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Liam Delap responds to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal transfer links

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap insists he is not distracted after being linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The 22-year-old has impressed for Ipswich this season, scoring nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances so far.

Delap, who is the son of former Stoke City, Southampton and Republic of Ireland midfielder Rory Delap, made his professional debut for Manchester City in 2020 before he was sold to Ipswich four years later in a £20 million deal.

Both United and Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Delap’s progress this season, while Arsenal have also been urged to make a move for the striker.However, Delap is adamant that he will not allow transfer speculation to play on his mind as he is looking to help Ipswich avoid relegation this season.

‘It’s engrained in us as footballers,’ Delap told the East Anglian Daily Times.

Liam Delap has scored nine Premier League goals this season (Getty)

‘It’s so important, especially for me, to focus on where I’m at now.

‘I’m so happy here, I’m enjoying it so much here. I just look forward to playing football. I take every game as it comes and focus on the next.

‘It is something that I try and stay away from. People around me have told me to stay away from it, it’s something that I’m very good at in focusing on what I want to do. That’s playing football here.

‘I’m really enjoying my time here and I enjoy playing every week. That’s the most important thing.

‘We know, as players and people, that there is noise. If we have a bad game and people are slating us for not performing or getting the right results, we stay focused on ourselves and what we have to achieve.’

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February 14, 2025
The wrong move’ – Jets move on from Aaron Rodgers and release contradictory message to fanbase

Rodgers lasted only two season as a member of the Jets

Rodgers lasted only two season as a member of the Jets

“He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”

Rodgers’ time as a Jet lasted only two seasons and less than 18 total games played.

Fans were left confused when the team’s official X account wrote this message, thanking Rodgers for ‘everything’

It resulted in just five wins.

His time as a member of Gang Green was an unequivocal failure.

A large part of that was the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered just four plays into the 2023 season.

Coming back from such a serious injury on the wrong side of 40 was always going to be an uphill climb.

Sprinkle in his weekly appearances with Pat McAfee on ESPN, a fired head coach midseason, trading and signing ‘his guys’, the Jets have opted out of the Rodgers business and circus that followed.

The Jets official X account posted a farewell that read, “For everything you’ve given us the past two years, thank you 8”

This left fans confused as to what exactly the ‘everything’ was.

Was it the five wins?

The constant distractions?

“What has he given you? 2 losing seasons,” one fan posted on X.

“Couldn’t be less thankful,” another fan chimed on.

However, it wasn’t all negative, as one fan lamented the organization’s decision to not bring Rodgers back.

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams talks on Aaron Rodgers

“The wrong move, hopefully we have a good plan in place,” wrote the fan.

While Rodgers wasn’t terrible this past year, he wasn’t exactly good nor consistent.

He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, but was ranked 30th among qualifying quarterbacks in completion percentage.

Of his 17 starts, nine have had a negative EPA and Rodgers finished 26th in EPA per attempt for the season and 30th in air yards per attempt.

The Jets will face nearly $50million in dead money when they release him and can either take the full hit this year or designate him as a post-June 1 cut.

If they choose the latter, which is likely, they’d save $9.5m, but then absorb a $35m cap hit in 2026.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell summed up the Rodgers experience in New York with a perfect post on X.

“Two second-round picks, $75 million, the contracts for Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Tim Boyle,” Barnwell said.

February 14, 2025
Ipswich Town: Liam Delap on transfer speculation, his dad and England

Liam Delap has contributed to 11 Premier League goals in just 23 games

Liam Delap has had a superb Premier League campaign so far.

This is his first season at the level, playing for a newly-promoted side where he wasn’t even tipped to be the starting striker. But after 23 appearances, he’s got nine goals and two assists to his name.

He’s found the back of the net more than Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Dominic Solanke, Hueng-min Son and Jarrod Bowen. He’s level with Kai Havertz and Nicolas Jackson, and only one behind Ollie Watkins and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

“It’s come really positively for me,” he said. “At the start of the season coming in, I knew I had confidence and belief that I could score.

“It’s credit to the manager and the boys for helping me improve day-on-day in training.

“Getting there, it’s obviously an individual stat, but without the team behind me, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

Kieran McKenna clearly played a big part in Delap’s decision to move to Suffolk. The striker had interest from Southampton and elsewhere, but ultimately decided that he wanted to work under the Northern Irishman at Portman Road.

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“I think he’s incredible,” he enthused. “How he is with us as players, how he manages us and helps us learn every day. His detail that he goes into, it’s top notch.

“You can see that everyone is improving game-by-game and I think that’s a credit to him.

“I knew that, coming here, it was going to be a good place. I’ve probably been pleasantly surprised by how happy I am here and how much I enjoy it.”

This season hasn’t been smooth sailing, of course. Ipswich find themselves at the bottom end of the Premier League, embroiled in a fierce relegation battle and three points from safety.

Delap is full of praise for manager Kieran McKenna

Delap is full of praise for manager Kieran McKenna (Image: PA)

Their recent form isn’t ideal, with four defeats in a row preceding an FA Cup victory at Championship side Coventry. Delap, however, has stressed that their attitude will always remain the same – never too high and never too low.

“It doesn’t change,” he revealed. “They have worked so hard in the last few years to create that culture.

“We come in on a Sunday or a Monday after a game, and no matter whether we’ve won or lost, it’s always the same.

“There’s no dwelling on the losses and we just need to focus on the next game in hand. Everyone comes in with that mindset.

“We just need to hone in on the details. Our performances have been getting better and there are small, minor tweaks that we need to change.

“We know them as players, we know we can do them. It’s just that consistency of delivering it game-on-game and hopefully coming out with the points.

“The culture here is excellent. Everyone challenges each other every day, it’s such a good place to come in and work.

“Everyone’s happy, everyone demands from each other. Whether we come in from a win or a loss, it’s always the same.”

Blocking the outside noise is important for any player, but especially for Delap, who’s been linked to every top-six side in the Premier League at one point or another in the last few months.

There’s clearly a lot of interest in the 22-year-old, but his only focus is Ipswich, so focusing on his football is a clear priority over anything else.

“It’s engrained in us as footballers,” he argued. “It’s so important, especially for me, to focus on where I’m at now.

The 21-year-old is ignoring the speculation about his future at Portman Road

The 21-year-old is ignoring the speculation about his future at Portman Road (Image: PA)

“I’m so happy here, I’m enjoying it so much here. I just look forward to playing football. I take every game as it comes and focus on the next.

“It [the media speculation] is something that I try and stay away from. People around me have told me to stay away from it, it’s something that I’m very good at in focusing on what I want to do. That’s playing football here.

“I’m really enjoying my time here and I enjoy playing every week. That’s the most important thing.

“We know, as players and people, that there is noise. If we have a bad game and people are slating us for not performing or getting the right results, we stay focused on ourselves and what we have to achieve.”

Town’s attacking output isn’t solely down to Delap. It’s a team effort, and with plenty of attacking depth in the final third, the former Manchester City man is confident that they will continue to improve in the final weeks of the season.

“We’ve got a really talented frontline with some new boys who arrived in January,” he explained. “It’s really exciting for us to play together and learn new relationships.

“We’ve been working a lot on being more clinical and decisive, so hopefully it comes out on the pitch.

“The core group of boys that we’ve got, and everyone that we’ve brought in, we’ve got terrific talent.

“The new boys coming in, we haven’t played with them a lot, so it will be good to play with them and develop new relationships.

“I definitely think that, throughout the whole squad, we’ve got a great amount of talent.”

This is, of course, a big step in Delap’s career. This is his first permanent move away from Man City, at least at senior level, and the move had to be right. Now, having felt the love from the fans and those at the club, he wonders why he didn’t join sooner.

The striker spent last season on loan at Hull City

The striker spent last season on loan at Hull City

“It’s incredible,” he chuckled. “The feeling around the town and everyone involved with the club, it’s such a special feeling.

“I’m unfortunate that I only arrived this season, but the boys have spoken about the last few seasons as well, that feeling, the noise, the atmosphere. It’s incredible.”

Nonetheless, his previous loan spells were clearly beneficial for him. He looks back on them fondly, even the ones that didn’t work out. After all, they have helped him reach the stage that he’s at today.

Asked how he thinks he’s changed since then, he replied: “I don’t think I’ve changed. I think I’ve improved and developed a lot. I’ve probably matured, but I also learned a lot from the manager at Hull and the manager here.

“I’ve become more consistent. I try to help and do what’s best for the team.

“The boss [McKenna] is so detailed on the out-of-possession side of things. Before I came here, I had a concept of it but probably wasn’t aware of what he wanted me to be.

“It’s something that he and all the staff have helped me with throughout the season. I feel like I’m starting to improve that.

“That’s the one side of my game I’m trying to improve.”

We’ve seen a different side to Delap since moving to Ipswich. He uses his physicality very well and comes across as an old-school no.9. That starts in training and carries through onto the pitch.

“The environment here is very intense and all the boys buy into that,” he said. “The gaffer made is clear to me when I came here that training every day is top level, everyone competes.

“It’s not just me, everyone competes every day in training. Sometimes it can get feisty.

“When I was younger, it probably went over the top too much. It’s something that I’ve tried to help and learn from because I got in trouble when I was younger.

“Now I’m starting to understand what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s too much and what’s not.”

His father, Rory, probably played a part in that. A midfielder who played almost 600 games in all competitions between 1994 and 2013, he’s seen as a cult hero in the Premier League.

Delap can always turn to dad Rory for advice

Delap can always turn to dad Rory for advice

Liam benefits from his guidance and the pair stay in touch, which is helpful as he continues to find his feet in the men’s game.

“It’s really nice,” he admitted. “I speak to him most games, and if I need any advice, I can ask him.

“He’s not too harsh now. When I was younger, he was a bit more harsh and he used to grill me a little bit.

“Now it’s a little bit better.

“He probably knows the ins and outs of football, having spent his whole life in it. He keeps me on the right track and makes sure I’m continuing to work hard.”

There’s certainly a platform for Delap to go on and become a great player, just like the players he looked up to as a child.

“I watched Cristiano Ronaldo when I was young. I idolised him when I was a little boy and growing up, I was so focused on him. In recent years, you’re looking at Harry Kane I think. What he’s done is incredible.

“I’ve always had it in my mind that I love scoring goals and I love the feeling of scoring goals. For me, to be anything other than a striker wasn’t the one.”

If he continues to play at this level, the sky is the limit for him. There are already calls for him to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, and with a World Cup on the horizon, there’s something for Delap to aim at too.

“I just try and focus on my performances,” he answered when asked about a potential call-up. “That’s for them to decide.

“If it doesn’t come, I can keep my head down and keep working hard. If it does come, it’s a really proud moment.

“All I can do now is keep putting my head down and keep putting in performances.

“You always think about it. You have dreams and goals. Looking ahead, that is a dream of mine, to play for my country.”

February 14, 2025
Media Accreditation Open for European Running Championships, Brussels-Leuven 2025 | European Athletics

Media accreditation for the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April is now open.

In a first ever for the sport, regular runners will have the chance to run with elite athletes in a European Athletics championship event. The top 25 runners from each country – elite and amateur – will have their result contributing to the country’s team ranking in 10km, half marathon and marathon distances.

With three iconic courses encompassing the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, Tervuren Park, Leuven’s City Hall and the Stella Artois brewery, it promises to be a lifetime experience to remember for all runners.

Registration open

Registration for media requiring official accommodation closes on 16 March. Registration for media not requiring official accommodation closes on 1 April.

Official Media Hotel:

DoubleTree by Hilton****

Ginestestraat 3

1210 Brussels

Belgium

Single Room: 195 EUR*

Twin room: 220 EUR*

Check-in time 14:00

Check-out time 11:00

*Quoted prices are per room, per night and include tax/VAT, breakfast and Wi-Fi

The official entry points are Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels North Train Station. To those who are accredited for the event, the LOC will provide transportation between the official media hotel and the competition venue. Times of the shuttle bus will be provided at the information desk in the media hotel.

February 14, 2025
Ruben Amorim’s new Man Utd targets as Viktor Gyokeres move now ‘unlikely’

Man Utd look likely to miss out on Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Diogo Cardoso)

Manchester United are reportedly shifting their focus to Benjamin Sesko or Liam Delap for the summer, as a deal for Viktor Gyokeres seems increasingly unlikely.

The Red Devils are believed to be in the market for a new striker, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – a summer signing from Bologna – failing to find the back of the net with regularity this season.

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With Ruben Amorim now at the helm, a move for Gyokeres, who thrived under the Portuguese coach at Sporting Lisbon, seemed almost certain – but a reunion at Old Trafford now appears doubtful. The Swedish forward is expected to depart Sporting this summer, with the club ready to cash in on their star player.

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However, The Athletic suggests that Gyokeres is keen to join a club offering Champions League football next year. While United could still qualify by clinching the Europa League title, there are other considerations.

Sporting are likely to demand around €70million (£58.2m) for Gyokeres, a sum United may hesitate to pay for a player turning 27 in June. This shift towards younger targets could bring Sesko and Delap into the picture, with the former being a long-term target.

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Liam Delap has been impressive at Ipswich Town(Image: Julian Finney)United even attempted to lure him from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window, but the Slovenian international opted to renew his contract. Arsenal’s known interest in Sesko, coupled with Leipzig’s demands for the 21-year-old, could complicate any potential deal for the striker, whose playing style would suit Amorim’s tactics.

A move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap could well be on the card after impressing at Portman Road since their promotion from the Championship. At just 22 years old, Delap has nine top-flight goals and has been monitored by United throughout the campaign, he’s also familiar to technical director Jason Wilcox from his time at Manchester City.

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February 14, 2025
Georgia football star not invited to the NFL Combine

Dan Jackson will be able to add another chip to his shoulder.

91st Allstate Sugar Bowl – Notre Dame v Georgia

The NFL Combine is right around the corner meaning that the next batch of Georgia football stars will get their chance to impress NFL organizations ahead of the NFL Draft later this spring. Invites to the NFL Combine were just sent out on Thursday, and UGA had an astounding 14 players invited to this year’s Combine.

This is two more players than last year’s 12 participants and is the second most players invited to the 2025 Combine. The National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes had the most players invited with 15 while the Texas Longhorns tied Georgia with 14.

While all 14 of these Bulldogs deserved to be invited, there was one player who was clearly left out that should have been invited. And not only is he an elite player, but he is a fan favorite.

Where is Dan Jackson?

Defensive back Dan Jackson somehow was not invited to the 2025 NFL Combine later this month. This news came as a huge shock to everyone because Jackson was one of the better players in Georgia’s secondary who proved how great of a leader he is too.

Jackson is coming off an impressive season where he recorded 64 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. Arguably the best play of his season was when Jackson forced a fumble late in the Georgia Tech game that helped spark the Bulldogs comeback victory.

While Jackson 100 percent deserved to be invited, being left out doesn’t mean his NFL career is over. There still is a good chance that he will be drafted and be given his chance to make an impact at the next level. Take former linebacker Tae Crowder for example who did not get an invited to the 2020 NFL Combine. He ended up being the last pick in that year’s draft and quickly proved everyone wrong by leading the New York Giants in tackles in his second season in the league.

Crowder is just one example of players having great careers in the NFL after not being invited to the Combine, and if any player is able to prove all the critics wrong, Georgia knows that Jackson is that player.

February 14, 2025
I’m the second-fastest man alive but my own country doesn’t even respect me

Every so often, an athlete may feel they were born in the wrong era.

Andy Murray emerged amongst tennis’ ‘Big Three’ to claim three Grand Slam titles, but many argue his total would have been far more had he been born in a different generation.

Yohan Blake played second fiddle to Usain Bolt in his prime years

Yohan Blake played second fiddle to Usain Bolt in his prime yearsCredit: Getty

A similar case may be made for Neymar, whose undeniable talent would perhaps have seen him claim multiple Ballon d’Ors were it not for the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

And if there is one athlete who arguably best captures this argument, it’s sprinter Yohan Blake.

The second fastest man of all time, the Jamaican had the misfortune of coming up against Olympic legend Usain Bolt in his prime.

Blake won two silver medals at London 2012 in the 100m and 200m, coming second to Bolt in both events, who tasted Games glory eight times in his historic career.

And though the 35-year-old boasts two Olympic golds in the 4 x 100m relay, won alongside the fastest man alive, he has insisted that he is not celebrated for his achievements back in Jamaica.

Speaking after a Diamond League event in July 2024, Blake claimed that some of his impressive feats are overlooked in his home country.

He said: “My own country Jamaica doesn’t give me the respect.

“But I’m happy they don’t because other people outside do, and they appreciate me more than my own country.

“I’m happy that I’m able to be crowned elsewhere apart from Jamaica, so I’m looking to continue to do what I’m doing until I’m happy to step away when it’s time.”

Explaining the lack of support in his and Bolt’s homeland, Blake suggested that his compatriot’s record-breaking achievements have overshadowed his own.

Blake is one of the greatest sprinters of all time, but was frequently pipped by Bolt

Blake is one of the greatest sprinters of all time, but was frequently pipped by BoltCredit: AFP

Fastest 100m sprinters in history

Ranking Sprinter Personal best (seconds) Year

1 Usain Bolt 9.58 2009

=2 Yohan Blake 9.69 2012

=2 Tyson Gay 9.69 2009

4 Asafa Powell 9.72 2008

5 Justin Gatlin 9.74 2015

=6 Christian Coleman 9.76 2019

=6 Trayvon Bromell 9.76 2021

=6 Fred Kerley 9.76 2022

=9 Ferdinand Omanyala 9.77 2021

=9 Kishane Thompson 9.77 2024

The athletics star continued: “Jamaica loves winners and once you’re not winning, they’re not supporting you.

“But I don’t need their support, I have my own support staff and I’m my own motivator.”

Despite feeling a lack of encouragement from his home fans, Blake has still had plenty to celebrate in his career.

In addition to his four Olympic medals, the sprinter is a two-time world champion, winning gold in both the 100m and 4 x 100m relay after Bolt was disqualified in the final of the former.

With a 100m personal best of 9.69 seconds, Blake stands alongside US sprinter Tyson Gay as the joint second fastest man in event history, behind Bolt.

It is a similar story in the 200m, with Blake’s 19.26 mark only just behind his fellow countryman’s record of 19.19.

Compatriots Blake and Bolt shared the same coach in the peak of their careers in legendary trainer Glen Mills

Compatriots Blake and Bolt shared the same coach in the peak of their careers in legendary trainer Glen MillsCredit: AFP

Blake was a key figure in the fastest-ever Olympic 4x100m relay team

Meanwhile, his times of 9.75 in 100m and 19.44 in 200m in the finals at London 2012 are the fastest Olympic sprints in history to place second in the respective events.

Given just how high Blake ranks among sprinting’s all-time greats without ever tasting individual Olympic glory, the Jamaican would certainly be forgiven for feeling slightly hard done by.

And in 2019, he admitted that had it not been for Bolt, he would have dominated the field of sprinting.

Speaking to the Times of India, he said: “If you take Bolt away from the picture, I would be the fastest man in everything. I feel like I was born at the wrong time.

“But nevertheless, I am happy with what I have achieved. Yes, it was hard because it was his time and it was hard competing against Bolt.”

British sprinter Divine Iheme shows he is ‘quicker than Noah Lyles and Usain Bolt’ and is set to rival Gout Gout as he smashes 100m record

February 14, 2025
I had something important with Rashford at United – Villa must do the same

Kieran McKenna(Image: Getty Images)

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna knows all about Marcus Rashford having worked up close with the Aston Villa loanee during the pair’s time together at Manchester United – and he is of the belief that the forward, who remains a ‘big talent’, has moved to a ‘good club to work under a ‘top manager’ in Unai Emery.

Rashford has joined Villa from United on loan for the remainder of the season having been cleared to leave Old Trafford by manager Ruben Amorim; indeed it wouldn’t appear as though Rashford has any long-term future at the club under the Portuguese boss. Villa moved to offer him regular football and a crack at the Champions League.

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The Red Devils academy product worked with McKenna, who brings his side to Villa Park on Saturday and reunites with – and is looking to blunt the abilities of – Rashford, who scored against Ipswich at Portman Road for United in Amorim’s first game in charge in November.

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Having build up a strong bond with Rashford, McKenna believes that he must do so again at Villa having lost his way under the new regime at United – if that occurs, the Lions will benefit from his undoubted talent.

“Yes, he was enjoyable to work with, of course, a big talent,” McKenna said. “I had known him for a little bit longer because he’d come through the academy set up and I joined the academy set up just after he’d progressed to the first team but we faced him in the FA Youth Cup.

“I was close with the academy coaches who worked with him so it was pretty easy for me to build a good relationship and a good trust with him and he’s not so much of a young player anymore but he was when I worked on that. Most young players, building that trust and that rapport is important.

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“We managed to have that and he’s a big talent so hopefully this will be a good move for him in terms of getting back into form and playing regularly which I’m sure he’ll want to do and I’m sure he had some different options and has made his judgement on the right criteria.

“He certainly went to a good club to play under a top manager whose team are still in a lot of competitions. So yes, I hope it goes well for him but of course not on Saturday.”

February 14, 2025
Nottingham Forest ‘absolute farce’ message sent as cup date provokes response

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Nottingham Forest fans have hit out at the scheduling of their FA Cup fifth round tie with Ipswich Town.

The Reds survived a scare in midweek to set up a home clash with the Tractor Boys. The date and time for the match at the City Ground have now been confirmed, but plenty of supporters are not happy.The game will take place on Monday, March 3, with a 7.30pm kick-off. The tie will be shown live on ITV4. Forest say they will confirm ticket details at a later date.

The Monday night scheduling comes after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and an army of travelling fans, travelled to Exeter City in the fourth round on Tuesday night. The match included a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Taiwo Awoniyi and went to extra-time and penalties.Premier League title race: Liverpool top standings at start of 2024

It was past 2am when the team got back to base after flying back from Devon, while it was an even later return to Nottingham for many supporters. The prospect of another evening kick-off provoked a strong response on social media.

One fan said on X: “The FA Cup matches are the only ones I can realistically get tickets for me and my son (aged 9 and on a junior membership) to watch Forest together without the luck of the ballot. We live 2 hours away, so no chance I can take him to a Monday night fixture.”

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Another said with a hint of sarcasm: “Brilliant, a chance to get tickets and catch a new generation of young fans. Then it’s a Monday night…”

Another said: “I hate you ITV. Hate you. Absolutely hate you.”

One fan posted: “Another cup game I’ve got to miss cause it’s on a Monday night what a joke.”

There was sympathy for the travelling Ipswich contingent as one said: “Monday night for chuffing itv 4 really does my head in, feel for the Ipswich fans travelling.”

One supporter made the point: “So much for this FA statement; “All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will be played on weekends. The fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday.”

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Another Reds supporter wrote: “Honestly, at this stage just get rid of the FA Cup, it’s an absolute farce.” Another added: “Week game again makes no sense.”

A few days after their FA Cup clash Trentside, Forest will host reigning champions Manchester City on the Saturday in the Premier League with a 12.30pm kick-off. On Saturday, March 15, they then take on Ipswich in the league at Portman Road.

Nuno’s men had to come from behind against the Grecians at St James Park on Tuesday. Ramon Sosa and Awoniyi were on the scoresheet for the Reds as the fourth round clash finished 2-2 after extra-time, with the visitors going on to triumph 4-2 on spot-kicks.

On the night, the travelling contingent made their feelings known about the midweek journey. Using some colourful language, they chanted their disgruntlement towards ITV, who were broadcasting the game live.

What do you make of the scheduling for Forest’s cup clash? Click HERE to have your say

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February 14, 2025
Delap: I Knew I Could Score in the Premier League – Ipswich Town News

Delap: I Knew I Could Score in the Premier League
Friday, 14th Feb 2025 06:00 by Kallum Brisset

Town striker Liam Delap says he always had the confidence and belief he could score goals in the Premier League following his move to Portman Road last summer.

Delap became the Blues’ fourth signing of the summer when he arrived from reigning champions Manchester City for an initial £15 million in July having spent last season on loan at Championship side Hull City.

The frontman had only previously made two substitute appearances in the Premier League prior to this season, but has taken to the level with nine goals and two assists in his 23 matches so far this campaign.

But despite his impressive scoring record so far, Delap was keen to appreciate his teammates and manager Kieran McKenna for their impact on his success so far in Suffolk.

“It’s gone really positively for me,” he said. “At the start of the season, I knew I had confidence and belief that I could score and it’s credit to the manager and the boys for helping me improve day in, day out in training.

“Getting there [to nine goals] is obviously an individual stat but without the team behind me I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

“The quality was there and I had the belief that I knew I could perform. The boys and the manager to show their belief in me has also helped.

“I knew coming here was going to be a good place and I’ve probably been pleasantly surprised with how happy I am here and how much I’m enjoying it.

“The gaffer spoke and said it’s up to me depending on the performance that you put in. We’ve got George [Hirst] and had Ali [Al-Hamadi] who are two good strikers so it’s always good to have competition. As long as I’m doing well then hopefully I can keep playing.”

While a youngster in the Man City academy, Delap had three loan spells away from the Etihad Stadium to gain experience in the Championship with varying levels of success.

Prior to his move to Hull last term, he had temporary switches to Stoke City and Preston North End that yielded just four goals but says he did not have any timescale in mind for making the step up to becoming a regular Premier League starter.

“I don’t know about this year,” he said. “I’ve always had the belief in myself to perform and under the right platform I think anyone with quality can go through.

“It’s just a credit to everyone here and everyone that’s helped me get my performances to the best that they can be.

“I knew when I was younger the importance of going and playing regular men’s football is vital. Everyone has a different journey but mine taught me so much.

“The first two [loans] didn’t go as planned but I probably learned more in those two than I did when things were going well. It’s a great experience for a young player, it builds your maturity and understanding of the game.

“I don’t think I’ve changed, I’ve probably improved, developed a lot and matured. But also I’ve learned a lot from the manager at Hull [Liam Rosenior] and the manager here. I’ve probably become more consistent, I’m trying to help and do what is best for the team.”

Delap has earned a reputation for his physicality, with the Town striker often seen charging into defenders and making his presence known to the opposition.

He said: “The environment here is very intense and all the boys buy into that. The gaffer made it clear to me when I came here that training every day is top level and everyone competes. It’s not just me, everyone competes every day in training and sometimes it can get feisty.

“When I was younger it probably went over the top too much and it’s something that I’ve tried to help and learn from as I got in trouble a lot when I was younger. Now I’m starting to understand what’s right and what’s wrong and what’s too much and what’s not.”

Asked what aspects of his game he feels he can still improve on, Delap said: “The boss is so detailed on the out of possession side of things. Before I came here, I had a concept of it but I probably wasn’t as aware as he wanted me to be. That’s something he and all the staff have helped me with throughout the season, I feel like I’m starting to improve that.

“[Headed goals are] definitely think it’s something I need to work on depending on how many balls are getting put in the box.”

Delap only turned 22 last Saturday and was asked about his idols growing up, with two names in particular standing out.

“It was always Cristiano [Ronaldo],” he said. “When I was young, I idolised him as a little boy and growing up I was all focused on him. Now in recent years you’re looking at Harry Kane, what he has done is incredible.

“I’ve always had in my mind that I love scoring goals and love the feeling of scoring goals, so for me to be anything other than a striker was not the one.”

Born in Winchester while his dad Rory was playing for Southampton, it would be fair to say Delap is well travelled, something he claims has been a beneficial experience in allowing him to settle into a new environment wherever he goes.

He said: “It probably helped me when it did get to the point where I was going out on my own as I’ve lived in a lot of different places.

“It probably helped me for when I’m older and moving on my own, I don’t feel unsettled or unwelcome because it is really important. If you’re not happy and you’re so used to somewhere it can make you unhappy. I’m fine with that and always have been okay with moving about.”

On the Portman Road crowd, he added: “It’s incredible. The feeling around the town and everyone involved with the club is such a special feeling.

“I’m unfortunate to only get it this season but the boys have spoken about the last few seasons as well. That feeling, the noise and the atmosphere is just incredible.”

Delap’s fine form during the first half of the season led to speculation regarding his future in January, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus among a host of clubs touted as potential destinations for the striker.

It always seemed likely Delap would stay at Portman Road, with the Town man brushing aside talk of an exit and instead focusing on his own performances at the Blues.

“It’s something that I try and stay away from and people around me have tried to say just stay away from it,” he said.

“That’s something I’m very good at, just focusing on what I’ve got to go and what I want to do and that’s playing football here. I’m really enjoying me time here and I enjoy playing every week so that’s the most important thing.

“Everyone’s helpful but I don’t really tend to look at stuff like that, I just focus on what I’m doing here.

“It’s ingrained within us as footballers. It’s so important for me to focus on where I’m at now. I’m so happy here, I’m enjoying it so much here and I just look forward to playing football. I take every game as it comes and just focus on the next.

“We know as players and people that there is noise. If we have a bad game and people are slating us for not performing or getting the right results, we stay focused on ourselves and focused on what we have to achieve.”

Delap’s form has also opened the door to potential international honours, with the England U21 international spoken about widely as a candidate for the senior side.

New boss Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first Three Lions squad next month with Kane and Ollie Watkins set to be two strikers on the list but a potential third is up for grabs.

Delap said: “You always think about that and always have dreams and goals. Looking ahead, that is a dream of mine to play for my country.

“I’m just trying to focus on my performances and that’s for them to decide. If it doesn’t come I can keep my head down and keep working hard, but if it does come then it’s a real proud moment. All I can do now is keep performing and putting in the performances.

“There’s top players in the Premier League so to be in and around that is a good feeling. I’m just focusing on each game and trying to get higher up.”

TWTD

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February 14, 2025