Don Robbie

Who were the big omissions from Fifa 22's team of the year? By Jonny Bray One of the most anticipated events for fans of Fifa across the globe is the release of the game's Team of the Year. What started as a promotion on a computer game has now become a genuine source of debate, as fans debate which of the stars of world football deserve to make it in. We've even seen the Team of the Year feature reach Monday Night Football. Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have discussed the team in-depth, and it just goes to show how blurred the lines are between real life and computer games when it comes to football. Football Manager stats have been used on Sky Sports. Even casual football fans know the stars of the Italian, French and Spanish leagues thanks to playing Ultimate Team. And with the prestige of being included in the Team of the Year increasing all the time, we thought it was time to ask who the big omissions were from this season's 11. Mohamed Salah I can't think of...

Four managers who could be heading to Everton By Oli Dickson-Jefford Once again, Everton are searching for a new manager. Rafa Benitez’s 200-day reign was blighted by negativity and poor performances, and his departure last week means the club have gone through five permanent managers in five-and-a-half years. Club legend Duncan Ferguson is again temporarily in the dugout though the Scot is unlikely to be kept on permanently, with the search for a new boss already underway. Here are four potential candidates that Bill Kenwright and Farhad Moshiri could be considering. Wayne Rooney Rooney would certainly be the nostalgic choice in the search for a new manager, having started his career at Goodison Park and returning for a second spell after leaving Manchester United. The 36-year-old is currently managing at Derby and is doing an admirable job with a beleaguered squad amid doubts about whether the club will survive much longer. He would certainly get a warm reception from the Goodison fa...

What should Francis Ngannou do next? By Jonny Bray Francis Ngannou has the world at his feet at the start of 2022. The MMA fighter and reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion is known as the hardest recorded puncher in the world, he's beginning to enter the sporting mainstream, and he's just beaten Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. The victory was via a unanimous decision, and now Ngannou has a professional record of 17 wins and three losses. But his next step is far from clear. Many will want to see the UFC Heavyweight title defended again as soon as possible, but Ngannou has plenty of options as to who his next opponent will be. He could even leave the octagon to set up some big-money exhibition bouts against WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who is reportedly open to fighting Ngannou in what would be an incredible clash between MMA and boxing. In recent weeks, Jake Paul has also thrown his hat in the ring, but would he really step into the octagon or a boxing ring against one of the most ...

By Oli Dickson Jefford Terri Harper has become one of Britain’s biggest boxers in recent years, with a string of high-profile fights and stellar performances. After a disappointing end to 2021 the Yorkshire star will look to rebound in 2022, with it being likely she’ll compete in a couple of big fights. As she gets set to step back into the ring this spring, here’s all you need to know about the 25-year-old.  Unusual introduction Many boxers get into the sport as they have family members who already compete or they take inspiration from watching some of the world’s best in action. However, Harper’s story is a little different. She did not begin boxing until the age of 12 after watching an episode of Jack Osbourne: Adrenaline Junkie, where Osbourne boxed to help himself get fit. After winning European Junior silver in 2012, Harper took some time away from the sport to finish her GCSEs and became disillusioned after losing her first two fights when she returned. She considered giving...

By Oli Dickson Jefford After a fantastic 12 months of boxing in 2021, 2022 looks set to deliver just as many thrills and spills inside the ring. While the biggest names look set to star as always, it is always intriguing to keep an eye out on who could break through and make a real name for themselves. Here are a handful of promising talents who could be the breakout star of women’s boxing this year. Sandy Ryan Sandy Ryan is a fairly late newcomer to the pro game, but the 28-year-old comes in after a promising amateur career which saw her win Commonwealth gold and world silver. After a points victory on her pro debut in July last year, there were more convincing displays in October and December as she knocked out both Aleksandra Vujovic and Maria Soledad Capriolo. Under the wing of Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom Sports, Ryan is next set to fight on the 12 March on the Leigh Wood v Michael Conlan undercard. With impressive punching power and a composed demeanour in the ring, the super li...

Are Premier League referees getting worse When VAR was introduced, I think we were all expecting an end to some of the shambolic decision making we’d seen from Premier League referees over the years. VAR was supposed to provide clarity, help referees and make the game easier to understand and follow for everyone involved. Personally, I have no problem with waiting if we get to the right decision in the end. But since its introduction, it has become clear that there is a very human element to VAR. This weekend has thrown referees straight back into the hot seat after Kevin Friend’s shocking decision to award Liverpool a game-changing penalty in their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace. He decided on second viewing after being told to look at the incident again by video assistant referee Craig Pawson. It was an incorrect decision, with the replay clearly showing that the ball was gone and that Diogo Jota moved directly into Palace keeper Vicente Guaita’s path. It wasn’t the only poor decisio...

  By Oli Dick son Jefford Few fighters have started their MMA career as impressively as   Kayla   Harrison , who is yet to lose in 12 bouts. However such a record should not come as a surprise, with the 31-year-old excelling as a judoka before entering the octagon for the first time in 2018. Here’s all you need to know about the American who could take the MMA world by storm in 2022. Judo star Born in Ohio,   Harrison ’s mum was a judo black belt and she herself took up the sport aged six. Twice a national champion at age level before turning 15, she first made her mark on the global stage when she won the World Junior Championships in 2008.  Harrison   lost in the second round on her World Championship debut in 2009 but would become one of the most successful competitors of the decade. She won the -78kg world title in Tokyo in 2010 and backed that up with a bronze medal the following year, before claiming Olympic gold at London 2012. Another world bronze m...