Philippa Kaur

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    Sky Sports pundit replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as manager in one of most doomed spells in dugout

    NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is hoping to complete a stunning achievement by taking Nottingham Forest into the Champions League.But he was once replaced by a Sky Sports pundit as manager at a previous job.Nuno Espirito Santo was Valencia boss for just over one seasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe led the Spanish side to fourth in LaLiga but then quit just a few months laterCredit: AFPAnd that led to one of the most doomed and infamous spells in the dugout.Santo, 51, spent 18 years as a curly-haired goalkeeper where he was largely a back-up for the No1.That included two stints at Porto, where he was part of the Champions League-winning squad under Jose Mourinho.But after retiring as a player in 2010, the Portuguese stepped into management – firstly spending two years at Rio Ave in his homeland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe would later go on to manage Porto before four years with Wolves, 17 games at Tottenham, a stint at Al-Ittihad and now working wonders at the City Ground.But it was his second gaffer’s gig that sparked the links to the TV pundit. Santo led Rio Ave to the Europa League for the first time in their history at the end of his second season in charge.And that saw him attract plenty of interest – including from Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSanto signed a one-year deal in July 2014 to take over as Valencia manager.By the January of that 2014-15 campaign, he signed a contract extension until 2018.And he finished the season in fourth, taking four points off Real Madrid and picking up three LaLiga manager of the month awards. However, Santo suffered a poor start to the following campaign in both the league and Champions League.So much so that he resigned in November 2015.His replacement was… Gary Neville.Neville’s brother Phil and Salvador Gonzalez – who’s filled in at Valencia an incredible SEVEN times – took interim charge before Gary’s appointment on December 5.’MILLION MILES AWAY’But things went horribly wrong for Neville, whose only previous coaching experience was as Roy Hodgson’s assistant with England. His lack of Spanish didn’t help, either, and the ex-Manchester United defender failed to win any of his first nine LaLiga matches in charge.Valencia were also stuffed 7-0 by Barcelona in a Copa del Rey thrashing and Neville was eventually put out of his misery on March 30 with three league wins from 16 and his side 14th in the table, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Santo and Neville’s managerial careers have gone in very different directions since. The Portuguese gaffer succeeded at Wolves and is doing a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest, securing European football for next season.Gary Neville’s Valencia recordDates 2 December 2015 to 30 March 2016 Matches 28 Wins 10 Draws 7 Defeats 11 Win % 35.71 Goals scored 39 Goals conceded 38 Goal difference +1Biggest defeat 7-0 vs BarcelonaThat was guaranteed with Sunday’s eventful 2-2 draw with East Midlands rivals Leicester – but the result did put a major dent in Forest’s Champions League qualification dreams.And the match was overshadowed by Evangelos Marinakis storming on to the pitch to confront Santo about Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury – which has seen the Nigerian placed in an induced coma after urgent surgery. For Neville, though, he has turned his back on management – and now sticks to the TV studios and commentary gantries. Reflecting on his Valencia nightmare and leaving coaching behind, he said: “It’ll never happen, I’m a million miles away.”I love football and the camaraderie but I don’t want to be in that environment any more.“It was an unbelievable opportunity and it didn’t go as well as I wanted it to, but I enjoyed every minute and it taught me a lot and things I will apply to my business life.Read More on The Sun“I don’t regret going to Spain and I would have liked to have stayed in Valencia for 18 months, but I wouldn’t have continued in coaching.“The buzz from football up to the age of 32 was incredible and that can probably never be replaced, but compared to the last three years of my career, I enjoy what I’m doing now far more.”Santo was replaced by Gary NevilleCredit: EPAThe Englishman endured a horror four-month stint in chargeCredit: GettySanto was named manager of the month three times in his full seasonCredit: AP:Associated PressHe is now preparing to take Nottingham Forest into EuropeCredit: GettyNeville has not returned to management and has instead stuck to his punditry role with Sky SportsCredit: AFP More

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    Liverpool’s plan for Jeremie Frimpong revealed with Bayer Leverkusen wing-back to be played in new position

    ARNE SLOT has a bold tactical plan for Jeremie Frimpong if Liverpool can get a deal over the line.The Premier League champions will be in the market for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement this summer as he heads to Real Madrid.Jeremie Frimpong is linked with a move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayer Leverkusen star Frimpong is supposedly the club’s top target at right-back.The 24-year-old has a release clause worth around £33million but an agreement is still some way off.But shock reports from Sky Germany claim Frimpong might not play the same role as Alexander-Arnold.The Dutchman plays as an incredibly forward-thinking right-wing-back under Xabi Alonso.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Liverpool “plan to use him on the right flank in an attacking role – similar to his position at Leverkusen.”It is unclear if this means Slot is planning a formation change to a back three or whether the setup will remain the same on paper with a tactical tweak.Alexander-Arnold often drifts into central midfield, while Frimpong is more comfortable overlapping.He has even played as a conventional winger in the past and he could get a run of games there while Mo Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, meaning Liverpool’s main man could miss a busy time of the season.Slot is set to go on a spending spree this summer as the club also want a centre-back, left-back and striker.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics The boss is set to be handed Liverpool’s biggest ever transfer budget. More

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    Ruthless Barcelona set for major summer transfer overhaul with Gavi among EIGHT stars at risk of sale

    BARCELONA are set for a mass summer overhaul with director of football Deco ready to move on a host of stars.The Catalan giants can wrap up the LaLiga title on Thursday with victory over city rivals Espanyol.Gavi is reportedly among those in danger of leaving Barcelona this summerCredit: GettyThe club will also listen to offers for Ronald AraujoCredit: GettyBarca are hopeful of tying down Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to new long-term dealsCredit: ReutersBarca lead rivals Real Madrid by seven points and are on the cusp of a 28th crown.But despite a strong domestic performance, club icon Deco is preparing a ruthless summer window.Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for eight of their stars, according to reports.Spanish outlet SPORT claim the club is open to offers on Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Hector Fort, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pau Victor, and Ansu Fati.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarca are desperate to tie down Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha to new deals.Raphinha has racked up 59 goal contributions this season and had been courted by a host of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.But the Brazilian looks set to pen an improved deal at the Nou Camp.The beefy new contract would keep him at the club until 2029. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDe Jong, meanwhile, has emerged as a key player in Barca’s midfield since joining from Ajax in 2019.The Dutchman’s contract expires this summer and he is expected to extend his stay in Spain.Furious Vinicius Jr loses it at Barcelona fan waving beach ball at him in brutal message over Ballon d’Or snubBut the report claims a lucrative offer could tempt Barca to sell, with only wonderkid Lamine Yamal deemed “untouchable” in the squad. Goalkeeper Pena appears certain to leave the Catalan giants after being replaced as No1 by Wojciech Szczesny.Fati, 22, once tipped as the successor to Lionel Messi, is not in Hansi Flick’s plans moving forward.The former Brighton loanee has featured just six times in LaLiga this term, failing to find the net.Fati is contracted at the Nou Camp until 2027 – but his high salary may make him difficult to move on. More

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    ‘He was evil’ – Sir Alex Ferguson would be in JAIL if he managed today, jokes Man Utd legend Patrice Evra

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S “evil” management antics would land him in PRISON if he was still in the dugout, according to Patrice Evra. Evra, 43, saw the fiery Scot up close, playing under him for seven-and-a-half years at Manchester United between 2006 and 2013.Sir Alex Ferguson’s management style would land him in jail, according to Patrice EvraCredit: GettyEvra lost count of the number of players who were reduced to tears by the ScotCredit: YouTube / SDSAnd that meant he was exposed to the way Ferguson went about managing his players – which included the famous hairdryer treatment. But Evra joked in today’s football, Fergie’s methods would cross the line and see him in trouble with the law – after losing count of the number of players he reduced to tears.The former left-back told the SDS podcast: “If Ferguson was coaching right now he would probably end up in jail.”There’s no way Ferguson would not be in jail with what he would do to. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Do you know how many players I saw cry because he gave them the hairdryer, throwing boots – he was evil.”Ferguson’s most high-profile incident came after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in 2003 when he kicked a boot at David Beckham, leaving the England captain with stitches just above his eye. But he was just as passionate and lost his temper over so-called friendlies, too.Evra recalled a time when Fergie let rip at a young Danny Welbeck in Saudi Arabia. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe explained: “Wayne Rooney gave the ball to Welbeck but he missed the penalty.”We lost the game but it was a friendly, like a 45-minute game. Patrice Evra claims Samir Nasri told him he made a mistake snubbing Man Utd for City”When we got back into the dressing room, Ferguson [shouted] ‘Welbeck!’ “Me and Welbeck were in the toilet, he was having a pee, but Ferguson was shouting. “‘Who the f*** do you think you are, coming in the first team, taking a penalty?’ “I was like, ‘Boss, it’s just a friendly game.’ “He was like, ‘F*** the friendly game.'”I hope your leg is broken, a United player cannot cry at AnfieldSir Alex FergusonFerguson’s approach – however controversial and harsh it was – clearly had the desired effect.He won 38 trophies during his 26 years as Old Trafford boss, including 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues. But the attitude he instilled in his United players, especially the senior members of the squad, led to some brutal treatment of some team-mates. Jamie Carragher’s shocking lunge into Nani at Anfield in 2011 left the Portuguese winger with a bleeding gash down his shin.But the likes of Paul Scholes allegedly said “f*** that” and refused to back Nani when they spotted him crying on the floor.’WE WERE BAD PEOPLE… WE DIDN’T CARE’According to the Frenchman, Ferguson fumed: “I hope your leg is broken, a United player cannot cry at Anfield.”Evra added: “We were bad people.”I want to apologise to all the youngsters who trained with us. We were animals.”After the game, we were waiting for the next day when we were going to kill Nani, to tell you how nasty we were, we didn’t care. “If you’re bleeding and you cry, you’re done, you’re not part of us. Read More on The Sun”Ferguson had to give him a week off to recover from that because we were waiting to kill him. “Even now in the United WhatsApp group, we still put that picture of Nani crying at Anfield.”Ferguson was notoriously harsh – even in friendliesCredit: Getty Images – GettyJamie Carragher cut Nani’s leg open with this horror tackle in 2011Credit: Sky SportsFerguson and Paul Scholes let rip at Nani for crying at AnfieldCredit: GettyDavid Beckham had stitches above his left eye after Fergie kicked a boot at himCredit: AFPEvra won five Premier League titles under Sir AlexCredit: EPAUnited’s players still joke about the Nani incident on WhatsAppCredit: Alamy More

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    World’s third-highest paid defender set to be unemployed after ripping up £390k contract with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side

    AYMERIC LAPORTE is set to become unemployed after ripping up his contract at Al-Nassr.The former Manchester City star is the third-highest-paid defender in the world with a weekly paycheck of £390,000.Aymeric Laporte is set to leave Al-NassrCredit: GettyHe joined the club back in 2023 from Manchester CityCredit: GettyOnly former Chelsea flop Kalidou Koulibaly and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk earn more than the Spaniard.Koulibaly is on an eye-watering £553,225-per-week at Al-Hilal while Van Dijk recently signed a £400,000-per-week deal at Anfield.Laporte, 30, made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and has made 69 appearances for the club.He signed a three-year deal with Al-Nassr that was due to expire in 2026.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he could walk away from the club – and his monster salary – before it ends.Spanish outlet AS reports Laporte has endured a “difficult relationship” with manager Stefano Pioli.He was left out of the squad for Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League semi-final defeat against Kawasaki Frontale.Laporte will not be short of options should he leave the club in the coming days.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReal Madrid were previously linked with a move for Laporte before he left Man City.The LaLiga giants are again in the market for a defender but are more likely to swoop for a younger player.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingElsewhere, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are among the favourites to snatch up the 40-capped ace.Laporte has been joined by some star names at Al-Nassr such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran and Marcelo Brozovic.He has previously admitted to making the move to Riyadh for non-footballing reasons.He said: “To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football.”Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.”In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car.”Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car.”Laporte’s career by numbersHere is a look at Aymeric Laporte’s career…ClubAthletic Bilbao, 2012–2018Appearances – 222Goals – 10Manchester City, 2018–2023Appearances – 180Goals – 12Al-Nassr, 2023-presentAppearances – 69Goals – 9International Spain, 2021-presentCaps – 40Goals – 2Honours:Supercopa de Espana x1, Premier League x5, FA Cup x2, EFL Cup x3, Community Sheild x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Euros x1, Nations League x1 More

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    French football considering major change to Ligue 1 format after PSG domination every season

    FRENCH football chiefs are considering a major change to stop Paris Saint-Germain dominating Ligue 1, according to reports.The capital club have won 11 of the last 13 seasons after becoming one of Europe’s top forces.French football chiefs are looking to end PSG’s Ligue 1 domination with a major changeCredit: GettyThis season has seen them go 19 points clear of second-place Marseille with one game remaining.And with stars like Ousmane Dembele shining bright under Luis Enrique, PSG’s dominant era does not look like ending any time soon.They are now hoping to crown their achievements with a first-ever Champions League crown in this month’s final against Inter Milan.However, PSG could be set for a new challenge on the domestic front.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to L’Equipe, French football chiefs are considering a major change that would give other teams a chance to get their hands on the Ligue 1 trophy.Instead of the first-placed team winning the title, playoffs would be used to decide the season’s victor.Two semi-finals would take place involving 1st vs 4th, and 2nd vs 3rd.The winners would then meet in a grand final where the prize is the Ligue 1 title.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd chiefs believe that would open the door for the likes of Marseille, Monaco and Lyon to once again get their hands on French football’s top prize.Ligue 1 is also seeing teams like Nice and Strasbourg come to the fore. Arsenal condemn racism in statement after fan filmed making sickening slurs towards PSG supporters in vile videoLille, who won the title in 2021, are also continuing to make waves.It’s reckoned the LFP, French football’s governing body, could also be scrapped for a new governance structure just like the English Premier League.A League Cup could also be resurrected for the first time since 2020 as part of the huge shake-up. More

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    P.G.A. Championship: An Intimate Look at Quail Hollow

    The pro Webb Simpson lives near the seventh hole and knows the ins and outs of the course where the P.G.A. Championship will be played.Webb Simpson has what many recreational golfers dream of.Simpson — who won the U.S. Open in 2012 and Players Championship in 2018, and has played on multiple Ryder and Presidents Cup squads — can walk out his back door and be on the seventh hole of the Quail Hollow Club, the host of this week’s P.G.A. Championship and an annual tour stop on the PGA Tour.Better still, Simpson, who has five children, can hop in his golf cart like any golf dad and take his children around the course at dusk to chip and putt. He admitted, “I might owe the club a cart fee or two.”Major golf championships have long gone to storied, private clubs — think Baltusrol, Oakmont, Oak Hill and Winged Foot. More recently, they have ended up at challenging public or resort courses like TPC Harding Park, Bethpage Black and Kiawah Island.But it’s rare that these events go to a top-notch private club that also has members living around its perimeter, let alone touring pros who can walk out their doors and tee up.Yet this is the third time that the club has hosted a major international competition: It put on its first P.G.A. Championship in 2017 (won by Justin Thomas) and a Presidents Cup in 2022.Simpson — whose best professional finish at his home club was a tie for second in 2015 at the Wells Fargo Championship, seven shots behind the winner and this week’s favorite, Rory McIlroy — appreciates what he has.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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    Five P.G.A. Championships to Remember

    Here are five that stand out over the long history of the tournament.The P.G.A. Championship, which gets underway Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., might not be as popular or prestigious as the game’s other three majors, but there have been plenty of magical moments and striking duels.That includes from its inception in 1916 through 1957, when it featured a match play format — one competitor pitted against another — as well as since 1958 when the tournament switched to medal play, the winner being the one with the fewest total strokes.Among the high-profile champions: Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen, who each captured the title a record five times, and Tiger Woods who has four victories.Here, in chronological order, are five P.G.A. Championships that stand out:1923: Pelham Country Club, Pelham Manor, N.Y.The battle in the 36-hole final was between two of the greatest players in the game: Hagen and Gene Sarazen. They would go on to win a combined 18 major championships. And the fight delivered from start to finish.Sarazen, the defending champion, appeared in control down the stretch, up by two holes with just three to go. He bogeyed 16 and 17, however, and the match was suddenly all square. Both players made pars on the final hole of regulation to set up a sudden-death playoff.Which was when things really got interesting. After each birdied the first extra hole, Sarazen hooked his tee shot on the second. Fortunate that it didn’t go out of bounds, he hit his next shot to within two feet of the hole and knocked in the putt for the victory.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More