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    ‘We have to move’ – Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms

    OXFORD UNITED’s chief executive Tim Williams has warned the club is in danger of being homeless after plans stalled for a new ground.The Championship side’s lease on the Kassam Stadium expires in June 2026. Oxford United are hoping to move away from the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe club have submitted plans for a new 16,000-seater groundCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford UnitedOxford were promoted to the second tier last season for the first time since 1999.The U’s have more than held their own this term and currently sit 19th, two points above the drop zone.CEO Williams admits the club are currently in limbo in regards to a new home – and will soon need to inform the EFL where they intend to play from next summer. Oxford have submitted plans for a new 16,000-seater stadium to Cherwell District Council.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA decision on the plot, located just outside the city, was delayed in February as the council requested more time to review the application.Williams told The Dub podcast: “There is nothing more important – and I mean literally nothing more important. “We don’t have a stadium to be in if this doesn’t work out. “I don’t particularly like binary decisions. But this really is that binary.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We are in a position where we have to move. This actually isn’t now about moving into a stadium that will allow us to generate more revenue. This is about getting into a stadium.”Fundamentally, if we don’t have a stadium, we don’t have a football club. It’s appallingly as binary as that.” ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunderWilliams added that extending the club’s licence at the Kassam was his favoured option in the short term.And he was also keen to avoid any possibility of a groundshare. He continued: “I think for everybody involved, none more so than fans and supporters, the path of least resistance would be to see if we can stay where we are for the couple of years that we need to.”I don’t particularly want to groundshare anywhere, that’s not a particularly good option – that’s an understatement.”So, for me, the most attractive option is to stay where we are, assuming that we can.”Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds last month claimed the club should be allowed to move.The club are now awaiting a decision from the council, which is expected in June at the earliest. More

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    Score Predictor Tips for Matchweek 26 – stats and facts for all five fixtures

    THE winner of Score Predictor Matchweek 26 will bank £250 in cold, hard cash.Well, it’ll actually be a bank transfer but that doesn’t sound as good even though it’s far more convenient.Play Score Predictor now ahead of Matchweek 26Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions…Brentford v ChelseaScore Predictor users would probably be wise to wait until after the Blues have faced Spurs before submitting a prediction for their Sunday fixture but we can analyse other factors in the meantime.Enzo Maresca’s side won the reverse fixture 2-1 back in December but the Bees have generally been a bogey team in recent years.In fact, Chelsea haven’t won at the Gtech Stadium since 2021.That being said, Brentford’s home form has taken a dramatic dive of late with only Southampton and Leicester having earned fewer points in front of their own fans across the last six fixtures.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawMost read in FootballCole Palmer has been passed fitCredit: GettyFulham v LiverpoolWith no other commitments for the remainder of the season, the Reds can solely focus on their march to Premier League glory.Victory in Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby maintained their 12-point lead at the top of the table and it’s really just a matter of when their triumph is officially confirmed from this point onwards.Impressively, Liverpool are the only team yet to lose a league game away from home this season.As for the Cottagers, it’s been a case of one-on-one-off lately with three wins and three defeats in their last six league outings.They were beaten by Arsenal in midweek and while they played very well at Anfield earlier in the campaign, the smart money has to be on the visitors.Fulham have performed well this season but have won just six of their 15 league games at Craven Cottage.Our Prediction: 2-1 to LiverpoolLiverpool are cruising towards the titleCredit: PATottenham v SouthamptonAnge Postecoglou’s troops play at Stamford Bridge tonight and the Australian tactician will already have one eye on the Europa League quarter-finals.There is a risk Spurs take a home game against Saints for granted; let’s not forget both Ipswich and Leicester won in North London this season.On Wednesday night, it looked for all the world that Southampton were going to claim a rare victory over an in-form Crystal Palace side but Matheus Franca’s stoppage-time equaliser denied the St Mary’s faithful that joy.There aren’t many Spurs fans who would be surprised if they were to drop points on Sunday but Score Predictor users will find it hard to commit to anything other than a home win of some variety given Southampton have just ten points to their name at this late stage of the campaign.Our Prediction: 2-0 to SpursSpurs are predictably unpredictableCredit: GettyManchester United v Manchester CityLate goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo meant the Red Devils pulled off a classic smash and grab in December’s Manchester derby at the Etihad but will lightning strike twice?Pep Guardiola’s side have failed to win half their league games this season – something almost inconceivable in years gone by – but still they remain 14 points and nine places above their neighbours in the table.In truth, United have nothing to play for in the league except pride with the Europa League being their last trophy hope but motivation shouldn’t be a problem on derby day.In his limited meetings with Guardiola to date, Ruben Amorim has got the upper hand but his side will start as underdogs this weekend.Erling Haaland will be missing for the visitors but Omar Marmoush has hit the ground running since his Janaury transfer from Frankfurt.A difficult one to predict with both teams below par in 2024/25.Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man CityMarmoush will lead the line while Haaland is sidelinedCredit: RexLeicester v NewcastleThe Foxes slipped to 19th in midweek and are currently the most out-of-form side in the top flight having lost seven in a row without scoring a single goal in response.The harsh reality is that Leicester are sinking closer and closer to Southampton with each passing game.It’s difficult to envision anything other than more misery for Ruud van Nistelrooy on Monday night when Alexander Isak and friends come to town.Buoyed by their Carabao Cup triumph, the Magpies are now targeting Champions League qualification with a game in hand over fourth-placed Man City and just one point to make up.There’s a perception that Newcastle are far stronger at St James’ Park but Eddie Howe’s side rank fourth for points earned on the road this season.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 3-0 to NewcastleProve you know better by entering your predictions for Matchweek 26 now!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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    James Tarkowski SHOULD have been sent off for horror lunge vs Liverpool say PGMOL but won’t face any punishment

    PGMOL bosses admit James Tarkowski should have been sent off in the Merseyside derby.Everton defender Tarkowski only saw yellow for a horrible tackle on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Alister as he cleared the ball on the edge of his own box in the first half of the Anfield clash.James Tarkowski avoided a red card for this tackle on Alexis Mac AllisterWhile former England defender Tarkowski clearly played the ball first, his out of control follow through saw him clatter into the Argentine midfielder‘s calf.Referee Sam Barrott judged it to be a “reckless” challenge and worthy of only a booking.But PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitch side monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.The Everton defender apologised to Mac Allister after the final whistle and the pair appeared to kiss and make up.But commentators, pundits and former refs unanimously agreed Tarkowski should have saw red.Gary Neville suggested he was “lucky” not to be sent off and ex-Prem official Mike Dean confirmed his view.Dean said: “The follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his leg planted, luckily enough.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But it’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through… it’s a terrible challenge.”For me he (Barrott) should have gone to the screen, should have sent Tarkowski off – 100 per cent.” Fury as James Tarkowski escapes red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister just minutes into Merseyside derbyAt half-time, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of Barrott: “He’s in a great position, he has to see that.”Carragher then added: “For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.” More

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    UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

    THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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    What James Tarkowski did at full-time spotted after avoiding red card for horror lunge in Liverpool vs Everton clash

    JAMES TARKOWSKI was lucky to avoid a red card in the Merseyside derby but he produced a touching gesture at full-time.The Everton defender caught Alexis Mac Allister high on his leg with a risky follow-through after making a tackle.James Tarkowski appeared to say sorry to Alexis Mac Allister at full-timeCredit: X @SkySportsPLMac Allister seemed to accept the apologyCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe Everton defender caught Mac Allister with a dangerous follow throughTarkowski initially won the ball but the aggressive nature of his tackle posed a danger to his opponent.He was booked and VAR did not deem the challenge worthy of serious foul play – a red card offence – but the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe he should have been dismissed.PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the centre-back realised the serious nature of his tackle and after the final whistle he spoke to Mac Allister.The Everton ace appeared to issue an apology to the Argentine and at the end of their discussion Mac Allister appeared to forgive him.Some fans appreciated the gesture but not everyone responded compassionately.One supporter reacted saying: “Touch of class.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Even he knew it was a red.”A third wrote: “So even he knows he’s a very lucky boy!”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntAnd another commented: “Fair play. Both players classy here.” More

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    Fate of West Ham chair David Gold’s nine-figure estate revealed in will – and who will inherit huge stake in club

    FORMER West Ham chairman David Gold’s enormous will has been revealed.Probate has now been granted to his daughter Vanessa Young to administer the estate of the ex Hammers’ joint owner – which totalled more than £137million.Former West Ham co-owner David Gold died in January 2023Credit: SWNSA tribute to Mr Gold displayed at West Ham’s London StadiumCredit: GettyPallbearers carry Mr Gold’s coffin at his funeralCredit: Louis WoodMr Gold was initially thought to have died “intestate” in January 2023 with no instructions on how his fortune should be split.But fresh documents now reveal a will was actually made in August 2021 outlining his final wishes.The will includes details of how to deal with his family’s trust fund – and the right to sell his stake in West Ham United if “appropriate”.It gave a gross value of his estate in the UK as £137,241,336 – with a net value of £127,529,095.Daughter Vanessa was named as the executor and trustee.And the will also stated those in charge of his estate could “sell all or any” of its assets they deem “appropriate” – including his 25.1 per cent stake in Premier League club West Ham.In a document published last week, the grant of probate outlined: “The last will and testament of David Gold is proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.”The Administration of David Gold’s estate is granted by this court to the following Executor – Vanessa Julia Young.”Most read in FootballMr Gold’s other daughter Jacqueline Gold died in March 2023 after a seven year battle with breast cancer – leaving Vanessa as the sole administrator of his fortune.In his will, Mr Gold wrote: “I appoint my daughters JACQUELINE GOLD (Jacqueline) VANESSA JULIA YOUNG (Vanessa) to be the executors and trustees of this Will.David Gold dead at 86 West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness”I give my trustees all my personal possessions with a request to distribute them according to the latest wishes I have expressed in any note left with my papers at my death.”Beneficies of the trust listed on his will included his two daughters, his two son-in-laws, a granddaughter and his partner.Mr Gold also left a series of legacies free of inheritance tax including £100,000 to his sister Marie Mould, £50,000 each to two named individuals, and £25,000 each to two others.Some of the awards were conditional on the benefactors remaining as employees at the time of his death.Mr Gold also outlined in his will that his trustees must hold his estate on trust.He added: “They may sell all or any of the assets in my estate as they consider appropriate.”Before the will was discovered, a letter of administration was granted by the High Court of Justice to Vanessa.Read More on The SunIt added that the “Ad Colligenda Bona grant” is “limited for the purposes only of collecting in and receiving the estate and doing such acts as may be necessary to preserve and protect the shareholdings of the deceased in WH Holdings Ltd, GGIH Holdings lTD and Goddington Manor Management Ltd, to include for the avoidance of doubt the right to sell the said shares and to sell (his main home) and until further representation be granted.”The application has stated the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £130M and the net value amounts to £125M.”Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father Mr GoldCredit: AlamyDavid Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

    FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

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    ‘If he manages it, there will be a statue’ – Ange Postecoglou told what it takes to become Tottenham legend this season

    TIM SHERWOOD believes that Tottenham will stick with under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.And the former Spurs boss, 56, reckons that a statue will be built of the Aussie if he can turn things around.Ange Postecoglou has come under intense pressure at TottenhamCredit: GettyTim Sherwood managed Spurs during the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersIt has been suggested that Postecoglou’s future may hinge on Tottenham’s Europa League fate, with the Lilywhites set to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next week.Speaking exclusively to SunSport, via OLBG, Sherwood said of his former club: “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on everyone involved if they don’t win the Europa League, but that’s part and parcel of managing at a big club.”If you don’t get success, there is a chance that there might be a change. But genuinely, I don’t believe Daniel (Levy) wants to do it (sack Postecoglou), and I don’t think he will.”I would like to see Postecoglou stay at the club and get some more players in.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM”I think he needs help in the transfer market, in recruitment. I think Daniel spends the money, but I think what they’re spending it on has not been fantastic.”Sherwood still reckons that there could be a STATUE of Postecoglou erected in North London, should Spurs win the Europa League.He added: “They were winning football matches and everyone was really encouraged going into this season and they did get crippled with a bad injury list, but they would like to have done better.”But I still believe they can win the Europa League. They can win it and they can go to the Champions League next season on the back of it and there will be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if he manages it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHow a statue of Ange Postecoglou could look outside Tottenham Hotspur StadiumPostecoglou himself has admitted that he may end up managing somewhere else next season.He said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham “And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”‘I DON’T THINK HE’LL SACK HIM’With Spurs going into tonight’s clash with Chelsea languishing in the bottom half, patience appears to be wearing thin – with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola a contender to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season.But Sherwood would like to see his old side give Postecoglou a third campaign – and doesn’t believe that Daniel Levy, who sacked him in 2014 after coming sixth, will pull the trigger.The former England international said: “I don’t think Daniel Levy wants to sack Ange Postecoglou and I don’t think he will sack him.Read More on The Sun”I really don’t. I just think he appreciates what he’s brought to the club since last season.”I think he realises that it’s been a difficult year but there have been mitigating circumstances to why they haven’t picked up the results, but I would still say he thinks they should’ve done a bit better.”Sherwood, 56, knows what it’s like to work with Daniel LevyCredit: PA:Empics Sport More