Latest news with #Euro2016
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Gareth McAuley urges players at SuperCupNI to savour bonds and memories that will last a lifetime
The Northern Ireland Under-19s boss officially launched this year's tournament on Sunday. Former West Bromwich Albion ace 'Big G' led 62 elite boys' and girls' teams through the streets of Coleraine. The 42nd edition of the international youth football tournament features sides from across the globe. 'The SuperCup has had a big history of many top players in the underage teams,' said Euro 2016 icon McAuley, who earned 80 caps for his country. 'It's a great shop window for our local players taking part in the many different age groups. 'It is a real showcase and real kudos for the area and organisers to still be going so strong. 'It is a brilliant tournament, now renowned worldwide with teams from five continents, which is absolutely fantastic. 'The kids will all play football for different reasons, for some it can set them on a different pathway. 'I have fond memories from playing in the tournament and I'm still in contact with players from my team so you can create bonds and friendships which can last a lifetime. 'It's great for the boys and girls to get away as a group and experience what life can be like as a football player if that is their dream. It gives them a first taste of what it might be like.' More than 1,200 young players will compete in over 150 matches across five age groups, with fixtures taking place at venues throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council areas. McAuley competed in the tournament in 1994 when it was known as the Milk Cup. He represented the Dundonald Junior League in the boys' junior section and subsequently played for Crusaders and Coleraine before enjoying a distinguished playing career in England with Lincoln City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and West Brom. He has worked as a coach with Northern Ireland's Under-17 and Under-19 squads before being appointed manager of the Under-19 men's team in 2023. 'I'm deep in the development side of the game and I know a lot of clubs like the Northern Ireland players and their attitude and determination,' said McAuley. 'There's a rawness there with some of them not being over-coached. 'They want to look at our players and when the players play against other academy teams, it's a massive shop window. 'From an Association point of view, we are in a good position — the NIFL leagues are strong, they are becoming more competitive, and the JD Academy is bridging the gap between full-time and part-time, making the boys more ready for moves. 'Lots of great work is done in recruitment and everyone is working hard to get the most out of a small pool of players. 'That is testament not just to the Association, but to all the youth coaches working with the players on a daily and weekly basis.' This tournament boasts a globally diverse line-up with elite clubs from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia competing across five fiercely contested age categories. Headline names for 2025 include Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, who will join a strong line-up of County representative teams and local clubs including Linfield, Cliftonville, Crusaders and Coleraine. McAuley, who retired in 2019 at the age of 39 following a 23-year playing career, is thrilled to back the popular youth tournament. 'What always stood out to me was how many of my team-mates throughout my professional career talked about playing in it, with the fondest of memories,' he added. 'I'd encourage every young footballer taking part this week to embrace the occasion, give it everything and take pride in representing their team and their country. 'I wish everyone the very best of luck for what I'm sure will be another brilliant week of football.' Victor Leonard, chairperson of Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: 'Gareth's journey from competing in the tournament to becoming a mainstay on the international stage is exactly the kind of story that continues to inspire the next generation.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool boss banished £18m star after mysterious falling out – 'I can't accept the lie'
Jurgen Klopp put down a marker ahead of his first full season as Liverpool head coach by kicking a Reds player off a pre-season tour to the United States for tardiness Jurgen Klopp once froze out an international defender following a mysterious falling out ahead of his first full season as Liverpool boss. Mamadou Sakho, an £18million signing from Paris Saint-Germain, had become a key member of the squad during the 2015/16 campaign, which saw the sacked Brendan Rodgers replaced by Klopp. However, the Frenchman was sidelined amid a doping investigation - from which he was later exonerated and awarded compensation - resulting in him missing the Europa League final defeat by Sevilla and Euro 2016, hosted by France. Sakho was cleared to resume his career that summer and travelled with the Reds squad to the United States for a pre-season tour. However, that proved to be the beginning of the end of his Liverpool career after he was accused of being late for a flight, a team meal and a treatment session. Klopp explained: 'I thought maybe it made sense for him to fly home to Liverpool and after eight or 10 days, when we come back, we can talk about it. It's not that serious. 'He nearly missed the departure of the plane, he missed a session and was late for a meal. We have some rules and we have to respect them. If somebody doesn't respect it or somebody gives me the feeling he is not respecting it, then I have to react, that's all. 'It is private how he reacted. But we had no argument. You cannot argue when only one person is speaking. That's all. I think missed a session is missed a session. Even injured players have sessions.' As the season began, Sakho remained banished from the first team, training instead with the under-23 squad. Frustrated at his situation, Sakho took to his Snapchat account at 3am one morning to insist he was fit to play. He posted: 'Now it's three weeks I am fit to play games. They don't want me to play with segonde (segondo, U23s) team lol. Still working hard like Scouse Soldier! Still not talking cos I want to speak on the pitch....I will speak soon for the people who support me and don't understand the situation (emoji). 'Still happy to live in my Liverpool Country (emoji) with my family, hope to have chance to play soon to give my best like I try to always do! I accept my situation but I can't accept the fans deserve to know the true! Thanks for your support (emoji) 6 six months stay quiet. Have good night everybody! You'll never walk alone! (emoji).' Speaking in France, Sakho acknowledged his tardiness to Canal Football Club, saying: 'It is true that I turned up late. There was a rule that I should have observed. I do not at all see myself as above the rules, I respect everyone. 'I paid my fine, I was sanctioned, I apologised to my team-mates and my manager. Aside from that… I do not want to go into the controversies.' Sakho, now 35 and playing his football in Georgia, would eventually leave Liverpool, initially on loan, for Crystal Palace in 2017. Speaking earlier this summer, nine years after his spat with Klopp, Sakho spoke of his respect for the German but insisted all was not as it seemed. He told the Liverpool Echo: 'Good relationship because I'm not a negative man. I always respect. I like his type of football.' Addressing the lateness he was sent home for and his subsequent Snapchat message, Sakho added: 'Seriously, because a player is late to eat, the time's 7.15 and he comes at 7.18, now he leaves the club? Come on. 'What I wrote (on Snapchat) was the truth. But the truth always takes the stairs and the lie takes the elevator. You have football that people see, and you have few things inside but they cannot talk about it. So I always keep it for me as a man and that's it. 'I never talk and I would not speak for the moment because it's not important. I really enjoy my time in Liverpool. I will speak about it one day, of course. Of course one day I will speak. But not now, it is not the right moment.'
Scotsman
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Former Hearts and Derby County star in surprise non league transfer as he makes summer move
He counts Hearts amongst former clubs alongside the likes of Derby County and QPR. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hearts star has signed for a non-league club as the ex Derby County and QPR man goes down a different career direction. The Jambos have been one of Scotland's busiest clubs in the transfer market. There are former players on the move too and one of them has taken a major decision after an exit from Derby County at the end of last season. Conor Washington started his career in the lower leagues at St Ives before moving up the leagues down south. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He featured for the likes of QPR before a short lived stint at Sheffield United preceded playing with Hearts. Washington played 22 times for Hearts between 2019-2020 before heading back south, and left Derby County earlier this summer. He now signs for Matlock Town, who are currently part of the Northern Premier League Division One East. Why former Hearts, Derby County and QPR star has signed in non league Taking to social media, the striker said: 'An emotional day as I drop out of full time football and back into the part time scene where it all began. From Step 5 to Step 4 in 13 years , with some other stuff inbetween. In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the career I've managed to have and I'm grateful for every single memory. From never setting foot in an academy, turning pro at 19 in the Conference in 2012 to lacing them up against Germany in Euro 2016 - seems like a fairy tale. 'Three promotions , a relegation and some amazing clubs along the way. The setbacks , my god there was plenty, but I wouldn't have it any other way ! Really looking forward to combining playing for a really ambitious club and starting the next chapter of my football career.' A club statement adds, with reference to time at Hearts: 'Matlock Town are pleased to announce the signing of Northern Ireland International forward Conor Washington, formerly of Derby County. Kent-born Washington netted seven times in League Two for Newport County in the first half of the 2013/14 campaign before sealing a move to League One with Peterborough United. He went on to score on a further five occasions during a campaign that ultimately ended in play-off defeat. Tallies of 13 and 15 followed over the next two seasons, including a first-ever career hat-trick during 2015/16, taking the striker to 33 goals in 94 games for the Posh.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why non league side have signed Conor Washington They add: 'His fine form saw him earn a seven-figure switch to Queens Park Rangers of the Championship in January 2016 and Washington scored 14 times in 98 appearances before joining Sheffield United for the 2018/19 campaign where he played a part in the Blades earning promotion to the Premier League. The 2019/20 season was spent with Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. 'However, the COVID-19 outbreak ended the campaign prematurely. Washington returned to England with League One outfit Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2020 and scored 11 times in each of the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons for the Addicks. This form earned him a move back to the Championship with Rotherham, where he found the net six times. Washington would make the move to Derby County for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023, where he would spend two seasons before departing at the end of his deal this summer. 'On the international stage, Washington has been a regular in the Northern Ireland squad for many years, scoring six times in 43 appearances. Now back fully fit and hungry to get back in the goals, we are excited to welcome Conor to the Gladiators and look forward to seeing him at the Proctor Cars Stadium.'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wales goalkeeping great Hennessey retires
Wales goalkeeping great Wayne Hennessey has retired from playing. The 38-year-old's career lasted almost two decades, during which he played 109 times for Wales - a national record in his position - and was part of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Advertisement Hennessey made his professional club debut in 2006 for Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing on loan for clubs including Bristol City, Stockport County and Yeovil Town, before permanent moves to Crystal Palace, Burnley and his final club Nottingham Forest. "I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey," Hennessey said on social media. Hennessey made just nine appearances for Forest after joining on a free transfer from Burnley in 2022, with a serious Achilles tendon injury at the end of the 2023-24 season curtailing his involvement. Despite a lack of games, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo still offered Hennessey a new short-term deal in January 2025 until the end of the season. Advertisement It is possible that Hennessey could remain with Forest by joining the backroom staff, but there has been no firm confirmation of him taking his first steps into coaching. "I have amazing memories playing for both club and country," Hennessey added. "From my early days at Wolves, loans at Stockport and Yeovil, and my time with Crystal Palace, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, each club shaped me both on and off the field. "Having been born and raised in north Wales, it was always my dream to play at the highest level. It was a privilege to play in the Premier League and for my country over 100 times. Advertisement "The summer of 2016 was the pinnacle of my career having made the FA Cup final with Palace and the semi-finals of the Euros with my beloved Wales." Hennessey made his senior international debut for Wales in a 2–2 friendly draw against New Zealand on 26 May 2007, with his final cap coming as a half-time substitute against Gibraltar in Wrexham in October 2023. He was instrumental as Wales qualified for Euro 2016, the men's side reaching their first major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup. Hennessey missed their opening game of the tournament, a 2–1 victory over Slovakia, because of a back spasm, but started the remaining matches as Wales reached the semi-finals - famously beating Belgium 3-1 win in the quarters - before losing to Portugal. Advertisement He was also part of the sides that played at Euro 2020 and then the 2022 World Cup - although during the second group game against Iran, a 2-0 loss, Hennessey became just the third goalkeeper in World Cup history to be sent off, dismissed for a foul on Mehdi Taremi. The loss of his veteran goalkeeper was another blow to then national boss Rob Page as Wales exited at the group stage. "It has been an honour to play alongside and against some sensational players and working with some incredible managers, coaches, medical, media and support staff," added Hennessey, who also thanked his family and agent for their backing. "I also acknowledge the formidable bond of the goalkeepers' union I've experienced throughout my career: working together day-to-day, supportive and encouraging regardless who starts. Advertisement "Fans have been the backbone of support throughout my playing days, especially during the many times I suffered from injuries, I was able to draw so much strength from your support."
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wales Women played in front of five fans in 2021. Saturday at the Euros showed how far they have come
Wales Women played in front of five fans in 2021. Saturday at the Euros showed how far they have come Lucerne was the perfect setting for Wales Women's first major tournament match: a city in the shadow of Mount Pilatus and dwarfed on all sides by imposing, confounding heights that, in Saturday's pre-match sunshine, inexplicably felt scalable. Here are the hard facts. Wales were drawn into Euro 2025's most desperate group. Two of the teams — the Netherlands and England — lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2022 respectively. France were Euro 2022 semi-finalists. Of the competition's 16 sides, Wales are ranked lowest at 30th. They are the only team in Group D without a professional domestic league. Opta gave them a 0.2 per cent chance of winning this tournament. Advertisement Yet, in the hours preceding Saturday's kick-off, memories of Euro 2016 — when Wales men's side, competing in their first major tournament since 1958, reached the semi-finals — danced on the tips of bucket hats, transforming Lucerne into a lucid red dream pool. This nation knows the curdling gut drop of footballing heartbreak better than most. This women's team even more so. There was a near 50-year ban on women's football with which to contend, the Football Association of Wales' removal of the team from their 2005 European qualification, and a decades-long fight for relevancy and resources whilst living next door to one of the world's best women's leagues. Yet Wales also knows the dizzying glory of finally lifting above all that; of bravely, maybe even stupidly, indulging in hope. Advertisement Of course, not this time. This time reality did not wear a Wales shirt. This time it came at them wearing that of the 2017 European champions and, specifically, Netherlands' record-goalscorer Vivianne Miedema. Wales' hitherto dogged defence could have done better, closed in tighter as the Manchester City forward sauntered forwards on the stroke of half-time to score her 100th international goal. But this is Miedema. And Arsenal's Victoria Pelova in the 48th minute. And Barcelona's Esmee Brugts in the 57th. Welcome to the brutal reality of the big time. They were three of many lessons Wales expect to learn here in Switzerland. Another? 'To run,' quipped Wales full-back Lily Woodham post-match. 'A lot.' Others include countering with more incision and intelligence, staying sharp in crucial moments, managing an xG greater than 0.17. Advertisement 'But the atmosphere…' one Wales fan ruminated wistfully in the hours after full-time. And perhaps it's naive to elect not to speak more about the football. But then one remembers the colours — the red bleeding into the orange, the maelstrom of 4,000 bucket hats and Wales flags in the pulsing July sky; the hot, unexpected tears from new and old fans as the teams walked out. And one remembers how, in October 2021, five Wales fans stood on cold metal bleachers to watch Wales Women draw 1-1 with Slovenia in a 2023 World Cup qualifier in Lendava. Sherida Spitse, the Netherlands' record-caps holder, has played two more games (245) than Wales Women as a team since their official recognition by the FAW in 1993 (243). The stat speaks to the youth of not only this team but the movement surrounding it. Advertisement On Saturday, orange shirts flowed through Lucerne to the Swissporarena directed by a Dutched-out orange disco bus. Fans followed a familiar script, all regal vim and Snollebollekes. The red in the city was more unstudied. Raw. Chants went regrettably unfinished, fans still sorting out their notes. That Wales fans followed behind the Dutch in their walk acted as an almost unconscious admission of study. In December 2024, Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson claimed Wales were 'culturally behind' when it came to women's football after a record-breaking 16,845 attendance for their Euro 2025 playoff final first leg against the Republic of Ireland. 'It's just taking longer than I would like for people to recognise what's right in front of them,' the Olympic bronze medalist told BBC Wales. Advertisement The Netherlands have a headstart, their women's football evolution catalysed by triumph at a home Euros in 2017, and an appearance in the World Cup final two years later. But this is also a women's football nation that didn't qualify for a major tournament until the 2009 European Championship, and a World Cup until 2015. And there are also instincts you cannot synthesise. As Wales fans began their stadium pilgrimage, awestruck by the moment, one clocked their surroundings: the Wales team hotel and team bus, right in front of them. And so Wales fans did what they do and began singing the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. The song's beauty is in its echoes, beckoning locals onto balconies, players and staff out of their bus, an old Swiss man onto his terrace with Wales flags printed on strips of A4 paper. Ahead of kick-off, its visceral tendrils spread through the 14,000-plus in attendance. On 83 minutes, as Wales wilted 3-0, it came again. Soft yet building, despite the natural order of things. Advertisement At full-time, Wales fans remained rooted in place, clapping the players. It is not everything but it is not nothing. It is a step for Wales on their journey to becoming a women's football nation. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Wales, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
