After a demoralising Rangers defeat at the hands of Celtic, fans of the Light Blues appear to have had enough of Graeme Murty’s management of the club.

Many believe he is not cut out to lead the club forward into a new season and with his contract up at the end of this term, it seems inevitable that a change will be made.

One man that a lot of supporters are eyeing up as a potential replacement is Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke.

The 54-year-old has done a phenomenal job at Rugby Park, transforming Killie from relegation candidates into one of the best sides in the division.

[ad_pod ]

He certainly has more experience than the former U20s coach and appears to command the respect of his dressing room, which could be important at Ibrox after ill-discipline came to the fore at Hampden.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Is he the right man to take charge of the Gers?

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Everton fans have found yet another reason to love Jordan Pickford, after their new number one shared his desire to never stop improving.

It’s no secret that Everton’s transfer window last summer was a bit of a disaster. Gylfi Sigurdsson showed flashes of brilliance before his injury, but other than that only really Jordan Pickford could be considered a success so far.

Pickford is expected to get the nod to start for England at the World Cup this summer, and his form for the Toffees has improved practically every week.

The 23 year-old made two fantastic saves in the Merseyside derby to deny Dominic Solanke and James Milner, but says he has no plans to rest on his laurels.

“All I want to do is improve,” Pickford told evertontv.

[ad_pod ]

“It’s not just on the training pitch, it’s in the gym, too. I’m working hard to be the best I can be.

“I always give 100 per cent each game. As a lad growing up, you’ve got to enjoy playing football. As long as you give your best, that’s all you can do.

“I like to interact with the fans, too, and that’s how – hopefully – I’ve got a good relationship with them.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The young stopper’s relationship with the fans is growing week on week, and his performance in the derby has certainly endeared him to any who still had their doubts.

Fans are absolutely loving Pickford’s comments, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Manchester United and Tottenham will face of at Wembley in the semi-finals of this season’s FA Cup, knowing that the famous old trophy represents their final chance of clinching any silverware this season.

2017/18 has seen both sides make progress. United look set for their highest league finish since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, although their Champions League departure – and its manner – against Sevilla was deeply disappointing.

Spurs exited Europe at the same stage as United – although it was against undoubtedly stronger opponents in the shape of Juventus – but should have guaranteed that they will be in the Champions League for a third straight season going into their new stadium.

That’s why we asked you – who’s had the better season? The response was overwhelming and it was not good news for Jose Mourinho or United. 76 per cent of you thought that Spurs and Pochettino had enjoyed the more impressive campaign. Check out the full results of the poll below…

[ad_pod ]

‘We are United – An Evening with Norman Whiteside and friends,” is taking place this Friday at 7.30pm at the Loop Bar, 19 Dering Street, Mayfair, London, W1. 

Norman will talk about his career, United today and a Q&A, with a preview of the semi-final against Spurs.  We’ve billed it as Norman and friends as we have a number of celebrities attending including Alex Best, Gary Webster and Ron Brand who has intimated that Russell may possibly come with him.  All the celebs will be available for selfies and autographs and mingling with the audience.  After we have finished the show , there will be music and a bar which will stay open until 3.00am.  Thank goodness the game on Saturday doesn’t kick-off until 5:30!! 

The following link will take you to the ticketing page where there is further details of the night. 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e

/we-are-united-with-norman-whi

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

teside-an-evening-with-norman-

and-friends-tickets-4470620245

5

Tottenham Hotspur fans are feeling very proud that Real Madrid have reached the final of the Champions League, but not because of the Spanish club’s achievements.

The North London outfit have no affinity to Los Blancos, so when Zinedine Zidane’s side ousted Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, Tottenham supporters’ praise was for their own team.

The reason being that Spurs are only one of two teams to inflict defeat onto Madrid in the tournament this season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side earned a 3-1 victory at Wembley in the group stage, three weeks after recording a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham, who have not won a trophy for a decade, made it into the last 16, but were eventually beaten 4-3 by Juventus on aggregate.

The Italians went on to face Madrid, and in their quarter-final tie they managed to claim a 3-1 win on away soil, but Real’s 3-0 triumph in the first leg meant that the club progressed into the semi-finals.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Zidane’s side did not comfortably seal a place in the Kiev showpiece as they sneaked past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate, but their ability to reach a third consecutive final gave Tottenham confidence about their own team’s quality.

Madrid will face either Liverpool or Roma in the final, with the Reds edging it courtesy of their three-goal lead from the first leg.

According to reports in The Mirror, Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is a £25m summer target for Everton, who have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign the highly-rated defender.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that the Merseyside outfit want to strengthen at the heart of their defence and are ready to splash out the same £25m fee on the Magpies skipper that they got Burnley’s Michael Keane for last summer.

Lascelles has been one of the Tyneside outfit’s standout performers this term as they preserved their Premier League status with five matches left to play following a four-match winning run during March and April, and he still has five years remaining on the six-year deal he signed to stay at St James’ Park last summer.

How has Lascelles done this season?

He has been brilliant, and a real leader in the backline.

There have been times when Newcastle have looked in real danger of being dragged into the relegation scrap, but they have fought back every time and 24-year-old’s displays committed displays epitomise just how they did it.

The vocal centre-back isn’t afraid to throw his body on the line for his team, and in many ways it is no surprise that he is attracting interest from other Premier League clubs – Toon fans on Twitter are certainly not impressed with the latest report, however.

[ad_pod ]

Would Newcastle really sell him this summer?

If Rafa Benitez stays, he simply won’t accept the club selling Lascelles unless it is for an extraordinary fee – likely at least double what Everton are reportedly willing to offer for the centre-back.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Spanish manager will want to continue to build his side around a leader that clearly cares for the Tyneside outfit, and there is no doubt that if he carries on his form from this season into the 2018/19 campaign that he will be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on a regular basis.

£25m isn’t enough for a player that still has five years left on his contract in this day and age, and Newcastle have no need to accept anything lower than what they would demand after preserving their Premier League status for another year.

Victor Wanyama’s moment of the season was definitely his thunderbolt goal against Liverpool in the Premier League.

The ball was destined for the net as soon as it left the Kenyan’s boot.

Other than that, though, the midfielder had a disappointing campaign on an individual level due to injuries.

The 26-year-old – valued at £27m by Transfermarkt – only started eight Premier League games and came off the bench in a further 10.

[ad_pod ]

In total, Wanyama was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup on just 12 occasions in all competitions.

According to Goal.com, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea hold an interest in the midfielder, but in an interview with the website, Wanyama has insisted that he is content with life at Tottenham.

“I am happy at Tottenham and I am committed to the team. I am not aware of anything and I am very fine and happy where I am.”

The former Southampton player will hope to gain more match time next season as Spurs embark on their first campaign in a brand new state-of-the-art stadium.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Despite the fact that Wanyama was missing for chunks of the 2017-18 season, fans are delighted to hear that he intends to stay put.

According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United are ready to sell defender Winston Reid this summer just nine months after they handed him a new six-year deal, and Leeds United should look to make an ambitious move to bring the 6ft 3in tall New Zealand international to Elland Road.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that following Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment as the east London outfit’s new manager on Tuesday, Reid is now facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium and could be one of a number of players shipped out this summer.

The 29-year-old struggled because of injury throughout a difficult 2017/18 campaign for the club, and certainly didn’t look as good as he had done in previous years when he was on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Leeds may well be in the market for a new centre-back his summer – they have already been linked with Kyle Bartley – to provide real competition for Pontus Jansson and captain Liam Cooper – and an audacious move for Reid would do that and please the fans, who have also urged their club to rescue another £35,000-a-week PL centre-back on Twitter.

How did Reid do this season?

The 29-year-old suffered groin, calf and knee injuries – the last of which kept him on the sidelines from the start of March until the end of the campaign – meaning he only made 18 Premier League appearances in total.

The centre-back certainly didn’t look as imposing and as comfortable as he did in the past in the position however, which could suggest he is on the decline when it comes to playing top flight football on a regular basis.

[ad_pod ]

Would he be a good signing for Leeds?

He certainly would be, as long as he can keep fit.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

While Reid may not have been at his best last season, he is still a great centre-back who can be a real powerhouse and would be a step above anyone else in the Championship – shown by the fact he was handed a six-year deal last summer – and he is also a leader having captained the Irons when Mark Noble has been absent.

While a loan would probably be more realistic for the Yorkshire club given the New Zealand international’s potential price tag and wages, there is no doubt that they should make a big effort to bring him to Elland Road if a West Ham exit really is on the cards.

Aston Villa fans have been discussing their team options for Saturday’s big clash, and plenty of them would love to see a change up front.

The Championship season is long and painful, but at the end of it you get two teams battling it out in the richest match in football.

This year’s playoff final sees Steve Bruce’s strong, experienced Aston Villa side face Slaviša Jokanović’s youthful, highflying Fulham.

Bruce is expected to stick with his sturdy 4-1-4-1 formation, but fans have been discussing some changes to the attack, hoping to surprise Fulham by going for the throat.

Villa of course have spent much of the season without their best goalscorer, as Jonathan Kodjia has been working his way towards full fitness in the last couple of months.

[ad_pod ]

Fans were split on giving the Ivorian the start, but they are now considering dropping Albert Adomah to make room for the towering striker.

Adomah has had a great season on the left, grabbing 14 Championship goals, but the duo of Kodjia and Lewis Grabban would certainly give the Cottagers something to worry about.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Some fans would rather bring the Ivorian on as a super-sub, while others are even suggesting the hard working Scott Hogan get a chance.

Either way, some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

This summer could be a crucial one for Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka as he attempts to shape a promotion-winning side.The former Middlesbrough boss took charge at the City Ground in January, and even though he had a transfer window to work with, this will be the first time that he can hunt make big changes to his team.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]Forest fell short last season as they ended up finishing 22 points adrift of the top six and 12 above the relegated trio of Barnsley, Burton Albion and Sunderland.Karanka will have plenty of work to do in order to take Forest to the next level, and it seems that they may have to find a replacement for Ben Osborn.According toÂThe Chronicle,ÂNewcastle manager Rafael Benitez is keen on the 23-year-old midfielder, who is incredibly versatile on the pitch.Osborn can play anywhere across the middle of the park, and can also feature as a left-back when required.The Derby-born player has not always had the best relationship with Forest fans, and some have posted criticism of him on social media following reports that he could be heading towards the exit door.Others, though, have shown Osborn support.

Arsenal announced on Friday that midfielder Granit Xhaka has signed a new contract at the club, solidifying his status in new boss Unai Emery’s first team squad.

The new long-term deal comes after a difficult season for the 25-year-old, who was often criticised by supporters despite being trusted heavily by departed boss Arsene Wenger, starting 37 of their 38 English Premier League matches and coming on as a substitute in the other.

There’s no doubting that the Swiss international does have quality though and supporters are hoping that the arrival of Unai Emery has a hugely positive effect on his Arsenal career.

They believe that a chance in midfield system could see him reach peak form and transform his contribution to the Gunners.

Can he return from the World Cup as a new man and prove that he has what it takes to shine at the Emirates stadium?

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all after he signed his new deal…

[ad_pod ]