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      Sunderland 2 Leeds 2: Watch ‘worst goalkeeping error ever’ by Illan Meslier as opponent left ’embarrassed’ to score

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      ILLAN MESLIER dropped an almighty clanger as Leeds blew two points at the death against Sunderland.Daniel Farke’s side looked set for a comeback victory thanks to Junior Firpo’s first goal in 18 months.Illan Meslier didn’t know where to look as Sunderland celebrate their giftCredit: PAMeslier somehow let Alan Browne’s gentle flick squirm inThe keeper couldn’t believe his mistake, nor could fans or playersCredit: PAThe Black Cats celebrated as Meslier reacted to his errorCredit: RexHis last strike was in the Premier League, and this looked like going a huge way towards helping them return to the top flight.That was until disaster struck for the French stopper in the 97th minute after sub Alan Browne’s tame headed flick from a long punt forward from Anthony Patterson.It bounced straight towards Meslier, but amazingly he allowed it to go straight through his hands and legs to gift his former Lorient coach Regis Le Bris a point.Fans on social media mocked the blunder – labelling it “the worst goalkeeping error ever” and “atrocious”.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd Browne said: “I’d turned away, I thought the lads would be going mad then the keeper chucked it in the net.“I’m almost embarrassed but I’ll still claim it, too right.“Whether we deserved it or not I’m not sure. They really came at us after we scored but we had a couple of spells in the second half.“We didn’t really create the chance that we needed but luckily I came up with the goods.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe power of Sunderland’s own promotion push had threatened to go off the Rigg-ter scale as they exploded into life and took the lead inside the opening ten.Jobe Bellingham, whose rocket on Tuesday downed Derby, had already come close before another talented teen made the breakthrough.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew FANS’ VERDICT ON MESLIER ‘HORROR SHOW’FANS were as stunned as players by Illan Meslier’s costly last-gasp cock-up.The Leeds keeper was lambasted after Alan Browne’s soft headed flick crept in off the Frenchman’s hands to rescue a 2-2 home draw for Championship leaders Sunderland.One viewer posted: “Oh wow that is atrocious.”A second fan dubbed it the “worst goalkeeping error ever”. More jibes followed, including: “What a horrible show from Meslier” and “wopper”.Amongst the cruellest verdicts was: “They need to send him to League Two.”  And one observer recons he knows how Meslier made his terrible slip-up.He wrote: “You can see he was planning to fall on the ball once he’s caught it and takes his eyes off it.”Trai Hume’s cross from the byline was eventually met by Dennis Cirkin at the back post.Meslier made a brilliant flying save to deny him, but the goalie could do nothing to stop 17-year-old Rigg from slotting home the rebound.It was a roar as loud as that from the red end of Wembley 51 years ago when Ian Porterfield famously secured the FA Cup for the Black Cats against the same opposition.But just like Don Revie’s great side back then, going on to win the First Division title the following year, Daniel Farke’s current crop were far from down and out.Leeds looked shattered after Meslier handed Sunderland a pointCredit: PAThe German opted for Joel Piroe, who had two goals in his last three outings, he repaid that faith as Sunderland’s lead lasted barely 13 minutes.A block from the unfortunate Bellingham fell to Wilfried Gnonto out right, and Piroe managed to peel off his marker to nod in, albeit with a hint of offside.Regis Le Bris’ young guns had not conceded at home all season and they were no longer rocking, instead they were creaking, as the visitors began to turn the screw.Largie Ramazani almost headed Leeds ahead but Sunderland retaliated.They appeared to be getting their second wind as Bellingham was denied a certain goal when his strike was deflected wide but the momentum was halted by the half time whistle.And the wind was knocked well and truly out of their sails only 11 minutes after the restart.Ramazani started it, amidst screams for handball, by teeing up Junior Firpo to charge forward.The defender played a one-two with Gnonto and swept home like a seasoned striker for what looked to be the winner – until Meslier’s howler kept them three points behind the leaders. Sunderland boss Le Bris said of Meslier: “I’m disappointed for him because he’s a nice boy. Anyone on the pitch can make a mistake.”And Leeds’ Daniel Farke commented: “I’ve worked in professional football for 30 years but it’s the first time I’ve experienced that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Normally the goalkeeper takes the ball, clears it and the referee blows the final whistle and the game is won, but not this time.”You don’t have to speak to him [Meslier] about it right now, you wait until the dust has settled but we were fantastic in the first half after going behind.” The Black Cats celebrate as Meslier reacts to his errorCredit: RexJunior Firpo rejoices after putting Leeds 2-1 up, only to suffer late anguishCredit: Rex More

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      ‘One of the hardest’ – Bruno Fernandes breaks silence on second straight Man Utd red card with 103-word Instagram post

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has broken his silence after a second straight red card for Manchester United.The Red Devils captain was dismissed against Porto on Thursday, just five days after being sent off in the defeat to Tottenham.Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence after being sent off against Porto on ThursdayCredit: GettyHe was shown a second yellow card for a high boot during the final 10 minutes of their 3-3 draw in the Europa League.Meanwhile, Fernandes was sent for an early bath on Sunday following a lunge on James Maddison at Old Trafford.His red card against Spurs has since been overturned on appeal, though, freeing him up to face Aston Villa this weekend.It has not stopped Fernandes from releasing a 103-word statement in response to his second sending off of the week.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIn an Instagram post, he wrote: “Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest.”Almost 5 years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments.”Personally, I have always had challenges and adversities throughout my career and something that’s never happened was that I go silent or hide myself from responsibilities in difficult moments.”I know it sounds cliché and most of you United fans will be tired of it, but no one is more disappointed than myself with my own moment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you that had positive messages of belief in me and the team.”Fernandes will now miss United’s next Europa League match away to Fenerbahce later this month.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated herePrior to this week, he had not been sent off during his almost five years with the Red Devils.The 30-year-old went 241 appearances before a red card, only to receive two in two matches.It was the first time he had been dismissed since September 2019, when he still played for Sporting Lisbon.Fernandes had not been sent off for United before his dismissal against TottenhamCredit: PA More

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      Leicester fan’s fury after cheeky players message daughter-in-law.. even before big games

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      A LEICESTER City fan has complained to the club after some of its stars cheekily contacted his pretty daughter-in-law on social media.The woman, 29, told friends one player who got in touch just before a big game “should be training” rather than messaging her.A Leicester City fan has complained to the club that some of its stars are getting a kick out of contacting his pretty daughter-in-law on social mediaCredit: TwitterThe Foxes are winless after last season’s promotionCredit: PAThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester stripThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester kit.Winger Abdul Fatawu, 20, sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the Prem.His team, without a win so far this season, went down 4-2 after conceding two late goals, with the Ghana star making a late substitute appearance. It led to the woman, who we are not identifying, asking her pals: “Why is he messaging me this? He should be training.”Read More on SportThere is no suggestion anything inappropriate has occurred but the scale of the friend requests has irritated the fan. She fears Leicester’s millionaire aces have shared her online profile and are seeing who can befriend her first as some sort of “dressing room banter”.The woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, also on the bench last Saturday, has contacted her on Instagram four times.She has also been approached online by two who recently played for the club but are now elsewhere. Most read in FootballHarry Souttar, 25, on loan at Sheffield United, and Man City ace Callum Doyle, 21, loaned to Leicester last season, are thought to be among a number of players to send her a single friend request.The woman — a teacher — even claims that on one day in May, she received four friend requests in the same minute from four players linked to the club at some point.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing FanShe told pals on social media: “Honestly wtf”. And a friend replied: “You’re the talk of the dressing room.” A family source said yesterday: “There’s obviously no problem with attempting to follow someone; that’s social media. But she is clearly the subject of conversations among the players.“Seeing as they haven’t won all season, you’d hope they’d have better things to do.“We love Leicester City and don’t want them to become Pester City.”The Sun is aware of correspondence between the woman’s family and the club — promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season.Her father-in-law said: “She’s a massive Leicester fan, so I can only assume she has caught the eye through that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s making her pretty self-conscious, especially as she’s in a relationship with my son.”It is understood that Leicester City are happy there has been no inappropriate messaging.Harry Souttar is understood to be among a number of players to send her just one friend requestCredit: GettyAbdul Fatawu sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the PremCredit: GettyCallum Doyle is also understood to have sent her a friend requestCredit: GettyThe woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury has contacted her on Instagram four timesCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney signs Leigh Anne Pinnock’s husband in Plymouth free transfer after Little Mix star’s ‘it’s been hell’ swipe

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      ANDRE GRAY has signed for Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on a short-term deal.The striker, 33, has penned a contract until January at Home Park.Andre Gray has signed for Plymouth Argyle on short-term dealCredit: Instagram / only1argyleWayne Rooney has added the striker to his squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with BlackburnCredit: RexHe had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh in the summer.Gray, who has three goals in 13 caps for Jamaica, could make his debut at home to Blackburn on Saturday subject to international clearance.The Pilgrims moved for the former Watford man with Muhamed Tijani likely to be out until the New Year following a hamstring injury sustained at Burnley on Tuesday.Reacting to the signing, Rooney said: “Once we knew the severity of Muhamed’s injury, we moved quickly to bring in a striker to replace him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Andre is a striker of real quality and has played and scored goals at the highest level.”He will provide competition in forward areas as we head into a busy period of the season and I am really happy to have him here.”Gray, who is married to singer Leigh Anne Pinnock, returns to England for the first time since leaving Vicarage Road two years ago.During his time 10-month spell in Saudi Arabia, he and Leigh Anne were forced into a long-distance relationship which she described as “hell”.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple would only see each other for a few days a month during his time in the Middle East.Back in May, she explained: “We have a long distance relationship. He lives in Saudi, he plays football there.’Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strike”So for the last two years we’ve been apart, basically, seeing each other for maybe two days a month. It’s been hell to be honest.”And Pinnock appeared to give Gray an ultimatum to move back to the UK once his contract in Saudi Arabia was up.When asked if the striker would remain abroad, she said:  “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t do it. I think we have to wait and see.”The former Little Mix star also referenced their struggles with the distance again at her first solo gig in June.Gray had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-RiyadhCredit: Instagram / only1argyleHis wife Leigh Anne Pinnock described their long distance relationship as ‘hell’ during his time in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyColeen Rooney, who still lives in Chester while husband Wayne coaches in Devon, has also opened up on the difficulties of a long-distance marriage.Gray previously scored 56 goals in 146 Championship appearances for Brentford, Burnley, Watford and QPR.Those came either side of more than 100 Premier League matches for the Clarets and Hornets. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s former coach reveals catch-up with Man Utd title-winning duo as they prepare to go head-to-head

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      TWO STARS of Manchester United’s final title-winning side go from midfield partners to Championship rivals on Saturday.Red Devils legend Michael Carrick, 43, and Tom Cleverley, 35, go head-to-head nearly 150 miles away from the Old Trafford pitch they graced under Sir Alex Ferguson.Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick (right) were midfield partners for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: PAThe two will come face-to-face in Championship when Boro travel to WatfordCredit: GettyEric Steele was United’s goalkeeper coach during Fergie’s last few seasons in charge and got to know both the current Middlesbrough and Watford managers both on and off the pitch.The 70-year-old, who also worked for Man City and England during his time at the FA, says he always felt that Carrick was destined for the dug-out.He told SunSport: “If you looked around the dressing-room then I’d have said you could see Darren Fletcher going into it, certainly Michael. The way he played, top player, the way he thought and cared about the game – so Michael more so than Tom.“The nice thing about working where we worked at Manchester United is that you got to meet a lot of good and nice people and Michael, as a Geordie, is naturally going to be a good lad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I know his family well and his dad, Vince, all the way through Wallsend Boys Club for years. “They are good, genuine people who care and the thing that I like is that they have a love for the game or they wouldn’t be doing it.“Michael is very much inclusive with his staff, the decision-making, and has good people around him. He takes precedent when he’s going to step in.“He’s still very much a young coach finding his way. It’s been a tough upbringing so far at Middlesbrough but all credit to him.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSteele now works as a radio pundit covering Derby County and that has led to him catching-up with both men recently.He said: “I met up with Tom before Derby played Watford in August and it was brilliant. My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi”A great insight into how he wants to play, coach and it was a lovely surprise because he is a good guy. He’s got the game at heart and wants to do it his way.“I was really impressed with how he set the team up and changed things tactically in the second half.“Then, a week later I met up with Michael before Derby hosted Middlesbrough, so I’ve been in touch with both of them this season.“They’ve probably both been real students of the game which I perhaps didn’t realise just how much so at the time.”Carrick is, remarkably, the third-longest serving boss in the Championship having taken charge of Boro just under two years ago.He led them from fighting relegation to the play-offs during his first season but missed out on the top six last term by six points last term.Cleverley, meanwhile, took over permanently after a short stint as interim in the summer.His team go into this clash sitting eighth, a point and a position behind Boro.It was a brave move by him to accept the job as the Hornets’ 11th permanent boss since Javi Gracia departed in September 2019.Steele said: “Watford’s actual success, or failure, whichever way you want to look at it, the number of managers they have had is quite large. You must be constantly looking over your shoulder.“But when I spoke to Tom he was very much determined to do things his way. He knew the squad and he has a good blend of pace, power, and very fit physically.”Former Man Utd goalkeeper coach Eric Steele recently caught up with both menCredit: PA:Empics SportCarrick is eight years older than the man who will be in the opposition technical area today, but the combined ages of the pair is still short of the man that shaped their careers at the Theatre of Dreams.And the two former England internationals both know that the 82-year-old legendary Fergie is never far away if they need some more of his guidance.Steele said: “The great man is always there to support any of the players. Any of them that have gone into management or coaching know they always have the support of Sir Alex.“I’m sure he’ll have spoken to both of them when they got their jobs.“It’s unbelievable for them both. If they have any problems or any doubts, they know they can pick up the phone to one of the very greatest that the game has known.”Steele refuses to risk upsetting either one when pressed for a prediction, but he is just as intrigued as Sir Alex will undoubtedly be to see who comes out on top.He added: “It will be a really good contest when they face Boro. I just hope that it will be a good game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Isn’t it great that you have two ex-Manchester United midfield players going head-to-head tactically.“It’s refreshing for me seeing these young managers coming in and I think it will be a great contest and may the best coach win.” More

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      Arsenal star Mikel Merino is lover of notorious bull run with La Liga cult hero dad and pro-basketball star mum

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      THE SPANISH city of Pamplona is famous for its Running of the Bulls festival.Every summer, daredevil locals volunteer to lead the bulls – often 10 or more – down narrow streets at high speed in an event that attracts hundreds of tourists from around the world.Mikel Merino is in contention to make his Premier League debut with ArsenalCredit: GettyArsenal ace Merino is a fan of the notorious Pamplona bull runCredit: AFPMerino is the son of Osasuna legend Miguel Angel Merino and basketball hero MaiteA regular face in the crowds is Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, 28 – a local Pamplona lad from the province of Navarre and an admirer of the power and unpredictability on show.There was a time during his upbringing at the famed Osasuna academy where Merino was viewed in a similar light: a midfield talent with an impressive physique – now standing at 6 foot 2 inches – but one who lacked control.Former Osasuna coach Jose Manuel Mateo told SunSport: “There was a period in which he was physically a very powerful player but was still not developed enough to move his body.“It was a bit difficult for him. He was very strong, really advanced for his age, something special that was above the others, but missing something muscularly.Read More on Arsenal“But by the end of his time with us, he was technically and physically a complete player. People could see he would reach the top immediately.“A great left foot, he had potential aerially, covered a lot of the pitch, stepped into both attacking and defensive areas with great ease and a lot of potential to score goals.”Merino arrived at the Osasuna academy at the age of 16 in the summer of 2012, already a minor celebrity thanks to his father Angel Miguel – a club legend of nearly 200 appearances turned youth coach.His towering stature for one so young however came from his mother Maite – a professional basketball player in her prime – while his brothers were also ready-born athletes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOsasuna’s most successful products include ex-Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and former Gunners full-back Nacho Monreal, yet would often have their great youth talents snatched by neighbouring rivals Athletic Bilbao, such as Javi Martinez – a nine-time Bundesliga champion and two-time Champions League winner with Bayern Munich.But there was never a chance of Merino deserting, such was his love for family-club Osasuna, a decision that turned out to be pivotal in the long run.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed In a tumultuous 2014/15 campaign that saw Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation from the Spanish second tier, Mateo was made interim coach in February 2015 and immediately promoted an 18-year-old Merino to the first team.Mateo explained: “What Osasuna gives young players is a charm, with demanding conditions that give them the necessary attributes to succeed.“The fact that players from here go on to play at big clubs, you can see they have been motivated by being in the lower leagues, showing their potential.“[Merino] Is proud to have become the type of player he is with us. It was special to see him arrive in the first team, like when you go to the salt and see the players from the quarry.“His debut came about in a very compromised situation, and from there he rose. It was an indisputable pillar of his famous rise to where we see him now.“To be thrown in and to do what he did, there was no doubt that he was no longer just a footballer, but one who was going to end up where he is now at Arsenal.”Becoming an ‘influential player’Merino played a starring role the following season, driving Osasuna to La Liga promotion via the play-offs with four goals in 34 league appearances.Mateo added: “Ever since, in every club he has been at, he has been an influential player.”From the outside, this perhaps did not look to be the case during underwhelming spells with Borussia Dortmund in 2016/17 and Newcastle in 2017/18.But Merino soon found a home at Real Sociedad before being highlighted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta this summer as a vital cog in the club’s Premier League title charge.No doubt Spaniard Arteta was impressed enough by compatriot Merino’s influence on Spain’s Euros triumph in July – including a quarter-final extra-time headed winner to knock out Germany – to bring him to the Emirates for £32million.Merino is in contention to make his Prem debut on Saturday against Southampton after finally making his first appearance in the mid-week Champions League 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain following a freak shoulder injury in his first training session back in August.But there are those at Osasuna who are already counting down the days until Merino ends his career back in Pamplona in a fairy tale return.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateo said: “Having had a father who has been a player and then to see the son, for those of us who are ‘Osasunistas’ it fills us with pride. That root continues to be maintained.“When a player touches the roof of football, at world or European level, to have them return would bring that pride back. It would be beautiful.” More

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      I scored the winning goal when Arsenal last lost a league game at home to Southampton, now I’m a tiler at 65

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      SOUTHAMPTON have failed to win in their last 28 league games at Arsenal – stretching back 37 years.Former Saints midfielder Glenn Cockerill reflects on that last win in North London and his next visit to Highbury the following year with Saints, when he suffered a broken jaw in a 2-2 draw.Glenn Cockerill was part of the Southampton team that last won a league game at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCockerill scored the winning goal for Southampton against Arsenal 37 years agoCockerill is now a tiler but still works with SouthamptonThe former midfielder works as a tiler and, at 65, says he hopes to retire next year. He is still involved in football with Saints and his tireless charity work — including a legends match which takes place next weekend. His son Brody is part of the Bromley academy.WITH just over 10 minutes left, Colin Clarke nodded on a long free-kick into the Arsenal area and lightning-quick Danny Wallace prodded the ball home.If you would have told me then, as we walked off the pitch at Highbury, that a Saints side would not have won at Arsenal in the league before I was 65, I’d have thought you were having a laugh.Read More on FootballI actually thought my old team were going to win at the Emirates in 2023 when they were 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead with two minutes remaining, but the Gunners pegged them back to 3-3.It’s hard to comprehend that it was 37 years ago when we last won there — and even more crazy that there is a whole new generation that don’t even remember Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.It was one of the grandest stadiums to play in, with a huge marble entrance. As a player it was always one of those away games I really looked forward to.But you knew as an opponent going to Highbury (or the Emirates as it is now) that it was always one of the most difficult places to get anything from the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time of this match, George Graham’s side were top of the table but, under manager Chris Nicholl, we were a very underrated side.During my eight wonderful years as a Southampton player, six of them were spent playing alongside Jimmy Case in midfield.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGWe formed a great understanding on the pitch and a lifelong friendship off it. I never stopped learning from him and we’d always cover for each other during games.But what a player he was! It angers and frustrates me when I see so many players with half his talent playing for England when I look and see he never won a Three Lions cap.Here was a guy who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool.Jimmy had one of the hardest shots in the game, could unlock defences with sublime passes with either foot and could play all over the pitch. And he was as hard as nails as an opponent.We should have won in our next game at Highbury the following season when we were leading 2-0 before my jaw was broken. The game ended up 2-2.Even 36 years on, I have no wish to comment on what Paul Davis has had to say about the incident (which led to a nine-game ban and a £3,000 fine).Unforgettable injuryFrom my own perspective, one moment I was playing and the next I was knocked out cold. When I came round all I can recall is our physio, Dennis Rofe, asking if I was OK and whether I knew what the score was.The crazy part is that I played on for the rest of the match not having a clue that I had a badly broken jaw.It seems almost Stone Age compared with today where players are treated in cotton wool where anything medical is involved, and rightly so. I never thought for a moment about coming off!We always had fish and chips on the way home from a London away game. It wasn’t until I tried to eat the fish I realised my whole jaw and mouth wouldn’t work.I made my way to the front of the bus, told the manager and the medical staff. I was taken straight to hospital and within a couple of hours was in surgery having an operation.All I wanted to do was get back playing again as soon as possible. The irony was I returned with Davis’ ban still running.Next generationAs far as this season is concerned, I reckon Russell Martin and Southampton are going to need around eight wins and a smattering of draws if they are to stay in the Premier League.Arsenal is one of the toughest games they’ll face this season but we saw last week another newly-promoted club, Leicester, run them very close.I am very proud that my son Brody is one of the apprentices and part of the academy at new League Two side Bromley.At 16, he’s got so much more natural talent than I ever had.But he’s also a very grounded lad and has so much dedication.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s got a long way to go but he’s on the right path with an ambitious club and learning every day.I am hoping we get a huge turnout on Sunday week (October 13) when a Saints’ Legends side play against a Russell Martin XI at St Mary’s — with everything to fund chosen charities in the Southampton area. More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More