Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 225 Shares152 Views

    in Soccer

    Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

    JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More

  • 225 Shares95 Views

    in Soccer

    Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium

    ASTON VILLA have pledged to build the Premier League’s largest ever BEER HALL.Club chiefs have revealed plans for a “bold regeneration” project of Villa Park ahead of the club’s 150 anniversary in January 2025.Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall in ‘The Warehouse’Credit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla have launch plans a ‘bold regeneration’ project of Villa Park and its surroundingsCredit: X @AVFCOfficial‘The Warehouse’ will become the largest beer hall in the PremCredit: X @AVFCOfficialAccess to the beer hall will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch in Christmas 2025, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdays.Villa see The Warehouse as the Midlands’ premier concert venue for events but also want to attract boxing nights too.Fans can enjoy a pint while watching large flat-screens and enjoying state-of-the-art LED lights for pre-match enjoyment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere will also be an expanded plaza in the North Grounds, with the aim of amplifying the matchday atmosphere.Villa’s president of business operations Chris Heck labelled the project as “transformational” in an aim to deliver “the best matchday experience in the Premier League.”The development is expected to take 12 months to complete.The club aim for the regeneration project to mirror Villa’s rise on the pitch in the last five years under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla have vowed to build the fan experience zone of the futureCredit: X @AVFCOfficialClub chiefs plan to make The Warehouse the Midlands’ leading concert venue away from matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last season.But Unai Emery’s side’s form has somewhat dropped in the Prem this term as they sit seventh in table.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadHowever, they sit fifth in the Champion League standings and therefore remain on course to qualify for the next stage of Europe.Villa have come under fire from supporters with season ticket price hikes and for closing off areas to match-going supporters and transforming them into extra-cost sections.The Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000.But Heck insists the new world class venue will include a 3,500-seater hub outside the ground.The North Ground developments are due to open by Christmas 2025Credit: X @AVFCOfficialIt will also help Villa align with Premier League financial fair play regulations, with the significant extra revenue raised through a boost in footfall.Heck said: “This is a transformational project, well on its way to completion for next season. “We want to create the best matchday experience possible in the Premier League, so we’re giving our fans an open space to do what fans do best – come together to celebrate the players, the game and the lifeblood of this community.“And the strategic decision to utilise this space as a world-class entertainment venue adds another pivotal piece to climbing the financial fair play mountain.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything we do is designed to make this Club one of the best in the world, on and off the pitch.”The Warehouse will also host player receptions.The plaza will connect Villa Park stadium with The WarehouseCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla hope boxing events could even be held outside the stadiumCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe new club shop was opened earlier this seasonCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000 More

  • 175 Shares190 Views

    in Soccer

    Football club chairman sacks ENTIRE team and manager in bonkers bid to avoid relegation

    A top-flight club’s chairman has reacted to his team’s dismal start to the season – by sacking EVERY PLAYER as well as their coach.Sloboda Tuzla are bottom of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Premier League after taking just two points from 17 games.President of Sloboda Tuzla, Azmir Husic, sacked his entire squad and head coach after picking up just two points so far this seasonCredit: XIn a record worse than Southampton’s, the newly-promoted side have scored just five goals and lie 12 points adrift of safety.So club president Azmir Husic decided to dispense with the entire squad alongside coach Zlatan Nalic.But he insisted Sloboda can sign the players needed to stay up with 16 games left to play – despite financial problems that have seen the club’s bank accounts blocked.Husic said: “It was one of the hardest days of my life, as I had to tell the players they are no longer part of the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have released the entire squad, and I have already met with coach Nalic to end our collaboration.”So far seven players have signed termination agreements, and I expect the others to do so in the coming days.”I am convinced that we can assemble a better team than the one that has just picked up two points so far.”That is even if we just recruit players from the Tuzla area or the Bosnian league.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think we need a new face, who will try to deal with everything. “It will be difficult to make a new team, but it is doable.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan More

  • 200 Shares133 Views

    in Soccer

    Spanish press convinced Marcus Rashford has dropped major hint over next club after social media post

    FANS are convinced that wantaway Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has dropped a major social media hint about his preferred next destination.The Spanish press were quick to jump on Rashford’s online activity after the England winger commented on Lamine Yamal’s Instagram post.Marcus Rashford has dropped a major hint about his next destinationCredit: GettyThe Man Utd star commented on Lamine Yamal’s latest Instagram postYamal posted a picture of him presenting the Golden Boy trophy to fans ahead of Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to CD Leganes on SundayRashford dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the 20-man squad for the Manchester derby win at the Etihad on Sunday.The shock omission came amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.Ruben Amorim seemed to play down Rashford’s comments at his press conference on Wednesday and insisted Man Utd are “better with” the England international.Barcelona are one of five clubs closely linked with a move for Rashford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the 27-year-old’s latest social media activity has added fuel to the fire of a possible move to the Nou Camp.Rashford left a fire emoji “🔥” on Yamal’s post – which celebrated the Spanish star’s unveiling of the Golden Boy trophy to Barca fans on Sunday.One excited fan wrote: “I am beginning to have this feeling that Rashford might end up becoming a Barcelona player.”A second said: “Rashford to Barcelona pending…🥶.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “Crazy if we see Rashford wearing Blaugrana.”A fourth replied: “I’ll take him at Barca if he wants to come.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho Barca and United could negotiate a swap deal involving Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona.Former United target De Jong has started only TWO matches in all competitions this term under Hansi Flick.Ex-boss Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford during his tenure and now Amorim believes that he could be an interesting addition to the midfield.But Barca would not be able to afford Rashford’s staggering £350,000-a-week wage.Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho was also left out of the squad for United’s victory over Manchester City.Rashford hailed his team-mates’ late comeback victory at neighbours City just minutes after Amad Diallo’s 90th minute strike clinched a 2-1 win.The striker posted “Yesssssssss! Love it lads” over a snap of Diallo and Lisandro Martinez celebrating. Old Trafford legend Roy Keane reckoned the one-club man might now be better moving on amid question marks over his future.If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his salary would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE SUN STORIESOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Meanwhile, Rashford is set to find out if he’s been selected for United’s quarter-final Carabao Cup trip to Tottenham on Thursday with Amorim revealing how he announces his team news to players.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

  • 213 Shares142 Views

    in Soccer

    Dream Team’s Second Shot League starts January 4th – start fresh and compete for £5,000 prize pot

    HAS the first half of your Dream Team season not gone to plan?Maybe you’ve suffered rotten luck with injuries or made one too many ill-judged transfers.Or perhaps you’re interested in playing Dream Team for the first time and don’t want to wait until the 2025/26 campaign.Whatever your situation, our Second Shot League offers you a chance to start fresh in the new year and compete for a prize pot of £5,000!Struggling Dream Team bosses have the chance to start fresh in Gameweek 18Credit: Dream TeamOur Second Shot League allows new gaffers to compete against existing ones on a level playing field throughout the second half of the season.Think of it as a clean slate, although of course the overall leaderboard from Gameweek 1 will continue as normal.Scoring starts on January 4th with Tottenham v Newcastle due to get Gameweek 18 underway at 12:30pm – the deadline for submitting a new team or tweaking an existing one will be 11am the same day.To clarify, the Second Shot League will only take into account points scored between Saturday January 4th and the end of the season.SECOND SHOT PRIZE MONEY1st: £3,5002nd: £1,5003rd: £500Need a reset in 2025? You’re not the only one…Credit: APPerhaps you’ve heard about Dream Team’s market-leading scoring system, flexible transfer process, and our game-changing Boosters?If so, now is the perfect time to get involved as the Second Shot League will give you a fair, competitive framework to measure yourself against rivals old and new.Managers new and old will automatically be entered into the Second Shot League come January 4th so if you’re happy with your progress so far, keep going, this is another route to cash winnings if you excel throughout the second half of the season.New to Dream Team? Check out the Game Rules here.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

  • 250 Shares171 Views

    in Soccer

    Why Marcus Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fit but £325k-a-week Man Utd ace must first choose between cash or career

    MARCUS Rashford is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Marcus Rashford has admitted he is ‘ready for a new challenge’Credit: GettyRashford could be a good fit at Arsenal under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyRashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEven so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

  • 175 Shares171 Views

    in Soccer

    Chelsea and Josh Acheampong finally end contract stand-off as England wonderkid signs five-year deal

    CHELSEA’S contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong has ended after the England wonderkid signed a new five-year deal.Enzo Maresca was desperate to tie the 18-year-old down on fresh terms following several dramatic months.Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year dealCredit: GettyAfter a Carabao Cup cameo at the start of the season, Acheampong was frozen out by Chelsea after failing to agree an extension.Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly keen on signing the versatile defender, whose deal was due to expire in 2026.But a breakthrough in talks came last month, allowing Acheampong to return to Chelsea first-team training.He then played all 90 minutes of the 3-1 Conference League win in Kazakhstan against Astana on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, the Athletic reports he has now put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with a bumper pay rise.It’s reckoned Acheampong was presented with a clear vision for his development to the starting XI, with the teen previously unsure of the route following Todd Boehly’s £1.2billion spending spree.Another injury to captain Reece James has freed up a space for the England U20s star on the right.While his ability to play centre-back could come in handy with Wesley Fofana also crocked.Most read in FootballAcheampong could now celebrate his new deal with a starting spot in Chelsea’s final Conference League group game against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.The Blues have already qualified for the next stage and know that a draw is likely good enough to finish in top spot.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testAcheampong burst onto the scene in May with his Premier League debut from the bench in a 2-0 win against Tottenham.He played a big role in Chelsea’s U18s becoming Southern Champions last term too.And the whiz will be hoping that more senior appearances will soon result in a call-up to England’s U21s. More

  • 238 Shares123 Views

    in Soccer

    Barcelona will not be in new 105,000-capacity stadium on time ‘unless miracle occurs’ with Nou Camp still building site

    BARCELONA will need a MIRACLE if they plan on returning to the Nou Camp on time this season, according to reports.The LaLiga giants had initially hoped to be opening their revamped ground THIS WEEKEND against Atletico Madrid.Barcelona’s chances of returning to the Nou Camp in March are practically zeroCredit: RexNew images of the redeveloped Nou Camp were revealed last monthThe construction plans are reportedly behind scheduleThe return could be as late as next SeptemberThat was pushed back to March 2025 as building work dragged on.But reports in Spain suggest Barcelona’s return to their £1.3billion renovated stadium could be delayed further.It is claimed the LaLiga leaders’ chances of returning to the Nou Camp in three months time are practically zero.And the stadium might not even be ready for the start of NEXT SEASON.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpanish outlet Marca say Barca’s board of directors have accepted the delay is inevitable. Construction work isn’t going at the desired pace, with the emergency exits plans and turf laying behind schedule.Barca have been careful not to give a definitive date, with Uefa rules stating that participants in the Champions League cannot play at different home grounds during a phase of the competition.Barcelona are second in the 36-team league phase with two games remaining, meaning it’s likely they won’t be in knockout action until March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they were to finish ninth or lower, then that would mean a February play-off.However, both dates currently seem unrealistic with large parts of the ground still needing work.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansThe Spanish giants moved out of the Nou Camp in May 2023, beginning the process of a major overhaul of the 67-year-old arena.The 99,000-seater was gutted and stripped back to its raw concrete form, before countless hours of hard work started to build it back up. Barca have been temporarily housed in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium during the renovation.The club have taken off the entire top tier of the stadium as they rebuild the third tier to increase the capacity of the iconic ground.When fully completed, the stadium will house an impressive 105,000 fans – some 6,000 more than it was able to hold prior to the building work.They had been planning on returning to stadium halfway through the 2024-25 season, but they now looks unlikely.Barca intend to operate with just over 60 per cent capacity when they move back in.Work began in May 2023The new stadium will be sponsored by SpotifyThe Nou Camp look incredible when the work is completeOver £1.3bn has been splashed on the stadium and the surrounding areaInitially, it was hoped that Hansi Flick’s men could sport the pitch in November for the club’s 125th anniversary.But the return could now be as late as next September – which would be the third push back.It will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city.The modernised Nou Camp – which will be sponsored by Spotify – is set to have a number of new bars and VIP areas.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will also have the largest roof of any stadium in Europe, with new images showing three huge screens hanging over the pitch.The concourse and the press facilities are among the other areas to be renovated. More