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    Former Scottish Cup winners set for 15-point deduction with Premier League legend managing club for free

    A FORMER Scottish Cup-winning club is set for a 15-point deduction. Now languishing in League One, the club will receive the deduction after entering into administration.The club’s picturesque stadium could soon be left without a team to play in itEverton legend Duncan Ferguson has so far remained in chargeCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun GlasgowTalks with potential investors DA Capital, but talks ended “amicably” but without a breakthrough.It has been confirmed that administrators will be appointed early next week.However, Inverness Caledonian Thistle have claimed that there is a “plan in place” in order to continue trading.A statement read: “The Directors have signed a Notice of Intention to appoint Administrators to be filed at the Court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“We envisage that the proposed Administrators will be appointed on Monday or Tuesday.“A plan is in place to allow the club to continue to trade whilst efforts to secure a long-term future are explored.”The club won the Scottish Cup in 2015 and was in the Europa League as recently that the following season.The team was placed into the second qualifying round but could not get past Romanian side FC Astra Giurgiu, who would later beat West Ham two years running.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInverness is currently managed by Premier League legend Duncan Ferguson.The former Everton star was named the manager back in September 2023.Watch astonishing moment non-league clash is delayed by bizarre injury – caused by a WATER BOTTLEHe landed the role after he left Forest Green Rovers, where he won one of his 18 games in charge.This season has not got off to a promising start as the club currently sits 9th out of ten on just nine points.Inverness’ only win of the season came back in August as they beat Queen of the South 1-0.But Ferguson, who is currently working for free, has vowed to stay on and lead the Jags through the tough times.Inverness Caledonian Thistle are set for a 15-point deductionHe said: “I enjoy my job, believe it or not. I enjoy being with the players, and that’s why I’m here.“I’m fighting for them. I brought a lot of the players to the club. They will be an asset down the line, they’ll make money for the club.“They wouldn’t be at the club if it wasn’t for me, they came for me, so there’s no way that I’m going to leave them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo weeks earlier, Ferguson said of forfeiting his salary: “I felt it would be appropriate for myself to offer my wage into that pot [Inverness had hoped to raise £200,000 to avoid administration].”Obviously I can’t go without a wage forever because I have got to put food on the table, but at the moment needs must.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Mason Greenwood set to welcome second child with partner after starting new life in France

    FORMER Man United star Mason Greenwood is to become a dad again.He is expecting a second child in the new year with his partner Harriet Robson.Ex-Man Utd star Mason Greenwood is set to welcome his second child with partner Harriet RobinsonCredit: FacebookMason and Harriet welcomed daughter Summer last JulyCredit: instagramThe couple welcomed their daughter Summer in July last year.Greenwood, 23, signed a five-year deal with Marseille in July after the French club agreed a £26million fee with Manchester United.The forward had spent the previous season on loan at Spanish side Getafe.Old Trafford bosses decided he had to leave following his arrest in January 2022.READ MORE ON Mason GreenwoodGreenwood was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour but the prosecution was dropped when witnesses withdrew their evidence.A source said yesterday: “Mason has done a lot of growing up in the last couple of years, especially since he has become a father.“He and Harriet are enjoying life out of the intense spotlight that comes with being a United player and is much more settled off the pitch, which means he can concentrate on his football.”Greenwood scored ten goals in 36 games at Getafe and was named player of the season.Most read in FootballSince moving to France on a £70,000-a-week deal, he has netted five times, attracting interest from Barcelona. Before the move he was being watched by Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and at least two Premier League clubs.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaGreenwood scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United.To celebrate Summer’s first birthday, Harriet posted a video montage of him with his daughter.He was approached for comment. More

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    Former Man Utd star, 26, out for months after almost losing thumb in kitchen accident, manager says

    KIERAN McKENNA says Axel Tuanzebe faces a “few months” out after nearly losing his thumb in a kitchen accident.It was revealed earlier this month that Ipswich’s Congolese defender required an emergency op when a glass shattered while he was washing up.Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe faces a ‘few months’ out after nearly losing his thumbCredit: RexKieran McKenna has confirmed he will be without Tuanzebe due to the freak accidentCredit: AlamySpeaking for the first time about the horror incident, boss McKenna said: “Some of the details came out of how he did it.“It was a household accident — very unfortunate but very serious, very close to losing his thumb.“He has had surgery to repair the tendons and everything in the thumb that was damaged.“Now, he’s just recovering from that. I think the recovery’s going pretty well but it’s a long-term injury.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“As much as it seems like a pretty innocuous body part in the game  of football, it’s a pretty important body part in human anatomy and he needs to let it recover.“Of course, he’s a loss and a miss. It just shows how quickly things can change in football and  in life. Thankfully, he’s recovering well and we now have to adapt and improve as a team.“But we look forward to having him back when he’s ready again.“It could be anything from a few months, maybe a little bit less if the recovery goes well.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“That’s something we’re in dialogue with different specialists on.”Tractor Boys centre-back Dara O’Shea is a doubt for Everton’s visit today after getting injured while on Republic of Ireland duty.Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’And McKenna added: “He had an issue in his back that’s being assessed, so we’ll see how it goes.”McKenna plans to stick with £22.5million club-record buy Omari Hutchinson at No 10 — despite his stunning display for England Under-21s on the right wing.Hutchinson, 20, had a hand in four goals in a 7-0 win over Azerbaijan.McKenna said: “We’ve got a pretty clear belief in how we can make him most effective in different games and scenarios.”Tuanzebe required an emergency operation after a glass shattered while he was washing upCredit: Getty More

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    ‘England’s best stadium is 18,000-capacity ground that ex-Premier League club almost abandoned to move next to a PRISON’

    THE STADIUM hailed as the best in England was almost abandoned by an ex-Premier League club to move next to a prison.Built in 1904, the ground has hosted three professional clubs since it opened but it’s current tenants have often been keen to relocate.An 18,000-capacity former Premier League stadium has been named the best in EnglandCredit: Rex FeaturesHowever, the club who plays their almost abandoned it to move next to a prisonCredit: QPRHowever, they currently remain at the 18,439-capacity venue, which has been their home since 1917.It has also now been named the best stadium in England by talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham.After completing the 92 by visiting every Premier League and EFL ground, he ranked his top 10 in the country.Of those, QPR’s Loftus Road came out on top ahead of Elland Road, the home of Leeds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSExplaining his decision, Durham said: “I went to QPR v Crystal Palace in the League Cup and it reminded me how much I loved it.”It’s in the middle of a housing estate in London. The corners are filled in, it’s tight to the pitch.”I just absolutely love it. It’s another one where the atmosphere, when they’re doing well, is fantastic.”That’s how a ground should be, right in the middle of a residential area. I love it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLoftus Road has hosted seven seasons of Premier League football but has been a Championship ground since QPR were relegated in 2015.Fulham and AFC Wimbledon have also both been short-term tenants in the last 25 years.The Abandoned Euros stadium bigger that hosted Rolling Stones However, despite its claim to being the best stadium in the country, QPR have previously looked to move away from Loftus Road.Back in 2013, the Hoops planned to build a new 40,000-seater stadium down the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Designs were even unveiled for New Queens Park in the Old Oak area, around two-and-a-half miles from their famous home.Then chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build the new ground after drawing up plans, only for them to be abandoned after the club dropped out of the top flight.A move was considered again in 2018, with the club hoping to redevelop Linford Christie Stadium in the same area of West London.QPR have also since abandoned those plans, though, and remain at Loftus Road, where they have yet to win this season.QPR have twice scrapped plans to move to a new ground in the last 11 yearsCredit: QPRInstead the Hoops continue to play at Loftus Road, their home since 1917Credit: Getty More

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    Sir Alf Ramsey would be apoplectic to see England managed by a German, but I have some sympathy with the FA

    WE wanted roast beef and what did we get? Bratwurst, with Black Forest Gateau for dessert.Call me old-fashioned but isn’t international football supposed to be about one nation taking on another, with the players enjoying the ultimate honour of performing for their country?Sir Alf Ramsey led England to World Cup glory two decades after the end of World War 2Credit: PA:Empics SportThomas Tuchel has become England’s third foreign managerCredit: GettyI know the lines have got blurred over the years — under Jack Charlton you were Irish if you liked a drop of Guinness.But Thomas Tuchel’s appointment does really emphasise one glaring statistic… where have all the English managers gone?And while every major nation in Europe has enjoyed some sort of tangible success and even some not-so-major ones such as Denmark and Greece, we continue to look back to 1966 when an English manager last led an English men’s team to a trophy.That’s a bloody long time ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSI know we have had foreign-born managers of the England team before — Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello — but they weren’t exactly a rip-roaring success.And now we have a German in charge, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and by any measure is a fantastic manager.We must compromise on romantic notions of an Englishman in charge of an English team.As a result, we have a German bossing the men’s team and Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman holding court for the women’s squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhilst they are both fantastic managers, we really should be looking at ourselves and wondering how this has happened?Why can’t we find good England coaches to manage our English teams — and what are we going to do about it?Fabio Capello brutally ended David Beckham’s Real Madrid career with 8-word message that broke England legend’s heartSouthgate 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, 2024Answers please from the FA.Can you imagine what the boys of ’66 would have made of the England side being run by a German?Sir Alf would have been apoplectic. That glorious Wembley day was only two decades after Ramsey’s East End of London had been flattened by the Luftwaffe.But as I said that’s a bloody long time ago, and these days managing England is the so-called ‘impossible job’.Some will accuse the FA of having compromised in order to win by appointing a foreign manager.But I have sympathy for them as the last English-born manager to win the top flight was Howard Wilkinson, back when it was just the plain old First Division.We have five English-born managers currently operating in the Premier League although two of them, Russell Martin and Kieran McKenna, played at international levels for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.It suggests the nursery is thin on the ground.But club football is one thing, the national team is another.And as I’m a romantic at heart, I would much prefer to see our Three Lions led by a lion.But what are the FA meant to do when the pickings are slimmer than our goal tally in a penalty shootout.Tuchel has won some great trophies at a variety of clubs but so had Sven and so had Capello.The latter was a disaster who couldn’t even be bothered to learn English and enjoyed little or no connection with his players, while Sven did passably, reaching a succession of quarter-finals.I suppose we can console ourselves with the fact that Gareth Southgate showed it can be done and although he didn’t lead us to any silverware, at least he got damned close.READ MORE SUN STORIESI wish Tuchel the very best of luck, as every Englishman’s footballing hopes and dreams are on his shoulders, and at some point he will feel the weight of that pressure.He has had four managerial jobs in the last seven years and an England contract which is only 18 months suggests this is not one for the long-term.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. More

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    ‘That’s why he’s captain’, say Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes shares touching message after gift from Scott McTominay

    BRUNO FERNANDES has shared a touching message after receiving a gift from Scott McTominay.The Manchester United captain was surprised by his ex-team-mate after facing him during the international break.Bruno Fernandes has been hailed for his touching message to Scott McTominayCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain was gifted a Napoli shirt by his former team-mateCredit: Instagram @brunofernandes8McTominay’s Scotland welcomed Portugal to Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday night.Both he and Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw.After the match, McTominay gifted his former skipper a Napoli shirt with his name and number on the back.The 27-year-old left the Red Devils to join the Italian side in the summer in a £25million deal.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFernandes shared a snap of the gift to his Instagram story along with a touching message.He wrote: “The name that’s conquered the heart of Napoli,” to the delight of United fans.Reacting to their interaction, one supporter commented: “That’s why he’s the captain.”Meanwhile, another added: “This is beautiful.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay and Fernandes made 171 appearances together for United as well as winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Erik ten Hag.The Scot has continued to have success since penning a four-year deal with Napoli.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He has scored twice in five appearances across all competitions for the Serie A leaders.As for Fernandes, he is yet to score in 11 appearances so far this term.His woes have contributed to United’s slow start to the campaign, with Ten Hag’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League.They have also already lost three of their opening seven league matches.Fernandes will be hoping to kickstart the season this weekend as United return to action against Brentford on Saturday.Fernandes and McTominay faced each other as Scotland and Portugal met on TuesdayCredit: Alamy More

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    Brennan Johnson reveals meaning behind his tattoos including message his mum sends him before every Tottenham game

    BRENNAN JOHNSON is ready to ink his name into Tottenham’s history books — with a helping hand from his mum.The forward, 23, bids to join ex-Spurs stars Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks in an exclusive club by scoring for the SEVENTH club match in a row against West Ham on Saturday.Brennan Johnson has been in incredible form for club and countryCredit: PAJohnson, 23, recently sat down to talk through his various tattoosCredit: Instagram @fawalesThe Welsh international has several tattoos on his armsCredit: Instagram @fawalesHe has explained the meaning behind his inkCredit: Instagram @fawalesJohnson receives good luck wishes before every match from his mother in the form of a four-leafed clover — which is also one of many tattoos on his body telling the story of his life.The Welshman revealed: “I’ve got a four-leafed clover which my mum has always texted me before every game. She sends me a little one  on messages.”Johnson has already scored in his last six games in all competitions against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United, Ferencvaros and Brighton.He then netted for his country against Iceland in the Nations League a week last Friday but was suspended for the Montenegro clash on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Johnson wants to keep on writing new chapters in his blossoming career.The £47.5million ace has several tattoos across both arms and he got his first bit of ink at the age of 18.Johnson added: “My first was of my family initials in Greek. The main reason behind getting it was I wanted to get a tattoo but I didn’t really know what to get.“So I felt like getting the family initials always goes down well. I also got this one – on his left forearm – at the same time. It means family over everything. It’s what my sisters, my mum and dad all have so I wanted one as well. I felt it would be a nice thing to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral of Johnson’s tattoos can be seen when he wears short sleeve shirts on the pitchCredit: Getty“I have my grandparents’ date of birth but I also have a map which represents where my family are from. I designed it myself.”It has an outline of Wales and Jamaica with the co-ordinates around the side and shows where my family are from. It means a lot to me so I thought it was a nice idea. I’m very happy with it.The incredible Rise of Tottenham’s Mikey Moore“I’ve got an eagle above the map. The idea was to do it all in one at first but then I wanted the get the map a bit lower. It was going to be on top of the map and flying over it. But I liked it the way it was done and keep it on its own.”Johnson’s mum Alison is from Wales while his dad David, who played for Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, was born in Jamaica and attends his matches. And the bulk of Johnson’s tattoos are dedicated to his family.Johnson has some tattoo collection which has built up from his days playing at ex-club Nottingham Forest and a loan spell at Lincoln.’I STARTED SMALL’He said: “I grew up seeing my family and other people that I inspired to be like having tattoos and I looked at them as cool. I didn’t want to force it and get one that didn’t mean anything.”I started small. Over time not all of them have crazy meanings or are really personal to me.“I’ve got the number 23 because I was born on the 23rd of May. I really like the number. But some of them I just like and I’m comfortable with.“I’ve got Bart Simpson. I was a big Simpsons fan growing up. I have a Daft Punk helmet. I’m not like a super crazy fan but I thought the helmet was really cool. It has got a smiley face and thought it looked quite cool.”I’ve even got an alien. They are random things that I find cool. This left arm shows little things I like and I’m not too serious about myself. It’s a reminder to always try and be happy.“The first one weren’t actually too bad or painful. They were quite small and thin. I’ve got a palm tree with some sun which is on the back. I was lying with my arm out and it was killing because it was in an awkward place to do. That one was quite painful.”’I’M LOOKING FOR AN ARTIST IN LONDON’Johnson plans to add more tattoos in future. He told an episode of Cymru Ink: the stories behind the tattoos: “I don’t have an artist that I go to in London yet. I would have liked a few dates of when we got promoted with Forest or the day I signed for Spurs which I still have time to get. I’m looking for an artist in London.“I probably got most of them on my right arm in the space of six to eight months. You kind of fall out of it and then you get back into it.“I had a tattoo artist in Nottingham who was really flexible and would fit me in whenever. I didn’t really want to have to wait too long and think about it too much. They are pretty instinctive.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d definitely say at times it was addictive. When I first started I got a lot then I chilled a bit. I’d definitely get some more. I’ve got the arms pretty much done. Maybe a few more on my right arm.“Now it’s just if something happens or I find a bit of inspiration or something that means a lot to me, I’d definitely get it tattooed on me.”Johnson will be looking to keep up his impressive streak this weekendCredit: Reuters More

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    Mikel Arteta opens door to managing England as Arsenal boss says ‘I feel respected, welcomed & inspired by this country’

    MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.Mikel Arteta has backed Thomas Tuchel to be a success as England bossCredit: GettyThe German was appointed as Three Lions manager earlier this weekCredit: GettyOn his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.”That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.”I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.”History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.”I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.”I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd”I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.”I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”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.The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.”It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.” More