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    Man Utd legend wrote three murder mysteries that have become cult classics, but he says they’re a ‘laughing stock’

    STEVE BRUCE was known as a dominating defender during his playing days. Having won three Premier League titles at Manchester United, Bruce made a name for himself as the Red Devils’ hard-nosed but brilliant captain.
    Steve Bruce wrote three murder mystery booksCredit: Rex
    Bruce won three Premier League titles at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    A trait which carried over into his managerial career.
    However, underneath his outer shell, there was a surprising twist to the tale.
    That is thanks to the former Newcastle and Aston Villa manager dabbling in the art of literacy with an epic trio of crime novels.
    Bruce published three little-read football crime books suitably named: Striker!, Sweeper! and Defender!
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    Originally published between 1999 and 2000, the books have become increasingly sought-after over the years after they re-emerged thanks to the work of Northern Irish writer Seamas O’Reilly.
    A self-professed expert on Bruce’s career, O’Reilly was inspired to find the books thanks to his interest in “really terrible books”, as quoted by the BBC.
    Not that Bruce is particularly proud of his work on the novels, with the man himself labelling them “a laughing stock”.
    Bruce said: “It was a long time ago, and I’m not sure I want to be reminded of how bad they were.
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    “Just because I got a GCSE in English, I thought I was going to be the next Dick Francis. It didn’t make any contribution at all to anyone’s income.
    “It became a laughing stock, to be honest. I think they’re probably still on the shelves somewhere, and I bet you could probably pick one up for 99p.”
    Indeed, when asked why he hasn’t written any more books in a 2019 interview with Sky Sports, Bruce replied: “Have you read them? Go and read them and you’ll understand why.”
    Regardless, they have grown into cult classics, with a used paperback copy of his first book Striker! fetching as much as £249 on Amazon.
    And that is some increase from the £12 the book was originally sold for.
    The books themselves are written in the first person from the point of view of protagonist Steve Barnes.
    O’Reilly loved his dive into the 127-page story told in Striker!, detailing the “mad stuff” that goes on.
    Bruce’s first book Striker! was published in 1999Credit: Paragon Press Publishing
    Striker! opens with Pat Duffy, the young Irish striker of Leddersford Town FC – a small but historic club aiming for promotion to the top flight – having been found stabbed to death in the dressing room.
    Barnes, who is the manager of Town, is naturally among the suspects and launches his own investigation to get to the bottom of the mystery, all the while juggling his management of the team.
    “The book is filled with kidnappings, betrayal and suspense,” O’Reilly explains.
    The front cover of the book depicts the aftermath of the crime, with a player in a blue and white striped shirt lying on the floor next to the murder weapon.
    Although Duffy does appear to be a giant based on his blown-up proportions while lying on a football pitch.
    Barnes faces off with Irish mobsters and even finds himself in the sights of a sniper during a match.
    ‘Kidnappings, betrayal and suspense’
    In the final four pages, Barnes has a ball shot from underneath his foot while standing in the technical area in a top-of-the-table clash with Fulham.
    There is also a running gag throughout the book where Bruce writes in detail about the car Barnes is driving, even in the middle of an espionage mission.
    At one point he writes: “I drive a Jaguar XJ8, 3.2, the sports version. It’s a very nice motor; 3.2 litre AJ-V8 all alloy engine.
    “Classic colour interior theme, fluted leather seats, contrast colour keyed facia, figured walnut veneer. As good a motor as you can hope to drive.
    “But not a car you’d choose when trying to follow a Ford saloon in a discreet manner…my registration, license and all other statutory details are fully up to date.”
    The second book, Sweeper!, does not tone down on the drama levels either, with the plot centring around the kidnapping of the club’s janitor.
    Sweeper! was described as the ‘magnum opus’ of Bruce’s novel collectionCredit: Paragon Press Publishing
    O’Reilly goes so far as to declare Sweeper! the “magnum opus” of Bruce’s written work in the so-called “Bruniverse”.
    The plot of Sweeper! sees Barnes take on Yugoslavian warlords, lesbian prostitutes, Nazi-hunting spies and more.
    A particular highlight of O’Reilly’s is when Bruce makes a reference to his lack of international recognition – having never received an England cap – in one of the four kidnappings throughout the series.
    After Barnes is kidnapped by British Secret Service agents, who then ask him to go undercover, O’Reilly explains that Barnes refuses to help, saying: “He tells them, ‘My country never wanted me’.”
    “His reasoning for not helping counter-terrorism is not that he lacks training or expertise or that he’s a middle-aged football manager, it’s that he never got an international cap.”
    One book in the series even sees Barnes take out a bad guy with a slide tackle.
    ‘Magnum opus of the Bruniverse’
    But that isn’t to say the books don’t have criticism from the Derry-born Bruce superfan.
    He explained: “There are so many strange decisions made in the writing of these books, such as the way the world is constructed.
    “So, for instance, there’s fake names that stand in for real places, like Leddersford for Huddersfield and Mulcaster for Manchester.
    “But, he also talks about Manchester United and mentions Alex Ferguson. It’s like reading a Batman comic where he takes a train from Gotham to New York.”
    The third book is described as “incident-free” and “disappointing” by O’Reilly.
    And one brutal comment on the Amazon review section for the book seems to agree, saying: “Does for the English language what the Luftwaffe did to Coventry.”
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    Amazon reviews for the earlier books are far more positive.
    One user commented on Striker!: “Ahead of its time, ahead of anyone’s time. So bad it’s great.”
    A second remarked: “There is something about this book that makes it absolutely brilliant… even though it’s, err, awful!
    “Hours that I will never have again, but I’m glad that I spent them reading this.”
    One, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, review of Sweeper! says: “One cannot do justice to how effective and gripping Bruce’s writing style is. He is truly a modern-day Arthur Conan Doyle.”
    While it seems likely that Bruce will not be adding to his library with any new works, O’Reilly believes he has read through the reviews.
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    He added: “I do certainly like to think Steve Bruce has read the reviews.
    “There’s just this image in my head of Bruce at home, rushing in from training, tapping away incessantly on his Remington in an oak-panelled study.”
    Defender! rounded out the series when published in 2000Credit: Paragon Press Publishing More

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    World Cup stadium which hosted huge England clash lies almost abandoned after costing £217m to build

    A WORLD CUP stadium which cost £217million to build is now lying almost abandoned.The Arena de Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, took four years to build before the South American nation hosted the 2014 World Cup.
    The Arena de Amazonia was built for the 2014 World Cup in BrazilCredit: Getty
    Now it is mostly abandonedCredit: AFP
    Large parts of the roof are being removedCredit: Getty
    It was one of 12 venues that was constructed for the international football tournament.
    During the build of the 40,000 seater ground, three people died.
    The arena was used for just four matches during the World Cup, although it did also host games during the 2016 Olympics.
    It was the ground where England suffered the 2-1 defeat to Italy.
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    The other games that featured there were the group fixtures between Cameroon and Croatia, USA and Portugal as well as Honduras and Switzerland.
    Now the stadium is mostly unused with local matches only bringing in crowds of less than 1,000 people.
    Manaus is the 7th most populated city in Brazil with just over two million people.
    During the World Cup in 2014, the Arena de Amazonia was the most difficult to get to for visiting fans as it is in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
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    The stadium was also used for the 2016 OlympicsCredit: Getty
    It cost £217million to buildCredit: Getty
    England played in one of the four games at the stadium during the World CupCredit: Reuters
    Italy won the match 2-1Credit: Getty
    Pictures show the stadium is now in a sorry condition compared to when it was prepared for the World Cup, which was won by Germany.
    Most parts of the roof have been removed and many of the seats have faded in colours under the sunlight.
    In 2016, the New York Times described the stadium as “a White Elephant, a Big One”.
    In the report, it features people who argue that the £217m that was spent on its construction would have been better spent on schools and hospitals. More

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    Watch Eddie Howe’s X-rated blast at Toon stars as fans given first glimpse of ‘We Are Newcastle’ Amazon Prime series

    NEWCASTLE fans have been given a first glimpse of a new Amazon documentary that chronicles their top four finish last season.’We Are Newcastle United’ will take Newcastle fans behind the scenes of the club and give an insight into Eddie Howe’s dressing room.
    Eddie Howe gees up his players during an X-rated rant in the trailerCredit: YouTube – Amazon Prime Sport Video
    The series will release weekly on Prime VideoCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Sport Video
    the feature of Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Newcastle’s PIF ownership means fans will be given an insight into the Newcastle United boardroomCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Sport Video
    In the series’ first trailer, we see a frustrated Howe laying into his players in training – saying: “f****** hell lads, f****** hell.”
    He then goes on to say in a team talk: “They want a quick game.
    “They’re coming out, let’s f****** give it to them.
    “Let’s blow them away with our running.
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    “Let’s be intense in every reaction that we do.
    “Let’s make it a quick game, let’s go!”
    The documentary will give Newcastle a glimpse into one of Newcastle’s most successful seasons in the club’s history.
    The Magpies were able to achieve a surprise qualification for the Champions League despite facing relegation the previous season.
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    The team also reached the Carabao Cup final where they were defeated 2-0 by Manchester United – the club’s first cup final in 24 years.
    Not only will Magpies fans gain an insight into Eddie Howe’s tactical decisions but will also get to go behind the scenes of the club’s Saudi Public Investment Fund ownership.
    Amanda Stavely, Yasir Al-Rumayyan and James Reuben all feature prominently in the trailer – with fans given an insight into the club’s boardroom.
    Al-Rumayyan says in the trailer: “The ambition is to be number one, that is the ambition.”
    The series’ first episode will debut on August 11 and will release weekly through to September 1. More

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    Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling ‘put on GARDENING LEAVE’ by TV broadcaster after quitting iconic show Soccer Saturday

    SKY SPORTS legend Jeff Stelling has reportedly been placed on gardening leave after leaving the broadcaster.Stelling called time on his position as host of Soccer Saturday after 30 years.
    Jeff Stelling has been placed on gardening leave by Sky SportsCredit: Getty
    He announced he was leaving Soccer Saturday in AprilCredit: Getty
    Reports earlier this week suggested Stelling had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.
    However, this will now not be happening until at least NEXT YEAR.
    That is according to the Daily Mail, who report Stelling has been placed on gardening leave until December.
    The report adds the 68-year-old has no plans to retire.
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    Stelling revealed he would be leaving Sky in late April.
    He announced: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
    “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
    “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
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    Sky are yet to announce their replacement for the broadcasting icon.
    SunSport exclusively revealed in May how Sky presenter Adam Smith was in pole position to fill the void, while reports later on stated colleague Julian Warren was also being sounded out.
    The broadcaster has also been hit with budget cuts elsewhere, with beloved show Soccer AM also being axed.
    Host John Fendley announced his departure from Sky earlier this week following the show’s cancellation.
    Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has also departed, replaced by Peter Drury, along with six reporters. More

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    Jeff Stelling ‘in talks with two huge broadcasters about new role’ weeks after stepping down from Sky Sports

    JEFF STELLING is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBC – just weeks after his departure from Sky.The 68-year-old signed off his 30-year career with Sky Sports on the final day of the Premier League season last month.
    Jeff Stelling called time on his Sky Sports career at the end of the seasonCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Stelling is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBCCredit: GETTY
    Stelling, 68, had been with Sky for over 30 years before his summer departureCredit: SKY SPORTS
    And the veteran broadcaster has reportedly wasted no time in looking for a new gig.
    The Telegraph claim Stelling has been sounded out by both Amazon and the Beeb.
    It’s claimed Amazon chiefs are eager to have him head up their growing footie coverage.
    They will, however, have to wait a while to secure Stelling’s services as he must first see out a period of gardening leave before he can join one of Sky’s immediate rivals.
    Stelling emotionally announced his departure from Sky on air in late April.
    The beloved broadcaster received a thunderous applause from the in-studio pundits and the camera crew.
    He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
    “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
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    “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
    Sky paid a touching tribute to the now-departed Stelling after his departure was announced.
    Director of Football, Gary Hughes, said: “After a brilliant 30-plus year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.
    “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
    “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
    Jeff Stelling’s on-screen antics were beloved by footie fansCredit: SKY SPORTS
    “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades.
    “Exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
    “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
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    “He will be sorely missed.” More

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    KSI and Logan Paul’s Prime drink to ‘finally’ be sold at Tesco after shop feared for security measures

    KSI and Logan Paul’s Prime drink will “finally” be sold at Tesco. The hydration beverage was released to much fanfare in 2022 causing a craze, especially in the UK.
    Prime will now be sold at Tesco
    Asda were the first to stock Prime with the likes of Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Aldi soon following.
    And although supermarket giants Tesco were late to the party, Prime’s co-founders confirmed they will stock the product.
    Prime posted a picture of the celeb pair behind a store with bottles in their hands, with KSI, 30, tweeting: “FINALLY.”
    Paul, 28, said in February that Prime made $250million (£196m) in retail sales and $110m (£86m) gross internally.
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    Due to the limited UK stock upon its early release, fans were quite literally fighting in shops to get their hands on bottles.
    And KSI claimed that is part of the reason why Tesco were reluctant to sell Prime at first.
    He tweeted in January: “We have the supply lol.
    “Tesco just told us that the security cost to protect shoppers would cost more than they were willing to spend based off the prime demand.
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    “That’s why it won’t be in Tesco. They’re waiting for the demand to go down.”
    According to The Grocer, Prime will be available to buy at Tesco from Monday with a three-limit bottle per customer.
    And they have an exclusive deal to sell the brand’s latest flavour, strawberry watermelon, Prime Tracker say.
    KSI and Logan Paul launched Prime in 2022Credit: Prime More

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    Watch former West Ham star Dimitri Payet ‘SLAP rival coach’ as he faces being banned for the rest of the season

    DIMITRI PAYET has been accused of “slapping” an opposition coach during Marseille’s fiery victory over Lens.The Ligue 1 clash took place on Saturday night and the Frenchman found himself at the centre of attention despite not even starting the game.
    Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of slapping a rival coachCredit: Prime Video via Twitter
    Dimitri Payet went on to score the winner off the bench against LensCredit: Reuters

    The match was marred by an altercation when Lens’ Argentine full-back Facundo Medina rifled the ball towards the Marseille bench. 
    Tensions began to boil over between both sets of players following that angry encounter.
    Both sets of stars and each team’s respective coaching staff got involved in some pushing and shoving down near the touchline.
    That led to referee Clement Turpin sending off a member of the Marseille staff and Lens’ assistant manager Yannick Cahuzac.
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    However, footage from Amazon Prime Video has now appeared to show ex-West Ham ace Payet, who was still an unused substitute at the time of the incident, slapping Cahuzac.
    Lens boss Franck Haise was then allegedly heard urging the ref: “Monsieur Turpin! Monsieur Payet should receive a red card!
    “Did you not see the slap?”
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    However, Payet managed to escape any punishment.
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    And he later came off the bench to grab the second goal for Marseille and earn them a 2-1 victory, although some reports in France are claiming he could now be facing a ban if found guilty of the salp.
    Despite their setback, results elsewhere did ensure that Lens have secured second spot in the Ligue 1 table behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. More

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    Fans say ‘we need this in the Premier League’ after referee gives ‘game-changing’ interview live on TV

    FOOTBALL fans are calling for post-game referee interviews after a “game-changing” example arrived from France. Officials have been under increasing pressure this season after video assistant referees increasingly fail to appease furious supporters.
    Jeremie Pignard is a well-regarded referee in the French leagueCredit: AFP
    Despite the VAR technology, frequent mistakes have still been made and experienced ref Lee Mason even quit the PGMOL after a high-profile error in February.
    Expert ref Howard Webb returned to England halfway into the season to try and get on top of England’s struggling refereeing body but has had a mixed time of it.
    Fans think they know a way to improve the system and have renewed calls for post-game interviews with refs.
    This was after taking inspiration from Amazon Prime, who managed to interview Ligue 1 official Jeremie Pignard after he took charge of a recent league match.
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    Appearing next to the TV presenter and pundits after the game, the man in the middle eloquently explained why he controversially allowed a Nantes goal to stand despite strong claims for handball.
    Pignard said: “If it’s really the lower biceps, like right here. Depending on what muscle.
    “That may not be the same for everyone. We can see it in the action, and this is why I took my time.
    “These kind of decisions are so important. The VAR reacted very well, sending me the footage so I can watch the action again. Every detail counts in those kind of moments.”
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    The ref’s detailed and compelling explanation of his thought process left fans convinced it should be the next step in England.
    One said: “I’ve been calling for this for years…referees in England get away with so much & have 0 accountability.”
    Another added: “Would be great to see this in all matches. Might not satisfy everyone but at least would help take the heat out of some contentious decisions.”
    While fan lauded the broadcaster for getting the referee on air as they said: “Amazon at it again with the referee interviews, game-changing.”
    And another football follower simply said: “@PGMOL … take note.”
    The Amazon interview follows another first earlier this year as a referee at the Club World Cup explained his VAR decision to fans inside the stadium.
    Fans were also left surprised when one referee in a women’s game brandished a white card as part of a new initiative. More