Philippa Kaur

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    Crisis-hit Reading ‘could be saved by former owner but must first accept biggest points deduction yet’

    FORMER Reading player and owner Roger Smee is reportedly prepared to save the crisis-hit club with the help of a newly-formed consortium.Smee, 76, spent four years lining up for Reading in the 1960s and 70s before turning to a career in business.Reading owner Dai Yongge (L) is trying to sell the clubCredit: RexA former Reading owner is allegedly willing to take overCredit: GettyHe became chairman of the Royals in 1983 and spent seven years at the helm before making way for John Madejski.However, the ex-forward is now willing to try and save the club from going bust.According to the Reading Chronicle, Smee has formed a consortium with the hope of completing a takeover.It is understood the 76-year-old has already been in contact with the Reading Supporters Trust amid his longstanding interest.Read More in FootballHowever, his consortium would only be willing to take over if Reading fall into administration.The current price tag is deemed too high by Smee and his team.Administration would make the club cheaper, but it would come with a 12-point deduction.Issues would also arise over the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park due to club’s complex company structure.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is not thought to be an immediate threat.Reading owner Dai Yongge put the club up for sale over a year ago due to ongoing financial problems.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex American lawyer Rob Couhig came close to securing a deal in September but withdrew after talks collapsed.As previously announced by the club, an unnamed party is locked in talks. More

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    Roman Kemp lined up for shock job with Match Of The Day as part of shake-up in wake of Gary Lineker exit

    ROMAN Kemp is being courted by the BBC’s Director of Sport for a new role on Match Of The Day.The move comes after Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as the host of the flagship football show after 25 years at the helm.Roman Kemp is being lined up as the next host of Match of the DayCredit: Maxtrix PicturesThe BBC’s Head of Sport is courting the TV presenter following Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 25 yearsCredit: PARoman, 31, already has a large following online as the Beeb plan to modernise the programmeCredit: GettyInsiders said BBC boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted TV star Roman, 31, for a digital role as the show modernises in the years to come.A source said: “Match Of The Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights.“Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.”Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM.more on match of the day“He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football.“It is very much in the early stages but Match Of The Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre.”The move comes after the BBC struck a new deal with the Premier League which means they will be able to share match highlights before Match Of The Day airs.The agreement means that the BBC will be putting a renewed focus on their digital and social output.Most read in SportFollowing Gary’s decision to step down this week, the BBC are now looking for a new host of the show.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsThe Sun revealed this week how MOTD2 host Mark Chapman was offered the role as a job share alongside rising star Kelly Somers – but turned it down.We first revealed how Gary, 63, had agreed to step away from Match Of The Day on Tuesday.He will host MOTD until the end of the season and anchor the FA Cup in 2025 and 2026, along with fronting the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FMBBC sourceGary will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also now host his popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The podcast – which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – is part of Goalhanger productions, co-founded by Gary.A spokesperson for the BBC added: “It would be an own goal to comment on every name put to us – but any new signings will be announced as soon as deals are done.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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    Why is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?

    ENGLAND take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland in a blockbuster Nations League double-header this month.The Three Lions begin with a trip to Athens on Thursday night, seeking revenge against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England manager on Tuesday, October 8Credit: GettyEngland were on the end of a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece when the two teams met at Wembley back in October.A 94th-minute winner from Vagelis Pavlidis secured all three points for the Greeks and continued his side’s perfect record in the competition. The Three Lions will finish their November international break by hosting rivals Republic of Ireland in their Nations League group finale on Sunday evening.But why is new England boss Thomas Tuchel not in the dugout for the huge double-header?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?Thomas Tuchel will not be in the dugout for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland as he doesn’t start his new post until next year.The German officially begins his tenure as Three Lions gaffer on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.Tuchel penned an 18-month contract, which expires after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.FA CEO Mark Bullingham was asked about the delayed start to the Tuchel-era during the German’s unveiling, he said: “When we first spoke to him, we had our timescale, Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well. What was so impressive was his singular focus on us and the World Cup and that project.Most read in Football”It made sense for it to start on January 1 and made sense for Lee to finish the campaign in the Nations League. So we’re very comfortable where we are and that’s what we’ll be doing.”Since the former Chelsea boss doesn’t start until the new year, interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of the Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.The 50-year-old will return to his former post as under-21s head coach after November’s double-header.Tuchel’s first game in charge of England will come during the March international break, but it is not yet known who the opposition will be. More

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    Former Man Utd star who knocked out Wayne Rooney ready to become second ex-Red Devil to join Misfits Boxing

    A SECOND former Manchester United player is ready to join Misfits Boxing.Phil Bardsley famously showed his boxing skills when he knocked out Wayne Rooney in the kitchen. Phil Bardsley is keen to join Misfits BoxingCredit: SplashDanny Simpson made his boxing debut in the summerCredit: SportsfileAnd he hopes to take inspiration from Danny Simpson by stepping into the ring for a proper bout. Simpson put his Premier League winner’s medal from the 5,000-1 Leicester City success on the line when he drew with Danny Aarons at Misfits 17 in August.Now former Red Devils team-mate Bardsley is keen to follow in his footsteps, by lacing up the gloves and joining the KSI-founded promotion. The ex-defender, 39, said: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.”But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. “If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.”On the day the news broke in The Sun and the video of the dust-up went viral, Rooney responded by scoring against Tottenham and then did his knockout celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd though that fight had a very limited audience in the privacy of Rooney’s Cheshire home, his close pal reckons the former England captain could light up Wembley again – in the ring rather than in the box.Bardsley – who launched his own property business after retiring – added to OLBG: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Bardsley famously fought Wayne Rooney in the kitchenCredit: The SunThe ex-England captain ended up flat out on the floorCredit: The Sun”It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.”People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.”We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audiencePhil Bardsley”The younger generation would be mad on all the build-up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.”Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.”He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20-something lad fighting a 58-year-old, it’s bonkers. “You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60-year-old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”Rooney then did this hilarious celebrationCredit: Getty – ContributorBardsley was not part of the team that won the 2006 League Cup finalCredit: GettyHe made 18 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Xabi Alonso ‘to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen at end of season’ with ex-Liverpool star’s next club ‘clear’

    XABI ALONSO will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, according to reports.The Spaniard has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.Xabi Alonso will reportedly leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHe led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever, going unbeaten in all 34 games.Alonso also reached the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, and soon after he was linked to the vacant job at Liverpool.He ruled himself out of the running for that role but he is now set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, report Eurosport Spain.Alonso, 42, is under contract until 2026 but could fancy a different challenge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother former club Real Madrid has been mooted as a potential option, but Carlo Ancelotti also has a deal until 2026.Alonso was asked why he turned down Liverpool and was cagey when discussing his future, prior to his side’s 4-0 thrashing at Anfield last month.He said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.”Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne job that could be available in the summer is Manchester City, and the club reportedly like the look of Alonso as a successor to Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season.Reports have claimed Leverkusen have begun their search for a new successor with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner being considered.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour More

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    Former Premier League winners risk going bust as director confirms ‘material uncertainty exists’ over club’s future

    BLACKBURN have admitted there are major doubts over the club’s future as a result of the Venky’s legal battle with the Indian government.In club accounts submitted this week Blackburn director Jitendra Desai writes that “a material uncertainty exists” over the club’s ability to continue operating.Blackburn have admitted there is some concern about the club’s financesCredit: GettyBlackburn made a profit of £1.8m last year, but that was down to the sales of Adam Wharton, Thomas Kaminski and Ash Philips to Crystal Palace, Luton and Tottenham respectively raising almost £23m.Without continued player sales the club need funding from the Venkys to stay in business, but the Indian government have blocked them from transferring money overseas.The Venkys’ parent company are involved in a long-running legal case with the Directorate of Enforcement in India in an attempt to get the ban overturned, with a hearing due to take place in Delhi this month.The Directorate of Enforcement are the branch of the Indian finance ministry in charge of investigating money laundering and breaches of foreign exchange laws.Read More in FootballThe Directorate allowed Venkys to make payments of £3.5m and £11m to Blackburn in June and October 2023 respectively after they pleaded for an exception to help keep the club afloat.No transfers have been since however, leaving Blackburn at risk of running out of money next year.Blackburn’s accounts were audited by a firm of independent accounts, PM+M, who issued a similar warning.They wrote: “Until such time as the legal matter is concluded satisfactorily, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on this group and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlackburn currently sit ninth in the Championship table, three points adrift of the play-off spots.They next face newly-promoted Portsmouth next weekend.’I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting egged More

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    Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

    WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.A kitman and pitch-side announcer at Walsall have been charged by the FACredit: RexThe charges relate to an incident during the Saddlers’ League Two match against Crewe on SaturdayCredit: RexWith both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.An FA statement read: “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOmar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.Most read in EFLA scuffle broke out at the end of Walsall’s 1-1 draw with CreweCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.Both teams are vying for promotion to League OneCredit: RexOmar Bogle opened the scoring for the visitors inside 66 minutesCredit: RexNathan Lowe equalised for Walsall before carnage broke outCredit: Rex More

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    Stunning house Lewis Hamilton ‘will live in at Ferrari as he’s given honour only bestowed to Michael Schumacher’

    LEWIS HAMILTON will reportedly move into a house formerly owned by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari next year.The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, putting an end to his 11-year spell with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton will move into a huge new house when he officially joins FerrariCredit: GettyThe Brit has been granted permission to move into Enzo Ferrari’s old houseCredit: AlamyAnd when he swaps Brackley for Maranello, he will be granted the permission to move into a famed Italian house.Sky Sports Italy claim he is expected to move into a house previously occupied by Mr Ferrari himself.The home is located next to the team’s Fiorano circuit.F1 legend Michael Schumacher is the only other driver to have been given the privilege to live there.Read More on F1He would reside at the house on testing days.The three-storey building houses Enzo’s iconic office, which has been preserved since his death in 1988.Every door and window shutter on the outside is painted in the iconic Scuderia red.And the interior is littered with Ferrari memorabilia.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe house is littered with Ferrari memorabiliaCredit: Instagram @tony__qianIt is located next to Ferrari’s baseCredit: Instagram @tony__qianMercedes have announced initial plans for Hamilton’s final race with the team, which will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month.The Brit will have the names of 150 fans printed on his car for the event.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Mercedes opened a competition this week to determine the lucky supporters.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More