Bombers aim for in-demand SunEssendon has emerged as a serious player in the chase for Gold Coast young gun Jaeger OMeara.ESPN understands the Bombers are seriously attempting to trump Hawthorns offer to lure the 2013 Rising Star winner.Armed with the No.1 pick, Essendon could use the prized selection in exchange for the 22-year-old midfielder. The Bombers would also seek one of the Suns first-round picks - probably No.8 - to sweeten the deal.OMeara, who has missed the last two seasons with a serious knee injury, has nominated the Hawks as his preferred club.But the Hawks salary cap pressures, which will likely result in the club off-loading club champion Sam Mitchell to West Coast, are hampering the clubs ability to negotiate a trade for OMeara.The Hawks have an ageing midfield in need of rejuvenation. As part of that process, the club this week secured hard-nosed, in-and-under player Tom Mitchell from Sydney. ? Champion midfielder Jordan Lewis also reportedly considered a move to Melbourne before the Hawks rejected the possibility.Mitchell move a masterstroke: Parkin Legendary football figure and former Hawthorn premiership coach, David Parkin, believes Alastair Clarksons push for Sam Mitchell to defect to West Coast is a masterstroke, with Hawthorn likely to reap the rewards by having the four-time premiership star return as their next senior coach.Mitchell is considering a move to the Eagles as a player - if the right deal can be done - before likely taking charge as one of the clubs assistant coaches from 2018.The 34-year-old, who collected his fifth Peter Crimmins Medal last week, was presented with the left-field suggestion by Clarkson on Brownlow Medal night and asked to think it over. Mitchell and his wife quickly decided it was a great opportunity for the family.Parkin, who captained and coached the Hawks to two premierships, says the trade could equip Mitchell with the skills to return to Waverley as a credentialed coach.When you think it through, it will be the best thing for Sam probably at this point in his career and it will be the best thing for Hawthorn now in what they have to do in their recharge and what they need from maybe as Sam as a coach in the future, Parkin told ESPN.Parkin says the trade will be a win-win for both clubs and could slingshot the Eagles back into premiership contention.West Coast are going to get a very good player that might help them win a premiership and theyll get a bloke with probably the greatest football nous and understanding that I have had the privilege to work with, other than Brett Ratten, he said.Hawthorn have got to rebuild their midfield. Theyve got the three oldest inside players finishing, so theyve got to do something about it.Eagles coach Adam Simpson is a graduate of Hawthorns successful coaching panel and still has a close relationship with Clarkson.Mitchell is contracted to the Hawks for next season after signing a one-year deal in July.While holidaying in New Zealand this week, the 307-game player rang SEN radio on Wednesday morning - once the rumours hit the airwaves - to say he was excited about the prospect of heading to the Eagles.I didnt go to the club and say I want to go to West Coast, Mitchell said. Clarko came over and said, as a friend, Is that something youd be interested in?And you could have knocked me over with a feather to be honest. Its the first time in my 15-year career, that Ive ever been a chance to be involved in a trade so its a bit of an awkward situation at the moment and I cant jump into either camp at the moment.Mitchell could yet be awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal, along with Richmonds Trent Cotchin, should the AFL strip the award from Essendons Jobe Watson after the Bombers latest challenge to doping findings failed.Hawks departure ruffles feathersWhile things are running beautifully for the Hawks on the field - the Mitchell move to West Coast seemingly a Clarkson stroke of genius - off the field, well, things are slightly bumpy.Chris Fagan, until recently Clarksons loyal and long-standing lieutenant, has ruffled some important feathers with his decision to head north and coach Brisbane.Clarkson himself is not happy, claiming Fagans discussions with Brisbane - which began late in the season and came to a head in the week before the Hawks first final - had disrupted the reigning premiers finals campaign. He felt Fagan was distracted by the discussions and did not perform at his best.The Hawks were bundled out in straight sets by Geelong and the Western Bulldogs.Fagan, who was presented as the Lions coach on October 4, was effectively told not to attend the Hawks best-and-fairest award four days later.So theyre a ruthless lot down there at Hawk HQ: either youre with them or youre agin em.The Hawks will now need to find someone in the coaches box to keep a tightish rein on Clarksons not insubstantial ego - and occasional flashes of temper.Assistants need assistanceAt least Fagan was given the chance of seeing out the season at Hawthorn - in defiance of a recent trend in the AFL.In the past few seasons, if assistant coaches have been in discussions with rival clubs about possible coaching roles, they have been shown the door - even on the eve of the finals.Brett Montgomery got the boot from the Western Bulldogs in the lead-up to the finals this year, and Brendan Bolton left Hawthorn at a similar stage last year after declaring he was going for the Carlton job.Brenton Sanderson was sidelined by Geelong late in 2011 after winning the Adelaide job. In that same year, Mark Neeld was ushered out by Collingwood after landing the main role at Melbourne.Clarkson himself was shown the door by Port Adelaide after winning the Hawthorn job before seasons end in 2004.Montgomery was at training at Whitten Oval on Tuesday August 9, but was cleaning out his desk the following day so he could pursue other opportunities in the AFL.That was thought to involve the soon-to-be-vacant Brisbane senior coaching job - which, of course, ended up going to Fagan.Now Montgomery is a minister without portfolio and looking for his next opportunity in AFL coaching ranks.The ruthless way in which he was sent packing by the Bulldogs drew the ire of former AFL Coaches Association boss, Danny Frawley, who slammed the club for its treatment of the highly-regarded assistant.I dont like it, because I think its put a stain on Brett Montgomery to be brutally honest, Frawley said.You can still coach to the best of your ability at that particular club and then look elsewhere ....I think (senior) coaches better be very, very careful where you come from, to tip assistant coaches out like that puts a stain on them.So what next - maybe an assistant coaches trade period after Round 22 each year?Hasleby points finger at LyonFremantle great Paul Hasleby says he blames coach Ross Lyon for the sides astonishing fall from grace this year, when the Dockers went from 2015 minor premiers to 16th-placed easybeats.The former Freo captain said he felt Lyon had abandoned his coaching philosophies that helped make the club a perennial contender, and win it a berth in its first Grand Final in 2013.I put (our downfall) on Ross Lyon. I think he was the one that changed his philosophy over the pre-season, Hasleby told ESPN.They got some players in from Hawthorn into the coaching structure (including David Hale and Brent Guerra) and I think they tried to play like a different side.As a coach, youve got to stick with what you know and whats been successful for you and as soon as you start changing your philosophy, it just doesnt work.Hasleby anticipates the Dockers will improve markedly next season following a strategic approach to this years trade period.In the course of a disastrous season, the Dockers lost the opening 10 matches of 2016 in what amounted to one of the great collapses of the modern era.Hasleby, who played 208 games for the Purple Haze, believes the players the club is targeting will fill the vacancies left by its departed champions.I think the Dockers are on the right track with the players that theyre targeting, Hasleby said.Clearly over the last seven years at the trade table and at the draft they havent been able to replace Matthew Pavlich with another couple of key forwards.It looks like with (Cameron) McCarthy, (Shane) Kersten, theyre certainly going to add to that.The Dockers are also likely to be bolstered by the arrival of Hawthorns Brad Hill, whos set to reunite with his brother, Stephen.Hasleby highlighted the teams backline as one area for concern, given its lack of key defensive stoppers.I think with the retirement of Luke McPharlin down back, Michael Johnson getting on, we really need to look at replacing those players with some key defenders, he said.I know theyre heavily into Joel Hamling at the moment and he would be a very good fit.I think they can bounce back next year if they get those players in.Behind the scenes during the trade periodFrom wining and dining a players wife, to managers being incentivised to force a trade in exchange for inflated contracts are part of the whacky wheeling and dealings of getting deals across the line, says former agent Ricky Nixon.Nixon, who was once the AFLs highest-profile manager, said clubs go to extraordinary lengths to secure trades during the frenetic end-of-season period.In my time it wasnt uncommon for clubs to fly a players wife interstate, get them to fall in love with the club so they could hound their partner to move there, Nixon told ESPN.Sometimes youd hear stories where agents would make a trade happen because, in return, another client at that club would have their next contract beefed up.Nixon, who established the now defunct Flying Start management company, revealed iconic centre half-forward Wayne Carey nearly became a Geelong player in a deal that would have netted cash-strapped North Melbourne a million dollars.Geelong once offered the Kangaroos a million dollars for Wayne Carey because they were about to actually go under, he said.They (North Melbourne) were pretty much bankrupt and it was going to bail them out financially. It was under serious consideration at the time, but it never happened.Nixon says weve entered a realm where contracts arent worth the paper their written on, with players opting to move clubs, despite being under contract.An interesting one is Bryce Gibbs. His former agent is Justin Reid, now Adelaides list manager. That would have a significant impact on why hes probably going to leave, he said.I dont see anything wrong with it. But out of respect, you wouldnt approach a guy on a five-year contract.Its proof that player contracts dont hold much value anymore.The deregistered agent anticipates Greater Western Sydney to be a significant player at the back-end of trade week.GWS are the team thats holding all the trump cards because they have three picks inside 34 and either everyone wants those picks or players from them, he said.Theyll deal late next week and hold off and see what the best deal for them is.RANDOM FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THE WEEK: 850 - Roughly the number of accredited AFL journalists out there, none of whom got wind of the biggest trade story for years - the Sam Mitchell-to-West Coast bombshell which has been brewing since Brownlow Medal night on September 26.5 - The number of AFL clubs who are yet to take part in the annual plundering of Greater Western Sydney talent. With the announcement that Cam McCarthy had been secured Fremantle, that left only Geelong, North Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney as Giant-free zones.720 - The most number of handballs any player has racked up after 44 career games - and that player is Carlton whizkid, Patrick Cripps. The group of blokes hes leading gives you an idea of the sort of impact Cripps has had since his debut in 2014: 713 - Greg Williams 648 - Chris McDermott 599 - Michael Barlow Karl Mecklenburg Womens Jersey . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. John Elway Broncos Jersey . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. http://www.thebroncosstoreonline.com/Youth-Courtland-Sutton-Broncos-Jerseys/ . The deal is pending a physical, assistant general manager Bobby Evans said. Traded from Seattle to Baltimore on Aug. 30, Morse also can play first base and right field to give manager Bruce Bochy some flexibility in writing his lineup. Tom Jackson Womens Jersey .Y. -- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday that J. John Elway Jersey . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.A timeline of events involving Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Manchester United, since the Portuguese left Chelsea in December. Mourinho continues to be heavily linked with the Old Trafford hotseat after Uniteds latest results - a Premier League loss to struggling Sunderland followed by a humbling Europa League defeat to Midtjylland - maintained the pressure on Van Gaal.Here we trace events on and off the pitch and track media speculation that has steadily intensified... December 17, 2015: Mourinho leaves Chelsea by mutual consent. His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history, read the official Chelsea statement. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.December 19, 2015: Manchester United lose a third game in a row, as Norwich secure their first win at Old Trafford in 26 years, sparking speculation in the press that Van Gaal would be sacked. Louis van Gaal asks journalists whether they will apologise to him for the reporting about his future December 23, 2015: Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? Thats what I am wondering, says Van Gaal in his pre-Boxing Day press conference. I think I was already sacked, I have read. Or have been sacked. Or that my colleague [Mourinho] was here already. You have to stick by the facts, and when I get calls from Ed Woodward, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, because you are creating something that is not good, that is not the facts, and now I have to answer questions. I dont think I want to do it.December 26, 2015: Manchester United lose for a fourth time in a row. The club doesnt have to fire or sack me - sometimes I do it by myself, offers Van Gaal, before giving his Sky Sports interviewer a long stare. Louis van Gaal delivers a glare at his Sky Sports interviewer United captain Wayne Rooney had earlier told Sky Sports: We are working hard, we are fighting with the manager to try and get the results and turn this season around.December 28, 2015: Ahead of Manchester Uniteds home game with Chelsea, Mourinho scarves are on sale outside Old Trafford - but his agent, Jorge Mendes, tells Sky Sports in Italy: Mourinho is now in Brazil. Lets see what will happen when he returns. Jose has to feel comfortable because he is the No 1 in the world.Following a 0-0 draw with Chelsea, Van Gaal says: When the players can give such a performance with this lot of pressure then it is not any reason to resign for me. Inside of the club the players are willing to fight for every metre, the manager is willing to fight, the members of staff are willing to fight and the board is very confident in the staff and the manager so it [the negativity] is not inside Manchester United.January 4, 2016: Manchester United end their eight-game winless run with a 2-1 victory at home to Swansea. I shall think that now the pressure is lowering, the performance shall be better every week, says a relieved Van Gaal. Apparently Mourinho did not like to come [to Real Madrid] at this time of the season. Former Real Madrid president, Ramon Calderon January 6, 2016: Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon tells Sky Sports News Mourinho was contacted by the club before they made Zinedine Zidane Rafa Benitezs successor at the Bernabeu. Apparently Mourinho did not like to come at this time of the season, he claims.January 17, 2016: United beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, moving within seven points of league leaders Arsenal. Van Gaal says winning the Premier League is not beyond his side. To beat Liverpool is always important. Today it was important because our competitors lost points and when the gap at the top is like this we can overturn that. That is what Im thinking.January 22, 2016: Manchester United deny a report in French newspaper LEquipe that officials from the club held a meeting with Pep Guardiola.January 23, 2016: United lose 1-0 at home to Southampton and newspapers claim Van Gaal offered to resign later that evening - but Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper says no such offer was made. James Cooper reports that Louis van Gaal did not offer his resignation in the wake of their 1-0 defeat to Southampton The result leaves United with their lowest Premier League points total after 23 games. In only eight seasons in their 138-year history had United scored fewer than their 28 goals after 23 league matches. Im very disappointed that I cannot reach the expectations of the fans, Van Gaal says. They have - or they had - great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated because of that.Van Gaal promptly returns to the Netherlands to celebrate his daughters birthday, giving the players a day off from training on the following Monday. Louis van Gaals Manchester United are off the pace for a top-four finish January 24, 2016: A report in the Independent on Sunday claims Mourinho sent a six-page missive to Manchester United, outlining why he would be the right man to replace Van Gaal.Mourinhos agent Mendes releases a statement saying the claims are absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd and It does not occur to anyone that a coach like Jose Mourinho can write letters to clubs offering their services.January 29, 2016: After an FA Cup win over Derby, Van Gaal says: I liked the performance in the first half, it had a lot of confidence and that is back which is very important.February 1, 2016: Manuel Pellegrini announces he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season and the club confirm Pep Guardiola will be his replacement.ddddddddddddManchester United make no deadline day transfer signings, meaning they did not add any players to their squad during the window.Meanwhile, Mourinho refuses to answer questions from Sky Sports News on Manchester United. Jose Mourinho refuses to answer questions from Sky News Paul Kelso on a potential move to Manchester United February 2, 2016: Manchester United turn on the style to beat Stoke 3-0 at Old Trafford, a little over 24 hours after neighbours Manchester City announce Guardiolas appointment. It was a great performance, Van Gaal tells Sky Sports.February 3, 2016: Sky Sports in Italy reporter Alessandro Alciato tweets: Mourinho - Manchester United: deal close. The derby with Guardiola of City!February 6, 2016: Van Gaal says ahead of his sides Super Sunday clash with Chelsea: There has been such nonsense created about me. I dont believe that there is already a relationship between Jose Mourinho and Manchester United. Jose Mourinho tells Sky Sports in an exclusive interview that he is ready to move and will return to management soon February 7, 2016: In Mourinhos first TV interview since leaving Chelsea, he tells Sky Sports he wants to remain in England, but, despite his family staying in London, he will have to move for his next job. I will be back soon, he says. At Stamford Bridge, a 1-1 draw between United and Chelsea leaves Van Gaals side six points off fourth. The following day Manchester Uniteds share price dipped to its lowest level in more than three yearsFebruary 10, 2016: Four newspapers report that Mourinho has told friends he is convinced the Manchester United job will be his. February 11, 2016: National newspapers report that Mourinho is set to land a three-year, £15m-a-season deal to replace Van Gaal and that he is keen to bring in Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta. However, Sky sources understand United are happy with Van Gaal as their manager.February 12, 2016: In an interview with The Independent, Van Gaal says he does not believe United have been in contact with Mourinho. I have spoken with [executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward and I cannot imagine that he and Jose Mourinho have spoken with each other, he said. I think that if they speak with another manager, they would tell me because our relationship is like that. He later claimed the media had been inventing stories. February 13, 2016: Van Gaal cuts a downbeat figure after United suffer a 2-1 loss at Sunderland, slipping six points off the top four. The Dutchman admits it will be very difficult to finish in the Champions League places - and reckons his sides best route into Europes top club competition will be trying to win the Europa League.February 14, 2016: Former United boss David Moyes warns Van Gaal that failure to qualify for the Champions League is not likely to be accepted. Manchester United need to be there, Moyes tells Goals on Sunday. They are a club of status and want to be at that level, if not more. They want to be winning it if they can, never mind qualifying for it.Newspaper reports also fire a warning, suggesting that dithering by the club could cost United the chance of snaring Mourinho. The Sunday Times claims Old Trafford chiefs have failed to offer Mourinho verbal or written assurances over the job - and that could see the Portugese turn his attention elsewhere.February 18, 2016: United and Van Gaal slump to a fresh low after a humbling 2-1 Europa League first-leg defeat to Danis minnows Midtjylland. The beleaguered boss blames Murphys Law for the defeat - bemoaning a growing injury list - but admits he agrees with fans who chanted how poor their side had been. Louis van Gaal has blamed Manchester Uniteds 2-1 defeat to FC Midtjylland on their growing list of injuries February 20, 2016: Doorstepped by reporters as she leaves a restaurant following a meal with former Inter boss Mourinho, club director Bedy Moratti - sister of ex-Inter president Massimo Moratti - tells reporters Mourinho is going to Manchester.Hes missed as a person, but right now hes happy, hes going to Manchester, she says. Jose Mourinho will succeed Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager, according to an Inter Milan director Sky Sports Guillem Balague understands that there is still no deal in place between the former Chelsea boss and United - but Morattis claim gives new impetus to already-widespread reports.. Is Mourinho the right fit for United? United fans, would you want him? Would Champions League football earn LVG another season? Please tell us what you think by giving us your comments below or alternatively, why not Tweet us @skyfootball Also See: LVG: The pundits verdict Mourinho going to Manchester Transfer betting Paper Talk ' ' '