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      Tottenham Hotspur say they no longer want to be called ‘Tottenham’ in email to broadcasters

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      TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have sensationally asked broadcasters not to refer to them as “Tottenham”.For decades, broadcasters of the North Londoners’ matches have referred to the club as “Tottenham”.Tottenham Hotspur have asked broadcasters not to call them ‘Tottenham’ on airCredit: RexThe north London outfit want broadcasters to refer to them by their full nameCredit: REUTERSBut in an email to TV rights holders around the world, Spurs have asked to be referred to by their full name.Broadcasters received the email, details of which have been made public by The Athletic, on February 10.The communication was titled: “Tottenham Hotspur Naming Update.”An excerpt of it read: “Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version.”The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham.”Not being referred to as “Tottenham” has actually been the club’s stance since 2011.And they felt it necessary to remind broadcasters of it following a refresh of their brand guidelines after Christmas.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSpurs ran out 1-0 winners over Manchester United last weekendCredit: GETTYSpurs seemingly don’t want to be referred to as “Tottenham”, the area of London in which they reside, in order to increase the global presence of the Tottenham Hotspur brand.SunSport understands that the club sees its brand as comparable to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa.Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownershipIn all three cases, fans choose to refer to those clubs either by their full name or only by their second name – ‘United’, ‘City’ and ‘Villa’.Broadcasters have started heeding the club’s request, with Sky Sports describing Ange Postecoglou as the “Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach” during their coverage of Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend.Additionally, when the team’s starting XI was displayed on the screen it said “Spurs” at the top.Spurs will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town. More

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      England’s best goalkeeper stands at 6ft 6in but reveals grandfather wanted him to be a JOCKEY

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has emerged as one of the best young goalkeepers in England.However, his grandfather wanted him to take a different path.James Trafford has revealed his grandfather wanted him to become a jockeyCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old, who is one of the most talked-about players in the EFL right now, was raised on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District.Having also worked on the farm growing up, his duties included lambing and mucking out.His grandfather, Bill, wanted him to stay in the farming business if he did not go on to become a professional sportsman.But he was happy to make an exception if Trafford wanted to become a jockey.Read More in FootballTrafford told SunSport: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I. “Grandpa always said, ‘he has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”The Burnley star neglected the racing route and instead pursued a career in football.He signed for Manchester City at the age of 12 in 2015 and went on to spend eight years with the club before joining Burnley, where he established himself as a regular first team starter.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford has since made 60 appearances for the Clarets and is currently enjoying an incredible run of form.The ex-City star has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets. Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Trafford has not conceded a goal in 1000 minutes and is aiming to record his 12th successive shutout when Burnley face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.”When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.”We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.” More

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      MK Dons to change badge as supporters make ‘unanimous decision’ following two-decade backlash to move from Wimbledon

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      MK DONS are set to change their crest – and fans were given the chance to vote for the club’s new badge.The club were formed in 2004 after Wimbledon FC sensationally upped sticks to Milton Keynes in an unprecedented move.MK Dons are set to change their badge next seasonCredit: GettyDons supporters have been given a choice of three new crests for the teamCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMThe first season for the club was the 2004-05 League One campaign, in which they were relegated.And over 20 years later, the Dons brass have allowed fans to choose the team’s new crest.An excerpt of a club statement: “After 20 years of football in Milton Keynes, MK Dons are pleased to reveal three new crest designs for supporter consultation as we look to evolve our club identity ahead of the 25/26 season.”Following initial consultation with the MK Dons Supporters’ Board, it became apparent there was a clear desire for an evolution of the club’s identity.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”From the crest on our kits to the branding around Stadium MK and branding across all digital platforms.”After extensive work behind the scenes, we’re now delighted to be able to offer all season ticket holders (including Club Red, Club Gold, Club Platinum, and Club Black hospitality seasonal members) and business stakeholders the chance to have your say in helping to choose our new club crest.”Supporters had up until midnight on February 20 to choose from three new crests.Dons CEO Neil Hart said of the revamping of the badge: “When the new ownership group acquired the club last summer, one of the many things we wanted to learn more about was the club’s identity and branding.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMK Dons are currently toiling in 16th place in the League Two tableCredit: Alamy”This started with informal conversations among staff before the possibility of a brand evolution was brought to the MK Dons Supporters’ Board last month.”Their reaction was one of unanimous enthusiasm, as we look to celebrate the past 20 years of football in Milton Keynes while also paving the way for a new era at the football club.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back”This feels like an important milestone in the club’s history and an opportunity for us all to review our brand identity.”As we continue to be focused on improving every aspect of our football club we want our supporters to be at the heart of any important decision-making affecting the club.”So, take your time, review the designs and let us have your feedback.”We can assure supporters we will only evolve the club’s brand and identity with the full support of our loyal fan base and key partners.”The Dons are currently 16th in the League Two table and will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Valley Parade to take on Bradford. More

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      ‘He’s an animal’ – Phil Jones names Man Utd wonderkid, 17, Ruben Amorim must turn to NOW to ease woes

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      PHIL JONES has singled out one academy gem at Manchester United to lead the team into a new era alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo.Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim was forced to turn to the kids for the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, naming EIGHT teenagers on the bench for the clash.Phil Jones has named the wonderkid that could make a difference for Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd named eight teenagers on their bench for their 1-0 defeat to Spurs last weekendCredit: GettyJones reckons Ruben Amorim has plenty of talent in his youth ranksCredit: AlamyAnd although the academy kids’ day out was due to an injury crisis, former star Jones reckons that the bench is a sign of a promising future coming through the ranks at Carrington.Jones, who has been working with the academy at United, singled out 17-year-old striker Chido Obi as one of the youngsters with enough talent to pull the club out of the slump.Comparing the striker to some of the established players at Old Trafford, Jones labelled Obi as “an animal”.Speaking to the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “Working in and around the academy and helping those young players develop, United have some really good and talented young players coming through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The squad had a lot of injuries against Tottenham and the bench was full of kids, but there were some talented players on that bench.”People might not know a lot about them now, but they certainly will in the next few years. “I think you look at Kobbie Mainoo, top player, you look at Chido who we’ve just signed from Arsenal, who’s an animal.”You look at Amad who had a couple of really good loans, and I remember watching him winning it against Liverpool in extra time last season, and I had said at that time he’d play a huge part in the next season.Most read in FootballChido Obi has been highlighted as one of the best talents at Man UtdCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I played with Amad for a year or two and you could see then that the quality he had was really good and really strong.”As I said there’s a great crop of young players ready to be given the chance and integrated into the team.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamChido Obi was the only player to get off the bench for Ruben Amorim’s side during the defeat to Spurs.The Danish teenager didn’t actually manage to get a touch of the ball during his three minute cameo, but is tipped for big things inside the game.Obi arrived in Manchester this summer after signing from rivals Arsenal where he had smashed youth records with his goalscoring exploits.He managed an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, and has scored nine in 11 for United’s youth ranks this term.Amorim will be hoping that Obi can replicate that goalscoring prowess at senior level too, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund misfiring up top at the moment.Zirkzee has scored just once in his last 13 appearances, while Hojlund has now gone 15 consecutive games without finding the back of the net.United face Everton in the early kick-off at Goodison Park on Saturday and boss Amorim could call upon Obi to try and turn things around given the club’s dire situation at the moment.Obi came off the bench in injury time last weekendCredit: AlamyJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been struggling in front of goalCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN will return for Manchester United with Ruben Amorim admitting he caused a false heart scare.The Danish midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 but subsequently made an amazing recovery after having an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted.Ruben Amorim admitted he caused a misunderstanding about Christian Eriksen’s healthCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd boss appeared to unintentionally suggest that must be ‘careful’ due to his ‘heart situation’Credit: AFPBut after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham boss Amorim brought up Eriksen’s heart issue when he missed the game through illness.Amorim said at the time: “Of course has the heart situation and we have to be really careful with that.”It’s nothing about the heart! I’m just saying the heart rate has to be controlled because he has a fever.”Amorim’s words created a surge of get-well messages and Eriksen then went on social media to clear matters upRead More on Man UtdThe 33-year-old, fit again for Saturday’s clash with Everton along with Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte declared: “I just wanted to thank everyone for the get well messages I’ve been receiving after missing the Spurs game.”I picked up a virus like many people do at this time of year. Nothing serious and soon ready to get back to training.”An apologetic Amorim stressed: “With Chris it was a misunderstanding, really clear on that.”He’s healthy and he’s ready to play for many years at a high level. My limitations are explaining the injuries.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited face Everton below their rivals for the first time since David Moyes, now back at Goodison, took charge of his last game as Old Trafford boss – following an April 2014 2-0 loss to the Toffees.Amorim takes his side to Merseyside having lost eight of his last 12 league games but is up-beat, saying he is now hearing a different more confident noise from his players.Why Haaland & Mac Allister will decide Man City vs Liverpool – Experts’ best bets | Weekend WagerThey have struggled to adapt to his 3-4-3 tactical philosophy but he says: “What I see in training is they are improving and creating relationships.“Even the sounds of the training is different. We have to use that in the game and see it in the game and take that step.“We are bonding and we understand the we want to play, but in the game we struggle a lot.“The sound is when you making an exercise you feel the sound, people are talking and asking for the ball and give directions.“If you spend your life as a football player even the sound of the training is important.“So training, good, but I know we have issues when we play. We have to take how we train now into the games.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      ‘Love this’: Grassroots football set for major rule change which will revolutionise way young English stars play forever

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      GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.Grassroots football in England is set for a major revampThe first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againThe FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game. “Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”The announcement has received a mixed response online.One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it. “Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?” More

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      ‘Make it make sense’ – Hope for Arsenal in Champions League as ‘literally unbelievable’ Real Madrid stat emerges

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      ARSENAL fans may be dreading the prospect of playing Real Madrid in the Champions League – but they needn’t fear.The Gunners learned their fate for the last-16 of the Champions League on Friday.Arsenal could end up playing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe north Londoners boast an incredible record against the Spanish giantsCredit: REUTERSMikel Arteta’s troops will first face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the proper knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition.Awaiting the winner will be whoever comes out on top of the tasty Madrid derby between Atletico and Real.The prospect of facing the 15-time European Cup winners Real has daunted some of the Emirates faithful.But the north Londoners’ record against Los Blancos is impressive, to say the least.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners are UNDEFEATED against the Spaniards, who booked their ticket to the last-16 by dumping out Manchester City.They have only played one another twice in their history, clashing in the last 16 of the Champions League back in the 2005/6 season.Arsenal fans were left stunned by the stat, with one writing on X: “Literally unbelievable.”Another said: “They’ve never faced a team like this either.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd another said: “Tell ’em again.”One remarked: “Let me correct you, Madrid never scored a goal against Arsenal, they are our b******s.”Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Another chimed in: “Wait, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal? Make it make sense.”Arsene Wenger’s then-troops kept Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham at bay in the first leg, which they drew 0-0.And club legend Thierry Henry won the return leg with a sensational solo goal, in which he skinned four players before firing the ball past Iker Casillas with his weaker foot.The Gunners ended up reaching the final of the competition that season but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.Thierry Henry scored the sole goal of the Gunners’ last Champions League clash against Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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      Supercomputer reveals Europa League winners with heartbreak for Tottenham in the final and more misery for Man Utd

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the Europa League – and it doesn’t look good for Manchester United.The Red Devils have endured a miserable season so far.A supercomputer has predicted Man Utd to crash out early in the Europa League knockout stagesCredit: GettyIt’s better news for TottenhamCredit: GettyThey currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 29 points from 25 games.And their hopes of a trophy are now pinned on the FA Cup and the Europa League.Ruben Amorim and Co have been handed a difficult last-16 draw in Europe’s second-tier competition.United will face La Liga side Real Sociedad for a place in the quarter-finals.Read More in FootballHowever, a supercomputer from Slingo predicts they will suffer a 5-3 defeat on aggregate.The algorithm – which has given Man Utd an 11 per cent chance of winning the competition – suggests Amorim’s side will lose 3-2 away from home and 2-1 at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, Tottenham are predicted to win their last-16 meeting with AZ Alkmaar 2-0 on aggregate.Spurs are then tipped to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTottenham have been predicted to reach the finalCredit: PAThe supercomputer has predicted a thrilling affair between the two teams, with Spurs ultimately winning 5-4 after two legs.Ange Postecoglou and Co are then expected to face Lazio in the semi-finals.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season Should that be the case, they are predicted to win 3-2 on aggregate to secure a spot in the final.However, that is where the Europa League journey will come to an unfortunate end for Spurs.According to the supercomputer, Tottenham will lose 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spain final.It would mean Bilbao would win the title in their own city – at San Mames Stadium.The teams expected to miss out on the final are Lazio and Real Sociedad.Lyon, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen and FCSB are also set to fall short of Europa League glory.The Supercomputer’s Europa League prediction More