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      Best April Fool’s Day pranks from Arsenal fans losing their minds to Chris Kamara’s long-lost sister

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      NOBODY is safe from an April Fool’s Day prank when April 1 rolls around – and today has been no different.Some of the biggest sporting names from around the world have been up to no good as they took their opportunity to tease their fans.Some of sport’s biggest names have pulled off some hilarious April Fool’s Day pranksWhether it be long-lost sisters, incredible injury returns or even a completely new career change – sports stars always find a way to get one over on their supporters.Here SunSport breaks down some of the best April Fool’s pranks spotted online this year…Kammy’s sisterIconic sports broadcaster and retired star Chris Kamara took the time out of his day to trick his fans into thinking he had a long-lost sister.Kamara, 67, shared a hilariously edited picture of himself made to look like he had long locks and a full face of make-up on to his X account.READ MORE IN SPORTHe shared it alongside the caption: “Wow. Some incredible news. Just found out after all these years that I have sister!!! “She is called April, first I’ve heard of it. Who do you think you are, coming to our screens very soon on ITV.”Safe to say the whole thing was a just a cheeky prank from Kammy, and you can’t expect to see him or his badly-edited ‘sister’ on Who Do You Think You Are? any time soon.Nice try, Kammy.Most read in FootballChris Kamara had fans up and down the country laughingCredit: Times Media LtdKamara pretended he had found a long-lost sisterFur real?Speculation remains about whether Tyson Fury has actually hung up his gloves after he announced his latest of five retirement announcements in January.But for a brief second today it looked like he was about to start a brand new career.That’s because the former world heavyweight champ teased his fans with a post claiming that he was the new James Bond.Alongside an AI picture of him dressed up in a tuxedo with a gun in hand, Fury posted on Instagram: “Shaken, Not Stirred @007.”The Gypsy King is back and I have a license to thrill. Many years in the making and many notable agents and performances before me – BOND. TYSON BOND.”Of course, many fans found this one hard to believe, but it certainly got a few laughs across the internet.Leave the spying to the professionals.Tyson Fury joked that he was branching out into actingCredit: PAFury claimed that he’s the next James BondCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryWood you believe it?Tiger Woods’ injury problems seem to be never-ending and surgery on a ruptured Achilles in March has ruled him out of all four majors this season.But the golfing legend managed to put a lighthearted spin on his latest injury less than two weeks out from The Masters.Woods claimed he had undergone a miracle recovery and would be able to tee up at Augusta next Thursday.He wrote on X: “I can’t believe I am saying this, but a few weeks after rupturing my left Achilles, the sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber plus the explosive lifts my doctors and trainers have me ready to play the Masters next week!”Can’t wait! See y’all on the course.”Fans desperate to see one of the sporting greats return to golf’s most prestigious competition were over the moon with the announcement, only to have their excitement ripped away by a follow-up post.Just six minutes later, Woods added: “P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess :)”.Devastated fans labelled Woods’ prank as “the meanest thing that has ever been done on the internet”.Maybe this one went a little too far, Tiger.Tiger Woods teased golf fans around the world with a hilarious April Fool’s prankCredit: GettyGunner make you angryStat experts Opta are normally the go-to outlet for every fact and figure you could possible want in football.But on April 1, they decided to swap the facts for fibs with a cheeky prank that left Arsenal fans fuming.The stat gurus’ X account wrote: “62% – Arsenal have been given the benefit of the doubt and awarded the highest percentage of 50-50 decisions of any team in the Premier League this season. Evens.”It’s safe to say Arsenal fans were less than impressed with the joke, having seen their team handed five red cards in the league this season – more than any other team.One fumed: “How did you quantify a 50-50 decision ? That’s an opinion based argument.”While another added: “These stats getting out or hand. PLS TELL ME WHO TF DECIDES WHAT A 50-50 is??”.Opta also joked that Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez was too good with another immeasurable stat.Posting: “14 – Darwin Nunez has missed more chances where he’s struck the ball too well than any other player in the top flight this season. Connection.”Opta sent Arsenal fans into meltdown with a fake factArsenal have received more red cards than any other Premier League team this seasonCredit: GettyPhil ‘The Tower’ Taylor Darts fans have been eagerly awaiting a proposed match-up between Luke Littler and Phil Taylor since darts sponsor Target teased a face-off back in February.And today they were finally treated to a hotly anticipated match… of JENGA.All hopes of a master vs apprentice battle at the oche came tumbling down and instead it was a friendly game of Jenga.Read More on The SunAlthough, if you’re interested as to who is the better Jenga player – it turns out it’s 18-year-old Littler.The match took three minutes and 40 seconds to decide, with Taylor, 54, eventually seeing the tower tumble as he tried to take out a block near the bottom.Phil Taylor and Luke Littler finally faced off in a matchCredit: Target DartsIt happened to be a match of Jenga instead of dartsCredit: Target Darts More

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      Chloe Kelly insists there is ‘more to come’ from her as England resume Euros title defence preparations

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      CHLOE KELLY is not thinking “too much” about her club future despite the Arsenal loan star’s contract with Manchester City expiring in June. Instead her focus is on being in the best place “mentally and physically” with the Gunners and Lionesses vying for major honours.Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead could be in line to start for England when they play Belgium in the Nations League on April 4Kelly’s recent form on loan for Arsenal led to her earning an England recall ahead of the team’s clashes with Belgium this monthKelly and England striker Alessia Russo shone for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarters with the Gunners due to take on Lyon in the semi-finalsSince her January return to Arsenal, where she began her pro career at 17, Kelly, 27, has flourished alongside England pals Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. High points for the forward include delivering two class assists in a three-goal drubbing of Real Madrid with the team dumped out of the Champions League quarters. Efforts include her pinpoint cross for a shot drilled home by Gunners striker Russo.Like Russo, Mead and Williamson, Kelly is in the running to start against Belgium when England play their third Nations League game on Friday 4 April.Read More Football Stories This is a far cry from the first half of this term with Kelly making one start in six City WSL games and initially being left out of England’s squad in February. Two months after her tumultuous exit on loan from City, came a Lionesses recall for the forward who now plays “with a smile”. The 50-capped Lioness said:  “It’s really important as a human being that you get that smile on your face. “That’s nothing to do with being a footballer, it’s just as a human because that’s important. Most read in Football”I’m definitely smiling more, I feel really good.“Right now I’m playing plenty of minutes, enjoying my football and I’m really learning under (Arsenal boss) Renee (Slegers). “Now I’m here (with England) I have another opportunity to represent my country which is a huge honour.”There’s definitely more to come from me.”I’m a player who wants to learn and always wants to get better and I’m probably my own worst critic.”There are going to be games where I might not be my best, but it’s really important that I take that step to becoming the best version of myself.”With the July 5th start of England’s bid to retain their European Championship title fast approaching, questions have arisen concerning Kelly’s future beyond her Arsenal loan. However, the forward, who scored the Lionesses’ tournament-winning goal at Wembley three years ago is not looking too far ahead. Kelly adds: “I don’t think about it too much. I take each day as it comes and work hard to put myself in the best possible place for the next day.”That’s really important and I don’t look too far ahead in anything. “I’m just having fun at the minute, enjoying myself and back down in London with my family spending a lot of time with them. “I’m really appreciating the little things in life.”The first of England’s two Nations League duels with Belgium could see Kelly feature alongside Russo and forward Mead this Friday. The reverse fixture will take place in Leuven on Tuesday April 6The trio were last in action together on March 30 against Crystal Palace in the WSL, with Mead netting twice and Russo also scoring in the 4-0 Arsenal victory. Kelly said: “Growing that connection is really important and the connection off the pitch as well as on it.””By pushing myself every day I can learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score and Beth as well. “She’s a great friend of mine – Beth.England hope to beat Belgium home and away and stay undefeated in the Nations League as they continue preparations for this year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: Getty”When you have that competition it allows you to be at your best every day.Read More on The Sun”And you can push each other in moments as well so that’s really important.”There’s so much we can learn from each other.” More

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      Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford is ‘still one of ours’ as he watches U18s take on Aston Villa

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has shown his support for Manchester United despite being shipped out on loan at Aston Villa.Rashford, 27, fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim as the new United manager axed him from his squad and said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach ahead of him on the bench.Marcus Rashford attended the FA Youth Cup match between Aston Villa and Manchester United’s Under-18sCredit: TikTok @thevillaobserverRashford was loaned out to Aston Villa by Man Utd in JanuaryCredit: GettyRashgford hasn’t forgotten his Man Utd rootsCredit: GettyThe forward was loaned out to Villa in January where he has impressed on and off the pitch as he claimed his first goals on Sunday at Preston to send his team to the FA Cup semi-finals.But the England international, who was recalled by new manager Thomas Tuchel after his move to Villa Park, hasn’t forgotten his Old Trafford roots.Rashford was seen attending the FA Youth Cup semi-final clash between Villa and Man Utd’s Under-18s on Monday at Villa Park.The Red Devils’ academy product was seen wearing a black hoodie in a low-profile appearance way at the back of Trinity Road Stand.Read More on Man UtdVilla went on to beat United 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw to book their place in the final in a match that was also watched by the Manchester giants’ legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.According to The Athletic, Rashford wanted to meet United’s youth players and show support for both teams.Man Utd fans were ecstatic after learning the news as they haven’t forgotten their star’s immense contribution to the club since 2015.One supporter tweeted: “He’s still one of ours. Didn’t even celebrate.”Most read in FootballAnother echoed: “He’s one of us.”A third said: “I miss Rashy.”Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionThis fan wrote: “He’s a United fan first and foremost.”And that one commented: “Still our boy.”Rashford counts two goals and four assists in 10 appearances with Villa across all competitions. More

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      Is Bruno Fernandes really the only viable Manchester United player ahead of back-to-back double Gameweeks?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been a one-man team for much of the season.This description is certainly fair in the realm of Dream Team, where Bruno Fernandes (£7m) is 125 points ahead of his closest team-mate.Fernandes has excelled despite Man United’s troublesCredit: ReutersThe Portugal international has been on a roll of late having amassed 101 points from his last seven outings!As a result, Fernandes has become the game’s leading midfielder by a wide margin with only superstar forwards Mohamed Salah (£7.7m) and Erling Haaland (£7.8m) above him in the overall rankings.Any Dream Team manager worth their salt would have recognised the 30 year-old playmaker as an excellent option and he’s currently the third-most selected asset in his position.Fernandes seems well placed to deliver further returns in the coming weeks.The Red Devils travel to Nottingham Forest this evening and will then be one of just five teams to fulfil four fixtures across Gameweeks 30 and 31: Manchester City (h), Lyon (a), Newcastle (a), Lyon (h).Fernandes is head and shoulders above his team-mates right nowCredit: GettyIt’s not a favourable set of games by any means but the fact Ruben Amorim’s side remain active in Europe means they have more point-scoring opportunities than the vast majority of teams this month.And so the question must be asked: is Fernandes really the only viable Man United player at this moment in time?The next-best performer in the squad is Alejandro Garnacho (£3.4m) with 220 points to his name.Most read in FootballAll things considered, that’s a good return from the Argentine winger, one that puts him 12th among midfielders at the time of writing.However, the 20-year-old can be a frustrating asset to own at times.Garnacho blows hot and cold but is certainly capable of providing pointsCredit: GettyGarnacho ranks first in his position for shots on target but just 14th for goals, evidence of inefficiency in front of goal.In terms of playmaking, the opposite is true as he ranks joint-fourth for assists among midfielders but just joint-35th for big chances created, suggesting his team-mates really have made the most of his relatively limited creative output.Garnacho is a curious player for sure, one who occasionally leaves points unclaimed, but it’s simply a fact that he returned 32 points in four appearances just prior to the international break.This fruitful run featured a goal and three assists.Fernandes is undoubtedly the best attack-minded option in Man United’s ranks but doubling up is a viable strategy for the next two Gameweeks at least and Garnacho seems to be best accomplice for such an approach.Dalot has earned 188 pointsCredit: PAIt may surprise some Dream Team bosses to learn that Diogo Dalot (£3.4m) is among the top ten defenders in the game.Despite Man United’s problems as a collective this season, the Portuguese wing-back has contributed seven goal involvements on top of ten clean sheets – he ranks highly for tackles too.Not as highly as Noussair Mazraoui (£3.2m) though, who has racked up 131 tackles in all competitions – the highest tally among all players.The Morocco international is just three points shy of Dalot overall.Only David Raya and Emi Martinez have more points among goalkeepers this seasonCredit: AFPThen there’s Andre Onana (£3.4m), who ranks third among goalkeepers despite the fact he’s conceded a whopping 52 goals in all competitions this season.The former Inter custodian has made 107 saves, a total only bettered by Mark Flekken (£3.4m) and Emi Martinez (£3.9m).Read More on The SunIt’s understandable if gaffers feel reluctant to back Man United’s defensive assets with Man City, Lyon (x2) and Newcastle in the diary but the Stats Centre suggest Dalot, Mazraoui and Onana are worthy of consideration.Things might get really interesting if Fernandes and company progress to last four of the Europa League, especially if the other English clubs still active in Europe are eliminated at the quarter-final stage.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Man City vs Leicester: Get £40 in free bets on the Premier League with BetMGM

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      MANCHESTER CITY return to their top four push on Wednesday when struggling Leicester City visit the Etihad.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the league encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsMan City vs Leicester: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Man City vs Leicester: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Man City vs Leicester prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Premier League clash

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      AFTER sealing yet another FA Cup semi final spot, Manchester City return to league business and a push for a top four finish with a game against toiling Leicester.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview Wednesday’s contest and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesMan City vs Leicester previewAnother FA Cup quarter final success for Manchester City and they turn their attentions back to league duty.Occupying fifth spot, it’s still remarkable to be saying City are in a battle for Champions League football.But that’s where they find themselves and the task has been made so much tougher by Erling Haaland’s injury, set to keep him out for a period of time now.It’s ridiculously tight around them in the table and they can’t afford any slip ups in the run-in.Having said that, they shouldn’t have any issues here with a pretty torrid Leicester City visiting the Etihad.Seven defeats on the spin, not scoring in five successive games, the Foxes are second bottom and fortunate Southampton have been so dreadful to keep them off the foot of the table.They’re nine points adrift of safety and have showed very little signs of putting up any sort of fight to get out of it.Just one win in 12 away from home – at Spurs – with a draw against fellow strugglers Ipswich in that run.Their saving grace could be that Haaland injury, to avoid real embarrassment. First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 5-0 at 17/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Omar Marmoush at 5/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREMan City vs Leicester latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Man City vs Leicester predictions and tipsHe Khan do itLeicester will spend plenty of time without the ball.In Bilal El Khannouss, there’s someone that has maybe gone under the radar in the card market, having registered 24 fouls in 24 Premier League apperances.Two bookings in his last five appearances for Leicester too and very decent value in the market.Bilal El Khannouss to be carded at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERETarget timeSavinho returned to City training earlier this week so this might be an outside shout if he’s not involved from the start.If he is, his pace and trickery down the City right will be a huge avenue for them against a Leicester side who could look to sit in.Only one Premier League goal to his name but 19 shots on target to his name this season. This could be shooty-in.Savinho over 1 shot on target at 2/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      How Pep Guardiola came up with genius new role for Jack Grealish with Man City star told NOT to worry about the ball

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      JACK GREALISH was handed a key role in Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth – and it didn’t involve the ball. SunSport’s in-depth analysis of City’s 2-1 FA Cup win over the Cherries shows Pep Guardiola produced a “tactical masterclass”.Pep Guardiola’s instructions to Jack Grealish changed the game at BournemouthCredit: RexNico O’Reilly starred off the bench thanks to Pep’s genius tactical tweakCredit: PASub Nico O’Reilly bagged two assists as the game changed on the South Coast after the breakGrealish, 29, has endured a frustrating season at the Etihad.He has been used in a bit-part role by the Spaniard, resulting in most of his game-time off the bench. The 29-year-old was again among the substitutes as City headed to the South Coast on Sunday for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final. Despite not scoring or grabbing an assist, Grealish’s contribution to the comeback win was far more subtle – but also vital. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Kweku Afari and Dean Scoggins delved into the tactical battle during the newest edition of Tactics Exposed.And what Guardiola did at half-time – with his team trailing – changed the whole direction of the game. Scoggins explained: “Essentially, City created a diamond in midfield.”So that means Kovacic has dropped back between the centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”You bring two midfielders then in really narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you in that area.”Kevin De Bruyne was initially playing in this role, with the narrow press creating a huge gap for half-time sub Nico O’Reilly.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldBut as the Belgian tired, Guardiola turned to Grealish off the bench. Pep told the England star to “not worry about the ball” as he prepared to enter the fray.And he instead ordered Grealish to focus on pulling Bournemouth’s midfield away to the flanks.Scoggins added: “He was saying ‘You make this run and you don’t worry about the ball.Grealish hugged the touchline, creating space in the middle of the parkThe England star was instructed not to worry about the ball”Now that seems weird, telling Jack Grealish not to worry about the ball.”But the key is, you take the player away [from the middle of the field] and we’ll get joy with Nico O’Reilly.”It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at halftime.”Nico O’Reilly was given the space to grab two assistsCity netted an equaliser minutes after the break through Erling Haaland, who later limped off injured. O’Reilly ran Bournemouth ragged throughout the second 45 minutes, first teeing up Haaland and then Omar Marmoush for the winner. Read More on The SunScoggins added: “I was surprised Marmoush didn’t start.”But talk about flick the switch. To change a tactical element like that – it was absolutely brilliant.” More

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      England’s legendary Euro 96 coach Terry Venables leaves eye-opening sum to his wife after his death at 80

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      FORMER England boss Terry Venables left his wife a £3.3million fortune following his death at the age of 80.The charismatic Three Lions coach, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 96, died in 2023.Terry Venables and his wife YvetteCredit: RexTerry with Yvette at their Hotel La Escondida in Alicante, SpainVenables died at the age of 80His probate details were published today and showed that he left a sum of £4,765,370.But once debts and bills were accounted for the value of this estate was recalculated at £3,289,952.His will, which was written six years before his death, left the entire sum to his beloved wife Yvette.Known as ‘El Tel’, Venables’ colourful career spanned decades.Read More in FootballThe father of two had a successful playing career at Chelsea, Spurs and QPR, but it was in the dug-out where he sparkled.After successful stints as boss of Crystal Palace and QPR, he took Barcelona to the La Liga title in 1985 and a European Cup final the following year.And he guided Spurs to FA Cup victory in 1991 – a game which saw Paul Gascoigne taken off injured after just 15 minutes.But Venables’ defining moment came in 1996 when he masterminded England’s thrilling Euro campaign on home soil.Most read in FootballHis Three Lions played with a swagger – demolishing the Dutch 4-1 and giving a nation hope before bowing out on penalties to Germany, with Gareth Southgate’s now famous missed spot kick.Off the pitch, Venables was co-author of crime novels, and a businessman, TV pundit, and even pop star.Following his death, ex England boss Sir Gareth Southgate said: “Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.”He was open minded, forward thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.”A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”And Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.”He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.”He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. “RIP Terry.”Terry Venables’ life outside footballBy Michael HamiltonTERRY Venables was a larger-than-life footie legend — but also found time to write a TV detective series, release a board game and run a private members’ club and boutique hotel.An accomplished singer, he also made it to 23 in the charts with Elvis Presley song If I Can Dream, backed by a choir and recorded for The Sun’s World Cup advert in 2010.Terry’s agent and long-time friend Jonathan Harris said after his passing: “The song is appropriate because he always took the view that, if you had dreams, you should pursue them to the best of your ability.“He was an extraordinary man — charismatic, quick-witted, innovative and incredibly loyal.”A long illness meant that one of his last contributions to public life was penning an open letter to Gareth Southgate and his team — published in The Sun — on the eve of the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final.He wrote: “Football is just like life. You have to give it your best shot. Take the best and survive the rest.”Terry was born in bomb-blitzed Dagenham, East London, in 1943.He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and Welsh wife Myrtle.As a child he moved in with his nearby grandparents Ossie and Milly so that his parents could run a pub in Romford.Midfielder Terry became an apprentice at Chelsea aged 15. Two years later he entered a singing contest at Butlin’s in Clacton-on-Sea, but Chelsea did not allow him to compete in the final stages.After his footballing career, Terry wrote five novels. And, with Gordon Williams, he co-wrote the popular detective novels Hazell — later turned into a successful ITV series starring Nicholas BallWheeler-dealer Terry opened a West End tailor’s shop with his then-Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.He married Christine McCann in 1966 and they had two daughters before splitting.He met second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him when he went to manage Barcelona that year.The couple ran Scribes West private members’ club in Kensington — where Terry mixed with an array of “colourful” characters — before selling it for close to £1million in 1997.Terry and Yvette also set up a boutique hotel and restaurant La Escondida in Alicante before he retired in 2019.It has been revealed he left a fortune to herCredit: GettyVenables with Alan Sugar during his days managing TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdVenables consoling Gareth Southgate at Euro 96Credit: Action Images More