Andy Hunter
Sports Matthew Briggs is sent on for his Fulham debut by Lawrie Sanchez in 2007 to become the Premier League’s youngest player. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images/Reuters

Matthew Briggs: ‘I Had Been the League’s Youngest Player – I Couldn’t Ask Why I Wasn’t Involved’

Before Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri it was Fulham’s Harvey Elliott, and before Elliott it was Fulham’s Matthew Briggs. For 12 years Briggs held the mantle of…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Jürgen Klopp Criticizes Premier League Chief Over Substitutes' Rule

Jürgen Klopp Criticizes Premier League Chief Over Substitutes' Rule

Jürgen Klopp has accused the Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, of a lack of leadership over the decision to abandon the five substitutes’ rule,…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Leighton Baines Retires on His Own Unselfish Terms

Leighton Baines Retires on His Own Unselfish Terms

Abrief pause at the top of the tunnel steps, one quick glance back at a deserted Goodison Park, and then Leighton Baines was gone. Thirteen years and 420 games…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Andy Robertson: 'Madrid Was One Big Party – This Was More Emotional'

Andy Robertson: 'Madrid Was One Big Party – This Was More Emotional'

t was not Anfield, it was not on the field of play and there could be no crowd to drive them on, but there was something about celebrating Liverpool’s title…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Mike Gordon: The Quiet Man Who Makes FSG's Liverpool Vision a Reality

Mike Gordon: The Quiet Man Who Makes FSG's Liverpool Vision a Reality

The crisis enveloping Liverpool in October 2010 ensured Mike Gordon arrived at the club unnoticed and unheralded. That will have suited the low-profile…

Andy Hunter (Liverpool)
Sports Michael O'Neill's Transformational Northern Ireland Reign Merits Acclaim

Michael O'Neill's Transformational Northern Ireland Reign Merits Acclaim

Michael O’Neill’s exit as Northern Ireland manager was inevitable and just one more, minor piece of fallout from the crisis afflicting football, but that does…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Miracle of Burnley: Inside the Premier League’s Most Unlikely Success Story

Miracle of Burnley: Inside the Premier League’s Most Unlikely Success Story

A Frenchman, a Spaniard and two Belgians walk into a pub in Burnley. There is no punchline. The four are drinking in the Royal Dyche before Burnley’s win over…

Andy Hunter (London)
Sports Holy Grail Could Be in Sight as Jürgen Klopp Toasts His Anfield Anniversary

Holy Grail Could Be in Sight as Jürgen Klopp Toasts His Anfield Anniversary

Jürgen Klopp has honoured every pledge made at his Liverpool unveiling four years ago on Tuesday, turning doubter to believer (it was singular), creating…

Andy Hunter (London)