Garber touts MLS successes while labor negotiations loom

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https://sports.yahoo.com/garber-touts-mls-successes-while-labor-negotiations-loom-233122656--mls.html

Garber touts MLS successes while labor negotiations loom

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https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2019-11-06/garber-touts-mls-successes-while-labor-negotiations-loom

Garber touts MLS successes while labor negotiations loom

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/11/06/mls-top-4-overarching-ways-improve-league/

MLS: Top 4 overarching ways to improve league

MLS is a growing, flourishing league with increasing potential. But there are still many structural problems with North America’s number one soccer division. Here are the top four overarching ways the league can improve.

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https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/11/06/clawson-based-oakland-county-fc-jumping-usl-league-two/2510420001/

Clawson-based Oakland County FC jumping to USL League Two

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https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/mls4thelou-hopes-for-shovels-in-the-ground-in-january/63-736beae5-645d-403c-825f-6635ae379702

MLS4TheLou hopes for 'shovels in the ground' in January

We know where the stadium will be and what it will look like... but just how soon will we know what the St. Louis MLS team will be called? Its owner has answers.

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/11/06/mls-dome-torrent-departure-shows-league-must-change/

MLS: Dome Torrent departure shows league must change

New York City FC head coach Dome Torrent is reportedly set to depart this offseason despite having another year remaining on his contract. His reasoning simple: he does not like MLS. His exit, then, proves that the league must change.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/06/tampas-bloomin-brands-parent-company-of-outback.html

Food & Lifestyle

Tampa's Bloomin' Brands, parent company of Outback Steakhouse, to explore a sale

The parent company of Outback Steakhouse is considering a sale

BLOOMIN' BRANDS

One of Tampa Bay's most recognizable corporate headquarters, Bloomin' Brands Inc., said Wednesday that it is considering a sale of the company.

Bloomin', the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, reported third quarter revenue of $967.1 million, up just slightly from $965 million in the third quarter of 2018.

Despite Bloomin's ongoing efforts to modernize its business model and lure patrons back into casual dining, Bloomin' "believes the current stock price does not reflect the value of the company," CEO Dave Deno said in a statement.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/06/with-craft-sangria-on-tap-la-las-sangria-bar-opens.html

Food & Lifestyle

With craft sangria on tap, La La's Sangria Bar opens soon in downtown Tampa's Channel district (Photos)

La La's Sangria Bar is nearly ready to bring craft sangria and dishes like brie-stuffed meatballs and scallops ceviche to downtown Tampa's Channel district.

La La's, which is centered around craft sangria on tap, will open in stages, with soft opening events in the latter part of November and a grand opening set for Dec. 4. The restaurant is on the ground floor of the Slade, at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and East Washington Street.

It's a significant investment in a 4,000-square-foot storefront that's never been open in the decade since the Slade opened; owners John and Lauren English spent around $1 million building out and creating the concept. The buildout was completed by Eydon Construction LLC.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/11/06/ut-once-again-lands-among-bloombergsbest-business.html

Education

UT once again lands among Bloomberg's best business schools

Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa.

For the fourth year in a row, the University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business has been named to Bloomberg's best business schools.

The university came in at No. 81 out of the 94 full-time, U.S. MBA programs, up four spots from 2018. The rankings break down by entrepreneurship, learning, networking and compensation using feedback from more than 9,000 students, 14,920 alumni and 900 corporate recruiters. Job-placement and compensation data from the university is also reviewed.

The school placed the highest for its entrepreneurship component, with a No. 59 ranking. The school ranked No. 68 for the learning component, No. 79 for compensation and No. 91 for networking, bringing the average to No. 81.

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https://sports.yahoo.com/rugby-sonny-canadians-ask-wolfpack-234514929.html

Rugby: Sonny who? Canadians ask as Wolfpack line up Williams

TORONTO (Reuters) - The rugby world was buzzing on Wednesday as talk intensified that Sonny Bill Williams, the sport's biggest name, was about to sign a record-breaking contract with the Toronto Wolfpack.

At the same time, Canadians were asking Sonny who?

A vast majority of Torontonians know very little about or have little interest in rugby.

They know even less about a New Zealander named Sonny Bill Williams.

A long-time member of the famed All Blacks, who has won the Rugby World Cup twice and represented New Zealand at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Williams is a superstar of the highest order in rugby hot beds Australia and England where the sport is mainstream.

In Canada, where rugby remains very much a niche pastime, he is a mystery man.

Before news broke on Tuesday that Williams was linked to a $10 million two-year deal to join the Wolfpack, for most Torontonians the 34-year-old could well have been the opening act for Fleetwood Mac, who played in the city at the weekend, as the world's best-known rugby player.

To be sure, Williams, who has jumped between codes playing both rugby union and rugby league, is a mega star performer but the Toronto stage is a small one, an aging neighborhood stadium with artificial turf and a seating capacity of 9,000.

Rugby league's only trans-Atlantic club, the Wolfpack will make their Super League debut in England on Feb. 2 having won promotion to the top tier last month by beating Featherstone Rovers in the Championship playoff final.

Founded in 2016, the team have a loyal hardcore fan base and Wolfpack games have developed a reputation as a fun, affordable sporting option in the city of 3.5 million where NHL Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA Raptors, MLB Toronto Blue Jays, MLS Toronto FC and Canadian Football League Argonauts compete for attention.

The Maple Leafs are Toronto's number one sporting obsession and the Raptors are reigning NBA champions. Toronto FC will play the Seattle Sounders on Sunday for what would be their second MLS title in three years.

To get noticed in such a competitive market would require a bold play and Wolfpack's majority owner, Australian mining tycoon David Argyle, has apparently put his money on Williams.

While the Williams name may not get the immediate attention of potential new fans, the arrival of rugby's richest player of all-time will no doubt attract the curious.

At $5 million a season, Williams's pay packet almost doubles the $3.3 million (2 million-pound) salary cap Super League teams operate under.

Each team, however, is permitted to sign two marquee players whose salaries count only $250,000 against the cap.

"I think this is a bold move and the right move," Queen's University marketing professor Ken Wong told Reuters. "It might also be an indication that this is bet the farm time."

Williams is equal parts mercenary and missionary.

It took a $10 million carrot to lure him to a rugby backwater.

RUGBY GOSPEL

Once in Canada he will be expected to perform well enough on the pitch to keep the Wolfpack in the spotlight but more importantly he will be counted on to preach the rugby gospel to the unconverted.

"I’m a firm believer in the marketing power of the superstar, and the investment—no matter how large—is usually worth it," Bob Dorfman, sports marketing expert at Baker Street Advertising told Reuters. "Especially, for a league or team looking to build respectability or make a splash."

Bringing in a superstar player on the downside of his career is not revolutionary thinking.

Major League Soccer used it with great success when Los Angeles Galaxy recruited David Beckham in 2007, signing the aging former England captain to a massive contract.

That, however, is where the similarities between the Williams signing and Beckham deals end.

When Beckham landed in Los Angeles he was already a global brand having played for two of soccer's glamor clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid.

While soccer's popularity at the professional level had yet to mature in the United States, the sport was widely understood and consumed, particularly the international variety.

Beckham was selling a league, a team.

In contrast, Williams plays a sport that is not familiar or widely played in Canada and his job will be to help grow the game.

"If you think about it what could you buy with advertising for $10 million?," said Wong. "You could buy a campaign that might or might not work so if you think about him as part of your marketing budget and not just your team performance budget you can start to see some justification.

"It doesn't mean it is going to work, but it just means it's a good educated bet."

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https://sports.yahoo.com/super-league-lift-salary-cap-154109115.html

Super League should lift salary cap and reach for the stars, says Wolfpack chief

Sonny Bill Williams appears primed to make a mega-money move to Toronto Wolfpack, whose director of rugby wants the switch to set a trend.

Super League should seek to make drastic changes to salary-cap rules to facilitate the arrival of high-profile stars such as Sonny Bill Williams.

That is the view of Toronto Wolfpack director of rugby Brian Noble, whose side are set to bring in Williams in a move they hope will raise the profile of the club and the sport, similar to the way David Beckham's switch to LA Galaxy shone a light on Major League Soccer.

Toronto will embark on their maiden top-flight campaign in 2020, when clubs will be allowed to spend £2.1million on player salaries, although All Black Williams' impending arrival will fall under the marquee player rule.

"[Lifting the cap] would help for everybody's shopping lists," Noble told BBC Sport amid reports Williams will earn around £5m a year.

"It's not carefree abandoning of all the principles we've put in place in Super League, but if we're genuine in our aspirations to bring stars and have events, to make the game as vibrant as it was [when Super League started] in 1996 – or 1895 when northern union first broke away – then we are at the moment in the game where we need to make the pivotal decisions.

"There are some really intelligent people in and around Super League that agree with what Toronto are doing and the city is doing, while some are more head-scratching and wondering what it's about.

"It's time to have the debate and be positive and proactive about expansion, with all the right regulatory rules that should be in there.

"Sonny Bill Williams, if his name is on that piece of paper, is part and parcel and forefront of our view of making decisions that are good for the game and not just Toronto."

The Wolfpack have also been linked with Leicester Tigers and England centre Manu Tuilagi.

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https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/11/07/sonny-bill-williams-is-canada-bound/

Sonny Bill Williams is Canada bound

To say that the Toronto Wolfpack have made shock waves around the rugby league world lately is one of the biggest understatements in the recent memory of the sport.
It’s been widely reported that the cross-code star has signed a two-year deal to return to league with the newly promoted Wolfpack in the UK’s Super League. The Wolfpack themselves have remained quiet on it. Williams was also reportedly offered a minority ownership stake in the club.

Sonny Bill Williams is a name that transcends the traditional boundaries of rugby in both codes. SBW is a name that people recognise around the world. He was recently featured on HBO’s Real Sports and was profiled by Bryant Gumbel. He’s a multi-sport athlete.

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https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/11/06/toronto-fc-concacaf-champions-league-doubts-point-bigger-mls-issue/

Toronto FC: CONCACAF Champions League doubts point to bigger MLS issue

Given present rules, should Toronto FC win MLS Cup on Sunday, they will not qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League. Such a problem reveals a bigger, broader issue: the structure of CCL qualification in North America.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2019/11/06/report-construction-on-st-louis-mls-stadium-could.html

Report: Construction on St. Louis MLS stadium could begin in January

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https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/toronto-wolfpack-sonny-bill-williams-manu-tuilagi/11379228-9bc4-49ae-bfa3-a4f119e7b9ac

Big-spending Toronto Wolfpack warned off England rugby star Tuilagi

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https://the18.com/soccer-entertainment/what-is-masl-2019-20

The MASL And Why You Should Watch It

WITH THE MLS SEASON COMING TO AN END, MASL IS STARTING UP AND CAN BE THE PERFECT WAY TO CURE YOUR WINTER MLS-LESS BLUES.

With the new playoff format, Major League Soccer is ending early this year, with the MLS Cup Final taking place this Sunday. Typically that means soccer fans have to wake up early on the weekends to watch European soccer or watch Liga MX for a few weeks to get them through the MLS offseason.

Those aren't your only options, though. Starting Friday, Nov. 22, Major Arena League Soccer starts its fourth season, which will span through March with playoffs starting in April and ending in the first weeks of May

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https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2019/11/06/interview-brian-schmetzer-clubs-history-and-week-ahead?autoplay=true

Interview: Brian Schmetzer on the club's history and week ahead

Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer speaks to media following training on the club's history, the week of training and media obligations ahead and Jozy Altidore's comments to the media.

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https://www.fox13news.com/news/renovation-of-historic-ybor-factory-uncovers-cigar-city-mafia-secret

Renovation of historic Ybor factory uncovers ‘Cigar City Mafia’ secret

Secret staircase discovered in historic cigar factory

It's been known for generations as The Clock. The old cigar factory at 16th Steet and Columbus in Ybor City is the last operating cigar factory in Tampa and renovations revealed a hidden staircase from the days of the Cuban mafia.

TAMPA, Fla. - It's been known for generations as The Clock: The old cigar factory with the clock tower at 16th Street and Columbus in Ybor City, built in 1910, is the last operating cigar factory in Tampa.

Third-generation cigar maker Eric Newman and his family have owned the building since the 1950's and are now in the middle of a major renovation. They plan to turn part of the factory into a tourist attraction, a cigar museum.

"Look at what good shape these bricks are in," Newman said, showing off the factory on Wednesday.

The bricks he showed us were covered by plaster for 50 years. But, it's what was revealed when workers took up a floor that's exposed a secret that's been hidden for decades.

"In the 1930's, there was a Cigar City Mafia and every cigar factory got robbed," explained Newman.

But, he says, the people at this factory had a plan. “We learned that when this place was robbed, the general manager would go down a secret set of stairs."

The stairs lead to a ground-floor storage area where they discovered a door that had been hidden for years by boxes of records. The door is steel.

"This is a vault, a secret vault," Newman continued. "This is the room where we think the general manager might have come. This is a safe place."

RELATED: With its 125th anniversary on the horizon, Tampa's last cigar factory wants the world to know its history

It could be another example of Ybor's underground secrets. A year ago, we explored tunnels that were talked about for decades, but only revealed when an old building was torn down.

The purpose of the tunnels is unknown. Speculation has ranged from drainage to smuggling or perhaps a combination of uses.

So far, Newman hasn't found any tunnels, but the secret staircase and hidden room have only made him more fond of the history of his old cigar factory

“There's a story," he smiled. It's a story long-hidden beneath the floor beneath the famous clock in Ybor City.

90-year-old machines are still used to make cigars in Tampa

When J.C. Newman Cigar Company first opened in the late 1800s, they, like all factory, rolled their cigars by hand. The factory introduced machines to speed up the process in the 1930s. Those same machines are still being used today.

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https://www.fox13news.com/news/with-its-125th-anniversary-on-the-horizon-tampas-last-cigar-factory-wants-the-world-to-know-its-history

With its 125th anniversary on the horizon, Tampa's last cigar factory wants the world to know its history

Tampa cigar factory renovations reveal secret stairwell

The grandson of the founder of J.C. Newman Cigar Company never knew there was a secret stairwell in a room once used by managers to count money made from that day's production of cigars. Employees discovered it two months ago as they continue to upgrade the factory for its 125th anniversary. Apparently, it was used to hide money from the mafia before they can rob the factory.

TAMPA, Fla. - The last working cigar factory in Ybor City is undergoing renovations before they celebrate their 125th anniversary in 2020. The purpose is to make the cigar factory a tourist destination and to remind everyone that Tampa is the “Cigar City.”

Between the hard hats and exposed red brick walls, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is still producing up to 60,000 cigars a day.

“We’re the only one left still being owned-and-operated by a family,” explained Eric Newman, grandson of the founder, Julius Caeser Newman. “My grandfather always wanted to be the last man at the craps table. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but we’re still here.”

Next year, Eric explained, the factory will have a large museum immersing visitors in Tampa’s history and the history of the cigar industry. There will also be factory tours, where people can witness cigars being made my humans and machines.

Hand-rolling cigars remains a tradition at J.C. Newman Cigar Company

Machines have been used to make cigars at J.C. Newman Cigar Company for decades, but there are still some employees at the factory that continue to hand-roll cigars. They can produce up to 100 per day.

When Julius Caeser Newman started the company 124 years ago, they were hand-rolling cigars. The machines were added in the 1930s. Eric said his grandfather was one of the first to bring those machines into the U.S.

Today, those same machines are being used, and it takes up to four months to train an employee to use them.

“It looks easy, but it takes a lot of skill," Eric said.

The machines have 10,000 moving parts, and make millions of cigars a year. In comparison, the cigar makers who continue hand-rolling at J.C. Newman Cigar Company to this day can make up to 100 cigars per day.

“Same machine today,” he said, “almost 90 years old.”

90-year-old machines are still used to make cigars in Tampa

When J.C. Newman Cigar Company first opened in the late 1800s, they, like all factory, rolled their cigars by hand. The factory introduced machines to speed up the process in the 1930s. Those same machines are still being used today in the last operating cigar factory in Ybor City.

The building itself is much older. It was built in 1910, and they want to bring the building back to its beauty in time for J.C. Newman Cigar Company’s anniversary. They’ve ripped off drywall, revealing the original red brick walls from underneath. Those walls will stay put.

They also discovered a secret stairwell.

One room in the building is where a manager used to count the money at the end of the day. During those days, there was a mafia group that would target each cigar factory in the 1930s.

“He had a secret stairs -- we just discovered a couple of months ago -- that when he was starting to get robbed, he ran down the stairs and into a vault,” Eric explained. “We never knew this existed.”

Those stairs were discreetly covered with what appeared to be part of the floor. Downstairs, Eric said, was a safe for the manager to lock up the cash. It’s possible he may have hid down there, too.

Eric said he cannot wait to share that piece of history, and much more, when the factory completes its upgrades next year.

“There once was 150 cigar factories in Tampa. We’re the last operating cigar factory in Tampa, last traditional cigar factory in the U.S.,” he said. “Cigars make Tampa special. We want to showcase that this is indeed the ‘Cigar City.’”

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https://www.fox13news.com/video/622619

90-year-old machines are still used to make cigars in Tampa

When J.C. Newman Cigar Company first opened in the late 1800s, they, like all factory, rolled their cigars by hand. The factory introduced machines to speed up the process in the 1930s. Those same machines are still being used today in the last operating cigar factory in Ybor City.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.fox13news.com/video/622772

Secret staircase discovered in historic cigar factory

It's been known for generations as The Clock. The old cigar factory at 16th Steet and Columbus in Ybor City is the last operating cigar factory in Tampa and renovations revealed a hidden staircase from the days of the Cuban mafia.

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https://www.abcactionnews.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/whats-happening-in-tampa-bay-this-veterans-day-weekend-november-8-11

What's happening in Tampa Bay this Veterans Day weekend? | November 8-11

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https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2019/11/06/the-corner-club-an-old-school-tampa-neighborhood-dive-bar-is-for-sale/

The Corner Club, an old school Tampa neighborhood dive bar, is for sale

It’s been a second home for Old Seminole Heights neighbors for around 50 years.

The Corner Club Tavern that is up for sale is located in the Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa. [OCTAVIO JONES | Times]

TAMPA — It has never been the type of bar to inspire a trek across the bridge.

It is not even the type of bar that draws people from the other side of Tampa.

But for around 50 years, the Corner Club...

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https://www.813area.com/events/top-10-things-to-do-in-tampa-this-weekend-november-6-10.html

Top 10 Things To Do in Tampa This Weekend | November 6 - 10

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https://sports.yahoo.com/apos-watching-beckham-apos-cole-093215366.html

'It was like watching Beckham' – Cole compares Chelsea youngster James to England icon

A winner proved elusive in the end, but the character shown by an inexperienced Blues side impressed former favourite Cole, who singled out James for special praise after the match.

“When I was playing in America [with Tampa Bay Rowdies], I came around to train with the kids,” Cole told BT Sport of linking up with his former side during a pre-season training camp.

“We were having shooting session and the kids' shooting was erratic, but James was on the money, on the money, whipping crosses, it was like watching Beckham.”

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https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich-city-transfer-rumours-freiburg-left-back-1-6361854

Norwich City transfer rumours: Bundesliga clubs and Canaries interested in German left-back

Caleb Richards has recently concluded a season-long loan with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second tier of US football but is expected to head out on loan again in January, and 17-year-old Belgium youth international Rob Nizet was signed this summer.

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https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/new-fc-cincinnati-training-facility-opens-in-milford-wednesday

New FC Cincinnati training facility 'will take this team to a higher level' for 2020 season

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/117231246/sonny-bill-williams-a-global-star-who-will-trasform-super-league--salford-coach-ian-watson

Sonny Bill Williams a global star who will transform Super League - Salford coach Ian Watson

The All Blacks star is said to be close to a move to the Toronto Wolfpack.

A rival Super League coach says the predicted arrival of "global star" Sonny Bill Williams at the Toronto Wolfpack will be a massive marketing tool for the entire competition.

Salford Red Devils coach Ian Watson, who is in Christchurch as an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett with Great Britain for Saturday's test against the Kiwis at Orangetheory Stadium, believes the impacts of Williams playing for the Canadian-based club will be felt in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Watson, who took perennial battlers Salford all the way to the Super League grand final this year, believes the All Blacks midfielder will bring English rugby fans to league and create pathways for more New Zealand players to play in the England-based Super League - as well as lifting the profile of rugby league in the North American continent.

Sonny Bill Williams won NRL Premierships with the Roosters and the Bulldogs.

"Obviously Super League is looking to try and expand and I think bringing somebody in like Sonny Bill Williams who is a global star to be fair would be huge," Watson has told Stuff.

READ MORE:
* One last push for Waerea-Hargreaves
* Tigers snarl at hungry Wolfpack
* Kiwis star makes hospital visits
* Johnson's simple message from Maguire
* From proposing to Kiwis for Nikorima

"It's not like it's just New Zealand who know him - all the world knows Sonny Bill Williams."

Williams' move to the Toronto Wolfpack on a rich two-year deal, reportedly worth $10 million, is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Sonny Bill Williams looks set to walkaway from rugby to play in the Super League.
The Wolfpack, who will join the English Super League for the first time in 2020 after two promotions in three seasons, are bankrolled by Australian mining entrepreneur David Argyle and were looking for a David Beckham- type player to do for them what the former Manchester United favourite did for LA Galaxy.

Watson, who played in the Super League for Workington and Salford, says they have found the right man.

"He's a global name.

Even at 34, Sonny Bill Williams would cause all sorts or problems in Super League with his offloading game.
"Rugby league supporters know him, rugby union supporters know him.

"In England that's a big thing for us as well because it will attract some of those rugby union supporters to come and just watch him basically and hopefully they will fall in love with the rugby league game when they are there and then hopefully they will stay and support rugby league in the future.

"I think it could be a really a good tool for the whole Super League competition," Watson says.

Watson, who earned 30 caps for Wales in his playing career, says players from rival clubs will relish the challenge of going up against the dynamic Williams.

"I think a lot of players will be really interested to come up against Sonny Bill Williams because he'll be the hero."

Watson is well aware the reach of Williams will massively grow the popularity of Super League to New Zealand viewers, with an almost overnight effect and he can see his involvement making it a more attractive option for New Zealand players.

Watson says there have been big names like Kevin Locke and Manu Vatuvei - who both played for Salford - but no Kiwi player with the global pulling power of Williams has graced the Super League in recent years.

"A lot of the young Kiwi players, they want to be Sonny Bill, so him coming into our competition is probably going to light a fire in them and if these kids are seeing him in Super League and it's getting more exposure in New Zealand they are going to be thinking I want to play in the competition too," Watson says.

Williams, who won NRL Premierships with the Bulldogs (2004) and Roosters (2013) and two Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks (2011 and 2015), will have an impact on the professionalism of his Toronto team-mates, Watson says.

"Everyone says he's the ultimate professional and as a coach you want all your guys to be like that," Watson had told Stuff.

"Everybody knows what a good professional he is on and off the field in the way he prepares for games but also in his marketing as well."

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https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2019/11/06/don-garber-discusses-mls-cup-playoff-format-cba-negotiations-fc-cincinnati/2510498001/

Don Garber discusses MLS Cup playoff format, CBA negotiations at FC Cincinnati

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https://www.fccincinnati.com/post/2019/11/06/garber-mhtc-s-grand-opening

Garber on MHTC’s grand opening

When Don Garber saw the two grass fields behind the Mercy Health Training Center, he asked if they were turf. There’s no way grass could be so perfect, he thought.

And yet, that’s the new standard for FC Cincinnati moving forward, as the club announced the grand opening of its $35 million facility on Wednesday morning in Milford.

Garber, Major League Soccer’s Commissioner, said FCC have set a new standard in practice facilities around the league.

“It’s absolutely spectacular and it will take this team to a higher level and it’ll set a new standard for Major League Soccer clubs,” Garber said. “So, it’s a good day for all of us.”

Garber first visited Cincinnati three years ago this month. At the time, the Orange and Blue had just completed their inaugural season in the USL and had MLS ambitions. On Wednesday, Garber visited the club following an inaugural MLS campaign and was impressed.

“They’ve been thoughtful,” he said of MHTC. “It’s not just a training ground and not just a place for their players to work out. It’s a home for this team and representing the spirit and culture of the club. This is just the beginning.”

The commissioner recalled his first meeting with managing owner Carl H. Lindner III and club president Jeff Berding when they delivered their ambitious plans. That vision is the new reality … and the goal for other MLS franchises.

“When I first met Carl and Jeff, they said they were going to do something special here in Cincinnati for the sport of soccer in North America,” Garber said. “Boy, did they over deliver on that.”

FCC’s big projects aren’t done yet.

While the new training center is open, West End Stadium is under construction. Starting next month, the steel frame will finally rise from the ground.

Once that facility opens, Garber has no doubt that it’ll be just as impressive as the Mercy Health Training Center.

“It’s going to be spectacular,” he said of the West End Stadium. “Not just what the whole facility will be, but the whole development.”

“What we’re trying to do is marry a rising league with a rising city, and I think the club’s done a really great job by partnering with the city leaders,” Garber added. “This is going to be an absolutely spectacular project. The project’s got lots of phases to it, but the stadium will be beautiful.”

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/new-fc-cincinnati-training-facility-opens-in-milford-wednesday

New FC Cincinnati training facility 'will take this team to a higher level' for 2020 season

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https://au.sports.yahoo.com/beckham-ignoring-messages-ex-wales-083335946.html

‘Beckham has been ignoring my messages!’ – Ex-Wales boss Coleman keen on Inter Miami job

Former Wales boss Chris Coleman would like to be the first manager of David Beckham’s new MLS franchise Inter Miami, but admits the ex-England captain has been ignoring his efforts to land the job.

The final pieces of a puzzle in Florida are being put together ahead of an expansion outfit joining the ranks among America’s elite in 2020.

Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Beckham, whose first involvement with soccer in the United States came at the LA Galaxy, has a stadium being constructed and players being targeted.

A coach will also be required, with several high-profile figures having already been linked with the post.

Coleman, who has previously spent time working at club level with the likes of Fulham and Sunderland, is eager to throw his name into the ring.

A man who guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 has had little joy so far, though, telling The Sun: “I want to go back abroad. The MLS is definitely an interest but it’s hard to get into because it’s such a growing league.

“I’ve left David Beckham a few messages - but he’s just not got back to me!”

Coleman has plenty of experience outside of Britain, having taken in stints with Real Sociedad, AEL and Hebei China Fortune.

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https://metro.co.uk/2019/11/06/joe-cole-compares-chelsea-star-reece-james-david-beckham-impressive-display-ajax-comeback-11049973/

Joe Cole compares Chelsea star Reece James to David Beckham after impressive display in Ajax comeback

‘When I was playing in America [with Tampa Bay Rowdies], I came around to train with the kids [at Chelsea],’ Cole told BT Sport after the game. ‘We were having shooting session and the kids’ shooting was erratic, but James was on the money, whipping crosses, it was like watching Beckham.’

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https://www.football365.com/news/pundit-picks-out-one-chelsea-man-whos-like-watching-beckham

Pundit picks out one Chelsea man who’s ‘like watching Beckham

Chelsea came from 4-1 down to snatch a 4-4 draw from a spellbinding Champions League encounter against last season’s semi-finalists.

James was introduced a second-half substitute for the Blues, scoring the equalising goal and being selected for special praise from ex-Chelsea midfielder Cole.

“When I was playing in America [with Tampa Bay Rowdies], I came around to train with the kids,” Cole told BT Sport on joining Chelsea on a pre-season training camp over the summer.

“We were having shooting session and the kids’ shooting was erratic, but James was on the money, on the money, whipping crosses, it was like watching Beckham.”

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7659835/Chris-Coleman-jokingly-reveals-David-Beckham-ignored-efforts-Inter-Miami-boss.html

'I've left David Beckham a few messages - but he's just not got back to me': Chris Coleman jokingly reveals former England skipper has ignored his efforts to become Inter Miami boss

David Beckham needs to appoint a manager of his new Inter Miami franchise

Chris Coleman has jokingly revealed he has made efforts to become the boss

However, the former Wales boss admitted Beckham has ignored his messages

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https://asumetech.com/leicester-warn-toronto-tuilagi-heading-nowhere/

SPORTS

Leicester warn Toronto: Tuilagi heading nowhere

Manu Tuilagi was a key man in England's run to the World Cup final in Japan

Manu Tuilagi was a essential man in England’s run to the Environment Cup final in Japan

Leicester Tigers head mentor Geordan Murphy has warned Toronto Wolfpack they will be squandering their time trying to indicator Manu Tuilagi.

The Canadian outfit are splashing the funds subsequent their marketing to Super League for 2020 and are poised to entire the signing of New Zealand twin-code star Sonny Invoice Williams on a two-year offer.

Toronto have also created a engage in for England centre Tuilagi but Murphy is not anticipating the 28-yr-outdated to be tempted to change codes.

Tuilagi stays loyal to Tigers

McDermott’s return excites Carney

Highlights as Toronto Wolfpack clinched an historic marketing to Super League

Highlights as Toronto Wolfpack clinched an historic marketing to Tremendous League

Tuilagi, a vital male in England’s operate to the Rugby Globe Cup last, rejected a rewarding offer you from French aspect Racing 92 earlier this calendar year to extend his continue to be with Leicester and Murphy is confident he will reject the hottest solution.

“If the Wolfpack want Manu then I am guaranteed they can have a dialogue with us,” Murphy explained to BBC Leicester Sport.

Toronto Wolfpack head coach Brian McDermott gives his views immediately after the Canadian side won promotion to Tremendous League

Toronto Wolfpack head mentor Brian McDermott provides his views soon after the Canadian facet received advertising to Super League

“But we don’t want Manu leaving. He is environment-class and desires to be at Tigers. Manu was presented additional revenue to depart very last year when the speculation was about.

“He has a household in this article. He is settled here and he feels like a Leicester participant so I will not consider he will be heading anyplace, at any time before long.”

Toronto are envisioned to announce the signing of twin-code global Williams on Thursday and will unveil him at a push convention in London subsequent Thursday.

Jon Wilkin thinks Williams would draw big Rugby League audiences ought to Toronto Wolfpack sign the dual-code worldwide

Jon Wilkin believes Williams would draw huge Rugby League audiences should Toronto Wolfpack signal the dual-code global

The two-time rugby union Environment Cup winner, who performed his final match for the All Blacks in the bronze medal earn around Wales in Tokyo previous Friday, has accepted an give that will make the maximum-compensated player in the history of either code.

The deal is stated to be worthy of all over £4.8m, like a stake in the club as they get ready to float shares on the stock trade.

Just £150k on his wage will count on the £2.1m Super League income cap as he normally takes up 1 of Toronto’s marquee player slots, with the rest coated by the Wolfpack’s rich operator David Argyle.

Argyle, an Australian mining magnate, has built no top secret of his ambition to indication entire world-course players and believes Williams can have on Tremendous League the type of influence David Beckham experienced on the Major Soccer League in North The united states.