Shane MacDermott

Shane MacDermott

Sports Writer

153 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 a seasoned sports journalist and one of the most recognisable voices in the snooker pressroom. From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Zhao Xintong, he has sat down with the sport’s biggest names and broken hundreds of front-page national stories.

Alongside his work for SportsBoom, Shane regularly freelances for national outlets including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star.

While cricket is Shane’s true passion, particularly Test cricket, he keeps it largely separate from his professional work. But don’t expect him to be sold on The Hundred as the future of the game.

latestArticlesBy Shane MacDermott

Gillingham v Cheltenham Town - Sky Bet League Two

Football

Exclusive: Gillingham’s Elliott Nevitt Linked With Move to Promotion-Chasing Cambridge

Cambridge United are eyeing a loan move for Gillingham's Elliott Nevitt, with manager Neil Harris eager to boost their promotion push. Despite Nevitt's lack of goals this season, Harris is impressed and looking to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season. Sources indicate talks with Gillingham are underway. U's are currently in sixth place and unbeaten in 11 league games. Harris is confident of new signings to enhance their promotion chances.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-23

AFC Asian Cup - Previews

Football

Exclusive: Qataris Line Up £250m Move for World’s Oldest Club in Shock Sheffield FC Bid

Qatar's sovereign wealth fund is backing a bid to purchase Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club, in a multi-million pound project that could see the club become one of the richest in the world. Dave Richards MBE and Yorkshire AI Labs are leading the bid, with plans for a new stadium and museum celebrating Sheffield's footballing history. The Qataris are impressed by Richards' vision and aim to support his plans for the club's development.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-23

Dundee v Heart of Midlothian - William Hill Premiership

Football

Exclusive: QPR Ready £1m Bid for Dundee Starlet Luke Graham

QPR are set to bid £1million for Dundee defender Luke Graham, sought after by many Championship clubs. Portsmouth, Sheffield United, and Aberdeen are all interested. Dundee will only sell for an enticing offer, valuing Graham at over £1million. Manager Steven Pressley praises Graham's potential.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-22

Newport County v Wrexham AFC - Sky Bet League Two

Football

Exclusive: Salford City Plot Shock Move for Wrexham Hero Paul Mullin

Salford City are targeting a move for Wrexham’s Paul Mullin after his Wigan loan ended. Mullin has 110 goals for Wrexham, but only 5 in his recent loan. Salford aims to secure promotion, but it's uncertain if Mullin will return to League One. Parkinson is guiding Mullin's exit carefully.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-20

Wrexham AFC v Bristol City - Sky Bet Championship

Football

Exclusive: Bolton Boss Steven Schumacher Targets Former Star to Boost Promotion Push

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher is keen on bringing striker Ryan Hardie back to the club after a difficult spell at Wrexham. Hardie has struggled to make an impact, leading to interest from Plymouth. Previous success under Schumacher at Plymouth could be a key factor in Hardie's potential return.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-18

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Football

Exclusive: Charlton Could Gatecrash Jesurun Rak-Sakyi Race as Palace Star Signals England Preference

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi prefers an England move over interest from Turkey. With Championship clubs eyeing him, Crystal Palace winger's future remains uncertain. Stoke City and Swansea City lead the race for his signature. Charlton Athletic may also make a late move for the player, adding to the uncertainty.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-16

Stoke City v Swansea City - Sky Bet Championship

Football

Exclusive: Standard Liège Lead Three-Club Chase for Stoke Left-Back Eric Bocat

Standard Liege are preparing an improved offer for Stoke City's Eric Bocat, after their initial loan deal was rejected. The Belgian club is set to submit a second proposal with the fee increased to around €2million. Stoke is reluctant to sell the left-back, who is currently injured, as they aim for a Premier League return.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-16

Sunderland v Brentford - Premier League

Football

Exclusive: Fiorentina to Rival Valencia, Coventry and Birmingham for Brentford's Frank Onyeka

Fiorentina are interested in Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, with Valencia also eyeing the Nigerian international. Onyeka, who dreams of playing for Manchester United, is surplus to requirements at Brentford and could leave this transfer window. He has been on loan at FC Augsburg and has made only six appearances this season.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-16

Benjamin Kallman of Finland seen during European World Cup...

Football

Exclusive: Norwich City Add Finland Star Benjamin Källman to Striker Shortlist

Norwich City eyes Finnish striker Benjamin Kallman to replace potential departing star Josh Sargent. Kallman, with ten goals in Bundesliga 2, seeks UK return after Dundee United stint. The 27-year-old has 35 caps & 10 goals for Finland and is a proven goalscorer.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-16

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Football

Exclusive: Leeds Set to Renew Interest in Callum Wilson as Free-Agent Exit Looms

Leeds United are looking to sign Callum Wilson if he leaves West Ham United. Wilson is seeking to cancel his contract with the Hammers after falling down the pecking order. Leeds face competition from Celtic, Everton, and clubs in Saudi Arabia in the race to sign Wilson.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-16

Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford - Emirates FA Cup Third Round

Football

Exclusive: Former Hearts and Scotland Star John Colquhoun Part of Consortium Bidding for Sheffield Wednesday

Former footballer John Colquhoun and professional poker player James Bord are part of a consortium aiming to take over financially struggling Sheffield Wednesday. Bord has been granted preferred bidder status but faces challenges meeting the £30m price tag. Colquhoun, now a football agent, is among investors supporting Bord. The club is at risk of relegation and faces uncertainties under new ownership.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-15

Birmingham City v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship

Football

Exclusive: Derby County Ready New Deal for Keeper Zetterström as Premier League Interest Grows

Derby County are eager to secure goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstorm to a new deal amidst interest from Bournemouth. The Cherries are monitoring the Swedish international's progress and are considering signing him in the summer. Other clubs are also interested, but County is keen to offer him an extension to keep him at Pride Park. Zetterstorm has impressed since joining the club, earning a full international debut and praise from manager John Eustace.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-15

Barnsley v Brighton & Hove Albion - Carabao Cup Third Round

Football

Exclusive: Heckingbottom Returns to Old Hunting Ground as Preston Target Davis Keillor-Dunn

Preston North End boss Heckingbottom eyes advantage in race for Keillor-Dunn, with scouts watching him play for Barnsley. The striker has been prolific in the EFL, attracting Championship interest. As a former Barnsley player and coach, Heckingbottom hopes to charm his way to a successful bid for the talismanic hitman. Barnsley faces a potential exodus of top players in the January window, including Keillor-Dunn.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-15

Liverpool v Barnsley - Emirates FA Cup Third Round

Football

Exclusive: Birmingham City Front Runners in Race for Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary

Birmingham City are among the Championship clubs interested in signing Barnsley's star player Reyes Cleary. The talented winger has attracted interest from Germany and Italy as well. Barnsley has rejected four bids for Cleary and is determined to keep their best players. Cleary, who has been in fine form this season, has five goals and nine assists for Barnsley.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-15

Bristol City v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship

Football

Exclusive: QPR Target Bristol City Goalkeeper Max O’Leary in January Move

Queens Park Rangers are eyeing Bristol City's Max O'Leary to be their first-choice keeper, with competition from other Championship clubs. O'Leary, 29, is keen for regular playtime to boost his international prospects. City may sell to avoid losing him for free this summer.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-15

Viktoria Plzen v Rangers - UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg

Football

Exclusive: Leicester City Launch Shock Move for Rangers’ Kieran Dowell

Leicester City are looking to sign Kieran Dowell, who is set to leave Rangers, ahead of Hull City. The midfielder has fallen out of favor at Ibrox and is eager to return to England. Dowell, a three-time promotion winner, has experience in the Championship and the Premier League, making him an attractive target. Hull City are under restrictions, giving Leicester the opportunity to secure the 28-year-old's signature.

Shane MacDermott

2026-01-14

Shane MacDermott

Shane is a key member of our football transfer and rumours team, known for his strong connections to agents and club insiders, and his knack for uncovering the latest whispers and behind-the-scenes stories.