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      ‘Is the problem really the players?’ – Antony’s agent slams Ruben Amorim as Man Utd flop thrives at Real Betis

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      ANTONY’S agent has fired back at Ruben Amorim’s suggestion that the winger lacks the physicality to thrive in the Prem.The 25-year-old winger, who joined Real Betis from United in January on a six-month loan, has made an instant impression for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, notching three goals and two assists in seven games.Man Utd loanee Antony’s agent has fired back at Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has notched three goals and two assists in seven games for BetisAntony’s significant upturn in form has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.When quizzed on it, Amorim gave his take on why the Brazilian has flourished at Betis. Amorim said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. “Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s because of a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd now, Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, has hit back at those comments, with data to suggest Amorim’s comments were off the mark.He appeared to suggest United are to blame for Antony failing in Manchester, not the player himself.Pedroso said: “Many players who do not prosper at United find success at other clubs, which leads us to wonder if the problem really lies with the players.”We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”The truth is that Antony has not had enough prominence or the confidence necessary to play his best football. Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates”Of the 15 games in which Amorim managed United, he only used Antony in nine, with a total of 252 minutes played. “This represents only 18.6% of the total possible minutes (1,350 minutes). “How can you judge an athlete without a minimum sequence to prove his worth?”Since joining Betis on loan, Antony has rediscovered his form, which has seen him win Man of the Match in three games.He even scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box against Real Sociedad last month – who United face in the Europa League on Thursday.United fans have been left scratching their heads, as he equalled last season’s goal tally in just four games last month. Pedroso added: “The manager’s statement, although perhaps it was not his intention, ends up devaluing LaLiga and the Spanish competitions.”The reality is that Antony, since he arrived at Real Betis, has become one of the best players in the team.”This makes it clear that the problem was not his physicality, but rather the context and the way he was coached in Manchester.”Antony has told Betis he would be open to extending his loan from United by a further 12 months.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”Antony, who joined United from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported £86 million, has notched just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. More

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      Inside Jermaine Jenas’ split with wife of 13 years Ellie, from sexting scandal to hope of reconciliation and Xmas snub

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      JERMAINE JENAS and his wife of 13 years Ellie have separated, following his sexting scandal and axing from the BBC.The former One Show host and Match of the Day pundit was sacked from his £190,000-per-year job with the broadcaster, after he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold have separatedCredit: GettyJenas revealed all to The Sun about his sexting scandalCredit: Andrew StyczynskiJenas, Ellie and their children pose for a family holiday snapCredit: Instagram @jjenasThe ex-footballer vowed to save his marriage.However Ellie has released a statement on Instagram revealing they have parted ways.It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.Read more on Jermaine Jenas”We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time.”Thank you, Ellie.”The decision will be a blow to Jenas, who has returned to work at talkSPORT, after he publicly apologised to Ellie “for all the BS” caused by the fallout.SunSport looks inside their sad split.Most read in FootballThe aftermathJenas and Ellie were on a family holiday in Spain when he was quizzed by BBC bosses about his explicit text messages to the female workers.He admitted sneaking off to talk to his bosses in a secret video call about the allegations.Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie breaks silence on sexting scandal & tells The Sun: ‘It’s been tough’When they returned, the Beeb made the decision to cut ties with Jenas.The ex-Tottenham midfielder, 42, insisted he hadn’t done anything illegal and the messages were exchanged by two consenting adults.However, Ellie was left raging.She kicked him out of their £1million Hertfordshire mansion In an interview with The Sun, he said: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Trying to repair thingsJenas and Ellie tied the knot in 2011.They share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Privately, Jenas had hoped to save his marriage.Jenas told us he hoped to save the marriage to EllieCredit: Andrew StyczynskiAfter the sexting scandal, Ellie kicked Jenas out of their £1m homeCredit: Instagram @elliejenasAn incredibly sorry Jenas apologised to his wife for his inappropriate text messagesCredit: Instagram @jjenasread more sport featuresHe said back in August: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.”They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He added: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.”I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest with you.”It’s just hard at home for the kids right now. My wife’s a real one.”My wife is solid and she’s amazing. She is kind. She just needs some time.”In that time, Ellie launched her personal care brand Preppy in November at an event she was seen without her wedding ring.While she shared photos on Instagram of girls’ nights out with her friends.Ellie told The Sun: “It has been an incredibly hard and difficult time for myself and my family.”My only focus has been on our children and building my brand Preppy.Ellie seen on a girls’ night out in DecemberCredit: InstagramWhen the scandal broke, Ellie pushed herself towards her work with her brand PreppyCredit: INSTAGRAMJenas shared a gushing tribute to congratulate his wife for her brand launchCredit: Instagram”Now I just want to move forward.”Naturally this has been hard for me but my only concern has been our children and that will not change.”Jenas also posted his own gushing praise for his wife on social media, following her launch.He wrote on Instagram: “Couldn’t be more proud of this woman, 3 years ago you had a great idea and this week you got to make that idea a reality. “Starting a brand is hard enough, but working hard and being committed to getting it done even with all the B******T I’ve dragged you through recently should be enough evidence that you’ll make it a success.”Xmas snubBut, by the time Christmas came, Ellie hadn’t thawed.On Christmas Day, Jermaine was absent from any photos she shared on Instagram.However, the kids were all beaming in matching pyjamas in one she posted of them standing in front of a tree.Intriguingly, they both shared a journey on The Santa Steam Express with the kids.Jenas, who was seen wearing his wedding ring, captioned the snaps: “Some Christmas fun with the family.”While Ellie posted the same pictures separately with emojis including a Christmas tree, dog, snowflake, snowman, and a heart.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately, it didn’t work out for the pair.But, as their social media suggests, they will be putting their kids first, despite their personal woes.Ellie shared a snap of the children on Christmas Day togetherCredit: Instagram @elliejenasThe family united for the children for a trip on The Santa ExpressJenas poses with one his children on the family ventureEllie wasn’t able to forgive Jenas and confirmed their split on Instagram More

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      Man Utd unable to name full squad for Real Sociedad clash with THREE goalkeepers in tiny travelling cohort

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      RUBEN AMORIM has been forced to name a depleted 18-man squad for Manchester United’s Europa League crunch clash against Real Sociedad.A tiny travelling cohort – made of THREE goalkeepers – will make the trip to Spain to face Sociedad in the first-leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.Man Utd have been forced to name a depleted 18-man squad for Manchester United’s Europa League crunch clashCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim held his last training session in Manchester before Thursday’s Europa League tieCredit: AlamyAccording to Uefa, teams can name up to 23 players to a matchday squad for Europa League games.But United’s injury crisis has forced just 18 players to make the trip to Sociedad.With three keepers included: Andre Onana, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison, Amorim can only call on 15 outfield stars.It means a first European squad call up for Mee, 22, who was included on the bench in the Prem for the first time against Everton last month.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHarry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are the latest stars to have been ruled out of Thursday night’s clash.The club has described them as both having picked up “minor knocks” in their FA Cup penalty shootout defeat against Fulham on Sunday.Eyebrows were raised when Maguire – who normally takes a penalty in shootouts – was replaced by winter signing Ayden Heaven at the end of normal time against the Cottagers at Old Trafford.Likewise, Ugarte was subbed off for Alejandro Garnacho in the 53rd minute, but that was likely a tactical decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith nine first-team regulars already unavailable, the Red Devils are now without as many as 12 players against Sociedad. Amorim can’t call on 17-year-old striker Chido Obi, who has came off the bench on multiple occasions in recent weeks.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inUnited’s travelling squad vs SociedadGoalkeepers: Andre Onana Dermot Mee, Elyh HarrisonDefenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny YoroMidfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno FernandesForwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua ZirkzeeHarry Maguire missed training after picking up a minor knock against FulhamCredit: AFPManuel Ugarte also missed training on WednesdayCredit: RexObi was not registered when the club submitted the squad because he was not considered part of the first-team. The talented teenager has not been with the club long enough to be eligible for the B-list, having arrived from Arsenal in the summer.Fellow January signings Heaven and wing-back Patrick Dorgu were submitted in time, though.Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo are all out injured.For Sociedad, they too will be without some key players when they welcome the Reds on Thursday. Alvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan, Jon Pacheco and Luka Sucic all missed their 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday.Amorim can’t call on 17-year-old striker Chido ObiCredit: AlamyThe news that Maguire and Ugarte are unavailable has fans fearing the worst. One said: “Casemiro against Sociedad and we’re cooked.”One fumed: “No Maguire and Ugarte on Thursday. That will be another loss sadly.”Another raged: “Seriously! This is getting ridiculous.”A fourth added: “That does mean Heaven or Victor Lindelof will start at the back? 😮”There was also some positive news for Amorim however. Young midfielder Toby Collyer is back, though, and flies to Spain with the rest of the party.Collyer has been absent since January, when United last played in the Europa League as they progressed past FCSB.The Europa League is United’s final chance for silverware this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite their worst-ever run in the Prem, the Red Devils were the only side across the Champions League and Europa League to go unbeaten in the league phase.With Amorim’s side 14th in the Prem, the club will need to win it in order to qualify for next season’s competition.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. 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      Still got a Booster in the holster? Consider playing one ahead of Gameweek 27 for bumper returns

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      HOW many Boosters have you got left in the holster?If the answer is more than zero you might want to consider playing one ahead of Gameweek 27, as long as your team is suitably set up for such a strategy.Dream Team bosses with all three Boosters still to play should probably get a move onCredit: Dream TeamSix teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 27, those still active in Europe: Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.And against the odds, all the English teams will be at home for the second leg of their respective round of 16 ties.GAMEWEEK 27 DOUBLE HEADERS:LIVERPOOL vs Southampton (h) & PSG (h)ARSENAL vs Man Utd (a) & PSV (h)ASTON VILLA vs Brentford (a) & Club Brugge (h)TOTTENHAM vs Bournemouth (h) & AZ Alkmaar (h)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Arsenal (h) & Real Sociedad (h)CHELSEA vs Leicester (h) & Copenhagen (h)Assuming your XI is heavily tailored to these fixtures, activating the Goal Bonus Booster is very much on the table.The prospect of Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) being unleashed upon Saints at Anfield is almost enough on its own to justify such a ploy.REMINDER: Each goal scored by your players is worth NINE points instead of the usual six when Goal Bonus is activated!Salah is due to face Southampton and PSG in Gameweek 27Credit: RexIvan Juric’s side are rooted to the bottom of the table having mustered just nine points in 27 league outings.Most read in FootballSouthampton also have the worst defensive record in the top flight and given Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar leads the Golden Boot race with 25 league goals, Saturday’s fixture has to be considered one of the biggest mismatches of 2024/25.Salah is the Reds’ main man but the likes of Cody Gakpo (£4.6m), Luis Diaz (£3.5m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.6m) will also fancy their chances of adding to their healthy goal tallies in Gameweek 27.PSG represent much tougher opposition but the headline here is that Liverpool have back-to-back home games in the same Gameweek and one of their opponents is Southampton.Palmer might be unleashed upon Leicester and Copenhagen this coming GameweekCredit: GettyCouple this with home double headers for Spurs, Man United and Chelsea and a midfield that contains Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m) and Cole Palmer (£5.8m) strongly encourages the Goal Bonus Booster – that trio have scored 35 goals between already this season.More broadly, Gameweek 27 is likely to be the last time the English clubs still active in Europe have a clear advantage on paper.Arsenal and Aston Villa have all but sealed their Champions League last 16 ties having beaten PSV and Club Brugge in their respective first legs on Tuesday night.It’s simply the nature of knockout football that tougher opponents await them in the quarter-finals, when Dream Team points may be harder to come by.Double Gameweeks also get rarer as the campaign progresses.Aston Villa face Brentford and Club Brugge in Gameweek 27Credit: PAIf your team isn’t aligned with the fixture list and your transfer allotment won’t get you there either then it might be wise to hold Goal Bonus for later and activate 12th Man instead.REMINDER: 12th Man allows you to select an additional player from any position free of cost.Use this special ability to select a player who is likely to start two juicy fixtures in Gameweek 27 and you could improve your rank significantly.As for the Max Captain Booster, there are eventualities in which such a tactic would yield hugely beneficial results but the vast majority of engaged gaffers will be sticking the armband on Salah this coming Gameweek.Generally speaking, you want to wait for a Gameweek when the captaincy conversation is an open one to deploy Max Captain, using the Booster as a fail-safe.Liverpool’s double header is expected to yield healthy returnsThe worst case scenario with Max Captain is you decide to activate it only for the most popular skipper to finish among the Gameweek’s top performers, essentially wasting the Booster.The likelihood of this happening in Gameweek 27 is relatively high with Salah due to face both Southampton and PSG at Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn summary, it’s a good time to play your Goal Bonus Booster if your team is tailored to the Gameweek 27 schedule.If not, consider activating 12th Man to target the European fixtures before they become more difficult to predict.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 NOW More

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      Thierry Henry swaps sports as Arsenal legend lends helping hand to break Irish hearts once more in Six Nations

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      FRANCE football legend Thierry Henry is turning his attention to rugby ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations fixtures.Les Bleus are due to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, and were visited in-camp by the Arsenal legend before travelling.Thierry Henry met with the France rugby squad and no doubt recounted his controversial part in beating Ireland at footballCredit: Twitter @FranceRugbyHenry handled the ball before making a match-winning assist against the IrishCredit: AFPHenry is experienced in beating Ireland – he played when the two sides faced each other for a crunch World Cup qualifier in 2009.Deep into extra time in the second leg, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1, Henry controlled the ball with his hand in the box before squaring to William Gallas, who scored the winner.Looking back, Henry has described the moment as a low point in his career, saying “It’s true I regret it and that is why shortly afterwards I went to each Irish player to speak to them.”After that we did not celebrate, not even in the dressing rooms.”Read more rugbyThe goal drew criticism from former players, with France legend David Ginola going so far as to say “I’m very embarrassed by the situation. I don’t feel very proud to be French this morning.”Now, though, Henry is prepared to share his experiences in beating Ireland.He was pictured on France Rugby’s X profile meeting the team and being presented with a signed shirt.The post caption thanked Henry for “inspiring moments of sharing” with the squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA France Rugby Instagram post showed Henry meeting various France players and staff including Antoine Dupont, Yoram Moefana, and head coach Fabien Galthié.Henry was pictured speaking in front of the entire team and to smaller groups of players.Thierry Henry aims huge dig at Arsenal in awkward CBS Sports moment as fans ask ‘why are you s***ting on your own club?A win for France on Saturday would see them go top of the Six Nations standings despite losing to England at Twickenham in week two of the tournament.Ireland, though, are chasing a fifth Six Nations grand slam, and remain unbeaten through matches against Wales, Scotland, and England.Henry is among the most successful French athletes of all time, having won both the World Cup and European Championship with the national side, also adding a wealth of titles at club level.He took to the dugout last summer with the France Olympic Football team, coaching his young squad to a silver medal after falling to Spain in the finals.Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta finished the tournament as his top scorer, with five goals in six matches.Henry held court with the France rugby teamCredit: Instagram @francerugbyFabien Galthié has been France head coach since 2019Credit: Instagram @francerugbyAntoine Dupont is the star of the France team, playing at scrum halfCredit: Instagram @francerugby More

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      John Terry among two ex-England stars and Euro 2020 winner entering London Marathon and raising fortunes for charity

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      JOHN TERRY will run the London Marathon for the first time next month – but he is not expected to wear a full Chelsea kit.And ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Leonardo Bonucci, a member of Italy’s European Championship-winning side, will also tackle the 26.2-mile course on Sunday April 27.John Terry is set to run the London Marathon next monthCredit: GettyJack Wilshere is set to run in aid of an important causeCredit: AlamyTerry, 44, will start the race in Blackheath, South London, alongside former Blues teammate Jody Morris.The duo will try to raise funds for Rays of Sunshine, a children’s charity that supports and grants special wishes for seriously ill children aged three to 18.The ex-Chelsea captain won 15 major honours in 19 years with the Blues, including five Premier League crowns and five FA Cups.Famously, he was suspended for the Champions League victory in 2012 over Bayern Munich but changed into his football top and shorts – and even wore shin pads – to join in with the trophy lift, the on-pitch celebrations and for the photos.READ MORE IN SPORTIn fairness, Terry had played throughout that European campaign and scored in the Last-16 comeback win over Napoli at Stamford Bridge.And several other players in the squad had also changed into playing kit once the West Londoners had won the final on penalties at the Allianz Arena in Munich.Terry retired from football in 2018 after a season with Aston Villa when they lost the Championship Playoff final to Fulham.Apart from a few coaching gigs, he spends most of his time these days playing golf – he was recently part of an ICONS of Football challenge in Bangkok, Thailand.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJody Morris is set to run alongside old mate TerryCredit: Getty Images – GettyDespite a history of major injuries, Wilshere – the winner of 34 England caps – has a strong emotional reason for pounding his way round the streets of the capital.Wilshere, who retired from football in 2022, will be running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in recognition of his daughter’s open-heart surgery last year.Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man UtdNow a first-team coach at Championship side Norwich City, the 33-year-old said: “My family’s life was turned upside down when my little girl Siena was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, which meant she had a hole in her heart.“She’s since had lifesaving open-heart surgery to repair the hole and is thankfully recovering well.“Each day around 13 babies in the UK are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. I want to help raise funds and awareness for all the amazing research the BHF Funds.“And I hope to help other families who have been affected in the same way wewere. I’m proud to be an ambassador for such an amazing charity.”Leonardo Bonucci – who played at centre-back for Italy as they beat England on penalties at Wembley in the European Championships final in 2021 – will be raising money for Young Lives vs Cancer.Other well-known football figures at the London Marathon include Oxford United manager Gary Rowett, former Reading and Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell and Irishman Darren Randolph, who used to be a goalkeeper for West Ham.This will be the 45th edition of the London Marathon and Kenyan athletics legend Eliud Kipchoge returns to the race, which he has won a record four times, after a five-year hiatus.Leonardo Bonucci retired from football last yearCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal raise season ticket prices for THIRD year in a row just weeks after chief pocketed £634,000 pay rise

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      ARSENAL have raised season ticket prices for the third year in a row just weeks after one club chief pocketed a pay rise worth £634,000.The Gunners first brought in a rise of 5 per cent for the 2023/24 campaign.Arsenal season ticket prices are rising once moreCredit: RexOne Gunners chief saw their pay increase by £634,000 for 2024Credit: RexAnd last year fans were left outraged after they climbed again.Supporters on average had to fork out an extra £72 for the term.But those figures are on the rise again after prices went up for the 2025/26 season.According to the Mirror, Arsenal season tickets will increase by 3.7 per cent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means an ‘upper centre’ season ticket which previously cost £2,050 will now be £2,125 – a £75 climb.While a ‘lower’ one in the wings or corners has gone from £1,073 to £1,112 – up £39.Arsenal are yet to officially announce any rises.But fans will soon be made aware of changes when prices for next season are released in a club communication.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe ticket hike comes after one Arsenal board member was revealed to have bagged a mammoth pay rise for the year.The Telegraph claims the director took home an extra £634,000 for the year.Arsenal legend’s son scores unbelievable volley and leaves team-mates in disbelief That accounts for the price of 298 ‘upper centre’ season tickets for next term.While the same figure would cover the cost of 570 ‘lower’ ones.Reports of price increases have come a day after Arsenal set SIX records in their 7-1 demolition of PSV.The Gunners put one foot in the Champions League quarters as they blew their opponents away.And fans will be hoping it can inspire Arsenal to victory in their next Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      Chesterfield announce owner Phil Kirk diagnosed with inoperable cancer as club release heartbreaking statement

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      CHESTERFIELD FC owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer, a club statement has revealed.Phil, who co-owns the League Two club with brother Ashley Kirk, is said to be undergoing treatment to prolong his life.Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancerCredit: YouTube/Chesterfield FC Official YouTube ChannelA heartbreaking statement from the club read: “Chesterfield FC announces with deep regret that Phil Kirk has been recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer.”Over the next few months, he will be receiving treatment to prolong his life, but this is not expected to deliver a cure.”Work has already started on a robust long term financial and governance plan for the club. “This will be disclosed in due course but includes material financial backing on and off the pitch and does not include a sale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In the meantime, please give Phil and his family some time and space. Phil will be at the Fans’ Forum on Friday.”No further comment will be made at this stage.”Chesterfield have confirmed that Phil Kirk will still be present for the club’s Fan Forum on Friday alongside manager Paul Cook and chief executive John Croot.Messages of support have already started pouring in for the club’s co-owner.Most read in FootballChesterfield announced that Phil Kirk will still attend a Fan Forum later this weekCredit: RexDerbyshire FA posted: “Our thoughts are with Phil and the Kirk family.”While the the Chesterfield FC Supporters Group wrote: “Awful news. Our thoughts are with Phil and his family at this time.”Fans also sent their well wishes online.One wrote: “Dreadfully sad news. My heart goes out to Phil, all the Kirk’s and all his friends. Nothing else matters when things like this happens.”One of the mighty Spireites true legends and a guy the supporters of this great club will still be honouring for generations to come.”And another added: “Terrible news, Phil has brought so much positivity to the club and the town”.Local brothers Phil and Ashley Kirk have transformed Chesterfield since they arrived as investors back in 2022, pumping over £1MILLION into the then National League side.Their time, effort, passion and financial support helped the club return to the Football League for the first time in over six years this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair have always supported Chesterfield and wanted to invest in the club they grew up fans of.Speaking about why he chose to invest in the club, Phil previously said: “Why would we do it? Because it’s Chesterfield. There is no other club, obviously, that we would have done this for.”The Kirk brothers helped secure Chesterfield’s return to the Football LeagueCredit: PAThe Spireites won the National League last seasonCredit: PA More