NO OLD PALS ACT FOR BECKHAM

January 16, 2021 • stevebrenner • AFP

FROM STEVE BRENNER IN MIAMI

David Beckham stressed on Friday that his close friendship with Phil Neville wasn’t behind the former England women’s coach’s arrival as Inter Miami boss.

Neville and Beckham played together for Manchester United and England with the pair remaining close having both risen through the ranks at Old Trafford along with the likes of brother Gary, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Yet despite their relationship and how the appointment may be perceived, Beckham, who has been able to take a far more hands-on role in Miami since arriving in South Florida at Christmas, insists Neville is the perfect choice for his Major League Soccer franchise.

Neville, who has never held a head coach role in the men’s game after three years working for England’s women, snubbed the chance to lead Great Britain’s women’s team at the Tokyo Olympics and heads to Miami on a two-year deal.

MIAMI OUT OF TUNE IN NASHVILLE

November 22, 2020 • stevebrenner • The Sun

BY STEVE BRENNER

DAVID BECKHAM’S first season as an MLS owner ended with a nightmare in Nashville.

The former England skipper was praying his Inter Miami side could keep their play-off dream alive.

But Goldenballs watched in horror as fellow newcomers Nashville — bossed by Englishman Gary Smith — roared into the next round with a 3-0 win.

MARCELO BACKS DEPAY TO CRUSH CITY

August 14, 2020 • stevebrenner • The Sun

EXCLUSIVE BY STEVE BRENNER

MEMPHIS DEPAY is ready to prove his Premier League critics wrong by crushing Pep Guardiola’s Champions League dream.

The former Manchester United forward, 26, was branded a flop during a disappointing three-year spell at Old Trafford.

But he has really found his feet at European surprise packages Lyon.

MILK JUGS USHER IN A NEW DAWN FOR ROBLES

March 25, 2020 • stevebrenner • AFP

DEFEAT BUT ENCOURAGEMENT FOR BECKHAM AND FRIENDS

March 2, 2020 • stevebrenner • The Guardian

FROM STEVE BRENNER AT THE BANC OF CALIFORNIA STADIUM

It went, for the most part, as expected. Inter Miami owner David Beckham looked resplendent in a dashing Ralph Lauren suit with a club crest taking pride of place on his blazer.

The former England captain’s wife Victoria and son Brooklyn arrived to offer moral support while celebrity chef, and, lest you forget, former player Gordon Ramsay also appeared in the posh seats. Whether he was cheering on Major League Soccer’s latest team or serving up some post-match roast chicken was unclear.

LIFT OFF FOR INTER MIAMI AND THEIR CELEBRATED LEADER

March 1, 2020 • stevebrenner • Daily Mail

STEVE BRENNER IN LA

And so, finally, David Beckham’s moment has arrived.

Here in the City of Angels, the former England captain will be in a private version of footballing heaven as his Inter Miami Major League Soccer expansion team roll out for their first competitive match.

Last season’s high-fliers Los Angeles FC are the opponents – and it could be a chastening afternoon for the MLS new-boys.

BECKHAM’S TIME FINALLY ARRIVES

March 1, 2020 • stevebrenner • The Guardian

FROM STEVE BRENNER IN LOS ANGELES

When David Beckham’s Inter Miami take to the field at the Banc of California stadium on Sunday night, six arduous years of crippling uncertainty will melt away.

The former England captain never thought it would be like this, yet the Miami political landscape is far trickier to beat than a well positioned defensive wall with a curling free-kick, something the 44-year-old did so wonderfully during his stellar playing days.

BECKS LOVES RINGING THE CHANGES

November 13, 2019 • stevebrenner • The Sun

EXCLUSIVE FROM STEVE BRENNER

DAVID BECKHAM has been picking up the phone and pleading with players to help him realise his MLS dream.

Becks is in constant contact with Inter Miami sporting director Paul McDonough who has been blown away by the former England skipper’s openness and ability to speak to any club on the planet.

HALF FOOTBALLER, HALF TENNIS ORGANIZER

September 14, 2019 • stevebrenner • The Sun

FROM STEVE BRENNER IN NEW YORK

GERARD PIQUE admitted he had to cheekily trick Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde to launch his business career – and used Sir Alex Ferguson for inspiration.

The Spanish defender, 32, is part of the business transforming tennis’ Davis Cup this year and had to go to Florida for a crucial vote last summer.

But in order to get to Orlando, he had to try and convince his manager to let him go – despite the new season getting underway.

NADAL SURVIVES MEDVEDEV SCARE

September 9, 2019 • stevebrenner • The Sun

FROM STEVE BRENNER IN NEW YORK

RAFA NADAL edged closer to Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record tally – but not before brilliant Daniil Medvedev gave him one hell of fright.

The super Spaniard eventually saw off tricky Russian Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7 4-6, 6-2 to bag his 19th major – and fourth US Open crown – to move just one behind Fed in the race to become the most successful player in history.

Yet an astonishing, drama packed ending saw an initially predictable final amazingly spark into life.