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      Former Man Utd coach who was axed with Erik ten Hag lined up for return to football with Championship club

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      RENE HAKE is being linked with a surprise return to English football with West Brom. The former Man Utd coach has been out of work since leaving the Red Devils in November. Rene Hake has emerged as a contender for the vacant West Brom manager jobCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was most recently assistant to Erik ten Hag (left) at Man UtdCredit: ReutersHake was a part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford and joined the club last July. The 53-year-old left his job as Go Ahead Eagles boss to help out his fellow Dutchman. But he was left unemployed after Ten Hag got the boot following a dismal run of form, with Ruben Amorim taking over. Hake has never managed a team outside of the Netherlands.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has previously taken charge of Emmen, Utrecht, and FC Twente. Accordint to BBC Sport, Hake is now in the running to replace Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns. Corberan left the Baggies before the festive period to take over at boyhood club Valencia.The 41-year-old Spaniard helped lead West Brom to a 9th placed finish last season and had them in playoff contention again. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlbion currently have Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill in temporary charge.The trio are expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Bournemouth. Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralWest Brom’s next Championship game is at home against Stoke on January 18. Baggies bosses are keen for the new manager to be in post by then as the club attempt to keep up their top-six push. Blackburn head coach John Eustace and Swiss manager Raphael Wicky have also been linked. Under Brunt, Abella, and Myhill, the Baggies have won just one of their last four games.Carlos Corberan left West Brom before Christmas to join ValenciaCredit: GettyBrunt said: “Whatever the football club decide to do, I’ll keep preparing as much as I can with Abella and the coaching staff, Boaz [Myhill], sports science, medical.”It’s been a real team effort and the lads deserve a couple of days off, especially at this time of year. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ll have those, recharge themselves, and we’ve got a really tough cup tie coming up so if we’re still here, we’ll prepare as best we can. “But first and foremost, I think the boys need a few days off to go and recharge, then we’ll regroup and see what happens.” More

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      Decision made on Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after safety threat amid extreme weather

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      THE FA Cup third round clash between Everton and Peterborough WILL take place as planned amid weather and travel concerns.Officials met with relevant authorities at 1pm this afternoon to evaluate the conditions.Everton’s FA Cup match against Peterborough could be in doubtCredit: RexIt was eventually decided the match will go ahead as scheduled, with fans urged to take extra care and time when travelling to Goodison Park.A statement from Everton read: “Our third-round @EmiratesFACup tie with @theposh will go ahead as planned this evening (kick-off 7:45pm).”A safety meeting was held this afternoon to assess the weather and travel conditions for fans attending the tie, which confirmed the game can go ahead.”Everton Staff and a crew from @lpoolcouncil’s Streetscene Services team have been treating the roads and footpaths around the stadium since the morning to ensure they are as safe as possible for supporters accessing the stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyone attending Goodison Park is advised to prepare for the cold conditions, take care and to allow extra time that may be needed in travelling to the game, including being aware of any advice and weather warnings that may be in place in areas fans are travelling from.”No further snow is currently forecast for the Merseyside area, but temperatures will barely be above freezing around the scheduled kick-off time of 7:45pm at Goodison Park.Merseyside has been hit with a yellow weather warning for the sixth successive day amid freezing temperatures.The game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday came close to being axed.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSnow and ice have caused traffic chaos, school closures and rail cancellations in the area.Manchester Airport’s runways were temporarily blocked off this morning and flights cancelled as five fresh warnings were issued across the UK.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by EvertonThree motorways, the M56, M60 and M62, were also hit with hefty delays causing mayhem for commuters on Thursday.A statement from Peterborough read: “Any supporters using the official coaches are advised to arrive as planned for a 1pm departure, all supporter coaches will departure as soon as we receive confirmation that the game will go ahead.”The FA Cup match between Everton and Peterborough could see Ashley Young face his teenage son, Tyler, on the pitch.Asked during an interview with talkSPORT which team the family will be supporting, Young Sr said: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”I’m just a lone wolf, that’s just me. But I get it.”I understand it, but after the game they’ll be back on my side once we’ve won. So it’s all right.” More

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      I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

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      CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More

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      Who is Ashley Young’s son Tyler, how old is he and what position does he play?

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      EVERTON’S Ashley Young might go head-to-head with his own son, Tyler, in the FA Cup.This potential father-son clash could be one for the history books as Peterborough travel to Everton in the third round. Here’s what we know about Tyler.Tyler Young of Peterborough United may be playing against his well-known fatherCredit: Getty ImagesWho is Ashley Young’s son, Tyler?Tyler Young is the son of Ashley Young, who plays for Everton.Born June 4, 2006, the 18-year-old may face his defender father at Goodison Park on January 9, 2025.Young Sr’s Everton have been drawn at home against Peterborough, the League One side where his son, Tyler, has been playing since joining from QPR in Summer 2024.The teenage midfielder has made just one first-team appearance for Peterborough so far, featuring in the EFL Trophy against Stevenage back in October 2024.Read more on Ashley YoungBefore QPR, he was at MK Dons, and in 2014, he joined the Arsenal Academy.Who is Ashley Young’s partner supporting in the match?In a fun joint interview packed with trash talk and playful mind games, Young Sr was asked the big question: who’s his partner and the rest of the family going to be cheering for?He told talkSPORT: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”Most read in FootballYoung Sr, 39, has been busy this season, making 18 appearances for the Toffees since signing a contract extension in the summer.Former Man Utd star Ashley Young, 39, ‘ripped his neck’ against Chelsea, claims Everton boss Sean Dyche In that time, he’s found the back of the net once and set up three goals for his teammates.The former England international already has an FA Cup win under his belt, having lifted the trophy with Manchester United back in 2016.But when it comes to potentially facing his son on the pitch, Young admits that moment would top any trophy he’s ever won.Looking back at last month’s draw, he shared his thoughts: “I saw that we’d been drawn against Peterborough and like I said for years, if there was any way that we could play against each other or play with each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career.“It would eclipse everything I’ve done.”So when it finally was drawn I was sat next to my wife and I was like I’ve been drawn against Tyler and she was like, ‘Nah no way,’ and I said, ‘Seriously look,’ and so we was there watching it.If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.Tyler Young”So she rang him, tried to FaceTime him. Tyler being Tyler, any 18-year-old, ‘Did you see the draw?’ ‘No I just come out the shower. What draw?’”Obviously he didn’t even know the FA Cup draw was on. You know as soon as I saw it, I’m not one that usually is lost for words and for me I just had no words.”I was saying to my wife, saying to my daughters that I just couldn’t believe it, like I just couldn’t believe it.”Tyler was getting ready for a game the next day, he couldn’t believe it after he’d obviously seen that I’d said that we’d been drawn against each other.”Ashley Young holding a young TylerCredit: InstagramTyler is absolutely buzzing at the idea of going up against his dad, saying that knocking him out of the FA Cup to secure a spot in the fourth round would make the victory even sweeter.Talking about the chance to face his dad, the former Watford star, Tyler said: “It means a lot, even to be playing against my dad, but even to play in the FA Cup, which has got so much history.”Just playing in the competition I’ve been watching since I was younger would mean a lot, it’ll be even better that I’ll be playing against my dad.”Ashley is looking forward to going head-to-head with his sonCredit: Getty ImagesHis father added: “There’ll be plenty of shoulder barging if it happened, don’t worry about that!“I’d pinch him or slap him over the head.”The duo even made an appearance on The One Show to chat about the upcoming match.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the preview, Tyler reaffirmed that his mum is backing him all the way — but he’s definitely risking some heat from his dad.He joked: “If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals dream career change after football and is already taking lessons

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is already preparing for life post-football – and dreaming of the silver screen. The former Arsenal striker has scored goals for fun since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is enjoying his football again in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is already considering a post-retirement career moveCredit: GettyAubameyang linked up with the Saudi title challengers over the summer after leaving Marseille. The 35-year-old has refound his scoring touch, netting seven times in just 12 games.Aubameyang knows his football career is moving towards its final stages.But the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has revealed he is already in training for a new profession. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gabon international has taken acting lessons as he looks to become a film star post-retirement. When asked his favourite acting genre, Aubameyang told The Athletic: “Comedy, for sure!”If you see me in a film that’s too serious then nah, you will not believe it. “If it’s comedy, yes, you’re going to believe it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAubameyang is “taking private lessons to master the art” of achieving his “dream” job.But the ex-Prem ace also revealed he would be open to staying in football.Former Arsenal star Aubameyang breaks down in tears and is consoled after Marseille are KO’d from Europa LeagueHe prefers the idea of club ownership or becoming a sporting director over coaching.A spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille helped Aubameyang fall back in love with football after a miserable spell with Chelsea.He told the outlet: “I never had that connection [with the Chelsea fans]. “No connections at all. The fans wanted the Auba they saw with Arsenal. “It was a chaotic year but it was good for me because I needed a break and, at the same time, they didn’t want to play me.”Aubameyang is taking private lessons to become an actorCredit: Instagram @aubaThe striker’s family are also piecing their life back together after a terrifying home robbery during his time at Barcelona. Auba and his family were burgled at gunpoint in August 2022, leaving kids Curtys and Pierre terrified to sleep in their own beds.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “After that, the kids told me, ‘Papa, I don’t want to go to school, I’m scared something is going to happen there’. “For a year my little one said, ‘I cannot sleep alone’. It was a big struggle. You have it always in the mind.” More

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      Plymouth’s hunt to replace axed Wayne Rooney continues as former Premier League manager walks away from talks

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE’S search to replace Wayne Rooney continues after they were rejected by a former Premier League boss, according to reports.The Manchester United and England legend was axed on New Year’s Eve with the club bottom of the Championship.Wayne Rooney was axed by the club with them bottom of the tableCredit: PADavid Wagner was approached about the job but has turned it downCredit: GettyArgyle remain in the hunt for a new manager and they approached ex-Huddersfield and Norwich boss David Wagner about the vacancy earlier this week.But The Express report that he has walked away from talks as he is not interested in the job.Wagner got Huddersfield promoted to the Premier League and then kept them in the top-flight for one season before leaving the Terriers six years ago.After spells at Schalke and Young Boys, the German spent 18 months with Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 53-year-old was dismissed after they crashed out in the play-offs to Leeds back in May.Until Argyle find a new manager, Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards will remain in temporary charge.Steven Schumacher is the favourite to take over at Home Park and complete a sensational return to the Pilgrims.The 40-year-old was surprisingly axed by Stoke back in September after quitting Argyle to move to the Potters just over a year ago.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSchumacher was a hugely popular figure in Devon after he got the club promoted to the Championship, winning the League One title in 2023.But he faces a tough job trying to keep them in the division should he take the job.’I was f***ing fuming with the wives,’ Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiascoArgyle are bottom of the table, remain three points from safety and are winless in their last 11 games.Rooney guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league during his tenure.And they conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division at his time of departure.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur and his girlfriend posed for heartwarming family picture just hours before horror injury

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR posted a heartwarming family photo on social media just hours before suffering a horror fall.The Tottenham midfielder slammed his head on the pitch just six minutes into the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool after trying to head the ball.Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a horror fall in Spur’s cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: ALAMYThe Uruguayan had to be stretchered off and was immediately taken to hospitalCredit: REXHis girlfriend Melany La Blanca rushed to be by his side at hospitalCredit: INSTAGRAM@RODRIGO_BENTANCURHer dash to the hospital came just a few hours after she shared a heartwarming family snapCredit: INSTAGRAM@MELANYLABLANCAMedical staff raced on to the pitch to give the Uruguayan treatment – including oxygen – before taking him off on a stretcher and sending him to the hospital.Bentancur’s girlfriend Melany La Blanca quickly raced to be by his beside – just hours after the pair publicly gushed over their daughter.The Uruguay international reposted a wholesome snap of them posing with their little one, who was dressed in school uniform and appeared to be celebrating a big milestone, to his Instagram story.La Blanca wrote “nuestra tan bebe ya no tan bebe” across the image, which translated to English means: “Our baby’s no longer a baby.”READ MORE ON BENTANCURBentancur, thankfully, regained consciousness before he was admitted to hospital to undergo further evaluation.And the former Juventus ace gave Spurs fans an update on his condition after being given a once-over by doctors.Along with a picture of himself smiling with La Blanca, he wrote on his Instagram story: “All good guys.”Thank you for the messages. Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”Most read in FootballSpurs ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late strike from Lucas BergvallCredit: REXSpurs put one foot into next month’s final at Wembley with a 1-0 win over the Premier League table-toppers.Youngster Lucas Bregvall struck in the 86th minute to give under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou a much-needed victory.Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on February 6. More

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      I was f***ing fuming with the wives, Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiasco

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      GARY NEVILLE has opened up on England’s infamous Wag chaos at the 2006 World Cup. The ex-Man Utd full-back claims he was “fuming” as a “circus” erupted at the Three Lions base in Baden-Baden. Gary Neville has taken a swipe at the England 2006 WagsCredit: YouTube/The OverlapColeen Rooney (right) was among the wives and girlfriends at England’s Baden-Baden baseCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe infamous tour saw the Wags criticised for running up a huge hotel bill and partyingCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEngland’s Golden Generation crashed out at the quarter-final stage in Germany after a penalty shootout loss to Portugal. But much of the focus during the tournament was on the partying Wags as they racked up a £1million hotel bill.Coleen Rooney – wife of England star Wayne – was among those criticized at the time for her role in the saga.In a recent edition of The Overlap, Wayne’s teammate Neville revealed his frustration at the arrangements in Germany.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJoining Coleen on the pod, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville said: “I was f***ing fuming with the wives.”Neville’s co-star Jamie Carragher interrupted to laughs: “Backtrack! Backtrack, reverse.”The ex-United star continued: “Not necessarily individually, or even with the wives actually. I was fuming with the organisers. “We were in Baden-Baden, in this camp in Germany for the 2006 World Cup – it was the biggest competition of our lives, and we had a good team. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I can only describe it as an absolute circus. It wasn’t with the wives [that I was annoyed] but the whole organization of the trip.”The families and wives were all at this other hotel. Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth Argyle“My wife was there so it wasn’t a case of me looking at any individual thinking they’ve done wrong, it was just a whole circus of the sports writers, journalists, and families and wives all being in the same hotel.”There were stories breaking every day. ‘They’ve eaten here today,’ or ‘They’ve shopped here,’ – it was just a constant distraction. “When the players went to their press conferences, they were being asked about it all the time.”I just thought it was nonsense in the midst of a World Cup.”Rooney claims reports of the WAGs excessive partying was “exaggerated”.Neville was an ever-present for Sven Goran Eriksen’s side in the competitionCredit: Getty Images – GettyColeen’s husband Wayne infamously saw red in the quarter-finals against PortugalCredit: GettyColeen said: “There was lots of press in the hotel – all the sports writers were there, and the place was tiny, there were only a handful of places to go out, eat and drink. “We couldn’t stay in a hotel all day, we had to go out and get food and enjoy ourselves.READ MORE SUN STORIESUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.”I do think it was unfair the way we got called out for it, that we got the blame for having a good time.”Gary Neville and Coleen Rooney were speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. More