Latest news with #footballer
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Ex-Southend and Oldham footballer splits loyalties ahead of match
A footballer who has played for both teams competing in the National League play-off final has said he cannot pick which side to Clarke, 43, turned out for Southend United between 2006 and 2009 and was at Oldham Athletic between two clubs are due to kick-off later for a prized place back in the English Football League (EFL)."I can't split it - I had three fantastic years at Southend - I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oldham as well." As many as 54,000 people are expected to watch the match at Wembley Stadium, which would be a record for a National League play-off Rovers' victory over Grimsby Town in 2015 was watched by 47,029."I think both [Southend and Oldham] should be in the EFL; they are probably the best two supported clubs in the National League," said Clarke."I hope in 12 months' time both clubs are back in the football league and are moving forward and on an upward trajectory."Clarke, a defender, started his senior career at Everton in 1999, and also went on to play for Blackpool, Huddersfield and Tranmere most recently played for Warrington Town in National League North, but is out of contract and hunting for another said: "I'm about a dozen games away from making 1,000 competitive appearances." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
The timeless tackler
When Idrissa Gueye joined Everton in 2016, he made the most tackles of any player in the Premier League in his first season. Nine years later, he has repeated the feat - and made even more tackles in the fact, in five of his six seasons at Goodison Park he has ranked inside the top three players for tackles won in the top flight. The only outlier was the 2023-24 season in which injuries greatly reduced his game FBref started recording tackling data in 2017-18, Gueye's success rate at tackling dribblers was 41%. It has slowly risen over time and now sits at 59%.The midfield veteran has aged like a fine wine in the ball-winning department.
Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Times
James Forrest fires Celtic's title party by sealing draw against St Mirren
James Forrest doesn't half make problems for himself. As perhaps the most publicity-shy footballer around, an engagingly humble and down-to-earth lad, he cannot quit the habit of delivering showstopping acts which amount to grabbing a spotlight and hauling it onto himself. The wee guy with the big moments. It's been almost comical, recently, to see those around him willing him to get him a goal and ensure he was on the mark for Celtic in 16 consecutive seasons. 'Shoot', fans have been hollering at him, no matter how unpromising the situation. He has been shooting, too, without success. But no-one should have doubted him. He has his goal now, his sweet 16. It was only a late equaliser against St Mirren, preventing the most unexpected
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'It is a week to remember, that is for sure!'
"I have had the biggest week of my life," said Crystal Palace captain Joel Ward on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night a bit like London buses - it has all happened at once for the announcement of his departure this summer after 13 years at the club, his daughter was born on Thursday, he lifted the FA Cup on Saturday and he will play his final game at Selhurst Park on Tuesday."It's been an emotionally draining weekend," he smiled. "I have had the biggest week of my life."It is a week to remember, that is for sure!"The final was an incredibly humbling and emotion-filled day. To lift that trophy after starting my career lifting the play-off trophy at Palace could probably not have been written better."A special, special day and a moment I will never forget."The atmosphere that will be at Selhurst Park [tonight] will be like no other. There will be a buzz around the place because everyone is still on cloud nine."Watch Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cagliari v Venezia
Post Attempt saved. Razvan Marin (Cagliari) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
