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    Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

    GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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    Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

    GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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    Gary Lineker in talks with BBC over multi-year deal for Match of the Day after volunteering to take pay cut

    GARY Lineker is in talks with the BBC over a multi-year deal for Match of the Day — after volunteering to take a pay cut.The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker is preparing to sign a new six-figure deal with the BBC after volunteering for a pay cutCredit: BBCGary Lineker during his first MOTD appearance in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Lineker, who has hosted the BBC footie highlights show since 1999, is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three years.Talks are understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.The shamed former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, has also been tipped to take over when Lineker’s contract expires at the end of the season.Last year the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical social media post about the Government’s asylum policy. Most read in FootballHe was forced to miss a show but colleagues loyally refused to fill in for him, so only match highlights were shown instead.The upcoming pay negotiations come as the BBC is under enormous pressure to reduce its wage bill.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker Since 2021, it has laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets across programmes.BBC chiefs are also still trying to claw back £200,000 paid to disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards since his arrest last November over child sex abuse images.BBC director-general Tim Davie said the crimes were “appalling”, adding: “We want the money back and we’ve asked for it back, and we’re waiting to hear back.”A spokesman for Lineker declined to comment, as did the BBC.Lineker is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

    THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

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    Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

    THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More

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    BBC MOTD pundit slammed by international manager for ‘talking s*** all the time’

    NEW Wales manager Craig Bellamy once berated pundit Micah Richards for “talking s*** all the time”.The Match of the Day analyst was speaking about the Nations League with pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on the Stick to Football podcast.Pundit Micah Richards recalled the time he was “mugged off” by Craig BellamyThe former Man City defender’s story left Gary Lineker in stitchesWales boss Bellamy told Micah Richards to up his punditry gameAfter dissecting England’s 2-0 win over Ireland, attentions turned to Wales, who kicked off their international break with a goalless draw against Turkey. Bellamy left Burnley after two years as an assistant to take charge of the Welsh national team, following the departure of Rob Page after the nation failed to qualify for Euro 2024.It prompted Richards to recall a “quick story” about visiting Bellamy – or “Bells” – before Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last season.Richards said: “Bellers is Marmite. You either love him or you hate him. He worked his socks off when he was at Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he would tell you how it is. If you played rubbish he would tell you. “So I’ve gone to see Vincent Kompany last season before Burnley’s first game of the season last year, I went to a training session and I went to the game.”And I’m walking into Turf Moor and I see Bellamy come up and he goes ‘F*** me, you’re f***ing everywhere talking s*** all the time’.””And I said ‘Bellers what do you mean?’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You boys on analysis don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve got basic analysis. It’s ABC, 123 stuff. If you want proper analysis come to a Burnley training and I will show you how it is done.”I was thinking to myself whether or not he was being serious or if he was having banter. But he was being deadly serious. I did not know how to take it.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I didn’t say nothing, I got in my car and drove home and just thought he’s just mugged me right off there and I’ve basically just taken it.”The brutal anecdote left Lineker and Shearer in stitches as they both burst out in laughter.Richards then admitted that he’ll be pulling Bellamy up on certain bits and pieces when he sees his former Man City team-mate again.Man City signed the former Welsh winger back in January 2009 from West Ham for £14m.Bellamy also formed a successful strike partnership with Shearer at Newcastle between 2001-2005 under Bobby Robson.Meanwhile, the appointment of Bellamy as Wales manager was to push for a rebrand before the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028, when Cardiff will stage matches. Bellamy, who won 78 Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, never qualified for a major finals and hopes for his first win as boss against Montenegro tonight. More

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    England star reveals NO team-mate would make a ‘great manager’ and says ‘we’re all assistants’

    KYLE WALKER has claimed NOT ONE of his England team-mates at Manchester City would make for “great manager” material.Instead, he insists they would all be assistants, but did also name four other team-mates who would fit into that bracket.Kyle Walker was asked which England team-mates at Man City would make a ‘great manager’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Walker answered by saying none of themCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Instead he insisted they would all be assistants insteadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/But Walker named four stars at City who would be good managersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/He then called John Stones to ask him for his viewCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport, Walker was asked what team-mates, if any, at Man City he would fancy to be a good manager in the future.Walker, 34, said: “I’d probably say Kevin [De Bruyne], Bernardo [Silva], Rodri and Ruben [Dias].”When asked about club-mates he has starred with at international level, Walker swiftly responded: “Nah, no chance…”Nah, assistants. We’re all assistants aren’t we.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWalker was then asked whether John Stones, who has played alongside him for both club and country, would agree. This prompted the defender to call the 30-year-old.Once Stones had picked up, Walker asked him for his thoughts.The former Everton defender singled out Dias as his pick for a good manager in the future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also revealed two members of the England Euro 2024 squad who also fit into that category, and in doing so also revealed the two stars’ nicknames in the camp.Brainstorming their opinions together, Walker said: “Uncle Marc [Guehi] I think.”How England’s last ten managers fared on debut and who started in their first XIStones chuckled at the namedrop but agreed, before adding: “Uncle Marc or the Hurricane probably.”The BBC presenter was confused by the name and asked who it referred to, with Walker answering it was Harry Kane.Walker failed to make the cut for Lee Carsley’s first England squad for Uefa Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.It is the first time the 90-cap defender has been out of the squad since March 2022.The Three Lions beat Ireland 2-0 – with 80-cap Stones playing five minutes off the bench – and face Finland tomorrow evening.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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    Alex Scott shows off incredible toned abs as she launches campaign with major store and fans gush ‘lucky to have you’

    SUPER-TONED Alex Scott looked as quick off the “Marks” as ever in “stunning, gorgeous” snaps for a sporty new fashion line.The popular presenter and Lionesses legend, 39, awed fans with her bristling abs, sprinting routine and sleek “chic” style.Alex and partner Jess Glynne took a relaxing trip to IbizaCredit: InstagramThey could hardly have looked more relaxed than thisCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Alex regularly wows followers with glam pics and top eventsCredit: GettyScott is a prime contender to succeed Gary Lineker as host on the BBC’s flagship football show Match of the Day, if he departs when his contract expires next summer.And if it comes down to fitness she appears a racing certainty – judging by her breezy pics for the Marks & Spencer chain.”Beautiful and awesome,” was one response to her Instagram post parading a range of outfits.More than one fan told her that M&S was “lucky to have you” as she went through a vigorous routine of exercises.READ MORE TOP STORIESAlex wore sports bras, revisited her football skills and let tops dangle down off her arms as she enjoyed a sunny session outside.She wrote: “It’s been an inspiring Summer of Sport and I’m SOOOO excited to be launching my first campaign proper with @marksandspencer, featuring so many brands that you will LOVE!!.”So let’s make moves, get active and let’s do this!!”The promotional work rounds off an eventful summer for Alex.Most read in FootballDaring and elegant outfits are a big part of Alex’s wardrobeCredit: RexUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.She took a prominent role in the Beeb’s Euro 2024 coverage but missed out on their broadcasting team for the Olympics in Paris.So she decided a blissful-looking trip to Ibiza with partner Jess Glynne was the ideal way to unwind.Alex Scott looks stunning in bold see-through outfitNow she’s not only back in her stride with the Premier League season but also putting herself through the paces in a fun fashion shoot.”You Look Absolutely Stunning,” observed one fan.Another added: “Appreciate you representing a collection that has sizes for almost anyone.”And although that might be the most important message, one of her 2million followers found a rueful reason to not yet take up her plea to “make moves, get active”.Perhaps looking at Alex’s athletic frame, the fan insisted or maybe joked: “I will as soon as my abs are on point.”A dazzling glimpse into the presenter’s life…She is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowScott dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexAlex made 148 appearances for Arsenal WomenCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old looks so at ease in front of the cameraCredit: PAScott loves to dress up, with this her Halloween offeringCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More