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    Justis Huni survived a drive-by-shooting before swapping Australia for Blackpool ahead of Fabio Wardley fight

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    JUSTIS HUNI enters enemy territory when he faces Fabio Wardley in Ipswich – but it will take a lot to faze the travelling Australian. After all, Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022 only to win his next fight less than a week later. Justis Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022Credit: GettyPolice investigating at the house of Huni after the attackCredit: GettyThe boxer was just 23 when his family home in Brisbane, with ten inside, was targeted with five bullets. Two children, one aged eight and one just six months old, were among those in the house when shots fired at 4am. And despite cops and news crews surrounding the property – Huni was more focused on his morning sparring session that day. He told Ring Magazine: “I still remember it well.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was like, gunshots fired at my house then all of a sudden I had police and TV crews at the front of my house all morning. “But I had sparring that morning. I just looked straight past the news crews and just went to sparring. “Got my sparring done and then came back home to so much news and reporters at the house.”The frightening ordeal came while Huni was 5-0 – with four knockouts – and was approaching a fight against Joseph Gooddall.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he would amazingly win the bout over ten rounds, not losing a round in the eyes of one judge.Three years on and no arrests were made and the perpetrators remain a mystery.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Huni has since improved his record to 12-0 and returns on Saturday in the biggest fight of his career. He replaced Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – after the American pulled out of facing Wardley through “injury”. Huni accepted the deal on just five weeks notice and has no fear in taking on Ipswich’s Wardley at Portman Road having overcome far worse. He said: “The timing of the shooting was crazy because I had the Goodall fight five days later. “I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.”Everything is all character building and everything has got me to where I am today and to be able to get me past obstacles that are about to come up like June 7th. “Everything in my life has happened for a reason. It was scary of course, I was living in the house and my whole family was in the house that night. “It was a scare but I think I was so zoned in and focused on the fight it did not affect me. I kind of just overlooked it.”Now that I think back at it, it was a big deal, but at the time I was so focused on my job at hand that I kind of just brushed it away and just kept moving forward. I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.Justis Huni on his drive-by-shooting ordeal “I won that fight and there was so much security and stuff at the fight because obviously they thought it was connected to me.”I don’t know. It just shows what the mind can do when you’re locked in on something so bad. You just kind of forget about it.”Huni, 26, flew to England in mid May to face off with Wardley, 30, for the first time on the football pitch. And instead of flying 10,000 miles back, the Aussie set up camp in Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Boxing Gym for the remainder of his training. He said: “It’s a kind of interesting place. It’s a bit different to the Gold Coast.”I haven’t had a chance to look around and go down to the water yet but from what I’ve seen it seems quiet here and that’s how I like it. “It’s a lot better than when I was in London for a few days – that was too busy for me, too much traffic.”But there’s not nearly as much traffic in Blackpool so I’ve liked it. “We’ve managed to get the sparring we need from a few local boys who have come down to help me out. Read More on The Sun”I’ve got all the training that I’ve needed. I’ve done all the hard work I’ve needed to do. “I’m just going to go in there and do my job… do what I’ve done for the last 20 years since I started in this sport.”Huni is from Brisbane but has been training in BlackpoolFabio Wardley facing off with HuniCredit: QUEENSBERRY More

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      Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

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      BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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      Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement

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      SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League – and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football.The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston.Simon Grayson has won the league title in NepalCredit: X @Hussainov1chHe joined Lalitpur City for their two-month league seasonCredit: INSTAGRAMHe had been out of work following a spell managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru, so when the call came to boss Lalitpur City  for their eight-week season, he took it.Grayson’s team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday’s title decider to give him another triumph on his CV.Speaking from Kathmandu, the former Foxes captain said: “An agent rang me up and asked if I would be interested in managing in Nepal.“I spoke to the owners and thought, ‘Why not?’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we’ve gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend.“It’s been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn’t out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. “I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager.“To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“Since I’ve been at Lalitpur, I’ve got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time.“The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we’ve achieved and the players have been great.”Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition  official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner.Grayson added: “I’ve been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that.“They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don’t have VAR.“It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved.Simon Grayson won promotion to the Championship four timesCredit: GettyGrayson spent several years at Leicester as a playerCredit: Alamy“Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice  to catch up with him.”Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management… and English grub.He explained: “The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I’ve missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.“I’m looking forward to a full English breakfast and fish and chips.“I’ve missed my family and my dog, so I’m looking forward to getting back home to some normality.“But it’s been a great opportunity while I’m waiting for jobs to come up.“After my first game, some Reading fans here on holiday said, ‘You’ve  certainly not lost your passion for it.’“I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing.Read More on The Sun“But I’ve had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do.“I’ve been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.” More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham break all-time EFL points record in just second season in charge of League One champions

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have smashed the record for the most points scored in a single EFL campaign.The club’s 2-0 win over Blackpool on Wednesday evening took their overall points total up to 108 – two more than the record previously set by Reading (106) in the 2005-06 Championship season.Birmingham have broken the EFL points recordCredit: PAIt is a successful end to Tom Brady’s second season as co-owner of the clubCredit: ReutersEthan Laird broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before striker Alfie May secured the win at the start of the second half.Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, still have one more game left to play – against Cambridge United.The Blues were promoted back to the Championship earlier this month and clinched the League One title just days later.They have lost just three games all season and now remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter lifting the trophy on home soil at St Andrew’s last week, manager Chris Davies said: “It’s an incredible achievement.”I really have to reiterate that. I don’t want people to start taking this for granted and thinking that we just won another game.”We just got the most points any team in the history of English football have got in this league.”It’s an incredible achievement of how consistent the players have been, with all the ups and downs you have through a season, and injuries and everything else.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They’ve done exceptionally well, so it’s an achievement that will be hard to match, 105 points in a season and I’m very, very proud of everyone.”We’re unbeaten in the league at home, so I wanted to finish strong today.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”We scored some good goals, it was a dominant performance – a really good way to finish.”Birmingham now have the chance to hit a record-extending 111 points if they beat already-relegated Cambridge on Saturday. More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘That’s wild’ say fans as Liverpool star Mo Salah seen leaving arcades on Blackpool Pier during rare day off

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      FOOTBALL fans were left in disbelief after spotting Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah on Blackpool Pier earlier this week.The 32-year-old was seen walking out of an arcade while on a day out.Mo Salah was spotted on Blackpool PierCredit: TikTok @jake79215The Liverpool winger was accompanied by his securityCredit: TikTok @jake79215Salah was accompanied by his security at the amusement park.Fans could not believe their eyes when they saw the winger had decided to use a rare afternoon off to head to Blackpool.One person took to social media to write: “That’s wild!”Another quipped: “Signed for Blackpool as he couldn’t handle the ‘Pier Pressure’ at Liverpool.”Read More in FootballA third wrote: “Egyptian king goes were he wants.”While a fourth joked: “Mo Salah to Blackpool THERE WE LAND!”Blackpool Pier is an icon of British summer holidays.Among the attractions at the seaside resort are arcade machines, a carousel, waltzers, dodgems and a bouncy slide.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah’s trip to the seaside comes with his Liverpool future in doubt as his contract is set to expire in June.Last month, he told Sky Sports: “This is the first time I would say I really want to win the Premier League [over the Champions League].Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book'”Why? Probably because we didn’t celebrate the last one we won the way we wanted and also coming back it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.”Asked to elaborate on his comment, Salah added: “Do I really believe it’s my last year? So far yes.”These last six months there is nothing, no progress. We are far away from progress but we just need to wait and see.” More

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      EFL clash delayed after medical emergency in crowd during match aired live on Sky Sports

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      AN EFL clash aired on Sky Sports was delayed after an emergency in the crowd.Blackpool’s League One match against Huddersfield Town was halted in the 16th minute after a signal from the stands.Blackpool’s clash with Huddersfield was halted due to a crowd emergencyCredit: GettyBlackpool’s official social media account released a statement following the stoppage.It read: “Stoppage in play as a fan in the stadium is being treated for a medical emergency.”We send them our best wishes.”Play was resumed after seven minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlackpool’s social media account added: “Play has restarted and we wish everyone involved the very best.”Fans reacted to the news on social media with many sending well wishes.One posted: “I hope the fan is ok.”A second wrote: “I hope they are alright.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Thoughts are with those affected.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starA fourth said: “Hoping it is nothing serious!”Another added: “Praying everyone is fine.”At the time of the stoppage Blackpool were leading the match 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rob Apter.The Tangerines doubled their advantage deep into added time in the first half through Albie Morgan.However, the Terriers fought back with goals from Joe Taylor and Brodie Spencer to level the match and earn a point. More

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      Premier League cult hero Charlie Adam SACKED by Fleetwood after disastrous run of results

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN have sacked Charlie Adam following a disastrous run of form.The Premier League cult hero leaves the club 18th in League Two, having not won a game since November 9.Charlie Adam has been sacked by Fleetwood TownCredit: RexAdam, 39, was appointed as Fleetwood boss in December 2023 in what was his first job in management.He was unable to keep the club in League One as they suffered relegation.He has now been hit with the axe following a poor start to the season.A statement read: “Fleetwood Town can confirm Charlie Adam has left the club with immediate effect. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All at Fleetwood Town would like to thank Charlie for his hard work and commitment.”The club will issue a further update on the first team staff in due course.”Owner Jamie Pilley thanked the former Liverpool and Stoke City star for his work.He said: “I’d like to personally thank Charlie for his commitment and professionalism over the last 12 months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He’s been a pleasure to work with but recent results meant we felt a change was necessary.“I wish him well for the future.”Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsCharlie Adam helped Blackpool reach the Premier LeagueCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe won the League Cup with LiverpoolCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun GlasgowHe spent seven seasons at Stoke CityCredit: GettyAdam’s last game in charge saw Fleetwood beaten 2-0 at Barrow AFC.The result means that the club sit just eight points above the relegation zone.Adam will be best remembered for his playing career as he was a part of the side that helped Blackpool reach the Premier League in 2010.He left the Seasiders after they were relegated in a transfer to Liverpool.During his time at Anfield, he would win the League Cup in 2012 before leaving for Stoke City later that year.He would go on to have spells at Reading and Dundee before hanging up his boots in September 2022.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former FA Cup finalist, 48, begins new career as assistant kit man after suddenly quitting Red Bull job

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      FORMER FA Cup finalist Brett Ormerod has begun his new job as Bolton’s assistant kit man.SunSport revealed last month that the ex-striker would be linking up with former Blackpool team-mates Ian Evatt, Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks with the League One side.Brett Ormerod has taken up his new role as a kit man at BoltonCredit: RexThe former striker previously excelled at BlackpoolCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunOrmerod, 48, had only recently taken up a new job with Red Bull.But after speaking with old pal Evatt, he decided to move to Bolton.Writing in his Blackpool Gazette column, Ormerod explained how things came together.He admitted: “It’s good to be back in football, especially alongside the manager (Evatt), Matt Gilks and Stephen Crainey – it’s been like old times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Andy Taylor is also here – he was at Fylde at the same time as me. There’s a lot of people I know, so it’s been a smooth transition into the role.”I’d only just started a new job with Red Bull before handing my notice in. It all happened very quickly.”I met up with Evo and we had a good conversation. I knew if I didn’t take it now, then I might not get another like it, and it would’ve been a decision I regretted for the rest of my life.”Ormerod began his career at Accrington Stanley in the 1990s, before moving to Blackpool for his first stint Bloomfield Road stint in 1997.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrmerod played in the 2003 FA Cup final for SouthamptonCredit: AFPHe subsequently went to Southampton in 2001 and spent five years at St Mary’s, playing in the 2003 FA Cup final for Saints.Via stints at Leeds, Wigan, Preston, Nottingham Forest and Oldham he eventually returned to Blackpool in 2009, where he would play alongside Evatt, Crainey and Gilks.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseFollowing spells in non-league, Ormerod went on to coach at AFC Fylde.On what he intends to bring to his new role at Bolton, he added: “I am a kit man, but I will also be on the training field, joining in and taking some shooting practice.”Hopefully I can give them a bit of luck to get promoted, as they got as far as they could last season without going up.”I think they’re getting more than a kit man. If I can play a small role in making the players better then I’ll be a very happy man.”Bolton are seventh in the League One table, 10 points off leaders Wycombe with a game in hand.This Saturday the Trotters host Wigan Athletic, before a trip to Wycombe on December 20.Ormerod is hoping to assist Bolton’s promotion chaseCredit: Rex More