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      Aston Villa star Jhon Duran facing extended ban that will leave Unai Emery seething after red card versus Newcastle

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      ASTON VILLA star Jhon Duran has been charged by the FA for acting in an “improper manner” after he was red-carded against Newcastle on Boxing Day.The Colombian striker was controversially sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for allegedly stamping on Fabian Schar during the 3-0 defeat.Jhon Duran was sent off for appearing to stamp on Fabian ScharCredit: GettyThe incident occurred in Villa’s 3-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran was sent off despite a VAR checkCredit: ReutersThe striker has been charged with misconduct for his reaction to the red cardCredit: GettyVilla appealed Duran’s three-match ban but their pleas fell on deaf ears at the FA.And now chiefs have added insult to injury by slapping the 21-year-old with a further misconduct charge for his reaction to the dismissal.Duran was so incensed by the red card that he remonstrated with the fourth official on the touchline and kicked a water bottle away.Duran served the first match of his ban last night when he missed Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the striker could face a further ban for his angry reaction.The FA has given him until Friday to respond to the charge.Duran is already certain to miss Saturday’s home game against Leicester and the FA Cup third round clash with West Ham.Writing in the match programme ahead of the Brighton game, Emery said: “Referees are not using enough and correctly the VAR.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR came to help us avoid injustice or mistakes, and to protect whatever it takes for the on-field decisions to be delivered – right or wrong – by the referee.”If we start to use VAR in a political way, we are forgetting that the video tool is here to protect the game and the fairness of the competition.Aiden McGeady on ‘f— you’ message from Unai Emery”VAR is not a tool to protect or to be under any ego, any system or any individual. “VAR cannot be overused to break the spirit of the game but if it is existing and available, VAR neither must be underused on purpose and let big mistakes happen without using all the tools correctly.”Those comments could land Emery in hot water as well, with FA chiefs having to determine if he crossed the threshold between having an opinion on the operation of the system or a direct criticism of the integrity of the officials involved.Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany also slammed the Duran sending off, saying: “The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”Unai Emery slammed VAR after Duran’s red cardCredit: Reuters More

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      How England’s Golden Generation fared as managers – from Wayne Rooney at Plymouth to Gary Neville horror show

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      WAYNE ROONEY has become the latest member of England’s famous Golden Generation to be axed as a manager.The Manchester United legend, 39, has been let go by Plymouth after a run of form that saw the club go winless since November 5.Wayne Rooney has been axed by Plymouth – but how have his Golden Generation pals fared in management?Credit: PAWith the Pilgrims rooted to the foot of the Championship and already staring at the prospect of life in League One next season, Rooney will now go into 2025 looking for a fresh start.But Roo is by no means the only member of England’s so-called Golden Generation to have transitioned into management.While many, such as John Terry and Ashley Cole, have thrived as coaches, others have gone down the punditry route – with Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch two staples on our screens.But for those of Rooney’s old Three Lions pals who tried to be the leading man on the touchline, it’s been a largely mixed bag.READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport takes a look at how they have all fared… so far.Wayne RooneyRooney kicked off his managerial career midway through the 2020-21 season, with Derby rooted to the bottom of the Championship.And he started strongly, guiding the Rams out of the relegation zone after picking 31 points out of a possible 54 from his first 18 matches.,From there, though, it was a downward spiral.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDerby initially survived relegation, barely, by a single point. However a 21-point deduction saw them relegated to League One, prompting Rooney to resign.The former striker headed back to America to take over at DC United – where he had starred at the end of his playing career – just three weeks later.Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq The Generation shameThey are widely remembered as the England team who promised so much but ultimately delivered nothing. So who were the Golden Generation and where did it all go wrong?England mauled Germany 5-1 in September 2001, leading to automatic qualification for the 2002 World Cup. The result led then FA chief executive Adam Crozier to dub them a “Golden Generation”, led by Sven Goran Eriksson.The team was well known for boasting a raft of world-class defenders, including Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King and Ashley Cole.However, England’s midfield was a sticking point – with managers seemingly unable to accommodate Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard AND Paul Scholes – with the latter often played out of position on the left flank. Many pundits have since claimed Scholes’ misuse was the key reason for the Golden Generation’s lack of silverware.The Three Lions were often accused of arrogance – including by Portugal after their 2006 World Cup quarter-final clash, won by the Portuguese due to the tag.England failed to win anything in the Golden Generation – and even failed to qualify for Euro 2008, a first missed tournament since the 1994 World Cup.Emile Heskey – part of the Golden Generation crop – once called the mantle inaccurate, as he pointed to the greater talents of France and Brazil at the time.Frank Lampard, speaking in 2009, went as far as to call the Golden Generation tag a burden.In 2020, Steven Gerrard blamed England’s managers for failing to get the best out of the squad – claiming his former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez would have thrived.After picking up just nine points from his final 14 games as the Washington-based club missed out on the play-offs for a second straight season, Rooney and the club split via mutual consent.Just three days later, the United icon was back in English football, taking control at Championship giants Birmingham on a three-and-a-half-year contract.It was a surprise move, with former boss John Eustace axed with the club flying high in sixth place.After just two wins in 15 matches and the Blues in 20th place, Rooney was axed in January – after just three months.He took the rest of the season off and spent the summer house-hunting in Devon ahead of taking over at Plymouth.But after just six months, Rooney is now facing the prospect of entering 2025 unemployed.Despite that, SunSport’s Martin Lipton insists he has a bright future in management.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Gary NevilleA stellar playing career saw the right-back win eight Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns and 85 England caps.He’s more-recently become one of the faces of Sky Sports’ football coverage – on TV and podcasts.However, sandwiched in between was an ill-fated stint at fallen LaLiga giants Valencia.Neville was handed his start in management by business partner Peter Lim in December 2015.But after just ten wins – and a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona – from 28 games, Neville was sacked.He’s yet to emerge in a dugout since…Gary Neville endured a nightmare stint at Valencia – his only managerial role to dateCredit: GettyPaul ScholesBlink and you may have missed it, legendary ex-Man Utd star Scholes very briefly dipped his toes into the world of management.Having bought a share in the club the year before, Scholes took charge of Salford City on an interim basis – leading just one game back in 2015, coming out victorious.He then took over the reigns at boyhood club Oldham in February 2019, but resigned after just seven games, having enjoyed just one victory.The now-50-year-old took caretaker charge of Salford once again in October 2020 – winning two of his five matches at the helm.But ever since, Scholes has stuck to punditry, most-notably for TNT Sports.Paul Scholes was briefly manager at Oldham but now sticks to punditryCredit: PASteven GerrardAfter a stint managing Liverpool’s youth teams, Gerrard was handed his big break in senior football at a Rangers side enduring one of their darkest eras.The Reds legend helped make the Gers competitive again – with his side even reaching the Europa League last 16 in 2019-20.In the following season, Rangers would storm to the Scottish Premiership title and prevent fierce rivals Celtic from bagging a tenth straight crown – amassing 102 points in the process.With Glasgow always being considered a stepping stone for Gerrard, he was brought back to the Premier League by Aston Villa in November 2021, replacing Dean Smith on a three-and-a-half-year contract.But the midfield icon endured a mixed bag, watching his old side reach the Europa League final while he guided Villa to 14th.After two wins from his opening 12 Premier League matches of the following season, he was let go by the Villans after just one year.Gerrard then became one of a hoard of big-name players and bosses to be lured to Saudi Arabia, taking control of Al-Ettifaq.However, he’s not enjoyed great success, averaging a mere 1.35 points per game across his 51 matches in charge – including just four victories from 13 league games this term.Steven Gerrard has endured a mixed managerial career and is now in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyFrank LampardLike Rooney, the Chelsea idol began his managerial career at Derby two years earlier – although Lampard inherited a very different side side.With the help of talented loanees Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Harry Wilson, Lampard managed to guide the Rams to the Championship play-off final in 2019, losing at the hands of Aston Villa.But he was rewarded with a move back to Stamford Bridge, where he was able to guide his former team to a top-four finish despite a transfer ban, while blooding a number of talented academy graduates in the process.Lampard subsequently struggled to embed expensive new signings such as Kai Havertz and Timo Werner into his team, however, and was sacked in January 2021.After a year out of the game, Lampard was given a second crack in the Premier League with Everton, replacing Rafael Benitez.Joining with the club 16th and just four points above the drop zone, Lampard did guide the Toffees to safety.But after a run of just one win from 11 matches the following season, he was sacked after just under a year at Goodison Park.Much to fans’ surprise, Lampard returned to Chelsea in April as caretaker manager, replacing Graham Potter.The Blues’ form got even worse and they suffered their first bottom-half finish since 1996, with Lamps’ win-rate of nine per cent the worst-ever among Chelsea managers to have taken charge of at least three matches.But after over a year away, Lampard was given fresh hope of salvaging his managerial career, as he was named Coventry boss in November 2024.As of now, he has won three and lost just two of his six Championship matches with the club sitting in 15th place.Frank Lampard is now in charge of Coventry after stints at Chelsea, Derby and EvertonCredit: GettySol CampbellCampbell’s managerial career got off to more-than-solid start when he joined crisis-club Macclesfield in 2018.Having taken over with the club five points from safety in League Two, former defender Campbell quickly made the Silkmen hard to beat.Macclesfield ultimately avoided the drop on the final day of the season with a 1-1 draw at Cambridge.Campbell then jumped ship to League One side Southend, which proved to be a disaster.The Shrimpers were also a basket case, but Campbell couldn’t turn things around at Roots Hall – winning just four of his 23 games in charge as his side were relegated.Campbell hasn’t managed since.Sol Campbell briefly managed Macclesfield and SouthendCredit: ReutersPhil NevilleHaving overseen one game at Salford alongside Scholes, Phil Neville was handed the England Women’s top job in January 2018.During three years in charge, Neville won 19 of his 35 Lionesses games.He did manage to guide them to SheBelieves Cup success in 2019 – but fans were left disappointed by semi-final exits at both Euro 2017 and the World Cup two years later.Neville went on to lead former club and country team-mate David Beckham’s Inter Miami – where he would spend two-and-a-half years.However, despite some star names in his squad – including Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi, Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Shawcross – Neville won just 39 per cent of his 90 matches.He missed out on working with Lionel Messi by two weeks – with Neville even suggesting the Argentina legend’s impending arrival led to his sacking.Neville is now manager of another MLS side, Portland Timbers, but has won just 37 per cent of his 38 matches in just over a year.Phil Neville is now Portland Timbers manager after stints as Lionesses and Inter Miami bossCredit: ReutersScott ParkerAfter a spell in charge of Tottenham’s Under-18s, Parker returned to Fulham to be part of Slavisa Jokanovic and then Claudio Ranieri’s backroom staff in 2019.Following the Italian’s dismissal he was handed the caretaker job, but was unable to save them from the drop.Parker guided the Cottagers back up via the play-offs in 2020, but left after once again being unable to stave off relegation.On the same day as his Fulham exit, ex-Chelsea and Charlton midfielder Parker joined Bournemouth.He got off to a flying start and won the Championship Manager of the Month award in his first two months.Bournemouth ultimately finished second to return to the Premier League.But Parker lasted just four matches… after beating Aston Villa 2-0 on the opening day, the Cherries lost 4-0 to Manchester City, 3-0 at the hands of Arsenal and were mauled 9-0 – a joint-Premier League record – by Liverpool.Parker slammed his club’s transfer policy and claimed he’d been left “unequipped” for life in the Premier League.He was sacked three days later.In December of the same year, he joined struggling Belgian champions Club Brugge, with the team in fourth place and 12 points off the top.By the time Parker had joined, his side had already reached the Champions League last 16 after a superb group phase.However, a 5-1 loss to Benfica in Portugal – and a 7-1 aggregate defeat – was the nail in the coffin as Parker was axed after just two wins in 12 games, with the club then 21 points off the league leaders.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the summer of 2024, just months after his Club Brugge exit, he was handed a three-year contract by Championship side Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League.With just two defeats from his opening 24 matches, Parker currently has the Clarets sitting third – just one point behind Sheffield United and three adrift of Leeds – with automatic promotion back to the big time a very real possibility.Scott Parker is currently enjoying a successful stint at BurnleyCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Newcastle star Michael Newberry’s dad pays heartbreaking tribute after son tragically died on 27th birthday

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      THE father of ex-Newcastle star Michael Newberry has shared a heartbreaking message following the death of his son.Northern Irish side Cliftonville announced the sudden passing of Newberry, 27, on Monday.Former Newcastle academy star Michael Newberry passed away on MondayCredit: PacemakerA statement read: “Cliftonville FC are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry.”Our condolences are extended to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many team-mates he played with during his career, and fans who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news.”The Reds postponed their match against Dungannon Swifts, originally scheduled for that evening, out of respect.Now, the defender’s dad – also named Michael – has penned his own message in the wake of the tragedy.Read More in FootballHe took to Facebook on Monday afternoon to write: “Devastated to learn that my beautiful son Michael Newberry has tragically passed away today on his 27th birthday.”RIP son you were my pride and joy and we will miss you dearly.”The Newcastle academy graduate signed for Cliftonville last summer and made 19 league appearances for the club.His last game was on Boxing Day, in Cliftonville’s defeat to Crusaders.Most read in FootballOn Monday, manager Jim Magilton expressed his well wishes to the Newberry family and said it was a “privilege” to know Michael.Magilton said: “Today, on what would have been his 27th birthday, we remember Michael Newberry with heavy hearts.”I first came to know Michael when he burst onto the scene as a talented young player at Newcastle United, his boyhood club and greatest love.”With his unmistakable red hair and boundless passion for the game, he quickly stood out not just for his skill, but also for his enthusiasm, determination and unwavering dedication.”Although his dream of playing for Newcastle didn’t materialise, it never deterred him from forging his own path in football.”I’ve followed Michael’s journey throughout his career, and when the opportunity arose to bring him to Cliftonville, I didn’t hesitate.”He brought the same passion and determination to every training session and match. Winning mattered deeply to him, but so did the love for the game and the bonds he formed with team-mates.”Michael was a remarkable young man, a credit to his family, his team-mates, and the entire football community.READ MORE SUN STORIES”His loss is felt not only in Northern Ireland but across every club he represented. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”Rest in peace, Michael. You’ll always be remembered.” More

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      Michail Antonio discharged from hospital after horror car crash with West Ham to hold talks over his future soon

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO has been discharged from hospital following his horror car crash.The West Ham striker, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital and suffered a broken leg after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari near Theydon Bois, Essex, in early December.Michail Antonio suffered a broken leg in a horror crash earlier this monthCredit: REUTERSThe Hammers skipper was lucky to escape the wreckage of his car aliveCredit: STEVE BELLAntonio has finally been discharged from hospitalCredit: GETTYWest Ham have raised just shy of £60,000 for the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity as a thank you for their support.Antonio’s crash occurred in Epping on the way home from the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground and he underwent surgery on the broken leg that night.Hammers players all wore shirts bearing Antonio’s name following their home win over Wolves, the first game following the crash.Each of those, as well as the match-worn shirts, were signed and auctioned off to fans in order to raise cash.READ MORE ON ANTONIOThe auction raised a total of £29,613 which was matched by the West Ham board, making a total of £59,226 to be split between the two causes.Jarrod Bowen scored West Ham’s winner against Wolves and his shirt raised the most – selling for £3005.The Hammers captain said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family.Most read in FootballMichail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.”And for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.”Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.”West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashWest Ham players and staff all went to visit their team-mate during his time in hospital.Antonio is now recovering at home and will not play again this season.The Jamaica international, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, is out of contract in the summer.A decision is yet to be made over whether to extend his deal in order to cover the recovery, though discussions will take place in the near future.West Ham previously extended Angelo Ogbonna’s deal following a season-ending knee injury in 2021.West Ham have yet to make a decision on Michail Antonio’s futureCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney’s too young to be written off and too strong-willed to give up but a step back could be a wise move for now

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      LEAVING Plymouth after barely six months will hurt Wayne Rooney.After four jobs in as many years and a win rate of barely 25 per cent across them, doubters will ask if his managerial career could be over at the age of 39 – before most bosses even take their first match in a dugout.Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Plymouth Argyle but it is not the end of his managerial journeyCredit: GettyYet anyone who has spent time with Rooney will tell you that he has a drive and determination to be as good a boss as he was a player.And while that may look an unlikely aspiration at this stage, very few people have made money betting against Rooney over the past two decades.In truth, Rooney has made things hard for himself with the jobs he has taken at the start of his time as a manager.Admittedly, openings normally come for two reasons – because the previous manager has been a success or, more frequently, that they are inheriting a dumpster fire.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor Rooney, taking the gig at a cash-strapped Derby, facing the almost certain inevitability of a relegation-causing points deduction, was hardly the act of someone who wanted an easy life.Rooney led the Rams from six points adrift of the Championship field to a nominal last-day survival act in his four months at the helm, only for the EFL to impose that anticipated 21-point penalty to send the club through the trapdoor.It was not Rooney’s fault, by any means – he walked into a mess, cleaned it up, only for a giant bucket of trash to be thrown over the floor after he’d finished.Unsurprisingly, probably aware of the looming offer from DC United in the MLS, he quit Pride Park before his move across the Atlantic.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAway from home and family, Rooney led a lonely off-field existence at his rented mansion 45 minutes outside the US capital.But his enthusiasm was crystal clear – as was his recognition that this was the start of a long journey.Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’When he spoke to SunSport ahead of taking charge of the MLS All-Star team to face Arsenal in July 2023, Rooney was bright-eyed and focused.He said: “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article but these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips with the role and getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players.“I’ve had to learn about handling languages, culture, religion and understanding all those different scenarios which could happen if you manage at the top level and which you will have to deal with.“Patience is key, understanding that you are going to lose games, that you are not going to win every game.“It’s about staying calm in those situations, to figure them out and face those difficult moments and get through them.”Four months later, only three days after leaving DC, Rooney was unveiled at ambitious, Tom Brady co-owned Birmingham, with a mission to take them back into the Prem.It did not work. It was a bad fit, despite Rooney bringing in Ashley Cole – whose next job was on the England coaching staff – and John O’Shea to help him.Just two wins in 15 games was a horrible record but even the best managers can have jobs which are disasters.Bobby Robson, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Arsene Wenger all had early setbacks and they didn’t do too badly.Yet taking the Plymouth job in the summer, after they had survived in the Championship by the skin of their teeth, was Rooney once again walking into a perilous situation.Knowingly, true. But once again fighting with one hand tied behind his back.Perhaps what he needs now is to take a step back. Not from management, but from the frontline role.To work as an assistant to a seasoned, wily old hand. To have an input and key position but not be directly in the line of fire.Rooney is too young to be dismissed. Too strong-willed to accept it is all over.And at some point, surely, he will be offered the job that he cannot possibly turn down – back at boyhood club Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now, he must lick his wounds. Repair his confidence. Maybe, for a few months, sit in a TV studio to analyse and entertain.And be ready to come back – better and even more focused on proving what he truly believes to be his destiny. Do not write him off.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Why it all went wrong for Wayne Rooney at Plymouth with Man Utd and England legend hit by ‘Glenn Hoddle syndrome’

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      AND so the long goodbye for Wayne Rooney has finally come to an end.His departure from Plymouth comes as no surprise. In fact, it’s been there screaming on the wall for a few weeks now.Wayne Rooney was axed by Plymouth on New Year’s EveCredit: REXRooney has been given the boot by Argyle after a mere seven monthsCredit: REXWazza was also given the boot by Birmingham City in JanuaryCredit: GettyAnd the question now, really, is: What next for the former Manchester United man?After all, Rooney really believed he was going to be a manager and that he was cut out for it.But at Derby County, he had a less than 30 per cent win ratio.And it’s been worse everywhere he’s been since then.READ MORE ON ROONEYHe had a miserable time with DC United and picked up just TWO wins in 15 games at Birmingham City.And he leaves Plymouth Argyle with the Devonshire club staring relegation back to League One full in the face.It’s tough. Rooney really cares, there’s no doubt about that.I spoke to him in the US 18 months ago and his enjoyment of the job was clear.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.He said: “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article.”But these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips with the role.Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich “And getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players.”He was really dedicated to making it work. But it doesn’t seem to work.Maybe it’s a little bit of the Glenn Hoddle syndrome with Wazza.When the former Spurs midfielder walked on to a training ground as a manager, he was the best player there.It’s the same, I suspect, with Rooney. Certainly lower down in the leagues, he’ll be much, much better than most players.That was the level of talent he possessed.And if you’re that good, how do you make limited players play when they can’t do things that come naturally to you?It is tough, no question. But I still think there’s a chance for Rooney. It isn’t the end for him.Wayne Rooney has the same problem Glenn Hoddle did at Spurs – that he’s still better than most of the players he coachesCredit: GETTYRooney will be licking his wounds right now but there is still hope for himCredit: REXIt seems almost inevitable that at some point, he will be handed the reins to his boyhood club Everton.But for now, that seems a long way away.This axing, however, will be brutal. It will be hard and it will hurt.There were a few jokers wondering whether he would actually be given the boot in time to see his wife Colleen out of the I’m a Celebrity jungle.Well, that didn’t happen. But it didn’t last too much longer, did it?READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s just hope for Rooney that he doesn’t let his own inner demons – the ones he’s talked about in the past – descend on him now.And let’s hope he can cope with this adversity, come out firing and prove next time that he has what it takes to be a successful gaffer. More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ and has superfans in Enzo Maresca and Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Premier League table since Ruben Amorim took over shows Man Utd in real danger of going down for first time in 51 years

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      THE Premier League table since Ruben Amorim arrived shows Manchester United are in serious danger of relegation.Last night’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle left the new manager admitting a battle to avoid the drop is now a “possibility”.Ruben Amorim admitted relegation is a possible dangerCredit: PAThe table is grim reading for Amorim, with Man Utd 14th and seven points above the dreaded relegation zone heading into the new year.Erik ten Hag oversaw the club’s worst ever start to a Prem season when he was axed after nine league games.But Amorim has failed to turn things around and when only taking into account results during his reign, Man Utd would be 17th in the league.He has picked up a woeful seven points from eight games – two wins, one draw and five losses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Red Devils have scored just nine goals and conceded 14 in this period.Overall, only Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich are enduring worse form.At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest are at the top of the league.But United’s horror run arguably remains the biggest surprise and yesterday’s beating by Newcastle meant they lost a third consecutive league game at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey have suffered defeat on six occasions in December alone in all competitions.That is the most of losses in a single month for United since September 1930.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThe damming stats continue as 14th is the lowest league position the club has been in at this stage since 1989.United were last relegated at the end of the 1973/74 campaign – just six years after lifting the European Cup.Four teams in Premier League history have gone down after sitting in 14th at the turn of the year, with Leeds in the 2022/23 season being the last.And with the current crisis worsening with every game, Amorim may have to channel his inner Sam Allardyce to get them out of trouble.Asked about a fight to avoid the Championship, Amorim said: “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.”It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”United were last relegated in 1973/74 with club legend Denis Law, seen being congratulated on the right. scoring at Old Trafford in a win for Man City in a loss that helped seal their fateCredit: Rex More