Honeysuckle is finally getting the respect that she deserves and she has been a joy to watch since her successful racecourse debut at Fairyhouse in November 2018.

Her record is absolutely sensational, with 12 Grade One wins – 10 of those coming against the boys. Without a doubt, she sets the standard in the two mile hurdle division.

None of the current crop have managed to lay a finger on her, with the likes of Benie Des Dieux, Sharjah and Epatante coming close but ultimately falling short.

Honeysuckle has this unique ability to put a race to bed in the blink of an eye, with regular jockey Rachael Blackmore knowing exactly when to press on and make best use of her.

Currently 7/2 in Cheltenham Festival betting odds to make it three Champion Hurdles in a row, Honeysuckle will take some stopping if she brings her best form to the table. 

Perfect Record

She is nicknamed ‘Queen of the Jumps’ for a reason. As of June 2022, Honeysuckle has a perfect career record of 16 wins from 16 racecourse appearances.

In addition, she won her point-to-point at Dromahane in April 2018, beating Annie Mc – a decent horse in her own right – by 15 lengths.

Whatever happens down the line, today is about Honeysuckle. 

16 wins in a row, 12 Grade 1s in a row. 

She is undoubtedly one of the greatest mares we've ever seen.#PunchestownFestival

— Road To Cheltenham (@RoadCheltenham) April 29, 2022

The two-mile division is fairly weak right now but nobody can question Honeysuckle and her connections when it comes to turning up in the biggest races.

A three-time Cheltenham Festival winner and back-to-back Champion Hurdle winner, she is the one they all have to beat in March 2023.

Legacy Is Crucial

Honeysuckle is unlikely to emulate the legendary Dawn Run, with connections preferring to stay over hurdles for at least one more season.

A third Champion Hurdle in a row and maintaining that unbeaten record will certainly swing the argument more in Honeysuckle’s favour.

With a broodmare career to come, it wouldn’t be a huge sports betting shock in my eyes if we were to see Honeysuckle retire before the end of the jumps season.

Walk In The Park is waiting at stud and we’ll all be crossing fingers and toes for Honeysuckle progeny to achieve great things on the track.

Biggest Threat Looms Large

It’s a big if but IF Honeysuckle can stay unbeaten and then beat Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle, she may well go down as the greatest mare in jumps history.

The time figure merchants were blown away by Constitution Hill at this year’s Festival, with the Nicky Henderson horse recording a time around six seconds faster than Honeysuckle.

🐴 Constitution Hill v Honeysuckle 🐴 

Who do you think will win when the pair clash? 🤔 

The Supreme winner clocked a time almost six seconds quicker than the Champion Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival. Below is a split screen of their victories 👇 pic.twitter.com/KR7EGFEo8u

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 23, 2022

He’s got to make the step up from novice to open company but official ratings have him as Honeysuckle’s toughest opponent yet – and Cheltenham Day 1 tips will be split.

Henry de Bromhead has shown Constitution Hill respect but has been clear in his view that Honeysuckle is the best horse in the division and she won’t go down without a fight.

Is Honeysuckle Racing's Greatest Mare?

Annie Power was unbelievably talented but Honeysuckle has clearly surpassed her. With the exception of Dawn Run, she is the best mare in the history of jumps racing.

Her position in the history books will depend on her efforts this season. If she can defy horse racing betting odds and win the Champion Hurdle, she may just nick top spot.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 27th June 2022

888sport ambassador Neil Callan (@neilcallan78) gives his thoughts on the biggest story in racing, as well as a look ahead to a book of rides at Windsor on Saturday...

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Dettori and the Gosdens

I think there’s a bit much being made out of the Frankie situation to be honest.

Sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment when there’s a lot at stake in racing.

"A jockey must never be tied down to instructions... but our hero overcomplicated it yesterday!"

John Gosden offers further reflection on the Gold Cup yesterday with Stradivarius, and looks ahead with Inspiral after her brilliant Coronation Stakes win! #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/ZYUAj0FB09

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 17, 2022

Frankie’s still one of the best in the world. He’s been great for our sport and you can’t ride the perfect race every time.

Nobody is perfect and you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth, which is something I learnt very well when riding in Hong Kong.

You’d lose rides all the time, then be back in the good books the next minute, so you’ve really just got to keep your chin up.

Winners in the Bague

I’m please with the way things are going in my first season back in the UK.

Obviously, having the Royal Ascot winner helped, particularly as I only had the one ride there all week!

Chris Wall’s Bague D’Or won a good race over 1m6f, and I got the feeling there’s a bit more left in the tank too.

Chris told me to hold onto him and he travelled much the best horse in the race.

He picked up well when I asked him and hit the line nicely - hopefully he’s one that can continue improving over these staying trips.

Unfortunately, I did end up with an 8-day improper ban, but I’ve appealed that, so we’ll see what happens there.

New Definition won well at Kempton. He’s a nice horse that I thought would have won a race a bit sooner as he’s been very good in his homework.

He went close first time up at Doncaster, and then the ground at Leicester went against him as there was a downpour right before the race.

The step up to six furlongs worked out well and I think he should improve a bit more too.

Royal ride at Windsor

I’ve got five decent chances at Windsor on Saturday, starting with Royal Mariner (2:15pm), again for James Tate.

He needed his first couple of runs and he might be better when going into handicaps, but is a decent type of horse.

There’s only three of us running in the fillies’ conditions race (2:48pm), and Asian Queen ran well enough first time up so I’d say she’s in with a shout.

Perotto is a capable horse but needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Ascot if he’s to win the Listed Midsummer Stakes (3:20pm).

There’s only four of us in there, but it’s a competitive contest and we need to find a bit on ratings with the likes of My Oberon and Modern News.

David [Menusier] is a clever trainer who’s hopefully picked the right race (4:30pm) for Belloccio now.

He’s run well at Group 2 level and clearly possesses plenty of ability, so lets hope he’s at his best.

On his best form in this sort of company you’d like to think he’ll be bang there, but we’ve for to shoulder top-weight and there are some lesser exposed four-year-olds in there.

In the novice stakes (5:05pm), I’ve got What’s In The Bag for Roger Teal.

He chased Royal Aclaim when I rode her to win on her seasonal reappearance a couple of weeks ago.

Anything that finished in behind here is worth keeping an eye on and Roger’s horses are starting to come good now too, so hopefully he can take a step forward.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th June 2022

• The Thierry Henry vs Didier Drogba debate isn’t as one-sided as you might think…

• Drogba and Henry are two of the Premier League’s greatest strikers

• Between them, these fantastic forwards combined for 279 goals in 512 Premier League games

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Two of the most talented strikers to grace the Premier League, Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry had fans on the edge of their seat on many, many occasions.

Drogba was a powerful figure, confident and charismatic in equal measure. Henry was the utmost professional, oozing class and style on and off the pitch.

And while both adopted very different offensive styles, both had one thing in common: the hunger and desire to be the best in the business.

The record books will show Henry as the victor in almost every department but it’s not so one-sided for me. Drogba deserves more respect for his impact in the Premier League.

Both men dominated football betting markets during their peak years. Mr Va Va Voom was magnifique during his eight years at Arsenal while Drogba left Chelsea a club legend.

Without further ado, it’s time to dive into the Drogba vs Henry debate. Two iconic figures in Premier League history but only one can win – which side of the argument are we on?

Why Thierry Henry?

Henry was an absolute joy to behold during his heyday, making some of the league’s best central defenders look like Sunday League players.

The Frenchman thrived during his time at Arsenal, winning the coveted Premier League Player of the Season award on two occasions.

In addition, Henry has four spots on the Premier League Golden Boot winners list and also won Player of the Month an incredible four times throughout his career.

He had a unique ability to carry Arsenal when the Gunners were struggling. And even in that golden, invincible era, Arsenal had moments where they struggled.

Ask any Arsenal fan for their all-time Premier League XI and Henry would be the first name in the squad. That in itself is testament to the great man’s qualities…

Henry could influence games in a way that many of his peers couldn’t. He found his home in north London and he is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players. 

Why Didier Drogba?

An iconic figure throughout Chelsea’s most successful era, Drogba deserves to go down as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.

A four-time Premier League champion, Drogba arrived in England at a time when the strong, physical striker was a dying breed.

However, the Ivory Coast star hit the ground running almost immediately and enjoyed plenty of success – winning multiple FA Cups, League Cups and even a Champions League.

I remember watching Drogba terrorise Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic on more than one occasion and he was the first to put the Manchester United duo through the ringer.

Vidic even stated that Drogba was the toughest player he faced in his career, just one of the many testimonials in support of the Chelsea legend.

Drogba was the kind of player you’d build a team around. Without him, Chelsea wouldn’t have had anywhere near as much success – that is for sure.

Henry vs Drogba – Verdict

I loved watching Drogba at the peak of his powers, bullying defenders and leading a Chelsea squad that was as physical as any other in Premier League history.

The Ivory Coast legend is often overlooked for me in discussions relating to the league’s best players but Henry just has to come out on top in this debate.

Henry would impact Premier League odds each week, gliding past players and scoring goal after goal – endearing himself to Arsenal fans and the wider football community.

The Gunners man is up there with Alan Shearer and Sergio Aguero whereas Drogba falls just short of that category. But both players, at their brilliant best, were capable of taking on the world.

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Join Tony Incenzo (@TonyIncenzo) for his 2022/23 Championship preview - who will secure promotion to the Premier League?

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THE Championship fixtures were released on Thursday and this is always a really exciting day for any football supporter’s calendar.

Nowadays of course, full details of each club’s fixtures are instantaneously plastered all over the internet.

However when I was growing up in the 1970’s, it was quite difficult to source information regarding the team I have eternally supported – Queens Park Rangers.

I would listen to the sports bulletins on my local radio station LBC for any QPR mentions on fixtures day morning. But with a dozen London clubs to cover, they would usually only have time to read out the first couple of matches scheduled for August.

I wanted to know more! I desperately wanted to digest all of my club’s games! So I would invariably telephone Loftus Road and the receptionist would patiently read out the entire list of fixtures for me whilst I studiously scribbled them into my diary.

Then during the afternoon, I would nip out to buy the excellent Evening Standard newspaper which would have a two page spread outlining all the London clubs’ schedules for the season.

Anyway having fully analysed the 2022/23 fixtures that have now been announced, here are my tips for teams to watch in the Championship during this forthcoming season:

Leading Contenders

BURNLEY

Opening weekend fixture: at Huddersfield Town

I was really surprised when Burnley sacked popular manager Sean Dyche in April after 10 years with the club. But the gamble almost worked.

Kompany to Burnley has yet to be confirmed but the Man City legend's appointment is imminent.

✍️ Here's @SteTudor123 on the move and why he can - given time - be a success at Turf Moor.https://t.co/swSbMSZwGk

— 888sport (@888sport) June 2, 2022

There was an immediate upturn in results under interim boss Mike Jackson with three victories and a draw. But this improvement subsided again in their winless final four games and the Clarets were relegated from top flight football.

Now that the charismatic Vincent Kompany has been confirmed as the new man in charge, Burnley can look forward to a strong season in the Championship.

WATFORD

Opening weekend fixture: vs Sheffield United

The owners of newly relegated Watford change their managers very frequently so it was will be interesting to follow the progress of the recently named head coach Rob Edwards - their eighth permanent appointment since the start of 2018.

He performed very nicely in the hot seat at Forest Green Rovers last season, helping the Gloucestershire club secure promotion to League One for the first time.

It is a huge step up to the Championship for Edwards but I have a feeling he will do really well.

NORWICH CITY

Opening weekend fixture: at Cardiff City

Another relegated team. In fact, Norwich are becoming a yo-yo club after finishing bottom of the Premier League twice in three seasons having previously gone up as winners of the Championship.

This will probably be another promotion winning season for the Canaries thanks to the steely determination of boss Dean Smith and they are currently sports betting favourites to go back up.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Opening weekend fixture: vs Burnley

The Terriers side were really unlucky to miss out on promotion when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.

Some controversial decisions went against Huddersfield during that showpiece occasion. But with a decent rub of the green this season, I am sure Carlos Corberán’s men will be competing at the business end of the table once more.

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Opening weekend fixture: at Watford

I always acknowledge that The Blades have some of the Championship’s most fanatical supporters.

I saw them play at Loftus Road at the end of April and the travelling fans seemed to suck the ball into the net during a pulsating 3-1 victory.

That backing will greatly help another good campaign for Sheffield United along with the deep thinking approach of boss Paul Heckingbottom.

Dark Horses...

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Opening weekend fixture: at Blackburn Rovers

Yes I might be a little bit biased here as it is my team! But I am really excited about the appointment this month of Michael Beale as the new head coach.

He has a burgeoning reputation in coaching having previously been a great assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. If the R’s can recruit a couple of fleet-footed strikers then I am hopeful they can make a big impact this season.

For what it's worth, QPR are priced at 8/1 in 888sport's football betting odds to clinch promotion.

Top Goal Scorer Tip:

TEEMU PUKKI

The flying Finn is totally prolific. The fact that he still notched double figures last season when Norwich struggled at the foot of the Premier League shows his undoubted prowess.

I expect Pukki to easily reach the 25 goal mark during 2022/23.

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• Newcastle United are looking to build on their excellent second half of the season

• Money is no object for the Magpies after the Public Investment Fund’s takeover in October 2021

• Just how high should Newcastle be aiming in 2022/23?

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It was all change at Newcastle United last season, with Mike Ashley finally selling up and the Public Investment Fund taking over at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe had an instant impact after arriving at the helm, leading Newcastle up the table and fuelling increased optimism ahead of a huge year for the north east side.

Most Premier League Odds markets have Newcastle as ‘best of the rest’ behind the top six and the Magpies will be dreaming of finishing in one of the European spots.

However, it is important for Newcastle fans to remain grounded. While the sky is the limit for the club in the future, it would be foolish to expect instant success.

Don’t Expect Instant Success

Following the Manchester City blueprint and remembering that this Newcastle project is still in the embryonic stages are key to their chances of long term glory.

Newcastle are in a predicament but it’s a nice predicament. Patience will be required though as the Magpies continue to lay the foundations for what could be a very successful future.

Howe has been brought in to instil an attacking culture at the club while putting Newcastle in a position to evolve and fight at the business end of the Premier League.

It took a fair few years for Manchester City to compete on multiple fronts and it would be unwise to try and accelerate the process to one or two seasons.

Unbelievable Form In 2022

On the flip side, you could argue that Newcastle’s success in the second half of the 2021/22 season suggests that the club are capable of defying Premier League predictions by clinching a top six finish.

The Magpies were shrewd with their investments in January, signing Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes alongside Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

All five players had a positive impact on the overall mood at St James’ Park and fans are now excited at what could be a memorable 2022/23 campaign.

Newcastle went after trusted, experienced figures in January and they’d do well to adopt a similar approach in the summer transfer window.

What Can We Expect?

The sky is the limit for Newcastle but there is no need to rush. Some way too early predictions have the Magpies winning a trophy but there’s plenty of time for that.

Instead, we should assume that Howe and his staff will want Newcastle to finish in the top half of the table – while showing a competitive edge in matches against the ‘Big Six’.

Nick Pope has signed his contract as Newcastle player until June 2026, deal completed after medical in the morning. ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC

More on goalkeepers:
▫️ Dean Henderson will join Forest, matter of time.
▫️ Man Utd, in talks for Bachmann.
▫️ Areola, really close to West Ham.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2022

A good account would sit well with supporters in the FA Cup but the primary focus will of course be on the Premier League.

Nobody knows how strong Newcastle will be come the end of the summer transfer window but they are undoubtedly the most exciting up-and-coming club in the world right now.

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• Erik ten Hag has a tough job on his hands at Manchester United

• Can the Dutchman lead the Red Devils back to the summit of world football?

• Going all in on the Europa League may not be a bad strategy this season…

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Manchester United have made some poor decisions since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 but Erik ten Hag could be the man to buck the freefalling trend at Old Trafford.

The club’s issues go way beyond the managerial position, with the board opting to prioritise a strategy focused on commercial success over on-field glory.

However, Ten Hag’s appointment brings renewed optimism to the club and many believe that the Dutchman is the right fit to take United back to the top.

The Red Devils are in no state to challenge on multiple fronts but prioritising Europe could be the best way to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The football betting odds make United leading contenders to lift the Europa League trophy this term and that would constitute a successful first season for Ten Hag.

Here, we assess United’s current situation and discuss why Erik ten Hag should go all in on winning the Europa League in his first season at the Theatre of Dreams.

Top 4 A Stretch Too Far

First and foremost, do United have enough to challenge for the top four? Juggling European commitments with a Premier League top four push will push this squad beyond its limits.

If United were heading into the 2022/23 campaign with no European football whatsoever, you could make a case for harnessing everything into the Premier League.

With Man City and Liverpool so far ahead of the chasing pack, we can assume that two of the Champions League spots are already secure.

Some way too early predictions reckon United will nick a top four berth but even the most ardent Red Devil can admit that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are better placed at this stage.

Only time will tell but with United’s transfer strategy looking lost at sea once again, it will take a huge impact from Ten Hag to take the Red Devils into the top four.

Best Way To Secure Champions League

The Red Devils will be playing on Thursdays and Sundays once again but Ten Hag has plenty of experience when it comes to competing in Europe.

He defied Champions League predictions to lead Ajax to the semi-finals in 2018/19, coming a whisker away from a showpiece blockbuster against Liverpool before Lucas Moura’s last gasp winner.

With over 40 matches in charge of Champions League and Europa League fixtures, Ten Hag has enough experience to understand the mechanics of a European campaign.

Now, why should Ten Hag prioritise the Europa League over the Premier League? That is the question that we must now tackle.

Firstly, it is going to take some time for Ten Hag to adjust completely to the Premier League – there is no doubt about that.

However, the chance to make an instant impact and win Manchester United fans over is already here: winning the Europa League will do just that.

🗣️ “I wish him the best and let’s believe that we’re going to win trophies.” @Cristiano shares his thoughts on Erik ten Hag, the club’s incredible support and pre-match nerves ahead of his United return in an unmissable episode of Player Diaries 👀#MUFC | #BringingYouCloser pic.twitter.com/I4ghf0YMuf

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 3, 2022

Victory in Europe’s secondary club competition secures automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League, and that has to be Ten Hag’s top priority.

In addition, he will be adding silverware to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet. A trophy cabinet that could do with an addition for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

There is no doubting that every fan wishes United were in the Champions League but the Red Devils can turn their situation into a positive by going all in for European glory.

Early Results May Impact Approach

If Man United defy the odds the Premier League Odds and hit the ground running, we could see the Dutchman prioritise a top four finish.

However, optimism surrounding the Old Trafford club is at a record low ahead of the 2022/23 season and most fans are expecting the Red Devils to struggle once again.

While the Ten Hag project may be a long term success, expecting instant results would be not only foolish but also unfair as the rebuilding process begins.

That isn’t to say that United cannot win the Europa League. As always, there is an element of luck in cup competitions but Ten Hag’s side are primed to lay down a serious challenge.

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Expert Steve Mullington gives his daily racing tips, including a NAP, NB and a Longshot. Scroll down now to find out horse racing tips Friday 24th June at Cartmel, Newcastle and The Curragh...

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Today's NAP (Best Bet)

3.05 Cartmel – Western Run

Gavin Cromwell is very shrewd at placing his horses and for some reason he believes that a Class 3 Novices’ Chase on a Friday afternoon at Cartmel is the ideal opportunity for his seven-year-old gelding.

Funnily enough, Cromwell brought Western Run over to Sedgefield for his first run under rules in 2019, where he ran in a NH bumper and finished a reasonable third. Since then he’s picked up a couple of wins and placed in several more.

His strongest piece of form was his second to Streets Of Doyen at the Galway Festival last July where he just went down by a neck. A reproduction of that form would make him the likeliest winner of this content for sure.

Add champion jockey Brian Hughes into the equation and you can tell the Cromwell team aren’t just over for the sticky toffee pudding.

Danger: Shantou Express

Today's NB (Next Best)

7.10 Newcastle – My Astra

From what we have witnessed thus far, the William Haggas-trained My Astra is going to take some stopping in this Group 3 Hoppings Fillies' Stakes at Newcastle.

A dual winner last summer and placed twice in Listed company since, the four-year-old half-sister to My Oberon romped home by a massive 12 length is a Stakes affair at Ayr last time out.

Haggas is seriously considering however running her in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, so watch your bets as she is going to be a major player in whichever race they finally opt for.

My Astra is potentially Group 1 class so certainly one to follow in the online horse racing betting.

Danger: Potapova

Today's Longshot

7.18 Curragh – Tudor City

On Friday evening the young Irish jockeys get to showcase their talents in the Apprentice Derby and what an occasion it could be for Jake Coen aboard the veteran performer Tudor City.

Tony Martin’s ten-year-old is still as game as a pebble and won his latest race just a few weeks ago over hurdles.

Jake Coen is riding with confidence and currently boasts a 25% win strike in the past fortnight. Everything points to a prominent showing from Tudor City in this 1m 4f Derby.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022

Brad Friedel was once voted the fourth greatest goalkeeper in the Premier League era, coming behind Peter Schmeichel, David Seaman and Edwin Van der Sar.

According to the towering American however, he and his three illustrious peers must now take a back seat to Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, as the top-flight’s GOAT.

“Alisson is way up there. People could think he’s the best of all time and have an argument for him. Others may think it’s Schmeichel, or Seaman, or Van der Sar: they’re all in the conversation and it comes down to who you like.

"But I would not argue against someone thinking he is the best ever.”

It is high praise indeed for the Brazilian stopper who ironically faces stiff competition for the crown from a current rival and fellow countryman, Manchester City’s Ederson. How does Friedel rate one against the other?

“They’re different keepers and I would put Alisson ahead slightly. Ederson is better with his feet. He’s special with his feet; superb. Alisson is probably a touch better with shot-stopping overall. They’re the same on crosses and one-on-ones.

"Maybe Alisson is a larger figure and has a bigger presence but with Ederson I turn on the TV to be entertained by a goalkeeper and it’s not often you can say that.

"I like watching goalkeepers, don’t get me wrong, but I turn on the TV wanting the ball to go to his feet. I want to see how composed he is. I want to see him hit a seventy-yard pass on a dime. He’s fun to watch.”

Now 51 and coaching in the US, Friedel was part of a vanguard of overseas keepers who came to the Premier League and elevated the position, initially with Liverpool in the late-Nineties before committing to longer stints with Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Still loyal to all four, for his first club he has retained a good deal of affection, and clearly it is a source of frustration to the Midwesterner from Ohio that the Reds have managed just a single title success during a period of sustained excellence under Jurgen Klopp, losing out by a single point on two occasions.

“The Premier League title is hard to win, especially when you’re going up against a team like Manchester City.

"So, I wouldn’t say it would be a let-down if Liverpool don’t win it this season but of course they will really, really want to lift that trophy. They’re so close and they’re so good.”

For Liverpool to go that extra yard they will need a watertight defence and they certainly have that. They will require firepower to spare and in Salah and co they have that too.

In midfield though there have been suggestions from some quarters they appear a touch light in numbers, with a notable drop-off in quality should injuries hit their first choice of Fabinho, Henderson and Thiago.

It is a concern shared by their former shot-stopper, who is aware that the Reds are second best in Premier League odds ahead of 2022/23.

“If Liverpool went through the whole season with no injuries and no suspensions in midfield then they’ll be okay. But that usually doesn’t happen.

"Now that Mane is out and Nunez is in, I think Jurgen Klopp and his staff will be focusing on midfield, that’s where they’ll be looking, but it will take a special player to come in, because he will have to be better than what they have or younger with the potential of being better.

"I don’t think Jurgen Klopp will need the fans or me to tell him that. I think that’s a fair assessment of where things are. If they endure a season like a couple of years ago where their midfield is depleted like their defence was, then it will be hard for them."

Switching our attentions to Tottenham, Friedel’s estimation of what they can achieve in seasons to come is both reasonable and thought-provoking

“Success for Spurs over the next few years is to continue getting into the Champions League. If they can have that one remarkable season where they win the league because everything falls into place then that would be incredible.

"The club is that desperate to win a trophy that I don’t think it matters if it’s the League Cup, or FA Cup, or Premier League.

"The job that Conte has done since he’s come in has been great to watch. A lot of it is defensive but tactically his teams are set up so well and the players are behind him.

"The effort that they put out is tremendous and what he got out of Son this past year is remarkable.

"They have so far got some business done early, which is not something Spurs usually do and this reflects a good relationship between the sporting director, Conte and the board.

"So, the signs look good but it’s essential they stay in the top four because that gives them a budget to build.”

And what of Tottenham’s number one, their French international who was Friedel’s direct successor in North London. Clearly, Hugo Lloris has a big fan in his former team-mate.

"Lloris has had an incredible career and has been at Tottenham for over ten years now. I think people around the game respect him highly.

"He is very calm, reliable and consistent, a good team-mate and quiet leader. He’s humble and you know exactly what you’re going to get with Hugo.

"He has played in some of the very biggest games, both in club football and internationally, so you have an unflappable goalkeeper who occasionally pulls off a spectacular save.

"If he does make a mistake, he’s experienced enough and has the mentality to deal with it very well.”

Ending our conversation with Aston Villa, a club Friedel made 114 appearances for, the obvious jumping-off point is Steven Gerrard, the Villans coach who first broke through as an emerging talent at Anfield when the American was also establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Was Stevie G always destined to become a gaffer due to his driven personality?

"When Steven Gerrard was a teenager he was a leader by example on the field. Then I left and played against him many times and he became a very vocal leader on the field, as he matured and got better and better in his own game.

"I think Gerrard Houllier had a lot to do with that, molding him into not just a great player but a great person of football.

"When he was young it was obvious he had what it took to become a great player. Then he became an on-field general, so to speak, so yes, as the years went on you could tell that he had the makings of a very good manager.”

Which perhaps is coming to pass, and what’s more, he is a good manager who has been well backed this summer by a club with serious ambition. With this in mind, what would constitute a successful campaign for the Villans in 2022/23?

"Top six would be tough, with all the quality teams in the Premier League. Top ten is achievable. I don’t know what the remit is from the board but he is the type of manager to financially back, and give him the tools to succeed.

"He could be one of the very best managers and players really enjoy playing for him.”

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022

We’re still nine months away from the 2023 Cheltenham Festival but Gaillard du Mesnil represents value in antepost betting markets for jumps racing’s biggest meeting.

All eyes will be on Prestbury Park in March and the Willie Mullins runner can make it back-to-back wins for the trainer after Stattler’s success in 2022.

Priced at a general 7/1 in horse racing betting odds, Gaillard du Mesnil ticks plenty of boxes for the race and his third in the Irish Grand National represents the best form on offer.

Trained by a master, Gaillard du Mesnil has the right profile to win the 2023 National Hunt Chase and he is one of my main antepost fancies for next year’s Festival.

Top Amateur To Ride

Patrick Mullins is one of the best amateur jockeys around, with many believing that he is as good as some of the top professional riders.

In fact, you could argue that the jockey bookings are very important for this race. After all, Mullins, Jamie Codd and Derek O’Connor have won seven of the past 10 renewals…

Amateur riders were prohibited from riding at Cheltenham in 2021 so they’ve actually won seven of the last nine runnings of the National Hunt Chase.

Mullins was at his brilliant best aboard Stattler in this year’s renewal, timing his challenge to perfection to go on and win by eight lengths.

The Willie Mullins Factor

The phrase ‘Willie Mullins bingo’ is enough to put the fear of God into punters but there is little doubt about Gaillard du Mesnil’s long term target this season.

Wait for the next Willie Mullins stable tour for confirmation if you like but the National Hunt Chase looks the ideal race for this second season chaser.

🥊 Run Wild Fred vs Stattler 

🥊 Elliott vs Mullins 

Stattler impresses in the Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Chase to run out a ready winner for Patrick & @WillieMullinsNH @CheltenhamRaces #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/CUHIXZlK90

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 15, 2022

I’d be shocked to see Gaillard du Mesnil aimed at the Brown Advisory Novices Chase for the second year in a row, especially if The Nice Guy and Minella Cocooner go novice chasing.

The best trainer at placing horses, Gaillard du Mesnil preserved his novice status after a gallant third in the Irish National and he has the rating to win this race.

Fingers Crossed He Stays Sound

There is always a risk of injury when you bet antepost but there is no doubt that Gaillard du Mesnil would be an awful lot shorter than 7/1 if he turns up in March.

We know Gaillard du Mesnil gets the trip after that run at Fairyhouse and Cheltenham Festival betting odds are likely to move significantly if this is his confirmed target.

Campaigned at Grade One level for much of the 2021/22 jumps season, Gaillard du Mesnil is likely to race in some of the better novice races once again.

Three of the last four National Hunt Chase winners have been seven years old and Gaillard du Mesnil will also tick that box by the time March comes around.

Nothing is a given in racing but he has the RPR required to win the race, the experience and he stays the trip. With a bit of luck, he will get antepost backers off to a flyer on Day 1.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022