Latest news with #Nevin
Metro
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Pat Nevin warns Chelsea about five Real Betis stars for Conference League final
Pat Nevin has warned Chelsea over five Real Betis players ahead of their UEFA Conference League final clash in Wroclaw on Wednesday night. The Blues have been strong favourites to clinch the trophy all season and easily topped the league phase, winning all six pre-knockout games. Chelsea then eliminated FC Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw and Djurgårdens IF – without their strongest XI – to stroll into the Conference League final. But former Chelsea star Nevin has rejected talk of Chelsea being 'heavy, heavy favourites' for the showdown against Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis. In an exclusive interview with Metro, Nevin has pointed out that Real Betis beat Real Madrid 2-1 in La Liga earlier this season – and also drew twice with Barcelona in the Spanish top-flight – showing just how good they are. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. There are a number of former Premier League players in Real Betis' squad including Giovani Lo Celso and Pablo Fornals, who featured for Tottenham and West Ham respectively. Antony is currently on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United and Nevin believes the winger – along with Lo Celso and Fornals – are more than capable of causing Chelsea some problems. Nevin also highlighted Isco – who played for Real Madrid from 2013 to 2022 – and Colombia international striker Cucho Hernandez as top players. 'I'd say Chelsea are heavy, heavy favourites in England, I'm not sure everyone else (in Europe) feels that way if you've watched Real Betis this season,' Nevin said via 'I look at their team and think, well, Isco isn't bad. Cucho Hernández is alright as well. Antony, we know he's capable on his day. Giovani Lo Celso is an interesting one in the creative area at well. 'It didn't happen (for Lo Celso) at Spurs – and you could say the same for Pablo Fornals at West Ham as well – OK, quite good, they go away and I used to think 'Oh, Premier League rejects' – but it's not always like that. 'Sometimes, the timing can be wrong or the wrong style of club for that type of player. 'Look at what Real Betis did to Real Madrid this season – they beat them 2-1. Both their games against Barcelona in La Liga have been draws. 'You think, wait a minute, how does that make Chelsea a heavy, heavy favourite? It doesn't. More Trending 'It's two teams who are well above the standard of this competition. I actually think we have a good final. 'It's not right final, because this competition isn't for Chelsea or the top teams. It's for the teams that never get to a (Champions League or Europa League) final. 'It's maybe more a fitting final for Real Betis but Chelsea will say they're just on their way back (to the top) and need to get through this.' Should Chelsea land the Conference League title, which was only introduced in the 2021-22 season, they'd become the first team to win all three European club competitions and it'd be their debut trophy under their owners, BlueCo, who replaced Roman Abramovich three years ago. MORE: Europa Conference League final odds: Chelsea can triumph but back Manchester United flop Antony to score MORE: Chelsea warned they may not be able to 'trust' £60m transfer target MORE: What happens if Chelsea win the Europa Conference League final?
Metro
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Pat Nevin names Chelsea's weak links for Nottingham Forest Premier League clash
Pat Nevin has identified Chelsea's main areas of weakness ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season. Champions League qualification is on the line for both teams on Sunday at the City Ground as the Blues continue their fight to secure a top-five finish. Nevin believes his former club Chelsea will get the job done against Nuno Espirito Santo's men but has also raised concerns over the Blues' defence. In an exclusive interview with Metro, Nevin has highlighted the threat of Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga against Chelsea's two centre-backs. 'You have to look at the centre of Chelsea's defence,' Nevin said via 'It's been different, it's changed throughout the season. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'It always has to be Levi Colwill – but it's who goes beside him. Trevoh Chalobah has been good, Tosin Adarabioyo has come in, various people have done it – and it's got a bit more stable recently – but this is a test. 'Especially against Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood, they are good players who are hard to deal with. 'Colwill is a litter older now (22) but he will need all the experience in the world to keep Wood quiet. Wood has had a brilliant season. 'His movement is superb and he's so intelligent. If Chelsea can keep Wood from scoring, I think Chelsea will win. 'They have more quality in the rest of the field, they are slightly better. But it's so slight – it's wafer thin between the two clubs.' Nevin also feels Chelsea miss the 'old Cole Palmer' and suggested the suspension of the Blues' No.1 striker Nicolas Jackson may be a factor too. 'Chelsea have been up and down this season,' Nevin added. 'Cole Palmer has been playing – but they miss the old Cole Palmer. That's a worry for Chelsea. 'There's no Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea will probably have the kid (Tyrique George) up front again… It really does make it different.' Nevin does, however, ultimately feel that Chelsea will get the three points they need to book their spot in the 2025-26 Champions League. More Trending 'I think Chelsea will dominate large parts of the possession even though it's away from home,' Nevin continued. 'I've said all season I think Chelsea will get Champions League football. It might have to be fifth! It's fabulously close and anything can happen.' The west Londoners have been in fine form towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign, losing just one of their last eight Premier League games. Enzo Maresca's side could finish the season with a trophy too ahead of their Conference League final with La Liga club Real Betis on Wednesday. MORE: How much money do Championship play-off final winners get for Premier League promotion? MORE: Chelsea and Manchester United lose out on Victor Osimhen as striker reaches agreement with new club MORE: Arsenal begin talks as Mikel Arteta decides between Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres
Press and Journal
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
EXCLUSIVE: Aberdeen would be Scottish football legends forever by disrupting status quo with cup win over Celtic, says Pat Nevin
Stunning treble-chasing Celtic at Hampden would make Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen side legends of the Scottish game, says Pat Nevin. The Dons will bid to win the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990 when they face holders Celtic in the final at Hampden on Saturday. Celtic have dominated Scottish football in recent years and have already won the Premiership and League Cup this season. Former Everton and Chelsea star Nevin reckons a shock win for Thelin's side would resonate with more than Dons supporters. It would also be significant for every non-Old Firm Scottish football fan, as an Aberdeen cup triumph would smash the status quo – if only for one glorious day. For ex-Scotland international Nevin the key to Aberdeen overturning the odds is restricting the influence of Celtic's midfield maestro Callum McGregor. Nevin said: 'Aberdeen players are going to be heroes forever if they win the Scottish Cup final. 'It is an opportunity to not only be an historical figure for Aberdeen, but also for Scottish football. 'Due to the dominance of Celtic and Rangers, the chance to do that does not happen often. 'If you are a Celtic or Rangers fan, you probably remember the Scottish Cup finals. 'If you're not a fan of those clubs, all the finals blur into one. 'But Hibs winning their Scottish Cup final for the first time in 114 years, that doesn't blur. 'And it will be the same with Aberdeen if they lift the trophy, because it's so rare. 'It will be a win not just for Aberdeen, but for the Premiership and Scottish football. 'Aberdeen will go down in history if they beat Celtic at Hampden to win the trophy. 'They will jump out and stay there forever.' Aberdeen have not won the Scottish Cup since 1990 – when they triumphed 9-8 in a penalty shoot-out against Celtic. The omens of ending their 35-year drought are not positive ahead of the trip to the national stadium. Aberdeen lost 5-1 to Celtic at Pittodrie last week and are now 30 games without a win against the Parkhead side. The Reds were crushed 6-0 in the League Cup semi-final by the Hoops earlier this season. Thelin's Dons are also on a four-game losing streak following a 2-1 reverse at Dundee United in the Premiership curtain-closer. Nevin, 61, said: 'Celtic are used to the Hampden pitch, which is a big surface. 'That is important when you play against teams like Celtic because good players make use of space. 'And that extra acreage at Hampden can be key, especially so late in the season when players can tire. 'Aberdeen have to have their best day, and hope Celtic don't have their best. 'And if you can stop Celtic's playmakers, their midfield, that is key. 'Daizen Maeda has been outstanding, but Callum McGregor in particular – you've got to stop him. 'If you can prevent McGregor controlling the game, you've got a chance against Celtic, as he is brilliant.' Now a radio and television pundit, Nevin reckons Aberdeen are capable of bringing a goal threat to the final. He insists on-loan Millwall attacker Kevin Nisbet must be the focal point of the Aberdeen attack at the national stadium. Scotland international Nisbet has netted 14 goals in all competitions this season. The striker scored a clinical header in the loss to Celtic last week. Nevin said: 'Nisbet will be key for Aberdeen as he can score goals at a high level. 'He did well initially at Millwall after moving from Hibs, but then he got injured. 'Nisbet will have learned different things whilst at Millwall. 'And one of the things he'll have learned is this career doesn't last forever. 'When the big moments come, you need to grab them. 'And he's at the right age to be that.' Pat Nevin was talking with The Press and Journal on behalf of
Business Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
101 Great Irish Restaurants: Head for Leinster's best culinary addresses
The 2025 edition of 101 Great Irish Restaurants, produced in partnership with Nespresso Professional, showcases the depth and breadth of Ireland's food scene, from casual bistros to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants. Here are the venues in Leinster that made the cut this year. The cash-rich, discerning people of Greystones were bizarrely lacking in a restaurant offering good fish and seafood until the arrival of the Harbour Kitchen, which is housed upstairs from the Beach House pub. Now they can choose from dishes like crab with dressed celery and wasabi buttermilk, moules mariniere with chips and sourdough that is an utter bargain at €19.50, and wild halibut with house-made gnocchi. Owner Sheerin Wilde and his young, enthusiastic team offer superb service, while chef Jaco Pretorius, who you might have know of old from La Maison on Castle Market in Dublin 2, cooks up food that is precise, unfussy and bursting with flavour. The gods were certainly smiling on the owners of Carton House when Adam Nevin, a wildly talented young chef from nearby Maynooth, was persuaded to return home from London and take the reins at what must easily be one of the most beautiful dining rooms on this island. Awarded a Michelin star in February, a return visit in April confirmed Nevin's status as a serious talent, with at least two dishes - scallops with preserved truffle and salami, and a strawberry, lime and olive oil pre-dessert - easily at two star level. Expect exciting things in this kitchen over the next few years courtesty of Nevin, who is still only 30, and his team. Bearu, New Ross, Co Wexford, This hard working little gem of a restaurant run by husband and wife Dave Rowley and Siobhán Ward lures the punters in with delicious breakfasts, lunches and afternoon cake breaks, with stunning bakes from Claire Griffin, and stays open for dinner too on Friday and Saturday nights. The concise, seasonally-led menu has three choices of starter and main, and two for dessert. It changes very regularly, which is great for local customers, and draws on Rowley's extensive repertoire of classics. Fish is always a good choice, being so close to the busy south east fishing ports, and a recent dish of pan-roasted cod, with chicken velouté, wild garlic and celeriac was a standout. Leave room for desserts, which are outstanding without being overly fussy. From this month, newly-sanctioned daytime outdoor seating will be a big draw here. Thyme, Athlone, Co Westmeath, To scroll through Thyme's Instagram feed is to almost guarantee that soon - very soon - you will get in your car and drive to Athlone to eat the food there. If you're visiting in game season, you might get to eat Sika deer with red cabbage and kohlrabi; in spring, a rhubarb and stem ginger baked Alaska. Chef John Coffey, who runs Thyme with his wife Tara, is not only a wonderful chef, but a generous mentor to the young cooks who come through his kitchen, and a champion some wonderful Irish food suppliers. Chakra by Jaipur, Greystones, Co Wicklow, One of the pioneers of Indian fine dining in Ireland, Asheesh Dewan is the man behind this bright, airy restaurant in the Meridian Point centre in Greystones. The room was always an attractive one, but a post-Covid makeover that included the addition of new booths and a bar, as well as a serious upgrade to the cocktail offering, only enhanced its appeal. Everything is good here, but some particular favourites include chef Santosh's Nepalese chicken, the Himalayan venison - it'll put hairs on your chest - and the Goan prawn curry. Vegetarians and vegans will be spoiled for choice, and the presentation of the dishes is among the most elegant you will see anywhere. Campagne, Kilkenny city, No one does the classics like Gareth Byrne. Confit of suckling pig with black pudding and choucroute, Paris-Brest with hazelnut butter cream and lemon curd - his menu is a temptation-packed delight. Opened in 2008 and awarded a Michelin star in 2013, this Kilkenny city gem is run by Byrne and his partner Brid Hannon, and has built up an incredibly loyal customer base. Don't live locally? Not a problem. Campagne is only a few minutes walk from the train station. The Sea Rooms at Kelly's, Rosslare, Co Wexford, It's hard to know where to look when you sit down to dinner in this stunning, elevated glass box structure with its unobstructed views of the magnificent manicured gardens and outdoor art installations at Kelly's Resort Hotel and the Irish sea beyond. As you enter, take note of the custom built Smokin' Soul grill; this beast is the beating heart of the restaurant, bringing the fire and smoke that subtly permeate head chef Chris Fullam's menu. The Dubliner is going into his third season here and he brings an interesting, sophisticated take on modern dining, capitalising on the hotel's vegetable garden, proximity to the sea and the lush Wexford grazing pastures. Demonstrating his versatility, Fullam offers both vegetarian and vegan versions of his seven-course menu. On the core menu, available as either seven courses or three, you might find dishes such as barbecued halibut with white asparagus, garden peas, pesto and vin jaune. Square, Dundalk, Co Louth, Conor Halpenny's Square was always worth a vist - a Business Post review late last year described the cooking there as 'quietly brilliant' - but a recently-completed renovation makes it even more of a draw. What to eat? The fried corn ribs are a joy whether you're veggie or not, while the Square KFC - available as either a starter or a main - will make you wonder why you ever crossed the door of a certain chain of fast food chicken restaurants. The drinks selection is superb across the board, too. The Dining Room at Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Co Laois, One of three Irish restaurants to win Michelin stars for the first time in February - the Morrison Room at Carton House, and Lignum in Galway being the other two - the dining room at Ballyfin Demesne makes the most of the estate's incredible kitchen garden. You might presume that somewhere this grand would only offer a tasting menu, but there's an a la carte too, with full vegetarian versions of both also available, something that remains incredibly rare in Ireland. The setting, as you'll know if you've visited, is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but the service is wonderfully warm too. Alumni Kitchen Table, Rathangan, Co Kildare, For three nights each week, chef Philip Mahon and his sommelier wife Kathy open their home and business to a maximum of eight guests, seated at a communal table in their kitchen dining room, or at the prep counter, right in the middle of the action. They call it an 'immersive culinary experience with food, wine and hospitality in mind', and it really is something quite unique. Every morsel, from the snacks that open your meal to the handmade chocolates that bring it to a delicious close, is made in-house by Philip, who brings his Michelin experience to dishes such as Union Hall lobster, spiced tomato ketchup, burnt cream and tarragon emulsion. Most diners stay overnight in one of the four bedrooms available to guests. The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, This grand dame benefits from having one of the most exquisite dining rooms in the country, with views over the immaculate gardens to the river Nore beyond. Michelin has bestowed a star on the restaurant for the past 12 years, and for eight of those chef John Kelly has headed the kitchen. He says he brings his personality, his locality and his travels to his cooking, as demonstrated by a dish of Tipperary organic veal, baby leek, black truffle, aged Comté cheese. He also has an extensive on-site larder to capitalise on, so you'll find estate herbs and 'salad cream' paired with asparagus, and Mount Juliet honey in a dessert with Waterford whiskey and orange. This year, chef Kelly and sommelier Jean-Baptiste Renault have introduced an elevated prestige wine pairing to sit alongside the fine wine pairing offered with the tasting menu. Keep your phone camera ready, if that's your thing, for the arrival of the custom made petits fours trolley. The Coach House, Roundwood, Co Wicklow, This is the kind of place where you'd be happy to get snowed in - in fact, you might actually pray for it. It's an impossibly cosy spot in the tiny Wicklow village of Roundwood where you'll find dishes like free range chicken schitznel and Wicklow venison pie, as well as rooms on-site with comfy beds that you can flop into after eating. Simon Pratt and Monique McQuaid are at the helm of this complex, which also includes Roundwood Stores, the much-adored cafe. Apparently, Billie Eilish once popped in to eat in the Coach House, and if it's good enough for a musical icon, it's good enough for us. Bramley, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, Where would we be without family-run, small hospitality businesses like Bramley? Run by husband and wife Sam and Emily Moody, it offers lunch and dinner dishes that are simply, but deliciously executed. Dinner might include organic free-range pork with home made gnocchi, or venison with turnip and a spiced date puree. For dessert, you'll find it hard to resist the hot chocolate soufflé with white chocolate ice cream - you're only human, after all - but there are also lighter options like strawberries with mint, lime and elderflower ice.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Hibs standout who Celtic and Rangers should have on their transfer radar as Pat Nevin speaks through gritted teeth
But as a lifelong Hibee, Nevin hopes the rising star at Easter Road stays around for a while longer Celtic and Rangers will scour the globe for new talent this summer. But Pat Nevin reckons there's a gem right on their doorstep. A flurry of signings will arrive in Glasgow over the coming months as the big two get to work ahead of the new campaign. Brendan Rodgers will be bankrolled by another chunky war chest while the incoming American takeover should boost Gers' transfer coffers. Dundee has proved a valuable breeding ground for the Old Firm in recent years, with Glen Kamara, Luke McCowan and Lyall Cameron all landing moves from Dens Park. Versatile Dees midfielder Josh Mulligan - who can play at right back - has also been linked with penning a pre-contract in Govan. And with both rivals keeping tabs on the Scottish market, Nevin reckons Hibs striker Kieron Bowie will be on their radar. The Scotland Under-21 talent arrived from Fulham last summer on a four-year deal and has made an impressive impact since recovering from a long-term hamstring injury in January. Bowie, 21, has even been tipped to solve the striking crisis for the Scotland national team and become Steve Clarke's future number nine. As a massive Hibee, Nevin hopes the rising star sticks around at Easter Road for years to come. But speaking through gritted teeth, the Chelsea legend is adamant Bowie has everything in his locker to lead the line at Parkhead or Ibrox. In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, courtesy of Nevin was asked if any SPFL talents should be on Celtic and Rangers' shortlist and said: "Yeah, but I don't know if I want to tell you! "It's the boy Bowie at Hibs for me. Sometimes, you don't have to be the top scorer or whatever, but you see a player and think there's something there. As a Hibs supporter, that's kind of hard for me to say but I'm going to give an honest answer. "This season is actually extraordinary for what Hibs have done. When you look at the wide areas, you've got two brothers who are not doing too badly out there. So there must be teams looking across. "But Bowie with the height, the age and technique, that must be a temptation. It absolutely must be. I hope it doesn't happen. As a Hibee, I've sat and watched player after player leave and often to Celtic and Rangers. "If you have a look over the last 20 years, the players that have left Hibs and gone to Celtic and Rangers are extraordinary. There was a period where every time we had a good centre-forward at Hibs, they ended up at Celtic and Rangers, and often they were Scottish. "We accept that it happens. Dundee United have got a decent young centre-forward on loan, I'll give you that. "There are one or two players there. But the other thing I suppose you have to remember is if you are Rangers or Celtic, Sam Dalby might do a job. But is he going to do a job in Europe for you? That's what you have to consider. "If you think they are going to be good enough and you are capable of making them into the final article, then you might be tempted to go for it. I wouldn't be surprised at those two being tempted but I suppose there are a few others around as well." Rodgers has made no secret that a new frontman is top of his wishlist this summer, despite 33-goal hitman and PFA Scotland Player of the Year Daizen Maeda filling the void left behind by prolific Kyogo. Across the city, the next manager in line will also be eager to bolster the club's attacking power as Rangers attempt to end Celtic's stranglehold on Scottish silverware. Hibs fan Nevin added: "It's difficult because, oddly, Kieron looks more suited to Rangers, just style-wise. But Brendan might want to adapt. "If you look at Celtic at the moment, yeah Maeda has been phenomenal. But you have to ask, is the backup good enough? Is there enough power there? "Watching the big games in particular, I was over at Bayern for the Champions League match. Just that last little bit where you had to bring on some strength and depth, that wasn't quite there at the very top level. "Now it shouldn't be because it's Bayern Munich. But it may well be that someone with that physique that you can work with, there would be a temptation. "There's a bit of me that wants to say, 'No, he isn't good enough! Don't go near him, you're wasting your time there!' But in actual fact, technically, he must be one of the ones that must be a temptation, and it's about physique as well. He's got a lot of potential."
