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Phil Blanche

Phil Blanche is a sports reporter for the PA news agency and specialises in coverage of Wales' national football teams. He joined the company in 2014 after spending 26 years at Media Wales.

Cesar Luis Menotti won the World Cup in 1978 as Argentina’s head coach (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Cesar Luis Menotti, Argentina 1978 World Cup-winning coach, dies aged 85

Sir Steve Redgrave fears paying some prize money to Olympic athletes and not to others will create division between competitors (Barry Coombs/PA)
Sport

Sir Steve Redgrave: Track and field prize money at Olympics will divide athletes

Jude Bellingham was recognised at the Laureus World Sports Awards (Manu Fernandez/AP)
Sport

Bellingham, Djokovic and Bonmati among big winners at Laureus awards

Jude Bellingham was recognised at the Laureus World Sports Awards (Manu Fernandez/AP)
Sport

Jude Bellingham targets trophy treble after Laureus breakthrough award

Former Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt (left) and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (right) pose at the red carpet before the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid (Manu Fernandez/AP)
Sport

Jude Bellingham’s impact at Real Madrid impresses Usain Bolt

Former England manager Fabio Capello believes the Three Lions will win Euro 2024 this summer (David Davies/PA)
Football

Fabio Capello tips a Jude Bellingham-inspired England to win Euro 2024

Boris Becker will miss Wimbledon this year as he is not allowed in the UK following his prison stay and deportation from the country (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Tennis

Becker ‘working hard with authorities’ to return to Wimbledon in 2025

Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova (PA)
Sport

Tennis greats call for Olympic medallists across all sports to get prize money

Welsh Parliament handout photo dated 11/09/22 of the Welsh flag is flown at half mast to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at The Senedd in Cardiff, Wales. Picture date: Sunday September 11, 2022.
Football

Former Wales winger Leighton James dies, aged 71

Edinburgh have switched their European Challenge Cup tie to Murrayfield because of concerns over Storm Kathleen (Jane Barlow/PA)
Sport

Storm Kathleen forces Edinburgh to move Bayonne match to Murrayfield

<p>Ronnie O’Sullivan is trying to change his thinking </p>
Snooker

O’Sullivan reveals key change he’s made after ‘driving himself mad’

Snooker

Ronnie O’Sullivan hammers Ali Carter at Tour Championship

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds (PA)
Business

Wrexham football club owe Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynold nearly £9 million

Business

Wrexham football club owe Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynold nearly £9 million

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds (PA)
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their takeover in 2021 (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Wrexham financial report reveals club owed Hollywood stars millions

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their takeover in 2021 (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds owed nearly £9million by Wrexham

Rob Page’s future was in doubt after Wales lost on penalties to Poland (David Davies/PA)
Football

Rob Page to remain Wales manager despite Euro 2024 qualifying failure

Rob Page during the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off final against Poland (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Page insists Wales ‘going places’ despite Euro 2024 heartbreak

Rob Page during the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off final against Poland (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Page insists Wales ‘going places’ despite Euro 2024 heartbreak

Aaron Ramsey will consider his Wales future after Euro 2024 heartbreak (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Aaron Ramsey to ponder international future after Wales’ Euro 2024 hopes ended

Manager Rob Page says he is the man to take Wales forward after their Euro 2024 exit (David Davies/PA)
Football

Page insists he can take Wales forward after penalty heartbreak

Daniel James is consoled by his Wales team-mates after missing from the spot in a penalty shoot-out against Poland (David Davies/PA)
Football

Wales suffer penalty shootout heartbreak as Poland reach Euro 2024

Ben Davies is confident Wales would win a penalty shoot-out against Poland should their Euro 2024 play-off final go the distance (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Ben Davies confident Wales won’t pay the penalty in play-off against Poland

Wales manager Rob Page was in relaxed mood ahead of the Euro 2024 play-off final against Poland (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Wales ready for crunch Euro 2024 play-off without talisman Bale

Harry Wilson (right) is wary of the threat posed by Robert Lewandowski (left) (PA Images)
Football

If Wales give Lewandowski a sniff at goal he’ll take it, warns Wilson

Poland fans set off flares in the stands at Cardiff City Stadium in September 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Wales and Poland fans told not to take pyrotechnic devices to play-off final

Poland defender Jan Bednarek and Wales striker Brennan Johnson go head to head in a Nations League encounter at Cardiff in September 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Robert Page’s side bid to cement golden era – Wales-Poland talking points

Harry Wilson (right) is wary of the threat posed by Robert Lewandowski (left) (PA Images)
Football

If Wales give Lewandowski a sniff at goal he’ll take it, warns Wilson

Poland fans set off flares in the stands at Cardiff City Stadium in September 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Wales and Poland fans told not to take pyrotechnic devices to play-off final

Poland defender Jan Bednarek and Wales striker Brennan Johnson go head to head in a Nations League encounter at Cardiff in September 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Robert Page’s side bid to cement golden era – Wales-Poland talking points

Wales’ Connor Roberts has grown a moustache and it has proved a lucky charm playing for Leeds this season (Jess Hornby/PA)
Football

Connor Roberts hopes ‘power of the tash’ helps fire Wales to Euro 2024

Football

Connor Roberts hopes ‘power of the tash’ helps fire Wales to Euro 2024

Wales’ Connor Roberts has grown a moustache and it has proved a lucky charm playing for Leeds this season (Jess Hornby/PA)
Joe Allen won 74 caps for Wales and played at three major tournaments for his country (PA)
Football

Wales would happily welcome Joe Allen back to squad for Euros – Ethan Ampadu

Rhys Ifans (left) inspired Wales to victory, according to and Jordan James (Ian West/Simon Galloway/PA)
Football

Passionate speech from actor Rhys Ifans inspired Wales victory – Jordan James

Daniel James celebrates after scoring Wales’ fourth goal in their Euro 2024 play-off semi-final victory over Finland (David Davies/PA)
Football

Daniel James delighted to celebrate birth of baby with goal in 50th Wales cap

<p>Wales celebrate scoring against Finland </p>
Football

Wales thump Finland to book Euro 2024 play-off final date with Poland

<p>Wales celebrate scoring against Finland </p>
Football

Wales thump Finland to book Euro 2024 play-off final date with Poland

Ben Davies is targeting Euro 2024 qualification and hoping to play at a fourth major tournament for Wales (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Ben Davies says Wales ‘more than confident’ ahead of Euro 2024 play-off

Manager Rob Page says Wales are taking nothing for granted ahead of their Euro 2024 play-off against Finland (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Wales must at their best to beat Finland in Euros play-off, says Page

Aaron Ramsey (left) was called into the Wales squad despite not having started a game for six months (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Rob Page dismisses Cardiff boss Erol Bulut’s concern over Aaron Ramsey call-up

Daniel James (centre) is set to do battle against Finland again in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off semi-final (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Wales begin bid for play-off glory – 5 talking points ahead of Finland clash

Defender Joe Rodon is a key player as Wales attempt to qualify for a third successive European Championship (Ben Birchall/PA)
Football

Joe Rodon counting on Euros experience as Wales face off with foes Finland

Teenager Kobbie Mainoo has excelled in Manchester United’s indifferent season and has now been called up by England (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Stockport star shining for Man Utd – England’s latest call-up Kobbie Mainoo

Ethan Ampadu is set to become the youngest Welshman to win 50 caps on Thursday at the age of 23 (Ben Birchall/PA)
Football

Ethan Ampadu has plans to make a big impression for club and country

Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward has not played for Leicester since March 2023 (Tim Goode/PA)
Football

Wales boss Rob Page has sympathy for Danny Ward’s situation at Leicester

Ethan Ampadu is set to win his 50th Wales cap against Finland on Thursday (Tim Goode/PA)
Football

Rob Page praises ‘future Wales captain’ Ethan Ampadu ahead of landmark cap

<p>Warren Gatland offered to resign after Wales’s loss </p>
Rugby Union

Wales reject Gatland’s resignation after ‘rock bottom’ loss to Italy

Wales defender Tom Lockyer returned to the scene of his on-pitch cardiac arrest at Bournemouth on Wednesday (John Walton/PA)
Football

Wales boss Rob Page backs Tom Lockyer in urging people to learn CPR

Football

Wales boss Rob Page backs Tom Lockyer in urging people to learn CPR

Wales defender Tom Lockyer returned to the scene of his on-pitch cardiac arrest at Bournemouth on Wednesday (John Walton/PA)
Lewis Koumas (left) is congratulated by manager Jurgen Klopp after his goalscoring performance against Southampton in the FA Cup last month (Peter Byrne/PA)
Football

Wales confident Lewis Koumas will not switch allegiance to England

Skipper Aaron Ramsey has returned to Wales duty after injury (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Rob Page defends Aaron Ramsey’s Wales selection amid fitness issues

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has not started a game for six months (David Davies/PA)
Football

Aaron Ramsey named in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off squad despite lack of game time

Wales head coach Warren Gatland faces a Six Nations wooden spoon decider against Italy next Saturday (Joe Giddens/PA)
Rugby Union

Gatland relishing Wales’ wooden spoon decider against Italy

Wales head coach Warren Gatland faces a Six Nations wooden spoon decider against Italy next Saturday (Joe Giddens/PA)
Rugby Union

Gatland relishing Wales’ wooden spoon decider against Italy

Wales’ Laura McAllister is the only female member of UEFA’s executive committee (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Sport

UEFA ExCo’s Laura McAllister keen to ‘get more women’s voices heard’ in football

Rugby great JPR Williams died in January at the age of 74 (Adam Davy/PA)
Rugby Union

Wales great JPR Williams remembered as rugby ‘revolutionary’ and family man

Rory McIlroy has suggested there is a chance he could join the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf Tour (Richard Sellers/PA)
Golf

McIlroy makes stunning admission over LIV Golf future: ‘Who knows?’

Owen Farrell will be leaving Saracens for Racing 92 at the end of the season (Ben Whitley/PA)
Rugby Union

Owen Farrell admits he was ‘nervous’ about expressing desire to leave Saracens

Scotland’s Finn Russell (left) and Rory Darge lift the Calcutta Cup aloft after victory over England (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Rugby Union

5 things we learned from round three of the Guinness Six Nations

Wayne Rooney (right) would be happy to become Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Wayne Rooney: If Pep Guardiola asked me to be his assistant, I’d walk there

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer returns to Manchester City for the first time on Saturday since leaving the club last September (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Football

Cole Palmer expects ‘weird feeling’ when he returns to Etihad as Chelsea player

Louis Rees-Zammit has started training on the NFL’s international player pathway programme (Mike Egerton/PA)
Sport

Louis Rees-Zammit excited by his NFL hopes following transition from rugby

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was relieved his side held on to claim a first win over Wales in Cardiff for 22 years (David Davies/PA)
Rugby Union

Gregor Townsend feared dramatic Cardiff collapse would cost Scotland victory

Scotland captain Finn Russell during a team run at the Principality Stadium before Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Wales (David Davies/PA)
Rugby Union

Finn Russell: Wales changes do not make Scotland favourites to end Cardiff woe

Swansea goalkeeper Carl Rushworth lost two of his grandparents to cancer (David Davies/PA)
Football

Cancer affects everyone – Carl Rushworth proud to help raise awareness

Football

Cancer affects everyone – Carl Rushworth proud to help raise awareness

Swansea goalkeeper Carl Rushworth lost two of his grandparents to cancer (David Davies/PA)
Michael Smith celebrates with his trophy after winning on the first night of the 2024 Premier League season (David Davies/PA)
Sport

Luke Littler is ‘bigger than Phil Taylor’ says victorious Michael Smith

Head coach Gregor Townsend has explained Scotland’s decision to close the Principality Stadium roof in Cardiff on Saturday (Steve Welsh/PA)
Rugby Union

Gregor Townsend happy to deny Wales advantage by keeping stadium roof open

World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes received death threats during the tournament in France last year (David Davies/PA)
Rugby Union

Abuse of officials and players at Rugby World Cup sparks legal action

Erik ten Hag has welcomed back a number of injured played (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ten Hag could select strongest Man Utd team ‘for first time’ at Wolves

Erik ten Hag has welcomed back a number of injured played (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ten Hag could select strongest Man Utd team ‘for first time’ at Wolves

Manchester United fan Will Evans has swapped life on the family farm for scoring goals at Newport (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Former farmer Will Evans determined to milk his second chance in football

Nuno Espirito Santo believes his Nottingham Forest side have taken a “big step” with the first clean sheet of his managerial reign there (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Nottingham Forest have taken ‘big step’ after goalless FA Cup stalemate – Nuno

Nottingham Forest’s Gonzalo Montiel (left) and Bristol City’s Anis Mehmeti battle for the ball at Ashton Gate (Nigel French/PA)
Football

Bristol City and Nottingham Forest set for FA Cup replay after goalless draw

Newport’s Adam Lewis takes on Manchester United during his second spell on loan from Liverpool (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Adam Lewis hopes to give his mates, Mason Mount excluded, the upset they crave

Newport boss Graham Coughlan has warned Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag will be in the FA Cup firing line at Rodney Parade (Barrington Coombs/PA)
Football

Graham Coughlan warns Man Utd to expect a hostile atmosphere at Newport

Newport closed their ticket office ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup visits after staff were threatened (Robbie Stephenson/PA)
Football

Newport forced to close ticket office after ‘appalling abuse’ towards club staff

Cardiff want “to seek justice” against Nantes over Emilano Sala’s death in January 2019 (Aaron Chown/PA)
Football

Cardiff continue legal fight ahead of fifth anniversary of Emiliano Sala’s death

Newport manager Graham Coughlan says playing Manchester United in the FA Cup tie will be the biggest in the club’s history (Robbie Stephenson/PA)
Football

Newport’s clash with Man Utd is biggest game in club’s history – Graham Coughlan

David Moyes questioned the FA Cup having VAR in operation one week and not the other after his side’s defeat to Bristol City (David Davies/PA)
Football

Moyes dismisses ‘ridiculous’ FA Cup claim as best in the world

Bristol City’s Tommy Conway rounds West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski after scoring his side’s FA Cup winner (David Davies/PA)
Football

Conway strikes as Bristol City dump West Ham out in fiery FA Cup tie

Newport manager Graham Coughlan grew up as a Manchester United supporter and could now play them in the FA Cup (Barrington Coombs/PA)
Football

Newport boss Graham Coughlan hoping for FA Cup tie against boyhood club Man Utd

Luke Littler was beating players years older than him at the age of nine (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Sport

Littler has been ‘smashing’ opponents at darts since he was nine

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has written to Manchester United supporters’ groups after agreeing a deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ratcliffe calls for ‘patience’ in message to Man Utd fans

<p>English referee Rebecca Welch officiating in her first premier league game</p>
Football

Welch breaks new ground as first woman to referee Premier League game

Vincent Kompany. left, has welcomed Rebecca Welch as the Premier League’s first female referee (Ian Hodgson/Barrington Coombs/PA)
Football

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany welcomes Rebecca Welch appointment for Fulham clash

Former Wales men’s team manager Chris Coleman has spoken to the country’s women’s squad this week (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Wales call on Chris Coleman in bid to boost Women’s Nations League hopes

<p>English referee Rebecca Welch officiating in her first premier league game</p>
Football

Welch breaks new ground as first woman to referee Premier League game

Vincent Kompany. left, has welcomed Rebecca Welch as the Premier League’s first female referee (Ian Hodgson/Barrington Coombs/PA)
Football

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany welcomes Rebecca Welch appointment for Fulham clash

Former Wales men’s team manager Chris Coleman has spoken to the country’s women’s squad this week (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Wales call on Chris Coleman in bid to boost Women’s Nations League hopes

Wales’ fate will be decided by the play-offs for the second successive major tournament (Joe Giddens/PA)
Football

What happens next for Wales as they look to book a place at Euro 2024?

Rob Page insists he is the man to take Wales forward despite missing out on automatic qualification for Euro 2024 (Joe Giddens/PA)
Football

Rob Page ‘absolutely’ adamant he will lead Wales into Euro 2024 play-offs

Wales manager Rob Page applauds the fans following their 1-1 European Championship qualifying draw against Turkey (Joe Giddens/PA)
Football

Rob Page draws on play-off experience after Wales miss out on Euro qualification

Manager Rob Page says Wales have dismissed talk of the Euro 2024 play-offs ahead of their final qualifier (David Davies/PA)
Football

Rob Page: Wales not entertaining Euro 2024 play-off talk before Turkey qualifier

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds have welcomed the decision for the club to take over the lease of The Racecourse Ground (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds push on with Wrexham’s Racecourse

Joe Rodon celebrates Wales’ equaliser during their 1-1 draw against Armenia on Saturday (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Football

Talking points as Wales look to pip Croatia to Euro 2024 spot in final round

Neco Williams is hoping for a favour from Armenia in Wales’ quest for European Championship qualification (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Football

Neco Williams confident Armenia can aid Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification bid

Wales’ Euro 2024 automatic qualification hopes are now out of their own hands (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Football

Rob Page admits Wales’ best chance of making Euro 2024 likely to be in play-offs

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