WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT
HOT EDEN HAZARD
THE Chelsea forward is flourishing under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri and while the Belgian continues to play so well, his persistent talk about his attraction to a move to Real Madrid will remain a sideshow. But if his form drops, the issue will move front and central in the minds of fans. Hazard plays for Chelsea. Best he talks only about them, really.
STEVE PRICE
THE Warrington Wolves coach has taken the club to today’s Super League Grand Final in his first season and has a bond with supporters. The Aussie spotted an elderly fan at a bus stop recently and stopped to give him a lift to a home game. ‘He was chuffed as it meant he could get on the beer quicker,’ said Price.
MARTIN DUBRAVKA
NEWCASTLE manager Rafael Benitez does not get to make many transfers so it’s important he gets them right. As he showed with a terrific display at Old Trafford, goalkeeper Dubravka has been a huge hit on Tyneside and cost only £3.6m to bring in. When it comes squeezing transfer funds out of owner Mike Ashley, players like Dubravka are the best bargaining chips Benitez has.
NOT MIKE MULVEY
THE former Manchester United trainee is coach of Central Coast Mariners in New South Wales and must make the call on world football’s most famous triallist. Usain Bolt played up front for the Mariners in a trial yesterday and scored twice. Mulvey will be a brave man to say no now.
TIGER AND PHIL
THE Las Vegas showdown between the two titans of American golf was a bad idea from the start and gets worse with news that no fans — only VIPs and sponsors — will be allowed on the course. Anybody who wants to watch Woods and Mickelson on TV, meanwhile, faces a $25 pay-per-view charge. ‘No chance I will order that,’ tweeted world No 4 Justin Thomas. He will not be alone.
KIERAN TIERNEY
THE young Celtic left back scored an own goal as Scotland lost to Israel in Haifa. Talented and brave, the 21-year-old is often talked about as the next great Scottish footballer and constantly linked with a move to the English Premier League. Just one thought. If he really is that good, why has nobody bought him yet?