Latest news with #Fozcast
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘He's ready' – New Real Madrid signing Huijsen earns praise from Arsenal star
Newly-signed Real Madrid starlet Dean Huijsen has this week come in for some well-earned praise on the part of Arsenal star David Raya. This comes as the pair prepare to reunite with the latest Spanish national team squad. Advertisement Defender Huijsen is of course fresh off sealing a big-money move back to his home country. This comes after a spectacular debut season in the colours of Bournemouth in the Premier League culminated in Real Madrid splashing out on the 20-year-old's signature. Huijsen's tender years have seen some question whether the jump to the continent's biggest club may be a step too far, too soon for Huijsen. One individual, though, in no two minds when it comes to the stopper's readiness to make the necessary leap in performance is the aforementioned David Raya. Speaking during an appearance on Ben Foster's podcast 'Fozcast' this week, Arsenal shot-stopper Raya was drawn on the talents of his fellow countryman. And the shot-stopper was not shy in revealing his opinion that: 'He's top. He's ready, you know why? He has zero f**ks given. In a good way.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
David Moyes biggest summer transfer clear as staggering Everton situation emerges
The tears on the pitch, during and after the game, told you all you needed to know. Abdoulaye Doucoure was leaving Everton. His departure was confirmed on Monday when the midfielder took to social media to post an emotional video message. But his reaction to being substituted in Sunday's Goodison Park farewell, and how he was when the players took one final walk around the pitch after the historic encounter, had already given the game away. The warm tributes to the news being made official, both by the club and by fans, were fully deserved. READ MORE: Everton backed to make major transfers after Finch Farm claim - 'The lads have told me' READ MORE: Six players Everton could sign for free to fill new problem position After netting just fives times in his first two seasons with the Blues, Doucoure became a scorer of big and regular goals after being given a new lease of life by Sean Dyche. Indeed, it is unthinkable to imagine just where the club would be right now without his incredible strike against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022-23 season that settled yet another relegation decider and left Goodison shaking to its core. Doucoure has also become a go-to player under Dyche's replacement, David Moyes, with his final goal for Everton fittingly being another memorable one to secure a last-gasp victory at Nottingham Forest. The 32-year-old celebrated it by suggesting it was high time the Blues sorted his contract situation out after the club opted against triggering the 12-month extension in his deal. It has since transpired that Doucoure was eventually offered fresh terms. However, they were clearly not to his liking and this Sunday's trip to Newcastle United will mark the end of his five-year stay on Merseyside. Doucoure had already intimated he would not accept a decrease in his wages, telling his former Watford team-mate Ben Foster on the ex-goalkeeper's Fozcast: "It's funny because now I hear on especially X and Instagram that Everton fans were saying, 'we love Doucoure to stay but he has to lower his wages', and I'm amazed. Why are they talking about my salary? To be honest I deserve to have my salary right now. "I hear a lot of things about my salary and I'm like, 'guys I see Mo Salah or Van Dijk they have a pay rise because they are playing good and okay I'm not at that level, Everton is not at the level of Liverpool, but I'm sorry'. "And to be honest I won't reduce my salary to stay at the club because I don't think I deserve to reduce my salary. I'm playing every season, I'm scoring important goals, I'm very important for the club. No I should have an increase." While completely understandable from the player's point of view, those comments were not universally well liked by supporters, whose gratitude for Doucoure will be eternal but whose views on his place in the team, despite his penchant for scoring crucial goals and his unflinching work rate, has been debated for some time. The veteran, who responded to a fans' post on X yesterday about his role in the team, is a player who would not always pass the eye test, with his passing and final ball, in particular, often the source of frustration. But it is no coincidence that a succession of Blues bosses - Frank Lampard aside - have continued to pick him. And a post on X, from Michael Greenall (@greenallefc), following Doucoure's final appearance at Goodison, has suggested exactly why. It showed that Everton, with Doucoure, have played 148 matches, winning 55, drawing 34 and losing 59. That works out as 1.34 per points a game (199 points in total). Without Doucoure, the Blues have played 41 matches, winning just four, drawing 16 and losing 21. That works out at 0.68 points per (28 points in total). That is a staggering difference and in a summer transfer market that will be exciting but challenging for Moyes, his biggest task could be just how to replace the man that Everton, almost literally, have not been able to do without.
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wrexham unsung hero's huge net worth, relationship with Prince William, famous wife
Wrexham unsung hero's huge net worth, relationship with Prince William, famous wife Wrexham director Humphrey Ker has been credited with playing a huge role in the club's success, but there are many who know little about his fascinating life as an actor and writer Humphrey Ker (centre) has played a key role in Wrexham's success under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (Image: PA ) Humphrey Ker has been hailed as one of the unsung heroes of Wrexham's success story under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Red Dragons have clinched an unprecedented third promotion in a row and will play in the Championship next season. Ker was involved in the celebrations at the Racecourse Ground as Phil Parkinson's side toasted their rise out of League One last weekend. The actor, writer and comedian has been with Wrexham since the early days of Reynolds and McElhenney's time as owners and sits on the board of directors. Despite having no previous experience in the football industry, he has been described as a key part of the club's achievements. Ker was even singled out for praise by former Wrexham and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster in the wake of their latest promotion. Speaking on the 'Fozcast' podcast, he said: "He's the man and it's completely fresh eyes because he didn't have a clue about football." Foster was backed up by ex-Wrexham captain Ben Tozer, who said: "I love everything about him, his eccentricity. The way he speaks is just so eloquent." Here's the story of Ker's intriguing life, covering everything from his connection with Prince William to his famous wife and net worth. From attending Eton to becoming football director Born in October 1982, the 42-year-old is the son of David Ker, a fine art dealer, and Alexandra, the daughter of a Royal Navy officer. Ker attended Ludgrove School and Eton College as a youngster and went on to study history at the University of Edinburgh. Article continues below It was during this time that he met fellow students David Reed and Thom Tuck and formed a sketch group called The Penny Dreadfuls, who penned comedies for Radio 4. In 2011, Ker won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for his show Dymock Watson: Nazi Smasher! Wrexham director Humphrey Ker has a fascinating life story (Image: Lyndsay Radnedge/) After moving to Los Angeles in 2013, he began taking on more writing roles, eventually securing a job on the Apple TV series Mythic Quest. The workplace comedy series is set in a gaming firm and was created by Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney, who also stars in the show. During the filming of Mythic Quest's first season, Ker inadvertently set off a chain of events that led to Reynolds and McElhenney purchasing Wrexham. In the early days of the Covid lockdown, Ker would often watch his favourite team, Liverpool FC, during breaks in filming. Ker's affection for the Premier League team caught the attention of sports enthusiast McElhenney, who initially couldn't grasp the appeal. However, after Ker recommended the Netflix documentary Sunderland 'Til I Die, McElhenney became enthralled. The suggestion clearly worked, as McElhenney suddenly proposed the idea of buying a football club to Ker. Ker then created a set of criteria, scoring teams based on factors like facilities, fanbase, history, and finance. Wrexham scored the highest, partly due to its rich history. McElhenney managed to persuade Deadpool star Reynolds to join the venture, and their takeover of Wrexham was finalised in February 2021. Ker was the first representative on the ground in North Wales, acting as a crucial liaison for the new owners during a period when international travel was challenging. He was soon appointed as a director, and has remained at the club ever since. Net worth It's not known exactly how much Ker is worth but it has been estimated he has a net worth of around £3.75m. As well as being a writer on Mythic Quest, Ker has also acted in two season of the NBC sitcom American Auto. More recently, Ker has penned a comedy play titled Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas, collaborating with former Penny Dreadfuls member David Reed. The mystery play, set to debut in Birmingham in November, boasts original songs by the legendary musical duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, known for their contributions to some of the most iconic musicals in history. Growing up with Prince William Ker first encountered Prince William when they both attended Ludgrove School and Eton College as youngsters. He even shared a bedroom with the Prince of Wales before they eventually drifted apart. Their paths crossed again years later when William made an unexpected visit to Wrexham. Ker was reunited with his old school friend on March 1, 2024 at an event held at the Racecourse Ground to mark St David's Day. Wrexham director Humphrey Ker catches up with Prince William at the Turf pub (Image: (Photo by) ) During his visit, William met with Ker and McElhenney at The Turf pub. The heartfelt reunion was caught on camera during filming for the third series of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. The Prince nostalgically remarked "it's been a while" as they warmly greeted each other. Ker divulged details about their childhood bond in later scenes: "I went to school with Prince William. I have known him since I was seven, or something like that," he said. "We literally shared a bedroom from (the age of) seven until 10." The encounter not only provided captivating content for Disney+ but also highlighted a poignant full-circle moment for Ker. Ker's famous wife Humphrey Ker and Megan Ganz at the finish line during the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon (Image: Bryan Bedder/New York Road Runners via Getty Images ) Ker is married to Megan Ganz, a comedy writer and producer who is part of the team behind McElhenney's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She was born on June 1, 1984 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has also been involved in shows such as Modern Family, Community and Mythic Quest. Article continues below The couple have been married since May 30, 2015 after meeting in LA two years earlier whilst Ker was filming a pilot called Holding Pattern. The show was not picked up but it meant he found his future wife after they were introduced through a mutual friend who worked on the sitcom. While many associated with Wrexham were nursing hangovers last Sunday, the pair ran the Manchester Marathon together to raise money for the Wrexham Miners Project. They also ran the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in March.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford behaviour comes under fire as Unai Emery suspicions raised
Doubts have been raised over whether Aston Villa will choose to sign Marcus Rashford permanently due to the "circus" surrounding the star. Rashford, who is currently on loan at Villa from Manchester United, missed the Midlands club's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday through injury. The forward was notably absent at Wembley for one of his new team's biggest games of the season. However, Rashford did manage to make it to watch Chris Eubank Jr's victory over Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later the same day. The 27-year-old sparked a social media storm as he was spotted soaking up the atmosphere at ringside alongside stars like Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Hollywood icon Idris Elba and Love Island host Maya Jama. Rashford's appearance at the boxing match attracted criticism on social media due to the nature of Villa's defeat and his surprise absence, with one fan labelling him 'tone deaf'. In light of the controversy over his behaviour, former United goalkeeper Ben Foster has questioned whether Villa are likely to exercise their £40million option to make Rashford's move permanent. The ex- Wrexham player made his comments after claiming Unai Emery is unlikely to want the extra baggage associated with the star. "I don't think he's a £40m player for Villa," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast. "With Marcus Rashford, comes too much of a circus. There always just seems to be too many other stories and it's not always about football. "There's always something else with the boxing match and going to that but not going to the game. I just don't think Unai Emery wants that and I don't think he needs that. He'll be able to spend £40m elsewhere, and I think you'll get better results in a bigger picture by doing it that way." Foster warned United that they could suffer a double blow if Villa choose not to make Rashford's stay permanent. As well as missing out on £40m, he suggested Villa could also turn their attentions to one of the Red Devils' main transfer targets. United are reported to be keen on signing Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap during the summer, with the Tractor Boys' imminent relegation triggering a £30m release clause in the 22-year-old's contract. But Foster believes they may face stiffy competition after comparing Delap's off-field profile favourably to Rashford's. He said: "You don't get any of that other stuff off the pitch with Liam Delap. You're not getting these pictures taken and paparazzi following him everywhere. That's the problem with it - it's not just signing a player anymore, you've got to sign everything that comes with it." Rashford was left out of the squad entirely for Villa's defeat to Palace. Emery confirmed after the match that he had sustained a hamstring injury and could potentially miss the rest of the season. When asked about Rashford by the BBC, the Villa boss gave a curt response: "You know because you made the question before. I told you, he's injured." Rashford has been a regular at Villa Park since joining on loan at the start of February. However, uncertainty remains over his future at the club with only four matches left this season. United head coach Ruben Amorim has already made it clear that he doesn't see Rashford as part of his plans. The player himself is understood to favour a move abroad to a Champions League side if he does leave Old Trafford.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds 'discovers' if Premier League ace is joining Wrexham as Gary Neville ignored
Jamie Vardy has been strongly linked with a move to Wrexham following his decision to leave Leicester, with the club's Hollywood owners now left in no doubt over his future Jamie Vardy is reportedly set to reject a potential transfer move to Wrexham in favour of staying in the Premier League. Vardy recently announced he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season following the club's relegation to the Championship. Speculation has since been rife that he could join Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, following their promotion from League One. However, Sky Sports reports that the 38-year-old does not want to join a Championship team, delivering a blow to their hopes of landing a major transfer coup. The striker, who won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016, has also been linked with a move abroad following interest from clubs in the US and the Saudi Pro League. But the Foxes legend is said to be convinced he still has plenty to offer sides in the English top flight. Vardy has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 32 games for Leicester this term. If he does stay in the Premier League, it will put paid to the suggestion put forward by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville. Neville was recently asked what advice he would give to Vardy as he considers his future, and backed him either to stay put with the Foxes or move overseas. Speaking on ' The Gary Neville Podcast ', he said: "Look, if his body feels good then it'll come down to how he feels. These lads are so fit. He's obviously lost a yard [of pace], but I think there are opportunities that exist now in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play and you can enjoy yourself. "I think [he should] stay at Leicester if he can. Why not? Do they not need a Jamie Vardy in the Championship and do you not think he would cause problems? They're going to have a lot more of the ball and they're going to dominate a lot more of the games. "He knows how to work in the box in short spaces now – he's got better at that during his career. There may be a position for him for 25 to 30 games next season. He still could be someone [who is] important for them in getting maybe 10 or 15 goals in the Championship." Another figure who has cast doubt on Wrexham's ability to lure Vardy to North Wales is the club's former goalkeeper Ben Foster, who helped the Red Dragons lift the National League title in 2023. The ex-United shot-stopper believes there are plenty of Premier League teams who would be willing to sign him. "I think Jamie Vardy genuinely, and I do mean this, could sign for probably 15 Premier League teams," Foster said on his ' Fozcast ' podcast. "It's very similar to the Liam Delap scenario where he is not going to be the main man for anybody and he's not going to play 32 games. "But what he will do is he can come off the bench for half an hour or 40 minutes and give you everything he's got. He can still do those runs in behind and score you goals. He's a great lad." He added: "Can you imagine how much Newcastle fans would love a Jamie Vardy ratting around? The Championship is not happening. [Wrexham] is still not happening. Abroad? He could go to America…or there's 15 Premier League teams you can sign for, Jamie. Perfect." 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. Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp has offered Wrexham a glimmer of hope after suggesting Vardy could be a good fit for them. The former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss also touted Burnley as another possible destination following their promotion to the Premier League. "He would be a great value signing for any club," Redknapp told BetVictor. "It's a no brainer in my eyes – he gives everything and works so hard. A team like Burnley who have been promoted, his goals could help them stay up. "He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him. It would be a great move for Wrexham. "I don't think he will be on the radar of Premier League clubs, but that said, I think he's fantastic. His work rate and everything about him is brilliant, if I was in the Championship I'd be moving heaven and earth to sign him." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
