More stories

  • in

    Humble West Ham star Andy Irving drives modest car and has shrewd investments to fund retirement after football

    ANDY IRVING drives a modest car and is already planning for life after football.The West Ham midfielder has risen from obscurity this season and is now one of the regulars in the side.Andy Irving is becoming a cult hero at West HamCredit: GettyHe drives a modest Nissan JukeCredit: AlamyIrving, 24, signed for the Hammers in the summer of 2023 but was never officially announced by the club.He remained on loan at SK Austria Klagenfurt for the campaign and arrived at the club at the end of his spell in Austria.Despite becoming a fully fledged Premier League football the Scotsman has kept his life humble.The midfielder drives a white Nissan Juke compared to his team-mates’ Mercedes, Bentleys, Ranger Rovers and Porsches. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Athletic have claimed that Irving’s mindset has put him in a good place in the Hammers’ squad.Manager Graham Potter has been impressed with his dedication with it appearing to leave a “lasting impression”.The report has also claimed that Irving is “shrewd with his money” and is already making moves to set up a comfortable life when he hangs up his boots.The report has claimed that he has invested in real estate that will help support his family after retirement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIrving’s unlikely success in East London saw him earn his first start in the Premier League in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Fans have also bought into the player as he was continuously serenaded from the away stand against the Blues.Evan Ferguson completes loan move to West Ham from Brighton Irving had interest last summer to leave West Ham but opted to stay at the club after backing from his partner, Zoe.He revealed that it was her belief in him to succeed at the club that convinced him to stay.Zoe was so confident that she herself got a teaching job in Tower Hamlets.He told club media: “At the end of May, there was a job available at a school in Tower Hamlets and my partner opted to go for the interview, which I was all for.”She had massive belief that I would be staying for this season, but the pressure was on throughout pre-season.”She’s amazing. I’m super proud of her, the way she’s taken to life in London and her job.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo far this season, Irving has made nine appearances in the Premier League and one more in the Carabao Cup.He is contracted to the Hammers until 2026 and if he keeps improving he could be in line for a new deal. More

  • in

    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 24: Morgan Rogers and Liverpool priorities

    LIVERPOOL, Aston Villa and Manchester City are the only three teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 24.Let’s dive straight into transfer recommendations prior to Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.195 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamMorgan Rogers (£3.5m)The Villains’ No27 is comfortably the most popular recruit this week and with good reason.He scored one goal and assisted another against Tottenham last weekend for a return of 14 points, a haul that propelled him up to seventh in the midfield rankings.Factor in his hat-trick against Celtic in Gameweek 21 and Rogers is statistically the game’s most in-form player at this point in time.The silky dribbler will be unleashed upon 19th-placed Ipswich this weekend before a tough game against Liverpool in midweek.However, that meeting with the Reds is essentially a free hit as most other players will have their feet up on Wednesday night.Ollie Watkins (£5.1m) should also be considered a strong option if he shakes off his injury while Jacob Ramsey (£2.7m) is a tempting differential (0.6% ownership) having racked up 35 points across the last three Gameweeks via two goals and two assists.Liverpool StarsStock up on Liverpool players before Friday’s deadlineCredit: ReutersLet’s have it right, Liverpool players should be the top priority for Gameweek 24.The Reds welcome relegation-threatened Wolves to Anfield on Sunday before their trip to Villa Park and, despite recent slip-ups against Plymouth and Everton, they remain the strongest team in the country.Most read in FootballMohamed Salah (£8.2m), Virgil van Dijk (£5m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) and Cody Gakpo (£5.1m) are all among the most selected players in Dream Team and justifiably so.However, Luis Diaz (£3.4m) has underwhelmed of late and it might be worth switching to Alexis Mac Allister (£4.1m) or Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) for your midfield needs.The Colombia international played 180+ minutes in Gameweek 23 and returned just four points.Antoine Semenyo (£3.9m) and/or Justin Kluivert (£3.9m)Cherry pickingCredit: GettyAway from the double headers, Bournemouth’s visit to Southampton is bursting with potential.The Cherries have scored 11 goals in their last four outings while Saints have the worst defensive record in the top flight this season.Midfielders Semenyo and Kluivert have 31 goal involvements between them this term and should enjoy themselves against Ivan Juric’s beleaguered troops.Looking further ahead, Bournemouth have two fixtures in Gameweek 25 (Wolves and Brighton) and an FA Cup tie in Gameweek 26.Ethan Nwaneri (£1.9m)Young GunnerCredit: GettyA rogue option to finish but not one devoid of logic.Many Dream Team bosses will be put off by the idea of backing an attack-minded Arsenal player given their depleted resources at this moment in time.Kai Havertz (£4.7m) has joined Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£3.7m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.1m) on the sidelines but it’s these absentees that make Nwaneri a viable selection.Mikel Arteta has used the 17-year-old sparingly but injuries will surely force his hand for the upcoming fixtures, starting with a trip to 18th-placed Leicester this weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESNwaneri averages a goal every 100 minutes this season and certainly has the talent to take advantage of the Foxes’ leaky defence.The highly-rated teenager appears in 0.9% of teams at the time of writing.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

  • in

    Kai Havertz injury update as Arsenal release statement on crocked star following devastating hamstring tear

    ARSENAL have released a statement with an update on the injury of Kai Havertz.The German forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear.Kai Havert will have to undergo surgery on his injuryCredit: GettyHavertz’s injury happened during the club’s warm-weather training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyHavertz, 25, picked up the injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai and will need to undergo surgery.Arsenal confirmed in a statement that this was the case.It was also revealed that the former Chelsea star will have a recovery programme that will run into the pre-season training for the 2025/26 campaign.It read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.”Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”The long-term injury to Havertz has damaged Arsenal’s title hopes and shone a light on the lack of depth available to Mikel Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club were hotly tipped to sign a new striker in the January transfer window with links to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.However, the North London outfit did not make a move in the market to bolster their attack. Worrying Kai Havertz footage emerges after Arsenal star ruled out for entire season with devastating torn hamstringIt has been speculated that midfielder Mikel Merino could be tried as a makeshift forward.While academy players Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia and Khayon Edwards may enter Arteta’s thinking.Arsenal headed to Dubai for their annual warm-weather training trip last Thursday.Crocked stars Ben White and Bukayo Saka were able to join their team-mates on the training camp, as they both step up their respective injury recoveries. More

  • in

    ‘That’s enough’ – AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question

    AC MILAN boss Sergio Conceicao walked out of his Champions League press conference after just ONE QUESTION.The manager was less than impressed after the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord on Wednesday evening.Sergio Conceicao only answered one question in his post-match press conferenceCredit: Sky SportsHe walked out of the press roomCredit: X @ESPNnlAC Milan were beaten 1-0 by Feyenoord in HollandCredit: GettyThe Italian giants were beaten by their Dutch opposition in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.Igor Paixao netted the only goal of the game within just three minutes and was a constant thorn in the side of Kyle Walker.Milan’s frustrating evening appeared to have got the better of Conceicao as he arrived for his post-match press conference.Reports have claimed that he was left waiting for 15 minutes before being allowed to enter the press room.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s been reported that this was down to a lack of “availability” of the players and staff from Feyenoord.He was asked about expectations from the match, gave his answer and walked out of the room.He said: “We knew what the atmosphere was like, how aggressive they were, we knew it.”Matches definitely become easier if you win duels. We entered the match with a chance for Tijjani Reijnders, then we conceded a goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Well, things happen. It wasn’t a lucky match. We should have done more.”We had the chances to at least equalise.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showKyle Walker struggled throughout the matchCredit: Getty”But that’s enough now, I waited 15 minutes to speak and now I’m leaving.”Walker, who endured a torrid night, also spoke to the press and insisted that the team can recover from the loss.He said: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from it.”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.” More

  • in

    ‘He’d jump at the opportunity’ – Steven Gerrard tipped to become manager of Championship promotion-chasing team

    STEVEN GERRARD would jump at the chance to take over at Blackburn Rovers.That is, according to his former team-mate Danny Murphy.Steven Gerrard has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyDanny Murphy believes Gerrard would jump at the opportunity to manager RoversJohn Eustace sensationally quit Rovers on Thursday to become Derby County’s new manager after the Rams sacked Paul Warne last week.Rovers are fifth in the Championship table and well and in the play-off hunt – but Eustace has departed for a club sitting just outside the second-tier’s relegation zone, separated only by goal difference.Blackburn were stunned to see Eustace – who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago – activate his release clause.Edwood Park chiefs are now chasing a new gaffer as they push for promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd former Liverpool star Murphy believes it would be the perfect job for Gerrard – who departed his role at Al-Ettifaq last month.Speaking to Spin Genie, Murphy said: “I could really see Steven at Blackburn.”I think he would jump at the opportunity if he was offered the job.”It’s a great location in terms of where he is from and they have some good young players and are really pushing in the right direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He might consider what he has learned in Saudi and who is making the decisions at the club.”I’m of the mindset that all managers are improving when they are in roles and he would’ve definitely improved at both Aston Villa and in Saudi.”I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Murphy added that perhaps the Villa job came “too early in his managerial career, even though he started well there”.The former Fulham star said: “He would have learned a lot of lessons from that and with the Blackburn job, I think he’d jump for the opportunity.”But Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Gerrard was odds-on favourite to land the tricky Derby job, before former Rams player Eustace took it.Eustace made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for the Pride Park side and is now tasked with saving his side from relegation.Gerrard, meanwhile, has also been tipped to potentially return to Rangers to replace under-fire Gers boss Philippe Clement – if the Belgian is sacked.John Eustace has left Rovers for Derby CountyThe Anfield icon did bring the Scottish Premiership to the Ibrox during his first managerial stint in 2021.Ex-Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson even claimed Gerrard could sensationally team up with Wayne Rooney in the Rangers dugout.READ MORE SUN STORIESFerguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him.“Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?” More

  • in

    PSG rivals moving into 19,000 capacity stadium right next to Parc des Princes after Jurgen Klopp moaned about atmosphere

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S rivals Paris FC are moving into a 19,000-capacity stadium right next to the Parc des Princes following complaints from Jurgen Klopp about their atmosphere.The French minnows currently play in Ligue 2 and are hoping to seal promotion to the top flight this summer.Paris FC are set to move into a stadium right next to PSG’s Parc des PrincesCredit: AFPThe Ligue 2 side will play at the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin from next seaasonCredit: AFP – GettyRed Bull chief Jurgen Klopp felt that Paris FC needed to move to improve their atmosphereCredit: GettyParis FC hope to improve their standing at their new homeCredit: GettyBut should they enter Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season, Paris FC will end up having an incredible derby with city rivals PSG.That’s because they are set to move into the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin, which located right next to PSG’s Parc des Princes.The fancy arena is currently used by rugby side Stade Francais.However, they will share it with Paris FC from next season, with a deal agreed until 2029.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second-tier side have been playing at Stade Charlety this term, which is located to the south of Paris and has a capacity of 20,000.But fans are not happy with it due to it mainly being used as an athletics stadium.Seats are located far away from the pitch.And nobody was more displeased after a visit than Liverpool legend Klopp.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe German now works as Global Head of Football at Red Bull.They became minority investors in Paris FC late last year.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Paris FC currently play away from the city centre at the Stade CharletyCredit: AFPIt is primarily an athletics stadium and features the pitch far away from the crowdCredit: GettyStade Jean-Bouin has a more modern look to itCredit: GettyIt is also the home of top rugby side Stade FrancaisCredit: GettyAnd Klopp went to visit Stade Charlety to see them in action.But after being treated to the incredible atmospheres of Anfield and Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, Paris FC were found lacking.Klopp said: “The stadium is a stadium where you cannot create an atmosphere.“It is long ago since I watched a game from that far and I was in the stadium rather than in front of the TV.”As a result, Paris FC will now play at the Stade Jean-Bouin and will be hoping to become their city’s dominant side should they win promotion this term.Owner Antoine Arnault said: “Reaching this agreement to play at Jean-Bouin from next season was a priority for my family to offer our supporters, partners and spectators a perfect setting to see Paris FC teams.” More

  • in

    Gunners captain Kim Little signs new deal with Arsenal 17 years on from joining women’s top-flight giants

    KIM LITTLE hopes to savour more special moments with Arsenal after extending her contract with the club.The new deal will see the veteran Gunners skipper continue her career with their WSL side until at least June 2026. Kim Little says playing for Arsenal has brought her many special momentsThe Gunners captain hopes to win more silverware with the club having them to win six league titles, three FA Cups and six league cupsLittle and her team-mates are due to face Tottenham the WSL on Sunday at the EmiratesIt follows the club exercising their option to extend her contract.  Little, 34, who is set to face Tottenham in the WSL North London derby this Sunday, said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and play another year with Arsenal. “It’s quite unique to play for a club for the length of time I have, and I don’t take that for granted. “That time brings many special moments, and I look forward to making a few more of them.”Read More Football StoriesLittle, who began her senior playing career with Scottish Women’s Premier League outfit Hibernian, joined the Gunners at 17 in 2008.The former Scotland playmaker, regarded as one of the best players of her generation, has gone on to become the team’s third highest appearance maker.Her silverware wins with the club includes six league titles, three FA Cups and six Women’s League CupsThe player, who was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2023, has made 363 appearances for the team. Most read in FootballGunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley said: “Kim is one of the very best – as a player and as our captain. “She continues to help drive us forward and set standards on and off the pitch. “We value Kim’s contribution immensely, and I know our supporters will be thrilled that Kim’s Arsenal journey is continuing.”Little, who has scored 174 times for Arsenal, began her football journey playing for a primary school boys’ team in Mintlaw, the village where she grew up in Aberdeenshire. Her senior club career includes her first Gunners stint from 2008 to 2013 before two seasons with US side Seattle reign and a one-term loan spell at Australian outfit Melbourne City. After rejoining Arsenal in 2017, Little went on to help them win their fifth League Cup in March 2018. This followed the midfielder recovering from a knee ligament rupture sustained in May the year before. In 2018-19 Little played 11 times in the top tier for the Arsenal side that won the WSL title under their former gaffer Joe Montemurro. At present their chances of a title win this term look slim with the team fourth and ten points behind league leaders Chelsea. However the Gunners are eager to add more trophies to their collection having reached the quarter-final stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says Kim Little has important role to play in her team’s trophy chaseCredit: PAAnd head coach Renee Slegers insists Little has a significant role to play in Arsenal’s push for more silverware READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Gunners boss said: “Kim is a wonderful footballer and captain and has an important part to play in the goals we want to achieve. “I’ve learned so much from working with Kim and I’m looking forward to that continuing as we aim to win trophies together.” More

  • in

    ‘They know the situation’ – Enzo Maresca confirms Robert Sanchez axed as Chelsea No1 after series of howlers

    ROBERT SANCHEZ has been dropped as Chelsea’s No1 goalkeeper, Enzo Maresca has confirmed. Sanchez, 27, had been responsible for multiple clangers this season which caused the Blues to drop vital points in their hunt for the top four.Robert Sanchez has been dropped as Chelsea’s No1Credit: RexEnzo Maresca confirmed the decision ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Brighton on FridayCredit: PAFilip Jorgensen will take his place between the sticksCredit: GettyBut the final straw appears to have been his fatal gaffe against Manchester City.Filip Jorgensen replaced Sanchez in the following Premier League game against West Ham before Sanchez returned between the sticks for the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.However, Maresca has now confirmed Jorgensen is the team’s No1.Speaking to reporters ahead of their visit to Brighton on Friday evening, he said: “The Filip solution was also to give Robert some time to recover mentally and physically in general.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The idea is not game by game to change the ‘keeper. “In the last Premier League game against West Ham, it was Filip and then in the FA Cup game, it was Robert but our ‘keeper in this moment is Filip.”I spoke with Robert a few days before West Ham where I took the decision to play Filip. I never spoke again with Robert. “With Filip, exactly the same. They know in this moment the situation.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”This is the situation now and then we will see the situation. In this moment, it is like this.”Less than a month ago Maresca had given his backing to Sanchez to turn his form around, saying it was “not something strange, it is part of the job” to make mistakes.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sThose comments came after the Spaniard gifted a goal to Wolves when dropping the ball when attempting to catch a cross.At that time the stats revealed only one goalkeeper, Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric, had made more than his four errors.But following his next gaffe against Man City, when he inexplicably charged out of his goal before being chipped by Erling Haaland, no goalkeeper in the Premier League was more error-prone.Chelsea ratings vs Brighton as pantomime villain Cucurella can hold head high but Nkunku has a shockerBRIGHTON came from behind to dump Chelsea out of the FA Cup with Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly placed chip securing a 2-1 win for the Seagulls at the Amex stadium.But how did Chelsea’s players fare? Who was the biggest let down and who was the best of the worst? Check out SunSport’s player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 5/10Back in the side after being dropped by Enzo Maresca after a number of errors this season. The Spaniard looked shaky on the ball at the start of the game but seemed to brush off his nerves as the match developed.Nothing he could do about Brighton’s opener with Georginio Rutter’s perfectly placed header flying past him.Perhaps a little slow off his line for Brighton’s winner, but take nothing away from Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly executed chip.Malo Gusto – 5Worked tirelessly charging up and down the right flank for Chelsea, but failed to have much joy going forward or defensively.Struggled to deal with the dangerous Mitoma throughout the game, and was caught napping out of position for the Japanese forwards winner.Tosin Adarabioyo – 5Alongside Trevoh Chalobah, was guilty of allowing Georginio Rutter to drift into space to fire home Brighton’s early equaliser.Played some confident passes at times, but also looked like a walking mistake on the ball at times. Was caught in possession on the halfway line by Georginio Rutter which almost led to a Brighton goal.Trevoh Chalobah  – 6Equally as responsible for Brighton’s opening goal alongside his centre back partner, allowing Rutter a free header in the box.Was more composed on the ball than his Tosin throughout the game, however, and already looks like Chelsea’s best centre back after being recalled from loan.Marc Cucurella – 6The pantomime villain of the evening at the Amex stadium, with Brighton fans spending the full 90 minutes booing their ex player everytime he got a hold of the ball.Was solid throughout the game, although failed to have the attacking impact that he has had for Chelsea in recent games.Moises Caicedo – 6Looked to be running a one man midfield before Enzo Fernandez was introduced in the second half.Worked tirelessly but was clearly frustrated with his sides efforts, putting in a couple of nasty tackles which led to him being booked.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 4A rare start for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea this season, and in truth, he failed to take advantage.A very poor challenge early on saw the Englishman booked, and he failed to have any impact on his side going forward or defensively in the first half.Was substituted fifteen minutes into the second half for Enzo Fernandez in the wake of Brighton’s second goal.Pedro Neto – 5An injury concern midway through the first half, which in truth he never quite looked to shake off.Looked confident he had the better of Tariq Lamptey, often beating his fullback. His final ball, however, was sorely lacking throughout the match, with a number of crosses flying over everyoneCole Palmer – 6Played his part in Chelsea’s opener with a first time cross into the box – although it’s difficult to mark that goal down as anything other than a Bart Verbruggen howler.Looked like he was missing his regular attacking partner Nicholas Jackson, with a clear lack of connection with the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku up top.Jadon Sancho – 5Looked uninterested for large parts of the first half, and failed to close down Joel Veltman who whipped in the cross for Brighton’s opener.He picked up in the second half with some direct dribbling, although never managed to find the final ball.Christopher Nkunku – 2It’s hard not to feel sorry for Nkunku, with the forward looking completely lost in Enzo Maresca’s system.It genuinely seemed like he wasn’t on the pitch at times, with the Frenchman missing in action for large parts of the game.The one clear chance he had running through on goal, he bizarrely elected to cross the ball rather than have an effort himself.SUBS:Enzo Fernandez (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 59) – 7Brought an air of control to Chelsea’s midfield which was sorely lacking before. Played a few nice passes with the short time he had on the pitch.Nothing came of his efforts, although perhaps the result would have been different for Chelsea had he started the game.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Spurned a great opportunity over the bar, and other than that failed to have any impact. More