On the pitch, Southgate’s legacy will always be those agonising near misses, with the finger being pointed in his direction for conservative tactics, especially when early leads and domination ended with defeat to Croatia in the World Cup last four, as well as that defeat on penalties to Italy at Wembley. For someone so often...
Southgate became the fourth England manager in history to be knighted, after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. Asked if he missed parts of the job, Southgate said it was a relief to no longer carry the expectations of a nation. “I think it’s hard to describe because until that weight’s...
Former Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale is part of a US-based consortium’s attempt to take over League One club Plymouth Argyle. Talks with the private equity firm are said to be at an early stage. Plymouth owner Simon Hallett said last month that a previous agreement to sell a stake in the club...
Shrewsbury Town have appointed Michael Appleton as their new head coach until the end of the season. The 49-year-old former Manchester United midfielder replaces Gareth Ainsworth, who left to take over at League Two side Gillingham. This will be the eighth appointment of Appleton’s 14-year managerial career after spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester...
Hull FC have appointed Gareth Ellis as director of rugby and wellbeing. The 43-year-old former Black and Whites captain returned to the club in a wellbeing and welfare role last April after a brief spell with charity Rugby League Cares. “Hull FC means a great deal to me, and I’m honoured to take on this...
