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    Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal exit may have knock-on effect on future of ‘next Kaka’, 14, with family ‘extremely disappointed’

    JACK WILSHERE’S departure from Arsenal could spell the end for a highly-rated Gunners youngster dubbed the “next Kaka”.Former England international Wilshere, 32, has left his boyhood club to join Championship side Norwich as a coach.Jack Wilshere has left Arsenal to become a coach at NorwichCredit: GettyWilshere’s departure could impact the future of Arsenal youngster Max DowmanCredit: GettyIt brings to an end his two-year stint as manager of Arsenal’s U18s – where he has forged a strong relationship with promising talent Max Dowman.Dowman, 14, is the youngest player to score in a Uefa Youth League game – hitting the back of the net three and a half months shy of his 15th birthday.He was given his U18 Premier League debut by Wilshere last year, making more history as the youngest player to feature in the division, aged just 13.But Wilshere’s exit has now thrown Dowman’s future into question.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, his family are “extremely disappointed” by Wilshere’s departure.He has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship with the North London club.Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch – showing an understanding for the pressures he faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.The coach ensured when he returned to Arsenal that the focus would be on the needs of the academy players’ families, rather than the football itself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis has had a positive impact in transitioning players from prospects to accomplished professionals – shown through the development of Ethan Nwaneri.Dowman’s comparison to AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka comes from academy coach Gustavo Oliveira who recently made the link.Arsenal fans call for Wilshere to come out of retirement after footage of 31-year-old dominating kickabout goes viralHe said: “He plays in the style of Kaka.”He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”Wilshere recently said of Dowman: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.”For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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    Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran RAGES as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair

    JHON DURAN was visibly FURIOUS after being substituted off during Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Bologna.Duran, 20, was given a rare change from his super-sub role by starting the Villa Park match on Tuesday.Jhon Duran punched a chair after being subbed off moments after scoring against BolognaCredit: X/ footballontntDuran then kicked the back of a team-mate’s chairCredit: X/ footballontntDuran was then seen throwing somethingCredit: X/ footballontntIt was the 20-year-old’s second start of the seasonCredit: X @footballontntThe goal machine took 64 minutes to find the back of the net and make it 2-0 after John McGinn had opened the scoring nine minutes earlier.Duran got across his marker to volley home a low shot into the bottom corner from a Morgan Rogers cross for his seventh goal of the season.It proved to be his final touch of the match because two minutes later the subs board went up to show his number as he was replaced by Ollie Watkins.However, after going off and sitting down on the bench Duran was clearly upset about the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was filmed punching his chair before sitting down and then kicking the back of a chair that his TEAM-MATE was sitting in.The Colombian was then seen with an angry expression on his face before throwing something.After giving Duran his first start in front of the home fans in 11 months, manager Unai Emery was relaxed over his reaction to being subbed.Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m managing everything and the reaction of the player as well.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are sending a message in the dressing room that our values mean we need to try to be mature and responsible.”It’s not only Duran, before the other players have sometimes reacted a little bit (shrugs shoulders).Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”It’s under our control. It’s not a problem.”Duran has started two games this season, but also came off the bench to net the winner against Bayern Munich in their last Champions League game.The Villans host Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday for their next match.Reports suggest both Arsenal and Chelsea are now battling to sign £75million-rated Duran next summer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Oxford boss forced to have medical attention post-match with players ‘shocked and upset’ after he was rushed home

    OXFORD UNITED manager Des Buckingham was given medical attention last night following the club’s draw at home to Derby.Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s equaliser cancelled out Tottenham loanee Dane Scarlett’s 12th minute opener – but the game was overshadowed by concerns for the home side’s manager.Des Buckingham felt dizzy on the touchline and was taken home after doctors gave him medical attentionCredit: RexBuckingham’s assistant Craig Short said after the game: “He was feeling dizzy in the last half an hour and kept walking from pitch side to the dugout.”He spent some time holding onto the rails by the dugout talking to the club doctor and told me he could just about shake hands at the end.”He added: “The doctor is treating him now and we feel it is probably best that he gets off home as quickly as possible.”The players were all a bit shocked and upset when we told them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOxford made it five consecutive draws in the Championship with Tuesday night’s stalemate.Buckingham guided The U’s to promotion from League One last season, toppling Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final at Wembley.They have started the Championship season in impressive form, currently sitting in 10th and in a six-game unbeaten run.Fellow promoted side Derby County sit just behind them in 12th, while last year’s League One title winners Portsmouth are footing up the table with just one win from their opening 11 games, losing 2-0 at Cardiff in a relegation six-pointer.Most read in EFLElsewhere in the Championship, Leeds pulled level with table-toppers Sunderland by beating Watford at Elland Road.Every other game in the second tier finished with honours even on Tuesday night – Preston drawing with Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday being held to a goalless draw by Swansea, and QPR vs Coventry also finishing level.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?! More

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    John Stones refused to swap shirts with me and told me to ‘f*** off’ after I riled England star up with brutal tweet

    MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones has been labelled a f***ing s***bag” by former EFL striker Tom Pope.The pair clashed after Pope, now 39, had tweeted about Stones being “soft”.Tom Pope played against John Stones in the FA CupCredit: RexPope, 39, has relived his encounter with StonesCredit: X @IHadTrialsOnceHe wrote: “I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!”Pope then used the hashtags “soft” and “weakas****”.As fate would have it, Man City subsequently drew Port Vale in the FA Cup in January 2020, giving Pope his chance to go up against Stones.Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win 4-1, but Pope did get himself on the scoresheet at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the game the Stoke-born forward claims he was dragged into the Man City dressing room by Raheem Sterling and Benjamin Mendy, but Stones wasn’t having any of the banter.Recounting the tale while appearing on the I Had Trials Once Podcast, Pope said: “I think he was playing for England and he was so flipping soft.”I can’t remember who he played against, might have been flipping Zlatan or somebody, I can’t remember who it was but he got battered.”I was like, he’s a target man’s dream. Technically he’s unbelievable like, so good. I just tweeted going ‘you’d love to play against him because you’d just batter him’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPope scored against Man City for Port ValeCredit: Reuters”You’re not being derogatory about him because he never gives the ball away, he’s unbelievable on the ball, but if you’re getting balls in and going long you want John Stones over flipping (Virgil) van Dijk marking you don’t you?”When it was put to Pope that Stones has “done well”, the striker responded: “Yeah, he’s just an absolute s***bag. Because you go in their dressing room… I didn’t go in, I was the only one who stayed in our dressing room.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true'”Everybody else after the game came in and had pictures and that. And I just stayed in there, I was in there for about 15 minutes.”And then (Raheem) Sterling and (Benjamin) Mendy came in, ‘get in here, we’ve hammered him for f***ing months over your tweet, the group chat’s been f***ing mayhem’.”I’m like ‘I’m not coming in’, they literally dragged me, I’m going ‘I’m not coming in’.”And then in the end they go, ‘come on please, just come in’. So I walked in and they’re like ‘he’s here!'”And Stones went ‘oh f*** off, no, no’. I went ‘you f***ing s***bag you’.”I said ‘you’ve let a pub player f***ing get in your head that much? Are you alright, you’?’He wouldn’t speak to me'”All the money you’ve got, you’re at Man City and you’ve let that affect you?”He wouldn’t even look at me. I said ‘can I have your shirt?’ He said ‘No, f***off.'”He wouldn’t speak to me.”Pope was a prolific goalscorer for Port Vale, netting more than 100 times for the club across three spells.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for Rotherham, Bury and Crewe during his EFL career.Since leaving Port Vale in 2021 he has dropped into non-league, recently leaving Hanley Town to join Kidsgrove Athletic. More

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    Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened

    MIKEL ARTETA and Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads after Kai Havertz was denied the chance to make history.The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as a first-half Gabriel Martinelli strike cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk and into the goal after hitting the post.Mikel Arteta admitted he was unsure why Kai Havertz did not take the penaltyHavertz had the chance to match Thierry Henry’s record with a goalCredit: GettyInstead Leandro Trossard stepped up to take it but fluffed his linesCredit: RexThe hosts were on top for most of the game, but had a few late scares.That could have been avoided when Arsenal were given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go.A VAR review had revealed that Valeriy Bondar had handled the ball in the box.However, with the North Londoners usual takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined through injury, it was left to a new star to take on the mantle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHavertz, 25, appeared to be the obvious choice, given he had scored 20 of his 21 career penalties.The German was set to match an all-time club record by Thierry Henry by scoring in eight consecutive home games. But surprisingly, it was team-mate Leandro Trossard who stepped up to take the kick.Yet the Belgian – who was already enduring a below par night – fluffed his lines as his weak strike down the middle of the goal was saved by Riznyk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal held on to their win and clean sheet thanks to some late heroics from David Raya, though Arteta might have wished his team had added a layer of comfort.Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was not sure what the reason was behind the decision.Arsenal player ratings vs ShakhtarHe told Amazon Prime Sport: “I don’t know.”I don’t know the conversation because he’s one of the takers but Leo decided to take it. Okay, he missed it, [but] that’s it unfortunately.”Speaking in his post-match press conference he doubled down on the answer, adding: “They made a decision. The penalty takers normally are Bukayo and Martin. Unfortunately Leo missed it.”Reacting to the penalty miss on social media, one fan said: “You get a penalty and give it to Trossard yet your best penalty taker (Havertz) is on pitch. We can really take risks and that’s not acceptable.”A second said: “Havertz has scored 20 of the 21 penalties he’s taken in his career. Why was Trossard taking it?”A third added: “Havertz is way too nice too. Should have snatched the ball straight away from Trossard.”Despite continuing their unbeaten Champions League run, the Shakhtar win has proven costly with Riccardo Calafiori now looking set for a spell on the sidelines after going off injured.With Arsenal also confirming yesterday they would not appeal William Saliba’s red card from the Bournemouth game, it means they will be without a number of key stars as they host Liverpool on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta described Calafiori’s injury as worrying, while he has also cast doubt on Bukayo Saka’s availability for the match.With Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, they could be without as many as six first team stars against the Premier League leaders.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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    Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

    MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Ally McCoist on heartbreaking moment live on air when he got call to tell him Rangers legend Walter Smith had died

    ALLY McCOIST has told of his heartache at the passing of Scotland and Rangers legend Walter Smith.McCoist, 62, worked with Smith during stints with the national side and a return to their beloved Ibrox.McCoist played under the legendary manager at RangersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe later joined his coaching team at IbroxCredit: ReutersThe much-loved Smith died after a battle with cancer in 2021 leaving his family and friends devastated.TV host McCoist has revealed how he received the news his former mentor had passed away aged 73.Detailing the moment in his new book, Dear Scotland: On the road with the Tartan Army, he said moments of football joy had turned to worry after Smith confided his illness with him.He said: “That joy turned to deep concern when some years later, Walter sat me down for a chat and told me he had cancer.“As usual, he was worried about the people he was telling, remaining upbeat and keeping that sense of humour, and as the months passed – with the operation seemingly a success – we hoped that he had rid himself of it.“But the cancer came back, and in the autumn of 2021, we received the news that he had died.”McCoist told how a phone call from Smith’s son Steven had broken the dreaded news of his friend’s passing.He said: “I was working at TALKSPORT, doing the breakfast show, when I saw I had a missed call from Steven, Walter’s son. I knew what was coming.Most read in Football“I’d been to the hospital and at the house to see him, and so knowing how unwell he was, I took myself away to make the call back.“Silence. It is hard to know what to say, but knowing just how much Walter adored his wife Ethel, his kids and his grandkids, and the severe grief they were now going through, my thoughts were immediately with them.Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club “Neil and Steven are two chips off the old block, the best company like their father, and I am so pleased to call the whole family friends.“In the spring of 2024, Rangers unveiled a statue of Walter Smith. It depicts the man beautifully, and is the perfect tribute to all that he gave to the club and to the game.“It stands on the corner of the Copland Road stand, a spot that Walter first strolled along with his grandad Jock to see the club they loved, and one that he would serve so well.“Walter served the whole country in so many different ways, and all the achievements, the titles and the medals that he accumulated will always be there to remind us of what he did.Walter Smith’s statue being unveiled outside IbroxCredit: PA“They are not what really matter, though. Not in the long run. At Walter’s memorial service, I was honoured to be asked to say a few words.“In conclusion, I quoted the great American poet and activist, Maya Angelou, who wrote, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’”Today, I can think about my friend and whilst the pain of not having him with us remains, it subsides as I close my eyes and think of everything he was to me in my life. I can think of Walter and I can remember how he made me feel. Special.”Dear Scotland: On the road with the Tartan Army is published on October 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Ex-Newcastle coach recalls famous Champions League night when unlikely hero came up trumps against Gianluigi Buffon & Co

    IT IS 22 years ago since one of the most under the radar but magical European nights occurred at Newcastle – and Steve Harper got an incredible memento.Tino Asprilla’s incredible hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona back in 1997 still takes some beating for those members of the Toon Army old enough to remember it.Simon Smith (left) was goalkeeper coach under Sir Bobby Robson (right)Credit: PA:Press AssociationNewcastle United’s Andy Griffin (C) scored the winner against Juventus in 2002Credit: ReutersWhile the stunning 4-1 thumping dished out to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago also goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the Magpies.However, another club famed for wearing black and white have also suffered disappointment under the lights at St. James’ – and it was packed with superstars.Alessandro Del Piero, Lillian Thuram, Pavel Nedved, Edgar Davids and Gianluigi Buffon were all part of the Juventus side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle on this very day in 2002.The Magpies had lost each of their opening group matches that year with a 2-0 reverse at Dynamo Kyiv, a 1-0 home setback to Feyenoord and a 2-0 defeat in Turin leaving them with a mountain to climb.REAL MORE ON FOOTBALLThe probability of them reaching the next round was slim – so much so that Sir Bobby opted to play back-up ‘keeper Harper in order to just give him experience.But it turned into an evening that the Toon legend would never forget as Andy Griffin scored the only goal to secure the win.It was a result that reignited their Champions League campaign, with following victories over Kyiv and in Feyenoord meaning they completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the next stage, where they would eventually be eliminated. Newcastle’s former Geordie goalie coach Simon Smith, who has also worked under the likes of Ruud Gullit, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe during his two spells at his boyhood club, still remembers the game as if it was just yesterday.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told Sun Sport: “We thought that we were out. We hadn’t won one of our opening three games and then we had Juventus, who were packed with great players.“But, lo and behold, we won 1-0. We then went on and beat Feyenoord to get through into the next stage.I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved “There was no pressure at all. It really just felt like we hadn’t done very well and we were going out and Sir Bobby changed his team.“I know Harps played and I think Sir Bobby just wanted to give him some experience of playing in Europe, not thinking that we’d go any further. But he kept a clean sheet.”And Smith’s work was only just beginning once the full-time whistle had gone.He continued: “My main memory of that night is that Harps was desperate to swap shirts with Buffon.“He gave me his shirt to go and swap and I had to go and stand outside of their changing room and ask their staff if Buffon would exchange his shirt after they had just lost.“To be fair to him, he came out and it was a real classic pink and black goalie shirt, and he swapped it for Harps’ blue Newcastle one. A quite remarkable night really.”Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien battles with Juventus’ Edgar Davids in the Champions League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationSmith enjoyed plenty of memorable moments sat in the dug-out at St. James’ – two of which came when the ground was being redeveloped into the huge arena it is now.He said: “I’ve had two really magical experiences of the place that will always stand out. One was when they built the new stands with the top on.“We had an afternoon out, just before it was finished, and went right to the top and looked down and we all just thought ‘oh my, this is unbelievable’.“Then they arranged for me to take Shay Given and Steve Harper to test out the floodlights when nobody else was there.“We pitched up at St. James’ one night, just the three of us, to have a kickaround and they switched all of the lights on and it was all to make sure that the new lights would not be shining in the eyes of the goalies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So we did corners, free-kicks etc to make sure that the lights were on the right angle and it was totally unbelievable to be there, just the three of us with no crowd. That was very special.“The other special day was after Sir Bobby’s death and the tribute at the Leazes end with the scarves, flags – that was totally unbelievable.”Who are these famous footballers? More