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      Famous London pub renamed and transformed for Newcastle supporters in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall

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      FORGET the Brown Ale – it’s all about the Mad Dog & Mags for the Toon Army in London this cup final weekend.Thousands of Newcastle supporters have begun descending on the capital to watch Eddie Howe’s boys face Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.The Dolphin in King’s Cross will be renamed Mad Dog & Mags for this weekend Carabao Cup finalCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle fans will be expected to congregate at the King’s Cross boozerCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseThe pub has been renamed with assistant coach Jason Tindall’s nickname in mindCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall is nicknamed Mad DogCredit: RexIt promises to be one big Black and White party in the build-up to Wembley and now Carling have ensured fans from the North East will feel right at home.Popular pub The Dolphin, located by Kings Cross on Tonbridge Street, has been re-named and transformed especially for Newcastle supporters.It has become the Mad Dog & Mags in honour of Howe’s assistant head coach Jason Tindall and, of course, the Toon Army themselves.Part of the Toon takeover saw the new name go up this morning as well as photos of the man affectionately known as Mad Dog.Read more football news Once inside, fans can get their pints in specially designed glasses and coasters that include Tindall, captain Bruno Guimaraes and popular defender Dan Burn plus legend Shola Ameobi.Tindall recently revealed the origin of his nickname was down to his touchline antics.The 47-year-old has worked as assistant to Howe at Bournemouth and Burnley before Newcastle but has hit the headlines and become the star of several social memes.Both opposition supporters and managers love to hate him.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp was irked by Tindall as he claimed that the ruling regarding only one member of coaching staff to stand at the front of the technical area during matches was introduced specifically due to the Magpies.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Aston Villa’s Unai Emery appeared to snub Tindall’s handshake last term while JT was also involved in a tunnel bust-up with the Spaniard’s backroom staff this term.But his actions have made him a big hit with Newcastle fans.He said: “It was the first year we were in Saudi Arabia and we played a game there.“A guy was doing the commentary who I think was standing in for someone because the traffic was horrendous and the original commentator didn’t make it on time.“So the guy who did the commentary kept referring to me as ‘mad dog’ and it was only after the game had finished that he came up to me and asked if I could do a video message to his wife. He put it out on social media and from that moment on, it took off.”Meanwhile, win or lose, Toon supporters WILL NOT be on the booze on the train back this Sunday.Newcastle fans won’t be able to toast their success, or otherwise, on their return home on the train with a bevvyCredit: GettyLNER will be operating a strict no alcohol policy on board their trainsCredit: EPAEven if the Magpies can end a 70-year wait for major silverware then there will be no champagne corks being popped.British Transport Police made an official request for dry trains and LNER and other companies will be operating an alcohol-free policy for all departures from 7.30pm from King’s Cross.Officers and security will be on duty to enforce it and no alcohol can be brought on to or purchased on board any trains.The potential party pooping news comes after extra trains were put on to help fans get to Wembley and back from the North East.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters faced huge disruption due to Network Rail engineering works between Newcastle and York, with rail replacement buses servicing Durham and Darlington.LNER moved to help with the huge demand by putting on six extra services, with two of those travelling from Newcastle to King’s Cross on Sunday morning. More

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      ‘Those days are over’- Championship manager reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy

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      LEEDS UNITED manager Daniel Farke has been reminiscing on the good old days as he laments his squad’s various international call ups.The Yorkshire outfit sit top of the Championship with just a two-point cushion to Sheffield United in second place.Ferguson made a habit of keeping his players home from international campsCredit: GettyFarke has made an impression since joining LeedsDan James has been in rare form this season and will play against North Macedonia with Wales this monthCredit: ReutersWith just nine matches remaining in the campaign, there is little room for error.Farke’s squad has been pulled apart by international call ups as they look to cement promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2022/23.Stalwart defender Joe Rodon and 10-goal winger Dan James have both been summoned to Craig Bellamy’s Wales squad.Israel’s Manor Solomon, Belgium’s Largia Ramazani, and Japan’s Ao Tanaka are all also set to travel for March internationals.Read more footballMore squads are yet to be announced for the March fixtures.As he aims to carry on a title push amid the fatigue and injuries that tend to accompany international breaks, Farke looked back to one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s old tricks.Nicky Butt, who played 12 years under Ferguson, explained the trick.He said: “At one stage, there was nine of us [up for international duty] and he would pull one or two of us out and let the other six go.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFarke has said he would love to do the same, but changing times meant he could not get away with it.He said: “Sadly, the days of SIr Alex Ferguson are over, who could just call the national team managers and say; ‘No, no, listen I keep my players’.Sir Alex Ferguson spotted with unlikely TV star pal at Cheltenham again as legendary Man Utd boss bags £65k winner “I can’t do this. I can ask carefully sometimes for a little bit of help but yeah, the days that you could just resist sending your players are sadly over.”I hope the lads involved in international games will come through without injuries.”The German signed to Leeds in autumn 2023, with club chairman Paraag Marathe saying he trusted Farke to return the club to the Premier League.Leeds flirted with promotion last season, finishing third in the Championship before losing 0-1 to Southampton in the final. More

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      England name ‘strongest U21 squad in history’ as fans say ‘would beat the senior team’ after controversial Tuchel picks

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      ARSENAL teen Ethan Nwaneri has been given his first England Under-21s call-up – with fans saying the Young Lions would “turn over” Thomas Tuchel’s controversial senior squad.The Gunners forward, 17, has been bumped up by boss Lee Carsley for friendlies against France and Portugal this month.Ethan Nwaneri has been handed his first England Under-21s call after his superb run of form with ArsenalCredit: GettyNwaneri’s best mate Myles Lewis-Skelly has been picked in England’s senior squad by new boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyIpswich trio Jaden Philogene, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson are all in Lee Carsley’s groupCredit: GettyLee Carsley has named ‘the strongest ever’ England Under-21s squadCredit: GettyNwaneri has made a stunning impact for such a young player under Mikel Arteta this season, with eight goals in all competitions, and was even touted for a senior call-up.The Gunners academy graduate had previously represented England to Under-19 level, meaning he is skipping past the Elite League squad level to the U21s.Also included in Carsley’s squad for the first time are goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, on loan at Doncaster from Chelsea, Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley and Sunderland’s  Dennis Cirkin.Rico Lewis, Jarrad Branthwaite and Taylor Harwood-Bellis return to the U21s squad having been called up to the seniors in November for Carsley’s final camp as interim manager.READ MORE SPORT STORIESCrystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton returns having been left out in November following surgery to a groin injury.Palace were reluctant for Wharton to be called up once more as he continues to manage his fitness.Carsley has named a strong squad for the final break before England head to Slovakia to defend their U21 Euros title.Ipswich trio Jaden Philogene, Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are part of a formidable forward line alongside Nwaneri.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsJobe Bellingham, Archie Gray and Harvey Elliott have all received call-ups in midfield, as well as Wharton and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.And a hoard of fans have reacted by suggesting the Young Lions would beat Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad after a controversial set of picks from the new boss.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad One fan, writing on X, said: “Reckon that beats the senior team.”Another said: “The whole of that midfield is better than Henderson or Lewis-Skelly.”A third added: “At least 7/8 of those will be at the World Cup.”One ranted: “You could probably make a case for like 6-7 of these in the seniors.”And another concluded: “This team would turn over Tuchel’s lads.”This fan also asked: “Why’s this squad arguably better than the first team?” More

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      Bruno Fernandes hits out at Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘not nice’ comments about ‘overpaid and not good enough’ Man Utd stars

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the Manchester United part-owner’s brutal comments about the squad.On Monday, the penny-pinching Ineos chief let rip as he called some of the players “not good enough” and “overpaid”.Bruno Fernandes has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his brutal squad commentsCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe called some of the Man Utd squad ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’Credit: Youtube @TheOverlapRatcliffe even name-checked Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho in his clearly-frustrated rant.He told the BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”READ MORE SPORT STORIESRatcliffe reserved special praise for United captain Fernandes. adding: “There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”Despite the nice comments, the Portugal star, 30, was quick to defend his troops.Fernandes said: “We need to prove ourselves every day in training, every day that we have a game. We can’t relax at this club.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”You know that there’s a big standard, a big attention that you get from the media, from everywhere.”You need to realise that sometimes you need to put your focus on your game, trying to improve yourself.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Man Utd reached the Europa League quarter finalsCredit: Getty”It’s not nice to hear certain things, obviously. I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.”Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever.”It’s about yourself proving that you can be important for the club.”Fernandes played a starring role in Man Utd’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Sociedad, scoring two penalties to reach the quarter finals.United next face Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday evening as they aim to improve on their woeful season, currently 14th in the standings.But Ruben Amorim has every faith in Fernandes. After the Sociedad match, the Red Devils boss said: “When we need it, (Fernandes) is always there.”Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      How England could line up in Thomas Tuchel’s first game as Three Lions boss with host of big names left out

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has made some big calls in his first England squad. Earlier today, the German tactician’s first squad to face Albania and Latvia was announced, featuring some surprise omissions and major recalls.Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squadCredit: GettyJordan Henderson was a surprise recall to the England teamCredit: GettyDan Burn was selected by England for the first time alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: PAThe likes of Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were brought back into the fold by Tuchel.Meanwhile, stars like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eliott Anderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish missed the cut.There were debut call ups for Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.While there are of course the usual suspects like captain Harry Kane, midfielder Jude Bellingham and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now Tuchel has selected his cards, how will he play them?Tuchel was known at Chelsea for playing a back three, but when he moved to Bayern Munich he preferred a back four shape.This England squad has stars who are very capable in both shapes.However, we expect the 51-year-old to deploy his England team in a back four shape to start with.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsTuchel said the call ups for Burn and Henderson were down to them bringing leadership qualities and character to the squad. For that reason both could be named in his first starting XI to face Albania on March 21 in England’s first World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel is likely to keep his spine a tried and trusted formula, with Jordan Pickford in goal, Harry Kane up front and Declan Rice in midfield.Guehi, who has arguably established himself as the Three Lions best centre-back in the last 12 months, may partner debutant Burn in central defence, with veteran Kyle Walker selected at right-back and Lewis-Skelly filling in at left-back.Rice could provide the legs for Henderson in midfield which would also allow the Arsenal midfielder the license to bomb forward and join the attack.Ahead of them, Jarrod Bowen’s pace and directness off the left will partner well with Cole Palmer’s creativity on the right wing and Bellingham’s dynamism behind Kane.Alternatively, Tuchel could go to his famous 3-4-3 shape and go with a very experimental XI to help him get to know his squad.A change between in the sticks with Dean Henderson in for Pickford could come about, while Guehi’s anchor a back three alongside Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and James, who are both familiar with a back three system.An aggressive set of wing-backs may see Newcastle duo Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon selected on either wing, while Rice and Bellingham pair in midfield able to shuffle back and forth.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Aston Villa duo Rashford and Morgan Rogers could start behind Dominic Solanke, which may give Tuchel a real idea about the true depth of his attacking options. More

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      England’s oldest ever debutants revealed with Dan Burn on track to break 15-year record if Newcastle star plays

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S latest England squad included a handful of fresh faces, with 32-year-old Dan Burn set to become one of England’s oldest debutants.Up-and-comers Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, and Jarrell Quansah, 22, will both hope to make their senior England debuts in World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Geordie defender Dan Burn is a fan favourite on TynesideCredit: PA MediaDavies made his debut at 33Credit: GettyBurn, though, is Quansah’s senior by a decade, and is set to become the oldest England debutant since Kevin Davies in October 2010.Davies made his England bow at 33 against Montenegro, replacing Peter Crouch to play 21 minutes of the goalless draw.It would prove to be the only England appearance of the Bolton Wanderers star’s career.Burn will hope to prove his worth to Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Read more footballWhile Burn could become the oldest debutant for almost 15 years, he is far from the oldest ever.He will fail even to crack the top 20 oldest debutants.In the early days of international football, managers were far more patient with older players than they are now.Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alec Morten captained the Three Lions on debut in their second ever match – a 4-2 win over Scotland – aged 41 or 42 years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis birthdate is disputed, listed by various sources as either 1831 or 1832.The oldest debutant with a confirmed birthday is Arsenal defender Leslie Compton, who also played professional cricket for Middlesex.Watch incredible tunnel bust-up as Newcastle ace Dan Burn grabs Jan Bednarek by the shirt during fiery Southampton gameHis debut came in a 4-2 win over Wales in 1950, at 38 years and 64 days old.Among the goalscorers on the day was Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn, who scored 201 goals in 399 appearances for the Magpies over a 12-year career.Should he play during the March international break, Burn will rank 21st among the oldest debutants, sandwiched between Portsmouth’s Jack Smith (32y354d) and Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift (32y276d).Burn will be older than more recent debutants in Leon Osman (31y181d), Rickie Lambert (31y179d), and Tom Heaton (30y42d).The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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      Coleen Rooney joins Annie Kilner for girls’ lunch days after she was spotted in estranged husband Kyle Walker’s car

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      KYLE Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner and Coleen Rooney were spotted meeting up for lunch with pals today.The mum-of-four, 31, enjoyed herself with fellow wags at a restaurant this afternoon just days after being seen in the footballer’s car.Annie Kilner was seen laughing Coleen Rooney at lunch todayCredit: ZenpixThe model dressed down in casual gym gearCredit: ZenpixColeen appeared animated during their chatsCredit: ZenpixAnnie sported casual black gym gear paired with white trainers and black sunglasses. She stepped out with her hair swept up in an effortless ponytail to show off sophisticated gold hooped earrings. Coleen appeared animated during their informal catch up today.This comes after the friends were also spotted rallying around each other earlier this month as England right-back Walker was seen partying with two women.The 34-year-old took them to Tocqueville 13 in Milan, one of the city’s most popular nightclubs.The former Prem ace enjoyed a £5,300 Super VIP extravagance with the pair at the star-studded establishment.Sources at the nightclub say the group partied into the early hours.It all happened just one day after his wife and their children flew back to the UK.Most read in FootballBut it a fresh twist earlier this week Annie, who shares four sons with the AC Milan player, was seen in the back seat of his car.Walker, who is on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, looked in good spirits on his return to Cheshire.Inside Kyle Walker’s night with 2 party girls in Milan day after wife Annie flew home – & his whopping bar bill revealedCasually clad for the outing, Kyle donned a plain white T-shirt with jeans and a black Celine baseball cap. He was seen smiling and giving a thumbs up as he walked around the front of his car with Annie in tow.Kyle has been dividing his time between Italy and the UK after his transfer move, heading home regularly to see his wife and their four children. This came after we revealed with the couple were said to be “working through their issues.”A source said: “Annie was far from happy and made her feelings clear. Kyle denies anything went on and says he was asked to give the girls a lift.”He’s clearly put himself in a difficult situation given his reputation.”It’s the lack of thought for Annie and how it might look that has caused the upset.”Annie also used her married name for the first time professionally this month, despite her marital woes.The model referred to herself as Annie Walker to plug her jewellery range. READ MORE SUN STORIESTaking to her Stories, Annie modelled a dazzling diamond bracelet with a caption which read: “Demure. Founded by Annie Walker & Sophie Haynes”.And despite not wearing a wedding ring, the couple have called off their divorce.Kyle previously hit the town with two party girls — 24 hours after wife Annie flew home to EnglandCredit: BackGridLove-rat Walker was spotted with the ladies at a hotel bar and club until around 2amCredit: BackGridColeen Rooney went out for lunch with Annie earlier this monthCredit: SplashAnnie was recently spotted in Kyle’s car in CheshireCredit: Zenpix More

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      Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed that Ben White wants to play for England again.The Arsenal star snubbed a spot in the Three Lions squad under Gareth Southgate after an alleged bust-up with former assistant Steve Holland.Ben White wants to return to the England foldCredit: AlamyThomas Tuchel confirmed that the Arsenal man was not selected for fitness reasons and did not refuse a call-upCredit: PAWhite last made an appearance for his country in March 2022 before leaving England’s World Cup camp mid-tournament for “personal reasons” eight months later.Three years on, the four-time capped defender is ready to end his self-imposed exile.New boss Tuchel revealed in his press conference after naming his first England squad that White is in his thinking but was not chosen due to fitness concerns.Asked if he refused another call-up, Tuchel replied: “Absolutely not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He loves to be back in the squad but it is too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury. “I am delighted that he is back in back-to-back trainings. We are monitoring the process. “Huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA and thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor him closely.”We are speaking to Ben, we are delighted he is back on the bench and he has had a Champions League match now.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Now it is a question of getting more minutes and he has every chance and he wants to be back.”White made his first start for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with PSV on Wednesday after three months out due to knee surgery.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel named his England squad for the first two games of his reign against Albania on March 21 and Latvia on March 24 earlier today.The ex-Chelsea boss has opted to recall Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.Three uncapped stars have been selected in Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah. The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More