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    Amazing moment Sky Sports News staff gather to applaud speechless presenter during final broadcast after 43-year stint

    A LEGENDARY presenter was applauded by the Sky Sports News staff during his final broadcast.Nick Powell is leaving our screens 43 years of service and was on air for the last time.Nick Powell was given a round of applause in the Sky Sports News studioCredit: Sky SportsHe is leaving the broadcaster after 29 yearsCredit: Sky SportsPowell, 66, was honoured with a montage of himself working throughout the years.As the video ended, he was welcomed in the studio by the staff and given a rousing round of applause.Powell was visibly stunned and left without words until presenter Mike Wedderburn spoke to him.Wedderburn said: “Nick, we love you. Obviously, we are going to miss you.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen Powell could muster some words, he was composed to make a joke.He said: “I was just going to say if we took as much care as we did with that with the rest of the output, it would be fantastic.”Someone has gone through a lot of trouble and thank you very much.”The clip was shared on social media and many of Powell’s fans took the chance to wish him well in the comments.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “What a legend Nick Powell is.”His voice and presence have been such a huge part of Sky’s coverage for as long as I can remember, truly the end of an era. Wishing him all the best in retirement.”Former Premier League star signed contract then ripped it up just 20 minutes later in classy gesture A second wrote: “Good luck Nick.”A third commented: “Happy Retirement, Nick! Good luck and you’ll be missed.”A fourth said: “Legendary.”Another added: “Wish you the very best in your future endeavours, Nick.”Powell also revealed one of his sporting heroes in his final Sky broadcast after 29 years with the channel.He said: “There have been lots over the years, but since I saw Kevin Keegan there (in video).”Am I allowed to mention a former Liverpool hero, I was probably 11 when he signed for Bill Shankley.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe popular broadcaster has covered some of the greatest sporting events, such as England’s Ashes triumph in 2005, London 2012 and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win in 2013.The journalist issued a long farewell message on Sky Sports’ website where he also looked back at unforgettable interviews with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali and Princess Anne.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘Arsene Wenger would be shaking his head’ – Tony Pulis says legendary Arsenal boss would HATE Mikel Arteta tactic

    TONY PULIS has claimed that Arsene Wenger would not be impressed by Mikel Arteta’s focus on set-pieces.The Arsenal boss, 42, was compared with Pulis for his side’s set-piece prowess earlier this term.Tony Pulis enjoyed plenty of Premier League battles with Arsene WengerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have scored 45 goals from set pieces since the beginning of the 2022-23 seasonCredit: GettyArsenal are consistently a huge threat from cornersCredit: GettyWenger, 75, rarely hid his disdain for Pulis’ Stoke side during their stint in the Premier League.The Frenchman even claimed that the Potters employed “rugby” tactics in 2010.Earlier this season, social media memes compared Arteta to Pulis, with one image even mocked up of the Spaniard wearing the ex-Stoke boss’ iconic cap.Pulis, 67, loves the comparisons – telling the Telegraph: “It’s funny because Arsene brought a lot of good stuff into the game but he couldn’t cope with the belief that set-plays were that important.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was all about the good football he wanted to play, completely different to maybe what I like to see.“We were called dinosaurs. Maybe I was a trend-setter. I’ve had Liverpool fans bump into me and talk about Jurgen Klopp wearing my cap.”People have mentioned how managers now wear white trainers on the touchline like I did. And now there’s obviously the set-plays.”Arsenal have scored 45 goals from set plays since the start of the 2022-23 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal had plenty of physical battles with Stoke down the yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressPulis has admired the work done by Arteta, even if it has been mocked by rival fans.The Welshman added: “Arteta has done fantastically well to recognise how important set-plays are. When you look at it, Arsenal have won a hell of a lot of games from them. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nickname”Arsene would most probably be shaking his head at the amount of praise Arteta is getting for using the corners and set-plays to such an extent that it’s deciding games for them.”We always knew how important set-plays were and how certain aspects of defending were. It has always been a massive part of professional football, whether you like it or not.”Wenger escaped an FA charge 15 years ago after complaining about Stoke’s approach during a match against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham.He said: “You cannot say it is football any more. It is more rugby on the goalkeepers than football.”When you see the way (Ryan) Shawcross kicked Heurelho Gomes, how Robert Huth pushed Gomes in the goal, you cannot say that is football any more.”At the time, Pulis hit back: “The club is desperately disappointed with the comments which Wenger has come out with, especially the comments about Shawcross.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We think they are out of order and you don’t expect it from a person of Wenger’s esteem.”What he said about Ryan was very, very poor and the football club will take that matter up. The club will deal with it in the right and proper manner.”Wenger commented on a Stoke clash with Tottenham in 2010Credit: Reuters More

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    Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao at centre of Premier League transfer race after running Kyle Walker ragged in Champions League

    THREE Premier League clubs are chasing Feyenoord’s Champions League star Igor Paixao.Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth are all keen on the Brazilian winger, who scored the winner against AC Milan and gave Kyle Walker a torrid time at De Kuip on Wednesday.Igor Paixao gave Kyle Walker a torrid time in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe Feyenoord winger won the player of the match award vs AC MilanCredit: GettyPaixao beat Walker after just three minutes before firing in at the near post and then continued to torment the England international throughout the night.Newcastle and Bournemouth both had scouts in Rotterdam for the Champions League play-off first leg.Paixao, 24, has eight goals and 14 assists across Eredivisie and the Champions League this season, with the player keen on a Premier League move in the summer.Feyenoord are thought to rate their speedy winger, signed from Brazilian side Coritiba in 2022, at £25million and there was plenty of evidence as to why on Wednesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNot only did Paixao constantly beat Walker, but he was quick and confident in front of goal, hitting the bar after opening the scoring.No player completed more dribbles than the Feyenoord man at De Kuip, while no team-mate had more shots. Paixao also won the ball on four occasions and created two chances.In the second half, he robbed Walker of possession in the Milan half which led to him going close to scoring from the half-way line.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPaixao also registered an assist in Feyenoord’s 3-3 comeback draw with Manchester City earlier this season.But his goal last night sealed Walker’s first defeat since joining Milan in January.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showThe right-back insisted that the loss has not impacted what he sees as a bright start to life in Italy, but knows they need a response at San Siro next week.He said: “I’ve been here for two weeks. Since I’ve been here it’s been good, this is a setback and we have to recover first of all in the championship and then in the return leg.“The atmosphere, the crowd with their passion and the belief that we will put in: it will be a different match but also the approach must be different.”It is not only valid for the forwards, we all have to contribute more.” More

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    Humble West Ham star Andy Irving drives modest car and has shrewd investments to fund retirement after football

    ANDY IRVING drives a modest car and is already planning for life after football.The West Ham midfielder has risen from obscurity this season and is now one of the regulars in the side.Andy Irving is becoming a cult hero at West HamCredit: GettyHe drives a modest Nissan JukeCredit: AlamyIrving, 24, signed for the Hammers in the summer of 2023 but was never officially announced by the club.He remained on loan at SK Austria Klagenfurt for the campaign and arrived at the club at the end of his spell in Austria.Despite becoming a fully fledged Premier League football the Scotsman has kept his life humble.The midfielder drives a white Nissan Juke compared to his team-mates’ Mercedes, Bentleys, Ranger Rovers and Porsches. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Athletic have claimed that Irving’s mindset has put him in a good place in the Hammers’ squad.Manager Graham Potter has been impressed with his dedication with it appearing to leave a “lasting impression”.The report has also claimed that Irving is “shrewd with his money” and is already making moves to set up a comfortable life when he hangs up his boots.The report has claimed that he has invested in real estate that will help support his family after retirement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIrving’s unlikely success in East London saw him earn his first start in the Premier League in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Fans have also bought into the player as he was continuously serenaded from the away stand against the Blues.Evan Ferguson completes loan move to West Ham from Brighton Irving had interest last summer to leave West Ham but opted to stay at the club after backing from his partner, Zoe.He revealed that it was her belief in him to succeed at the club that convinced him to stay.Zoe was so confident that she herself got a teaching job in Tower Hamlets.He told club media: “At the end of May, there was a job available at a school in Tower Hamlets and my partner opted to go for the interview, which I was all for.”She had massive belief that I would be staying for this season, but the pressure was on throughout pre-season.”She’s amazing. I’m super proud of her, the way she’s taken to life in London and her job.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo far this season, Irving has made nine appearances in the Premier League and one more in the Carabao Cup.He is contracted to the Hammers until 2026 and if he keeps improving he could be in line for a new deal. More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 24: Morgan Rogers and Liverpool priorities

    LIVERPOOL, Aston Villa and Manchester City are the only three teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 24.Let’s dive straight into transfer recommendations prior to Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.195 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamMorgan Rogers (£3.5m)The Villains’ No27 is comfortably the most popular recruit this week and with good reason.He scored one goal and assisted another against Tottenham last weekend for a return of 14 points, a haul that propelled him up to seventh in the midfield rankings.Factor in his hat-trick against Celtic in Gameweek 21 and Rogers is statistically the game’s most in-form player at this point in time.The silky dribbler will be unleashed upon 19th-placed Ipswich this weekend before a tough game against Liverpool in midweek.However, that meeting with the Reds is essentially a free hit as most other players will have their feet up on Wednesday night.Ollie Watkins (£5.1m) should also be considered a strong option if he shakes off his injury while Jacob Ramsey (£2.7m) is a tempting differential (0.6% ownership) having racked up 35 points across the last three Gameweeks via two goals and two assists.Liverpool StarsStock up on Liverpool players before Friday’s deadlineCredit: ReutersLet’s have it right, Liverpool players should be the top priority for Gameweek 24.The Reds welcome relegation-threatened Wolves to Anfield on Sunday before their trip to Villa Park and, despite recent slip-ups against Plymouth and Everton, they remain the strongest team in the country.Most read in FootballMohamed Salah (£8.2m), Virgil van Dijk (£5m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) and Cody Gakpo (£5.1m) are all among the most selected players in Dream Team and justifiably so.However, Luis Diaz (£3.4m) has underwhelmed of late and it might be worth switching to Alexis Mac Allister (£4.1m) or Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) for your midfield needs.The Colombia international played 180+ minutes in Gameweek 23 and returned just four points.Antoine Semenyo (£3.9m) and/or Justin Kluivert (£3.9m)Cherry pickingCredit: GettyAway from the double headers, Bournemouth’s visit to Southampton is bursting with potential.The Cherries have scored 11 goals in their last four outings while Saints have the worst defensive record in the top flight this season.Midfielders Semenyo and Kluivert have 31 goal involvements between them this term and should enjoy themselves against Ivan Juric’s beleaguered troops.Looking further ahead, Bournemouth have two fixtures in Gameweek 25 (Wolves and Brighton) and an FA Cup tie in Gameweek 26.Ethan Nwaneri (£1.9m)Young GunnerCredit: GettyA rogue option to finish but not one devoid of logic.Many Dream Team bosses will be put off by the idea of backing an attack-minded Arsenal player given their depleted resources at this moment in time.Kai Havertz (£4.7m) has joined Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£3.7m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.1m) on the sidelines but it’s these absentees that make Nwaneri a viable selection.Mikel Arteta has used the 17-year-old sparingly but injuries will surely force his hand for the upcoming fixtures, starting with a trip to 18th-placed Leicester this weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESNwaneri averages a goal every 100 minutes this season and certainly has the talent to take advantage of the Foxes’ leaky defence.The highly-rated teenager appears in 0.9% of teams at the time of writing.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Kai Havertz injury update as Arsenal release statement on crocked star following devastating hamstring tear

    ARSENAL have released a statement with an update on the injury of Kai Havertz.The German forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear.Kai Havert will have to undergo surgery on his injuryCredit: GettyHavertz’s injury happened during the club’s warm-weather training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyHavertz, 25, picked up the injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai and will need to undergo surgery.Arsenal confirmed in a statement that this was the case.It was also revealed that the former Chelsea star will have a recovery programme that will run into the pre-season training for the 2025/26 campaign.It read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.”Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”The long-term injury to Havertz has damaged Arsenal’s title hopes and shone a light on the lack of depth available to Mikel Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club were hotly tipped to sign a new striker in the January transfer window with links to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.However, the North London outfit did not make a move in the market to bolster their attack. Worrying Kai Havertz footage emerges after Arsenal star ruled out for entire season with devastating torn hamstringIt has been speculated that midfielder Mikel Merino could be tried as a makeshift forward.While academy players Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia and Khayon Edwards may enter Arteta’s thinking.Arsenal headed to Dubai for their annual warm-weather training trip last Thursday.Crocked stars Ben White and Bukayo Saka were able to join their team-mates on the training camp, as they both step up their respective injury recoveries. More

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    ‘That’s enough’ – AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question

    AC MILAN boss Sergio Conceicao walked out of his Champions League press conference after just ONE QUESTION.The manager was less than impressed after the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord on Wednesday evening.Sergio Conceicao only answered one question in his post-match press conferenceCredit: Sky SportsHe walked out of the press roomCredit: X @ESPNnlAC Milan were beaten 1-0 by Feyenoord in HollandCredit: GettyThe Italian giants were beaten by their Dutch opposition in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.Igor Paixao netted the only goal of the game within just three minutes and was a constant thorn in the side of Kyle Walker.Milan’s frustrating evening appeared to have got the better of Conceicao as he arrived for his post-match press conference.Reports have claimed that he was left waiting for 15 minutes before being allowed to enter the press room.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s been reported that this was down to a lack of “availability” of the players and staff from Feyenoord.He was asked about expectations from the match, gave his answer and walked out of the room.He said: “We knew what the atmosphere was like, how aggressive they were, we knew it.”Matches definitely become easier if you win duels. We entered the match with a chance for Tijjani Reijnders, then we conceded a goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Well, things happen. It wasn’t a lucky match. We should have done more.”We had the chances to at least equalise.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showKyle Walker struggled throughout the matchCredit: Getty”But that’s enough now, I waited 15 minutes to speak and now I’m leaving.”Walker, who endured a torrid night, also spoke to the press and insisted that the team can recover from the loss.He said: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from it.”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.” More

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    ‘He’d jump at the opportunity’ – Steven Gerrard tipped to become manager of Championship promotion-chasing team

    STEVEN GERRARD would jump at the chance to take over at Blackburn Rovers.That is, according to his former team-mate Danny Murphy.Steven Gerrard has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyDanny Murphy believes Gerrard would jump at the opportunity to manager RoversJohn Eustace sensationally quit Rovers on Thursday to become Derby County’s new manager after the Rams sacked Paul Warne last week.Rovers are fifth in the Championship table and well and in the play-off hunt – but Eustace has departed for a club sitting just outside the second-tier’s relegation zone, separated only by goal difference.Blackburn were stunned to see Eustace – who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago – activate his release clause.Edwood Park chiefs are now chasing a new gaffer as they push for promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd former Liverpool star Murphy believes it would be the perfect job for Gerrard – who departed his role at Al-Ettifaq last month.Speaking to Spin Genie, Murphy said: “I could really see Steven at Blackburn.”I think he would jump at the opportunity if he was offered the job.”It’s a great location in terms of where he is from and they have some good young players and are really pushing in the right direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He might consider what he has learned in Saudi and who is making the decisions at the club.”I’m of the mindset that all managers are improving when they are in roles and he would’ve definitely improved at both Aston Villa and in Saudi.”I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Murphy added that perhaps the Villa job came “too early in his managerial career, even though he started well there”.The former Fulham star said: “He would have learned a lot of lessons from that and with the Blackburn job, I think he’d jump for the opportunity.”But Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Gerrard was odds-on favourite to land the tricky Derby job, before former Rams player Eustace took it.Eustace made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for the Pride Park side and is now tasked with saving his side from relegation.Gerrard, meanwhile, has also been tipped to potentially return to Rangers to replace under-fire Gers boss Philippe Clement – if the Belgian is sacked.John Eustace has left Rovers for Derby CountyThe Anfield icon did bring the Scottish Premiership to the Ibrox during his first managerial stint in 2021.Ex-Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson even claimed Gerrard could sensationally team up with Wayne Rooney in the Rangers dugout.READ MORE SUN STORIESFerguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him.“Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?” More