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      Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

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      RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson to MISS Brentford clash just four days after axe as Man Utd ambassador

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is set to miss Manchester United’s clash with Brentford today – just four days after being axed as a club ambassador.Earlier this week, Sir Alex was relieved of his duties as a club ambassador at Man Utd – losing his £2.16m-per-year paycheque in the process.Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be attending Manchester United’s clash with Brentford todayCredit: PAThe axing, which came as part of Ineos’ continued cost-cutting measures, is said to have been accepted amicably during a meeting.Ferguson is understood to be maintaining his position as a non-executive member of the board at the club he managed for 26 years.The 82-year old is also said to be welcome at any United games going forward, as he has been since his departure as manager in 2013.But that won’t be happening today with the Scot set to skip out on attending Old Trafford to watch Erik ten Hag’s side take on Brentford in the Premier League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFerguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the newly axed former gaffer is at a prior engagement.Current boss Ten Hag has already spoken on the “impact” Sir Alex stepping down from his role will have on Man Utd as a club going forward.In his pre-match press conference, he said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.”Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag has spoken of he ‘impact’ Ferguson’s dismissal could have on Man UtdCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAdding: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.”I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last two and a half years.”Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club Ferguson’s £2.16m-per-year contract was seeing him earn more than FIVE United first team players – including England international Kobbie Mainoo.However, many fans and pundits think that Ferguson’s ambassadorial salary was justifiable given his impact on the club during his 26-year stint in the dugout.And former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand – who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson – has suggested that his former gaffer’s status could be one of the motivating factors behind taking him off the payroll.Hinting that the decision to “axe” a name like Fergie could send a message to everyone at Man Utd that nobody is safe under the new regime.Taking to social media, Ferdinand wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Ineos could be sending a message with their dismissal of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettySir Alex Fergsuon’s Man Utd trophy haulAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World Cup More

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      Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris provides Jordan Henderson transfer update 13 years after £20m departure to Liverpool

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      REGIS LE BRIS refused to rule out Jordan Henderson making a romantic return to Sunderland in January – but says no transfer talks are underway.The Wearsider, 34, came through the ranks at his boyhood club before signing for Liverpool in a £20m deal in 2011.Speculation has been mounting that Jordan Henderson wants a return to SunderlandCredit: GettyThe star came the the academy on Wearside but was sold to Liverpool in 2011Credit: AFPHe went on to enjoy great success at Anfield, captaining them to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.The England midfielder’s 12-year stay with the Reds came to a controversial end in the summer of 2023 as he headed to Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq for mega wages.The move turned into a disaster as he played just 19 games for the team managed by Steven Gerrard due to his family being unable to settle in the Middle East.Henderson headed back to Europe in January with Ajax but he has started just twice in the Dutch top-flight this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat has led to his representatives allegedly trying to engineer a move back to the Stadium of Light to help Le Bris’ young squad in their promotion charge.Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull City, the Black Cats boss bluntly replied “no” when asked directly whether Henderson’s name had been discussed as a potential target.However, when asked if he was the type of player that he would like to bring in, he did not rule out a potential swoop.The Frenchman said: “He’s obviously a strong and famous player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“At the minute the transfer window is not open, so we can speak about many players but we don’t have the choice at the moment.”Sunderland legend Julio Arca certainly believes that it would be a no-brainer to snap him up if the opportunity arises.Jordan Henderson’s prickly interview goes viral after seven-word reply to reporter’s blunt question and fans love itThe 43-year-old Argentinean, who spent six years at Sunderland and helped them to the 2005 Championship title, told SunSport: “I haven’t seen Jordan play a lot recently or what standard he is at but he is someone local that has gone on to do really well.“He did great for the club while he was here and he can bring a lot of experience to Sunderland’s young players.“It’s good to have experienced players like that as, even if they don’t play all the time, they can help in the changing-room and in certain games. “Some people will think that Jordan cannot play in every game, but he can bring a lot more than just the football playing side.”Sunderland have history when it comes to reunions with ex-stars and they have produced mixed results.Strikers Jermain Defoe and Danny Graham both endured miserable second stints with the Black Cats while the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Paul Bracewell both enjoyed further success.Regis Le Bris says ‘no’ talks have taken place so far regarding HendersonCredit: AlamySunderland legend Julio Arca would love to see Henderson returnCredit: GettyAnd another ex-Sunderland fan favourite Martin Gray, who came through the ranks at Roker Park to help the club win promotion in the 1990s, issued a warning to Henderson.The 53-year-old said: “You look at his achievements since leaving Sunderland and you just think, ‘Wow, where has that come from?’“Not many thought that he would go on to become the person he has and achieve the success he has with Liverpool and England.“You need experience but you need energy as well. “He could come and take some of the pressure off of the younger lads but if it doesn’t go well for you then it can leave a bit of a sour taste due to what you have achieved since you left.Martin Gray did issue a warning to the veteran midfielderCredit: Getty“I think it’s a big decision to make and if your legs are starting to go or you start picking up little niggles then the punters can turn on you very quickly.”Meanwhile, Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, who took over in the summer, sung the praises of Henderson when asked about the Sunderland links but refused to confirm the veteran was staying in Amsterdam.He said: “He is an exceptional player who possesses great quality and leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Having captained his team to a Champions League victory, I believe he can effectively communicate the essence of a winning mentality and a strong work ethic.“There are many valuable ways in which he can make a significant contribution to a young team like ours.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Pep Guardiola says ‘sooner or later it will happen’ on leaving Man City as he keeps door open to England job

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      PEP GUARDIOLA will not leave Manchester City hanging over his future — as he left the door open to becoming England boss.Guardiola says part of him will leave the club when sidekick Txiki Begiristain quits in the summer.Pep Guardiola has left the door open to managing England in the futureCredit: AlamyThere are fears City’s serial Prem-winning manager wants to follow the sporting director — with his contract expiring at the end of this season.Asked about signing a new deal, Guardiola said: “I want to be really, really, really convinced that it’s the best for the club.“I will not delay every action knowing  I am creating a problem for the club.“If I feel there’s a problem, I’ll take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling because they understand the reasons.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“A part of me is leaving. Txiki is a friend of mine — the architect who helped to create one of the best teams ever from Barcelona and now here.“I’ve known his decision — for family and personal reasons — for a long time and he will be missed.“I’m pretty sure that the club have an option when Txiki should leave and they have options when Pep will leave.“Sooner or later it’s going to happen and they are prepared. So it’s not going to be a surprise.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola, who is still missing crocked Kevin De Bruyne for tomorrow’s trip to Wolves, was approached by FA chiefs over the summer as they started the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.Thomas Tuchel landed the job and will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley on January 1.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThomas Tuchel was appointed Three Lions manager this week on an 18-month dealCredit: GettyGerman boss Tuchel’s 18-month contract, worth £7.5million, will run up to the 2026 World Cup.And Guardiola could be available at that point if he signs a one-year extension at City, which Etihad chiefs hope he will.When asked if he would like to manage a national team, he replied: “Yes.”Asked about the backlash over the Three Lions appointing a foreign boss, he explained: “We don’t decide where we are born. I didn’t decide to be Catalan. I didn’t decide to be English.“I understand people think it is normal to be manager for the national team where you were born.“But the world is so big and you have to be open-minded.“I would like to support Thomas unconditionally because he will represent your country the very best — with his knowledge, his wisdom.“If he wins he will be congratulated and if he loses he will be criticised. But it doesn’t matter if he is a foreigner or not.”Guardiola could still succeed Tuchel as England boss after the 2026 World CupCredit: ReutersArsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes England fans should feel “proud” Tuchel has taken the job.And he can relate to the German’s love affair with English football.Spaniard Arteta says he would have been open to playing for England when Fabio Capello considered calling up the former Everton midfielder ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Fifa blocked the move because Arteta played for Spain’s youth teams.But Arteta said: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it.”Asked about bossing England, he replied: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football, and how you get treated.“That’s something you should be really proud of.”Mikel Arteta has also hinted at becoming England manager later in his careerCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool Champions League winner ‘ordered to LEAVE new club after refusing to board team bus’

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      A FORMER Liverpool Champions League winner has been ordered to leave his club after refusing to board the team bus.The Guinea international joined Werder Bremen from the Reds on a free transfer last summer.The midfielder has been suspended by Werder Bremen since April for refusing to board the team busCredit: GettyManager Ole Werner has ordered the player to leave the clubCredit: GettyHe penned a three-year deal through to 2026 but has now been told he is free to leave the Bundesliga side.The player, who carried the flag for his country at the Olympic Games, has been suspended and banned from the first-team since April after refusing to board the team bus.The incident came about after he found out he was not starting their league clash with Werder Bremen.Just over six months on, manager Ole Werner has now said the player needs to leave.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Kicker: “I do believe that we have been very, very humane and very, very transparent with him at all times since he joined us.”[Naby] Keita is not our issue right now, and I believe that it’s best for both sides to simply look ahead and into the future, to see what good solutions Naby can find for himself and what solutions we can find without him.”However, Keita has claimed he apologised for the incident, although Werner is not aware of it.The Bremen boss added: “It could be that it somehow happened in the meantime, it just wouldn’t have reached me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Keita explained to The Guardian: “In my last year at Liverpool, I didn’t play much and when I arrived here, I was motivated.”We’ll have to talk about the bus incident one day, but everyone who knows me knows that I’m a professional and that I’m not undisciplined.Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’Keita said he has apologised for the incident before April’s clash with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty”Despite everything, I apologised to the group even before the end of last season because we’re all human and nobody’s perfect.”Wherever I’ve been, from Salzburg to Leipzig to Liverpool, I’ve always tried to be exemplary.”The 29-year-old continued: “A lot of people say to me: ‘Naby, you’re injured, why don’t you want to play for Bremen?’ I say: ‘No, I’m fine.'”Since I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations [in February], all I’ve wanted to do is play for the fans and the club. But it’s not up to me.”The club decided to put me with the under-23s. I’m training with them and helping the youngsters while I wait for the wheels to turn.”The fans have shown me a lot of love and they deserve to see me return that love on the pitch.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKeita won seven trophies in five years at Anfield, including the Champions League, but has made just five appearances for Bremen.He has not been included in a matchday squad since the bus incident in April, with his last appearance coming the previous month.The midfielder won seven trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Erik ten Hag says Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ as manager promises ‘success like last two seasons’

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      ERIK TEN HAG admits Manchester United have a mountain to climb after their worst-ever Premier League start.The under-fire Red Devils boss is still clinging on to his job ahead of Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford, with his side 14th in the table.Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United ‘have a mountain to climb’Credit: GettyThe Dutchman’s side are down in 14th after their worst-ever Premier League startCredit: ReutersTen Hag, who has accepted United’s start “is not good enough” following just two wins in seven league games, saw the club’s hierarchy hold a seven-hour London summit during the international break.The Dutchman said: “We have a mountain to climb. But that is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges — sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down.“But I am sure we will make it a success as we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good things.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I see good patterns and the good stats confirm we are in a direction but, of course, the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”Ten Hag needs results as United bid to end a run of five games without a win in all competitions.However, he has bad memories of facing the Bees in the early stages of his Old Trafford career.The Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 in West London back in 2022 in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat result is Brentford’s only win in their last 11 meetings with this weekend’s opponents, though.Thomas Frank’s side are also looking for their first points on the road this season.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd The Danish coach has so far seen his side lose to Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in a brutal run of away matches.Their 10 points from 12 at home have seen Brentford climb to 11th, however, three places above United after seven fixtures this term.Ten Hag remains confident he can deliver more success after trophies in his first two seasonsCredit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Sir Alex Ferguson axe as ambassador as Man Utd boss admits ‘it has had an impact on us’

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      ERIK TEN HAG has broken his silence on the axing of Sir Alex Ferguson as a Manchester United ambassador.There was shock at Old Trafford this week when their greatest-ever manager was relieved of his £2.16million-a-year role as part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.Erik ten Hag has spoken about Sir Alex Ferguson’s axingCredit: GettyThe two managers celebrating Man Utd’s League Cup triumph togetherCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, will still act as a non-executive member of the board and will be welcome at matches.Current boss Ten Hag has claimed that the axing of the Scot has had an impact on the team and himself.He said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.”Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFerguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the 82-year-old Scot is at a prior engagement.The Dutchman has leant on Sir Alex in the past, tapping into his experience, and hopes he can still turn to him for help.He said: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.”I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last 2½ years.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Ten Hag admits Ferguson’s success has placed more pressure on his successors.The ex-Ajax boss is the fifth incumbent since 13-time Prem and twice Champions League winner Fergie retired in 2013.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ Ten Hag said: “There’s almost no club in the world where exceptions are so high.”That’s set from the era of Sir Alex and the rest of us have to deal with this.”We so far haven’t got to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League — but that’s the ambition.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Son Heung-min set to take huge Tottenham record off former England star who says ‘I’m happy it’s going to be him’

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      DARREN ANDERTON can think of nobody who is more fitting to steal his assist record for Spurs than selfless skipper Son Heung-min.Former England midfielder Anderton tops Tottenham’s charts in the Premier League with a whopping 68.Son Hueng-min could set a new assist record against West HamCredit: GettyDarren Anderton is Tottenham’s record holder with 68Credit: GettyBut South Korean icon Son is creeping up behind on 64 and will surely surpass him at some point this term.Son will target getting even closer to Anderton’s record at home to West Ham.And Anderton, 52, told  SunSport in association with freebets.com: “If anyone is going to break that record, I’m very happy it’s going to be Son because he’s a team player.“I always considered myself to be that, and always put the team first.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’d get as much joy at  creating opportunities and  setting up goals as I did from scoring myself.”Assists — providing the final ball to the player who scores the goal — were not as revered in Anderton’s 1990s heyday.But the growing influence of stats-obsessed American sports and the rise of fantasy football have seen the goal-maker take almost as much credit as the goal-taker.Put it this way: Anderton would be hailed far more for his playmaking ability if he were playing today rather than 30 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMany of Anderton’s assists saw him tee up old mucker Teddy Sheringham.In fact, their epic 27-goal combinations make the pair the fifth-most prolific duo in Premier League history.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsSon is top of that particular list owing to his fruitful partnership with Harry Kane.They hit a staggering 47-goal combinations before Kane was sold to Bayern Munich two summers ago.California-based Anderton added: “We live in America now and all the sports over here are about the assists and the stats and everything.“So I’ve always been aware of it. My American friends always used to say that it’s scandalous no one ever speaks about assists!“Now they do, so that’s good, and I think they should. It’s a huge part of the game and it’s what happens in the final third that wins games.“Your team can have all the possession in the world but it’s that final ball which is so, so important.“I’m very proud of the record. It’s something that I was always aware of.“When I first got in at Spurs I struggled, but then things really took off for me and my relationship with Teddy in terms of assists and scoring goals.“When Harry and Sonny had their assist-goal relationship, I saw myself and Teddy’s names up in the top five  Premier League goal-assist partnerships.“Someone sent me something the other day about my record on social media when Son had two assists and I was like, ‘Oh, OK’.“We were having dinner and I showed my daughter and  wife and we were having a bit of a giggle about it.”Son has missed Spurs’  last three games due to a hamstring issue picked up  in the 3-0 home win over Qarabag in the Europa League group stages last month.However, the South Korean expects to return to action today in the early kick-off.The attacker, 32, is one of Spurs’ greatest modern-day players and is 21st in the all-time list of Premier League goalscorers on 122.But he has only scored in one match this season — the 4-0 win over Everton on August 24 — and has not netted in his last five club appearances.Anderton added: “He hasn’t played as well as he would like and against Manchester United, he wasn’t missed — that performance was incredible.“But that’s all part of getting to that sort of age and things start to change. I left Spurs at 32, I thought I had a few more years in me, but that’s all part of the game that we all play.“But everyone in football knows how good he is.“He’s the perfect football player. He works his socks off, he creates opportunities, he scores goals.“He has always produced  and has been an unbelievable player for the club.”But if Spurs are to beat their London neighbours today, Anderton believes the performance of £40million midfielder James Maddison will be key.The playmaker has struggled for large parts of this year as he battles back to peak fitness after damaging ankle ligaments in November 2023.But he has been in red-hot form in recent weeks, yet was overlooked again by England this month.Anderton felt the 27-year-old deserved a recall and believes the North Londoners are at their best when Maddison is on top of his game.Euro 96 star Anderton, who won 30 caps for his country, added: “When he plays well, we play well.“He has that X Factor that when teams sit deep because we do dominate, you need that bit of magic to create things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Christian Eriksen used to do it and James Maddison is in that mould.“After he had that injury last season, our form was never the same. He’s that important to the team.”James Maddison was left out of the last England teamCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More