Philippa Kaur

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    Ian Holloway lands first manager job in football in four years as he is named boss of EFL club

    IAN HOLLOWAY has been appointed manager of EFL side Swindon Town.The League Two strugglers parted company with Mark Kennedy following their underwhelming start to the season.Ian Holloway has been appointed Swindon managerCredit: PAThey have wasted little time in appointing his successor with Holloway confirmed just hours after his sacking.Holloway, 61, has signed a deal until the end of the season.He said on joining The Robins: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Holloway has not managed since he was sacked by Grimsby four years ago after winning just 11 out of 38 games in charge.He is just 11 games away from 1000 matches managed in a managerial career that has seen him win promotion three times.Holloway’s first taste of success came at QPR when he won promotion to the Championship in 2004.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then twice one promotion to the Premier League, first with Blackpool in 2010 and again three years later with Crystal Palace – both of which came via the play-offs.Swindon will hope Holloway can add a bit of inspiration immediately as they have just two wins from 13 games and sit three points above the relegation zone.Worthing FC owner George Dowell describes club’s ambition to reach EFL for first time More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas denies role in £600k Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot

    A FORMER Arsenal star has denied being behind a £600,000 Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was detained by National Crime Agency officers after the haul of cannabis was seized.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has appeared in courtCredit: GettyHe was allegedly behind a plot to smuggle cannabis into the UKCredit: National Crime AgencyEmmanuel-Thomas appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court todayCredit: PAThe former Arsenal star appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today charged with importing Class B drugs.He denied the charge and was remanded into custody ahead of a provisional trial in May next year.The maximum sentence for cannabis importation in the UK is up to 14 years in prison.Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested in Inverclyde, Scotland, last month.Read more newsHis contract with Scottish Championship team Greenock Morton was later “terminated with immediate effect”.The NCA said the drugs were seized at Stansted Airport on September 2, with two women arrested and charged.Border Force officers allegedly found 60kg of cannabis in two suitcases which that arrived on a flight from Bangkok.Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge today.Most read in FootballThey were bailed ahead of a hearing scheduled for all three defendants on January 6.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airportHe began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.NCA senior investigating officer David Phillips said: “The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organisers.”We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.”Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested last monthCredit: InstagramHis contract at Greenock Morton has been terminatedCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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    Fans fear Man Utd star Amad Diallo ‘will leave’ after spotting his touchline reaction against Fenerbahce

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are fearful that Amad Diallo might walk away from Old Trafford for good.The tricky winger was spotted looking rather bleak on the touchline before being subbed on in the 89th minute for Antony, who left Fenerbahce’s stadium in a boot.Amad looked visibly disappointed as Ruud van Nistelrooy attempted to encourage him on the touchlineAntony was only on the pitch for 16 minutes before being stretchered offThe optics before Amad’s brief cameo have left United fans stressing after Erik ten Hag was held to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.In fact, it looked as though assistant coaches Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson all tried to cheer a glum Amad on.But the Ivory Coast international, who had his head down before coming on, looked as though he wasn’t having any of it. Ten Hag threw on Antony for Marcus Rashford first before eventually turning to Amad after the Brazilian picked up an injury inside 87 minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutchman had raised eyebrows before the game when he announced that fullback Noussair Mazraoui would play in the No10 role for the suspended Bruno Fernandes.Before kick off one fan wrote: “If the rumours are true and Ten Hag is playing Mazraoui as a 10 instead of Amad, I’m actually going to lose it.”But Amad made a quick impact, bringing down Mazraoui’s cross-field pass brilliantly to soar past Mert Muldur within seconds of coming on.According to The Athletic, that single attacking action left Fenerbahce staff stunned as to why Amad wasn’t introduced earlier in the match.Most read in FootballThe winger made an instant impact after coming on in the 89th minuteFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag said: “Away from Europe to start with four attackers is too much. I made Mazraoui a full-back.“He was always a number 10. I knew he could fill in with that role, he had a big role in the goal.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)”You can always move him back. Antony is training very good. Amad had some good actions.”Ten Hag added: “Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training. “He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right thing to do was bring him on to decide the game.”But United fans were left confused and reeling after the manager’s explanation – with many fearing Amad will seek opportunities elsewhere.One wrote: “He will leave. And he’s not wrong for that.”A second said: “Can United really expect Amad to stay when Ten Hag is so hot and cold with him?”A third replied: “I can’t understand why he’s been dropped???”While a more direct fan wrote: “Amad is suffering what Sancho suffered in the hand of Ten Hag, because of Antony.”Amad took to X and sent out a heartfelt message after his mere five minutes against Fenerbahce.The 22-year-old wrote: “Fans. Thanks for the support”, adding a series of different emojis to his tweet.He previously was shipped out on loan to Rangers and Sunderland and was limited to nine Prem appearances last season.Amad was Man Utd’s Player of the Month for August, but he’s made just one start, against Crystal Palace, in the last five games .He was left as an unused substitute for United’s last two Premier League matches against Brentford and Aston Villa.READ MORE SUN STORIESFenerbahce marked Amad’s first minutes since United’s 3-3 draw with Porto earlier in the month.The winger has been unable to re-establish himself in the XI after starting United’s first two games of the season and scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton.Amad thanked fans in the stadium and on social media after his brief cameoMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 9: Dare you back Phil Foden over Erling Haaland?

    IT’S that time of the week again.Ahead of a rare Friday deadline (6:30pm today!) Dream Team managers are once again mulling over captaincy options for the Gameweek ahead.Phil Foden is among the captaincy candidatesCredit: Dream TeamImmediately, Manchester City’s home game against Southampton leaps out of the schedule.A trip to Pep Guardiola’s lair is an unenviable task for any side let alone one that has lost seven of their eight league games since promotion.Naturally, Erling Haaland (£8.9m) is the first name that comes to mind as Dream Team’s leading point scorer (132) and top goalscorer (13 in all competitions).It would be remiss not to mention that the Norwegian poacher has failed to score in his last three league outings but an impressive brace against Sparta Prague in midweek meant he reclaimed top spot in the rankings.The safe choiceCredit: GettyHaaland is the most logical captain for Gameweek 9 but some gaffers may be tempted to go against the grain and back Phil Foden (£5.9m) instead.Saturday’s fixture at the Etihad is such a mismatch on paper it’s likely several City assets will take advantage of the visitors’ fragile defence.Haaland is the primary goal threat, which obviously counts for a lot, but a player of Foden’s profile is more likely to run the game, opening up other avenues to points.The England international was among the most prolific bonus point collectors last season, which was a key reason he ended the campaign atop the rankings.Most read in FootballScore 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 NOWThe 24-year-old has been eased in this season but is seemingly up to speed after a 17-point haul in Gameweek 8.With Kevin De Bruyne (£6.3m), Jeremy Doku (£4.3m) and Jack Grealish (£3.5m) all said to be sidelined with injury for the upcoming Gameweek, Foden should get plenty of minutes – City will also face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.A consistently brilliant performerCredit: PAMohamed Salah (£7.4m) is always worth a mention in the captaincy conversation.Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday before an away day to Brighton in the cup on Wednesday night.That’s a relatively tricky double header all things considered but the Reds’ Egyptian superstar is one of those rare talents who is essentially immune to the schedule, as evidenced by his 21-point haul in Gameweek 8 at the expense of Chelsea and RB Leipzig.Elsewhere, Cole Palmer (£6.5m) is among the most-popular captains ahead of the Gameweek 9 deadline.Chelsea are due to play Newcastle twice in the space of four days and given the Magpies are without a win in their last four outings, it may well be the case that the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year cashes in.However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Enzo Maresca rotated his sizeable squad in midweek, as he has done in the Conference League this season.The bold choiceCredit: GettyDream Team bosses keen on a genuine left-field skipper might be tempted by Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m).Brentford’s double header of Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday is hugely appealing on paper.Again, the Cameroon international isn’t guaranteed substantial minutes in midweek but as the joint-top goalscorer among midfield assets, his backers will be hopeful of a prosperous Gameweek even if he’s limited to just one fixture.READ MORE SUN STORIESMbeumo averages 8.7 points-per-game in 2024/25.Don’t get caught out by Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – make sure you select your captain in time!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Premier League club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre

    IPSWICH TOWN’s stunning redevelopment plans for Portman Road have taken a huge leap forward.The Premier League club are planning to modernise the iconic Cobbold Stand.The Cobbold Stand is set to be redevelopedCredit: RexIpswich have bought land behind the ground ahead of plans to transform the areaCredit: BBCA stunning new hotel and aquatics centre will be builtCredit: BBCThe project has been dubbed a ‘masterplan’Credit: BBCAnd the improvements are now set to be given the green light after the Tractor Boys struck an “in-principle agreement” to buy land adjacent to their ground.Ipswich Borough Council said specific terms are “yet to be finalised” but the club is set to buy part of the New Portman Road car park that backs onto the Cobbold Stand.Back in March, the local authority unveiled a “masterplan” to regenerate the area.In a statement they said: “It features plans for an aquatics centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club’s development and expansion.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe current Crown Pools will be replaced by a state-of-the-art facility and gym, while a seven-story car park comes in for the current 500 spaces.Incredible computer generated images show what the area might look like in the future.The council labelled it an “exciting project and partnership”.But they have admitted the plans for a new and improved aquatics centre are “ambitious”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Cobbold Stand, which was constructed in 1971, is the oldest at the stadium and is where away fans are positioned.Ipswich chief Mark Ashton previously said they will lose 4,000 of the 30,000 capacity for 18 months during the rebuild.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueKieran McKenna’s side currently sit 17th in the Premier League are still waiting for their first win.Portman Road will be at a reduced capacity during the building worksCredit: RexWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Georgina Rodriguez hospitalised for four days with pneumonia as Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner releases health update

    GEORGINA Rodriguez has revealed she spent for four days in hospital with pneumonia as she shared a health update with fans.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, 30, thanked hospital staff for taking care of her after being discharged.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez has spent four days in hospitalCredit: Instagram @georginagioGeorgina, 30, posted this update on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @georginagioPosting to her Instagram story, Georgina revealed she had been treated at Saudi German Hospital in Riyadh.She also showed off a bouquet of flowers and a get well soon card.Updating fans, she wrote: “Finally back home!”I spent 4 days at the hospital with pneumonia, I’m better now but still recovering at home with my family.READ MORE ON RONALDO”I have to say a big THANK YOU to all the staff members, doctors, nurses and everyone at the hospital…”They took care of me wonderfully and I’m so grateful for that.”Thank you all for such a great stay.”During Georgina’s illness, Ronaldo played two games with Saudi side Al-Nassr.Most read in FootballThe 39-year-old was in action last Friday, scoring in a 2-1 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Shabab.He then had to travel to Dubai to face Iranian side Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League – playing the full 90 minutes as his side won 1-0 courtesy of Aymeric Laporte’s late goal.Inside the story of how Georgina Rodriguez went from shop assistant to a millionaire with a media empireRonaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 after they met while she was working in a Gucci store in Madrid.The couple have six children, three of whom Ronaldo had through surrogacy before meeting Georgina, who is the mother to the younger three.The couple have lived in Madrid, Turin during Ronaldo’s time at Juventus, Manchester and then most recently Saudi Arabia.Ronaldo was recently back in Europe for international duty.He was on the scoresheet as Portugal won 3-1 in Poland earlier this month.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner then played what could be the final match of his career on British soil as Portugal battled Scotland at Hampden Park.Steve Clarke’s men earned a 0-0 draw in Glasgow, with Ronaldo furious upon the final whistle.Georgina, 30, is recovering from pneumoniaCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi with 52 goals and 60 assists in 40 games

    CHELSEA have splashed the cash on wonderkids over the last few transfer windows – but their biggest star could already be at the club.Meet 15-year-old Ibrahim Rabbaj, whose diminutive dribbles and wand of a left foot have him compared to Lionel Messi.Ibrahim Rabbaj is England and Chelsea’s future starCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcThe youngster has been tearing up youth-team football with his unstoppable dribbling and clinical left footCredit: GettyRabbaj with ex-Chelsea star and fellow Moroccan Hakim ZiyechCredit: @ibz_cfcThe youngster has scored a sensational 52 goals in 40 games.Add a whopping 60 assists to those stats and it is clear to see why he has been called up to the England Under-16s squad, with him also eligible for Morroco.PLAYING STYLEAlready there have been numerous comparisons to Messi. Not just the hair either which is cut into that distinctive bob-style like Leo.Being mentioned in the same breath as arguably the greatest player of all time piles on the pressure of expectation and prompts opponents to kick lumps out of you.READ MORE ON BOY WONDERSHe is diminutive and operates in the middle or outside on the right. Rabbaj loves creating, passing, making things happen and scoring. He is excellent at one on ones and his preferred job is to cut in from the right side, onto his left foot and find the opposite bottom corner of the net. Dare we say it, but a bit like Cole Palmer and former Chelsea great Arjen Robben.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite being on the small side, Ibrahim uses his body strength well playing for Chelsea and England Under-16s. He has been in every international camp for the past year.RISE TO THE TOPOne of six kids in his family and raised in Ashford, Kent, he was picked up by Charlton aged seven and went to pre-academy. Their South London neighbours, Crystal Palace then swooped for him and he was there until aged around 12.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsHe came to the attention of Chelsea during Covid but was still signed by The Blues because they felt a duty to give the young lad a sense of belonging, even though with the pandemic in full swing, there was not even any training to be done.His dad is Moroccan and he could play for them but so far has represented England. Ironically, even scoring one of his best goals to date against his ancestral homeland.Rabbaj is at Chelsea full-time now, including for his schooling and lives with eight other boys with a host family. GCSEs beckon next summer.EXPERTS’ VIEWHe has played for Chelsea U17s in pre-season during mixed age group games. A ‘classic no.10’, it will be interesting to see as he gets older how he handles the age gap. Those closest to the player want to see him let loose through the middle of the pitch in order to drive at opponents and recreate the days of old when players of smaller stature could use their mobility and technical ability to great advantage against bigger opponents.The people around Ibrahim want to see him operate like Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi, or Yossi Benayoun, who may be more familiar to Premier League fans.He has been compared to Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcWHAT’S NEXT?Crunch time approaches when he should be offered at least a scholarship by Chelsea but in football who knows? The club lost winger Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool recently, who slipped through the net, so Chelsea’s youth coaches need to stay on their toes.Retained youth players get two years with a scholarship. The best are offered a year ‘pro’ on top of that. Which would mean Rabbaj would effectively become a professional footballer at 17.READ MORE SUN STORIESSometimes clubs even offer just one year scholarship and two years of a pro contract. Rabbaj is exciting to watch and considered by those who watch him regularly as a hugely exciting talent.He is eligible for England and MorroccoCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfc More

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    Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher slapped with FA charge after furious tunnel rant during Brentford clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED coach Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct by the FA.The incident happened last weekend following Brentford’s controversial opener at Old Trafford.Darren Fletcher has been charged by the FACredit: PAMan Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goalCredit: GettyFletcher and his colleagues protested the decision to allow Ethan Pinnock’s goal to stand.United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch because blood leaked from a gash in his head – meaning the team was down a man when Pinnock headed in from a corner.But only Fletcher has been charged by the FA over allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.Fletcher, 40, is also accused of using abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official.An FA statement read: “Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, October 20, in the Premier League.”It’s alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees.”Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, October 29, to respond.”United assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy also reacted angrily to the decision, while Erik ten Hag was shown a yellow card for his protests.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Ligt furiously kicked a ball away too, clearly frustrated at having to go off as physios attempted to patch him up for a third time.United produced a second-half comeback as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund gave them a 2-1 win.Erik ten Hag focuses on positives after Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce More