Michael Walker
@mwalkerfoot.bsky.social
Freelance football reporter at The Athletic and Irish Times. NUJ. FWA.
Reposted by Michael Walker
Reaching conclusions about a coach from his first press conference is unwise, but we can say Kim Hellberg did this bit well. First game is Boro-Derby C. at the Riverside on Saturday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Kim Hellberg targeting Premier League promotion after taking reins at Middlesbrough
The 37-year-old Swede led Hammarby to successive second-place finishes in the Allsvenskan and replaces Rob Edwards at the Riverside Stadium.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reaching conclusions about a coach from his first press conference is unwise, but we can say Kim Hellberg did this bit well. First game is Boro-Derby C. at the Riverside on Saturday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Reaching conclusions about a coach from his first press conference is unwise, but we can say Kim Hellberg did this bit well. First game is Boro-Derby C. at the Riverside on Saturday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Kim Hellberg targeting Premier League promotion after taking reins at Middlesbrough
The 37-year-old Swede led Hammarby to successive second-place finishes in the Allsvenskan and replaces Rob Edwards at the Riverside Stadium.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reaching conclusions about a coach from his first press conference is unwise, but we can say Kim Hellberg did this bit well. First game is Boro-Derby C. at the Riverside on Saturday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Reposted by Michael Walker
Vincent Kompany has been quietly transformative at Bayern Munich, proving to be exactly the right coach at the right moment.
Stories from his career suggest we should have seen that coming.
On Kompany’s road to Bavaria, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Stories from his career suggest we should have seen that coming.
On Kompany’s road to Bavaria, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
How Vincent Kompany defied his sceptics and quietly rebuilt Bayern Munich
The man portrayed by many 18 months ago as a panic hire has flourished in the pressured, politicised environment of Germany's biggest club
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Vincent Kompany has been quietly transformative at Bayern Munich, proving to be exactly the right coach at the right moment.
Stories from his career suggest we should have seen that coming.
On Kompany’s road to Bavaria, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Stories from his career suggest we should have seen that coming.
On Kompany’s road to Bavaria, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Michael Walker
On an evening when many of us will be second-screening, multi-viewing or prime-visioning, here’s a piece about how we might be watching football 10 years from now. Fwiw, I suspect it won’t be too dissimilar to tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
How we will be watching football in 2035
Six predictions for the how viewing football will change — from gaming-style presentation to smart glasses
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
On an evening when many of us will be second-screening, multi-viewing or prime-visioning, here’s a piece about how we might be watching football 10 years from now. Fwiw, I suspect it won’t be too dissimilar to tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Reposted by Michael Walker
Mark Lanegan, my uncle, died in Ireland out of the blue. It would have been his birthday today
Mark Lanegan, my uncle, died in Ireland out of the blue. It would have been his birthday today
My uncle, who was in Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age, died after moving to Killarney at the height of the pandemic. Our family have been trying to fit the pieces together ever since
www.irishtimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Mark Lanegan, my uncle, died in Ireland out of the blue. It would have been his birthday today
Reposted by Michael Walker
George Best died 20 years ago. His presence endures. He represented Manchester United in a way last night's team did not. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
George Best, Manchester United and a mystique that endures
It is 20 years since the Manchester United great passed away, yet the man known as the Fifth Beatle remains a presence even now
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:57 PM
George Best died 20 years ago. His presence endures. He represented Manchester United in a way last night's team did not. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
George Best died 20 years ago. His presence endures. He represented Manchester United in a way last night's team did not. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
George Best, Manchester United and a mystique that endures
It is 20 years since the Manchester United great passed away, yet the man known as the Fifth Beatle remains a presence even now
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:57 PM
George Best died 20 years ago. His presence endures. He represented Manchester United in a way last night's team did not. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
“We were definitely shocked. We all found out by Instagram, and then in the team group chat. It was a crazy time.” Auston Trusty on Brendan Rodgers' Celtic exit, among other things. www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Auston Trusty interview: ‘Everything right now is aligning for me’
After struggling at the start of the season, the 27-year-old defender is finding fitness and form for the USMNT and Celtic
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM
“We were definitely shocked. We all found out by Instagram, and then in the team group chat. It was a crazy time.” Auston Trusty on Brendan Rodgers' Celtic exit, among other things. www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Reposted by Michael Walker
All the supposedly progressive people saying 'Nigel Farage's racism doesn't matter. His fans love it'.
It matters whether the leader of the party leading all the opinion polls is an outright racist. It matters if he called black people 'wogs' and said 'gas them' to Jews. Not everything is a game
It matters whether the leader of the party leading all the opinion polls is an outright racist. It matters if he called black people 'wogs' and said 'gas them' to Jews. Not everything is a game
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
All the supposedly progressive people saying 'Nigel Farage's racism doesn't matter. His fans love it'.
It matters whether the leader of the party leading all the opinion polls is an outright racist. It matters if he called black people 'wogs' and said 'gas them' to Jews. Not everything is a game
It matters whether the leader of the party leading all the opinion polls is an outright racist. It matters if he called black people 'wogs' and said 'gas them' to Jews. Not everything is a game
Reposted by Michael Walker
Most accept that this flawed Manchester United side will lose their fair share of games this season
But when they lose, they cannot lose like this
If the result was bad, the abject manner of this defeat was worse, with worrying hallmarks of last season www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
But when they lose, they cannot lose like this
If the result was bad, the abject manner of this defeat was worse, with worrying hallmarks of last season www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Manchester United were always going to lose games this season. But not like this
It was the manner of the defeat by Everton, rather than just the defeat itself, which was so worrying for Ruben Amorim
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Most accept that this flawed Manchester United side will lose their fair share of games this season
But when they lose, they cannot lose like this
If the result was bad, the abject manner of this defeat was worse, with worrying hallmarks of last season www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
But when they lose, they cannot lose like this
If the result was bad, the abject manner of this defeat was worse, with worrying hallmarks of last season www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Manchester United awful, Everton sharp. Iliman Ndiaye is a lovely footballer.
November 24, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Manchester United awful, Everton sharp. Iliman Ndiaye is a lovely footballer.
Reposted by Michael Walker
Rangers FC released 2024-25 financials on Friday, disclosing a £14.9million loss last season. That was a 14% reduction on 2023-24 but still the club's 12th consecutive loss-making year
What's more, Rangers' pre-tax result was £61m worse than Celtic's £45.7m profit
What's more, Rangers' pre-tax result was £61m worse than Celtic's £45.7m profit
November 24, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Rangers FC released 2024-25 financials on Friday, disclosing a £14.9million loss last season. That was a 14% reduction on 2023-24 but still the club's 12th consecutive loss-making year
What's more, Rangers' pre-tax result was £61m worse than Celtic's £45.7m profit
What's more, Rangers' pre-tax result was £61m worse than Celtic's £45.7m profit
Reposted by Michael Walker
In the Netherlands, over 40% of rail passengers arrive by bike. Since 2012 the country has invested €400m+ to add 200,000 new bike parking spaces at stations. The result? More rail use, fewer car trips, lower congestion and emissions, better public health - and far more efficient use of urban space.
November 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
In the Netherlands, over 40% of rail passengers arrive by bike. Since 2012 the country has invested €400m+ to add 200,000 new bike parking spaces at stations. The result? More rail use, fewer car trips, lower congestion and emissions, better public health - and far more efficient use of urban space.
Reposted by Michael Walker
Wilfried Nancy, head coach of Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew, is in advanced talks with Celtic over a permanent appointment.
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social
Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy in advanced talks over Celtic appointment
Nancy's contract expires at the end of 2026 but he is in discussions over leaving the MLS side early.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Wilfried Nancy, head coach of Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew, is in advanced talks with Celtic over a permanent appointment.
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Walker
One Sunday on from Budapest, went to see Troy Parrott in snowy Heerenveen. He scored again. But AZ Alkmaar lost and as he said, “of course it was different.”
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
Sales of the Parrott jersey have gone through the roof in Alkmaar, with Shelbourne next on the striker’s hit list
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:58 AM
One Sunday on from Budapest, went to see Troy Parrott in snowy Heerenveen. He scored again. But AZ Alkmaar lost and as he said, “of course it was different.”
Reposted by Michael Walker
Alexander Isak looked like a passenger for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest. And, right now, Liverpool cannot afford passengers.
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 24, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Alexander Isak looked like a passenger for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest. And, right now, Liverpool cannot afford passengers.
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
One Sunday on from Budapest, went to see Troy Parrott in snowy Heerenveen. He scored again. But AZ Alkmaar lost and as he said, “of course it was different.”
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
Sales of the Parrott jersey have gone through the roof in Alkmaar, with Shelbourne next on the striker’s hit list
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:58 AM
One Sunday on from Budapest, went to see Troy Parrott in snowy Heerenveen. He scored again. But AZ Alkmaar lost and as he said, “of course it was different.”
Reposted by Michael Walker
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
Sales of the Parrott jersey have gone through the roof in Alkmaar, with Shelbourne next on the striker’s hit list
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:45 AM
‘From the highest of the highs to a low’: Troy Parrott still on goal trail despite ‘frustrating’ day
Reposted by Michael Walker
Premier League clubs have voted to overhaul the league’s financial regulations from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Premier League clubs have voted to overhaul the league’s financial regulations from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
In the name of Rinus Michels, whatever happened to Ajax? Just lost at home to Excelsior for the first time in their history. Another new low. Someone just called it ‘gnome football’.
November 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
In the name of Rinus Michels, whatever happened to Ajax? Just lost at home to Excelsior for the first time in their history. Another new low. Someone just called it ‘gnome football’.
Reposted by Michael Walker
It turns out Bazball is infectious. Even in Australia.
The opening day of the Ashes in Perth was riddled with it.
🔗 theathletic.com/6819497/?sou...
The opening day of the Ashes in Perth was riddled with it.
🔗 theathletic.com/6819497/?sou...
November 21, 2025 at 10:56 AM
It turns out Bazball is infectious. Even in Australia.
The opening day of the Ashes in Perth was riddled with it.
🔗 theathletic.com/6819497/?sou...
The opening day of the Ashes in Perth was riddled with it.
🔗 theathletic.com/6819497/?sou...
Reposted by Michael Walker
November 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Michael Walker
Breaking: Ireland will play Czech Republic away in March in World Cup playoff www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer...
World Cup playoff draw live updates: Republic of Ireland to play Czech Republic
Northern Ireland to play Italy in March after tricky draw
www.irishtimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Breaking: Ireland will play Czech Republic away in March in World Cup playoff www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer...
Northern Ireland have beaten Italy just the once, though it was to get to the 1958 World Cup. Game after was Wales away . . .
November 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Northern Ireland have beaten Italy just the once, though it was to get to the 1958 World Cup. Game after was Wales away . . .
Reposted by Michael Walker
🔴 At least 26 people were killed in Ternopil after a Russian strike, and another 26 — including three children — may still be trapped under the rubble.
Nearly 100 people are wounded as rescuers and police work through the night at both apartment buildings.
Nearly 100 people are wounded as rescuers and police work through the night at both apartment buildings.
November 19, 2025 at 7:13 PM
🔴 At least 26 people were killed in Ternopil after a Russian strike, and another 26 — including three children — may still be trapped under the rubble.
Nearly 100 people are wounded as rescuers and police work through the night at both apartment buildings.
Nearly 100 people are wounded as rescuers and police work through the night at both apartment buildings.