Sports

Ed Woodward to leave Man. United, Ater £1bn transfer without EPL title

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2022

Richard Arnold will become Manchester United’s chief executive on February 1, taking over the running of the club from Ed Woodward, who leaves United in April.

Woodward has steered the club since 2013, spending over £1bn on transfers but failing to win the Premier League in that time

Manchester United has spent over £1bn in transfer fees during Woodward’s time in charge, including the world record fee to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford. While there have been notable players who graduated from the club’s academy in that period as well, including Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, the club has failed to win a Premier League title during Woodward’s tenure. With Sir Alex Ferguson as manager, who like Gill, left in 2013, United had won five of the previous seven.

Permanent managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who was sacked in November – have failed to come close to recapturing those glory days since, with United only winning one Europa League, one FA Cup, and one League Cup during Woodward’s time at the helm.

Ralf Rangnick is currently interim boss, with a permanent appointment expected to be made in the summer.

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Sports

Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2025

The Gleamer

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.

The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”

“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.

“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”

In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.

“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”

The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.

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