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      Wales promoted to Nations League A and could face ENGLAND after rivals fall to shock loss to previously winless minnows

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      NO wonder Swansea fans call Liam Cullen the ‘Kilgetty Messi’.The 25-year-old turned in the performance of his life – one the Argentina maestro himself would have been proud of.Wales have beaten Iceland to seal promotion to the Nations League ACredit: ReutersLiam Cullen stole the show with a braceCredit: GettyHe scored his first two international goals, created another for Brennan Johnson and even had a hand in Harry Wilson’s late strike.It all meant that – against all odds – Wales topped their Nations League group on another night to remember in the capital.Turkey’s shock defeat in Montenegro means the Dragons are promoted to Group A.This could see Wales drawn against England in the next edition of the tournament which kicks off in September 2026.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMore importantly though, they will almost certainly have a World Cup play-off to fall back on if they fail to make it through their group.And the way Craig Bellamy’s reign has started, you wouldn’t bet against them finding a way to the USA in summer 2026.They showed some character here to come storming back after falling behind early on.Former Burnley man Johann Gudmundsson’s cross was headed goalwards by Orri Oskarsson and Danny Ward pushed it out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt fell nicely for Andri Gudjohnsen – son of ex-Chelsea forward Eidur – who despatched it back through the keeper’s legs.It was the first goal Wales have conceded at home in over five hours of football – since Finland scored in the Euro 2024 play off in March.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd it was also the first time Bellamy had found his team behind since he took charge at the start of the autumn.So this was a new kind of test for him and his team were second best for the first half hour.Yet they finally got going and Premier League pair Neco Williams and Johnson worked the ball down the left.The Spurs man floated over a cross that was glanced home by Cullen for his first goal for his country.Cullen has not scored for his club since September 21 so it was just the tonic he needed.Wales were now on top and on the stroke of half-time they were ahead as Mark Harris played another ball out to Dan James.His shot was only half-stopped by Iceland keeper Hakon Valdimarsson, but Cullen was there to bundle in the rebound.The 25-year-old hails from the small town of Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire – hence the nickname back with his club.Things had really turned on their head – particularly as news came through that group leaders Turkey were behind in Podgorica.Iceland had not given up though and sub Mikael Ellertsson brought a smart save out of Ward soon after the restart.Harry Wilson was put clean through but unusually for him he lacked composure and gave the keeper an easy save.But midway through the second half the Dragons had breathing space as Cullen turned provider, winning the ball and sending Johnson clear.This time he kept his cool and thumped a low shot home home to score his fifth goal for his country.Cullen wasn’t finished there though as Cullen won his dual with his marker as they both went for a high ball.Wilson picked up the loose ball and steered a shot beyond the visiting keeper from the edge of the box.The Fulham man has been the stand-out performer in this Nations League campaign for the Dragons – and deserved his goal.What a night for Cullen though – he could barely get a look in under former boss Rob Page and now he gets a night like this.READ MORE SUN STORIESNews filtered through that Montenegro had extended their lead over the Turks – and the celebrations could really start among the home fans.Their World Cup qualifying campaign will start in March rather than June now – but their hopes of a ticket to America in 20 months’ time have increased significantly.Brennan Johnson made it 3-1 with a clinical finishCredit: GettyHarry Wilson wrapped up the result with Wales’ fourthCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy will be eying up a World Cup spot in 2026Credit: Getty More

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      Mourinho was the first man Amorim called after Man Utd interest, now his first test is against another Jose disciple

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna have a post-match chat at Portman Road on Sunday, they will have one ‘special’ thing in common.Two young managers, still in their 30s, who were schooled in the art under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.Ruben Amorim called Jose Mourinho after receiving the interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraMourinho was also a mentor to Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKennaCredit: GettyThe man, who himself credits the great Sir Bobby Robson for his own rise to the very top, has never been averse to giving a helping hand to those who want to follow him up the ladder.Ask Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with Mourinho at Chelsea, or Aitor Karanka, his No.2 at Real Madrid.Sat in Lisbon a few months back plotting another victory to keep Sporting on the road to a potential third Portuguese title, Amorim got a call to be told of interest from Manchester United.After putting the phone down, the first person he contacted for advice was the man he describes as his ‘reference point’, Mourinho.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGiven how the self-proclaimed Special One had become the ‘redundant one’ thanks to United sacking him back in December 2018, in his third season in charge, you might have thought he would warn him off.Not a bit of it. ‘Go for it’ was the response from the ex-Red Devils boss, who won the Europa League and League Cup during his spell at Old Trafford.Mourinho knew Amorim, 39, had the ability to lift the red giant, which is not so much sleeping right now but waiting to come out of a coma.The now Fenerbahce boss said recently: “He has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMourinho soaked up every piece of knowledge he could under Sir Bobby, first as a translator at Sporting, Porto and Barcelona, and later when Robson brought him into the coaching set-up at the Catalan giants.When his playing days were behind him, Amorim turned his attentions to coaching and was always a student of the game, scrutinising the likes of Antonio Conte and Mourinho.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd Amorim starred for Benfica as a player before going on to manage Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyAmorim’s first game in charge of Man United will be against Ipswich on SundayCredit: GettySix years ago, while doing a Masters degree in high-performance football coaching at the University of Lisbon, he got the chance of a week-long internship at United — where Mourinho was boss.He effectively shadowed Mourinho in the week leading up to the visit of Arsenal in April 2018, which would be Arsene Wenger’s last match at Old Trafford as Gunners boss.In that short time, Amorim learned every facet of how to be a top manager, even how to speak in a press conference, and he has already been compared to Mourinho in his media dealings… the ones when he turns on the charm at least.Amorim said: “The impact he had on my career was the way he treated me, he showed me that you can win everything and be a different person than you think.“He’s very experienced. In terms of my experience at Manchester, it was the only club where I did an internship.“He’s a special coach who opened doors for us.”That first door opened for Amorim in his native Portugal at third-tier Casa Pia, then Braga and on to Sporting, where his success in lifting two titles brought him to United’s attention.Ipswich boss McKenna, 38, was linked with the United job last summer when it looked like Erik ten Hag was on his way.He knows the club well and learned under Mourinho when he promoted him from the youth set-up at the club to become his assistant after long-time wingman Rui Faria left his side.McKenna’s United warningKIERAN MCKENNA has warned Manchester United Portman Road will be rocking on Sunday, writes Rob MaulPrem new-boys Ipswich bagged a first win of the season at Tottenham last time out to drag them out of the drop zone.They host the Red Devils for the first time since 2002  in new boss Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge.Tractor Boys chief  McKenna — a former United coach who was considered for the hotseat — said: “If you had felt the atmosphere at Portman Road this season, you’d know it’s been electric anyway.“So I don’t know if it can go up too much.”McKenna’s playing career was cut short at 22 due to an ongoing hip problem while at Spurs. But he remained there as a coach in their academy before making the switch to United.Mourinho spotted the talent in the coach and elevated him to the bench next to him in May 2018.McKenna said: “I’ve said before it was a privilege for me to come on to his coaching staff, he’s such an iconic figure for coaches of my generation.“It was a relatively short period, but it was great to work and learn from him. You can see why he’s been so successful in his career.”It was the fact Mourinho achieved his success without a great playing CV that made McKenna realise he could achieve his dreams.McKenna said: “The coaches that came before us, Brendan Rodgers, Mourinho, people of that ilk, went into management through different pathways.“They have laid the groundwork and shown what can be achieved by coaches from different backgrounds.”McKenna was often unfairly labelled as a weak link on the training ground when things started to go wrong under Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.But he quickly debunked that theory when Ipswich took a punt on him and he achieved successive promotions to get the Suffolk club back in the top flight for the first time since 2002.McKenna and Amorim face off in the Mourinho derby on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfterwards, when the pair share a drink, they will no doubt raise a glass to the man who helped them on their way.Someone who remains ‘special’ to them both. 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      Cole Palmer makes first public appearance with girlfriend at GQ Men of the Year… and brings his MUM along too

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      COLE PALMER charmed the red carpet with his choice of two extra special companions at a glamorous GQ Men of the Year event.The England winger and his girlfriend – fellow Mancunian Connie Grace – made their first public appearance together.Cole Palmer and girlfriend Connie Grace looked ultra elegant togetherCredit: RexCole was also with mum Marie at the big do in LondonCredit: RexConnie reportedly met Palmer in their native Manchester but it was on holiday in Ibiza back in August where they were spotted outCredit: InstagramPalmer has joked he ‘just wears trackies’ away from the cameraCredit: GettyPalmer and Kobbie Mainoo made the front cover of GQCredit: Dan Martensen / GQAnd Palmer’s mum Marie was also alongside the Chelsea hero at the Kensington Roof Gardens bash in London.The two main women in the life of the ex-Manchester City starlet were snapped next to him separately – but with equal elegance.Palmer himself went for the timeless look of black tuxedo and bowtie.Connie, a nail artist, opted for a daring cut-out dress in the same colour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn tandem, that meant a partnership as stylish as they come – in fashion or in football.Meanwhile, Marie wore a shimmering black dress and carried a matching clutch-bag on an occasion that underlined the great value Palmer places on his family.The 22-year-old credits dad Jermaine for teaching him all he knows about football, claiming: “He was Pep before I met Pep [Man City boss Guardiola].”Cole’s elder sister Hallie completes the happy unit.Most read in FootballThe nail artist is now in a relationship with PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie was on a holiday with him three months agoCredit: instagram @conniegrace_FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree Lions’ pal Kobbie Mainoo was also at the London night-out – after he and Palmer adorned the cover of GQ’s magazine’s Men of the Year edition for December.Mainoo’s garb was brasher – a loose-fitting, leather-look suit and white T-shirt.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeBut in their GQ interview each was dressed in an array of spectacular outfits for the accompanying interview.However, it was in that chat when Palmer joked “I just wear trackies” – when away from the spotlight.Tuesday evening is not the first time he’s posed in public with Connie.They were snapped as he held his PFA Young Player of the year award in September.But the GQ do is their photographic debut together at a specific public event.Palmer and Connie were initially spotted in August – during an Ibiza holiday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he might have had a little downtime over the past week too – as one of nine players to drop out of the England squad due to fitness issues.But apart from taking in a Wrexham game, Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s Drive Thru – suggesting his taste in food is just as casual as his ‘trackie’ taste in clothes!Palmer was joined by Usain Bolt at the eventCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo was another big name at the London eventCredit: RexMainoo looked to be loving his cool outfitCredit: Rex More

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      Pep Guardiola on verge of sensational new Man City deal to extend stay past a decade despite being expected to leave

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is close to agreeing a new one-year contract extension with Manchester City.The 53-year-old’s existing deal is due to expire at the end of the season.Pep Guardiola has agreed a new one-year deal with Man CityCredit: EPAHowever, SunSport understands Guardiola has committed to a deal in principal with the reigning Premier League champions for at least another year.It’s expected he will put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.Should the terms be fulfilled, it would take his time at the Etihad to a decade.Guardiola joined City back in 2016 following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.Read More in FootballOver the last eight years, the Spaniard has won 18 trophies including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and the Club World Cup.But there had been speculation regarding his future in recent weeks amid the club’s legal battle with Prem bosses.The hearing into Man City’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play has entered it’s 10th week.City are currently facing 115 charges relating to their financial dealings between 2009 and 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf found guilty, the Prem giants could face a significant punishment.They may even be expelled from the top division.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)With Guardiola set to stay, he will be forced to lead the Cityzens through the storm of whatever penalty – if any – they receive.Following Man City’s 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon earlier this month, the manager said: “It is a tough challenge, but I am here.”It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.” More

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      Former Premier League chief now owns ‘Spanish Accrington Stanley’ with 6,000-capacity stadium

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      FORMER Burnley chief Mike Garlick has swapped Lancashire for Andalusia to become owner of Spanish third tier side Antequera.After stepping down from his role at Turf Moor in 2020 following ALK Capital’s takeover, the businessman set his sights on a new challenge.Former Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has embarked on a new ventureCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe 61-year-old has become owner of AntequeraCredit: PA:Press AssociationGarlick left Burnley in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyAnd when the opportunity arose to become Antequera boss at the start of this year, he grabbed it with both hands.”I didn’t want to buy a big club,” he told The Times.”The most enjoyable thing about Burnley wasn’t the day you won something or got promotion but the actual journey — and I wanted a journey.”I looked at Antequera and thought, ‘We could go on a journey here.’Read More in Football”I knew I’d miss the buzz of football and I got offered a lot of different clubs in England but I’m a Burnley fan so I wasn’t that keen.”We already had a house in Spain, near Marbella, and my wife speaks Spanish so why not here? I can get on a plane to Malaga, jump in a car and be here really quickly.”On top of that, they’d been promoted in three of the past five years so they are clearly on an upward trend.”Antequera currently sit second in Primera Federación Group 2 – only behind Betis Deportivo Balompie, the reserve team of Real Betis.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they win the group, the Spanish side will earn promotion to the second tier.Otherwise, they may have to do so via the play-offs at the end of the campaign.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupGarlick has ambitions of leading the team all the way up to LaLiga.If Antequera achieve the feat, they would represent one of the smallest towns in the division.The 61-year-old continued: “I’ve compared it to Accrington as the population’s just over 40,000 so if we did get into La Liga one day, we’d be one of the smallest-ever towns in there.”Burnley was the smallest town in the Premier League — you’ve got 78,000 people there. It’s a dream but why not try for it?”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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      Evangelos Marinakis in talks to buy new club with major role for Edu and two Premier League cult heroes already there

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da Gama.Marinakis, 57, already owns Greece’s most successful team and Conference League winners Olympiacos, Portuguese outfit Rio Ave and of course historic Premier League club Forest.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy a controlling stake of Vasco da GamaCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal sporting director Edu is expected to have an important role in Marinakis’ groupCredit: GettyVasco da Gama is among the most famous Brazilian clubsCredit: GettyMarinakis could add Vasco da Gama to his multi-club groupCredit: GettyThe Greek billionaire appears to be building his own global multi-club group as he’s long been linked with a takeover of Serie A’s Monza as well.According to The Telegraph, the businessman is now looking to add esteemed Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.And that will likely lead to a key role for former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.Edu resigned from the Emirates earlier this month after five successful years with the Gunners as he helped the team turn back into Premier League title contenders.Read More on FootballThe Brazilian chief has linked up with Marinakis and is expected to take over an unspecified role that would see him being in charge of Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.If the ship owner, who saw Olympiacos become the first ever Greek European cup winners, is also successful in his bid for Vasco da Gama then Edu is also expected to be in charge of the Rio de Janeiro club.The Brazilian outfit was previously controlled by 777 Partners before their financial model collapsed earlier this year.The group is now under the control of US insurance giant A-Cap and the clubs are being sold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVasco da Gama have quite the Premier League element this season.Rafael Paiva’s side includes the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Dimitri Payet.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, Sky Sports Premiere LeagueEx-Liverpool star Coutinho plays on loan from Aston Villa and West Ham hero Dimitri Payet joined from Marseille this year.Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho plays for Vasco da Gama on loan from Aston VillaCredit: GettyWest Ham hero Dimitri Payet also joined Vasco da Gama this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Erling Haaland takes centre stage in the latest Beats by Dre advert set in Norway.The short film shows of the 22-year-old’s incredible strength and endurance.Erling Haaland stars in the latest Beats by Dre campaignThe striker is seen doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliffThe striker ends the advert waking up under a blanket of snowIt opens with Haaland meditating among a pack of wolves in the forest before he embarks on a run through the Norwegian mountains.The striker is then seen jogging on a spinning log in the middle of a calm lake.He continues his workout by doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliff before chopping a pile of wood and walking across hot coals with his bare feet.It ends with Haaland waking up under a blanket of snow, putting on his sky blue headphones and staring down the camera.Read More in FootballThe ad is for Beats’ latest campaign titled: “Ordinary is for everyone else.”Haaland’s presence in the Premier League has been far from ordinary since he joined Man City two years ago.In his first season in England, the striker broke a record set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer to become the highest-scoring Prem star in a single campaign.He already has two Golden Boots to his name, as well as two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland is understood to be in line to become the Prem’s top earner.The striker has reportedly been offered a new deal at Man City that will make him the highest-paid star in the history of England’s top flight.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal He currently earns £375,000-per-week at the Etihad, but City bosses are willing to up that to £500,000-per-week.The proposed deal allegedly runs until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.Who are these famous footballers? More