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    Fans ‘crying, heartbroken and speechless’ as BBC football pundit steps down.. with SunSport columnist replacing him

    FANS were left devastated to learn that Garth Crooks is leaving his role picking the team of the week for the BBC.Crooks, 66, became beloved for his all-out-attack choices that often left his team playing bizarre formations.Garth Crooks will no longer pick the BBC’s team of the weekCredit: PA:Empics SportHis teams often saw wingers shoe-horned in as wing-backs and forward players anchoring the midfield – much to the delight and bemusement of fans online.Reacting to his shock departure as the new season approaches, one fan said this was: “The worst news to wake up to. Crying. Heartbroken. Speechless.”Another invoked a famous Wayne Rooney tweet by saying: “Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week has passed away. RIP u will live on forever. Cant believe it. I wanna run to u. Really cant believe this.”A third fan said: “No one really cared about the actual opinions in the BBC Team of the Week, they just wanted to see what insane formation Garth Crooks had cooked up and who he had thrown left wing back despite their actual position being available.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Spurs striker had been the BBC’s go-to man for picking the team of the week for a number of years but he is now being replaced by a SunSport columnist.Former Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney will be stepping in to replace Crooks.Writing for the BBC about his new role, Deeney said: “I’m delighted to tell you that I am taking over from the legend that is Garth Crooks to select BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week every weekend, and it is a great honour to get to fill his shoes.”I’ve always had massive respect for Garth for his amazing career in the media after his playing days ended and, as someone who is following in his footsteps now, I’ve always looked up to him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.”I also really admire his approach because, when he has an opinion, he is not afraid to say it and he is always able to back it up – yet he never comes across as someone who is trying to be controversial just to get likes or views on social media or anywhere else.”Garth genuinely believes in what he says, and the same applies to me, or at least I’d like to think so!”Troy Deeney will replace Garth CrooksCredit: RexMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More

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    Former Match of the Day host Des Lynam suggests female pundits are unqualified to cover men’s matches

    EX-Match of the Day host Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matches.The BBC footie show is regularly fronted by women, including Gabby Logan, with other female guests.Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matchesCredit: Rex FeaturesLynam, now 81, said: “I’ve got no gripe with female presenters. “But when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about — ie, the men’s game.”After a pause, he added to the Radio Times: “In my view.”The veteran broadcaster also questioned the influx of international players, saying: “I’ve supported Brighton all my life, but I can’t name the team now.Read More on Sport“There’s only about two I know, the others are all foreign boys who have come from South America and all sorts of places.”When Lynam left the BBC for ITV after three decades in 1999, Gary Lineker became the main host of Match of the Day — a position he holds 25 years on.Controversially, he is reportedly paid £1.3million a year. Lynam said: “I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or firemen does, but it’s the market — that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker is “a very lucky chap” who has had “two great careers”. Lynam added: “When I left, he immediately got the job and he grew into it very rapidly. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for my money I think he does a first-class job.” More

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    BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenes

    DENISE LEWIS said an emotional goodbye to the BBC as she quit her job as a pundit to start a new career. The 51-year-old has been on screens since 2009 and announced her shock departure live on TV. Denise Lewis said an emotional farewell to the BBCHer colleagues gave her a huge send-off, with Micheal Johnson handing her a bunch of flowersLewis brilliantly dropped her mic as she said goodbyeAs the Olympics athletics action came to a close in Paris, Lewis revealed she was taking up a new job as President of UK Athletics.Presenter Gabby Logan and colleagues Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Johnson gave the Sydney 2000 gold medallist an incredible send-off.After an stunning montage of her best moments, the American runner gave Lewis a huge bunch of flowers and said: “We love you and we are going to miss you. It’s been amazing working with you.”Ennis-Hill added: “I grew up watching you and was inspired by you. Now I’ve got to sit next to you. READ MORE IN OLYMPICS”It’s been such an honour and thank you for guiding me. Wish you all the best.”Logan said: “I’m a superfan and I got to call her a colleague. “Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis looked emotional as she said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenesLewis then brilliantly signed off by dropping her microphone on the table to huge cheers from behind-the-scenes BBC employees.Opening up on her new role, the former heptathlon star explained: “It’s time to try to help develop the sport that has been so amazing to me.”I would not be in this position if I had not dared to dream, had a club, all the volunteers that make the clubs what they need to be.”I will be working with the membership, predominately grassroots as that is where the work needs to be done.”We need to make sure the pipeline to events like this [Olympics].”We need to encourage local communities to get involved with athletics.”BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More

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    BBC One fails to broadcast gender row boxer’s quarter-final to show gymnastics

    BBC ONE opted not to show Imane Khelif’s boxing quarter-final victory over Anna Luca Hamori.Khelif’s 46 second first round win over Angela Carini sparked a global gender debate, after the Italian broke down in tears.Imane Khelif defeated Hungarian Anna Luca HamoriCredit: GettyKhelif booked her place in the semi-finalsCredit: GettyThe Algerian, 25, was born a woman – but failed a gender test at the Russian-led IBA sanctioned World Championships in New Delhi last year.It has not been specified what the exact nature of the gender test was.But they have confirmed that she did not undergo testosterone examinations.And Khelif does not identify as transgender or intersex.READ MORE IN SPORTHer participation in the women’s welterweight event sparked controversy, however, with the Italian Prime Minister among those to criticise the situation.Carini has since apologised to Khelif.With Khelif’s campaign having become a huge story, plenty of fans wanted to watch her second bout.But with BBC One opting to show Team GB’s star gymnast Max Whitlock instead, some struggled to find coverage of Khelif’s fight with Hamori, which was shown on iPlayer.Most read in BoxingOne fan wrote on social media: “Anyone find the khelif boxing in uk, got fire stick. Tried all different countries on Eurosport and nothing on bbc about boxing. Strange one.”While a second asked: “I can’t find the women’s boxing on BBC iplayer?”Boxer who fought BOTH Olympics gender row stars breaks her silence on controversy that is overshadowing Paris GamesThe BBC have been contacted for comment.Coverage on iPlayer did opt to reference controversy surrounding Khelif.While Discovery Plus’ broadcast of the bout chose not to speak about it.Following her unanimous decision victory over Hamori, Khelif has guaranteed herself a medal in the 66kg event.Khelif produced a majority decision win over HamoriCredit: PA More

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    Gareth Southgate ‘lined up for major BBC job’ after quitting as England manager

    BBC bosses are lining up Gareth Southgate as Ian Wright’s replacement on Match of the Day, according to reports.Southgate, 53, is a free agent after leaving his post as England manager earlier this month.Gareth Southgate quit as England boss earlier this monthCredit: RexGareth Southgate previously worked as a pundit for ITVCredit: ITVWith Wright, 60, quitting Match of the Day at the end of last season, the BBC are on the lookout for a high-profile new pundit.According to the Mail, the Beeb are targeting Southgate to work alongside Gary Lineker and Co.This could make for an awkward reunion, after Lineker criticised the former Three Lions manager during Euro 2024.After England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark during the group stage, the Match of the Day host called Southgate “tactically inept” on his ‘Rest is Football’ podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to label the performance as “s***”.Lineker – who is the Beeb’s top earner on £1.35million a year – came under fire for his comments, with England captain Harry Kane hitting back at him.The Bayern Munich striker, 31, said: “What ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise is it is very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment.”I always feel like they [pundits] have a responsibility – I know they have got to be honest and give their opinion but also, they have a responsibility of being an ex-England player that a lot of players look up to. People do listen to them and people do care what they say.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGary Lineker is the BBC’s lead football anchorCredit: BBCSouthgate could be the subject of a bidding war as broadcasters battle to secure his services as a pundit.In addition to the BBC, ITV are also claimed to be interested.Gareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England bossSouthgate deserved to win a trophy with England… he made us all proud of our team again, writes Shaun CustisGARETH SOUTHGATE deserved to win a trophy as England manager, write Shaun Custis.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.No man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.This is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.He never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.Yes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.Read Sun Head of Sport Shaun Custis’ full opinion on Gareth Southgate’s England exit…Prior to his role as England boss, Southgate worked for ITV on their Champions League and Three Lions coverage, as well as at several major tournaments.During his previous stint with the broadcaster, he featured alongside their current stars Roy Keane and Lee Dixon.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72 More

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    Highest-paid BBC Sport stars revealed including Match of the Day and Wimbledon pundits

    BBC have revealed the salaries of their presenters and pundits including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott.Match of the Day presenter Lineker, 63, has been the host of the football highlights programme since 1999.Gary Lineker remains the highest-paid Match of the Day starCredit: BBCLineker earns around £1million more than BBC pundit Alan ShearerCredit: BBCAnd he continues to top the bill as the best-paid sports star at the BBC as it was confirmed he earns £1.35MILLION.He also presents coverage of FA Cup matches and Sports Personality of the Year.Lineker’s salary is a huge £1m more than Newcastle icon Alan Shearer is paid as a pundit.The Premier League’s record scorer takes home around £380,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next best-paid person on the BBC’s books is Mark Chapman – a main presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live and the host of Match of the Day and the Challenge Cup.He earns north of £260,000, making him the third-highest earner in sports broadcasting at the BBC behind only Lineker and Shearer.Then comes Arsenal and Lionesses legend Alex Scott – the presenter of Football Focus, Women’s Super League matches and SPOTY.Scott, who also presents Women’s Euros and Women’s World Cup matches, is on a salary of £220,000.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Chapman is the third highest-paid sports broadcaster on the BBCCredit: BBCAlex Scott also rakes in north of £200,000Credit: BBCJohn McEnroe takes home a sizeable amount for his tennis punditry and commentaryCredit: GettyShe is followed by iconic tennis personality John McEnroe who is earning just under £200,000.His main contribution each year is as a pundit and commentator at Wimbledon, but he is also seen at other smaller events.Cristiano Ronaldo leaves even cameraman shocked with free-kick decision as Gary Lineker loses bet to Rio FerdinandThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and punditsRounding out the list is ex-Norwich and Celtic striker Chris Sutton who earns around £190,000 for his punditry duties.He is on the same wage as cricket expert Jonathan Agnew – one of the most recognisable commentary voices on 5 Live.Chris Sutton’s punditry duties are seeing him earn around £190,000Credit: Kenny RamsayCricket commentator Jonathan Agnew is also on a salary of £190,000Credit: Alamy More

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    Watch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1

    RYAN REYNOLDS was surprised by Wrexham star Paul Mullin while live on radio today.Reynolds was appearing on Greg James’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 1 alongside his Deadpool and Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman.Reynolds was able to guess the identity of Mullin straight awayCredit: X @BBCR1He was full of praise for Wrexham’s ownersCredit: APJackman said he was a ‘big fan’ of MullinCredit: BBCThe two were taking part in an “unpopular opinion” segment.Reynolds and Jackman had to guess the identity of celebrity callers by the sound of their voice and their “unpopular opinion”.On the other end of the line was star striker Paul Mullin saying: “Rob McElhenney is the best Wrexham owner.”Reynolds then replied: “I know that voice!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Mullin why aren’t you doing calisthenics right now buddy? Maybe stretch that recently fixed back out a little bit, maybe make good on an investment and a promise that we made.”Jackman then interrupted to say, he was “a big fan” of the 29-year-old, adding that he’d loved to get the striker’s autograph one day.Mullin recently underwent a back operation to solve a long time issue.He will miss Wrexham’s tour of the US and Canada.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe forward may also miss the beginning of the League One season too, with the side being promoted from League Two last season.When asked about what he really thought of owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owners, Mullin added: “Both wonderful as owners and more than that just as people. We get to see them as people rather than owners now.Watch bizarre moment Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds and fellow Hollywood star gatecrash live Euro 2024 broadcast “As we’ve seen in the documentary what they’ve done for the community is phenomenal and our success is obviously down to them, and they’re success with the club is down to us which is brilliant and long may it continue.” More

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    TV viewing figures for Euro 2024 final revealed as ITV see huge win in battle with BBC for England’s defeat to Spain

    ITV had a major win in the battle for viewers during Euro 2024 – but more fans still chose the BBC for the final.The British broadcasting powerhouses both aired the Three Lions’ second successive European Championship final defeat on Sunday night.England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain was broadcast on both the BBC and ITVCredit: GettyA whopping 24.2million fans tuned into the finalCredit: PAIan Wright and Gary Neville were part of ITV’s all-star team for Euro 2024Credit: GETTYA whopping 24.2 million viewers watched England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin across both channels.Just over 22 million people watched the agonising match from start to finish.Some 26 per cent of England fans chose ITV watch the match, which was aired on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.That represented a seven per cent points increase for the broadcaster from the Euro 2020 final in the summer of 2021.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe figure saw ITV set a new record for their highest-ever viewing share for a major men’s football tournament final.Euro 2024 was a resounding success for the broadcaster, who had two of the three highest rating matches.They also had the biggest audience on a single channel, with a peak of 21.6 million tuning in for England’s last-gasp semi-win over the Netherlands on all their platforms.That was in keeping with their recent dominance of the single-channel audience, which they’ve had for the last six major men’s football tournaments.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreakCOLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:Jordan Pickford: 8Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.Kyle Walker: 6Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener. John Stones: 8A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.Marc Guehi: 6Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.Bukayo Saka: 7Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.Declan Rice: 7Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout. Kobbie Mainoo: 5Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller. Luke Shaw: 7Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.Phil Foden: 6Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.Jude Bellingham: 7Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.Harry Kane: 4His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.SUBS: Ollie Watkins: 6Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.Cole Palmer: 9What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.Ivan Toney: 6Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.Gareth Southgate: 7The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.Meanwhile, 19.3 million fans tuned into the coverage on BBC One.That equates to a 63 per cent audience share.But overall, the peak audience of 24.2 million is down from the 30 million that tuned into the Euro 2020 final as England lost on penalties to Italy.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossSuccess is something Gareth Southgate may never experience as the Three Lions boss.The 53-year-old hinted that he could walk away from the job before a ball had even been kicked in Germany.And the former defender dropped a huge hint he could end his reign as England manager in the coming days by referring to his players as “they” in one of his post-match interviews.He said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.”Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.”There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen further pressed on his future, Southgate added: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that.”I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.” More