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      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

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      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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      Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

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      ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More

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      ‘He’ll kill you!’ – Man Utd star opens up on Ruben Amorim’s zero tolerance approach towards lazy players in training

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      LENY YORO has opened up over Ruben Amorim’s zero-tolerance approach towards lazy players in training.The Manchester United boss has shown it’s his way or the highway after packing Marcus Rashford out on loan to Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim’s brutal training demands have been revealedCredit: PALeny Yoro says all Man Utd players are expected to work to the highest standardsCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford felt the wrath of Amorim for his lack of effort and is now at Aston VillaCredit: ReutersA key man under former manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford was quickly axed by Amorim after failing to match the intensity demanded at Carrington.It saw the forward linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.But in the end it was Aston Villa, eight points above United in the Premier League table, who won the race for Rashford.Amorim has since wished the ace good luck while insisting he could not find a way back for Rashford in United’s squad due to his lack of work ethic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd defender Yoro has now lifted the lid on Amorim’s no-nonsense approach to life on the training field.Admitting the tactician has a zero-tolerance policy for passengers, Yoro told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “I have a really good relationship with Amorim.“I just try to do what he asks me to do. He’s big on communication with the players because he played at a top level.“He’s been at a lot of clubs so he knows your feelings when you’re not playing or when you have a bad game.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He knows how to speak with you and that’s really important for me. In training, it’s really, I would say, hard. But it’s important.“We have a lot of training and, for him, training is really important because you play the game like you train. Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“The most important thing is to be really good in training. If you are not working, if you are lazy, he won’t like you — he’ll kill you!“It’s normal because you play like you train. He’s really strict on this because, to win games and trophies, you need to be disciplined outside the pitch. You need to be punctual.” More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

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      TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More

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      Glamorous football presenter Kathy Valencia wears dress so daring she has to check she’s not had wardrobe malfunction

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      PRESENTER Kathy Valencia put the “low” in “Yellow Night” – with a daring look in front of 20,000 fans.The popular and almost popping-out broadcaster fronted a famous Ecuadorian extravaganza that peaks with big rivals Barcelona SC and Deportivo Quito clashing.Kathy Valencia was an Amarilla thriller for many fans at Barcelona SC’s match with Deportivo Quito in EcuadorCredit: XShe decided it was worth a check as thousands of viewers looked onCredit: XKathy was also the spokesperson for the event in Ecuador’s capitalCredit: XShe sparked scarlet fever not yellow with this snapCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecAnd Kathy’s dress was so low-cut she had to glance down to check she hadn’t suffered a wardrobe malfunction while holding her microphone out on the pitch.The traditional “Noche Amarilla” event was held in Ecuador’s capital city Quito for the second year running.The full day of music and entertainment ends with “Yellow Night” – involving a friendly match pairing two top-flight clubs.Yet Kathy matched the thrills and nearly the spills of that contest with her own colourful contribution at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe’s also the spokesperson for the whole Amarilla occasion, so she made media appearances ahead of the special day to boost what was already guaranteed to be a sizeable attendance.World Cup winner David Trezeguet was another reason the Quito crowd was so massive.The former Juventus striker, who scored France’s Golden Goal in the Euro 2000 final, was the special guest.Barcelona SC, runners-up in last year’s Ecuador League, proceeded to fall 3-0 down against Deportivo.Most read in FootballA second-half fight-back then cut SC’s margin of defeat to 3-2.That recovery made it a game as stirring as the reaction Valencia herself received online throughout the evening.”Is Ecuador shaking?” asked one fan after seeing images of the social media star, who has 31,000 Instagram followers.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleOther verdicts included: “Awesome look”… “That’s amazing”… and “Tremendo” – a Spanish word that means exactly what you think.Action in Ecuador’s top-tier, LigaPro, starts on February 16 – in other words, 48 hours after Valentine’s Day and one week past Valencia’s Night!Kathy’s online following has grown to 31kCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecKathy impressed in front of shades of greyCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecShe might dream of global fame after Yellow NightCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecLocks amazing! Hair flair is one factor in Kathy’s imageCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecShe looks hip both online and on the pitchCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaec More

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      Celtic-Rangers League Cup final chaos update as four charged in connection with Glasgow mayhem

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      FOUR men have been charged in connection with violent scenes which broke out ahead of the Old Firm League Cup clash in December.Violence erupted on Glasgow’s city centre ahead of the Rangers v Celtic game which saw the Hoops clinch the cup in a nail biting penalty shoot-out.Members of the Green Brigade march down Argyle Street on December 15, last yearPyros were let off during the violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fansHowever the excitement of the December 15 game was already marred by horror scenes in the city’s Argyle Street before the match when gangs of Rangers and Celtic yobs rampaged in the city.We told how Christmas shoppers were left terrified as masked ultras wearing Santa hats threw pyros and confronted cops in the city centre before the Celtic-Rangers Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One officer was allegedly struck in the eye by a glass bottle while a 26-year-old fan was said to have been badly hurt as Green Brigade and Union Bears thugs faced-off.Revellers dodged a lit flare hurled inside Celtic fan favourite pub Gallagher’s, while horrified women and kids watched as thugs in balaclavas charged their rivals.Police had been hunting 19 people involved in the violence and today confirmed four men, aged 23, 26, 27 and 28, were arrested from the Glasgow and South Lanarkshire areas.All four suspects are all being held in Police custody and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February.Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “This is an ongoing operation and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace those involved in the disorder. Most read in Football”I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to please attend at a local police station or contact us via 101.”The arrests come as Celtic managed to avoid a predicted away fan ban for the Champion’s League play-off round tie against Bayern Munich.The Hoops have a suspended one-match ban hanging over them over the use of pyrotechnics, which was assumed would be initiated after a fan threw a green smoke bomb onto the pitch during the defeat to Aston Villa.However in a shock move Uefa opted for just a 10,000 Euro fine, meaning that Celtic fans will be allowed to attend the huge clash against the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.However the club reminded fans that the suspended one-match ban remains in place and any future pyrotechnics events would leave an “extremely high risk” of it being triggered down the line.The Club added: “Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.” More

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      Eddie Howe issues hands-off warning as fears arise Kieran Trippier could still leave Newcastle this month

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      EDDIE HOWE has revealed his delight at keeping Kieran Trippier – and issued a hands-off warning to Galatasaray.The veteran full-back, 34, has suffered a difficult campaign both on and off-field amid constant speculation over his future.Eddie Howe has issued a hands-off warning over Kieran TrippierCredit: GettyThe right-back is a target for GalatasarayCredit: GettyTurkish giants Galatasaray are the latest club to test the waters about signing the ex-England star.And they could still try and make a move before their transfer window closes on February 11.PSR-conscious Toon chiefs could have been tempted to cash in on Trippier given he only has 18 months remaining on his St James’ Park contract.Howe, however, could not be happier that he still has Trippier in his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ace produced a fine performance, on just his seventh start this season, in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup Final.Howe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress. “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do. “He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places. “We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do.“Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.“He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.” More

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      Steven Gerrard odds-on favourite to take over as manager of Frank Lampard’s old club after Al Ettifaq exit

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      STEVEN GERRARD is the red-hot favourite to take over as Derby County manager.Paul Warne was sacked by the Rams on Friday after a horror run of SEVEN straight defeats.Steven Gerrard is the odds-on favourite to become new Derby County bossCredit: PAPaul Warne was sacked by Derby on Friday after slipping into the relegation zoneCredit: PADerby have now slipped into the Championship relegation zone, two points adrift from safety.The hunt for a new manager has already begun, with a host of former Premier League managers in the frame.But Gerrard – who left Saudi side Al-Ettifaq last month – is the odds-on favourite to land the job.The Liverpool legend is 4/5 with Coral to be the latest manager tasked with the tricky Derby job.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe likes of Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney have managed the Rams in recent years.And Manchester United legend Rooney is even the 10/1 sixth-favourite to return having been axed by Plymouth in December.Ex-Swansea and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper – sacked by Leicester after just five months in November – is the 9/4 second-favourite.Rob Edwards, who left Luton last month, is also in the running at 3/1.Most read in FootballEarly odds for Derby job4/5 – Steven Gerrard9/4 – Steve Cooper3/1 – Rob Edwards9/2 – Russell Martin8/1 – Ryan Lowe10/1 – Wayne Rooney*Odds according to CoralSacked Southampton manager Russell Martin will be hoping to jump straight back into management.The former Saints chief is 9/2 to head to the Midlands.Steven Gerrard is going to be a grandad at 44Ryan Lowe, who left Preston after just ONE game of the 2024-25 season, is 8/1 to take over at Derby, having told Deepdale chiefs he “wanted a break.. a change.”But for Warne, his time at Pride Park is over following a horror run of form.Warne took over from Rooney after Liam Rosenior’s interim spell in September 2022.Following his arrival from Rotherham, the ex-midfielder had a strong start but form collapsed and Derby missed out on a League One play-off spot.However, Warne took them back into the Championship at the second time of asking in 2023-24, finishing second.But he oversaw just seven wins and six draws from 30 league games in the second tier so far this season.And with Derby two points off the bottom and two points off 21st-placed Hull, owner David Clowes made the decision to fire Warne.A Rams statement said: “It is with regret that Derby County have decided to relieve Paul Warne of his position.”While Paul and his staff helped deliver on the club’s objective of a return to the Championship last season, the recent run of results necessitates a change.”Clowes added: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County.”No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.” More