Tom Burrows
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Journalist @BBCNewsround. ✍🏻 Man United fan 🔰 ⚽️ Star Wars nerd 🎞 dad to a daughter. Had a blue tick for a bit. 📧:Tom.Burrows@bbc.co.uk
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Articles by Tom Burrows
Millwall vs West Ham: Rivalry, riots and getting ‘hit with a brick’ during a corner
“I didn’t know much about the rivalry before joining West Ham. The people who let me know about the history were the supporters. “Then when I played at the Old Den (Millwall’s former ground), I realised what it was all about. I remember I once got hit with a house brick. I was waiting for a corner to come over, I was on the post defending it and it hit me.
Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Ruiz on beating Arsenal, the Ballon d’Or and chasing a third Champions League
Ousmane Dembele is the current Ballon D’Or holder. Fabian Ruiz is unbeaten in 50 games for the World Cup winners Spain. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the Champions League’s MVP last season and the best player not to feature at the World Cup this summer. In a room overlooking Paris Saint-Germain’s pristine training pitches, these three superstars are chatting to The Athletic in three different languages about, among other things, how driven they are to win a third consecutive Champions League title.
Arsenal vs Coventry live updates: Premier League opening game latest score as Saka doubles champions' lead
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Arsenal vs Coventry live updates: Premier League opening game latest score as Saka doubles champions' lead Follow live as Premier League champions Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry in the season opener. Max Mathews and Ed Mackey August 21, 2026 at 3:37 PM EDT Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 to Arsenal in the 23rd minute. Getty Images Score: Arsenal 2-0 Coventry Arsenal are leading Coventry 2-0 in the first game of their Premier League title defence.
By Ed Mackey, Max Mathews Verified, Tom Burrows Verified, Liam Tharme Verified, James McNicholas Verified, Stuart James Verified, George Edwards
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The New York Times
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Brandon Williams interview: 'I was immature and stupid. I look back now and think what an idiot I was'
"I've learned from my mistakes. I take full ownership of everything that's happened to me. That's why I always say to myself, 'I got myself in this mess, I am going to get myself out of it.'" Sat in the foyer of his Manchester apartment block, Brandon Williams is reflecting on his life in football to date, from the highs of playing 51 times for Manchester United to the dark, lonely moments when he struggled to get out of bed and fell out of love with the game.
PSV coach Peter Bosz 'happy' for Ricardo Pepi to stay after failed Fulham transfer bids
As PSV prepares to kick off its latest Eredivisie title defense this weekend, U.S. international forward Ricardo Pepi surprisingly remains with the club. Pepi was twice on the verge of a transfer to Fulham -- first in January then this summer on a pre-agreed deal that fell through at the final stage -- but is still at the club as this summer has been quiet around him.
Mamadou Sangare is Brentford's record signing and a star in the making - 'The sky's the limit for him'
"I had just been appointed as the new national team coach of Mali and in my first squad, in September 2024, Mamadou was part of it. "I remember Yves Bissouma asked questions of the new guys and said, 'Which position do you prefer?' Mamadou replied, 'Your position'. So it showed a lot of confidence and belief." Tom Saintfiet, who stepped down as Mali head coach in April after two years in the role, is sharing his memories of managing Mamadou Sangare with The Athletic.
Explained: Chelsea's £10m fine and how the club avoided a points deduction
Chelsea have been fined £10million and given a suspended two-window transfer ban, following a Football Association investigation. That came after the FA charged Chelsea on September 11 last year with 74 breaches relating to 44 transactions involving 32 players between July 2009 and August 2022.
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained – and what happens next?
Is this the end of the World Cup as we know it? On Thursday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that its member nations are prepared to boycott future men's and women's World Cups. The dramatic step was a response to plans set out by FIFA, the organisation which runs global football, to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors. The dispute could have far-reaching consequences for players, fans and the powerbrokers involved.
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained — and what happens next?
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained — and what happens next?
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained – and what happens next?
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained – and what happens next?
UEFA’s World Cup boycott explained — and what happens next?
Is this the end of the World Cup as we know it? On Thursday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that its member nations are prepared to boycott future men's and women's World Cups in response to plans set out by FIFA, the organisation that runs global football, to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors. Concacaf, who convened a meeting of their own, later issued a statement rejecting the proposals put forward by FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino.
USMNT’s Gio Reyna in talks over move to Strasbourg from Borussia Monchengladbach
U.S. men’s national team midfielder Gio Reyna is in talks about a potential move to Strasbourg from Borussia Monchengladbach, sources briefed on the situation tell The Athletic. The 23-year-old has been with Gladbach for just one season, making 19 Bundesliga appearances and scoring one goal. Reyna, the son of U.S. men’s national team legend Claudio Reyna, may be joining his fourth club in as many seasons should the proposed move to France advance. Strasbourg finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season.
Coventry close to club-record £22.5m Carl Rushworth signing from Brighton
Coventry City are closing in on a deal to sign goalkeeper Carl Rushworth for a club-record fee from Brighton & Hove Albion. Rushworth, who spent last season on loan at Coventry, is expected to join for an initial fee of £22.5million ($29.9m). As first reported by The Telegraph, that figure could rise to £30m once add-ons and instalments are taken into account. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause and buy-back option as part of the agreement.
Brentford close to agreeing club-record deal for Lens' Mamadou Sangare
Brentford are close to agreeing a deal to sign Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare. A deal has not yet been finalised but Brentford are closing in on a move for the Mali international, with the transfer fee expected to exceed the package of £37million ($49.2m; €43.2m at current rates) plus £5m in add-ons they paid Bournemouth for Dango Ouattara last year. Crystal Palace had been interested in Sangare, though felt as though they match the financial package that Brentford were offering.
How does annual leave work in football, and what are players entitled to?
With the World Cup now over, football's top international players can finally enjoy some much-needed downtime before the new season starts next month. Yet for the sport's biggest stars, a chance to unwind properly between one campaign ending and the next one kicking off is becoming increasingly difficult to find. A packed calendar has put greater demands on the players.
Michael Olise, the World Cup star without a boot deal or brand sponsor
He has been one of the stars of this World Cup, with five assists in seven matches, and has been described by Thierry Henry as France's "most important player". Yet, as coach Didier Deschamps' side prepare for the third-place play-off against England tomorrow (Saturday) after their disappointing semi-final defeat by Spain, Michael Olise remains one of football's more enigmatic figures.
What next for Balogun, Vozinha and the World Cup's other cult heroes and breakout stars?
It has been a World Cup that has produced a number of unlikely cult heroes and breakout stars. For some, including Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, a starring role in front of a global audience has catapulted them from relative obscurity to worldwide fame, attracting millions of new followers on social media. But after making their mark at football's showpiece event this summer, those players will now return to their club teams, where life is often less glamorous.
Watching Michael Olise with the man who gave his football career another chance
"Look at the ball by Olise and the weight of the pass: it's inch-perfect." Brendan Flanagan, Reading's head of academy recruitment, is waxing lyrical about Michael Olise's through ball that set Kylian Mbappe clear in the first half, and resulted in a France penalty. "Michael just sees things differently; he always seems to be in space, and his passing ability is exquisite," Flanagan added. Olise is a player well-known to Flanagan.
Chelsea's Jesse Derry set to join Sporting CP on season-long loan
Chelsea are finalising a deal for winger Jesse Derry to join Sporting CP on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old has signed a new six-year deal to keep him at the club to 2032, after making his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in May. A move to Rui Borges' side would see him participate in Champions League football after the Portuguese side finished second last season, behind champions Porto.
Folarin Balogun and the rise of a U.S. World Cup star told by his team-mates and coaches
"The goal he scored in the first game, against Paraguay, when he cut in on his right and bent it in, that's something Flo has been perfecting for a long time. He's been doing that since a very young age." Kevin Betsy is regaling The Athletic with his memories of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, having worked with him when head coach of Arsenal's under-23s and in the England youth setup.
Refugees are playing a key role for the Socceroos, a team who are a 'reflection of modern Australia'
"The Socceroos aren't just a team. We are a reflection of modern Australia." Those were the words of Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine in a video, released by Professional Footballers Australia, on the eve of this World Cup.
Cody Gakpo, grief and an image that will endure long beyond this World Cup
It was one of the most emotional moments of the World Cup so far. After breaking clear on the counter-attack in their round-of-32 game with Morocco, Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville slipped the ball to Cody Gakpo. Racing into the penalty area, Gakpo met the pass and shot beyond Yassine Bounou in the Morocco goal. The Liverpool forward immediately sank to his knees, covering his head with his hands and stayed there for around 10 seconds.
The rise of Folarin Balogun, by team-mates and coaches who have worked with him
“The goal he scored in the first game, against Paraguay, when he cut in on his right and bent it in, that’s something Flo has been perfecting for a long time. He’s been doing that since a very young age.” Kevin Betsy is regaling The Athletic with his memories of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, having worked with him when head coach of Arsenal’s under-23 team and during their time together in the England youth setup.
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape: What's been said? Does it affect World Cup participation?
The 27-year-old, who played for Morocco in their victory over Scotland on Friday, had tried to have the rape charge dismissed, but his challenge was rejected by the Court of Appeal of Versailles. In a statement, shared with The Athletic, the court found on Friday -- more than three years after the initial charge -- that there is "sufficient evidence" to proceed to a full trial. Hakimi, who won a second Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain last month, denies any wrongdoing.
Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey set to be named Oxford head coach
Oxford United are set to name Aaron Ramsey as their new head coach. The Athletic was told by sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, that Ramsey had meetings with senior figures at Oxford on Monday night, with an announcement expected later today (Tuesday). It will be the 35-year-old's first permanent role as a head coach, after he retired from playing in April.
Mbappe closes on Messi record as France win longest World Cup match after 131-minute weather delay
Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Iraq in the longest-ever World Cup game after a 131-minute weather delay due to thunderstorms at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. France led 1-0 when the half-time whistle went at 5.49pm local time (10.49pm BST), and supporters were told to take shelter inside the stadium concourse. Play did not resume until 8pm with storms bringing heavy rain, strong winds and the threat of lightning.
The Jeremy Doku criticism might suggest otherwise but football's attitude to fatherhood has changed
Jeremy Doku spoke last week of his desire to be present for the birth of his first child. "If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations," the Belgium winger, who is currently at the World Cup in North America, told Reuters. "I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations.
Coventry City close to agreeing new three-year deal for Frank Lampard
Coventry City are close to agreeing a new three-year deal for head coach Frank Lampard. Lampard, whose current terms are due to expire in 2027, led Coventry back to the Premier League after a 25-year absence by winning the Championship title last season. The proposed contract would keep him at the club until 2029. Coventry's 2024-25 promotion campaign was the former midfielder's first full season in charge, following his appointment in November 2024 when the side were 17th in the table.
How broadcasters are using hydration breaks - and might they be here to stay?
It has become one of the major talking points at this summer's World Cup -- attracting criticism from the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mauricio Pochettino. For the tournament, FIFA has introduced a three-minute hydration break in each half, effectively turning the game into four quarters. Announcing the news in December, FIFA claimed the decision was taken as part of its "commitment to player welfare at the tournament".
Rafael van der Vaart says 'no racist or discriminatory intent' behind Japan 'joke'
Former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart has insisted there "was no racist or discriminatory intent" behind his remarks, after he said Japan's players "look alike" live on air. Van der Vaart, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is now a pundit, and was working for NOS TV in the Netherlands during his country's first match of the World Cup.
Pierre Sage signs deal to become new Crystal Palace coach
Pierre Sage has agreed a three-year deal to become Crystal Palace's new manager. The Athletic reported on June 9 that Palace were closing in on an agreement to appoint the 47-year-old, who previously managed Lens, as Oliver Glasner's successor. The Frenchman has secured a work permit and is set to start work on July 6, ahead of the majority of the first team squad's proposed return for the start of pre-season on July 10.
Meet Curacao, The Blue Wave: 'Whatever happens, we're going to party, man'
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Nos ta e Ola Blou - We are The Blue Wave "Here in Curacao, when we go to the stadium, it's a big party, so we sing, we play instruments, we all dress in blue.
Meet Ivory Coast's masochistic supporters: They might disown their team - but they always come back for more
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Supporters maso -- Masochistic supporters "Once a supporter maso, always a supporter maso," says Ivory Coast fan Saphira Silue. "Even when the team doesn't play very well, we are still there.
Le Mans FC: France's big-name investor club who could be the next Como
They have achieved two successive promotions. They will play in Ligue 1 again next season after a 16-year absence. They also count a string of famous sportspeople -- Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, Kevin Magnussen and Thibaut Courtois -- as investors. And their stadium is located at the Circuit de la Sarthe, host of the iconic Le Mans 24-hour race, one of the showpiece events in the motor racing calendar and held every June.
Meet the Champions League winner who now plays in an Oasis tribute band
With the Champions League final just two days away, Eric Di Meco is one of a select band of players who have won the competition. The former France international is, however, surely in a class of his own when it comes to life after football. He now plays in an Oasis tribute band, called Osiris. Di Meco, who plays bass, won the European Cup with Olympique de Marseille in 1993, in a tightly fought 1-0 victory over Milan.
How Hull City defied the odds: a transfer ban, an unknown coach, Klopp-style football and a trip to Vegas
Hull City's match-winning hero was a player who has typified their success story in this remarkable season. Oli McBurnie, who joined them as a free agent in August, three days before their opening match, after leaving Spain's Las Palmas following their relegation from La Liga, scored the game's only goal in second-half stoppage time against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to send Hull back to the Premier League.
Hull City win £200m Championship play-off final to secure promotion to the Premier League
Oli McBurnie was the hero as Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League with a dramatic 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The Scotland international striker scored in the 94th minute to earn his team at least £205million ($275m) in revenue via a return to England's top flight.
The inside story of 'Spygate' -- featuring a pine tree, disguises, damning WhatsApps and a sport in shock
It all started behind a pine tree. The setting was Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training ground, two days before the club were due to meet Southampton in the Championship play-off semi-finals. Will Salt, a first team performance analyst intern working for Southampton, had travelled north to gather intelligence on the club's opponents as they trained a few metres away beyond a metal fence.
France name World Cup squad: Kylian Mbappe, Rayan Cherki lead star-studded attack
France, one of the favourites to win the World Cup this summer, have announced their star-studded squad for the tournament. Manager Didier Deschamps named a squad filled with an eye-catching array of attacking talent on Thursday. In the forward positions, Deschamps can choose from an illustrious list comprising of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marcus Thuram.
Inside the world of an EFL footballer: Chairman's treat, dad mode and 'the worst feeling in football'
Jake Cooper is Millwall's captain and has been at the club for almost a decade. Towards the latter stages of their 2025-26 season, they found themselves firmly in the promotion mix, with Cooper dreaming of leading his side to the Premier League for the first time.
Dick Advocaat, 78, returns to Curacao role, will become oldest manager at a World Cup
Dick Advocaat will become the oldest manager ever to coach at a World Cup after returning to manage the Curacao national team - three months after stepping down to care for his daughter. The return of the 78-year-old Dutchman - who has managed at two previous World Cups, with the Netherlands in 1994 and South Korea in 2006 - was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday morning.
Marseille suspends Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Le Havre match
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been suspended for Marseille's trip to Le Havre on Sunday. Aubameyang, 36, is the Ligue 1 side's second-highest goalscorer with 13 in all competitions but has only registered one in his last nine games as Habib Beye's team have struggled for form. Marseille are seventh in Ligue 1 and are fighting to qualify for European football. The French side are one point off Monaco in sixth with only two games left to play.
Frank Lampard interview: Misconceptions of British managers, learning to be 'tough', challenges for Coventry
In the breakout room overlooking Coventry City's Sky Lodge training ground -- where there are sofas, a table tennis table, a dartboard and a big screen for an Xbox -- Frank Lampard is reflecting with The Athletic about leading his side to the Championship title. "There's a general misconception with British managers -- because the British public have lived and breathed us as players -- that if we're ex-players, we get jobs because of our playing careers.
Matvey Safonov: PSG's Russian goalkeeper, a 'natural-born leader' with talent for chess and maths
"When he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I said this is the happiest day for our academy, because now I talk to all our boys and girls here and tell them, 'Even if you are from the small town of Krasnodar, from Russia, there is no ceiling; you can do anything'. kAmQ(6 92G6 9:D %\D9:CE 2?5 A9@E@D :? @FC 92==D] x D2J[ V{@@< 2E $27@?@G[ E9:D :D H96C6 J@F 42? 8@V]Qk^Am kAmpC2> uF?5F<J2?[ 5:C64E@C @7 E96 24256>J 2E ur zC2D?@52C[ 2 4:EJ :? D@FE96C?
Millwall considering legal position after children's book depicts KKK figure wearing club badge
Millwall say they are "considering their legal position" after the club's badge was placed on a photo of a Ku Klux Klan figure in a children's educational book. kAm%96 :>286 2AA62C65 :? 2 3@@<=6E 42==65 V%96 !2F= r2?@G:==6 $E@CJV[ HC:EE6? 3J !6E6C s2?:6=[ 2? 65F42E:@? 2?5 :?E6CAC6E2E:@? @77:46C 2E (6DE>:?DE6C r:EJ r@F?4:=]k^Am kAmr2?@G:==6 H2D E96 7:CDE q=24< A=2J6C E@ >2<6 2? 2AA62C2?46 7@C r96=D62[ :?
How Coventry City and Frank Lampard ended 25 years of hurt and returned to the promised land
There were Coventry supporters in tears, others went topless, while some held up signs saying 'we're back.' kAmp7E6C 46?EC6\92=7 q@33J %9@>2DV =2E6 6BF2=:D6C 2H2J 2E DECF88=:?8 q=24<3FC? #@G6CD[ r@G6?ECJ H6C6 7:?2==J E96C6[ DA2C<:?8 ;F3:=2?E D46?6D :? 7C@?E @7 E96:C f[d__ EC2G6==:?8 72?D]k^Am kAmp7E6C 2 =@?8[ E@CEFC@FD ad\J62C H2:E[ r@G6?ECJ r:EJ 2C6 324< :? E96 !C6>:6C {628F6]k^Am kAmr@G6?ECJVD bc\J62C DE2J :? t?8=2?5VD E@A 7=:89E H2D 6?565 @? |2J d[ a__` \\ 2?5 :EVD 366?
Lille were close to bankruptcy. This is how they became Europe's most profitable club
"The club was almost in a situation of bankruptcy." kAm~=:G:6C {6E2?8[ AC6D:56?E @7 {:==6 ~=J>A:BF6 $A@CE:?8 r=F3[ :D 6IA=2:?:?8 E@ k6>m%96 pE9=6E:4k^6>m E96 3=62< @FE=@@< H96? ?6H @H?6CD9:A 8C@FA |6C=J? !2CE?6CD 3@F89E E96 4=F3 :? s646>36C a_a_]k^Am kAm%96 7:?2?4:2= @FE=@@< >2J 92G6 366? 5:C6[ J6E :? 2 BF:C< @7 72E6[ {:==6 H6C6 E@A @7 {:8F6 `] %96J H6?E @? E@ H:? E96 E:E=6 =2E6C E92E D62D@?[ 7@C E96 7@FCE9 E:>6 :?
Welcome to the 'ridiculous' international football match nobody wanted to play
Tommie Collins, a Wales supporter, was struggling to disguise his deflation. kAmQ~3G:@FD=J :7 H6 H6C6 8@:?8 E@ A=2J xE2=J[ :E H2D 8@:?8 E@ 36 2 >2DD:G6 @442D:@?[Q 96 D2:5] Q}@H H6VC6 A=2J:?8 :? 2 5625 CF336C 2?5 A6@A=6 92G6 366? 2D<:?8 :7 E96J 42? 92G6 E96:C >@?6J 324<]Qk^Am kAmw6 H2D ?@E 2=@?6] (2=6D 2?5 }@CE96C? xC6=2?5 H6C6 9@A:?8 E@ DE286 (@C=5 rFA BF2=:7:42E:@? A2CE:6D @?
EFL contacted over Michael O'Neill's Blackburn, Northern Ireland conflict of interest concerns
The English Football League has been contacted by at least one club over a possible conflict of interest involving Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O'Neill. kAm~V}6:==[ de[ H2D 9:C65 2D q=24<3FC? 9625 4@249 @? 2 D9@CE\E6C> 4@?EC24E :? u63CF2CJ[ F?E:= E96 6?5 @7 E96 D62D@?] w6 92D 4@?E:?F65 9:D C@=6 2D }@CE96C? xC6=2?5 >2?286C 2=@?8D:56 9:D ;@3 2E E96 r92>A:@?D9:A 4=F3]k^Am kAmq=24<3FC? 2C6 >:C65 :? 2 C6=682E:@? 7:89E :? E96 D64@?5 E:6C @7 t?8=:D9 7@@E32==] p ?F>36C @7 A=2J6CD :?
Cardiff lose €120m damages claim against Nantes in Emiliano Sala case
Cardiff City have lost their damages claim against French side Nantes -- more than seven years after the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash. kAm%96 {628F6 ~?6 D:56 925 7:=65 2 ?68=:86?46 4=2:> 282:?DE }2?E6D[ D66<:?8 €`a_>:==:@? W£`_b>[ S`bf]e>X :? 52>286D]k^Am kAmr2C5:77 925 366? D66<:?8 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]?JE:>6D]4@>^2E9=6E:4^dchddah^a_ac^_e^_h^6>:=:2?@\D2=2\42C5:77\4=2:>\EC2?D76C^Qm4@>A6?D2E:@? C6=2E:?8 E@ =@DE 62C?:?8Dk^2m 2?5 E96 =@DD :? G2=F6 E@ E96 4=F3 7@==@H:?8 E96:C C6=682E:@?
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