INSIDE SPORT: Willie Isa set for shock new role with Premier League giants after his abrupt retirement from Rugby League last month
Willie Isa stunned the world of rugby league when he abruptly announced his retirement from the sport last month – despite signing a contract extension at Wigan Warriors.
At the time, his club said the decorated Samoan was departing to ‘pursue a new opportunity’.
And Inside Sport can now reveal that the new opportunity is at Chelsea Football Club.
In a move few may have seen coming, Isa is to swap sports to become player support and development officer at Stamford Bridge, and will have a broad range of responsibilities.
The 36-year-old back-rower, who won three Super League titles and a World Club Challenge with Wigan, is known for his leadership skills and has been a role model over a decade with the cherry and whites.
Isa will work closely with head of men’s operations and welfare Kevin Campello and his time will be dedicated largely to player co-ordination around training and match days, with his new employer committed to growing support for its players across all teams.
The 36-year-old back-rower is known for his leadership skills and has been a role model over a decade with the cherry and whites
Isa will work closely with head of men’s operations and welfare Kevin Campello at Stamford Bridge
Deeney’s eye-catching St James’ appearance
Eyebrows were raised in the St James’ Park press box last week when Troy Deeney appeared complete with a bodyguard. The former Watford striker made himself less than popular in the north-east ahead of the first leg of the League Cup semi-final with Arsenal when he said that Newcastle was not as desirable a place to live as London, with one female member of the travelling Toon Army making her feelings on the matter clear.
For the second leg, a burly guard sat alongside Deeney as the home side roared to Wembley, with the evening appearing to pass with no issues. Ahead of the fixture, the 36-year-old former Forest Green manager was adamant his comment had been taken out of context and said that he was simply pointing out that foreign players would be more keen on a move to the capital. ‘I’m sure some people will have their say so come and say hello, I’ll be there,’ he added feistily. ‘I’m not going to run away.’ As Mail Sport has reported, security measures are being upped around pundits by broadcasters in the wake of a series of incidents. A very sad state of affairs.
The former Watford striker made himself less than popular in the north-east ahead of the first leg of the League Cup semi-final
England loses voice at UEFA’s top table
For the first time in living memory, England is set to be without a chair at the table of European football’s power brokers. With David Gill to step down, there is set to be no English representative on UEFA’s executive committee, which may well cause concerns.
The group manages competitions and votes on rule changes such as the suggested abolition of extra-time in Champions League knockout matches. It effectively means the country which generates the most cash in TV rights will now not have a say on how that money is spent. Meanwhile, Russia’s Alexander Dyukov is set to stand again, with UEFA appearing to soften its stance on the country’s return to competition.
‘We want to communicate and find a solution,’ said Zoran Lakovic, UEFA’s Serbian director of national associations. ‘I cannot say much at this stage, but we will continue to discuss and debate Russia’s return.’ Watch this space.
With David Gill to step down, there is set to be no English representative on UEFA’s executive committee
Former colleagues reunite in India
Interesting to see Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann sharing commentary duties in India.
The pair infamously fell out during their time with England, with Swann accusing the batsman of ‘upsetting people wherever he goes’ and of ‘childish’ behaviour. However, they seem to have buried the hatchet and appear to be getting on, in what is a no-doubt lucrative stint for both of them.
Graham Swann and Kevin Pietersen infamously fell out during their time with England, with Swann accusing the batsman of ‘upsetting people wherever he goes’
Trump’s executive order takes effect
President Trump’s recent executive order to not allow US visas for those with transgender status hoping to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics has elevated this topic to top of the agenda for the IOC Presidential election campaign.
The seven candidates are all gathered in Harbin, China, for the Asian Winter Games. Unsurprisingly, there have not been many questions on transgender policy from Chinese media.
In terms of lobbying for votes in Harbin, there are slim pickings for the candidates. Inside Sport has been told there are almost more candidates than voters, with one insider joking ‘they are now busy lobbying each other instead!’
President Trump’s recent executive order to not allow US visas for those with transgender status has elevated this topic to top of the agenda for the IOC Presidential election campaign
New kids on the block
Manchester City star James McAtee is one of the high-profile young players currently signed to YMU Football
Securing elite young talent is a key strategy on the agency battlefield, and one group appears to have had a good window. YMU Football, which represents the likes of Evan Ferguson and James McAtee, has signed up no fewer than five emerging stars.
The quintet features Chelsea’s Lewi Richards, Manchester City duo Dante Headley and Jake Wain, Marley Parr-Pearson of Sheffield United and Aston Villa’s Jack McGrath.
