Philippa Kaur

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    Wrexham set to spend big on experienced Championship star in January transfer window

    AMBITIOUS Wrexham plan to spend big in January and carry on rising up the EFL.The Welsh League One club have brought in a new backer and will announce a massive sponsorship deal next summer, so they are cash rich.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have overseen incredible success at WrexhamCredit: GettyTheir main target is a goalscorer with Championship experience.A big fee and wages are on offer.Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover, Wrexham have climbed from the fifth tier into the third.They are third in the table, having missed an opportunity to go within a point of top spot earlier today.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSPhil Parkinson’s men fell 1-0 to Stockport, who were also promoted from League Two last season, at Edgeley Park.In front of a watching Cole Palmer in the stands, Louie Barry bagged the winner in the 24th minute.Parkinson handed recent signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson his first league start since his acquisition last month.Bodvarsson, 32, started as Iceland beat England in Nice at Euro 2016.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has since played in England for Wolves, Millwall, Reading and Bolton.Upon signing for his new team, the experienced forward said: “It’s great to be at a Club like Wrexham.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”Cole Palmer was in the stands as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexJon Dadi Bodvarsson started for WrexhamCredit: PA More

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    Mexico manager left with blood pouring down face after being hit with beer can thrown from crowd

    MEXICO manager Javier Aguirre was left bloodied after a yob hit him with a beer can to the head.Aguirre, 65, saw his team suffer a miserable 2-0 loss at Honduras in the Nations League on Friday at the Francisco Morazan Stadium.Mexico manager Javier Aguirre had a beer can thrown to his headA yob threw the object on Aguirre after Mexico’s loss at HondurasAguirre, though, remained unfazed as he shook hands with Honduras boss Reinaldo RuedaAguirre had blood pouring down his face after the incidentAguirre appeared to refuse treatment after the attackThe Mexican went to shake hands with the opposition’s manager after full-time.That was when the crowd sitting behind the visitors’ dugout started pelting several objects towards him amid sickening scenes.And one of those yobs managed to hit Aguirre on the head as he was about to greet Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda.The ex-Atletico Madrid manager was unfazed by the incident even after blood started pouring down his face.Read More on FootballMedics rushed to the Mexico boss’ side but he appeared unwilling to receive treatment as he continued walking down the tunnel.The former Espanyol boss continued to show a stiff upper lip when asked about the incident insisting there is “no need to mention it”.Aguirre said: “Nothing, it is just football. The game was hard fought, and they played better.”Regarding the other [the incident], there’s no need to mention it, I’m not one who complains, it is just football, nothing happened.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRueda condemned the incident immediately after the match and described it as “sad”.The Honduras boss went on to apologise to Aguirre as well as Mexico.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesRueda said: “I’m sad for what happened at the end of the match, because he is a human being.”I want to apologise to the Mexican people and to Aguirre, this cannot happen.” More

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    Ruben Amorim goes completely unnoticed by oblivious Manchester shoppers days after taking charge as Man Utd manager

    NEW Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim is under a huge spotlight – but left Manchester shoppers in the dark.Incredibly, the Portuguese manager went unnoticed as he strolled in the busy town centre.Ruben Amorim should have been recognisable to football fansCredit: SplashShoppers paid no notice as Amorim walkers among themCredit: SplashAmorim can’t relax for much longer as he’s set to take trainingCredit: SplashNo-one clocked who he was as Amorim passed shoppersCredit: SplashThe former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, arrived in the city last week to huge attention, even giving his first interview.He’s due to be officially unveiled next week, assuming his work permit goes through smoothly.But despite Amorim’s trademark beard, passers-by seemed oblivious as he walked smiling down a street.His garb was striking enough – a white top with the hoodie up contrasting sharply with a black puffer jacket.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 14-cap ex-midfielder was accompanied by a mini entourage, all dressed just as casually.In fact, from the group’s relaxed look, you’d never know Amorim is taking on one of the world’s most prestigious and high-pressure positions in football.He certainly won’t be a mystery shopper in the transfer market – as United’s global status means he’ll struggle to land any bargains.And he’ll promptly become one of the most recognisable faces in the country.Most read in FootballAmorim perhaps had a quiet smile at going so undisturbedCredit: SplashFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo perhaps it’s no wonder he appeared to appreciate his temporary anonymity on a crowded Manchester pavement.Amorim is replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag, tasked by the club’s minority owner Jim Ratcliffe with reviving the heady days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1986-2013 reign.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tour’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”He’s pencilled in to oversee training for the first time next week – should, as expected, the necessary paperwork get sorted.Based for now at the five-star Lowry Hotel near Old Trafford, Amorim is waiting anxiously to share his ideas with his new squad after the international break.He’s already explained he wants his players to go on a morale-rousing stadium tour –  to “put strength back into the team”.Then come his first two matches – at Ipswich in the Premier League and at home to Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.By then, Amorim will have gone from “Man who?” to the man who can’t afford to fail – or he’ll inevitably be the 10th permanent or temporary boss exiting Old Trafford since Ferguson retired.Amorim will have a busy first official week at Old TraffordCredit: Splash More

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    England Euros conqueror makes Wrexham debut following under-the-radar transfer to League One club

    A FORMER England Euros conqueror made his Wrexham debut this afternoon.The forward, 32, haunted the Three Lions during one of their darkest days.Wrexham’s new forward battles with Stockport’s Ethan PyeCredit: PAHe featured at Euro 2016, as Iceland humiliated Roy Hodgson’s side 2-1 in Nice.The devastating loss turned out to be Hodgson’s final game in charge.Wayne Rooney had given England a fourth-minute lead from the penalty spot.But a quickfire double by Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson left the Three Lions stunned.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSJon Dadi Bodvarsson started up front for Iceland that day.Off the back of the tournament he moved to English football, signing for then-Championship side Wolves from Kaiserslautern.He has since gone on to represent Reading, Millwall and Bolton.At the end of last season he left the Trotters on a free transfer.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBodvarsson consoles Jamie Vardy after helping Iceland knock England outCredit: AP:Associated PressHe remained a free agent throughout the summer before signing for Wrexham towards the end of last month.Upon joining, Bodvarsson said: “It’s great to be at a club like Wrexham. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting Club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”BACK IN ACTIONBodvarsson made his Wrexham debut as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat to Harrogate, before making a 15-minute cameo in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Mansfield.After making his first start in the mid-week EFL trophy clash with Port Vale, Bodvarsson kept his place for today’s League One match-up with Stockport.Unfortunately for boss Phil Parkinson, Bodvarsson was unable to stop his side from falling to a 1-0 defeat, Louie Barry’s 24th minute effort proving to be winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was watched by Chelsea star Cole Palmer.Born in nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer used his free time, having withdrawn from the England squad, to take in some League One action.Cole Palmer watched the match from the standsCredit: Rex More

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    Disguised Cole Palmer rocks up at League One clash after pulling out of England duty with knee injury

    COLE PALMER watched Stockport County vs Wrexham as he enjoyed a Saturday off.The Chelsea star, 22, was originally named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer was in the crowd as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexPalmer, 22, grew up in nearby WythenshaweCredit: RexLouie Barry bagged the winner for StockportCredit: AlamyAfter reporting to St George’s Park on Monday, however, Palmer withdrew from the squad.Palmer had been an injury doubt prior to the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.He went on to start the game, but did not have his usual influence.Having withdrawn from England duty, Palmer found himself with a spare Saturday off.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe former Manchester City starlet headed north to watch some League One football.Hailing from nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer rocked up at Edgeley Park as Stockport hosted fellow third-tier new-boys Wrexham.With winter fast approaching, and feeling the cold even more than usual, Palmer wrapped up warm in a big coat and hat.Wrexham stars won’t have been worried about playing in front of a famous spectator, with their Hollywood A-List co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having attended plenty of their games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer did report for England duty before withdrawingCredit: GettyThe attacker had been an injury doubt for the matchCredit: GettyBut it was Stockport who rose to the occasion, winning 1-0 under the watchful eyes of Palmer.Louie Barry bagged what turned out to be the winner on 24 minutes, his 11th goal of the season.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Earlier this week, England captain Harry Kane hit out at Three Lions stars skipping international duty, amid nine withdrawals from the original squad.The 102-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth (Southgate) was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”Harry Kane hit out at England stars withdrawing from international dutyCredit: Getty More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals he wants to make Man Utd flops take stadium tour to ‘put strength back into the team’

    RUBEN AMORIM believes that Manchester United players should take the club’s Old Trafford stadium tour.The Portuguese, 39, officially began in his new role as Red Devils boss on Monday.Ruben Amorim has been getting to know his new homeCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, was shown around Old TraffordCredit: GettySince then, Amorim has been shown around his new Theatre of Dreams home.While doing so, he even checked in with a public stadium tour and interacted fans.Speaking since then, Amorim claimed that it’s important for players to truly understand the institution that they’re representing.He said: “When you come [to Old Trafford], it’s so different.READ MORE IN SPORT”You see the trophies, you see the tragedy that we have as a club. The history.”Having referred to tragedy, Amorim then mentioned the way that United rebuilt following the devastating Munich Air Disaster in 1958.”This kind of strength,” he added. “I think it’s important to put in our team.”When the players come here, they should take the stadium tour all the time. I think this is very important to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s normal if you go a lot of years without winning, you start losing that feeling.”So I think we need to put all the players doing the same thing, to regain that feeling.”Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim then pointed towards the task ahead.He continued: “We haven’t won the Premier League for a long time. But if you ask, United is the biggest club in England.”So this is part of history, it is not now. So we have to address that, to show that and to try to win again.”Following the international break, Amorim will take United to Ipswich for his first match in charge.He will then get his first taste of Old Trafford on a matchday when his side host Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim’s Premier League home debut will come against Everton on December 1. More

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    Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games

    THE 2034 World Cup might be a decade away but work has already begun on a stunning futuristic Minecraft arena in Saudi Arabia.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is perched on a cliff no less than 650ft high in Riyadh and decked out in LED panels.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near RiyadhThe 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1billionThe futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffsThe 45,000-seater is expected to cost more than £1BILLION, with construction set to get underway in 2026.The logo-like arena will become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable pitch and man-made LAKE fuelled air-con.The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and will open to reveal breathtaking views of the city when not activated.There will be three stands, with one side open, offering a dramatic vista of the Qiddiya city itself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe exterior will be formed by a collection of modular cubes that will act as the extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs in a huge digital canvas.Its aim, other than to host football matches at the 2034 World Cup, is to “connect the upper plateau and Gaming and Esports District to the theme parks below”, according to The Mail. One Saudi-based industry insider told The Mail: “This will be the first time we have seen that brought to life.”SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a massive screen. This stadium is a massive screen.”Most read in FootballAn inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman StadiumAl-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe climate will be controlled via a lake underneath which collects rain water to pre-cool the air conditioning system.There will be a retractable roof and a digital wall which will drop down in front of the spectator’s view, with work set to finish up in 2029.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And at the touch of a button the surface will flip from grass to artificial turf.The Minecraft-esque stadium is set to play host to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side Al-Nassr once it’s complete.Beneath the glitzy facades of the Saudis developments, lies the stories of threats, forced evictions and bloodshed.Many projects have faced fierce criticism over human rights abuses – including the £400billion Neom Stadium project where tribes were reportedly shoved out of their homeland, imprisoned or executed.Only last month, in an ITV documentary, workers complained of 16-hour days, their passports being confiscated and of not being paid in some cases.The documentary also featured claims that 21,000 Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers had died in the country since 2017, each working on Saudi’s Vision 2030.Those allegations have been strongly refuted by country’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.The pioneering Sci-Fi stadium is one of 15 to be built as Saudi Arabia close in on the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.The futuristic arena is set to feature a giant LED screen wall inside the arenaIt is to be situated on top of a 200-metre cliffThe official announcement will come from Fifa on December 11, but there is no opposing bid following Australia’s withdrawal.As such Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation (behind Qatar) to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet in 10 years time.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, named after the country’s prime minister, crown prince and de facto ruler, will be one of 11 new venues to go alongside four current grounds. Another futuristic arena is being built in Neom.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe amazing structure will not be reachable by car as it will sit 350m above ground in the as-yet unbuilt city of Neom, known as “The Line.”It is a vertical garden city without cars, streets or carbon emissions for its residents all in a single, long building.The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by carThe new arena will sit atop the city of NeomFull list of the stadiums with their capacitiesRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

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    Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More