Latest news with #Sapsford
The Courier
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
How Dundee United new boy Zac Sapsford fumbled Bukayo Saka jersey when his bottle crashed
Dundee United's first summer signing Zac Sapsford has revealed how he missed out on a signed Bukayo Saka jersey when his bottle crashed – literally. The Australian forward arrives at Tannadice with a hidden skill, and it caught the eye of ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain superstar Juan Mata, a teammate at Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Sapsford, 22, has a talent for bottle flipping and, after showcasing the ability over lunch during an away trip, Mata challenged the youngster to land THIRTY in a row in return for a shirt of his choice. Sapsford opted for Arsenal ace Saka – and came agonisingly close. Instead, he was tasked with weeks on the coffee run. 'I'm pretty good at bottle flipping,' he told the Row Z FC podcast. 'We were at a hotel and had just finished dinner and I was doing some bottle flips. Juan said, 'wow, you are really good at that'. Then he told me that if I got 30 in a row, he'd get me whatever jersey I want. 'I said, 'make it a signed [Bukayo] Saka jersey, and I'll do it'. So, I started, and the whole team was watching. It's getting very pressurised. I had like 28 in a row and flipped it up…then it fell. 'Everyone was all around me – even the coaches – and it was not good. I was that close. 'Instead, my punishment was to get him seven coffees whenever he wanted!' Nevertheless, the tale speaks to the rapport shared by the erstwhile teammates; two men at the opposite end of their career journeys. Mata, 35, boasts a World Cup, two European Championship and a Champions League among an astonishing haul of medals and Sapsford readily admits that the mercurial midfielder is TOO GOOD to learn from. However, his influence was still tangible. 'On the pitch, there's not much to learn from Juan – because he's too good,' he continued. 'You can't really take too much from him because you look at some of the things he does and say, 'I'll never be able to do that'. 'But off the pitch, he is an amazing person and the bits of advice he gave me in different scenarios was invaluable. 'Whether it's reacting to coming off or being annoyed at being benched one week; he'd tell me how he went through those things at top-level clubs. 'Those types of things helped me through the season, and to have someone like that somewhat mentoring you was a cool thing.' Sapsford has penned a three-year deal with the Tangerines and, along with Moldova international Iurie Iuvo, represents the first pieces of Jim Goodwin's summer rebuild at Tannadice. And he told United fans what to expect. Asked what attributes he would bring to the Scottish game, Sapsford said: 'I'd say my link-up play. 'I like to drive with the ball if I get the chance; I'm really good at that. And although I'm not super tall, I like to win most of my aerial duels. Goalscoring and assists, too. I like to set players up and find the killer pass. 'I'll never stop running and I love putting all my energy out there. I'll never come off the pitch feeling like I haven't given everything.' Sapsford, who still harbours a dream of making the Australia World Cup squad next summer, added: 'What I am expecting (in Scotland) is a lot of physicality. 'I'm happy with that. I like a bit of contact in games. That's what football is for and I'm ready for anything.' You can listen to the full episode of Row Z FC here.
The Courier
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
How Dundee United new boy Zac Sapsford fumbled Bakary Saka jersey when his bottle crashed
Dundee United's first summer signing Zac Sapsford has revealed how he missed out on a signed Bakary Saka jersey when his bottle crashed – literally. The Australian forward arrives at Tannadice with a hidden skill, and it caught the eye of ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain superstar Juan Mata, a teammate at Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Sapsford, 22, has a talent for bottle flipping and, after showcasing the ability over lunch during an away trip, Mata challenged the youngster to land THIRTY in a row in return for a shirt of his choice. Sapsford opted for Arsenal ace Saka – and came agonisingly close. Instead, he was tasked with weeks on the coffee run. 'I'm pretty good at bottle flipping,' he told the Row Z FC podcast. 'We were at a hotel and had just finished dinner and I was doing some bottle flips. Juan said, 'wow, you are really good at that'. Then he told me that if I got 30 in a row, he'd get me whatever jersey I want. 'I said, 'make it a signed [Bakary] Saka jersey, and I'll do it'. So, I started, and the whole team was watching. It's getting very pressurised. I had like 28 in a row and flipped it up…then it fell. 'Everyone was all around me – even the coaches – and it was not good. I was that close. 'Instead, my punishment was to get him seven coffees whenever he wanted!' Nevertheless, the tale speaks to the rapport shared by the erstwhile teammates; two men at the opposite end of their career journeys. Mata, 35, boasts a World Cup, two European Championship and a Champions League among an astonishing haul of medals and Sapsford readily admits that the mercurial midfielder is TOO GOOD to learn from. However, his influence was still tangible. 'On the pitch, there's not much to learn from Juan – because he's too good,' he continued. 'You can't really take too much from him because you look at some of the things he does and say, 'I'll never be able to do that'. 'But off the pitch, he is an amazing person and the bits of advice he gave me in different scenarios was invaluable. 'Whether it's reacting to coming off or being annoyed at being benched one week; he'd tell me how he went through those things at top-level clubs. 'Those types of things helped me through the season, and to have someone like that somewhat mentoring you was a cool thing.' Sapsford has penned a three-year deal with the Tangerines and, along with Moldova international Iurie Iuvo, represents the first pieces of Jim Goodwin's summer rebuild at Tannadice. And he told United fans what to expect. Asked what attributes he would bring to the Scottish game, Sapsford said: 'I'd say my link-up play. 'I like to drive with the ball if I get the chance; I'm really good at that. And although I'm not super tall, I like to win most of my aerial duels. Goalscoring and assists, too. I like to set players up and find the killer pass. 'I'll never stop running and I love putting all my energy out there. I'll never come off the pitch feeling like I haven't given everything.' Sapsford, who still harbours a dream of making the Australia World Cup squad next summer, added: 'What I am expecting (in Scotland) is a lot of physicality. 'I'm happy with that. I like a bit of contact in games. That's what football is for and I'm ready for anything.' You can listen to the full episode of Row Z FC here.
The Courier
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Who is Zac Sapsford? Dundee United's new derby specialist with Juan Mata secret handshake
Dundee United have bolstered their strike options with the capture of Australian forward Zac Sapsford. The energetic attacker became the Tangerines' first summer signing on Tuesday afternoon, sounding the starter's pistol on what is guaranteed to be a busy period of recruitment. But what can eager Arabs expect? From his penchant for a goal on derby day to his friendship with Juan Mata, Courier Sport profiles the man from Sydney. This will not be Sapsford's first foray into the British game, albeit the last was rather brief – linking up with the Chester academy in 2019. Aside from that stint in Cheshire, his development took place in his home city of Sydney, crafting a burgeoning reputation as one to watch amid the Hakoah Sydney City East youth ranks. Football was combined with futsal as he honed his skills, with Sapsford also linking up with the Australia U/17 set-up. Goals flowed at state league level (semi-professional), eventually catching the eye of city big guns Sydney FC in 2021. Sapsford's progress would prove to be inextricably linked to the Sky Blues – but not in the way he might have imagined when first joining the club. The tireless frontman didn't make a single appearance for Sydney FC. He was prolific in their U/23 side, but hungry for the opportunity to make his bow in the professional game. Sapsford found that opportunity just 18 miles across the city, joining fierce rivals Western Sydney Wanderers. And he appears to have an extra spring in his step every time derby day rolls around. Sapsford's maiden professional goal came against Sydney FC, with the fresh-faced forward notching a 77th minute winner in November 2023 after climbing from the bench – silencing the Allianz Arena. Reflecting upon his unforgettable cameo, he said: 'I don't think I could feel any better. It's quite surreal to be honest. Looking around when I scored that goal was the best feeling in the world.' Since then, Sapsford has found the net FIVE times in six games against Sydney FC – 42% of his total goals in senior football. If his derby day efficacy continues in Dundee, the Arabs will have a new hero. Although still very early in his career, Sapsford can say he has played alongside a Premier League, Champions League and European Championship winner following his campaign sharing a dressing room with Juan Mata last term. Indeed, he was quizzed about his 'secret handshake' with the Spain legend during a glitzy awards ceremony last month – much to his own confusion. You can view that moment here. While not possessing the same pedigree as Mata, Sapsford has already starred alongside players with plenty of promise, most notably Nicolas Milanovic who has joined Aberdeen in a six-figure deal. Milanovic made history by becoming the first Wanderer to win the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal, presented to the A-League player of the year. It will be fascinating to see him cross swords with erstwhile teammate Sapsford next term. Sapsford also grabbed a gong at the Dolan Warren Awards (the A-League's end of season ceremony) for 'playmaker of the year' courtesy of his sumptuous back-heel to tee up Jack Clisby to score against Central Coast Mariners. That classy assist can be viewed here. While capable of the sublime, Sapsford also benefited from the ridiculous. He scored one of the most preposterous goals anywhere in the world last term, tapping into an empty net after Anthony Pantazopoulos's booming goal kick travelled the length of the pitch and looped over calamity Central Coast Mariners keeper Adam Pavlesic. The strike has been viewed more than 13 MILLION times. Will Sapsford produce any viral moments at Tannadice?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Another Wanderer heading to Scotland
Zac Sapsford is set to go head-to-head with his former Western Sydney Wanderers teammate Nicolas Milanovic in the Scottish Premiership after joining Dundee United. Sapsford has signed a three-year deal with the Tangerines for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 22-year-old attacking weapon scored nine goals in 26 A-League appearances for the Wanderers last season, and was part of impressive forward line that also included Johnny Warren Medal winner Milanovic, who joined Aberdeen last month for a deal that landed Western Sydney a club-record transfer off about $800,000. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin said the acquisition of Sapsford was a 'terrific piece of business' for the Tangerines. 'He's a dynamic forward with a killer instinct in the final third off both feet or with his head, and also has the awareness to intelligently bring his teammates into play,' Goodwin said. 'We feel he's someone that will get our supporters out of their seats and we can rely on in big moments given his mentality and track record in those situations. 'Zac immediately bought into our vision for him and his development. I'm looking forward to closely monitoring his progression during his time in tangerine.'Meanwhile, teenage Sydney FC midfielder Wataru Kamijo has signed a new four-year deal with the Sky Blues. 'This club has given me my opportunity and I feel like I'm in the right place to grow and develop into a first-class midfielder,' Kamijo said.
The Courier
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Dundee United swoop for Aussie striker Zac Sapsford – with next arrival imminent
Dundee United have snapped up Australian prospect Zac Sapsford after the all-action forward opted to leave Western Sydney Wanderers. Sapsford, 22, has penned a three-year contract with the Tangerines. He is fresh from his most productive campaign in the A-League, notching nine goals and four assists in 26 appearances as the Wanderers finished fourth in the regular standings. They reached the playoffs before losing out to Melbourne Victory. Sapsford shone alongside Nicolas Milanovic – who joined Aberdeen for a six-figure fee this summer – in a youthful, dynamic front-three with Brandon Borello. Sapsford was on the books of the Sydneysiders for three years, having crossed the city divide from Sydney FC in 2022. He proceeded to score FIVE goals in six derbies against the Sky Blues, assuring cult hero status. It is hoped Sapsford will bring work ethic and mobility to the United attack, while he was named 'Playmaker of the Year' at the A-League end of season awards for 2025. United boss Jim Goodwin told United's official website: 'He's a dynamic forward with a killer instinct in the final third, off both feet or with his head. He also has the awareness to intelligently bring his teammates into play. 'We feel he's someone that will get our supporters out of their seats and we can rely on in big moments given his mentality and track record in those situations. 'Zac immediately bought into our vision for him and his development. I'm looking forward to closely monitoring his progression during his time in tangerine.' Sapsford becomes United's first capture of what promises to be a busy summer. The arrival of Moldova international Iurie Iovu likely to be rubber-stamped in the next 24 hours. United head of recruitment Ross Goodwin added: 'We fought off stiff competition from across the globe for his signature, so we're incredibly pleased to have the deal over the line so early in the window. 'We look forward to unveiling more exciting new signings for United fans to enjoy watching throughout the forthcoming seasons.'
