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    Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Sir Alex Ferguson axe as ambassador as Man Utd boss admits ‘it has had an impact on us’

    ERIK TEN HAG has broken his silence on the axing of Sir Alex Ferguson as a Manchester United ambassador.There was shock at Old Trafford this week when their greatest-ever manager was relieved of his £2.16million-a-year role as part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.Erik ten Hag has spoken about Sir Alex Ferguson’s axingCredit: GettyThe two managers celebrating Man Utd’s League Cup triumph togetherCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, will still act as a non-executive member of the board and will be welcome at matches.Current boss Ten Hag has claimed that the axing of the Scot has had an impact on the team and himself.He said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.”Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFerguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the 82-year-old Scot is at a prior engagement.The Dutchman has leant on Sir Alex in the past, tapping into his experience, and hopes he can still turn to him for help.He said: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.”I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last 2½ years.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Ten Hag admits Ferguson’s success has placed more pressure on his successors.The ex-Ajax boss is the fifth incumbent since 13-time Prem and twice Champions League winner Fergie retired in 2013.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ Ten Hag said: “There’s almost no club in the world where exceptions are so high.”That’s set from the era of Sir Alex and the rest of us have to deal with this.”We so far haven’t got to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League — but that’s the ambition.”Nine 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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    Erik ten Hag says Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ as manager promises ‘success like last two seasons’

    ERIK TEN HAG admits Manchester United have a mountain to climb after their worst-ever Premier League start.The under-fire Red Devils boss is still clinging on to his job ahead of Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford, with his side 14th in the table.Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United ‘have a mountain to climb’Credit: GettyThe Dutchman’s side are down in 14th after their worst-ever Premier League startCredit: ReutersTen Hag, who has accepted United’s start “is not good enough” following just two wins in seven league games, saw the club’s hierarchy hold a seven-hour London summit during the international break.The Dutchman said: “We have a mountain to climb. But that is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges — sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down.“But I am sure we will make it a success as we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good things.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I see good patterns and the good stats confirm we are in a direction but, of course, the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”Ten Hag needs results as United bid to end a run of five games without a win in all competitions.However, he has bad memories of facing the Bees in the early stages of his Old Trafford career.The Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 in West London back in 2022 in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat result is Brentford’s only win in their last 11 meetings with this weekend’s opponents, though.Thomas Frank’s side are also looking for their first points on the road this season.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd The Danish coach has so far seen his side lose to Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in a brutal run of away matches.Their 10 points from 12 at home have seen Brentford climb to 11th, however, three places above United after seven fixtures this term.Ten Hag remains confident he can deliver more success after trophies in his first two seasonsCredit: Getty More

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    Son Heung-min set to take huge Tottenham record off former England star who says ‘I’m happy it’s going to be him’

    DARREN ANDERTON can think of nobody who is more fitting to steal his assist record for Spurs than selfless skipper Son Heung-min.Former England midfielder Anderton tops Tottenham’s charts in the Premier League with a whopping 68.Son Hueng-min could set a new assist record against West HamCredit: GettyDarren Anderton is Tottenham’s record holder with 68Credit: GettyBut South Korean icon Son is creeping up behind on 64 and will surely surpass him at some point this term.Son will target getting even closer to Anderton’s record at home to West Ham.And Anderton, 52, told  SunSport in association with freebets.com: “If anyone is going to break that record, I’m very happy it’s going to be Son because he’s a team player.“I always considered myself to be that, and always put the team first.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’d get as much joy at  creating opportunities and  setting up goals as I did from scoring myself.”Assists — providing the final ball to the player who scores the goal — were not as revered in Anderton’s 1990s heyday.But the growing influence of stats-obsessed American sports and the rise of fantasy football have seen the goal-maker take almost as much credit as the goal-taker.Put it this way: Anderton would be hailed far more for his playmaking ability if he were playing today rather than 30 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMany of Anderton’s assists saw him tee up old mucker Teddy Sheringham.In fact, their epic 27-goal combinations make the pair the fifth-most prolific duo in Premier League history.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsSon is top of that particular list owing to his fruitful partnership with Harry Kane.They hit a staggering 47-goal combinations before Kane was sold to Bayern Munich two summers ago.California-based Anderton added: “We live in America now and all the sports over here are about the assists and the stats and everything.“So I’ve always been aware of it. My American friends always used to say that it’s scandalous no one ever speaks about assists!“Now they do, so that’s good, and I think they should. It’s a huge part of the game and it’s what happens in the final third that wins games.“Your team can have all the possession in the world but it’s that final ball which is so, so important.“I’m very proud of the record. It’s something that I was always aware of.“When I first got in at Spurs I struggled, but then things really took off for me and my relationship with Teddy in terms of assists and scoring goals.“When Harry and Sonny had their assist-goal relationship, I saw myself and Teddy’s names up in the top five  Premier League goal-assist partnerships.“Someone sent me something the other day about my record on social media when Son had two assists and I was like, ‘Oh, OK’.“We were having dinner and I showed my daughter and  wife and we were having a bit of a giggle about it.”Son has missed Spurs’  last three games due to a hamstring issue picked up  in the 3-0 home win over Qarabag in the Europa League group stages last month.However, the South Korean expects to return to action today in the early kick-off.The attacker, 32, is one of Spurs’ greatest modern-day players and is 21st in the all-time list of Premier League goalscorers on 122.But he has only scored in one match this season — the 4-0 win over Everton on August 24 — and has not netted in his last five club appearances.Anderton added: “He hasn’t played as well as he would like and against Manchester United, he wasn’t missed — that performance was incredible.“But that’s all part of getting to that sort of age and things start to change. I left Spurs at 32, I thought I had a few more years in me, but that’s all part of the game that we all play.“But everyone in football knows how good he is.“He’s the perfect football player. He works his socks off, he creates opportunities, he scores goals.“He has always produced  and has been an unbelievable player for the club.”But if Spurs are to beat their London neighbours today, Anderton believes the performance of £40million midfielder James Maddison will be key.The playmaker has struggled for large parts of this year as he battles back to peak fitness after damaging ankle ligaments in November 2023.But he has been in red-hot form in recent weeks, yet was overlooked again by England this month.Anderton felt the 27-year-old deserved a recall and believes the North Londoners are at their best when Maddison is on top of his game.Euro 96 star Anderton, who won 30 caps for his country, added: “When he plays well, we play well.“He has that X Factor that when teams sit deep because we do dominate, you need that bit of magic to create things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Christian Eriksen used to do it and James Maddison is in that mould.“After he had that injury last season, our form was never the same. He’s that important to the team.”James Maddison was left out of the last England teamCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Graham Potter joins Eddie Howe on eight-man list of managers who were NOT interviewed for England job

    GRAHAM POTTER has joined Eddie Howe on the list of managers snubbed from the England job.Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was named as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor and will take over from Lee Carsley.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: SplashGraham Potter was not approached for the roleCredit: PAEddie Howe was also snubbedCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti insisted he was not contacted by the FACredit: GettyTuchel, 51, will become the third foreigner to lead the Three Lions as he follows in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.Howe revealed that the FA did not approach him to interview for the job.This is despite ten different candidates being interviewed for the role, including some English managers.However, one name that was not on that list was former Blues boss Potter.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Daily Mail have claimed that he was not interviewed for the role.Potter had been hotly tipped to be in the running for the job following the stellar work he did at Brighton and Hove Albion.The report also claimed that English managers Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard and Gary O’Neil were also not considered.This is also extended to Welshman Steve Cooper, Italian Carlo Ancelotti and former Scotland international Russell Martin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Real Madrid boss admitted that he was not approached by the FA for the role.He said: “No. I didn’t hear from the English national team at all.’I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.”They’ve chosen a very good coach, in my opinion.”He’s very strong tactically and he has proven so throughout his whole career. I wish him the best.”Speaking in his press conference, Howe insisted that he is focused on his job at Newcastle.He said: “I was not. There was no contact from the FA. England have to do what is right for them.”Only they will know the processes they have gone through.”For me it is about Newcastle. I remain 100 per cent focused to my work, if you drop focus the job becomes impossible.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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    Former Fulham women’s captain Ronnie Gibbons was ‘sexually assaulted twice by ex-owner Mohamed Fayed in Harrods’

    A FORMER Fulham women’s captain yesterday revealed she was sexually assaulted twice by the football club’s ex-owner Mohamed Fayed.Ronnie Gibbons said the tycoon groped her breast and made her sit on his knee after she was left alone with him in Harrods.Former Fulham women’s captain Ronnie Gibbons revealed she was sexually assaulted twice by the football club’s ex-owner Mohamed FayedCredit: AlamyGibbons said the tycoon groped her breast and made her sit on his kneeCredit: EmpicsShe also claimed he “forcefully” kissed and grabbed her as she tried to leave, leaving her feeling sick.Her ordeal unfolded in the 2000-2001 season, after Fayed turned Fulham Ladies into Europe’s first pro female team.Ronnie said a member of Fulham’s staff told her Fayed, then 71, wanted her to visit Harrods to meet his kids and talk about the club.Ronnie explained: “I was summoned to his office and it was just him.read more on Mohamed Fayed“He said, ‘Oh, I’m very sorry, there was a security breach and my children couldn’t come’. “Then he pulled me in close and tried to kiss my mouth. “He had his arms holding my arms, a kind of control stance.”Ex-Republic of Ireland star Ronnie, 44, also told The Athletic: “I sort of moved my head so he could only kiss me on the cheek. Most read in Football”I felt sweat instantly on my neck. I kind of froze. “He sat on a chair and pulled me on top of him to sit on his lap. I knew Fayed – he sent Diana unsolicited gifts in desperate attempt to worm his way into her life”I just felt a huge responsibility on my shoulders because we’d just turned professional.”Ronnie said Fayed asked her about boyfriends and offered to buy her an apartment and a car.She tried to change the subject by pointing to a painting of Fayed with the Queen. But she said Fayed replied: “That woman is a bitch.”Fayed tried to kiss her again as she left. He gave her an envelope with “£500 to £600 in £50 notes” plus chocolate, perfume and gifts, she said.Weeks later, she was again summoned to Harrods where Fayed tried to kiss her on the mouth, put his hand on her leg and groped her breast. She banged on the door and after someone opened it from the other side, furious Fayed pushed it shut.She refused gifts but he insisted on giving her £100 for a taxi home.I just felt a huge responsibility on my shoulders because we’d just turned professionalRonnie Ronnie added: “I had blonde hair, I was slim, I was called the [David] Beckham of women’s football. “It was common knowledge what he was like.“Finally telling my story will hopefully help me heal and be rid of the shame and pain I’ve carried for years.”Since Fayed died aged 94 last year, about 500 women have said they were sexually assaulted or raped by him. Cops are probing 61 reports.The Justice for Harrods Survivors Group, representing 116 women, said it would have more to say next week about Fulham, which Fayed owned from 1997 to 2013.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club said it was “profoundly troubled” by Ronnie’s claims and it “unequivocally condemns all abuse”. Harrods said it was “utterly appalled” by allegations of abuse made against Fayed. More

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    Thomas Tuchel getting the England job was no betrayal by the FA – he gives us the best chance of winning World Cup 2026

    ON the day Thomas Tuchel was unveiled as England manager, I was on an LMA course with 20 people who all aspire to be elite football bosses.Some were currently in charge of league clubs, some out of work, some who recently retired as footballers and others who are coming towards the end of their playing careers.Thomas Tuchel is the new England manager after signing an 18-month dealCredit: GettyThe German has been tasked with guiding England to World Cup glory in 2026Credit: GettyMost of us were English and all of us were in a classroom at St. George’s Park, the national football centre, on the ‘pathway’ which might ultimately lead to the job Tuchel has just accepted.You might imagine that there’d be plenty in that room on Wednesday who were upset or angry that the FA had decided to give their top job to a foreigner.But that was not the case. The majority, including me, believed the FA have made a good decision in appointing the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball is a very cosmopolitan world and so those involved in the modern game don’t think too much about nationality.To rail against a German getting the England job is outdated thinking.While there were some differences of opinion among those of us on the LMA course, I don’t think any of us felt that the English coaching community had been snubbed or betrayed by Tuchel’s appointment.Many of us felt it was encouraging that Tuchel had got the England job having failed to win a trophy at Bayern Munich last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe idea that football managers can suffer a downturn in fortunes in one job, then rise again, is a positive.Of course, in an ideal world, the England manager would be English.But we are not living in an ideal world.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe FA were right to be pragmatic and not obsessed by the idea of an English boss.Gareth Southgate did a fine job as England manager. He did everything but win a trophy.Now, with an excellent squad of players, who have a genuine chance of success at the World Cup in America, what the FA need is a proven trophy-winning manager.And at the moment there simply aren’t any English managers who have won a major trophy.Eddie Howe is a very good Premier League boss and I suspect the FA would have gone for him if they could have easily afforded to pay compensation to lure him away from Newcastle.But even Howe has never won a major trophy.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.So to give England the best chance of winning the World Cup, they had to go for an available, world-class manager ­— and so Tuchel looks like the best realistic candidate.One English coach I met at St George’s Park this week said that while he didn’t believe the FA were wrong, he hoped that Tuchel failed, so that the FA didn’t go for a foreign boss again.I’d never want England to fail but I understand his point.For me, the fact that Tuchel has been given just an 18-month contract is good thinking too.This contract is just for the World Cup and if England win it, or if the working relationship is an obvious success but the team comes up just short at the tournament, then Tuchel might sign a new deal.If not, he goes and the next England boss will probably be English.I’m not a massive fan of the FA but I think they have got this right.Tuchel is the first foreign manager to lead the Three Lions since Fabio CapelloCredit: GettyEddie Howe was amongst the potential English candidates for the roleCredit: GettyNow Tuchel, who officially starts work in January, has five months before his first match in charge and he must use that time to observe and to speak to all the major figures in the English game – the club managers and the players themselves – and formulate a firm plan.One crucial thing is that Tuchel does not pick on reputation. That he picks the best team, rather than trying to fit in all of the best individuals.He can be a hardline boss who knows his own mind and so he mustn’t be afraid to drop the biggest names if he decides that is the best thing for the team.I’m a massive fan of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane but that includes them too.I wrote about my personal admiration of Lee Carsley after his first couple of games as the national team’s interim boss — and I still believe that he is an  excellent coach.But I don’t think the FA have treated him well — especially during this last international break when Tuchel had already signed a contract but Carsley was having to keep schtum about his own future.Gareth Southgate took England to back-to-back Euros finals during his tenureCredit: GettyInterim manager Lee Carsley is set to return to his role as under-21s managerCredit: PACarsley is too honest a bloke to deal with those sorts of questions. He isn’t comfortable being vague or telling lies.His experience as interim boss shows you there is so much more to elite management than merely being a good coach.Personally, I’ve completed my Uefa A licence and will be doing my Pro Licence next year.But the LMA course I mentioned is about the rest of a manager’s job,  essentially it’s about ‘managing up’.It’s about dealing with directors of football and club owners — which, given my own brief experience as manager of Forest Green Rovers last season — is proving invaluable.READ MORE SUN STORIESI may or may not end up getting anywhere close to the job Tuchel has taken on.But please don’t think that those of us who might ultimately aspire to the England job are frothing at the mouth and raging about the appointment of a German.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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    Steve Bruce’s four-month old grandson Madison tragically passes away as Blackpool release heartfelt statement

    STEVE BRUCE’s fourth-month old grandson Madison has tragically passed away.The heartbreaking news was confirmed by the manager’s club, Blackpool, on social media.Steve Bruce’s four-month old grandson has diedCredit: GettySteve Bruce’s son and Madison’s uncle, Alex Bruce, will miss Salford’s clash against CreweCredit: GettyThe club announced that Bruce will miss the clash against Barnsley following Madison’s passing.A statement read: “The club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison.”Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family.”We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruce’s son Alex, who is currently working as the assistant manager at Salford City, will also miss his game against Crewe.Salford released their own statement sending support to the family.A statement read: “Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison.”All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family.Most read in FootballWhat tributes clubs have madeClubs up and down the country have sent their condolences…Preston North End”Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”West Bromwich Albion”Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.”Norwich City”Heartbreaking news. We’re sending our love and support to Steve and his family at this difficult time”Birmingham City”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”Bristol City”Everybody at Bristol City sends their condolences, thoughts and love to the family at this tragic time.”Lincoln City”Deepest condolences from everyone at the Imps to Steve and his family.”Northampton Town”Sending the condolences of everyone at Sixfields to Steve and his family.”Leeds United”Everybody at Leeds United sends their condolences and thoughts to Steve’s family at this tragic time.”Bristol Rovers”Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our condolences, thoughts and love to Steve and the Bruce family.”Barnsley”Incredibly sad news. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club are with Steve and his family.””We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”Tributes have flooded in for Maddison, with the footballing world in mourning.One person posted: “Horrible. We’re all with you Steve.”A second wrote: “Jesus, prayers with Steve Bruce and his family.”A third commented: “Thoughts are with Brucey and his family.”A fourth said: “Many many heartfelt condolences Steve our thoughts are with you and the family.”Another added: “Absolutely tragic, thoughts with everyone in the family.”Bruce was named Blackpool manager in September but has had a long career in management.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has taken charge of the likes of West Brom, Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Hull City, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.As a player, he made 309 league appearances for Manchester United and won the Premier League three times between 1993 and 1996. More

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    I’ve played for legends Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney & Michael Carrick – English coaching talent is there

    PAUL SCHOLES, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Michael Carrick were all part of England’s Golden Generation – and they all have an eye for talent.That, at least, is according to Middlesbrough star George Edmundson.Middlesbrough’s George Edmundson has played for some legendary namesCredit: PAManchester United icon Paul Scholes was briefly his boss at OldhamCredit: ReutersSteven Gerrard then snapped up the defender and brought him to RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The SunMan Utd and England icons Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney have also signed himCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old has enjoyed an incredible career that he would never even have dared dream of while still playing Sunday League with his pals at 16.Now he has the unique experience of playing for four of the biggest names in English football this century.He had United legends Scholes and Rooney at Oldham, albeit for just seven games, and at Derby on loan in 2021.He went to the Rams from Glasgow Rangers, who had snapped him up from the Latics two years previous, where Liverpool great Gerrard was his boss.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThese days he has another Red Devils icon in Carrick in charge of him after joining Boro on-loan from Ipswich on deadline day following successive promotions with the Tractor Boys.“I must be doing something right,” a smiling Edmundson told SunSport. “They were all brilliant players so I’m hoping that they can all spot an alright player.“It’s bizarre and I bet that I’m the only player to have played for all of them.”With questions over whether there are enough talented English coaches coming through amid Thomas Tuchel’s England appointment, there seems no-one better to ask than the centre-half.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“100 per cent the talent is there,” declared Edmundson. “Scholes was a bit different, he was only there for a few games but that wasn’t down to his knowledge or not doing well, but if you look at all of the managers I’ve had then they have all done well.“Gerrard won the league at Rangers and Rooney had an impossible task at Derby.Inside SunSport’s Justin Allen’s day covering Ipswich’s win over Sunderland as he interviews George Edmundson“The year that I was there we stayed up, which was incredible and we celebrated like we’d won the league because everybody knew how difficult that season was. “I don’t think that Rooney gets the credit he deserved for that. He was brilliant and I really enjoyed it under him.“We know the success Kieran McKenna has had and obviously the gaffer here, everybody knows where we want to be, and you can see something is building under him.”On McKenna, Edmundson says absolutely nobody at Ipswich believed that they would achieve back-to-back promotions.But even the English-born Northern Irish coach showed just how good he was when he suffered his first sticky spell at the helm with Ipswich as they threatened to blow-up in the Championship run-in.He said: “I’ve had managers after a hiccup where the running stats are going up, or we are not eating enough pasta, doing this or doing whatever but he remained really calm.ZARACH – EAT SLEEP LEARNZarach, a non-Government funded charity, supply beds for children across the region of Teesside who would otherwise not have one.The charity are on a mission to end child bed poverty in England, giving Every Head a Bed.George joined deliveries in the Stockton and Thornaby areas of Teesside, supporting families who needed the provision for their children.Our man said: “It was an eye-opening experience, but a real demonstration of the vitally important work that Zarach do.”I’m sure the name of the charity will be new to a lot of people, but having seen the work they do and the passion that the people have for helping families, I hope we can create awareness and raise some valuable funds.”Ellie McGrath, Fundraising and Communications Manager from Zarach joined George on the deliveries and she said: “We’re so passionate about being able to reach the 11,600 children across Tees Valley in bed poverty and 900,000 around the country, and we’re asking local businesses and individuals to support us by donating.”It’s a fact that if children sleep properly they are better prepared for school and for learning. Having a bed is so important.”It was fantastic to have George with us for an afternoon. He was so respectful of the situation and was very keen to help us.”PLEASE SUPPORT ZARACH HERE“He told us that we were doing the right things and that we just had to make a few little tweaks. That was the best thing about him is how he stayed calm, never got flustered or made rash decisions and stuck doing the things that had worked and we got over the line.”And he is enjoying life under another cool character in Carrick, saying: “Looking from the outside in before I came you would see him and how calm he was. Then you meet him and he is even calmer.“Most of the time he will say his point rather than ranting and raving but don’t get it wrong as he can go for you and give you that kick that you need to spur you on if it’s needed.”Edmundson “boxed off” one ambition while at Rangers by not only playing but also scoring in Europa League for them.But it has not always been the glitz and glamour of big European nights and being coached by superstars.The Manchester-born ace said: “I was playing Sunday League until I was 16 as I’d never got signed on anywhere.“I then managed to get one and do a scholarship at Oldham but was originally told ‘no’ that I wasn’t going to get a pro.“I could have just given up then, but I decided to play the final game of that season and they changed their mind and gave me a pro. “But when I got it I thought that I needed to go somewhere and play games with the thought that if I got released, hopefully I could sign for the loan team if I do well there.”Edmundson linked up with the Zarach charity in their mission to give Every Head a BedCredit: MFCEdmundson continued: “I probably wasn’t ready for League One and when I look back now the kit drowned me. I went out to non-league Ramsbottom United of the EvoStik North, and no disrespect, that is not the level you grow up dreaming of playing at.“But it was great, I played Saturday and Tuesday and just got kicked around, smashed for 90 minutes and I learned so much about the dark arts and what it actually meant to get three points in front of fans. “Football then changes quickly. When I was at Ramsbottom I was just thinking that if I can at least get to the Conference then that would be really respectable.“But after a couple more loans and then having a really good season in League Two the next minute I’m going up to Glasgow.”Things did not quite work out fully for him at Ibrox and after impressing at Derby he moved back south to Ipswich, who were then languishing in League One.He said: “From the first day talking to Mark Ashton the CEO you could really tell they were serious about going up. But up until about Christmas time it didn’t really go to plan but then when Kieran McKenna came in it just took off and we went to the next level.“After that we went into his first proper season and everybody felt ‘we have a good team here’ and with a few more additions we’d be right up there.“If anybody says that they thought we’d do back-to-back promotions then they are lying, there’s no chance.The star has enjoyed a whirlwind since his days at Oldham AthleticCredit: Getty Images – Getty“But after getting up we then made a good start and just kept winning and then when it got to January I started saying to my mates ‘I think we could do this’ and I bet the lads were thinking the same.”Edmundson and Town did manage to secure automatic promotion and that enabled the very likeable and engaging defender to fulfil another life-long ambition – playing the Premier League at his beloved Etihad.Days before he left for Boro in August, the star came on as substitute for the final few minutes of Ipswich’s 4-1 defeat to the champions.“I’m a big City fan so to come on was special,” Edmundson said. “Honestly I had about 50 ticket requests but I managed to narrow it down to nine as that was as much as I could get – my parents, sister, mates and close family friends all came and were buzzing for me.“I was on the bench and I think I spent the full game warming up. Obviously we were losing but I came on at right-back.“The thing that I was most buzzing about was that you get a Premier League debut ball with all the details from the game in a glass case now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I got to finally pick that up from Ipswich during the international break. I’d really wanted one of them for ages and finally got one. It’s now at my mum’s house.“That was another box ticked and nobody can ever take away from me that I’ve played in the Premier League.”Kieran McKenna gave George Edmundson his Premier League debut away to Man CityCredit: Reuters More