Shearer predicts season of struggle
Newcastle’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer fears his old club will spend the entire season in a relegation dogfight. One of the Magpies’ favourite sons is dismayed to see his boyhood team in the Barclays Premier League’s bottom three already and without a top-flight win since May. Manager Alan Pardew is due to take charge of the 700th game of his managerial career against Leicester this weekend but has come under heavy criticism from certain sections of the Newcastle support, as has the club’s owner Mike Ashley. He believes selling their best players year on year is finally catching up with them. Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba were the latest players to depart the club in recent seasons, and Shearer added: “It doesn’t help when you sell your best players; that’s stating the obvious. “It also doesn’t help when you’re on a poor run and confidence is very, very low. “The sooner they can get a win this season it will stop everyone talking about them trying to get their first one. They need to do it and they need to do it quickly.” Shearer, who was speaking at Manchester’s National Football Museum where he was being inducted into the English Hall of Fame, does not see a light at the end of tunnel for his old club and thinks the remainder of the campaign could be spent in the top flight’s lower reaches too. “I think it will be a long, hard season for Newcastle with the way they’ve started off,” he told Press Association Sport. “Hopefully Papiss Cisse will be able to start games, if not on Saturday then shortly after that, because it looks like he’s the only one who can score goals for them. “They’ve been on a tough run since January and their form has been pretty poor. They need results and they need them quick. “They’ve sold a lot of their top players over the past few years, which obviously doesn’t help, and the atmosphere isn’t very good at St James’ Park at the moment. “We just hope that it can change against Leicester on Saturday.” There has been much finger-pointing in the north-east with regards to where the biggest portion of blame should lie. Newcastle fan Shearer played on Tyneside for a decade and had a short stint as a manager so is better placed than most to judge where the crux of the problem is. Press Association
And when asked at his press conference whether he thought Ings might have extra determination when playing against Liverpool at Anfield, the manager said: “I think his determination has been there for all to see – I think he has been delivering good performances no matter what. “He has been very good in his performance level, very good around the group and wants to do well for this football club. The rest will take care of itself.” While Ings, holder of seven England Under-21 caps, has netted five times in his last eight league games, Philippe Coutinho has been the man catching the eye of late for Liverpool, scoring stunning goals in each of his past two appearances. The Brazil playmaker has been touted by his club manager Brendan Rodgers as a contender for the player of the season prizes, and Dyche has no doubt Coutinho is “up there” with the stand-out performers of 2015 so far. The Burnley boss has also stressed that his side have become accustomed to facing star players in their comeback Premier League campaign. “There are some very highly talented players out there and Coutinho is developing into one of many in the Premier League who I think are absolutely top class,” Dyche said. “We have played against so many good players this season. (Manchester United winger) Angel Di Maria made his debut against us after being brought in for £60million – more than this club’s ever spent in its whole history, on one player.” Burnley have often performed well against major outfits this term, not least in recent contests at Manchester United and Chelsea. However, they only took a point in total from those two encounters and have struggled in that way all season, claiming victory only four times. They have won just two of their last 15 league matches, none of their last six, and they are currently 18th in the table after 27 played on 22 points – the same amount as 17th-placed QPR, who have a game in hand over them. As their battle to avoid relegation continues, it seems the Clarets will need to produce something really special to get much out of their next five fixtures, with them following the Liverpool clash by hosting Manchester City, then travelling to Southampton, before welcoming Tottenham and Arsenal to Turf Moor. And on Wednesday they take on a side very much in form, Rodgers’ men having gone 11 top-flight games unbeaten and winning eight of those. But Dyche is keen to emphasise that he and his players are relishing the challenges ahead of them. “This is the absolute reality of the Premier League,” Dyche said. “We have great growth in our side, I’m convinced of that, with the way the players have moved forwards since the beginning of the season when we were heavily questioned (while failing to win in their first 10 Premier League games). “And this is another great challenge. “This is the challenge we wanted, we grasp it and we want to run with it, take it on, deliver performances and win games. The focus is quite clear from me and my group.” Dyche has no fresh injury concerns in his squad ahead of the Anfield game. The Reds are among several clubs to have been linked with Ings, who has scored nine goals for Burnley this season and is out of contract in the summer. Dyche has been full of praise for the 22-year-old’s recent displays. Burnley boss Sean Dyche expects Danny Ings to deliver another high-calibre performance on Wednesday – but not one additionally motivated by the fact the opposition will be the striker’s reported suitors Liverpool. Press Association
Press Association The Spurs head coach will be looking to recruit players he believes can help turn the club into one which is good enough to reach the top four in the Barclays Premier League next season. There will also be some perceived deadwood to be sold on but, with technical director Franco Baldini, chairman Daniel Levy, head of recruitment Paul Mitchell and chief scout Ian Broomfield all involved in transfer activity, it is unknown to those looking in exactly who rubber-stamps any moves. Mauricio Pochettino wants the final say on all of Tottenham’s transfer dealings this summer. Liverpool operate a transfer committee when it comes to potential deals but Pochettino, who said he was the man who gave the green light to all of the arrivals last year when he was new to the post, wants to be the man with the casting vote. “The final decision? I think it should be me, no?,” he said when asked who should have the last word. “Always the manager and the coaching staff need to deal with the player, in the changing room or on the pitch and if the feeling is not good between us it is difficult to achieve something. “It is very important that the players who stay here and the players who maybe we bring in that I agree and it is my decision. “Because if not, if you bring in some players here and I don’t know these players, maybe it is not that they are bad players but it is important the feeling the player has with the coaching staff or the manager. “As a coach we spend a lot of time coaching the team and don’t have time enough to look at potential players. Obviously we spend a lot of time here just to try to make sure that we are tracking all the players in a good way.” Champions League qualification is the ultimate goal for Pochettino but he looks like falling short of that this season as, with four games remaining Spurs sit sixth in the table, seven points adrift of Manchester United in fourth. That means another season in the Europa League is likely but – having played in Europe and enjoyed a run to the Capital One Cup final – Pochettino, whose side welcome Manchester City to White Hart Lane on Sunday, knows he may have to sacrifice any plans to win the tournament in order to deliver domestically. “Maybe we prioritise the Premier League,” he added. “Yes, maybe if we reach the Europa League I think we need to be focused on the Premier League and try to reach the top four, that is important. “It is not easy, it is difficult to guess about that but I always believe that if we are clever and take the right decisions we need to believe we can reach the top four next season. We need to be ambitious. “This was our first experience (of European football) as a staff and it was good for us to have this experience – we need to use that next season.” 
“Chris has impressed everyone here in his short time in charge,” Ferdinand added. “His coaching methods and techniques are second to none and with an opportunity to work with his own squad going forward, he is the ideal candidate for the role in terms of our new philosophy of nurturing young talent and promoting from within. “Rebuilding the club is our first target. If we can make an immediate return to the Premier League, then great, but we have to focus on re-establishing the traditions of QPR. “That will take time, but in Chris we have a man who is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.” A further announcement regarding Ramsey’s backroom team will be made in due course. The 53-year-old took temporary charge of Rangers in February in the wake of Harry Redknapp’s resignation, but he could not prevent their relegation from the Barclays Premier League for the second time in three seasons. Now he has been appointed until the end of the 2018 season Ramsey can focus on building for the future with QPR, who are in negotiations over a probable Football League financial fair play penalty which could be up to £58million. Chairman Tony Fernandes said: “When Chris took over the role we were already in a very difficult position, yet despite our relegation, we – as a board – have been impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail he has demonstrated since becoming head coach. “He lives and breathes management and coaching, and I am sure he will flourish in this role as we look to bounce back from this season’s disappointments. “This is a new start for us and one I am confident Chris will relish playing a major part in.” QPR’s financial sanction is a legacy of their ill-fated Premier League campaign in 2012-13 but the Rangers hierarchy have vowed to take a different, more sustainable path under Ramsey’s leadership. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I am tremendously excited about,” Ramsey told qpr.co.uk. “I enjoyed my time in temporary charge, despite the way the season panned out, and now I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping rebuild this club over the coming years. “I am fully aware of what this club means to its supporters and I intend to do everything possible to help build a QPR team they can be proud of.” Although an immediate return to the Premier League is desired, the club are focused on “re-establishing the traditions of QPR”, director of football Les Ferdinand said. Chris Ramsey has been tasked with reviving QPR after being appointed head coach on a three-year contract. Press Association
Press Association Mourinho was boss then when Chelsea won their first title in 50 years and this season’s success ended a five-year wait for the Premier League after winning the Capital One Cup in March. “This team is just in the beginning,” Mourinho said. “This team won one Capital Cup and one Premier League. They have to win more to be better than the others. “You can win something in a certain moment of your career and that’s it, or during your career you can win on a regular basis. “That’s what makes the difference between somebody that is champion and the champions. “Let’s try to motivate them to go in that direction, because that’s what I want for them. “For me to have here today the champions of 2004/05 and the champions of 2014/15 is an amazing feeling, because I belong to both. “It would be a dream to be here in 2025 and be with the champions of 2004/05, the champions of 2015 and the champions of 2025. It would be fantastic. “My future doesn’t matter. What matters is Chelsea’s future and I’m working for that.” Whether Cech is part of Chelsea’s future remains to be seen. The 33-year-old goalkeeper, displaced this season by Thibaut Courtois after a decade as first choice, could leave after 11 years, although he has one year left on his contract. Mourinho repeated his wish for Cech to stay, but the decision is likely to be made by owner Roman Abramovich and the board. Cech’s “contribution was decisive”, said Mourinho, who is uncertain if Chelsea would have won the title without the goalkeeper. Asked when the talks regarding the future of Cech – linked with moves to Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris St Germain, among others – would take place, Mourinho said: “I hope never. But I don’t know. “He was always there for me and for the team. He played lots of important matches for us. “For me, no problem to have both. I can cope with it. “But obviously I’m not in control of Petr’s decision. I have to wait.” Drogba was a pre-planned substitution, but Chelsea were already behind to Steven Fletcher’s header. A Diego Costa penalty and two goals in the final 20 minutes from Loic Remy saw Chelsea rally to finish with a 15th win from an unbeaten 19 home games this term. Mourinho has had to say a number of goodbyes – Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Drogba among them – in his second spell as he works towards the future. Mourinho gave his medal to his daughter Matilde for safe-keeping as his son, the intended recipient was absent. He held up eight fingers during the presentation, signalling the number of titles won in four countries. “A lot, eh? Maybe I have no more fingers. Let’s go with eight and try nine. I’m almost there,” he said. He was pleased with the performance, in response to Monday’s loss at West Brom. “It was good to see the dynamic back,” Mourinho added. “The big emotion is always when you clinch the title. When you have the cup in your hands and when the players have it, is always a great feeling. “(After waiting) five years at Stamford Bridge it was time for our supporters to enjoy too.” Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat felt his side did not deserve to lose by a two-goal margin. “There was no need to lose 3-1 because we had enough opportunities to score,” said the Dutchman, who steered Sunderland to safety with Wednesday’s point at Arsenal. “For me it was important to see a team that was free of relegation, fear and that they were not scared to do something.” Jose Mourinho challenged his Chelsea side to achieve sustained success after lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy on Sunday. The Blues’ season concluded with a 3-1 come-from-behind win over Sunderland when Didier Drogba bade farewell, while Petr Cech may have played his final game after 11 years at Stamford Bridge. The title was won with three matches to spare and there was an air of celebration as the 2004/05 championship-winning team was presented prior to kick-off. 
Press Association Tony Pulis admitted West Brom could still lose Saido Berahino and hit out at those treating the striker like a piece of meat. But Pulis is still cautious ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. He said: “I never say never about anything until it’s closed and factual. “I don’t know, we have to wait and see. I wasn’t in the discussions the chairman had with Saido. I’ll have a chat with the lad when he comes in. “It’s not just about football it’s about the person, about the lad and what he’s going through. He’s a human being, he’s not just a lump of meat who people are trying to sell. He has emotions and having spoken to him he needs protecting “I don’t think he is 110 per cent clear on what his future is. So many people get through to these youngsters.” Berahino has been left out of the Baggies’ last two games but Pulis will assess him ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke. The boss also confirmed his interest in Manchester United’s Jonny Evans and hopes he can bring the defender in before Tuesday’s deadline. He said: “Jonny would be a great signing for the football club but it’s down to the money men and his side, it takes three parties, the player and the clubs. I’d love to sign Jonny Evans.” Pulis will assess Chris Brunt (hamstring) and Callum McManaman ahead of Saturday’s trip to his former club after they suffered knocks in the Capital One Cup victory over Port Vale on Tuesday. 
The England Under-21 forward is wanted by Tottenham, who have had two bids swiftly rejected by the Baggies. Berahino has had a transfer request rejected by Albion and held talks with chairman J eremy Peace on Thursday, who reiterated that he will not be sold. 
The ankle injury which forced McIlroy to sit out three tournaments this summer, including the defence of his Open title at St Andrews, means he will not play the 13 events required to remain in the Race to Dubai, even though he currently leads the rankings. However, European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley cited “exceptional circumstances” in granting McIlroy permission to play 12 events as he tries to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the third time in four years. Rory McIlroy admits he has to take a “selfish view” of his special exemption to remain in the Race to Dubai, despite the repercussions for other players. That will be music to the ears of Pelley, as will McIlroy’s belief that he will always remain a member of his home circuit. McIlroy admits he has considered copying Paul Casey in concentrating solely on the PGA Tour, a move which will make Casey ineligible for the Ryder Cup unless he rejoins the European Tour. But the world number three added: “I’ve contemplated it in the future but will I ever do it? Probably not. I feel like I owe a lot to the European Tour, they gave me a lot of playing opportunities at the start of my career and I’m pretty grateful for that. “I had a great chat with Keith Pelley this week about some of the plans the European Tour has going forward and I’m excited to be a part of that. “I think he has a really good vision of where he wants the tour to go, so I am excited to be part of the European Tour and be under a little bit of new leadership and guidance and see where he can take it. I’m going to be supportive of that. “I’m always going to be a European Tour member, I’d say. I’m sure there is going to be some give and take in the future because at least half the Ryder Cup team are based in the States with families. “To reduce travel we’re going to have to figure something out. Whether it’s reduce the minimum tournaments from 13 to 11, or whatever it is. “Paul’s life is in America. He’s got a young family. If you’re someone that values what you should, you’re always going to choose family over playing any golf tournament, no matter if it’s the Ryder Cup. “Okay, the European team would be slightly weaker with the way Paul’s playing, but if that’s the decision he wants to make I don’t think anyone would begrudge him that.” ::: McIlroy was speaking at the launch of Santander Spendlytics, which is an innovative iOS app which tells customers how much they spend on their debit and credit cards – download from here https://appsto.re/gb/n4_z6.I McIlroy is therefore eligible for a share of the 5million US dollars bonus pool, but also affects the top 30 on the money list on November 15 who qualify for next year’s Open, the top 60 who make the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and the 110 players who keep their card for next season. The four-time major winner told Press Association Sport: “I feel like I have a chance to win the Race to Dubai and it would look pretty silly in Dubai if I was leading and couldn’t play. I think it was more of a common-sense move than anything else. “We had to be careful, especially because I’m included in the Race to Dubai now, so number 61 doesn’t get in, number 111 doesn’t get his card… so it was a tough decision for them (European Tour) to make. “For me it’s more about the 111th guy, who loses his card. That’s the big thing. What do I do? Send him a bit of a Christmas present? It’s a hard one. I can’t really think of that. “If I was to look at it really selfishly the 111th guy could have made one more putt or cut to get his card. I just have to think about myself and take a bit of a selfish view of it, I’m afraid. “But at the end of the day it’s not about the bonus pool, I want to win the Race to Dubai. If I can win the Race to Dubai playing 12 events… at least give me the opportunity. I would have played more if I could. “There were three more events but I couldn’t play and with the schedule I have coming up, having to go to California to play in the Frys.com, it’s what I could commit to, especially as I don’t really want to play more than two weeks in a row. “I was only going to play HSBC and Dubai but I added Turkey because I at least wanted to fulfil three of the four (Final Series) and they were happy enough with that. I’m glad we came to that decision and I’m at least able to have a goal for the rest of the year.” Press Association
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have confirmed that a woman’s body that was found on the shore of a Miami Beach is one of the victims of a fatal boat crash that occurred over the weekend.The body of 28-year-old Jennifer Munoz Cadavid was found near First Street and Collins Avenue around 7:00 am Monday, where the couple, Chris and Elis Colgann, who she was boating with were pronounced dead after their boat crashed into Government cut Saturday. Cadavid’s boyfriend Troy Forte, who was also on the boat at the time, was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition.According to the couple’s 16-year-old Chris Colgann Jr, his parents went out with two friends to celebrate his mother’s birthday while he and his friend went out on another boat, however, when they returned home, they there was no word of his parents or of the other couple. He later learned of the accident after finding several photos.Investigators reported that at some point during the boat ride, the boat hit the jagged rocks and immediately capsized killing all on board but one.While officials left to boat on the jetty Sunday night, they have since removed the wrecked after locating the fourth boater.
BOCA RATON, Fla. (July 10, 2019) – Florida Atlantic University Athletics, in collaboration with its multimedia rights holder, Florida Atlantic Sports Properties, announced today a significant broadcast relationship with Hubbard Radio to provide deeper engagement with fans among seven radio stations, as well as increased coverage within the greater Fort Lauderdale and Miami listening areas.Concurrent with the 2019-20 football season, “640 The Hurricane Sports Radio” (WMEN-AM) will be the Owls’ dedicated flagship station. In addition to airing all football and men’s basketball games, WMEN will carry a one-hour show with Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dusty May each week during the respective seasons. The five-year broadcast agreement also calls for 640 The Hurricane Sports Radio to air FAU Update twice weekly during the AM and PM drive.“We are extremely excited to enter into a new partnership with Hubbard Radio, which will make 640 The Hurricane Sports Radio (WMEN-AM) the new flagship radio station for FAU Athletics,” said vice president and director of athletics Brian White. “This new relationship will allow FAU to broaden our reach within Palm Beach and Broward counties which is a priority as we continue to expand the FAU brand both locally and globally. With seven radio stations under the Hubbard umbrella there are ample opportunities for cross promotion, marketing and branding, which are vital as we continue to grow. We believe this partnership allows our fans, sponsors and supporters a variety of ways to get the latest on what is happening in FAU Athletics. We thank ESPN West Palm for the many years of serving as the radio home of FAU Athletics and we will continue our longstanding partnership with them in a marketing capacity.”“We’re honored that FAU Athletics and Florida Atlantic Sports Properties have chosen Hubbard Radio’s cluster of seven stations (640 WMEN, 97.9 WRMF,103.1 WIRK, X102.3, News-Talk 850 WFTL, Sunny 107.9 and Beatz 96.3) to help bring the excitement of FAU Football and Basketball to fans across South Florida,” said Elizabeth Hamma, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Hubbard Radio West Palm Beach. “640-WMEN, the new flagship station for FAU will provide FAU fans with unparalleled access to all football and basketball games with the familiar ‘Voice of FAU Athletics’ Ken LaVicka, Coach Lane Kiffin and Coach Dusty May coaches show as well as daily updates on FAU Athletics. The growth of FAU Athletics has significant impact on our local South Florida community. We look forward to being a part of that growth for years to come.”All broadcast aspects are overseen and managed by Florida Atlanta Sports Properties, FAU’s exclusive athletics multimedia rightsholder and local Learfield IMG College team.“This new relationship will significantly elevate the FAU brand among the other stations’ formats owned by Hubbard Radio to allow for extensive cross promotion and new presence opportunities,” said Kevin Crossman, general manager of Florida Atlantic Sports Properties. “Everything we do, we align closely with the athletics administration, including how we continually evaluate how we engage with fans, connect with them, and deepen those relationships and experiences.”Florida Atlantic University Athletics:FAU Athletics is comprised of 21 intercollegiate teams involving 450 student athletes that compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, volleyball, beach volleyball, cheer and dance. The Owls are a NCAA Division I-A (FBS) institution and compete in Conference USA and the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) (Beach Volleyball, Men’s Swimming). The Owls have been playing football since 2001 and have captured two bowl games. The dance team finished its 2014 season No. 8, nationally. FAU Cheer won a national championship in 2016.Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.:Started in 1923, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. is an American television and radio broadcasting corporation based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota that was started by Stanley E. Hubbard. Hubbard Broadcasting operates radio stations and television stations in ten states. In addition to radio and television broadcast stations, other Hubbard Broadcasting companies include the satellite and cable networks ReelzChannel (launched in 2006) and F&F Productions and 2060 Digital. Hubbard Radio is also a partner in Podcast One.
Authorities in Tampa are reporting that a 17-year-old boy has died after he was shot in the eye with a BB gun.The incident occurred on February 1st in the parking lot of a bank.According to the report, the teen and an 8-year-old were sitting in a vehicle while the 8-year-old’s father used the ATM.At some point, the 8-year-old moved the loaded BB gun causing it to discharge and strike the 17-year-old in the eye.The teen was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.Authorities say they are continuing to investigate the incident.