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      Man Utd legend’s son, 17, signs for first club as he looks to follow in Champions League-winning father’s footsteps

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      A FORMER Man Utd Champions League winner’s son has signed his first professional contract as he looks to follow in his footsteps.The player, 17, has joined Zeljeznicar Pancevo as he makes his own way in professional football.The Man Utd legend’s son has signed his first senior contractHe joins the top-flight club from second tier Vozdovac, where he had appeared for their under-19 side.The midfielder made 31 youth team appearances for his former club, scoring once.However, he will now look to make his senior debut after joining Zeleznicar and being handed a first-team squad number.His first chance to feature will come away to Vojvodina on Saturday evening.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSZeleznicar have been on a meteoric rise from the fourth tier to the Serbian SuperLiga with three promotions since 2014.They currently sit fifth in the table after seven matches following a 14th place finish last term.Previously, he had spent time in the academy of his dad’s former club Red Star Belgrade.The player is Luka Vidic, oldest son of Manchester United legend Nemanja.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis dad made 300 appearances during eight years at Old Trafford, scoring 21 goals from centre-back.He also won 15 major trophies with the Red Devils, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedVidic also had spells with Red Star, Spartak Moscow and Inter Milan during his illustrious career.The defender won 56 international caps, which included three appearances for Serbia at the 2010 World Cup.He retired from professional football aged 34 in January 2016.Nemanja Vidic’s oldest son Luka has signed his first professional contractCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesVidic won 15 major trophies during eight years with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Ashley Cole leaves Birmingham to take up full-time FA job in major hint over Lee Carsley England future

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      ASHLEY COLE has left Birmingham to take up a full-time role with the FA.The former England left-back was a part of Lee Carsley’s backroom team for the Three Lions’ matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Ashley Cole has left Birmingham to take up a full-time role with the FACredit: AlamyThe former England left-back was part of Lee Carsley’s coaching staff this monthCredit: GettyHe had worked with the under-21s alongside his Birmingham role before stepping up with Carsley for his temporary spell in August.However, Cole will now leave the Blues to focus completely on his international commitments.The 43-year-old had been a first-team coach at St. Andrew’s since October last year after Wayne Rooney brought him to the club.Cole remained on the coaching staff under Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett and Chris Davies following Rooney’s dismissal.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSMeanwhile, he has worked with Carsley at under-21 level for the last three years, including their Euros triumph in 2023.And Carsley promoted the Chelsea legend to his backroom team after becoming interim manager of the senior team.The FA have not made clear whether Cole’s permanent role is a move towards keeping Carsley at the helm of the senior side.But the move would suggest that any eventual appointment would be expected to keep former left-back Cole within the coaching team – which will be seen by some as a vote of confidence in Carsley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Ireland and Everton midfielder oversaw England’s Nations League wins against Ireland and Finland in his first two matches.As a player, Cole won 107 caps for the Three Lions between 2001 and 2014, appearing at three World Cups.Lee Carsley gives glowing review of Angel Gomes and reveals England star’s staggering football knowledgeSince retiring in 2019, he has also had coaching roles at Chelsea and Everton under Frank Lampard.England are back in action next month with Nations League matches against Finland and Greece.Cole had been working with the under-21s before stepping up the senior side with interim boss CarsleyCredit: GettyHe spent 11 months with Birmingham after first joining the club under Wayne RooneyCredit: PA More

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      Meet Wes Okoduwa, 16, who has already been on Wolves bench in Premier League and was Man Utd AND Chelsea transfer target

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      WES OKODUWA has already made a huge impression in the youth ranks at Wolves – and this is why Manchester United and Chelsea made a move for the defender in the summer. Both United and the Blues were told that there was no way the 16-year-old full-back would be allowed to leave as Wolves want their homegrown star to remain in the West Midlands.Wes Okoduwa is a teenage sensation hoping to break through at WolvesCredit: GettySunSport featured Okoduwa last season on the front of the Goals supplementHOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?Due to the fact he is so young, Okoduwa is still growing. But he is already a formidable right-back, with pace and power his biggest attributes. He is terrific at defending in one-on-one situations so the best comparison is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is now at West Ham.In March, Okoduwa was on the bench for Wolves’ Premier League game at Newcastle.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad he featured, he would have been the club’s youngest-ever player.The following month, he was also an unused substitute at home to Arsenal. On both occasions, the youngster was taken out of school to prepare for the game.He stayed on the bench for subsequent Premier League matches.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISEOkoduwa was born in New York to Nigerian parents but he moved to Wolverhampton at an early age and has been with the club since he was 10.He has played for England’s Under-16s and is now due to be part of the U17s set-up this season – although he has also been invited to train with the United States.His father, Emmanuel, made one senior appearance for Nigeria and also played club football in Ukraine. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very goodWolves boss Gary O’NeilWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? After the home game with Arsenal, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!“He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good. It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Okoduwa will have to wait until next May before he turns 17, which is when he can sign his first professional contract.He started playing for Wolves’ U21s aged 15 and will continue to remain with the group while training in and around the first-team.Maybe next summer – or in 18 months’ time – the teen sensation might look to be loaned to an EFL side for a taste of first-team action.Wolves obviously rate him highly, otherwise he would have not been allowed anywhere near the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he is incredibly young, particularly for a defender. So Wolves know it will be in their interests to handle him with care.There is no reason, however, why he could not get a glimpse of first-team action this season – maybe even as a sub in one of the cups.The defender warming up before a Premier League match against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyOkoduwa hard at work during a pre-season training camp in MarbellaCredit: GettyThe right-back playing for England Under-16s – but he could also represent the USA and NigeriaCredit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Enzo Fernandez set to escape FA punishment for racism storm despite Bentancur facing 12-game ban for Son comments

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ is set to escape punishment from the FA for his Argentina racism storm.However, the Chelsea midfielder could still be charged for the incident which marred their Copa America celebrations.Enzo Fernandez is set to escape FA punishment over his Argentina racism stormCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez could still be charged by Fifa after filming himself chanting racist and homophobic slursCredit: PAFernandez was caught on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs after the Copa America final in July.The chants were aimed at members of the France squad during Argentina’s title celebrations following their win over Colombia.He later apologised to his Chelsea team-mates face-to-face on their pre-season tour of the USA.Meanwhile, Fernandez has captained the Blues in each of their opening three Premier League matches this season.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe FA have now deemed his racism case a Fifa matter and opted not to charge the 23-year-old.Fernandez could still be punished by Fifa, though, with legal officials in Zurich awaiting an update from Conmebol.It is understood that the world governing body will then decide if they need to take disciplinary action.The FA’s decision comes after Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur was charged over comments he made about team-mate Heung-min Son.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBack in June, Bentancur suggested all South Korean people “look the same” during a Uruguayan TV interview.He has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3 as “he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute”.Bentancur charged by FA over Son commentsMatches Rodrigo Bentancur could missRODRIGO BENTANCUR has until next Thursday to respond to the FA charge.Here is a list of the games he could potentially miss if he receives a maximum ban:Brentford (h)Man Utd (a)Brighton (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)(Carabao Cup 4th round)Aston Villa (h)Ipswich (h)Man City (a)Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Southampton (aBentancur apologised to Son after the incident, with the Spurs forward forgiving him and insisting he made a mistake.The former Juventus star could now face a minimum six-match ban, with the maximum suspension being 12 games.He has been given until September 19 to respond to the FA charge.Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur could be banned for 12 matches after being charged by the FACredit: Getty More

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      Unemployed ex-Premier League star, 35, lined up for Serie A transfer after leaving old club four games after signing

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      A FORMER Tottenham star is reportedly being lined up for a move to Italy.The 35-year-old is looking for a new club after being made a free agent by Croatian outfit Hadjuk Split.The player left Spurs in the summerCredit: GettyHe joined Hajduk last January on loan from Spurs, before ripping up his contract in north London to make the move permanent this summer.But after playing just four games as a permanent addition to his hometown club, he was cut loose following a fallout with new boss Gennaro Gattuso last month.Now he is searching for a new club after being left in limbo, and it looks like a return to Serie A could be on the cards.According to reports, Monza are looking to sign the experienced star as they search for a new full-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonzas boss Alessandro Nesta is said to be keen to bring in a new left-back with his side yet to win a league game this season.And according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Monza chairman Adriano Gallini is “dreaming” of signing the player to fill the void.However, it’s also claimed that the former World Cup finalist is hesitating over the move.136-time Croatia international Ivan Perisic previously played in Serie A for Inter Milan – winning the Scudetto with the Italian giants in the 2020/21 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPerisic joined Spurs from the Inter in 2022 with the club managed by Antonio Conte at the time.But the arrival of Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium ultimately saw the veteran lose his place in the side and join a number of high-profile players in mass exodus from the club.Perisic left Spurs having made 50 appearances and scored one goal.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break More

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      Meet the boss ‘playing real life Football Manager’ after taking fifth-tier minnows to European football in just 17 years

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      FRANK SCHMIDT is living out the fantasy that every football fan dreams up in their head.The FC Heidenheim manager is essentially playing Football Manager, having taken his home town club from the depths of German football to the top flight.Frank Schmidt has had an incredible spell as manager of FC HeidenheimCredit: GettyThe manager brought the club from the fifth tier of German football to the BundesligaCredit: APHeidenheim are now playing European footballCredit: EPASchmidt, 50, has been the boss of Heidenheim for 17 YEARS, taking over at the club after retiring as club captain in 2007.The German coach, who was born and raised in Heidenheim, spent four years with the side as a player after a journeyman career that saw him float around the divisions.After hanging up his boots in 2007, Schmidt was asked to step in as a two week stopgap interim boss for the club… 17 years later and he’s still the man in charge.That 17-year run as boss makes him the longest serving manager in German professional football history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s not just about staying put either, Schmidt has propelled the team through the divisions since his appointment all that time ago.When Schmidt took over at Heidenheim they were in the fifth tier of German football, languishing in the lower divisions with the idea of a rise to the top a pipe dream.But the hometown gaffer turned those dreams into a reality for the tiny town – which has a smaller population than the capacity of the Emirates Stadium.Schmidt’s first season in charge ended with promotion into the fourth tier, with a second promotion into the third tier following the next year.Most read in FootballSchmidt is the longest serving manager in German professional football historyCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHeidenheim then spent five seasons in the third tier before winning the league and gaining promotion into the 2. Bundesliga in 2014.Things slowed down for a bit once the club had earned a spot amongst some of Germany’s biggest clubs and Heidenheim established themselves as a solid second division side.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut after nine years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schmidt finally took his side to the big time, once again winning the league to earn the club a spot in the Bundesliga proper back in 2023.As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Schmidt’s tactics and man management saw Heidenheim secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League in their first season in the Bundesliga last term.While they managed wins over both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the league last season too.And things have been looking good in the early stages of this season as well, with Heidenheim currently top of the Bundesliga after winning both their opening clashes and keeping two clean sheets.Schmidt has managed to do it with a team of players who have hardly played Bundesliga football before too.Heidenheim beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Bundesliga last seasonCredit: AFPHis side will now get to take on Chelsea as part of their Conference League run this season as well as a trip to face Scottish side Hearts.Longevity appears to be a part of Schmidt’s DNA with the one-club boss not only staying put in his professional life but also his personal life.The 50-year-old has only ever been with his wife and even joked that it’s part of the reason that he has been able to manage Heidenheim for so long in an interview with Bild.He said: “My whole life is about continuity. I’m also still with my first girlfriend. It just fits,.”It’s actually unbelievable. It doesn’t seem that long to me [at Heidenheim], but it’s crazy, especially when you look at the average half-life of coaches in professional football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably Schmidt had a back-up plan for if things didn’t turn out the way they have too.The now-experienced manager is actually a trained banker. Heidenheim are top of the Bundesliga this termCredit: AP More

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      National League boss ‘loses plot’ in outrageous rant at OWN FANS as supporters call it ‘best post-match interview ever’

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      A NON-LEAGUE manager blasted his own fans in an epic rant that has gone viral.Barnet scored a 92nd-minute winner on Tuesday night to snatch a comeback victory over Altrincham in the National League. Barnet boss Dean Brennan launched a blistering attack on his own fansCredit: YouTube @BarnetFootballClubThe no-nonsense Irishman made his feelings clear with the epic monologueCredit: YouTube @BarnetFootballClubBut boss Dean Brennan was still not happy and “lost the plot” with his stunning, furious meltdown.Brennan, 44, took his frustration out on the supporters for their criticism on social media, inside the ground and the general negativity around the club. The Irishman raged to the in-house media team: “I don’t like the mans and groans from my supporters beside me, screaming rubbish at me when we’re 1-0 down. “We’ve played six games now without a recognised centre forward and I have to be honest with you, I think our level of performance has been outstanding. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”If they don’t want that, I’ll move on then. If that’s what they want, get someone else to do the job because I’m sick and tired of it. Just the miserable, moany lot. What’s wrong with them? Get behind the team.”If they’re going to be negative, go somewhere else and be negative. It’s their money, they can do what they want. But I can say what I want on here as well and how I really feel, because I don’t pull no punches.”We have got young lads who read the social media (comments). I don’t read it. There’s stuff going against my goalkeeper. Does that help anybody? They’re all geniuses now. “When you are in tough times you see real characters, real people. I want character and I want our fans to come with us. Do not edit that by the way, I want that to go out, it’s very important.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Altrincham scored a good goal and I’ve got to listen to that moaning in my ear. “Just relax, I know what I’m doing. I took over this team they were bottom of the table. Have a look where you are, there’s a lot of other teams below us.”Non-league manager calls his own players a ‘bunch of losers’ in brutal X-rated post-match Brennan continued: “I am very very angry and frustrated. If any fans want to come and see me, my door is open. We’ll have a cuppa and I’ll explain where we are at.”I want us to get behind our lads, not moan at them. “I want us to be a proper football club. All I ever hear is moaning. Moaning about the chairman, the beer’s not good enough, that’s not good enough.”Come on, man, get behind the team. There were only 900 fans here tonight. It was announced as 1,200 but there were 900. Yeah, we’re a big club, aren’t we?”It would help if we brought more than 900 supporters in. If we can get 2,000 that would help. “It would help us get another centre-forward if we got more if people bought some tickets, beers and sweets at The Hive but apparently that’s not good enough. All I hear is moaning.”Who are these famous footballers?Despite slamming his own supporters, football fans on social media were largely supportive of Brennan’s extraordinary monologue.One said: “Barnet manager Dean Brennan ranting about the clubs own fans in the best post match interview I’ve ever seen.”Another wrote: “Love this honesty!”A third added: “Well said Deano – every word of this is facts.”A fourth typed: “Dean Brennan already has post-match interview of the season in the bag.”A fifth commented: “Refreshing to hear a manager so open.”A sixth replied: “My g.”And a final user responded: “Dean Brennan, the Barnet manager, with possibly one of the all time greatest rants.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBrennan’s rant struck a resemblance to Michael Birmingham’s famous rant last season.The Horndean FC chief laid into his “pathetic” players, calling them a “bunch of losers”. Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher launch new US podcast with NBC host Rebecca Lowe.. and fans will HATE the name

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher are set to launch a new US football podcast.The pair will co-host the show with NBC Sports presenter Rebecca Lowe.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are set to launch a new US football podcastCredit: GettyNBC Sports presenter Rebecca Lowe will co-host the show with Neville and CarragherCredit: Rebecca Lowe/InstagramAccording to IMDb, the new weekly podcast will be titled “It’s Called Soccer”.Lowe, who presents NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage, will debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.She already works with the former Manchester United defender after he recently joined the network.Prior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Carragher will be a familiar face to US audiences through his punditry on CBS Sports.Both he and Neville have become key parts of Sky Sports’ football coverage since hanging up their boots.Fans have become accustomed to seeing the pair clash on Monday Night Football as well as going back and forth on the gantry.Earlier this month Neville snapped at Carragher live on air following Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother row later ensued during an episode of their Stick to Football podcast just days after the match.They co-host the podcast with fellow ex-players Roy Keane, Jill Scott and Ian Wright.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionThe report adds that “It’s Called Soccer!” is set to launch later this month on September 18.As well as Neville, Carragher and Lowe, current players will be interviewed on the podcast.Celebrities from across sport, film, TV and music are also expected to make guest appearances to discuss their love of football.The ‘It’s Called Soccer’ podcast is set to launch on September 18Credit: It’s Called Soccer More