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Second again, again, again… and again?

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Aug 15

Ahead of the return of the #PremierLeague tonight, I wrote this about Arsenal.

Three second-place finishes and #AFC fan hysteria had made me hesitant to get swept up by excitement.

But, as ever, I have succumbed to the horrible state of anguish: hope.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/08/15/s...

Pressure is on Mikel Arteta to deliver silverware this season. Photograph: WIkimedia Commons/Prime Video AU & NZ It is difficult to know how to feel about Arsenal. After being burned by three c…

Lamine Yamal is unstoppable but Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como in Joan Gamper Trophy | Goal.com UK

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Aug 10

Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como 5-0 in Joan Gamper Trophy.

Yamal and Fermin score braces with Raphinha adding another as #FCB ease to victory.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Fermin Lopez showcased why he can take the next step up and become a key player at Barcelona as he inspired the Blaugrana to a 5-0 victory over Como.

Former Journeyman Johnny Greaves Talks Career, Depression And Overcoming His Demons

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Jul 12

For Boxing News, I met with Johnny Greaves to discuss his 100-fight career and new book.

The former journeyman talks about his battles with mental health, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Yet, there is hope in the incredibly open and friendly Greaves.
boxingnewsonline.net/former-journ...

“When you wake up and the first thing on your mind is suicide, and before you go to bed, the last thing on your mind is suicide, it’s a problem,” Johnny

boxingnewsonline.net

‘I planted my leg and it felt like it exploded’: Perth Glory and Wales’ Megan Wynne’s ACL Story

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Jun 30

Three days before Perth Glory's final game, Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson asked Megan Wynne about her summer plans.

30 minutes into that game, Wynne injured her #ACL.

She talks to me about the injury, its mental challenges and her missed #WEURO2025 chance.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/06/30/p...

For my ACL Archives series, I speak to Welsh international forward Megan Wynne about injuring her ACL injury on her final game of the season for Perth Glory, missing the Euros and her road to recov…

When a boxer marries another boxer: ‘We’re juggling chainsaws’

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Jun 13

Tonight, Numan Hussain fights for the Southern Area title at York Hall.

For Boxing Scene, I spoke to him and his wife, fellow pro fighter Amy Andrew, about their careers, watching each other fight and being role models for women and the Bengali community.
www.boxingscene.com/articles/whe...

Husband-and-wife fighters Numan Hussain and Amy Andrew know that one mistake could prove costly to an already finite career

www.boxingscene.com

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Jun 8

Nuno Mendes the star of the show as Portugal win the #NationsLeague on penalties.

Ronaldo is the man for the big occasion and led the line impressively.

Spain dominated but Portugal showed resilience. Credit must go to Martinez.

Ratings for Goal here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Portugal player ratings vs Spain: Ultimate poacher Cristiano Ronaldo delivers again as outstanding Nuno Mendes pockets Lamine Yamal before Diogo Costa heroics seal thrilling Nations League final shoot...

After drawing 2-2 in normal time, Portugal were crowned Nations League champions for a second time after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties.

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · May 24

Unbelievable from the Arsenal! Super Stina. #COYG #AWFC 🔴⚪️

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · May 24

Tyresö's place at the top of women’s football was snuffed out as quickly as they had risen.

Once boasting Marta & Christen Press, Tyresö no longer dreams of the #UWCLfinal.

Lindberg says: "We play because we care about the club.”

This is their story.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...

Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · May 24

Madelaine Edlund & Tinja-Rikka Korpela speak about reaching #UWCL final amid financial turmoil - each win paying for players' rents.

Josefine Lindberg has seen it all. Now playing in Sweden's third-tier, she believes the club has returned to its values.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...

Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · May 24

In Lisbon tonight, #AWFC and #FCB play the #UWCLfinal.

In the last Lisbon final, star-studded Tyresö FF lost to Wolfsburg. A month later, they barely existed.

Speaking to its former players, this is the story of Tyresö FF: the forgotten fallen giant.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...

Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

‘I could not live with myself and be content if I quit’: Portland Thorns’ Nicole Payne’s ACL story

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Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 29

‘I could not live with myself and be content if I quit’: @thornsfc.com & Nigeria's Nicole Payne’s #ACL story

Payne has injured her ACL twice, but remains positive - inspired by a World Cup dream, #NWSL success and her sister, Everton's Toni Payne.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/04/29/p...

For the next article in the ACL Archives series, Nicole Payne speaks about her ACL injury. The Nigerian international is trying to remain positive, despite suffering the injury for the second time,…

Barcelona player ratings vs Real Madrid: Jules Kounde the unlikely hero! French star bags extra-time winner after Pedri and Lamine Yamal heroics as Hansi Flick's side win Copa del Rey | Goal.com UK

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 26

An absolutely brilliant game as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the #CopaDelRey.

Kounde's brilliant drive from distance in extra-time was the difference after an Mbappe-inspired second-half changed the game in #RMFC's favour.

#FCB match-ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Jules Kounde went from villain to hero in a crazy Copa del Rey final as Barcelona stole away the crown in extra-time, beating Real Madrid 3-2.

Wrexham promoted to Championship! Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Rob McElhenney lead the celebrations as Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith stunners secure victory over Charlton | Goal.com UK

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 26

Wrexham promoted again.

#WxmAFC make history and become first side to earn third successive promotion in top five English leagues.

Matty James pulled the strings as Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith powered Red Dragons to Championship.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Wrexham will be playing Championship football next season after a 3-0 victory over Charlton ensured automatic promotion.

Bayern on brink of Bundesliga title! Leroy Sane, Michael Olise and Eric Dier fire Bavarians past Mainz as Harry Kane picks up costly one-match ban | Goal.com UK

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Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 26

Bayern Munich on brink of clinching Bundesliga title after comfortable 3-0 win against Mainz.

Olise the star of the show with a goal and assist to ensure Bayern need just two points to become champions.

At RB Leipzig next weekend, but will be without Kane.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Bayern Munich took a huge step towards wrestling back the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen as they strolled to a 3-0 win over Mainz.

‘Every time I hit a new milestone, I had a mental breakdown’: Australia’s Amy Sayer’s ACL story

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 22

Great news as Amy Sayer is back playing football.

After a year out with an #ACL injury, she made her return to the Kristianstads DFF side yesterday.

I was lucky enough to speak with Amy last year about her injury and future goals with the Matildas.

You can read the full story here:

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Dec 11

‘Every time I hit a new milestone, I had a mental breakdown’: Amy Sayer’s #ACL story

For my ACL Archives series, the Matildas midfielder discusses her injury, why she would consider quitting if she did it again and the club no one wants to be part of.
jackimmcrae.com/2024/12/11/a...

For the next article in the ACL Archives series, Amy Sayer speaks about her recovery from an ACL injury. The Australian international has considered quitting if she suffers the same injury, is stud…

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 16

Absolutely brilliant. Arsenal were incredible over both legs and 5-1 against Real Madrid on the biggest stage is a statement that this club and Arteta deserve. Saka, Rice, MLS and Timber were phenomenal. So proud 🔴⚪️ #AFC

‘You cling to the highs, but the lows really hit you’: The life and hobby of boxing coach and film director Jon Pegg

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 14

With Sam Eggington fighting Lee Cutler on Sunday, I spoke with his coach Jon Pegg about the fight and their 13-year boxing journey.

Pegg, also an award-winning film director, discusses filmmaking and his pride in seeing his daughter, actress Kia Pegg, succeed.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/04/14/t...

I spoke with boxing coach and film director Jon Pegg ahead of his fighter Sam Eggington’s bout with Lee Cutler on Saturday. Pegg believes Eggington is looking better than ever and remains eve…

Swimming with the sharks: Gabriel injury drops Jakub Kiwior in the deep end

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 8

The Arsenal ❤️

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Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 8

Big one tonight… #COYG #AFC

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 4

With Gabriel out for the season, Arsenal‘s chances of silverware hang heavy on Jakub Kiwior’s slender shoulders.

He may be a competent defender, but Kiwior has been dropped in the deep end.

Now, he must swim with the Real Madrid sharks and survive. #AFC
jackimmcrae.com/2025/04/04/s...

After Gabriel was forced off with a hamstring injury against Fulham that will keep him out for the rest of the season, Jakub Kiwior is likely to step in to replace the Brazilian. The Polish defende…

In defence of the little man: the ball-playing goalkeeper

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 1

Bukayo Saka ❤️

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Apr 1

Bukayo back? #AFC

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Mar 28

This week, I read an article that suggested Chelsea fans would want a Petr Cech-style goalkeeper back over a shorter, ball-playing equivalent.

But, having watched Cech play out of the back for #AFC, I am not so sure.

My defence of the modern No. 1: jackimmcrae.com/2025/03/28/d...

An article in the Times this week argued that goalkeeping had moved away from its core aspects and that the mould of Petr Cech should be the aspiration. However, this neglects how football has chan…

Jack McRae @jackimmcrae.bsky.social · Mar 26

Fantastic, Russo-inspired second half from the Arsenal. Hopefully we will see a repeat result in two weeks’ time… #AWFC #AFC