1 hr. ago
The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase begins with the Fleetio 200 on Sept. 5 at Darlington.
Carson Kvapil will lead the field to the green flag, with Justin Allgaier joining him on the front row.
All 12 Chase drivers qualified inside the top 15.
Cup Series practice and qualifying was impacted by weather earlier on Sept. 5, so an eye on the radar will be needed as race time approaches in South Carolina.
Follow along with the Tennessean's race updates below:
#series #darlington
Carson Kvapil will lead the field to the green flag, with Justin Allgaier joining him on the front row.
All 12 Chase drivers qualified inside the top 15.
Cup Series practice and qualifying was impacted by weather earlier on Sept. 5, so an eye on the radar will be needed as race time approaches in South Carolina.
Follow along with the Tennessean's race updates below:
#series #darlington
3 hours ago
Carson Kvapil is on the pole for the Fleetio 200 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Sept. 5 at Darlington.
Kvapil bested teammate Justin Allgaier with a lap of 30.424 seconds to claim the pole.
Among Chase drivers, all 12 qualified inside the top seven rows.
Here's the full starting lineup for Saturday's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race:
NASCAR CUP CHASE PICKS: NASCAR Chase picks, surprises: Will Denny Hamlin finally win the Cup Series ****** le?
#race
Kvapil bested teammate Justin Allgaier with a lap of 30.424 seconds to claim the pole.
Among Chase drivers, all 12 qualified inside the top seven rows.
Here's the full starting lineup for Saturday's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race:
NASCAR CUP CHASE PICKS: NASCAR Chase picks, surprises: Will Denny Hamlin finally win the Cup Series ****** le?
#race
1 day ago
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Let's get ready to cook - the NASCAR Cook Out Southern 500 will be heating up the track at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina this weekend! The race will air on USA Network at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 6, while practices and qualifying races will air on truTV and HBO Max on Saturday.
Before this weekend's race, you can check out the most up-to-date Cup Series standings here. Here's everything you need to know about the Cook Out Southern 500 and how to watch every other 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race this season.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. ET
#nascar #sept #series #date
Let's get ready to cook - the NASCAR Cook Out Southern 500 will be heating up the track at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina this weekend! The race will air on USA Network at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 6, while practices and qualifying races will air on truTV and HBO Max on Saturday.
Before this weekend's race, you can check out the most up-to-date Cup Series standings here. Here's everything you need to know about the Cook Out Southern 500 and how to watch every other 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race this season.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. ET
#nascar #sept #series #date
1 day ago
Sunday night's Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is the first race in NASCAR's The Chase for the Cup Series. It adds to the importance of Cup Series qualifying on Saturday, with starting positions potentially going to influence who is the eventual champion.
Let's take a look at the NASCAR qualifying order this weekend at Darlington for the Cup Series. You can find info on Cup Series qualifying further below.
Related: NASCAR Weekend Schedule at Darlington
Pos.
Drivers
#sunday #southern
Let's take a look at the NASCAR qualifying order this weekend at Darlington for the Cup Series. You can find info on Cup Series qualifying further below.
Related: NASCAR Weekend Schedule at Darlington
Pos.
Drivers
#sunday #southern
2 days ago
A win at Darlington counts the same in the standings as any other NASCAR Cup Series victory. But the Southern 500 has never been just another race.
First run in 1950, the Southern 500 has grown into one of NASCAR's crown-jewel races, combining more than 75 years of history with a Labor Day tradition and a winner's list filled with some of the sport's biggest names.
Why the Southern 500 Is One of NASCAR's Crown-Jewel Races
Darlington Raceway opened in 1950 as NASCAR's first paved superspeedway and hosted the inaugural Southern 500. Seventy-five cars entered and roughly 25,000 fans showed up to watch, but it was Johnny Mantz, the slowest qualifier in the entire field, who ultimately won. While other drivers spent the race battling tire failures, Mantz used hard-compound truck tires to outlast the field and drive his way into NASCAR history. Darlington Raceway
Over the decades, the Southern 500 became closely tied to Labor Day weekend and established itself among NASCAR's biggest events. Its status was reinforced in 1985 when the race became one of four included in the Winston Million, a $1 million bonus available to a driver who could win three of NASCAR's major races. Bill Elliott secured the bonus by winning the Southern 500 that year, and Jeff Gordon repeated the accomplishment in 1997. NASCAR
#southern #race
First run in 1950, the Southern 500 has grown into one of NASCAR's crown-jewel races, combining more than 75 years of history with a Labor Day tradition and a winner's list filled with some of the sport's biggest names.
Why the Southern 500 Is One of NASCAR's Crown-Jewel Races
Darlington Raceway opened in 1950 as NASCAR's first paved superspeedway and hosted the inaugural Southern 500. Seventy-five cars entered and roughly 25,000 fans showed up to watch, but it was Johnny Mantz, the slowest qualifier in the entire field, who ultimately won. While other drivers spent the race battling tire failures, Mantz used hard-compound truck tires to outlast the field and drive his way into NASCAR history. Darlington Raceway
Over the decades, the Southern 500 became closely tied to Labor Day weekend and established itself among NASCAR's biggest events. Its status was reinforced in 1985 when the race became one of four included in the Winston Million, a $1 million bonus available to a driver who could win three of NASCAR's major races. Bill Elliott secured the bonus by winning the Southern 500 that year, and Jeff Gordon repeated the accomplishment in 1997. NASCAR
#southern #race
2 days ago
Darlington Raceway doesn't need much of an introduction to longtime NASCAR fans.
For everyone else, the South Carolina track can take some explaining.
Why does it look like an egg? Why do drivers talk about earning a "Darlington Stripe"? Where did "The Lady in Black" come from? And what exactly makes a 1.366-mile oval so difficult that NASCAR has spent decades calling it "The Track Too Tough to Tame"?
With the Cup Series returning to Darlington this weekend for the Cook Out Southern 500 and the opening race of the 2026 Chase, consider this your Darlington Raceway 101.
From the track's unusual dimensions and famous nicknames to its history, records and quirks, here's everything NASCAR fans need to know about one of the sport's most recognizable race tracks.
#track #stripe
For everyone else, the South Carolina track can take some explaining.
Why does it look like an egg? Why do drivers talk about earning a "Darlington Stripe"? Where did "The Lady in Black" come from? And what exactly makes a 1.366-mile oval so difficult that NASCAR has spent decades calling it "The Track Too Tough to Tame"?
With the Cup Series returning to Darlington this weekend for the Cook Out Southern 500 and the opening race of the 2026 Chase, consider this your Darlington Raceway 101.
From the track's unusual dimensions and famous nicknames to its history, records and quirks, here's everything NASCAR fans need to know about one of the sport's most recognizable race tracks.
#track #stripe
3 days ago
Denny Hamlin may have bigger hardware on his mind over the next 10 weeks, but NASCAR's top driver through the first 26 races of 2026 finally has a trophy to show for it.
Hamlin finished the regular season atop the NASCAR Cup Series standings, securing the No. 1 seed for the newly revived Chase and a 25-point advantage over Ryan Blaney entering Sunday's postseason opener at Darlington Raceway.
There was just one unusual detail.
With NASCAR returning to a 10-race Chase format this season, the sanctioning body moved away from the official "regular-season champion" designation and trophy that had accompanied the previous playoff system.
Hamlin still got one anyway.
#blaney
Hamlin finished the regular season atop the NASCAR Cup Series standings, securing the No. 1 seed for the newly revived Chase and a 25-point advantage over Ryan Blaney entering Sunday's postseason opener at Darlington Raceway.
There was just one unusual detail.
With NASCAR returning to a 10-race Chase format this season, the sanctioning body moved away from the official "regular-season champion" designation and trophy that had accompanied the previous playoff system.
Hamlin still got one anyway.
#blaney
3 days ago
Tyler Reddick knows how quickly a NASCAR championship run can unravel.
He's lived just about every version of it.
There were seasons when simply making the postseason felt like an accomplishment. There were years when he entered as a legitimate championship threat. He's experienced early exits, deep runs and the pressure that comes when winning a Cup Series ******* le stops feeling hypothetical.
Now Reddick is getting another shot, and this one begins from a position of strength.
The 23XI Racing driver enters NASCAR's 10-race Chase third in the standings, trailing only Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney. He also arrives at Darlington Raceway having already won there this season.
#chase #denny #ryan
He's lived just about every version of it.
There were seasons when simply making the postseason felt like an accomplishment. There were years when he entered as a legitimate championship threat. He's experienced early exits, deep runs and the pressure that comes when winning a Cup Series ******* le stops feeling hypothetical.
Now Reddick is getting another shot, and this one begins from a position of strength.
The 23XI Racing driver enters NASCAR's 10-race Chase third in the standings, trailing only Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney. He also arrives at Darlington Raceway having already won there this season.
#chase #denny #ryan
4 days ago
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Youri Tielemans of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United runs with the ball during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) Getty
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Getty
The 2026 summer transfer window has ended, and Manchester United had an uneventful deadline.
The Red Devils were linked to multiple players, including Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas, Louis Page and Igor Matanovic.
#manchester #stadium #images #match
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United runs with the ball during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) Getty
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Getty
The 2026 summer transfer window has ended, and Manchester United had an uneventful deadline.
The Red Devils were linked to multiple players, including Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas, Louis Page and Igor Matanovic.
#manchester #stadium #images #match
5 days ago
Gentlemen from Connecticut, start your engines. The Nutmeg State just doubled its chances in "The Chase."
Berlin native Ryan Preece, with an overtime victory Saturday night at Daytona in the ***** e Zero Sugar 400, the final regular-season race in the NASCAR Cup Series, secured the 16th and final berth in the postseason.
Preece will join Middletown native and former Cup champion Joey Logano in the 16-driver playoff series, which opens Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
On Saturday night at Daytona, Preece triumphed at a track at which he knew mostly trauma. He twice flipped cars at NASCAR's iconic home track, last year during the Daytona 500 and in 2023 at the ***** e Zero Sugar 400.
This time around, Preece dodged mayhem on the final lap when leader Zane Smith got ***** ped and spun into other cars. Preece safely navigated his No. 60 car to the front and took the checkered flag under caution.
#daytona #series #night
Berlin native Ryan Preece, with an overtime victory Saturday night at Daytona in the ***** e Zero Sugar 400, the final regular-season race in the NASCAR Cup Series, secured the 16th and final berth in the postseason.
Preece will join Middletown native and former Cup champion Joey Logano in the 16-driver playoff series, which opens Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
On Saturday night at Daytona, Preece triumphed at a track at which he knew mostly trauma. He twice flipped cars at NASCAR's iconic home track, last year during the Daytona 500 and in 2023 at the ***** e Zero Sugar 400.
This time around, Preece dodged mayhem on the final lap when leader Zane Smith got ***** ped and spun into other cars. Preece safely navigated his No. 60 car to the front and took the checkered flag under caution.
#daytona #series #night
7 days ago
The NASCAR Cup Series Chase field was set after the ****** e Zero 400 race on Aug. 29 at Daytona.
Ryan Preece clinched a Chase spot via his first career win in a frantic final lap at Daytona.
Austin Cindric joined him, clinching with a sixth-place run. Shane van Gisbergen dropped out of the top 16 following a 27th-place finish, giving up track position with a pit stop before the overtime restart.
Denny Hamlin clinched the Chase's top seed last week at New Hampshire and goes into the Chase with a 25-point lead.
Here's a look at the 16 NASCAR Cup Series Chase drivers, with the 10-race Chase beginning next week at Darlington:
#week #zero
Ryan Preece clinched a Chase spot via his first career win in a frantic final lap at Daytona.
Austin Cindric joined him, clinching with a sixth-place run. Shane van Gisbergen dropped out of the top 16 following a 27th-place finish, giving up track position with a pit stop before the overtime restart.
Denny Hamlin clinched the Chase's top seed last week at New Hampshire and goes into the Chase with a 25-point lead.
Here's a look at the 16 NASCAR Cup Series Chase drivers, with the 10-race Chase beginning next week at Darlington:
#week #zero
7 days ago
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The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the ****** e Zero Sugar 400 with the final playoff spots on the line. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Cup Series regular season comes down to tonight at Daytona, where the ****** e Zero Sugar 400 will set the final 16-driver Chase field. With the playoffs beginning next weekend at Darlington, most of the picture is already in place, but the final race always has a way of creating chaos. Daytona's superspeedway racing means drafting help, late blocks, big wrecks, and surprise winners are all on the table, which is exactly what drivers near the cutline need.
Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski enter as the last two names still trying to force their way in, and both will need either a win or a wild night around the back end of the current top 16 to keep their championship hopes alive. For the drivers already safe, tonight is about surviving Daytona and building momentum. For everyone on the edge, it is all or nothing. After the checkered flag, only 16 drivers will still have a path to the Cup Series ****** le.
The green flag drops for the final race before the playoffs tonight at 7:30 p.m. EDT, and racing fans can tune in with Sling TV.
#drivers #sugar
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the ****** e Zero Sugar 400 with the final playoff spots on the line. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Cup Series regular season comes down to tonight at Daytona, where the ****** e Zero Sugar 400 will set the final 16-driver Chase field. With the playoffs beginning next weekend at Darlington, most of the picture is already in place, but the final race always has a way of creating chaos. Daytona's superspeedway racing means drafting help, late blocks, big wrecks, and surprise winners are all on the table, which is exactly what drivers near the cutline need.
Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski enter as the last two names still trying to force their way in, and both will need either a win or a wild night around the back end of the current top 16 to keep their championship hopes alive. For the drivers already safe, tonight is about surviving Daytona and building momentum. For everyone on the edge, it is all or nothing. After the checkered flag, only 16 drivers will still have a path to the Cup Series ****** le.
The green flag drops for the final race before the playoffs tonight at 7:30 p.m. EDT, and racing fans can tune in with Sling TV.
#drivers #sugar
9 days ago
John McGinn has revealed that Luke Shaw is one of the toughest opponents he's ever faced.
McGinn named Manchester United's No.23 alongside Riccardo Calafiori when being quizzed by the Stick to Football panel.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Aston Villa captain said: "Calafiori and Luke Shaw would be my two hardest opponents.
"Luke Shaw because I needed to completely adapt my game with Luke Shaw. Because we're of a similar build. He's one I had to completely try and adapt [to]. Calafiori was much stronger than I thought. I was really impressed with him."
#completely #manchester #riccardo
McGinn named Manchester United's No.23 alongside Riccardo Calafiori when being quizzed by the Stick to Football panel.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Aston Villa captain said: "Calafiori and Luke Shaw would be my two hardest opponents.
"Luke Shaw because I needed to completely adapt my game with Luke Shaw. Because we're of a similar build. He's one I had to completely try and adapt [to]. Calafiori was much stronger than I thought. I was really impressed with him."
#completely #manchester #riccardo
9 days ago
It took some time for it to come together, but the full NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2027 is officially set in stone. Next year's schedule sees minor tweaks compared to 2026, including a revamp of how the 2027 Chase will look.
Among the adjustments include the Wheatley Vodka Clash exhibition race to start the season. Previously at Bowman-Gray Stadium, the Clash will return to the Daytona International Speedway for the first time since 2021 and first time on the oval configuration since 2020.
Dover Motor Speedway returns to the schedule as a points-paying race in 2027 after hosting the All-Star Race in 2026. The $1 million All-Star exhibition returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway after the North Carolina short track was the site for the event from 2023-2025.
North Wilkesboro loses its points-paying race in 2027 after hosting one this season for the first time since 1996.
The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway moves out of the Chase and will be the regular-season finale in 2027. World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway also move out of the Chase in 2027 to points-paying races in August.
#speedway #time #since #points
Among the adjustments include the Wheatley Vodka Clash exhibition race to start the season. Previously at Bowman-Gray Stadium, the Clash will return to the Daytona International Speedway for the first time since 2021 and first time on the oval configuration since 2020.
Dover Motor Speedway returns to the schedule as a points-paying race in 2027 after hosting the All-Star Race in 2026. The $1 million All-Star exhibition returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway after the North Carolina short track was the site for the event from 2023-2025.
North Wilkesboro loses its points-paying race in 2027 after hosting one this season for the first time since 1996.
The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway moves out of the Chase and will be the regular-season finale in 2027. World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway also move out of the Chase in 2027 to points-paying races in August.
#speedway #time #since #points
12 days ago
Denny Hamlin did not win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He did, however, leave Loudon with something no other NASCAR Cup Series driver can take from him.
The No. 1 seed in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase officially belongs to Hamlin.
Hamlin's seventh-place finish at New Hampshire was enough to secure the top spot before the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Whatever happens Friday night in the ****** e Zero Sugar 400, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran will begin the Chase from the front.
And he will have some breathing room.
Hamlin will carry a 25-point advantage over the second seed when the 10-race Chase begins Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway.
#speedway
The No. 1 seed in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase officially belongs to Hamlin.
Hamlin's seventh-place finish at New Hampshire was enough to secure the top spot before the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Whatever happens Friday night in the ****** e Zero Sugar 400, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran will begin the Chase from the front.
And he will have some breathing room.
Hamlin will carry a 25-point advantage over the second seed when the 10-race Chase begins Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway.
#speedway
14 days ago
Crystal Palace are making a serious push to sign Soungoutou Magassa from West Ham United, with negotiations now at an active stage. Journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed the report, revealing the Eagles have maintained contact with West Ham for a considerable period to get their heads around the structure of a potential deal, and they are now ready to push it across the line.
Magassa himself is keen. That is very significant. West Ham, following their relegation to the EFL Championship last season, are under mounting pressure to shift players on significant Premier League wages, and the 22-year-old defensive midfielder sits right at the top of that list. Several other clubs have also registered interest, which makes this a race against time for Palace to secure their man before a rival steps in.
Fabrice Hawkins, who broke the story, noted that negotiations are continuing with no deal yet confirmed.
Magassa joined West Ham from Monaco roughly a year ago for around €17 million. Across the 2025/26 season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings, starting 11 of those, and clocked 989 minutes. He scored against Manchester United. For a young player settling into English football, those aren't numbers to sniff at.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#magassa #manchester #league #palace
Magassa himself is keen. That is very significant. West Ham, following their relegation to the EFL Championship last season, are under mounting pressure to shift players on significant Premier League wages, and the 22-year-old defensive midfielder sits right at the top of that list. Several other clubs have also registered interest, which makes this a race against time for Palace to secure their man before a rival steps in.
Fabrice Hawkins, who broke the story, noted that negotiations are continuing with no deal yet confirmed.
Magassa joined West Ham from Monaco roughly a year ago for around €17 million. Across the 2025/26 season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings, starting 11 of those, and clocked 989 minutes. He scored against Manchester United. For a young player settling into English football, those aren't numbers to sniff at.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#magassa #manchester #league #palace
25 days ago
Haissem Hassan of Egypt controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Egypt international underwent his medical in London and is now expected to travel to Glasgow to put the finishing touches on his move to the Scottish champions.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic have agreed an initial fee of around £6million with Real Oviedo, with a further £3million potentially due in add-ons.
A significant portion of those bonuses will reportedly be triggered if Martin O'Neill's side secure their place in the Champions League league phase later this month.
Hassan is poised to sign a four-year contract at the Hoops, with Celtic holding an option to extend his stay by another season.
#egypt #league #million #fifa
The Egypt international underwent his medical in London and is now expected to travel to Glasgow to put the finishing touches on his move to the Scottish champions.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic have agreed an initial fee of around £6million with Real Oviedo, with a further £3million potentially due in add-ons.
A significant portion of those bonuses will reportedly be triggered if Martin O'Neill's side secure their place in the Champions League league phase later this month.
Hassan is poised to sign a four-year contract at the Hoops, with Celtic holding an option to extend his stay by another season.
#egypt #league #million #fifa
29 days ago
Matthias Jaissle takes charge of Newcastle for the first time as they face Valencia in a pre-season friendly.
The former Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli coach was appointed after Eddie Howe parted ways with the club midway through the summer, bringing an end to a popular if occasionally turbulent spell on Tyneside.
Now the German will have the first chance to test out his philosophy as the Magpies visit the Estadio de Mestalla, with Newcastle arriving off the back of a decidedly mixed run of pre-season games - a 3-0 win over Darlington followed a 1-1 draw with Gateshead and a 4-1 mauling by Championship club Bristol City.
They then face Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg before the start of the Premier League season, with Jaissle overseeing a very different squad to last term after the departures of major names Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Kieran Trippier.
Here's everything you need to know.
#first #club #matthias #valencia
The former Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli coach was appointed after Eddie Howe parted ways with the club midway through the summer, bringing an end to a popular if occasionally turbulent spell on Tyneside.
Now the German will have the first chance to test out his philosophy as the Magpies visit the Estadio de Mestalla, with Newcastle arriving off the back of a decidedly mixed run of pre-season games - a 3-0 win over Darlington followed a 1-1 draw with Gateshead and a 4-1 mauling by Championship club Bristol City.
They then face Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg before the start of the Premier League season, with Jaissle overseeing a very different squad to last term after the departures of major names Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Kieran Trippier.
Here's everything you need to know.
#first #club #matthias #valencia
29 days ago
Barcelona have been in negotiations to try to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri from Manchester City this summer transfer window.
The Catalan club have pipped arch-rivals Real Madrid as Rodri's preferred destination, and the 30-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Barça.
Barça made an opening bid for the World Cup winner yesterday worth around €45 million in fixed fees, which City turned down very quickly.
Barcelona's initial bid for Rodri was too low. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Barça are prepared to increase their financial proposal to Manchester City for Rodri.
#rodri #Barcelona #spanish #molly
The Catalan club have pipped arch-rivals Real Madrid as Rodri's preferred destination, and the 30-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Barça.
Barça made an opening bid for the World Cup winner yesterday worth around €45 million in fixed fees, which City turned down very quickly.
Barcelona's initial bid for Rodri was too low. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Barça are prepared to increase their financial proposal to Manchester City for Rodri.
#rodri #Barcelona #spanish #molly
1 month ago
Real Madrid are preparing to raise their offer for Yan Diomande after RB Leipzig rejected their opening proposal, with the Spanish giants now ready to commit €120 million to secure the young forward.
According to SPORT, Real Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Yan Diomande after seeing an initial package worth €100 million (€90 million fixed plus €10 million in add-ons) turned down by RB Leipzig.
As such, the Bundesliga side has remained firm in their valuation of the 19-year-old, prompting Los Blancos to return with an improved proposal.
It is said that Real Madrid's interest in Diomande gathered momentum following the FIFA World Cup, where the teenager boosted his growing reputation with a series of eye-catching displays.
Real Madrid's opening offer for Yan Diomande was rejected. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#offer #opening
According to SPORT, Real Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Yan Diomande after seeing an initial package worth €100 million (€90 million fixed plus €10 million in add-ons) turned down by RB Leipzig.
As such, the Bundesliga side has remained firm in their valuation of the 19-year-old, prompting Los Blancos to return with an improved proposal.
It is said that Real Madrid's interest in Diomande gathered momentum following the FIFA World Cup, where the teenager boosted his growing reputation with a series of eye-catching displays.
Real Madrid's opening offer for Yan Diomande was rejected. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
#offer #opening
2 months ago
Manchester United have confirmed their list of new academy scholars ahead of the 2026/27 season. A group of 15 players were officially confirmed to have signed scholar terms this week after having their signing day last week, during which the players were presented with their club blazers and a United shirt bearing their name.
As the group step into the U18s set-up, academy fans will be eagerly looking to see who the next academy stars are. We take a closer look at what can be expected from United's latest class of scholars.
A towering presence, Ford is known for his shot-stopping ability and is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, even playing as a striker for his school team. The only goalkeeper in the group, Ford was often behind Darlington Osuchukwu in the pecking order in recent years, but the latter's expected move to Spain this summer has opened the door for Ford to fight for a spot in the U18s.
He may not see much of the pitch in his first year, though, as he battles with last summer's signing Charlie Hardy.
O'Brien is an industrious left-back who covers every blade of grass up and down the wing.
As the group step into the U18s set-up, academy fans will be eagerly looking to see who the next academy stars are. We take a closer look at what can be expected from United's latest class of scholars.
A towering presence, Ford is known for his shot-stopping ability and is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, even playing as a striker for his school team. The only goalkeeper in the group, Ford was often behind Darlington Osuchukwu in the pecking order in recent years, but the latter's expected move to Spain this summer has opened the door for Ford to fight for a spot in the U18s.
He may not see much of the pitch in his first year, though, as he battles with last summer's signing Charlie Hardy.
O'Brien is an industrious left-back who covers every blade of grass up and down the wing.
2 months ago
When the news unofficially broke a month or so ago that Everton were to part company with Under-21s boss Paul Tait, I had the feeling that it would not be a like-for-like replacement that we would see at the club.
New Technical Director Nick **** has led a comprehensive review of the Academy. As part of that, the headlines are as follows:
Dean Rastrick formally took up his role as Everton’s new Academy Director in June.
Carl Darlington has been appointed Head of Academy Coach Development.
Dave Hughes, joins the Club in the new role of Head of Academy Player Development.
New Technical Director Nick **** has led a comprehensive review of the Academy. As part of that, the headlines are as follows:
Dean Rastrick formally took up his role as Everton’s new Academy Director in June.
Carl Darlington has been appointed Head of Academy Coach Development.
Dave Hughes, joins the Club in the new role of Head of Academy Player Development.
2 months ago
Merlin Rohl has signed a 3-year deal with Everton
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Everton have officially triggered the obligation to buy German Under-21 international midfielder Merlin Röhl on a permanent 3-year contract from SC Freiburg. The £18M deal was automatically activated following the Blues' successful battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.
While securing the 24-year-old’s long-term future is a welcome boost to Everton's engine room, the focus now shifts entirely to how David Moyes intends to deploy him. If Röhl's turbulent first year on Merseyside proved anything, it's that the technically gifted powerhouse will need to maintain the same admirable patience he showed throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Röhl originally arrived at Hill ******* inson Stadium on Deadline Day in September 2025. Though his initial loan spell was disrupted by early injury setbacks, his immense physical attributes — standing at 6ft 3in — and elegant carrying ability immediately caught the eye of the coaching staff.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Everton have officially triggered the obligation to buy German Under-21 international midfielder Merlin Röhl on a permanent 3-year contract from SC Freiburg. The £18M deal was automatically activated following the Blues' successful battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.
While securing the 24-year-old’s long-term future is a welcome boost to Everton's engine room, the focus now shifts entirely to how David Moyes intends to deploy him. If Röhl's turbulent first year on Merseyside proved anything, it's that the technically gifted powerhouse will need to maintain the same admirable patience he showed throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Röhl originally arrived at Hill ******* inson Stadium on Deadline Day in September 2025. Though his initial loan spell was disrupted by early injury setbacks, his immense physical attributes — standing at 6ft 3in — and elegant carrying ability immediately caught the eye of the coaching staff.
2 months ago
Earlier this week, Real Madrid put to rest all rumours linking them to Chelsea's Enzo Fernández.
Making an official announcement, the club ended all speculation and made it clear that they are not interested in the London-based footballer despite all the links.
In fact, reports went on to even state that Real Madrid will not make any more midfield signings this summer and that the existing core would remain for the upcoming campaign with just the addition of Bernardo Silva.
However, as reported by Miguel Serrano in a recent update, the World Cup's emerging star Ayyoub Bouaddi continues to be an option for Real Madrid and has even gained prominence after the club's open rejection of Fernandez.
Real Madrid admire Bouaddi. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Making an official announcement, the club ended all speculation and made it clear that they are not interested in the London-based footballer despite all the links.
In fact, reports went on to even state that Real Madrid will not make any more midfield signings this summer and that the existing core would remain for the upcoming campaign with just the addition of Bernardo Silva.
However, as reported by Miguel Serrano in a recent update, the World Cup's emerging star Ayyoub Bouaddi continues to be an option for Real Madrid and has even gained prominence after the club's open rejection of Fernandez.
Real Madrid admire Bouaddi. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
2 months ago
Another NFL Network talent is getting the green light for a longer term stay at ESPN.
Longtime NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo is reportedly “closing in” on a new contract with ESPN, which acquired NFL Media earlier this year, according to Ryan Glasspiegel in Front Office Sports. ESPN is reportedly making retention decisions for NFL Network talent as their old contracts come up for renewal. Front Office Sports previously reported that ESPN is bracing for layoffs in short order, and some of those layoffs could be the result of “cost efficiencies” **** ociated with combining the NFL Network operation with ESPN.
Garafolo would join colleague Ian Rapoport as the second person on NFL Network’s evening show The Insiders to receive a new contract from ESPN, leaving Tom Pelissero as the only member of the show awaiting a potential renewal.
No doubt, the NFL Network acquisition added plenty of talent to an already deep bench of NFL reporters at ESPN. In addition to the Insiders trio, NFL Network employs reporters like Jane Slater, Cameron Wolfe, and Sherree Burruss. ESPN, of course, has its own cohort of reporters including the likes of Jeff Darlington and Jeremy Fowler.
Given the aforementioned “efficiencies” ESPN is planning with regard to NFL Network, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least some on-air talent not reach a renewal with the Worldwide Leader. The network already opted not to renew Will Blackmon, a fill-in host on NFL Network’s flagship morning show Good Morning Football, for instance.
Longtime NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo is reportedly “closing in” on a new contract with ESPN, which acquired NFL Media earlier this year, according to Ryan Glasspiegel in Front Office Sports. ESPN is reportedly making retention decisions for NFL Network talent as their old contracts come up for renewal. Front Office Sports previously reported that ESPN is bracing for layoffs in short order, and some of those layoffs could be the result of “cost efficiencies” **** ociated with combining the NFL Network operation with ESPN.
Garafolo would join colleague Ian Rapoport as the second person on NFL Network’s evening show The Insiders to receive a new contract from ESPN, leaving Tom Pelissero as the only member of the show awaiting a potential renewal.
No doubt, the NFL Network acquisition added plenty of talent to an already deep bench of NFL reporters at ESPN. In addition to the Insiders trio, NFL Network employs reporters like Jane Slater, Cameron Wolfe, and Sherree Burruss. ESPN, of course, has its own cohort of reporters including the likes of Jeff Darlington and Jeremy Fowler.
Given the aforementioned “efficiencies” ESPN is planning with regard to NFL Network, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least some on-air talent not reach a renewal with the Worldwide Leader. The network already opted not to renew Will Blackmon, a fill-in host on NFL Network’s flagship morning show Good Morning Football, for instance.
2 months ago
Leeds United are pushing hard to land **** an goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Contacts are active. Italian transfer insider Gianluigi Longari broke the news on X, revealing that Elland Road chiefs have been aggressively chasing the Parma shot-stopper since mid-June. It is a bold, expensive move.
Parma are already planning for life without him. The Serie A side recently signed a young keeper, Giovanni Daffara, a move made with the clear expectation that Suzuki is about to bring in a massive profit. His stock has never been higher, fresh off a standout World Cup campaign with **** an. Rival clubs are hovering, threatening to turn this into a bidding war, but Leeds United have been on the front foot for weeks, trying to clear out the competition.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 25: Zion Suzuki #1 of **** an acknowledges fans after the 1-1 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between **** an and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Daniel Farke wants a different profile in goal. A modern, proactive presence. Suzuki offers him an ideal option after a solid domestic season in Italy, where he clocked up 20 Serie A appearances, kept five clean sheets, and made 66 saves while conceding 28 goals. He has an imposing physical presence, completely commanding his penalty box, but it is his distribution that really moves the needle. He launches counterattacks in a flash.
Farke demands his teams build play from the back. It is a non-negotiable part of his tactical setup, making Suzuki the ideal target to initiate attacks.
Parma are already planning for life without him. The Serie A side recently signed a young keeper, Giovanni Daffara, a move made with the clear expectation that Suzuki is about to bring in a massive profit. His stock has never been higher, fresh off a standout World Cup campaign with **** an. Rival clubs are hovering, threatening to turn this into a bidding war, but Leeds United have been on the front foot for weeks, trying to clear out the competition.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 25: Zion Suzuki #1 of **** an acknowledges fans after the 1-1 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between **** an and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Daniel Farke wants a different profile in goal. A modern, proactive presence. Suzuki offers him an ideal option after a solid domestic season in Italy, where he clocked up 20 Serie A appearances, kept five clean sheets, and made 66 saves while conceding 28 goals. He has an imposing physical presence, completely commanding his penalty box, but it is his distribution that really moves the needle. He launches counterattacks in a flash.
Farke demands his teams build play from the back. It is a non-negotiable part of his tactical setup, making Suzuki the ideal target to initiate attacks.
3 months ago
The former Husker ****** istant coach passed away in Lincoln on Sunday morning at the age of 87.
Darlington served as an ****** istant coach in Lincoln for a total 30 seasons from 1973 to 2002, the longest tenure of any football coach in Nebraska history. He was part of Dr. Tom Osborne’s staff for each of his 25 seasons as Nebraska’s head coach. Darlington was in charge of defensive ends for his first 13 seasons before ****** uming the defensive backs job in 1986. He held this role until Osborne’s retirement in 1997 and then spent his final five seasons in Lincoln in the same role under Frank Solich.
His tenure included 3 national championships, 14 conference ****** les and 21 seasons in which the team finished as a Top 10 team nationally.
The Huskers played in a bowl game in each of Darlington’s 30 seasons on staff.
A West Virginia native, Darlington played football at Rutgers where he earned a Bachelor of Science before attending Stanford where he earned two more degrees including a Master of Arts. He began his coaching career at Johnson Regional High School in New Jersey in 1962 and was at San Jose State before Tom Osborne hired him for his first season as Nebraska’s head coach in 1973.
Darlington served as an ****** istant coach in Lincoln for a total 30 seasons from 1973 to 2002, the longest tenure of any football coach in Nebraska history. He was part of Dr. Tom Osborne’s staff for each of his 25 seasons as Nebraska’s head coach. Darlington was in charge of defensive ends for his first 13 seasons before ****** uming the defensive backs job in 1986. He held this role until Osborne’s retirement in 1997 and then spent his final five seasons in Lincoln in the same role under Frank Solich.
His tenure included 3 national championships, 14 conference ****** les and 21 seasons in which the team finished as a Top 10 team nationally.
The Huskers played in a bowl game in each of Darlington’s 30 seasons on staff.
A West Virginia native, Darlington played football at Rutgers where he earned a Bachelor of Science before attending Stanford where he earned two more degrees including a Master of Arts. He began his coaching career at Johnson Regional High School in New Jersey in 1962 and was at San Jose State before Tom Osborne hired him for his first season as Nebraska’s head coach in 1973.
