Latest news with #Ex-PremierLeague


Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamed Premier League referee's surprising new job after sacking
Ex-Premier League referee David Coote has been seen delivering parcels for Evri, following his dismissal by the PGMOL in December. The-42 year-old faced repercussions after a clip emerged online showing him criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Coote was subsequently slapped with a 16-month UEFA suspension from refereeing, which is set to expire in June 2026. Another video purportedly showing Coote inhaling white powder also circulated; this incident is alleged to have occurred during the 2024 European Championships, where he was on duty. Currently barred from officiating, Coote has turned to courier work close to his Newark residence. A couple recently got quite the surprise when they spotted the former referee on their Ring doorbell, delivering a package to their doorstep. He's employed by a delivery company near his Nottinghamshire home and is seeking to rebuild his life. "I want to get on with my life," he expressed, according to the Sun. "I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career," reports the Mirror. During his time as an official, Coote took charge of 112 matches in the Premier League and 143 in the Championship. He also refereed the Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2023. However, he's set for at least another year away from the sport following UEFA's decision in February. Earlier this year, he opened up about his struggles, saying, "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. "I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me. I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. "I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think. "My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future. "Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football. "Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."


Metro
6 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Phil Taylor helps Luke Humphries beat Luke Littler to Premier League Darts title
Luke Humphries thanked Phil Taylor for his 'advice and support' after he beat rival Luke Littler 11-8 to become the 2025 Premier League Darts champion. In a repeat of last year's final – which Littler won – Humphries got revenge on The Nuke to secure his first Premier League Darts title at London's O2 Arena. The pair have shared better quality matches but Humphries recovered from a shaky start to power past the current world champion. Humphries, the 2024 world champion, beat Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, while Littler saw off Gerwyn Price by the same scoreline. The Premier League was the only major trophy still alluding Humphries and he said lifting the trophy 'meant the world to him'. Humphries, 30, also revealed he beat 18-year-old Littler to the title with the help of 16-time world champion Taylor. 'This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing,' Humphries told Sky Sports. 'It was the one I wanted, I have done it now. 'If I don't win another title, I am happy as I have done the three hardest ones to do. 'Phil Taylor has given me a lot of support over the last couple of weeks so, Phil, if you are watching, thank you. He have me a lot of advice and that extra support. 'The Premier League is the hardest one to win. The Worlds is prestigious but this is very close to winning the Worlds. 'You can't have four or five bad weeks, you have to be good for 16 weeks on the trot. You have to be at your best.' On Premier League runner-up Littler, Humphries added: 'I love Luke to bits. He is one of my best mates on tour and he is so good. 'He wasn't at his best tonight, neither was I. I thought the game was going to go away from me at 3-0 down. 'He is a great player, a great lad, and I will get in early before he trounces everyone.' Littler topped the Premier League Darts table with a record-breaking 27 victories but failed to hit his top form in the final. 'No one likes losing but I am fine,' he said. 'I am glad to say it's over as it has been a tough 17 weeks. 'I have set many records and I don't think they will be broken. I am going to try and break my own records next season. 'I will have a little break now. I will be back next year.' Reacting to Humphries' Premier League victory, former player and popular commentator Wayne Mardle said: 'Luke is an absolute champion on and off the oche. More Trending 'You will not meet a kinder soul in this game. He has done it the hard way tonight.' Ex-Premier League champion Glen Durrant added: 'Cool Hand was amazing there. 'The respect that Luke Littler gave him has to be commended. It was a slow burner from Luke Humphries but try to take that smile off his face now. 'There's great respect between the pair of them and I'm sure we will have many more finals.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Premier League Darts final 2025: Prize money, start time, format and schedule MORE: Gerwyn Price makes prediction ahead of Luke Littler Premier League Darts clash MORE: Luke Littler fires back at rival claiming he is heading for early retirement
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vincent Tan confirms manager decision ahead of huge Cardiff City announcement
Vincent Tan is preparing to install two new managers in the space of a week, with KV Kortrijk having announced the appointment of Michiel Jonckheere. Tan has suffered the ignominy of seeing his two football clubs — Cardiff City and KVK — both relegated from their respective divisions, with both teams being left managerless as we head into the summer. However, Kortrijk, whose managing director is also Cardiff CEO Ken Choo, have moved swiftly in recent weeks to make radical changes to the hierarchy ahead of the club's campaign in the Belgian second division. A fortnight ago, KVK appointed Jelle Schelstraete as operational director of football. READ MORE: Cardiff City next manager runners and riders and their suitability as decision imminent READ MORE: Ex-Premier League ace eats his words on live TV as Wrexham star makes Ryan Reynolds vow Meanwhile, Nils Vanneste has been tasked with the role of sporting director as the club attempt to bolster its football leadership structure. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community The above is just what Cardiff fans have been hoping for in the Welsh capital. Now, Kortrijk have announced the appointment of Konckheere as manager. He takes over from Bernd Storck, who couldn't avoid the drop after taking over earlier this year. Konckheere turned out for Kortrijk during his playing days before taking his first steps into coaching with the club's academy. He then moved to KV Oostende's academy before becoming first-team assistant manager there. The former midfielder, 35, has experience at Club Brugge, too, both in the youth setup and as part of the senior staff. "We are happy that we can appoint an ambitious coach with Michiel," said Vanneste. "He knows the club and the competition. The red-white identity suits him like a glove. "Michiel knows what is expected at KVK and will ensure the necessary cohesion between players and fans." It's set to be a busy week for Tan, Cardiff fans will hope. The Bluebirds owner has been handed the board's recommendation and it is hoped a decision will be communicated this week with regards to appointing Omer Riza's permanent successor. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.


Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ex-Premier League ace eats his words on live TV as Wrexham star makes Ryan Reynolds vow
Ex-Premier League ace eats his words on live TV as Wrexham star makes Ryan Reynolds vow Wrexham have won a third successive promotion by finishing second in League One, and one of the Red Dragons' players has had the last laugh over a TV pundit's pre-season prediction Wrexham star Ollie Palmer made Nigel Reo-Coker eat his words (Image:) A former Premier League footballer has apologised on live TV for underestimating Wrexham's potential to escape from League One. Ex-Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker shared scepticism about Phil Parkinson's team securing a remarkable third consecutive promotion at the beginning of the 2024-25 season. The CBS Sports pundit was later left red-faced as Wrexham clinched automatic promotion to the Championship in April. Reo-Coker has now extended his apologies to the club's supporters after the Red Dragons finished second in League One. Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer urged the 41-year-old to make amends during the American networks' broadcast of the League Two play-off final between AFC Wimbledon and Walsall. Reo-Coker said: "I didn't think Wrexham would get promoted again. I didn't think it would be a [case of] back-to-back-to-back. I apologise Wrexham fans. Yes, you proved me wrong." Despite external doubts, Palmer disclosed that Wrexham's higher-ups held a quiet confidence about gaining promotion from League One before the season. However, their optimism was not broadly publicised as they aimed to handle expectations. Palmer said: "I think a lot of people didn't expect us to do it. I think we were tipped to be around mid-table. I get that, but that's the beauty of football. We achieved something really special, and it was a privilege to be a part of it. Article continues below Nigel Reo-Coker has apologised to Wrexham fans after doubting their chances of promotion (Image: CBS Sports ) "A lot's changed at the football club. The gaffer kept it in house and said that if we can keep doing what we're doing, he would accept nothing less than automatics. That was the demand he put on us, and we kept that quiet. "But as it came to the end of the season, that was the only option. We did it, and we created history. It was an amazing moment." Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have reiterated their ambition to take the club to the Premier League following their recent promotion. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. But Reo-Coker believes that reaching such heights next season is premature, labelling the Championship as "different gravy" compared to League One. Palmer, however, isn't dismissing the prospect of a remarkable fourth consecutive promotion, drawing attention to the precedent set by Luton and Ipswich. Both teams have previously managed successive promotions from League One to the Premier League. The 33-year-old is also confident that Reynolds and McElhenney will invest the necessary funds to ensure Wrexham are contenders in the next division during the summer transfer window. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here Article continues below "I know doing four is ridiculous and I'm not saying that," Palmer said. "But if you look at Luton, did they do that? Didn't they go back-to-back? We've got backing where the club wants to go again. "I'm not trying to put pressure on the lads and I should probably stop talking, but all I'm trying to say is, we could take inspiration from Luton and Ipswich. "The gaffer and the owners are going to invest and improve the squad, there's no doubt about that. If you say that you're riding the wave then maybe [it could happen]."


Metro
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Ruben Amorim told to 'get rid' of £43m Manchester United star
Ruben Amorim has been urged to 'get rid' of six Manchester United stars, including £43m signing Matthijs de Ligt. The Old Trafford boss faces a crucial summer following United's dismal 2024-25 campaign. Manchester United, once the biggest and most successful team in England, finished just 15th in the Premier League table, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places. The Red Devils fared better in Europe, enjoying a surprising run to the Europa League final, but were beaten by Tottenham in the showpiece event in Bilbao. Amorim wants to bring in several of his own signings this summer, starting with Matheus Cunha, who is closing in on a move to Manchester United from Wolves. 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. The ex-Sporting Lisbon manager also wants to sign a new striker and strengthen his squad in other areas but in order to do so may be forced to sanction a number of departures. United are open to offers for several players, including Napoli and Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton has named another six players that he would move on if he was in a position of power at Manchester United. Sutton would offload De Ligt, who United signed from Bayern Munich last summer, along with fellow defender Luke Shaw and midfielders Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Struggling forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee should also be in Manchester United's bomb squad this summer, according to Sutton. Matthijs de Ligt If I had to choose between keeping him or Harry Maguire, it's a no contest. De Ligt doesn't bring what's required to the back line. Luke Shaw I'd biff him off now, not least because of his injury record. I like him as a player when fit, but it's time to part ways. Manuel Ugarte Not impressed by him, not for a fee that could hit £51m. Could United recoup close to that? Well, that's not my problem! Casemiro His legs are shot. Yes, he's got experience in abundance. But he cannot keep up in this system or at this level. Joshua Zirkzee United want to get to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League. Is Zirkzee a player who gets you there? Not for me, he isn't. Rasmus Hojlund I don't think he has that striker quality required for the Premier League. Hard worker but not the source of goals they desperately need. Speaking to the Daily Mail Of course another option for Manchester United following an embarrassing season would be to sack Amorim, who they appointed as Erik ten Hag's replacement in November. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to give Amorim more time to turn things around at Old Trafford and Sutton agrees with that decision. 'Ruben Amorim doesn't adapt, and he says he never will,' Sutton added. 'To make his time with United a success, he needs to be backed with players who suit his style. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'The issue is I don't know how much they've got to spend. United are now penny pinchers and, besides, will big players want to go there? But I'd keep Amorim, as long as they help him.' In a speech to Manchester United fans following the club's final Premier League game of the season, Amorim promised to bring the 'good days' back to Old Trafford. 'First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and the team,' he said. 'Secondly, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support this season and I know it was really hard to support us in many games. More Trending UK 46 minutes ago By Louis Sealey 'But now we have to make a choice. Do we stick in the past? Because this season is in the past. It's over. We could fight each other or we stick together and move forward. 'Six months ago, after my first three games in charge, we had two victories and one draw and I told you a storm is coming. But today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you the good days are coming. 'If there is one club in the world that have proved in the past that they can overcome any situation and any disaster, it's our club. It's Manchester United Football Club. 'Now I want to say sorry also to my players. Sometimes I was not fair but I've tried always to be honest with you guys. Thank you very much and see you next season.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: No trophies but Arsenal have the 'two best young players in Europe' MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo drops major hint about his future in cryptic Instagram post MORE: Child and three adults pinned under car that crashed into Liverpool fans