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      Plymouth Argyle SCRAP fly-on-the-wall documentary after Wayne Rooney was axed as manager and club face relegation

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have scrapped their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Wayne Rooney’s departure.Rooney, 39, left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day alongside No2 Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland following a dismal run of one win in 14 games.Wayne Rooney was axed following Argyle’s 2-0 defeat to OxfordCredit: GettySunSport revealed in November that filming had commenced on a documentary series showcasing Argyle’s battle against the Championship drop.The Pilgrims had hoped to flog the series to a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – raising significant money and the club’s profile in the process.Amid Argyle’s 10-game winless run and Rooney’s departure, however, The Guardian report that club bosses have scrapped the project.They claim that it was felt the project could become a “distraction”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilming had commenced in October, but after working at just two games, production staff were told to “take a break”.Lorton Entertainment had been working on the project.The production company has ties to the former Pilgrims boss, having worked on the feature length documentary “Rooney” – shown on Amazon Prime Video, and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story”, which aired on Disney+.Despite Argyle’s documentary plans having been largely driven by Rooney and his team of advisers, club bosses did sign off on it initially.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLorton are understood to be co-owned by Kenny Shepherd, who is also a shareholder in Triple S Sports – the agency that have represented Rooney since he was a teen.Plymouth Argyle have declined to comment.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleLong-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has been placed in caretaker charge alongside injured captain Joe Edwards.The duo guided the Pilgrims to a 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City at Home Park, and are expected to be in charge of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Stoke City.After the Bristol City game, Nancekivell paid tribute to outgoing boss Rooney.’PRIVILEGED TO GET TO KNOW HIM’He told the BBC: “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.”People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.”I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.”Nancekivell, 53, could remain in temporary charge as the Pilgrims take on Brentford in the FA Cup next week.Former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is the early front-runner to succeed Rooney.Remarkably, Schumacher’s Home Park predecessor Ryan Lowe is the second favourite for the post, having left Argyle for Preston in December 2021.Kevin Nancekivell paid tribute to RooneyCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is favourite to land the Argyle gigCredit: GettyWHAT’S NEXT FOR WAZZA?As for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney, 39, is likely to return to punditryCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester at risk of Premier League points deduction like Everton and Nottingham Forest in major blow to survival hopes

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      LEICESTER are at risk of a Premier League points deduction.The Foxes are in the relegation zone and any docking of points would be a major blow to their survival hopes.Leicester will find out if they will be charged by January 13Credit: GettyThe club narrowly avoided a points deduction in the summer after they were charged with a £24.4million breach for the 2022-23 season.Leicester reasoned that because they were relegated, they were not in the Premier League when they submitted their accounts for that season.But they are now waiting to see if they will be charged after recording pre-tax losses of £92.5m and £90m in 2022 and 2023.Prem clubs are permitted to record losses of no more than £105m over a three year period, so Leicester are at risk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club will be told by January 13 if they have been charged with breaching profit & sustainability rules.If they are, they could suffer the same fate as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who were sanctioned with points deductions after being charged with that offence.Leicester could be in an even worse position because of their relegation in 2023.Their stint in the Championship last season means their permitted £105m losses for the current three-year cycle will be reduced by £22m, owing to the EFL’s stricter spending limits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd if relegated again they could be charged by the EFL for overspending in the 2023-24 season.Leicester are reportedly confident they can avoid another charge, although the Guardian claims sources at the Premier League feel they will have a case to answer.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier League More

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      Premier League cult hero’s son ‘does a David Beckham’ and scores from 60 YARDS for Sheffield Wednesday

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY midfielder Josh Windass stunned fans by scoring from inside his own half against Derby County this afternoon.With the Owls 1-0 up in the 61st minute, Windass received the ball from Michael Smith before unleashing a strike around 60 yards out from goal.Josh Windass scored a 60-yard goal for Sheffield Wednesday against DerbyHis effort flew over the head of Jacob Widell ZetterstromIt landed perfectly in the netHis effort flew over the head of Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was stranded on the edge of his box, before landing perfectly in the net.The visiting fans behind the goal at Hillsborough were stunned into silence while Windass wheeled away in celebration.Sky Sports Soccer Special presenter Julian Warren said: “That is absolutely extraordinary. What a way to mark your 50th appearance for the club!”He then asked the likes of Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison on the panel: “Better than Beckham?”Read More in FootballMorrison agreed, while Merson simply said: “Unreal.”Fans on social media were also impressed by the incredible feat, with one person writing: “Josh Windass with probably the best goal I’ve ever seen.”Another commented: “What a goal from Josh Windass!”A third said: “Goal of the year.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a fourth wrote: “Josh Windass has just done a Beckham ffs.”The midfielder’s strike resembled a goal scored by England legend David Beckham during his time at Manchester United in the 1990s.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Becks scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon in the Premier League.Windass is the son of former Prem star Dean Windass, who played for the likes of Hull, Bradford, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.The 55-year-old made 104 top-flight appearances in total and many more across the EFL.Sheffield Wednesday went on to win the Championship match 4-2 thanks to goals from Barry Bannan, Djeidi Gassama, Anthony Musaba and Windass. More

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      Former Man Utd star sent off for STAMPING on opponent’s stomach in moment of madness during Championship clash

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri sparked outrage as fans demanded a season-long ban over a “disgusting stamp”.The Burnley midfielder saw red after catching Junior Tchamadeu in the STOMACH during a 0-0 Championship draw at home to Stoke.Hannibal Mejbri’s studs clearly caught Stoke’s Junior TchamadeuMejbri followed through, seemingly with no effort to avoid TchamadeuThe Tunisia star, 21, trod on the grounded Potters’ defender – rather than trying to jump over him.And some observers reckon trampling on the tummy of Tchamadeu was a deliberate act.The Stoke ace reacted to Mejbri’s wild loss of control by rolling around on the pitch.But Tchamadeu’s dramatic response didn’t appear to influence referee Gavin Ward – as the whistler had instantly sent Mejbri off.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rightly so because that is DISGUSTING,” one viewer posted.Another fan went further: “Ban him for the season. Absolutely disgusting.”A third demanded a suspension for a “long time”.One viewer slammed summer signing Mejbri for a “terrible foul” that another fan called “idiocy of the highest order”.Most read in ChampionshipMejbri joined Burnley after three years with UnitedCredit: Willie VassFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, another observer claimed: “It’s not a stamp, he walks on the player intentionally, which is still probably a red card but more stupid and petulant than dangerous or violent.”The draw left Burnley in second place, three points behind Leeds.Nathan Aspinall recalls favourite Man Utd memories Meanwhile, Stoke’s sturdy defending helped them move three points clear of the drop zone in Ryan Shawcross’ final game as caretaker boss.Former Red Devils’ striker Mark Robins – now better known for his seven years managing Coventry City – will come in as the Potter’s permanent manager.It follows the sacking of Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Middlesbrough star Dael Fry closing in on testimonial but first wants to repay the faith of ex-Real Madrid defender

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      DAEL FRY is desperate to get Middlesbrough promoted to pay back Jonathan Woodgate’s faith – and celebrate it all with a testimonial.The 27-year-old defender, who produced a man of the match display in Sunday’s Championship draw with Burnley, has amazingly already surpassed TWO DECADES at his hometown club.Dael Fry is hoping to begin 2025 with a Middlesbrough win at Hull CityCredit: RexAnd the start of 2025, which begins with a trip to Yorkshire rivals Hull City today, also means that he is closing in on the ten-year anniversary of his first-team debut.Fry, who won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England, was thrust into action amid an injury crisis on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.The then 17-year-old produced a brilliant performance in the goalless draw away at Preston and ended up making a further six appearances in what transpired to be a promotion-winning campaign under Aitor Karanka.Fry said: “It feels like yesterday. I told my mum and dad and they were absolutely buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I just remember being so nervous but at Preston you walk out in the corner and I saw all the red in the away stand, it was all sold out, and I just thought ‘wow, these are the games you want to play in’.“As soon as the game kicked off the nerves went, we drew 0-0, but it’s mad how quick time goes.”Fry spent half of the following season on loan at Rotherham as Boro suffered relegation – and they are still waiting to return to the top-flight.Since then he has amassed 259 appearances for the team he grew up supporting under six different permanent managers.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of those was fellow Teessider Woodgate, the ex-Leeds, Newcastle and Real Madrid centre-half.He regularly spoke about the talents of Fry during his ill-fated spell in charge that ended just after the return from Covid in 2020 after the club slipped deep into relegation trouble.World Cup winner received a carnival welcome to England in 1995 but does something very different nowHowever, despite the star suffering several injury issues during that stint, he is now desperate to repay the faith shown in him with Woodgate back at the Riverside as Michael Carrick’s assistant.Fry said: “I still look back on that time of my career with a bit of regret. Woody had so much faith in me and it was so stop-start for me and I had loads of little niggles.“I always heard the stuff he was saying and I really wanted to back that up for him and prove him right but I never felt like I did.“Now I actually feel like I can do that. I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.”Fry has seen a host of players come and go over the past decade, but despite three draws over the festive period, he believes this team feels like it could be the one to deliver Premier League football again.He said: “You know what, we’ve had some really good squads over the years but we haven’t quite made it.“This year, I feel there’s something different, there’s a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.The Teessider made his debut aged 17 just shy of a decade ago under Aitor KarankaCredit: ReutersEven at the back we are conceding less goals now and scoring more.“The year that we got promoted, I really feel like there is a little bit of that feeling coming back and we’ve got a right good chance.”While Fry is desperate for the life-changing Prem experience on the pitch, off it he revealed how the arrival of his first child, a baby girl, 17 months ago transformed him personally.“That was the hardest year of my life, the first one, with the nightfeeds,” he said.“I didn’t realise how much your life would change but now she is walking, talking and I’m really enjoying it and it’s fantastic.I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.Dael Fry“There are things more important than football and I’ve realised that since becoming a father. As hard as it is, it’s beautiful.”While Fry is close to completing his tenth season in the first-team, he admits 2024 has been a year to forget after recently returning from a nine-month absence.He said: “At first we didn’t know the severity of the injury. I was just sort of getting injections and trying to deal with it. But then we decided we couldn’t keep going like that, I needed to know what it was and deal with it.Who are these famous footballers?“In the summer I ended up getting surgery (double hernia) but came back a little bit too early and done my calf twice. So I thought, I’m going to use this time and was in the gym, doing all my conditioning, eating right and the past nine weeks for me have been top. I feel like I’m in the best shape I can be in.“I still feel like I’ve got a lot more to give with Middlesbrough. This is the best that I’ve felt in my career.“I’ve been in and out injured quite a bit but now I’ve got no niggles, no injuries and hopefully I can continue for a lot more years at Middlesbrough.”Fry is desperate to represent Boro in the Premier League and insists this can be their seasonCredit: RexTestimonials are a rarity these days, but while Fry is aware of them, his immediate aim is to kick off a bumper 2025 by helping them climb out of the Championship.He added: “Yeah I do know what a testimonial is. My sister just reminded me the other day that it’s my 20th year at the club. When she said it I just thought that it was absolutely mental. It’s bizarre.“For me, to do that for my hometown team is surreal and the next step is to get Middlesbrough promoted and to play for them in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to be in the Premier League with Middlesbrough. I did think that would have come a bit sooner but it hasn’t been meant to be. But this year there’s just a different feeling.“Even with the coaching staff. It just feels a little bit different.” More

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      Burnley complete transfer of Peru defender Oliver Sonne, 24… whose auntie is a world famous supermodel

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      BURNLEY have signed defender Oliver Sonne from Danish outfit  Silkeborg.The Peru right-back becomes Clarets boss Scott Parker’s first signing of the January window and has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal.Oliver Sonne has signed for Championship side BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Peruvian is hoping to help the Clarets back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe right-back’s aunt is world-renowned supermodel Helena ChristensenCredit: GettySonne, 24, is the nephew of supermodel Helena Christensen and played more than 100 times in Denmark’s top flight. After his reveal on New Year’s Eve, he said: “I’m super excited!”To be here and experience the club and the facilities . . . it’s mind-blowing. “It’s a massive club with great ambitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The ambition is to go back up to the Premier League and I will fight to make that happen.”Christensen, 56, is a former Miss Universe Denmark. She won the crown in 1986, going on to represent Denmark at the Miss Universe pageant later that year. Helena launched a pro modelling career and has since fronted magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Tatler. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel.Christensen was even named as one of the Magnificent Seven alongside Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson in the mid-1990s.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupSonne has previously followed in his aunt’s footsteps, modelling for Gucci and Armani.He said: ” I had a period where I did it a lot [of modelling]. “I did some really cool things abroad with some of the top brands that we young people buy for a lot of money. “So it was a lot of fun trying to be on that side of it all.”Christensen is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: GettyShe was also crowned Miss Universe DenmarkCredit: ReutersSonne joins Burnley with the club third in the Championship, three points off Sheffield United in second. Parker’s side are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League after relegation last season. More

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      Wayne Rooney set to be handed immediate return to work in mega-money deal after Man Utd legend axed by Plymouth

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      WAYNE ROONEY is set to be offered an instant return back to work, Sun Online can reveal.The England legend left Plymouth Argyle after a disastrous run as manager which saw the Championship side rooted to the bottom of the League.Wayne Rooney is looking for a new job after being axed by Plymouth ArgyleCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old leaves the Pilgrims with the club bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: PAA statement issued on Tuesday morning revealed that Rooney and the south-west club had agreed to part ways.But the former Man Utd and Everton striker isn’t going to be twiddling his thumbs for long.Sources have told Sun Online Rooney is likely to be offered a mega-bucks deal to work as a football pundit, having impressed during screen stints on ITV and Sky.A TV insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business. READ MORE ON ROONEY”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game. “And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long. “He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney’s family arriving at Old Trafford for the Newcastle gameBefore accepting the Argyle job, Rooney had been working as a pundit on a string of channels. He would regularly discuss and review England and Manchester United games.He also regularly appeared alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on The Overlap.Rooney left Championship strugglers Plymouth by mutual agreement on Tuesday. Wazza has already proved himself as a TV punditCredit: AFPWayne 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.The 39-year-old former England captain oversaw just four league wins and suffered 13 defeats in 23 Championship games after taking charge of the Pilgrims in May.He leaves with the club marooned at the foot of the division.Rooney arrived at Home Park four months after being sacked by Birmingham City following an 83-day spell in charge that brought nine defeats in 15 games.He and his players were booed following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Oxford United – their sixth defeat in a nine-game winless run that began in early November.Rooney defiantly said he did not take criticism “personally” after that loss.But it was enough to end the tenure of the man who was lauded as “the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football” when appointed.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Rooney – who set scoring records for England and Manchester United during his decorated playing career – Plymouth have dropped to the bottom of the table, scored the joint fewest goals in the second tier and have conceded more than any other club in England’s top four divisions.Assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland have also departed the club. 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