Philippa Kaur

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    West Brom SACK Tony Mowbray after shambolic end-of-season collapse as ex-Premier League star, 38, becomes interim boss

    WEST BROM have sacked Tony Mowbray just two games from the end of the season after a disastrous run of results.The 61-year-old’s second spell in charge at the Hawthorns lasted just three months.Tony Mowbray has been axed by West BromCredit: RexJames Morrison will take charge of the final two matches of the seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMowbray re-joined West Brom in January, 16 years after first leaving the club as boss Carlos Coberan quit for Valencia.But the veteran manager, who battled bowel cancer last year, has had a nightmare time back at the Baggies, overseeing just five wins in 17 matches.A shambolic end-of-season collapse with just one victory from their last eight games has seen West Brom fall out of the play-off positions to tenth.And a 3-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Derby proved to be the final straw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Tony Mowbray.”Assistant head coach Mark Venus has also departed the club.”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.”Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007/08 Championship title will never be forgotten.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Everyone at Albion wishes Tony and Mark all the very best in the future.”Former West Brom star James Morrison will take over until the end of the season.West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s faceHe will be assisted by Damia Abella and ex-Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill. Morrison, 38, played 341 times for the club as a player and has been coaching at the club since retiring. More

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    EFL side forced into unusual kit change despite being at home as fans slam ‘nonsense’ decision

    GILLINGHAM were forced into an unusual kit change after being banned from wearing their home shirt versus AFC Wimbledon.The League Two clubs met today and the Kent-based side ran out 1-0 winners.Gillingham’s home kit is this blue jersey with white sleevesCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon’s three strips were deemed too close in likeness to the Gills’ home shirtBut despite the match being played at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, they were not allowed to wear their home shirt.That was because of an “EFL recommendation” over a kit clash that saw all three of Wimbledon’s strips deemed too similar to the Gills’ home look.The club usually wear a blue shirt with white sleeves when playing in front of their own supporters.But they were made to pull on their green third strip today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL chiefs said Wimbledon’s kits were not distinguishable enough as their home kit is blue and their away has black and lighter blue stripes.The Dons’ third strip is white and therefore also clashed with Gillingham’s as their home shirt has white sleeves.It forced the hosts into an unusual change and enraged fans, with one saying: “We have no backbone, we are at home, it’s the other teams fault. We are being a soft touch.”Another added: “The fault is with AFC Wimbledon for not having an away kit which doesn’t clash with any team that wears blue.”Most read in EFLGillingham were forced into wearing their away green kit for their home clash against AFC WimbledonCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “That’s absolutely pathetic to choose to play in green because of their kit issues, make them wear bibs.”More commented: “The fact we’re having to wear green is nonsense.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesGillingham’s official X account tweeted “up the greens” before the game and after the win wrote “doesn’t matter what colour shirt we’re in.”The victory sees new boss Gareth Ainsworth continue his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in March. More

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    Granit Xhaka prepares for life after football as former Arsenal star becomes head of fashion brand

    EX-ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka has swapped football for fashion – by heading up a clothing brand.The Swiss midfielder spent seven years with the Gunners, captaining the side and winning two FA Cups.Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka has swapped football for fashionEx-Arsenal ace Xhaka is heading up a clothing brandHe joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and has since won the Bundesliga title and German Cup.Xhaka, 32, co-founded the Grajo streetwear label two years ago.  He has now taken full charge of the company.The Switzerland international said: “We have agreed that I will take complete control, and go full steam into the future.”I have turned the company’s focus more towards my own vision.   Besides streetwear, we have customers who favour a more elegant style.Read More on Arsenal”There is a broad spectrum from comfort to stylishness. I offer my new collections to my Leverkusen teammates.”Their reactions have been positive.  Many of them like the styles, and are happy to wear the clothes.”At present we sell online, as that is the best way to bring our collections direct to the public, but this is only the start.”I can foresee us opening shops as well.  Social media plays a central role, and I want us to become established in both Europe and the USA.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I am learning new ways of manufacturing the clothes.  It’s really interesting for me to see.”I have always lived for fashion, and all the more so now with my own!Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest Comeback”My wife Leonita supports my fashion and style completely. That means a lot to me.”Xhaka made 297 Arsenal appearances, scoring 23 goals, following a £35million move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.The Basel-born ace has since gone on to break Switzerland’s caps record, scoring 14 times in 135 games. More

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    Leeds United and Burnley PROMOTED to the Premier League as Clarets beat Sheffield United after Whites’ six-goal blitz

    LEEDS UNITED and Burnley have BOTH sealed promotion to the Premier League.Championship leaders Leeds thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the day to ensure they would clinch automatic promotion providing Sheffield United did not beat Burnley in the late kick-off.Leeds and Burnley have both won promotion to the Premier League on the same dayBurnley had to beat Sheffield United to earn promotionChampionship leaders Leeds thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the dayLargie Ramazani and his Leeds team-mates stayed behind to watch the action at Turf MoorLeeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remainingThe Clarets’ 2-1 victory not only sent Leeds up, but also secured the their promotion to the English top-flight.Leeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remaining and will now battle to become Championship champions.Josh Brownhill’s double over Chris Wilder’s third place team, saw Scott Parker’s side climb back into the Prem at the first time of asking.The Burnley captain gave his side a 28th-minute lead, firing home from close range, before scoring a penalty after Tom Cannon denied the home side a record-equalling 30th clean sheet in a single season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSheffield United have to settle for a place in the play-offs despite amassing 86 points this season.Meanwhile, Leeds, who spent the most days at the top of the Championship this season – before dipping into third for a while – put last season’s play-off final defeat by Southampton right.Daniel Farke’s side blew Stoke away at Elland Road at 3pm – then really celebrated at around 7.30pm when the full-time whistle went at Turf Moor.At that time, Burnley’s players dropped to their knees in euphoria.Most read in FootballLeeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remainingThe Whites stayed behind at Elland Road waiting on tender hooksClarets manager Scott Parker became visibly emotional on the pitchJosh Brownhill’s double over third place Burnley saw Parker’s side promotionCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClarets manager Parker became visibly emotional on the pitch and later in the stands with his family.Parker – who is unbeaten at home this season – only took over in July from Vincent Kompany and yet has masterminded an incredible season.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordAnd he has also maintained his 100 percent record in winning promotion after taking up Fulham in 2020 and Bournemouth two years later.And Sky cameras panned to the champagne celebrations at Elland Road, where the Leeds squad and their staff went wild.Meanwhile, Burnley fans had stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.But the joy threatened to be marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.Burnley players were able to celebrate on the pitch with ‘We are a Premier League side’ printed on T-shirts.Leeds’ players ‘ stars had to be content with raising a toast backstage, as their game finished at least two hours before.Leeds star Joel Piroe put them on the brink with an incredible FOUR-GOAL first-half blitz against Stoke.The Dutchman ended a nine-match goal drought in spectacular fashion by nabbing a a 20-minute hat-trick – the fastest in the club’s history – before making it 5-0 before half-time after Junior Firpo’s fourth goal of the campaign.Willy Gnonto made it six in the second half.The rout also made it 89 goals for the season – beating the club record of 84 set by Don Revie’s legendary 1969-70 side.Burnley fans charged onto the pitch after promotion was securedLeeds stayed behind to see if Burnley could do the businessCredit: RexLeeds are on the brink of returning to the Premier League after two seasonsCredit: ReutersEverything Daniel Farke could have wished for happened in the first halfCredit: ReutersLeeds United fans celebrate promotion to the Premier League outside Elland RoadCredit: PAJoel Piroe got the Leeds promotion party started with an incredible FOUR-GOAL first-half haulCredit: GettySorry Stoke, four points clear of relegation in 17th spot, crumbled as Leeds turned on the style.Ironically, it was against a Mark Robins side last April where they began to wobble in the promotion race.A 2-1 defeat at Coventry was one of four in a horror six-match run-in that saw them agonisingly miss out on a top-two spot, before faltering in the play-off final.If there were any fears of another late-season Leeds collapse, they were gone within eight memorable minutes as it was Robins’ Stoke side who fell apart under the relentless pressure of the hosts.Like rampaging, raging bulls, Leeds were simply unstoppable as they over-ran the visitors and punished a string of defensive errors.For the sixth-minute opener, three times Stoke were sloppy in possession to the build-up and how they were punished.Daniel Farke’s side thumped Stoke City 6-0 on Easter MondayCredit: ReutersGnonto slipped a pass inside to the supporting Manor Solomon and he picked out Piroe to fire home.There was relief as he rejoiced, not just for the forward after his scoring woes, but the fans crammed inside Elland Road.“No Piroe, no party” they sang – and his much-needed first strike in ten games calmed the nerves and got them in the mood to celebrate.Just two minutes later, Stoke forward Bae Jun-ho lost the ball on the left-hand side and Jayden Bogle burst forward and found Piroe, who calmly steered in his second.After his worrying run and calls for Patrick Bamford to replace him in the starting line-up, the Dutchman showed his class and composure, and justified Farke’s faith.Piroe was suddenly the smiling assassin and a first hat-trick in senior football was confirmed in the 20th minute.The lively Gnonto again unsettled the Stoke backline and when his low shot was pushed out by Viktor Johansson, there was Piroe to slam home from a couple of yards at the back post.And Leeds showed no mercy to their shell-shocked opponents when Bogle drove a 26th-minute cross into the box and it was directed into the net by full-back Firpo’s shin.But, as magnificent as Leeds were as a team, the half belonged to Piroe and he claimed his fourth goal four minutes before the break.When the brilliant Bogle powered into the box and struck the post with a fierce drive, the rebound fell to the frontman to steer past Johansson as Brenden Aaronson failed to get a touch on the line.Not since 1938, when they beat Leicester City 8-2, had a Leeds player scored five times in a match.But Piroe could not match Gordon Hodgson’s club-record feat as he was taken off in the 66th minute, greeted by a big hug from boss Farke as he was replaced by Bamford.By then, Leeds had scored a sumptuous sixth.After busy Stoke keeper Johansson had shovelled away a Solomon effort, the on-loan Tottenham forward set up Gnonto in the 59th minute with a wonderful whipped cross that was headed home by the unmarked Italian.There was time too for a bit more history as Harry Gray, the younger brother of Tottenham’s Archie, was handed his debut at 16.Read More on The SunThe midfielder followed in the long line of Grays to play for the club as great uncle and Elland Road icon Eddie watched in tears from the stands. But those soon turned to cheers as they, and Leeds, lapped up the scintillating success to edge closer to a place back in the big time. The occasion also saw a debut given to Harry Gray, brother of Spurs star ArchieCredit: GettyHarry’s famous uncle and Elland Road icon Eddie watched in tears from the stands as the 16-year-old came onCredit: PA More

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    Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho clause officially triggered after Man Utd outcast’s loan move

    CHELSEA’S obligation to buy clause for Jadon Sancho has officially been triggered.The Manchester United flop has endured a mixed spell with the Blues since arriving on loan last summer.Chelsea’s loan obligation clause for Jadon Sancho has officially been triggeredCredit: ReutersThe 25-year-old has scored three goals and added four assists in 27 Premier League matches this term.However, his season included a 16-league game goal-drought dating back to early December which he finally ended with a stunning goal against Ipswich earlier this month.Despite experiencing some patchy form since the turn of the year, Chelsea have continued to narrowly maintain their spot in the top five.With games running out, Enzo Maresca’s side can now not finish below 15th in the table after their comeback win over Fulham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis achievement has triggered an obligation clause in Sancho’s loan deal which means Chelsea must pay Man Utd £25million to sign him.However, Stamford Bridge chiefs still have the option of pulling out of the deal.It is reported club chiefs will save their final decision on Sancho’s future until the end of the campaign.But if they choose to pull the plug, they will be forced to pay a penalty fee of £5m to Man Utd.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFormer Manchester City academy star Sancho signed for Man Utd from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for a fee of £73m.However, poor form, mental health issues and injuries heavily hurt his first two seasons at the club.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis He looked set to finally kick on during his third season at Old Trafford before he was called out for poor training performances by then manager Erik ten Hag.Sancho then publicly called the Dutchman a liar and was frozen out of the team after refusing to apologise.He was sent on loan back to Dortmund for the second half of the 2023/24 season, where he played a key part in helping the Bundesliga side make the Champions League final.But his old side were unable to match the fee for his transfer and decided not to pursue a permanent deal, with Chelsea swooping in to take him on loan last summer.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    ‘My heart sank’ – BBC legend reveals she ‘had to drink a lot of vodka’ to deal with nerves of making MOTD history

    FOOTIE commentator Jacqui Oatley has opened up about overcoming the backlash she faced when she made telly history.It’s been EIGHTEEN years since Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe announcement that Oatley would cover Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on April 21, 2007 made headline news.In an interview with The Athletic, Oatley explained how she had honed her craft while offering live commentary and reports on radio for several years before that.And the Match of the Day gig would involve an editor clipping Oatley’s 90-minute commentary, recorded ‘as live’ at Craven Cottage.It would be cut into an eight-and-a-half-minute audio package to air over the match footage for the BBC highlights show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oatley recalled the “stomach-drop moment” when she realised that her history-making commentary job had received a lot of negative coverage and fan fury.The Wolves fan told The Athletic: “My heart sank. That’s when it really grew legs with the sexism element.”Three days before her big job, Oatley’s radio alarm woke her up at 7am with the sound of Radio 5 Live talking about it.Presenter Rachel Burden, who Oatley “loves to bits”, was introducing vox pops from members of the public who had been asked whether Oatley should be allowed to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the Friday, the day before the match, Oatley admitted to hardly having slept or eaten. The 50-year-old added: “My only regret was that I couldn’t be at my best for the most-watched game of my life. Unseen Match of the Day footage shows how pundit analysis really works as BBC boss looks to cut highlightsOatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalismCredit: Getty“I’d love for it all to have stopped and just gone away. But that was never an option.“I was really conscious that if I’d commentated and people hated the sound of my voice, or they just didn’t trust me to convey what was going on.“It was purely the judging of my gender. I wanted to do a good job, but also hang around and stay around, not just do it on that day. “Because people do make assessments of an entire gender based on that kind of thing, which is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.”And during the commentary itself, Oatley admitted to feeling like a bag of nerves and that she needed a strong drink afterwards.It was purely the judging of my gender.Jacqui OatleyIn his post-match interview, the then-Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes, asked her how it went.She then walked to her car in a daze, drove home and called Alison Mitchell, the cricket commentator, and 5 Live presenter Phil Williams to arrange a night out.Oatley said: “I wanted to drink a lot of vodka to make it possible to deal with the final thing.”She paced the hallway of Mitchell’s flat decided her efforts “didn’t sound too horrendous. I just needed to get through it”.Jacqui Oatley and Stuart Pearce presenting the FA Cup Youth Cup in 2017Credit: GettyMOTD presenter Gary Lineker – who is leaving the flagship show after 25 years at the end of this season – introduced Oatley’s segment.Lineker said: “After all the publicity this week, the moment has finally come for a little piece of history on Match of the Day. “For the first time ever, Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Also making her debut, commentator Jacqui Oatley.”And now Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will join Mark Chapman as part of a trio of presenters to front MOTD from next season.Oatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalism. She was also the UK’s first female darts presenter, covering major tournaments for ITV.Read More on The SunThe BBC legend is an Ambassador for Women in Football and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Oatley became the first female to offer play-by-play commentary of a World Cup match in the United States. More

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    ‘Total embarrassment’ – Jamie Vardy apologises for Leicester’s ‘s*** show’ season in scathing statement after relegation

    LEICESTER star Jamie Vardy has apologised to the fans for this season’s “s**t show”, which led to relegation.The Foxes officially dropped to the Championship after losing 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday at the King Power Stadium just one year after returning to the Premier League.Leicester star Jamie Vardy has apologised to the fans for this season’s ‘s**t show’Vardy saw his beloved Leicester getting relegated from the Premier LeagueVardy pulled no punches in a scathing public statement to Leicester fansAnd Vardy, 38, has been left speechless after witnessing his beloved team get relegated from the English top flight for the second time in his legendary 13-year career with the club.The striker released a scathing public statement to the fans on Twitter and pulled no punches as he discussed Leicester’s woeful campaign.The ex-England international stated he is both sad as well as angry and apologised unreservedly to supporters for witnessing “total embarrassment” throughout the season.Vardy tweeted: “At this point, I don’t even know what to say. No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses.Read More on Football”Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed. There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.”Having been at this club for so long, we’ve experienced so many highs and successes – and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment. It hurts, and I know you’re feeling it too.”To the fans: I’m sorry. Sorry we haven’t performed, and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a s**t show.”Vardy is one of Leicester’s greatest legends that was a focal point behind their historic Premier League triumph back in 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe forward has registered a total of 198 goals and 69 assists in 496 appearances since arriving from Fleetwood in 2012.However, it seems like Vardy may be on his way out of King Power this summer as SunSport can reveal there is interest from clubs in the US.Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy reacts to 2-0 defeat against Man City The centre-forward is undecided over his future, and he plans to make a decision in the coming weeks.Sources close to the veteran say he is also waiting for clarity around the future of manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy.Reports suggest Van Nistelrooy could be replaced in the wake of Leicester’s relegation. More

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    Jamie Vardy set for transfer abroad if he leaves Leicester – and move could hinge on fate of Ruud van Nistelrooy

    JAMIE Vardy could be set to leave Leicester City – but only for a move abroad.SunSport can reveal there is interest from clubs in America for the former England striker.Jamie Vardy could leave Leicester City this summerCredit: GettyHis decision could be influenced by the future of Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: GettyBut the Foxes’ hitman is undecided over Vardy’s future, and he plans to make a decision in the coming weeks.Sources close to the star say the 38-year-old is also waiting for clarity around the future of the manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy.Reports suggest he could be replaced in the wake of Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League.That decision is likely to have a bearing on what Vardy decides to do.Vardy is widely regarded as Leicester’s greatest ever player, and his goals helped fire the club to a fairytale title under Claudio Ranieri.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt’s for that reason he is believed to only be interested in a move overseas should he part ways with Leicester.Clubs in America are now monitoring developments and a move Stateside might appeal to him, wife Rebakah and their family as a glamorous way to bring down the curtain on a brilliant career.Former Manchester United star Gary Neville said he still believed Vardy could do a job for Leicester if he remains at the King Power Stadium.He said: “Look, if his body feels right he should continue… it’ll come down to how he feels. These lads are so fit, they look so fit.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He’s obviously lost a yard of pace, but I think there are opportunities now that exist in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play, you can enjoy yourself.He added: “I think [he should] stay at Leicester… why not? Do they not need Jamie Vardy in the Championship?Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winner“They’re going to have a lot more of the ball, they’re going to dominate the games.“He knows how to work in the box in short spaces – he’s got better at that.”There may be a position for him for 25-30 games next season.“He still could be someone [who is] important for them.”Vardy has still proved a threat at times in the Premier League this season.He has netted seven goals and assisted three more for the Foxes.However, his last goal in England’s top flight came in January in what was the club’s last win, 2-1 over Tottenham Hotspur.Vardy last scored a Premier League goal in JanuaryCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More