Latest news with #JackCharlton
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Irish lesser spotted in Premier League but Caoimhín Kelleher has chance to shine
This annual scouring of English Premier League squads in advance of a new season inevitably leads to wistfulness about those bygone days when you'd lose count of the number of Republic of Ireland players in the top flight over yonder. And never more so than this time around. Put it this way, Jack Charlton was so spoilt for choice he was able to overlook a third of the 32 who made appearances in the inaugural PL season back in 1992-93, many of them with the league's biggest clubs. Only England and Scotland had a higher player representation than Ireland in the English top-flight. In the new Premier League season, Ireland will be 13th on that list. But, nostalgia begone. Evan Ferguson was still 12 years away from being born in 1992, so its relevance is somewhat limited. What's it they say? We are where we are. And it hasn't all been downhill since then. There have been the occasional spikes in the numbers thanks mainly to spells when the likes of Wolves, Sunderland and Stoke had a raft of Irish players. But, as we know, the overall trend has seen the Irish presence in the PL dwindle. READ MORE Last season, 15 Irish players made PL appearances, but most of them were peripheral figures at their clubs. Just three – Nathan Collins , Dara O'Shea and Matt Doherty – accounting for more than half the combined 17,000 minutes playing time they amassed. Back in 1992-93, those 32 Irish players racked up 64,000 minutes of game-time. Read it and weep, Heimir Hallgrímsson . Will this season be any better than last season? Hell no. It could be considerably worse seeing as nine of the 15 who played last term are no longer in the Premier League. O'Shea, Sammie Szmodics, Jack Taylor and Chiedozie Ogbene were relegated with Ipswich, Ryan Manning and Will Smallbone with Southampton (Gavin Bazunu too, but he was on loan with Standard Liege) and Kasey McAteer with Leicester. And Brighton's Ferguson and Eiran Cashin are now out on loan too, at Roma and Birmingham City respectively. The promoted clubs have only three Irish players between them – Josh Cullen and Michael Obafemi at Burnley, although the latter is wholly out of favour and likely to leave, and Alan Browne at Sunderland. There's not as much as a hint of green in Leeds United's senior ranks. The upshot is that as few as five Republic of Ireland internationals could see regular Premier League action this season: Caoimhín Kelleher and Collins at Brentford, Cullen at Burnley, Jake O'Brien at Everton and Doherty at Wolves. Kelleher's bench-warming days will finally be over after his move from Liverpool, while Collins was so impressive last season, when he played every minute of every PL game, there's been no little chat about him attracting the interest of some bigger guns. Jake O'Brien could help ensure regular Irish interest in Everton's matches in the Premier League this season. Photograph:O'Brien will hope to maintain the momentum he gained under David Moyes having been persona non grata under Sean Dyche, and Cullen is so highly regarded by Burnley manager Scott Parker that he has been made captain. Doherty's career, meanwhile, has been revived by Vitor Pereira, having struggled for game-time under his predecessor Gary O'Neil. On the less positive side, Séamus Coleman , now 36, has struggled yet again with injury in preseason, while his new Everton team-mate, goalkeeper Mark Travers, is unlikely to dethrone Jordan Pickford. Browne, meanwhile, won't have been buoyed by Sunderland splashing out almost €100 million on four new central midfielders this summer, while Andrew Moran will probably go out on loan from Brighton again, or even leave on a permanent basis. Of the more youthful crew, teenagers Trent Kone-Doherty (Liverpool) and Jacob Devaney (Manchester United) will, most probably, have to bide their time for opportunities, Kone-Doherty having made his first-team debut in February and Devaney called up to train with United's senior squad this summer. The same applies to Newcastle's Alex Murphy and Rory Finneran. Mason Melia will arrive at Spurs in January after he became the League of Ireland's costliest player ever when the London club agreed a fee with St Patrick's Athletic that could rise to €4 million. He's a big loss to the game at home, but it will be interesting to watch his development at Spurs and see whether the 17-year-old Wicklow native will be given early chances to shine. [ Mason Melia building towards thrilling end to St Pat's chapter ahead of Tottenham move Opens in new window ] But that's the overall picture, one that could result in the lowest ever Irish representation in a Premier League season. All of which makes the growing trend for players to test themselves farther afield a welcome one. This has taken Troy Parrott to the Netherlands (AZ Alkmaar), Andrew Omobamidele to France (Strasbourg), Festy Ebosele to Turkey (Istanbul Başakşehir), Callum O'Dowda to Hungary (Ferencváros) and, of course, Ferguson to Italy on his season-long loan with Roma. Hallgrímsson will work up a fair bit of mileage if he travels to watch them all. Evan Ferguson's loan move means Heimir Hallgrímsson will probably be on the road to Rome a fair few times over the coming season. Photograph: Matteo Ciambelli/Inpho Ferguson's performances at Roma this season will be fascinating, as the 20-year-old's career needs a reboot after a sticky couple of years. If he can flourish as Parrott has done in the Eredivisie, it'll be some boost for Hallgrímsson as he prepares for his first World Cup qualifying campaign with Ireland. His hat-trick on his debut for Roma – albeit in a friendly against a side just promoted from Serie D – was a sweet start. So, grim and all as the Premier League figures are, there is indeed a world beyond it when it comes to footballing destinations for our players. Scotland and the lower leagues in England are, of course, well populated with them too. While Charlton, back in the day, would have been trekking from Manchester to Middlesbrough, Southampton to Sheffield and London to Liverpool, with a heap more English ports of call thrown in, Hallgrímsson's schedule could take in trips to Alkmaar, Strasbourg, Istanbul, Budapest and Rome. If the FAI's budget can rise to it. Changed times. But we are where we are.
Daily Mail
11-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The most viewed houses up for sale in the UK - including one steeped in English footballing history
An estate agent has revealed its top 10 most-viewed homes of the month - from a countryside five-acre bungalow to one steeped in English footballing history. According to the latest House Price Index, the average UK home is worth £269,000 - but for Brits looking to snag a bargain, the most popular Purplebricks property in July was £100,000 below that figure. The three-bedroom-end of terrace home on Garcia Drive, Ashington, Northumberland is steeped in footballing history. The northeast town was once dubbed the world's largest coal mining village and has a proud football heritage as it was also the birthplace of England's 1966 World Cup-winning brothers, Bobby and Jack Charlton. The town is a great option for anyone looking for a commuter town to travel to and from either Newcastle or Sunderland due to its proximity and excellent transport links. Built across three floors, the property has one bathroom and spacious rooms with plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen, living room and garden all boast modern, newly decorated furnishings, ready for any family to move in straight away. The house is on the market for £155,000, which comes in below the average price of £199,966 in the proud coal mining hub, according to the latest House Price Index. According to the latest House Price Index (HPI), the average Northumberland home has increased by nine per cent in value during the past 12 months, meaning that the typical property in the area has seen an increase in value of £17,197. A person in Northumberland, earning the area's £36,800 average salary, would pay around £689 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £31,000, according to a mortgages calculator. Three-bed seaside semi-detached home in a coastal town This is the second most admired property by house-hunters thanks to its ready-to-go appeal and location. Located in Greenhow Grove, Hartlepool, the property offers both pristine appeal and an attractive location. The town is renowned for its association with the Royal Navy and shipbuilding. The property's centrepiece is its beautifully maintained garden, which features an outhouse stocking a collection of alcohol as well as a roulette machine. The upper level showcases three newly fitted grey carpets in each of the three bedrooms. Additionally, the house has a fully tiled bathroom fitted with a contemporary three-piece suite and overhead shower. The property is on the market for £190,000, which comes in just above the average price of £140,180 for the area, according to the latest HPI data. The family home, which lies between the cities of Middlesbrough and Sunderland, is a stone's throw from the nearest train station of Seaton Carew, at just 0.2 miles. In the past year, the average house price in Hartlepool has increased by 19 per cent, which works out at an increase of over £26,000. Someone in Hartlepool, earning the town's £34,731 average salary, would pay around £844 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £38,000. Two-bed peaceful stone cottage in Lancashire village This home is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat. Located on Blackburn Road, in the village of Egerton, this property is packed full of exposed stonework and hardwood flooring throughout the living room and dining room. The characterful cottage has a cosy feel inside as well as a decently sized garden area on the outside. The location of Egerton is an attractive proposition for any house-hunter looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while also being able to commute to and from regularly, with the village only being three miles from Bolton and 12 miles from Manchester. The village is also where Bolton Wanderers FC were originally founded back in 1874 under the name Christ Church FC. This £239,500 property has a higher asking price than the average home in the Bolton area, which is £193,919, according to the latest HPI data. In the past 12 months, the average property in the area has risen by five per cent meaning a price rise of over £9,000. A buyer earning the area's average salary of £33,300 would pay around £1,064 in monthly mortgage payments on this cottage, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £48,000. Four-bed rural detached Stable Cottage for horse lovers This home would be a great place for a family of equestrians, given that it comes with paddocks, two stables, a hay barn and a tack room. This rural retreat - known as 'Bay Tree Cottage' - is in Birchwood in the Malvern Hills and offers panoramic views of the surrounding 'Midlands Alps'. The property includes three bathrooms, a sitting room with an inglenook fireplace and a wood burner, with an additional family room/snug which is open plan to vaulted dining. In total, the property boasts 1.84 acres of land where you can also find a games room, with a toilet and a kitchenette inside. The average property price in Malvern is £327,451, less than the £730,000 price tag on this home. However, in the past 12 months, property prices in Malvern have seen a decline of minus five per cent which means that they are about £15,000 cheaper to buy. A buyer earning the £37,430 average salary for the area would pay around £3,262 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £143,000. Three-bed Bungalow with a river running through the garden This home in Cam, Dursley, features a natural river that flows through the five-acre garden. Cam is a peaceful village located on the edge of the Cotswolds and contiguous to the town of Dursley, north of Bristol and south of Gloucester. This modernly decorated property contains three bedrooms with one being an ensuite, as well as a double-length garage and a kitchen skylight. According to the latest House Price Index, the average property price in South Gloucestershire is £340,901, an increase of five per cent from last year, meaning an average added worth of over £16,000. However, this property is put on the market for the asking price of £800,000. A person earning the average salary of £45,800 in South Gloucestershire would pay around £3,579 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £156,000. Four-bed family Yorkshire home with its own man cave This spacious family home in Bradford, Yorkshire, is a standout property thanks to its huge open plan living room/dining room as well as its 'man cave' outhouse. The property, located on Tyersal View, is an attractive proposition to prospective buyers as soon as they see it, thanks to its large, gated driveway. Bradford is a proud working-class Yorkshire city famous for its production of wool during the Industrial Revolution, where it earned the title 'Wool Capital of the World'. This family home is valued at £250,000, which is slightly more than the area's average of £180,408. Homes in Bradford have seen an eight per cent rise in the past year, meaning their value has increased in general by over £14,000, making Bradford a great investment. A buyer in Bradford earning the city's £36,700 average salary would pay around £1,111 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £50,000. Three-bed quiet semi-detached home in town on the doorstep of Manchester This home is an exceptional opportunity for any house hunter near Manchester who wants more of a quiet area to go home to, thanks to its large garden and location. The property on Shrewsbury Road includes a decent-sized front lawn and patio with plenty of space to park a car, as well as a large kitchen and living room. The Manchester property boasts three bedrooms as well as three bathrooms, and would be perfect for a small family. Specifically, the property can be found in the Droylsden area, which is only a four-mile trip outside of central Manchester, while also being a more restful retreat near Ashton canal, which runs through the heart of the more sleepy mill town. The £290,000 home is a little bit more expensive than properties within Manchester, which have an average price of £256,579. Property values in the area have risen by around three per cent meaning a rise of over £8,000 in the last year. A buyer in Manchester earning the city's £46,400 average salary would pay around £1,295 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £57,000. Modern two-bed end-of-terrace in historic market town This home in Morpeth, Northumberland, is a highly attractive property for house-hunters. Morpeth is a historic market town in Northumberland, England, lying on the River Wansbeck and famous for Morpeth Castle and the 13th-century chantry, which houses the Bagpipe museum. The property is not only modern-looking from the outside but also from within, as it features a sleek new kitchen and bathroom. House-hunters will immediately be drawn to the garden of this house as it is immaculately maintained, containing a shed, a seating area and a patch of grass giving owners the option to have everything that they could want. This home has a listing price of £150,000, which is cheaper than the average Northumberland home of £199,966, according to the latest House Price Index. The average price of properties in Northumberland has risen by nine per cent since last year, meaning that properties have seen an overall valuation rise of over £17,000. A buyer earning the Northumberland average salary of £36,800 would pay around £666 in monthly mortgage payments on this home, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £30,000. Quiet three-bed semi-detached home on a cul-de-sac in Derbyshire village This house can be found on a quiet cul-de-sac within the sleepy Derbyshire village of Littleover. Littleover is about three miles away from Derby and gets its name from'Little Ufre' (Domesday book), and in Old English, over meant a slope or little hill. The property contains a spacious living room area with a large bay window and a cosy wood-burning stove. Outside, the garden is a vast size fit for activities as well as hosting, with a built-in decking area. The Derbyshire home is valued at £292,000, which is a little over the Derbyshire average house price of £232,454, according to the latest House Price Index. July's HPI also revealed that the average Derbyshire property has risen by six per cent in the past year, meaning that they have gained an additional value of over £14,000. Typically, the average yearly salary of someone living in or nearby Derby takes home £46,300, this would means that a buyer in the area would pay £1,300 in monthly mortgage payments on this house - assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £58,000. First-time buyer's three-bedroom dream in the steel city Last but certainly not least on this month's top 10 list is this three-bed terraced house in Sheffield is a dream opportunity for first-time buyers or potential investors looking to make their mark on the Yorkshire city. The South Yorkshire city of Sheffield is known as the UK's 'Steel City' due to its steel-making factories in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Sheffield is also home to the world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC, which was founded back in 1857. This northern property offers would-be buyers a huge living room area which leads directly into the garden space. The home also showcases an attractive renovated kitchen area fit with wood and tiles. The garden is also a standout because of its huge decking area, which is primed and ready for hosting a BBQ or social gathering this summer. This £170,000 property is cheaper than the city's average of £217,791. In a year, the average Sheffield home has increased by five per cent and by over £11,000 in value. A person in the steel city earning the £41,600 average salary would pay around £755 in monthly mortgage payments on this house, assuming a 25-year deal at 4.5 per cent, and with a 20 per cent deposit of £34,000. Tom Evans, Sales Director at Purplebricks Estate Agency, said: 'We're seeing huge amounts of interest in these properties from both online viewers to viewings and offers, and it's clear to see why, there are some great opportunities on the market right now.'
Leader Live
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Smallman and Lloyd the heroes when Wrexham beat Southampton!
Back in 1974, the young Wrexham striker rose to the occasion to head home the only goal in a fifth round FA Cup upset at The Dell. 'They absolutely battered us that day,' said Smallman, reminiscing on his Reds days that saw him score 38 goals in 101 games before a cut-price £76,000 move to Everton. Smallman was in fine scoring form in the FA Cup, netting against Rotherham, Crystal Palace, the winner against Jack Charlton's Middlesbrough, before firing the Reds to glory in front of 2,000 travelling Wrexham supporters down on the south coast. While Smallman was the goal-den boy in that epic cup run that ended in a quarter-final exit at First Division Burnley, goalkeeper Brian Lloyd was Wrexham's star man. 'Lloydie probably had his best ever game for Wrexham,' added Smallman. 'I remember him making a save from Mick Channon and he made many more.' As for his match-winning goal, Smallman said: 'Brian Tinnion took the corner and their keeper came and I just managed to nip in in front of him. 'It was a bullet header. I was a bit under-rated in the air but I had a decent leap and it flew into the net.' Wrexham's cup run that year was getting plenty of publicity. 'We beat Middlesbrough in the fourth round and Charles Roberts, who was a director at the club, got us all dressed up as undertakers with a Bury The Boro headline,' recalled Smallman. Peter Adamson - aka Len Fairclough in Coronation Street - was Wrexham's star fan in those days and was pictured celebrating with the players in The Dell's dressing room after the game. 'They were great days,' said Smallman. 'We had a great team with lads that had all come through the ranks - Billy Ashcroft, Michael Thomas, Joey Jones, Graham Whittle, Bob Scott and me.' Arfon Griffiths was also in the Reds team back in 1974 and was manager the last time Wrexham ventured to Southampton where they suffered a 5-0 League Cup hammering in 1979. They also lost the home leg 3-0. As for Wrexham's chances this season as they return to the Championship for the first time in 43 years, Smallman added: 'I think if they finish halfway will be a good result. 'It's a big step up and the first six or seven games will be crucial for them. 'You can't argue with what Phil Parkinson's done at the club and it will be interesting to see how they get on.'
Irish Independent
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Barry Murphy: ‘Scoring the try and getting knocked out. Maybe that's why I say playing the All Blacks was like a dream; I could barely remember the rest of the match'
Musician, former Munster player and co-host of the'Potholes and Penguins' rugby podcast Barry Murphy shares three of his strongest sporting memories Growing up in Limerick city, rugby and soccer were my two loves. I was seven when Italia '90 happened and the whole country was grabbed by that. From a rugby perspective, the All-Ireland League was booming. Like most Irish people, I love that underdog story, and Jack Charlton's Ireland team certainly had that. I became an Aston Villa fan, after Italia '90, as that was Paul McGrath's team.
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jack Charlton changed the lives of everybody in Ireland with the World Cup but there was uproar when he first took over
FORMER Ireland international Terry Phelan has spoken of how Jack Charlton had to overcome early uproar to become Ireland's greatest manager. 'Big Jack', who won the Advertisement 5 Terry Phelan won 42 caps for Ireland Credit: David Maher/SPORTSFILE 5 He was part of Jack Charlton's team that played at the 1994 World Cup in the USA Credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE 5 Ireland players, from left, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Terry Phelan and Steve Staunton Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile While a controversial appointment at the time due to his English heritage , as well as a 1-0 loss to Under his stewardship, Ireland got to their first ever major tournament at Euro 1988 and famously beat England in their opening game. They exited the tournament in the group stages before going one better at their first World Cup at Italia 90, getting to the quarter-finals. Terry Phelan made his senior debut the following year and was involved in every game when Ireland got to the 1994 World Cup in the Advertisement Read More on World Cup And he told SunSport via "We had amazing players… [Liam] Brady, [Ronnie] Whelan, [Kevin] Stapleton, [Paul] McGrath, [Andy] Townsend, [Mark] Lawrenson, [Steve] Staunton… the list goes on. "The first year was tough for Jack with Ireland, but once he weathered the storm, you look at the second year and Euro 88. "Ireland became a team that people noticed and it went on from there. Jack brought the country together throughout his time as Ireland manager and this was huge! Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog "His no-nonsense approach was spot on, every player know where they stood. "We played hard, we had fun and Jack let us go out, but as a group, we knew when we crossed that white line, it was time to fight and be together. Bobby Charlton hailed as 'greatest' by former Ireland manager Jack Charlton as footage re-emerges of late brothers "We won big game games and went to major tournaments." England's late equaliser against Advertisement Alan McLoughlin's late strike at Windsor Park against The World Cup itself started with another iconic moment, as Ray Houghton's goal at Giants Stadium sealed a 1-0 win over revenge for their defeat to the Azzurri four years earlier. Despite losing to next game, a draw with it was at this stage that the journey once again ended, as goals from Advertisement Phelan - who won 42 caps for Ireland - said: "It was super-hot but we knew we had a squad to compete and we knew how to play on the big stage. 'GREAT TEAM' "This was a great team we had. Most of us were playing in England, we were a family , we stuck together, and we had loads of fun outside of the pitch. "We messed about, we ate Snickers and Mars bars! But we were a unit. We had so much quality in the team! "I mentioned earlier, but McGrath, [Packie] Bonner, [Denis] Irwin, [Roy] Keane. We had leaders all over the pitch Advertisement "[John] Sheridan was immense, Townsend was a work horse, Staunton had so much grit and determination "Was had the class of Houghton to score the goal against Italy . "The bond we had as players was excellent. "As we went on, It was a bridge too far, but we went on one great ride." Advertisement 5 Ireland players, from left, Roy Keane, Kenny Cunningham, Terry Phelan and Richard Dunne Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Since hanging up the green jersey in 2000, the former defender has enjoyed a varied career on and off the field. The former Manchester City, star ended his on-field run with Southern United in His coaching career has taken him to Advertisement The 58-year-old is relishing this chapter of his career but would welcome a return to Ireland down the line. He said: "My relationship with Ireland is great! "I loved every time I put on the jersey! To see so many passionate fans following us was testament to Jack and what he had done for the country. "Every player who played for Ireland was the same. We were passionate about the country and playing our football . Advertisement "I am very happy in India, coaching a lot and giving back. Feeling fit and keeping healthy. "Coming home? Never say never! My dream is still alive to bring players over from India to Ireland and have a link up with any of the teams. "I have so much passion for the game, I want to continue to coach, educate and empower young footballers to succeed. "So, maybe there could be a chance to come back to Ireland especially, or England to coach as it's a massive passion of mine." Advertisement 5 Roy Keane, David Connolly, Terry Phelan and Ray Houghton Credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE.
