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      ‘I know what club I signed for’ – Daniel Farke breaks silence on sack rumours as Leeds boss says ‘it’s not surprising’

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      DANIEL FARKE is unsurprised by claims Leeds  are considering sacking him — despite securing Premier League promotion.The Whites sealed their top-flight return after two years out when they thumped Stoke 6-0 last Monday.Daniel Farke says someone is linked with his job ‘on a weekly basis’Credit: PALeeds players celebrated their Prem return at Elland RoadCredit: AlamyYet despite his success, Leeds reportedly doubt boss Farke is the right man to lead them into the big time.The German’s critics point to his record  with Norwich — two Prem promotions and two immediate returns to the second tier.Asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.READ MORE LEEDS UNITED NEWS“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.”Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach chief is the right man for 2025-26..Supporters sang the 48-year-old’s name amid promotion celebrations outside Elland Road on Monday night. Most read in FootballFarke took Leeds to the play-offs this year and promotion this timeCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Farke has failed to win over at least one section of Leeds fans.They were unhappy with his playing style, use of substitutes and, until recently, his faith in keeper Illan Meslier.Inside Leeds’ wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the micFarke took the reins at Leeds last term following relegation and only missed out on a Prem spot when Southampton won the play-off final. Now he’s not just ensured a return to the elite, his team top the Championship on goal difference.And victory in their final two games would mean 100 points.Leeds host Bristol City on Monday then travel to bottom side Plymouth on May 3.However, Farke’s win record in the Prem stands at only 12%.And if Leeds did take the controversial decision to replace him, there could be an attempt to lure back Carlos Corberan.Read More on The SunThe Spaniard was assistant boss at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa and had decent spells in charge of Huddersfield and West Brom.Three huge names have also been mentioned – Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Jose Mourinho. More

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      Diletta Leotta shows off new ‘Bond girl’ look as DAZN host puts on revealing display in low cut ski suit

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      DILETTA LEOTTA fired a red arrow through the heart of her admirers with A View to a Thrill.Fans loved the DAZN presenter’s new “Bond girl” look as she wore a low-cut scarlet ski suit on the slopes.Diletta Leotta chose a look worthy of 007 movies but for adoring fans it was more swoon-maker than MoonrakerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=enFans were given a glam and glacial treatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=enThe wife of ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius hit new peaks for style as she wrote: “Summer starts at altitude.”Leotta was also called a “Beautiful Little Red Riding Hood” by one of her 9.2million Instagram followers.But the sports broadcaster claimed she had little time to enjoy her fairytale surroundings.Alongside snowy photos and video clips, Leotta wrote: “A quick escape to @stmoritz, just time enough to shoot, breathe and take it all in.READ MORE ON DILETTA LEOTTA”Grateful for the warm welcome and the beauty all around.”She reckoned her sleek outfit, complete with matching ski boots, was “timeless”.And it made for a red ‘Letta day for her admirers.Many were gasping, “Oh, Oh, heaven!” when seeing her sporty snaps from the Swiss mountains.Most read in FootballLeotta popped inside for selfiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=en”Mamma mia!” exclaimed one.And a fervent, thesaurus-favouring follower described her as: “Gorgeous. Wonderful. Inimitable. Aesthetic icon of extreme elegance.”Diletta Leotta wows in busty outfit at Fifa Club World Cup draw but fans baffled as Italy icon calls her an ‘immigrant’While another fan posted: “I don’t know if it looks like a Vanzina film or a James Bond film.”Meanwhile a Fan with a Golden Gun of praise for her glamorous pics announced: “Perfect shooting!”Leotta’s social media fame has been surpassed of late by her broadcasting career – as a Serie A specialist.Meanwhile, husband Karius is rebuilding his reputation at Schalke after poor Premier League spells at Liverpool and Newcastle.The 31-year-old had not played for 371 days before making his debut for the German second-tier club in February.A lesser man could have faded away after a year in the wilderness.But tough cookie Karius decided it was No Time to Cry!A glimpse into the DAZN presenter’s life…Diletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she hosted a Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaAnd boasts 8.9million followersCredit: GettyThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius were spotted out in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash

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      FIRE CREWS were called to tackle a fire at Luton Town football club.Pictures and videos shared on social media showed the home of the Championship football club, Kenilworth Road, on fire on Friday evening.Fire crews were seen tackling a fire at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road on Friday eveningCredit: https://x.com/dawkinscov1980/status/1915863364422586613The source of the incident was from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry roomCredit: AlamyFirefighters were seen battling the blaze as black smoke billowed from the stadium.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 8:08pm, with crews from Luton, Stopsley, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard stations all responding.The fire brigade said firefighters wore breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze from an aerial platform and a 9-metre ladder using two hose reels during the incident.A thermal imaging camera was also used to check for hotspots in the operation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fire brought was under control and extinguished within two hours.A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service statement confirmed crews remained on the scene and a full road closure was still in place on Hatters Way hours later.The shocking scenes came hours before the Championship outfit’s match against Coventry.The clash, which could be pivotal in the Hatters’ battle against relegation, was due to start at 12:30pm.Most read in FootballAnd a statement released by the club at 10:39pm confirmed there would be “no disruption” to the fixture with Coventry.The full statement read “We would like to advise supporters that following reports of an incident at Kenilworth Road this evening, there is no disruption to tomorrow’s fixture with Coventry City taking place.”Smoke was found to be coming from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry room, which was contained within that area and has been dealt with swiftly to prevent any substantial damage.”We would like to offer a huge thank you to Beds Fire & Rescue for their quick intervention, along with club partners and staff who are also on site to help resolve the issue and ensure that everything is now safe.” More

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      Man City’s Premier League rivals to be forced into paying out £5MILLLION each if Man City win legal battle

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S Premier League rivals each face a £5MILLION bill — if the dethroned champions win their crunch legal battle with League bosses.Under Prem rules, costs are taken away from the amount distributed between top-flight clubs from broadcast and commercial deals.Manchester City’s rivals face £5m bills if they win their legal battleCredit: EPARivals Manchester United would be hit with the hefty billCredit: PAArsenal would have to fork out the cash tooCredit: EPAWhile a verdict on Pep Guardiola’s City’s 130 alleged breaches of financial rules is yet to come, it is anticipated the total legal bill for both sides could reach £100m.Earlier this month, it emerged “administrative expenses”, including legal fees, hit £200.2m last season.It was initially understood legal bills for the campaign would be around £8m.But Prem chiefs were caught in a series of rule disputes and challenges against City, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s win in the first Associated Party Transaction case in February saw Etihad bosses demand the Prem meet the club’s £10m legal costs in addition to their own bills.City faced 130 allegations when their financial rules case was heard by a commission last autumn.If the charges are proved, it is understood there will be a separate “sanctions hearing”.But a City win would almost certainly result in the club demanding a full recovery of their costs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis would see the legal bill split between the 19 other clubs, who stand to lose £5m each.It would be a hefty hit with Profitability and Sustainability Rules in place until next season at least.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback More

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      I’ve been relegated and promoted from the Premier League – here’s how Leeds and Burnley can escape ‘yo-yo’ curse

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      SO now we know four  of the six clubs who will be promoted to or relegated from the Premier League.And we need to make sure this magnificent competition remains a meritocracy.Burnley have bounced back to the Prem under Scott ParkerCredit: RexLeeds are also returning to the top flight with two games to spareCredit: RexKarren Brady has seen relegation and promotion during her time as West Ham vice-chairmanCredit: GettyI’ve heard some supporters say: “It’s the same clubs going up and down” — but that’s  just not true. While this season the ‘three-up, three down’ did happen — or is about to — over the years that has not been a regular trend.There have been some yo-yo clubs, but remember in 2021-22 all the promoted clubs stayed in the Premier League and flourished.Just look where they are now. Fulham, Bournemouth and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest are all in the top half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, it can be done and we want to make sure that remains the case, in order to uphold the Prem as world football’s most vibrant and exciting domestic competition.Heck, we must be doing something right as the average top-flight  attendance this season is more than 40,000 and the full-house signs are up everywhere. A decade ago that figure was 36,000 and 20 years ago it was 33,000.If you analyse the stats, relegated clubs from the Prem finish on average ninth in their first  season in the Championship, then 12th in their second season.Most read in FootballThriving Nottingham Forest are fourth in the Prem after beating SpursCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat does not suggest there is a long-term trend for teams  bouncing between the two leagues but it does mean we must keep a very close eye on the situation as the Prem should reward success, as well as punish failure.What we have to ensure is that on any given day any side can beat anyone else in the Prem.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordForest won at Liverpool in  September, just as Fulham beat the champions-elect this month.Ditto Arsenal, who lost at home to West Ham in February.Also, Forest, Bournemouth,  Fulham and Brighton are all in the top half, with Brentford 11th and Crystal Palace 12th. That suggests merit is alive and kicking.To those clubs chasing the Prem dream . . . good luck.So far Sheffield United and Sunderland have booked themselves two of the four play-off  places and both clubs will know that promotion to the top flight will bring unbridled joy to fans.It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket and the financial windfall can change the future.You are then in the big league, performing in front of a global audience of billions.There is increased revenue from TV money, sponsorships, attendances and countless other commercial opportunities which come knocking, whereas for those clubs who get relegated from the Prem it is a tough world out there.Cost-cutting is the name of the game as revenue drops by millions in one hit. I know, I’ve been there.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is ArmageddonI’ve lived with the pain of relegation and  joy of promotion and, believe me, you never forget either.The challenge for whichever club joins Burnley and Leeds in the Prem next season is sustainability.Spend wisely and don’t go overboard in the transfer market.There are examples of clubs who have managed the leap into the Prem after showing resilience and building strong foundations.They have spent on the right players, appointed the right manager and have treated survival as a starting point, not the finishing line.Promotion to the Prem can make or break you and if the powers-that-be abolish parachute payments — which they have threatened to — I predict a very bleak future for some clubs.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is Armageddon.Read More on The SunAs we near the last few hurdles in the campaign, some will dream and some will turn to despair.And that’s why it remains the game we all love. More

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      Former Premier League manager, 65, looking to achieve ‘career highlight’ promotion with sixth tier side

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      PHIL BROWN famously won promotion with Hull to the Premier League and kept them up for a season.But today he aims to get Kidderminster back into the National League.Phil Brown is aiming to achieve a ‘career highlight’ with KidderminsterCredit: AlamyBrown famously won promotion with Hull to the Premier League and kept them up for a seasonCredit: GettyKiddy travel to Southport where victory will guarantee them the National North title and automatic promotion — with Brackley only behind on goal difference and Scunthorpe two points back.Only one side goes up automatically with the next six going into the play-offs.Brown, 65, took the Tigers up in 2009 and also won promotion to League One with Southend in 2015. He has also managed Derby, Preston and Barrow.And he told SunSport: “This will be a career highlight. It really does feel more exciting than getting promoted to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve won two promotions as a manager and me and my assistant Neil McDonald were also part of Sam Allardyce’s backroom team at Bolton. But this does feel special.“I might have been there, seen it and done it — and everyone seems to think if you’ve had success in the Premier League you should be able to have success in the lower divisions.”That’s a load of rubbish. The bottom line is if your owners aren’t allowing you to do things, right then you’re going to have a problem. “You’ve got to cut your cloth accordingly and myself and Macca have learned a lot about the process of being successful.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“Macca worked with Sam at Blackburn and West Ham too — and he has assisted me in the past — and having the right backroom team is key.”Kiddy incredibly pulled in 5,341 fans for Monday’s league game with Hereford — beating the 5,327 they attracted for the 2022 FA Cup game against Premier League big-guns West Ham.Why Mo Salah and James Maddison will be pivotal in Liverpool Spurs clash | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerAllardyce, who is from nearby Dudley, put on an “Evening with Sam Allardyce” in November and attended their game against Burton the next day.Brown said: “He came into the changing room on Saturday, gave a team talk and then watched the match. It was brilliant — you have these sorts of people who have parallels with non-league football.“I used to work with Brian Horton, who managed Manchester City back in the day, and he gave Harriers a glowing endorsement.”He said, ‘Kidderminster are one of the biggest non-league clubs.”They’ve been in the EFL before under Jan Molby and if you can get them going there’s no reason why you cannot take them back into the Football League.”Brown famously serenaded Hull fans with The Beach Boys’ classic Sloop John B after the club stayed up in the Premier League on the final day of the season in 2010.The Geordie says he still loves to sing and said: “I’ve got my daughter’s christening in May and can promise you I’ll be up on the microphone most of the night.”Although he would not share his playlist, Brown highly recommends giving a listen to Front Door Famous by country singer Luke Combs.He said: “My motivation in life is always to make my family proud.Read More on The Sun”There’s a great song called Front Door Famous.”He makes the point, ‘You walk through your front door and it doesn’t matter who the f***ing hell you are, your kids run up to you and say, ‘daddy’ and that is what life should be all about.” More

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      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brother Christian, 26, on brink of ‘winning TWO league titles in one day’

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      CHRISTIAN OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN can follow in his famous brother’s footsteps – by winning a league title.It may not be the stature of the Premier League crown Alex lifted with Liverpool five years ago — but his team Truro City can win the National League South by beating St Albans City.Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain is on the brink of title success with Truro CityCredit: RexChristian is the brother of former Liverpool star and Premier League champion Alex Oxlade- ChamberlainCredit: INSTAGRAM @christian_ox98That would make them the first Cornish team ever to get within one tier of the EFL.Incredibly they are one of SIX clubs who can win the title going into the final day. Truro lead Devon rivals Torquay on goal difference by just two with Eastbourne, Worthing, Boreham Wood and Dorking all in with a shout.And Oxlade-Chamberlain, 26, told SunSport: “If we were to get the job done, it’ll be the biggest achievement of my career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Everyone is so excited down here because we’re on the brink of making history for Truro and the whole of Cornwall.“We’ve been getting some great crowds this season — averaging just under 1,800 — with amazing atmospheres.“We got more than 3,300 for the Torquay game last Friday. It’s a sellout on Saturday and hopefully we can make the city proud.”Ironically, Oxlade-Chamberlain is on a season-long loan from Kidderminster, who lead the National North going into the final game.Most read in FootballAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays in Turkey with BesiktasCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven his brother — currently playing in Turkey for Besiktas — has been eagerly following Truro’s fortunes, watching highlights on YouTube.But Oxlade-Chamberlain laughed: “When we let a goal in against Torquay, he texted me, ‘What were you doing? Crap defending.’ He deleted the word ‘Crap’ and admitted he was a bit harsh!Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade on“Alex is a lot more forceful with his advice and opinion than my dad. He hasn’t been over to a game yet. They don’t do flights from Istanbul to Newquay!”Oxlade-Chamberlain is lucky to have both a brother and dad who have not only played at the top level but for England too.Mark Chamberlain played in the top division for Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth as well as won eight caps, scoring one goal.While Alex played for Arsenal and Liverpool, winning 35 caps and scoring seven goals.Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “They’ve both been an inspiration.My dad is a great coach. I remember once playing against Aldershot for Portsmouth’s youth side and I kept giving the ball away so stopped trying to get on it.“Afterwards driving home, he said, ‘Never hide again. Always get on the ball and try to do the right things, don’t be frightened to make mistakes.’They’ve both been an inspirationChristian Oxlade-Chamberlain“It was pretty cool watching Alex come through and going to all the big stadiums. It inspired me to want to be a footballer.“We used to play together as kids on a big field near our house and when he was at Southampton I’d pick up the cones and balls after training.”They had players like Luke Shaw, Harrison Reed and Calum Chambers coming through at the time.“The biggest thing I admire about my dad was the way he stood up to racism as a player.”He’s told me stories about Millwall fans lobbing bananas at him and he’d pick one up and eat it! That is so resilient.“While my brother, the way he has bounced back from so many injuries. It gets harder but he stays professional, does rehab and gets back. He’s a strong person.”Oxlade-Chamberlain came through the ranks at Portsmouth before moving to Notts County before they got relegated into the National League.He has done the non-league hard yards with Gosport, Aldershot, King’s Lynn and Kidderminster.Read More on The SunAnd he said: “I made a couple of appearances for Notts County in the League and it would be great to get back to that level again.”To win a title on Saturday would be something to be proud of.”Christian’s dad Mark represented England eight timesCredit: Rex More

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      ‘He’s looked at me and punched me right in the stomach’ – Ryan Giggs reveals moment ‘mad’ Man Utd boss hit him

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      RYAN GIGGS has revealed the shocking impact a “mad” Manchester United boss made on him at their first meeting.The iconic winger was player-coach and then interim manager when he hung up his boots in 2014 after 24 years on the Old Trafford pitch.Ryan Giggs has detailed his surprising introduction to a new managerCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn that time, the Welshman dealt with legendary chief Alex Ferguson’s famous hairdryer.But Giggs then encountered something far stranger – and more physical – with one of the Scot’s successors.Fergie’s retirement in 2013 was followed by David Moyes’ mediocre nine months in charge.United have had nine other bosses since, if you include the temporary stints of Giggs, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick and Ruud van Nistelrooy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut when Louis van Gaal arrived 11 years ago, he looked a safe bet to at least steady the ship.The Dutchman had bossed both Barcelona and the Netherlands twice, also taking the reins at Ajax and Bayern Munich.But Giggs told of his extraordinary introduction to LVG when he flew to Holland to see the new Old Trafford chief.The former Wales boss told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “We met him in a hotel room. Louis was mad. He was mad.Most read in FootballEx-Barca chief Van Gaal chose Giggs as his Old Trafford No 2Credit: Getty Images – GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”So… he’s opened the door, I’m with Ed Woodward [then United executive vice-chairman), and Louis looked at me and punched me right in the stomach.””He’s gone, ‘You are in good shape.’ and just punching—a little dig. I’m thinking, ‘What is he doing?'”Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdVan Gaal then immediately took the wind out of Giggs again – by putting him on the spot over United’s squad.The two-time Champions League winner said LVG told him: “I have a list of names. I want you to tell me who stays and who goes.”Giggs explained he went through the squad and added: “I’ve just gone tick, tick… I think we were one out. “So instantly, he was like, ‘Yeah, I agree with that. Same thinking, same thinking’.”That shared verdict led to Giggs being offered and accepting the assistant manager’s role at Old Trafford which, like LVG’s reign, lasted until 2016The ex-Dragons hero says Van Gaal was “really good with me” – so Giggs “learned a lot”.Read More on The SunBut although that education made him feel “ready” for the top job, Jose Mourinho beat him to the position when LVG was sacked.However, no-one has close to living up to Fergie 27-year legacy during which Giggs and Co won the Premier League 13 times.Van Gaal was in charge of Man Utd from 2014-2016Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK More