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    Bournemouth 3 Southampton 1: Cherries cruise to South Coast derby victory to pile pressure on Russell Martin

    RUSSELL MARTIN’S Southampton job was on the line tonight after his boys took a bashing from their smaller, noisy neighbours.Bournemouth notched their first home victory of the campaign to leave the sorry Saints still searching for their first win in six games which is their worst start since 1999.Bournemouth’s first-half blitz sank the Saints on the south coastCredit: GettyThe Cherries led 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyRussell Martin’s Southampton side are yet to win a league game this seasonCredit: RexBrazilian striker Evanilson’s first goal for Bournemouth since his £40million move from Porto set-up the win that lifted the Cherries over Manchester United into 11th spot.Saints winger Ryan Fraser was enemy number 1 on the night when he returned to play at the club he once refused to play for.The former Newcastle man was roundly booed from the first whistle and called a “w*****” by angry Cherries fan who couldn’t forgive him for turning his back on their heroes.Fraser refused to play for the Cherries during the Covid lockdown in 2020 and turned down a new contract as Eddie Howe’s boys battled relegation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, Bournemouth dropped into the Championship after five-years in the top-flight and Howe left his beloved local club and took a year out of the game.Fraser signed for Newcastle and ironically Howe later followed the Scottish international to St. James’ Park after having time out with his family.Martin pulled off a master-stroke by going strikerless at the Vitality Stadium by leaving FIVE out-and-out forwards on the bench.And it wouldn’t have helped Fraser’s cause being marked by veteran defender Adam Smith-one of most loyal players at the club.Most read in FootballEvanilson opened his account for Bournemouth after his £40m move from Porto this summerCredit: PAAntoine Semenyo netted Bournemouth’s thirdCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet it was the diminutive Fraser who threatened first after eight minutes when he picked up a poor clearance from Kepa Arrizabalanga and fired it straight back into the goalkeeper’s arms.Pass masters Southampton love playing it out from the back but they were seeing more of the ball upfront than their hosts in the early minutes.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsAnd yet the Saints were made to pay dearly for losing concentration when Bournemouth were awarded a free-kick on 17 minutes.Astute Marcus Tavernier spotted the opening and quickly fired in a perfect free-kick over the visitors’ back line allowing Evanilson to volley the ball into the far corner.Ryan Christie’s neat flick set up Tavernier for a shot which former Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale pushed into the air before gratefully catching the ball.And the night got even worse for Southampton when their neighbours doubled the score on 32 minutes with a deflected shot.Antoine Semenyo left Charlie Taylor on the deck before laying a pass to Lewis Cook’s whose low shot struck Dango Ouattara and wrong-footed Ramsdale.The home faithful immediately turned their taunts on their former winger singing : “Ryan Fraser is sending you down.”And the visitors were certainly feeling down six minutes before the break when Semenyo turned Lesley Ugochukwu inside out before driving home his third goal of the campaign.Martin obviously gave his side a piece of his mind before taking his seat back on the bench way before his boys appeared for the second half.The gaffer made three changes at the break and the Saints responded quickly when Taylor Harwood-Bellis pulled a goal back on 51 minutes with a stooping header.That gave the visitors a glimmer of hope and much to their credit they took the contest to their hosts with Harwood-Bellis’ deep cross forcing Arrizabalaga to make a one-handed save.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately for Saints fans, the 22-year-old’s rallying cries after the goal – and the resulting cross – was about as far as the excitement got.Bournemouth were ultimately unfazed by the early concession, taking back control of the game and playing their football to secure all three points.Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ goal in the second half wasn’t enough to spark a comebackCredit: Getty More

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    How love rat Kyle Walker’s ‘clever’ wife is ‘no doormat & had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for FIVE YEARS’

    KYLE Walker’s wife Annie Kilner had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals told The Sun.The despairing mum of four allegedly asked at least four footballer’s wives for advice before marrying the love rat to ensure financial “security” in case he strayed again.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals saidCredit: XposureAnnie and the football star in 2018 before their public falloutAnnie, above watching Kyle during the Euros in June, was said to have been looking at her options as far back as 2019Credit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunInsiders claimed Annie was looking at her options as far back as 2019, when she first dumped Premier League footie ace Kyle, 34, over his affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown.It comes after we revealed yesterday that Annie, 31, has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defender to fix their relationship after he fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.In messages seen by The Sun from five years ago, before the couple tied the knot, Annie glumly conceded, “It’s the same old s**t, he’s been doing it for ten years”, before asking pals for their opinions on how to future-proof herself financially.Annie, who started dating Kyle aged 16, also seemed to predict that he would betray her again, writing to a friend at the time: “He’s going to have a lonely end . . . ”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe went on to marry the footballer in 2021, but kicked him out of their £4million Cheshire mansion in January this year as it emerged that he had fathered a second child with Lauryn, 33.‘Cut losses and run’Friends said they believed it was only a matter of time before Annie pulled the plug on the 17-year relationship for good.A source added: “Annie married Kyle for love, but she also knew in her heart of hearts she had to do it to secure a financial windfall for herself and their children.“She has been formulating a get-out plan for some time in terms of finances. Annie is actually very astute and is no one’s fool.Most read in Football“People may assume she is a doormat, but Annie is clever and she was aware that she’d need to marry Kyle to have access to his money.“When she first dumped Kyle in 2019, Annie sought advice from her married Wag friends about her options and what she should do.Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie ‘will only give their troubled marriage another go if he pays her HALF his fortune’Lauryn, 34, said the multi-millionaire footballer, 33, told “Some said she should leave him at the time, cut her losses and run. But others warned marrying him would be the only way she could really secure herself financially.”Friends told us that Annie herself later agreed, revealing to them: “Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it again.”Messages Annie sent to pals not long after she temporarily gave Kyle the boot in 2019 also reveal her despair at his wayward antics off the field. Soul-searching in the wake of the cheating scandal, Annie then wrote to a friend: “I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he is.”I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he isAnnieA pal said: “Annie was at her wits’ end and didn’t seem to be getting help from anyone, which is why she started to speak to her married friends about what they would do.Annie has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defenderCredit: AlamyKyle fathered two children with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: Splash“By this point she’d been with Kyle for well over a decade. In her eyes, she had given everything for their relationship and cheating is how he repaid her loyalty.”When Kyle and Annie were still apart in early 2020, he slept with Lauryn Goodman — a short-lived affair which resulted in the birth of their son, Kairo. Later that year, he held a sex party in lockdown and issued a grovelling apology.He said at the time: “I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.”Despite his infidelities, Annie took Kyle back and he secretly proposed that summer. Before they wed in a low-key ceremony in November 2021, Annie confided in friends that when Kyle had begged for another chance, he had promised they would marry.And friends said Annie walked down the aisle hoping they could work things through as a family. But she took some comfort in knowing that, if Kyle cheated again, she would be able to divorce him and get her share of his money.They added: “Annie had been with Kyle since she was a teenager. She felt they had true love and, by this point, they had children together.“Annie desperately wanted them to be a family, but she knew she had to think with her head rather than just with her heart.“She married him for love, but also to protect herself. She wanted to stake her claim for the money.”Just over two years after their wedding, Annie’s worst fears were confirmed when reality TV wannabe Lauryn messaged her around Christmas to reveal she had given birth to a second child with Kyle.Lauryn now has Kairo, four, and Kinara, one, with the footballer — who pays her huge sums of money for their two children.The humiliation at Kyle’s deceit was compounded for Annie by the fact that when Lauryn told her Kyle had cheated again, she was pregnant with their fourth child. Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it againAnnieAnnie has since allowed Kyle to move back into the Cheshire pad they share with their four boys on a “trial basis”.But friends told The Sun Annie’s motive was purely to let Kyle have time with their children while she weighed up her options — including the demand to be paid around £15million. A source said: “Annie’s worst fears came true when Kyle cheated again, but this time she has the security of being his wife.“It’s exactly what she was thinking about five years ago when Kyle was begging for her to take him back and promising to marry her.“Annie has spoken to solicitors with Kyle about getting the money into her account for her and the boys.“He has a fortune of almost £30million and she wants half of it. She has stuck with Kyle through thick and thin, through every humiliation and pounding from online trolls and forum gossips.’Thick and thin’“Kyle accepts what he has done and has been open to the conversations and has spoken with solicitors about Annie’s position. “He has desperately been trying to make amends, but knows Annie has been pushed to the limit with this.”Pals said that Kyle’s recent court case with Lauryn over child support had added to Annie’s uncertainty over whether she should take him back. Documents which were made public by a judge in July revealed how Lauryn was using Kyle like an “open-ended cheque book”, demanding an astroturf pitch and air conditioning for the £2.4million home Kyle bought for her and their children to live in.He also makes provisions for the kids, including helping with the cost of her nanny, transport and nursery fees.Those close to Annie told The Sun it smarted for her to see another woman cashing in.A source said: “Annie created this family unit with Kyle and has been by his side through thick and thin.“She’s been a loyal partner and a good mother to his children, and she wants what is rightfully hers.“She had no idea the extent Kyle had been paying Lauryn until the court case and she hit the roof. She hates the idea of her cashing in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Annie is trying to make it work with Kyle, but she doesn’t know what will happen.“But going forward she knows her future is secure, whatever they decide to do.”Kyle had an affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown in 2019Credit: laub212/InstagramAnnie out with baby in buggy earlier this monthCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Man City legend left family £1.6MILLION in his will following his death after glittering career

    MAN City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his will — including a treasure trove of medals.The football star, who died last October aged 79, passed most of his possessions to wife Gillian.Man City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his willCredit: PAThe football star died last October aged 79Credit: AlamyLee passed most of his possessions to wife GillianCredit: GettyPots of £100,000 were handed to brother Trevor, sister-in-law Pamela and daughter-in-law Sonia.Eldest son Gary, from his first marriage, was to get £250,000, but died last year. The rest of his £1,648,000 estate is in a trust fund for his wife and three surviving kids.“Franny” joined City from Bolton in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 games, and winning the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.READ MORE IN SPORTSHe then won the First Division for a second time with Derby in 1975.Franny, who played 27 times for England, including at the 1970 World Cup and scored ten goals, later launched a successful toilet roll manufacturing firm and a horse racing stable.His final years were spent battling cancer at his £500,000 home in sleepy Wilmslow, Cheshire.England legend Alan Shearer led tributes after his death, posting: “RIP legend”.Most read in Football’Franny’ joined City in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 gamesCredit: Getty More

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    ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axe

    GRAHAM POTTER has admitted he deliberately took himself out of the limelight for 18 months after being sacked by Chelsea last year.Potter returned to football fans’ screens for the first time since he left Stamford Bridge in April 2023, joining Sky Sports’ MNF coverage for Bournemouth vs Southampton.Graham Potter has opened up on life after he lost the Chelsea jobCredit: Sky SportsPotter joined Jamie Carragher and David Jones on Sky Sports’ MNF coverageCredit: Sky SportsDuring the build up to the match he was quizzed on why he hasn’t returned to management after being sacked by the Blues – despite links to a number of top clubs.Asked if his decision to step back has been a deliberate one, he revealed: “It has to be honest, yeah.”I spent some time with the family, [to] connect with them after a 12-year journey which has started in the fourth tier of Swedish football and ends in the last eight of the Champions League.”Potter started his professional career with Swedish club Ostersund, leading them through three promotions from the fourth tier to the Europa League.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSHe then secured jobs with Swansea City and Brighton, where he earned his big move to Chelsea in 2022 – taking the Blues to the Champions League quarter-finals before he was sacked.Potter admitted that, although impressive, the journey was gruelling and a break was somewhat necessary afterwards.He added: “It’s a journey that doesn’t come for free and it’s nice to be able to spend some time with family and connect with them.”Then see what the future brings”.Most read in FootballPotter was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023Credit: GettyGraham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: ChelseaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Leeds Beckett University coach went on to open up on how he coped with his sacking, having seen constant growth in his career up until that point.He explained: “Of course it’s disappointing. It’s never nice when you lose your job in any walk of life.Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he is asked about England manager job moments after earning uni degree”But in the end I think you have to treat it as a learning experience. You have to treat it as an opportunity to grow and improve.”I’m grateful for the opportunity that I had and I’m grateful for the experience. It was tough, it was challenging but there were some highlights as well.”Like I said, it’s about putting it into perspective, not trying to blame yourself completely but not trying to blame everybody else either.”It’s about finding the balance, reflecting and coming back stronger”.Coming back stronger could be the next order of business for the 49-year-old with rumours still swirling about his next job.Potter has been linked with the permanent gig at England, although interim boss Lee Carsley seems to be a shoo-in after the start he has made in the nation’s hot seat.While consistent links with the Manchester United job could rear their head again with Erik ten Hag under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ 3-0 trashing at the hands of Spurs on Sunday.The English boss started his managerial career in the fourth division of Swedish football with OstersundCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Go on YouTube’ – Cole Palmer reveals he would choose ex-Premier League bad boy to take a penalty to save his life

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer picked a shock Premier League cult hero when asked who he would choose to take a penalty to save his life.Palmer, 22, is a spot-kick expert having scored every one of the 15 he has taken during his stellar four-year career so far.Chelsea star Cole Palmer picked a controversial penalty taker to save his lifeCredit: AlamyPalmer picked Mario Balotelli, who scored 48 out of 53 penalties in his careerCredit: GettyThe forward has netted ten of them with the Blues, where he already counts six goals in as many Premier League matches this season.However, if his life depended on it, the winger would choose someone else to step up to the plate and take a penalty for him – and it is no ordinary pick.The ex-Manchester City star would go with none other than Mario Balotelli as he remembers how dominant he was when it was just him and the opposing goalkeeper.Palmer told BBC Sports: “One penalty taker to save my life…?Read More on Football”If I can’t say me – I would but I’ll say one just for the content.”The one that comes to my head is Balotelli.”The interviewer seemed a bit surprised by that answer but Palmer stood by his pick.And the England international is not wrong as Balotelli, 34, has scored a whopping 48 out of all the 53 penalties he has taken during his controversial 18-year career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer responded: “Have you seen his pens?”The Chelsea star was then asked if he would have any worries about Balotelli doing something unpredictable: “Nah, I trust him. Go on YouTube and search his penalties.”Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalBalotelli fell from grace despite playing for the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan, Man City, Liverpool and of course Italy.That was mainly due to the current free agent’s unpredictable character.That is why Palmer continued to be egged on by the interviewer regarding his pick.The forward seemed to concede that point as he changed his taker and opted for a star England team-mate before adding that there are actually quite a few favourites he would go for.Palmer said: “Actually, maybe Ivan [Toney]. I don’t know, there’s a few.” More

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    Three-time Champions League winner Samuel Eto’o handed six-month Fifa ban from attending national team matches

    BARCELONA icon Samuel Eto’o has been banned from attending Cameroon national team matches for six months.The former Chelsea and Everton forward has been sanctioned by Fifa for breaching two articles of their Disciplinary Code.Samuel Eto’o has been banned from attending Cameroon matches for six months by FifaCredit: GettyEto’o, who retired in 2019 after a spell playing in Qatar, now acts as the President of the Cameroonian Football Association.But despite the prestigious role, the 43-year-old will not be able to attend any men’s or women’s Cameroon fixtures across all age groups for the next six months.It comes after he was found to have breached rules pertaining to “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconducts of players of officials”.The breaches are said to have taken place during a last 16 clash between Brazil and Cameroon at the Women’s U20 Fifa World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFifa’s statement for the ban revealed no details of the incidents.The ban comes just under three months after Eto’o was slapped with a £150,000 fine by the African Football Confederation (CAF) for “seriously violating the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship”.That was in relation to signing a deal to be an ambassador for betting company 1XBET while holding his position with the Cameroonian FA.The retired striker has since appealed that decision and denied all wrongdoing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBack in 2021, Eto’o was given a 22-month suspended prison sentence for pleading guilty to tax fraud.He was also handed a £1.4m fine at the same time.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseControversy followed the three-time Champions League winner in 2022, when he issued an apology after a video appeared to show him kneeing a man in the face in Qatar during the World Cup.Eto’o’s playing career saw him make 118 appearances for the Cameroonian national side, bagging 56 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice.He won three Champions Leagues, three Spanish titles and one Italian league title in a club career that saw him play for Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid amongst others. More

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    Barcelona ready to make stunning £60m Mason Greenwood bid – but face two-horse transfer race with PSG for ex-Man Utd ace

    BARCELONA are set to make a summer bid for Mason Greenwood – but face a major fight for the forward.Greenwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Marseille, scoring five goals in six games for the French side.Barcelona are lining up a move for Mason Greenwood after his flying start at MarseilleCredit: AFPScouts from the Nou Camp have watched four of Greenwood’s games so far.And SunSport understands they are prepared to bid as much as £60m for the former Manchester United star, who they were tracking last season.Barcelona know that Greenwood can play in LaLiga after impressing there last term while on loan for Getafe. And they’ve now made securing the 22-year-old one of their priorities for the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Greenwood’s impressive start to the season has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are desperate to add to their firepower.They’ve also sent scouts to watch the former England international and would have no trouble matching Barcelona if the clubs became embroiled in a bidding war.And sources say Greenwood would welcome the idea of remaining in France long-term, having settled quickly in the country.A source said: “Mason loves France. He’s been welcomed with open-arms and is loving life in the league.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport’s revelation comes days after reports claimed Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were also tracking the player. Neither club is believed to have sent scouts to watch him this season. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut Greenwood is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted players in Europe.His success in France comes at the same time as former club Manchester United endure a torrid period.They were booed off on Sunday following a 3-0 home defeat to Spurs.And Erik ten Hag – who never wanted Greenwood to leave the club – is now under pressure with two wins and three defeats in six Premier League matches. More

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    FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

    THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More