Thursday cannon fodder: permanent qualifier legend

USWNT set for decisive World Cup qualifier after perfect group run | SI.com
The U.S. women’s national team outscored opponents 18-0 en route to the match that can punch its ticket to the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

It's been nearly one year since the U.S. had a permanent manager. Does it matter?
The search for a new U.S. coach is taking forever. Does it matter?

'Annoyed' Chelsea player: What I 'cannot stand' under Maurizio Sarri - Football365
Chelsea are the only unbeaten team left in the Premier League, but not everyone is happy under Sarri.

Lionel Messi: Barcelona legend's life to be focus of a new Cirque du Soleil show - BBC Sport
The life of Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi will be the focus of a new Cirque du Soleil show.

Uefa Nations League: Countries to get paid more money for taking part - BBC Sport
Each of the 55 European countries in the Uefa Nations League will receive more money, Uefa has confirmed.

Dean Smith appointed Aston Villa manager with John Terry as assistant | Football | The Guardian
Dean Smith has been named manager of the East Midlands club.

From better than Giggs to ‘drinking and drinking’: how Ben Thornley battled back | David Hytner | Football | The Guardian
Thornley talks regrets, rock bottom and why he is finally at peace

Thierry Henry turns down vacant Aston Villa role in the wake of AS Monaco offer - 7500 To Holte
Thierry Henry has been persuaded to step-in to take the reigns at the newly vacant job at Monaco.

Why did Tim Howard and a Yankees owner buy non-league Dagenham & Redbridge? | Football | The Guardian
Not all American investors have set their sights as high as the Premier League.

Matthew Le Tissier: the last golden boy of a golden era
Matt Le Tissier is perhaps the greatest English footballer to never win a national team cap.