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      How Frank Lampard has transformed Coventry after blowing owners away with sales pitch and ZERO expectations

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      FRANK LAMPARD is on a mission to prove people wrong at Coventry.Firstly, to fans that said sacking predecessor Mark Robins was “ridiculous” and secondly to those that claim England’s so-called Golden Generation are all managerial flops.Frank Lampard has taken Coventry from a relegation threat to play-off hopefulsCredit: GettyThe club’s move to sack Mark Robins was initially unpopularCredit: PAOnly Leeds can match Coventry’s from since the turn of the yearCredit: PALampard inherited a Coventry side that was languishing in 17th just two points above the Championship relegation zone in November.But the 46-year-old has overseen a stunning upturn in form and the Sky Blues now sit fifth with promotion aspirations via the play-offs.Despite the team’s woeful start to the season, the majority of fans wanted Robins to be given more time and were fuming over his sacking.They felt the former Manchester United player had enough credit in the bank, having taken them from League Two to a play-off final defeat on penalties to Luton in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut owner Doug King made the bold decision to axe Robins without a replacement lined up.Lampard applied and blew chiefs away with a stunning sales pitch, getting the job with “no expectations” this season.But the former Everton and Chelsea boss has taken a hands-on approach to coaching and transformed Coventry’s fortunes.Eight wins in 11 games since the turn of the year means they have the joint-most points in 2025 – level with table-toppers Leeds.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLampard has focused on improving Coventry’s defence and has jumped between a back three and four formations.Left-back Jake Bidwell told SunSport: “We’ve done a lot of work on that as a group, especially defending the box, just making sure everyone is on the same page.Rooney Loses Plymouth Job After Frank Lampard’s Coventry 4-0 Demolition”Making attacks for other teams as predictable as we can so you know what to expect, you know where to be.”There’s been quite a lot of detail around that. It’s stood us in good stead.”They say the shape looks different at times. I’d say there are minor tweaks around it. But in terms of the principles, not a lot really changes.”Every time you speak to him, he’s a man of his word. He says exactly what he says he’s going to do and it transpires.Bidwell on Lampard Lampard has also immediately connected with his players and is getting the best out of them.Bidwell explained: “He’s come in and he’s managed to build personal relationships pretty quickly, build the trust pretty quickly.”If the lads are on the training pitch, just pulling them for a couple of minutes here and there. “Pulling them up to the office to show clips, showing exactly what he wants and just doing it that way, really. “There was no big team get-together or anything like that. I think it’s just picking and choosing his times, one-on-ones with people.”From my point of view, the trust has been built solidly pretty quickly because every time you speak to him, he’s a man of his word. “He says exactly what he says he’s going to do and it transpires.”Jake Bidwell has been full of praise for his new managerCredit: GettyLampard has quickly built relationships with his playersCredit: GettyCoventry chief King told talkSPORT: “He’s been great around the place, positive, a really good people person and tactically we’ve got results in difficult moments when we didn’t have a full squad.”I didn’t really put any expectations out there, I felt that we needed to change it. I did it without having a placement in mind.”Frank was the outstanding candidate. Frank applied and we got on.”Here we are three-and-a half months later on one of the best runs we’ve been on in 50-odd years.”During his time away from the dugout, Lampard took to the BBC and Sky Sports studios as a pundit.He admits media life is “easier”, but he “loves the challenge” of management and could not care less about the money.After mixed spells at Chelsea and Everton, Lampard has set out to prove his doubters wrong.Management has been brutal to his old England Golden Generation team-mates like Gary Neville, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.“It’s just a really lazy thing to say great players don’t make great managers.Frank Lampard But the weight of being one of the best English players ever is not felt by Lampard.He told SunSport: “I don’t feel like I’m the one left holding the torch for the Golden Generation. It’s a lazy generalisation.“Anyone that goes into this job as an ex-player who’s had a highly regarded career should get a lot of credit because you understand that there’s a bigger fall for you.“There’s a bigger level of interest. Maybe we will succeed but what about if we fail?“It’s a little bit of a cultural issue. I think we’re all a bit guilty of that in our British culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I don’t listen to the Golden Generation stuff.“It’s just a really lazy thing to say great players don’t make great managers.”Lampard says it is ‘lazy’ to say you can’t be a good player and good managerCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona’s £1.25billion ‘biggest sports stadium in Europe’ hit by fresh delay with key feature pushed back to 2026

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      BARCELONA’S return to the Nou Camp has been delayed again, with the club now set to stay away until 2026.The project will see the iconic stadium’s capacity expand to 105,000 up from 99,354.The Nou Camp’s demolition has drawn mixed reaction from fansCredit: AlamyThe stadium was reduced to a skeletonCredit: GettyBarcelona have found a temporary home at Estadi Olimpic Lluis CompanysCredit: GettyIt was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.This new delay follows an earlier push back to this month.Relevo also say the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Read more football storiesThe Blaugrana have been playing away from home since May 2023, holding home matches at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which holds just 54,367 supporters.This has seen Barcelona take a significant hit on matchday revenue, not helping their already rocky finances.An article posted on Barcelona’s website in October 2024 claimed the return to the stadium was ‘imminent’.The dramatic rebuild has seen the stadium gutted, leaving behind just the concrete skeleton of the stadium as a foundation.Most read in FootballBarcelona have played at the iconic Nou Camp since it opened in 1957.Iconic stadium looks unrecognisable as new footage reveals crane on pitch and every single seat removedBarcelona have invested £1.25billion into the project, which is set to make the Nou Camp the largest stadium in Europe.It will steal that title from London’s Wembley Stadium which holds 90,652, also knocking Twickenham Stadium down to third place.Only six stadiums in Europe have a capacity of more than 80,000.Despite becoming the largest in Europe, Barcelona will fall short of their original goal to create the third-largest stadium in the world.The rebuild was initially intended to reach a capacity of 112,500, smaller only than the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea (113,281) and Narendra Modi Stadium in India (132,000).Real Madrid recently opened a redeveloped Bernabeu costing £1.5billion with a capacity of 81,000.But they are already planning to expand it further as they look to host the 2030 World Cup Final. More

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      ‘Bang, bang, game over…’ – Wayne Bridge recalls ‘unbelievable’ fight between two Chelsea teammates which left one KO’d

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      WAYNE BRIDGE has lifted the lid on an “unbelievable” fight between two of his ex-Chelsea team-mates.The former full-back, 44, played for the Blues between 2003 and 2006.Wayne Bridge discussed his former team-mates on a podcastBridge, 44, played for Chelsea between 2003 and 2009Credit: GettyBridge won back-to-back titles with the West Londoners while playing alongside the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and John Terry.Despite the team’s success, it’s claimed that two of Chelsea’s less successful signings during this period once had a dressing room bust-up.Appearing on The Dressing Room podcast alongside former team-mates Joe Cole and Carlton Cole, Bridge lifted the lid on the incident.He said: “The best one I’ve seen was Shevchenko and Tal Ben Haim.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Tal loved to smash people. I think there were a couple of incidents between them, I think Sheva gave him a warning. You know what Tal is like. Then there was another smash from Tal.”They both basically ended up in each other’s faces. And the combo Sheva threw. Unbelievable. It was something like a jab, cross, hook, cross. Bang, bang, bang, bang! Game over. It was done mate. “You just move on then, it was sorted. Tal just had to swallow a bit of pride and move on. And just don’t go near Sheva again!”Shevchenko, now 48, had arrived at the Bridge from AC Milan in a £30.8million deal in 2006.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAndriy Shevchenko played 77 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – GettyTal Ben Haim lasted one season at Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersHe struggled to replicate his form in Italy after moving to the Premier League, managing 22 goals in 77 Blues appearances across the following two seasons.Ben Haim, meanwhile, never established himself as a Stamford Bridge regular after moving on a free transfer in 2007.Ex-Chelsea star Wayne Bridge has to be pulled apart from KSI after brutal John Terry jibe at Misfits 20Following just 23 Blues appearances he left for Manchester City just 12 months after signing.Bridge knows a thing or two about the fight game.In January he accepted a bout with YouTuber KSI, scheduled for March 29.Bridge subsequently withdrew, however, after KSI made juvenile jibes about his ex Vanessa Perroncel’s alleged affair with Terry.Bridge had been booked to fight KSI on March 29Credit: Getty More

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      ‘Touch of the old man’s magic’ – Arsenal legend’s son scores unbelievable volley and leaves team-mates in disbelief

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      THE SON of an Arsenal legend did his old man proud with a wonder goal to leave teammates in disbelief.Sam Merson, 29, plays for Hanworth Villa in the 15th tier of English football.Sam Merson scored an amazing volley playing in England’s 15th tierCredit: X @FarnhamTownFCHe is the son of Premier League legend Paul MersonCredit: AlamyThe ace is the kid of former England and Arsenal star Paul.He scored 157 goals during a glittering career for club and country.But none of them will have come close to the one son Sam netted last night.Merson Jr’s Hanworth Villa were taking on Farnham Town when he produced a piece of real quality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward did an incredible pirouette as he took down a high ball with his left foot.Merson swiped it one time over his body before twisting himself to face goal while on the edge of the Farnham box.And in one smooth movement, he then unleashed a rocket of a volley which fired over the goalie into the back of the net.Merson’s goal sparked wild celebrations among fans and teammates alike.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd nobody was more pleased than dad Paul, who said: “What a goal last night, unreal.”Fans also loved Merson’s incredible effort.Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itSam Merson plays for minnows Hanworth VillaCredit: X @Sammerson1Dad Paul led the tributes to his goalCredit: GettyOne said: “Superb finish.”Another declared: “Touch of the old man’s magic there Merse.”One noted: “What a hit son.”Another added: “Some goal that.” More

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      ‘Clearly insufficient’ – FA looking to increase Millwall ace Liam Roberts’ three-match ban after horror Mateta challenge

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      THE FA has warned Millwall keeper Liam Roberts to expect a long ban after his shocking foul on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.In a statement released Wednesday morning, the FA announced that “in the circumstances the standard punishment is clearly insufficient”.Roberts collides with Mateta on SaturdayCredit: GettyMateta was hospitalized to receive specialist treatmentCredit: ReutersMichael Oliver needed to check the VAR monitor before sending Roberts offCredit: Pro SportsThe current sanction is a standard three-match ban, which saw Roberts miss last night’s Championship tie against Bristol City.He will also miss upcoming trips to Watford and Leeds.Roberts was given until Thursday March 6 to respond to today’s statement by the FA.But Millwall have immediately issued a statement of their own.Read more football storiesIt reads: “Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”The clash came just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park, a first South London derby since 2022.As Mateta chased a high ball into the box, Millwall goalkeeper Roberts leapt to clear it, kicking Mateta in the head in the process.Mateta was rushed to hospital for “specialist treatment”, where he received 25 stitches on his left ear.Most read in FA CupReferee Michael Oliver did not initially give a foul but sent Roberts off after a short VAR review.The FA have now submitted a claim to increase Roberts’ sanction.Millwall supporters have rallied behind their keeper, holding a minute of applause in the eighth minute of Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City.It comes after they chanted “let him die” as France international Mateta received treatment on Saturday.The club has also released statements in his defence, referring to reporting and punditry on the foul as “unwarranted character assassination”.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish appeared on BBC One at half-time to discuss the foul, saying: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve not seen a challenge like it.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim defends Patrick Dorgu after error and red card against Ipswich “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself.”Millwall manager Alex Neil rebuked that statement post match, saying Roberts simply “misjudged [the clearance] and caught the lad”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”It is not yet known when Mateta will return to play.Millwall had a minute’s applause for Roberts in the match against Bristol More

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      Martin Odegaard and Arsenal stars now tempting options for Gameweek 27 after PSV mauling

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      ARSENAL made an emphatic statement against PSV on Tuesday night.The Gunners have one foot firmly in the Champions League quarter-finals having thrashed their Dutch opponents 7-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.Arsenal will already have one eye on the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyInjuries to several key attackers have reduced Arsenal’s firepower in recent outings but the absence of Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), Kai Havertz (£4.7m), Gabriel Jesus (£3.7m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.1m) did not hinder them at all in Eindhoven as six players different players got on the scoresheet.This emphatic performance might be a game-changer in the world of Dream Team.Suddenly, several of Mikel Arteta’s favourites appear to be strong options for Gameweek 27.Arsenal are one of just six teams with two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek and the dismal form of PSV makes their double header a favourable one.The North Londoners will travel to Old Trafford this weekend to face 14th-placed Manchester United before welcoming the Eredivisie side to the Emirates the following Wednesday.With such a comfortable aggregate lead, there’s a chance Arteta will rotate his squad against PSV to some degree but the club’s injury list means his options are limited in that regard.Teenage kicksCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri (£2.2m) scored one goal and assisted another on Tuesday night for a 13-point return to remind Dream Team managers of his attributes.The 17-year-old averages a goal involvement every 102 minutes this season and the right wing spot is his while Saka is sidelined – the England winger is not due back until April.Most read in FootballMikel Merino (£3.6m) also banked 13 points via a goal and an assist.The Spain international is categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team but has been deployed as a makeshift striker in recent weeks.He hasn’t always looked effective in the role but it’s simply true he’s scored three goals in 278 minutes ever since he came off the bench against Leicester in Gameweek 24.Odegaard banked a cool 21 points against PSVCredit: EPAJurrien Timber (£4.3m), Riccardo Calafiori (£3m) and Leandro Trossard (£4.1m) also took advantage of PSV’s shambolic defending but the big winner on the night was Martin Odegaard (£4.8m).Arsenal’s captain scored two goals of his own before he set up his side’s seventh for a massive 21-point haul – his best performance of the campaign so far.The Norwegian playmaker has not provided as many goal involvements as he did last season but he proved himself capable of capitalising against out-of-form opposition in fine style.And with Man United and PSV to come in Gameweek 27, Dream Team bosses should at least consider Odegaard among the viable transfer options prior to Saturday’s 11am deadline.Defensive assets David Raya (£4.7m), William Saliba (£4.6m) and Gabriel (£4.9m) are the most popular in the squad – all are among the six most selected players in their respective positions – and they remain strong options despite failing to keep a clean sheet in Eindhoven.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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      ‘We’ve not seen that’ – John McGinn debunks Ruben Amorim’s Marcus Rashford claims after Champions League masterclass

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      ASTON VILLA captain John McGinn has defended his new team-mate Marcus Rashford from Ruben Amorim’s criticism.Rashford joined Villa on loan in January after struggling for minutes under new Manchester United manager Amorim, making just six appearances following his arrival in November.Rashford impressed again in the Champions League for VillaCredit: GettyRashford and Asensio have made an impression since joining on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis primary complaint was a lack of intensity in Rashford’s training and reluctance to buy into his ideas.The Portuguese said: “I couldn’t put Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it.”Since moving to the Midlands, though, Rashford, 27, has been back to his best, impressing in his first appearances for Villa and most recently starring in Tuesday’s 3-1 Champions League win over Club Brugge.McGinn has now revealed how well Rashford and his fellow Villa loanees Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi have settled in behind the scenes.Read more footballHe said: “They’ve been a breath of fresh air.”Three really good guys, obviously come with big reputations but they haven’t shown any ego.”They’re pretty low maintenance, they work hard to get their careers back on track.”Like Rashford, Asensio and Disasi are looking for redemption at Villa after struggling at their respective clubs.Most read in Champions LeagueSpanish international Asensio, 29, never quite kicked on after joining PSG from Real Madrid, but scored a brace for Villa in a 2-1 win over Chelsea shortly after moving.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionDisasi, 26, struggled to win over Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, falling behind free transfer Tosin Adarabioyo in the pecking order.McGinn continued: “They obviously weren’t playing at their clubs, so what we can give them is a platform to do that and be happy.”All we want in return is for them to be a good team-mate, work hard, do the things we’ve all been doing over the last couple of seasons and show their quality. “They’ve been brilliant.”Villa’s away win over Club Brugge gives them the upper hand going into the second leg at Villa Park, which will take place next Wednesday.McGinn during the win over Club BruggeCredit: GettyDiasi has hit the ground running after his switch from ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel having doubts about England call-up for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, despite latest injury setback

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      NEWCASTLE and England have been dealt a huge blow after Lewis Hall was ruled out for the rest of the season.The news would appear to bolster the prospect of Arsenal’s 18-year-old star Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving his first senior Three Lions call-up – but Thomas Tuchel may have other ideas.Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: PALewis-Skelly has been shown two red cards this seasonCredit: GettyThe Arsenal youngster has impressed this seasonCredit: GettyTuchel will name his first England squad next weekCredit: PASun Sport revealed on Tuesday that Toon left-back Hall, 20, was out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool with an injury to a bone in his foot.That came after the club opted against appealing the red card for Anthony Gordon, meaning that he will also miss Wembley due to suspension.Hall suffered his injury in last week’s 2-0 Prem defeat at Anfield and was sent for a scan to assess the damage.Newcastle have followed specialist advice and Hall will undergo surgery, ruling him out of their push for a top five finish.Read more footballThe news is also a bitter setback for new Three Lions boss Tuchel, who handed him his senior debut at Chelsea.Hall has been in fine form for Toon this term and was rewarded for that with his first senior England caps in November while Lee Carsley was in interim charge.Tuchel will be in the dug-out for the first time this month with World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Hall seemed certain to be part of his plans, especially with England’s preferred left-back over recent years Luke Shaw continuing to be dogged by injuries.Most read in FootballTuchel has been monitoring Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential call-up following his breakthrough under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal The talented teen, who has yet to make his U21s bow, could now be fast-tracked into the seniors.Tuchel, however, is believed to have some reservations over his age and lack of experience.Lewis-Skelly was subbed off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV on Tuesday.That was after his fortunate escape and luckily avoiding being sent-off for two challenges during the round of 16 first leg.Meanwhile, another of Tuchel’s former Chelsea favourites could also be in the frame for a recall.Ben Chilwell is now getting regular action on loan at Crystal Palace after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.The 28-year-old started his first game since England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium on March 26 last year in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Millwall in the FA Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd as well as getting his club career back on track, he will have hopes of adding to his 21 caps under the man he won the Champions League with in 2021 at the Blues.Man City’s Rico Lewis and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill have also featured at left-back for England over recent times. More