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      Andoni Iraola is everything you’d want in a manager… after horror start Spaniard has Cherries on fast-track to Europe

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      WHEN Andoni Iraola failed to win any of his first nine Premier League games as Bournemouth boss, some critics claimed he was on the verge of the sack.But Cherries chiefs believed in Iraola so much that they considered giving him a new contract to shut the doubters up – and their faith has been justified in spades.Andoni Iraola is leading a revolution on the South Coast with BournemouthCredit: GettyThe Cherries continued their fine form with a win over champions Man City last weekCredit: GettySince Bournemouth lost 2-1 at home to former boss Gary O’Neil and Wolves on October 21, 2023 – with 10 men and to an 88th-minute goal, by the way – their form has been excellent.Across 39 games, in other words just over a season, they have won 60 points – the sixth-highest total.Only Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are ahead of them in that table, which means Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham are all behind.The Cherries’ success is a vindication of their early trust in Iraola and the way he and they have transformed the team into one of the most exciting in the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd they are continuing to evolve this season.Statistics show that Bournemouth are developing as an attacking force. They have generated the fourth most shots, crosses and overall passes into the box, and are joint top for high turnovers leading to shots.Their goal tally of 13 is a bit off their xG of 16.42.Most read in FootballBut the finish by club record signing Evanilson to put them 2-0 up against champions City last weekend suggests Bournemouth are capable of putting the cherry on top of their attacking intensity more often.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd having failed to beat any of last season’s top six in 2023/4, they have won against City and Arsenal, and drawn with Aston Villa, in their last three games.How has Iraola done it? By all accounts, through the winning combination of being a top coach and a top bloke.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelTo stop afternoon team meetings and video analysis sessions becoming too intense, he breaks them up with outbreaks of fun.Players enjoy games of football bingo in which a website generates a card with categories like “played under Jose Mourinho” or “won the top flight in England”, and then produces names of players which have to be matched.Iraola seems to have the full house of qualities you would want in a manager and coach.On the training ground, ably assisted by coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, he is hands-on and full-on.He helps lay out the cones and boxes for drills and then takes charge, with balls under his arms and a whistle to his lips.It’s fair to say Iraola’s methods and style of play were a culture shock in the pre-season of summer 2023.At least one player confessed he was finding it all too different and too difficult.But now that same player is one of the top performers.Although you would expect the mood to be good in the current situation, Iraola’s squad seem genuinely to enjoy the high-intensity, risk-and-reward football he preaches.The head coach himself also acknowledges the stability and quality of his environment.Iraola has been given the support he needs, both to weather the early storm and to recruit the kind of players he wants.The loss of technical director Richard Hughes to Liverpool this year was not a surprise to the club and former captain Simon Francis stepped up to implement successfully a summer spree that had been well planned.Owner Bill Foley and the board have sanctioned more than £200m of spending since Iraola’s arrival.This year’s signings were offset in large part by the sale of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for an initial £55m.Yet even without their top scorer from last season, the Cherries continue their rise towards the top.Beating the record top-flight points tally of 48 set in May already looks like a realistic aspiration.But no-one at Bournemouth is getting carried away, least of all Iraola.His first statement win as Cherries boss was a 3-0 victory at Manchester United in December last year – the club had never triumphed at Old Trafford before.Iraola knew how big it was because when he got home, his wife and two children, who didn’t usually get too caught up in football, were well aware of what had happened.But last weekend after the victory over City, he went back to an empty house because the family were back in Spain for half term.READ MORE SUN STORIESFamily man Iraola is in many ways a very normal guy. But what he has done in the last year at Bournemouth feels special.Despite the loss of Dominic Solanke, the Cherries continue to impressCredit: Rex More

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      Fears Cole Palmer will miss Arsenal clash as he’s absent from Chelsea training after Martinez’s horror challenge

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      COLE PALMER remains a doubt for Chelsea’s crunch home clash against rivals Arsenal on Sunday.The Blues’ brightest spark Palmer is yet to train this week after he was cut down by Lisandro Martinez in Chelsea’s drab 1-1 draw with Man Utd.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryPalmer hasn’t trained with Chelsea this weekCredit: GettyIn stoppage time, Red Devils defender Martinez lived up to his “Butcher” name after he lunged into a tackle with Blues playmaker Palmer and caught him on the knee with this studs.Martinez escaped a red card following a review by VAR after Robert Jones’ initial on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was fuming with the decision and confirmed that Palmer was handed an ice pack in the dressing room.Palmer has not trained since the reckless challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club organised a precautionary scan for the England star to get official confirmation ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.But there could be an easy explanation for Palmer’s absence at Cobham.Palmer was never going to be involved in Thursday night’s Conference League tie due to not being named in the squad for the league phase.Nevertheless Maresca has offered some clarity in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their clash against FC Noah.Most read in FootballEnzo Maresca was left fuming as Martinez avoided a red cardFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if playing Palmer on Sunday would be a risk, Maresca said: “Yes, for sure. He didn’t train the last two days.”Hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, it is quite clear it was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?'”Cole didn’t train yesterday, we will see today if he is able to train with us. “Will he be fit for Arsenal? We hope so, we need to wait and seen and then decide.”Jadon Sancho, the summer signing from United, remains unavailable after suffering a knock in training.While Palmer’s absence would no doubt be huge, several stars could now be handed their chance at impressing in his place.One of those is Joao Felix, who is yet to start in the Premier League since rejoining the club for £45m from Atletico Madrid over the summer. Maresca said: “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. We need defensive balance.”We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Christopher Nkunku. I like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend.”Chelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories. More

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      Uefa make final decision over England punishment after fans’ controversial act during Ireland clash

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      BOTH the FA and the Football Association of Ireland have been fined following England’s Nations League clash with Ireland.The Three Lions won the match 2-0 in September thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.The FA and FAI have both been hit with fines after Ireland’s game with EnglandCredit: GettySeptember’s game in Dublin was marred by several fan incidentsCredit: GettySupporters from both nations also booed the national anthemsCredit: GettyUefa have dished out fines after fans from both teams booed the national anthems at the Aviva Stadium.England supporters were deemed to have jeered throughout Amhran na bhFiann.The FA has been slapped with a £10,500 fine as a result. Ireland fans drowned out God Save The King, with the FAI being told to pay £8,400.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEngland’s fine was greater because the booing was deemed a repeat offence.Both associations were also hit with further fines after disorder plagued the fixture in Dublin.Uefa hit the FAI with bills of £7,800 for lighting flares and £5,000 after a fan ran on to the field of play.The FA was also fined £4,150 after an England fan dashed onto the pitch. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s win was their first under interim boss Lee Carsley.Irish fans had prepared a hostile welcome for the returning Rice and Grealish.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandThe £100m stars had played for the country before switching allegiance to England.A banner at the Irish end of the ground proclaimed “The snakes are back” alongside pictures of the pair.Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both found the net in DublinCredit: GettyCarsley is set to take charge of the Three Lions’ games with Greece and Ireland later this month.He will then finish his interim job and return to his former role with the England under-21s.Thomas Tuchel has been hired as a full-time replacement for Gareth Southgate and will start his new role in January. More

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      Jude Bellingham kicks bottle in fury after he is subbed in AC Milan defeat as Thierry Henry gives theory behind strop

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      VEXED Jude Bellingham booted a water bottle in frustration after he was hauled off early during Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to AC Milan.Both Bellingham and Los Blancos have struggled following the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, 25, at the club.Jude Bellingham kicked a water bottle in frustration after he was subbed off during Madrid’s latest Champions League defeatThe Madrid star has been starting from the left hand side this seasonThierry Henry has offered his theory about Bellingham’s frustrationsCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoAnd the crisis sunk to new depths on Tuesday after Madrid suffered back-to-back losses at the Bernabeu. Madrid already trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by nine points and are in the bottom half of the Champions League table.And Bellingham’s frustrations boiled over as he trudged off the pitch and let out his anger on a water bottle in the 74th minute.But Premier League legend Thierry Henry believes that Bellingham had every right to be angry with boss Carlo Ancelotti and Mbappe.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told CBS Sports Golazo: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10 is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time.”I know he’s not a number nine and that this maybe is not what he likes to do. Do you think he likes to make those runs, try and stretch the team?”He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?”I would have been upset too – I saw him kicking a bottle. I would be upset also, of course. Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launch”For me, this is not good enough and I don’t think they are playing well as a team but on the ball also Mbappe has to do way more.”Henry then added that his compatriot must learn to play in a new position, as Vinicius Junior, who scored Madrid’s only goal of the night from the spot, will not be moved from the left wing.The Arsenal legend added: “Mbappe’s going to have to learn to play as a nine and the desire and the will of running in behind.”He will get better – he can’t be worse than this. We’re not asking him to hold the ball like Didier Drogba, who was magnificent.”We’re not asking him to get the ball and dribble past everybody. But that cannot happen all the time, a run in behind from Bellingham, when the team is high.”‘I’m not going to try to find excuses for Bellingham, but how do you play, where do you go, what do you do?”It’s going to be tough for Ancelotti to find a way so all those players can co-exist.”Carlos Ancelotti has struggled to effectively mould his elite stars after the arrival of MbappeThierry Henry has urged Mbappe to learn how to play as a nineBellingham has often been shunted to play on the left, away from his No10 role last term.The 21-year-old scored 23 goals from behind the striker in his debut season, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.He managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players and earning him third place in the Ballon d’Or standings.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpanish outlets have widely reported Bellingham has “declined” since his shift to a defensive position.The England star was labelled a “shadow of his former self” after Ancelotti played him out of position during Barca’s 4-0 El Clasico thrashing. More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Harry Kane’s Bayern face Benfica, Aston Villa in action, PSG host Atletico – updates

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returned in style on Tuesday – and there is plenty more thrilling action in store for TONIGHT!England captain Harry Kane will be looking to continue his incredible goal-scoring run against Portuguese giants Benfica.Aston Villa travel to Club Brugge, PSG host Atletico Madrid and Arsenal make the trip to Italy for a blockbuster Inter Milan encoutner.But the main talking point continues to be around new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and his talisman Viktor Gyokeres who inspired Sporting to a 4-1 victory last night against Manchester City.Kick-off times: 5:45pm/8pm GMTLive stream: discovery+TV channel: TNT SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from matchday four of the Champions League with our live blog below…Emery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Copy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Copy linkCopiedVilla look to build on historic Bayern winAston Villa make the short trip across the channel to take on Club Brugge tonight.Jhon Duran was the hero once again for the West Midlands side as Unai Emery’s men beat Bayern Munich 1-0 on a special night at Villa Park last month.With two wins and two clean sheets in this monumental Champions League group, Villa are proving themselves well worthy of a place back on European football’s grandest stage.Tonight, they hope to make it three.Kick off begins at 5.45pm.Copy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Copy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Copy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Copy linkCopiedGUNNER BE MISSEDArsenal will be without Declan Rice for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.The England midfielder, 25, did not travel to Italy with his Gunners team-mates.Rice played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday.But he did not take part in training on Tuesday morning.It is not yet clear why Rice was absent.But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will have to do without the £100million man as his side take on the Italian champions.Copy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Copy linkCopiedChampions League fixturesClub Brugge vs Aston VillaShakhtar Donetsk vs Young BoysBayern Munich vs BenficaFeyenoord vs Red Bull SalzburgInter Milan vs ArsenalPSG vs Atletico MadridRed Star Belgrade vs BarcelonaSparta Prague vs BrestStuttgart vs AtalantaCopy linkCopiedArteta unlikely to risk talismanThere is no doubting that Arsenal have looked a pale comparison of their best without Martin Odegaard.The good news for Gunners’ fans is that he has returned to training a lot earlier than expected.While he is travelling with the squad to Italy, it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will risk him in this crucial match.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEmery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Credit: @FootRankingsCopy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 1-3 AC MilanThe big surprise result of the evening came in Spain.AC Milan scored three goals to stun Santiago Bernabau.Alvaro Morata got the third goal as the Spaniard rubbed salt in the wound capping off a brilliant display from the Italians.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsPSV 4-0 GironaSlovan Bratislava 1-4 Dinamo ZagrebBologna 0-1 MonacoBorussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm GrazCeltic 3-1 RB LeipzigLille 1-1 JuventusLiverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenReal Madrid 1-3 AC MilanSporting 4-1 Man CityCopy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigA massive result for Brendan Rodgers’ side.They fell behind to a goal from Cristoph Baumgartner but that is as good as it got for the visitors.Celtic move to seven points in this season’s Champions League.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie WyettIncredible second half performance from Liverpool. There will certainly not be any Reds fans wishing Xabi Alonso was their manager instead of Arne Slot. Next up at Anfield in the Champions League are Real Madrid and what a game that could be.Copy linkCopiedFT: Sporting 4-1 Man CityWhat a way to say goodbye to their fans.Pep Guardiola’s side have been trampled by Sporting Lisbon.All of that after having so many chances to score before the hosts had even registered their first.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonWho writes Ruben Amorim’s scripts? A fairytale way to say goodbye to the home fans at the Jose Alvalade – and endear himself to the new ones at Old Trafford. A night they will be talking about for years to come in this part of Lisbon. And what about Viktor Gyokores – he even eclipsed Erling Haaland by scoring a hat-trick – while the Norwegian thumped a pen against the bar. Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenMany Liverpool fans wanted Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.They got Arne Slot and they are top of every league in which they compete so far this season.A Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo goal make for an emphatic win for The Reds.Touch of class from the home fans as they sing their Xabi Alonso chant once the victory is sealed.Copy linkCopied90+1. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenHis name is Lucho, he came from Porto……….he came to score, score, score.Diaz gets his first hat-trick in a Liverpool shirt.Levels.Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 1-3 AC Milan85. A huge cheer from the away end at Santiago Bernabeu.VAR has ruled out Rudiger’s goal.Huge blow for Madrid.Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Man City ace, 49, now starring in CBBC series as he lives very different life as an actor

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      A former Manchester City midfielder is now starring in CBBC show Jamie Johnson FC.The ex-footballer enjoyed a 15-year professional career which also included spells at Blackpool, Norwich, Swindon, Northampton and Wrexham.The ex-Manchester City star has turned to acting following a 15-year playing careerCredit: AlamyHe plays Coach Byrne in CBBC show Jamie Johnson FCCredit: Jamie Johnson FCNow 49 years of age, the three-cap Northern Ireland international has been retired for nearly two decades.But his new career as an actor is thriving – and is actually overlapping with football.His role in the CBBC show Jamie Johnson FC – about a group of talented players attempting to make it to the top level – sees him play the character Coach Byrne.He has also performed in musical theatre across Europe, featuring in roles such as Sammy Davis Jr.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former player in question is Jim Whitley.He never made an appearance in the top tier but did feature numerous times for Man City in the Second Division.He also racked up more than 100 games for Wrexham.His small acting role as Coach Byrne could forge a new full-time career for Whitley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhitley left Man City for Wrexham in 2001Credit: Action Images – ReutersHowever, he has claimed he is unlikely to make it a permanent move as he is balancing the part-time work with his coaching badges.He told BBC Sport: “I took the Uefa B badge just before I got the Jamie Johnson role.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”The door’s not closed on that front, it’s just trying to balance various things.”As well as acting and coaching, Whitley also works with the PFA and Sporting Chance to deal with players’ addiction issues.He had his own battles with alcohol and depression during his playing career.Whitley’s brother Jeff also battled addiction and recently opened up about his struggles. More

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      Viktor Gyokeres has gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that could see him join Man Utd in bargain transfer

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES could be up for grabs for around £63million in the summer – putting Manchester United on red alert.Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick against City on Tuesday night.Viktor Gyokeres could be available for a cut-price dealCredit: GettyHe has a release clause in his deal at the José Alvalade Stadium which is set at around £84m and expires in 2028.However the former Coventry man is believed to have a gentleman’s agreement with the Portuguese club that will allow him to go for much less if he sees the season out with them.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants – including United, Arsenal and Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis outgoing boss Ruben Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.“Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”After scoring 66 goals in 67 appearances he is certain to be in demand and there is already interest from Saudi Arabia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.But United are likely to be in the market for a number nine after struggling for goals during the opening months of this season.Gyokeres admitted it is a blow for his current club to be losing Amorim.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd He said: “We will miss him a lot. We’ve done amazing things together.“We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us.” More

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      Real Madrid star’s stunning Wag Mina Bonino slams Carlo Ancelotti after AC Milan defeat.. before claiming she was HACKED

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde’s wife appeared to criticise Carlo Ancelotti on social media before claiming her account was hacked.The Spanish giants’ difficult start to the season continued last night as they were beaten 3-1 by AC Milan in the Champions League.Federico Valverde was subbed off at half-time in Real Madrid’s defeat to MilanCredit: GettyValverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerCredit: Instagram / Mina BoninoBut she then claimed her account was hacked and the posts were not from herCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoThe stunning Wag works as a journalistCredit: Instagram / @minaboninoValverde, who is predominately a central midfielder, was used on the right-wing yesterday before being hooked off at half-time.The decision to sub the 26-year-old off seemingly enraged his stunning Wag Mina Bonino.Her account tweeted: “It’s better that I keep quiet because they would take me to jail.”A follower then tried to defend the manager’s use of Valverde and she seemingly replied: “Fede plays best as a pivot and in recovery. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What are you talking about? When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”Journalist Mina, 30, later deleted the posts and said: “It’s not me, I was hacked.”Asked about the criticism after the game, Ancelotti said: “What people think on social media… for me it’s very complicated.”I replaced him because for me, he was not 100 per cent.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He had back problems, he seemed to have recovered because he trained well yesterday.”But it turned out he was not at his best physical level, that’s why I changed him.”Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Real Madrid won the Champions League last season but have made a poor start this year, winning two and losing two games in the competition so far.They were also LaLiga winners last term but are already nine points off current leaders Barcelona after being humiliated 4-0 in El Clasico ten days ago.Pressure is mounting on Ancelotti and reports in Madrid state he is in danger of losing the dressing room.On his team’s poor performances, he said: “It is not an issue of motivation or attitude, it’s a collective thing that we need to fix quickly.”On the pitch something is missing and we have not been able to show our best version. “We have to fix this, but the nights are going to be very long and we have to recover the solidity that we are lacking.”That’s the problem above all, we’ve conceded too many goals for a team that is built on solidity.”The couple have two kidsCredit: Instagram / Mina BoninoCarlo Ancellotti is under mounting pressure amid Real Madrid’s poor formCredit: Getty More