The quality assurance testers at Bethesda and ZeniMax Studios have reached a breaking point after two years of negotiations with Microsoft. We’ve discovered that over 300 QA testers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike. The thing is, many of these workers play crucial roles in testing new games and maintaining the stability […]
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CELTIC are enjoying an incredible spell of dominance in Scotland with 12 of the last 13 league titles.
But a former Hoops star has opened up on the attitude at Parkhead at a time when Rangers were top dogs.
Celtic endured a rare trophyless season in 1986-87, watching as Rangers won a league and League Cup double.
So the attitude going into the 87-88 season would have been Celts having a point to prove – although one of their players from that season has revealed that some were in less serious moods than others.
Mick McCarthy moved to Parkhead in 1987 from Manchester City, going on to win the league and Scottish Cup in the Hoops’ more successful 1987-88 campaign – the season in which the club famously celebrated it’s centenary.
The former Ireland international has told EFL Unfiltered about his experience in Scotland, including the moment he saw an iconic Celtic boss flip his lid.
Reflecting on the most memorable aspect of playing for Celtic, he said: “The different profile it gave me in Ireland, playing in the double [winning] team in 1988 – my profile and popularity, if you were a player in Ireland and playing for Celtic, was huge.
“But the day we were having the team photograph, I realised what I was getting into.
“There’s no trophies in front of us, we’re all sat down and Billy McNeil comes and sits in amongst us.
“One of the lads says ‘Where are all the cups?’, and someone says ‘They’re at Ibrox’.
“You could’ve heard a pin drop.
“Billy McNeil went into one, and rightly so, because we were laughing about not having any silverware in front of us.
“He ripped into us about what it means to be a Celtic player.
“‘You don’t go to St Mirren, and you don’t go to Dundee United and you don’t go to Hearts and get a famous draw.
“You go there and you’re expected to win’.
“It was an absolute privilege to play there.”
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Mr Trump, who spoke for nearly an hour, later signed an executive order having delivered his speech and said the reciprocal tariffs would “make America wealthy again”.
He added that yesterday was “the day America’s destiny was reclaimed and the day we began to make America wealthy again”.
He said: “For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe.”
The President went on to single out overseas countries who had taken advantage of American car workers, farmers and tradesmen who have lost out.
He also blamed former presidents and leaders who let the situation get out of control.
A trade war is in nobody’s interests and the country deserves — and we will take — a calm, pragmatic approach.
Keir Starmer
Mr Trump said: “They watched in anguish as foreign leaders have stolen our jobs.
“Foreign leaders have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once beautiful American dream.”
Speaking from a lectern with a backdrop of US stars and stripes flags, the President rattled off a string of trade imbalances he said had punished American workers for decades.
His Vice President JD Vance was also in attendance alongside his senior Cabinet team at the “Make America Wealthy Again” event.
Trump pointed out that the US charges just 2.4 per cent on imported motorcycles, while countries like Thailand, India and Vietnam slap on tariffs as high as 75 per cent.
And he said America had only been charging a 2.5 per cent tariff on foreign-made cars, while the EU levies more than ten per cent plus steep VAT rates.
The announcement came after PM Sir Keir Starmer visited the Oval Office at the end of February where they discussed an economic deal.
Meanwhile, Lord Sugar has warned against retaliating by saying any measures “wouldn’t touch the sides”.
The Apprentice host told LBC Radio: “I don’t know what negotiation we can have with this man.”
He added that “it’s no good battling with him or arguing with him”.
It also comes after Sir Keir appeared to make a last-ditch plea for Britain to be spared the tariffs plan.
The PM said: “A trade war is in nobody’s interests and the country deserves — and we will take — a calm, pragmatic approach.
“That’s why constructive talks are progressing to agree a wider economic prosperity deal with the US.
“That’s why we’re working with all industries and sectors likely to be impacted.
“Our decisions will always be guided by our national interest, and that’s why we have prepared for all eventualities — and we will rule nothing out.”
Britain could also become a destination for imports diverted from the US due to the high cost — which could flood the UK market and hit domestic producers.
But Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that Britain would not be “out of the woods” even if a trade deal could be secured.
Speaking to the Treasury Select Committee earlier yesterday, she said: “We don’t want to be posturing here. The prize on offer is a good economic agreement between us and the United States.
“We are not going to do anything to put that in jeopardy. We are not going to rush into action to get a quick headline.”
The Prime Minister is set to speak to business leaders while the Trade Secretary will look to calm markets on Thursday after Donald Trump slapped a 10% tariff on US imports of UK goods.
Downing Street suggested they had been vindicated in their approach to negotiating with the US in the hope of securing an exemption.
No immediate retaliatory measures are expected from Westminster, as officials continue to focus on securing an economic deal with their counterparts in Washington.
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet with businesses on Thursday, after warnings that the changes will be a “blow” to UK firms.
The 25% levy on cars had been expected, but the 10% rate on other goods was lower than had been expected, with fears that it could have been set at 20% to mirror VAT.
The Conservatives described the tariff announcement as “disappointing news” that will “worry working families”, but suggested that Brexit had spared the UK from a higher rate of taxes.
Shadow trade secretary Andrew Griffith said: “The silver lining is that Brexit, which Labour ministers voted against no less than 48 times, means that we face far lower tariffs than the EU.
“A Brexit dividend that will have protected thousands of British jobs and businesses.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey suggested the situation calls for closer collaboration with Europe.
Accusing Mr Trump of kicking off a “destructive trade war”, Sir Ed said: “The Prime Minister should bring our Commonwealth and European partners together in a coalition of the willing against Trump’s tariffs, using retaliatory tariffs where necessary and signing new trade deals with each other where possible.”
UK negotiators are pursuing an economic agreement with the US focused on technology. It could include changes to the Digital Services Tax — which imposes a two per cent levy on major US tech companies — in exchange for a carve-out deal, which Sir Keir did not deny.
Easier access for American agricultural products could also be on the table, but the UK insists food standards will not be lowered.
Downing Street refused to rule out a bailout plan for industries affected by the tariffs when pushed yesterday, after the PM said the UK was prepared for all eventualities.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he would update MPs on Thursday morning regarding the UK’s response.
Mr Reynolds said last night: “Nobody wants a trade war and our intention remains to secure a deal.
“But nothing is off the table and the government will do everything necessary to defend the UK’s national interest.”
Deputy PM Angela Rayner, meanwhile, said it would be ridiculous to cancel Trump’s unprecedented second state visit in response to the tariffs.
She said: “I don’t think that’s where we’re at at all. It’s not about who visits the King or not. It’s about putting the British interest first.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch earlier said a trade deal was the best way to avoid tariffs and urged “significant diplomacy”.
She said: “Some people will want us to have trade retaliation. That just makes everyone poorer.”
On Tuesday evening, Treasury minister James Murray said that he would not give a “running commentary” on negotiations.
But he added the “principle” of any decision would be “businesses paying their fair share”.
At the very least, there will be huge uncertainty and companies are already having to pause their investments or shipments to the US while they wait for the full impact of Trump’s onslaught.
Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on all imports of steel and cars, will hit British manufacturers such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover.
And one influential trade group has warned a 10% tariff on imports from the UK will deal a “major blow” to small and medium businesses.
Currently, 59% of small UK exporters sell into the US market, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said.
Tina McKenzie, the FSB’s policy chair added: “Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit while the domestic economy remains flat,”
“The fallout will stifle growth, hurt opportunities, and put a serious dent in the global economy.”
One word: Pain.
Tariffs are a nightmare for business because they make the flow of goods around the world much more expensive.
As we found out from the hangover of the pandemic, any snarl in supply chains leads to prices soaring.
If the UK snaps back and imposes tariffs on US goods, it would make products such as Levi’s jeans, Jack Daniel’s and Harley-Davidsons much more expensive for British consumers.
There is the counter argument that goods could become cheaper as companies divert products originally destined for the US to the UK.
But, in the long-term, the big risk is that this so-called “diversionary trade” ends up flooding our market with cheap imports, ruining British homegrown companies who can not compete and costing thousands of jobs.
Reciprocal tariffs per country, which includes the 10% baseline fee:
The full list was shared on by the White House’s rapid response team on X.
TIM SHERWOOD believes that Tottenham will stick with under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.
And the former Spurs boss, 56, reckons that a statue will be built of the Aussie if he can turn things around.
It has been suggested that Postecoglou’s future may hinge on Tottenham’s Europa League fate, with the Lilywhites set to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next week.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport, via OLBG, Sherwood said of his former club: “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on everyone involved if they don’t win the Europa League, but that’s part and parcel of managing at a big club.
“If you don’t get success, there is a chance that there might be a change. But genuinely, I don’t believe Daniel (Levy) wants to do it (sack Postecoglou), and I don’t think he will.
“I would like to see Postecoglou stay at the club and get some more players in.
“I think he needs help in the transfer market, in recruitment. I think Daniel spends the money, but I think what they’re spending it on has not been fantastic.”
Sherwood still reckons that there could be a STATUE of Postecoglou erected in North London, should Spurs win the Europa League.
He added: “They were winning football matches and everyone was really encouraged going into this season and they did get crippled with a bad injury list, but they would like to have done better.
“But I still believe they can win the Europa League. They can win it and they can go to the Champions League next season on the back of it and there will be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if he manages it.”
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Postecoglou himself has admitted that he may end up managing somewhere else next season.
He said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.
“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.
“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.
“I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”
With Spurs going into tonight’s clash with Chelsea languishing in the bottom half, patience appears to be wearing thin – with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola a contender to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season.
But Sherwood would like to see his old side give Postecoglou a third campaign – and doesn’t believe that Daniel Levy, who sacked him in 2014 after coming sixth, will pull the trigger.
The former England international said: “I don’t think Daniel Levy wants to sack Ange Postecoglou and I don’t think he will sack him.
“I really don’t. I just think he appreciates what he’s brought to the club since last season.
“I think he realises that it’s been a difficult year but there have been mitigating circumstances to why they haven’t picked up the results, but I would still say he thinks they should’ve done a bit better.”
SUNSHINE will return tomorrow morning after showers of rain hit Dublin later this evening.
The capital has been told to brace for some rainfall later today before a “fine” and “settled” weekend of sunshine and dry conditions.
Nick from Weather Alerts Ireland said: “A little change temporarily in our weather as some showers of rain and drizzle is forecast to push up from the south [this] afternoon!
“This is forecast to be followed by a more persistent band of rain [this] evening.
“Amounts of 7-10mm are possible in the south but elsewhere a couple of mm is forecast.
“This will clear by Friday morning for most and the sun and drier weather returns.”
Met Eireann confirmed Dublin will be treated to more “largely dry and sunny” conditions today.
But the weather boffins warned it will be breezy in a freshening easterly wind that keeps the capital from feeing as warm as other parts of the country.
Temperatures will peak between 12C to 14C this afternoon.
The forecasters said cloud will build through the evening with a “a few showers possibly developing” before nightfall.
Met Eireann said tonight will bring some scattered outbreaks of showery rain, but clearance is “likely” by dawn.
Temperatures tonight will be cool, reaching their lowest between 8C and 10C in a moderate to fresh easterly wind.
There will possibly be some residual rain early on in Dublin tomorrow, before drier, sunnier weather develops and temperatures climb to their highest between 14C and 16C in a “mostly moderate” easterly breeze.
And Met Eireann said tomorrow will be dry and clear, but “rather cold” in places as temperatures plunge as low as 2C.
The forecaster said: “Lowest temperatures of 2C to 7C, coldest across Ulster, all in moderate to fresh easterly breezes.”
The rest of the weekend will continue to be dry and sunny, but temperatures will plunge close to freezing at nighttime.
Met Eireann said Saturday will “dry and sunny” but warned temperatures in Dublin may only be at their highest at 11C.
Saturday night is set to continue dry and clear, but lowest temperatures will sit between 1C and 7C.
Sunday will be “sunny once again” but conditions are set to be warmest in the west where temperatures could crawl to 17C.
Dublin may only see temperatures top 11C on the same day.
Met Eireann said Monday will remain dry and sunny with highs of 13C to 19C, in only light southeasterly breezes.
And looking further ahead, the weather forecaster brought some good news.
Met Eireann said: “Staying dry and settled into next week too with mild days, especially further west.”
Chelsea will seek to make it five Premier League wins in a row at Stamford Bridge when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
With numerous teams in the race for the Champions League places, Enzo Maresca’s team can’t afford any slips. Spurs are looking to end a winless run of three in the Premier League.
Find the latest football betting odds for Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur here. Our odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
Chelsea and Spurs will meet at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 30 of the Premier League.
The Blues will be seeking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last outing before the international break. A first-half header from Mikel Merino was the difference between the teams.
Enzo Maresca’s side have 49 points from 29 matches. They have won 14, drawn seven and lost eight.
The Blues had a great first half of the season, but that slightly stalled after Christmas.
Things have started to pick up again with four successive wins at the Bridge, with an aggregate score of 10-2.
On the road is where the problems lie. Chelsea are without a win in seven away from the Bridge. They have lost five and drawn two.
Ironically, their last victory on the road was their 4-3 win over Spurs on Matchday 15.
Spurs have had a poor season. Ange Postecoglou’s team have 34 points from 29 matches. They have won ten, drawn four and lost 15 – over half their Premier League matches.
The Lillywhites are into the last eight of the Europa League, and that is where their priorities now lie. It would be fair to say that Big Ange may be gone by now, had it not been for the run in Europe.
After going on a three-match Premier League winning run in February, Spurs are now without a win in their last three. Their most recent outing was a 2-0 defeat away at Fulham.
Goals from Rodrigo Muniz and ex-Spurs man Ryan Sessegnon ensured Spurs entered the international break on yet another low.
The Blues won an entertaining encounter 4-3 the last time the teams met. Let’s hope for more of the same in the reverse fixture on Thursday. Our Chelsea vs Spurs betting tips are below:
Chelsea are on a four-match Premier League winning streak at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues scored two or more goals in three of those victories and they have also scored two or more in six of their last eight at the Bridge in the Premier League.
Spurs have defensive issues. They’ve conceded 43 goals this season. This is down to a combination of tactics and injuries.
Chelsea has also scored two or more in five of their last six Premier League matches against the Lillywhites.
Back Chelsea to win and score over 1.5 goals at 5/6 with talkSPORT BET
There were only two goals in the corresponding fixture at the Bridge last season.
But there were seven at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season and five when the two teams met in north London the previous term.
These matches can ignite with both goals and cards. Chelsea needs the win. Spurs need to show some fighting spirit. Expect goals at both ends.
Back over 3.5 goals at even money with bet365
There were five cards when the two teams met in December, three for Chelsea and two for Spurs.
There was just one yellow in the corresponding fixture in 2024. But, in the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there were an extraordinary eight yellows and two reds.
If the two teams are up for this match, there could be fireworks.
Back over 4.5 cards at 17/20 with BetVictor
How to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Craig Mahood
Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun.
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