Euro Quarter-finals
Roberto Martinez to stay on as Belgium coach
Roberto Martinez will stay on as Belgium coach despite the country’s European Championship exit and attempt another tilt at a major title at next year’s World Cup, he said in an interview with Belgian newspapers on Friday. Martinez, whose contract runs until after next year’s tournament in Qatar, had not given any clarity on his plans since Belgium were beaten 2-1 by Italy in Munich in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals a week ago in a major disappointment for the team, who have spent the last three years top of the Fifa rankings. “I’m staying as coach. When I feel I no longer have anything to contribute is when I will leave,” he said. “But I don’t have that feeling now. I was a bitterly disappointed to be knocked out but now I’m looking ahead to the World Cup in Qatar. And also the Nations Leag...
West Brom release 18 players including Branislav Ivanovic, Kieran Gibbs, Hal Robson-Kanu
West Brom have released 18 players as they prepare for life in the Championship. The Baggies wave goodbye to senior stars Charlie Austin, Branislav Ivanovic, Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu. Sam Allardyce could not save the Midlands side from the drop – the first Premier League relegation in his managerial career – after taking over from Slaven Bilic. West Brom have since parted company with the Dudley native. The 19th placed Baggies ended up 13 points from safety as they dropped back down to the Championship at the first time of asking. And their relegation has seen nearly 20 players culled from their squad. Joining well known quartet Austin, Gibbs, Ivanovic and Robson-Kanu in departing the Hawthorns, are Zak Brown, Nicholas Clayton-Phillips, Chiekh Diaby, Tyrese Dyce and Samuel French. ...
