Philippa Kaur

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    Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole promoted to interim manager just one WEEK after joining club

    LEE CATTERMOLE has been promoted to interim manager at Bristol Rovers following the sacking of Matt Taylor.The manager and assistant Wayne Carlisle were axed from their roles, with the club slumped in 20th in League One.Lee Cattermole has been made interim manager at Bristol RoversCredit: BRISTOL ROVERSCattermole played over 200 times for SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportAs a result, Cattermole, along with David Horseman, have been handed the responsibility of being interim managers.Their promotion was announced as part of the sacking of Taylor.They will stay in the role while Rovers undertakes a “thorough recruitment process” for a new manager.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that Manager Matt Taylor and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle have been relieved of their first team duties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matt and Wayne for all their hard work during their time with Bristol Rovers, and we wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”David Horseman and Lee Cattermole will take interim responsibility for first-team football duties while the club undertakes a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.”Cattermole, 36, only joined the club last week in what was his first permanent coaching role since hanging up his boots.The Premier League cult hero was hired to focus on the development and implementation of set pieces.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe will now be taking charge of all the training along with the help of Horseman.During his playing days, he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe also featured for the likes of Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic.He hung up his boots for the last time four years ago after a short spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Cattermole’s first game in the hotseat will be the home clash against Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham on December 21.This will be followed by away trips to Exeter City and Stevenage before the end of the year.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

    SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant coach SACKED from first manager job before Liverpool boss takes up new role

    JURGEN KLOPP’S former assistant has been sacked from his first job as manager.Pepijn Lijnders worked at Liverpool under the German until the end of last season.Pepijn Lijnders has been sacked by Red Bull SalzburgCredit: AFPLijnders was Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLijnders, 41, landed the manager role at Red Bull Salzburg after leaving Anfield earlier this year.However, after just six months in the role, he has now been sacked by the club.Salzburg had struggled under Lijnders in the run-up to the winter break in the Austrian season and are ten points behind league leaders SK Sturm Graz.CEO Stephan Reiter and managing director sport Rouven Schröder released a joint statement confirming Lijnders’ exit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt read: “We began our announced analysis of an unfortunately unsatisfactory autumn season some time ago.”It was clear that we were far from our own expectations and goals in far too many games.”Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that our team needed a new impetus under new leadership, even though we were still hoping for a turnaround right up until the end.”We would like to thank Pep for his work. He invested a lot of commitment and passion and also gave us important impulses for further development.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We are now working very intensively on the search for a coach and will announce it as soon as a decision has been made.”It is clear that we want to start training with our new coach on January 3, 2025.”Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Lijnders’ record at RB SalzburgHere is a look at Pepijn Lijnders record during his tenure in charge of Red Bull Salzburg…Games: 28Wins: 13Draws: 7Loses: 8Goals scored: 50Goals conceded: 40 As per the club statement, a new coach is expected to be appointed ahead of the return from the winter break.Lijnders’ successor will have to work under Klopp as the former Reds boss will start his new role in 2025.Klopp has signed a £10m-a-year deal with Red Bull to become the global head of soccer.He will begin his new job on January 1 and will oversee the management of Salzburg, RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side. More

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    Man Utd CHEF dances around with Amad, Hojlund and Onana in dressing room after incredible win over Man City

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars were joined in their dressing room celebrations by a CHEF.The Red Devils enjoyed a jubilant night after their comeback victory over rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.Amad Diallo danced with his team-mates after the Manchester derbyCredit: SnapchatA club chef joined them in the dressing roomCredit: SnapchatAmad stole the show as Man United beat Man CityCredit: EPAJosko Gvardiol had put the hosts into the lead before Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo netted in the final minutes.Amad was the star of the show as he won the penalty for the equaliser before snatching the winner.The winger was in a buoyant mood as he shared a video of himself dancing with his team-mates.The video is believed to have been filmed back at Carrington as the match-winner was joined by Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe trio were also momentarily joined by a chef who danced his way into the frame.He joined in dancing with Onana and Diallo before jumping back out of the shot when Hojluned entered.Fans loved seeing the moment as it was shared on social media.One posted: “Not the chef joined them too hahaha.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second commented: “Vibes FC is back.”A third wrote: “The vibes are back at the club.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho A fourth joked: “Atleast they’ve forgotten they are 13th.”A fifth said: “We are so back.”Another added: “Amad is carrying this club so hard. On and off the pitch.”Man United boss Ruben Amorim hailed Amad for his display but insisted that he should not be relied on too soon.He said: “He can play different positions, he is very humble.”We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place.”Let’s stay calm with Amad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, in the fallout of the match, Hojlund fired a jibe at Man City’s Kyle Walker.The two clashed during the match and the striker posted a poem hitting back at the defender.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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    Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, who is the daughter of a Liverpool icon and studied maths at university

    KELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: HandoutCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kelly Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationCates 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 midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, 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.Read more football newsSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.It completes a remarkable journey for Cates, who has had an impressive rise in sports broadcasting.It was a role she had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths!She comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.Most read in FootballIt was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.”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.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”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: PAread more sport features”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.Cates 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky’s loss is BBC’s gain, as Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and her role working for Radio 5 Live.It could be a match made in heaven.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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    Amad Diallo among Dream Team’s most-affordable form players but there’s a catch

    AMAD DIALLO (£3.7m) is currently the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 16.It’s early days as the deadline isn’t until Saturday morning with several fixtures still to come before the current Gameweek is complete but clearly the Manchester United youngster has made an impression on Dream Team managers.Man of the momentCredit: Dream TeamThe 22-year-old inspired the Red Devils to victory over Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.First, he capitalised on an under-hit back pass from Matheus Nunes (£3.3m) and the Portuguese midfielder’s over eagerness to atone for his mistake to win a penalty, successful converted by Bruno Fernandes (£6.3m) for an 88th-minute equaliser.Two minutes later, Diallo latched onto a pass over the top to take the onrushing Ederson (£3.6m) out of the game before executing a smart finish from an acute angle to claim all three points for the visitors.When the dust had settled, Diallo banked 16 points as he also earned three bonus points outside of his dramatic goal contributions.A winner for the agesCredit: GettyThat the Ivory Coast international emerged as Man United’s hero against the defending champions would not have surprised a large portion of fans, who have witnessed his gallant efforts of late.Diallo has now scored or assisted in four of his last five appearances in all competitions.Widening the frame, he’s registered three goals and seven assists in his last seven outings – a fruitful spell that has yielded 87 points in six Gameweeks.Ruben Amorim has rotated his attacking assets during his first few weeks as Old Trafford boss with Diallo even playing some minutes as a wing-back in the former Sporting CP tactician’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.Most read in FootballBut with Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4m) controversially left out of the matchday squad altogether at the weekend, Diallo appears to have earned a high ranking in Amorim’s pecking order.Amorim has favoured Diallo lately, with good reasonCredit: GettyGiven his recent form, it’s understandable why a sizeable chunk of Dream Team bosses are looking to acquire the ex-Atalanta man’s services ahead of Gameweek 16.However, there’s a catch.Diallo is categorised as a forward in Dream Team, which is rather ungenerous.This means that gaffers who decide to back him will only have room for a maximum of two other strikers, no matter what formation they select.This is not a deal-breaker by any means but the forward slots are at a premium in the world Dream Team.Goals remain the game’s primary currency and so the idea of allocating a place in one’s front line to a player who might be deployed as a wing-back feels counterproductive.Diallo is among Dream Team’s most in-form playersCredit: GettyThat being said, the metric that matters most in Dream Team is points and Diallo has provided plenty in recent weeks. He could easily slot into an XI that contained enough goal threat from elsewhere, especially at the relatively affordable price of £3.7m.READ MORE SUN STORIESDiallo leads the way for tackles (32) in his position while only Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m) has earned more bonus points.Man United are due to play Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night before taking on Bournemouth and Wolves in a Premier League double header in Gameweek 16.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

    THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More

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    Man City fan dies after medical emergency during Man Utd derby as tributes pour in

    MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that one of their supporters died during yesterday’s match against Manchester United.City confirmed the tragic news on social media, while sending wishes to the supporter’s friends and family.Manchester City have confirmed the tragic newsCredit: RexA short statement posted on X read: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at yesterday’s match.”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”Several supporters responded to the post with well wishes of their own.One wrote: “I’m sending my condolences to the supporter’s family.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Rest in peace… God’s comfort to his family and friends.”A third added: “My thought and prayers are with the family.”City lost the match 2-1 despite leading for much of it.Josko Gvardiol’s 36th minute header had looked like being the winner.Most read in FootballBruno Fernandes equalised for United from the penalty spot on 88 minutes, after Amad Diallo had been brought down in the box by Matheus Nunes.Diallo then scored a 90th minute winner. More