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    ‘Let’s have a re-rack then’, jokes snooker world champion as Masters crowd erupts into laughter during bizarre frame

    SNOOKER world champion Kyren Wilson was involved in an amusing incident at the Masters this afternoon.Wilson, 33, was in first round action against China’s Zhang Anda at Alexandra Palace.Kyren Wilson saw the funny side of the incidentCredit: BBCNINTCHDBPICT000963956179Credit: BBCTrailing by two frames to nil, Zhang found himself leading the third 64-0.With a difficult red to pot, Zhang took his time pondering his shot.As he continued to consider his next move, Wilson jokingly asked for a re-rack, given his 64-0 deficit.When Zhang eventually played his shot off the cushion, he came agonisingly close to potting the red and continuing his break.READ MORE IN SNOOKERAs the crowd gasped, Zhang joked to Wilson: “Let’s have a re-rack then.”The reigning world champ laughed, as did the majority of those within Ally Pally.Zhang’s good humour then earned him a round of applause.But unfortunately for him this counted for nothing on the scoreboard, with Wilson going on to claim a 3-1 lead.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYList of all-time Snooker World ChampionsBELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, with seven each.1969 – John Spencer1970 – Ray Reardon1971 – John Spencer1972 – Alex Higgins1973 – Ray Reardon (2)1974 – Ray Reardon (3)1975 – Ray Reardon (4)1976 – Ray Reardon (5)1977 – John Spencer (2)1978 – Ray Reardon (6)1979 – Terry Griffiths 1980 – Cliff Thorburn1981 – Steve Davis1982 – Alex Higgins (2)1983 – Steve Davis (2)1984 – Steve Davis (3)1985 – Dennis Taylor1986 – Joe Johnson1987 – Steve Davis (4)1988 – Steve Davis (5)1989 – Steve Davis (6)1990 – Stephen Hendry1991 – John Parrott1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)1997 – Ken Doherty1998 – John Higgins1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)2000 – Mark Williams2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan2002 – Peter Ebdon2003 – Mark Williams (2)2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)2005 – Shaun Murphy2006 – Graeme Dott 2007 – John Higgins (2)2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)2009 – John Higgins (3)2010 – Neil Robertson 2011 – John Higgins (4)2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)2014 – Mark Selby2015 – Stuart Bingham2016 – Mark Selby (2)2017 – Mark Selby (3)2018 – Mark Williams (3)2019 – Judd Trump2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)2021 – Mark Selby (4)2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)2023 – Luca Brecel2024 – Kyren WilsonMost World Titles (modern era)7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams2 – Alex HigginsHe swiftly dusted himself down, however, winning the next frame to cut the deficit to 3-2.The winner of the clash will book a quarter-final date with either Luca Brecel or Chris Wakelin. Watch moment snooker star Si Jiahui stuns Ally Pally crowd with inch-perfect escape shot at the Masters More

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    Tragic Sven-Goran Erikkson faced string of disasters that saw him lose MILLIONS & conned by fake football billionaire

    HE was one of the highest-paid football managers of all time, raking in a cool £25million during his five-year reign as England boss. But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s glittering career was scarred by a string of financial disasters that left him penniless.Sven Goran-Eriksson died £8.6million in debtCredit: AP:Associated PressHe was led to believe he was helming a Man City-style transformation at Notts CountyCredit: The TimesSven and the club were led on by convicted fraudster Russell KingCredit: Action ImagesThe Swede, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer last August, lost millions over the years before a desperate bid to save his fortune. Despite his footballing success, Swedish documents revealed Eriksson died £8.6 million (88 million kronor) in debt.His lawyer and close friend Anders Runebjer blamed his tax debts on poor investment decisions – including a failed film scheme in 2006.The 76-year-old was best known for managing England from 2001 to 2006 and made history as the first foreign manager to lead the team at two World Cups.Read More on SvenDuring his 36-year career, Eriksson had a number of lucrative roles and received around £7million in pay-offs alone from England, Manchester City – where he spent a season in charge – and Mexico.He also coached IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Leicester City, winning 17 major trophies.But away from the pitch, Sven fell victim to several embarrassing scams and financial disasters.From fake billionaires to an unscrupulous adviser, we take a look at scams which fleeced the late manager…Most read in FootballFootball club scamThe most bizarre chapter of Eriksson’s football career began in June 2009 when he was first contacted by convicted fraudster Russell King, a former financier from Jersey.He claimed to represent a wealthy group of investors from the Middle East and Europe, reaching out through a third party.Emotional David Beckham looks close to tears at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is led out of church following funeral service in SwedenHe and an associate wined and dined Eriksson at the Dorchester Hotel and gave a “very clever, very convincing” pitch about taking over Notts County, billing it as a Manchester City-style transformation.”I met these two guys, and they were very enthusiastic about what they had to say,” Eriksson recalled. “They told me they had already bought the club and had big plans to take it to the Premier League. “They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubs.”Unbeknown to Sven, King had served a two-year sentence for fraud in the early 1990s for trying to claim £600,000 in insurance by falsely reporting his Aston Martin stolen.King managed to seize control of nearly 50 per cent of a London investment bank by falsely claiming he was overseeing the sovereign wealth of the Bahraini royal family.He then used a bank guarantee from the same institution to take control of Notts County, only for it to later be revealed as worthless.The conman lured Eriksson in with promises of £10million in shares and Eriksson became director.They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubsSven Goran ErikssonKing wanted Eriksson’s star power to legitimise his schemes, even dragging him to North Korea to seal a deal with the rogue state’s officials. King claimed one of his companies was worth a jaw-dropping $2trillion (£1.27 trillion) after supposedly securing rights to mine the country’s gold, oil, and iron ore in exchange for £1billion from Bahrain.But the promised billions never materialised. King fled to Bahrain, leaving millions in debts and Notts County unable to pay basic bills.Extradited years later, he was jailed in 2019 for 25 counts of fraud and larceny but released from Jersey prison in 2021.England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his ex-partner Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: PAEriksson later admitted his embarrassment, recalling how he was taken in by King’s outlandish promises. “They used my name, of course they did,” he said. “At the time, we couldn’t even pay the milk bill at Notts County. It was a big, big mistake.”’Hated’ financial advisorAfter the embarrassing Notts County saga, the football icon later claimed he had lost £10 million thanks to the actions of his trusted financial adviser, Samir Khan.In a bombshell interview with the Telegraph in 2013, Sven said he had been forced to put his £4 million Swedish “dream house” on the market. “I never hate anyone in my life,” he said. “I don’t think I have many enemies but I hate Samir Khan because you can’t treat people like he has done.He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many yearsSven Goran Eriksson “He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many years.”The pair met in 2004, and by 2007, Khan had control of Sven’s affairs. Two years later, the Swede grew concerned and asked Deloitte to run checks on Khan.In 2010, Eriksson’s lawyers obtained a worldwide freezing order in the High Court against Khan and launched legal proceedings, claiming that Khan made negligent investments and pocketed “secret profits”.Khan denied the claims before being declared bankrupt. Eriksson said: “I gave him too much freedom. I gave him all the authority he needed to take care of my economy.”Film scheme backfiredSven admits he made some bad financial decisionsCredit: AP:Associated PressAs Sven scrambled to recover cash, he also fell victim to the failed Eclipse Film investment scheme.The series of film financing schemes, conceived by HSBC, claimed they would make money by buying the rights to blockbuster Disney movies and leasing them back to studios.Investors were told they could defer their tax bills and spread the payments out over a number of years.But HMRC became concerned the £2.2 billion scheme was being used to avoid tax, leading them to take Eclipse to the Supreme Court in 2016.Investors were handed accelerated payment notices the following year – reversing the tax benefits they had previously enjoyed and demanding they pay interest on the multi-million pound sums.The Supreme Court crushed any hopes for the scheme in 2012 by refusing to challenge HMRC’s ruling.Investors, including Sven, were told they wouldn’t receive the £117m in tax relief promised, leaving them liable for massive bills.Home sold at ‘bargain’ priceSven’s mansion near Sunne, SwedenCredit: AlamySven is seen in the swimming pool of his his mansionCredit: AlamyWhile managing the Three Lions, Sven bought a grand 19th-century lakeside manor in Sunne, Sweden, for £420,000. The sprawling 835-square-metre home features numerous reception rooms, a library, and an expansive poolhouse, which includes a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and relaxation space. Outside, the property boasts a tennis court, a jetty, a sandy cove, and waterside gazebos. Sotheby’s agents noted Sven had added his personal touch to both the interior and exterior. READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, when it came to selling the estate after Sven’s death last year, the financial gods were unkind once again.Despite its value peaking at £3 million, by last year its value had plummeted by nearly half, selling for a “bargain” price of £1.8 million.Nancy paid tribute to her ex after his death, saying ‘you will be missed’Credit: Instagram @nancydellolioThe late football manager with his partner Yaniseth Alcides during the Sports Gala 2024Credit: RexSven’s partner and David Beckham at his funeral last yearCredit: RexEriksson with Roberto ManciniCredit: GettySVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August. More

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    How Mark Chapman overcame heartbreaking tragedy as telly favourite is named official Match of the Day host

    MARK Chapman overcame heartbreaking tragedy before he was named as host of Match of the Day.It was confirmed today Chapman, 51, will share presenting duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan next season.Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will host Match Of The DayCredit: PAThe BBC Sport presenter sadly lost his wife Sara in 2020Credit: TwitterThe BBC broadcaster is dating Dubai-based estate agent Clere CollierCredit: X @ClereCollierGary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersGary Lineker is stepping down as host of the Saturday night show at the end of the season.Chapman has been broadcasting for more than 25 years and presents BBC’s Match Of The Day 2 covering the action and reaction from the Premier League.He said: “I know the history of a lot of radio programmes and TV programmes and I do feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the people that we are following in and respectful of what they have done.”But the BBC Sport presenter sadly lost his wife Sara in 2020.Read more Sports NewsThey married in 2001 and had three children together.Mark is a very private person but previously said of his family: “I know my family are very proud of me but I don’t look at what I do as being anything particularly special.”I’ve got a great job and it’s so much fun but I don’t go in for any of that celebrity-nonsense.”I’d much prefer a pint at The Railway any day.”Most read in FootballSara passed away on June 3, 2020, after battling cancer.A source told The Sun: “Sadly Sara passed away on June 3. Mark and the kids are absolutely devastated.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The family was there and it’s just a really sad situation.”Yet Chapman found new love with partner Clere Collier.He has been dating Clere since the start of last year with the pair regularly posting loved-up snaps on social media together.Divorcee Clere is a Dubai-based estate agent who runs an international property empire and splits her time between the UK and the UAE.Despite the challenge of living on different continents, Clere and Chapman have found ways to see each other.Chapman jetted out to Dubai for an Easter break last year.While mother-of-two Clere is regularly visiting Chapman in Manchester, where the BBC star lives.Who are the three new hosts?NEW Match Of The Day hosts Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have years of experience in sports broadcasting and few controversial moments between them.Former England and Leicester City striker Gary Lineker will leave the role, which he has held since 1999, at the end of the current season.Here is a look at those taking over:Kelly CatesCates has been a mainstay on Sky Sports, where she fronts its football coverage, having rejoined the channel in 2016.The Glasgow-born presenter, whose father, Sir Kenny Dalglish, played for and managed Liverpool, was part of the BBC’s Olympic coverage, and is also a BBC Radio 5 Live reporter.She previously fronted highlights programme Football On 5, which was retitled Football League Tonight, and has been hosting the Premier League’s weekly The Kelly And Wrighty Show with footballer Ian Wright and the Sky Bet Not Just Football podcast with Christine Lampard and Hayley McQueen.Cates has experience in a variety of other broadcasting roles, including presenting for Setanta Sports and ESPN, reporting for ITV at the 2010 World Cup and being part of Channel 4’s 2012 Paralympics coverage.She has previously spoken about sexism in football, after then-Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys claimed female officials “don’t know the offside rule”.She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Just read about something called ‘the offside rule’. Too much for my tiny brain. Must be damaged from nail polish fumes.”She was also at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, when she was 13, and spoke in a 2017 documentary, Kenny, about her father having difficulties addressing his grief over the tragedy, in which 97 people died.Mark Chapman”Chappers” has been the permanent presenter of Match Of The Day 2, which shows highlights of Premier League action on Sunday evenings, since 2013.He is also a key part of the BBC’s coverage of football on radio, presenting Sports Report on 5 Live and the Monday Night Club on the same station, as well as their wider sports broadcasting including the Paris Olympics this year.Chapman backed Lineker during his impartiality row with the BBC after the former footballer was taken off air for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum seeker policy to that of 1930s Germany.He was among the staff who walked out of sports shows over the incident in 2023, before the broadcaster apologised and reinstated Lineker as host of MOTD, and Chapman returned to his job.In 2024, Chapman and Logan began hosting Global Player’s The News Agents spin-off podcast, titled The Sports Agents, which features sports coverage and interviews.Gabby LoganLogan joined Sky Sports as a presenter after university, before working at ITV and then leaving to present Inside Sport at the BBC after being sidelined by ITV Sport bosses during the World Cup.The former gymnast has previously presented MOTD in Lineker’s absence on many occasions, while she also fronted the BBC’s coverage as the Lionesses stormed to glory in the Women’s Euros in 2023.The multiple winner of Sports Presenter of the Year has also been involved in the BBC’s coverage of Six Nations rugby, and the last four summer Olympic Games, as well as co-presenting BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Logan has also been outspoken, telling the Radio Times in 2013 that she was once rebuked by a BBC boss for looking “too glamorous” after he spotted her in high-heeled boots.Outside the BBC, where the salaries list for the 2022/23 financial year showed she earned £240,000-£244,999, she has also featured on Prime Video’s Every Game Every Goal as well as her podcast with Chapman.Logan, who is married to ex-Scotland rugby player Kenny Logan, has previously told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that, when she first started out as a broadcaster, she spent time proving “people wrong” who looked down on her for being a woman presenting sport.Her younger brother Daniel died while playing football with their father, former Welsh footballer Terry Yorath, in their garden.It was later found that Daniel had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body.At the age of 12, Logan had been watching her father play for Bradford City on the day in May 1985 when 56 people were killed in a fire at the Valley Parade stadium. Her mother had left early.She told the Telegraph: “Ever since then, whenever there’s a disaster you think about the decisions that people make within those moments.” More

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    New Match of the Day host Gabby Logan’s strong sporting links – including football star dad & rugby ace husband

    NEW Match of the Day host Gabby Logan is no stranger to our screens with sporting prowess running through her family.Logan, 51, will be part of a three-person presenting team alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates from next season after a BBC shake-up.Gabby Logan will be hosting Match of the Day full-time when Gary Lineker leaves in May 2025Credit: PABradford City Manager Terry YorathCredit: GettyGabby Logan with Kenny LoganCredit: SplashTerry Yorath, Coventry City Football Player, pictured at home with wife Christine Yorath, daughters Gabby, Louise and Daniel in 1978Credit: GettyLogan, Cates and Chapman will share presenting duties for the flagship Match of the Day on a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings.Popular presenter Logan is already well known for her work with the BBC, and has become one the UK’s leading hosts.And she is already a familiar face for MOTD viewers, having presented the show in Lineker’s absence on many occasions.Logan also fronted the BBC’s coverage as the Lionesses stormed to glory in the Women’s Euros in 2023.Read More in FootballBut it is not just Gabby who is a famous sporting name in her family.Her father is former Welsh international footballer Terry Yorath.Although born and bred in Cardiff, much of Yorath’s sporting career was spent at Yorkshire clubs, including Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday.Terry also managed Bradford City and steered the club to promotion to the Second Division in 1985.Most read in FootballAs a child, Gabby moved around a lot due to her dad’s career, which also sparked her interest in football.Long before she rose to fame as a TV presenter, Gabby had very different career ambitions. The TV star was a teenage rhythmic gymnast and represented Wales at the 1990 Commonwealth Games when she was 17.Gabby inherited her dad’s athletic gene as she was good at netball and high jump at school but excelled at gymnastics.She was a gymnast during her teen years and her peak came in 11th place in rhythmic gymnastics while representing Wales at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Gabby is also married to former Scotland international rugby union player Kenny Logan.The couple, who live in Buckinghamshire, tied the knot in 2001 before welcoming twins Lois and Reuben in 2005. Sharing the secret to their longstanding marriage in a recent interview, Gabby described their relationship as a “team sport”. Following the announcement of her new role, Gabby said: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such history.”It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TVs changed so much.”There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day.”People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”It comes after a statement posted on MOTD’s X, formerly Twitter, page read: “New squad for next season!”We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”Former England striker Lineker has hosted the highlights programme since 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and its coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.Lineker said last month it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today. More

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    Man Utd’s FA Cup hero Altay Bayindir makes incredible gesture to team-mates after stunning Arsenal victory

    ALTAY BAYINDIR took his Manchester United team-mates out for dinner after his FA Cup heroics, Andre Onana has revealed.The Turkish international, 26, was brilliant as the Red Devils dumped Arsenal out on penalties.Altay Bayindir was Man Utd’s FA Cup heroCredit: GettyAndre Onana revealed Bayindir’s brilliant gestureCredit: AlamyBayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s second half spot kick, before denying Kai Havertz in the subsequent shoot-out.Clearly a popular figure among the squad, Bayindir was congratulated by his thrilled team-mates.And Onana has revealed that his understudy made a great gesture after the match.Speaking to United’s club media, the 28-year-old said: “We all congratulated him because he did a fantastic job. We are all proud of him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s here for a year-and-a-half, or even more, and he’s working hard every day. Now he gets his reward. He deserves it.”He invited us, by the way, to the restaurant [after the game] because he had such a nice performance.”Hopefully, he’s going to invite us more, much more, because that means he will continue playing like this.”Having signed from Fenerbahce for around £4m in the summer of 2023, Bayindir is still yet to play in a Premier League game for United.Most read in FA CupSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHe made just one appearance in all competitions last term, and has made a further four this time around.After Sunday’s match, skipper Bruno Fernandes heaped praise on his pal.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? articleThe Portuguese told the BBC: “The circumstances of the game, we suffered a lot but we sacrificed a lot as a team. At the end, you get this.”A big moment for (Bayindir) with the first penalty (in normal time) and then another save here (in the shootout).”We are really happy for him because he deserves it. It’s tough to be the second goalkeeper, he came here to play.”Whenever he gets his chances, he’s top class for us and he truly deserves this moment.”Bruno Fernandes was thrilled for team-mate BayindirCredit: Reuters More

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    Alexander Isak scoops prestigious prize with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg & Jobe Bellingham honoured alongside Newcastle star

    ALEXANDER ISAK is celebrating after being named North East Football Writers’ Association Senior Men’s Player of the Year.Sunderland pair Chris Rigg, 17, and Jobe Bellingham, 19, are joint winners of the Men’s Young Player of the Year.Alexander Isak has been named North East Football Writers’ Association Senior Men’s Player of the YearCredit: GettyAnd Mollie Lambert, 26, was named the North East Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Player of the Year.Swedish striker Isak’s 28 goals in 2024 for Newcastle ensured he will become the 45th recipient of the prestigious award.He beat team-mate Anthony Gordon in second and Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath in third.Isak succeeds fellow Toon star Kieran Trippier, and is the fourth successive Newcastle player to win the prize.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was treble delight for the Magpies as Elysia Boddy, 21, won the Young Women’s Player of the Year accolade.Meanwhile, there was nothing to separate Sunderland’s talented teen duo of Rigg and Bellingham.Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was third in one of the closest votes in the award’s 17 year history.After receiving the news, Bellingham said: “I’m proud to have won this award alongside Riggy, who had an incredible year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a testament to the belief the club has shown in us and the support we receive from our team-mates and the staff.“Sharing this recognition with Riggy highlights the club’s ambition and our focus is now on the final 20 games of the season.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland Rigg added: “The award is even more special because Jobe is unbelievable.“It’s amazing to share this award with him and to be recognised for our performances. 2024 was a massive year for me and it is hard to put it into words.“I owe so much to the players and staff who have supported me throughout my time at the club. After coming back on Saturday, I can’t wait to play my part in the final run-in.”Durham midfielder Lambert narrowly beat Newcastle’s Claudia Moan and Toon captain Amber Keegan-Stobbs in the Women’s vote.The awards will be officially handed out at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on Sunday 2 March.The event will also feature the presentation of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/NEFWA personality of the year award which has been won in the past by the likes of Alan Shearer, Chris Kamara, Jill Scott and current holder Gary Bennett. Tickets for the North East Football Writers’ Association annual dinner are available from claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk. More

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    New MOTD host Kelly Cates almost SNUBBED football completely – despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty

    KELLY Cates almost snubbed football completely despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty.Gabby Logan, Cates and Mark Chapman will host Match Of The Day after Gary Lineker leaves at the end of the season.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: GettyCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kenny Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe confirmation follows speculation about the presenting line-up of the BBC’s flagship football show following news last year that Lineker would step back from the role.The former England striker has presented the show since 1999.Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.”I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.Read more Sports News”I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”She has been a presenter with Sky Sports since rejoining them in 2016, fronting their coverage of the Premier League.The 49-year-old daughter of former Scotland and Liverpool footballer Sir Kenny Dalglish also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage.But Cates had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths.Most read in FootballShe comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.It was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PA”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31.”I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head.”I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change.”I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump’.”Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESCates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Sean Dyche breaks silence on brutal Everton sacking after ‘one of toughest periods in Toffees’ history’

    SEAN DYCHE has broken his silence on his Everton sacking.The 53-year-old was axed just hours before the Toffees’ FA Cup clash with Peterborough last Thursday.Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton last weekCredit: AFPDavid Moyes has been unveiled as Everton’s new bossCredit: PAEverton have since confirmed David Moyes as Dyche’s successor.In a classy statement released via the League Managers Association, Dyche thanked everyone involved in his tenure as Toffees boss, while insisting that he has left the club in a strong position.He said: “It was an honour to manage Everton, a football club with a significant heritage and an enormous following in Liverpool and all over the world, through one of its toughest periods in its history.”Despite the challenges we faced, I wanted to ensure that the club’s narrative was focused on the positive direction it will take in the future and that the team could focus on competing in the Premier League in the present.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I thank my staff, the players and all involved who played their part, as it simply wasn’t possible without their support and expertise.”I also thank the fans who came through for us many times when we all needed their support.”The right time has come to leave the club, with the team in good shape.”David is a manager who I have great respect for and I believe he and his staff will help to push the club forward again and build on the stable footing we have implemented in the past two years.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”I wish everyone well going forwards including the new owners, who I hope will take the club to the next level and deliver the success which every Evertonian wants.”My part as a custodian has been played and I will forever take great pride in that.Leighton Baines praises Everton response after victory on ‘difficult day’ “After going through some extremely difficult situations, I never lost faith in everyone around me and we did everything we could to protect the badge, safeguarding it and the name of Everton Football Club.”Dyche took charge of 84 matches as Toffees boss between January 2023 and 2025.He won 26 and drew 26 – losing the remaining 32.The former Burnley boss comfortably kept Everton up last season, despite their points deduction.’A DIFFERENT BEAST’Everton are 16th in the Prem table going into tonight’s clash with Aston Villa.Ahead of his Goodison Park homecoming this evening, Moyes said: “I thought Sean was doing a really good job and I didn’t see any changes materialising at the time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wasn’t necessarily out there looking to go back but as everyone knows this is a different beast to me than other clubs.”Moyes previously managed Everton between 2002 and 2013, achieving a top four finish in 2005.Moyes previously took charge of the Toffees in 2002Credit: PA More