I've heard some rumours that Greaiish is leaving the club soon.

Will that be this season or next season?

Ruud van Nistelrooy's long-expected departure as Leicester City manager has been confirmed more than nine weeks after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.

The 48-year-old Dutchman oversaw 19 defeats and managed just five wins from his 27 matches in charge of the East Midlands club last season.

Leicester's relegation was confirmed with five matches of the campaign remaining, but the former PSV Eindhoven boss saw out the season and held on to the job for another month after it concluded.

The drawn out nature of Van Nistelrooy's exit, which the Championship club says is "mutually agreed", was described as "baffling" and "a mess" by former Foxes striker Matt Fryatt in early June.

Not only are the club now looking to regroup for their second season in the Championship in three years, they are also facing a potential points penalty for the upcoming season after being charged for allegedly breaching the English Football League's financial rules.

Van Nistelrooy said he wanted to "wish the club well" for the future.

"I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club," he told Leicester's website., external

Former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been heavily linked with replacing the Dutchman at the King Power Stadium before their return to England's second tier.

First-team coaching staff will oversee the start of Leicester's pre-season work while the Foxes hierarchy look to bring a new boss in for the start of the new campaign, which they begin against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, 10 August.

Leicester were 16th in the table and one point above the relegation places when Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper was in charge for the first three months of the season - overseeing three wins and seven losses from 15 games in all competitions - after replacing Enzo Maresca, who left for Chelsea after winning the Championship title with the Foxes in 2023-24.

Two of the defeats that Cooper's Foxes suffered came against a Manchester United team led by Van Nistelrooy as caretaker boss, the former Red Devils striker having stepped up from his former role as assistant manager at Old Trafford to temporarily replace compatriot Erik ten Hag.

Victory against West Ham in Van Nistelrooy's first match in charge on 3 December gave him the ideal start, but three weeks later they were in the relegation zone.

And apart from a seven-day reprieve after beating Tottenham in late January, the Foxes spent the last five months of campaign in the bottom three where they eventually finished 13 points from safety in 18th spot.

The woeful end to the campaign was also one of record-setting proportions.

Their 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on 20 April, which condemned Van Nistelrooy's side to the drop, meant that Leicester became the first team in English top-flight history to lose nine successive home games without scoring.


The agreement between Leicester City and Ruud van Nistelrooy to terminate his deal at the club should not come as a surprise to many.

This always felt like a case of when, not if.

Relegation from the Premier League, five wins from 27 games in all competitions and record runs without a goal at home - it doesn't scream success for the Dutchman.

However, the timing and behaviour around the decision have to be questioned at the very highest level.

It's been over a month since the end of the season and double that since relegation back to the Championship was confirmed. In every press conference, Van Nistelrooy told the media that no conversations about his future had started. I think he knew his fate.

But that does not make it acceptable.

Fans have a right to question the timing, too. Leicester City are clearly grappling with financial issues; they may well have been waiting for the new Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) financial year on July 1.

But the agreement underpinning this agreement can always have a date in July. Which begs the question, why was this decision not made earlier? The fans deserve an explanation for that.

This is another critical moment for the club. The search for a fourth manager in 12 months, the pre-season beginning on Monday and the Championship opener six weeks from this weekend.

They have to get the next appointment right.

Kiban Rai has signed for National League Aldershot after being released by Newport County.

The 20-year-old made a total of 30 appearances for the Exiles, scoring once, having made his senior debut at the age of 17.

But after his contract was not renewed, the attacking midfielder or forward has joined a Shots side who finished 16th in the fifth tier last season.

Aldershot boss Tommy Widrington called Rai "a really exciting prospect".

Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the departure of head coach Steve Cotterill after the side missed out on promotion from the National League.

Cotterill's exit was reported earlier this week, following an 18-month spell at the helm.

The 60-year-old guided the Gloucestershire club to third in the table last season, but they were beaten by Southend United on penalties in the play-offs to miss out on a place in the Wembley final.

"Steve Cotterill and FGR have parted company following the club's decision to terminate Steve's contract. We wish Steve all the best for the future," a statement said.

Cotterill was appointed in January 2024 with Forest Green in the midst of a turbulent period, becoming their third boss in one season following the short tenures of David Horseman and Troy Deeney.

They were rooted to the bottom of the table when he took over and while there was an uptick in form during the spring, it was too late to save them from the drop and they returned to the National League last season.

Cotterill oversaw 22 wins through 2024-25 as they sought an immediate return to the English Football League.

But they fell off the pace behind Barnet during the season and had to face the play-offs, where they fell one match short.

Cotterill said afterwards that he wanted to stay next season to "build" on what the club had done so far.

Former Wales international Mark Bowen was appointed as Forest Green's director of football on 10 June, with the club having been without one for much of Cotterill's time in charge.

Bowen told BBC Radio Gloucestershire following his appointment that he was "looking forward" to working with Cotterill.

Forest Green will now be looking for their seventh manager since June 2022, following the exits of Rob Edwards, Ian Burchnall, Duncan Ferguson, Horseman, Deeney and now Cotterill.

Saturday 2 August - Leyton Orient (H) 3pm Snoots
Saturday 9 August - Reading (A) 12:30pm Snoots
Wedesday 13 August - Leicester City (H) Carabao Cup Round One 7.45pm Amelia
Saturday 16 August - Blackpool (A) 3pm Theo
Tuesday 19 August - Doncaster Rovers (H) 7.45pm Snoots
Saturday 23 August - Stevenage (H) 3pm Snoots
Tuesday 26 - Sunderland (A) Carabao Cup Round Two 7.45pm Amelia
Saturday 30 August - Barnsley (A) 3pm Amelia

Tuesday 2 September - Newcastle United u21s (H) Vertu Trophy Group stage 7.45pm Snoots
Saturday 6 September - Peterborough United (H) 3pm Theo
Saturday 13 September - Bradford City (A) 12.30pm Snoots
Saturday 20 September - Burton Albion (H) 3pm Jjamez
Wednesday 24 September - Manchester City (H) 7.45pm Carabao Cup Round Three Amelia
Saturday 27 September - Exeter City (A) 3pm Theo
Tuedsay 30 September - Harrogate Town (A) Vertu Trophy Group stage 7.45pm Snoots

Saturday 4 October - Stockport County (H) 3pm Jjamez
Thursday 16 October - Bolton Wanderers (H) 8pm Theo
Saturday 25 October - Wycombe Wanderers (A) 3pm Theo

Saturday 1 November - Bolton Wanderers (A) TBC Emirates FA Cup Round One (TBC) Jjamez
Tuesday 4 November - Mansfield Town (H) Vertu Trophy Group stage 7.45pm Snoots
Saturday 8 November - Plymouth Argyle (H) 3pm Theo
Saturday 22 November - Mansfield Town (A) 3pm Snoots
Tuesday 25 November - Luton Town (A) 7.45pm Snoots
Saturday 29 November - AFC Wimbledon (H) 3pm Snoots

Tuesday 2 December - Lincoln City (A) Vertu Trophy 2nd round 7.00pm Snoots
Saturday 6 December - Cardiff City (A) 12:30pm Amelia
Tuesday 9 December - Northampton Town (A) 7.45pm Amelia
Saturday 13 December - Wigan Athletic (H) 12:30pm Snoots
Saturday 20 December - Rotherham United (A) 3pm Theo
Friday 26 December - Port Vale (H) 3pm Jjamez
Monday 29 December - Northampton Town (H) 3pm Amelia

Thursday 1 January - Lincoln City (A) 3pm Snoots
Sunday 4 January - Exeter City (H) 3pm
Saturday 10 January - Stockport County (A) 12.30pm Amelia
Tuesday 13 January - Rotherham United (H) TBC Snoots
Saturday 17 January - Burton Albion (A) 3pm
Saturday 24 January - Bradford City (H) 12.30pm Snoots
Tuesday 27 January - Luton Town (H) 7.45pm Amelia
Saturday 31 January - Peterborough United (A) 3pm

Saturday 7 February - Blackpool (H) 3pm
Saturday 14 February - Stevenage (A) 12.30pm
Saturday 21 February - Barnsley (H) 3pm
Saturday 28 February - Wigan Athletic (A) 3pm

Saturday 7 March - Rotherham United (H) 3pm
Saturday 14 March - Port Vale (A) 3pm
Tuesday 17 March - Lincoln City (H) 7.45pm
Saturday 21 March - Plymouth Argyle (A) 3pm
Saturday 28 March - Cardiff City (H) 3pm

Friday 3 April - Reading (H) 3pm
Monday 6 April - Leyton Orient (A) 3pm
Saturday 11 April - Wycombe Wanderers (H) 3pm
Saturday 18 April - Bolton Wanderers (A) 3pm
Saturday 25 April - Mansfield Town (H) 3pm

Saturday 2 May - AFC Wimbledon (A) TBC

Barrow away

Another in the what could possibly go wrong category

Salisbury FC's new owner Ali Alhamad says there is "huge potential" at the club after agreeing a takeover deal.

The Kuwaiti businessman's company Proleague Ltd will become the National League South side's new owners subject to Football Association and National League approval.

The Wiltshire outfit confirmed on Saturday they planned to sell to "secure a future" that "unlocks new opportunities for growth and success".

Alahamad told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "There is huge potential with the club, all over. The city, the people that attend, it's a beautiful stadium, the people are wonderful.

"The main goal is creating a sustainable, well-run, community football club which serves Salisbury right."

Salisbury FC is a phoenix club set up in 2014 in the wake of Salisbury City being thrown out of the Football Conference and placed in administration.

The Whites returned to football in the Wessex League Premier a year later and went on to win two promotions in three seasons.

In 2024 they were promoted to the National League South - the sixth tier - and finished 20th last season. Attendances at their Raymond McEnhill Stadium averaged more than 800 fans per match.

Alhamad, who has worked in manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, real estate, hospitality and crypto-currency during his career, said he "loves football", having also played while at university in the United States.

The logistical links to London were part of the initial appeal of Salisbury, but Alhamad said after visiting he felt a "connection" with the city.

"I felt I can build on this. I'll be comfortable working with such a great community and it was the option for me," he said.


While promotion is the ultimate goal, Alhamad said the aim next season is for a "mid-table finish" to bring stability to the club.

The budget for manager Brian Dutton will increase in 2025-26, but the players will remain part-time for now.

"It's not smart long term to throw money lavishly," Alhamad added.

"In the future our eye is on promotion, but it is not something we have our eyes on now.

"I'm mostly focused on creating a sustainable club with several revenue streams that are not available now and also [making the club] resilient."

Queens Park Rangers have appointed Frenchman Julien Stephan as their new head coach.

The 44-year-old has replaced Marti Cifuentes, who was put on gardening leave in April and officially left the club on Tuesday night.

Stephan has had two spells in charge of his hometown club Rennes, who won the French Cup under him in 2019 - their first trophy for 48 years.

After 18 months at Strasbourg, who sacked him in 2023, he returned to Rennes but left last November after a run of poor results.

"I feel very proud and excited to join QPR," he told the club, external.

"QPR is a historic club with strong values and passionate fans, so I feel honoured.

"I wanted to come here because I know there's a lot of passion around the club and around the team, and I feel very lucky to discover that.

"There is something unique about English football. The intensity, the atmosphere, the passion of the fans also, the tempo of the game, the culture around the club all make it a very stimulating environment for a coach."

QPR finished 15th in the Championship table in 2024-25, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Who is Stephan?
As a player, Stephan was a defensive midfielder and centre-back with his career starting at Bordeaux.

He also played for Paris St-Germain's B team and later for RC Paris, Stade Briochin and FC Drouais, where he retired in 2007.

He was a youth coach at Drouais before taking on more senior management positions with Chateauroux and Lorient's under-19s team.

He then moved to Rennes, where he was born, and worked his way up through their youth teams before being named head coach for the first time in 2018.

In 2021 he resigned from his role before taking his next job at fellow Ligue 1 side, RC Strasbourg.

Stephan managed 58 games at Strasbourg in a spell that lasted until January 2023.

But in November of that year he returned to Rennes in what was his most recent job before taking the head coach role at QPR.

Stephan was sacked by Rennes after they won just three of their final 10 league games in that campaign.

'I expect players to give everything'
Stephan has built a positive reputation in France, having worked with some of the world's brightest and exciting young players.

The likes of Barcelona's Raphinha, Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid and Jeremy Doku, now of Manchester City, have all benefitted from his coaching.

Now coming into England's second tier, Stephan told the club he has high expectations and standards he will hold his players to.

"The main values are commitment, discipline and team spirit," he said.

"I expect my players to give everything on the pitch for the team, for the fans and to show the right attitude.

"The shirt deserves respect, total respect and it's non-negotiable for me.

"I see a group with talent, commitment and potential. I think for sure there's work to do but I think we have a great potential in the squad and there's a strong foundation to develop."

Stephan will find out how his schedule at QPR will look on Thursday lunchtime when the fixtures for the upcoming season are released.

Middlesbrough have appointed ex-Luton Town manager Rob Edwards as their new head coach.

Edwards, 42, moves to the Riverside Stadium on a three-year deal as the replacement for Michael Carrick, who was dismissed earlier this month.

He led Luton to the Premier League in 2023 but could not avoid relegation from the top flight 12 months later and was then dismissed by the Hatters in January when they were 20th in the Championship.

His job is now to improve a Boro team who ended last season in 10th place, four points outside the play-off spots.

"It's a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be head coach of this great football club," Edwards told the club website., external

"It's something that's not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. There is an amazing fanbase."

He added: "It felt instantly that this was right for me and it got me excited. If I was going to come back in, I wanted to come back in at a place where we had a chance, and we have a really good chance here.

"We have a brilliant owner who historically gives his coaches time, support, and the tools needed to try and be successful. I can't wait to get started now."

Edwards' managerial journey
After guiding Forest Green Rovers into League One for the first time in their history in his first EFL post, having managed AFC Telford United in National League North and worked at age-group level for Wolves and England, Edwards moved up to the Championship with Watford in the summer of 2022.

He did not last long at Vicarage Road - 11 games to be precise - but their loss was Luton's gain.

Pitching up at Kenilworth Road in November, six months later he had guided the Hatters to the Premier League by beating Coventry City in the play-off final at Wembley.

Returning to the top flight for the first time in 31 years was a huge step up for the whole club, but despite the challenge, Luton's relegation was only confirmed on the final day of the season.

Dropping back into the Championship proved a struggle, especially away from home, where they suffered 10 successive defeats and reluctantly the club and Edwards parted ways.

However, because of his success in taking Luton up, his stock has remained high.

Left behind in north east
It is now eight years since Middlesbrough were in the Premier League and they have become stuck in the second tier.

Last season was especially painful as they watched on as their north east rivals from up the A19 enjoyed seasons to remember, with Newcastle United winning the Carabao Cup, ending a 56-year wait for a major trophy, and Sunderland securing a dramatic promotion to the Premier League.

Edwards is now the eighth manager or head coach employed since 2017 and in only two of the eight seasons since then have they reached the play-offs.

They did finish fourth in Carrick's first season two years ago, but the direction of travel was down in the subsequent two campaigns as they ended eighth and then 10th.

Now the former Wales international is tasked with galvanising and re-energising a club and its support to try to compete at the top end of the division.