Sports
Nigel Pearson on ‘incredible challenge’ of learning to walk again
Former Leicester City and Watford manager Nigel Pearson has said “learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge” after revealing he was dealing with a “neurological situation” last year.
The 61-year-old said he was waiting for more tests to diagnose the health issue in October 2023 shortly before he was sacked as Bristol City manager.
Pearson posted an update of his condition on social media as he thanked “all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months”.
He added: “Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge.
“My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound.
“I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time in Wisconsin.
“Recently, I’ve been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow through needs some work (I’ve not fallen over yet!).
“Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday. There is always light somewhere ahead – new possibilities, new challenges.”
Pearson’s first job in management was at Carlisle United and he was in charge of the club when they famously stayed in the Football League on the final day of the 1998-99 season thanks to an injury-time winner from goalkeeper Jimmy Glass.
He went on to manage Leicester and, in his second spell in charge, led them into the Premier League in 2014 and, despite the Foxes being bottom at Christmas in the top flight during the following campaign, he guided them to survival after a run of seven wins and one draw in their final nine games.
Manchester City are reportedly furious over Kyle Walker’s departure AC Milan, with the defender completing his move to Italy on Thursday.
The 34-year-old defender has pushed for a move away from the Etihad following a significant dip in form this term.
Walker, who has won six Premier League titles during his time at City, has opted to leave in order to experience playing abroad in the twilight years of his career.
And former Blackburn and Manchester United scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, has revealed City are far from happy with their skipper for jumping ship at such a difficult time.
Manchester City are reportedly furious over Kyle Walker’s departure AC Milan, with the defender completing his move to Italy on Thursday
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Pep Guardiola’s side have won just five of their last 19 matches.
And they struggled in the Champions League on Wednesday night, crashing to a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that leaves them sweating on their future involvement in the competition.
“He made it known to City that he wants out this month,” he said.
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Kyle Walker is leaving Man City for AC Milan because he wants to play abroad in the twilight years of his career
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“From what I hear, they’re not too pleased that their captain has bailed out during what is one of the club’s darker period in recent times.”
The well-connected scout suggested that Walker’s decision has caused significant discord within the club.
Brown criticised Walker’s failure to fulfil his responsibilities as team captain during the difficult period.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola makes questionable statement after Man City crash to PSG Champions League defeat
“Many would take the view that you want your captain to be the one who sets the standards,” Brown explained.
The former scout also emphasised that a captain’s duty is to elevate the team’s performance during challenging times.
“It’s his role to show the rest of the players what he’s about and help them raise their game to get back to where they feel they should be,” he added.
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“But as soon as things have got tough, he’s jumping ship and forcing a move away.
“So I expect they’ll be fuming, and there’s a feeling that the sooner he goes, the better.”
Walker had previously been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
Kyle Walker has won every major trophy during his time at Man City
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But he’s chosen AC instead, with the veteran hoping to win trophies during his time in Italy.
The deal is set to be officially confirmed soon. Walker could make his debut when Milan lock horns with Parma on Sunday (11.30am).
They currently sit eighth in the Serie A table, having won just eight of their 20 league matches this term.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will be held in Shenzhen, China for the next three years.
China, reigning champions Italy and six qualifiers will contest the week-long Finals in 2025, with a date yet to be confirmed.
Three venues in Shenzhen are being considered – including the 12,000 capacity Shenzhen Bay Sports Arena, which staged the WTA Finals in 2019.
Prague, Glasgow, Seville and Malaga were chosen as hosts for the first four editions, but organisers say a global event of this nature cannot stay in Europe for too long.
“The announcement demonstrates our commitment to bringing the passion and excitement of nation v nation team tennis to markets around the world,” Billie Jean King said.
The tournament, formerly called the Fed Cup, sees 18 teams split into six groups of three in qualifying, with the group winners progressing to the Finals.
The draw for April’s qualifying competition will take place later on Thursday.
Great Britain are one of the seeded nations but have not been selected to host one of the groups and already know they will be heading to either Japan or the Netherlands in April.
Phil Goodlad, Mark Critchley and Jamie Murphy look ahead to Rangers v Manchester United.
Scottish tennis player Jacob Fearnley found himself in a remarkable position at the Australian Open, warming up with Novak Djokovic before the Serbian’s quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
The 23-year-old, who had impressed during his run to the third round of the tournament, was one of the few singles players remaining in Melbourne as he prepared for Great Britain’s upcoming Davis Cup tie in Japan.
The opportunity arose unexpectedly when Djokovic’s team sought a hitting partner for the 10-time champion.
“I was about to leave and one of his coaches came up to me and asked in the locker room, ‘Would you want to hit with Novak?’ Obviously I was like, ‘Yeah, sure!’”, Fearnley recalled.
Novak Djokovic is still going strong at the Australian Open as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam title
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The young Scot described the experience as “really cool”, noting that Andy Murray was also present on the court.
“It was a bit surreal”, Fearnley said of the practice session with the Serbian champion.
Fearnley acknowledged feeling the weight of responsibility in preparing Djokovic for such a crucial match.
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Novak Djokovic invited Jacob Fearnley to hit balls with him in what the British tennis star described as a ‘surreal’ moment
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“I was a bit nervous, he was playing a really big match so I wanted to make it as good of a warm up as possible”, he explained.
The Scot’s efforts proved worthwhile, as he took satisfaction in Djokovic’s subsequent victory.
“I was pleased when he won, when he started hitting the ball really nice I was like ‘Yeah, that was a nice warm-up!’”, Fearnley said.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola makes questionable statement after Man City crash to PSG Champions League defeat
Having faced Alexander Zverev and practiced with Djokovic, Fearnley offered unique insight into their upcoming semi-final clash.
“They’re both extremely solid, both move extremely well. I think there’ll be a lot of long rallies”, he observed.
“Zverev has been serving amazing and obviously Djokovic is the best returner we’ve ever seen. It’s going to be extremely close.”
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Djokovic’s fitness has emerged as a key concern following his quarter-final victory over Alcaraz, where he suffered a suspected hamstring injury.
The Serbian champion was notably absent from Melbourne Park on Wednesday, and his scheduled Thursday practice session was unexpectedly cancelled.
Djokovic has likely taken two full days of rest to manage his injury as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam this winter.
Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open on Friday
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The 10-time Australian Open champion is scheduled to practice before his clash with Zverev tomorrow.
The day’s second semi-final will feature world No1 Jannik Sinner against American Ben Shelton.
Sports
FPL tips and team of gameweek 23: Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz should haul v Ipswich
Antonin Kinsky, Spurs, keeper, £4.5m – home to Leicester
Spurs aren’t a defence you’d usually back but Leicester have scored just twice in their past seven games.
Kinsky has impressed so far since signing for Spurs from Slavia Prague and the Czech keeper made four saves at Everton last week.
With a bit of luck you could get a clean sheet and bonus-type performance.
Lucas Digne, Aston Villa, £4.6m – home to West Ham
Only Trent Alexander-Arnold (13) has created more big chances this season than Digne.
The Frenchman is also top three for total crosses and the jury is out on West Ham’s attack under Graham Potter.
Fulham gifted them two goals when the Hammers won 3-2 a couple of weeks ago and they failed to break down Palace last week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, £7.3m – home to Ipswich
Two double-digit scores in his past four games, home to a struggling side and with a double gameweek coming up.
Alexander-Arnold is about to become essential so put him in your team (if you can afford the whopping price tag!).
Pervis Estupinan, Brighton, £5m – home to Everton
I’m not buying the idea that Everton will suddenly start scoring loads under David Moyes, despite putting three past Spurs last week.
Brighton will control possession and that gives their full-backs chance to get plenty of attacking touches.
Estupinan’s underlying data is nothing special but it does tell us that he is Brighton’s most likely defender to get a return.
Roy Keane would be a brilliant addition to Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff at Manchester United.
That’s according to former Red Devils star Gary Pallister, who believes the Irishman’s experience and no-nonsense approach would benefit the falling giants.
Keane was a key player for United during his playing days, with the 53-year-old seven Premier League titles.
He also won four FA Cups, while he helped the Red Devils win the Champions League in 1999 – even if he missed the clash through suspension.
Roy Keane won seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his glittering spell at Man Utd
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Fast-forward to 2025 and United are a shadow of the team that dominated domestic football during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge.
They currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and will go into today’s Europa League clash with Rangers hoping to bounce back after a torrid 3-1 defeat to Brighton last time out.
And former United star Pallister believes Keane would be a good addition to Amorim’s coaching staff as the 39-year-old looks to turn things around.
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Speaking to Punters Lounge, who offer the latest horse racing betting, he said: “If Roy Keane was to return to Manchester United on the coaching staff then he would certainly shake things up.
“Ruben Amorim has often talked about the successful history of the club but it is tough to bring former players back.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy did well before going to Leicester, Bryan Robson might have had a chance to go back there when he was coaching. You also look at names like Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.
READ MORE:Pep Guardiola makes questionable statement after Man City crash to PSG Champions League defeat
“A lot has changed at Manchester United since these players left the club including new ownership and potentially a new stadium soon, but Keane would definitely shake things up in that dressing room.”
With each passing match, United seem to go backwards.
They have failed to win, or even seriously compete, for the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement nearly 12 years ago.
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Roy Keane has been recommended for a job back at Man Utd amid their struggles under Ruben Amorim
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And Pallister admits it’s hard to put a timeline on when United will be back for competing for the biggest trophies on offer.
“It’s difficult to put a timeline on it,” he said when asked when United will next secure glory. “Who’d have thought in 1990 when we nearly went into the relegation zone that we’d win the FA Cup that year and we’d win in Europe the following year? You didn’t really see that.
“The green shoots probably at the end of 1990. The FA Cup win was huge in sending United forward and having that confidence within the team to go on and win trophies.
Ruben Amorim is currently preparing his Man Utd players for tonight’s clash with Rangers
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“So that took us four years, seven years I think it was for Alex to get to the promised land of winning the Premier League title.
“I like the way Ruben comes across. He’s steadfast, he’s not moving, he’s a believer in his system. I think he speaks well.
“He’s not going to suffer fools, if you don’t want to be there, I don’t think you’re going to be there. If you don’t show the right attitude, you’re not going to be there. He’s setting the ground rules at the moment and hopefully most of the players will go along with him in that.”
Brighton have signed Republic of Ireland defender Caitlin Hayes from Celtic.
Hayes, 29, spent four and a half years in Scotland where she won one Scottish league title and three Scottish Cups.
She becomes the Seagulls’ first signing of the January window, having played 26 times for Celtic this season in all competitions.
Hayes has 18 international caps, having made her Republic of Ireland debut against Northern Ireland in 2023.
“We’re delighted to welcome Caitlin to the club,” said Brighton boss Dario Vidosic.
“She’s an experienced player who has competed at many levels in the game, including cup finals and the Champions League.
“She’s progressed well in her time in Scotland and we’re looking forward to seeing her compete in the WSL with Brighton.”
Sports
Aryna Sabalenka makes promise to Paula Badosa after beating close friend to reach Australian Open final
Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip at some point following her Australian Open semi-final win on Thursday.
The world No 1, who has won the singles tournament twice Down Under, won 6-4, 6-2 to move to within one match of more Grand Slam glory.
Sabalena and Badosa are close friends, having known each other for a number of years.
And the reigning champion, speaking after her victory, has promised Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip to make up for her win.
Aryna Sabalenka has promised Paula Badosa she will pay for a shopping trip at some point following her Australian Open semi-final win on Thursday
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“After a couple of battles against each other we have spoken and decided to put it aside and here we both wanted it badly, it’s our dream,” she said.
“We just open ends no matter what has happened on court we are going to be friends after our matches and it’s tough to do but we agreed on that and I think we are doing it pretty well.
“I hope she is still my friend, I’m sure she will hate me for the next hour or day but I’m ok with that, I can handle that.
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“I was just trying to build for the next games, I wasn’t thinking about winning that game [at 2-0 down] and then somehow I was able to turn on the game in that crucial game I would say.
“It was a super tough match against a friend, I’m super happy for her to see her at her highest level and it was a tough match and battl.
“But I’m happy to be through this difficult match.”
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Aryna Sabalenka will face either Madison Keys or Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open final
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Sabalenka will keep her world No 1 ranking if Iga Swiatek fails to make the final.
The 23-year-old, who defeated Emma Raducanu earlier in the tournament, will lock horns with Madison Keys on Thursday.
Swiatek is yet to make a Grand Slam final in Australia but, after some strong showings so far, is the favourite to go through.
Aryna Sabalenka hopes her friendship with Paula Badosa is still intact following her Australian Open win on Thursday
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Speaking prior to her clash with Keys, Swiatek labelled herself as ‘ruthless’.
“On the tennis court, I need to be ruthless, although this word is often understood by people as something negative,” she said.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton will all take to the court on Friday.
Watch Britain’s Henry Patten and Finnish team-mate Harri Heliovaara reach their first Australian Open men’s doubles final together against Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
READ MORE: GB’s Patten & Finn Heliovaara ‘ride the wave’ to reach Melbourne doubles final
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Juventus are set to sign Chelsea defender Renato Veiga on loan until the end of the season.
The Italian club have agreed to cover the Portugal’s international’s wages and pay a £3.8m loan fee.
No option to buy has been included in the deal.
Veiga only joined Chelsea in an £11.8m deal in July from Swiss club Basel.
Sources close to the player said he grew frustrated playing at left-back, preferring to be used at centre-back.
Chelsea believe he will get more minutes in Italy with the player ambitious to stay in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Juventus have beaten Champions League rivals Borussia Dortmund to Veiga’s signing.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had urged Veiga to stay last week, saying: “If there is a player who just wants to play in one position, they’re going to struggle.”
Veiga has made just one Premier League start this season in 18 appearances in all competitions.
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