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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Police manhunt for ex-Cardiff and QPR star, 44, once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer as he’s wanted back in jail

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      COPS have launched a manhunt for an ex-Cardiff and QPR star who was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer.Leonne Jeanne, 44, has been “recalled to prison” by South Wales Police.South Wales Police have appealed for information about Leonne JeanneCredit: Wales News ServiceThe ex-QPR and Cardiff star is being recalled to prisonCredit: South Wales PoliceJeanne turned out for QPRCredit: Action ImagesThe former footy star was convicted of dangerous driving in 2019 after being chased by police at 100mph on the same road where his son was found dead. He was later sent to prison for breaching a curfew.Four years earlier, in 2015, he had been jailed for 30 months for his part in a plot to supply cocaine.The police appeal said: “Leonne Jeanne. Age: 44. From Cardiff. Recalled to Prison. Give reference 2500002271.”Read More in FootballThe talented young footballer began his career with Queens Park Rangers before joining his hometown team Cardiff City. However, Jeanne suffered from drug and alcohol addiction and was given a two-year suspended ban by the Football Association of Wales after testing positive for a class A drug. Continued disciplinary problems eventually led to his release from Cardiff.In June 2011, Jeanne joined then Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion for pre-season training in a bid to earn a contract and play football at a high level once more. Most read in FootballJeanne started the 2011–12 season playing for Welsh Premier League side Afan Lido but left before the start of the 2012–13 season to join Carmarthen Town.He would go on to play just six times more for Port Talbot Town before his career sadly came to an end in 2015.Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersTwo years ago, Jeanne was allowed out on day release from prison to attend the funeral of his son, who was among three people to die in a horror car crash in Cardiff.Jeanne, then 42, was flanked by two police officers as he mourned son Rafel, 24, at the church service.Rafel Jeanne and pals Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, died when their white VW Tiguan crashed near Newport, Wales.Leonne had to attend the funeral in handcuffs as he served a ten-year prison sentence after being jailed for conspiracy to supply cocaine.His son Rafel and five friends had been enjoying a night out in Newport before vanishing at 2am.Their car was only found 46 hours later in the tragedy.Father Leonne wore a blue Nike tracksuit and was seen handcuffed to a cop as he made his way inside the church.Jeanne turning out for QPR in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer pro-footballer Jeanne was in handcuffs as he attended his son’s funeral in 2023Credit: WNSRafel Jeanne-Actie died in a horror crash 2 years agoCredit: WNSRafel’s funeral was held at St Peter’s Church in Cardiff with hundreds of mourners dressed in black for attendance followed by a cremation service.Traditional Welsh hymns Calon Lan and Ar Hyd y Nos were sung at the church and the service at the crematorium concluded with Told You by rappers Yung Tory and Nafe Smaz.Quad bikes followed the hearse and family cars, revving their engines.Shane Loughlin, 32, and Sophie Russon, 20, were critically injured and taken to hospital in the crash.However, Loughlin was sentenced for dangerous driving although his sentence was later reduced in 2024.The offences were not connected with the crash that happened later that nightREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe was not driving at the time of the crash in St Mellons, Cardiff, but had driven the same car while inhaling laughing gas just hours before.Loughlin was a passenger in the Volkswagen Tiguan when it veered off the A48 in east of Cardiff and crashed into undergrowth back in March 2023.Jeanne played for Cardiff among other clubsCredit: Huw EvansJeanne pictured in his Wales U21 stripCredit: CollectHe was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballerCredit: WNS More

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      ‘Are you alright?’ – Gary Neville stunned as Wayne Rooney admits he STILL wants to manage and reveals unusual next step

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      WAYNE ROONEY left Gary Neville absolutely gobsmacked by revealing his intention to return to management.Wazza was given his marching orders by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle last December after just seven months in charge.The sacking was Rooney’s SECOND of 2024, a year which started off with Birmingham City handing him his P45.Wayne Rooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle last December following a disastrous runCredit: REXThe 39-year-old was given his marching orders by Birmingham City 11 months earlierCredit: GETTYWazza stunned former team-mate Gary Neville by revealing he still wants to manageCredit: SKY SPORTSBut the Manchester United legend isn’t giving up hope of becoming a successful manager, saying during the latest episode of the Stick to Football Podcast: “I would like to go back in.”Rooney’s admission stunned former team-mate Neville, who proceeded to ask him: “Are you alright?””No I would do,” Rooney continued. “But it’d have to be the right club. Certainly the right club.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWazza, however, is in no rush to return to the dugout.England’s former all-time leading goalscorer said: “I’m not in a massive rush to go back in.”There are different things that I’m looking at to try and get involved with as well.”Unless something was absolutely the right thing to do, [then I’m not rushing back in].”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Rooney, 39, is well aware that his recent track record will likely put clubs off giving him a job.So much so he’s willing to DROP DOWN to Under-21 level to further cut his teeth and prove himself worthy.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDHe said: “I’d have no problem dropping to an Under-21 team or going in there as a coach.”I’m still young enough to learn and devlop.”I’m not naive enough to think [I’ll go straight into another job]. I know how the game works.”Despite the current bleak nature of his managerial prospects, Rooney has no regrets about his forays into the dugout.He said: “I’ve had some great experiences. Good ones, bad ones. So I think you’ve always got that to fall back on.”Whatever happens in the future, you’ve always got that to fall back on.”But I’m definitely looking, as well, to try and expand and do different things and enjoy my kids more, enjoy my family more and enjoying doing stuff with them.”Certainly while I’ve got this time off.”Rooney joined Birmingham City in October 2023 following a brief stint with DC United in the MLS. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was sacked by the Tom Brady-owned club after winning just two of his 15 games in charge.Plymouth offered Roo a return to management last May, although the club decided to part ways with him after the slipped to rock bottom of the Championship table. More

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      Liverpool star Cody Gakpo incredibly reveals how close he came to joining Prem strugglers but left transfer up to fate

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      LIVERPOOL star Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining one of two sides who were struggling in the Premier League.Gakpo, who linked with Leeds and Southampton before his Anfield move, said he let fate decide his future and “asked God for a sign.”Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining Leeds or Southampton in April 2022Credit: ESPNThe forward revealed he left his PSV future up to fateCredit: GettySeveral pieces had to fall into place for Gakpo to sign for Liverpool – including a hat-trick scored by chance.Manchester United explored the possibility of signing him when a deal for Ajax attacker Antony proved difficult.But when United appeared to pull out of the race for Gakpo, the forward had three options left in 2022: join Leeds, the Saints or stay at PSV.Gakpo told ESPN that he used a league game against Volendam to make his mind up in an extraordinary way.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 25-year-old said: “I prayed, and I asked God for guidance. But you see, I had to make sure I got his message. “So I said, ‘If I score only once I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score twice, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay.”The striker added: “The next day we played, and I scored twice. I was also involved in a third goal — and at first, it was called as an own goal.”Then I was subbed out. So, two goals, right? I thought, Ah, OK, it’s Leeds then. I was at peace with my decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As I was sitting on the bench, I told my friend, Jordan Teze, who now plays for Monaco, the whole story. “He was like, ‘If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you.’ Cody Gakpo looks back on his debut for PSV Eindhoven “It was like a coin toss, waiting to see what they decided. It could have gone either way! “But after the game, they gave me the goal. I scored three, so my fate changed. I stayed at PSV.”Gakpo reportedly refused to get on a plane to Leeds Bradford Airport in 2022, according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink.The decision to bide his time appears to have benefitted Gakpo.The Dutchman joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the 2023 January transfer window.After a rocky start, he has since made more than 100 appearances for the Reds, scoring 27 goals.Gakpo already has 14 goals this season after scoring 16 last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis brace against Ipswich on Saturday made it five goals in his last six Premier League matches.Liverpool travel to Gakpo’s former side PSV in their final Champions League group fixture of the season. Gakpo scored two against Ipswich on SaturdayCredit: AFP More

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      Burnley and Leeds fans call for refunds after ‘worst game of any form of sport ever’ – as woeful stats emerge

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      BURNLEY and Leeds fans are demanding refunds after watching the “worst game of any form of sport ever.”The Championship title contenders went head-to-head last night in what had been billed as an epic showdown.Burnley and Leeds fans want refunds after last night’s dismal 0-0 drawCredit: RexLeeds were already top of the table after second-place Sheffield United lost to Hull on Friday.While third-place Burnley, three points off the summit, were hoping to go level with Leeds after losing just twice so far this season.Scott Parker’s men boast the meanest defence in English football with only nine goals conceded.But Daniel Farke’s side are no slouches themselves and have suffered just three defeats so far.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for fans though, what should have been a thriller quickly turned into a drab affair.Neither side wanted to relinquish their statuses as incredibly tough teams to beat.And across the entire 90 minutes, just ONE shot between the sides was on target.That honour went to Leeds, who ended up having eight attempts on goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs for Burnley, they managed just four shots and failed to get a single one on target.The Clarets also made sure to disrupt play as much as possible as their dogged stars made 13 tackles – resulting in nine fouls.Ex-Man Utd star Hannibal Mejbri dubbed ‘epic s—house’ after outrageously taunting Leeds fans in tense Burnley winBut Leeds incredibly managed to give away 11 fouls despite only making eight tackles themselves.And fans were left to bemoan the lack of action as the whistle blew on a dismal 0-0 stalemate.One said: “This Burnley Leeds game is, with no exaggeration, the worst game of any form of sport to have ever taken place.“Every single person at the game, or who watched it, should be reimbursed.”Another declared: “Drained the life out of me tonight.”One noted: “I fell asleep and I was in the stadium.”Another added: “Absolutely shambolic, poor fans.” More

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      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

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      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Burnley vs Leeds LIVE RESULT: Top of the table sides share point after tough Turf Moor battle – latest updates

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      BURNLEY and Leeds played out a tense draw and earned a point each on Monday night.Top of the table Leeds United travel to third-placed Burnley with only three points separating them.After Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Hull City on Friday night, a Leeds win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.A Burnley win would see them leapfrog the Blades into second, although Leeds hold a seven-goal advantage in goal difference.Kick -off: 8pmTV: Sky Sports Main EventBurnley XI: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill, Anthony, Humphreys, Roberts, Foster, Flemming, Cullen, Laurent.Leeds XI: Meslier, Bogle, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Leeds boss Daniel Farke interviewHe told Sky Sports: “It’s a good result. We’ve here a difficult away game against of the best sides in this league. They are unbeaten since ages and then to come away with a point on the road is always a good result in this league.”It’s another clean sheet which is pretty good. Yes it’s difficult to score goals against them. I think we could have been a bit committed and convincing in some situations. Our decision making in their box – when you face an opponent who play that well in defending – you have to anticipate a little bit more.”Our commitment in defence could have been better and then we could have won the game but overall it’s a good result and a good point for us.”Copy linkCopied”We’ll take it”Player of the match Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to Sky Sports: “I prefer the three points but that was a good performance defensively.”We know that Leeds are a strong team so that’s a good point. We’ll take it.”It was crucial not to lose but if you honestly look at the game – we didn’t have any shots on target. So honestly we’ll take this.”Copy linkCopied”We’re going to back ourselves”Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley told Sky Sports: “We’re working hard every day on the defence stuff and at the moment its working for us.”For me it’s the full team, the full XI – it’s not just the back four, it starts at the top of the pitch with the strikers and the pressing. The important thing If we keep this going we should be ok.”We know how the table looks, there are a few teams up there on similar points, we’re going to back ourselves. this game has gone, we will look back on it, reflect, we didn’t lose, we’ll go again next week.”Copy linkCopiedWhat it meansIf anyone is still awake after that then you should be reminded that none of the top-four have won so Leeds stay top, while Burnley epic defensive run continues.Scott Parker’s Clarets extend unbeaten run to 16 games with a seventh successive clean sheet and Burnley close to within a point of second-placed Sheffield United.Daniel Farke’s Leeds are now unbeaten in 11 matches.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s view WHAT a boring night served up by these two Championship super powersIt wasn’t until the 89th minute when Leeds winger Dan James volleyed straight at James Trafford that either keeper was called into action.You would think that two clubs trying to go into the Premier League would be able to produce something better and more positive than this.Burnley still have not conceded a goal since December 21 at Watford and nine goals all season.And they frustrated leaders Leeds, who themselves were way too safe and not prepared to take risks. It was a “must-not-lose” approach by both managers.This was a bad avert for the Championship and frankly a worry for either team if they are promoted to the Premier League. They will be coming straight back down with this sort of approach.Copy linkCopiedFulltime 0-0 Well that’s 90 minutes of our lives we’ll never get back again…Copy linkCopiedFirst shot on target…88 minutes in!James Trafford leapt like a cat to protect his goal from a rasping shot from James. Trafford tipped it over the bar and the corner is dealt with.Alamy Live News. 2S9WB1G James Trafford (Burnley) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor, Burnley on Monday 27th January 2025. (Photo: Pat Scaasi | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.Copy linkCopied83 – Will Dan James rescue this misery?If anyone is going to conjure up a goal it’s going to be James. He weaves his way through the middle before being bought down by Brownhill. Livid away fans are calling for a yellow card, which never came. The defence is on top for now. Copy linkCopied80 – Crunch challengeAmpadu commits a crunchy tackle on Brownhill who looked to have got the ball but free kick given. The damage was mopped up and you guessed it… it stays 0-0. Copy linkCopied78 – Tempers flare Josh Brownhill wins a free-kick after a challenge from Ilia Gruev, which leaves Leeds players livid. Brownhill has to hobble off for 30 seconds after a spot of treatment but Jaidon Anthony’s cross goes behind. Ilan Meslier was thanking his lucky stars having sauntered off his line and nowhere near it.Copy linkCopied73 – Substitution Lyle Foster has put his body on the line for Scott Parker tonight, despite not coming close to a goal he has done the dirty work tracking back to snaffle up bogle as best he can.He’s applauded off the pitch while Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento enters the fray. Copy linkCopied71 – Daniel Farke makes his move first Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph are on while Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon are hooked off. Copy linkCopied67 minutes – it’s getting spicy Jayden Bogle is the latest Leeds man in the book after complaining for a free-kick against Lyle Foster.Three yellows for the yellow team with Manor Solomon and Dan James already in the book.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s verdict Both sides are too safe. The centre of the pitch is like being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 – rammed with no space to move.But Leeds do at least show a bit more attacking ambition down the flanks.Dan James and Manor Solomon are constantly looking to turn and attack – while Lyle Taylor and Jaidon Anthony did not look to take on the full-backs with them often passing backwards.That frustrates fans.I’m so impressed with CJ Egan-Riley again. The centre-half superbly cut out that quick Joe Rodon pass. The former Manchester City kid has been one of the standout Championship players so far this season.Copy linkCopied60 – Yellow card Dan James mows down CJ Egan-Riley cynically in midfield and referee Josh Smith doesn’t hesitate whipping out his yellow card. Copy linkCopied58 – Leeds nearly score but the flag is up! Bogle cracks a volley jut wide from inside the box but flag is up straight away. It came after Manor Solomon curled in a cross, which sees Joel Piroe flagged for offside, before the ball dropped to Bogle. The tempo has cranked up at Turf Moor with both sets of fans giving it large.Copy linkCopied50 – Leeds chipping away A peach of a pass from Liam Cullen found Zian Flemming, who put the ball beyond Lyle Foster to chase. The Burnley man nudged Joe Rodon as he came back to cover, with the Welsh defender clattering to the floor, to bag a free-kick from referee Josh Smith.Copy linkCopiedSeven minutes of pure scrappiness With the greatest respect to the two best sides in the league, this start to the first-half has not been pretty. You can tell these this game is full to the brim with desperation from both sides not to lose. Copy linkCopiedIt’s all feeling a bit flat right nowThink we’re all looking like Zian Flemming watching this game right now. Head in hands at the lack of clear cut chances, with not a single shot on target so far. Copy linkCopiedTeams are back outNeither boss has made any changes to their line-up as we head into the second-half. Let’s hope for an early goal to liven things up . Copy linkCopiedEx-Burnley centre-back Ben Mee has his say “Seems like this game will need a moment of magic or a slip up to make the difference.”Copy linkCopiedBoredrawThis game certainly hasn’t got pulses racing with one Leeds fan joking on Twitter: “Thank you Burnley vs Leeds for saving my brother who has been in a coma for 10 years. “The game was so boring that he got out of be to turn it to another channel.”Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen reckons there is a goal brewing for Leeds Burnley content to sit in and close space when Leeds are in possession.You feel if a goal is to come for the Yorkshire side the source will be from down the right flank because Jayden Bogle has been excellent.The ex-Sheffield United ace has plenty of pace and tricks to open up even a tight defensive unit like Burnley.This game is crying out for a goal. A Leeds one would make it much more interesting.They have lots of options on the bench with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani.Copy linkCopiedAll square at half-timeIt’s 0-0 at half-time with the one-minute of injury time saying it all. Copy linkCopied42 – Zian Flemming blazes it over The Dutchman tried his luck from long-range, but lashed his dipping volley into the gods Copy linkCopied More

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      Football host Jeff Stelling opens up about daughter’s battle with anorexia

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      FOOTBALL host Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia.He said Olivia, 21, got “skeletal” from the mental health condition and spent months in hospital.Jeff said he faced the “heartbreaking” sight of girls in wheelchairs with no energy to walk.In 2023 Jeff, 69, told how “a friend” was struggling, and his comments went viral. He said Olivia was now happy for him to say it was her, and is doing well as a student.Dad-of-three Jeff has spoken to Parliament on the issue and said: “The reaction was astonishing.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said the numbers who relapse is “horrific”, adding: “If they relapse two, three or four times . . . they say they’re going to provide a pathway, in other words we’re not going to try and save you we’re going to try and help you die.”Last year Stelling promised go one step further than Gary Lineker if his beloved Hartlepool get to the Championship.The departed host memorably presented Match of the Day in his PANTS after Leicester won the Prem in 2015-2016.But that is nothing compared to the lengths talkSPORT host Stelling is prepared to go.Most read in FootballAsked whether he would emulate Lineker: “I would host talkSPORT breakfast without my pants in order for Hartlepool to get into the Championship.“League Two would be fine, never mind the Championship.”Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary returnFootball pundit Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia More