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Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mubama ready to take next step
Manchester City striker Divin Mubama will not be part of the club's Premier League 2 squad next season but it is not clear whether he will be sent out on loan or granted a permanent move. The jewel in West Ham's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2023, 20-year-old Mubama joined City the following year after his contract expired at the London Stadium. Mubama made two senior appearances for City this season - adding to his 18 under David Moyes at West Ham - and scored against League Two Salford in the FA Cup third round in January. However, he has spent most of the campaign in PL2 and took his tally in the end of season play-offs to five with two second half efforts in Friday's semi-final win over Manchester United. City's Elite Development Squad head coach Ben Wilkinson knows Mubama will not be around next term. But he is also aware the next steps for any young striker are hazardous. "We've got players in our team we'd expect not to see next year because they're ready to make that step and he's probably one of them," said Wilkinson. "It's trying to help with that next step and guide them in the right direction. "We've had it the last three, four, five years with some real high potential players from the 18s and 21s and now they're playing on our TV screens every other week. "The problem is it has been notoriously hard for young strikers to go out on loan and succeed in the Championship or League One. You used to have someone next to you and now you're a 19, 20-year-old number nine up against two big centre halves and the service might not be great." Wilkinson cites the example of Liam Delap, who had patchy loan spells at Stoke and Preston around the same age Mubama is now, before going to Hull last season, where he scored eight times in 32 appearances. That persuaded Ipswich to take a chance by signing him permanently in a £20m deal last August, since when Delap has gone on to become one of the most coveted young strikers in the Premier League. Wilkinson added: "Liam was outstanding at this level, then had two or three loans and his numbers weren't outstanding. "Now he has grown into his body and has been outstanding in the Premier League this year. "Often the first move isn't as successful as you'd like it to be but that is a good thing because here they live in this bubble of academy football where we are successful and have a lot of the ball - Divin tonight had four good chances to score but will he get that in a Championship game? It's a tough one." Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan views Get Manchester City news sent straight to your phone
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Gary Neville's daily routine: 5am starts, gym and kids by 8am, asleep for 9:30pm
It was George Switzer, a team-mate from Manchester United's 1992 FA Youth Cup-winning team, who started the 'Busy' nickname because he was always 'buzzing' around. Now, as he straddles a growing business and media empire, life is even more hectic.
New York Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
George Earthy interview: ‘My family are West Ham crazy – I'm still a season ticket holder'
George Earthy's unwavering love for West Ham United is palpable as he passionately outlines what sets him apart in his bid to become a first-team regular under head coach Graham Potter. 'It would mean a lot to me to be a first-team regular at West Ham,' he tells The Athletic. 'My family are West Ham crazy so to fully cement a place in the team would mean everything. I'm still a season ticket holder, so I know how it feels to be a West Ham fan. I know how the supporters feel during a win, defeat or draw. Advertisement 'I'm one of them, and it would mean everything to help the club. I'll go the extra mile. I know how it feels to lose a match and it taking ages to get over it. I'm optimistic about the future and I back myself.' The 20-year-old joined Championship side Bristol City on a season-long loan in August. During that loan spell, the England Under-21 international has registered three goals in 36 league appearances, 11 of which have been starts. Earthy has featured heavily in Liam Manning's promotion-chasing team, who will aim to secure their play-off spot in Saturday's home fixture against Preston North End. They are currently fifth. Earthy believes the lessons from his loan will put him in good standing for his return to West Ham. 'I arrived here with a certain target for goals and assists,' the midfielder says. 'I haven't got as many as I want, but I can be proud of my first ever loan, especially with it being in the Championship. Earthy lives in the city centre in Bristol, which has helped him settle. He has started five of their last six league games, with his best contribution being an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against QPR. There are positive signs ahead of his impending return. Potter and academy staff have monitored Earthy's development. The head coach has also shown willingness to promote youth since replacing Julen Lopetegui in January. He gave 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Orford his senior debut against Crystal Palace, young defender Kaelan Casey has been an unused substitute on five occasions under Potter, while Ollie Scarles' trajectory led to an England Under-20 call-up in March. Lopetegui handed Scarles his Premier League debut against Bournemouth in December — and the left-back has developed into a first-team regular, dislodging Emerson Palmieri in the process. Earthy, a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2023, hopes he can follow suit. Advertisement 'It's great to see Ollie doing well, and it motivates all the academy boys,' says Earthy. 'Seeing his progress from afar makes me want to be in a similar position next season. It makes you think, 'If Ollie is doing it, why can't I?' I saw the manager and his backroom staff recently at the training ground. I didn't want to go back to pre-season, and it being my first time meeting them. The gist of the chat was keep doing what you're doing and let's get to work in pre-season.' Earthy made his first-team debut 13 months ago against Fulham. He was rewarded for his performances with the Under-21s, having amassed nine goals and assists under Steve Potts. Former manager David Moyes integrated Earthy into the senior team towards the latter stages of the 2023-24 season. Kurt Zouma (on a season-long loan at Saudi Pro League club Al Orobah), Danny Ings, Lucas Paqueta and Aaron Cresswell helped Earthy settle into a new environment. The quartet were also there for him during his toughest moment. Moments after entering the field against Fulham, Earthy sustained a serious head injury when he collided with team-mate Edson Alvarez. Play was stopped for eight minutes as Earthy received medical attention after players of both sides had immediately raised concerns. The youngster left the pitch on a stretcher with an oxygen mask and a neck brace. He then left the London Stadium in an ambulance with his family. When Earthy was discharged from the hospital, he was informed a particular team-mate went above and beyond to check on his well-being. 'I don't remember much about it,' says Earthy in a jocular mood. 'It happened so quickly. I remember the buzz of making my debut, and I'm just grateful I didn't get knocked out before having a few touches. I went from being on the pitch to waking up at the hospital, not knowing why I was there. I was a bit all over the place after I woke up. I was in serious pain, and I thought I'd broken my neck. Advertisement 'I had a crazy headache because my nose was broken. A lot of the lads sent nice messages and it wasn't until days later when I found out Nayef Aguerd (who is on a season-long loan at Real Sociedad) contacted my dad to make sure I was fine. He's a top guy and so down to earth. He's one of those team-mates you value as a friend. My dad (Paul) is a season-ticket holder and loves West Ham, so he was shocked when Nayef phoned him. 'He said to my dad, 'This is Nayef, I play with your son'. As if my dad wouldn't know who he is already! My dad was buzzing when he phoned because he doesn't get to speak to players that often. I thanked Nayef when I recovered. It was nice of him to go out of his way to see if I was fine.' Given the nature of Earthy's injury, he had to follow the FA and Premier League concussion guidelines ahead of his return to play. He missed the next two league games against Crystal Palace and Liverpool. He was an unused substitute against Chelsea but had an immediate impact after his introduction against Luton Town. 'I scored my first senior goal for West Ham with my first touch after coming on,' he says. 'It was a full circle moment from what I experienced on my debut. All the boys were buzzing for me. Reece Burke (the Luton defender and ex-West Ham academy prospect) congratulated me after the game. I didn't keep the match ball or the shirt, I wasn't really thinking at the time. But it's a moment that I will never forget.' Earthy's progression culminated in him being named young player of the year. Previous recipients include Declan Rice, Ben Johnson, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Freddie Sears and Reece Oxford. Earthy hopes to mirror some of their success, and it is his dedication which will serve him well. After Lopetegui's appointment in May 2024, he was given a tour of Chadwell Heath training ground by sporting director Mark Noble. The Spaniard had a brief exchange with Earthy, who was training on his day off. George Earthy meeting Julen Lopetegui 👏⚒️ — COYIrons (@COYIronscom) May 24, 2024 Lopetegui told Noble he was aware of Earthy. He hoped to play under the Spaniard but opted to go out on loan once it became clear first-team chances would be slim. 'I just wanted game time, in all honesty,' says Earthy. 'The new manager came in and I was part of the pre-season. As soon as it became clear I wouldn't be involved, it was a no-brainer to go out on loan. I used to work with the (Bristol City) gaffer (Liam Manning) at West Ham, so it helped that we have a pre-existing relationship. I knew how he wanted to play and what he demands from players. I didn't really speak to anyone for advice because I wanted to experience it myself. The Championship is an intense league and it was about getting used to it. Advertisement 'Everyone helped me feel settled on and off the pitch, but I got injured quite quickly. I came off the bench against Coventry (in August) and injured ligaments in my ankle, which set me back. It took me time to get back in the team. Now this is the best I've felt all season. It was tough initially because it was a new experience. I went from being on the bench at West Ham with little expectations to then going on loan, being expected to have a massive impact. 'Coming here on loan has made me realise how resilient I am. You need to have that mental toughness to cope with the good and bad times in football. It's helped me grow as a person and a player. 'I feel ready for when I return to West Ham. In all honesty, I felt ready last season, but it was about proving myself. It didn't come as a shock to me when the manager gave me a chance. I prepared and worked hard for that moment. The goal is to play and do well for the club I love. Let's see what happens.'
New York Times
04-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Callum Marshall is thriving at Huddersfield. What are his West Ham hopes?
The Huddersfield Town faithful were serenading Callum Marshall to the theme of Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag as they celebrated an away victory over Stevenage at the weekend. 'Do, do, do, do… Callum Marshall…' The 20-year-old forward, who is on a season-long loan from West Ham United, is a firm fan favourite at the John Smith's Stadium. He has endeared himself to supporters with his tenacious work rate. Marshall was applauded off the field at Stevenage, having registered his ninth goal of the season. The Northern Ireland international could have had his first senior hat-trick in the 2-1 win. Advertisement Marshall is playing a key role in Huddersfield's push for promotion from League One. Following their victory, they are fifth on 58 points, six adrift of second-placed Wycombe Wanderers. Marshall, who scored in back-to-back league games, has earned the trust of manager Michael Duff and remains an ever-present member of the team. 'The main thing was to come here, have an impact and gain experience,' Marshall tells The Athletic. 'If we can gain promotion, it would be great for the club and for me to experience so early in my career. Hopefully we can push for that. Over the last six months, I've learnt a different style of play, what it takes to play in League One and that it's not all pretty. 'It's been about trying to bounce back from setbacks and knowing not every week it's going to be 10 out of 10. A lot of it is hard work, graft and trying to make the most out of moments. It's been great, I've settled in well and I get on with the lads, especially Dion Charles, Brodie Spencer and Nigel Lonwijk.' Marshall joined West Ham from Northern Irish club Linfield in January 2022. At West Ham, he was a regular for the under-18s and under-21s and impressed under academy coaches Kevin Keen and Mark Robson. Marshall, a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2023, made his first-team debut against Bristol City in January 2024. That month, he signed a contract extension until 2027 and joined West Bromwich Albion on loan. The forward had interest from 10 clubs before joining the Championship side. Ian Pearce, the former West Ham defender and West Brom's head of recruitment, outlined how Marshall would improve in the second tier. But the forward only made three appearances during his brief sojourn and was recalled by West Ham in April. 'The loan at West Brom didn't work out,' says Marshall. 'I probably won't know the true benefit of experiencing something like that until I'm older. I was 19 and I wanted to play and sometimes these things happen. I don't blame anyone; it's football. But I knew that coming here, I needed to show I can play in men's football. Advertisement 'I'm happy that it's gone well and hopefully I can score more goals before the season ends. I just want to use this loan spell to push on for when I go back to West Ham this summer. There's a new manager (Graham Potter) and hopefully he'll get a good look at me and see what he thinks.' Marshall has reason to be optimistic. Potter has already given first-team opportunities to Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford. And he is not the only West Ham head coach to hand out chances this season. Young defender Kaelan Casey was a late substitute against Bournemouth in December under the previous manager Julen Lopetegui. Under-21s defender Ezra Mayers was an unused substitute in the 5-2 home loss to Arsenal. Potter and his backroom staff have attended academy games and there is optimism from within that more youngsters could break through. 'Everything is up for grabs so it's about me going back and making a good impression,' says Marshall. 'There are opportunities for young players at the club now. West Ham have a good record at bringing youngsters through. (David) Moyes gave me my debut and I'm thankful for that. When I go back, hopefully I can make more appearances. 'In pre-season, I was mainly hanging around with the academy players but Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell took me under their wings. They were really helpful with advice and it's great they can offer that support. But it was nice being part of the first team environment, which has served me well for this loan.' Gerard Prenderville, the under-21s assistant coach, attended last Saturday's game. Since joining Huddersfield last summer, various academy coaches have remained in touch with Marshall. That also applies to youngsters George Earthy, Freddie Potts, Gideon Kodua, Michael Forbes and Patrick Kelly, all of whom are on loan at EFL clubs. A loan to a Championship club could be the next step in Marshall's development. A case in point is Potts, who was named Wycombe's player of the year during his spell last season. The midfielder is now thriving in the second tier at Portsmouth. Marshall is growing in confidence and his mindset is admirable for someone so young. 'Gerard Prenderville, Kevin Keen, Carlton Cole (the loan manager and ex-West Ham striker) and Mark Noble (the sporting director) all check up on me to make sure that everything is fine on my end,' says Marshall. 'I want to make them and my family proud. Advertisement 'I came over from Belfast when I was 17. I didn't think it was ideal being away from home, but I knew, if I want to do this, it's a sacrifice I have to make. I've given it my all because I want to make it work. 'I don't want to be one of those players who goes back to Belfast at 20 and feels like they wasted their chance. I'm determined to make a career for myself here.'
Telegraph
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The tragedy of Peter Whittingham: ‘We want to celebrate his life – that's what he would have wanted'
Sibling rivalry was fierce in the Whittingham household – at least until Peter started to smash his older brother's records. Football was the sport in which Peter really excelled, making more than 500 combined appearances for Cardiff City and Aston Villa, and Friday night's FA Cup fifth-round tie between the clubs will mark almost five years since his death. Peter would watch James play for Coventry City's academy before he was old enough to take part, but quickly overtook him and was eventually offered a youth training scheme (YTS) contract at Villa, while his older brother concentrated his efforts outside football. Recalling what it was like to have a younger brother who was better than him at football, James laughed fondly and said: 'Oh, it was terrible! In my last year at junior school I held the record for 37 goals or something. And then two years later, he got 100! He'd score 11 goals in one game and do silly things like that.' Peter's sporting talent did not stop at football, which prompted James, who was born two years before him to the day, to jokingly christen his brother 'golden balls'. 'One of the things people often don't realise about Peter is that he was really talented at so many things, not just football,' said James. 'Particularly racket sports – tennis, table tennis – and cricket. He played rugby at school. He was a really gifted sportsman and after he retired from football he was playing a lot of golf. 'I always used to joke that he was the 'golden balls' of the family, but we were very close, as kids and also as adults even though our lives became very different. I was just super proud of him, we all were.' That pride was evident during an hour in which tears fell down James's face, as he shared some of his memories of Peter before what will be an emotionally-charged evening for the Whittingham family who have been invited to the FA Cup tie as guests of Villa. Peter died aged 35 on March 18, 2020 after falling down stairs and hitting his head while with friends watching England play Wales in the Six Nations. His wife Amanda was pregnant with their second child, Seb, at the time, while his eldest son, Will, was just two. 'The fact the Six Nations comes around every year does bring that back,' said 42-year-old James, who works in investment. 'Particularly when it's England v Wales. 'In some ways the five years have gone quite quickly – the memories of growing up with him, being with him, his humour, his disposition, that still feels very close to me and the family, and it still feels like it's omnipresent. But the reason why it also feels longer than five years is how much his boys have grown up.' Peter was part of Villa's FA Youth Cup-winning side that beat an Everton team featuring Wayne Rooney in the final, before making 66 first-team appearances for the club and earning 17 England Under-21 caps. He joined Cardiff in 2007 in what may rank as the best £350,000 the club has ever spent, as Peter went on to score 96 goals in 457 appearances. The midfielder had a habit of netting spectacular goals with his wand of a left foot and he won the Championship golden boot after hitting 20 in the 2009-10 season. During his time in Wales, Peter helped Cardiff reach the 2008 FA Cup final and won promotion to the Premier League in 2013. He was twice named the club's player of the year and was voted into three Championship teams of the year, as well as being included in the Championship team of the decade. 'One of the biggest accolades for Peter was being picked in the team of the year stuff that was voted for by other professionals,' said James. 'His old team-mate, Michael Chopra, said he was a footballer's footballer and that would have meant a lot to him.' Two years after Peter's death, Cardiff retired the No 7 shirt as a tribute and his memory will be marked by a group of Villa fans who crowd-funded to have a banner made in his honour that will be displayed at Friday night's game. The remaining proceeds from the banner have been donated to the Peter Whittingham Foundation that James established with Amanda, his sister, Rachel, and mother, Sally. 'The reaction after the draw was made has been really lovely,' said James. 'Myself and my eldest two children will be there. I think Amanda and the boys will be there. My mum will probably be going and my sister and her children. So there will be a lot of the family at the game. 'With all this, the family, as much as possible, has tried to make things about celebrating Peter, his life and his achievements. He's not the kind of guy who would have wanted us all to sit around. He loved life and he was always very witty, always had a smile on his face. He was glass half-full and that's how he would have wanted us to be. 'He lived his dream, really. He played football for a living and woke up every day and did what he wanted to do, what he always wanted to do. I can't stress enough his love of football and his love for his family.' This will not be the first time Cardiff and Villa have faced each other since Peter's death. His former clubs took part in a memorial match in 2022 that launched the foundation, which has raised £150,000 for three charities: Winston's Wish, Cardiff City in the community and a sports bursary at King Henry VIII School in Coventry. 'The other thing we've had discussions on, with some Cardiff fan associations, is the possibility of a statue of Peter outside the club's ground,' said James. 'It's something we're exploring with Cardiff and it would obviously be a multi-year fundraising process. It's just trying to think what we can do that is positive because that's why the foundation was established.' Peter had retired from football only around 18 months before his death and it is the thought of what his brother could have turned his talents to next that James finds particularly upsetting. 'The question was always how he was going to spend his time after playing and something I learnt at his memorial from speaking to people was that he was planning to go back into doing some coaching with younger players,' said James. 'That's one of the things that disappoints me a lot because I think he would have been great at it. I think he'd be able to offer a lot in terms of insights and I think he was quite good at picking a player. He would have been really good at it and immersed himself in it, as well as the family and the boys. That's the hard thing, all the time you are missing and what he could have done.'
