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Exclusive: Stan Collymore cites two realistic ambitions for Iraola in first season at LiverpoolStan Collymore has specified what he thinks would represent a successful first season at Liverpool for Andoni Iraola.The Spaniard has replaced Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout, earning the job off the back of his excellent work at Bournemouth, who finished just one place and three points behind the Reds in 2025/26.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONAPPLE&GOOGLE PLAYThe 43-year-old will be expected to improve upon the Merseysiders fifth-place finish from last term, although ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title may be considered optimistic.What does Collymore expect from Liverpool next season?Collymore feels that, if Liverpool comfortably qualify for the Champions League and end the season with silverware, thatd constitute a job very well done by Iraola in his first year at Liverpool.When asked byEmpire of the Kop(in association withBetWrightfootball betting) what the Reds ambitions should be for 2026/27, the 55-year-old replied:Qualification for the Champions League. I dont necessarily think a trophy, although I know well that when you play for Liverpool, theres always pressure to win a trophy.The issue is that, when its such a big club, the first priority is to win the league. Then its a European trophy, and then its FA Cup and League Cup. If he comes away with an FA Cup and League Cup double and gets Liverpool into the top four to qualify for the Champions League, then happy days.For a young manager whos been at Bournemouth, hell be given every opportunity to say, Its Liverpool and we need to win trophies, but I dont think hell be under pressure to win the Premier League or a major European trophy next season.If you look at Jose Mourinhos first trophy with Chelsea, or Pep Guardiolas first for Manchester City, it was the League Cup. If he comes away with silverware and top four, I think that would represent several steps up the ladder towards the kind of success that Liverpool expect.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as apreferred source on Googleto your favourites list for news you can trustWhat would represent a successful first season for Iraola?Collymore is right in saying that the aim for the Reds at the start of every season should be to win a trophy, although there must be a realism in accepting that aspirations of winning the Premier League and/or Champions League in 2026/27 are fanciful.Iraola wont be expected to deliver either of those trophies in his first year in charge, but if he can get Liverpool closer to the top of the table and win a domestic cup along the way, thatd be considered a job well done.Collymores expectations for next term are similar to those of Danny Murphy, who recently spoke to Empire of the Kop, and LFC fans would be satisfied to see discernible progress and a comfortable qualification for the Champions League, rather than being left to sweat on the final day once again.It wont be until next spring that trophies are handed out, so the immediate goal for the new head coach is to get the Reds playing more expressive and potent football, whilst also making them harder to breach defensively.Some early-season momentum will be vital to landing Iraola a grace period from the fan base and setting him in good stead to push for silverware in the second half of the campaign.

Refusing to bow to good sense, New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is still declining to wear a protective cup after fouling a ball off his groin.

England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been exonerated of any wrongdoing regarding violence at a London nightclub and will rejoin the national squad for the crucial third Test against New Zealand.The series decider at Trent Bridge begins on Thursday, with Stokes reinstated as skipper following an ECB investigation that concluded neither player bore responsibility for the altercation that occurred while celebrating England's first Test triumph at Lord's.Both cricketers were stood down from the second Test at The Oval, which England lost by 253 runs, while the inquiry took place.The Cricket Regulator has separately determined neither player faces any further case to answer.The ECB disciplinary hearing established that Stokes and Atkinson had violated specific contractual requirements obliging England players to uphold the highest behavioural standards and act in cricket's best interests.As punishment, both received formal written warnings regarding their conduct.Their exclusion from the second Test against New Zealand constituted the only additional sanction imposed.The pair had broken a midnight curfew that was in place for the squad."No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub," the ECB stated in its findings.The governing body's investigation cleared both men of any involvement in the physical confrontation that left a security staff member requiring medical treatment.The incident unfolded in the early hours following England's 115-run victory in the opening Test.According to the ECB's findings, Saracens rugby player Totoa Avuaa attacked both Atkinson and a member of England's security team during the nightclub episode.The security staff member was left bloodied and needed medical attention after being struck."Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident," the ECB confirmed."The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion."The all-rounder neither participated in nor observed any of the violent exchanges that took place.The midnight curfew was implemented after drinking-related incidents marred England's winter tours, including an episode in New Zealand where Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer.In the days following their suspension from international duty, both players turned out for their county sides.Stokes featured for Durham while Atkinson represented Surrey in Championship fixtures this week.However, the pair were withdrawn from the final two days of their respective county matches as preparations began for their potential return to the England setup.The third Test will determine the outcome of the series after the teams split the opening two matches.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached contractual obligations but were blameless for violent conduct in a London nightclub, according to an investigation.

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The Brooklyn Cyclones (0-2, 25-42) conclude a six-game road trip against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (2-0, 33-34) - the High-A affiliate of the Washingt... - SAL Brooklyn Cyclones

Depuis plusieurs mois, lide dlargir la Coupe du monde 64 quipes fait son chemin dans les couloirs de la Fifa. Port notamment par les fdrations sud-amricaines, ce projet vise avant tout offrir davantage de matchs ce continent lors du Mondial 2030. Mais cette perspective apparat aujourdhui trs peu probable.

An emerging Canberra filly can take a giant stride back towards metropolitan opposition at Mondays feature Goulburn meeting.

Matt Henry delivered a career-defining performance at The Oval, claiming 11 wickets to help New Zealand level the Test series against England. His exceptional spell, including a devastating 6-29 in the second innings, etched his name in the venue's history, mirroring legendary feats. Recovered from an injury-plagued first Test, Henry's resurgence showcased his prowess as New Zealand's leading pace bowler.