Philippa Kaur

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    How Chelsea & Forest are ripping up the script of how to run a football club… just don’t try to make sense of it

    IT’S time to forget everything we thought we knew about how to run a football club.Forget stability, forget continuity, forget financial prudence, forget carefully-targeted player recruitment, forget inspirational managerial appointments.Chelsea chief Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on signingsCredit: RexEvangelos Marinakis has turned Nottingham Forest into top-four contendersCredit: GettyJust tear everything to shreds, sell everyone, then max out the credit card by buying footballers.Dozens and dozens of footballers. Not just one new squad of players but two or three squads’ worth.Buy so many footballers that they can’t all fit into the dressing room at your training ground.Already got seven elite wingers? If another one becomes available, go and buy an eighth. You only live once.Read More on FootballBecause Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the two great overachievers of this Premier League season — the Blues just two points off the summit and Forest in the Champions League places, above Manchester City.Both clubs have spent like sailors piddling it up on shore leave.If you have previously received the impressions from this column — or pretty much anywhere else in the media — that Chelsea’s Todd Boehly is a clueless American muppet, your mind must be playing tricks on you. Boehly always was a football genius.The nine-year contracts for unproven players. The knifing of more managers than Roman Abramovich. The transfer-window trolley dashes. Genius, all of it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd any ideas you had that Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis was a panic-buying shopaholic — a wild conspiracy theorist who hired that bloke off Gladiators to rumble referees — must have been the product of your own overactive imagination.Here is a big cuddly Greek Santa, laden with gifts and leading Forest into the promised land.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordSince Boehly and his Clearlake crew purchased Chelsea in the summer of 2022, the club has signed 45 players for a total of £1.3billion.Since Forest won promotion to the Premier League that same summer, they have got more than 40 players for a combined total in the region of £300million.And at both clubs, somehow, it’s working.At the age of 33, Forest’s Kiwi striker Chris Wood is the new Erling Haaland. Chelsea star Cole Palmer was Pep Guardiola’s blind spot.Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are more effective than any winger currently on Manchester United’s books.The Premier League is a madhouse. To succeed, join the stark-raving lunatics, as Chelsea and Forest have done.Understated managersWhat both clubs needed, it turns out, was an understated, unheralded manager to sift through the shopping, to settle on a core squad, to play ball with eccentric owners and coach a bloody good football team.Neither Enzo Maresca nor Nuno Espirito Santo were wildly popular appointments.Maresca had led Leicester to the Championship title but was nobody’s first choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Yet the Italian was 20/20 in his vision of Chelsea’s best team, ruthless in his pre-season squad-slashing and he is now presiding over a premature vindication of Boehly’s seemingly-unhinged regime.Nuno, after his car-crash reign at Tottenham, replaced Forest’s promotion-winning Messiah Steve Cooper to a chorus of shrugs, just before the club would be deducted four points for breaching PSR last season. The Portuguese boss with the charisma bypass is the polar opposite of Brian Clough. Yet he is threatening to become the best of Forest’s 29 managers since the exit of Old Big ’Ead.Enzo Maresca is proving his doubters wrong alreadyCredit: GettyDon’t make sense of itSimilarly to Maresca, it’s been a case of clearing dead wood from the Forest, seeing the Chris Wood for the Tricky Trees.Of course, this is a snapshot in time. Nobody expects Forest to play in the Champions League next season and nobody expects Chelsea to win the title this term.There are still PSR concerns at both clubs, still plenty of unwanted players on long, lucrative contracts.For every Palmer at Chelsea, there’s a Mykhailo Mudryk. Boehly’s mob are still paying Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week not to play for Arsenal.And at Forest, for every Morgan Gibbs-White, there’s a Jonjo Shelvey.But, at present, these two clubs — who seemed to be giving us a crash course in how not to run a football club — are doing exactly the bleeding opposite.Whatever you do, just don’t try to make sense of any of it.Andy’s AwfulLIVERPOOL’S exhilarating 2-2 draw with Fulham will be a contender for the Premier League’s match of the season.Which suggests that, to make things more interesting for everyone, the Reds should always be reduced to ten men for no apparent reason inside 20 minutes.One troubling aspect for Arne Slot is that his side were better AFTER Andy Robertson’s harsh early dismissal than they had been with the Scot, 30, on the pitch.Full-backs don’t tend to go over the hill, they fall off cliffs — as Robbo and his fellow stalwart, 34-year-old Kyle Walker at Manchester City, have done.Cottagers’ Antonee Robinson, 27, man of the match on Saturday, has a Scouse accent despite his USA international allegiance, and would be an ideal replacement.Except that Fulham are loath to do business with Liverpool, after the Kop outfit signed academy products Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the cheap.Is Andy Robertson coming to the end of his prowess at Liverpool?Credit: EPABrit Of A ChangeTHERE can rarely have been a more predictable sacking than that of Gary O’Neil at Wolves.It wasn’t just two wins from 16 matches, it was his players’ meltdowns in consecutive defeats by West Ham and Ipswich which turned his side into Wolver-tantrum Wanderers.His exit came just before the equally obvious departure of Russell Martin at Southampton.It means there are   only  two  English bosses — Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche — in the top flight, along with just one other Brit, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.A complete wipeout of homegrown bosses is on the horizon. Unless the Etihad sheikhs decide it’s time to break the glass on the emergency alarm and call up Fireman Sam Allardyce?He’s A Must PickJORDAN PICKFORD’S heroics in Everton’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday suggested that, of all the changes Thomas Tuchel might make as England boss, the goalkeeping position will NOT be one of them.He has as many caps as Gordon Banks and more major final appearances than every other goalkeeper ever to play for England put together.And with the Wembley debacle against Greece in October perhaps his only truly bad performance in a Three Lions shirt, it might soon be time to show Pickford some proper appreciation.Jordan Pickford should continue to be England’s No1 for a while yetCredit: ReutersGive Spoty Men A GoIF the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were for sporting achievement it would go to  Joe Root, who this year confirmed himself as England’s greatest ever batsman.If it were down to force of  personality, it would go to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke  Littler, who has made the Ally Pally arrow-slinging jamboree a global must-watch. But it will go to athletics’ Keely Hodgkinson — not unreasonably, as she’s an Olympic 800 metres gold medallist with a sparkling personality.And note that the previous three winners have all been women. Is it time for separate SPOTY awards for either sex — some  positive discrimination just to give the blokes a chance?Not Gund enoughWHILE  focus has fallen on Rodri’s injury, Kyle Walker’s terminal decline, Phil Foden’s form crisis and Erling Haaland’s lack of goals, the  re-signing  of  Ilkay  Gundogan has escaped much criticism.But Manchester City’s decision to bring back their 34-year-old former captain —  a year after he decamped  for Barcelona — was an extremely retrograde step from such a forward-thinking boss as Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan has hardly pulled up trees on his return to Man CityCredit: Getty’Statistical anomaly’   TOTTENHAM have lost as many Premier League games as they have won this  season, yet after a 5-0 win in the “principles derby” at Southampton, they boast a goal difference of plus-17.This wild statistical  anomaly is perfect  testimony to the unique wonders of Angeball. More

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    Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara announces shock commentary comeback to reunite with icon after three-year health battle

    CHRIS KAMARA will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battle.The former Swindon and Brentford midfielder, 66, left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid the year before.Chris Kamara will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battleKamara will reunite with Sky colleague Jeff StellingCredit: TwitterHe developed speech apraxia and the impact on his mental health was so great that he revealed he had even considered taking his own life.Now Kammy has revealed he’ll return pitchside for Prime Video on December 26 alongside his old Sky colleague Jeff Stelling.The beloved TV personality will be covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham at City Ground.He shared on X: “Best phone call ever this afternoon inviting me to do the Forest v Spurs game on Boxing Day – reporting back to the Unbelievable @JeffStelling in the studio.Read More on Football“I thought I was done, so it’s a big thank you Amazon – I’m back.”Chris worked as a presenter and football analyst at Sky Sports from 1992 to 2022 before being forced to quit.His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico.And while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Most read in FootballKamara said in an interview this summer: “I’ve been there twice now [Mexico]. I’m going back for a third time.”I’ve got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven’t got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I’d like that back if I can. ‘My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”So I’m going back for more treatment.”What is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. More

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    West Ham star Lucas Paqueta drops cryptic transfer hint just minutes before crunch Bournemouth clash

    LUCAS PAQUETA dropped a cryptic transfer hint just minutes before West Ham’s clash against Bournemouth.The Hammers travelled to the South Coast in a bid to make it two wins on the bounce.Lucas Paqueta posted a cryptic transfer hint before West Ham played BournemouthCredit: ReutersWest Ham beat Wolves last Monday night to ease pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.Paqueta, 27, has been benched for the last two games since the 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.He has been subbed on in both fixtures but has seen his minutes limited under Lopetegui.Ahead of the Premier League fixture against the Cherries, the Brazilian took to social media to post a cryptic transfer hint.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe post suggested he will “return home” amid links back to Brazil and clubs such as Flamengo and Botafogo.He wrote: “I’m not from here.”I will return home.”He comes to get me, and with him, I will go!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe words appear to be lyrics from a song due to the addition of a music emoji.Despite the post, he returned to the starting line-up to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseAnd he ended up scoring from the penalty spot on 84 minutes in what looked to have sealed a big three points for the Hammers.But on 90 minutes hosts Bournemouth secured a point thanks to a screamer from sub Enes Unal.Paqueta has struggled to impress in the Premier League this season, with just two goals from his 15 appearances.The midfielder has also been the subject of a betting probe from the FA.He protests his innocence, but any club signing him would take the risk of possible future action – especially with the FA pushing for a LIFETIME BAN.Paqueta joined the Hammers back in 2022 in a £50m transfer from Ligue 1 side Lyon.In his debut season he helped the club win the Conference League trophy and assisted Jarrod Bowen to score the winning goal in the final.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole promoted to interim manager just one WEEK after joining club

    LEE CATTERMOLE has been promoted to interim manager at Bristol Rovers following the sacking of Matt Taylor.The manager and assistant Wayne Carlisle were axed from their roles, with the club slumped in 20th in League One.Lee Cattermole has been made interim manager at Bristol RoversCredit: BRISTOL ROVERSCattermole played over 200 times for SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportAs a result, Cattermole, along with David Horseman, have been handed the responsibility of being interim managers.Their promotion was announced as part of the sacking of Taylor.They will stay in the role while Rovers undertakes a “thorough recruitment process” for a new manager.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that Manager Matt Taylor and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle have been relieved of their first team duties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matt and Wayne for all their hard work during their time with Bristol Rovers, and we wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”David Horseman and Lee Cattermole will take interim responsibility for first-team football duties while the club undertakes a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.”Cattermole, 36, only joined the club last week in what was his first permanent coaching role since hanging up his boots.The Premier League cult hero was hired to focus on the development and implementation of set pieces.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe will now be taking charge of all the training along with the help of Horseman.During his playing days, he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe also featured for the likes of Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic.He hung up his boots for the last time four years ago after a short spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Cattermole’s first game in the hotseat will be the home clash against Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham on December 21.This will be followed by away trips to Exeter City and Stevenage before the end of the year.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

    SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant coach SACKED from first manager job before Liverpool boss takes up new role

    JURGEN KLOPP’S former assistant has been sacked from his first job as manager.Pepijn Lijnders worked at Liverpool under the German until the end of last season.Pepijn Lijnders has been sacked by Red Bull SalzburgCredit: AFPLijnders was Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLijnders, 41, landed the manager role at Red Bull Salzburg after leaving Anfield earlier this year.However, after just six months in the role, he has now been sacked by the club.Salzburg had struggled under Lijnders in the run-up to the winter break in the Austrian season and are ten points behind league leaders SK Sturm Graz.CEO Stephan Reiter and managing director sport Rouven Schröder released a joint statement confirming Lijnders’ exit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt read: “We began our announced analysis of an unfortunately unsatisfactory autumn season some time ago.”It was clear that we were far from our own expectations and goals in far too many games.”Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that our team needed a new impetus under new leadership, even though we were still hoping for a turnaround right up until the end.”We would like to thank Pep for his work. He invested a lot of commitment and passion and also gave us important impulses for further development.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We are now working very intensively on the search for a coach and will announce it as soon as a decision has been made.”It is clear that we want to start training with our new coach on January 3, 2025.”Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Lijnders’ record at RB SalzburgHere is a look at Pepijn Lijnders record during his tenure in charge of Red Bull Salzburg…Games: 28Wins: 13Draws: 7Loses: 8Goals scored: 50Goals conceded: 40 As per the club statement, a new coach is expected to be appointed ahead of the return from the winter break.Lijnders’ successor will have to work under Klopp as the former Reds boss will start his new role in 2025.Klopp has signed a £10m-a-year deal with Red Bull to become the global head of soccer.He will begin his new job on January 1 and will oversee the management of Salzburg, RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side. More

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    Man Utd CHEF dances around with Amad, Hojlund and Onana in dressing room after incredible win over Man City

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars were joined in their dressing room celebrations by a CHEF.The Red Devils enjoyed a jubilant night after their comeback victory over rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.Amad Diallo danced with his team-mates after the Manchester derbyCredit: SnapchatA club chef joined them in the dressing roomCredit: SnapchatAmad stole the show as Man United beat Man CityCredit: EPAJosko Gvardiol had put the hosts into the lead before Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo netted in the final minutes.Amad was the star of the show as he won the penalty for the equaliser before snatching the winner.The winger was in a buoyant mood as he shared a video of himself dancing with his team-mates.The video is believed to have been filmed back at Carrington as the match-winner was joined by Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe trio were also momentarily joined by a chef who danced his way into the frame.He joined in dancing with Onana and Diallo before jumping back out of the shot when Hojluned entered.Fans loved seeing the moment as it was shared on social media.One posted: “Not the chef joined them too hahaha.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Vibes FC is back.”A third wrote: “The vibes are back at the club.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho A fourth joked: “Atleast they’ve forgotten they are 13th.”A fifth said: “We are so back.”Another added: “Amad is carrying this club so hard. On and off the pitch.”Man United boss Ruben Amorim hailed Amad for his display but insisted that he should not be relied on too soon.He said: “He can play different positions, he is very humble.”We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place.”Let’s stay calm with Amad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, in the fallout of the match, Hojlund fired a jibe at Man City’s Kyle Walker.The two clashed during the match and the striker posted a poem hitting back at the defender.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

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    Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, who is the daughter of a Liverpool icon and studied maths at university

    KELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: HandoutCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kelly Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.Read more football newsSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.It completes a remarkable journey for Cates, who has had an impressive rise in sports broadcasting.It was a role she had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths!She comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.Most read in FootballIt was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.”When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PAread more sport features”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31. I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head. I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change. I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump'”.Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.Cates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky’s loss is BBC’s gain, as Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and her role working for Radio 5 Live.It could be a match made in heaven.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More