Amid all the kind words and usual platitudes that form the core of an official club statement to announce a manager has been sacked, Sunderland made one thing abundantly clear â it is sporting director Kristjaan Speakmanâs way or not at all.
New breakaway competition is expected to attract massive investment but comes with familiar risks of vulture capitalism
It was ahead of Aston Villaâs 11th consecutive home victory in the Premier League, against West Ham United, that head coach Unai Emery echoed the thoughts of the majority of the clubâs fans when he encountered former manager Dean Smith.