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Bompastor withholds details on Green’s Chelsea departure

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has stated that she wishes for the details surrounding Paul Green’s departure as head of women’s football, after a 13-year tenure, to remain private.

Paul Green played a significant role in Chelsea's recruitment process during his tenure at the club.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has chosen not to disclose the reasons behind Paul Green's sudden departure from the club after 13 years, citing a desire to maintain confidentiality.

Green stepped down as head of women's football on Monday evening, bringing an end to a period that saw the team achieve considerable success.

Throughout his time at Chelsea, the club won 19 trophies, including six consecutive Women's Super League titles, with the majority of these accomplishments occurring during his collaboration with former manager Emma Hayes.

When asked if fans deserved a more detailed explanation for Green's departure, Bompastor deflected the question, suggesting that other club officials might be better equipped to provide a response.

Bompastor acknowledged the significant contributions Green made to the club's success, stating that every player and staff member recognizes his impact and is grateful for his efforts.

According to Bompastor, Green laid the foundation for the club's success from the beginning and played a crucial role in its development, making his departure a significant loss.

As Chelsea prepares to face Liverpool on Sunday, the team finds itself in third place in the WSL, trailing leaders Manchester City by nine points.

Several players, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright, took to social media to express their disappointment and sadness over Green's departure.

Striker Sam Kerr described Green's exit as a "big loss" for the club, while former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised him as "the absolute best in the business."

Bompastor noted that the news of Green's departure had a profound impact on the team, with everyone feeling sad and affected on a human level.

However, Bompastor emphasized the need to focus on the future and the upcoming game, as the team must learn to manage their emotions and concentrate on what they can control.

As professionals, the team must bounce back and prioritize their performance in the next game, according to Bompastor.

Last season, Sonia Bompastor led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble, a notable achievement in her managerial career.

Former Manchester City striker Ellen White described Green as the "heartbeat" of Chelsea, highlighting his significant influence behind the scenes.

White credited Green with having a major impact on the club's recruitment, allowing them to stay ahead of their competitors and achieve a higher level of success.

Green's departure has sparked interest in the club's future, with White noting that he played a crucial role in building the foundation of Chelsea's success.

The circumstances surrounding Green's exit have raised questions about the involvement of co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in the decision-making process for the women's team.

Bompastor recently signed a contract extension, committing to the club until 2030, a move that reflects her long-term commitment to Chelsea.

When asked about her level of autonomy at the club, Bompastor expressed satisfaction with the direction the club is heading.

As the manager, Bompastor's primary focus is on the team's performance on the pitch, ensuring they are well-prepared and have the necessary clarity to succeed.

Bompastor's main objective is to make the team as successful as possible, and she is dedicated to achieving this goal.

Despite some setbacks, Bompastor insisted that the club's processes are still functioning and that they are working to address any issues.

Following a 5-1 defeat to Manchester City, Bompastor expressed concerns about the team's recruitment during the summer transfer window, admitting that she had hoped for better results.

Chelsea did not make any signings in January, despite falling behind their WSL rivals, and had multiple bids for Paris St-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini rejected on deadline day.

A recent report suggested that some players have struggled with Bompastor's training methods, but she remains confident in her approach.

Bompastor acknowledged the external noise surrounding the team but emphasized that her players are committed to her and the club's goals.

She expressed confidence in her team, stating that they have the trust and belief necessary to achieve great things.

Bompastor guaranteed that her players are united and focused on the next game and the remainder of the season.

The past few weeks have been tumultuous for Chelsea, a team that was once a dominant force in the WSL.

The club has set high standards on the pitch, winning six consecutive titles, and has made significant signings in previous transfer windows to maintain its position.

However, Chelsea's rapid decline this season has been alarming, with the team's vulnerabilities now more apparent than ever.

Bompastor has faced scrutiny from fans and has been forced to address questions about her position, responding with defiance.

Just as the team was rebuilding after a victory over Tottenham, the surprise announcement of Green's departure threw the team's plans into disarray.

According to sources, the news of Green's exit came as a surprise to Bompastor and her players, with many left upset and confused by the decision.

Bompastor and Green appeared to have a strong working relationship, often discussing the team's performance after games, and shared a common vision for the club.

While Bompastor cannot publicly acknowledge the impact of Green's departure on her role, it is likely that his exit will affect her position as she loses a key ally in the boardroom.

The next few months will be crucial for Chelsea, with several senior players, including Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Hannah Hampton, and Lucy Bronze, nearing the end of their contracts and a transition period on the horizon.

The club's structure is undergoing a significant shift, causing concern among fans, regardless of the team's performance on the pitch for the remainder of the season.

The Women's Football Weekly podcast, featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, will continue to provide analysis and discussion on the Women's Super League and beyond, with new episodes available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.

For up-to-date information on the Women's Super League, visit our WSL page

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GB’s Bankes knocked out in snowboard cross quarterfinals

Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain was knocked out in the quarter-final stage of the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain has been knocked out of the women's snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, failing to advance beyond the quarter-final stage.

For more Winter Olympics coverage, videos are available to stream.

Access to Winter Olympics video content is restricted to users in the United Kingdom.

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Family of Murder Victim Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Trial Scheduling

A 21-year-old woman, Chloe Mitchell, lost her life in June 2023, and a man is set to stand trial, facing a murder charge.

The family of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena, is facing further uncertainty as they await the outcome of a trial for her alleged murderer, which may be impacted by an ongoing barristers' strike.

A close-up photo of Chloe Mitchell - a young woman with long, straight, fair hair -  smiling at the camera. She is wearing black-framed sunglasses with blue lenses on her head, which are partially visible.
Chloe Mitchell's remains were found eight days after she went missing in 2023

Chloe Mitchell's life was cut short in June 2023, when she was killed in an incident that has left her family and community in shock.

Brandon John Rainey, the man accused of her murder, is scheduled to stand trial on February 23, but the proceedings may be delayed due to the industrial action by defence barristers.

Following a recent court hearing to review trial arrangements, Nadine Mitchell, Chloe's sister, expressed her family's distress and frustration, telling BBC News NI that they are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.

Nadine Mitchell stated that her family has been left with no choice but to wait once again for a resolution, having already endured a prolonged period of anxiety and uncertainty.

The family's emotional turmoil is evident, with Nadine describing the experience as a prolonged period of distress, marked by sleepless nights and unbearable tension.

The Mitchell family is struggling to come to terms with their situation, which has left them feeling overwhelmed and distraught.

The current strike by defence barristers in Northern Ireland, which began last month, is a result of a long-standing dispute over legal aid fees, with barristers arguing that their fees have not kept pace with inflation.

The strike has brought almost all criminal trials in Northern Ireland to a standstill, with the exception of cases where the defendant does not require legal aid.

The Mitchell family has appealed for their case to be treated as an exception, allowing the trial to proceed as scheduled.

Chloe Mitchell, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing in early June 2023, prompting an extensive search operation.

Her remains were discovered about a week later, following a series of searches in the Ballymena area.

Brandon John Rainey was subsequently arrested and charged with Chloe's murder, which is alleged to have taken place between June 2 and June 5, 2023.

Rainey also faces a charge of attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a deceased body.

The dispute between barristers and the Department of Justice centres on the level of legal aid fees, which barristers claim have not increased since 2005.

A close-up of Brandon Rainey, a man with short, fair hair and stubble, looking at the camera.  He is sitting in a vehicle on a dark, wet night.
Brandon Rainey is accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell

Barristers argue that the fees have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a significant decrease in their real-terms value over the past 20 years.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has warned that the low fees have created a crisis in the justice system, with many younger barristers refusing to take on legal aid cases due to the low rates of pay.

The CBA has described the strike as a "last resort" in their dispute with the Department of Justice, which has been ongoing for some time.

Despite an announced 16% increase in fees, which is set to take effect in mid-January, the strike has continued, with barristers arguing that the increase does not go far enough to address their concerns.

Chloe's father, George Mitchell, has previously appealed for an exception to be made in their case, allowing the trial to proceed despite the strike.

George Mitchell has argued that any delay to the trial would cause further trauma and distress for the families of victims.

He had invited Justice Minister Naomi Long to meet with him and his wife, Georgina, to discuss the matter further.

However, Minister Long has stated that it is not feasible to allow individual cases to proceed while the dispute over legal aid fees remains unresolved, citing ethical and practical concerns.

The minister has reiterated that the decision to grant exceptions lies with the CBA, which must weigh the competing demands of their members and the needs of the justice system.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia".
Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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