Philippa Kaur

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    Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

    ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More

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    Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

    ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS 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?Rashford’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.Even 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.The 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.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.Rashford 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

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    Football stadium set to look unrecognisable with enormous BEACH after 100 tonnes of sand is dumped in

    A FOOTBALL team are trucking in 100 TONNES of sand to create a huge beach at their stadium.Auckland FC are trying to lure fans into their home games on December 21, January 1 and January 18 with the promise of cocktails, an inflatable slide and even a sandcastle competition.A football stadium in New Zealand is set to undergo a remarkable transformationCredit: GettyA project to move 100 tonnes of sand into a stadium will create New Zealand’s biggest inland beachCredit: LinkedIn/Auckland FCThe A-League expansion club say the inland beach will be New Zealand’s biggest.A statement said: “Those sticking around for summer can still hit the beach thanks to Auckland FC. “The club are trucking in more than 100 tonnes of sand to bring the best of the beach to the heart of the action for their upcoming home games on 21st December, 1st and 18th January.”The much-loved family fun zone is set to be transformed into a massive beach that’s decked out with all your summer’s day essentials.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe statement revealed the beach project would include live music, sandcastle competitions, a beachside cocktail bar and an inflatable slide.There will also be deck chairs and picnic areas as part of the transformation.And fans will even be able to take part in a fancy dress competition.The sand will be transported using six trucks to the centre of the 25,000-seat Go Media Stadium – previously known as Mount Smart Stadium – in Penrose, New Zealand.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAuckland FC were established in March 2024, and along with fellow expansionists Canberra, joined the Australian Professional Leagues from 2024/25.The club’s first professional game was held on 19 October in front of a sell-out crowd.American businessman and owner of AFC Bournemouth Bill Foley is the owner of the club.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permission More

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 16: Alexander Isak to edge out familiar favourites?

    THE captaincy conversation has been far more interesting this season.In 2023/24, Dream Team managers who kept the armband on Erling Haaland (£8.4m) every week without fail were justified in doing so but those who have employed the same strategy this campaign have probably fallen behind gaffers who prefer to target specific fixtures.Haaland captainers have been punished in recent weeksCredit: GettyAhead of Gameweek 15, we put our reputation on the line by hailing Bukayo Saka (£6.9m) a better captaincy option than Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) on account of him being more likely to play in the Carabao Cup.And so it proved to be as Arsenal’s No7 came off the bench in midweek to register an assist while Liverpool’s main man was rested for his side’s trip to Southampton.Saka notched 13 points to Salah’s six when all was said and done, a decent swing for Dream Team bosses who opted to double the former’s points.We also recommended Alexander Isak (£5.4m) as a strong captaincy option outside of the familiar favourites with a view to targeting his home fixture against Leicester.The Sweden international repaid our faith with a 17-point haul against the Foxes via a goal and an assist – he only added two points against Brentford in midweek but the damage was done.Isak’s form is impossible to ignoreCredit: ReutersLooking ahead to Gameweek 16, it’s essentially a mirror repeat with Saka, Salah and Isak the leading captaincy candidates in our mind.The Gunners are due to face Crystal Palace and Ipswich while Arne Slot’s side will take on Tottenham and Leicester.All 20 teams will fulfil a Premier League double header this coming Gameweek and so Saka and Salah should start both fixtures.Most read in FootballAs for Newcastle, they travel to Portman Road on Saturday before hosting Aston Villa on Boxing Day.Given that Isak has scored six goals and provided three assists in his last eight league outings, he has to be considered an extremely tempting captain.Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes’ (£6.3m) backers will be hopeful of healthy returns with Manchester United set to take on Bournemouth and Wolves – the latter have the worst defensive record in the top flight this season.Forgetting someone?Credit: GettyBut hang on, how could we forget Cole Palmer (£6.3m)?Chelsea’s talisman has a rare double Gameweek in the form of Everton and Fulham.The Blues are the Premier League’s form side at present and Palmer boasts the highest points-per-game average (10.9) among all players in 2024/25.That’s a rather compelling case.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSaka v Salah v Isak v Palmer is a head-scratcher this Gameweek and gaffers who still have their Max Captain Booster must be tempted to guarantee a points-laden Christmas.Remember to select your captain (and vice captain) before Saturday’s 11am deadline.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

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    Everton takeover COMPLETED as crisis club release statement with new owners set to bring ‘immediate financial stability’

    EVERTON’S takeover has officially been completed as the club finally part ways with Farhad Moshiri after a turbulent eight years.The Friedkin Group (TFG) finalised it’s majority takeover in a deal which is believed to be worth in excess of £400m.The Friedkin Group (TFG) has completed its takeover of Everton, ending the Premier League club’s long search for new ownershipThe takeover ends the eight year turbulent tenure of Farhad MoshiriThe Texas-based group is led by billionaire chairman Dan FriedkinRoundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, which is an entity within The Friedkin Group, have bought Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The group reached an agreement with Moshiri on 23 September and were awaiting regulatory approval, with the Premier League having the final say on the deal, which has now been granted.Formal confirmation that the deal could go ahead came on Wednesday from the Premier League’s independent oversight panel.As part of the takeover agreement, TFG will significantly reduce the debt burden at the previously cash-strapped club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe owners have committed to paying off the £200m owed to American insurance firm ACAP via a series of instalments, and refinancing a further £150m owed to another lender, Rights and Media Funding, on long-term, low interest rates. TFG’s own loans to the club, which have since risen by the tens of millions in recent months, will now be treated as a mix of equity and long-term senior debt, secured against the new stadium.The Texas-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin and also owns Italian Serie A club Roma.Friedkin has a net worth of £6.1bn, according to Forbes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFriedkin has been proposed as the chairman of Everton’s board, with Marc Watts serving as executive chairman. Friedkin said in an open letter: “I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Arsenal player ratings vs Everton”Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.”Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.”We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”Watts will be responsible for the management of the club.He said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. “Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. “While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri has sold his 94.1 per cent stakeThe Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart in July over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.The debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.TFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will open at the start of the 2025-2026 seasonCredit: GettyRepresentatives are in the UK and will be at Sunday’s Premier League match with Chelsea at Goodison Park.The focus will be on maintaining the club’s position in the Prem and the Blues are 16th, three points above the relegation zone.It ends the Premier League club’s long search for new ownership.The Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership.British-Iranian businessman Moshiri first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton for £87.5m in 2016, before increasing his holding to 94.1 per cent in 2022.While no sums have been disclosed, Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss. Everton fans have held numerous banners up protesting the old ownershipIn all, Moshiri invested around £750m in his dream but ended with little or no financial return as the blue side of Merseyside spiralled downwards.Moshiri said: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success.”I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”Ana Dunkel, TFG’s chief financial officer and Colin Chong, the club’s interim CEO, will also serve on the board. Additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks.Houston-based TFG made money through its subsidiary Gulf States Toyota before branching into other spheres including film and entertainment.The group posted revenues of over £10bn for the last financial year.Fans inside Goodison frequently protested against Farhad Moshiri’s ownershipWhat happened under Farhad Moshiri’s reign?Everton were regarded as a model of stability during the 11-year reign of David Moyes from 2002-13.However, Moshiri replaced this bliss with a rapid-fire revolving door approach during which he made seven full-time appointments.The first six lasting an average of only 309 days each between their first and final games before current gaffer Sean Dyche.Many supporters protested about his ownership, with Moshiri mostly absent from matches at Goodison Park since October 2021.He and the club were hit hard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Everton suspending commercial sponsorships with USM Holdings, which was part-owned by Alisher Usmanov.The billionaire had his assets frozen by the European Union and Moshiri resigned from his role as chairman in the company when Usmanov was sanctioned.Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 85th minute winner kept Everton in the Prem in May 2022Moshiri had been looking for a buyer and agreed to sell his stake to 777 Partners in September 2023.But eight months later it missed a deadline to complete the takeover.Last season, Everton were deducted points twice – amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process – for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.The club have been flirting with relegation since the 2021-2022 season.Moshiri made his most controversial move that season by appointing former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who departed within seven months.Frank Lampard came in January 2022 and helped Everton to preserve their top-flight status on a dramatic final day of the season with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lampard was sacked in January 2023 and replaced by Dyche, who also battled hard to keep them in the Prem.The Toffees again had to secure survival on tense a final day in May 2023, with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth getting them over the line.Toffees fans reacted furiously to the club’s point deductions last season More

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    Footballer in his 30s killed on night out in horror ‘attack’ as devastated club pays tribute & suspends all games

    HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a footballer in his 30s who died following an alleged assault on a night out.James Hitchcock, who played as a goalkeeper for club Barton Town FC, passed away “peacefully” in hospital after suffering “serious head injuries”.James Hitchcock was described as a popular member of the teamCredit: Barton Town FCJames (right) died following an alleged assault on a night outCredit: Barton Town FCHe died after suffering serious head injuriesCredit: X @BartonTownOBThe married dad-of-one died from injuries sustained following an incident at York railway station at around 8.45pm on Sunday.According to British Transport Police, 22-year-old Mckenzie Dicicco has been arrested and charged with murder and affray.Dicicco is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court.Tributes poured in for Hitchcock after Barton Town made the sobering announcement of his death on social media earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll the club’s weekend games have been postponed in tribute to Hitchcock.A statement from Hitchock’s club read: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our First Team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital.“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends.“All the club’s games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.”Most read in FootballClub chairman Mark Gregory said the club was “devastated”, adding Mr Hitchcock was a “popular but quiet” member of the first team.He said: “The news of James’s death has been hard to take in. It’s horrible. James was a popular member of the club. “We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club.”Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League this weekend.Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.His former side led the tributes with a club statement.It read: “It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.“The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.“‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.“Hitch will be remembered before our home game on Boxing Day. RIP Keeps.”Barton Town’s NCEL rivals Pickering Town noted: “The club wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, who passed away yesterday after tragic circumstances.“James was a very good opponent of ours over many years for many clubs and will be sadly missed by many players and supporters.”Skelmersdale United noted: “We would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Hitchcock. RIP.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHull City Ladies added: “On behalf of everyone at Hull City Ladies Football Club, we are deeply sorry to hear about James Hitchcock.“Our thoughts are with Barton Town and James’ family and friends.”Tributes have poured in for the dad-of-oneCredit: @SeasidersReview More

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    Red Bull announce 22-year-old will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate hours after Sergio Perez axe

    LIAM LAWSON has been announced as Max Verstappen’s new Formula One team-mate.The news comes following Red Bull’s axing of Sergio Perez on Wednesday.Liam Lawson has been named as Max Verstappen’s new team-mate at Red BullCredit: RexSergio Perez had a poor season partnering the four-time world championCredit: PALiam Lawson impressed across six races at Red Bull’s sister team Visa CashApp RBCredit: GettyPerez, 34, had a poor season in the second Red Bull seat, finishing eighth in the World Drivers Championship and seeing the constructor finish down in third in the World Constructors Championship.Following months of speculation, Perez’s exit from the Racing Bulls was announced, with 22-year-old Lawson being named as his replacement to pair with Verstappen from 2025.New Zealander Lawson joined the F1 grid in 2024 as a late-season replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull’s sister team Visa CashApp RB (VCARB), managing to score four points over the final six races of the season.His first stint in F1 had arrived in 2023 when he was subbed in for Ricciardo following injury.READ MORE IN F1A statement from Team Principal Christian Horner said: “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.”On the move, Lawson said: “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me.”This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. It’s been an incredible journey so far.“I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I also want to thank, Christian [Horner, Red Bull boss], Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet steal the show as they join Christian Horner and Max Verstappen at plush FIA AwardsSavage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Red Bull had narrowed their list to partner Verstappen to promoting one of Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, before ultimately choosing the Kiwi driver despite the Japanese driver’s own impressive full year.Being the partner driver to Verstappen in the main Red Bull team has been a notoriously difficult task for many drivers.However, with just 11 races in F1 under his belt, Lawson is the least experienced of the lot, with Alex Albon having had just 12 races and Pierre Gasly having 26 before their ill-fated stints with Red Bull.Lawson’s now former team, RB, said in a statement: “Liam has truly impressed with his performances, showcasing his resilience, adaptability, and growing confidence as he navigated the challenges of a highly competitive grid. “Although his time with us has been brief, Liam has made a real impact, earning the respect of everyone in the team. “We want to thank Liam for his dedication and all the effort he’s given during his time with the team. “We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this exciting new chapter with Oracle Red Bull Racing, and we look forward to watching his growth in the sport. We’ll see you on the track old sport!”Lawson’s move leaves one seat up for grabs on the 2025 F1 grid.However, it is expected that F2 runner-up Isack Hadjar – another driver from the Red Bull driver academy – will fill the remaining seat.The first race of the 2025 F1 season will be held in Australia on March 16.Lawson, who joined the Red Bull driver academy in 2019, will be one of five full-time debutant drivers on the grid next season.Britain’s own Ollie Bearman landed a full-time seat with Haas for next year after a number of strong substitute appearances for both Haas and Ferrari across the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThree stars – so far – will be driving F1 cars competitively for the first time when the lights go out in Melbourne next spring.Those are Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes successor, Kimi Antonelli, McLaren junior, Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber and Alpine Academy driver, Jack Doohan, who will drive with the parent team.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Glamorous footballer Alisha Lehmann stuns in bikini and Santa hat in Maldives as Douglas Luiz is left back at home

    ALISHA LEHMANN has been enjoying her winter break with a mid-season trip to the Maldives.The Swiss star, 25, quit the WSL for Juventus over the summer.Alisha Lehmann has been getting into the festive spirit in the MaldivesCredit: X @lishalehmannLehmann is dating Brazilian star Douglas LuizCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7She now plies her trade for Juventus in ItalyCredit: GettyLehmann and boyfriend Douglas Luiz both left Aston Villa for the Old Lady.While Luiz will be in Juve action this weekend, Serie A Femminile has taken a winter break.This has enabled Lehmann to jet off on holiday.Enjoying her time away, the forward posted a snap of herself in a bikini in front of the ocean.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBeaming for the picture, Lehmann also wore a Santa hat.She captioned her post: “Loading season…”Fans loved the snap, which quickly received 29,000 likes on X.Lehmann has made 14 appearances since switching to Juve.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to the winter break, she had notched two goals for her new club.Luiz, meanwhile, has played eight times in Serie A.Alisha Lehmann in space gearHe returned from the bench against Manchester City last week after missing 10 games with a muscular injury.The midfielder, 26, is set to be in action again this Sunday as Juventus travel to Monza.Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has 16 million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has scored 10 goals in 60 games for VillaCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann is set to start against Blackburn tonightCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans will be cheering her onCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More