Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League star | 486M7K6 | 2024-05-01 02:08:01
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART took a surprise shot at Erik ten Hag on Dutch television yesterday when he said the manager "Is doing his best to become available".
It came as former Real Madrid and Spurs star Van der Vaart discussed Ajax's managerial options with former Barcelona and Stoke winger Ibrahim Afellay.
Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League starXVan der Vaart joked that Erik ten Hag is 'trying his best' to become available[/caption]
Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League starXAfellay suggested Ten Hag could be a good option for Ajax[/caption]
Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League starGettyIt comes after reports that Ajax may be interested in bringing back their old coach[/caption]
Ajax have had a disastrous season and find themselves fifth in the Dutch league.
When discussing how to rectify the club's situation, Afellay said: "Ajax need to give the club back in the hands of trusted people.
"If they just wait a little longer, there is a big chance Erik ten Hag will become available."
Van der Vaart then cheekily added: "Well, Erik ten Hag himself is doing his best too to become available."
The comment comes as Ten Hag finds himself coming under increasing pressure at United.
His position has been insecure since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United, with Ratcliffe refusing to publicly back Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League starGettyVan der Vaart had an excellent spell in the Premier League with Tottenham[/caption]
Erik ten Hag is 'doing his best to become available' after woeful Man Utd performances, says ex-Premier League starWhile Afellay had a spell at StokeJamie McPhilimey - The Sun
Should they be overhauled by the Geordies, United will be facing Europa Conference League qualification at best through the league.
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They could still secure a Europa League spot if they win the FA Cup, but even reaching the final of that competition was achieved in embarrassing fashion.
The club gave away a three goal lead to Championship Coventry in the semi-final and needed penalties to reach the final.
It comes as United are reportedly considering both England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter should the club part ways with Ten Hag at the end of the season.
David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss' future shrouded in uncertainty | 486M7K6 | 2024-05-01 02:08:01
DAVID MOYES has been the subject of a sensational approach from Spartak Moscow, it's been claimed.
The Scot's future at West Ham has been up in the air for several months.
David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss' future shrouded in uncertaintyRexDavid Moyes has a matter of months left on his West Ham contract[/caption]
David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss' future shrouded in uncertaintyREXSpartak Moscow have made a shock approach for the Scot, according to reports[/caption]
There are strong suggestions that the veteran gaffer will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.
And according to reports, he could find himself in the dugout at the Otkritie Arena next season.
That's according to The Daily Mail, who claim Spartak have inquired about his "availability" in recent weeks.
The Russian outfit are on the hunt for a new manager following their decision to relieve Guille Abascal of his duties earlier this month.
And it's claimed they have identified Moyes as a potential successor to the Spaniard.
Moyes, however, is said to be "reluctant to commit" to the Moscow club at this moment in time.
Moyes' contract with the Hammers is set to expire at the end of the season.
The former Manchester United manager is set to hold talks with club owners after the campaign draws to a close.
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David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss' future shrouded in uncertaintyGETTYDavid Moyes refused to be drawn on his future at the London Stadium[/caption]
A decision over his future is expected to be made during the post-season chat.
Moyes has refused to be drawn on his future, saying after his troops' 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend: "I've always said we'll make a decision at the end of the season.
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"I want things to be right on both sides and I'm quite cool about the whole thing at the moment.
"The team are showing up and doing the job."
Moyes' sole focus at this moment in time is trying to pull off the Hammers' Mission Impossible to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
He said: "Our points total is a good total for West Ham, if you look at our totals over all the Premier League years.
"We'll keep banging at the door.
"We finish with a really tough game at Manchester City so the next two games we'll look to get something.
"Today keeps us in the hunt."
West Ham will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. gifted dad a Tesla for Christmas and surprised mom with SUV in his rookie year | 486M7K6 | 2024-05-01 02:08:01
DENVER Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. hasn't been afraid to give back to his parents who helped him reach the NBA.
Porter Jr. gifted cars to his mom and dad during his first two seasons in the NBA.
Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. gifted dad a Tesla for Christmas and surprised mom with SUV in his rookie yearYouTube/ Guy Hartman-CoccoDenver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. gifted his mother an SUV during his rookie season in 2018[/caption]
Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. gifted dad a Tesla for Christmas and surprised mom with SUV in his rookie yearYouTube/FaZe StackzPorter Jr. also bought his dad a Tesla SUV for Christmas in 2020[/caption]
The Nuggets selected Porter Jr. with the No. 14 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He signed a rookie contract with Denver that earned him about $2.5 million in 2018.
In that same year, Porter Jr. bought his mom, Lisa, a 2018 Ford Flex.
The NBA star posted an Instagram clip of himself gifting the SUV to the mother.
Both hugged each other as Lisa went inside the Ford SUV.
And Porter Jr.'s generosity didn't stop there.
In 2020, Porter Jr. surprised his dad, Michael Porter Sr., with a Tesla Model Y for Christmas.
A video showed the moment when Porter invited his dad outside through his garage.
The door opens and Porter Sr. sees the Tesla as he thinks it's his son's car.
But Porter Jr. says "Merry Christmas" to which the father realizes the electric SUV is for himself.
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Porter Sr. can be heard saying "Man, you didn't have to do this" to which his son answers back, "I didn't have to but I wanted to."
Less than a year later, Porter Jr. would receive a reward for his services from the Nuggets.
In September 2021, Denver signed Porter Jr. to a five-year, $172 million rookie extension.
They made the deal after the Missouri product averaged 19 points per game in the 2020 campaign.
Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. gifted dad a Tesla for Christmas and surprised mom with SUV in his rookie yearPorter Jr. received a five-year, $172 million rookie extension with the Nuggets in 2021 and won an NBA title with the franchise two years laterAP:Associated Press
In 2021, Porter Jr. only played in nine games and missed the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery.
Better days would be there for Porter in the 2022-23 season as he helped the Nuggets win their first NBA title in its history.
He also played in 81 games this season, posting 16.7 points per game along with an average of seven rebounds and 1.5 assists.
Porter Jr. averaged 22.8 points per game in Denver's first-round series win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
So far, Porter Jr. has made $79 million in career earnings.
Devin Haney's dad accuses Ryan Garcia of 'cheating' to win their Brooklyn grudge fight and reveals where fight was lost | 486M7K6 | 2024-05-01 02:08:01
DEVIN HANEY'S dad has accused Ryan Garcia of "cheating" to victory.
Devin Haney's dad accuses Ryan Garcia of 'cheating' to win their Brooklyn grudge fight and reveals where fight was lostGettyRyan Garcia stunned Devin Haney to a defeat[/caption]
ESPN MNF star RG3 welcomes Jason Kelce to broadcast team and demands a statue in Philadelphia of Eagles icon | 486M7K6 | 2024-05-01 02:08:01
FORMER Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce has been welcomed to ESPN's Monday Night Football team, along with a request for a statue for the NFL icon.
Kelce retired from football earlier this year following a stellar 13-season career with the Eagles.
ESPN MNF star RG3 welcomes Jason Kelce to broadcast team and demands a statue in Philadelphia of Eagles iconInstagram/RGIIIESPN MNF star RG3 welcomes Jason Kelce to the team on X[/caption]
ESPN MNF star RG3 welcomes Jason Kelce to broadcast team and demands a statue in Philadelphia of Eagles iconGettyJason Kelce has become a major personality[/caption]
It's no surprise that he's been much sought after by broadcasters.
And he's joining up with the popular ESPN show for the new season, alongside host Scott Van Pelt.
Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark are expected to retain their seats on the show.
However, there are reports that Robert Griffin III's role on MNF is in question.
Despite that, Griffin took to X, the site formerly known as Twitter, to welcome Kelce to ESPN.
He posted a picture of Kelce's infamous shirtless celebration, with beer can in hand, which was taken as he watched brother Travis and his Kansas City Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs in January.
"Welcome to the Team Brother! @JasonKelce This should 100% be the next statue in Philly," Griffin wrote.
Jason will have impressed TV executives with his appearances alongside brother Travis on their New Heights podcast.
It has been reported that there was also interest from a number of other broadcasters, including NBC, CBS, and Amazon Prime Video.
There is no word whether occasional guest host Larry Fitzgerald will continue to make appearances on Monday Night Football.
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It's been a brilliant week for ESPN, capturing Kelce so soon after landing Bill Belichick.
The legendary former New England Patriots head coach is going to make weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show on Mondays.
Fans reacted with delight to Belichick's appearance with McAfee during coverage of last week's NFL Draft.
Belichick will also be a frequent guest on Payton Manning's Manningcast during Monday Night Football.
ESPN MNF star RG3 welcomes Jason Kelce to broadcast team and demands a statue in Philadelphia of Eagles iconESPN
Belichick impressed alongside McAfee at last weeks NFL Draft[/caption]
'
Center Kelce was in tears when he announced he was retiring from football following the 2023 season.
"I am very proud knowing where I was once was and the legacy I have left behind," he said.
"Some people struggle to play in this city. I considered it a blessing to play in the most passionate sports town in America.
"Thank you Philadelphia, for letting me represent this city."
Kelce led the Eagles to their most famous-ever triumph in 2018.
He was part of the team that beat Belichick's Patriots in Minneapolis to win a first-ever Super Bowl for Philadelphia.
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objections | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
FINGAL County Council has delivered 'a knock out blow' to plans by Conor McGregor for a boutique style seaside hotel for Howth in north county Dublin.
The council has refused planning permission to G Boppers Ltd for the 35 bedroom hotel after a wave of local opposition with one local woman raising concerns that the hotel may be an Ibiza-style party venue.
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsFormer UFC champion Conor McGregor's property empire has been dealt a blowSocial Media Collect
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThe Waterside Pub, Bar and Upper Deck Restaurant on Harbour Road in HowthAlamy
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThe hotel proposal was refused on two groundsGetty Images - Getty
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThere were concerns that the hotel would become a Ibiza-style party venueGetty Images - Getty
G Boppers Ltd was seeking planning permission to demolish a part four storey and part-two storey building and in their place construct a part five-storey and part four-storey terraced building on the site of the The Waterside Bar, Harbour Road and Church Street, Howth.
The scheme was to include a pub and restaurant and boutique hotel bedrooms on the second, third and fourth floors including a 122 sq metre residents' terrace area.
Now, in a refusal on two grounds, the council has, taking into account the location of the hotel at Church Street, Howth and the preserved view along the street, concluded that the proposal "would interfere with the character of the landscape or with a view or prospect of special amenity value or natural interest or beauty".
The council also found that the development proposal would adversely affect an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and contravene the Fingal Co Development Plan.
The planning authority refused the scheme on these grounds after finding that there was an absence of a high quality architectural approach to justify demolishing an existing significant building within the ACA taken in conjunction with the design, scale, mass and height of the planned hotel.
The most recent accounts for G Boppers Ltd show that in 2022, McGregor Sports and Entertainment Ltd provided €2.24m in interest free funding to the firm.
During the same period, G Boppers Ltd acquired land and buildings with a book value of €2.08m.
A Design Report lodged with the application by Prof Cathal O'Neill + Company Architects contended that the scheme "seeks to make appropriate use of the site which has been under-utilised for many years and to provide guest accommodation which is sorely needed in the area".
Architect with the firm, Garrett O'Neill told the council that "local social media laments the loss of hotels including the St Lawrence Hotel, Royal Hotel, Sutton Castle, Howth Lodge and, in the more distant past, the Waverly Hotel.
"Currently, the Booking.com website lists only one B&B and one Guest House on Howth Head."
Mr O'Neill stated that the design of the proposed scheme "retains the existing public house use which is known to be well over one hundred years old, and to have a related restaurant which avails of the picturesque location and views".
Advancing the case for the hotel, Mr O'Neill said: "We believe the proposed hotel use is respectful of the scale and massing of the existing townscape and integrates well with the urban grain."
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He contended that "the proposed mix of long established public house use with the traditionally complementary accommodation function, could not be more appropriate to this sea-side location."
However, local resident Monica Lambert told the Council that she strongly objected "to the unprecedented large roof garden/beer garden".
She said: "While it is softly couched as a garden for residents it will without doubt be used as a beer and party garden reminiscent of Ibiza parties."
Ms Lambert said: "This is a quiet residential area and the current proposal is unprecedented and wholly out of character with a quiet residential area."
In total, the Council received 19 third party submissions. P&L Rickard of Dunbo Hill, Howth told the council that the proposal is "out of scale" "oversized" and "nondescript".
Noel Loftus told the council that he resides next door to the proposed hotel and while there are many aspects of the proposed development that he welcomes he was limiting his "strong objection" to just one aspect – "the large outdoor terraced balcony".
The St Lawrence Quay Management Ltd represents 18 apartment owners on Harbour Rd.
On their behalf, company secretary, Brona Carton told the Council that the proposed roof terrace for hotel residents' use will result in an increase in noise in the area creating a nuisance for local residential and which may continue late into the night.
The objection added: "The high level roof terrace will overlook domestic properties in the area, including their gardens and terraces.
"This will result in the loss of privacy for those properties including the St Lawrence Quay development."
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsConor McGregor wanted to open at 35 bedroom hotelSocial Media Collect
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsUFC fighter Conor McGregorPA:Press Association
'Wonderful way to create fun childhood memories' – RTE star Louise Duffy limbers up for Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiser | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
NEW Barnardos Big Toddle ambassador Louise Duffy gets ready for the event with young pals.
The RTE Radio 1 host limbered up for the 21st half-mile sponsored stroll with Freddie O'Leary, Emilia Dawson, Ameerah Agbede and Harry Kelly.
'Wonderful way to create fun childhood memories' – RTE star Louise Duffy limbers up for Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiserBig Toddle Ambassador, Louise Duffy, with Freddie O'Leary, Emilia Dawson, Ameerah Agbede and Harry KellyPatrick Bolger
'Wonderful way to create fun childhood memories' – RTE star Louise Duffy limbers up for Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiserLouise getting ready for the event with young palsPatrick Bolger
'Wonderful way to create fun childhood memories' – RTE star Louise Duffy limbers up for Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiserThe Barnardos Big Toddle is a half-mile sponsored walk for creche and pre-school childrenPatrick Bolger
Barnardos' Big Toddle aims to raise money for kids in need, with youngsters able to complete the walk at any point over May or June.
Mum-of-two Louise said: "It's such a wonderful way to get children helping children and creating fun childhood memories."
The Barnardos Big Toddle is a half-mile sponsored walk for creche and pre-school children.
Over the last 21 years of the Big Toddle, an incredible €4.69 million has been raised to support Bernardo's Early Years services.
This work focuses on some of the youngest and most vulnerable children, ensuring they get the best start in life.
Barnardos said: "The children who take part in Big Toddle each year are pretty special. We celebrate them and what they do with a very special Big Toddle theme we call Big Toddle Little Heroes.
"We want to shine a spotlight on all the toddling children who take part in communities across Ireland to help raise funds to support other children.
"They are Barnardos' youngest fundraisers."
It comes as last year, lucky pre-schoolers from Daisychain Montessori in Drogheda, Co Louth, and Busy Kids Creche in Raheen, Co Limerick, were joined by Barnardos mascot Buddy to toddle along and raise funds for the services provided by the charity to children and families throughout Ireland.
Dressed as their favourite superheroes — to coincide with the year's Big Toddle theme 'Little Heroes' — the kids proved they are real-life caped crusaders.
Barnardos' Mary Gamble told us: "It's really very special to see so many young fundraisers helping to raise money for other children who need our support.
"We're incredibly grateful to all the creches, Montessori, pre-schools and parents at home who have taken part."
Ms Gamble added: "As the Big Toddlers made their way to the finish line today, we also reveal some of our colouring competition entries."
