SoccerVibes

Month: January 2025

  • Philogene’s Ipswich Move Stalls as McKenna Provides Update

    Philogene’s Ipswich Move Stalls as McKenna Provides Update

    Manager Kieran McKenna clarified the situation regarding Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene, saying that although there is still hope of acquiring the England Under-21 international, no deal has been finalized, leaving the winger’s possible Premier League transfer up in the air.

    Manager Kieran McKenna clarified the situation, adding another twist to Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene. Although there is still optimism of signing the England Under-21 player, no deal has been reached, therefore the winger’s possible Premier League transfer is still up in the air.

    Ipswich Town has been keeping an eye on Philogene for months when he returned to Aston Villa from Hull City last summer. The 22-year-old is a major target for Kieran McKenna as the Tractor Boys look to bolster their roster because of his constantly impressive performances.

    This week’s reports that Philogene had seen Ipswich’s facilities added to the rumors that a transfer was impending. Given how highly regarded the winger is, a reported sum of around £22 million has been suggested. However, McKenna has now dismissed rumors that a deal is imminent.

    McKenna responded to inquiries over the winger’s future during a press conference held prior to Ipswich’s FA Cup third-round matchup with Bristol Rovers: “Really, there is nothing to say,” he clarified. “As far as I know right now, there is no deal or completion, and he is first and foremost an Aston Villa player.

    “Until that changes, or if it does, the club will definitely make an announcement. His remarks imply that although Ipswich is still interested in hiring Philogene, Villa is ultimately in charge of any deal advancement.

    Over his time at Aston Villa, manager Unai Emery has continuously emphasized the need of taking a methodical approach to moves. Now that the January transfer market is open, Emery must strike a balance between reducing his team and keeping depth for the rest of the season.

    Any decision to let Philogene go will not be made lightly because he is an unquestionably talented player and a vital asset for Villa. Despite his desire for more regular playing time, the winger’s speed and ability have made him a desirable choice. This poses a difficult situation for Ipswich, who must try to convince the player of the advantages of a move while still meeting Villa’s valuation.

    A transfer to Ipswich would provide Philogene more first-team playing time, which he has had trouble obtaining at Villa Park. Ipswich is aggressive in their recruitment efforts and vying for promotion, thus the winger’s addition would greatly increase their attacking options. The transfer’s unresolved status, however, indicates that challenges remain. McKenna’s circumspect remarks highlight how complicated the position is, with Villa having the cards and Ipswich’s hopes resting on their ability to compromise. The decision Philogene makes to stay with Villa or move to Suffolk might have a big impact on both teams as they play the rest of the season.

  • Texas football QB Arch Manning sends heartfelt parting message to senior leaders ahead of 2025 NFL draft

    Texas football QB Arch Manning sends heartfelt parting message to senior leaders ahead of 2025 NFL draft

     

     

     

    Texas football QB Arch Manning sends heartfelt parting message to senior leaders ahead of 2025 NFL draft image

    Arch Manning played his last game under Quinn Ewers’s shadow as a backup on Friday night as Texas football’s season screeched to a halt. Manning knows the underlying responsibility that would come with Ewers’ NFL departure.

     

    Perhaps he has given it a thought. But Manning decided that the night was not about him. It was about his seniors and he let it stay that way.

     

    “It’s probably not the time to start thinking about next year because I have so much respect for these seniors,” the Longhorns QB said in his interview with Austin-American Statesman.

     

    “I’ve learned so much from them. They’re just great people, and I’m going to miss them, for sure,” Manning added to his speech, staying true to his unselfish intent of letting the evening be about the seniors who will be in the Longhorns uniform for the last time.

     

    On top of that, Manning also had special messages for Quinn Ewers and center Jake Majors.

     

    “I’ve learned so much from Quinn over the years,” Manning said. “Jake is always a straight-shooter. What I’ll miss the most about Jake is just how great a guy he is. He’ll tell you not always what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. And he’s a friend for life. And I’m so blessed that he’s part of my life,” he added.

     

    Manning avoided talking about his starting QB role in the 2025 season like he was expected to — especially since Ewers’ indirect 2025 NFL draft announcement came just hours before the game.

     

    Ewers was pretty direct with his “Nah, I don’t,” answer to the question of playing another year in college football. It cut right through all the noise.

     

    The Longhorns had a bumpy ride the whole season and it directly affected Ewers’ and Majors’ draft stocks.

     

    Ewers is expected to be the fifth QB off the board and Majors the fifth center off the board, according to ESPN’s Mel Keiper’s 2025 NFL mock draft.

     

    And as for Texas, it won’t be too long before Manning takes to their field as a starter amid the growing hype.

  • Brentford And Leicester City Looking At Deal For Newcastle United Star

    Brentford And Leicester City Looking At Deal For Newcastle United Star

    A Newcastle United defender who is anticipated to depart the team this month is being pursued by Brentford and Leicester City, according to

    The Foxes are looking to stay up in the English top flight while the Bees are trying to replicate their first half of the season.

     

    The January transfer window is now in full swing and both Premier League sides are looking to strengthen their team with new faces.

    While the Bees are attempting to duplicate their first half of the season, the Foxes are hoping to maintain their position in the English top division. Now that the January transfer market is open, both Premier League teams are trying to bolster their rosters with fresh players.

    Miguel Almiron, Isaac Hayden, and Targett are among the players the Magpies have been seeking to sell during this window, and a permanent transfer this month will aid them as they attempt to adhere to PSR regulations. He still has 18 months left on his current contract.

    He still has 18 months left on his current term and a permanent transfer this month will aid the Magpies as they are seeking to comply with PSR requirements. Miguel Almiron, Isaac Hayden, and Targett are among the players they have been attempting to sell throughout this window.

    Leicester and Brentford are exploring the possibilities to lure Targett away from Tyneside in this transfer window.

  • Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey will enter new realm of NFL’s all-time kickers in early 2025

    Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey will enter new realm of NFL’s all-time kickers in early 2025

     

    The Cowboys kicker’s journey to the NFL was in and of itself an unlikely tale, the college soccer star who found himself washed out of the sport and working as a software engineer when his wife suggested he try kicking footballs instead.

     

    That led to back-to-back USFL championships, and that led to a spot in camp with the Cowboys in 2023. All Aubrey did with that opportunity was lead the NFL in scoring, nail 14 out of 14 field goals from 40 yards or longer, set a new league record for most consecutive field goals to start a career, and earn both a Pro Bowl trip and All-Pro honors as a rookie.

     

    In his second-year follow-up, Aubrey connected on more field goals in a single season than any kicker in Cowboys history. Of the 39 successful regular-season field goals ever kicked from 60 yards or beyond, the 29-year-old Aubrey has three of them (only Brett Maher has more, with four). He’ll make a Pro Bowl return in February, and earned his second straight All-Pro nod. He’s a bona fide weapon who seems destined to break the once-unimaginable 70-yard-field-goal barrier.

     

    And at some point, probably in late-September to mid-October of the 2025 season- unless something goes catastrophically wrong- Aubrey will trot out onto the field, effortlessly swing his howitzer of a right leg, and walk back to the sideline suddenly in the conversation for a new title:

     

     

     

    Right now, that honor belongs to the Ravens’ Justin Tucker, who’s converted 417 of 468 of his career field goal attempts over a 13-year career. That’s 89.103%.

     

    Aubrey’s percentage is already technically a hair higher than Tucker’s: 89.412%. But kickers aren’t included in the all-time rankings until they’ve logged 100 regular-season field goal attempts.

     

    Aubrey has 85; only when he tries his 100th three-pointer will he automatically join the big leaderboard. It should happen fairly early. Aubrey’s 15th field goal attempt of 2024 came in Week 5. The previous year, it came in Week 6.

     

    And when 100 does happen, the rest of the very best in the business will suddenly have company. But the reality is, there will already be a new leader of the pack by then.

     

    The Chargers’ Cameron Dicker has 97 regular-season field goal tries in his career, and he’s sitting on a make percentage of 93.814.% Even if Dicker misses his next three kick attempts, he’ll still have a 91.000% rate when he hits 100 kicks, more than enough to comfortably dethrone Tucker as the accuracy king.

     

    If Aubrey makes his next 15 in a row (which is certainly possible for him), he’ll also have 91.000% when he reaches 100 and joins the list.

     

     

     

    Kicking field goals has become a young man’s domain. Of the NFL’s all-time field goal percentage leaders, the top five are all active players. Eight of the top 15. Sixteen of the top 30.

     

    Of course, young kickers have a smaller sample size. The excellent ones naturally go right to the top of the accuracy chart once eligible. That’s just how math works.

     

    It’s not until the most accurate kickers start to age- and miss more frequently- that they slide down the historical rankings. There’s no shame in it; circle of life and all that. Adam Vinatieri, unquestionably one of the greatest to ever do it, is a surprising 35th on the all-time accuracy list. Sebastian Janikowski, so dominant he was a first-round draft pick, is 65th. Morten Andersen- who is in the Hall of Fame– stands “just” 77th.

     

    Of the current all-time top 30, Mike Vanderjagt (at No. 8) is the only one who kicked in the league before Y2K.

     

    The point is, no one stays atop the accuracy list unless they walk away from the game well before their skills decline.

     

    And the numbers are all so close, it doesn’t take much to really shuffle the leaderboard. Consider Eddy Piñeiro. The Panthers specialist is currently the third-most accurate kicker ever, per the numbers. If he were to miss his next kick, however, he would drop to No. 6. Just two off-target boots from Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo would drop him from 13th overall to outside the top 20. Still impressive, sure, but this is a rankings list that can see a lot of week-to-week shakeup with a shank here or a doink there.

     

    Aubrey has been dangerously accurate But his real superpower, of course, has proven to be kicking from distance. (Just look at his Week 17 miss in Philadelphia, a 61-yard bomb that hit the goalpost halfway up the upright and, a couple inches to the left, would have been good from much, much longer.)

     

    The Cowboys (and most fans) would probably cut Aubrey a little leeway in the accuracy department and look past a random miss from 45 here or there because they know he’ll end up stealing an improbable win someday with a sniper shot from 70.

     

    Even at this stage in his young NFL career, Aubrey is among the sport’s elite whether you’re talking about distance or accuracy. It’s just a matter of time, though, before he comes for the crown in both categories.

  • Awestruck by Usain Bolt, USA Track and Field Legend Recalls First Encounter With World’s Fastest Man Alive

    Awestruck by Usain Bolt, USA Track and Field Legend Recalls First Encounter With World’s Fastest Man Alive

     

    It’s more than a race! It’s the USA vs. Jamaica: a showdown that ignites passion. Jamaica is a quintessential breeding ground for sprinters, and the USA matches its track and field rivals in every vying track. The level of competition has even surprised hardened competitors like Justin Gatlin, who was awestruck by Usain Bolt, a young athlete at the time.

     

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    As is true for every competition–rivalries are a hallmark of every sport. Like Justin Gatlin once bantered his rival Usain Bolt, saying, “I’m going to beat him, and I’m going to wear my gold medal around my neck like a gold chain.” And the reply that came from the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, was, “…all right, let’s go. I mean, I’m that competitive, right?” But it’s not only the rivalry; it’s a passion that is the fuel they fill in. But do you know how Justin reminisces about his first impression of Bolt?

     

    Justin Gatlin saw the person behind the cool name Bolt

     

     

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    Justin Gatlin mentions how he was quite amazed by young Usain Bolt in an interview with Run Your Race on YouTube. The first time when Gatlin heard Bolt’s name, he thought it was a “cool name.” Gatlin recalled when Usain Bolt had just started dominating track and field. “I’m like Usain Bolt, I mean that’s a cool name. And then when he arrived, I was like, let me do some research on this man.”

     

     

    Will Koby Brea’s return be the game-changer Kentucky needs to defeat Mississippi?

     

    Absolutely, he’s the missing piece

     

    No, Mississippi’s defense is too strong

     

    It’s possible, but not guaranteed

     

    Koby Brea won’t make a difference

     

    Should Aaron Rodgers risk tarnishing his legacy by playing another season with the Jets?

     

    Yes, he should give it another shot

     

    No, he should retire gracefully

     

    Only if Davante Adams stays

     

     

     

    Do you believe the Kansas City Chiefs will achieve a historic 3-peat in the Super Bowl this year?

     

    Absolutely, they’re unstoppable

     

    No, injuries will hold them back

     

    It’s possible, but tough competition ahead

     

    Not sure, let’s see how they perform

     

    Want to dive deeper?

    Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

     

     

     

    The 5-time Olympic medalist recalls himself saying, “Let me see if this man changed his name.”You must be like Usain Russell or somebody you changed your last name to Bolt because this is way too fitting dawg. It’s too fitting. It’s too fitting, but it worked. His calling was that bro, he was fast.” And Bolt kept that fitting persona throughout his career. Bolt and Justin Gatlin have since become healthy competitors that the world saw afterward. Nonetheless, it was Gatlin who once said that Usain Bolt helped him to be a better athlete.

     

     

    Alternatively, Justin Gatlin is a key motivator for Usain Bolt in his track and field endeavors. Usain said, “…he ( Justin Gatlin) kept me on my toes, he kept me working out.” Well, it worked, not only for Bolt and Justin, but also for the spectators who have been following the duo from the beginning.

     

    Justin Gatlin and Usain Bolt began their athletic careers at different times, but made their Olympic debuts simultaneously. At the Athens Olympics 2004, the 1982-born Justin clinched the top podium stand in the 100m sprint. Whereas Usain Bolt’s first Olympic debut in the Greek capital stopped him at the qualifying heat race.

     

     

     

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    However, the clash of these titans didn’t stop there. The two behemoths faced each other directly twice in their careers. One was in Beijing while the other was in London.

     

    A tale of two races

    In the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin locked horns on the 100m track. Bolt inched away from Gatlin and broke the tape. It was a close race–very close. In that World Championship, Justin Gatlin was just 0.01 second behind the fastest man in history. The timing showed Usain Bolt was 9.79s and Justin Gatlin was 9.80s. But Gatlin knew his time would come, and he would beat Usain Bolt someday. And he did.

     

    And that day came during another World Championship in 2017 London. On 5 August 2017, Justin Gatlin swished to close the gap with Usain Bolt. It was the last 100m dash for Bolt. Everyone in the crowd in the London Stadium was hoping for lightning to strike the track one last time. But Gatlin had other plans. Justin Gatlin clocked 9.92 seconds and beat his arch-rival.

     

    But that winning didn’t make Gatlin obnoxious. Rather, after becoming the champion, Justin Gatlin showed his respect to Bolt by bowing down on the track. After all, what is a rivalry without respect? And thus the final curtain fell on this storied rivalry. And the fans? They have been waiting for the next big rivalry to brew.

     

     

  • Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner details partnership with Dougie Freedman

    Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner details partnership with Dougie Freedman

     

     

    Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has given insight into his “great partnership” with sporting director Dougie Freedman.

     

    Freedman manages the recruitment at the South London club, with his stellar talent identification bringing the likes of Michael Olise (now departed for Bayern Munich), Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix to Crystal Palace.

     

    Despite interest from Newcastle and Manchester United earlier this term, the former Eagles forward opted to remain in post, rebuffing approaches from the Northern clubs.

     

     

    Sunday’s FA Cup opponents, Stockport County, are familiar foes for Freedman, who made 327 appearances for the Eagles over two spells at the club. The Scotsman has scored in each of Crystal Palace’s last three meetings with the Hatters; the most recent clash came this weekend 23 years ago when Freedman dispatched the sole goal in England’s second tier.

     

    In his pre-match press conference, Glasner was shocked that his sporting director netted the last goal between the two clubs: “He scored the goal? He didn’t tell me. We are always talking about transfers and not about his career,” the Eagles boss joked.

     

    Over two decades later, Freedman continues to play a vital role in SE25, but instead of scoring the goals, he now recruits the goalscorers.

     

    Glasner is full of appreciation for Scotsman, who is believed to be working on bringing Romain Esse and El Hadji Malick Diouf to Crystal Palace. The Europa League-winning coach detailed their concerted approach to the transfer market while explaining their coalition goes beyond signings and sales.

     

     

    “He has been a big support for me — in many parts. Of course, we are talking often. He has so much experience as a player, manager and sporting director. This helps me a lot.

     

    “Also, it was my first Christmas period [in England] and we were talking about the best way to manage that, which was great.

     

    “Now, we are talking about transfer targets. How we discuss it, defining profiles and then how they will work. They show [how any new additions would contribute to the system] to me and we still have discussions. He is great to work with and I really appreciate all the support.

     

    “What I ask of the players is to be open-minded, listen and try, and I expect the same from myself. I have a great guy in Dougie that I can listen to. I appreciate him and all of his experience — it helps me a lot in managing different situations.

    It’s a great partnership.”

     

  • AC Milan and Atletico Madrid Eyeing Crystal Palace Star, ‘Huge’ Offer Mooted

    AC Milan and Atletico Madrid Eyeing Crystal Palace Star, ‘Huge’ Offer Mooted

    1. Tyrick Mitchell, an English defender who has been a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s team this season, has appeared in all 20 of the Eagles’ Premier League games, posted three assists, and put up steady performances at left-back. According to The Sun, Crystal Palace may have to fight to hold onto Mitchell as Atletico Madrid and AC Milan consider making huge offers for the English defender.

    The 25-year-old has grown into one of the most reliable full-backs in the English game, and he was unfortunate to miss out on a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024. He’ll be looking to add to the two international caps he’s earned now that Thomas Tuchel has replaced Gareth Southgate.

    Mitchell is on North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur’s radar. European heavyweights Milan and Atletico are also keeping tabs as he continues to develop into a top talent at Selhurst Park. He’s been with Palace since his youth, when he arrived from Brentford’s academy in July 2016.

    Milan are eyeing Mitchell, and he may join English trio Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the San Siro. The Rossoneri are financially backed by their billionaire owner, Paul Singer, and have money to spend to back new manager Sergio Conceicao this month.

    The two European teams would allegedly have to make a ‘large offer’ for Mitchell if they want to capture the two-cap England international. Palace are trying to build for the future under Glasner and won’t want to lose one of their prized possessions for anything less than an astronomical fee. The Eagles are continuing to create a roster of youthful English blood. According to Fabrizio Romano, the South Londoners are getting closer to signing Romain Esse, a 19-year-old winger for Millwall. The Eagles are also interested in 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland.

     

  • Why Arsenal v Man United will have a different FA Cup ball amid Mikel Arteta complaint

    Why Arsenal v Man United will have a different FA Cup ball amid Mikel Arteta complaint

     

    Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back from Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle United when they host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

     

    Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners in North London, beating the Gunners courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

     

     

    The result leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park in February and has subsequently soured the mood around a deflated fanbase.

     

    Arsenal supporters were fuming after the cup defeat, and thus responding against United is pivotal in ensuring that the state of affairs in N5 remains healthy and doesn’t descend into toxicity.

     

    Arteta will be optimistic that his side can overcome Ruben Amorim’s outfit, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League, although the Red Devils will be buoyed by their draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

     

    Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium…

    Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

    Arsenal v Man United will be played with a different FA Cup ball

    In the aftermath of Tuesday’s encounter against the Magpies, Mikel Arteta issued a bizarre excuse for Arsenal’s loss.

     

    The Spaniard was asked about how the EFL Cup ball differs to the Premier League ball, and responded by claiming that because it ‘flies differently’, his team had to adapt.

     

    The tactician will have to contend with another different ball on Sunday against United, in a game that will use an entirely unique ball all together.

     

     

    A limited-edition ball has been revealed by British football brand Mitre, which has been designed specifically for United as the current holders of the FA Cup.

     

    It’ll be in use for the entire duration of the Manchester club’s run in the cup competition, for however long that lasts.

     

    While the ball’s appearance will differ from the ball used in non-United game’s this weekend, the mechanics of it will be identical

     

    This feature is par for the course in the FA Cup, with the winners presented with a unique ball to use the season after claiming the silverware.

     

    Only 500 are said to be made each year, with the object often becoming a collector’s item.

     

    Arteta has a strong record against Man United

    Ultimately, the ball being used shouldn’t impact Arsenal’s ability to win the tie on Sunday afternoon.

     

    Despite recent struggles, the Gunners should have far too much for Amorim’s team, who had been in dire form prior to their impressive performance against Liverpool.

     

    Arsenal comfortably beat United 2-0 back in December, bombarding Andre Onana’s goal-mouth with a succession of dangerous set-pieces, and Arteta should look to exploit this weakness in the United ranks again on Sunday.

     

    Mikel Arteta’s managerial record vs Man Utd

    Matches 10

    Wins 7

    Draws 1

    Losses 2

    Goals For 18

    Goals Against 10

     

    Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal, the North Londoners have suffered just two defeats in ten games against their north-west rivals, winning seven.

     

    The head coach evidently has United’s number, and given the chasm between the two teams at this present moment, he should have a game plan in place to ease past Amorim’s flailing side.

     

     

  • We’re going to have to play our best game’ – Thomas and Peskett on City clash

    We’re going to have to play our best game’ – Thomas and Peskett on City clash

     

    Sophie Peskett and Natasha Thomas spoke to the press ahead of Town Women’s trip to Manchester City in the

    Sophie Peskett and Natasha Thomas spoke to the press ahead of Town Women’s trip to Manchester City in the FA Cup (Image: Ross Halls)

    Ipswich Town Women’s stars Natasha Thomas and Sophie Peskett know the Blues are going to have to be at the top of their game when they face giants Manchester City in the FA Cup tomorrow (1pm).

     

    The pair are part of a team that has been unbeaten all season in the league, with Peskett scoring the winner in the last round against Bournemouth at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe.

     

    But squaring off with WSL powerhouse City, a team two leagues above them and packed with superstars of the women’s game, is a totally different proposition.

     

    Town last played the blue side of Manchester five years ago, in the same competition, when they lost 10-0. Both Peskett and Thomas featured in that game.

     

    Peskett said: “As an individual I am just really excited to see how far I’ve come from the last time we played them and I’ve gone through a lot since then and grown as a player and as a person.

     

     

    “I would have been 16 or 17 at the time. I’ve gone through a 14 month injury since then and had a lot of experiences. I’ve learnt loads tactically and played with a lot of players with more experience than me.

     

    Sophie Peskett scored the winner in the last round against Bournemouth

    Sophie Peskett scored the winner in the last round against Bournemouth (Image: Ross Halls)

     

    “Seeing the growth I’ve made is the main thing for me that I’m really excited for. I can’t wait to soak everything up.”

     

    Thomas added: “It’s exciting. We always want to make sure we’re playing against the best teams and Manchester City are that, so we know it’s going to be very competitive and we know we’re going to have to play our best game.

     

    “It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be physical, so if we put ourselves out there and just show them what we’re about as well then we can be competitive.”

     

     

     

    Thomas said: “It has been intense. But I also think that we do prepare the same no matter who we are playing whether it’s bottom of the league, top of the league or a WSL team.

     

    “I think as individuals and as a whole, we will try and prepare the same and have the same mindset.”

     

    This weekend will also see Thomas face off against her international teammate, prolific Jamaican forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.

     

    She said: “I am looking forward to coming up against her. We all know she’s a very good player so for me it’s just trying to see what I can do.

     

    “Obviously we will be on opposite ends of the pitch but I believe in all we’ve got here and we’ll try and capitalise on that.”

     

    Natasha Thomas and Sophie Peskett

    Natasha Thomas and Sophie Peskett (Image: Ross Halls)

     

    Town will also come up against Chloe Kelly, who famously scored England’s winner to lift the European Championships in 2021.

     

    Peskett said: “We play for games like this. All of us want to play at the top level one day and we are aspiring to be in the position that Kelly and other Manchester City players are in.

     

    “We will go there and soak everything in, learn as much as possible and just enjoy the occasion.

     

    “I look at players like Kelly who I look up to. I’m going to be able to watch them in the flesh and see what I can do to improve so it will be useful coming up against them.”

     

    The Town winger has had a great season so far, scoring 16 goals in 16 games and getting six assists, causing problems for opposing left-backs all campaign.

     

    She said: “It will be a different challenge but I am looking forward to testing myself and seeing how far I’ve come.

     

    “It will be very different to a lot of games this season. We normally set up to try and play out from the back and establish possession and Man City are the same, so it’s going to be difficult but we are really looking forward to it and it’s going to be tough but exciting.”

  • Ipswich schoolchildren surprised with tickets to see Town play next

    Ipswich schoolchildren surprised with tickets to see Town play next

     

     

    Ipswich schoolchildren had a visit from the Ipswich Town Foundation and MP Jack Abbott on Friday

    Ipswich schoolchildren had a visit from the Ipswich Town Foundation and MP Jack Abbott on Friday

    Ipswich schoolchildren were overjoyed when they were surprised with tickets to see the Blues play against Brighton & Hove Albion.

     

    Students at The Willows Primary School and Halifax Primary School in Ipswich were visited on Friday by the Ipswich Town Foundation, which included a chance to pose for photos beside the all-important Premier League Trophy.

     

    Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative.

     

    Members of the foundation gave two assemblies, and taught the children about the positive role football can play in their lives.

     

    They linked these to the four Premier League values – be ambitious, be inspiring, be connected and be fair.

     

    As a special surprise from the club, a number of students won tickets to see Ipswich Town take on Brighton in their next league game on Thursday evening.

     

    Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative.

    Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative

     

    Mr Abbott said: “It was fantastic to host the Premier League here in Ipswich, and to surprise hundreds of local school children who had their picture taken with the trophy.

     

    “The boost that having a Premier League club brings is not just economic, as important as that is, but it can also be measured in the way Ipswich Town inspires and brings such joy to so many people. You could see that by how excited the kids were!

     

    “My thanks go to the Premier League and ITFC for their engagement and generosity, and for giving the children lasting memories.”

     

    Dan Palfrey, director of foundation at Ipswich Town, said: “It was fantastic to host Jack Abbott MP, and to show him first-hand some of our crucial delivery of Premier League Primary Stars in schools around Ipswich.”