
Shane MacDermott
Sports Writer
16 Articles
Favourite football team
Brentford
Favourite football ground
Griffin Park
Favourite sporting memory
2005 Ashes
Favourite sports movie
The Last Dance
Controversial opinion
Anything milder than a Medium at Nando's is pointless
Funniest sporting moment
Mark Williams doing his press conference naked after winning the 2018 World Championship
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
While snooker is where many readers know him best, cricket is his true sporting passion, though he tends to keep that side of him separate from his professional beat.
A staunch traditionalist, he’s unlikely to share your enthusiasm if you believe The Hundred is the future of Test cricket.
latestArticlesBy Shane MacDermott

Football
Exclusive: Marseille Close in on Ayoub El Kaabi After Agreeing Pre-Contract Terms with Olympiacos Star
Marseille close to signing Ayoub El Kaabi from Olympiacos, as he heads to the African Cup of Nations. The Moroccan striker is a proven goalscorer and could be a hit in one of Europe's top leagues. Marseille believe they have secured their man to replace the 33-year-old's current contract ending next summer.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-07

Football
Exclusive: USA Talent Cole Campbell Hands in Dortmund Transfer Request as Stuttgart and Others Eye Move
VfB Stuttgart are considering making a bid for young winger Cole Campbell in January after a failed summer transfer. The 19-year-old has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Borussia Dortmund and is seeking more playing time. Several European clubs are interested in signing him, including Club Brugge, Anderlecht, Midtylland, and SV Elversberg. Campbell, who has dual nationality, has struggled for chances at Dortmund and is looking to move for his development.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-09

Football
Exclusive: Chelsea “Bomb Squad” Star Raheem Sterling Open to Move Abroad After Family Trauma
Raheem Sterling is considering a move abroad after a recent traumatic burglary at his home in Berkshire. The former England star, currently with Chelsea, has been training alone and is open to offers from around the world. The incident has prompted him to consider the safety of his family as he weighs up his future options.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-05

Football
Exclusive: Crystal Palace Fear Losing Jean-Philippe Mateta for Free as Striker Keeps Options Open for 2026
Crystal Palace is keen for Jean-Philippe Mateta to commit to a new contract, with talks stalling but the club offering a pay rise. The striker wants to keep his options open for a World Cup call-up, attracting interest from top European clubs like AC Milan, Roma, and Napoli. Mateta has been in good form, being one of the top scorers in the Premier League this season. Palace wants to avoid losing him on a free transfer and are eager to secure his future at the club.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-05

Football
Exclusive: Man United Lifeline Doesn’t Deter Roma’s Joshua Zirkzee Pursuit
Roma is focused on signing Joshua Zirkzee in January despite his recent successes at Old Trafford. They may turn to Tottenham's Mathys Tels if a deal falls through. Zirkzee's impact on Roma's game has been praised, despite his previous struggles in the Premier League.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-05

Football
Exclusive: Andre Onana Set for Saudi Move After Manchester United Exit and AFCON Snub
Andre Onana faces an uncertain future after being dropped from Cameroon's AFCON squad and told his Manchester United career is over. With a lack of suitors in Europe, the goalkeeper could be heading to the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Despite a strong pedigree, Onana's time at United has been plagued by errors. Club keen to offload him in the summer.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-04

Football
Exclusive: Pep Slams Door Shut on Trafford and Ortega January Moves in Shock City Decision
Manchester City will not allow goalkeepers James Trafford and Stefan Ortega to both leave in January, despite reports of their unhappiness. Trafford, sought after by Newcastle United, may leave on loan for the second half of the season. Guardiola sees him as the future number one.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-04

Football
Exclusive: Liverpool Plot Shock Move as Everton Prepare for Iliman Ndiaye Transfer Battle
Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace, are interested in signing Everton's top scorer Iliman Ndiaye. The 25-year-old Senegalese international, who has scored four goals this season, has had an interesting career progression from non-league to Premier League star. Lyon is also keen on bringing him back to Ligue 1. Everton is determined to keep Ndiaye, whom they signed in 2024.
Shane MacDermott
2025-12-03

Football
Exclusive: Sunderland Plot Ambitious January Swoop for Matteo Guendouzi with Napoli in the Mix
Sunderland is facing a tough battle to secure Matto Guendouzi during the January transfer window. Lazio is willing to sell for around £25m, but the player prefers to stay in Serie A. Napoli and Newcastle United are also interested in signing him. Guendouzi previously played for Arsenal and Marseille before joining Lazio.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-28

Football
Exclusive: Nottingham Forest Favourites to Land Arsenal’s Rising Star Myles Lewis-Skelly on January Loan
Nottingham Forest are targeting Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly on loan in January. The 19-year-old left-back is seeking more playing time to secure his spot in England's World Cup squad. Several Premier League clubs are also eyeing a potential move for the promising teenager. Arsenal sees him as a future star and will only consider loan offers. Arteta's decision on Lewis-Skelly's future remains uncertain.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-28

Football
Exclusive: Rúben Amorim Wants Zeno Debast Back from Sporting – But Manchester United Face Fight to Land £50m Wonderkid
Ruben Amorim is eyeing a reunion with Zeno Debast, a young centre-back with a £50million price tag. However, competition is fierce with clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid interested. Manchester United may miss out due to financial constraints, with Amorim keen to team Debast with Harry Maguire.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-27

Football
Exclusive: Roma Priced Out of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg Move as Marseille Demand £52m
Roma priced out of move for Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as Marseille demand £52million fee. Juventus also interested but see the price as "prohibitive". Roma shifts focus to other targets like Jadon Sancho and Joshua Zirkzee. Hojbjerg has had success at Bayern Munich, Southampton, and Tottenham, winning titles and individual awards along the way.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-28

Football
Exclusive: Unai Emery Targets Real Madrid Star Gonzalo Garcia as Villa’s Top January Priority
Real Madrid's Gonzalo Garcia tops Unai Emery's Christmas wishlist at Aston Villa. The Spanish boss is eager to strengthen attack with the promising striker amid Ollie Watkins' struggles. Other clubs also interested as Villa looks to secure Champions League qualification. Watkins' goal drought and lack of assists a growing concern.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-26

Snooker
Exclusive: Ronnie O’Sullivan Hints He’ll Skip the 2026 Masters in Favour of Dubai Life
Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan credits moving to Dubai as a game-changer for his mental wellbeing. The seven-time world champion talks about the toll of long flights for tournaments and the importance of feeling good. He is focusing on a light schedule with more tournaments in China and Saudi Arabia.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-25

Football
Exclusive: Scott McTominay Happy at Napoli Despite Premier League and Barcelona Interest
Scotland's World Cup hero McTominay is adamant on staying at Napoli despite Premier League interest. The midfielder's stunning overhead kick secured a World Cup spot for Scotland after leading Napoli to Serie A title. With interest from Everton, Newcastle, and Barcelona, McTominay is settled in Italy post-Manchester United.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-21

Football
Exclusive: Inter Milan Ready to Battle Juventus for Serge Gnabry’s Signature as Bayern Contract Talks Stall
Inter Milan are ready to challenge Juventus for Serge Gnabry. The 30-year-old's contract with Bayern Munich is expiring, making him a free agent. Liverpool is also interested in signing the German forward. Gnabry has had a successful career at Bayern, winning multiple titles.
Shane MacDermott
2025-11-20
Shane MacDermott
Shane is also a key member of our dedicated Transfers team, with his ear to the ground and strong links to agents and club insiders, always ready to pick up the latest whispers from behind the scenes.