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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

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      Man Utd’s ‘four-man striker shortlist’ revealed as Ruben Amorim lines up Victor Gyokeres and long-term target

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly have a four-man shortlist of strikers they hope to sign in the summer.The Red Devils’ current hitmen Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have toiled in front of goal this season, finding the back of the net a combined 14 times.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled in front of goal for Manchester United this seasonCredit: GETTYRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim reportedly has a four-man shortlist of strikers he’d like to sign in the summer – which includes Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor GyokeresCredit: PARB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also said to be on Amorim’s summer wishlistCredit: REXEintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is another name said to be on the listCredit: REXSkipper Bruno Fernandes is United’s top goalscorer this season having scored 16 times in 44 appearances.New United gaffer Ruben Amorim was interested in signing a new frontman in the January window but the club opted against a big-money signing to PSR rules.But the Portuguese is set to try to sign a new striker in the summer, with four names, according to Sky Germany, on his wishlist.It’s claimed Viktor Gyokeres – who Amorim managed at Sporting Lisbon – is on the four-man list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited are also said to be weighing up moves for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who play for Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig respectively.The list is said to be rounded out by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan in Turkey with Galatasaray.Sweden international Gyokores has by far been the most prolific of the quartet this season, bagging a whopping 40 goals in all competitions.France Under-21 international Ekitike has found the back of the net 19 times this campaign, while Slovenian striker Sesko has 17 goals to his name.Most read in FootballNigeria international Osimhen has shone during his loan spell in Turkey, bagging 26 goals this campaign.Ruben Amorim is also said to be interested in signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan with GalatasarayCredit: GETTYUnited will have to pay top dollar to acquire the services of the strikers on their reported four-man shortlist.And that could prove to be difficult given the financial constraints they’ll be under for the next five years as they build their new stadium.’Scars are so deep’ – Ruben Amorim gives concerning interview on why Man Utd isn’t a quick fix and will take YEARSUnited will be back in action on April Fool’s Day, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. More

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      From losing it with Man Utd flop to being given keys to swimming pool – inside Jordan Henderson’s Ajax career revival

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      THE England call-up for Jordan Henderson is not just big news in this country but also in Holland.Johan Inan covers Ajax for Algemeen Dagblad, the biggest sports newspaper in Holland. Here, he gives his view…Jordan Henderson is leading Ajax on a title charge in HollandCredit: GettyHenderson with new boss Thomas Tuchel on his first day with the squadCredit: GettyJordan Henderson’s return to the Three Lions might be surprising because of his physical condition — but certainly not his game.The midfielder has had a great impact on and off the pitch at Ajax this season.But since he is struggling with his fitness, you should wonder how long he’ll be able to last on the pitch for England.Before Sunday’s 2-2 draw with AZ, the 34-year-old had only started once in the last eight games since he was substituted after one half against Fortuna Sittard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAjax boss Francesco Farioli has not taken any risks with his captain for over a month. It’s the third time that the Ajax No 6 missed back-to-back games because of injury in 15 months. So another 15, to World Cup 2026, feels very far away.Considering all that, Hendo has done well. England boss Thomas Tuchel was right saying he didn’t look older or slower.The Liverpool legend has been excellent this season, in a less intense competition. In the big games, against Feyenoord, PSV and Galatasaray, he looked like the Henderson in his best Anfield days.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDominating possession, closing gaps and ­leading the troops.His impact off the pitch might be even bigger, team-mates say.Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’Ajax signed him to help bring back a winning culture after finishing fifth last season with his experience and leading by example.Or, in his own words, by eating, sleeping and breathing Ajax. And within a few months, he managed, with the help of his new friends, to get the club back on track.First, there was nobody at the club when Henderson thought he could recover in the swimming pool after an evening match, like he used to do in Liverpool.Ajax decided to give him keys. Little by little, the players started to copy him.Last month, after Ajax beat Belgian side Union, Henderson was surrounded by team-mates when he went to the sauna.  Also, Hendo found himself fuming at ex-Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore against Besiktas, after he allowed a counter attack. And at ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst during training, because he kept complaining.Henderson’s career statsSunderland: 79 games, 5 goalsCoventry (loan): 13 games, 1 goalLiverpool: 492 games, 33 goalsAl-Ettifaq: 19 games, 0 goalsAjax: 51 games, 0 goalsEngland: 81 games, 3 goalsTrophies: Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup (x2), Community ShieldHendo helped Ajax to get back their discipline. Young and old praise him for his leadership.Steven Berghuis said this week: “He sets an example, but is also a very good player. It is special Ajax managed to sign him.”Ajax only need to finish in third spot this season to get back in the Champions League. They are eight points clear at the top now.And big-game player Henderson has had a huge part in that. READ MORE SUN STORIESItalian boss Farioli sees the captain as his perfect extension, so it’s not that strange for Tuchel to call him up to help create a new England team.But thinking Henderson will easily make it to the World Cup as a holding midfielder would be very naive.Henderson cut his time in Saudi short and headed to HollandCredit: GettyWout Weghorst was berated by Henderson in trainingCredit: Getty More