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      Newcastle cult hero has ‘best job in world’ as forgotten star who has played just 3 times parties with Shearer and Co

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      A NEWCASTLE cult hero has the “best job in the world” after celebrating their Carabao Cup success with Alan Shearer.Mark Gillespie, 32, came up through the ranks at Newcastle’s academy between 2000 and 2008.Mark Gillespie toasted Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win with Toon icon Alan ShearerCredit: InstagramFans reckon the £600,000-a-year back-up goalie has the ‘best job in the world’Credit: RexHe then enjoyed spells at Carlisle, Walsall and Motherwell before returning to St James’ Park in 2020.The goalkeeper has since played just THREE TIMES and has not made a single appearance in the past three seasons.However, Gillespie still pockets a cool £600,000 a year from his contract.The ace also lives a jetset lifestyle with glamour Wag Sally Rea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he was front and centre of Toon’s party following Sunday’s Carabao win.Eddie Howe’s men beat Liverpool 2-0 at Wembley to win their first trophy in 70 years.Fans look set to enjoy a bus-top parade later this month.But before then, Newcastle stars partied into the night as they toasted their success on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Gillespie looked to be having a whale of a time as he led the celebrations.The ace enjoyed a smiley snap with Magpies legend Shearer, who proudly wore the goalie’s gold medal.Eagle-eyed fans in hysterics as they spot Newcastle star ‘choking on confetti’ during Carabao Cup presentation Gillespie was front and centre of Newcastle’s trophy celebrationsCredit: XShearer reposted Gillespie’s picture on Instagram Stories, with a caption reading: “That’s how he dreamed about it last night.”Gillespie then posed for a hilarious shot showing him holding a beer in one hand and tray of drinks in the other.And fans quickly declared that Gillespie must have the “best job in the world” as a result.One said: “Mark Gillespie has the best job in the world, he is basically employed to enjoy Newcastle United.”Another declared: “Mark Gillespie luckiest man in the world right now.”One noted: “Gillespie gets paid to have a p**s up from Newcastle, love it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother boomed: “Gillespie man living the dream.”One added: “Gillespire has an even better job, he doesn’t evenhave to help wth the warm-ups any more.” More

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      Eagle-eyed fans in hysterics as they spot Newcastle star ‘choking on confetti’ during Carabao Cup presentation

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      FOOTIE fans were left in hysterics during Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final celebrations.The Magpies ended their 70-year-long wait for domestic silverware last weekend with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley.Newcastle United ended their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao CupCredit: REXSean Longstaff celebrated wildly as the trophy was hoisted in the confetti-filled airCredit: SKY SPORTSThe midfielder seemed to gag on the confettiCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Magpies were over the moon after the final whistle, but even more so when they finally got their hands on the trophy.Eddie Howe’s troops leapt for the stars after being presented the cup in the Royal Box.Green and white confetti filled the sky as the Toon stars celebrated, although a piece of it ended up getting caught in Sean Longstaff’s mouth.Footage of the midfielder reacting to the confetti going into his mouth spread like wildfire on social media, with one footie fan saying: “Unbelievable.”READ MORE ON NEWCASTLEAnother said: “Dying!”And another said: “Could only be Longstaff.”One remarked: “I saw this while replaying and laughed my head off. Glad you’re okay Sean, we love you!”Another chimed in: “Missed this and now p***ing myself at Longstaff nearly choking to death on a bit of confetti.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCarabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players.Howe – the first English manager to win a major trophy since 2008 – was overjoyed to have ended Newcastle’s trophy drought.The 47-year-old said: “We were well aware of the history.How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks”We knew what was at stake for all our fans — we wanted to do them, and the club proud and win the trophy.”Eddie Howe was over the moon to end Newcastle’s trophy droughtCredit: REX More

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      Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrated the victory at Portman Road with a guitar given to him by Ipswich Town super fan Ed Sheeran. Forest are one step closer to realising their dream of Champions League qualification after beating Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday and maintaining third place in the Premier League table.Ed Sheeran gifted Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi a guitarCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi played the guitar after Forest beat Ipswich TownCredit: Instagram @olaainaIpswich super fan Sheeran had a special signed inscription for Hudson-OdoiCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi, 24, handed pop star Sheeran, 34, a rather unpleasant evening as the Tractor Boys’ minority stake holder watched his beloved team plunge into deeper relegation trouble.According to The Athletic, however, the singer remains a big fan of the Nottingham star and gave him a special gift after the final whistle.Sheeran was absent at Ipswich as he is currently in the US for business.However, the artist had pre-arranged to have a guitar gifted to Hudson-Odoi in exchange for a match-worn shirt.Read More on FootballAnd Forest team-mate Ola Aina shared a clip showing the ex-Chelsea star serenading Nuno Espirito Santo’s men with his musical abilities.The winger paid tribute to Sheeran as he attempted to play his popular Shape of You song in the visitors’ dressing room.Aina then focused the camera on the signed inscription the singer left for the England international.It read: “Callum, loads of love mate.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHudson-Odoi and Co had a very good reason to celebrate after the final whistle.Forest are now seven points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalNuno’s side have a strong chances of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three decades.Sheeran, who is a fan of Hudson-Odoi, was gracious in defeatCredit: GettyHudson-Odoi helped Forest get one step closer to Champions League qualificationCredit: Rex More

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      Sky Sports send warning to pundits Gary Neville and Co over verdict on Man City’s ‘115 charges’

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      SKY SPORTS have warned pundits over how they address Manchester City’s “115 charges”.A verdict on the Premier League’s legal war with City is expected in the coming weeks.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are among Sky Sports’ star punditsCredit: GettyRoy Keane will also be expected to comment on the matterCredit: GettySky chiefs are at pains to ensure that their reporting on the sensitive and complex matter will be “accurate, fair and balanced”.The broadcaster has told its pundits not to “make snap judgements” on the sensitive matter.Sky are said to have written to staff members, including the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, asking them to “sufficiently digest the outcome” and to “stick to the facts” after the verdict.The outcome will also be subject to an appeal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky chiefs also hope that pundits will direct viewers to Sky Sports News for more information.The broadcaster is keen to avoid controversy on the matter.In doing so, they have also sent a “factfile” on the case to staff members.A verdict is expected before the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity were initially slapped with 115 charges over alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.The Prem champions, who have strongly denied all charges, were subsequently hit with 15 more.Pep Guardiola finally breaks his silence after Man City were charged with 115 financial breaches by Premier LeagueCity splashed out £175million on four new signings in the January window amid talk they were fearing a transfer embargo punishment.Boss Pep Guardiola denied that, insisting: “I do not agree but my words will not convince people our attributes are just being in a wealthy position.“In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”City could face a points deduction – or even relegation – if they are found guilty.Pep Guardiola has commented on the matterCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘I wish he’d have been there’ – Alan Shearer broke down in tears over his dad after Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win

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      ALAN SHEARER shed a tear for his late father following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final triumph.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.Newcastle United ended their 70-year wait for domestic silverware with a 2-1 win over LiverpoolCredit: REXClub legend Alan Shearer went wild after the final whistleCredit: MATCHDAY IMAGES LTDShearer revealed he then shed a tear as he thought about his late father, AlanCredit: THE REST IS FOOTBALLClub legend Shearer, his son Will and daughter Chloe were among the thousands of Geordies who were in a state of ecstasy after the final whistle.But his thoughts quickly turned to his late father Alan, who passed away last year following his battle with cancer.During the latest episode of the Rest is Football Podcast, he said: “I must admit, I had a tear or two [in my eye] when the final whistle went because I thought of my old man.”He was lucky enough, he went to the ’69 final when they won the Fairs Cup, so he sampled it a little bit.READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE”But I just wish he’d been there yesterday. But he’d been looking down.”According to Shearer, his old man was still thinking about the team during his final days on the planet.He continued: “Even in his last few days, he was on about Newcastle and how he wanted them to do well and win the trophy and what have you.”But me and Will and my daughter Chloe and her boyfriend were all at the game yesterday so we’ll give him a little nod.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlan Shearer is wild with celebration as Newcastle win the Carabao CupCredit: INSTAGRAM@ALANSHEARERShearer bravely opened up on the passing of his father last year, writing in a column for The Athletic: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was.”We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe and Newcastle stars go wild at Boxpark as they celebrate famous Carabao Cup final win”On the way, there were light and dark moments.”We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours.”But on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral.”He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Newcastle will parade the Carabao Cup trophy around the city on Saturday, March 29.Shearer, who at We,bley with son Will and daughter Chloe, celebrates with Dan BurnCredit: Instagram More

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      Former Serie A star who became armed robber before turning life around with acting career dies in his sleep at 39

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      FORMER Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo has died in his sleep – aged just 39.The Marseille-born midfielder played for Ancona in Italy’s top flight.Former Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo died in his sleepCredit: GettyAuxerre academy product Dombolo went on to appear for Italian side Pro Vasto and French club Marignane before falling into crime.He landed a two-year prison term aged just 20, then was jailed for a further eight years for his part in a 2010 jewellery heist.But Dombolo turned his life around, appearing in a series of French TV shows and becoming a Connect 4 champion.He said in 2023: “Some people fall into robbery of their own accord, and sadly I was one such person.Read More on Football”I didn’t think, but instead went to see some friends who were doing stupid things and asked them to include me.”That was how I joined a gang of armed robbers.”Dombolo was released in 2020.  He told French TV: “I was a lad from Vitrolles in Marseille, promised a career as a professional footballer, but I took a wrong turn.”I fell from the academy into the prison, from the stadiums of Serie A into robberies.Most read in Football”But in jail I turned my weaknesses into strengths.  I have since become an actor and producer, and got involved in violence prevention.”My journey proves that anyone can turn their life around, no matter where they are from.”Moment Aberdeen & Dunfermline fans join together to pay tribute to legendary former manager Jimmy CalderwoodTragically Dombolo’s agent told Le Parisien at the weekend that he had passed away in his sleep.Online tributes have since flowed in for the Congolese-origin former footballer, speaking of his “heart of gold,” “talent” and “amazing kindness.” More

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      Ambitious National League club plot stadium redevelopment as part of £70MILLION ‘Little Wembley’ plans

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      OLDHAM are plotting a stadium redevelopment as part of £70million plans for a “Little Wembley”.The ambitious National League side have announced a project to expand their Boundary Park stadium with a host of features.Oldham are plotting a £70million redevelopment around its stadiumCredit: GettyThere are plans to create their very own ‘Little Wembley’Credit: AlamyThe 13,186-seater arena is set for an incredible facelift thanks to a regeneration plan that will transform the area around it.Oldham and the local council have put forward their SportsTown development idea which includes a new sport campus, a 3,000-seater netball stadium and a new 3G pitch.A cricket pitch and an area akin to Wembley Way, dubbed “Little Wembley”, will also be built.And the area will provide new training and apprenticeship programs for youngsters too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe project has already been kick-started with a £5m investment from the council, with money taken from a £20m pot through the government’s Community Regeneration Fund.The rest of the costs are expected to be met through grants and private investors.Oldham chairman Frank Rothwell said: “It will build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map.“Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport and we’re not stopping now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about.”Council leader Arooj Shad added: “Sport runs through the veins of Greater Manchester and Oldham is no exception. It’s right that we tap into that.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu “But SportsTown isn’t just about sport, it’s about creating real opportunities for everyone in our town.“SportsTown is a big deal for our town and will bring investment, jobs and world class facilities that will benefit generations to come.” More

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      Inside a day in the life of an Arsenal player as newly promoted goalkeeper, 19, gives glimpse behind the scenes

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      ARSENAL goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has given an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Gunners player.The Colombia youth star, 19, was promoted from Arsenal’s academy to their senior side this season.Alexei Rojas has revealed his day-to-day business as an Arsenal playerThe Colombia youth goalie joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2019Rojas makes sure he is at London Colney by 8.15am each morningAnd the Basildon-born stopper has now provided fans with a glimpse at his day-to-day life with a brilliant video.Rojas, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea, leaves his house at 8am sharp and arrives at the London Colney training ground just 15 minutes later.He explained: “Here is what a day in my life looks like as a professional footballer at Arsenal football club.“I left my house at 8am to get to the training ground for quarter past eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always know it’s going to be a great day when the sun is out.”Before a ball is kicked, Rojas makes sure he fuels up with a huge breakfast.He continued: “I then have my usual pre-training breakfast which is an egg omelette, sourdough bread, avocado on top, accompanied by yoghurt with berries.”This way I’m able to hit my protein to help maintain and build muscle and have the carbohydrates to fuel myself for training.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe work soon begins, with Rojas going through a number of movements before joining Arsenal’s first-team stars for a training session on the pitch.He explained: “I then headed down to the gym to do my prep and activation where I replicate movements that I’m going to do out on the pitch.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“I train with the first team every day so it’s a great environment for me to learn and develop as a young goalkeeper.”But Rojas still has energy left and follows things up with a gym workout before tucking into a protein-rich lunch.He said: “After training I go back to the gym to do an upper body strength session which is so important for us goalkeepers.“After gym I head up to have lunch where we have a wide selection of proteins, carbohydrates and salads.“Today’s lunch was spaghetti with salmon and beetroot. This way I’m able to refuel with carbohydrates and hit my protein with the salmon every single day.”Rojas makes sure he eats a protein-rich breakfast straight awayHe does a pre-workout session before joining teammates for outside trainingRojas then hits up the gym for another workoutBy this point, Rojas’ body has taken a battering and needs a rest.He revealed he relaxes with an ice bath before eating a snack while studying a new language.Rojas noted: “After training I head to the ice bath so that my legs are feeling fresh and ready to go for the next session.“Here is a clip from my Portuguese lesson which is a language that I’ve been studying since September.“After that I have another snack which includes granola, yoghurt and berries because it’s so important to keep protein intake high throughout the day.”Rojas tucks into more snacks throughout the dayRojas still finds time to hit up a David Lloyd’s for extra recoveryRojas makes sure he’s home and in bed by 10pmRojas’ time at London Colney ends at 4pm, but he doesn’t just crash out at home for the evening.The ace still found the energy to head to a local gym where he made use of the sauna and hot tub.He said: “I finish my day at the training ground by heading down to the changing room to get showered to leave at 4pm. I then go home to spend some time with my family.“In the evening I went to my local David Lloyd’s leisure centre where I used the spa facilities.“I went to the sauna, steam room and finished off in the outdoor hot tub. This is a great way to disconnect and clear my mind.”Rojas ended his video by insisting that sleep is the best form of recovery.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he makes sure he hits the hay by 10pm sharp after munching another meal.Rojas concluded: “At the end of the day I headed home and had dinner before getting to sleep at 10pm which is the best way to recover.” More