Immediately after the victory, Manchester United confirmed Eriksen as one of three first-team players who would be leaving the club this summer along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Eriksen, 33, made 107 appearances for the Red Devils since joining on a free transfer in 2022. Evans returned to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2023 and played over 200 games for the club across his two stints in Manchester. Lindelof, meanwhile, departs as one of Manchester United's longest-serving players, having arrived at the club back in 2017. 'Manchester United have confirmed that Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen will leave the club at the end of the season,' a statement read. 'The departure of the experienced trio was confirmed following United's final game of the season on Sunday, as we beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford, with Eriksen scoring the second goal from the penalty spot. 'Lindelof, who made the most appearances for the club out of the three, has represented United 284 times, since his arrival from Benfica in the summer of 2017, and won Emirates FA Cup and League Cup winners' medals during his time here, lifting both trophies in the preceding two campaigns. More Trending 'Evans has served United with distinction for more than a decade as a senior player, across two spells at the club. 'While Eriksen's spell at Old Trafford has lasted only three years by comparison, the Dane's impact has been strongly felt in M16 during that time. 'Everybody at United thanks Victor, Jonny and Christian for their contributions during their time at Old Trafford, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.' More to follow… For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Premier League explain why Morgan Rogers goal against Man Utd was ruled out MORE: Ruben Amorim sends clear message to Alejandro Garnacho after fresh snub MORE: Man Utd fans convinced Alejandro Garnacho is leaving after girlfriend's social media post
TimesLIVE
18-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Crystal Palace's FA Cup final win over City was one-in-10 shot, says Glasner
Crystal Palace's momentous FA Cup victory over Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday was a one-in-10 shot, according to Oliver Glasner who became the first manager in the London club's history to deliver major silverware. Eberechi Eze's 16th-minute volley proved decisive as Palace, roared on by their success-starved fans, made up for two previous FA Cup final heartbreaks in 1990 and 2016. Unlike their dominant display against Champions League quarter-finalists Aston Villa in the semifinal, Palace had only 21% possession against Pep Guardiola's City but defended incredibly to preserve the lead given to them by Eze's sweetly-struck effort from a Daniel Munoz cross. 'I can't really believe it. If you play this game 10 times, we win it once and that happened today,' said Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson 15 months ago and is the now the first Austrian coach to win the FA Cup. A day the Crystal Palace fans will 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 forget 🦅🏆 #SSFACup #FACup #EmiratesFACup — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 17, 2025 'We scored the first time we were in their half and then we defended with every single part of the body and a great goalkeeper, a great mentality and togetherness. 'I'm really proud of the team and the staff. Congratulations. All the credit goes to them.' Glasner, whose playing career with Austrian club SV Ried was curtailed after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2011, took Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022. He will now lead Palace in the same competition next season, their first venture into a major European competition. 'I got this feeling during the season that you can achieve incredible things with this group of players,' the 50-year-old said. The Eagles have finally landed 🦅🔵🔴 #EmiratesFACup | #SSFACup | #SSFootball — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 17, 2025 'We wanted to write history. I think now we wrote really a big chapter in history. Next year, we start a new chapter.' Glasner's name was sung by the Palace fans after the final whistle and he paid tribute to the patience they showed when Palace struggled at the start of the season. After eight Premier League games, they had no wins and three points but have not looked back since and their run to FA Cup glory has fully vindicated the faith shown in Glasner by Palace's chair Steve Parish. Palace have also matched their record Premier League points tally with two games still to play. The Eagle has landed at Wembley 😏🦅 📺 Stream #EmiratesFACup on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 17, 2025 'We have talented players, and especially with great characters and with such a togetherness, such a great work ethic, such a great environment and atmosphere, this I think is fundamental for achieving maybe impossible things,' he said. 'The players, they've never lost belief in me and the coaching staff.' Speaking of Palace's fans, who celebrated long and loud inside the stadium and were no doubt off to paint south London blue and purple, Glasner added: 'Today it was Crystal Palace's day. It was the day for our fans. Maybe there will be a few headaches tomorrow. 'This is what they deserve because they always stick with us. This trophy is especially for all our fans.' An emotional Parish said Palace's victory was great for the Cup. 'I am so proud. The team, the fans, I honestly believed that we would win. That's what Oliver's done. He made us all believe and you could see it at the end.'
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘I knew which way he was going': Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson on saving Omar Marmoush penalty in FA Cup final
Former Manchester United and current Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was one of the big reasons why Pep Guardiola ending the season without a trophy with Manchester City with the English goalkeeper pulling off a stunning penalty save to help the London club win their first ever trophy. However, Henderson said that Erling Haaland deciding against taking the spot kick made it a little bit easier for him. Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush was the one to take the strike which was saved by the goalkeeper. a moment that proved pivotal in the match. 'It's incredible, we had a feeling it'd be our day today. The manager had a game plan, we executed. We deserve this so much. Haaland might've stepped up, I didn't know which way he'd go, but Marmoush, I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it,' Henderson said to BBC Sport. DEAN HENDERSON. The @CPFC shot-stopper with an incredible save to deny Omar Marmoush from the spot 🤯#EmiratesFACup — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025 Haaland, City's usual penalty taker, decided to let Marmoush take the crucial penalty kick with 10 minutes left in the first half and Palace 1-0 up after Eberechi Eze's early goal, but Henderson guessed correctly to deny him. This also sums up a harrowing campaign in which City were dethroned as the powerhouse of English football and will go without a domestic trophy for the first time since 2016-17. City manager Guardiola had expected Haaland to take the penalty and said the decision for Marmoush to take the penalty was made by the players on the pitch. 'They decided on the pitch. I thought he (would) want to take it,' Guardiola said of Haaland after the game. 'We didn't speak. There are questions in the meetings, and there are things that are ready for them,' he said to BBC. 'That moment for the free-kicks, the penalty, is especially about how you feel. They saw that Omar was ready to take it.'
News18
18-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Erling Haaland's Manchester City Bond In Finals: 007
Last Updated: Erling Haaland has no goals or assists in seven finals for Manchester City. Erling Haaland has played seven finals for Manchester City since signing for the English side in 2022, and yet has no goals or assists for them. Be it in the FA Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Champions League, or even the UEFA Super Cup, Haaland has yet to score a goal in sky blue. Man City manager Pep Guardiola admitted he was surprised that his Norwegian striker declined to take a penalty for his side in Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace with the kick subsequently being missed by Omar Marmoush. Trailing 1-0 to Eberechi Eze's goal, City were awarded a penalty in the first half when Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell tripped Bernardo Silva who had burst into the area. Haaland, who had failed to score in his first five Wembley appearances for City, looked poised to break that duck, but handed the ball to Marmoush whose first ever penalty for City was superbly saved by Dean Henderson. Just watch the @CPFC fans behind the goal after Dean Henderson's penalty save 🤩 #EmiratesFACup — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025 'I thought he would want to take it but they didn't speak," said Guardiola. 'That moment for the penalty, it's the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. 'Omar took a lot of time when the ball was stopped, so it put more pressure on him, and Henderson made a good save." Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, working as a TV pundit for the BBC, said he felt the occasion might have got to Haaland. 'He's a world-class forward, but when we are talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no way they are giving that ball away," Rooney said. 'That is what separates them two players from Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe and these players. They are selfish and they want to score every game. 'When (Haaland) misses chances I think you can see it gets to him and it does affect him. Maybe the thought of taking a penalty at Wembley might have been too much for him. You never know, he is a human being." Haaland has scored 30 goals for City this season in all competitions but has missed three of his seven penalties. (With inputs from Agencies) First Published:
