Philippa Kaur

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    Tom Brady’s Birmingham rocked as CEO suddenly steps down for personal reasons as club release statement

    BIRMINGHAM CEO Garry Cook has stepped down for personal reasons.Cook, 67, played a key role in Knighthead’s takeover of the club in 2023.Garry Cook has stepped down as Birmingham CEOCredit: PAIn a statement posted to their website, the Blues confirmed Cook’s decision to step down.Club chairman Tom Wagner said: “We thank Garry for everything that he has done during his time as Chief Executive Officer.”His passionate leadership and commitment to the Club that he has supported from boyhood has been unwavering and his contributions are extensive.”The instrumental role he played in Knighthead becoming involved in Birmingham City FC should also never be forgotten.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are delighted that he will remain connected to us via the Advisory Committee and Foundation and that both will benefit from his vision and expertise.”When Knighthead completed their takeover in August 2023, NFL icon Tom Brady bought a 3.3 per cent stake in the club.In Cook’s absence, the Blues have appointed boyhood supporter Jeremy Dale as interim CEO.Wagner added: “Jeremy has a deep understanding of our vision and culture, and we are confident in his ability to guide Birmingham City during this transition.Most read in EFLSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTom Brady is part of Blues’ ownership groupCredit: Getty”Our commitment to excellence and progress remains steadfast as we continue to build on the solid foundation we’ve already established.”Birmingham have confirmed that they have begun their search for Cook’s permanent successor.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Last April, the League One leaders unveiled plans for a new stadium, with the overall project set to cost between £2-3billion.On the pitch they were relegated from the Championship last term, having sacked John Eustace to appoint Wayne Rooney, before the Manchester United legend’s eventual replacement Tony Mowbray was forced to step aside for health reasons.Despite falling into the third tier, Blues forked out a fee rising to £15million for Jay Stansfield last summer.Chris Davies’ side currently sit top of League One, two points above Wycombe and Wrexham with two games in hand.Jay Stansfield and Co are top of League OneCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham on track for worst season since they were RELEGATED in 1977 as damning stats on horror season are revealed

    ARE Tottenham genuinely in a relegation battle?Most would say no chance, even in spite of the atrocious recent run in the league, but consider this.Ange Postcoglou is under huge pressure at TottenhamCredit: GettyThe club are closer to the relegation zone than to the European spotsCredit: ReutersSpurs have already lost 11 games in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyThe club is on the cusp of a relegation battleCredit: GettyIn 1977 – the last time Spurs went down, finishing bottom of the old First Division – they lost exactly half of their 42 games.Tottenham this season have been defeated in 11 of their 21 league fixtures which is a marginally worse ratio.Their current points-per-game average stands at 1.14, which puts them on course for 43 for the campaign.In the 2008/09 season under Juande Ramos, the team picked up just 20 points after 21 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were slumped down in 19th place ahead of the manager being axed and replaced with Harry Redknapp.These are just some of the absolutely damning statistics that Spurs fans have been puzzling and poring over the morning after their latest loss in Wednesday’s North London derby.And they’re why many have been calling for manager Ange Postecoglou’s head, with Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit even urging Daniel Levy to sack the Aussie.Embattled Postecoglou regularly reiterates the need for context in everything and has, with some justification, pointed to a crippling amount of injuries, particularly at the back.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut whichever way you square it, there is no dressing up how ugly the league numbers are right now.For Spurs fans, this will read like a particularly painful maths lesson, but pay attention as this is important.Ange Postecoglou is not happy with Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal Since the 4-0 battering of Manchester City on November 23 – the standout result of Postecoglou’s tenure – his side have just one win in nine league fixtures.Never at this stage of the season have Spurs lost more Premier League games.Ipswich, who inflicted one of the most painful defeats on Postecoglou’s side just before the City tonking, emphasising their inconsistency, are only above the drop zone on goal difference but have lost one fewer game than Tottenham.In fact, only Wolves, Leicester and Southampton – the bottom three – have suffered more defeats than Postecoglou’s side this term.The gap to the dreaded dotted line is eight points, so the unthinkable prospect of dropping down to the Championship does not seem a genuine fear right now.But what is undoubtedly true is Postecoglou’s side are showing relegation form.It is just five points taken from the last 27 available. Worse still, it is 30 from the last 84, suggesting a malaise in the league that predates the crock crisis.Missing Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and more has left the squad badly short, no doubt.But injuries are hitting most sides now – Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, ten points above Spurs, have just lost their two centre-forwards – and Postecoglou knows if he uses that as an excuse, it will fall on deaf ears.The 59-year-old, who finished fifth in his first season, has made the argument that most of his side’s losses this term have come by the odd goal and are down to bad “moments”.But when themes recur, the manager has to take some slice of the blame.Such as Spurs conceding from a corner for a FOURTH time against Arsenal since the Aussie took charge with the Gunners’ leveller on Wednesday, though the set-piece should have never been awarded in the first place.Postecoglou has not wavered from his attacking philosophy, even when he has not had the personnel to carry it out, and it could cost him.Fraser Forster was never cut out to play out from the back like Postecoglou demands.And though ambidextrous Antonin Kinsky is here now, those losses when Forster was in the team have taken their toll.His midfield has been too easy to play through too often and Spurs were lucky not to be punished more by a wasteful Arsenal when he picked three No10s in Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall for a middle trio in the second half at the Emirates.Gunners icon Petit eviscerated Postecoglou in his post-match analysis for talkSPORT.The World Cup winner said: “When I look at this team, I have no idea what they want to do on the pitch, what kind of system, what kind of movements, even the commitment and the behaviour of the players.“When you look at the quality individually and collectively in this team, something has been broken.“They’ve been losing so many games, they’re dropping down the table, they’re not far off the relegation zone.“We’re talking about a team that should be playing for the top position in the Premier League.“Something is broken in this team and you can’t sack all of the players and so you have to make the easiest decision and that’s to sack the manager.“I don’t like saying that and I feel for Postecoglou, but he deserves to be sacked because they are going down game after game, so change something.”It would be a safe bet to say Postecoglou’s future hinges on four days at the start of February, provided he makes it that far.They have Liverpool away in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, where they hold a 1-0 lead, and then Aston Villa away in the FA Cup fourth round.This season has become solely about the cup competitions and Europe which can be Postecoglou’s saving grace.That is provided they do not actually get sucked into a dropzone dogfight, with a ‘six-pointer’ at Everton up next.A treble-winner at Celtic, Postecoglou has said that success at Spurs will be all sweeter given what they have had to go through this term.But some supporters already think things have turned too sour. It remains to be seen if that is, or soon will be, the view of Levy, who up to now has backed his man.The Spurs supremo has proved himself to be a canny businessman in turning Spurs into a behemoth with a world-class stadium, albeit one still starved of silverware.He will know numbers do not make for good reading right now for Postecoglou.READ MORE SUN STORIESBack in the 2016-2017 campaign, their last at White Hart Lane, Spurs took 53 points at home, alone. That is ten more than they are on course to win from this entire sorry league season. 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    Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star

    JACK GREALISH was not able to hide his opinion on the prospect of Cole Palmer becoming a manager.He was taking part in a video for the England team alongside Manchester United star Harry Maguire.Jack Grealish did not rate Cole Palmer’s chances of becoming a managerCredit: Youtube / EnglandHe and Harry Maguire placed him below their England team-matesCredit: Youtube / EnglandThe pair had to rate the chances of their Three Lions team-mates becoming managers after their playing careers end.They had already placed Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the most likely.But Grealish’s Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden was placed the least likely.That was until Palmer’s name was picked out of the hat for discussion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish’s reaction said it all, he hilariously pointed straight down and placed him below the entire board.He said: “Nah. CP Company.”Ah Cole, what a guy man but there is no chance.”He just makes me laugh man, Cole does.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But yeah, there is no chance he is becoming a manager. No way.”Maguire did convince Grealish to put Palmer on the board as he was placed next to Foden.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyPalmer is enjoying another brilliant season at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe defender joked: “Sorry. Can you see we have added a new section haha.”Despite the jest from the pair, Palmer is having an exceptional season for Chelsea.The attacking midfielder has scored 14 goals and assisted six in his 21 Premier League outings.Meanwhile, Grealish has been urged to leave Man City and move to a foreign club.Dwight Yorke suggested that the winger move to Spain or Italy for a new challenge. More

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    Who is Tottenham’s new signing Antonin Kinsky and how tall is the Czech goalkeeper?

    ANTONIN KINSKY is a Czech goalkeeper who signed for Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £12.5 million.The star comes a footballing family, as his dad – who shares his name – was also a professional goalkeeper.Antonin Kinsky signed for Tottenham Hotspur in January 2025Credit: Getty ImagesThe goalkeeper went straight into the Spurs starting line up despite his young ageCredit: Getty ImagesGenerational talentAntonin was born in Prague, on March 13, 2003.He played youth football for Tempo Prague before moving to Bohemians 1905 and, later, Dukla Prague.The footballer made his senior debut with Dukla Prague, in a match which saw his team win the Czech National Football League.When he moved to Slavia Prague, on a four-year contract, he was named the greatest Czech goalkeeping talent of his generation.Read More on SportsHe remained with the club until the end of the 2024-2025 season and conceded only one goal during the first nine league matches of the season.Antonin’s success, coupled with his 6ft 3in height, saw him become one of the most sought after goalkeepers in the world.Signing to TottenhamOn January 5, 2025, Antonin signed for Spurs on a six-and-a-half year deal.His signing bagged Slavia Prague a reported £12.5 million.Most read in FootballAntonin made his debut on January 8, 2025 in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool.Tottenham defeated Arne Slot’s Liverpool side 1-0 and the youngster, who could be seen cuddling his mother in the crowd, won man of the match.Antonin joined Tottenham for a reported £12.5millionCredit: Getty ImagesAntonin became the first Tottenham goalkeeper in 101 YEARS to keep clean sheets in his first two games.However, his incredible run ended when Arsenal managed to turn around his first North London derby, coming from behind to win 2-1 with the keeper partially at fault for both goals.Antonin’s famous dadThe young keeper has a famous father who shares his name.Antonin Sr played almost 400 games across the Czech and Russian leagues, making him one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of all time. He is one of his son’s biggest supporters and helped coach him through negotiations with Tottenham. Antonin Jr told iSport.cz: “I have been listening to my dad until this moment. “I would not have this chance without him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”From the start, I considered Tottenham to be a great opportunity, but I waited on a green light from my father. “The meeting with Mr Levy convinced him.” More

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    Premier League title race won’t be decided until May 10 with Arsenal triumph now a serious possibility

    ARSENAL have emerged as serious title contenders after moving four points off Liverpool.The Gunners racked up their 12 victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over rivals Tottenham on Wednesday.Arsenal have many reasons to feel they could beat Liverpool in the title raceCredit: EPAAnd it means the race for top spot in the Premier League won’t be decided until Arsenal take on Liverpool in a crucial clash on May 10.Arne Slot’s men have shown they may not be able to steamroll their way to the title, having drawn four matches in the past six weeks.Indeed, there are plenty of reasons for Gunners fans to feel positive about their season, having narrowly finished behind Man City in the past two years.Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at why it could finally be Arsenal’s time to end their Premier League title drought…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLIVERPOOL’S TOUGH RUN-INARSENAL and Liverpool face each other on May 10 in what will be their third-final match of the Premier League season.However, the quality of opponents in their other remaining games differ greatly.Before going to Anfield, Arsenal have home games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to look forward to.There’s another tricky home test against a resurgent Newcastle side afterwards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the Gunners end their season with a trip to bottom-place Southampton, which should be a straight-forward victory.As for Liverpool, their final two games are away to Brighton and at home against Crystal Palace.Arteta not sure about trophy hopes after ‘incredible’ Arsenal loss But before Arsenal, Liverpool first welcome Tottenham to Anfield.They then travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.And the tough run of games could take their toll on several ageing senior stars.Arsenal have the better record in a mini-table between the teamsCredit: GettyMINI TABLE JOYBOTH teams have played just eight of the exact same fixtures this season.But it’s Arsenal who come out on top in a mini league.The Gunners have won six of those eight games while drawing one and losing one.As for Liverpool, they have won five of the same eight, drawing two and also losing one.Arsenal scored 21 goals in those matches, with Liverpool bagging one more for 22.But the Reds also conceded more goals, shipping 11 to Arsenal’s seven.Arsenal vs Liverpool mini-tableBrighton (H) – Arsenal 1-1, Liverpool 2-1Crystal Palace (A) – Arsenal 5-1, Liverpool 1-0Leicester (H) – Arsenal 4-2, Liverpool 3-1Man Utd (H) – Arsenal 2-0, Liverpool 2-2Newcastle (A) – Arsenal 0-1, Liverpool 3-3Nottingham Forest (H) – Arsenal 3-0, Liverpool 0-1Tottenham (A) – Arsenal 1-0, Liverpool 6-3West Ham (A) – Arsenal 5-2, Liverpool 5-0Arsenal – W6 D1 L1 F21 A7Liverpool – W5 D2 L1 F22 A11Liverpool are still sweating over the futures of three starsCredit: EPAREDS’ CONTRACT DISPUTESLIVERPOOL have been on a roll this season, with key men Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all playing major parts under Slot.However, the trio have also been dealing with an additional narrative over their futures.Each star is out of contract this summer, and none of them look close to penning an extension.Van Dijk has remained tight-lipped over his future while Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid.As for Salah, he’s already declared it will be his final season at Anfield.Foreign clubs can now strike pre-contract agreements with all three players as manager Slot faces an anxious wait.And it’s just one more major headache for Liverpool to deal with as they also focus on their football and results.Arsenal have been hit by numerous injury issuesCredit: GettyARSENAL’S DUE LUCKARSENAL are sure due a bit of good fortune this season.The Gunners have been hit by multiple injuries, with key men including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard missing chunks of the season.Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been big misses in defence.While Gabriel Jesus has become the latest casualty after picking up an ACL problem.It means things can only get better for Arsenal as more and more players return to action.As for Liverpool, they have been fortunate to keep their key men fit while also playing in the Champions League.And starting the same players several times a week could come back to haunt Slot down the line.Arsenal fans also feel they have been on the receiving end of several dodgy decisions from referees.And the second half of the season could see things balance out for Mikel Arteta.Man City will be out to spoil the partyCredit: AlamyCITY PARTY POOPERSA fifth consecutive title may look out of reach for Man City right now.But the champions are sure to have a big say in this season’s race even if they are not there.Pep Guardiola’s men have consistently ruffled the feathers of both Arsenal and Liverpool through the years.And their dismal form this term is sure to come to an end shortly.City have already been beaten by Liverpool while managing to secure a draw against Arsenal.But the Gunners’ next fixture against City is at home.It’s sandwiched between a Champions League group stage game against Girona, which they should win comfortably.While on the other side is the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi at Newcastle, where they already trail 2-0 and may be happy to field a weakened XI.However, Liverpool face a different story as they have to go the Etihad for their City clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn top of that, the match is sandwiched between two crunch Premier League games against Wolves and Newcastle – both of which will be must-wins in Slot’s eyes.City have also lost one title race to Liverpool in the past and may deem them the greater threat to their long-term dominance. 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    Footballer rushed to hospital and opponent arrested as shock ‘out of the blue’ attack sees match abandoned

    AN amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attack during a women’s football match.The 24-year-old was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC last Sunday afternoon against home team Tonyrefail Welfare Ladies.An amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attackCredit: WNSThe footballer was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC against home team Tonyrefail Welfare LadiesCredit: Google MapsOfficials abandoned the game after the incident.South Wales Police confirmed a 25-year-old woman from Tonyrefail was arrested on suspicion of assault and is on bail pending further inquiries.The injured woman is from Newport. Goytre Women’s FC tweeted: “Everyone at the club is appalled at the violent assault inflicted on one of our players yesterday which saw the game abandoned, our player hospitalised and the attacker arrested.Read More on Football”If anyone is able to provide a witness statement or video footage to help with the police investigation please get in contact with us. “Our thoughts and well wishes are with our player and her family & friends as she begins her recovery.”We’d also like to thank the paramedics and staff at the @CwmTafMorgannwg Royal Glamorgan Hospital for taking care and treating our player for her injuries and @swpolice for responding so quickly to events yesterday and we await the results of their investigation.”Goytre FC club secretary Simon Ritter said the player was attacked suddenly about an hour into the game when the team was winning 6-0.Most read in FootballRitter added that she is now recovering at home after getting a scan at the hospital.He said: “I’ve been involved in football for 20 years and never heard of anything like this before. “The assault came out of the blue.” More

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    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney add third football club to portfolio after Wrexham success

    RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have bought Colombian top-flight side La Equidad.The duo, who have owned Wrexham since 2021, are part of a star-studded consortium that have completed the purchase.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their latest purchaseCredit: GettyLa Equidad play at the 10,000-seater Estadio Metropolitano de TechoCredit: GettyIn addition to Reynolds and McElhenney, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria is also part of the ownership group, as well as MLB star Justin Verlander and model wife Kate Upton, podcaster Scott Galloway and former NBA player Shawn Marion.The consortium is fronted by real estate investor Al Tylis and business associate Sam Porter.In 2021, they completed the purchase of Mexican side Club Necaxa.Reynolds and McElhenney came onboard last April, with the consortium taking a reciprocal stake in Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon the consortium completing their latest takeover, Porter told The Athletic: “I am pleased to confirm that Al Tylis, our investment partners, and I have successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad.”This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football.”We are privileged to collaborate with an outstanding group of investors, including Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Shawn Marion, who have been instrumental in our project at Club Necaxa in Mexico.”Together, we are committed to elevating the club to its highest potential.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYEva Longoria is also part of the star-studded consortiumCredit: GettyLa Equidad were founded in 1982 and won the Copa Colombia in 2008.Last season they finished 13th in their country’s 20-team top flight.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThey could now receive a similar boost to Wrexham and Club Necaxa.Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the upper echelons of League One since being taken over.They are also the subject of hit documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham” and have seen their profile grow substantially worldwide.The Welsh side have toured the US during the last two pre-seasons.Club Necaxa also have a docu-series in the works.Titled “Bienvenido a Necaxa”(Welcome to Necaxa), it is set to air on FX and Disney+.Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen a sharp rise at WrexhamCredit: Getty More

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    Joey Barton appears in court after ‘sharing malicious posts about Jeremy Vine & football pundit Lucy Ward’

    JOEY Barton has appeared in court after allegedly sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: PAHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton, who is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, appeared via video-link at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.The 42-year-old is charged with two counts of malicious communications between January 3 and March 20 last year.According to the charges, the messages were of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress and anxiety.Barton indicated he would be pleading not guilty pleas to both offences.Read more newsHe has already pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial this year.The former Man City star was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 13.Barton previously branded the fresh charges as “more woke nonsense”.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December 2023.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: PAHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Getty More