Latest news with #LeicesterCity
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jamie Vardy jets off to five-star Turkish paradise with wife Rebekah as they hole up in £10,000-a-night presidential suite to thrash out football future - with crunch talks taking place at luxury Lujo Hotel in Bodrum
Jamie Vardy has swapped pitch-side pressures for poolside paradise as he and wife Becky escaped to the sun-soaked Turkish Riviera to finalise his next big career move. The Leicester City legend drew the curtains on his 13-year chapter at the club this month, after announcing his departure as a free agent. He and his wife are holed up in the opulent Presidential Suite at the ultra-luxurious Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, where rooms can cost up to £10,000 a night. The couple are believed to be using the sprawling five-star resort - famed for its private beaches, lavish amenities and celebrity clientele - as their base to conduct high-level meetings as the clock ticks down on Vardy's next big signing. Sources say the Vardys are holding crunch talks as they weigh up lucrative offers ahead of the new season. Despite his nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, Vardy was unable to save Leicester from relegation. The Foxes made an instant return to the Championship after a dismal campaign which saw them finish 19th. And despite interest from several clubs in the second tier, Vardy is focused on staying at the top level, with the Premier League his preference after he leaves Leicester. Asked whether he wanted to stay among the elite, the 38-year-old told Sky Sports a couple of weeks ago: 'Yeah, 100 per cent. But again, football's a crazy world. So you never know what's going to happen. I'm always excited for what comes next. 'I've always said I'll keep going until my legs literally tell me, no, you need to stop, we're done. And my legs are fine.' Having played 500 games for Leicester, Vardy has made the third-most appearances ever for the club and has registered 271 goal contributions. As their all-time top scorer, he also led them to an unprecedented Premier League title in 2016, as well as the FA Cup and FA Community Shield in 2021. The Englishman is the 15th all-time leading scorer in Premier League history and scored in 11 straight matches during Leicester's title-winning season - the most ever. In 2019-20, he became the oldest recipient of the Premier League golden boot award at 33 years old, when he scored 23 goals. Vardy announced his farewell at the end of last month, with his goodbye message to the fans stressing how 'gutted' he was to be sharing the statement. 'It has been 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. It's finally time to call it a day, which I'm devastated about but I think the timing is right,' Vardy said. 'I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking you in as one of your own. Leicester will always have a massive place in my heart and I'll make sure I'll be following in the years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club. 'As for now, this is my goodbye, but you will see me again soon I promise. Thank you.' Rebekah joined her husband on the field at the King Power Stadium alongside his family earlier this month, as he carried out a lap of honour to say goodbye to the fans after Leicester's final home game of the season against Ispwich. The WAG, 43, pulled out all the stops for Jamie as she threw him a surprise party celebrating his final appearance for Leicester. She made sure no expense was spared despite being told earlier this month that she must pay out £1.4million to Coleen Rooney to cover her legal costs in the bitter Wagatha Christie case. Taking to her Instagram Stories the following day, Rebekah shared a snap of the jaw-dropping bar tab, revealing a never-ending list of drinks. Jamie looked completely shocked as he walked into the venue, which was decorated with hundreds of blue and gold balloons and giant pictures of his achievements with the team. Rebekah had also created a personalised walk way into the party which showed the timeline of Jamie's success with his team, from winning titles to announcing his departure from the Foxes.
ITV News
a day ago
- Sport
- ITV News
How did your team rank in our Midlands football season review for 2024-25?
The curtain has fallen on another action-packed football season - with highs and lows for our teams in the Midlands in the Champions League, Premier League and Championship. Some were able to smash their targets, while others fell at the final hurdle. Promotion, relegation... whatever the final outcome was, we can all agree it was a season to remember. Here is my review of the 2024-25 season. In no particular order, I have rated: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, Derby County, Birmingham City, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, Shrewsbury Town, Port Vale, Walsall, Notts County and Chesterfield. Aston Villa - 7/10 What a ride it was for Villa in the Champions League. Reaching the last eight of Europe's top competition was a fantastic achievement, but they will be disappointed not to have qualified for it again next season. The wait for a trophy goes on, but the Europa League gives them a very realistic chance of that. Nottingham Forest - 8/10 It was so nearly a dream season for Forest. They were in the Champions League qualification spots for much of the campaign, but their form dropped just at the wrong time. They won just two of their last eight Premier League games. It does still mean they are in Europe next season for the first time in 30 years. To put this season in context, they won more games this season than the last two combined. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 5/10 The arrival of Vitor Pereira completely changed Wolves' season. The fact he was shortlisted for Premier League manager of the season despite them finishing 16th tells you everything you need to know about that. They were in real danger of relegation, and he steered them away from that with ease. He needs backing in the transfer market this summer, or Wolves might find themselves in a familiar struggle again. Leicester City - 2/10 What a disastrous return to the Premier League for Leicester City. It was unfortunate to lose Championship-winning manager Enzo Maresca to Chelsea last summer, but that still doesn't explain how bad this season was. The appointment of Steve Cooper wasn't popular, and his replacement Ruud Van Nistelrooy holds the worst win percentage of any manager in the club's history. Fans have protested against the board and the feeling would've been worse had it not been for Jamie Vardy's farewell. His 200th goal in his 500th and final appearance for the club was the only joyful moment in a dark season. Coventry City - 7/10 There was shock when Coventry City sacked Mark Robins but his big name replacement has delivered. Frank Lampard arrived when the club were two places above the relegation zone. He managed to get them to the play-offs that would end in heartbreak at Sunderland. With his own additions in the summer, Coventry will be an attractive place to be. West Bromwich Albion - 5/10 West Brom were going along pretty well under Carlos Corberan but on Christmas Eve, we got the news that he was leaving for Valencia. It was an unwelcome gift, but it presented an opportunity to welcome Tony Mowbray back to football after his cancer treatment. Sadly, it didn't work out, and any hopes of the playoffs dwindled. The club is taking their time to appoint the next leader and they need an injection of enthusiasm. Stoke City - 3/10 Stoke City were the first of our clubs to sack their manager this season. Steven Schumacher went in September, and his replacement Narcis Pelach lasted only three months. It is a frustrating cycle for Stoke, who are backed by the wealthy Coates family but just can't find a formula that works. They've now gone for experience in Mark Robins - he says he's never had to deal with so many 'hand grenades' before securing safety on the very last day of the season. Derby County - 6/10 Despite Derby finishing below Stoke City, they've had a better season matched against their expectations. Survival was the key for them after promotion from League One and that is what was achieved in the end. The managerial coup of the season was poaching John Eustace from high flying Blackburn Rovers. Under Eustace, they got six wins in ten games and they can now start looking up. Birmingham City - 9/10 A record-breaking season for champions Birmingham City. Their 111 points is a new EFL record, and after years of relegation battles, they are now very much used to winning. The appointment of manager Chris Davies last summer was a masterstroke and made up for the Wayne Rooney disaster, which helped take them down. Yes, anything but promotion would've been a failure, but they dealt with that pressure superbly. The only blemish was defeat to Peterborough in the EFL Trophy final. The real test will come next season when League One's biggest fish is back in the much bigger Championship pond. Lincoln City - 6/10 Another year of stability for Lincoln City, but perhaps they are victims of their own success. They came into this campaign off the back of an exciting run, which almost got them in the play-offs in 2024. So, expectations rise. Sometimes, a year without drama is good. Mansfield Town - 6/10 The Stags are playing in League One for the first time in 22 years, and it's important to remember that when reviewing their season, which started with so much promise. They carried over their promotion momentum and were third in October after winning five games in a row for the first time at this level since 1976. Their form got dramatically worse as injuries took their toll, but they survived with ease. Next season, Field Mill will be four-sided for the first time in 21 years, which will further help take the club forward. Burton Albion - 5/10 Burton Albion's first season under new owners Nordic Football Group saw them introduced to the classic British story of the Great Escape. Manager Gary Bowyer was appointed in December but struggled to make an instant impact, and by January, they were eleven points from safety. Despite that, he turned it around and pulled off a memorable rescue. Next season, they will be the longest serving club in League One. Shrewsbury Town - 2/10 This was a miserable season for Shrewsbury Town. Their decade in this division is over and they are heading back to League Two. They were stunned when Head Coach Gareth Ainsworth decided to leave for League Two Gillingham in March. Relegation is no fun but perhaps next season will be more enjoyable for Shrewsbury fans as they will surely watch more than the eight wins they managed this campaign. Port Vale - 8/10 At the first time of asking, Port Vale bounced straight back up to League One. The decision to give Darren Moore a five-and-a-half-year contract last February has been vindicated, and now there is excitement at Vale Park about what they go on to achieve in League One. Walsall - 7/10 This is the most difficult club to assess. Reaching the play-off final is a huge step forward from where they've been in previous seasons but there is no doubt fans are hugely disappointed. In January the Saddlers were 12 points clear at the top of the table and it felt like they were certain of promotion. To be stuck in the same division after that is a massive failure. Notts County - 6/10 This could've been so different. Had they taken their chances and striker Alessana Jatta not been sent off in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Wimbledon ,they would've ended the season at Wembley. Losing Jatta meant they lacked firepower in the return leg, and Stuart Maynard has since been sacked. They say never go back, but former boss Luke Williams is now available after being sacked by Swansea City. Chesterfield - 7/10 The fact that none of our teams finished outside the playoffs in League Two is something to celebrate. The Spirites weren't able to get past Walsall but have easily settled back in the EFL after their 2024 promotion. There is a lot to build on.
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
'Leicester need to make a decision quickly'
Former Leicester City midfielder Dean Hammond says decisions on the Foxes' future need to be made quickly to provide clarity for told BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast: "The hardest thing in football is to make decisions, and I think the quicker you can make them, the better, because it gives everyone a bit of clarity and a bit of understanding and puts everyone at ease because they know what's happening and what's expected."Who's going to lead the team next season would be the biggest decision for me, because until it's decided whether Ruud van Nistelrooy stays or a new manager comes in, then I'm not sure how you plan."It's so important to have that person in place to start putting forward the direction of the football club for next season."The more time you get with the players you're going to work with for the majority of the season, the better time you're going to have to implement your playing style. "You need to get to know players. You need to build relationship with players. New players need to come in and settle. They need to understand how they're going to play and what is expected."Leicester City does not feel like a stable club in this moment, and I wonder, with that in mind, how important this summer overall really is for Leicester City, not just for now and for next season, but for what the club want to achieve in the next maybe five to 10 years."Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Aston Villa's player of the season: Youri Tielemans – fitter than ever, better than ever
It came as little surprise that Youri Tielemans swept up at Aston Villa's end-of-season awards. His form has been unerring, a still point in a campaign of contrasting emotions. Fifty-two starts in 55 matches — 4,511 minutes — for a 28-year-old central midfielder demonstrated a unique robustness, made more impressive given criticism of his athleticism, physicality and mobility at previous club Leicester City. During his debut campaign at Villa he was frequently sluggish when opportunities to play arose, making just 17 Premier League starts. Advertisement This season, however, he came narrowly close to being Villa's sole Premier League ever-present, until injury earlier this month curtailed things. Regardless, he became the first Villa player to start more than 50 games in a single season since Alan Wright and Mark Bosnich in 1995-1996. Memories can often be short in football and it was only in August when many were pondering where Tielemans actually fitted into Unai Emery's starting XI. Boubacar Kamara was close to returning after an ACL injury and was expected to be partnered by new £50million club-record signing Amadou Onana. A similar scenario a transpired a year earlier, when Douglas Luiz had forged a midfield partnership with Kamara that had left Tielemans making do with either a substitute role or competing for one of the two No 10 spots further up the pitch. Speak to close observers and the Belgium international is a player and character who requires rhythm; he needs regular games and a lot of them to feel fully attuned. Even if he did develop his work between the lines as a No 10 last season, he did not necessarily have the confidence or speed of thought to influence matches. This time has been different. He seized the small window of opportunity as Kamara was weeks away from recovering fitness and ensured he became undroppable and indispensable in Emery's mind. He started the season how he finished it: the gravitational centre of Villa's build-up play. He has grown in presence and authority in the changing room. On the pitch, he directs play and takes up positions to help progress Villa up the field. No player has made more forward passes than Tielemans. Indeed, no player has made more passes, tackles, or accrued more minutes. He became the first player in the Premier League this season to create more than 50 chances and make over 200 passes into the final third. Only Morgan Rogers, possibly the only team-mate to rival Tielemans for player of the season, is ahead in assists. Advertisement More impressively, he has rarely lost a midfield battle, despite being up against ostensibly bigger and more athletic opponents. He is fitter than ever, more intense in his pressing and counter-pressing and such has been the improvement Emery frequently instructs him to lock on and pressurise the opponent's deepest midfielder, knowing Tielemans now has the physique and fitness to make longer sprints and cover larger areas. Tielemans is, in many ways, a throwback. Football has become an increasingly athletic sport, where recruitment can be based as much on physical ability as technical. Those who are technically gifted and would have thrived in previous eras can be left behind if they are not seen to have the ability to eat up ground. An inherently end-to-end game, exceptionally so with Villa a transition-based attacking team, does not exactly suit a player like Tielemans once was. Even though Villa signed him aged 26, scouts and recruitment specialists, who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, insist there was a perception his best years were behind him. While still young, he had already been a professional for a decade and it was felt, or was beginning feel, like there were too many matches in his legs and it was taking a toll on his performances. It is why the clubs he was previously linked to — Arsenal and Manchester United — were not in the running when his contract at Leicester expired. Villa pounced, emboldened by Emery's affection and the club's recruitment team looking beyond perception and running critical numbers on his data. The feedback suggested he was part of a failing team that was proving detrimental to his own development, rather than any physical decline. He joined as a free agent in June 2023 with a hefty signing-on fee. If he was to leave, Villa would certainly make a sizeable profit that the PSR accounting books would be deeply thankful for. Advertisement Through patience and perseverance, Tielemans has transformed into what was expected of him as a precocious teenager at Anderlecht. He's one of the best central midfielders around, possessing a rare capacity to control the game through the tempo he sets on the ball and ensuring his endurance is up to such levels that no one can hold it against him. He thinks quicker than most, he sees developing pictures ahead of him quicker and is malleable enough to make the same impact either as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder or a No 10. Even when Villa won just six times in 21 fixtures between September and February, owing to a general flatlining of performance, Tielemans was a cut above. Central midfield is one of the most demanding positions, and especially so under Emery. They must have the courage to take the ball in tight areas while playing at maximum intensity. There has to be equal composure and ferocity. Tielemans has mastered the balance, being brave in wanting the ball whatever the situation or stadium while never willingly giving ground to an opponent. This has made him Villa's most important player, a leader and, undoubtedly, player of the season. (Top photo by Mike Hewitt via Getty Images)
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Leicester City ‘face starting Championship season with TWELVE-point deduction after alleged £17m in PSR breaches'
LEICESTER CITY are facing a huge points deduction for next season if found guilty of breaching PSR rules. The Foxes were relegated back to the Championship last month following a dismal Premier League campaign. 1 And they could begin the 2024/25 season in the second tier playing catch-up. The Premier League issued charges last week alleging a PSR breach of over £17million across a three-year period. According to the iPaper, Leicester could be hit with a MINIMUM 12-POINT penalty if found guilty. EFL guidelines state that 12 points should be docked for a PSR breach. Deductions are then applied on a sliding scale if the breach is less than £15m. The Prem are reportedly set to argue Leicester be docked more points after failing to submit their accounts on time last December. A spokesperson said earlier this month: "Following an Arbitration Tribunal's decision concerning jurisdiction, Leicester City FC has now been referred to an independent Commission for alleged breaches." "The EFL Championship Profit and Sustainability Rules (P&S Rules) for Season 2023/24. "The club's obligation to provide its Annual Accounts to the Premier League by 31 December 2024. "And the club's obligation to provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Premier League in response to the League's inquiries." Both the Premier League and Leicester declined to comment to the outlet. Leicester have announced 11 players are leaving the King Power this summer. Danny Ward, Daniel Iversen and club legend Jamie Vardy are all among those released following the expiry of their respective contracts. Vardy, 38, has been linked with a shock free transfer to Newcastle. The former England striker spent 13 years at Leicester, scoring 200 goals in 500 games. Vardy scored nine Prem goals and provided four assists this season. Since announcing his departure from the club, he has also been linked with Crystal Palace, Wolves and Wrexham.
