Football

James McClean is set to make his 103rd and final appearance for his country in a fixture which could be manager Stephen Kenny’s last in charge, with his current contract due to expire on the final whistle.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game at the Aviva Stadium.

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Wrexham’s McClean has represented his country with distinction since making his senior debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in February 2012. A veteran of Ireland’s Euro 2012 and 2016 finals campaigns, the 34-year-old has played as a winger, a frontman and a wing-back under Giovanni Trapattoni, Martin O’Neill, Mick McCarthy and Kenny, and famously scored winning goals in Austria and Wales in World Cup qualifiers as the Republic made it to the play-offs for the 2018 finals. McClean was a late addition to the squad for Saturday evening’s 1-0 Euro 2024 defeat in the Netherlands but did not feature in Amsterdam and is sure to be given a rousing send-off in Dublin.They think it’s all over

The Football Association of Ireland will consider a review of the campaign which ended at the Johan Cruyff Arena at its scheduled board meeting next week, and the outcome is unlikely to be positive for out-of-contract manager Stephen Kenny. The 52-year-old is convinced the framework is in place for a brighter future after a major refit which has seen him hand out 26 competitive debuts in his three-and-a-half years at the helm, but whether or not he remains in place to build upon that work is a mater of some contention.

Handy Andy?

Kenny’s trawl for new talent has seen him repeatedly dip into the nation’s resources at under-21 level, with the likes of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, defenders Dara O’Shea and Nathan Collins, midfielder Jason Knight and striker Evan Ferguson now established as regulars in his team. He could hand Brighton midfielder Andy Moran, currently on loan at Sky Bet Championship Blackburn, a first senior cap after drafting him in from Jim Crawford’s squad as they prepared for European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Norway and Italy to continue that trend.

Give us a goal

Kenny freely admitted in the wake of the defeat in Amsterdam, which saw his side draw their fourth blank in eight qualifiers, that creativity and a lack of goals had become a problem. Seven of their nine goals in the campaign came in the two games against Gibraltar – for context, group winners France put 14 past the minnows at the weekend – and the other two were a Collins equaliser from a corner in Greece and an Adam Idah penalty against the Dutch at the Aviva Stadium.

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Darren Bazeley’s All Whites arrive in Dublin on the back of a 2-0 friendly defeat by Ireland’s Group B rivals Greece in Athens on Friday evening, a result which means they have won only one of the 12 games they have played since their World Cup qualification campaign drew to a close in March last year. New Zealand have twice made it to the World Cup finals – in 1982 and 2010, when they went out after the group stage in South Africa despite draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. Their last visit to Ireland in November 2019 ended in a 3-1 friendly defeat in which Derrick Williams, Sean Maguire and Callum Robinson scored for the hosts.

While Monday’s trip to Riga holds greater importance to Wales, the South Korea game takes on special significance for Rob Page’s Dragons after a difficult 12 months.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the first meeting between the two nations at senior men’s level.

Rob keen to write new Page

Exactly 12 months ago manager Rob Page signed a new four-year contract and everything in the Welsh garden was rosy. Wales were on their way to a first World Cup for 64 years under Gareth Bale’s captaincy. Following a miserable time in Qatar, Bale and other senior players retired and June defeats to Armenia and Turkey have left Wales with an uphill task to automatically qualify for Euro 2024. After one win in 12 games, the pressure on Page is growing.

Together Stronger?

Wales has been bound tightly by its ‘Together Stronger’ mantra since Chris Coleman’s side blazed a path to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. With sell-out games at their Cardiff fortress and thousands of voices present on away days, the passionate fan-base became known as ‘The Red Wall’. But that ‘Wall’ will be missing a few blocks this week with the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium in danger of being half-empty for the visit of South Korea.

Come on you Spurs

Tottenham fans will have more than a passing interest in the game should Brennan Johnson, Ben Davies and Son Heung-min be involved. Spurs spent £47.5million on Johnson on deadline day as the 22-year-old Wales forward arrived from Nottingham Forest to help make up for the departure of Harry Kane. Great friends Davies and Son could be in direct competition against each other, with the Spurs and South Korea captain high on confidence after his weekend hat-trick at Burnley.

Keeper crisis

Page took the unusual decision to name four goalkeepers in his squad for this week’s double-header – Danny Ward, Wayne Hennessey, Adam Davies and Tom King. Yet none of them are first-choice at their clubs and only Davies has had any game-time this season, for Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup. It is a big problem that Page has no control over and the Wales boss is likely to give number one Ward much-needed minutes on Thursday.

Klinsmann bother

Page is not the only manager under pressure. New South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann has felt the heat after just six months in the job, not just due to results on the pitch but because of issues off it. Four home games have yet to produce a win, with draws Colombia and El Salvador and defeats to Uruguay and Peru. The USA-based former Germany striker and World Cup winner has been criticised for spending so little time in South Korea since his appointment and naming his squad for September games against Wales and Saudi Arabia in the form of a press release rather than holding a press conference.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the key talking points ahead of the game.

Momentum

Saturday’s 3-0 win over San Marino was a baby step for Michael O’Neill’s struggling Northern Ireland side but having finally ended a five-game losing streak they will be desperate to build on that and give their fans something to cheer at home. Saturday was only Northern Ireland’s third win in 18 at Windsor Park, where home form was once so key to their hopes in qualifying. As they begin to look ahead to future campaigns, the need to rebuild the fortress is obvious.

Injury concerns

O’Neill offered up only one bit of team news in Monday’s press conference but it was potentially a hugely significant one as defender Daniel Ballard is suffering with tightness in his thigh. With Paddy McNair suspended after his late booking on Saturday, O’Neill has limited options at the back if Ballard is missing, which might mean Shea Charles dropping back, Trai Hume moving inside or see Eoin Toal handed a challenging debut.

A different challenge

A win was the only acceptable result against a San Marino side ranked 207th and last in the world, but Slovenia represent a very different challenge. Matjaz Kek’s side would have been one Northern Ireland hoped to get the better of at the start of the campaign but they come to Belfast as the leaders in Group H and challenging for a place at next summer’s finals.

Defensive test

When looking back on Northern Ireland’s qualifying run to date, the defeat in Ljubljana stands out and not in a good way. This campaign has seen them suffer four 1-0 defeats – close games in which they had a chance to take something right until the end. The exception, bar the victories over San Marino, was the 4-2 defeat in Ljubljana, where they struggled to contain Slovenia’s exciting front pair of Benjamin Sesko and Andraz Sporar. Even if Northern Ireland’s defence was at full strength, handling Sesko and company would be a real test.

Casement protests

Saturday’s match at Windsor Park was marked by persistent chanting from a number of fans opposed to the building of Casement Park, the GAA stadium in south west Belfast which is due to host games at Euro 2028. Even if a project bogged down by delays and questions over funding is completed in time, many Northern Ireland fans have said they will never attend a match at a venue named after an Irish revolutionary and located in predominantly nationalist west Belfast. O’Neill has said he wants fans to get behind the project but added that he respects all opinions. Expect them to be heard again.

Brendan Rodgers kicked off his second spell in charge of Celtic with a victory, while there were winning starts for Hearts and St Mirren.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five things we learned from the weekend’s fixtures.

David Turnbull stakes his Celtic claim

The former Motherwell midfielder was handed his first league start in almost nine months when Rodgers picked his first team for a competitive Celtic match since returning as manager. Turnbull seized his opportunity with two goals and would have had another if it had not been for a double stop from Ross Laidlaw. Rodgers challenged the 24-year-old to continue working hard off the ball and make the most of his chance.

It never rains but it pours

The Scottish football season closed in farcical fashion last term as torrential rain led to a major delay in Scotland’s win over Georgia. And the wet weather also delayed the start of the Premiership campaign in Perth as water got into the electrics and led to the VAR technology failing initially before Hearts’ win against St Johnstone. Dens Park was also affected as Dundee’s draw with Motherwell was briefly held up to clear a massive puddle from near the corner flag.

Rangers still looking to find their groove

Michael Beale deployed an all-new front trio of Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers at Rugby Park and Brazilian striker Danilo would come on later for his debut. But Rangers only managed four shots on target in their 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock. Rangers only failed to score on two occasions in the Premiership last season and already find themselves chasing Celtic.

Killie signal their intent

One of Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes’ pre-season ambitions was to take something off the Old Firm and that was achieved on the opening day against Rangers. Midfielder Brad Lyons scored only his second goal for Killie after 65 minutes and the hard-working home side held out at Rugby Park with a degree of comfort. It was an early confidence-booster for the revamped Ayrshire outfit who battled at the wrong end of the table for most of last season.

Hearts steal an early march on Dons and Hibs

Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen have all enjoyed third-placed finishes over the past three seasons and the trio of big city clubs are widely expected to battle it out for the ‘best of the rest’ tag behind Celtic and Rangers this time round. All three kicked off the campaign with fixtures against teams that finished beneath them last term, but Hearts were the only side to emerge victorious after a 2-0 triumph at St Johnstone. Aberdeen and their huge away support were left frustrated by a 0-0 draw at Livingston, while Hibs suffered a demoralising 3-2 home defeat by St Mirren.

The Hoops completed a Glasgow double over Edinburgh after three matches were called off for safety reasons.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five things we learned from the reduced schedule.

Happy honeymoon for Philippe Clement

Rangers fans wanted to see something different under Belgian manager Philippe Clement and they certainly did in a 4-0 Ibrox win against Hibernian. Michael Beale had been criticised for the ponderous style of his Gers side but Clement’s version played at high tempo and got the ball forward quicker. The manager himself declared himself “happy” but not yet impressed. “Impressed is a big word,” he said. “I still saw a lot of details we can make better but I saw a team who stayed well in the structure and made the runs and the tempo we played at. It is like the honeymoon. Everything is new. They need to confirm this the next week, the next month.”

Nick Montgomery felt Clement was too keen

Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery felt Clement’s debut should have been largely watched from the stand after accusing the Rangers boss of stepping on the pitch and controlling the ball before it went out. Referencing a red card for Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes against Dundee in similar circumstances, Montgomery was surprised to see the Gers manager get away with it. He told BBC Scotland: “I think everyone can see the ball had not gone out. When that happens, you probably think it’s not going to be your day because at that point they have 12 men on the pitch. The worst thing about it was they got the throw-in. Away at Ibrox you don’t expect any favours, but that’s not within the laws of the game.”

Celtic hitting top gear

The Hoops restored their seven-point lead with a 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle. Normally a tricky venue, the champions took the sting out the game inside four minutes when Matt O’Riley met Luis Palma’s lofted pass on the volley. Brendan Rodgers’ side dominated the bulk of the game to take their winning league run to six matches. If they come through another trip to Edinburgh next weekend when they face Hibs, there is a strong chance they will go on to extend their seven-point lead before hosting Rangers on December 30.

Tynecastle tickets decision has mixed results

Hearts more than halved Celtic’s usual allocation of tickets to 576 but the Tynecastle atmosphere was not at its usual level after O’Riley’s early opener. The crowd of 17,608 was the lowest league attendance at Tynecastle this season and some Celtic fans watching on television would no doubt have been frustrated at the sight of a virtually-empty section right next to the away support in the Roseburn Stand.

Kyle Vassell shows his worth for Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell’s double proved the difference in a 3-1 win over Livingston which ended a seven-game run without victory and lifted them into fifth place following a weather-hit fixture card. Vassell came into the league campaign still finding his fitness following a knee injury but he now has three goals in the Premiership.

Aberdeen and Rangers will play in the final of the Viaplay Cup after winning their respective last-four games, while Celtic extended their lead over the Light Blues to eight points at the top of the cinch Premiership with a 3-0 win at Ross County on Saturday. Motherwell lost again at Kilmarnock and Dundee beat Livingston.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five things from the weekend’s action.

James Tavernier continues to lead the way for Rangers

The free-scoring Rangers right-back once again proved his worth with a double in a 3-1 Viaplay Cup semi-final win over Hearts at Hampden Park. Tavernier broke the deadlock with a penalty five minutes after the interval before half-time substitute Scott Wright fired in a second five minutes later. A wonderful free-kick from Tavernier in the 64th minute effectively secured a place in the December 17 final against Aberdeen, with Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland scoring from the spot late on by way of consolation.

James Forrest keeps on keeping on

Celtic winger James Forrest came off the bench against Ross County to score the third goal in the Hoops’ 3-0 win. It was the 15th successive season in which the 32-year-old has notched in green and white. Forrest first scored on his Celtic debut against Motherwell in May 2010 and with a contract going up to 2025, there is ample opportunity to extend that remarkable run.

Honeymoon period over for Hibs boss Nick Montgomery

Things appeared to have started fairly brightly for Nick Montgomery, with supporters enjoying his style of play in his early weeks after replacing Lee Johnson in September. However, the excitement following the Yorkshireman’s appointment has faded fast. Hibs have won only two of his nine games in charge in all competitions, remain in the bottom six and are currently licking their wounds following a chastening night at Hampden on Saturday in which they blew a chance to reach the Viaplay Cup final by losing 1-0 to 10-man Aberdeen. Montgomery needs a swift and sharp upturn in form in order to start convincing supporters of his merit after such a damaging defeat so early in his reign.

Miovski magic takes Aberdeen to Viaplay Cup final

Hibernian were the better side against the Dons at Hampden Park on Saturday and were denied an opener in the 49th minute when VAR, after a lengthy check, ruled attacker Martin Boyle was offside before he had the ball in the Aberdeen net. Dons defender Jack MacKenzie was sent off by referee John Beaton in the 75th minute for a second yellow card but Miovski pulled him out of a hole three minutes later when he raced clear of the Hibs defence and fired in his 10th goal of the season to book a place in next month’s final.

Motherwell hit the skids

Motherwell’s current slump in form continued with a 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with Innes Cameron’s goal early in the second half proving decisive. The Steelmen took 10 points from the first four matches but have managed only one point since as they have slid down to eighth in the league following a sixth defeat in seven matches. “It’s not good enough for a club like Motherwell,” said manager Stuart Kettlewell, who knows the spotlight is now firmly on him.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some other famous wins that saw non-league sides make it into the competition’s fourth round.

Hereford 2-1 Newcastle – third-round replay 1972

This cup shock unfolded over 50 years ago, but remains an iconic upset that retains its place on any giant-killing list. Who can forget the Match of the Day footage of Ronnie Radford’s stunning late equaliser for Hereford, bludgeoned out of the Edgar Street mud, before Ricky George’s extra-time winner? After the two sides had drawn 2-2 at St James’ Park, top-flight Newcastle had led the replay through Malcolm MacDonald before the Southern League side’s heroics sparked a joyous pitch invasion.

Sutton 2-1 Coventry – third round 1989

Coventry, then in the top flight, had won the FA Cup in 1987 but were ambushed by Conference side Sutton at Gander Green Lane. Tony Rains headed the London minnows into a half-time lead and although David Phillips equalised for the Sky Blues 10 minutes into the second period, Matt Hanlon, a 22-year-old self-employed bricklayer, volleyed home Phil Dawson’s 70th-minute out-swinging cross and Sutton held on for an historic win. In the fourth round, they lost 8-0 at Norwich.

West Brom 2-4 Woking – third round 1991

Woking were in the Isthmian League – English football’s sixth tier – when they headed to The Hawthorns and no-one gave them a prayer as they trailed 1-0 to West Brom, then in the old Second Division, at half-time. But a stunning hat-trick from Tim Buzaglo, a computer specialist who had played cricket for Gibraltar, turned the tie on its head and after a fourth goal from Terry Worsfold secured a spectacular upset, Woking’s jubilant players were applauded by the Baggies fans off the pitch.

Macclesfield 2-1 Cardiff – third round 2013

Blue Square Bet Premier side Macclesfield dumped out Championship leaders Cardiff, 81 places higher in English football’s pecking order, to reach the FA Cup’s fourth round for the first time in their 139-year history. The Silkmen trailed to Cardiff striker Nat Jarvis’ close-range second-half finish, but Matthew Barnes-Homer struck twice in the final five minutes. He turned home Jack Mackreth’s cross and, with home celebrations still in full swing, converted a penalty to snatch an unlikely win.

Lincoln 1-0 Ipswich – third round replay 2017

Lincoln were National League leaders and on the rise when they clinched a place in the fourth round for the first time in 41 years. The Imps knocked out Ipswich, then in the Championship, thanks to Nathan Arnold’s stoppage-time winner. The Imps, who had drawn 2-2 at Portman Road, went on to beat Brighton, top of the Championship at the time, 3-1 in the fourth round and won 1-0 at then Premier League side Burnley in the fifth round to become the first non-league team in 103 years to reach the quarter-finals.

Skipper Harry Kane’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months amid Tottenham’s difficulties, and he is not alone.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of those whose club futures may lie elsewhere.

Harry Maguire

Manchester United defender Maguire has been one of Southgate’s most dependable performers in recent campaigns, but has slipped painfully down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag and has been warned his international place could be under threat. The 30-year-old, who cost United £80million when he joined them from Leicester in August 2019, has been linked with West Ham, but also with a loan move to Italy with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma said to be eyeing his situation.

Harry Kane

Kane and Tottenham both have big decisions to make this summer after the club missed out on European football. The 29-year-old will enter the final year of his current contract and if he does not sign an extension, could leave for free in 12 months’ time. Manchester United are long-term admirers of the free-scoring striker – although it has been suggested Spurs would be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival – while both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest.

Mason Mount

Midfielder Mount was caught up in the malaise which engulfed Chelsea during a chaotic season and six of his last seven appearances before injury ended his campaign prematurely came from the bench. The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and new boss Mauricio Pochettino has a decision to make with Manchester United leading a posse of interested parties waiting in the wings.

Declan Rice

Rice’s reputation has continued to blossom despite what at times has been a difficult season for West Ham, and manager David Moyes is bracing himself. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Manchester United and Chelsea also touted as possible destinations, while resurgent Newcastle could offer him Champions League football, but know they may not be able to compete financially as they attempt to comply with spending rules.

James Maddison

Maddison, another player with 12 months remaining on his contract, seemed destined to leave Leicester during the close season regardless of whether or not the Foxes retained their Premier League status. Newcastle pursued the 26-year-old playmaker doggedly last summed and remain keen on him as they strengthen for a European campaign, but they are likely to face competition with Manchester United and Tottenham rumoured to be among his suitors.

Jude Bellingham

Liverpool’s interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Bellingham is long-standing, but reports from Spain have suggested his future could lie instead with Real Madrid. Manchester City and neighbours United have also been touted as potential buyers with the 19-year-old former Birmingham midfielder one of the hottest properties in European football.

But Head coach Lorne Donaldson doesn’t need a statistics lesson to know that his ever-improving Reggae Girlz team faces a stern examination of their history-making credentials, as they seek to end a winless run against the formidable reigning Olympic champions in an important assignment.

Donaldson’s side ranked at 37th and the number 10-ranked Canadians lock horns in the first of their two-leg Olympic qualifying playoff at the National Stadium on Friday at 7:00pm Jamaica time, with both aiming to draw first blood and, by extension, put themselves in pole position to secure a berth to next year's Olympic Games in France.

The second leg is scheduled for September 26 at a sold-out BMO Field in Toronto.

While acknowledging the daunting nature of their task against the three-time Olympic medallists, Donaldson is hoping the Reggae Girlz can turn in an efficient performance in their bid to defy the odds and their doubters on local soil.

“Canada is the Olympic champion, they have won a lot of stuff, we haven’t proven anything yet so they have a right to be favourite. So we have to be good, we have to play really well to beat the Olympic champions,” Donaldson told Sportsmax.tv.

“We’re ready for a tough battle and it will take its own course, I’m sure. it’s a pretty important game to both teams so we just want to come out and play hard…as hard as we can and see what we can get out of it. That’s our aim, to come out and play as hard and be very effective in what we are trying to do,” he added.

The Reggae Girlz, who are coming off a confident run at the Fifa Women’s World Cup, where they finished second in Group F, holding top 10-ranked teams France and Brazil to goalless stalemates, complemented by a 1-0 victory over Panama, before losing 0-1 to Colombia in the Round of 16.

It was the first time since 1938 that a Caribbean team –male or female –contested the knockout stages at the global showpiece and the Girlz have a chance to not only build on that momentum, but also become the first Caribbean team to qualify for women’s football at the Olympics.

This, as Canada in seven matches so far this year, have registered two wins, one draw and four losses, scoring just five goals, while conceding a whopping 12.

But, even with that in mind, Donaldson maintains that his team will have to be at their best to achieve the intended results.

“We had a journey of all sorts, including the World Cup and those highs and lows prepares us for games like this. So it’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to and we have to try and score goals, it is as simple as that.

“We have to minimize what we give up because it’s a two-leg fixture, so we have to get a result from this leg and then go from there. So yeah, we’re going to have to be in top form to get a result,” Donaldson reasoned.

Though he has 20 players from his World Cup squad, led by 2022 Concacaf Women's Player of the Year and a finalist for this year's Ballon d'Or, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw in camp, Donaldson pointed out the decision on a starting team remains up in the air, as a few players are nursing niggles.

However, he expressed pleasure with what was displayed during three full sessions, all focused on their tactical approach.

“The first session was lively; the second one was a bit sub-par, but the players regained some tempo for the last session because they know the objective and I am sure they are shooting for it.

“Everything has been focused on tactics and what we want to do, which is to go in and get a result. So, we are just taking it in stride honour anything we need to honour, and try to finish up on a good note,” the tactician said.

Meanwhile, Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman will have 19 of the 23 players, who were part of her World Cup roster, including captain Christine Sinclair and a trio of Chelsea players — workhorse midfielder Jessie Fleming and defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence.

Notable absences from that group are now-retired veteran midfielder Sophie Schmidt, as well as fullback Allysha Chapman, who is out for personal reasons. Fullback Jayde Riviere and forward Deanne Rose were originally named to the roster but will miss the qualifiers due to injuries.

Still, Priestman said her team is ready and raring to go.

“We all are itching to get back on the pitch and we want nothing more than to start our journey to the Olympic Games through these playoffs,” Priestman noted.

“We know it will be a tough challenge in front of us and it won’t be easy, but we are ready to rise to that challenge, the group feels fresh and excited, and we’re ready to go,” she added.

 

The former England captain oversaw just two wins in 15 games as Blues went from sixth to 20th in the Championship.

Here, the PA news agency looks at seven other high-profile managers who saw appointments go horribly wrong in short order.

Claudio Ranieri – Fulham – 106 days
(November 14, 2018 – February 28, 2019)

Former Chelsea boss Ranieri returned to west London in November 2018 boasting a resume that included Leicester’s famous Premier League title, the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina and the Copa del Rey with Valencia. His first match in charge was a dramatic 3-2 win over Southampton to end a two-month winless league run, but it was one of only three victories in 17 games in charge before he was sacked.

Tony Adams – Portsmouth – 106 days
(October 28, 2008 – February 8, 2009)

Former England captain Adams stepped up from his role as an assistant at Pompey after Harry Redknapp left for Tottenham in October 2008, but the ex-Wycombe boss lasted only three-and-a-half months. Adams took only 10 points from 16 league games in charge and his win percentage of 18.2 across all competitions remains the lowest of any manager in the club’s history.

Bob Bradley – Swansea – 85 days
(October 3, 2016 – December 27, 2016)

Bradley’s appointment in south Wales brought much intrigue as the man who had enjoyed great success with the United States became the first American boss in the Premier League. But he was always up against it, with the supporters’ trust – who held a 21 per cent stake in the club – immediately issuing a statement criticising his appointment. They proved to be right as Bradley’s 11 games in charge delivered only eight points and the Swans conceded three or more goals eight times.

Frank De Boer – Crystal Palace – 77 days
(June 26, 2017 – September 11, 2017)

Former Netherlands star De Boer was an eye-catching appointment at Selhurst Park as he promised to usher in a new possession-based strategy in south London. But after going through the pre-season, De Boer lasted just four league games, none of which brought so much as a goal or a point, before being replaced by Roy Hodgson.

Brian Clough – Leeds – 44 days
(July 22, 1974 – September 12, 1974)

After Don Revie led Leeds to the league title in the 1973/74 season, he left for England and was, stunningly, replaced by his most-outspoken critic. Clough had previously called Leeds “dirty” and even called for their demotion, and he did little more to endear himself during six abrasive weeks in which he alienated the club’s players and won only one of six games. Clough’s revenge for his dismissal was to join Nottingham Forest a few months later, going on to win two European Cups.

Alex McLeish – Nottingham Forest – 40 days
(December 27, 2012 – February 5, 2013)

Former Scotland boss McLeish made his name north of the border, twice winning the title with Rangers after guiding Hibernian to promotion as champions in 1999. But in England, spells with Birmingham and Aston Villa had already gone sour before a dismal 40 days in charge of Forest, where McLeish won only one of seven games before a fallout with chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi.

Steve Coppell – Manchester City – 33 days
(October 6, 1996 – November 8, 1996)

Former Manchester United winger Coppell pitched up on the other side of town in October 1996 to take charge at Maine Road. This was an age when City were in a state of perpetual chaos, with chairmanship changing hands three times in short order and the club bouncing between divisions. Results were not Coppell’s downfall – he won two and drew one of his six games – but after just a month he left citing stress, soon returning to Crystal Palace.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the other 11, scored by just six players.

Michael Owen (v Germany, September 2001)

Owen’s first international hat-trick came in the famous 5-1 World Cup qualifying win at the Olympic Stadium in Munich which has entered the annals of England folklore, benefitting from knockdowns from Nick Barmby and Emile Heskey before lashing a Steven Gerrard pass past Oliver Kahn.

Michael Owen (v Colombia, May 2005)

Owen’s second and final treble came in the less-heralded surroundings of a 3-2 friendly win in Giants Stadium, New Jersey, at the end of a criticised post-season tour to the United States, going past Sir Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer on the all-time scorers list.

Peter Crouch (v Jamaica, June 2006)

The day ‘The Robot’ entered football history as England ran riot with a 6-0 friendly win at Old Trafford before departing for the World Cup in Germany, with Crouch even being able to afford to miss a penalty before completing his hat-trick.

Theo Walcott (v Croatia, September 2008)

Walcott justified his selection ahead of David Beckham as Croatia were hammered 4-1 in Zagreb in a World Cup qualifier, becoming England’s youngest scorer of a hat-trick at the age of 19.

Jermain Defoe (v Bulgaria, September 2010)

Defoe became the first England player to score a hat-trick at the new Wembley Stadium in a 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifier, with all three goals coming courtesy of Wayne Rooney assists.

Harry Kane (v Panama, June 2018)

Kane joined Sir Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker as the only England players to score World Cup hat-tricks as a 6-1 win advanced them into the knockout stages in Russia but it was hardly a classic of the genre, with two penalties followed by a fortunate deflection off his heel from Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot.

Raheem Sterling (v Czech Republic, March 2019)

Sterling scored Wembley’s first England hat-trick in nine years in the 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifier, finishing off a 24-pass move for his opener before adding two in six second-half minutes – a shot on the turn and a 20-yard strike deflecting off Ondrej Celustka.

Harry Kane (v Bulgaria, September 2019)

Kane’s second international hat-trick was very similar to his first in that it featured two penalties after Kane had opened his account with a smart finish on the turn.

Harry Kane (v Montenegro, November 2019)

Just two months later England celebrated European Championship qualification with a 7-0 thrashing in which Kane moved sixth on the country’s all-time leading scorers list with 31 after a first-half hat-trick, which included two headers.

Harry Kane (v Albania, November 2021)

Kane registered another first-half treble in a 5-0 hammering which put England on the verge of reaching World Cup 2022, the highlight being a stunning scissor kick from Phil Foden’s corner.

Harry Kane (v San Marino, November 2021)

Kane became only the fourth England player to score hat-tricks in consecutive games with four goals in a 15-minute spell before half-time in a 10-0 thrashing to move level with Gary Lineker on 48 England goals.

Here the PA news agency looks at what we know, with the full detail of the protocols set to be published in the coming days.

All three trials will initially be open to competitions up to and including a country’s third tier, so as high as League One in English football.

CAPTAIN-ONLY ZONES

The referee can create a captain-only zone at any stage, but it is most likely to be used following major decisions and to prevent significant confrontations, and situations where a referee feels intimidated or threatened. Once created, no players other than team captains will be allowed to enter.

Any other player entering the zone should be cautioned for dissent.

COOLING-OFF PERIOD

Referees in competitions which adopt the trial will be able to suspend play in the event of significant confrontations and initiate an official cooling-off period.

Once the referee has called for a cooling-off period, players must go to their respective penalty areas, or another area as indicated by the referee.

THE EIGHT-SECOND RULE

In this trial, goalkeepers will be able to hold onto the ball for eight seconds instead of six. Competitions operating the trial will be able to opt for one of two choices of restart – the opposing team having a corner or a throw-in.

Currently goalkeepers who hold on for longer than six seconds should be penalised with the award of an indirect free-kick in the penalty area to the opposing team. The IFAB has received feedback that the six-second rule is rarely enforced because it is felt that the sanction is too extreme, and over the difficulty of managing an indirect free-kick in the 18-yard box.

Referees will count down the final five seconds on the fingers of one hand to clearly signal to goalkeepers how long they have left.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the battle for the trophy.

Who’s in the running?

Manchester City returned to the top on Sunday as they thrashed West Ham 5-0 at home, going three points clear of defending champions Chelsea, who have a game in hand – the former have three matches remaining and the latter four. City also have a goal difference that is superior by three and can make it a six-point gap when they play rock-bottom Bristol City, who look certain to be relegated, next Sunday at Ashton Gate, with Chelsea’s next league game not until they go to Liverpool three days later.

Is it just a two-horse race?

Third-placed Arsenal are not out of it yet – Jonas Eidevall’s side are six points off the top with three games to go and play Gareth Taylor’s City away in their penultimate fixture. Their goal difference is currently significantly inferior to the top two – by 15 in comparison to City’s. They are next in action when they go to Everton on Sunday.

How strong do City look?

Very. Since losing back-to-back WSL games in November, they have won each of the 13 that have followed, including triumphing 1-0 at Chelsea in February. In Khadija Shaw, they have the division’s top-scorer this season, whose tally moved to 21 with her brace against West Ham.

And Chelsea?

Emma Hayes’ team have returned to winning ways in the league after the loss to City, registering four straight victories. There have also been losses in the League Cup final to Arsenal (1-0 after extra-time) and FA Cup semi-finals at Manchester United (2-1) – the team they play away on the final day of the WSL campaign, May 18. It is worth noting that Hayes’ Chelsea have great experience in getting this job done – they are aiming for a fifth-successive league title. City won their only WSL crown under Nick Cushing in 2016 and Arsenal last lifted the trophy in 2019 under Joe Montemurro.

Anything else to consider?

Chelsea are still competing in the Champions League and have every chance of making the May 25 final after winning 1-0 at holders Barcelona in the first leg of their last-four clash at the weekend. The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The team are chasing a glorious farewell for Hayes, with the 47-year-old to end her lengthy tenure in the summer and take charge of the United States. They still have star forward Sam Kerr sidelined but have just got skipper Millie Bright back from long-term injury.

What are the remaining games?

After the Bristol City and Arsenal matches, City play Aston Villa away on the last day of the season. As well as Liverpool away, Chelsea also face Bristol City at home and Tottenham away before the campaign concluder at United. Arsenal, following the Everton and City fixtures, finish by hosting Brighton.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the combatants in the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two as the semi-finals loom.

The Championship

Sunderland v Luton

Sunderland went into their final-day trip to Preston knowing even victory might not be enough to edge them into the play-offs, but a 3-0 victory, coupled with Millwall’s remarkable capitulation at home to Blackburn, saw them snatch sixth place to keep alive their unlikely hopes of back-to-back promotions.

Under Tony Mowbray, who replaced Alex Neil at the helm in August, they are unbeaten in nine and finished the regular season – during which star striker Ross Stewart was largely absent and they were without a recognised central defender – strongly to give themselves a chance to exorcise the ghost of successive relegations from the Premier League to League One.

Luton, who have not played in the top flight since 1992, were already assured of third place and their play-off berth before Monday’s 0-0 home draw with Hull, which extended their unbeaten run to 14 games.

Indeed, Rob Edwards’ men, who boast dyed-in-the-wool Wearsider Mick Harford among their backroom staff, have lost only once in the league since January 14 and climbed from 10th place into the top three after the former Watford manager’s appointment as Nathan Jones’ replacement in November.

Coventry v Middlesbrough

When Mark Robins accepted the hotseat at Coventry in March 2017, the club was hurtling into League Two and faced an uncertain future amid deepening financial problems.

He has since guided them back up the pyramid to within touching distance of the Premier League, where they last played during the 200-01 season, after a run of 17 games which included just a single defeat and ended with Monday’s 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

Former Manchester United and England star Michael Carrick, who was on the books at Boro as a youngster, inherited a team which had won just four of its first 16 league games and was languishing inside the relegation zone when he replaced Chris Wilder in October.

Carrick has overseen a concerted drive up the table, fuelled in large part by revitalised 28-goal striker Chuba Akpom, which at one point saw the club flirt with automatic promotion.

League One

Peterborough v Sheffield Wednesday

Peterborough’s last-gasp surge into the play-offs represents a triumph for persistence. Manager Darren Ferguson, who resigned in February last year with the club slipping inexorably towards the Championship exit, returned for a fourth spell in charge in January following successor Grant McCann’s departure.

Sunday’s 2-0 win at Barnsley enabled Posh to leapfrog Derby into sixth place with a helping hand from Wednesday, who beat the Rams 1-0.

Owls boss Darren Moore, however, will hope that is as far as his side’s charity extends having seen them finish 19 points clear of their semi-final opponents and just two adrift of second-placed Ipswich.

They lost out to Sunderland at the same stage last season and will head into their latest two-legged appointment on the back of a four-game winning run.

Bolton v Barnsley

Bolton’s quest for a return to the second tier for the first time since 2019 caps a season of real positivity after a difficult spell in the club’s history.

Promoted from the fourth tier two seasons ago, Ian Evatt’s men have lost only one of their last 10 games in all competitions, a sequence of results which includes a 4-0 Papa Johns Trophy final victory over League One champions Plymouth.

Relegated from the Championship at the end of last season – having won just six of their 46 games a year after reaching the play-offs – Barnsley are looking to make an immediate return under Michael Duff.

They rather limped over the line, taking just a point from their final three fixtures with runners-up Ipswich and fast-finishing Peterborough both winning at Oakwell.

League Two

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Salford v Stockport

Salford, famously backed by Manchester United’s Class of ’92, survived a final-day scare as they clung on to the final play-off spot despite a 1-0 home defeat by Gillingham.

Led by former United Academy coach Neil Wood, the Ammies have made it to the end-of-season festivities for the first time since their emergence from the National League in 2019.

Stockport boss Dave Challinor is targeted a third-successive promotion have steered County back into the Football League last season having done the same with Hartlepool 12 months earlier.

They missed out on automatic promotion to Northampton on Monday after a 1-1 home draw with already-relegated Pool, but are unbeaten in 13.

Bradford v Carlisle

There are few bigger managerial names in the lower leagues than that of Bradford boss Mark Hughes, but the Bantams are going to have to do it the hard way if they are to make it back to the third tier.

They won only one of their last five regular season fixtures – although drew 1-1 with champions Orient to seal their play-off place – and failed to score in either game against the Cumbrians.

Carlisle’s 1-1 draw with Sutton ensured their continued participation, although their form too is patchy with only two wins in their last 11 games.

Paul Simpson, the man who took the club from the Conference to League One in successive seasons during his first spell as boss, is back in charge having successfully fought his own battle with kidney cancer and hopes are high for a significant upturn.

Police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse rioting fans on the pitch after hosts Arema were beaten 3-2 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang on Saturday.

East Java police chief Nico Afinta said people died after being crushed and suffocated as they ran towards the same exit, with Afinta stating that 3,000 of the approximately 40,000 spectators in attendance had invaded the pitch initiating "riots".

It was initially reported that about 130 people had lost their lives, but officials later confirmed the death toll had climbed.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) launched an investigation into the tragedy, while FIFA's Infantino said in a statement: "The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia.

"This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident.

"Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time."

All remaining Liga 1 matches due to be staged over the weekend were suspended following the tragedy, while Arema have been banned from hosting games until the end of the season.

Juventus' clash with Atletico had originally been set for Tel Aviv but was moved to the Turin giants' training ground on Saturday owing to security concerns following a heightening of conflict in Gaza.

Despite enjoying familiar surroundings, the Serie A club endured a chastening end to their pre-season campaign as Alvaro Morata's treble – as well as a late strike from Matheus Cunha – condemned them to a resounding defeat.

Atletico's win could have been even more comfortable had Joao Felix not seen a first-half penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny, but Allegri believes Juve will draw valuable lessons from the contest.

"Atletico Madrid is certainly one of the strongest teams in Europe, they have an important squad," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"We arrived a little tired to this match, but even in negative things we must find something positive and in this sense, this match must teach us. 

"We only have one week to prepare ourselves in the best way, especially mentally, and to understand that it takes other things to win.

"If we analyse this game and think in a certain way, it will not leave any aftermath. But we know that on August 15 there will be three points up for grabs and the attitude will certainly be different.

"After all, I think it's a defeat that can do us good."

Meanwhile, the Bianconeri boss refused to discuss Morata's future after the former Juventus loanee – who has been linked with a return to Turin – produced a dominant performance.

Morata's future has been subject to debate throughout the transfer window, with Atletico reportedly refusing to sanction another loan move for a player who scored nine Serie A goals and added seven assists for Juventus last season.

Only the since-departed Paulo Dybala (10) outscored the Spaniard among Juve players last term, while no Bianconeri player laid on as many league goals for team-mates.

"I can't say anything about Morata because he is an Atletico player," Allegri added.

"I liked [Gleison] Bremer, even [fellow new signing Federico] Gatti.

"Right now, I have to work with who I have, we have the qualities and the possibilities to start the championship well, but we need to crack down on the attitude and be a little more bad."

Juve begin their Serie A campaign at home to Sassuolo on August 15, with Diego Simeone's Atletico travelling to Getafe on the same day to get their LaLiga season under way.

Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton following City’s victory by the same scoreline at Everton means Guardiola’s side can clinch a fifth title in six seasons next weekend.

But before that City will have to get past holders Real Madrid in a home semi-final second leg to maintain their quest for a first Champions League triumph, with the tie level at 1-1.

“It is a dream come true being here, honestly,” said Guardiola, whose side also have an FA Cup final against Manchester United to look forward to next month.

“I know at the end we maybe don’t get all the trophies, people say we are a not good team, a ‘failure’ team, but it is a dream come true being here.

“We are the only team in Europe fighting for all the competitions: the FA Cup final with Manchester United and still it is not over, the Premier League never ends, we know that from the past with Liverpool.

“(We have) the semi-final at home with our people, second leg trying to reach the final of the Champions League.

“Where we have come from previous seasons is an extraordinary season and hopefully we can finish well.”

City, who are currently on an 11-match winning run in the league as part of a 22-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, can guarantee the Premier League title with victory at home to Chelsea next Sunday.

But they will be confirmed as champions even sooner if Arsenal are defeated at relegation-battling Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

Guardiola is taking nothing for granted but knows the win at Everton, after their draw in the Bernabeu, was key in keeping the Gunners out of reach.

Everton went into the game on the back of an impressive 5-1 win at high-flying Brighton but a brace from Ilkay Gundogan either side of Erling Haaland’s 36th league goal of the season secured the points for City at Goodison Park.

“When I see Chelsea and Brighton (City’s next two matches) we have a lot of work to do,” Guardiola added.

“But this one (Everton) away was a tricky one.

“I was really impressed by the way Everton handled the game against Brighton but from the first minute we controlled the game, except certain transitions.

“They are the best in the Premier League from every free-kick and corner since Sean Dyche went in there, it is almost a goal every time. Arsenal lost here for one corner, so it happens.

“We had the patience and momentum and movements from Riyad (Mahrez) and Phil (Foden) was really good in behind. We scored the goals in the right moment.

“It was so important and nice to to celebrate with our fans away because they are always with us.”

Anchoring what is the youngest team in Jamaica’s top-flight league is goalkeeper Vino Barclett, who started all eight matches for Cavalier during the tournament, and made 28 saves, which assisted the Rudolph Speid-coached team to the Caribbean Cup showpiece.

Though they lost 0-3 on aggregate to Suriname’s Robinhood, their main objective was met, as their vision of playing against some of the best clubs in the Concacaf region, has come to fruition.

“It was a big achievement for a Jamaican club. We played in a knockout tournament domestically and got to the finals, we played in the domestic league and got to the finals and so getting to the Caribbean Cup final and qualifying for Champions Cup was another big achievement for us,” Barclett said in a recent interview with Concacaf.com.

“All of the players were deserving, we worked hard for it, the only thing we lacked was winning silverware,” he added.

While most of his Cavalier teammates are from Jamaica, Barclett is one of the team’s full-time international players, as he represents St Lucia on an even bigger stage. Giving his vast experience representing St Lucia in Concacaf Nations League, Barclett is not one to shy away from tough competition and, as such, is now eager to parade his skill in Concacaf’s premier club competition.

“Representing St Lucia on this stage is like a dream come true. I’m still a relatively young player, just 24 years old, I think I’m the only goalkeeper from St Lucia to have played in this tournament. It is a big achievement for me, and I want to show our amateur players back home that they can be on this big stage. I’m excited for the exposure and opportunity,” Barclett shared.

Cavalier’s Round One encounter will be against Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit FC Cincinnati, scheduled for February 22, and Barclett knows a sturdy challenge awaits as their opponents capped the 2023 MLS regular season with the best record.

“The preparation has been going up to standard, we have been putting in the work. In our domestic league in the last six games, we are unbeaten with five wins and one draw, so I think the team has prepared with full conviction. We know it won’t be easy game. We have to be focused in every second of the game, we cannot switch off. Our team has a good chemistry and in preparation for that game we are working very hard,” the agile goaltender said.

With Cavalier boasting so many young players, the 2024 Champions Cup represents the perfect platform on which a group of hungry players can demonstrate their skills to the world. It is also a chance to show everyone the strength of Jamaica’s domestic football.

“I would say this is the biggest moment of my career. I have been in finals, but this will be the biggest game of my career. This is a game that can be an opportunity for many of us. Maybe scouts see us and who knows where that might lead. Representing the Caribbean is a responsibility that we embrace, knowing that we are representing the Jamaican nation, so we will be relying on our fans in the home game,” Barclett ended.

Shaw also had an assist as she fed teammate Jess Park, who scored the opener in the 21^st minute to see Manchester City take a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Shortly after the resumption, Shaw got her goal smashing in from 10 yard to give the Cityzens a 2-0 lead in the 47^th minute.

“Got the job done. On to the next,” a proud Shaw posted on Instagram afterwards.

Toni Duggan headed in in stoppage time for Everton’s consolation. The former Manchester City player was scoring her first goal since she returned from maternity leave after giving birth to a daughter in March.

Deeney’s first game in management yielded a point against a side with play-off ambitions, but the draw leaves struggling Rovers five points from safety.

The 35-year-old, who was appointed as David Horseman’s replacement on Wednesday, said: “Everyone could see the passion and want to change things and that’s the first building block. It’s about enjoying that togetherness and spirit tonight.

“It wasn’t a new manager bounce – it’s about putting players in positions they feel more comfortable. It would’ve worn off after 15 minutes if it was.

“We caused our problems more than anything, but it’s a good first day.”

On bringing in former Newcastle, Wolves and Sunderland forward David Kelly as his assistant, Deeney said: “The governor is in. I don’t know it all, so I needed some experience. He tells it as it is so there are no grey areas with him.”

Deeney’s side started at a frantic pace and Ryan Inniss headed over the crossbar from a deep corner in the first couple of minutes.

Callum Morton had Forest Green’s best chance of the half after Charlie McCann found the forward inside the area, but his effort was parried by Gills goalkeeper Jake Turner.

Rovers keeper Luke Daniels handled outside his penalty area, but Connor Mahoney lifted his free-kick over the crossbar.

Matty Stevens had a golden opportunity for the hosts from a well-worked short corner routine but missed the target.

Macauley Bonne headed straight at Daniels in Gillingham’s best effort before the break.

Robbie McKenzie’s speculative long-range effort had Daniels scrambling across goal, but the effort dropped wide of the mark.

Jonny Williams delivered an inch-perfect corner for Timothee Dieng, but his free header was smartly saved by Daniels.

Jayden Clarke’s curling effort just minutes later flew just past the far post as the Gills pressed for a winner after the break, but both sides had to settle for a point.

Gillingham manager Stephen Clemence admitted Deeney’s tactics shocked him.

He said: “The system surprised us a little and we had to make adjustments at half-time.

“They looked to catch us on the break and nearly did a couple of times, but the lads dealt with it.

“I was disappointed not to win the game, but it can be difficult when a team has a new manager.”