Philippa Kaur

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    Jarrod Bowen & Aaron Wan-Bissaka worthwhile outside-the-box options for Dream Team bosses ahead of Gameweek 37

    JUST one Gameweek remains before the 2024/25 Dream Team season is complete.Managers intent on squeezing every last point out of the remaining fixtures would do well to consider West Ham’s trip to Ipswich as a potential source of returns.West Ham’s two best players this seasonCredit: Dream TeamThe Hammers have endured a miserable campaign – they’re 15th heading into the Premier League’s last weekend – but Jarrod Bowen (£5.6m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.2m) are both worthy of individual praise.More importantly, the pair are viable differential options for Gameweek 37.Bowen is statistically the most in-form forward in the game at the time of writing having banked 28 points from his last three outings.More broadly, he’s scored four goals and provided two assists in the last five games.A consistent performerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe England international averages 7.5 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by four other players in his position.Bowen has scored 13 goals and registered 10 assists in all competitions this term and also ranks among the top four forwards for bonus points and tackles.In short, it would be reasonable to expect healthy returns from him at Portman Road on Sunday.It’s worth noting that the Tractor Boys slipped to 19th in the table when they lost to Leicester last time out.Most read in FootballA smart signingCredit: AFPWan-Bissaka was recently named Hammer of the Year by West Ham fans after an impressive first season in East London.Criticised for his limited attacking threat during his tenure at Manchester United, the 27-year-old has looked good going forward in claret and blue while still being a formidable one-v-one defender.Only Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.8m) has completed more successful dribbles among Dream Team defenders at this late stage of the campaign.Wan-Bissaka also ranks joint-second for interceptions among all players.These stats are the main reason he’s amassed an impressive 48 bonus points, a tally only bettered by one defender, Pedro Porro (£5.1m).Wan-Bissaka has impressed the London Stadium faithfulCredit: GettyThe Hammers have struggled defensively this season but a visit to Ipswich represents a good chance for Wan-Bissaka and friends to keep a clean sheet.And if the DR Congo international can earn his usual bonus points then it’s not unthinkable he will finish the season with a juicy double-digit haul.The thing about Bowen (3.8% ownership) and Wan-Bissaka (2.5%) is that both are being overlooked by the vast majority of Dream Team bosses.Gaffers in need of outside-the-box options for the final weekend should give the West Ham pair due consideration at the very least.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 NOW More

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    EFL stadium looks unrecognisable as pitch is ripped up for maintenance work and fans spot where turf has been dumped

    AN EFL stadium looks unrecognisable after the pitch was ripped up ahead of maintenance work.League Two side Grimsby Town are undergoing renovations in the off-season.Grimsby Town have ripped up their pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcWork is ongoing to renovate the pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcTurf has been dumped behind one of the stands, where the club car park isCredit: X @officialgtfcThey have removed their pitch and dumped the mud and grass behind the Young’s main stand.Eagle-eyed fans spotted the mound of turf, which is taking up space in the car park and limiting the number of spaces available for vehicles.Work is ongoing at the ground to install a new pitch, which should be complete by the new season.Grimsby confirmed part of the car park would be closed during the renovation. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Car park notice!”Due to ongoing maintenance work at Blundell Park, limited parking is available onsite.”For supporters planning on visiting the Ticket Office or the end of season clearance sale, there is ample street parking available around the ground.”Grimsby are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in League Two next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey narrowly missed out on the play-off places this term, finishing ninth, two points behind Chesterfield.Grimsby also resurfaced the pitch in 2022 following promotion from the National League to the EFL.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms More

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    Ex-Arsenal star, 34, admits role in £600k Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot

    A PROFESSIONAL footballer has admitted that he was involved in a drug smuggling plot worth £600,000.The celebrity was arrested at his home on September 18, after 60kg of cannabis was found in suitcases linked to him two weeks earlier.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after 60kg of cannabis was discovered in his suitcasesCredit: GettyThe drugs arrived in the UK via Stansted AirportCredit: National Crime AgencyThe footballer pleaded guilty to the drug charge in MayCredit: PAJay Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, was found to have brought 60kg of cannabis into the UK from Thailand.According to Met police, the drugs had travelled via Dubai before arriving at Stansted Airport on September 2.Cops now believe that the celebrity might have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand.Now, he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex at a later date.Read More on Sport NewsHe pleaded guilty to the offence earlier in May, but reporting restrictions on the case have only just been lifted.Initially, the footballer known as “JET” denied the charges when appearing in court in October 2024.Two other people were arrested in connection with the case, but an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) have led to the charges being dropped.The two women were arrested with the drugs from Thailand on September 2, after making the journey for Emmanuel Thomas – in exchange for £2,500.Most read in FootballHowever, the Crown had offered no evidence against the two women, allowing them to go free.Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, were said to have sobbed as they were allowed to leave the dock.They had previously denied importing cannabis between July 1 and September 2.According to Prosecutor David Josse KC, the two women thought they were “importing gold, not cannabis”.As he was taken into custody, Emmanuel-Thomas said: “I just feel sorry for the girls.”NCA senior investigating officer, David Philips, revealed how criminal groups try to profit from drugs. He said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.“Organised criminals like Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”In Britain, the maximum sentence for smuggling cannabis – a class B drug – is a 14-year-stretch behind bars. Emmanuel-Thomas was a fan-favourite footballer who had played for Arsenal, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons and PTT Rayong.He was axed from his most recent team, Greenock Morton, after appearing in court for the crime. A spokesperson for Greenock Morton released a short statement on social media after the sacking. Read More on The SunThe statement read: “Greenock Morton FC can confirm that the contract of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been terminated with immediate effect.”The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.The star admitted to his crime in courtCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd’s ‘four irreplaceable players revealed’ with Amorim set to get at least £100m budget even if they lose vs Spurs

    RUBEN AMORIM will be handed a £100million war chest this summer, even if Manchester United LOSE the Europa League final.Man Utd are up against Tottenham for the showpiece final in Bilbao tonight.Ruben Amorim will be given a £100m war chest even if Man Utd lose the Europa League finalCredit: GettyOnly four players are deemed untouchable at the club, including Bruno Fernandes and Amad DialloCredit: AFPLeny Yoro’s impressive debut season means the club has no intention to accept an offer for himCredit: GettyHarry Maguire has become a key figure in the heart of Man Utd’s defenceCredit: PAWinning the final doesn’t just bring European glory, but also a spot in the Champions League worth a tidy £100m through ticket sales, broadcast money and sponsor bonuses.Cash-strapped Man Utd have undergone a ruthless cull, cutting staff numbers from around 1,100 to around 700, since the arrival of minority owners Ineos.Those savings, albeit meagre compared to what could be saved when the contracts in the underperforming squad are sorted out, mean the club can equip Amorim with a transfer kitty of £100m before sales.According to The Times, there is belief the sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony could raise close to £100m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRed Devils transfer chiefs are also willing to consider the sales of exciting youngsters Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho, with the latter of the pair said to be the closest of the two to an exit.However, Man Utd want to keep both and will only accept a deal if a “substantial” offer is made for one of them.It is also believed the likes of Altay Bayindir will be moved on to make way for a new goalkeeper to rival Andre Onana as the club’s No1.Indeed, there are only four players who are said to be untouchable at Old Trafford: Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordFernandes’ performances speak for themselves with 38 goal contributions this season, while Amad, Yoro and Maguire have all impressed across the season.Club bosses are also firmly behind manager Amorim, with Ineos said to even be willing to try and talk him around if he was to try and walk away – though there is no suggestion he would.BATTLE FOR BILBAO: The Road to the Europa League FinalAfter the final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, Amorim and the squad will travel to Asia for a controversial post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong.On the tour, Amorim said: “We are going to take all the team, young kids also, and we’ll have the staff there. We have [had] a lot of changes in the staff, so we are trying to build something as a family.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. are said to have full belief that with a full pre-season under the former Sporting Lisbon boss, Man Utd will start making moves back towards being truly successful again.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashAs well as trying to better gel the squad, Amorim is expected to welcome some new recruits when pre-season gets underway fully as Man Utd transfer chiefs look to quickly move for some fresh faces.Man Utd are said to be ready to trigger the £62.5m release clause of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha next week, while club bosses have also held face to face talks with Ipswich ace Liam Delap.Further recruits are expected to occur in central midfield, at wing-back and goalkeeper, while Amorim himself appeared to suggest he wanted to add another centre-half next season.Read More on The SunThe summer recruitment will be led by technical director Jason Wilcox, who replaced Dan Ashworth in the role after his unexpected departure six months ago.Ineos are said to be happy with his work so far and there are no plans to replace him despite the likes of Luis Campos being linked with the director of football role.MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Sam Hutchinson reveals he had HEART ATTACK in game he scored winner that sent Wimbledon to play-offs

    AFC WIMBLEDON defender Sam Hutchinson has revealed that he suffered a heart attack just six minutes into a crucial League Two match – and then went on to score.The 35-year-old endured the frightening ordeal against Grimbsy Town earlier this month.Sam Hutchinson has bravely opened up about his recent heart attackCredit: X/ AFCWimbledonHutchinson scored the winner in the match against Grimsby – after suffering the heart attackCredit: RexJust moments into the match, unbeknownst to him, Hutchinson suffered a heart attack while on the pitch.As he wasn’t aware of what was happening, the defender played on and completed the full match.He even scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute as Wimbledon clinched a 1-0 win to secure a place in the League Two play-offs.But it wasn’t until after full-time that he realised something was seriously wrong.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecalling the ordeal while speaking to Wimbledon club media this week, he explained: “It’s crazy really. Obviously I was experiencing a lot of pain then.”I look back as well and my mrs said: ‘Oh you didn’t look right when you had the interview,’ and then I got back on the coach, started getting more chest pains, the adrenaline wore off and we ended up making a pit stop in Nottingham.”He continued: “Bob [Bacic, head physio] took me in and basically they said I had a heart attack.”Then they said it could be an infection, so I was in there for five days.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I was like a pin cushion by the end of it, I was getting loads of tests done.”And then it turned out, yeah, I did actually have a heart attack.Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed”A branch of an artery was blocked, 75 per cent, so I had an angiogram and they put a stent in. I had that in London and saw a top specialist who was unbelievable.”And I’m on the road to recovery now.”Hutchinson went on to admit that he “broke down” after being told he’d suffered a heart attack because he didn’t want his football career to end.But the specialist he saw insisted there is “no problem” with him continuing to play.AFC Wimbledon face Walsall in the League Two play-off final on Monday.And while he is “devastated” that he will miss the occasion, Hutchinson is looking forward to watching.He added: “I’m there to support the boys and fingers crossed we can get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.”I genuinely think I could play, obviously it would be dangerous but that’s just my opinion. I’m never going to but I’d love to.”Hutchinson joined Chelsea at the age of nine and graduated from the club’s academy to make the first team.However, he was limited to just six senior appearances in total.Read More on The SunThe defender was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Vitesse and Sheffield Wednesday before completing a permanent move to Hillsborough.He then went on to play for Pafos and Reading before joining AFC Wimbledon in December.Hutchinson previously played for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Ruben Amorim spotted in hotel gym for ‘massive arm day’ as Man Utd boss sneaks in workout before Europa League final

    RUBEN AMORIM has hit the gym ahead of tonight’s Europa League final.The Manchester United boss is hoping to salvage his side’s season by beating Tottenham to lift silverware.Ruben Amorim has been in a relaxed mood ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: PAFar from being tense ahead of the huge match, Amorim appeared relaxed as he posed for a gym selfie alongside two supporters this morning.Social media user @utdbelles posted the snap, alongside the caption: “my dads day started at the gym with a special guest”.In the image, Amorim could be seen beaming in his Man Utd training top.When a fan responded that the Portuguese “doesn’t skip leg day”, @utdbelles added: “he was apparently having a massive arm day”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim cut a relaxed figure as he appeared at yesterday’s press conference alongside Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.During the presser, Amorim was asked if he felt fortunate not to be under the same amount of scrutiny as opposite number Ange Postecoglou.Fernandes interjected, laughing as he said: “He is!”Taking it in his stride, a smiling Amorim joked: “He wants my job! He will be a very, very good coach.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “But he needs to work on his mindset, on dealing with people!”Amorim was also asked why he is not “under more pressure”.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itThe 40-year-old thoughtfully responded: “I don’t know. I know that, in this kind of club, also in Tottenham, but especially in Manchester United, it’s strange to have some coaches here they lose some games and they are sacked. It’s hard to explain.”I think people are seeing what I’m trying to do. Sometimes I’m thinking more of the club than myself, so people understand, especially the board.”We have lots of possibilities in this context, it’s really hard. I don’t know how to explain how the fans like me in this moment. It’s hard to explain.”I will try to prove myself to the fans and to the board but I don’t have an explanation for you. Again, I think it’s a good thing for me to never worry about that. It’s part of being a coach.”The most important thing is to know what you’re doing and I explained everything. Again, before, when I explained about the storm and all the problems we have to the board. So I was clear. I won’t change my idea.”They know they cannot say one thing that I said to get the job and then I change my mind. It was the opposite. I think the board can understand that, the fans can understand that, but we’ll reach a moment when we have to win. No matter what.”Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    Next Tottenham manager odds: Glasner and Xavi head betting as Europa League final to determine Postecoglou’s fate

    OLIVER GLASNER and Xavi top the betting to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager.Bookmakers talkSPORT BET can’t split the pair as the 4/1 joint-favourites to replace Ange Postecoglou – irrespective of how tonight’s Europa League final pans out.FA Cup winning boss Oliver Glasner is the frontrunner alongside Barca legend, XaxiCredit: EPAXavi has been out of work after being axed by Barcelona last MayCredit: APTottenham’s run to the final has been terrific, though a far cry from the domestic woes.Only the three, poor relegated sides sit below them in the Premier League table ahead of the final day.They’ve lost more Premier League games (21) so far than they have had wins and draws (11, 5) COMBINED.Though it’s also right to point out their injury record has been astonishing at times, with players forced to play out of position in what has been a hectic schedule.Postecoglou has had to fight his corner for much of the second half of this season, though even if winning in Bilbao tonight, it would appear the writing is on the wall that he won’t be here next season.Who are the favourites for the Spurs job?The talkSPORT BET betting markets have Oliver Glasner and Xavi (4/1) at the top of the next Spurs manager market.Glasner’s stock couldn’t be higher after leading Crystal Palace to their first ever major trophy at Wembley this season.Next Tottenham manager oddsLatest odds from talkSPORT BETOliver Glasner – 4/1Xavi Hernandez – 4/1Scott Parker – 5/1Thomas Frank – 6/1Francesco Farioli – 6/1Mauricio Pochettino – 8/1Andoni Iraola – 10/1Kieran McKenna – 10/1Roberto De Zerbi – 10/1Marco Silva – 12/1While Xavi has remained out of work since getting the bullet as Barcelona boss at the tail-end of last season.Scott Parker (5/1) is understood to be highly thought of in the Spurs hierarchy having guided Burnley back to the Premier League for next year and he’s just ahead of Brentford boss Thomas Frank (6/1), who is destined for a really top job soon.Frank is the same price as Francesco Farioli, who recently left Ajax after a complete collapse in the Eredivisie left them as runners-up to PSV despite holding a huge advantage in the closing weeks.Mauricio Pochettino is 8/1 to make his return to Tottenham, just ahead of Andoni Iraola, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi all at 10/1.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    England DENIED automatic qualification to Euro 2028 despite hosting after shock rule change.. but will have safety net

    ENGLAND and the other host nations will have to earn their place at Euro 2028 despite the tournament being played in the British Isles.But Uefa have confirmed a backdoor route for any of the four countries that does not make it by right.England have been denied automatic qualification to Euro 2028As expected – with the FA keen for the Three Lions to play competitive games ahead of the tournament rather than a year of friendlies – Uefa’s ruling executive committee has now confirmed the qualifying structure.At a meeting in Bilbao, Uefa agreed that TWO spaces will be made available for the host nations who do not qualify by right when the campaign begins in March 2027.Northern Ireland’s failure to provide a suitable stadium after the collapse of the plans to play matches at Casement Park means games will now be played in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, although the Belfast-based side can still qualify.As in Europe’s World Cup qualifying schedule, which continues next month, there will be 12 groups, consisting of either four or five teams, with the four co-hosts also taking part.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 12 group winners and the best eight runners-up – with points earned against the teams placed first, third and fourth taken into account – will automatically qualify for the 24-team tournament.Two further places will be available from a play-off system involving the other four runners-up and the best-ranked non-qualifiers from the Nations League campaign starting in September 2026, involving between eight and 12 teams.And that leaves two final places for the two best co-hosts who did not qualify through their group finish, although they will not be eligible for the play-offs.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe draw for the qualifying stage will take place in December 2026, at the conclusion of the Nations League.Most read in FootballCardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening game on June 9 2028, with both semis and the July 9 Final played at Wembley.England squad plays the Traitors Other English venues will be the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton’s new home at Bramley Moore Dock, the Etihad, Villa Park and St James’ Park.Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium provide the Scottish and Irish venues. More