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      Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV

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      BALLER LEAGUE has agreed a one-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW TV for the inaugural UK season of the six-a-side competition.Every match from the debut campaign is set to be shown live on Monday nights from the Copper Box Arena in London.Sky Sports will broadcast Baller League starting this monthCredit: ballerleague.ukSome of the biggest names in football are involved, alongside social media starsCredit: ballerleague.ukCoverage will be hosted by social media personality Chunkz and sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo.Baller League has been a huge success in Germany since it was established by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski two years ago.The tournament is set to involve a combination of football icons and social media stars.Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four advancing to the final play-off in May.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManagers will assemble their squads next Monday (March 10) in a huge draft.The first round of matches will then follow two weeks later.YouTube superstar KSI has been named as president of the UK league, with streamer IShowSpeed fronting the American version.Football legends Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo have been lined up as team managers for the new format.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhat teams are in the Baller League and who are they managed by?Trebol FC – Luis FigoVZN FC – TBJZLDeportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah RichardsSDS FC – Sharky26ers FC – John TerryYanited FC – AngryGingeN5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie LjungbergM7 FC – MiniminterSantan FC – DaveFC Rules the World – Clint 419Meanwhile, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires are among those who have signed up as coaches.German entrepreneur Felix Starck, who co-founded Baller League and is now CEO, said in November: “Sport is no longer as easy as just saying ‘look, we’re here now, come and watch us.’Gary Lineker lands first job since Match of the Day exit in shock new role alongside former England captain”That’s just not how sport works any more. It needs to be exciting, and it needs to be authentic.”Those are the two words that we always use at Baller League.”What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More

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      Coleen Rooney leads Wags rallying around Annie Kilner at lunch days after husband Kyle Walker spent night with two girls

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      FELLOW Wags have rallied around Annie Kilner at a lunch today after her love rat husband Kyle Walker was snapped with two party girls.The Three Lions and AC Milan ace, 34, got touchy-feely with the Annie lookalikes at a hotel bar and club until around 2am.Fellow Wags have rallied around Annie Kilner at a lunch todayCredit: SplashAnnie arrives at the International Ladies Day lunch at the Lowry Hotel in SalfordCredit: MCPIXKyle Walker was pictured leaving Tocqueville 13, Milan’s hedonistic late night hot spot with two brunettesCredit: BackGridI’m a Celeb ­runner-up Coleen Rooney, 38, also attended the lunchCredit: SplashIt came hours after his wife and boys jetted back to England.The Man City full-back, on loan in Serie A, enjoyed a £5,300 Super VIP extravagance with the pair at the Italian city’s star-studded Tocqueville 13.Sources at the nightclub say the group partied into the early hours.Now Annie has been spotted arriving at the International Ladies Day lunch at the Lowry Hotel in Salford, Manchester.Read more Sports NewsI’m a Celeb ­runner-up and Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen, 38, attended the lunch to support her pal.Elsewhere ex-Man United midfielder Michael Carrick’s wife Lisa was at the Julie Perry event.Phil Jones’s wife Kaya Hall and English model Tanya Bardsley, who is married to Macclesfield Town assistant manager Phil Bardsley, also posed for the cameras outside the venue.It came after Annie posted a photo dump including a sign reading: “Maybe your path is harder because your calling is higher.”Most read in FootballOther snaps included her on nights out with pals, mirror selfies and of her sons at the airport.She wrote: “Been A Busy [bee emoji].”Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid as cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan dealThere was no mention of Kyle’s night out.KYLE’S NIGHT OUTOur exclusive photos show Kyle, who was wearing his wedding ring, appearing to touch one woman’s hair as she flicks it back flirtatiously.At Tocqueville, the £150,000-a-week England defender’s group spent £2,474 on a table at the heart of the club.They paid £1,200 for a magnum of Dom Perignon champagne and £1,600 for a 1.75-litre bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila.Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex star Olivia AttwoodCredit: SplashEx-Man United midfielder Michael Carrick’s wife Lisa at the Julie Perry eventCredit: SplashKyle, 34, was seen with his arm around one of the dark-haired womenCredit: BackGridSources say the group partied until 4am, although Kyle left before then.One said: “Kyle made sure he got one of the best tables for him and the girls and didn’t hold back.”He played it cool in terms of ­dancing — but seemed to have a great time.”A day earlier, on Monday, Kyle, Annie and their four boys were seen shopping in Milan.Kyle and Annie, currently going through a divorce, were seen leaving the Prada shop at tourist hotspot Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.She and the boys are thought to have flown back to the UK that evening.The following night, on Tuesday, Kyle, currently sidelined by injury, went to the Casa Cipriani Hotel where he arrived at 10.45pm.The hotel offers £1,000-a-night suites and a private members’ restaurant and bar, the Living Room, which was packed with celebrities for Milan Fashion Week including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and his Italian girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.Kyle, in blue trousers, white Prada T-shirt, a striped cardigan and baseball cap, is understood to have met the two women inside the Living Room, which has live entertainment and DJ sets.The women were seen giggling as they left the Living Room at around 2am on Wednesday.Kyle ushered them into an electric BMW iX7 which was driven two miles to Tocqueville 13.The women were dressed elegantly, with one in a white fur coat and the other a long burgundy coat.An onlooker said: “The women looked at ease in Kyle’s company, sticking close by his side.”It appeared as if they had spent a good few hours together, they were laughing and joking as Kyle’s driver collected keys at the valet.Annie Kilner posted a photo dump on InstagramCredit: instagram/annievkilnerSeveral fellow Wags showed their supportCredit: instagram/annievkilnerOne of the snaps shared was a motivational statementCredit: instagram/annievkilner2At one point one woman flicked back her long brown hair and Kyle reached over to touch it.”He then had his arm around the woman’s waist. He looked like the cat that got the cream.”Kyle was obviously having a good time, but whatever the situation, it doesn’t look good when Annie had just flown home following a family get-together.”Tocqueville 13’s Instagram page is crammed with images of scantily clad women writhing on the dance floor, and that night was dubbed ICON, with DJs spinning hip-hop, reggaeton and afrobeat music.The venue, which is spread over two floors and closes at 5am, has built a reputation for hedonistic late-night partying.On social media, revellers can be seen crossing the dance floor waving magnum bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne with bottle sparklers attached.Another Milan nightlife source said: “Tocqueville 13 is notorious for footballers, basketballers and wealthy Milano men because it’s filled with hot women.”They can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm.”The club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late-night spot and by the time it closes the sun is coming up.”Kyle’s two companions were spotted together the next day, later on Wednesday, wearing sunglasses, outside the swish Portrait Hotel.Sources close to Kyle said the women were friends of a man — his Italian agent — he was having ­dinner with in the private members’ club at Casa Cipriani Hotel and were sitting on a nearby table.The source said they were later joined by other people known to Kyle’s agent when they moved on to the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey insisted Kyle didn’t drink any alcohol and left the club earlier than the others.Kyle joined AC Milan on loan in the January transfer window after asking Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola if he could leave for a new challenge.Phil Jones’s wife Kaya Hall posed for the cameras outside the venueCredit: BackGridWalker treated the women to the club’s £5,000 Super VIP extravaganceCredit: BackGridThe club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late night spotCredit: BackGridTanya Bardsley is married to Macclesfield Town assistant manager PhilCredit: BackGrid More

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      I’m Cole Palmer’s and other England stars’ barber – Premier League captain comes in EVERY week to have his hair cut

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      FOOTBALLERS need to be sharp.And that is why haircuts are so important.Joe and Huw run Kings Cuts in EpsomCredit: SunSportThe barbers boast a load of Premier League footballers as customers including Declan RiceCredit: @kingscutsltdTheir pranks with clients including Cole Palmer have gone viralCredit: @kingscutsltdSo it is no wonder Kings Cuts in Epsom – just a 20-minute drive from Chelsea’s Cobham training ground – are trusted to deliver the trims for some of the Premier League’s top stars.Founders Joe and Huw have a whole host of big names among their regular clients – including England stars Cole Palmer and Declan Rice.Plenty of players with Chelsea connections also get their hair cut at Kings Cuts.A fair chunk of the Fulham squad do, too, given the barber shop is only three miles from the Cottagers’ training ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is partly because club captain Tom Cairney recommends the hairdressers to new signings, having been a loyal customer for a decade.Huw told SunSport’s Football Fixers YouTube show: “We’ve got players from non-league to Sunday League to Premier League to Champions League.”Tom Cairney is probably my longest customer, Declan Rice as well was probably around the same time.”Cole Palmer for the last couple of years since he’s been at Chelsea, Jamal Musiala is a good one but he’s obviously in Germany so he’ll come in whenever he’s in England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve done Levi Colwill since he was young and still do Tino Livramento when he can pop in.”Joe does Billy Gilmour but he’s at Napoli now so he flies out to Italy every now and then.How Ruben Amorim will prove Wayne Rooney wrong despite FA Cup loss to Fulham”With doing Tom nearly ten-plus years, that’s brought through a lot of other Fulham players.”Being club captain, people turn to him for advice on haircuts if they are new to the area.”And the fact that he does have very good hair does help.”When asked how often he swings by Kings Cuts for a fresh fade, Cairney revealed: “Once a week. Is that bad?”I think it’s quite normal these days. “I’ve never had a bad haircut. He can do it in about four minutes. Rapid.”Huw is so trusted among his celebrity customers that Rice even managed to get him into an England set-up to provide haircuts for the Three Lions team.He added: “When I got invited into the England camp, that was a pinch-me moment.”You go in and spot X, Y, Z… yeah this is a bit mental. “Dec’s told a few of the boys at England I can be trusted which is a nice feeling.”Kings Cuts’ footballer customersCole PalmerDeclan RiceJamal MusialaLevi ColwillMarc GuiuBilly GilmourTino AnjorinTino LivramentoTom CairneyAntonee RobinsonHarrison ReedShane DuffyJoe BryanConnor WickhamJamie CummingRyan TafazolliBut the hairdressers have made the most of that trust by playing some pranks on the footballers in their Surrey store. Many of the hilarious videos have gone viral on TikTok, none more so than when they tried to put a “Baby It’s Cole Outside” Christmas jumper on Palmer, which has racked up more than 12million views.And the Kings Cuts jokers performed another trick in front of the SunSport cameras when Cairney came in – bringing out a pair of giant scissors midway through the trim. Cutting the hair of Premier League footballers is not always plain sailing, though.Tom Cairney swings by every week for his fresh fadeCredit: SunSportJoe revealed: “My experience with footballers, they don’t plan their haircuts at all.”Whether they’ve got a game or training or a bit of spare time, they’ll just ask you an hour before.”You always make room for them somewhere. There’s always after work or after hours or you might have a little gap where you can [squeeze them in]”.But the extra attention – and custom – from the high-profile clients means business is thriving for Kings Cuts.And the future is very bright indeed.Huw concluded: “I think our plan is just to grow as a business, just to keep building one step at a time. There’s no rush or pressure.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Once we’ve maxed out here, potentially opening a new shop, building on social media, building on more footballers, but not just footballers, just to grow as a business.”With their warm personalities, willingness to have a laugh and top-quality trims for some of the best footballers in the land, it is clear to see why Joe and Huw are a cut above the rest…The jokers pretended to use giant scissors to cut his hairCredit: SunSportThere are a load of signed framed shirts on the wallCredit: SunSportLevi Colwill gets his hair cut by Huw just 20 minutes from the Cobham training groundCredit: @kingscutsltdRice invited him into the England camp to trim up the Three Lions squadCredit: @kingscutsltd More

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      Major broadcast change as BBC makes huge football event previously shown on Sky Sports free-to-air

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      THE BBC has agreed a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland matches shown on free-to-air television from the upcoming international break.All three teams are set to battle it out for a place at next summer’s World Cup over the coming months.The BBC has announced a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland games broadcast on free-to-air TVCredit: ReutersScotland games have been behind a paywall for over 15 yearsCredit: PAThe Irish FA praised the ‘new chapter’Credit: PacemakerAnd for the first time in over two decades, every fixture will be shown on free-to-air TV across the United Kingdom.The BBC has reached an agreement with Uefa allowing 41 matches to be shown live across its channels.The deal also includes at least two international friendlies and Scotland’s Nations League play-off with Greece later this month.It is the first time the BBC has secured full live rights for all three nations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Nations, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.”Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament.”It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”This month will mark the first time a Wales qualifier is broadcast on free-to-air TV since 2004.Most read in FootballFAW CEO Noel Mooney revealed: “As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy at the helm, the Football Association of Wales is looking forward to working with BBC Cymru Wales, on their free-to-air coverage of the Cymru men’s national team.”It’s fantastic that every Welsh fan will be able to watch our matches for free via the BBC’s fantastic coverage.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawMeanwhile, Scotland fixtures have largely been placed behind a paywall for over 15 years – aside from a few shown on YouTube recently.And as for Northern Ireland, the team’s last two fixtures in November were not televised at all.On the new deal, Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic game across radio, TV and online.”This is a new chapter which builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success following the journey of this exciting senior men’s team.”With Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales fixtures to be shown live on the BBC, England’s fixtures will remain on ITV.The broadcaster took over the rights from Channel 4 in September.That means the new BBC deal will not impact coverage of the Three Lions.READ MORE SUN STORIESPreviously, some international games have been broadcast on Sky Sports.And in recent years the rights have been held by Premier Sports.Live matches shown on the BBC in MarchThursday, 20 March – Greece v Scotland (Nations League)Friday, 21 March – Northern Ireland v Switzerland (friendly)Saturday, 22 March – Wales v Kazakhstan (World Cup qualifier)Sunday, 23 March – Scotland v Greece (Nations League)Tuesday, 25 March – Sweden v Northern Ireland (friendly), North Macedonia v Wales (World Cup qualifier) More

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      Everton agree £350m stadium deal and could save millions ahead of move into new home

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      EVERTON have agreed a new financing package for their Bramley-Moor Docks stadium.The Toffees have shook hands on a £350m funding deal that restructures the lending used to build their new home.Everton have agreed a £350m financing package for their new stadiumCredit: PAEverton, who are due to move into the new ground at the start of next season, have agreed the changes in what is thought to be a multi-decade deal.It’s understood that the agreement could save Everton millions down the line, with the remaining debt on the 52,888-seat stadium simplified from its previous complex and expensive arrangements.The Merseyside outfit have told of “competitive terms beneficial to Everton”, in statement announcing the changes spearheaded by new owners The Friedkin Group.TFG have secured lower interest rates on the loans than what had been previously agreed by former owner Farhad Moshiri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe £350m funding has been agreed with “a consortium of blue-chip institutional lenders”, according to the club.Everton’s statement said: “The financing is part of The Friedkin Group’s commitment to strengthen and stabilise the Club to provide the foundations for on-pitch success.”The Toffees got the keys to their new home in December and have since held their first of three test events before their big move next season.Some 10,000 fans attended the ground to watch Everton’s U18s take on Wigan’s U18s on the waterfront.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe second test event will take place later this month, with 25,000 fans set to attend an U21s game.Work still continues on the £760m project as premium lounges and bars continue to be fitted in the finishing touches to what will be the Premier League’s sixth largest stadium next term.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd Everton will be waving goodbye to the iconic Goodison Park at the end of the season – home to the club for over 130 years.Returning boss David Moyes is going a great job at giving the ground a proper send off too.Everton have lost just one of their eight Premier League games since Moyes returned to the dugout.While the Scot has lifted them from just two points clear of the drop zone to some 15 points ahead of 18th placed Ipswich Town.David Moyes has turned things around for Everton this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Who is playing in Sidemen vs YouTube All Stars? CONFIRMED line-ups for massive charity match at Wembley

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      THE SIDEMEN will host another massive charity game in front of their biggest crowd yet as they’ve sold out 90,000 seats at Wembley.Boxer and YouTube sensation KSI headlines the Sidemen Charity Match alongside regular running mates.The Olatunji brothers – Deji and KSI – are set to battle it out on the pitch againCredit: AlamySidemen Charity game being held at Wembley – their biggest venue yet.Credit: AFPThis will be the SIXTH time this charity match is being played between Sidemen FC and the YouTube All Stars – but they have never dared to go to a stadium as big as the 90,000-capacity Wembley.Previous matches have been held at St Mary’s (Southampton), the Valley (Charlton Athletic) – which has been their most regular choice having played there three times – and the London Stadium (West Ham).YouTube Allstars have a poor record against Sidemen FC, only winning one of their previous five meetings losing four.They’ll be hoping for a turn of luck in front of a raucous, sell out crowd.Read more on the SidemenDespite the one-sided history, these games never fail to entertain as they are nearly always due to be goal fests. In the last two meetings alone, 28 goals have been scored – 8-5 in 2023 and 8-7 in 2022 – so fans are not going to want to miss out.IShowSpeed will be looking to score his first in at a charity gameCredit: PAIn the last match between these two, it broke the Guinness World Record for having the most viewers for a sports event live stream on social media and this year could have even more.The top performers at these events are normally Miniminter with 10 goals in five appearances and Manny with six goals.Most read in SportIt will be iShowSpeed’s third appearance in this match and he is still yet to score at any charity match he’s taken part in – including two appearances at the Match for Hope.Money raised is in aid of Bright Side, Children in Need and M7 Education.What are the line-ups?Sidemen FC:Olajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaJMELogan PaulGeorge ClarkeyJoe WellerCalluxXQCLazarbeamRandolphMark RoberMannyJasontheweenManager: CalfreezyYouTube Allstars:SketchWillNEKai CenatMax FoshIShowSpeedChrisMDAngryGingeTheo BakerCarryminatiChunkzFanum3LachlanDanny AaronsStable RonaldoJynxziNiko OmilanaDejiManager: TheBurntChipHow to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?In previous years, the game has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be the same.The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025.Kick-off will be at 3pm.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 27: The case for and against Mohamed Salah

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 27 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.In last week’s captaincy article, we suggested that Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m) was a better fit for the armband than Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) and so it proved to be.Manchester United’s captain banked 17 points his two fixtures in Gameweek 26 while Liverpool’s main man endured a rare off-day against PSG, mustering just two points.Salah endured a tough night in ParisCredit: GettyGaffers who opted to double Fernandes’ returns instead of Salah’s will have benefited from a significant points swing but does that mean they should bet against the Egyptian superstar again in Gameweek 27?Arne Slot’s side escaped from Paris with a 1-0 win but were comprehensively outplayed by the Ligue 1 champions.PSG’s left-back Nuno Mendes marshalled Salah very well and a similar performance at Anfield this coming Tuesday would likely result in another paltry return from Dream Team’s runaway points leader.Before that highly-anticipated second leg, Liverpool welcome Southampton to Merseyside in what should be a straightforward task.Saints are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table having conceded the most goals and Salah (30 goals and 22 assists in 2024/25) could fill his boots on Saturday afternoon.This mismatch is the biggest reason to captain the prolific 32-year-old but isn’t there a risk Slot will manage the workload of his most important players this weekend?Salah v Southampton is a HUGE mismatch on paperCredit: PA wireThe league leaders probably won’t need to be at their best to beat a team destined for a return to the Championship and so it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Salah’s minutes were reduced with a view to ensuring he’s in the best condition possible to take on PSG.Most read in FootballEven so, it would take a very brave Dream Team manager to not captain the game’s top performer ahead of the most favourable fixture on offer in the top flight this season.And just because Salah was kept quiet in Paris, doesn’t mean the same will happen on his home patch.For those willing to roll the dice, Cole Palmer’s (£5.8m) fixtures look mighty inviting.Time to end the droughtCredit: GettyChelsea’s talisman hasn’t been at his best of late but back-to-back home games against Leicester and Copenhagen make up an appealing double header.Palmer started in Denmark on Thursday night when the Blues’ registered a 2-1 win in the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie.Clearly, Enzo Maresca is prepared to make proper use of his star player now the competition has reached the knockout stage.The England international has missed out on some points recently but he’s still among an elite group of just four players who average more than nine points-per-game this campaign.The Foxes aren’t as bad as Southampton but they’re not that much better – they conceded 12 unanswered goals in four league games in February.Palmer will fancy his chances of ending his mini goal drought and will probably get more minutes in midweek.Fernandes has been in fine form latelyCredit: GettyThe aforementioned Fernandes has provided plenty of points recently but his upcoming double header of Arsenal and Real Sociedad doesn’t look quite as friendly as previous Gameweeks.Although he is Dream Team’s second most in-form player right now and that counts for something.Son Heung-min (£4.8m) looked a decent outside bet for captaincy in Gameweek 27 earlier this week but Tottenham’s bitterly underwhelming showing against AZ Alkmaar has all but killed that idea.The South Korean superstar averages an impressive 6.5 points-per-game this season and Spurs have the luxury of consecutive home games this coming Gameweek (Bournemouth and the return leg against AZ Alkmaar) but it’s not unthinkable Ange Postecoglou’s side will lose both games.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn our humble opinion, it comes down to Salah v Palmer.The fear of missing out on Liverpool v Southampton at Anfield will probably be the prevailing factor among engaged gaffers.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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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More