Ben Willcocks
Verified
As seen in:
Daily Mail U.S.,
MSN,
MSN Australia,
MSN Canada,
MSN India,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN New Zealand,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
MSN UK
and
Covers:
Football, Basketball, Rugby and Cricket
Assistant Sports Editor at @MailSport
Articles by Ben Willcocks
West Ham's Edson Alvarez accused of selling fake COVID-19 certificates along with ex-father-in-law
West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez and his former father-in-law have been accused of selling false Covid-19 vaccination certificates during the pandemic. The allegation has been made by the same film producer who accused the footballer of being linked to a kidnapping in Mexico just weeks ago.
How Viking plan to topple Aston Villa after stunning Bayern Munich - with two managers at the helm
The Vikings are plotting another European raid and this time, it's Prince William who has reason to worry. Tonight, Norwegian minnows Viking FK head to Villa Park with the wind in their sails, fresh from holding German giants Bayern Munich to a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Champions League last week. Despite hosting Bayern on home soil, Viking were given little hope of upsetting the Bundesliga champions, whose £878.7million squad is worth more than 18 times that of the Stavanger-based outfit.
Erik ten Hag accuses Man United chiefs of breaking promises by selling Scott McTominay
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Erik ten Hag accuses Man United chiefs of breaking promises by selling Scott McTominay
Erik ten Hag has accused his former Manchester United bosses of breaking promises during his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford, claiming that they sold Scott McTominay against his wishes. The Dutchman, 56, was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a string of poor results, just months after leading the club to FA Cup glory and signing a one-year contract extension until 2026.
Erik ten Hag accuses Man United chiefs of breaking promises by selling Scott McTominay
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Former England international Steven Caulker pleads for work on LinkedIn as he's stuck unemployed
; ; Continue reading More for You
Jockey and ITV presenter Leonna Mayor is raising son with disgraced rugby icon Stuart Hogg alone
Former jockey and ITV presenter Leonna Mayor has revealed she is raising her young child alone following her split from disgraced former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg. Mayor, once dubbed the 'world's sexiest jockey', confirmed in January that her relationship with the 34-year-old rugby star had ended, just 11 months after the birth of their son, Teddy.
Tennis power couple to divorce: Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils announce their marriage is over
Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to fellow tennis star Gael Monfils in an emotional social media statement, revealing the devastating toll Russia's war in Ukraine has taken on her mental health. The Ukrainian, 32, opened up about sleepless nights and self-doubt amid the ongoing conflict in her homeland, admitting on Instagram that she needs to rediscover her identity after 'slowly losing myself'. 'This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share.
Former England international Steven Caulker pleads for work on LinkedIn as he's stuck unemployed
Former England defender Steven Caulker has taken to social media to share his struggles with unemployment. Caulker, who made one cap for England in 2012, retired as a footballer last year and has since pursued a career in coaching. The former Tottenham and QPR man spent eight months as Turkish club Konyaspor Kulubu Dernegi's assistant manager until his departure in September, but now he is struggling in his search for a new opportunity.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils announce their marriage is over
; ; Continue reading More for You
Why taking the knee rebel Dominic Calvert-Lewin snubbed anti-racism gesture with five other players
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has explained why Dominic Calvert-Lewin chose not to take the knee ahead of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United , insisting the striker showed 'respect' by remaining standing. The vast majority of Premier League players took the knee this weekend as part of the top flight's 'No Room for Racism' campaign, but Leeds forward Calvert-Lewin was among those who opted against the gesture, choosing to remain standing.
How bankruptcy and a painful divorce inspired England rugby World Cup hero's body building journey
Reaching the top of the mountain is one thing, but working out where to go after conquering the summit is quite another. For Phil Vickery, the pinnacle came in Sydney in 2003, when England were crowned world champions after vanquishing Australia in one of the most thrilling finals in sporting history.
How bankruptcy and a painful divorce inspired England rugby World Cup hero's body building journey
Ben Willcocks Reaching the top of the mountain is one thing, but working out where to go after conquering the summit is quite another. For Phil Vickery, the pinnacle came in Sydney in 2003, when England were crowned world champions after vanquishing Australia in one of the most thrilling finals in sporting history.
How bankruptcy and a painful divorce inspired England rugby World Cup hero's body building journey
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
How superstitious Frank Lampard rotated through £1m+ watch collection - and now has Coventry winning
Frank Lampard has worn over £1million worth of watches on matchdays since Coventry's return to the Premier League , but the superstitious England legend may finally have found his lucky charm. Coventry triumphed 4-1 over Newcastle to secure an emphatic second win of the campaign under Lampard on Monday night, having beaten Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground before the start of the three-week international break.
Man United fans blast Peter Schmeichel for his role in another scathing Lisandro Martinez interview
Manchester United fans have criticised Peter Schmeichel for 'trying to be positive' while interviewing Lisandro Martinez following the defender's scathing attack on the club's hierarchy. Martinez delivered an extraordinary outburst to Amazon Prime accusing Manchester United's chiefs of lacking ambition in the transfer market after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo labels himself 'the best footballer of all time' and accuses doubters of lying
Ben Willcocks Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself the greatest footballer of all time, insisting his legacy does not depend on whether he reaches his target of 1,000 career goals - in an interview that has resurfaced amid the row over his international future. The 41-year-old icon made headlines over the international break for quitting Portugal duty following a bitter fallout with manager Jorge Jesus, picking up a suspension from the Portuguese FA on Saturday.
Gary Neville asks to be taken off Man City's matches, leaving Liam Gallagher to mock cry baby
Ben Willcocks Gary Neville has urged his Sky Sports bosses to 'take him off' commentary duty for Manchester City matches as the fallout from the club's seismic guilty verdict continues to cast a shadow on the Premier League. City cruised to an impressive 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, triumphing in their first match since being found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League 's financial rules by an independent commission last month.
Cristiano Ronaldo labels himself 'the best footballer of all time' and accuses doubters of lying
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the greatest footballer of all time, insisting his legacy does not depend on whether he reaches his target of 1,000 career goals. The 41-year-old icon made headlines over the international break for quitting Portugal duty following a bitter fallout with manager Jorge Jesus, picking up a suspension from the Portuguese FA on Saturday.
Gary Neville asks to be taken off Man City's matches, leaving Liam Gallagher to mock cry baby
Gary Neville has urged his Sky Sports bosses to 'take him off' commentary duty for Manchester City matches as the fallout from the club's seismic guilty verdict continues to cast a shadow on the Premier League. City cruised to an impressive 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, triumphing in their first match since being found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League 's financial rules by an independent commission last month.
Erling Haaland and his dad buy £7.5m houses in Abu Dhabi, the homeland of guilty Man City's owners
Erling Haaland has snapped up a luxury property in Abu Dhabi after publicly backing Manchester City and their United Arab Emirates owners in the wake of the club's seismic guilty verdict. Haaland, 26, scored as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, in their first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League 's financial rules.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer under fire as he 'can't even be bothered to say hello' to desperate young fans
Cole Palmer has been criticised for blatantly ignoring young fans as he left Stamford Bridge following Chelsea 's 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Palmer, 24, celebrated signing his new Blues deal with an impressive display against the Cherries, claiming an assist as Xabi Alonso 's side ran riot to climb to sixth in the league.
Man United suffer another blow as Noussair Mazraoui is forced off injured on Morocco duty
Manchester United 's injury woes over the international break continued on Tuesday night as Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco's 2-0 win over Lesotho. At the weekend, Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes was forced to pull out of Portugal's squad to play Norway with what his manager Jorge Jesus described as a 'complicated' shin problem, in the latest injury blow to Manchester United.
Man City chief Ferran Soriano sends defiant video message to staff after club found guilty of 'sham'
Ben Willcocks and Mike Keegan Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has sent a video message to staff vowing to ‘clear the club's name' after the Premier League confirmed they had been found ‘guilty of all charges related to serious breaches' of its financial rules.
Man City chief Ferran Soriano sends defiant video message to staff after club found guilty of 'sham'
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has sent a video message to staff vowing to ‘clear the club's name' after the Premier League confirmed they had been found ‘guilty of all charges related to serious breaches' of its financial rules.
Piers Morgan insists Man City '100 per cent have to be relegated' after guilty verdict
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Piers Morgan insists Man City '100 per cent have to be relegated' after guilty verdict
Ben Willcocks Piers Morgan has called for Manchester City to be relegated after the club were found guilty of the 'vast majority' of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League City, who are certain to appeal the verdict, are nervously awaiting punishment after being found guilty of 114 of their 115 rule-break charges, according to sources, with the club accused of widespread financial cheating over a period of sustained success between 2009 and 2018.
Andros Townsend speaks for first time on 'terrifying' moment he was run over by a pitch roller
Ex-Premier League star Andros Townsend has admitted he was extremely fortunate to escape unscathed after being run over by a pitch roller in Thailand. The former England international, who joined Thai Premier League outfit PT Prachuap during the summer transfer window , looked to have suffered a freak injury when a manned pitch roller ploughed into him as he warmed up at half-time against Pattani.
Kylian Mbappe ditches Nike for Roger Federer's sportswear brand On
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Kylian Mbappe ditches Nike for Roger Federer's sportswear brand On - teaming up with Thierry Henry
Kylian Mbappe is set to become the face of Swiss sportswear company On as it expands into football boot manufacturing, following the end of his long-term partnership with Nike. Spanish newspapers reported earlier this summer that Mbappe, who had been sponsored by Nike since childhood, cut ties with the sportswear giant on July 31 with a view to signing a new lucrative contract with an 'unexpected' brand.
Martin O'Neill shuts down female reporter in 'patronising' post-match interview
Martin O'Neill has come under fire for his 'patronising' and 'condescending' response to a female TV reporter after he refused to explain his team selection following Celtic 's 3-1 loss in the Europa League on Thursday. The Scottish giants were soundly beaten by Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros in a dismal start to their Europa League campaign, with O'Neill making four changes to the side that lost 3-0 to Old Firm rivals Rangers on Sunday.
Liverpool legend Gary McAllister, 61, faces financial ruin as he is hit with bankruptcy petition
Gary McAllister is facing the threat of financial ruin after being hit with a bankruptcy petition by HM Revenue and Customs. The Liverpool and Leeds legend, 61, has been taken to court by HMRC over an unpaid tax bill, with the amount owed yet to be disclosed. As reported by the Telegraph , McAllister is understood to have been among a number of high-profile footballers who invested in film partnerships that were subsequently ruled to be tax avoidance schemes by HMRC.
Rodri apologises after leaked video showed Barcelona star brutally ridiculing rivals Valencia
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has offered an apology to Valencia's players and fans after disparaging remarks he made about the team's lack of quality were leaked. Rodri, who left Manchester City to join the Catalans this summer after steering Spain to World Cup glory, was caught by television cameras ridiculing Valencia after he was substituted during Barcelona's 5-0 thrashing of the LaLiga outfit last Sunday.
Barcelona chief Deco reveals why they chose to sign Anthony Gordon after overlooking Marcus Rashford
Deco has explained why Anthony Gordon was deemed the 'best fit' for Barcelona following his £70million move from Newcastle United this summer. Gordon, who arrived joined Barcelona just weeks after representing England at the World Cup, has already made a positive start to life in Spain, chalking up five assists from four LaLiga appearances so far.
Barcelona chief Deco reveals why they chose to sign Anthony Gordon after overlooking Marcus Rashford
Deco has explained why Anthony Gordon was deemed the 'best fit' for Barcelona following his £70million move from Newcastle United this summer. Gordon, who arrived joined Barcelona just weeks after representing England at the World Cup, has already made a positive start to life in Spain, chalking up five assists from four LaLiga appearances so far.
'Stop impersonating our manager!': Club condemns imposter approaching players with bogus offers
A non-league football club has condemned a person falsely posing as their manager after several players were approached with phony transfer offers. Gainsborough Trinity, who compete as a seventh-tier club in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, released a furious statement on Wednesday to hit out at an individual who has been impersonating their manager Russ Wilcox.
Rodri apologises after leaked video showed Barcelona star brutally ridiculing rivals Valencia
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has offered an apology to Valencia's players and fans after disparaging remarks he made about the team's lack of quality were leaked. Rodri, who left Manchester City to join the Catalans this summer after steering Spain to World Cup glory, was caught by television cameras ridiculing Valencia after he was substituted during Barcelona's 5-0 thrashing of the LaLiga outfit last Sunday.
Richarlison 'wants to rip up his Spurs contract with unhappy star looking to force return to Brazil'
Richarlison wants Tottenham to terminate his contract so that he is free to move to Brazilian club Vasco, according to reports. The 29-year-old wantaway, who was Tottenham's top scorer with 11 goals last season, failed to secure a transfer before deadline day and is now training alone in exile after being omitted from Roberto De Zerbi 's official 25-man Premier League squad and relegated to the under-21s.
Revealed: The staggering sums LIV golfers are owed following collapse of Saudi-backed rebel league
LIV Golf's high-profile stars are waiting to collect more than £30million in unpaid money from the Saudi-backed rebel league after it filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday. A 'Chapter 11' petition was lodged in New Jersey last night, with the breakaway league locked in a battle for survival ever since its Saudi Arabian backers announced in April that they were pulling the plug.
Hilarious moment sees Richards run out of the CBS studio when Mbappe names him his favourite pundit
Micah Richards struggled to contain his excitement and ran out of the CBS Sports studio after being named Kylian Mbappe 's favourite pundit on Tuesday night. Mbappe joined US network CBS for a post-match interview after scoring in Real Madrid 's 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League , and Richards was so excited to speak to the striker that he even wrote him a poem.
Former Liverpool wonderkid, 28, takes to LinkedIn to make unusual plea for a new club
Former Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria has turned to LinkedIn in a bid to find a new club after becoming a free agent this summer. Ejaria, 28, broke through the academy ranks at Liverpool before making his senior debut in 2016, replacing Roberto Firmino as the Reds beat Derby County 3-0 in the Carabao Cup , just weeks before his 19th birthday.
Hilarious moment sees Richards run out of the CBS studio when Mbappe names him his favourite pundit
; ; Continue reading More for You
Hilarious moment sees Richards run out of the CBS studio when Mbappe names him his favourite pundit
Micah Richards struggled to contain his excitement and ran out of the CBS Sports studio after being named Kylian Mbappe 's favourite pundit on Tuesday night. Mbappe joined US network CBS for a post-match interview after scoring in Real Madrid 's 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League , and Richards was so excited to speak to the striker that he even wrote him a poem.
Jamie Carragher pokes fun at how he faces being declared bankrupt over '£800,000 tax bill'
Jamie Carragher was the target of a string of bankruptcy jokes during CBS Sports' first Champions League show of the season on Tuesday, less than a week after HMRC took action over the Liverpool legend's substantial unpaid tax bill. HMRC filed a petition at the High Court in London last Wednesday to have the Sky Sports pundit and former England footballer declared bankrupt over an unpaid tax bill which is reported to be in the region of £700,000 to £800,000.
Graeme Souness blasts Declan Rice again - insisting he 'plays too deep' and 'might be a centre-half'
Graeme Souness has delivered another scathing assessment of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice , suggesting he might be better suited to playing in defence because he operates 'too deep'. Rice has established himself as a key figure for both Arsenal and England since his £105million move to the Emirates in 2023, but Souness remains unconvinced the 27-year-old has the qualities required of an elite central midfielder.
Graeme Souness blasts Declan Rice again - insisting he 'plays too deep' and 'might be a centre-half'
Graeme Souness has delivered another scathing assessment of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice , suggesting he might be better suited to playing in defence because he operates 'too deep'. Rice has established himself as a key figure for both Arsenal and England since his £105million move to the Emirates in 2023, but Souness remains unconvinced the 27-year-old has the qualities required of an elite central midfielder.
Graeme Souness blasts Declan Rice again
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Peter Odemwingie attacks Sky and Natalie Sawyer in legal threat over infamous deadline day interview
Former Premier League striker Peter Odemwingie has warned Sky Sports, West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers that he is considering legal action over his infamous failed transfer on deadline day in 2013. Odemwingie was at the centre of one of the most bizarre deadline day stories of all time when he was interviewed by reporters from through his car window outside QPR's Loftus Road stadium, believing he had completed a move to the London club.
Unai Emery explains why he left Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of Aston Villa's Champions League squad
Unai Emeryy has left £30million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of Aston Villa 's squad for the Champions League phase. The defender was signed from Southampton towards the end of August but has not been included in the 25-man squad, even though there are only three other orthodox centre-backs on the list. Villa say the decision is not related to the UEFA settlement agreement, which means they can spend no more than they earn on transfers and wages.
Peter Odemwingie attacks Sky and Natalie Sawyer in legal threat over infamous deadline day interview
Former Premier League striker Peter Odemwingie has warned Sky Sports, West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers that he is considering legal action over his infamous failed transfer on deadline day in 2013. Odemwingie was at the centre of one of the most bizarre deadline day stories of all time when he was interviewed by reporters from through his car window outside QPR's Loftus Road stadium, believing he had completed a move to the London club.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Ben
Contact Ben, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack