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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Rangers fans will hate me' – David Martindale reveals how he once helped European opponents ahead of clash with Gers
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAVIE MARTINDALE helped Ruben Amorim prepare for big European clashes with Rangers and Aberdeen. But he joked the Portuguese boss has forgotten who he is now he's in the big time with Man Utd. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 David Martindale gave Ruben Amorim a helping hand Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 The gaffer faced two Scottish oppositions previously Credit: Getty The Livi gaffer did his coaching badges in Northern Ireland with Amorim and West Ham number two Bruno Saltor. Martindale helped the Old Trafford boss get ready for facing the Gers while standing in at Braga and then sent him Livi's prep notes when Sporting Lisbon faced Aberdeen six months later. He revealed: 'I did my coaching badges with Ruben Amorim and Bruno Saltor, who is at West Ham now, so I know them both fairly well. 'We did it with the IFA and it just so happened that when I was getting up they were kicking about for breakfast too, so we used to sit together. 'It was a two-week intensive course doing the B and A licences, the year before Covid. 'Ruben was the manager of the Braga B team then the manager of the first-team got sacked, so he stepped in. 'He phoned me right after it because they got Rangers in Europe and asked what I could tell him about them. 'He wasn't able to sit in the dugout because we hadn't finished the whole course by then so they had to put an old guy who had his pro-licence there instead. 'Ruben wasn't allowed to take the team so he stayed away from it, I think he sat in the stand or stood behind the dugouts. 'Rangers fans will hate me, but I sent him our stuff because we'd just played Rangers. That's what happens in football, everyone helps each other out. I'm not going into my work relegated, says defiant Livingston boss David Martindale as they're left TEN points adrift 'Rangers beat them anyway - I think those were the only defeats he had as Braga manager in 12 or 14 games. 'On the back of that he got the Sporting Lisbon job - and in his first season he drew Aberdeen! 'I had him on the phone again asking me for my stuff on Aberdeen because we'd just played them before as well. 'I got my 'fit and proper' stuff through and Ruben messaged me 'great Davie, I'm delighted for you'. 'Fast forward to last season and he gets the Man United job so I messaged him to say well done, congratulations. 'I'm still waiting for him to text me back!! 'I keep checking my phone but it's never come through! 'It's brilliant he's got that job and I think with Ineos getting the structures there sorted, it'll be a great fit long-term.' Martindale keeps in touch with Saltor and revealed he even tried to get the ex-Brighton star to come out of retirement and sign for Livi. Celtic fans utterly baffled as David Martindale gets Hoops star confused with Man City hero in TV interview He said: 'Bruno was a great guy as well, he had just retired at Brighton when Graham Potter and Billy Reid went in there. 'So, me being Scottish, he reckoned I must have known Billy, which I didn't! 'I actually wanted to sign Bruno for Livingston. We did a few wee drills when we were on the courses and you're in them. 'I remember looking at him thinking he'd stroll it playing for us. He was 36 or something at that time. 'I asked him if he wanted to come here but he just laughed at me! 'I'm pretty sure I offered him a coaching job here as well, but he was in at Brighton and since then he's worked at Chelsea and now West Ham. 'We had a good group, we had Luis Garcia, Chris Samba, Gabby Agbonlahor, Craig Gardner and a few others. 'Covid happened during it so it ended up taking us longer to do it than it usually would have. 3 Amorim in the dugout when facing Rangers in 2020 Credit: Reuters 'On the Pro-Licence I had Antoine Sibierski and I got him up here to work with the lads but it makes you remember your age. 'I was telling the boys 'it's Sibierski, he played for Man City and Newcastle' but they had no idea. 'So I had to tell them he'd have had loads of French caps if it wasn't for Zidane! 'Meeting these people is what it's all about. He's at Troyes now, director of football there and we keep in touch. 'I really enjoyed doing them, it was difficult when you're in a job because of the time involved, but it's a great way to meet people and network. 'You keep in touch with the people in your group, everyone who does it is the same. 'This year is the first year I've not had the distraction of not having one to do because I've got all the badges now and I have to admit, I'm missing it. 'I hope they bring out another one, maybe an Advanced Pro-Licence or something. If they do, I'll sign up for it.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ex-Ireland star Aaron Connolly seals Leyton Orient switch as boss Richie Wellens backs Irish ace to rediscover top form
RICHIE WELLENS is hoping to get the best out of Aaron Connolly after landing him at the second time of asking. 2 Former Ireland star Aaron Connolly has penned a two-year deal with Leyton Orient 2 Richie Wellens manager of Leyton Orient is hoping he can get the best out of the ex-Brighton striker And Wellens said: 'I tried to sign Aaron when I was at Swindon a few years ago, but he then scored a hat-trick against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. Everyone was in for him after that. 'He's talented, quick, good on the ball and skilful. He's got an eye for goal, and he scored twice on his Premier League debut for Brighton. 'The ability is all there, and when I met him recently I got a really good vibe off him. I sense that there is a burning desire for him to do well. read more on football 'If we can get Aaron firing, I have absolutely no doubt in his abilities.' Aged 19, Connolly made his first Premier League start in October 2019, scoring twice against Tottenham, with his Ireland bow coming a week later. But he has been capped just once since September 2021 as he struggled in his club career with Brighton sending him on loan to Middlesbrough, Venezia and Hull City before he then joined the Tigers permanently. Last October - a couple of weeks after joining Most read in Football He struggled for game-time at the Black Cats and injuries hampered his time at Connolly said: 'I'm buzzing to be here. I met with the gaffer last Monday, and straight away we both wanted to get it done. Chelsea's £54M Wonderkid Estevão SNUBS Club World Cup to Say Goodbye to Palmeiras | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport "I'm delighted to be here, and the gaffer was a main factor in me coming here. "I know the club just missed out on promotion last year, but we're hoping to go one better this year.'
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's Mamadou Sarr compares himself to Liverpool star after £12m transfer
Chelsea have been busy in the summer transfer window and Mamadou Sarr is one of five players who have arrived already. The centre-back has boldly claimed he wants to become a "leader" like Virgil van Dijk Chelsea new boy Mamadou Sarr likes Virgil van Dijk but says he is more like Ibrahima Konate. The 19-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer with a big reputation after a year learning under Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg. The France youth international has taken plenty of lessons from up-and-coming boss Rosenior who is in charge of one of Chelsea 's family of clubs. But Sarr says he has also watched plenty of Liverpool defenders Van Dijk and Konate to learn from them as he looks to adapt to English football. Sarr said: 'I want to be like Virgil van Dijk. I love Van Dijk. But some people tell me I play like Ibrahima Konate. It's similar. Van Dijk is a leader. For a defender, it's important to be a leader. Off and on the pitch, I talk a lot. It's an important job. 'I anticipate well. With the ball, I can pick a good pass. But I've come here to progress. When I was young, I had a dream to be the best centre back in the world.' Sarr has joined for £12m and has represented France at a raft of youth levels and is already being tipped to become a full international in the future. The 6ft 4in defender is bright, enthusiastic and excited about his opportunity in the Premier League. He learned of Chelsea's interest midway through last season and admits it was impossible to turn down the chance to play in England. 'I knew of some interest approximately in November, December,' said Sarr. 'Then in January I had an idea that it was possible. When one of the biggest clubs comes to you, it is so exciting.' Former Derby and Hull boss Rosenior, the ex-Brighton and Fulham defender, is gaining a huge reputation after his impressive work at Strasbourg. Rosenior says Sarr is a player with the 'physique and characteristics' to reach the top. Rosenior also won over Sarr with his calm approach, coaching style and desire to improve young players. Sarr said: 'When I was a kid, I had a dream and I trusted Liam Rosenior and he trusted me. He's a top coach. He believed in me. He taught me a lot about how I can defend better, how I can help the team better. 'It's important to me to train well, to speak with the coach, to speak with every player, and to be confident in what I do. It's good for me to have competition. That will help me to be a better defender.' Sarr wants to help Chelsea win the Club World Cup after the opened with a win over Los Angeles and now play Flamengo on Friday. Paris Saint Germain are probably the tournament favourites but Sarr believes Chelsea can compete with the newly-crowned European champions. He added: 'I played PSG twice last year. They are a very good team. Chelsea is a very good team. They are like PSG. We can compete with them. There are a lot of similarities in the game and Chelsea can beat PSG."
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal eye three strikers as Viktor Gyokeres stance emerges after Man Utd snub
Arsenal are working hard behind the scenes in their bid to sign an elite striker and have done work on potential deals for top targets Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko Arsenal are staging their own 'beauty pageant' as they are actively pursuing deals for both Viktor Gyökeres AND Benjamin Sesko. While they do not plan to sign two strikers, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is keeping his options open and has held advanced discussions over both players. They are also not ruling out a move on other targets as Aston Villa 's Ollie Watkins is still on the radar after a January switch fell down. They have also previously been linked with Alexander Isak and Julian Alvarez but Gyökeres and Sesko are the two most likely targets. Mirror Football revealed on June 6 that Gyökeres prefers a move to Arsenal ahead of any other club despite interest from Manchester United as well as teams in Spain and Italy. Gyökeres, 27, has been locked in a dispute with Sporting Lisbon with the Portuguese club angrily denying there was a 'gentleman's agreement' to allow the Sweden striker to leave for £60m. Sporting president Frederico Varandas accused Gyökeres's agent of 'playing games' over the price and there is now a bitter stand-off developing. That may be a key factor in the stand-off because Arsenal are having to weigh up several options in their pursuit of a new No9 - and price is a major factor. Sesko, 22, could potentially be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for £60m-plus and the Slovenian was close to joining Arsenal last summer before deciding to stay in Germany for one more year. There has been interest in Sesko from other clubs - Bayern Munich have been the latest to be linked - but Arsenal put in a lot of groundwork last year and Gunners boss Arteta is a big admirer of his potential. It should not be overlooked that Mikel Arteta still rates Kai Havertz incredibly highly as a forward, as a player and also for his versatility. Gyökeres is older, could be more ready to hit the ground running now and has been prolific for Sporting but it is the Portuguese league and the ex-Brighton and Coventry striker could be a gamble. He is more of a classic centre forward. Sesko is quick, tall and has huge potential while his attributes also mean that he could work with Havertz. He has big growth as a player and even looks similar to Isak in some regards. Watkins would be keen on a switch to Arsenal. It is an unusual approach to keep different players in the mix but Berta has a strong reputation and is under big pressure to deliver the right striker. A big factor for Arsenal is being able to land a top name striker but also have more money to spend on other targets with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi set to arrive for £51m. But one player unlikely to be going is Riccardo Calafiori after AC Milan made an enquiry - but they were rebuffed by Arsenal and the Italy defender also wants to stay in London. That is why AC Milan are now pursuing a move for Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko who would be allowed to leave this summer. Zinchenko, 28, has one year left on his current deal and wages are still a sticking point but AC Milan are ready to push to get the deal done. They have also previously been interested in Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior but his impressive end to the campaign may mean the Gunners want him to stay. Zinchenko has become surplus to requirements after losing his guaranteed starting place and his £200,000-a-week plus wages will also help Arsenal begin a summer reshuffle. They have been linked with Ajax's Jorrel Hato but also want to get some players out to allow them to bring in new squad additions.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres 'to go on strike' to force transfer after Sporting agreement
Viktor Gyokeres has been left frustrated by current club Sporting CP as he looks to depart amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United as clubs around Europe eye the forward Viktor Gyokeres has threatened to go on strike after Sporting CP reneged on a gentleman's agreement over a transfer for the Swedish striker. Gyokeres is said to have informed the Portuguese club's hierarchy as much after they increased their transfer fee demands. The 27-year-old sharpshooter helped Sporting to a league and cup double after scoring 54 goals in 52 appearances in 2024/25. Gyokeres has developed an impressive reputation after moving to Lisbon from Coventry City. Reports in Portugal claim that Gyokeres has been left furious having already insisted he would depart the club this summer and will not play for the side again. Player and club had an agreement that Gyokeres would be allowed to leave for significantly less than his release clause. It appears Sporting have honoured that but they are now demanding more than the £50million plus £8.4m in add-ons Gyokeres expected. Record report the club have instead demanded £67m. The ex-Brighton ace has already turned down the prospect of a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal saw a £55m offer rejected but Gyokeres has rebuffed an annual salary of £30m as he wants to continue to compete in Europe. Manchester United and Arsenal are among the sides linked with making a move for Gyokeres. The Gunners are the star forward's preference if he gets his pick of teams this summer. Sporting believe that Gyokeres' inclination would be to pick Arsenal and the Premier League over interest from Spain and Italy. A move to United meanwhile would see a reunion with Ruben Amorim with the Red Devils intent on bolstering their forward line having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Gunners' focus appears to be on getting a deal for Benjamin Sesko over the line over Gyokeres however. RB Leipzig director Marcel Schafer has already held discussions with Arsenal chief Andrea Berta over a move and talks are now beginning to gather pace. Gyokeres has been tight-lipped publicly on his plans. Asked about his future after Sporting's final game of the season, he said: 'Let's see. "It's hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what's going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible.' Gyokeres has already removed all reference to Sporting from his Instagram bio. Though, he has also taken down mention of Sweden's national team and his sponsor, Nike.
