The man who brought the Netherlands international to the UK was also involved in the development of Kieran Tierney, Wilfried Zaha and Jamal Musiala Though there have been some question marks over his form this season, there is no doubting that Virgil van Dijk remains one of, if not the world's premier centre-back. How, then, did it take him so long to earn himself a move to one of Europe's e...Full Story »

Planes termination agreement reached The agreement has been reached between Barcelona and director Ramon Planes to terminate the contract. He’ll no longer be the club’s technical secretary by his own choice. 🔴🤝 #FCBAfter signing players like Pedri and Araújo for Barça, he’s now looking for a new project.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 16, 2...Full Story »

Ipswich boss Paul Cook saluted match-winner Idris El Mizouni after his late goal sealed a 2-1 FA Cup replay win at League Two strugglers Oldham.The 21-year-old Tunisian won the game as he smashed home from 25 yards with nine minutes to go.“Idris is a really good lad,” beamed Cook. “He’s had a lot of plaudits just lately, and rightly so.“He’s been in and out of...Full Story »

Michael Duff praised on-loan Watford defender Mattie Pollock after his goal took Cheltenham into the second round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 replay win over Gillingham.Pollock finished from close range in the 11th minute and despite the home side dominating long periods of the game, no further goals followed at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.“Mattie has shown what he can do aerially and it’s ...Full Story »

Matt Taylor admitted he was no fan of the FA Cup’s substitution rules, even though he used it to great effect to help book Exeter place in the second round.Taylor made six substitutions in total as Exeter’s quality and freshness told in extra-time against a Bradford side that ended the game with 10 men.Two fantastic goals from Matt Jay and one from fellow sub Nigel Atangana sealed a ...Full Story »

Ipswich boss Paul Cook saluted match-winner Idris El Mizouni after his late goal sealed a 2-1 FA Cup replay win at League Two strugglers Oldham.The 21-year-old Tunisian won the game as he smashed home from 25 yards with nine minutes to go.“Idris is a really good lad,” beamed Cook. “He’s had a lot of plaudits just lately, and rightly so.“He’s been in and out of...Full Story »

Mark Bonner was pleased with Cambridge’s performance as well as the result after they despatched Northampton in the FA Cup.Bonner’s side made comfortable progress with a 3-1 success, with the game effectively over soon after half time when Ben Worman added to first-half goals from Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith.Danny Rose’s late goal to reduce the deficit was merely a consolation ...Full Story »

Plymouth extended their unbeaten run to 18 games with a convincing 3-0 FA Cup replay at home to League One rivals Sheffield Wednesday.Jordon Garrick scored twice as the Pilgrims secured a trip to Rochdale for a televised tie in the second round on December 5.Midfielder Panutche Camara was the architect of Argyle’s opening goal on 20 minutes after winning the ball.He sent top scorer Ryan Ha...Full Story »

Wales drew 1-1 with Belgium to secure home advantage in their World Cup play-off semi-final. Kevin De Bruyne silenced a noisy Cardiff crowd inside 12 minutes, but Kieffer Moore equalised before half-time to give Wales the point they craved. Already guaranteed a play-off spot through their Nations League results, Wales were determined to secure a home tie in March by finishing second in Group...Full Story »

Idris El Mizouni cracked home a superb late 25-yard strike to hand League One high-fliers Ipswich a 2-1 FA Cup replay win at League Two strugglers Oldham.Tunisian El Mizouni pounced on a poor clearing header from Callum Whelan in the 81st minute to hand Paul Cook’s side a second round home tie against Barrow.Oldham opened brightly against an Ipswich team who had won just one of their previ...Full Story »

Macauley Langstaff scored a dramatic late winner as Gateshead beat Altrincham 3-2 in a thrilling FA Cup first-round replay.National League North side Gateshead twice had their lead cut back but Langstaff’s stoppage-time goal sealed a second round televised home tie against League One Charlton.The nerveless visitors dominated early possession but the National League hosts created the first ...Full Story »

Mattie Pollock’s close-range strike was enough to take Cheltenham through to the FA Cup second round with a 1-0 win over Gillingham.The big defender had netted the Robins’ goal in Kent before Gerald Sithole earned the Gills a replay.It took only 11 minutes for Watford loanee Pollock to find the net again, touching in with his left foot after Kyle Vassell nodded Chris Hussey’s c...Full Story »

The ex-Man U, 43, defender has told how players including Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard were crying and praying for their lives as their plane hit severe turbulence. The Three Lions squad jet off to World Cup 2006 in Germany Credit: PA:Press Association The drama followed our elimination from the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has never before been revealed. Opening up for the first time, ...Full Story »

Motivating message towards the fans by the Brazilian Dani Alves during his Barcelona medical.FC Barcelona Dani Alves passed his medical examination this Monday, November 15, so his official presentation as a new Barcelona player will take place on Wednesday at the Camp Nou at 13:00 GMT in an event that will be open to the public. Ahead of the presentation, the Brazilian right-back urged the f...Full Story »

Barcelona's search for a wide-player to rejuvenate their attacking corps continues, and this endeavour has been aided by the fact Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel have opened the door for Christian Pulisic to leave in January. Pulisic was a key figure in Tuchel's early months at Chelsea, although his lack of consistency has long been a problem at Stamford Bridge. Xavi Hernandez is desperate to make...Full Story »

Ian Baraclough revealed Gianluca Vialli compared Northern Ireland’s defensive performance to a “typical Italian masterclass” after they frustrated the European champions in a 0-0 draw that leaves Italy facing the World Cup qualifying play-offs.Roberto Mancini’s side arrived at Windsor Park needing a victory to top Group C and secure a ticket to Qatar but could not find a ...Full Story »

European champions Italy must go into the World Cup qualifying play-offs after being held to a goalless draw by brilliant Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.In the best performance of the Ian Baraclough era, Northern Ireland frustrated their illustrious visitors for 90 minutes – with Conor Washington unable to take a last-minute chance to snatch a famous victory.With Switzerland beating Bulg...Full Story »

Wycombe will continue to be without a host of international players for their FA Cup first-round replay against Hartlepool on Tuesday.Garath McCleary could remain sidelined and has not featured for the Chairboys since October 23.Daryl Horgan, Sullay Kaikai and Tjay De Barr are all on international duty.However, manager Gareth Ainsworth made a few changes for the previous game and could choose to...Full Story »

Cheltenham will continue to be without Will Boyle as they prepare to welcome Gillingham to The Jonny-Rocks Stadium for the FA Cup first round replay.The 26-year-old defender has not featured since Town’s 1-0 win over Accrington last month and boss Michael Duff confirmed “he can’t seem to shake” the injury.Callum Wright will not be available but has returned to training on...Full Story »

Stevenage’s preparations for their home FA Cup replay against MK Dons have been hit by the departure of manager Alex Revell.The club announced they had “parted company” with Revell and assistant Dean Wilkins on Sunday following their home defeat to Mansfield.Scott Cuthbert and Arthur Read are hoping to retain their places after being recalled to the starting line-up on Saturday...Full Story »