⚽️ Sports Journalist | ✍️ 🎥 Content Producer | 🎙 Podcast presenter | #BHAFC
Articles by Tom Phillips
The Day After Tuesday
THE DAY AFTER TUESDAY History crashed into our living room Irreversible, mountainous, cruel. Transgressor from a nether world Where dark, not light, does rule. Sixteen acres of tears remain In avenues of shattered dreams. Reason answers not the cries at night Or the days of silent screams. Shards of glass and fire and dust Bear witness to the pain. Testimony to the power of hate And beauty made profane. But voices answer from the pile Like beacons on the martyred sky.
Chestnut and vanilla
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Venezuela judge issues arrest warrant for opposition leader after disputed election
Prosecutors in Venezuela have asked for an arrest warrant to be issued against Edmundo González Prosecutors in Venezuela have asked for an arrest warrant to be issued against Edmundo González Photograph: Ariana Cubillos/AP A Venezuelan judge on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the opposition politician widely believed to have beaten President Nicolás Maduro in the recent election, for alleged crimes that could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted.
‘The gangs are in charge’: Haiti’s outgunned police fight a desperate rear defence
Haitian police patrol the capital, Port-au-Prince. The police union says 17 officers have been killed and ‘many’ wounded in the first four months of 2024. Haitian police patrol the capital, Port-au-Prince. The police union says 17 officers have been killed and ‘many’ wounded in the first four months of 2024.
‘It’s so frustrating’: two years on and still no justice for Bruno and Dom murders
Relatives of DOm Phillips and activists at the first anniversary commemoration of the murders on 5 June, 2023. The two were were killed in the Amazon's Javari valley. Relatives of DOm Phillips and activists at the first anniversary commemoration of the murders on 5 June, 2023. The two were were killed in the Amazon's Javari valley.
Sparta Rotterdam disappointed by recommendation to extend Arno Verschueren's suspension
Sparta Rotterdam does not agree with the suspension that the professional football prosecutor has proposed for midfielder Arno Verschueren, Voetbal International reports. The Belgian midfielder received a red card on Saturday for a hard foul on Zakaria Bakkali. The club and player acknowledged after the match the red card was a fair decision – despite initial protests from his teammates when the decision was made by the referee.
NEC Nijmegen's Bas Dost provides positive update from hospital bed after collapse in AZ Alkmaar match
Bas Dost has provided a positive update from his hospital bed following his collapse at the AFAS Stadion, Voetbal International reports. NEC Nijmegen were leading 2-1 against AZ Alkmaar before Dost required urgent medical attention which resulted in the match being abandoned. Dost suddenly went to the ground in the final phase of the match with NEC-AZ on Sunday. There was great panic in Alkmaar, where the attacker was treated by medics on the field.
Manchester United under pressure after Brazil drop Antony over assault allegations
Manchester United are under pressure to drop the £84m forward Antony after Brazil withdrew the footballer from their latest squad following serious allegations – made by his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin – which include physical assault and the claim that the player threatened to kill her and attacked her with a glass.
Rafael van der Vaart critical of Ajax's performance in Ludogorets defeat
Former Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart did not hold back on his opinion of Ajax’s performance despite the club doing enough to secure a place in this season’s Europa League group stage draw. The analyst was joined by Youri Mulder on Ziggo Sport. The Eredivisie club lost 1-0 at home in the second-leg of the play-off match against Ludogorets but it was still enough on to progress through to the group stages 4-2 on aggregate.
Ajax boss Maurice Steijn addresses 'below-par' performance against Ludogorets
Ajax coach Maurice Steijn knows that his team played far below par against Ludogorets despite securing a place in the Europa League group stage draw tomorrow, he told Ziggo Sport. The Eredivisie club secured their spot in the next round despite losing 1-0 to Bulgarian at the Johan Cruyff Arena but meant Steijn’s side progressed through on aggregate. “I think the only positive thing about tonight is that we’re through. The difference between this and last game was huge, in everything.
Feyenoord confirm signing of American teenage Korede Osundia from Orange County SC
Eredivisie champions Feyenoord have confirmed the signing of highly-rated teenager Korede Osundina from USL Championship side Orange County SC, the club announced on its website. Osundina, 19, is the first player to transfer from cooperation partner Orange County SC to Arne Slot’s side, pictured, since the initiative started at the start of the year. The 19-year-old American signed a contract at De Kuip on Wednesday morning that keeps him at the club until mid-2026.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong hailed as 'one of the best in the world'
Frenkie de Jong’s performance at Villarreal has been singled out by his boss after Barcelona secured a dramatic win in a seven-goal thriller away from home and labelled the former Ajax player as one of the world’s best, Voetbal International reports. Head coach Xavi Hernandez was quick to praise the Dutch international for his performance and overall professionalism after the match which included giving Barcelona an early lead inside the first 15 minutes of the match.
Amazon leaders fail to commit to end deforestation by 2030
Amazon leaders have called on rich countries to help them develop a Marshall-style plan to protect the world’s largest rainforest – but stopped short of committing to zero deforestation across the biome by 2030 amid divisions over oil extraction.
Amazon leaders fail to commit to end deforestation by 2030
Amazon leaders have called on rich countries to help them develop a Marshall-style plan to protect the world’s largest rainforest – but stopped short of committing to zero deforestation across the biome by 2030 amid divisions over oil extraction.
Rangers confirm Danilo signing from Feyenoord for £5 million
Rangers have confirmed the permanent transfer of striker Danilo from Eredivisie champions Feyenoord for a reported fee believed to be in the region of £5 million. Danilo, 24, primarily plays a striker and picked up 10 Eredivisie goals last season in 33 appearances for the Dutch champions including eight in his first 13 league appearances.
Utrecht sign Blackburn Rovers target Isac Lidberg from Go Ahead Eagles
FC Utrecht has officially announced the signing of Isac Lidberg from Go Ahead Eagles. The 24-year-old Swedish striker has joined the club on a four-year contract. Technical director Jordy Zuidam expressed his excitement about the acquisition, highlighting Lidberg’s strength and power on the field. Describing Lidberg as a team player who brings a lot of energy to matches, Zuidam emphasized the striker’s ability to unsettle opposing defenses, creating opportunities for his team.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Kacper Kozlowski rejoins Vitesse on loan
Polish teenager Kacper Kozlowski has extended his stay at Vitesse, Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed. Kozlowski, the 19-year-old midfielder, will be continuing his journey with Vitesse for another year. After a successful loan spell from Brighton and Hove Albion, it was a no-brainer for the Dutch club to extend his stay. The decision to keep Kozlowski, pictured while playing for Poland against Sweden, was an easy one for Vitesse, as his debut season exceeded expectations.
Ajax accept £40.5m bid for Jurrien Timber from Arsenal
Ajax have now accepted a fee of £36.5million rising to £40.5m for Jurrien Timber after verbally agreeing terms with Premier League side Arsenal, Mail Sport reports. The 22-year-old Dutch defender has been the subject of interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich as well as other Premier League clubs, but the Gunners’ bid proved too strong.
Brighton transfer target Mohammed Kudus wins Ghana's Player of the Season
Mohammed Kudus has been crowned Player of the Year in Ghana, with legendary compatriot Asamoah Gyan presenting the award on Sunday night, Voetbal International reports. The 21-year-old Ajax player was voted Ghana’s best abroad for the second year running, despite his club’s difficult season. He beat off competition from RC Genk striker Joseph Paintsil and RC Lens midfielder Salid Abdul Samed to win the award. Kudus had a successful year personally, scoring eighteen goals across all competitions.
AZ Alkmaar concede they will lose Benfica Lazio target Milos Kerkez
AZ takes into account that Milos Kerkez will make a transfer this summer. Whether it will be Benfica or another club, the Alkmaarders have already pre-sorted for the market with the purchase Norwegian youth international David Moller Wolfe, Voetbal International reports. The 19-year-old wing-back has gather a lot of interest and is understood to be high on the wishlists of Portuguese side Benfica and Serie A club Lazio.
Guatemala election takes unexpected turn as centrist claims place in runoff
Guatemala’s presidential election has thrown up a major surprise with the centrist Bernardo Arévalo claiming a spot in the second round amid growing anger over political corruption and the erosion of democracy in Central America’s most populous nation.
Guatemala election takes unexpected turn as centrist claims place in runoff
Photograph: Johan Ordóñez/AFP/Getty Images Guatemala’s presidential election has thrown up a major surprise with the centrist Bernardo Arévalo claiming a spot in the second round amid growing anger over political corruption and the erosion of democracy in Central America’s most populous nation. Earlier this month, one of the country’s leading journalists, José Rubén Zamora, was jailed for six years in what was widely seen as a political witch-hunt.
Sunderland confirm signing of Jenson Seelt from PSV Eindhoven
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of former PSV Eindhoven player Jenson Seelt on a five-year deal in what has been a busy summer transfer window for the EFL Championship club. Seelt, 20, joins Luis Hemir Silva Semedo, Nectar Triantis and Jobe Bellingham in a huge revamp at the Stadium of Light and comes highly thought of to the club.
PSV Eindhoven losing battle to sign Stijn Spierings to Ligue 1 side Lens
PSV could well miss out on their target Stijn Spierings as the attacking midfielder appears to have decided to stay in France, according to Voetbal International. Spierings seemed to have been destined to spend next season at least at the Philips Stadion under Peter Bosz but an eleventh-hour approach from RC Lens has caused the 27-year-old attacking midfielder to reconsider his options.
Brighton transfer target Bart Verbruggen disappointed with draw against Belgium in Euro U21 Championship clash
Anderlecht’s Bart Verbruggen was left frustrated as the Netherlands U21 failed to find a winner against their Belgian counterparts in the European-U21 Championships in Georgia, he told NOS. Jong Oranje drew 0-0 in their opening group stage match despite 14 attempts at goal leaving the side to rue missed chances. The Brighton & Hove Albion transfer target was not able to enjoy his leading role in the opening game of the European Under-21 Championship.
Ajax interest in Viborg FF defender Anton Gaaei confirmed
Anton Gaaei has confirmed Ajax’s interest with young right-back from Viborg FF as the Dutch club look to bolster their squad ahead of the new Eredivisie season, Voetbal International reports. Ajax sees Gaaei as a suitable reinforcement for the right-back position, where Mexican Jorge Sanchez did not live up to expectations last season. Gaaei has been informed of the interest from Amsterdam through his agent however, the 20-year-old defender has stated nothing has been set in stone yet.
Ronald Koeman wants improvement after last international break disappointment
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman is hoping for a strong response after an overall disappointing return as Oranje boss back in March, Voetbal International reports. In his second spell for the Dutch national team, Koeman saw his side lose on his return to France in convincing fashion with his side starting the UEFA Euro qualifiers with a 4-0 defeat but did respond with a 3-0 win against Gibraltar. However, even then Koeman was left unimpressed with what he saw from his side.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk still frustrated from 2019 UEFA Nations League defeat
The 2019 final loss in the UEFA Nations League still plays on the mind for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, Voetbal International reports. The Liverpool defender Van Dijk thinks that the Netherlands has an advantage compared to the last time the Oranje were in a Nations League competition.
Ajax agree compensation fee for Sparta Rotterdam's head coach Maurice Steijn
Ajax are one step closer of getting their man in Maurice Steijn after agreeing a compensation package with Sparta Rotterdam, Voetbal International reports. Reports have speculated the package to be in the region of €400,000 for the former ADO Den Haag head coach who joined Sparta in April 2022 but has a contract at Sparta Stadion Het Kaastel until June 2024.
Champions League 1995 | How Ajax reached football utopia
Just who is the best Champions League team to win Europe’s top prize? Real Madrid’s Glacticos or La Decima side? Barcelona and Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka tactics? Manchester United’s treble-winning side in 1999, perhaps? All valid contenders who will live the test of time but one front-runner is rarely discussed to the same extent and arguably better than the aforementioned winners.
Sparta Rotterdam receive double injury boost ahead of European play-off clash with FC Twente
Sparta Rotterdam have received a double injury boost ahead of their first-leg play-off against FC Twente, Voetbal International reports. A place in next season Europa Conference League is up for the grabs as the Eredivisie draws to a close with Sparta’s home of Het Kaastel hosting the first-leg and receive news of two key players. Tobias Lauritsen, pictured,.
Cambuur head coach Sjors Ultee set to reunite with Yanick van Osch from Fortuna Sittard
SC Cambuur have secured the services of Yanick van Osch as the club’s new goalkeeper for the new season after signing from Fortuna Sittard, Voetbal International reports. The 26-year-old has secured a long-term contract as the relegated Eredivisie club look to move quickly with Robbin Ruiter’s contract expiring this summer and Joao Virignia’s loan spell coming to an end too. With the signing of Van Osch, Cambuur succeeds in bringing in a keeper with experience as desired.
Groningen interested in signing Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen and Watford's Leandro Bacuna
FC Groningen are planning on stepping up their transfer activity earlier as the Eredivisie relegated team is working on Motherwell sensation Kevin van Veen and Watford’s Leandro Bacuna, according to Voetbal International. Van Veen (pictured during his time at Scunthorpe United) has had the best season of his career for the Scottish Premiership club 29 goals in all competitions.
Ronald Koeman criticised for selecting Andries Noppert and Daley Blind in Netherlands squad
Pundits on Ziggo Sport were vocal on the squad selection from Ronald Koeman as they prepare for their UEFA Nations League campaign. Ronald de Boer and Ronald Waterreus argued about some of the players who have been called up for the Netherlands squad as they prepare to face Croatia at De Kuip. Oranje play hosts in this summer’s competition and have a good chance of winning the competition but there were questions in particular about the selection of Andries Noppert and Daley Blind.
Edwin van Der Sar on resigning as Ajax CEO: I’m just done
Edwin van der Sar has spoken about his decision to leave Ajax as CEO where he opens up about the responsibility taking its toll on him in an interview with Ajax TV. The former Champions League-winning goalkeeper spent seven years in the chief executive role but has decided to leave the role days after the Eredivisie season ended with the Amsterdam club finishing 13 points behind champions Feyenoord – it is the first time the club missed out in four years.
Ajax sign Manchester City's top scout for Head of Scouting role
Ajax have secured a new head of scouting for the club after several months of search, the club confirmed. Kevin De Lang succeeds Henk Veldmate, who returns to FC Groningen after seven years at Ajax. De Lang reached an agreement with Ajax on a contract that runs until June 30, 2027. He is currently working at Manchester City as head of talent partnerships & placements.
PSV's Fred Rutten to leave club after AZ Alkmaar clash following Ruud van Nistelrooy's resignation
Fred Rutten is set to leave PSV Eindhoven at the end of the season despite being put in charge of the club after Ruud van Nistelrooy’s shock resignation, Voetbal International reports. Rutten, 60, who was Van Nistelrooy’s assistant manager, has been placed in charge of the squad ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash against AZ Alkmaar with Champions League still a possibility as they sit in second place three points ahead of Ajax.
Ruud van Nistelrooy leaves PSV Eindhoven after one season as head coach
Ruud van Nistelrooy has left PSV Eindhoven as head coach with immediate effect, De Telegraaf reports. His time as PSV’s head coach has come to an end after just one season with the 46-year-old leaving the club with immediate effect. In his short time as head coach, the former Manchester United striker secured a cup double with the Johan Cruyff Shield and the KNVB Cup – both times beating rivals Ajax.
Arne Slot set to join Tottenham Hotspur if agent Rafaela Pimenta can negotiate with Feyenoord
Arne Slot is set to join Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur from Feyenoord if his agent Rafaela Pimenta can reach an agreement with his current club, according to the Daily Mail. The 44-year-old coach guided his current club to win the Eredivisie title and has long been linked to the Spurs job since Antonio Conte left the club.
The DEI Discussions #WomenofFinTech | Emmy Granström, Global Head of Marketing and Alicia Ariffin, Global Head of People and Culture at Steeleye
Spotify Apple Buzzsprout Joining Nadia on this episode of The DEI Discussions isEmmy Granström, Global Head of Marketing and Alicia Ariffin, Global Head of People and Culture at Steeleye. Emmy and Alicia share how their remarkable integration of trades and communications is transforming the FinTech landscape. Steeleye's success goes beyond technology—it's the exceptional individuals driving it.
Three ways banks can use data to Test, Learn and Win in 2023 | The Financial Technologist
The past few years have been particularly disruptive for banks. We've seen one of the most turbulent periods in human history, with several significant events adding complexity and strain on resources. With no clear end in sight and an impossible to predict trading environment, a test-and-learn mentality is the only way banks can keep up with changing conditions and evolving customer needs. In this article, we'll share three ways banks can use data to test, learn, and win in 2023.
Feyenoord await Tottenham Hotspur approach for Arne Slot but director of football rejects them
Feyenoord’s director of football has confirmed he is waiting to hear from Tottenham Hotspur about Arne Slot’s availability but has rejected an approach from the Premier League club, he told ESPN. The north London club are keen to step up their interest to bring the head coach to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season and succeed Antonio Conte.
FIFA gives Feyenoord hope for Szymanski's future at De Kuip
FIFA have decided to extend the current temporary measures regarding the contracts of players in a war zone, Voetbal International reports. This means that players under contract in Ukraine or Russia can have their contract suspended again which is good news for Feyenoord. Due to the war situation between Russia and Ukraine, players were able to have their contracts suspended last season, allowing them to temporarily start at another club.
PSV keen to offer Arsenal and PSG target Xavi Simons new contract
PSV are keen to keep star player Xavi Simons as they look to avoid another high-profile departure in the summer transfer and look set to offer an improved contract as a reward for his performances, Voetbal International reports. However, it is understood the people behind the contract negotiations would like to remove the release clause specifically tailored to Ligue 1 side PSG.
West Ham boss David Moyes reflects on last meeting against AZ Alkmaar during Everton days
David Moyes reflects on the last time he travelled to face AZ Alkmaar in a European competition as he hopes his West Ham side can secure a place in the Europa Conference League final, Voetbal International reports. Moyes currently has two doubts about the return against AZ – Michail Antonio has travelled to the Netherlands, but is still uncertain. The same goes for Vladimir Coufal who is carrying a hamstring injury.
Said Benrahma's penalty cancels out Tijjani Reijnders' opener - Get Belgian & Dutch Football News
AZ Alkmaar let a one-goal lead slip at the London Stadium which saw Tijjani Reijnders’ opener cancelled out by Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio in the second-half. The Eredivisie club took the lead with four minutes left of the first-half when Reijnders beat Alphonse Areola at his near post which left some West Ham players seething they should have got a free-kick in the build-up which VAR ruled there was not.
West Ham head coach David Moyes wary of AZ Alkmaar threat
David Moyes hopes to be able to use West Ham United’s surplus experience compared to AZ in the semi-finals of the Conference League, Voetbal International reports. The former Manchester United head coach has spoken highly of AZ Alkmaar’s model ahead of their first-leg clash at the London Stadium but admits reaching the final of a European competition is a big achievement. “To reach a final, for any team, is always a big thing,” Moyes said when asked what the final would mean to him.
West Ham's Jarrod Bowen feels confident ahead of Europa Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar
West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen spoke of how their win against Manchester United has given his team a huge confidence boost ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar, Voetbal International reports. AZ’s semi-final opponents are heading into the match in good form after picking a big win against United at the London Stadium, where the first leg will be held.
Brighton & Hove Albion confident of keeping former Ajax defender Joel Veltman
Brighton & Hove Albion are confident in extending Joel Veltman’s contract to beyond the summer, according to The Athletic. Journalist Andy Naylor has stated the Premier League club are keen on keeping the defender on their books beyond this season as they look to secure the services of the 31-year-old beyond the season.
Atletico Madrid's Memphis Depay sends message ahead of Real Valladolid match
Memphis Depay is on the eve of his return to Atlético Madrid. To his satisfaction, the Orange-international has left the injury problem behind, Voetbal International reports. Since his performance against Valencia back in March, the 29-year-old has had to watch his teammates continue without on as he recovered on the sidelines. Due to the muscle problems suffered for Oranje, the attacker missed five La Liga matches, including the one with his old club Barcelona.
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