The curious case of Billy Gilmour at Norwich – and why Dean Smith could bring him back to life
There are not many secrets in academy football these days, and there were not many leading clubs who did not know of the 15-year-old Billy Gilmour. Europe’s…
How James O’Connor, Australian rugby’s former bad boy, turned his life around – with help from Sale
When asked if he minds the current phase of his international career being described as a “second act”, James O’Connor cannot help but laugh. “Oh, I like…
Harlequins can win the Premiership again — but they are not the only contenders in south-west London
I’ve said for quite a while that if you live in West London and want entertainment, go and watch Harlequins and London Irish play. They are both…
Everton’s problems are not all Rafael Benitez’s fault – but he needs a result to quell restless fans
Instead, it is hard to believe Brands has had much to do with selecting any of the managers since he took the Everton job. In fact, in…
Michael Vaughan does not deserve to see his reputation trashed by the BBC and BT without due process
He always got the best out of me and several other cricketers from different backgrounds, and would make the point that he only ever wanted the best possible…
Ralf Rangnick demands players who run hard – but he must also adapt to Cristiano Ronaldo
Ralf Rangnick likes young players who listen closely and run hard and when Manchester United looked at a squad low on confidence, and lacking a strong playing…
Beers and being on the end of robust tackles: How Ralf Rangnick learned about English football at Southwick FC
In Rangnick’s one season, Southwick finished second to Chichester City, missing a penalty in the final game of the season against Chichester that would have swung the…
Jurgen Klopp: Man Utd hiring Ralf Rangnick is bad news for rest of Premier League
Of all the ringing endorsements for the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, the most reassuring to Manchester United arrived courtesy of their bitterest rivals. “Unfortunately, a good manager…
Hand-picked experts, tactical flexibility and no outcasts – how Ralf Rangnick will improve Man Utd
It is a silver lining not just for Ronaldo – who is unlikely to have been in any way concerned – but for the likes of Paul…
Sweet bread and cherry liqueur – how Emma Raducanu will celebrate UK homecoming at Royal Albert Hall
“I talked to her after Linz and the other matches she lost and I told her, ‘Come on girl, it’s just a match, you’re playing really well….
Antonio Conte unhappy with quality of Tottenham squad – but which players are under pressure?
Antonio Conte has warned his Tottenham Hotspur players that he is watching their every move and preparing to speak to the club about which members of his…
Improved Bath fall to cruel defeat against Exeter Chiefs
Rarely can Exeter be accused of sloppiness, but they were in the first half. A fabulous early Bath scrum allowed fly-half Orlando Bailey to open the scoring,…
Revealed: The ‘invisible work’ that goes into making Chelsea’s Blue Wall
It is actually a goal that Chelsea scored – rather than prevented – that Thomas Tuchel cites as an example of their incredible defensive record. It has…
Eddie Jones exclusive: I still regret how I coached the World Cup final – my mistakes could have cost us the trophy
There was only one fleeting private moment early in the week of the final in Japan when I allowed the thought to flit across my mind: ‘What…
Ralf Rangnick could introduce ‘countdown clock’ at Man Utd training to increase intensity for players
Carrick would not be drawn when asked if the plan was for him, McKenna, Phelan and others to be involved with Rangnick. “As I think you can…
BBC under pressure to reinstate Michael Vaughan as Azeem Rafiq says furore ‘made bigger’ than necessary
The BBC was on Friday night under mounting pressure to reverse its decision to suspend Michael Vaughan after Azeem Rafiq said the “you lot” furore had been…
Will a smart meter save me money? Here’s how they work
Older devices are being enrolled onto a national network which will allow users to switch, but this is taking longer than initially planned. Meanwhile, some energy firms…
20 home insurance traps and how to avoid them
It can often feel like home insurers are trying to catch you out – and sometimes they are. The smallest oversight on your part can lead to a…
Do I need private health insurance in the UK – and is it worth the cost?
There are a number of benefits to be had from private medical insurance. Private cover will typically give you access to increased medical resources, reduced hospital waiting…
Best Black Friday 2021 weekend deals: live UK offers on Le Creuset, Scotch Whiskey and Nintendo Switch bundles
Black Friday 2021 is a great time to get score a bargain – and the deals continue. Many major retailers have released discounts and we’re tracking them…
UK economy to grow faster than China’s for first time since Mao
It will be the first time Britain has expanded faster than the Asian titan since 1976, the year of Chairman Mao’s death. China was the first big…
The Bank of England’s credibility is hanging by a thread
Price stability, Alan Blinder, a former vice-chairman of the US Federal Reserve, once observed, is when most people stop talking about inflation. That happy state of affairs…
Fresh Covid fears threaten to derail Bank’s fightback against inflation
Meanwhile, Wood’s rolling web-based consumer survey of 6,000 people – already weakened thanks to higher inflation – reports greater savings rates in a sign of early retrenchment…
Marks & Spencer under fire over plan to demolish flagship Marble Arch store
Under its plans, the retailer will occupy two and a half floors rather than the five currently used, with office space filling the upper floors. The new…
Billionaire ‘Napoleon of media’ plots a revolution to shake the French establishment
French presidential challenges have been brought low by lesser misdemeanours than charges of inciting racial hatred. Yet, Eric Zemmour’s challenge for the Elysee has gained momentum regardless…