Southampton are taking significant steps in their search for a new manager after sacking Will Still last week.

The Saints, after an underwhelming start to the campaign, sit 19th in the Championship, just six points above the relegation zone, having won just three of their 14 league games so far.

Southampton’s turbulent season took another dramatic turn when the club parted ways with Still after just five months in charge. The 33-year-old’s brief tenure at St Mary’s came to an abrupt end following a 2-0 home defeat to Preston North End, their third consecutive loss and fifth straight game without a win at the time.

Still recorded a dismal average of just 0.92 points per game in the Championship, leaving Southampton chiefs with no choice but to pull the plug.

It marked yet another chapter in Sport Republic’s chaotic ownership, with Still becoming the latest in a long line of coaches sacked during their regime.

Still arrived with growing pedigree after a few successful years in France and was once regularly linked with a Premier League move, but struggled to translate that success to English football.

The Belgian native was tasked with securing an immediate return to the Premier League following last season’s relegation, but instead left Southampton perilously close to a second consecutive drop that would represent an unthinkable disaster.

Now, the process to hire his successor has begun, and there are a few noteworthy candidates who are being mentioned by the media.

Under-21s boss Tonda Eckert has been appointed interim manager and immediately guided the team to a 2-1 victory at QPR, temporarily halting the rot. However, Southampton’s hierarchy are actively searching for a permanent replacement.

Reports suggest high-flying Coventry City boss Frank Lampard is an ambitious option for Southampton, with the Saints also weighing up a reunion for Russell Martin.

A number of other candidates are being assessed too, including Stoke City manager Mark Robins (talkSPORT), England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, and Gary O’Neil.

In terms of the latter, Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath shared news earlier this week that O’Neil is a strong contender for the Southampton job, and there’s now been another update on the Englishman’s potential appointment.

Southampton 'looking to finalise' Gary O'Neil deal after making approach

As per TEAMtalk, O’Neil is emerging as the clear frontrunner to take charge.

The south coast club have now made an approach to O’Neil over their vacant position, with talks expected to intensify in the coming days as both parties “look to finalise an agreement”.

O’Neil is said to be in pole position to become Southampton’s new manager, with the club having admirers of his previous Premier League work.

Southampton’s search has apparently narrowed to three main candidates. Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick, who was most recently manager of Middlesbrough, remains in contention due to his strong reputation, while Martin is also still a candidate and would be open to discussions about returning to St Mary’s after his Rangers dismissal.

O’Neil is said to be “highly respected” in Premier League circles after his work at Bournemouth and Wolves (Miguel Delaney), even if his tenures did end in sour fashion, and he was briefly considered for the West Ham job recently.

The 42-year-old steered a hapless Bournemouth side clear of relegation in his first season with limited resources, and took charge of Wolves in very difficult circumstances after Julen Lopetegui’s sudden exit — briefly steadying the ship at Molineux.

His track record suggests that O’Neil could be an astute appointment by Sport Republic, and given his free agent status, Southampton won’t have to fork out a compensation fee.

O’Neil has also been called an “underrated” tactician.

For a second season in a row, the same contest at the same ground produced the same, pulsating finish

ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-2025It’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Yash Dayal has the ball. MS Dhoni is on strike. Ravindra Jadeja is at the other end. A 200-plus chase at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has come down to the final over. Sounds familiar? For a second season in a row, the same contest at the same ground produced the same, pulsating finish. And yet again, when all the nerves and dust settled, it was the left-arm quick Dayal who held his own.Here’s how Shashwat Kumar called it on ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball commentary:Related

Dayal trumps CSK in last over again to take RCB to the top

19.1 Yash Dayal to Dhoni, 1 run
low full toss on middle and leg. Dhoni cannot get under this and scuffs it down the ground to long on. Throws his head back in disappointment soon after19.2 Yash Dayal to Jadeja, 1 run
full toss on middle and leg and Jadeja cannot put it away. Drags it towards deep mid wicket and this over has begun with two singles off two balls19.3 Yash Dayal to Dhoni, OUT
massive lbw shout, and the finger goes up! No MS Dhoni magic at the Chinnaswamy tonight! Low full toss slanting into leg stump. Dhoni has a massive swipe at it but does not get any bat on it. Gets rapped on the pads and the finger goes up. Dhoni has reviewed this but it could be more in hope than anything else. The impact is in line and Ball Tracking has the ball crashing into leg stump. A monumental moment in this game, and Dayal has outwitted Dhoni two years in a row at the Chinnaswamy!19.4 Yash Dayal to Dube, (no ball) SIX runs
that is a high full toss and Dube smashes it out of sight! Borderline waist-high full toss outside off and Dube cannot believe what has been dished out. After scratching his eyes, he thumps it over deep mid wicket. No ball not given, and Dube has reviewed this. This could be touch-and-go! Dube’s waist is measured at 1.11m, and Ball Tracking shows the ball to be passing him at 1.14m. That will be a No ball – oh dearie me!19.4 Yash Dayal to Dube, 1 run
full toss just outside off. Dube swings at it with all his might and scuffs it down the ground to long off. Just a single, and the onus shifts back onto Jadeja19.5 Yash Dayal to Jadeja, 1 run
zipped in very full on off. Jadeja looks to go downtown but can only find the inside edge and then the front pad. Rolls away harmlessly into the off side19.6 Yash Dayal to Dube, 1 run
Dayal wins it for RCB again! Up against the five-time champions, Dayal shows that he is a champion to be reckoned with too. Under extreme pressure, and under extreme duress, RCB pull a win out of the fire, and they are going absolutely bonkers. It was proper carnage at the Chinnaswamy and after 40 overs of high-octane cricket, RCB stand atop the team that has caused them so much pain in the past! Full toss just outside off. Dube clears his front leg and swings for the hills. Cannot get under it and cannot find the gap either. Drilled straight to long on and that will be just a single. Spare a thought for CSK. They came so close, but in the end, fell short. A truly remarkable game of cricket, and one that those at the ground will reminisce and rejoice in years to come!

Arsenal look set to go through an extended period without key centre-back and squad leader Gabriel. The Brazilian defender has become a crucial part of the success Mikel Arteta's team has enjoyed in recent seasons, both as a defensive force and a threat at attacking set-pieces. But in the same way that a William Saliba injury derailed their 2022-23 Premier League title challenge, losing Gabriel is a huge blow.

Gabriel set for more tests

Gabriel had to come off an hour into Brazil's 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend and was released from the squad, leading to automatic concern for Arsenal fans. After a nervous wait, has reported that more tests on his right thigh will be done, but the fear is he will could miss two months of action while he recovers. That would mean the 27-year-old sitting out the remainder of the calendar year and perhaps not returning until the latter half of January. The best case scenario is that Gabriel is only sidelined for one month, which at least means returning before Christmas.

Advertisement(C)Getty imagesGrowing Arsenal injury list

Gabriel has been added to an Arsenal injury list that was already six-strong before the international break: Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus. There are no guarantees, but Arteta spoke prior to club football pausing that a handful of those could return the other side of the international break. That applies to Gyokeres, Havertz, Martinelli and Madueke. Odegaard is thought to be out until early December, with Jesus coming towards the end of long-term ACL rehab and on course to return in January.

It is testament to Arsenal's strength in depth, and determination perhaps aided by three seasons of second-place Premier League finishes, that they have managed to climb to the top of the table and open up a four-point lead on a resurgent Manchester City without a consistently clean bill of health.

Arsenal games Gabriel could miss

Working on the notion that Gabriel is sidelined for two months he could 14 or 15 games across four different competitions, depending on when his exact return would be.

Arsenal start that run by hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the first north London derby of the season on Sunday, three days before the visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Then, it’s a trip to west London face to Chelsea, before further Premier League clashes with Brentford and Aston Villa.

From December 10 up to Christmas, the Gunners face Club Brugge, Wolves, Everton and a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. Then, it’s Brightonand Aston Villa (again) before the end of 2025. Arsenal start the New Year with league encounters with Bournemouth and Liverpool, followed by an FA Cup third round tie against an as yet unconfirmed opponent. Fans will be hoping that by the time of the trip to Nottingham Forest on January 17, Gabriel will either be back on the verge of.

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Getty Images SportWho could replace Gabriel?

For at least a month, Arsenal will have to rely on someone else to partner William Saliba in the centre of defence. But there are at least a few different options.

Gabriel is the left-sided centre-back of the pairing, so the obvious automatic replacement would be Riccardo Calafiori, who has been so good at left-back this season that Myles Lewis-Skelly is struggling to get game time. The Italian is equally adept in the middle, although it would mean re-filling two positions rather just one in Arteta's strongest back four, as he would vacate the left-back role. That would at least benefit Lewis-Skelly, who is unlikely to get into England's World Cup squad if he doesn't start playing more consistent games at club level.

The other left-sided alternative to come in is summer signing Piero Hincapie. The Ecuador international has endured a slow start to his Arsenal career but is proven to be a high-calibre defender from his days at Bayer Leverkusen.

Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Ben White could all be considered, but the right-sided options could potentially be a square peg in a round hole on the left, or require Saliba to move out of his preferred position to compensate.

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, and the Bundesliga club’s stance on cashing-in has now been revealed.

Man United have taken major strides over the past month or so, having taken 11 points from their last five matches, but it would be fair to say their defensive record still needs major improvement.

Ruben Amorim’s side have shipped 18 goals in their opening 11 games, the joint-highest number of any side above 16th in the Premier League table, failing to keep a clean sheet since the 2-0 victory against Sunderland at the beginning of October.

Both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have impressed in an attacking sense, with the former scoring the winner at Anfield, while the Dutchman recently received high praise from Rio Ferdinand, who said: “De Ligt’s been our best defender this season”

“I think he’s been outstanding for us. He’s even adding goals like the last-minute equaliser the other day.”

That said, Amorim clearly needs to tighten things up at the back, given the sheer number of goals his side have conceded, and the Red Devils have now set their sights on a new target.

Man Utd join race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have now joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck, who is about to enter the last 18 months of his contract with the German club, meaning a bidding war could be on the cards.

Liverpool have also emerged as potential suitors for the centre-back, who has earned comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, in light of his composure under pressure, which has been on display in the Champions League.

Dortmund may need to cash-in due to their financial situation, as they are currently at risk of losing the 25-year-old on a free transfer, and there is no shortage of interest, with Barcelona currently believed to be leading the race for his signature.

The defender’s ball-playing ability, coupled with the fact he is left-footed, is said to make him perfect for Amorim, and the Dortmund star has earned high praise from former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown.

Brown said: “He’s a dominant centre-back, a regular for Germany, and a very defensive option who likes to win tackles, win headers and take charge of the back line.”

Impressively, the German is also very comfortable in possession of the ball, as displayed by his performance across some key passing and dribbling metrics over the past year.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s passing and dribbling statistics

Average per 90

Passes attempted

84.06 (97th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.43 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.29 (89th percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.48 (92nd percentile)

Schlotterbeck is experienced at the top level, having amassed 22 caps for Germany and 35 Champions League appearances, and he could be the ideal option for Amorim at left centre-back.

What Man Utd plan to do to hijack Real Madrid's move for Marc Guehi What Man Utd are ready to do to hijack Real Madrid's move for Marc Guehi

He could be a superb signing for the Red Devils.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2025

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي في مؤتمر صحفي عن مباراة سندرلاند على ملعب الاتحاد غداً في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” عن فوز فريقه ضد فولهام بخمسة أهداف لأربعة: “لقد نسينا الأمر، تعلمنا درسًا جيدًا ونأمل ذلك لكننا نسيناه”.

وأضاف عن مواجهة سندرلاند: “إنهم يستحقون هذا المركز الذي يحتلونه بعد 14 مباراة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد هؤلاء الخصوم، أن يكونوا في هذا الوضع، إنهم يستحقون ذلك”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يايا توريه يفتح النار مجددًا على جوارديولا: ليس رجلاً بل ثعبان!

وواصل: “لا أجد كلمات كافية للتعبير عما عشته في مانشستر سيتي، لحظات جيدة في الغالب ولحظات سيئة أيضاً، والأشخاص الرائعون الذين التقيت بهم هنا، لقد كانت رحلة استثنائية، كانت في قمة الروعة”.

وتابع: “بالطبع لا أحب أن أستقبل ستة أهداف في مباراتين ولكن في نفس الوقت نحن الفريق الذي سجل أكبر عدد من الأهداف وعلينا أن نبني على ذلك”.

وسئل جوارديولا عن قلة فرص المشاركة التي يحصل عليها ريان آيت نوري: “لقد لعب في كأس العالم للأندية وكان رائعاً، لعب المباراة الأولى ضد وولفرهامبتون، والثانية ضد توتنهام وبعدها أصيب، وبعد ذلك جاء نيكو أوريلي، وقدم أداء رائعًا وهذا هو السبب، لا أكثر من ذلك، نحن سعداء جداً بريان آيت نوري، وأعلم أنه سيساعدنا، لقد انضم إلينا منذ فترة طويلة وهو متمرس في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويجيد اللعب في مركز الجناح والوسط، ويستطيع اللعب في مراكز مختلفة لكن الآن، نيكو يقدم أداء رائع وهذا هو السبب الوحيد”.

وأكد جوارديولا أن رودري لن يكون متاحاً لمواجهة مانشستر سيتي ضد سندرلاند: “حالته تتحسن، لا أعرف كم من الوقت سيغيب، لكنه في مرحلة تجعله جاهزًا للعب”.

وعاد جوارديولا للحديث عن فوز مانشستر سيتي بخمسة أهداف لأربعة ضد فولهام: “لو كنت جالساً في المنزل أشاهد المباراة لما غيرت المباراة، أنا متأكد من أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة، إذا كانوا يراعونني أنا وماركو سيلفا، فإنه يجب أن يعطوني زجاجة نبيذ، أنا لا أمزح، لا بد أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة”.

وقال بيب عن كثرة ركض لاعبي مانشستر سيتي: “هذا ليس جيداً، عندما تلعب بشكل أفضل، تركض أقل، علينا أن نركض كثيراً لكنهم يتمتعون بروح معنوية عالية وهذه نقطة جيدة لأن ما حدث الموسم الماضي اننا لم نركض، لم يكن المستوى جيدًا طوال الوقت”.

وأشاد بيب بمدرب تشيلسي إنزو ماريسكا: “إنزو ماريسكا أحد أفضل المدربين في العالم، العمل الذي قام به مع تشيلسي لا يحصل على تقديره الكافي، كأس العالم للأندية ودوري المؤتمر والتأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا، كل ذلك في غاية الصعوبة مع فريق شاب وكيف يقوم بتطوير اللاعبين، انه استثنائي، وذهب إلى إيلاند رود لمواجهة ليدز وانظروا ما حدث، الأمر صعب جداً”.

واختتم بيب عن مرشحيه للفوز بكأس العالم: “أتمنى أن تكون إنجلترا هناك، لا أريد أن أتظاهر باللطف لكنني هنا منذ سنوات عديدة وبصفتي جزءا من هذا البلد، أتمنى أن يتخذ توماس توخيل وفريقه الخطوة الأخيرة ويحققون اللقب”.

The Pirates enjoyed a successful season on the mound this year—but they are reportedly following that season with a surprising move.

Pittsburgh is dismissing pitching coach Oscar Marin, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Jon Heyman of the . Marin, 42, had served in that position since 2020.

The reported move comes after the Pirates pitched to an ERA of 3.76—the seventh-best in baseball and the team's lowest in a decade, since it won 98 games in 2015. Pittsburgh also allowed fewer than four runs per game for the first time since '15.

Marin is also the only pitching coach Pirates star Paul Skenes has known since his promotion to the major leagues in 2024. In two years, Skenes is 21-13 with an ERA of 1.96 and 386 strikeouts in 320 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh, which has weathered a reputation as one of North American professional sports' most poorly run teams for decades, has had four winning seasons in the last 30 years and none since 2018.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com Luis Zubeldía nas tribunas do Antônio Accioly, o São Paulo venceu o Atlético-GO por 3 a 0, em duelo válido pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Calleri, Luciano, de pênalti, e Ferreirinha anotaram os gols da partida. O Dragão teve dois jogadores expulsos no segundo tempo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloZubeldía faz mistério e se esquiva sobre utilização de James no São PauloSão Paulo21/04/2024São PauloAtlético-GO x São Paulo: onde assistir, horário e escalações pelo BrasileirãoSão Paulo21/04/2024Palpites de HojePalpite: Atlético-GO x São Paulo – Campeonato Brasileiro – 21/4/2024Palpites de Hoje21/04/2024

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Com o resultado, o Tricolor conquista seus primeiros pontos no Brasileirão e deixa a zona do rebaixamento. Já o Dragão segue zerado e ocupa o penúltimo lugar. Veja no vídeo abaixo a análise de Rafael Marson, repórter do Lance!, sobre o duelo entre São Paulo e Atlético-GO.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

O próximo compromisso do São Paulo será na quinta-feira (25), contra o Barcelona-EQU, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores. O jogo será a estreia de Zubeldía no comando do Tricolor. O Atlético-GO volta a campo no domingo (28), contra o Internacional.

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✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Atlético-GO 0 x 3 São Paulo
3ª rodada – Série A Brasileirão

Data e horário: domingo, 21 de abril de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Antonio Accioly, em Goiânia (GO)
Onde assistir: Premiere
Árbitro: Bráulio da Silva Machado
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa e Thiaggo Americano Labes.

GOLS: Calleri, Luciano e Ferreirinha

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

⚽ESCALAÇÕES

Atlético-GO: Ronaldo; Bruno Tubarão, Luiz Felipe, Pedro Henrique e Guilherme Romão; Rhaldney, Baralhas e Shaylon; Emiliano Rodríguez, Alejo Cruz e Luiz Fernando. Técnico: Jair Ventura.

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São Paulo: Rafael; Arboleda, Diego Costa e Alan Franco; Igor Vinícius, Pablo Maia, Alisson, Luciano e Welington; André Silva e Calleri. Técnico: Milton Cruz (interino).

Tudo sobre

Atlético GoianienseBrasileirãoSão Paulo

Manchester United are plotting signings and now look to be on the verge of announcing their latest arrival at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd prepare to take on Crystal Palace

The dust has settled on a disappointing defeat for Manchester United against Everton on Monday night, which will have left Ruben Amorim with plenty to stew over after being denied by a rigid block that refused to budge at Old Trafford.

Arguably, a change of shape or style would’ve heightened the chances of the Red Devils scoring. Still, some excellent saves from Jordan Pickford ended their five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they will now need to reset against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

South London has proved to be one of the toughest destinations in the top-flight this campaign for clubs keen on points, albeit Manchester United will have no choice but to try and defy recent norms in their pursuit of continental qualification.

Come the January window, Amorim will hope to call upon the backing of INEOS in the hunt for new additions, and Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Joao Gomes and Andre are wanted at Old Trafford.

Casemiro could be on his way out at Manchester United, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he may only be kept on under reduced salary conditions, as he said: “So now the desire is from Man Utd obviously to continue with Casemiro, but on different conditions.

“So the salary he has right now is a salary Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future. Not because of unhappiness with the player, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

With that in mind, the Red Devils could now be set to imminently sign a younger midfielder who shares similar traits with the Brazil international.

Man Utd set to sign Cristian Orozco

According to Romano on X, Manchester United are now close to signing Fortaleza midfielder Cristian Orozco for a fee in the region of £756,800 and he will arrive in England over the coming days to seal his move.

Despite never playing senior club football, scouts have compared him to the likes of Moises Caicedo and believe he could be the “next Casemiro” due to his “physically imposing” displays in the engine room.

Capped 13 times at Under-17 level by Colombia, he looks to be the latest in a long line of additions Manchester United have made over recent times with an eye for the future, similar to the likes of Chido Obi-Martin, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

With Casemiro soon to be into the final few months of his contract, the Red Devils may have now done the groundwork to land his long-term replacement.

A 17-year-old club cricketer in Melbourne has died after being struck on the neck by a ball at training on Tuesday.Ben Austin was taken to hospital in critical condition after the incident at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east where he had been facing balls in the nets, thrown by a sidearm, or ‘wanger’, ahead of a T20 match. He was wearing a helmet but it did not include a stem guard.He was placed on life support at Monash Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday morningIn a statement Jace Austin, Ben’s father, said: “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning.”For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends.”This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”We would also like to support his team-mate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria are providing assistance to the family and those impacted by the tragedy.”The tragic circumstances of Ben and Ferntree Gully are…going to be felt across the country,” CA chair Mike Baird told reporters in Melbourne. “Cricket is a sport that brings people together, communities together. It’s also one that feels very deeply an incident such as we’ve seen.”[It’s] hard to put words on it. What we want to say is that we are doing everything we can to support the family, the club, and all those impacted by this tragic news. Clearly, there are things that we have to learn from this, but right now, we are concerned about the family and trying to support them in every way.”Nick Cummins, the Cricket Victoria chief executive, said: “We’re absolutely devastated on behalf of the family, on behalf of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, and more broadly, the Victorian cricket community.”We are doing everything we can to support not just the family of young Ben, but also those at the club, and Ben played for a number of clubs, to ensure that they have the counselling and the support, not just today, but well into the future, as this is something that will stay with our community for some time.”