Philippa Kaur

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    English manager SACKED by EFL club after emergency meeting just TEN MONTHS into reign with side 23rd in League One

    SHREWSBURY TOWN have sacked manager Paul Hurst with the club languishing second bottom of League One.Hurst returned to manage The Shrews for the second time in January 2024 – but sees himself back out the exit door just 10 months later.Paul Hurst has been sacked by Shrewsbury 10 months after his reappointmentIt comes after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013Hurst, 50, had been instrumental in keeping the club in League One last season. But the EFL gaffer has been given his marching orders after a dismal run of two wins in 19 games this season.The brutal decision was made following an emergency board meeting held this morning.The final nail in the coffin came after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the FA Cup first round following a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Salford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last time the club failed to make it past the first round was in 2013.A club statement read: “It is with regret that Shrewsbury Town can confirm we have parted company with head coach Paul Hurst and assistant boss Chris Doig.”We would also like to thank them for the outstanding work they did in their first spell – which saw us reach the play-off final and the final of the EFL Trophy. “It was that success that led to the Chairman taking responsibility for re-hiring Paul and Chris earlier this year. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position. The search for a new head coach is now underway.”Despite saving them last season, Hurst won just six of his 37 games during his charge of his second stint at New Meadow.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!He previously managed the club for 19 months from 2016 to 2018.The former full-back led The Town to the play-off final in 2018, which they ultimately lost to Rotherham.The Englishman left Shrewsbury just three days later to replace Mick McCarthy as boss of Ipswich Town.But Hurst was sacked from the The Tractor Boys after five months in charge, before stints at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.Moreover, the Salop’s remain one of the favourites for the drop this season after finishing 19th last term.Club chiefs are searching for a new manager for the second time this year after Matt Taylor was dismissed in January.Hurst rejoined Shrewsbury when the club was sitting 20th in the table.Salford co-director Roy Keane attended Hurst’s last game in charge More

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    in Motorsport

    Max Verstappen slams ‘BULLS***’ decision amid Brazilian GP qualifying drama in X-rated rant as Norris given title boost

    MAX VERSTAPPEN launched an X-rated rant after a late red flag call saw him knocked of qualifying early in Brazil.The three-time champ finished a disappointing 12th as the heavy rain of Sao Paulo saw FIVE crashes at Interlagos – which is a qualifying record.Max Verstappen has slammed the delayed red flag call during qualifying for the Brazilian GPLance Stroll’s Aston Martin was removed from the track after a late red flagLance Stroll slid into a wall as he attempted a turn during Q2 and a third red flag was shown, albeit after a long 40 second delay.FIA race director Niels Wittich attempted to let those doing a flying lap finish their laps.But during that time Verstappen was bumped into the bottom five and was unable to get another lap in because the session was not resumed, with team-mate Sergio Perez also eliminated in 13th for the same reason.It meant the Dutchman finished 12th, two places behind the top 10 who qualify to make it through to Q3.READ MORE ON F1The reigning F1 world champion and 2024 leader thumped his wheel in anger as his title hopes took a potential dent.Unhappy with Wittich’s call, Verstappen launched into a foul-mouthed rant on the radio to voice his discontent.He raged: “A car hits the wall and it needs to be straight red flag.”I do not understand why it needs to take 30 or 40 seconds for a red flag to come out, it is just bulls****. Most read in MotorsportVerstappen qualified in 12th as five cars crashed during Sao Paulo qualifyingFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Honestly, I will let it go. It is so stupid anyway to talk about, it is ridiculous.”To make matters worse for Verstappen, he will serve a five-place grid penalty after changing his engine for a sixth time this season, to begin in 17th in the Grand Prix.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistMeanwhile, title rival Lando Norris, who is 47 points behind before today’s race, will start at the front after he took pole position.A win will see Norris close the gap on Verstappen, who hasn’t won since June, with four races remaining.The red flag was the third of a hectic session after Carlos Sainz also suffered a crash earlier in Q2.Mercedes’s George Russell makes up the front row and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda finished in a shock third from Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, and Liam Lawson was fifth.Lewis Hamilton was surprisingly eliminated in Q1.But there were big crashes for Williams’ Franco Colapinto, Ferrari’s Sainz, Aston Martin pair Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Alex Albon, who had the worst collision of all, will not start the race due to damage.The fifth red flag equalled the qualifying record from the chaotic scenes at Imola in 2022.Alex Albon wrecked his car to prompt a record fifth red flag in qualifying🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    Moment Ashley Young uses ball to bosh rival on the nose before giving him look of ‘disgust’ as he ‘writhes in agony’

    ASHLEY YOUNG used a ball to bosh Mateus Fernandes on the nose in a hilarious moment. Everton were drawing with Southampton at the time when Young picked up the ball for a throw in. Ashley Young used a ball to bosh Mateus Fernandes on the nose in a hilarious momentCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes was actually booked after the incidentYoung gave Fernandes a look of ‘disgust’Southampton went onto win the matchHe was confronted by Fernandes and the former Manchester United captain responded by knocking the ball onto the Saints star’s nose. Young hilariously watched Fernandes sink to the floor – leaving fans in stitches as the Southampton player writhed in “agony”. One fumed: “So many fully grown men jumping to the ground screaming in “agony” while holding their face in football. “How do they not feel shame?”READ MORE IN footballAnother added: “He’s looking at him with disgust.”One joked: “Games never been so back.”Another said: “Game is 110% back.”Fernandes was actually the one to receive a booking for time wasting after blocking Young’s throw in. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he got the last laugh as Adam Armstrong won the game with five minutes to go. It gave Southampton their first win of the season and put them above rock-bottom Wolves. Everton meanwhile sit in 16th, four points above the drop after just two wins in their opening ten games. ‘Unbelievable s—housery’ – Fans stunned as Bristol City score after outrageous deliberate handball to beat keeper More

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    F1 carnage as qualifying hit by FIVE red flags and Verstappen and Hamilton make history with awful displays in Brazil

    FIVE red flags sparked utter carnage during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix.And Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen created unwanted history in the dramatic session in Sao Paulo that lasted nearly TWO HOURS. Alex Albon wrecked his car to prompt a record fifth red flag in qualifyingCredit: Sky SportsFive drivers ended up in the barriers during the heavy rainCredit: Sky SportsThe stewards and marshals were hard at work to get the qualifying session completedCredit: Sky SportsA frustrated Max Verstappen had to settle for 12th as he was dumped outCredit: GettyHeavy rain in Brazil had seen qualifying postponed to Sunday morning and then Franco Colapinto, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon all crashed out in the wet.And that triggered no fewer than five red flags in the heavily-disrupted qualifying as Lando Norris kept his composure and tyres on the track to claim an unusual pole. But it was bad news for Hamilton and Verstappen.The Brit came P16 in a Q1 that included Colapinto’s exit and was booted out before Verstappen had a flying lap curtailed in Q2 to be dumped out in 12th when Stroll slid off. READ MORE ON F1To make matters worse for Verstappen, he will serve a five-place grid penalty to begin in 17th in the Grand Prix. The reigning F1 world champion and 2024 leader thumped his wheel in anger as his title hopes took a potential dent.Verstappen and Red Bull were particularly aggrieved because the red flags were not waved immediately – and by the time they changed from yellow to red, he did not have time to complete another flying lap. He raged: “A car hits the wall and it needs to be straight red [flag]. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I do not understand why it needs to take 30 or 40 seconds for a red flag to come out, it is just bulls***. “Honestly, I will let it go. It is so stupid anyway to talk about, it is ridiculous.”Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistAnd that meant neither Hamilton and Verstappen made it to Q3 in a qualifying they have both taken part in for the first time ever. Stroll, however, did book his place in Q3 thanks to his best time before his crash. However, he could not take part – and Alonso then sparked a fourth red flag early in Q3, leaving just eight drivers remaining. But then Albon – sitting in provisional second – did not make it around the first turn upon the restart before a thunderous smash into the barriers to stop the session once again with three minutes 31 seconds remaining. 🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Thankfully Albon immediately told his team he was okay after the heavy collision which mangled his motor and left his Williams team with a huge repair job if they are going to get the car ready for the race later on. The fifth red flag equalled the qualifying record from the chaotic scenes at Imola in 2022. And at the end of the hectic qualifying which ended with just seven drivers, Norris navigated the Interlagos circuit successfully and ensured he will start today’s Grand Prix at the front of the pack. That could have huge ramifications on the 2024 drivers’ title race with Norris desperate to catch Verstappen. The McLaren man – who won Saturday’s sprint race – knows victory in Brazil would close the 47-point gap currently between him and the man going for a fourth drivers’ title in a row. READ MORE SUN STORIESGeorge Russell took P2 as the track eventually started to dry out by the end while Yuk Tsunoda claimed third.But Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri locked up on his final flying lap and had to settle for eighth. Lewis Hamilton failed to make it through Q1Credit: GettyCarlos Sainz was unable to cope with the wet conditionsCredit: GettyFranco Colapinto was the first of the drivers to crashCredit: EPAThe delay to the red flag after Lance Stroll crashed angered VerstappenCredit: Sky SportsThe JCBs were out in force on a chaotic Sunday morningCredit: AFPSainz had his Ferrari collected by the cherry pickerCredit: AFPLando Norris kept his composure in amongst the chaosCredit: GettyThe McLaren man beat George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda to poleCredit: Getty More

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    Nottingham Forest star ready to snub Leeds interest to seal permanent transfer to the MLS with LAFC

    LEWIS O’BRIEN looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new year — despite a handful of English sides wanting him back home.The midfielder, 26, has a fixed price of £7million agreed with current club Nottingham Forest when his loan spell in Los Angeles ends in January.Lewis O’Brien looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new yearCredit: GettyLAFC expect the move to go through although some Championship clubs are making background inquiries.Leeds and Hull have been checking on his availability but O’Brien is settled in the States and enjoying his time on and off the pitch.The midfielder has made nine appearances Stateside this year and impressed during his time away. O’Brien even revealed family and friends are getting up at all hours to watch his games. READ MORE FOOTBALLHe said: “Some of my friends and family are definitely waking up at 3-4 o’clock in the morning to watch the games, [which] is a tough thing to do when you’ve got to work a job the next day. “But there’s definitely people tuning in.”But O’Brien has also had to play on artificial turfs like in Vancouver – a stark difference to pitches in the UK.He said: “It takes the body quite a while to adjust to the turf, but that’s after the game, so during it’s not really that much of a problem. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It probably took me an extra few days to recover from the game. “But if we can do the job when we get there, we won’t have to see the AstroTurf again.”Watch moment raging Lionel Messi ‘calls referee -mean-spirited son of a b****’ in furious rant after Inter Miami draw More

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    ‘He can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres’ – Amorim backed for Man Utd success by boss who managed him as player

    QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES has tipped Ruben Amorim to be a hit at Manchester United — because he knows what buttons to push with the modern-day footballer.The  Portuguese, 39, is tasked with reviving sacked manager Erik ten Hag’s squad when he leaves Sporting Lisbon to start work at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon for Man UtdCredit: PARasmus Hojlund’s future will be in doubtCredit: RexSpaniard Sanchez Flores managed Amorim when he played for Benfica in 2008-09.The ex-Watford chief said: “I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates.“The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.READ MORE MAN UTD“But, more importantly, he understands the mentality of the players in this new generation.”Asked whether Amorim can turn United’s hit-and-miss £64million striker Rasmus Hojlund into a deadly finisher like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with 59 goals in 65 outings for the club,  Sanchez Flores quoted Rudyard Kipling.He said: “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves. He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance.“And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”Most read in FootballThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIncredibly, Amorim kick-started his football career by playing in a trial at Portuguese club Belenenses with a BROKEN ARM!His childhood friend Bruno Simao told the BBC: “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim“Ruben replied, ‘I cannot play, I broke my arm’. I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you’. “Ruben was centre-back and the coaches told the players, ‘Take care of him because of his arm’.“That was the start of his playing career.”Antonio Veloso, a professor at the University of Lisbon where Amorim studied a degree in high performance coaching, added: “Ruben had a tremendous tactical knowledge and understanding of what coaching was about.”Amorim could swoop for Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty More

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    F1 Sao Paolo Grand Prix UK start time: Why has the race and qualifying been moved?

    FORUMLA ONE is back later today with the Sao Paolo Grand Prix but under different circumstances than you might have expected.Both qualifying AND the race will take place within hours of each other at Interlagos later today.The safety car was out more than once during Saturday’s F1 Sprint qualifyingCredit: EPAThe wet conditions proved difficult for race teams to contend withCredit: APOn Saturday, McLaren’s Lando Norris won the Sprint race ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri, who was told to let the Brit pass on team orders.Championship standings leader Max Verstappen originally finished third but was given a five-second penalty and dropped to fourth, with Norris now three points closer to the Dutchman.Why has the race and qualifying been moved?Qualifying was moved from Saturday at 6pm GMT to today at 10.30am GMT because of heavy rain.The race itself has been moved forward 90 minutes from 5pm GMT today to 3.30pm GMT because of more wet weather being forecast later on.The switch is unprecedented.The reason for the early qualifying start time (7.30am local) is because F1 rules mandate that there has to be at least four hours between qualifying and the start of the race.The FIA and Formula One released a joint statement on Saturday after numerous delays.“The decision was taken not to proceed with qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light,” the statement read.Most read in Motorsport“Safety is always the paramount consideration in such circumstances and, while as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve, they sadly did not.”Lewis Hamilton insisted that he wanted to go out and race in the wet conditions but called for F1 to produce better wet tyres for the drivers.“I want to go out. If you give us better wet tyres we’d be able to go out in this,” he told F1 president Stefano Domenicali.Ferrari star Carlos Sainz described Saturday’s racing conditions as ‘impossible’.Verstappen still leads the standings this year but Lando Norris is now just 44 points behind him and will be desperate to reduce that deficit further today. More

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    Mary Phillip reflects on hall of fame tribute and Peckham Town’s battle for floodlights and promotion 

    MARY PHILLIP is used to blazing a trail of football firsts having done so in the past with England.The former Lioness and Arsenal centre-back’s achievements led to her entry into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.Mary Phillip hopes her football journey will inspire more girls to take up the sportCredit: National Football MuseumPhillips was capped 65 times during an England career that included her becoming the first Black player to skipper the Lionesses’ senior teamCredit: AlamyPhillips, who is the manager of non-league men’s side Peckham Town FC, hopes to see more women get into coachingCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskNow the first Black player to ever captain a senior Lionesses side wants to fulfil an ambition held by a London-based non-league men’s side. That is having floodlights installed on the Dulwich Common pitch used by Peckham Town FC, a team Phillip, 47, has managed since 2019.The challenge that has seen them miss out on promotion from the division they compete in within step seven of the National League system. It is one Phillip hopes the club can overcome by gaining permission from Southwark Council to have the lights installed. Read More Football StoriesPhillip said: “For the past eight years we’ve been denied going up because we don’t have the floodlights available within our area. “Putting floodlights up at the common would be fantastic for the club. “And not just the club but the community as a whole. “To have lights that would just shine on the football pitch we use and not affect the houses around us, would be key going forward. Most read in Football”If we can get permission to do that and finish within the top five of our league and apply for promotion, that would be amazing. “Hopefully, within the next five years we can get this in place and push ourselves up the league.”Four years ago, Peckham-born Phillip became the first female manager to steer a men’s side to cup success in England, taking Peckham Town to a London FA Senior Cup triumph.During her 19-year club career which started at Millwall Lionesses aged 12 before she joined Fulham as a pro in 2000, she won 19 major trophies and three Community Shields. When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of thatMary PhillipSome of Phillip’s biggest successes were with Arsenal, where she played from 2004-2008 making 135 appearances.The mum-of-four and grandmother helped them make history in 2007 when they became the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League trophy under Vic Akers. Phillip, who earned 65 England caps, adds: “As a young girl, I didn’t see that many women playing football. “When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of that. “She can imagine, ‘I can do this. It’s in my blood’. It’s important for people to see that and think they can do this.Phillip competed in England’s first Fifa Women’s World Cup 29 years ago And in 2007 she helped a side then managed by Hope Powell to reach the tournament’s last eight.It’s among the many successes that has seen her join Powell in being celebrated by the National Football Museum. She received: “I was looking (at the message) I received which mentioned the Hall of Fame, and then it dawned on me that it’s the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing because so many players have been put in there. “To be a part of this with people like Hope is a great achievement and I’m proud.”Phillip’s induction took place four days after the Government’s relaunch of the Football Governance Bill.The amended Bill includes a push for clubs to provide better transparency around their efforts to meet equality, diversity and inclusion standards. Phillip hopes this is something that will lead to more women building careers in the game including coaching. She adds: “If it’s on equal terms, it’s then for someone to be open enough to say, ‘this woman has the exact same qualities and qualifications, I’m going to go for her and see how it works out’. “I’ve been given that opportunity at Peckham Town. Bryan Hall (the club’s founder) said he wanted a coach in. “He let me come in and do my (Uefa) A licence with the boys there.”He could see that it was working and the guys were relating pretty well to it.“To have someone willing to give me that opportunity was a key factor for me.”Back when Phillip was part of an England squad that competed in the Women’s World Cup in 1995, five of their players were of Black and mixed raced heritage. The former centre-back hopes to see more talents from minority ethnic backgrounds breaking into the Lionesses side with just two –  Lauren James and Jess Carter – playing at last summer’s World Cup. Phillip said: “When I was playing for England the team had broader diversity. Phillip hopes to see more talented Black players, like Tottenham’s Jess Naz, break into England’s senior sideCredit: PA”At the senior England level the manager is mostly going to look at players in the WSL and other top-flights. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So unless you get more homegrown players (from minority ethnic backgrounds) coming through in the WSL and other top leagues, you are not going to see that representation in the senior team. “But there has been a little shift in there and it’s slowly changing.” More