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    ‘Looking forward to him joining Man Utd’ – Cheeky fans taunt Arsenal as 15-year-old is promoted to first-team training

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans brutally mocked Arsenal after a 15-year-old academy wonderkid was spotted training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team.The Old Trafford faithful reckon they can STEAL Max Dowman from Hale End, after prying Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven over the last year.Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman is the new kid on the block at ArsenalManager Mikel Arteta has introduced Dowman to first team training sessionsArsenal’s trio of starlets Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly pose for a snap in DubaiBut Arsenal fans will surely riot if Mikel Arteta and Co. let this one go.Dowman has been a name on the lips of Gooners throughout the season and he has been pictured training with the first team regularly.And the Arsenal hierarchy are keen to show upcoming talent there is a pathway to the Prem after a two window exodus. Fans were utterly devastated to see record-breaking academy starlet Obi reject schoolboy terms and leave for Man Utd last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhile Hale End defender Ayden Heaven soon followed Obi to Carrington in January.And Man Utd supporters have issued a hiliarious ‘watch out’ warning to the Emirates faithful, hinting Dowman might jump ship too.After spotting Dowman in Arsenal training ahead of Chelsea’s visit on Sunday, one fan wrote: “@ManUtd do your thing”.A second posted: “Looking forward to him joining United in 18 months 😁.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third added: “They are scared Man Utd will come knocking 😂😂.”While another said: “ManchesterUnited bound…”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw One more replied: “Can’t wait to see him at Old Trafford in a few years time!”Striker Obi, 17, has already broken into Man Utd’s first team, playing two Prem games and impressing fans in the club’s FA Cup shootout exit to Fulham.Meanwhile, Heaven came on at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday as Arteta’ side all but withdrew from the title race after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.The likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters left for Brighton, Aston Villa and Luton Town during the summer, but the departure which hurt most was that of Obi.Unsurprisingly, Arsenal don’t want a repeat of this.Meanwhile, Dowman was part of Arsenal’s first-team squad that travelled to Dubai for the winter training camp earlier this month.Former Arsenal whizzkid Chido Obi joined Man Utd last summerObi scored scored a club record of 32 goals for Arsenal under-18s in his last seasonAyden Heaven joined Man Utd from Arsenal in JanuaryThis season, teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have gone from Hale End hopefuls to first team stars.The earliest point Arsenal can officially sign Dowman to scholarship terms is ahead of the 2026-27 season.The attacking midfielder has been compared to AC Milan legend Kaka by his youth coach.While he was fast-tracked into Arsenal’s U18 team at the tender age of just 13 by former teen prodigy Jack Wilshere.Up until then, luring him away wouldn’t be too tricky. Incredibly, he only turned 15 on December 31. Already, though, he turned heads in matches in the Uefa Youth League.Arteta handed Nwaneri his league debut against Brentford in September 2022, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history at 15 years and 181 days.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn December, Dowman became the youngest player ever to feature for Arsenal at Under 21 level or equivalent after coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw with BrightonMail Sport understands that multiple Premier League academies have approached Dowman’s father to register their interest his son. Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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    Why Isak and Newcastle are great value to shoot-down red hot favourites Liverpool – Weekend Wager’s best bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for another week, using in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from a packed weekend of elite sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh for this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Our experts bring you the best bets from this weekend’s biggest Premier League clash, Arsenal vs ChelseaCredit: GettyMo Salah and Alexander Isak could be the stars of the show as Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: ReutersThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters can make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture – Arsenal vs Chelsea.There’s also good value in the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle as the Toon go for their first major trophy in 70 years.The opening weekend of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also one our our expert panel’s top talking points.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.READ MORE SPORT STORIESArsenal vs ChelseaKweku Afari – Arsenal to win and BTTS – 13/5When I was younger Arsenal vs Chelsea, that was cash money for my beloved Blues, but in recent years it’s changed – hence my bet.I’ve got Arsenal to win and both teams to score 13-5. Arsenal are struggling in the league for consistency but we know how good of a team they are.Chelsea are winless in their past six away league games, but Arsenal are without a clean sheet in four home league matches.Most read in FootballArsenal are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea.So I’ve got both teams to score but Arsenal to win.Ethan Nwaneri to score looks good value amid his red-hot run of form and Arsenal’s lack of centre forwardsCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Nwaneri to score – 9/4Although heads are going at Arsenal I do still fancy them to score, but ravaged by injuries they’re playing Mikel Merino up front – and he never even trained as a striker until a few weeks ago.I’m therefore saying the only place their goals are likely to come from is Ethan Nwaneri. He absolutely loves a shot on target but I’m going Nwaneri to score at 9-4.This will be his last ever appearance before he turns 18 and no under 18 player has ever scored in a Premier League London derby, with the only player doing so against Chelsea being James Milner for Leeds in December 2002 age 16.But I just fancy Nwaneri – he’s made of different stuff. He’s averaging 2.86 shots per 90 minutes in his last five games. I fancy him to get on the score sheet.Marc Cucurella to have at least one shot looks to be an absolute banker, according to our expertsCredit: GettySam Rosbottom – Cucurella to have 1+ shots – 7/5I could not believe the odds on this. I had to double take it and I had to ring the traders to make sure that this was correct: Marc Cucurella to have one or more shots in the match.Now that’s not a shot on target that’s just a shot… I think this is a great shout.He’s had 11 shots in his last 10 games. He’s scored in each of his last two matches as well.He is a player who you’d like him to get forward for Chelsea. He’s being very creative for them at the minute and I can just see him having a shot against Arsenal.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup finalCarabao Cup final – Liverpool vs NewcastleKweku Afari – Under 2.5 goals – 5/4This is a tasty final and when you mentioned Liverpool defending their crown that was a dagger through my heart because last year they beat my beloved Chelsea.Five of the past six Carabao Cup finals have seen fewer than three goals scored.Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup wins during that time which both were against Chelsea have seen the match finish goalless after 90 minutes.I’m going for under 2.5 goals in this one… cup finals are pretty boring. They’re pretty cagey.Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s biggest threat and if they’re going to score it’s likely to be himCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Isak to score – 15/8I’m just going for a little bit more adventurous one here…If Newcastle are going to win with Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall out, I believe they’re going to be relying on their big name, big money player: Alexander Isak.He’s had a hand in four goals across his five appearances against Liverpool – that’s three goals and one assist.So I’m going Isak to score any time.Sam Rosbottom – Gakpo to score or assist 13/10I do see it being a tight, cagey game. But what I like in this one, looking at the Liverpool player, is Cody Gakpo.He has been absolutely key for them in this competition. He’s scored nine goals in 11 appearances in the League Cup.If Liverpool are to do this – which the odds suggest they will – then he’s going to be absolutely key.For him to score or assist in this game currently is a decent price.Cody Gakpo will be key to Liverpool’s success as he aims to continue his staggering Carabao Cup formCredit: AFPIndian Premier LeagueSam RosbottomIf you’re into cricket this is an absolutely fantastic competition. It’s pure action. It’s pure drama. Expect lots of big hitters and loads of sixes.Chennai Super Kings are currently joint favourites with Mumbai Indians… they’re the most successful franchises in the competition.They’ve each won it five times so there’s always a bit of a battle between the two of them. However it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who won it last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s also Sunrisers Hyderabad who Pat Cummings and Travis Head have played for.Jos Buttler currently plays for the Gujarat Titans. And Jofra Archer, his Rajasthan Royals are the outsiders – he’ll need a big tournament if they’re to upset the odds.Jos Buttler is one of the huge names on show in this season’s IPL – which starts next weekendCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd star ‘had balloon in his mouth’ when he crashed Audi in 99mph horror crash

    A FORMER Man Utd star was allegedly filmed with a balloon in his mouth before he crashed his Audi in a 99mph horror crash,Brandon Williams was driving erratically on the A34 near Handforth in Cheshire on August 20, 2023.Brandon Williams has pleaded guilty to driving dangerouslyCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder PicturesThe former Man Utd player crashed his Audi at 99mphCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old was playing for Utd at the time but was loaned to Ipswich for the 2023-24 season.Williams today pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without third party insurance following the high-speed crash.Chester Crown Court heard the defender was with a female passenger at the time of the crash.She was seen filming him at one point as Williams reached speeds of 99mph with a balloon in his mouth, it was said.Read more newsHe lost control of the Audi A3 before it collided with a blue Ford Fiesta and then smashed into the central reservation.Williams, who no longer has a team, was breathalysed at the scene but the test was negative.The footballer was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries before he was arrested.Williams told police he was driving the Audi but initially denied he was driving erratically.Most read in FootballHe also attempted to blame another driver for the crash – telling officers he only hit the central reservation as he was forced to swerve.Williams was asked about witnesses who saw him with a balloon at his mouth but he replied: “No comment”.The footballer will be sentenced on May 9 at Chester Crown Court.He joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.Williams has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances and then Ipswich.In June last year, Utd announced that Williams would leave the club at the end of his contract.Andrew Madden, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Brandon Williams’ driving on that day clearly fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.“Expert analysis showed that he was driving at 99 mph four seconds before he hit the Ford Fiesta.“Witnesses said Williams kept speeding up and then breaking sharply.“It was clear he wasn’t in control of the vehicle.“The driving was erratic and the speed was grossly excessive. “Eventually, Williams lost control completely and crashed.“It is a fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“To drive at 99mph in those circumstances was extremely dangerous and placed the lives of other road users at serious risk of harm.“The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to thank the witnesses for supporting this prosecution.”Williams will be sentenced in MayCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures More

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    Joey Barton denies branding Jeremy Vine ‘bike nonce’ & comparing female pundits to Fred & Rose West on social media

    JOEY Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to sharing offensive social media postsCredit: PAHe allegedly targeted Eni AlukoCredit: GettyBarton is also accused of posting about Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to 12 charges against him.The 42-year-old is accused of sending grossly offensive communications with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.Barton allegedly shared the posts on X in January, February and March last year.He referred to Aluko and Ward as Fred and Rose West – calling both “serial killers”, the court heard.Barton also allegedly claimed Aluko was “only there to tick a box” and compared both pundits to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot”.At the time, both Aluki and Ward were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton allegedly branded him a “big bike nonce”.Most read in FootballThe former Man City star is due to stand trial later this year.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.The ex-footballer also allegedly called Jeremy Vine a ‘bike nonce’Credit: PABarton is due to stand trial later this yearCredit: PA More

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    Radisa Ilic dead at 47: Former Serbia and Partizan goalkeeper pronounced dead after ‘falling from apartment window’

    SERBIAN football has been plunged into mourning after ex-international goalkeeper Radisa Ilic was found dead outside his apartment.Ilic, 47, won five league titles and two cups during two spells with Partizan Belgrade.Former Serbia international Radisa Ilic has been found deadCredit: GettyCapped once, he also played for Partizan’s city rivals OFK Beograd plus clubs in Romania and Greece.Ilic had worked as goalkeeping coach at Partizan and other Serbian’s sides since hanging up his boots in 2013.But he was pronounced dead on Thursday after falling from his apartment window, according to Belgrade media.Partizan paid tribute to Ilic in a heartfelt message on their website.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club wrote: “FK Partizan is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Radisa Ilic who died today at the age of 47.”During his career, Ilic spent two playing spells at Partizan – first one in a period between 1998 and 2003 followed by a 2010-2013 spell.”When he returned to the club in 2010, he made a great contribution to help Partizan reach Champions League group stage. “He was pivotal in CL qualifiers and took part in unforgettable penalty shoot-out series against Anderlecht, when Belgian team players missed three penalties, allowing Partizan to progress to the competition`s group stage.Most read in Football”This heroic performance made him a fans’ favourite and earned him a chant ‘You’re our No.1 keeper, Radisa!’.”Ilic was born in Bajina Basta, making his early football step locally before moving to nearby Uzice to play for Sloboda where he spent four years. Partizan took the note of his great performances and signed him in 1998.He spent five seasons with the club before moving to National Bucuresti. Ilic was soon back in Serbian football, signing for Borac Cacak followed by a spell at OFK Beograd.He briefly played for Greek side Panserraikos, only to return to Borac followed by his second Partizan spell after which he retired.Partizan added: “Radisa Ilic will remain part of our history forever. “His dedication and legendary moments in the black-and-white shirt will never be forgotten.”Ilic left an indelible mark at our club and his name will forever be proudly mentioned among Partizan aficionados. More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 28: Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold and others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 28 in one convenient location.Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.Alexander-Arnold is Dream Team’s leading points scorer among defenderCredit: Dream TeamThe England right-back was injured during the Reds’ exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.Alexander-Arnold, who features in 28.2% of teams at the time of writing, is expected to be out for several weeks with Arne Slot only saying that the defender should be back before the end of the season.Conor Bradley or Joe Gomez would usually deputise at right-back but both remain sidelined, seemingly leaving the door open for Jarell Quansah to start against Newcastle, but Arne Slot has hinted that Curtis Jones is another option.Wesley Fofana returned for Chelsea against Leicester in Gameweek 27 and Romeo Lavia is said to have regained fitness too.Enzo Maresca told reporters than Robert Sanchez will start between the sticks against Arsenal this weekend.Saka is “making really good progress”Credit: GettyAs for the Gunners, Raheem Sterling is ineligible to play against his parent club while Mikel Arteta stressed the need to manage Gabriel Martinelli’s workload in his Friday press conference.On Bukayo Saka, the Spanish coach said: “He’s stepping up and making really good progress. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in… and how quickly he can get fit.”Kevin Danso suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth last weekend and will be monitored carefully during the international break.Most read in FootballTottenham’s first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven reunited against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended in the Europa League but is available for the trip to Fulham on Sunday.Danso is sidelinedCredit: PAAndoni Iraola confirmed Bournemouth have no new injury concerns with centre-back lllia Zabarnyi set to return against Brentford having served his suspension in full.Similarly, Ipswich, Leicester, Wolves, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have all reported no fresh injuries.Mason Mount and Harry Maguire have a chance of making Manchester United’s matchday squad at the King Power.However, Leny Yoro is ruled out of the trip to Leicester with a foot injury while Patrick Dorgu continues his domestic suspension.Dream Team bosses should be aware that Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will BLANK in Gameweek 28 having originally been scheduled to face the Carabao Cup finalists.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Enes UnalSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Sepp van den Berg (doubt), Fabio CarvalhoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, Matt O’RileySuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Jean-Philippe MatetaSuspensions: Will HughesEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Armando Broja (doubt), Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman NdiayeSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: Sasa LukicIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Wes Burns, Arijanet Muric, Sammie Szmodics, Axel TuanzebeSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Trent Alexander-ArnoldSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan AkeSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount (doubt), Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire (doubt), Leny YoroSuspensions: Patrick DorguNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis HallSuspensions: Anthony GordonNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos MiguelSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart (doubt), Ryan Fraser (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt), James Bree, Jan BednarekSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin DansoSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal (doubt), Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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    Inside Dan Burn’s wild ride from losing finger aged 13 and working at Asda to driving Smart car and England call-up

    THOMAS TUCHEL’S first England squad was full of surprises, but perhaps top of the list was his maiden call-up of 32-year-old Dan Burn.It completed an incredible journey for down-to-earth Burn, who worked for Asda as a teenager pushing trolleys around while his football career stalled.Dan Burn has completed a fairytale story having gone from struggling non-league player to England call-upCredit: GettyBurn defied the odds having lost the ring finger on his right hand in a freak accident aged 13Credit: GettyFuture Newcastle hero Dan was a huge Toon fan as a kidCredit: Newcastle United FCDan Burn got his big break at Fulham, moving from non-league Darlington to the Premier League side in 2011Credit: PA:Empics SportLater this month, the Newcastle star could have his first Three Lions cap in the bag having been selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.And in so doing, he would be our nation’s oldest debutant since a 33-year-old Kevin Davies made his bow against Montenegro in October 2010.Burn has been shining for his much-loved Toon ever since joining Eddie Howe’s revolution in a £13million move from Brighton in February 2022.Those who know him best will say his international recognition is richly-deserved, given the long and arduous path to get to this point. READ MORE SPORT STORIESBurn was born in the Northumberland town of Blyth and was Magpies mad, having a season ticket at St James’ Park and heading down to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in 2000.He was actually on Toon’s books as a kid but then suffered the heartbreak of being released by his boyhood club near Christmas 2003, aged 11.It was a devastating blow. Yet Burn admitted it was probably the right call when speaking to SunSport back in 2019.In typically self-deprecating style, the gentle giant said: “I was pretty c**p, if I’m honest.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBurn was a very different player back then, quite literally.Because of his gangly frame, fuelled by his regular diet of fish and chips, he was a goalkeeper up until the age of 14.Dan Burn wears glove on hand missing a finger leaving Newcastle team-mates in stitchesDisaster struck around that time when he caught his finger, which had a ring on it, climbing a fence.It resulted in him losing most of his ring finger on his right hand. Burn appeared to be hitting a brick wall too at that time with regards his ambitions to be a pro footballer, and played locally while studying for a sports diploma and working at Asda.The defender said: “Normally the lads who are getting picked up to play in the youth teams are getting picked up around 15,16. I didn’t end up signing for anyone.“I went to sixth form and went and did a little bit of work. I was working at Asda pushing trolleys.“If you had said then that I would be in the Premier League, I would have laughed at you.“It was a little bit more of a different route for me but it helped me become even more determined and focused.”Burns, in the orange bib with long hair, celebrates the 2011 FA Trophy win with his Darlington palsCredit: AlamyDan Burn went from strength to strength as a stalwart with WiganCredit: Getty Images – GettyDan Burn attracted Newcastle’s attention with his superb form for BrightonCredit: AFPDarlington signed him at 17 which was the break he needed just when it looked like the beautiful game was not going to work out for him. Life at Darlo was hardly one of glamour, with Burn washing his own kit and bringing in packed lunches. Although he did win the 2011 FA Trophy at Wembley on 2011 with a 1-0 win over Mansfield.All that stopped when he moved to the Premier League with Fulham in 2011, but even then there were question marks as to whether he would progress beyond the reserves. That was largely due to misconceptions about his ability and his size – which is something he has had to overcome throughout his career. Many people saw his towering frame as a negative, deeming him to be too big, too slow and too clumsy, when in reality he has always been a competent and composed footballer.He had loan spells at Yeovil and Birmingham before moving to Wigan in 2016.Yet when the Latics were relegated to League One a year later, they were prepared to sell Burn for a paltry £500,000 – but there were no takers.Chris Hughton eventually took him to Brighton 12 months on, for six times more at £3m after he excelled in the third tier, shackling Sergio Aguero in Wigan’s famous FA Cup victory over Manchester City that season.Former Newcastle boss Hughton exclusively told SunSport: “Most lads, when they move to a club, rent but Dan bought a place and that showed his commitment to the job that he was doing and for his opportunities. “When I brought him to Brighton, it was a difficult time for him because I had Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy as my main two so he didn’t play as many games as he would have liked.Burn, the Premier League’s tallest player, was famously spotted driving a tiny Smart car in 2022“Am I surprised by his call-up? In some ways, but in some ways, no. His application was always brilliant.”Yet it was when Graham Potter took over at the Amex that Burn’s career at the top level took flight, making him the tallest left-back the Premier League has ever seen.He has featured there a lot for Newcastle too, even though centre-back has always been his favoured position.At the heart of defence is where he has featured most this season and where he seems to have won over Tuchel, so it will be fascinating to see where the German plays him.His call-up is the latest step in a wild ride for Burn, who was not sure professional football was going to work out as a kid, from the lower leagues, to the Champions League with Newcastle and now England.Hughton added: “I’m happy for him. What I think Thomas sees in Dan is somebody that is playing in a very, very good team at the top level, playing Champions League games and he’s consistent in his performances.“He could play in a back three and of course he’s played as left-back. And surprisingly for somebody who’s that size, he’s also quick.“The fact he’s left-sided as well, I think that helps him. There will be a lot of left-sided central defenders who are right-footed. The fact that he’s left-footed gives a natural balance.”Burn’s club Newcastle have the richest owners in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet the defender drives a relatively modest car – and a tiny one given his huge size.On New Year’s Eve 2022, Burn was spotted climbing out of a tiny £11k Smart ForTwo, much to supporters’ amusement.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go? 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    Former France star who played with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry now a BUTCHER after retiring

    FORMER Champions League star Laurent Leroy has swapped scoring for sausages… by working in a BUTCHER’S SHOP.The Paris Saint-Germain ace struck against Bayern Munich, Rosenborg and Deportivo La Coruna in Europe’s elite competition.Laurent Leroy has swapped football for working in a butcher’s shopCredit: GettyCapped for France’s Under-21s, he also played for Cannes and Bordeaux as well as winning a Swiss title with Servette.Leroy spent five seasons with PSG, scoring 12 goals in 67 games, and faced Rangers in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup.He struggled to find ways to bring home the bacon after retiring from football in 2012.But the 48-year-old has since carved out a new career, helping his pal run a butchery chain in France.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeroy revealed: “I now work with a mate of mine.  He asked me to help him out.”He is the owner of three butcher’s shops.”I now work in a butcher’s, and the world of football is finished for me.”Leroy also made mincemeat of Thierry Henry, his former France Under-21 teammate – branding the Arsenal legend “selfish.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe former PSG player was better known for creating goals than scoring them.Leroy insisted: “I could have made the France senior side. I got into the Under-21s alongside Henry and David Trezeguet.Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City “But they were selfish players – true goalscorers. I could have been like that as well, but it was never my temperament.”I regret nothing. But I was not selfish – I have never been that way.”I helped my PSG team-mate, Christian, to shine and to get into the Brazil national side. He talks about me whenever he does an interview.”I added value to him. But I didn’t give a damn about being a star myself.” More