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      Inside Chelsea’s boardroom civil war as ex-chairman Ken Bates warns of power-sharing disaster between Boehly and Eghbali

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      CHELSEA’S £4billion boardroom battle could drive a wedge through the club’s controversial policy on transfers.And former chairman Ken Bates reckons this power-sharing ‘committee’ is a recipe for disaster.Chelsea co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are in a battle for control of the clubCredit: GettyFormer Blues chairman Ken Bates has warned of a power-sharing disaster at his old clubCredit: AFPBlues’ co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Their professional relationship has deteriorated to a point where they can no longer work together.Bates, 92, said: “Football is not the sport I once knew and loved. Clubs are now either an investment or among a group of investments. Chelsea is included in that.“I wouldn’t know how good a committee is or whether they can work because I only ever worked in committees of one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“When you get large groups or committees of people trying to work together, you usually end up with two or three people sitting around doodling on a notepad.”Eghbali and his pals from Clearlake Capital on one side of the fence own a 61.5 per cent majority share of Chelsea. Rival Boehly and his allies own 38.5 per cent.Chairman Boehly still has to sign off on all major decisions and that is where the sticking point arises if the stand-off deepens.Chelsea signed 11 players in the summer and Boehly gave the nod to them all, despite being in the minority in terms of shareholding.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also gave the green light to the appointment of new head coach Enzo Maresca in June.But the two Americans have differences of opinion on how to do business and disagreements over spending could cause huge problems to the world’s busiest club in the transfer market.Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace SocialChelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport.Bates was the combative chairman at Stamford Bridge for more than 20 years until selling the club to Roman Abramovich in 2003.Boehly and Eghbali have spent more than £1.2bn on new players since buying out the Russian in May 2022.The club have shipped some big names out of the dressing room during that time, including £325,000-a-week £47.5million winger Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan last month.The board has also pushed through the £76.6m sale of two hotels on the grounds of Stamford Bridge to parent company BlueCo, easing the recent pressure on overspending.Eghbali will not sell his stake to Boehly and is ready to dig his heels in as the tussle for overall control of the West London club ramps up.Boehly and Co have spent more than £1.2billion on players since buying Chelsea in 2022Credit: AlamyEghbali is refusing to sell his stake to Boehly as he looks to buy his co-owner outCredit: AFPBut the Iran-born businessman does not want a war with his partner turned rival.Chelsea were run for years by sole trader Abramovich who made unanimous decisions.But sanctions placed on the oligarch by the UK Government forced him into an emergency sale of the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoehly joined forces with Clearlake Capital investment firm to raise £2.5bn to buy Blues with a further £1.75bn promised for investment.Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season and Maresca is the fourth full-time manager since they bought out Abramovich. More

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      Harry Kane reveals how close he came to being RELEASED by Tottenham as a kid after already being rejected by Arsenal

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      HARRY KANE came close to being released by Tottenham as a kid, the England captain has revealed.The forward had already been rejected by Arsenal when he joined Spurs’ academy in 2004.Harry Kane has revealed he came close to being released by Tottenham as a kidCredit: Alan Walter – The TimesKane was rejected by Arsenal as an eight-year-old before joining Spurs’ academyHis arrival came following a spell with Watford after the Gunners let him go as an eight-year-old two years earlier.Although he would go on to become the club’s record goalscorer, Kane could have left Spurs before even making the first-team.Speaking during the Three Lions’ pre-match press conference on Monday, he explained: “I was eight when I was released by Arsenal. That might have built a bit of desire to prove them wrong.”And when I first came to Spurs, I was close to being released.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was never the guy who everyone thought was going to do what I’ve done.”I went on loan but still had to fight for my place, fight for the opportunity to show I could play at the level I wanted to.”There have always been people who doubted me.”Kane was later loaned out four times to Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester before breaking into the side at Spurs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer, though, with 280 goals in 435 appearances.Of those strikes, 14 came in North London derbies against bitter rivals Arsenal.Refuses to lift trophy after finally winning silverware at Tottenham on return with Bayern MunichKane went on to become Spurs’ record goalscorer with 280 goals for the clubCredit: GettyNow playing in Germany for Bayern Munich, Kane will reach another landmark on Tuesday.The 31-year-old is set to start England’s Nations League clash with Finland at Wembley Stadium.In doing so, he will pick up his 100th senior cap for the Three Lions to move closer to Peter Shilton’s record of 125.Kane has already surpassed Wayne Rooney to become the country’s leading goalscorer.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”His penalty against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final extended his record tally to 66, having broken Rooney’s record 16 months earlier.And he wants to set the bar even higher.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked about getting a ton of international goals, Kane replied: “It is definitely possible. I am in a good place and this is a good target to try to reach.“Some may see it as unrealistic but I would rather go for it and not quite make it than be comfortable saying, ‘I will be happy with 70 or 80 goals’.”The 31-year-old will win his 100th England cap against Finland on TuesdayCredit: EPA More

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      Martin Odegaard carried off pitch in tears after nasty ankle injury just days before Arsenal’s derby clash with Spurs

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD is a major injury risk for the North London Derby after limping off on international duty in tears.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will already be without key midfielder Declan Rice following his red card against Brighton.Martin Odegaard injured his ankle on international dutyCredit: YouTubeHe suffered the injury against AustriaCredit: YouTubeOdegaard hobbled off with a classy touch from his team-mate Erling HaalandCredit: RexHis girlfriend Helene Spilling watched on concernedCredit: YouTubeAnd now the Gunners boss is sweating on his skipper’s fitness in what could be another bitter blow. Odegaard, 25, captained Norway in their Nations League Group B3 clash against Austria. But he was in agony just after the hour mark after a seemingly innocuous 50-50 tussle for possession, rolling his left ankle.Odegaard immediately went down clutching the joint, writhing around in agony as replays showed the severity of the seemingly innocuous incident with Christoph Baumgartner.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd concerned Norway boss Stale Solbakken admitted it looked “painful” when quizzed by the media after full-time.He said: “It looked painful, in the locker room, too.”He was sitting with the physios and had no chance to continue. We know it was an ankle sprain.”And, as those of us who have played football know, with luck it can turn out OK, if the ligaments aren’t torn.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But I’m not sure Mikel Arteta will call me tonight to praise me.”TV cameras cut to the crowd and showed Odegaard’s girlfriend Helene Spilling looking on concerned. Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedThe playmaker was treated by physios on the pitch with his head in his hands before hobbling off gingerly and in tears, assisted by the medics as he was barely able to put any weight on his left foot.Baumgartner apologised for the collision – although the RB Leipzig forward was not at fault for the injury in the genuine battle for the ball.Erling Haaland gave his team-mate a touch of consolation as the star headed off.But ironically, the injury could boost Haaland’s own title hopes.I’m not sure Mikel Arteta will call me tonight to praise me.Stale SolbakkenArsenal face a trip to Spurs on Sunday afternoon – before their opening Champions League clash next Thursday away at Atalanta then a visit to the Etihad to take on the champions on September 22.And the fear of being without their influential skipper is now very real.Rice’s suspension rules him out of the clash at Tottenham while new £32million midfielder Mikel Merino is sidelined with a fractured shoulder picked up in his very first Gunners training session.Arsenal have a tricky start to the seasonAnd should Odegaard also be unavailable for the derby, Arteta will need to experiment.Thomas Partey, Jorginho and dropping Kai Havertz in could be the most likely option – with the manager unlikely to turn to the inexperienced youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri for such a high-profile match. Elsewhere, it has already been a costly international break for Arteta with new defender Riccardo Calafiori picking up a bizarre injury and leaving the Italy camp following the freak incident. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Oslo, Felix Horn Myhre’s opener was cancelled out by ex-Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer.But Haaland grabbed the victory ten minutes from time after initially being flagged offside before a lengthy VAR check proved he was on. The incident was a genuine and fair tussle for the ballCredit: RexThe Norwegian was clearly in significant painCredit: YouTubeOdegaard’s Arsenal have a crunch week with three tough away games coming upCredit: RexHe could barely put any weight on his left foot as he headed offCredit: Rex More

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      Dave Kidd: Aston Villa getting Champions League is one of Prem’s best-ever achievements… but ticket fiasco has ruined it

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      ASTON VILLA’S qualification for the Champions League was one of the most underrated achievements of the Premier League era.In the previous two decades, only twice has a club from outside the Big Six stormed the barricades to reach the group stage of Europe’s elite competition — Leicester’s 2016 miracle men and Newcastle’s filthy-rich Geordie Arabia project.Aston Villa will compete in the Champions League this seasonCredit: GettyFans have been left fuming at the ticket prices set by the clubCredit: GettySo, Unai Emery leading Villa into the top four — above Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle — was a truly significant feat.It is 41 years since Villa last competed at Europe’s top table, as defending champions following their 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern Munich.That Bayern should be the first Champions League visitors to Villa Park, with further home fixtures against Juventus and a ‘battle of Britain’ against Celtic to come, made this campaign even more greatly anticipated among fans.With Goodison Park and Old Trafford facing the bulldozers, Villa Park will soon be one of the few remaining great English footballing cathedrals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe place drips with history and pulsates with noise.From the North Stand banner with a transcript of the TV commentary for Peter Withe’s 1982 winner against Bayern, to the statue of William McGregor, the Villa chairman who invented the Football League — and indeed league football — in 1888, the place is a living, screaming museum.And last season, this was the Premier League’s feel-good club.Marooned in the Championship just five years ago, and in deep relegation trouble when Emery had taken over in late 2022, here was a remarkable success story under an excellent manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut then came a spectacular, horrible own goal from Villa’s top brass.The announcement of ticket prices for those long-awaited Champions League fixtures ranged from an eye-watering £85 to £97, or £70 to £82 for season-ticket holders.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeTo any person with a grip on the real world, there is a glaringly obvious ‘ouch’ here.Loyal supporters who had turned up in tens of thousands to watch league football against Burton Albion and Rotherham a few years ago will be fleeced if they want to experience great European glory nights.It is a case of floodlit robbery from Villa’s owners.Many fans will now have to pick and choose between Champions League fixtures or forego Christmas presents for their kids, if they can afford to watch any European football at all.The disconnect between billionaire owners of Premier League clubs — including Villa’s Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris — and punters struggling in a cost-of-living crisis has never been more stark.But Villa seem particularly tone-deaf, as Liverpool and Manchester City both offer Champions League prices that are lower than £40, while Arsenal include European fixtures with their, admittedly expensive, season tickets.Villa supporter groups had advocated Champions League prices in the region of the dearest ‘category A’ Premier League matches, at a minimum of £55, but they were ignored.It is a case of floodlit robbery from Villa’s owners.Dave KiddRunning parallel to all this is Villa’s quite justifiable gripe against Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.In an outspoken interview last week, Villa’s chief executive Damian Vidagany claimed these rules were not ‘fit for purpose’.And he revealed that the club were ‘hours away’ from a ten-point deduction until they flogged Douglas Luiz before PSR’s ludicrous June 30 mid-window deadline.These complaints are fair. PSR protects the existing elite by denying ambitious owners the chance to spend and compete.As Vidagany said, Villa needed a ‘miracle’ from Emery to reach the top four.But the answer is not to penalise fans. Especially when they have waited so long to see their great club competing at the highest level.An extra 30 or 40 quid a pop is not going to make a vast difference to Villa’s balance sheet, when Champions League participation is already so lucrative — but it certainly will make a difference to families struggling to make ends meet.This is not the only example of Villa’s hierarchy — with the club’s head of business operations Chris Heck bearing the brunt of criticism — ignoring the financial hardships of fans.Last week they were forced into a U-turn after doubling the prices of parking spots for disabled supporters.And the corporatisation of Villa Park is described as ‘excessive’ and out of touch with the core of the club’s fanbase, especially by tearing seats out of the vast Holte End — the stadium’s heart and soul — to create the more expensive ‘Terrace View’ area.Edens and Sawiris are among the Premier League’s most desirable owners.Wealthy and ambitious, intelligent in their key appointments, and without any of the human-rights issues regarding state-ownership models at both Newcastle and Manchester City.Yet they have still managed to turn a serious success story into a firestorm.And supporters who were rich in anticipation now find themselves significantly poorer.SNAKE HIGHSJack Grealish silenced te Irish crowd with a goal on SaturdayCredit: EPAJACK GREALISH marked his goal for England against the Republic of Ireland with genuine joy.But his fellow former Irish so-called ‘snake’ Declan Rice opted for that virtue-signalling ‘non-celebration’ celebration.Interestingly, my English spy watching the match in a Dublin bar says Irish fans preferred Grealish’s reaction to Rice’s.“If you’re going to sell your soul to the devil, you should at least go the whole hog,” said one.UP FOR A BUSLee Carsley won his first game in charge of EnglandCredit: GettyWHILE we harp on about England’s lack of a major trophy since 1966, we seem to have missed the fact Lee Carsley has the chance to become the first Three Lions boss to lead the team to promotion.Gareth Southgate oversaw relegation to Nations League B, due in no small part to that disastrous 4-0 humping by Hungary at Molineux in 2022.But Carsley can now pilot our brave boys back to the promised land of League A.An open-top bus parade to Trafalgar Square in November, anyone?COLE CLASSHarry Kane will reach 100th England appearance against FinlandCredit: PAAshley Cole was one of the best left-backs during his playing daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdOF the nine players Harry Kane will join members of England’s 100-cap club, probably the most underrated is Ashley Cole.Cole won 13 major trophies with Chelsea and Arsenal and is currently interim boss Lee Carsley’s No 2. He was undoubtedly the best left-back on the planet for a decent stretch of time in the Noughties — only lacking proper recognition due to his pathological hatred of the media.But those who know Cole well swear by him as a bloke — and his vast international experience will be an asset to Carsley should he land the England job full-time.MOUR TIME ERIK?Man United have stumbled out of the blocks this seasonCredit: GettyHOW long has Erik ten Hag got left as Manchester United manager?Well, if the Red Devils’ results and performances continue to be as bad as the last two matches — defeats by Brighton and Liverpool — then probably not very long at all.But if you want to pinpoint the Dutchman’s most likely departure date, then how about the evening of October 24, in the wake of a Europa League loss in Istanbul to Fenerbahce and their old boss Jose Mourinho?BIG ANGSTAnge Postecoglou will be hoping for victory over ArsenalCredit: GettyWHEN the Premier League returns next weekend, the North London derby will take centre stage.And it looks a huge fixture for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Aussie’s record in his last half-dozen matches against top-half Premier League sides reads: played six, lost six, conceded 17.If Arsenal win on Spurs soil for a third successive season then Big Ange will be entering crisis territory.Who are these famous footballers? 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      Lionel Messi given his lowest rating in SIXTEEN YEARS on EA FC 25 with SEVEN Premier League stars higher than legend

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      LIONEL MESSI has been given his lowest rating in SIXTEEN YEARS on EA FC 25.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the joint-16th highest rated player on the upcoming game in the series.Lionel Messi has been given his lowest rating for 16 years on EA FC 25Credit: GettyErling Haaland is the highest rated men’s player alongside Kylian Mbappe and RodriCredit: RexHe finds himself behind seven Premier League stars on an 88 overall after the top 25 men’s players were revealed.Manchester City duo Rodri and Erling Haaland are tied with Kylian Mbappe as the highest rated stars on 91.Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah complete the list of Premier League players above Messi.England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who will appear on the cover, are also rated higher on 90.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s decline represents his lowest rating since FIFA 08 and the first time since that edition of the video game that he has been given an overall below 90.The 37-year-old first appeared in the series in 2005 as a 78-rated teenager on FIFA 06.His rating later jumped to 84 before reaching 90 by FIFA 09, a year before his first Ballon d’Or win.Messi’s overall on EA Sports’ series has even climbed as high as 94 across the last 16 years as he regularly rivalled Cristiano Ronaldo for the top rating.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the Portuguese forward’s rating dropped to 86 on EA FC 24 despite his form for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.As for Messi, he has been starring for MLS side Inter Miami in his first full season in the USA.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteThe ratings for the top 25 men’s players have been revealedCredit: X/EASPORTSFCMessi is joint-16th on an 88 overall, with seven Premier League stars rated higherCredit: X/EASPORTSFCIt remains unclear what Ronaldo’s rating will be this year.Messi has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 appearances across all competitions in 2024.The Barcelona legend also won the Copa America for a second time with Argentina in the summer.Fans can get their hands on EA FC 25 later this month when the game releases fully on September 27.Messi has been rated below 90 for the first time since FIFA 08Credit: GettyJude Bellingham will appear on the cover when EA FC 25 is released on September 27Credit: Getty More

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      Blow to Liverpool ace Trent Alexander Arnold as he SPLITS from Iris Law after five months

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      THE whirlwind romance between England footballer Trent Alexander- Arnold and model Iris Law has hit the buffers.Their eyes met over a pair of bootlegs on a photoshoot with Guess Jeans only five months ago.Romance between England footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and model Iris Law has come to an endCredit: Guess JeansIris Law’s pals reveal how busy schedules were to blame but that the pair will still stay friendsCredit: GettyBut Iris’ pals tell me the couple have decided to call time on their relationship.They said: “Trent and Iris had a really fun summer together and it was going great.“But life is about to get really busy for them both, with Trent’s schedule packed with first-team football and Iris having jobs all over the world.“They went on holiday with his family in July and they got on so well.READ MORE ON IRIS LAW“So even though they are not dating any more, Iris and Trent will definitely stay friends.“She was really into him and loved spending time together. But Iris is a career woman and she is focused on her own success.“And being a Wag was never really going to be her bag, especially as Trent lives up North and she’s based in London.“They’ve cooled things off now and are just going to stay mates.Most read in Football“There is no bad blood between them and Iris only has good things to say about Trent.”England ace Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted with movie star’s model daughter on stroll in LondonI have to admit I didn’t see the break up coming.This paper revealed their romance in May, with friends telling us how Liverpool and Three Lions defender Trent and Iris had connected over Instagram, after appearing in the Guess Jeans photoshoot together.After seeing the pictures of Trent and Iris in the Caribbean in July, they looked like a perfect couple.They also kept their relationship out of the spotlight, and never courted the publicity like most celebrities do nowadays, which was pretty refreshing.But juggling a new romance with a man playing in the Premier League was never going to be easy.Unless you fancy spending hours taking in the sights of the M40 and M6. More

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      Ivan Toney makes very generous offer to pals in leaving speech before Britain’s new highest-paid player jets to Saudi

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      IVAN TONEY made a very generous offer to his friends during his leaving speech before jetting off to Saudi Arabia.The striker agreed a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli despite interest from Chelsea on deadline day.Ivan Toney made a farewell speech to his loved onesCredit: X @@urfreshtv_sportHe offered to cover the cost of their flights to Saudi ArabiaCredit: X @@urfreshtv_sportHe signed a contract worth £400,000-per-week with Al-AlhiCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney, 28, put pen to paper on a contract worth £400,000-a-week after Brentford agreed to his £40million sale.After signing the deal, he became the highest-paid English footballer in the history of the sport.Before leaving for the Middle East, he hosted a farewell party for friends and family. Toney made a speech to his loved ones and promised to cover the cost of their flights to come and see him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “It’s a simple one, obviously love for coming.”You know the love. You all got invited for your own reasons we’ve had some good memories everyone, more memories on our back I’m sure.”Might be a bit older, but still get down with it, you know, like that. “But, yeah, you’re all welcome to come pull up anytime.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Flights are on me. Don’t worry I’ve got you. We will enjoy.Toney has not played in a competitive match since coming off the bench in the final of Euro 2024.Meet Ivan Toney’s Saudi team-matesThe striker was unable to affect the result as England lost to Spain 2-1. Since the final heartbreak, Gareth Southgate has left his role as boss of the Three Lions.He was replaced by interim coach Lee Carsely, who left Toney out of his first England squad for Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Finland.Carsley has insisted that Toney’s move to Al-Alhi is not necessarily the end of his international career.He said: “I was thinking about that to be honest.”I think ultimately as an interim head coach I don’t think I can rule anyone in or out.”It would be really interesting to go out and see Ivan play and see the level and see the tempo and see the standard.”We’ve got access to the games so I’ll definitely be following his progression out there.”It would be good to go and see an actual live game to get a feel of the atmosphere and the pace of the game because sometimes you don’t quite get that on a video.”So, yeah, he’s definitely not ruled out.”We have to be mindful. I’ve got a perception of the football out there but I’ve not been out there and seen it.”So I think it would be reckless to rule somebody in or out.”So he’s definitely not ruled out and yeah I would like to go and sample and see what the football’s like out there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Toney will link up with some exciting new team-mates who have also made the move to Saudi.His new squad will include the likes of former Premier League stars such as Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy. More

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      Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw, 63, in serious condition in hospital after suffering head injury in fall

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      LEGENDARY Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw is in serious condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in a fall.The 63-year-old was a part of the Villa side that won the First Division, European Cup and European Super Cup between 1981 and 1982.Gary Shaw won the First Division and European Cup with Aston VillaCredit: RexShaw has gone down as one of Villa’s great playersCredit: RexHe was named PFA Young Player of the Year following their title-winning season in which he scored 20 times.The blonde-haired baby-faced assassin was regarded as one of Villa’s greatest ever forwards, scoring 79 goals in 213 appearances for the club.SunSport understands he suffered the incident on Friday and is being cared for at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.Reacting to the news of his health battle, former Villa striker Stan Collymore posted: “I’m sure the Villa family will rally round and give one of our greatest our love and support at this incredibly difficult time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ledge, you’re my hero, and I’m thinking of you.”One fan wrote: “That’s terrible news. One of my heroes back in the day. Hope he makes a full recovery.”While another added: “Every #AVFC fan who remembers how brilliant Gary was in those glory years, sending prayers and deepest wishes for him to make a full recovery.”Ledge, you’re my hero, and I’m thinking of you.Stan CollymoreA third replied: “Shocking news. I was lucky enough to meet him a few weeks ago at VP. Lovely bloke and a true legend. Got well soon Gary!”Most read in FootballAnd a fourth responded: “Still one of my all-time favourites, hope he makes a full recovery.”Shaw spent 10 years playing for Villa’s first team after coming through their academy.He racked up nearly 200 appearances for the club, leaving in 1988 to play his football in Denmark.He ended up with a tally of 73 goals in 196 games for Villa.Spells followed at Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury, before he hung up his boots in 1992.Shaw never earned a cap for England, but did play seven times for the U21s, scoring two goals. More