Philippa Kaur

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    Crystal Palace announce they are releasing Premier League record holder after 13 years in emotional statement

    CRYSTAL PALACE’s Joel Ward is leaving the club after 13 years.The 35-year-old defender has played over 360 times for the Eagles since joining from Portsmouth in 2012. Joel Ward is leaving Crystal Palace after more than a decade with the clubCredit: AlamyThe defender has racked up over 350 appearances since 2012Credit: GettyWard helped Palace gain promotion in his first season at Selhurst Park.The versatile defender has been a member of the squad in the Premier League ever since.Ward was named club captain in 2023/24 and has racked up a record number of Prem appearances for the club. He has repaid the club with 13 seasons of service after signing for just £400,000. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPalace chairman Steve Parish said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club.”[He is] open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.”Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him – in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”Ward penned a one-year extension with Palace last year.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyBut he’s struggled with a calf injury for much of the campaign and is yet to confirm if he will continue playing. Ward told the club’s website: “For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.”It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.”Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.”This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely see you later.” More

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    Final game at Goodison Park will see fans allowed to break strict Premier League protocol during post-match ceremony

    EVERTON fans will be allowed to break a strict Premier League rule during their Goodison Park farewell party.The Toffees say goodbye to their famous old ground on Saturday, with Southampton the final visitors.Everton will be allowed to break a strict Prem rule against SouthamptonCredit: GettyEverton fans will be treated to a post-match ceremonyCredit: GettyEverton have big plans in place pre and post match which will allow Evertonians to say farewell in style.That includes breaking a key Prem protocol – allowing alcohol to be consumed within view of the pitch.Fans will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle has been sounded.Spectators will be allowed to buy booze until 2:45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe celebration show will see appearances from players past and present, live musical performances and shows on the big screen that triumph the best memories of Goodison.The ceremony will last for an hour so could finish at a similar time to bars closing, at which point supporters will be asked to leave the ground for the final time.Ahead of the match Everton’s 1878 supporters’ group will stage a special coach welcome to create a “vibrant, passionate atmosphere as the players arrive at the stadium”.The club has also warned fans about the removal of seats or artefacts from the ground, stating such actions will be treated as criminal damage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton are set to leave their stadium of 133 years for Bramley Moore Dock.They still plan for Goodison Park to be an important community asset.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesEverton’s proposals aim to provide affordable and social housing with 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals. More

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    Real Madrid ‘do not even respond’ after they are offered England legend on loan transfer

    REAL MADRID “did not respond” when offered an England legend on loan, according to reports.The Spanish giants were in the market for a defender during the January transfer window.Real Madrid did not respond when offered an England legend on loanCredit: ReutersKyle Walker instead went to AC MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWith Dani Carvajal sidelined due to an ACL tear and Lucas Vazquez out in spells across the season through injury and suspension, Real Madrid went into games without a senior right-back.The Athletic claim the club were concerned that winning the Champions League would be “impossible” without them.Manchester City were looking to get rid of Kyle Walker in January and offered the 34-year-old to Los Blancos.But they supposedly ignored contact and did not respond.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans reacted to the reports: “That is low.”Another wrote: “The email went straight to spam.”Yet City had the last laugh as they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January.The young centre-backs were bought for a combined fee of £63million from Lens and Palmeiras respectively.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoth Khusanov and Reis were said to be targets for Real Madrid.Walker, who has won 95 caps for England, instead joined for AC Milan.The six-time Premier League winner could remain in Italy next season as the club have a £4.2million option to buy.But Milan are having second thoughts over whether to keep him permanently.Walker has lost his place in the starting XI after injury and the Rossoneri are in danger of missing out on European qualification, which will impact their transfer budget. More

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    Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign him

    LIVERPOOL target Jeremie Frimpong has revealed he could have signed for the Reds as a youngster – but it wasn’t on his bus route. The Leverkusen star is a target for Arne Slot’s side as they look to replace the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jeremie Frimpong rose through the ranks at Manchester City’s academyCredit: GettyThe Dutchman had initially agreed to join Liverpool – but it wasn’t accessible via busCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFrimpong, 24, has enjoyed a stunning rise in the Bundesliga with Bayer since joining from Celtic in 2020.The Dutchman began his career on the books at Manchester City aged just 9 – but actually opted to join Liverpool first. Frimpong told Rising Ballers: “I actually chose Liverpool first.”I was going to sign for them, but back then, driving wasn’t a thing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”My family wasn’t driving and it was far.”Man City was local, so it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus.”Frimpong spent almost a decade moving through the City ranks, but never played a game under Pep Guardiola. He continued: “When I was at the Man City academy, all the players were good. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”You’re not the only one that’s got talent. You’ve got to fight for your position.Frimpong joined Celtic and won the domestic Scottish treble during his first season north of the border. Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupHe added: “It couldn’t have been better.”My memories from Celtic are always winning. Celtic was amazing, they were so good to me.”All of them were amazing to me, they made me feel comfortable, like I’m playing with confidence. “Especially the manager, Neil Lennon, he had so much belief in me.”Sky Germany report that Liverpool are “seriously pursuing” Frimpong.Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert added fuel to the fire around a potential move to Anfield on Tuesday. The agent took to his Instagram story to post a picture of a British motorway, captioned with just two words: “We working”, alongside an egg timer emoji. More

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    Sunderland make major stadium change to combat Coventry’s secret weapon before Championship playoff

    SUNDERLAND have gone to drastic measures to stop Coventry’s secret weapon ahead of their Championship play-off tie.The Sky Blues travel to the Stadium of Light for the second leg of their semi-final clash this evening.Coventry’s long throw tactic could be stopped by the advertising board moveCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMilan Van Ewijk usually launches the ball into the box with his throw-insCredit: GettySunderland lead 2-1 after victory in the first game and have gone to unusual lengths to prevent a comeback.A picture has emerged online that suggest the advertising hoardings around the pitch have been moved closer to the sidelines.It is thought to be to prevent Coventry’s long throw-in tactic.Right-back Milan van Ewijk has wreaked havoc under Frank Lampard with his direct deliveries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLtalkSPORT claim the advertising boards has been moved “two metres” nearer.Sunderland fans have found the unique ploy hilarious, with one saying: “The games so back.”Another added: “No more woke nonsense.”A third joked: “He’s a great hurdler I heard.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEither Sunderland or Coventry will meet Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on May 24.They winner will join Leeds and Burnley in the Premier League next season.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three darts More

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    EFL club in major stadium update amid ambitious plans to nearly DOUBLE capacity

    EFL club Stockport County have announced plans to expand their stadium.The plans were first made public in 2022 and the club have since undergone a consultation period with the local community.Stockport County have announced plans to expand Edgeley ParkCredit: Stockport CountyThe Railway End will be converted to seatsCredit: Stockport county FCThe capacity of the ground will increase from 10,852 to around 18,000Credit: Stockport county FCStockport will work on three stands in multiple phasesCredit: Stockport county FCThe South Stand, right, could increase in size to sit 5,500 fansCredit: Stockport county FCNow the League One side have unveiled projected images of what the upgraded Edgeley Park could look like.Stockport want to increase the capacity of the ground from 10,852 to around 18,000.The revamp will see an initial 600 seats added to the North Stand, with the Railway End behind the goal to be increased from a capacity of 1366 to around 4500.Work on the two stands could begin this year, while the South Stand could be developed later to sit 5,500 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew hospitality, food and beverage facilities will also be built as part of the expansion.Once that work is completed, the western side of the North Stand could be expanded to fit in an additional 600 seats.Plans for the new Edgeley Park aim to improve accessibility for disabled supporters and make the stadium more environmentally friendly.Stockport plan to produce a true community stadium with “access to a wide range of spaces” for locals.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNon-executive chairman at Stockport County Ken Knott said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park to create a true community stadium.”We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community, it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder”Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition so it can continue to provide a first-rate home for the Club and the local community for many years to come.”Following our first round of consultation in 2022, we took our time to review and reflect upon the feedback we received, and we have developed our plans accordingly. “We want to ensure our plans for Edgeley Park provide our fans with the best possible matchday experience, whilst also remaining sensitive to our neighbours and providing the people of Stockport with a range of high-quality new community spaces.”This is a very exciting time for the club as we continue to go from strength to strength, both on and off the field. “We have outlined our ambition to reach the Championship, and we have already taken great strides towards reaching this goal over the past two seasons. “Ultimately, we believe that the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park is crucial in order to support the continued growth of the club and provide a platform for further success.” More

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    Jeremie Frimpong’s agent posts cryptic two-word message after Liverpool hold advanced transfer talks for Leverkusen star

    JEREMIE FRIMPONG’S agent has teased fans with a cryptic Instagram post.The Dutch right-back, 24, has reportedly been in advanced talks over a move to Liverpool this summer.Frimpong has been heavily linked with a move to AnfieldCredit: GettyThe Reds are searching for a replacement for the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and have reportedly identified the Bayer Leverkusen man as the man they want.Now, Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert has added fuel to the fire around a potential move to Anfield. The agent took to his Instagram story to post a picture of a British motorway, captioned with just two words: “We working”, captioned with an egg timer emoji. Sky Germany have reported that Liverpool are “seriously pursuing” Frimpong.Read more FootballRespected reporter Florian Plettenberg said that “advanced talks” had taken place between the Dutchman’s representatives and the Premier League champions. He also said that the right-back would be available for €35-40 million, thanks to a release clause in his Leverkusen deal. Frimpong, formerly of Celtic and Manchester City, has featured 48 times this term in all competitions, scoring five goals and laying on 12 assists. He has been a key cog in Xabi Alonso’s successful 3-4-2-1 system at the BayArena, chipping in with frequent goal contributions from right wing-back. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe was a crucial part of the unbeaten side last season that won a maiden Bundesliga title. He scored nine league goals that season, supplementing that with an impressive nine-assist return. Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2Frimpong is no stranger to British football, having come through the youth ranks at Man City, but he never played a first-team game for the Citizens. He was previously linked with Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was in charge at Old Trafford, although it now appears that Arne Slot’s side are at the front of the queue for his signature.Frimpong came close to joining Liverpool when he was a kid but the deal was kiboshed because his family didn’t have a car.He said: “I chose Liverpool and I was going to sign.”However, transport concerns led him to pick Man City instead because it was closer.He explained: “It made more sense, 15 minutes on a bus.” More

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    Man Utd ‘hold transfer talks with Antoine Semenyo’ as Bournemouth value star at £70million

    MANCHESTER UNITED have opened talks with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo over a potential transfer, according to reports.United are gearing up for a big summer as they try and fix the holes in their struggling squad after a worst-ever Premier League return.Antoine Semenyo has reportedly held talks with Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd according to TalkSPORT, that could include bringing in Cherries winger Semenyo.They claim the 25-year-old has already held talks with Old Trafford execs over a move in the summer.Semenyo, who is reportedly valued at around £70million by Bournemouth, has scored nine goals and registered six assists in the Premier League this season.The Ghana international has been linked with a whole host of other clubs, meaning Utd will have stiff competition for his signature.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are among those who have been linked with a move.Semenyo only put pen to paper on a new Bournemouth deal last season, meaning he is currently tied down with the Cherries until 2029.United have also been linked with a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who is thought to be on his way out of Portman Road following the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship.While it’s widely understood that Man Utd are leading the race to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBoth Cunha and Delap are thought to have release clauses in their contracts that mean deals would be easier to get over the line.It’s been reported that manager Ruben Amorim will be backed by the ownership in the summer as United try and patch things up.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe 20-time English champions are currently 16th in the Premier League table, but have a chance to save their season next week when they face Tottenham in the Europa League final.But boss Amorim thinks that a European trophy could just paper over the cracks, highlighting how big of a job he has on his hands and asking for reinforcements in the summer transfer window.Sensationally admitting he could QUIT if things don’t improve following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat, Amorim said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. “I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave.”Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club and the feeling that it’s not the biggest thing in the world losing a game at home.”We don’t have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have.Read More on The Sun”I think it’s a concern. It’s not the players fault. It’s my fault, I’m responsible.”If we cannot change that really fast we should give our place to different persons.”Ruben Amorim has claimed he could quit Man Utd if he is unable to turn around their formCredit: Getty More