Greg O'Keeffe

Those who watched him play for #Everton's first team said Billy Kenny had it all - but by 21 he had retired from football & his life was out of control. After decades of silence he tells his story (Boxing Day special - Athletic is £1 a month for a year) theathletic.com/2275890/2020/1…

Can a footballer ever be too muscly? West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo certainly believes so, having banned Adama Traore from lifting weights. But is too much muscle mass really a problem for players? And if so, why? 📝 @SarahShepSport 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/70895…

He scored for Hajduk v Dinamo yesterday in one of Croatian football’s biggest derbies - meet the #USMNT hopeful who never gives up nytimes.com/athletic/70809…

It was an unusual kick-off technique - Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall flicked the ball up and volleyed it high downfield, forcing a Burnley defender into an early clearance. But it is not the first time it has happened in the Premier League this season. Bournemouth have tried similar, as have Brentford. Liverpool manager Arne Slot even suggested his old side use it during his playing days (before it went horribly wrong). So, why do teams do it? ✍️ @Paddy_Boyland 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/70893…

He has now led #RealSociedad all the way to the #CopaDelRey final in a remarkable first few months in charge Just before he got the job Matarazzo spoke about his career to date, embracing chaos & the Brazilian influence he brings to Spain 🇪🇸🇺🇸 nytimes.com/athletic/64994…

■ How big is the World Cup? ■ Is FIFA really introducing mid-half commercial breaks? ■ Why don't we know the full schedule yet? ■ What is the situation with Iran? To mark 100 days to go to the 2026 World Cup, our writers answer 100 questions about this summer's tournament. Whether you're a beginner wanting to know the basics or a dedicated fan needing the latest on the teams and the tickets, we've got it covered. 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/70594…

🚲 Training commute from Bourne movie ♟️ Hiring a chess tutor to boost focus 🇮🇹 Tensions with ultra-strict Gattuso 🏃🏻 Olympic marathon dad inspiration Spoke to #Hajduk’s American star Rokas Pukstas for an eye opening chat 🇺🇸 🇭🇷 #USMNT #hnkhakduk nytimes.com/athletic/70809…

@sportingintel Be Mine by Richard Ford

When was the last time you read a book that you loved so much you didn't want to read the last 10-20 pages because you didn't want it to end, so you just put off finishing it? That's me and "When the cranes fly south"

Decisive, bold and physical: a piece about the goal-scoring evolution of Weston McKennie #Juventus #USMNT #WestonMcKennie nytimes.com/athletic/70741…

Almost a memorable #McKennie-inspired comeback for #Juve in tonight's #UCL but it wasn't to be. The #USMNT midfielder has made his mark on this season's competition, and continues to earn this seemingly imminent new deal 🇺🇸 🇮🇹 nytimes.com/athletic/70712…

The U.S. men's hockey team won gold -- and then lost the room. A column on fragile, fleeting unity and an historic team that let its moment drift into political manipulation: nytimes.com/athletic/70684…

It's 126 years to the day since legendary goalkeeper Leigh Roose won his first Wales cap in a 2-0 win against Ireland. He was playing for Aberystwyth Town at the time having just completed a science degree at Aberystwyth University. Very proud to be Leigh's biographer, so I am.

@Russ_Goldman I disagree on that one Russ. I rate Sessengnon but in my opinion Robinson (at his best) offers far more overall

@GregOK The bigger issue for Robinson is his play has been poor overall since he returned from injury like you mentioned. Ryan Sessegnon IMO should be Fulham’s left back the rest of the season regardless of the injury to Jedi. He is the better overall left back I feel.

Double dose of injury misfortune in 48 hours - why Antonee Robinson missed #Fulham’s win over Sunderland yesterday - plus more on #USMNT players in Europe nytimes.com/athletic/70657…

@MattyHayward96 I can get why that must be frustrating.

@MattyHayward96 I also messaged you yesterday to see if you wanted to talk about it....

@MattyHayward96 Hi Matty. It was an unusual story that got lots of attention &raised some q's which the club dealt with belatedly yday. Speaks to numerous things: nature of rumours on social m, travails of being an away fan etc The piece described what actually happened in a light hearted way

So spoilt players didn't force away fans off their coach because it was better than theirs after all.... But you still have to feel for #Torquay United supporters. 9hr round-trip, beaten 4-2 and a viral post that finished off a rubbish Saturday 🚌 nytimes.com/athletic/70640…

Such a good question from @charlotteharpur, and a revealing answer too ...

My interview with Paulo Fonseca - engaging company ▪️ Lyon’s 13 straight wins ▪️ Navigating a nine-month ban ▪️ Why he deserved more time at AC Milan ▪️ Calling football 'pleasure' but sadness at how game's changed ▪️ Heartbreak over the war in Ukraine nytimes.com/athletic/70595…