Absolute Football Banter

BREAKING: Crystal Palace Set for Another Glamorous Summer as Como Cup 2026 Invitation Confirmed

Crystal Palace supporters are quite literally living a dream right now.

Fresh off continued progress on and off the pitch, the Eagles have confirmed they will take part in the prestigious Como Cup 2026 in the stunning surroundings of Lake Como, Italy, as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 season.

The tournament, which runs from July 28 to August 1, will see Palace compete alongside an intriguing mix of European clubs, offering supporters another opportunity to watch their team test themselves against international opposition in one of football’s most picturesque settings.

For Palace fans, moments like this feel almost surreal. Not long ago, the club’s ambitions were simply centred on establishing itself in the Premier League. Now, supporters are watching their team travel across Europe, participate in high-profile tournaments, and continue building a reputation that extends well beyond English football.

From Premier League stability to memorable cup runs and now a summer tournament on the shores of Lake Como, the journey has been remarkable.

One fan summed it up perfectly:

“We’re not just surviving anymore — we’re experiencing things we never imagined as Palace supporters.”

Lake Como. European-calibre opposition. Summer football in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Crystal Palace fans really are living the dream. 🦅🇮🇹✨

🚨⚒️ WEST HAM STATEMENT: David Sullivan steps down with immediate effect ⚒️🚨

West Ham United have confirmed that Joint-Chair David Sullivan has resigned from his position and stepped down as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

The club says Sullivan made the decision after becoming aware of the impending publication of “serious historic allegations.”

Key points from the statement:

▪️ David Sullivan has stepped down with immediate effect
▪️ He has also resigned as a club director
▪️ West Ham say the allegations do not relate to the football club or any of its operations
▪️ Sullivan denies any illegal conduct through his legal representatives
▪️ He says he is stepping aside to avoid disruption while he deals with the matter privately
▪️ Interim CEO Karim Virani will continue to oversee the club’s day-to-day operations

This marks the end of an era for one of the most controversial and influential figures in West Ham’s modern history, with the club promising an update on the future structure of the board in due course.

👀 A huge development at the top of West Ham United.

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🚨⚒️ David Sullivan steps down as West Ham joint-chairman ⚒️🚨

West Ham have confirmed Sullivan has stepped down following what the club described as “serious historic allegations.”

However, the club has also stressed that:

✅ None of the allegations relate to West Ham United
✅ None relate to the club’s operations

In a statement, Sullivan said:

💬 “I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.”

The long-time West Ham owner has strongly denied the claims and says they are false.

This is a major development at boardroom level for the Hammers, with further details expected in the coming days.

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🚨 OFFICIAL: Wigan Athletic have re-signed Max Power from Bradford City.

The midfielder returns to the DW Stadium after captaining Bradford City and brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and familiarity with the club as Wigan continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

A popular figure among the Latics faithful, Max Power is back in blue and white. 🔵⚪

What do you make of the signing? 👇

🚨 OFFICIAL: Stockport County have appointed Jimmy McNulty as their new manager following his departure from Rochdale.

The highly-rated coach makes the move after impressing at Rochdale and will now take charge at Edgeley Park as Stockport look ahead to a new chapter under fresh leadership.

What do you make of the appointment? 👇

🥵 England players discovering that training in the middle of an American summer is slightly different from a rainy Tuesday in Stoke.

The heat is winning more duels than the opposition right now. 🇺🇸☀️😂

🚨🔴 Dragan Solak reveals Southampton are in a contract dispute with Ross Stewart over an extension clause 👀

The Saints owner says the club had an option to extend Stewart’s deal by a further year, but there was a catch…

📋 The clause had to be activated within five days of Southampton’s final game of the season.

However, Southampton’s play-off final was cancelled following the Spygate scandal, creating uncertainty over when that deadline actually fell.

💬 “We had to initiate the one-year option up to five days after the last game of the season, and we were out of the five days when our final got cancelled.”

💬 “When we knew there was no last game, we immediately sent the notice of the extension, but his lawyers say that they’re disagreeing with us.”

Solak insists Southampton want Stewart to stay:

💬 “Nobody would be better for Ross than us.”

💬 “We worked hard to allow him physically to show how good he is. He went from a guy who didn’t play for two years to be invited to the World Cup squad.”

💬 “If he wants to try his luck somewhere else, I can’t stop him, but I would love to have him back.”

🔴⚪

🚨🔵⚪ OFFICIAL: Tony Mowbray returns to Blackburn Rovers! ⚪🔵🚨

Blackburn have confirmed the return of Tony Mowbray as Head Coach, with the 62-year-old signing a long-term contract at Ewood Park.

🏆 Won promotion back to the Championship in his first spell
⚽ Built a competitive side that regularly challenged in the top half
🌟 Helped develop a number of talented young players
❤️ A hugely popular figure with the Blackburn fanbase

Sometimes football has a funny way of bringing people back together. 👏

Will Tony Mowbray’s second spell be a success? 🤔👇

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🚨🔴 Everton’s move for Hayden Hackney has been firmly knocked back by Middlesbrough!

According to Sky Sports News, Boro have rejected an initial approach from Everton, with the Premier League club currently nowhere near Middlesbrough’s valuation of the Championship Player of the Year.

❌ Initial approach rejected
❌ No further talks ongoing at this stage
👀 Interest remains from Everton, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace

Boro clearly aren’t under pressure to sell and appear determined to hold out for the right price.

With a queue of Premier League clubs circling, Hackney’s value is only going one way. 📈

💰 So what’s Hayden Hackney worth in today’s market?

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🚨 TRANSFER LATEST: Everton in talks with Middlesbrough over Hayden Hackney 🔵👀

According to The Athletic, Everton are now discussing a deal with Boro for the highly-rated midfielder.

✅ Championship Player of the Year
✅ 23 years old
✅ Keen on the possibility of a move to Goodison Park

However, Everton aren’t alone in the race, with interest also coming from other clubs.

Middlesbrough are understood to be prepared for Hackney to enter the final 12 months of his contract unless a suitable offer arrives.

A local lad. A Boro academy product. One of the Championship’s best midfielders.

If you’re a Middlesbrough fan, how much would it take for you to sell Hayden Hackney? 💰🔴⚪

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