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      I’m a former Tottenham ace, now I run a footballers’ prayer group led by Champions League star

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      JOHN BOSTOCK has seen it all in football.Boy wonder and big transfer to perennial loanee and out on his ear.John Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been playing at Notts CountyCredit: RexBostock joined Spurs from Crystal Palace aged 16 back in 2008Credit: AFPPlaying abroad, playing up the English pyramid to wondering, at only 21, if he even wanted to keep playing.It has been one heck of a journey for the South Londoner, 32, who made major news half his life ago when he left Crystal Palace as a teen sensation for Tottenham.Yet after a fascinating career of 15 clubs and five countries, Bostock says he is the happiest he has ever been and still going strong with League Two Notts County.He has become a mentor to other players, particularly those who share his faith after setting up his influential Christian football society ‘Ballers in God’ in 2015.It gives him perspective when reflecting on his headline-grabbing switch in 2008 from Palace to Spurs, who face each other on Saturday.Bostock told SunSport: “I’ve come to a place where I see my career as an instrument I can use to help other people with what they’ve been through.“And maybe I had to go through what I’ve been through for me to understand that.“The move to Spurs made a lot of noise. I remember I would get the train to school, open up the papers and see my face on the back page.Most read in EFL“It had a big impact on how I saw life. “I realised that my identity couldn’t be built on what people think of me, that if I believed everything people say about me, I’d be in trouble. “I believe if you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die by their rejections.”Bostock remembers well the “messy” switch, which saw Spurs initially announce his signing, only for Palace to deny publicly that an agreement had been reached.Then-Eagles chairman Simon Jordan was livid and it eventually went to a tribunal.Bostock understands the frustration felt from the Palace side but explained: “We told the club we wanted to stay and the offer wasn’t what they said it was going to be.Bostock on…After all his years in football, worldly-wise John Bostock gives his verdict on:
      Palace and Spurs starlets: “Eberechi Eze is a player I really love to watch. I don’t know him closely but we’re in touch. It’s wonderful to see a player like that from South London shining on the pitch and also representing Jesus.
      “Micky van de Ven has been colossal at Spurs. I watched him at Wolfsburg because one of our Ballers in God, Felix Nmecha, was his team-mate there.
      “Cheick Doucoure is injured for Palace but I was with him at Lens, he was a young player coming through and had some really good attributes. Palace will miss him.”
      Best player he played with: “Luka Modric. He was incredible. I didn’t know he would go on to win the Ballon D’Or but he was always a step ahead.”
      Favourite coach: “Luke Williams. I’ve never worked under a manager like that. He was very, very rounded tactically, man-management… he’s a very special person.
      Happiest time at a club: “I’m really happy now at Notts County. I love the football we play, the fans are brilliant, where I’m at in life. But get me on a pitch somewhere with a ball, I’m happy. Wherever that is, I’ve learned to be happy.
      One piece of advice for young players: “Learn to deal with disappointments very well. I wish someone had told me, ‘John, you need endurance for this game’, because you do. It’s a tough game and it takes a lot.”

      “We asked for another offer and they said, ‘Well, this is it’. So we said this is what we’ve got elsewhere. We moved on.“I would have loved to have played for the club for longer. I’m very grateful I was able to play for them at all.”Expectations were high at Tottenham given Bostock had made his Palace debut at 15.But ultimately he only made four appearances for the Lilywhites across five seasons where he was loaned out to Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and MLS side Toronto.When his deal expired, his confidence was low and with no offers coming in, he questioned if the game was even for him anymore.But his love for the sport was recaptured with a season playing under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the second tier of Belgium football with OH Leuven.Further stints abroad followed to Lens – where he played with current Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure -, Turkish side Bursaspor and then back to France with Toulouse.He returned to England due to family reasons and for the last two years has been with County, where he is preparing for a hostile trip to Bradford on Saturday.In 2015, he set up Ballers in God which has grown significantly and has a following of over 300,000 people on Instagram. The organisation provides support for believing players, with Zoom prayer meetings every morning, weekly online catch-ups and end-of-season retreats. It is international too, with Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha one of many ‘group’ leaders.Bostock was not religious growing up but had “an encounter with Jesus” at 15 – just before his move to Spurs – after his sister Tara found God and invited him to church.Hearing the Gospel for the first time had a profound effect. He recalled: “I said a very simple prayer that day and my life has never been the same since.”Palace star Eberechi Eze offered unsolicited praise last month to Ballers in God, writing on Instagram that the organisation work was “truly incredible and inspiring”.A touched Bostock said: “He didn’t need to do that but it was very encouraging. “I love watching Eze play, and I’m not just saying it because he’s a fellow believer. He’s like a throwback, the way he glides past players and plays without fear.“To know his journey, the rejection he’s had, and to see him thrive now at a Premier League club, it’s really wonderful to see.”Bostock’s mentoring really came to the fore during Covid, when so many players lost their purpose as football ground to a halt.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I talk to players about everything I’ve faced because I’ve been the wonderkid, I’ve been the traveller, I’ve been without a club, I’ve been injured, I’ve had surgery, I’ve had a lot of noise about me, I’ve had no noise about me.“I feel like I’ve faced it all in some capacity. That has really equipped me to help others who go through stuff.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.Thomas Tuchel could land another huge role when he leaves BayernCredit: GettyAnother former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the race to replace him appears wide open.Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLIt appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial job More

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      Inside 102-year-old stadium unfit for Europe despite club’s incredible charge into Champions League spot

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      STRADE BRESTOIS are writing history this season under manager Eric Roy as the club has never finished above eighth in the league.But the Ligue 1 underdogs are currently in second position and on course to qualify for the Champions League – but their stadium will be unfit to hold any games if they do so.Strade Brestois’s 102-year-old stadium is unfit to hold Champions League gamesCredit: GettyBrest are currently second in Ligue 1 and are in line to compete in Europe next yearCredit: GettyStadium Francis-Le Ble would need to undergo extensive work to hold European games next seasonCredit: GettyWhile Brest are in the midst of a historic term the club are aware their ground Francis-Le Ble would need to undergo work before being able to host matches in the Champions League. The 102-year-old stadium which is located in the Western tip of France holds 15,931 spectators.This is less than Brentford’s Community Stadium which holds 17,00 spectators but is still bigger than Bournemouth’s and Luton’s grounds.But according to Le Telegramme, UEFA regulations have four categories of stadiums, and only category 4 can host Champions League games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCurrently, Francis-Le Ble is a category 2 which means it would only be allowed to host games in the 1st and 2nd qualifying rounds for the Champions League or games in the Europa Conference League. Category 2 highlights the stadium lacks media facilities and does not have the correct floodlights to host European clashes.Meaning for the Brest they will need to find a temporary host for when they play in the Champions League.Brest are one of the biggest surprises this season after rising from mid-table to now possibly competing with the European elites.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBefore their match against Strasbourg on Saturday, Brest sat in second place in Ligue 1. Following a record-breaking performance, Roy’s side has shown they are strong contenders for an automatic Champions League qualification spot.Everything you need to know about Kylian MbappeBrest ended up thrashing Strasbourg 3-0 to hold their second spot in the table and on 43 points in Ligue 1 after 23 matches played with only Paris Saint-Germain ahead of them.Brest have equalled their record unbeaten run in Ligue 1 – a record which has stood since 1990. Last season the club were battling it out in the bottom half of the table and luckily managed to avoid relegation after finishing 14th. More

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      Arsenal line up three-man striker shortlist with Evan Ferguson and Champions League star as transfer priorities revealed

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      MIKEL ARTETA has already drawn up a shortlist of strikers he wants to sign this summer, it’s been claimed.The Arsenal boss is seemingly already thinking about boosting his attacking options so his troops can mount a sustained challenge on all fronts next season.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly eyeing summer reinforcementsCredit: GettyRB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is reportedly on the Spaniard’s three-man shortlistCredit: GETTYSporting Lisbon and Sweden star Viktor Gyokeres is also reportedly on the listCredit: REXBrighton and Republic of Ireland hitman Evan Ferguson is also said to be a targetCredit: PAAnd according to reports, the Spaniard has three hitmen on his summer wishlist.That’s according to The Athletic, who claim Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Evan Ferguson are players Arteta is keen on.Slovenia international Sesko has shone in his debut season with RB Leipzig, scoring 11 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions – two of which have come in the Champions League.Swedish striker Gyokeres, meanwhile, has found the back of the net a whopping 31 times in 34 appearances for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRepublic of Ireland international Ferguson enjoyed a stellar campaign for Brighton last season, scoring 16 goals and racking up five assists in all competitions for Roberto de Zerbi’s side.But he’s only found the back of the net six times this campaign.Pedro Neto is also said to still be a potential summer signing, although Wolves’ asking price for the winger could put the Gunners off pursuing him.The Athletic also claim the addition of a new central midfielder could made, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi being considered.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGabriel Jesus has been blighted by injury during his time at the EmiratesCredit: GETTYArteta’s consideration of signing a new striker could be in part due to Gabriel Jesus’ inconsistency in front of goal and spate of injuries since his 2022 move to the Emirates.The Brazilian was on the bench for the Gunners’ rout of Newcastle last weekend but is fit enough to play in the North Londoners’ trip to Sheffield United on Monday night.Thomas Partey to return to Arsenal squad for Sheffield Utd clash after playing just 15 minutes since AugustArteta said of the Brazilian: “He’s fit enough [to play]. “How long he will last that’s very different.“We didn’t want to take any risks. We need him fit and now we want to make sure we load him in the right way.” More

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      ‘What criteria did they use?’ – Fans baffled to discover Premier League flops already qualified for Fifa Club World Cup

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      FANS have been left baffled after Chelsea were announced as qualifiers for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.The tournament is set to undergo a big shake-up next year with 32 teams involved. Chelsea have qualified for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd surprisingly, Chelsea will be one of them, joining the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG. One fan reacted to the news, saying: “Why are Chelsea there.”Another said: “Chelsea finished 10th but still going to the Club World Cup.”One added: “What is the criteria for qualification?”READ MORE IN football Another agreed: “How did Chelsea qualify? What qualification criteria did FIFA use?”Despite mass fan confusion, Fifa confirmed that Champions League winners from 2021-2024 qualify for the tournament. And Chelsea lifted the European cup under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel only three years ago. Winners of “each confederation’s premier club competition” also qualify, explaining Bayern Munich and PSG’s presence. Most read in Football2025 Fifa Club World Cup teams so far

      𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
      𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀
      Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
      𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄
      Chelsea (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Manchester City (England)Bayern Munich (Germany)PSG (France)Inter Milan (Italy)Porto (Portugal)Benfica (Portugal)
      𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇/𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      CF Monterrey (Mexico)Seattle Sounders FC (United States)Club Leon (Mexico)
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      Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
      𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      SE Palmeiras (Brazil)CR Flamengo (Brazil)Fluminense FC (Brazil)

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMore info will be announced throughout 2024 — including the trophy, host cities, and the draw.But for now, the first 19 sides have been announced, with a further 13 to be added.Astrid Wett boycotting Chelsea matches after she is ‘spat at’ despite ‘being one of club’s biggest fans’ The new 32-team tournament format will take place every four years with an extended international break merging the current September and October slots to facilitate the changes.City – last season’s Champions League winners – are the current holders. More

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      Jose Mourinho reveals why he went to Cristiano Ronaldo’s house when he cried for only time in his career

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      JOSE MOURINHO visited Cristiano Ronaldo’s house after the striker was left distraught following his missed penalty in the 2012 Champions League semi-final.Mourinho claimed he even cried for the only time in his coaching career.Jose Mourinho admitted he cried after Madrid’s loss to Bayern in the semi-final of Champions League in 2012Credit: AFPCristiano Ronaldo was left devastated following Madrid’s exitCredit: AFPThe tears came after Real Madrid lost on penalties to Bayern in the second leg of the 2012 Champions League semi-final.The Bernabeu clash, for those who may not remember, is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of European club football’s elite competition.After Bayern won 2-1 in the tie’s opener in Munich, the German champions made the trip to Madrid two weeks later, with their eyes firmly set on the Champions League final.It was hosts Real Madrid, though, who ultimately emerged on the right side of a 2-1 full-time result.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith the score 3-3 on aggregate, the game was sent to extra-time, and then a tense penalty shootout.Bayern, ultimately, held their nerve, and won the shootout 3-2 to march on to an eventual defeat to Chelsea at the Allianz Arena.Kaka, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, and Philipp Lahm all missed their spot kicks.As did the world’s then best player Ronaldo – whose penalty was kept out by Manuel Neuer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo was left devastated with his role in Madrid’s Champions League exit.So much so that his agent Jorge Mendes pleaded with Mourinho to visit him at his home address.Speaking in an interview released by Prime Video, he said: “I cried, of course not on the pitch or in the dressing room. But driving home, yes. “And when I’m going home already down, I get a call from Jorge Mendes: ‘Do me a favour: go to Cristiano’s house, because he’s dead’. Jose Mourinho opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, Chelsea and job offers in interview with Rio Ferdinand “I told him: ‘I’m also dead!’ But I did it, so… Prepare yourself, no tears and let’s go to Cristiano’s house. He was exactly the way I was. We were destroyed.”Ultimately, Mourinho couldn’t secure the Champions League title as the manager of Madrid.But Ronaldo did go on to win four more European titles. More

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      European fixtures key to huge points for Dream Team managers across next two Gameweeks

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      ANY Dream Team manager worth their salt knows to squeeze the schedule for all it’s worth.The logic is simple and undeniable: more fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities.
      This ploy isn’t totally fool-proof but it generally pays dividends over the course of a season.

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      Smart options for Gameweeks 26 and 27?Credit: Dream Team
      Looking at the next fortnight or so, it appears the upcoming European games hold the key to plentiful points.
      In Gameweek 26, five teams will fulfil two fixtures with Manchester City, Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa all in continental action in midweek after a full round of Premier League games at the weekend.
      Pep Guardiola’s side host neighbours Manchester United on Sunday before welcoming FC Copenhagen to the Etihad on Wednesday night.
      Given Erling Haaland (£7.5m) plundered 40 points in Gameweek 25, the captaincy debate is likely to be a simple one for most gaffers.
      Elsewhere, Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest and Sparta Prague in what has to be considered a favourable double header.
      Dream Team bosses eagerly await availability updates on Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) and Darwin Nunez (£4.5m).
      Most read in Football
      Salah will be a popular recruit if deemed availableCredit: Getty
      Brighton also have back-to-back away days in the form of Fulham in the league then Roma in the Europa League.
      Pascal Gross (£4.5m) is among Dream Team’s most in-form players at present having earned 49 points across his last five outings.
      West Ham are the third and final English team still active in the Europa League.
      The Hammers face Freiburg (again) after a trip to Everton at the weekend.
      Jarrod Bowen’s (£4.5m) hat-trick against Brentford on Monday suddenly looks very timely indeed.
      The England international provided healthy returns for much of last season thanks in no small part to his ultimately triumphant Europa Conference League commitments.
      This season it’s Aston Villa who are set to take part in the knockout stages of the continent’s tertiary competition.
      31 goal involvements and countingCredit: Getty
      Unai Emery’s side drew a big name in the round of 16 in the form of Ajax but it’s worth noting that the Dutch giants have been below par for much of 2023/24.
      Jordan Henderson and company are without a win in their last four league games and currently reside fifth in the Eredivisie table.
      Ollie Watkins (£4.5m), Douglas Luiz (£3.9m), John McGinn (£3.7m), Emi Martinez (£3.1m) and Leon Bailey (£3m) are therefore all tempting options.
      The former has scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions this season while the latter has quietly amassed 20 goal involvements.
      The Villains travel to Luton on Saturday for their Premier League match-up with the Hatters having just shipped six goals to City in the FA Cup.
      Back among the goalsCredit: Getty

      Looking forward to Gameweek 27, it’s Arsenal who will be in Champions League action in Man City’s place for their second leg against Porto.
      Whereas Liverpool, Brighton, West Ham and Aston Villa will all fulfil their respective second legs in consecutive Gameweeks.
      These four clubs are therefore the only teams with two fixtures each in Gameweeks 26 and 27.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      This clearly hasn’t escaped Dream Team bosses as the four most-popular recruits ahead of Saturday’s deadline are currently: Watkins, Bowen, Virgil van Dijk (£3.9m) and Douglas Luiz.
      Targeting the midweek European fixtures is likely to be a profitable strategy.

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      Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move

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      XABI ALONSO is going to snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich AND Real Madrid – according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.Former Bayern star Matthaus would love Alonso to be the next boss of his old team, but reckons the Spaniard will spurn interest from a number of big clubs to stay for at least one more year at Bayer Leverkusen.
      Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso is going nowhere this summerCredit: Getty
      Matthaus said: “His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet.
      “Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that. 
      “He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. 
      “He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Former Kop idol Alonso is believed to be Liverpool’s top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Anfield at the end of the season.
      But another of the Spaniard’s former clubs, Bayern, are also in the market for a new head coach after confirming that Thomas Tuchel would be on his way this summer.
      And Real Madrid, another club that Alonso graced as one of the most stylish midfielders of his generation, have also been linked with him.
      Matthaus, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and the 1990 World Cup with West Germany, knows exactly where he would like Alonso to pitch up next.
      Most read in Football
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      Matthaus, 62, now a Sky Germany pundit, said: “As for the search for Tuchel’s successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern’s list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen. 
      “I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso.
      Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer
      “But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. 
      “He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
      “The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach.
      “He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. 
      “He has no pressure and can take things easy.” More