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      Former Premier League star receives threats against his children after tweet about Sheffield Wednesday

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Paddy Kenny claims irate rival supporters have called him “threatening to blow my kids knee caps off”.The former goalkeeper, who once had his eyebrow bitten off in a curry house scrap, has been revelling in his old club’s promotion to the Premier League.
      Goalie David Stockdale and Barry Bannan celebrating Sheff Wed’s play-off win over BarnsleyCredit: Getty
      Blades legend Paddy Kenny has been involved in a Twitter exchange with the Owls goalieCredit: Twitter / @paddykenny17
      The 45-year-old was No.1 at Bramall Lane for eight years from 2010 and still remains a favourite with supporters.
      And he is never one to shy away from his love of the Blades and regularly winds-up their Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday – especially on Twitter.
      He firstly slammed them for blowing automatic promotion, but the Owls eventually got the job done on Monday.
      After an incredible record-breaking comeback against Peterborough, they then beat Barnsley in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
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      Jibes have been going back and forth between players from both clubs throughout both United and Wednesday’s promotion celebrations.
      Blades forward Rhian Brewster wound-up Owls supporters first, before Wednesday captain Barry Bannan labelled him “absolutely f***ing honking”.
      Kenny was also keen to get involved and has been enjoying a social media back and forth with Owls goalie David Stockdale, who was sub keeper for the Wembley triumph.
      Ex-Fulham and Brighton stopper Stockdale tweeted Kenny from the dressing-room after the final and, alongside a snap of himself in his kit with his medal and beer in hand, asked: “@paddykenny17 you around sheff tomorrow?”
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      Kenny replied: “TBF I didn’t even think you’d get a medal for sitting on the Judy Dench.”
      The two have continued the fun and games all week since, now things have been taken a step too far.
      Wednesday announced on Friday that 37-year-old Stockdale was leaving the club.
      Kenny was then out on the town last night and tweeted Stockdale a photo of himself enjoying a bevvy, captioning it with: “Fancy Sheffield tonight @stockogk1313.”
      He followed that up with another photo of himself with a bottle of Hooch.
      However, Kenny has now taken to Twitter to claim: “People calling my mobile and threatening to blow my kids knee caps off now that’s proper low and sums some people up, I’m all for banter but that’s crossed the line.”
      Stockdale replied to that tweet with: “Agreed. It’s all good humour in a great rivalry. Really not needed. Have a safe night Patrick.”
      That led to Kenny going back with: “You know it pal, people can’t take bants, do they not realise us keepers stick together.”
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      And even Wednesday ace Bannan responded as well, tweeting: “Shambles mate can’t have a bit of fun without it getting silly and over the line.”
      Which led to Kenny replying: “You know it pal, all I ever do is have banter never mean anything but that crosses the line, btw congrats.”
      Paddy Kenny played for Sheffield United for eight seasonsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Former Premier League stadium that fell into disrepair is now an Asda with poignant nod to disaster

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      THIS ground that graced the Premier League is now more supermarket than transfer market.Bolton spent 102 years at Burnden Park, and during that time they won four FA Cups as well as the Charity Shield until they moved in 1997 – two years before it was demolished.
      Bolton spent 102 years at former ground Burnden ParkCredit: Alamy
      Bolton’s former ground Burnden Park is now an Asda storeCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Bolton’s Burnden Park has been an Asda ever since 2005Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      The historic ground, that at one time could fit a maximum of 70,000 spectators, was turned into an Asda in 2005 with photos of players and the stadium still visible above checkouts.
      This used to be a place that represented triumph and pride for Bolton.
      Burnden Park hosted the FA Cup final replay in 1901 when Tottenham defeated Sheffield United 3-1 – and was even the inspiration behind L.S Lowry’s £8million Going To The Match painting.
      It also held various national cycling championships as well as brass band contests.
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      But the stadium was also the site of a major tragedy in 1946 when 33 Bolton fans were crushed to death and 400 others were injured during an FA Cup quarter-final match against Stoke.
      The Railway End was simply a bank of earth with some stones for steps, and early in the game two barriers collapsed and the crowd fell forward, crushing those underneath.
      People spilled on the pitch and the game was halted twice with the referee told by the police there had been a fatality.
      The players then left the pitch while casualties were taken from the Railway End terrace.
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      But those who had died were placed along the touchline and covered in coats.
      Shockingly, less than half an hour later, the game restarted with the bodies still lying beside the pitch, separated from the players by a new sawdust touchline.
      A plaque paying tribute to the people who lost their lives in the fourth worst disaster in British football history – and worst at the time – was unveiled in 1992 by club legend Nat Lofthouse.
      This plaque can still be found inside the Asda.
      The stadium was also used to host cycling championships as well as footballCredit: Getty
      The old ground is six miles away from the current Bolton homeCredit: Getty
      One fan inspects a toilet up for auctionCredit: PA:Press Association
      Tragedy nearly hit Burnden Park again in May 1998 when a fire swept through the ground.
      Twelve years earlier, a section of the ground was sold off and a Normid superstore was built, covering half of one end in a bizarre look.
      Bolton’s last game at Burnden Park took place in April 1997 against Charlton with the Trotters winning 4-1 win, with icon John McGinlay scoring their final-ever goal at the ground.
      The club moved in 1997 to Reebok Stadium, which is now called the University of Bolton Stadium and will next season be known as the Toughsheet.
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      But the penalty spot was dug up from Burnden Park and planted at the new ground on Burnden Way while much of the stadium – including signs and even toilets as memorabilia – was auctioned off.
      The ground was left derelict and abandoned for two years while travellers lived in the car park before the demolition took place in 1999.
      Nathan Blake celebrates scoring against ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      A plaque paying tribute to the disaster at Burnden Park can be seen inside the AsdaCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      33 supporters died at the FA Cup quarter-final in 1946Credit: John Gradwell
      Bolton played at the ground for 102 yearsCredit: Alamy
      L.S Lowry’s Going To The Match painting was based on Burnden Park More

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      Luton star Tom Lockyer set to be released from hospital after horror Wembley collapse

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      TOM LOCKYER has received a major boost after the Luton captain was told he will be discharged from hospital today – and be fit for pre-season training.Centre-back Lockyer, 28, collapsed and was carried off on a stretcher after just eight minutes of the Hatters’ Championship play-off final penalty shootout triumph over Coventry at Wembley last Saturday.
      Tom Lockyer is due to be discharged from hospital on ThursdayCredit:
      Luton’s captain is expected to be fit for pre-season training with the Premier League newboysCredit: Alamy
      The cause of his shock collapse has yet to be revealed.
      But Luton revealed Wales defender Lockyer has been given the green light to return home following tests at the Cavendish Clinic in London.
      Rob Edwards’ Premier League newsboys expect Lockyer – who was left out of Robert Page’s Wales squad on Tuesday for Euro 2024 qualifiers in June – will be available for pre-season training at Kenilworth Road next month (July).
      A Luton statement read: “We are so pleased that Tom will be allowed to leave hospital and return home on Thursday.
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      “He has been a frustrated patient, but has completed all the necessary medical tests and observations to be allowed home for a period of rest before the start of pre-season training, which he will be fit to take part in.
      “We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support for Locks, who has had a season to remember and proudly led the team out on Saturday, with his team-mates completing the job for him.
      “We can’t wait to see you back home at the Kenny with that trophy in your hands, Locks!”
      Luton’s public message hinted that Lockyer, who is out of contract this summer, is set to sign a new deal.
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      Lockyer joined the club from Charlton on a free transfer in 2020. More

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      Leeds eye Rob Edwards and Regis Le Bris as new manager while drawing Marcelo Bielsa-like long-term plan after relegation

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      LEEDS are keeping tabs on Luton boss Rob Edwards and Lorient manager Regis Le Bris as they target a quick return to the Premier League.The Whites were relegated to the Championship following a heartbreaking end to a turbulent campaign that saw them getting thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham at Elland Road.
      Leeds are keeping tabs on Luton boss Rob Edwards after his Championship triumphCredit: Rex
      Leeds are also interested in Lorient boss Regis Le Bris amid an impressive Ligue 1 seasonCredit: AFP
      But the Yorkshire giants are determined to turn a leaf with a long-term project, similar to the one they drew up once Marcelo Bielsa took over in 2018.
      Leeds will start by hiring a new manager to replace Sam Allardyce on a permanent basis.
      SunSport understand club chiefs have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, which includes Edwards and Le Bris.
      The Welsh tactician stood out this season after leading Luton to the Premier League by beating Coventry on penalties in a dramatic Championship play-off final.
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      Edwards led a fairytale campaign that saw Luton finishing third in the Championship before booking their place in England’s top flight for the first time since 1992.
      Le Bris has also shone bright in Ligue 1 during his first ever season as a senior manager.
      Lorient are currently 10th in the table under the French tactician and could climb up to ninth – that’s just 12 months after they barely avoided relegation under his predecessor.
      The Ligue 1 outfit’s former academy coach impressed with his attacking football that saw his team climbing to second place behind Paris Saint-Germain at some point throughout the campaign.
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      SunSport revealed that Leeds players want Allardyce to stay despite failing to keep them up.
      The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard have also been previously mentioned as potential candidates.
      Rodgers and Gerrard are free agents after their departure from Leicester and Aston Villa respectively. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday ace Barry Bannan calls ex-Premier League star ‘absolutely f***ing honking’ in X-rated video

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY star Barry Bannan told Rhian Brewster he was “absolutely f***ing honking” as he launched an X-rated blast at the striker.Brewster was caught on camera recently at Sheffield United’s promotion parade in the Steel City leading supporters in a derogatory chant about their neighbours.
      Barry Bannan has slammed a Sheffield United rival in a viral clipCredit: Twitter/@_The72
      The Sheffield Wednesday star called Rhian Brewster ‘absolutely f***ing honking’Credit: Getty
      The 23-year-old, a £23.5million signing from Liverpool in October 2020, and his team-mates are preparing for a return to the Premier League after United finished runners-up in the Championship.
      And as the squad and their fans partied, he grabbed the mic to lead them in a song by first asking: “What do you think of Wednesday?” 
      That led to a loud response of “s***” to which he followed up with: “What do you think of s***?”
      He then proceeded to sing “We hate Wednesday, we hate Wednesday” as the mass crowd followed suit.
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      Meanwhile, Wednesday and their supporters are still celebrating their first promotion in a decade after beating Barnsley at Wembley in the League One play-off final.
      The Owls took to the streets in Sheffield for an open-top bus parade through a sea of blue and white fans.
      And much-loved Bannan took the opportunity to hit back at Brewster after clips emerged of him joining the club’s fans for a celebration in and across town last night,
      The Scottish midfielder, 33, was handed the microphone in one venue, and as the crowd hushed, he said: “Rhian Brewster, you’re absolutely f***ing honking son.”
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      Brewster, who fired England to U17 World Cup success in 2017, bagged ten in 20 appearances during a loan spell in the Championship with Swansea to earn his move to United.
      But the former Liverpool ace has scored just five goals in 63 appearances for the Blades since.
      Meanwhile Bannan, who has been at Hillsborough since 2015, has further cemented his hero status amongst the club’s faithful with his outburst.
      The ace, who turned down several opportunities to leave after they were relegated in 2021, was lauded on social media.
      One fan tweeted: “Atta boy, my captain. Warra bloke.”
      Another said: “Loool. To be fair it’s poor that Brewster’s most notable contribution for £20million is on a microphone.”
      While another commented: “That’s my captain!” More

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      Inside abandoned stadium of Premier League club which was only ground to have a pub on each corner but now lies in ruins

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      GRIFFIN PARK was until recently one of the most vibrant stadiums in the Football League.Despite its meagre capacity of 12,764, the stadium was iconic for the fact it was the only English stadium to have a pub on every corner of the ground.
      Brentfod fans celebrate outside Griffin Park during the coronavirus pandemic.Credit: Getty
      Demolition begins at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      Griffin Park in its abandoned state.Credit: Rex
      But since Brentford made the move to the Gtech Community Stadium in September 2020, their spiritual home has been left in a state of ruin.
      All that remains now are the corners of some stands which are covered in weeds.
      The stadium was home to Brentford since 1904, when it was acquired as an orchard from Fuller’s brewing company.
      A team of volunteers cut down the trees in order to make room for the Bees’ former home, in exchange for being able to keep the wood.
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      True to its reputation of being the only ground with a pub on every corner, the name of Griffin Park was inspired by one of the corner pubs named ‘The Griffin’.
      The others were: The Princess Royal, The New Inn and The Brook.
      The stadium was built with a 20,000 seater capacity in mind, alongside hopes that it could be increased to 30,000.
      However for much of Brentford’s early history, the ‘stadium’ consisted of one grandstand.
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      It wasn’t until Brentford’s debut season in the first division in 1935-36 that the ground finally had four stands.
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      In the 1980s Griffin Park began taking the shape it would until its closure, with seated stands nestled between the four pubs.
      For much of Brentford’s history, their lower league status did not necessitate improvement, which led to Griffin Park having an old-school look.
      Speculation around moving away from their home began around 2002, but it wasn’t until current owner Matthew Benham became involved with the club that plans to move accelerated.
      Benham made his money in finance before moving to sports betting in 2001, which enabled him to make his millions.
      He implemented a gambling model alongside former business partner and now Brighton owner Tony Bloom which allowed their company to predict matches more accurately than the bookies.
      After the club fell into financial trouble under former owner Ron Noades, Benham began investing in the club as a ‘mystery investor’ in 2003.
      Demolition in progress at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      One of the club’s famous former entrances.Credit: Rex
      Benham gradually expanded his control over the Bees’ by agreeing to take on their loans before becoming the full owner of the club in 2012.
      The club earned promotion to The Championship in 2014 and final approval for the building of the Gtech Community Stadium was granted in September 2016.
      With the club flirting with promotion to the Premier League both in the 2014-15 season and 2018-19, questions were asked as to whether Griffin Park could safely be used in England’s top tier.
      The club were expected to apply for special dispensation to remain at Griffin Park while construction on the Gtech was completed.
      Much to the frustration of Brentford fans, they were unable to say goodbye to the ground due to the final season at Griffin Park being played during the Covid-impacted 2020-21 season.
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      The club earned planning permission to build 75 family homes on the site of Griffin Park, alongside a centrepiece garden that would pay tribute to their former home.
      But in a recent photo, its clear to see that building has not begun and all that remains are crumbling stands.
      The stadium in its heyday.Credit: Getty
      Griffin Park is now derelict.Credit: Rex
      The current remains of Griffin Park.Credit: Rex More

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      Wales wait on news of Luton star Tom Lockyer after horror collapse in Championship play-off final

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      WALES remain in the dark over the cause of Tom Lockyer’s shock collapse in the Championship play-off final.The Luton captain, 28, remains in hospital after he was carried off on a stretcher just eight minutes into the Wembley penalty shootout triumph over Coventry last Saturday to reach the Premier League.
      Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton’s promotion to the Premier League from a hospital bed after he collapsed on the Wembley pitch against Coventry last SaturdayCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Lockyer remains in hospital where he has been undergoing testsCredit:
      Dragons boss Robert Page had a 20-minute phone conversation on Monday but has opted not to select the 14-cap centre-back for the Euro 2024 double-header against Armenia and Turkey next month.
      Lockyer is expected to have further tests to determine the reason for the collapse and if he gets the green light then Page says he would ‘absolutely’ call him up to add to his 25-man squad.
      Page said: “Nobody has established what the problem is with Tom. I can’t speculate. He’s ok at the minute.
      “You don’t like to see any player go down injured and because of how he went down, you do wonder what the reasons were.
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      “It would be silly of me to even suggest what those reasons were. It’s for Luton to make a statement with regards to what they are doing.
      “We will just have to wait and see what they come up with. There will be further investigations to see what’s going on. Our medical team will be in contact with Luton.
      “You are always going to phone your players and show them support. We had a great conversation. He’s frustrated and disappointed.
      “As soon as he’s fit again he will be back involved. The most important thing is his health.”
      Most read in Championship
      Luton captain Lockyer was denied the chance of walking up the Wembley steps to lift the Championship play-off trophyCredit: PA
      Page says he was ‘gutted’ for Lockyer, who missed out on the chance of walking up the Wembley steps and lifting the play-off trophy.
      The Wales chief had the honour of leading Watford to the Prem through the play-offs during his playing days and added: “I was lucky to do it in 1999 with Watford – that was incredible.
      “I am gutted for him and his family. He more than anybody deserved to walk those steps and lift that trophy.
      “But I still believe there will be more moments like that for him in his career. Knowing Tom he will bounce back.
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      “He’s had an incredible season so he was going to be in my plans. Would they have got promoted without him? Probably not because he’s been that key to their performances.”
      Wales, who picked up four points from their opening two qualifiers in March, travel to Portugal for a warm weather training camp on June 8.
      Then the Dragons host Armenia in Cardiff on June 16 followed by a trip to Turkey three days later.
      David Brooks is back in the Wales squad after returning to football following a cancer diagnosis on international duty in October 2021Credit: Alamy
      Page has recalled Bournemouth’s David Brooks for the first time since his successful battle against cancer.
      The Wales boss said: “I wanted to pick him in March. He played some minutes before that camp and I wanted to get him involved as soon as possible.
      “I get that it was too quick, too soon and it was more beneficial for him to stay behind and play for Bournemouth Under-23s in a game that was organised for him.
      “Now it’s a different situation. He’s back fit and starting games in the Premier League. He’s the quality to be in our plans moving forward. I’ve touched base with him by text and he can’t wait to meet up.
      “He’s going to have to be patient. Is he going to start two games in June? Probably not. He might have some cameo roles.”
      Neco Williams is included despite fracturing his jaw for Nottingham Forest in April while captain Aaron Ramsey expects to be fit following a minor calf injury.
      Page added: “Aaron has played more football this season than he has done for the last few years. The little niggle, and that’s all it is, has probably come at a good time for him.
      “He’s at an age now where he knows his body and how to manage it. He’s got one eye on these two games and it is not an issue.
      “I know he’s enjoying his football in Nice. He’s played quite a few games and there are worse places in the world to live and life’s good for him.”
      Wales squad
      Hennessey, Ward, A Davies
      Rodon, Cabango, Mepham, Low, Roberts, Fox, Williams, B Davies, Ampadu
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      Morrell, J James, Ramsey, Wilson, Broadhead, Cooper, Harris
      Johnson, Moore, Bradshaw, D James, Brooks, Cullen More

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      Saudi Prince bought Premier League club for £1… now it’s worth £75MILLION just a decade later

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      NEWCASTLE won’t be the only Premier League side backed by Saudi investment next season after Sheffield United gained promotion from the Championship.The Blades have been part-owned by Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud since 2013 when he bought a stake in the club for just £1.
      Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at BramallLaneCredit: Rex
      The Sheffield club had run into financial issues that season which forced former owner Kevin McCabe to sell 50% of the club to the Prince – with the expectation the two would then sell their shares to a third party.
      The prince refused to sell however, leading to a bitter legal dispute between him and McCabe.
      Prince Abdullah ultimately won the legal battle, with the high court finding he was the sole owner of the club in September 2019.
      He was able to buy McCabe’s remaining shares for just £5m.
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      Since then, Prince Abdullah’s shares have risen in estimated value to £75m.
      His ownership has been shrouded in controversy throughout, with the EFL only lifting a transfer embargo on the club last month after the club defaulted on transfer payments.
      Despite promotion to the Premier League, Prince Abdullah says he still plans to sell the club, with US investment firm 777 partners rumoured to be interested in a takeover.
      When the prince became involved with Sheffield United at the beginning of the 2013-14 season, Sheffield United were coming off the back of two years in League One.
      Most read in Football
      They went on to gain promotion to the Championship in 2017, before earning promotion to the Premier League in 2019.
      They enjoyed a successful first Premier League season under Chris Wilder, finishing ninth.
      Their sophomore year was miserable, however, with the club relegated having spent the season rooted to the bottom of the table.
      They have bounced back impressively since relegation, making the play-offs last season before gaining automatic promotion back to the Premier League this year.
      Since becoming majority owner in 2019, the prince has not been afraid to splash the cash.
      Ahead of their 2019-20 Premier League season, United brought in Sander Berge from Genk for a then club-record £20m and Oliver McBurnie for £17.5 million.
      Buoyed by their ninth place finish that season, they went on to bring in Rhian Brewster from Liverpool for a club record £23.5 million and Arsenal-ace Aaron Ramsdale for £18.5 million.
      But since relegation to the Championship, the Blades have had to be savvy in the market, unearthing gems like Iliman Ndiaye.
      Ndiaye shone in The Championship this season scoring 15 and assisting 12 goals in his 52 appearances for The Blades.
      He also made his World Cup debut for Senegal despite the fact he’d been playing Sunday league football as recently as 2019.
      The Blades’ financial issues mean they have relied largely on loans and free transfers of late.
      Read More on The Sun
      Prince Abdullah has said he wants to sell the club soon, saying to TalkSPORT: “To sell is my intention but nothing is guaranteed.
      “I’m not going to sell to just anybody. I care about who owns the club next.” More