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      I went from the Prem to prison ‘hell’ filled with shower stabbings and cockroaches but now I’m eyeing an FA Cup shock

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      NILE RANGER sat in prison with his gut churning after eating half-cooked chicken and watching cockroaches crawling through cracks in the walls of his cell.The ex-Newcastle striker, 33, was banged up at Pentonville in north London in 2017 after pleading guilty of committing online banking fraud.Nile Ranger spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: Jon BondHe was a promising Premier League starCredit: GettyHe helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and went on to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPBut things spiralled out of control and saw Nile end up in prisonCredit: Jon BondHe had conspired to swindle more than £2,000 from a woman two years earlier.It completed a fall from grace for a highly-promising player who made 26 Premier League appearances for the Geordies before nose diving down the leagues.Ranger swapped training and playing alongside stars such as Michael Owen, Fabricio Coloccini and Andy Carroll for mixing with criminals who boasted about such things as tossing an unfortunate soul into a car boot after cutting their fingers off!But on Sunday he will be back on a football field with Southern Premier Kettering hoping to create some FA Cup magic as they host League Two Doncaster — having scored the winner in the previous round to topple League One Northampton.READ MORE FOOTBALLTo say Ranger is the ultimate model for any young professional NOT to follow is an understatement.He told SunSport: “It was bad in prison, full of wrong ’uns, and no place to be if you’ve got your head screwed on.“I had mine on compared to those people. I had just been silly, unruly and lacked discipline.“There was this guy who told me he had put someone in a car boot and chopped off their fingers.Most read in FA Cup“I heard people planning murders and armed robberies when they got out.“There were prisoners getting stabbed in the showers and drones flying in drugs and mobile phones. It was hell.”Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashAlthough sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to serve eight months inside one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Ranger was released after 10 weeks for good behaviour — although he had to wear an electronic tag to make sure he was not up to no good.Ranger said: “There were cockroaches coming through the gaps of the cell walls and door.“We had to block those with towels and if you killed a cockroach others would appear from eggs they laid. There were mice running about as well. It was disgusting.“The food was appalling. The chicken I’m certain wasn’t properly cooked.“I was locked up 23 hours a day — using the hour outside my cell to exercise and shower.“Some of the guards were arrogant — trying to make me feel small. They were jealous because I was a footballer. But I didn’t rise to it.”I focused on getting out and thought, ‘I’m only going to be here for two or three months and playing football again.’“I was at Southend and they were still paying my wages while in prison so that was always on my mind when the guards were belittling me.“I felt the sentence was unfair. People have done far-worse and only got suspended sentences.“I reckon the judge had already decided while having dinner with his wife the previous evening he was going to lock me up.”Kept messing upRanger concedes he screwed up and wasted his incredible talent. Had he applied himself he could have had a good Premier League career.But he kept messing up — despite countless chances.Just shortly after signing for Southampton from Crystal Palace as a kid, he was banged up for 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for being involved in an armed robbery.The Saints stuck by him then but lost patience after he stole his entire academy team’s kit and a box of chocolates from the kit lady.He explained: “I don’t know why I took the chocolates but we had been told we could have some of the kit. The season had finished and Southampton were getting us new ones.“I had friends at home in North London who loved football so I took everything, all the kit and boots. I was caught on camera and Southampton terminated my contract.”Ranger helped fire Kettering into the FA Cup second roundCredit: PAYet Ranger landed on his feet when Newcastle snapped him up and despite breaking into the first team and helping them win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and going on to play in the Premier League, he pressed the self-destruct button with a series of disciplinary problems.He also had such a gambling addiction that the club got him banned from every casino in Newcastle. He was constantly late for training or did not show at all.Kevin Keegan got so fed up with him when he started training with the first team, he told Ranger: “I’m going to pull out and sell your gold tooth if you’re late again because your wages will not be enough to cover the fine.”Chris Hughton, who had a summit meeting with Ranger and his mum, and Alan Pardew, who banished him to train with the academy team until he sorted out his time-keeping, both tried in vain to save his career before the latter decided to let him go.Swindon, Blackpool and Southend (twice) all took punts but to no avail — and after a spell with National League club Boreham Wood he crashed out of the game for 20 months before joining Kettering in September.When he was a promising 18-year-old at Newcastle he was earning almost £10,000-a-week — and admits he would be penniless today if it was not for his beloved mum Karen.He said: “When I was making the money I was, I didn’t appreciate it and was spunking it.“My mum sorted out some property investments. I should’ve done way more. Had she not done that, I’d have nothing now.“I’ve a bit of money to live on but cannot live a lavish lifestyle.”Mum has always looked out for me and out of everyone I’ve upset with my actions she’s the one I regret hurting the most — along with all my family.”Celebration promiseRanger believes he has matured since becoming a dad. He has a three-year-old son Aziel and while he has since split from the mother, insists he prioritises being a good dad.And while the striker knows seventh-tier Kettering is a world away from the level he reached, he still believes he can play in League One or Two.But right now he wants to help the Poppies win promotion this season and help youngsters not make the same mistakes he has as well as inspire criminals serving time to mend their ways.He said: “Prison is supposed to be a place where they rehabilitate you. I didn’t see any of that happening. In fact, jail can make people worse.“I accept I’m not a good football role model — but I am a role model, one who made lots of mistakes, but who can teach people what NOT to do.“I’ve already done a talk to some youngsters at an academy. I’ve been invited to schools and prisons. I’d like to use my experience to help others.“But right now my focus is on enjoying the last part of my career and hopefully creating another FA Cup shock.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Ranger has promised to do one thing on live TV if he scores against Doncaster.He said: “I have a tattoo on my lower lip of a smiley emoji. I am going to run to a TV camera and show my happy lip!”He’s vowed to show off his tattoo if he scores this weekendCredit: Jon BondTV viewers will get a close up view of his ‘happy’ lip tattooCredit: Jon Bond More

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      Excruciating moment fan kicks his mate’s beer out of his hands on live TV at Europa League clash

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      DISASTER struck at FC Twente last night as a fan inadvertently booted a pint out of his pal’s hand.The Dutch side were taking on Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.An FC Twente fan booted his pal’s pint by mistakeCredit: ZIGGO SPORTThe drink went flying out of the fan’s handCredit: ZIGGO SPORTThe Belgian visitors took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute courtesy of Mohammed Gadafi Fusseini.In the second half, substitute Mathias Rasmussen botched a cross during a promising attack.As the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar, it caught the attention of a pair of fans stood clutching pints behind the goal.Before either of them had a chance to kick it, the bouncing ball knocked a pint out of the hand of an unsuspecting supporter, who had their back turned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen one of the excited pair then sought to take a touch, the other opted to try to boot the ball first time.He missed it, however, instead thumping his pal’s beer out of his hand.It went on to spill all over him, with not a single drop salvaged.The incident was picked up by Dutch telly, with pundits laughing at the amazing incident.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe fans also saw the funny side, with the guilty party beaming and laughing.To make matters worse for the fans, FC Twente went on to lose the game 1-0.Watch astonishing moment FC Twente fan carries 48 BEERS in one go in front of cheering stand against rivals Willem IIMany supporters of the Dutch side enjoy a matchday pint.In 2021, an FC Twente fan was seen carrying an incredible 64 pints in one go.An FC Twente fan previously carried 64 pints in one go More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana tackled to floor by 19st 6lb giant Francis Ngannou moments after win over Bodo/Glimt

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      MMA legend Francis Ngannou wrestled Andre Onana to the floor after Manchester United’s win over Bodo/Glimt.The Red Devils won 3-2 in the Europa League as Ruben Amorim made his Old Trafford bow.Francis Ngannou and Andre Onana play fight on the Old Trafford pitchCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou grabs hold of Andre OnanaCredit: x/ andreyOnanaFrancis Ngannou throws Andre Onana to the groundCredit: x/ andreyOnanaNgannou said the keeper was man of the matchCredit: GettyBut he was not the only man at the stadium for the first time as former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was in the stands.He cheered on United goalkeeper Onana and after the game was spotted on the pitch talking to his fellow Cameroonian.But Ngannou switched the ring for the pitch as the pair then began hilariously play-fighting.It did not take the 19st 6lb man mountain long to grab Onana and tackle him to the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a handshake between the two afterwards – but Onana has demanded a rematch.He wrote: “I demand a rematch in a real ring! Let’s settle this once and for all!”Fans won’t want to see it though after fearing their No1 would get injured.One joked: “Breaking news Andre Onana is out for the next decade with a broken everything.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “He is our only injury free player come on.”Ngannou spoke to TNT Sports post-match and said: “It was a good game, we had fun and there was a lot of action. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legend”Yes, it was my first time here, it was a good experience and we have a victory.”Andre, he had a great game even though he takes a yellow card. He was the man of the game.”Ngannou watched the match from the stands and was sat alongside boxer Derek Chisora.He is not the only MMA star to mingle with Premier League players on the pitch after a European game this term as Conor McGregor showed off his football skills then jokingly fought Bukayo Saka.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Scott Parker says working-class spirit comes from helping Heinz delivery driver dad do 3am rounds while he was at school

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      SCOTT PARKER’S eyes still light up at the memory of lorry rides with dad at three in the morning.Sometimes there would be trips along the Kent coast as he accompanied his old man Michael on his rounds as a Heinz delivery driver — followed by maybe ice cream and the amusement arcades.Scott Parker has opened up on how helping his dad deliver heinz at 3am has helped his motivationCredit: PAParker, who memorably appeared in a television advertisement for McDonalds as a kid, would help out his dadCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNow manager at Burnley, Parker smiles as he looks back and said: “As a kid every day I was on at my dad to take me out on the lorries.“Twice a week he’d take me out of school — probably not the right thing to do — but we’d get up at 3am and pick up the lorry.“Thursdays were the best because he’d have coast runs — Ramsgate, Margate — then he’d take me to the amusements after.“For a young kid, those days were fantastic. Great memories.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they also helped form the bit inside that now drives him on in his managerial career after a hat–trick of sackings — at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.That treble, all within 19 nightmare months, might have suggested that being a boss was not for him — even if he did take the Cottagers and Cherries into the Premier League before each gave him his P45.In Belgium he lasted just 69 days and 12 games.He could have, as he knows, joined the bleeding hearts club, bleating about the unfairness of it all.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet his only public complaint throughout was to claim after a horrendous 9-0 loss at Anfield in Bournemouth’s fourth game back in the Prem that his squad were “unequipped” for the top flight.He was fired four days after that statement in August 2022 that came on the back of defeats of 3-0 to Arsenal and 4–0 at   Manchester City.Scott Parker talks about the challenges of being head coach at FulhamAsked why he has never talked about the sackings that might have cost him so much inside, he bluntly declared: “Well, in the last four months, nobody ever asked me.”Parker, 44, gives the impression that he would  rather throw himself off Margate’s Harbour Arm than show his true feelings.But for once he dropped the mask and admitted: “Standing on the touchline that day at Anfield, that was a lonely, lonely place.“I was disappointed it had to end way it did and of the three, Bournemouth still hurts the most. But we move on.“The pitfalls you fall into, the bumps we managers take along the road, you just deal with them.“Some have been knockouts for me but you dust yourself off, get back up and go again. There were times things were very tough. No denying that.“That’s why I took a year out after Brugge because at that point there had been a lot of jabs on the nose and I needed to mend, to get out of the fire.“I had to adjust and I realised a long time ago you can feel a bit sorry for yourself, mope around and be a victim. But there was no chance of that.“Not with my upbringing, not from where I come from  — the Lettsom Estate in Camberwell, inner London.“Dad a lorry driver, mum a special needs teacher and it was what it was.“No hard story, but my career was the be-all and end-all for my mum and dad because of where we were. Did I ever think I had  huge talent? Never.“Never even contemplated what life was like then, to the position I’m in now. But I’m always conscious of how different it could have been for me.“Those memories of going to Margate are great — but what I also realise now that it was that work inside my dad that became ingrained in me.“That’s what I stand for now. What I’ve always stood for. Working class values — and working as hard as you can. No one really sees that, that core inside me.“I understand what and how the people are at whatever club I am. Working-class people,  just like they are here at Burnley because I’m one of them.“It’s because I’m one of them that I’ll do everything in my power to take this club back up.”He is making a good fist of it too, the Clarets travel to Stoke today sitting in third.And the former West Ham and England midfielder stressed: “Heading off with my dad, they’re my fondest memories because of the fine margins of what it was and where it was.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Core values were instilled in me. They are as strong as ever. There’s been disappointments and triumphs, a roller coaster ride.“But sitting next to my dad in that lorry helped form who I am today and I’m proud of that.” More

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      Real Madrid ‘tell Liverpool they want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold’ and free transfer could be agreed within weeks

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      REAL MADRID have made it clear that they want to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.The Spanish giants are set to swoop for the Reds full-back, whose Anfield deal expires next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being chased by Real MadridCredit: AlamyWith Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, Real Madrid will be free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with the full-back.According to talkSPORT, however, the reigning LaLiga champions have informed Liverpool of their intention to sign their academy graduate, in a bid to be respectful.Carlo Ancelotti’s side view Alexander-Arnold as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal at right-back.Carvajal, 32, remains at the Bernabeu club but suffered an ACL injury last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool still hope to convince Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal to stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs believe that they can lure the England star to Spain.One factor in their favour could be Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham.The pair have developed a close bond during various England camps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold has made 325 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting in 2016.He has played a major role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldThe full-back has remained a key man under new boss Arne Slot, but is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Aston Villa.Alexander-Arnold could return from his lay-off against Manchester City on Sunday.Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Salah, 32, even admitted last weekend that he was “more out than in” at Anfield.The Egyptian claims to have not yet been made an offer by the Reds.Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk is set to be out of contractCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea plotting transfer for Ipswich star Liam Delap – but Man City will have major say in next club

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      IPSWICH TOWN striker Liam Delap is reportedly attracting interest from some of England’s top clubs.The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Portman Road following his summer move from Manchester City.Liam Delap has attracted interest from Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyIn just 12 Premier League appearances for the newly-promoted side, Delap has managed seven goal contributions.He played a crucial role in the club’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month, scoring once and providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ opener.The striker is now widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the Prem.Delap’s impressive form has attracted the attention of several clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea.Read More in FootballBut according to The Athletic, his former club could scupper a deal.Man City generally insert buy-back clauses or matching rights into most sales, meaning they could have a huge say in the striker’s future.Ipswich officials want to keep Delap at Portman Road for as long as possible.However, they might struggle to do so – especially if they are relegated at the end of the campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDelap, the son of Prem cult hero Rory Delap, joined Man City’s academy from Derby County in 2019 and made his first team debut the following year.He struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Stoke, Preston and Hull.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The striker joined Ipswich in a permanent deal worth up to £20million in July and penned a five-year contract.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently suggested he could be Harry Kane’s successor for England.He said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Fears over Roy Keane’s future at Sky Sports after confrontation with fan – months after another headbutted him

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      ROY KEANE is expected to be in attendance at Anfield for Sky Sports’ coverage of Liverpool vs Manchester City following his confrontation with a fan.But there are fears over his longer-term future with the broadcaster.Roy Keane will be in attendance at Anfield for Liverpool v Man CityCredit: GettyIt comes following a Sky probe into a confrontation between Keane and a fan at Portman Road last weekCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Manchester United legend was involved in a heated row with a fan at Portman Road following the Red Devil’s clash with Ipswich last weekend.This prompted Sky bosses to launch an investigation into what happened, speaking to Keane and others present including Kelly Cates, Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen.The result of the probe into the incident is not known.According to the Daily Mail, Sky bosses are said to have sympathy with Keane, 53, following claims some fans “consistently overstepped the mark”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother altercation saw Keane headbutted by a fan at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in September.But there had been growing concerns about Keane’s future at the broadcaster BEFORE the incident, after he revealed his desire to quit punditry.Keane, who is contracted to appear on around 20 Super Sundays per season, has also spoken about moving abroad to Switzerland.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”Keane cited the incident with the Arsenal fan in contributing to his desire to want to leave the role.Shocking moment Roy Keane & Micah Richards get in ‘heated argument with fan’ during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Man UtdTalking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”But barring a late pull out, he will be returning to TV screens on Sunday for the Premier League clash.The report adds Sky will NOT beef up their security measures following the Ipswich incident.Keane is set to be joined by Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards for the huge clash.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      Who is BBC snooker and ITV sports presenter Seema Jaswal?

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      Seema Jaswal has an outstanding CV in sports broadcasting with appearances across ITV and BBC sports coverage. The 39-year-old from Richmond became the first female presenter to present a Men’s World Cup Quarter final for a UK broadcaster – Morocco vs Portugal for ITV at Qatar 2022.Jaswal also spent three years working for Channel 5’s The Wright StuffNow, Jaswal works with Premier League productions on their global Matchday Live coverage and makes appearances across a wide array of sporting events.ITV employed Jaswal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, working as a reporter.Since, Jaswal has covered the Premier League, Cricket World Cup, Euro 2020, FA Cup, and 2022 FIFA World Cup.. Jaswal is expected to get involved in more snooker coverageThe presenter has the CV of dreams when it comes to sports broadcasting. Having presented the World Snooker Championship with the BBC, Jaswal is ecurrently on snooker fans’ screens at the UK Championships 2024.She also appeared on Channel 4’s coverage of the BDO Darts and the BBC for Snooker’s Triple Crown events.How old is Seema Jaswal?Jaswal has now been in TV and radio for over a decade, starting her career as a runner for Sky Sports.That is after she got her big break on CBBC presenting Newsround as Sportsround’s ‘roving reporter’ in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024Born in 1985, she is currently 39 years old. Is Seema Jaswal married?Seema’s maiden name is Pathan but she likes to keep her private life out of the public eye.Former England boss Fabio Capello says ‘fear’ will end Euro 2024 dream as he identifies player as the weakest linkShe is married but prefers to keep her husband out the limelight. More