More stories

  • in

    Bradford star has weekend to forget with worst throw-in EVER before being forced to leave pitch after shoulder pops out

    LEWIS RICHARDS had a match to forget as Bradford played out a draw with Colchester in League Two.The wing-back left fans in stitches when he somehow FELL OVER while trying to take a throw-in in just the 3rd minute of the match.Lewis Richards suffered a horror game against ColchesterCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoHe stacked it when trying to take a throw in the 3rd minuteCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoRichards, 23, lined up his throw, but as he was about to release the ball, his legs buckled, and he fell to the floor.Luckily, he had a good sense of humour about the moment as he could be seen smiling as he went to pick up the ball and try again.Fans spotted the moment as a video soon went viral on social media.One posted: “At least Lewis saw the funny side of it.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second added: “Gotta laugh sometimes.”A third commented: “This is what happens when you are caught in two minds.”A fourth joked: “Sniper.”Another added: “Hasn’t even fallen, just got on his knees and rolled over.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRichards’ day went from bad to worse as he was booked for time-wasting in the 78th minute when Bradford was 1-0 up.Andy Cook gave the Bantams the lead in the 30th minute with his side’s only shot on target in the game.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRichards was also booked and suffered an injury in the matchCredit: RexThe defender then suffered a game-ending injury as he was went down in the 83rd minute in a “considerable amount of pain”.His left shoulder popped out and he required oxygen when in the dressing room to help deal with the pain.The injury has ruled him out of Bradford’s EFL Trophy clash against Rotherham on Tuesday.To make matters worse for Richards, he had to watch on as Colchester scored a 90+9 minute equaliser to deny Bradford the victory.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Former England star and Premier League winner lands new job as manager of seventh-tier club after walking out on rivals

    EX-ENGLAND star Tim Flowers has been appointed manager of seventh tier club Alvechurch.The former goalkeeper has joined them just days after he “shockingly unexpectedly” quit their Worcestershire rivals Redditch United.Tim Flowers has landed the Alvechurch jobCredit: GettyFlowers played 11 times for EnglandCredit: GettyFlowers, 57, stepped down as their boss late on Friday night after receiving an offer from Alvechurch.Redditch were less than 24 hours from their game against Stamford when he resigned.They announced to supporters that his time in charge was over on the morning of their fixture.Flowers had them as high as third in the Southern League Premier Division Central table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has swapped them for same division strugglers Alvechurch, who are languishing in 18th.Church praised Redditch for the way they “dealt with the approach”.And they have already appointed a new gaffer in Matt Clarke.He has been re-instated as boss after the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew drug charges against him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs for Flowers, he has previously managed Macclesfield, Barnet and Gloucester City.He also previously worked as a coach at Leicester, Manchester City, QPR, Hull and Nottingham Forest.England’s Stellar Performance: Player Ratings vs IrelandDuring his playing days, Flowers won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 and won 11 England caps.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Meet Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new girlfriend Estelle Behnke, who is an Instagram model who loves travel

    TRENT Alexander-Arnold has a new girlfriend.The dust has barely settled since his split with Iris Law, the daughter of Hollywood star Jude and actress Sadie Frost, last September.Stunning Estelle Behnke is the latestWag football fans are going wild forCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeBeauty Estelle is an Instagram model who is dating a Liverpool aceLiverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold and Estelle Cibo in Hale, CheshireThey broke off their romance five months after meeting at Guess Jeans photoshoot, but the Liverpool ace has now moved on.He has been spotted with beautiful Instagram model, Estelle Behnke, enjoying a date night at Italian hotspot Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.As SunSport revealed, TAA is said to be “smitten” with the brunette beauty.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.Read more football news “They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Who is the girl who has won Alexander-Arnold’s heart?Who is she?Estelle, 24, is an Instagram model who boasts nearly 30,000 followers.It is believed she used to study business in Monaco and London.Most read in FootballIt has also been reported that the stunner is a keen fundraiser, who has worked in the past as an anti-bullying ambassador.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashHowever, judging by her social media – there’s very little time spent working.She’s well-travelledIf you want to see some amazing holiday snaps, Estelle’s Insta page is your go-to.The gorgeous missus of the England defender is seemingly consistently away.Back in October, she was spotted in Morocco – looking amazing in a long white dress.Then, in August she enjoyed a trip to the Amalfi coast where she spent some time lounging on a private yacht.In March, she spent time in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hills Hotel.Glam Estelle lives a lifestyle to envyCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeRecently, Estelle enjoyed some time in Italy aboard a private yachtNearly 30,000 followers stay tuned to Estelle’s adventures on InstagramEstelle shows off the curves that attracted Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeShe went hiking on Runyon Canyon, and enjoyed a walk along the beach in Santa Monica.The glam trips don’t end there.Estelle has also shared Instagram stories of once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Maldives, where she rang in the 2022 New Year.She also went to Mexico, where she went whale spotting and turned her hand to riding a horse on the beach – unleashing her inner cowgirl.Now, alongside Alexander-Arnold she’s continuing to live the high-life.Back in late October, Trent and Estelle took a romantic trip to the £6,000-a-night five-star Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.Alexander-Arnold whisked Estelle off to Soho Farmhouse last monthCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeEstelle is former business studies studentIn the past, Estelle has also worked as an anti-bullying ambassadorEagle-eyed fans noticed the duo had tagged themselves in separate posts from the private members’ club.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the following month they enjoyed a 2½-hour meal at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.The life of a Wag awaits Estelle. More

  • in

    Sidemen Charity Match 2025 SOLD OUT as more than 230,000 fans desperately try to get tickets for Wembley showdown

    TICKETS for the next edition of the Sidemen Charity Match sold out within THREE HOURS of going on sale.The Sidemen group have more than 100 million subscribers between them on YouTube and have racked up more than six billion views globally.The Sidemen have seen their 2025 Charity Match sold out within three hoursCredit: Tom Jackson – The TimesMore than 230,000 fans rushed to get tickets for the Wembley spectacleCredit: GettyNearly 140,000 fans were in the queue AFTER the tickets had already sold outLast year more than £2.4m was raised for charity as the game sold out at the London StadiumCredit: PAThey hosted the first Sidemen Charity Match back in 2016 at Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium.But the event has since grown even larger in size, selling out the 60,00 capacity London Stadium last year and Charlton’s 27,000-plus ground The Valley the year prior.Last year the match raised a whopping £2.4million for charities Teenage Cancer Trust and CALM and was watched by 17 million people at home as well as the sold-out crowd in the stadium.Earlier this month it was announced the next edition of the game would take place at a full-capacity Wembley Stadium on March 8 2025.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTickets for the game, which this year will be in aid of Bright Side and BBC Children in Need, went on sale on Monday morning at 9am.Within three hours of tickets becoming available, they sold out.An online queue for the tickets on the website showed a staggering 140,000 people in the queue AFTER the tickets had been sold out.Along with the 90,000 seats available for Wembley, this means that more than 230,000 fans tried to get their hands on tickets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the news on social media, the Sidemen account said: “WEMBLEY SOLD OUT!! This wouldn’t be possible without you guys, THANK YOU! Can’t wait to see you there – bring on March 8th.”KSI, the member of the group with the largest following, also said: “Can’t wait!!! See you all there!”KSI vs Jake Paul takes new twist with veteran promoter drafted in to revive talks for £100m grudge matchThe Brit, real name JJ Olatunji, has made headlines with his involvement across various content, ranging from music to boxing and sponsoring his football club Arsenal with his PRIME drink.Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobit ‘Tobi’ Brown (TBJZL), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikram Singh Barn (Vikkstar123), and Harry Lewis (W2S) make up the other six members of the group.Last year Team Sidemen beat rivals YouTube Allstars 8-5 in a thrilling game.Other creators involved in the match were Manny, who was invited for a trial at Crawley Town along with brother TBJZL in 2022, IShowSpeed, Kai Cenat, Max Fosh, Angry Ginge, Chris MD and Mark Goldbridge. More

  • in

    Premier League club reach new milestone in £300m stadium expansion with special ‘bolt-on’ project set to boost capacity

    MANCHESTER CITY have reached a new milestone in its £300MILLION expansion of the Etihad Stadium.The Premier League champions are working on a new North Stand to be integrated with the rest of the ground.Man City have reached a milestone in the expansion project of the Etihad StadiumCredit: PAThe club are spending £300million on the North StandCredit: PAThe new capacity will be over 60,000The expansion project is expected to increase capacity to nearly 62,000 with 7,900 new seats.Contractor John Sisk & Son started the steelwork in May and have now officially started attaching the bolt work.This will see the new structure connect to the existing stadium.Man City are hopeful of having the new stands open to fans by the middle of the 2025/26 season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is claimed that the scheme will “promise to enhance the fan experience”.This will be done with the inclusion of the 3,000-capacity fan zone.The plans also include the construction of a 400-bed hotel as well as a new club shop and a museum.The work is also thought to have promised a “significant economic boost through job creation and development in the community”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo mark the occasion the Citizens invited the Cartwright family to hear about the project.The family has four generations who have supported the club since the 1960s.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe plans include the building of a sky bar that overlooks the pitchCredit: MANCHESTER CITYMan City have been in the ground since leaving Maine RoadCredit: MANCHESTER CITYThe original capacity of the ground was closer to 30,000Credit: MANCHESTER CITYThe family includes a former City hero in Gary Owen who played for the club between 1975 and 1979.Director of Infrastructure Development Ed Dalton said: “It’s an exciting moment in our building programme for the new steel structure to be attached and bolted to the existing North Stand.”Fans and visitors can see the extended upper tier progressing which really gives a sense of the scale of the expansion and how the inclusion of 3,000 new rail seats will add to the electric atmosphere on matchdays.“Hosting a special day for the Cartwright family, who have been here for many of the major moments at the Etihad Stadium and are excited to watch many more in the future, was a fitting way to acknowledge the symbolic joining of the old and the new.”Work is progressing at pace on the development, and we’re looking forward to marking more milestones in the coming months before we welcome fans into the expanded North Stand during the 2025-26 season.”The stand will also include a new sky bar, which will overlook the pitch. There will also be a pitch and stadium roof walk experience for fans.Man City have been at the Etihad Stadium since ditching Maine Road in the 2003/04 season.The original capacity of the ground was 38,000 but previous work has risen the number to 53,400.And the new investment isn’t just welcomed, but perhaps necessary.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters in the ground for City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend were soaked after a leak in the roof at the Etihad poured down onto the crowd.Meanwhile Premier League rivals Arsenal are exploring ways to increase the Emirates capacity to 80,000.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Dwindling returns a problem for Ollie Watkins owners but favourable weekend fixture promises points

    OLLIE WATKINS (£5.5m) scored the first of England’s eight unanswered goals during the international break but his domestic form remains a concern.With an ownership of 17.6%, the Aston Villa striker is the fourth-most popular Dream Team asset in his position but his owners have a big decision to make ahead of Gameweek 12.A class act but his points have fallen off a cliff recentlyCredit: Dream TeamWatkins has mustered just six points (all appearance points) from his last three games at a time when the likes of Mohamed Salah (£7.3m), Dominic Solanke (£4.3m), Matheus Cunha (£4.5m) and Alexander Isak (£5.1m) have cashed in.The 28-year-old’s downturn has coincided with a miserable run of results for Unai Emery’s side.Villa’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield before the break was their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions having also lost to Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Club Brugge.In fact, the Villains haven’t won since they beat Bologna 2-0 in Gameweek 8.Emery has issues to address after a downturn in resultsCredit: GettyWatkins has been a top-tier Dream Team asset ever since Emery took charge at Villa Park and his return of 84 points from the first 11 Gameweeks of 2024/25 is perfectly respectable.He’s scored five goals and provided three assists this term, averaging a goal involvement every 135.4 minutes.However, it’s worth noting that Watkins has had to share more of his minutes with super sub Jhon Duran (£3m) this season.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWFew Dream Team bosses would doubt the overall quality of the Three Lions forward but his dwindling returns are a significant concern – he’s not registered a shot on target since Villa drew with Bournemouth in Gameweek 9.Most read in FootballOnly two players were transferred out of more teams ahead of Gameweek 11 and gaffers who remained loyal to Watkins will be tempted to follow suit before Gameweek 12’s deadline (11am on Saturday).But it’s far from an easy decision as Villa are set to host Crystal Palace on Saturday.The Eagles are currently languishing 18th in the table having won just one of their 11 top flight games.Oliver Glasner’s troops drew to fellow struggles Wolves in Gameweek 10 and lost to Fulham just prior to the international break.Watkins scored for England against Greece but could do with a goal at club levelCredit: AFPPlus, Watkins has the benefit of a midweek fixture in Gameweek 12 in the form of Juventus – Villa are one of just seven teams set to pull double duty.Watkins’ form indicates he’s a player to sell but his fixtures suggest he might be worth persevering with for another Gameweek at least.That being said, at £5.5m he’s the third-most expensive forward in the game – only Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Salah cost more at the time of writing – and his backers may feel the budget is better invested elsewhere.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

  • in

    Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground as he asks ‘witch’ wife to ‘cleanse’ it

    SPOOKED former Premier League boss Ian Holloway claims Swindon Town’s training ground is “haunted”.The 61-year-old jumped at the chance to take over the League Two side last month.Ian Holloway has blamed the club’s latest injury on ghostsCredit: RexSwindon’s supposedly spooky training groundHolloway’s positive spirit has seen Swindon rise from the brink of EFL death, with their ghastly form improving since the arrival of the former QPR, Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager.He has overseen two wins, a draw and a loss amid the Robins rocking in relegation terror as they sit 22nd in the table.A frightened Holloway has blamed their poor start to the season on Swindon’s cursed training ground as “some strange things have been happening”.The veteran boss is now ready to go to drastic lengths to scare off the ghosts after doomed captain Ollie Clarke ruptured an ankle tendon during a session last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing their 2-2 draw against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Holloway told the BBC: “I’m going to try and cleanse the training ground area because people are telling me it’s haunted.”There’s a graveyard somewhere near. Honestly, I’m not joking.”I think our training ground is very close to an ancient burial site.”I’m going to get my wife to come up and say sorry to all these people and hopefully we’ll have a bit more luck.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Swindon’s first goal had an element of fortune about it as something possessed Accrington’s ‘ghoulie’ to charge off his line and leave an empty net for Harry Smith to head in to.Holloway’s “witch” wife Kim is now set to come to the training ground, or perhaps haunted house, this week with “sage” to end the jinx.’I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedHe has previously claimed his dad contacted him from the dead by changing the car dials on his car.Holloway says a ghost turned up while a Mariah Carey song played on the radio and a light came into his vehicle to leave him “shaking”.He explained: “The song was on and ‘shining down on me from Heaven’ got louder and louder and louder until it was completely top notch.“I saw it go from 10 up to about 35 and it was deafening. The minute the song finished that went right back down to normal.”I thought, ‘Has that really happened or what? Or is that me wishing that?’ Do you get what I mean? And I swear he came and showed me that, ‘Don’t worry son, you’ll be fine.’ Right?“Now, I would never have believed that, I wouldn’t have thought for one minute that he would have ever have done that because he said it was all a load of garbage.“So the truth is, I don’t know. And did I feel it? Did I want to feel it? Was it really there? I cannot honestly tell you. But I swear to you, I saw the dial move on its own.”Back in his playing days, he scored in his first game after his dad’s death and he felt him “in his boots” that day.READ MORE SUN STORIESHolloway is not the only manager to tackle a team’s spirit.Ex-Birmingham boss Barry Fry urinated in all four corners of the St Andrews pitch – running from corner to corner mid-flow – to ward off a curse he had heard about.Ian Holloway is trying to save Swindon from relegationCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tottenham release new badge with major change but confused fans say ‘seems pointless’

    TOTTENHAM have released a new club badge which features a major change – but fans say it “seems pointless.”Spurs’ current crest features the clean look of a cockerel standing on a football.Tottenham have revealed a new club badge with a major changeThe words ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ have been removed from under the ballUnderneath the emblem are the words ‘Tottenham Hotspur’.And supporters have been used to the simplistic style ever since the badge was marginally scaled back in 2013.However, a new badge has now been released.And it has removed the words from under the football to make for an even more basic look.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn official statement confirmed: “We have removed the curved ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ text from beneath the cockerel. “This enables us to increase its scale across different environments and stand proud as a true icon for the Club.”But there has been a mixed reception towards the new look from fans.One said: “Seems pointless.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Would’ve got rid of the chicken and ball.”One noted: “A big difference.”Tottenham star Pedro Porro has everyone utterly baffled with bizarre fact about how he works his BINSSpurs first adopted the cockerel logo in 1921There has been a number of badges throughout the yearsAnother added: “Wow great change.”Founded in 1882, Spurs only started wearing the cockerel on their badge in 1921.It was a special addition to Tottenham’s kit for their FA Cup final against Wolves.Spurs won the match – which took place at rival side Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge – 1-0.And the cockerel has been a permanent fixture on the official club crest ever since.Between 1921 and 1972 the cockerel remained on its own before a football was added below.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt then underwent a variety of detailed transformations before the words ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ were added in 2006.And style-wise, Spurs’ new badge most closely resembles the “additional” one they had between 1973 and 1981.The designs became more complex in the 90sSpurs started to simplify the badge again in 2006Spurs’ most recent one, which removed an outline, ran from 2013 until today More