Philippa Kaur

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    ‘I wasn’t expecting it’ – Inside Bournemouth’s futuristic new base including indoor dome

    YOU turn the corner at the end  of a mile-long drive and suddenly Bournemouth’s ambition smacks you in the face.Behind the ornamental fountains is the stunning main building of the Cherries’ new £40million Performance Centre, which opened this week.Bournemouth are on the rise both inside and outside the pitchCredit: GettyBournemouth have developed a stunning training centreCredit: GettyBournemouth’s training facility rivals any Premier League clubCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth’s training facility will help them attract even more talentCredit: X @afcbournemouthAs the Dorset sunshine pours down and is harvested by the first set of solar panels to be installed at a Prem training ground, the state-of-the-art complex is a breathtaking sight.And a facility which rivals any in the top flight will be key to attracting the kind of players Bournemouth will need if they are to continue their remarkable rise.Evanilson left Champions League regulars Porto last summer to become the Cherries’ £31.5m record signing.The Brazilian, 25, is impressed by the new centre and told SunSport: “I knew before I even came to Bournemouth they had big plans but I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is.”Read More on FootballOwner Bill Foley is all about changing expectations around the plucky Cherries and the Performance Centre is just one part of that mission.The American billionaire took over the club in December 2022 and set the target of bringing European football to the Vitality Stadium within five years.In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Foley noted progress on the pitch was ahead of schedule and gave details about more of his plans off the field.The biggest project is a stand-by-stand revamp of the 11,307-seater Vitality that will increase the capacity to 16,000 then 20,000 and 24,000.Most read in FootballFoley, 80, is building not only infrastructure but a football empire.Through his Black Knight companies, he owns A-League side Auckland FC and minority stakes in Hibernian and French club Lorient — but Bournemouth are the jewel in the crown.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerNext week, academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main building at the Performance Centre.The first structure built on the site, 18 months ago, was the indoor dome that allowed the youth set-up to earn Category 2 status. Bournemouth are gaining a  reputation for giving those young players a chance to shine in the first team.It is likely centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, and 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez will leave this summer for fees totalling £100m.But when technical director Simon Francis and president of football operations Tiago Pinto are trying to recruit fresh new talent, they can point to Huijsen, Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi (22), Dango Ouattara (23) and Alex Scott (21) as examples of the opportunities the club gives kids.Brighton, Brentford and Southampton have used a similar model of identifying, developing and selling on talent while reinvesting  in the next big things.Extending Iraola contractThe Saints’ fall from grace is a warning about how that virtuous circle can become a vicious one if errors are made in player recruitment.Bournemouth may well find rivals sniffing around Andoni Iraola this summer.Talks about extending the head coach’s contract will be one thing on the agenda when Foley flies over next month.Iraola was full of admiration after his first week’s training in their new HQ.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The pitches are perfect and we have all the tools we need.“But the important thing is not what happens here in the building, it’s what happens out on the pitch.”Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is all about changing expectationsCredit: X @afcbournemouthAnd Bournemouth’s Performance Centre is just one part of Foley’s missionCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main buildingCredit: X @afcbournemouth More

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    Major blow to shamed ex-footballer Joey Barton as thug’s business faces being struck off

    DISGRACED footballer Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on time.A business run by ex Manchester City star Barton, who was convicted of kicking his wife in a drunken row this week, has been served with an order to close.Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on timeJoey Barton Promotions has not published legally required accounts and is now facing being struck off by Companies House.The firm faces a fine of £375 for failing to submit the documents which were supposed to have been published by Christmas Eve. If they are not filed by April 1, the fine will double to £750.The business’s last financial details for 2022 were published in June 2023 and revealed it was £58,539 in the red.The firm had just £2,301 in cash at the bank and the only other assets are computer equipment worth £1,958 and a debt of £148 owed to the business.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONBut it was plunged into the red as it owed creditors £60,988, the accounts showed.This week Barton avoided jail for pushing his wife over and kicking her in the head after an incident at their home in southwest London in June 2021.Barton, 42, was convicted of assault and given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years – meaning he will not go to prison unless he commits another offence.Wife Georgia Barton, 38, was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose after the attack in Kew.Most read in FootballBarton was arrested in his bedroom – still drunk – on the night of the attack, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told.He has a chequered history of violence which included burning team mate Jamie Tandy’s eye with a cigar, punching teammate Ousmane Dabo until he blacked out, and a six month prison sentence for punching a man 20 times before turning his anger on a 16-year-old in a Liverpool City Centre bust up caught on CCTV.Barton also owns between 25%-50% of a management consultancy Resolve Energy which employs 26 people and has nearly £670,000 in assets.Joey Barton ‘shoved wife & kicked her in head as their kids slept upstairs’ More

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    Nottingham Forest reduced to 10-men after rarely-seen error with Gibbs-White so angry he’s booked AFTER being subbed

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST found themselves playing with a man down during their FA Cup clash with Brighton after a highly unusual error.Forest punched their ticket to Wembley after making it to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years by beating the Seagulls 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.Nottingham Forest found themselves down to 10 men after an unusual situationForest’s substitution was momentarily blocked as Morato still had jewellery around his neckForest captain Morgan Gibbs-White got so frustrated after coming off that he was bookedHowever, Nottingham Forest found themselves in a strange situation during the second half of extra-time, just two minutes before the two teams went to a penalty shootout at the Amex Stadium.The visitors’ manager Nuno Espirito Santo decided to introduce Morato into the fold.The centre-back was set to replace Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White.However, referee Peter Bankes stopped Morato entering the field despite Gibbs-White leaving the pitch.Read More on FootballPlay then resumed with Forest temporarily down to 10-men.That left many confused with even the BBC commentary team left wondering what was going on, with the commentator saying: “There’s something very strange going on here”.Gibbs-White was fuming at the referee’s decision to block Morato – so much so he was booked as he made his point from the sidelines. It turns out Morato wasn’t allowed to enter the pitch because he still had jewellery around his neck when he was meant to come on.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThankfully for Forest, Morato managed to undo his necklace and the Brazilian was allowed to come on once play stopped again.And ultimately it didn’t harm Nottingham’s chances as Ryan Yates sealed their place at Wembley with the final penalty of the shootout.Wayne Rooney bizarrely reveals he’s scared of fish live on BBC during Brighton vs Nottingham Forest coverage But Nuno’s men have a lot to thank goalkeeper Matz Sels for as he proved to be the hero once more as his two saves helped his team win their third FA Cup shootout of the season. More

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    Brighton star Georginio Rutter rushed to hospital in back of ambulance after limping out of FA Cup tie in tears

    GEORGINIO RUTTER was rushed to hospital following Brighton’s FA Cup heartbreak against Nottingham Forest.The 22-year-old appeared to be in tears as he was forced out of the 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium in the 75th minute.Georginio Rutter left the pitch in tears during Brighton’s loss to Nottingham ForestCredit: AlamyThe 22-year-old went down off the ball during the FA Cup quarter finalCredit: AlamySunSport’s exclusive picture shows the forward heading into an ambulance after the gameCredit: Dan KingRutter went down off the ball and appeared to roll his ankle in the Amex turf. He was able to limp from the field under his own steam after being worked on by medical staff.But following the match, SunSport’s exclusive picture shows Rutter being led into an ambulance outside the stadium.He was also seen wearing a large boot over his right leg. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler earlier told reporters: “He might have to go for a scan.”I cannot say anything now.”Brighton and Forest couldn’t be separated after 120 tense minutes in their FA Cup quarter-final.Rutter was replaced by Brajan Gruda, with the Seagulls having the best chances to win it in extra time. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it was Nuno Santo’s side who held their nerve from the spot, booking a place at Wembley after a 4-3 victory on penalties.It is the first time in 34 years Forest have reached the last four of the FA Cup. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sends fans bold Champions League predictionRutter is Brighton’s record signing and arrived last summer in a £40million deal. The German has made the No10 role his own in Hurzeler’s exciting young team. He has netted six times in his last 12 games, with eight in total this season across 32 games. Following shootout heartbreak, Hurzeler refused to put any blame on his players. Forest keeper Matz Sels saved from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez, while Joao Pedro, Gruda and Lewis Dunk all netted their spot-kicks.Hurzeler said: “In the end, I decided and I made the decisions with the penalties and the players should just focus on their job, focus on which corner they shoot and that’s why I say that’s my responsibility.”I think in the end they didn’t shoot that bad, also the penalties we missed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They had an idea and that was the thing I said to them.”In the end they had a great goalkeeper and therefore we weren’t able to win this game.” More

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    Dele Alli’s girlfriend goes braless and shows off amazing legs as she joins ex-Tottenham ace in Como

    DELE ALLI’s girlfriend Cindy Kimberly has turned heads with her outfit as she supports her man at his new club. Ex-England midfielder Alli, 28, hopes to kick-start his career at Italian side Como.Cindy Kimberly was in Como to support boyfriend Dele Alli’s Como sideCredit: Instagram / wolfiecindyThe model showed off her figure in a stunning figure-hugging dressCredit: Instagram / wolfiecindyAlli and Cindy arrived to the match hand-in-handCredit: Instagram / wolfiecindyDele watched from the stands after receiving a red card against AC MilanCredit: Instagram / wolfiecindyCindy and the former Spurs star have been dating since June 2022.She currently works as a model and influencer and is signed to Uno models.Cindy put on a show as she rocked up to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia for Como’s clash with Empoli on Saturday. The 26-year-old wore a fitted white cardigan for the Serie A showdown. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe went braless in the daring outfit, pairing it with a tiny matching white hotpants and chunky high heels.Cindy uploaded a series of snaps to her 7 million-strong Instagram fanbase. She was all smiles as she arrived at the venue hand-in-hand with Dele, who opted for an all-brown fit. One fan gasped in the comment section: “Fashion icon!”Most read in FootballAnother said: “Every time I look at you I feel like I’m staring into the sun.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third added: “Wagging per usual.”Alli watched the game with Cindy from the stands in Italy. Dele Alli teased by stunning girlfriend Cindy Kimberly over ‘slow reading’ as they joke around together in bedThe pair were joined on the terraces in Como by rappers Krept, Konan and Aitch. Former Everton midfielder Alli picked up a red card just 10 minutes into his Como debut earlier this month. The 28-year-old was making his first appearance since February 2023.Dele was given his marching orders for a tackle on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, incensing fans and teammates. Many claimed the red card was harsh, including Alli’s former teammate Kyle Walker, who pleaded for it to be overturned. READ MORE SUN STORIESAlli last played in the Turkish Super Lig for Besiktas and has penned an 18-month deal with the Serie A side.He could potentially return against Torino on April 13. Cindy and the former Spurs star have been dating almost three yearsCredit: Instagram / wolfiecindyThe pair were joined for the match by rappers Krept, Konan and AitchCredit: Instagram / konan More

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    Brighton 0 Nott’m Forest 0 AET (Forest win 4-3 on pens): Nuno’s side Wembley-bound despite controversial Mitoma VAR call

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST captain Ryan Yates and goalkeeper Matz Sels were the heroes as Brighton suffered more FA Cup penalty agony.Sels made two saves in a shootout and Yates scored the winning spot-kick to put his team in the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.Nottingham Forest made it to the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Brighton on penaltiesCredit: ReutersRyan Yates scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup quarter-finalCredit: ReutersForest and Brighton faced off in an intense FA Cup quarter-finalCredit: RexForest had a penalty scrapped by VAR after Kaoru Mitoma clashed with Elliot AndersonCredit: ReutersThe Seagulls lost the battle of nerve, just as they had done in their last-four clash with Manchester United two years ago.But Forest will feel justice was done because they might have been ahead from the spot long before the denouement.Just after the hour referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot following Kaoru Mitoma’s challenge on Elliot Anderson.But VAR told him to think again and a disappointing game went the distance.Read More on FootballSels saved from Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez, either side of Neco Williams blazing over the bar.So it was left to Yates to send Forest to Wembley and keep them on track for a truly memorable season.For all the late drama, the match did not live up to its billing as a potential classic.In the 2-2 draw at the Amex in September, the red mist had descended, with Morgan Gibbs-White sent off and both managers also dismissed in the aftermath.Most read in FA CupAt the City Ground in February, it had been a red rampage with Forest battering the Seagulls 7-0.But Fabian Hurzeler’s team had gone unbeaten since to put them right in the mix for a Champions League place, as well as one step away from Wembley.Wayne Rooney bizarrely reveals he’s scared of fish live on BBC during Brighton vs Nottingham Forest coverage It was a bit of a harum-scarum start.On the plus side, the intensity suggested neither side was keen on extra-time.But the lack of accuracy in the passing and of quality in the final third were conspiring against anyone having a proper chance, let alone scoring.An opportunity did arise when the ball broke into the path of Forest centre-forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who was in for the injured Chris Wood. But Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved with a leg.The visitors were in the ascendancy, without creating any other opportunities of note.It took the hosts nearly half an hour to pose even a vague threat to Sels’ goal, when Yasin Ayari had a shot from distance deflected wide.Goalless clashWhen left-back Pervis Estupinan had a go from more than 30 yards, Sels made a meal of it but no one in blue and white was close enough to gobble up the rebound from his parry.Although Forest were superior, Nuno’s displays of frustration were becoming more animated.After Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba flashed a shot just wide, Nuno told Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to warm up.But they didn’t come on at the break and it was Brighton who started the second half with more purpose.Georginio Rutter, part of a home front four that had been missing in action until then, span and flashed a shot across and over Sels’ goal.Almost immediately at the other end, Gibbs-White hit a dipping shot which Verbruggen helped over the bar acrobatically.Penalty deniedThe game was now more entertaining for the neutral. Hinshelwood should have done better with a free header from close range after an Estupinan corner.Nuno had seen enough by the hour and sent on Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.Forest thought the breakthrough had arrived soon afterwards when a sliding Mitoma inadvertently took down Anderson with his trailing elbow and Bankes pointed to the spot.But VAR Paul Tierney asked Bankes to look again and he changed his mind.The Forest bench signalled that they had been denied two spot-kicks, in reference to Adam Webster’s challenge on Yates earlier in the passage of play.Hurzeler made a double change of his own in an attempt to wrest back the initiative.Forest coming closeBut it was Forest who almost scored, Verbruggen again saving with a leg, this time from Elanga after he was played in by Gibbs-White..From another trademark break, Elanga failed to direct his cross to Gibbs-White, who collided instead with the post.After that, neither side did much to prevent another half an hour of play, despite what became 11 minutes allowed for stoppages.The first opening of extra time appeared for Brighton substitute Gomez but closed again when he cut back inside instead of shooting.The Paraguayan also had an effort well blocked by Nikola Milenkovic.At the start of the second period, Gomez forced Sels into his first decent save of the evening, with a goalbound header that the Belgian fingertipped over the bar.Penalty shootoutSels then beat away an effort by Simon Adingra before Jan Paul van Hecke blocked a Jota Silva shot.Home sub Joao Pedro had the ball in the net but Estupinan had been offside before heading the ball into his path.So the first time anyone scored would be from the spot.Brighton won both tosses, so went first in front of their fans.Pedro, Anderson, Brajan Gruda and Hudson-Odoi all scored. Sels saved Hinshelwood’s kick, Brighton’s third, but then Williams skied his.The Seagulls’ celebrations were short-lived as Gomez fired straight at Sels.READ MORE SUN STORIESMilenkovic converted, so Lewis Dunk had to do the same, and did.But up stepped Yates and he did a captain’s duty to send Forest to Wembley.Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels saved two penalties against BrightonCredit: Reuters More

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    Wayne Rooney bizarrely reveals he’s scared of FISH live on BBC during Brighton vs Nottingham Forest coverage

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney shared a surprise phobia during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup.Rooney, 39, has been in the public eye since 2002 when he burst onto the scene with Everton at the age of 17.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney confirmed he is afraid of fishCredit: BBCGary lineker made the revelation about Rooney while covering the FA CupCredit: PAMuch about the legendary striker and his life have been shared across the media over the last two decades, but no one was prepared for the latest revelation.Manchester United’s record goalscorer joined the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Brighton and Nottingham Forest at the Amex Stadium.The England legend linked up with Glenn Murray, Theo Walcott and famous host Gary Lineker.And it was during half-time when Lineker revealed Rooney is “scared of fish”Read More on Man UtdThe departing Match of the Day presenter said: “We still got a little time to talk, [and] what we did learn during that first half was that Wayne Rooney’s scared of fish.”The entire panel – including Rooney – immediately burst out laughing. Rooney tried to explain: “I just don’t like them…” And the ex-Everton star tried to set the record straight as he added: “It’s the big fish [Rooney is scared of].”Most read in FA CupThat was when Lineker made the obvious observation as the match coverage took place in Brighton: “We’re only three or four miles from the coast here.”This piece of information is especially surprising considering Rooney has two fishing lakes in the swanky mansion he shares with his family.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie The ex-Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth manager also made headlines before the game when he slammed Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s choice to leave key players out against Brighton. More