The latest from around Wembley and St George’s Park is that the FA have already identified their first choice candidate for the next England manager: Pep Guardiola.
Gareth Southgate stepped down after nearly eight years as the England boss on Tuesday, 16 July, and as bittersweet as his departure may be for lots of supporters across the country, the search to find his replacement is already well underway.
Although other UK names like Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and even Brendan Rodgers have been linked with the job so far, it looks as though the Football Association are prepared to go all in for the Manchester City head coach.
However, as undoubtedly the best manager on the planet right now and a figure who has changed the face of the modern game forever, if/when he does eventually leave City, he’ll be the most in-demand figure in football. Nevertheless, they believe he could be persuaded – but it’ll be a matter of timing.
FA would consider putting in an interim – Carsley – if Guardiola were possible, and he left City at end of next season
Similar approach was used for Wiegman
A lot of complications, though, and Guardiola may not even decide until late in seasonhttps://t.co/YkOlm9b8B3
As reported by the Independent, the FA are “willing to wait” for their window to go after the treble-winning and three-time Champions League-winning Catalan coach and appoint a temporary manager as a stop-gap solution in the meantime.
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While they understand it is outside the realms of possibility that he could be swept away from Man City at this moment with less than a month to go until the new Premier League season, Pep Guardiola‘s contract does expire in 2025 and is yet to announce whether he will be extending his stay or not.
Despite Southgate heaping praise on his assistant coach Steve Holland in his farewell statement, it looks as though under-21s coach Lee Carsley may be chosen as the interim England boss – especially after seeing the trajectory of Spain’s Luis de la Fuente, who just led them to the Euro 2024 title.
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Better still, many fans feel that his domination of club football across Europe (albeit he hasn’t yet taken a job in Italy or France) could make the role seem a more attractive offer to the 53-year-old.
The FA would have to offer Guardiola a very handsome package if they were to lure him into taking what many consider ‘the impossible job’, though if anyone is capable of doing it then it’s surely Pep.
Other names like Jürgen Klopp have also been floated, but it’s unlikely he’d be willing to jump on board so soon after leaving Liverpool and confessing a significant amount of fatigue, so securing his signature might also take some time.
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Whether or not appointing a German to the England manager’s job would also be a big factor, no doubt, as the fan sentiment would surely be something to take into account. Some sources say he’s already snubbed the offer.
Do you really think Pep would take it and, if not, who would you want to see in charge of the Three Lions heading into the future?
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
18th July 2024 
