Former Premier League referee David Coote is now trying to “make an honest living” delivering parcels after being hit with a 16-month ban.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 42-year-old was caught on camera insulting ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, before another video emerged of him taking cocaine at the 2024 European Championship. He was subsequently fired by referee governing body PGMOL and suspended by UEFA.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
now reports on how Coote has linked up with delivery firm Evri near his home town of Newark in Nottinghamshire. He is looking to keep himself busy while clinging to the hope of one day returning to football.
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WHAT DAVID COOTE SAID
Coote has said: “I’m just trying to make an honest living. I want to get on with my life. I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
One Newark native said of seeing Coote ring their doorbell: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well. My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.
“He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’ It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess. He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”
Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a summer move for a “sensational” £34m striker, who’s keen on a return to the Premier League, according to a report.
Forest planning to strengthen in attack
Although Chris Wood has been prolific in front of goal this season, bagging 18 goals in the Premier League, Forest remain interested in bringing in additional attacking depth during the summer transfer window, having tried to sign a forward in January.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is of particular interest to the Tricky Trees, who are expected to revisit a move for the 28-year-old at the end of the season, having seen a £22m offer knocked back this winter.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also believed to be leading the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, who could command a fee of around £60m, having been in inspired form this season.
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Cunha has been a key player for Wolves, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League to keep them just above the relegation zone, but reliable reporter Ben Jacobs believes a deal is “there to be had” for potential suitors this summer, with Arsenal and Aston Villa also keen.
There have also been indications Forest could seek a new striker from abroad, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are keeping tabs on AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan.
AC Milan'sTammyAbraham
Abraham, who cost Roma £34m back in 2021, is unlikely to move to the San Siro on a permanent basis, and there is a feeling he is keen on a return to the Premier League, where the aim is to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
There may be plenty of competition for the striker’s signature, however, with the likes of Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham also being named as interested parties.
Abraham could reignite his career at the City Ground
The former Chelsea man isn’t enjoying the best of seasons in Italy, with just two goals to his name in the Serie A, but his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate he could be a solid signing for Forest.
During the 2019-20 season, the 27-year-old bagged 15 goals in 34 games for the Blues, and he has since shown similar quality in Serie A at times, netting 17 goals for Roma in the 2021-22 campaign.
Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the London-born forward could at the very least provide competition for Wood, and if he is able to recapture his previous form, he could force his way into the first team.
If Abraham wants to impress Tuchel ahead of the World Cup, the Premier League is the best place to be, and he is likely to have a number of options on the table, given the widespread interest in his signature.
Every time Everton scrambled away from the most damning of danger, it felt like little more than a stay of execution over these past few years. Relegation, some have felt, was an inexorable certainty, a matter of time, not one of possibility.
But the trammels of Farhad Moshiri’s ownership, the weight of Sean Dyche’s outmoded football, have been taken away from a proud club that is now taking sure-footed steps toward a new beginning.
David Moyes returned after so many years away and has since led Everton away from the Premier League danger zone, unbeaten in six having won four.
Remarkably, a previously dusty frontline has been revived. It felt like wholesale changes were needed for such a thing, but Moyes has unlocked long-dormant confidence and breathed fresh life into Goodison Park in its swansong.
It’s been a while since the Toffees have felt such excitement, with Richarlison’s sale, while financially beneficial, taking a chunk from the Blue Merseysiders firepower.
Why Everton have missed Richarlison
After a promising breakout campaign with Watford, Brazilian prospect Richarlison signed for Everton in a deal worth £40m in July 2018, where he would remain for four campaigns.
Richarlison-celebrates-for-Everton
Richarlison’s stock has never been as high as when he plied his trade at Goodison Park, described as being “among the best forwards” by former boss Carlo Ancelotti.
His thorny and robust presence at Everton eventually led Tottenham Hotspur to fork out £60m for the international, who left Everton having scored 53 goals and added 13 assists across 152 fixtures.
24/25
Tottenham
9 (2)
2
1
23/24
Tottenham
28 (18)
11
4
22/23
Tottenham
27 (12)
1
4
21/22
Everton
30 (28)
10
5
20/21
Everton
34 (33)
7
3
19/20
Everton
36 (36)
13
3
18/19
Everton
35 (32)
13
1
17/18
Watford
38 (32)
5
4
His time at Tottenham has been a largely unsuccessful stint, lashed by a series of injury setbacks and limited to a bit-part role under Ange Postecoglou, albeit improving after a woeful first season that saw him score only against Liverpool in a defeat at Anfield.
Everton have longed for a forward of his calibre over these past few years. Well, now they’ve got one.
Moyes has found Everton's next Richarlison
Iliman Ndiaye is probably Everton’s flashiest and most exciting forward, and indeed, the left winger has been a revelation at the club this season, but the man in question here is none other than Beto.
The Guinea Bissau international looked destined for an ultimate departure with the brand of a flop after failing to kick on under Dyche, who signed the striker from Italian club Udinese for a £30m fee in August 2023, 13 months after Richarlison left for the capital.
Last season was one of frustration for Beto, scoring only three goals across 30 Premier League games, starting nine. However, the 27-year-old is a man reborn in Moyes’ system, with the Scottish tactician instantly seeing the potential of this powerful number nine, coaxing him into the limelight.
Now, he’s flying, with five goals in his past four top-flight fixtures. Not just a strong focal point, Beto has been praised by reporter Sam Tighe in the past for his uncanny ability to “spook defenders” and he’s now merged that with ball-striking confidence on Merseyside.
His muscular presence and pacy movements do the trick. Beto actually ranks among the top 4% of Premier League forwards this season for goals scored and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. This combination is perhaps why the 6 foot 4 star is “thriving” under new management, as says The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland.
He’s also the first Everton player since Richarlison to score in four successive league games, who achieved the feat in March 2021.
Everton manager David Moyes andBetoafter the match
Richarlison’s big-game energy has been reborn through Beto’s upswing in form. Moreover, there are statistical similarities between the players, with Richarlison ranking among the top 17% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries made per 90.
Everton are new and improved, but there’s a pleasing bit of circularity about Beto emerging with similar striking success to Richarlison. Things, truly, are looking up.
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Detalhes burocráticos separam o Guarani de perder uma peça titular do seu elenco para o futebol europeu, já que o lateral-esquerdo Matheus Pereira deve ser anunciado em breve como reforço do Vizela-POR.
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>Neymar agradece a fãs e fala sobre ‘susto’ em pouso de emergência
Segundo informação do jornalista Carlos Batista, apenas alguns elementos entre empresários e o Cruzeiro, detentor dos direitos de Matheus, precisam ser ajustados para a negociação ser efetivada junto ao clube português com validade contratual de dois anos.
Aos 21 anos de idade, o jogador revelado na base do time mineiro foi emprestado nessa temporada ao Bugre em negociação onde Bidu fez o caminho inverso.
Desde sua chegada a Campinas, Matheus Pereira conseguiu se firmar entre os titulares e acumulou 22 partidas com três gols marcados em atuações que acabaram despertando a atenção do Velho Continente.
Com isso, a tendência é que o Guarani vá ao mercado buscando uma peça de reposição onde dois nomes já foram apontados como sendo alvos da equipe: Jean Victor, do Botafogo-SP, e Busanello, do Juventude.
أكد حسام المندوه، أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك، أن مجلس الإدارة يثق في الجهاز الفني ولاعبي الفريق بشكل كبير من أجل تحقيق بطولة كأس مصر هذا الموسم.
ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة بتروجيت مساء غد السبت، في الجولة السابعة من المرحلة النهائية للدوري المصري.
وقال حسام المندوه في تصريحات عبر المركز الإعلامي للزمالك: “مجلس إدارة النادي يوفر كل الدعم للجهاز الفني بقيادة أيمن الرمادي، وهناك تنسيق مستمر لتوفير وتهيئة الأجواء المناسبة والكفيلة بأن يُقدّم لاعبو الفريق أفضل ما لديهم في مباراتي بتروجيت وفاركو في آخر جولتين من مسابقة الدوري”.
طالع | الزمالك يتلقى إخطارًا من المحكمة الرياضية الدولية بشأن أزمة انسحاب الأهلي
وأكمل: “سنظل نقدم ذلك حتى يصل الفريق إلى المستوى الفني المناسب قبل خوض نهائي كأس مصر أمام بيراميدز، المقرر لها يوم 5 يونيو المقبل”.
واختتم: “مجلس الإدارة يتمسّك بأيمن الرمادي حتى آخر يوم في عقده، ويقدّم له الدعم الكامل من أجل النجاح في مهمته مع القلعة البيضاء وتحقيق طموحات جماهير الزمالك”.
Arsenal have been rocked by another injury to one of their squad in the wake of their FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday, it has been revealed.
Arsenal's season stuttering as injuries mount up
Inside seven days, Arsenal’s chances of silverware have taken a massive hit with Mikel Arteta’s side looking likely to be without a trophy once come the end of the campaign. A 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League left them still six points off league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the Gunners and, perhaps more importantly, an almost fully fit squad.
Three days later, the Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Newcastle, despite having no shortage of chances to win the game and creating almost three times the expected goals of their opponents.
On Sunday, it was almost deja-vu as they welcomed Manchester United to north London in the FA Cup third round, only to squander several gilt-edged chances and end up exiting the competition on penalties – perhaps no surprise given they are without their best attacker in Bukayo Saka.
Expected goals
6.44
Goals scored
1
Shots
49
Shots on target
10
Big chances
10
Big chances missed
10
Quizzed after the game, Arteta claimed he felt his side’s fortunes were “unbelievable”.
“It’s unbelievable”, he told the media. “Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you-know, you deserve to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out and the only thing that’s going to be judged is that but internally I can’t.”
Now, the latest news surrounding striker Gabriel Jesus will leave him even more frustrated, as injuries tear through the manager’s depth up front.
Arsenal set to lose Jesus for the season
That comes courtesy of Arsenal insider Con MarbleHalls on X [formerly Twitter], who has revealed that the “early indications are Gabriel Jesus has suffered a ACL rupture” during the first half against the Red Devils.
The Brazilian forward went over Bruno Fernandes on the edge of his own penalty area before needing to be stretchered off midway through the first half, with Raheem Sterling coming on to replace him.
And after the game, Arteta admitted that his injury was not good: “No update but it’s not looking good. He was in quite a lot of pain, he had to come off on a stretcher and he’s not looking good.”
The ACL prognosis, which usually requires around nine months to recover from, is backed up by injury analyst Physio Scout on X, who added that what was seen “usually points towards an ACL injury”.
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Were Arsenal set to lose Jesus for a significant period of time, it would leave them with just four senior forwards to cover their front three, with Saka and Ethan Nwaneri both still sidelined through injuries of their own.
With the January transfer window open, it would feel as though Arteta and co. would have to act just to avoid seeing the remaining members of their front line run into the ground over the months ahead.
Chelsea have started the season strong under new manager, Enzo Maresca, leading them back into the top four in the Premier League alongside a faultless UEFA Conference League campaign so far with six wins from six in the groups.
The Blues are averaging 58.3% possession per game (2nd highest in the division), taking 15.8 shots per game (4th highest) and scoring 39 goals in 20 games (joint third best).
Whilst the goals were flowing early in the season, Maresca’s side have taken a slight dip in this department over the festive period, being heavily reliant on Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for their goals, leading to a dry patch when they are stifled.
This, alongside their struggles to break down a low block, could cause the Chelsea directors to make a move in the January transfer window, looking to bring another natural striker to the club to provide competition and support for Jackson.
Chelsea looking at the 'the new Gyokeres'
According to reports from journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are among the teams plotting a move for Sporting forward, Conrad Harder. Arsenal are also said to be interested in the Danish striker, who would reportedly cost around £42m.
Conrad Harder for Sporting Club.
The 19-year-old has been dubbed “the new Gyokeres” by analysts Rising Stars on X (previously Twitter), whilst another analyst in Ben Mattinson has also compared the two players in terms of their build, running power, physicality and ball-striking qualities.
Harder has made 22 appearances for the Portuguese outfit this season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
How Harder compares to Nicolas Jackson
Jackson has made 20 appearances for the Blues so far in 2024/25, scoring nine goals, providing three assists and totalling 1,485 minutes played, becoming an important figure for Maresca’s side. His quality both on and off the ball is important to the system, carrying out a multitude of roles.
So, how does he compare to the Sporting man? Well, he certainly looks like a more well-rounded profile of striker.
Goals
0.45
0.56
Assists
0.45
0.19
xG
0.17
0.60
xAG
0.17
0.12
Progressive Carries
2.39
2.19
Progressive Passes
1.96
1.31
Shots Total
4.68
3.13
Key Passes
1.52
1.06
Shot-Creating Actions
2.39
2.94
Aerial Duels Won
2.17
0.56
Both Harder and Jackson provide good levels of output, also helping their team to progress play. One strength both players have in common is their ability to carry the ball for their team, run the channels and therefore have the ability to make something out of nothing, especially in transition.
One area Harder excels in compared to Jackson is aerial duels won, winning 2.17 per 90 compared to just 0.56. Despite being just over 6-foot similar to Jackson, who is 6 foot 1, the Blues target appears to provide more box threat and aerial prowess than the Senegal international, using his compact body type to initiate contact and win duels against defenders.
Nicolas Jackson
Harder is similar to Jackson in the sense that he can provide a complete toolset, dropping deep to link play, progressing and helping his side in build-up, but also attacking the box and providing output for the team.
Maresca would likely welcome this type of player, bringing another striker option to challenge and potentially even Jackson, whilst also offering some extra aerial threat.
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Aston Villa have had a patchy first half of their Premier League campaign, leaving them eighth in the division after 20 games played. The Villains have won nine times, drawn five and lost six, sitting on 32 points, just four points off a top four spot.
Unai Emery’s side also sit fifth in the UEFA Champions League standings, with two games left to play in the group stage of this competition. January could be an important month for Villa, in order to best equip them for the second half of the season, to compete on all fronts.
One area Emery could look to strengthen is his wide forwards, having lost Moussa Diaby in the summer, who did offer something different when playing in wide areas, as well as the sale of summer signing Jaden Philogene, who didn’t live up to expectations.
Aston Villa transfer news
According to reports from Sky Sports News, Aston Villa have increased their bid to sign Borussia Dortmund forward, Donyell Malen.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Negotiations are expected to continue, as Villa’s new offer is said to be around £21m, whilst Dortmund want closer to £25m.
Tottenham are another team who have been linked to a move for Malen in recent days, but Villa seem to be ahead in the race for the 25-year-old forward, already having a bid rejected earlier in the window.
Donyell Malen for Borussia Dortmund.
Malen has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring five goals, providing one assist and totalling 957 minutes played so far.
Aston Villa's perfect Diaby replacement
The 25-year-old – who has been labelled “unstoppable” in the past by Jacek Kulig – could represent the perfect replacement for Moussa Diaby, should he eventually make the move from Dortmund.
After signing in the 2023 summer transfer window from Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby was sold to Saudi Pro League side, Al Ittihad, in the 2024 summer transfer window, for a fee of around £50m. The Frenchman made 54 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals, providing nine assists and totaling 3,144 minutes played.
Diaby was used as a versatile attacker for Emery last season, making appearances as a centre-forward, an attacking midfielder, off the right and off the left. Malen could provide similar versatility whilst also providing a similar toolset to Diaby in this Villa side.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Malen
Diaby
Goals
0.39
0.30
Assists
0.23
0.27
xG
0.47
0.25
xAG
0.12
0.22
Progressive Carries
2.95
3.93
Progressive Passes
2.11
3.26
Shots Total
2.81
2.04
Key Passes
0.42
1.76
Shot-Creating Actions
2.00
3.39
Successful Take-Ons
1.47
1.18
Since Diaby left the club, Villa have lacked some of their transitional threat, using the outlet of Diaby to stretch teams and mix up their progression routes. He also provided good output in his first and only season, scoring 0.30 goals per 90 and providing 0.27 assists per 90.
Whilst Malen has worse progression numbers, he would offer the same outlet tendencies with his running power in behind, also bringing a similar level of output, scoring 0.39 goals per 90 this season and providing 0.23 assists per 90. Not to mention, the Dutchman also brings a higher shot volume and completes more successful take-ons.
Moussa Diaby
So far this season, Malen has shown his versatility across the Dortmund front line, playing off both the left and right, as well as through the middle at times.
This versatility mixed with the pace and power he offers in transition would allow Villa to effectively replace Diaby, perhaps six-months later than planned.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be the ideal man to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal's new sporting director, says ex-Gunners midfielder Anders Limpar.
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Ex-midfielder Limpar urges Arsenal to appoint Ibrahimovic
Wants the Milan icon to succeed Edu as sporting director
Ibrahimovic is currently in an executive position with the Rossoneri
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Ex-Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Anders Limpar has urged the Gunners to sign AC Milan icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the man to succeed Edu Gaspar in the sporting director role, labelling the potential acquisition a 'dream' and singing the praises of the former Sweden international's character and mentality.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
In November 2024, Edu announced the shock decision to resign from his role as Arsenal's sporting director, with the Spaniard moving to take up a role with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. "Now it is time to pursue a different challenge," said Edu at the time. "Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best."
With the role now vacant at the Emirates Stadium, ex-Arsenal midfielder Limpar is hopeful of the Premier League heavyweights securing Ibrahimovic's signature as their next sporting director. The 43-year-old is currently overseeing an organisational executive role in Italy.
WHAT ANDERS LIMPAR SAID
Speaking to SveaCasino.se, Limpar believes that bringing the ex-Sweden striker would greatly benefit the Gunners.
"When it comes to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he is a God. I would love to see him replace Edu at Arsenal, it would be a dream come true. First of all, he is an absolute winner. He would never stop until he has won. I would be the first one to support him working behind the scenes at Arsenal, he could take them to the next level."
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Currently second in the English top-flight, Arteta's men will next be seen in action in the league against Fulham, on April 1, before taking on Everton on April 5. They will then be hosting defending champions Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on April 8.
Antony is set for crunch talks with Manchester United over his future but is keen to stay at Real Betis after an impressive start to his loan.
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Antony impressing in La Liga with Real BetisBrazilian is determined to stay in SevilleTalks set to continue over his futureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Betis and United are set to meet shortly for crunch talks over Antony's future, according to. The winger's agents will also be present at the meeting as the three parties discuss his next move. Antony wants to stay with Manuel Pellegrini's side, and Betis want to keep him, but there are issues to be resolved. The English giants may be unwilling to sanction another loan, as his current contract expires in 2027, while Betis are currently only paying a fraction of his salary and may struggle to afford the full amount.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After a fairly miserable time in Manchester, Antony is thriving in Seville with Betis in La Liga. The Brazilian has scored four goals and bagged two assists in 11 outings for his new club and is proving to be a big hit after joining on loan in January until the end of the current campaign. Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has already revealed that Antony has told him he wants to stay for another year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since making his Real Betis debut in February, Antony has created more chances from open play (17) and more big chances (6) than any other player in La Liga.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY
Antony will hope to continue his impressive form with Betis for the rest of the campaign. Pellegrini's men currently sit in sixth place in the table in Spain but if they can secure Champions League football for next season, it could provide the funds required to keep Antony at the club.