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      Ex-Blackburn star shares joy at his two missing children ‘saved’ as they return after 616 DAYS

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      FORMER Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been found. In January 2023, Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L., went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five).Former Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been foundCredit: GettyIn January 2023 Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L. went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five)Credit: AlamyAn international search began in August for Pricilla and on Friday she finally turned herself in.According to BILD the police revealed: “Ms. L. turned herself into the Monchengladbach district court on Friday, September 20. “The arrest warrant against her was announced and suspended under conditions.”The whereabouts of the abducted children are known. Both are well.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn Instagram, the retired German goalkeeper Reitmaier, 60, expressed his joy, writing, “Hello, it’s done. All wanted ads can be deleted. “Please take them all out, the children are safe. Fortunately. Thank you very much for your support!”Reitmaier told the German news outlet BILD on Friday evening: “I am overjoyed that I was able to see my children again today after 616 days.” His former partner had not returned the children to him on January 15, 2023, as per the custody agreement. Most read in ChampionshipDespite extensive investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for months.At the request of the public prosecutor’s office, the Monchengladbach District Court issued national and European arrest warrants and ordered a public search for the accused. These were withdrawn after the 35-year-old woman turned herself in.According to BILD, Ms. L. reported to the police on Friday in consultation with her lawyer. She had spent time in northern Germany and Austria while the children were with their grandmother.Reitmaier began his professional career in 1986 with Bavarian club Viktoria Aschaffenburg. In 1990, he signed with Blackburn Rovers but never got the chance to be their No1 goalkeeper and left after a year after making zero caps.His most notable period was with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where he made 163 appearances from 1998 to 2003.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a distinguished 27-year career, Reitmaier retired at SV Halstenbek-Rellingen. In his final years, he started coaching goalkeepers and since retiring in 2013 he has been the goalkeeping coach at German second-tier side SC Paderborn. More

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      Amazing pictures emerge of former Premier League club’s new stadium which will boast DOUBLE capacity

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      LUTON have unveiled photos of their stunning new stadium that will be double the size of their current ground.Kenilworth Road underwent a refurb when Luton were promoted to the Premier League last year.Luton have unveiled what their new ground will look likeCredit: lutontownA floodlight will stretch around the perimeter of the roofCredit: lutontownAll four stands are separate with hospitality boxes in the cornersCredit: lutontownThe main stand will host a museum, club shop, cafe and ticket officeCredit: lutontownThe exterior has a unique look with the floodlights acting like a haloCredit: lutontownBut that work pails in comparison to the new stadium – Power Court.The Hatters have received approval for their planning application, with the new multi-purpose venue designed to help “regenerate” the town.The new ground will boast 25,000 seats, compared to Kenilworth Road’s 12,056, and will have a unique look.Each stand is different with a Kop-like stand behind one of the goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are all separate too like a traditional ground, not a bowl like many other clubs have opted for in recent years.That means there is space in each corner for individual box stands, with one appearing to host hospitality boxes.An exterior look at the main stand shows a ticket office, club shop, cafe and a museum.The club hope the stadium, including a hotel and music venue, will be completed within three years.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost striking is the floodlight above the stadium roof that covers the entire perimeter, shining down on the pitch from every angle.The new ground will be situated in the heart of Luton town centre, just over a mile away from Kenilworth Road. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!But in order to go ahead with the build, the River Lea will have to be rerouted, and the council have agreed to the plans.Luton shared photos of the design on social media alongside the caption: “She’s going to be a beauty 😍”Fans seem to agree with one suggesting the stadium “looks incredible”.Another added: “Looks fantastic.”And a third wrote: “That’s absolutely beautiful.”The new ground will be double the size of Kenilworth RoadCredit: lutontownThe River Lea will have to be re-routed to make way for the stadiumCredit: lutontown More

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      Historic stadium of former Premier League club to increase capacity by 40% making it as big as Man City’s

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      LEEDS have announced plans to increase the capacity of their iconic Elland Road stadium by 40 per cent.This means the Championship ground will host the same amount of fans as seven-time Premier League champs Manchester City.Leeds have announced plans to upgrade Elland Road’s capacityElland Road will share the same capacity as the EtihadThe former Prem stadium will take its capacity from 37,600 to 53,000 – almost level with City’s Etihad ground at 53,400.The plans would see Elland Road become the seventh largest club stadium in England.The ground would also be modernised to meet Uefa Category 4 regulations for “elite” European stadia.Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.”Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club.”I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”Most read in FootballElland Road has been the home of Leeds United since 1919The Etihad is currently undergoing its own renovationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.This year the ownership of Elland Road, home to Leeds since 1919, was transferred back to the club for the first time in 20 years.Etihad Stadium appears to suffer LEAK during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us’Marathe is president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises who have experience in constructing stunning state-of-the-art stadiums.49er Enterprises built the 68,500 capacity Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.The company has hired acoustic consultants to work on preserving Elland Road’s fierce atmosphere.But Man City are currently undergoing a £300million renovation to take the ground’s capacity to above 60,000 – a jump of 13 per cent.And 400-bed hotel will open as part of the build.But Elland Road will be larger than the world’s richest club Newcastle’s St James’ Park (52,305).It will become the fifth largest football stadium in the country behind Wembley, Old Trafford, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, West Ham’s ground and Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeeds city council leader James Lewis said: “This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”Leeds fell short in their attempt to secure immediate promotion back to the Prem after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final – but will make it their mission to jump back up this term.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

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      FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.Aaron Connolly is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transferCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old burst onto the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyRepublic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Sunderland boss says ‘not my decision’ on whether he keeps talented teen but new star blown away by ‘scary’ Chris Rigg

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      REGIS LE BRIS has no say on keeping Chris Rigg and his other young guns – but Chris Mepham is here to help them reach the top.Sunderland’s fine start under the Frenchman continued with a fourth win from five games.The 17-year-old Chris Rigg continues to shine for SunderlandCredit: RexRegis Le Bris has made an impressive start to life on WearsideCredit: RexThe Black Cats are packed full of young talents such as Romaine Mundle, 21, Jobe Bellingham, 18, Eliezer Mayenda, 19, but the win over Middlesbrough belonged to 17-year-old matchwinner Rigg.It is all going well for Le Bris and his kids, however, he knows interest will mount if they continue like this and any decision to cash in will not be taken by him.Le Bris said: “The market is like that but it’s not my main concern at the minute.“I just want to work with them, help them to grow and to achieve their best football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Then, after that, we will see. That’s not my decision.”Meanwhile, deadline day loan signing Chris Mepham says one of the reasons he was brought in from Bournemouth was to help nurture the talented teens.The centre-half helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut and then said: “At 26, I’ve seen a fair amount and a lot of players that have a lot of potential and all the ability in the world but struggle with the other side of the game.“So it’s important to keep your feet on the ground, working hard and not become complacent.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We can help with little stuff like timing, coming in on time, not getting sloppy with day-to-day stuff. That’s something that I think I can kind of help with.“The club made it clear it was important for me to come in and give that kind of know-how and bit experience that perhaps some lads miss.”I’m a former England star with eight caps – I’d be worth £100MILLION and have 50 caps if I was playing todayLe Bris replied “hope so” when asked whether Rigg could play for England and Welsh international Mepham believes his “scary” new team-mate can reach the very top.He said: “You see him talking to people and almost leading, which is scary I think.“He’s 17 and I think he has the respect of everyone at the football club and rightly so and that gives him that freedom to lead.“I think that and his quality on the ball is an amazing combination.”For Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough, it’s scoring goals that is their problem.Both Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke missed big chances at Sunderland to leave them with an average of just a goal-a-game six matches in.Carrick said: “What we’re finding against a lot of teams, especially if they get a lead on us, they defend very deep with a lot of numbers.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to face that challenge and find ways to break teams down.“I’m sure if we keep doing the right things, creating the opportunities and being the better team like in pretty much every game we’ve played so far, I’m sure we will start to get the rewards.”Chris Mepham helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut for the clubCredit: Rex More

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      England star playing five-a-side fixtures with mates in balaclava to avoid being spotted

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      WHICH England ace still plays knockabout five-a-sides with his old mates —  wearing a BALACLAVA in case he is spotted?The mystery man has never forgotten his roots and likes the odd kick-about with his chums when he is not on club or international duty.England interim chief Lee Carsley might have a mischievous mystery ace in his ranks – someone who plays with pals despite being at the top levelCredit: AlamyThe player has so far kept his identity secret from the general publicCredit: GettyAnd the talented player is always a stand-out but keeps his identity hidden in case his jumpers-for-goalposts  secret comes out on social media and angers his bosses.Big step to replace SchuSTOKE were looking to replace Steve Schumacher before the end of LAST season.The Potters landed Schumacher from Plymouth but soon changed their mind on him and TWO senior bosses were quietly sounded out about taking over in the summer.However, the pair turned down the chance of a job in the Championship and Schumacher survived — but not for long as he was axed last week.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne Heck of a spot-kick secretPRESTON’S record-breaking penalty win hid a big secret — boss Paul Heckingbottom does not like to practise spot-kicks.The 16-15 Carabao Cup shootout success against Fulham saw only one of 17 North End kicks saved.Boss Paul Heckingbottom, fourth right, saw Preston’s epic shootout winCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Hecky is not keen on rehearsing sudden-death penalties in training.That’s because the last time he did his Sheffield United side lost in the play-offs to Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballTop 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLatics hail StonesWIGAN striker Josh Stones is wanted by Oldham for a second loan spell. Stones, 20, had his stay with the National League side cut short by injury last season.But Wigan may not be able to let him rejoin immediately.Albanian can take cut of BladesSHEFFIELD UNITED takeover bidder Tom Page hopes to ‘sign’ a mystery Albanian millionaire.The exiled Englishman has spent months trying to seal a Blades deal.Now Page is in talks with the US-based Albanian with football experience to add backing.Meet the WAGS of the England footballersEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

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      ‘He just BIT me’ – Watch shock moment Championship star appears to sink teeth into Ian Rush’s nephew leaving star fuming

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      THIS is the shocking moment a player appeared to BITE a rival during a Championship match on Sunday.Milutin Osmajic of Preston is alleged to have sunk his teeth into the back of Blackburn’s Owen Beck, who its claimed was left with visible bite marks.Owen Beck accused a Championship rival of BITING himCredit: ReutersPreston’s Milutin Osmajic grabbed Beck after he lashed out and moved his head close to himCredit: X @SkyFootballBeck was left reeling away from the Preston star before telling the ref he had been bittenCredit: X @SkyFootballBlackburn star Beck, who is the great-nephew of Liverpool legend Ian Rush, was embroiled in a fierce melee with Preston players during their clash at Deepdale on Sunday.The clash reached boiling point in the 88th minute with Preston on the ball deep in the Blackburn half.After Blackburn were briefly being dispossessed, stars from both teams put their bodies on the line in an effort to win the loose ball.Beck, 22, sparked fury from North End stars when he viciously kicked out at Duane Holmes as he dribbled the ball past him after referee, Matt Donohue, had blown his whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston’s Osmajic took huge offence to the act and grabbed on to Beck’s shirt with both hands.He then moved his head towards the back of Beck’s neck, with the Rovers defender then swiftly trying to move away after appearing to feel something on his neck.After being let go, he was then seen holding the back of his neck and telling the ref: “He just bit me.”However, the ref ignored Beck’s accusations and instead sent the Blackburn player off for his swipe against Holmes and his subsequent role in sparking the melee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not clear whether Osmajic did indeed bite Liverpool loanee Beck.The punishment for biting another player is severe.Luis Suarez tears up as Liverpool and Barcelona star confirms Uruguay retirement after 17 yearsIn April 2013, former Liverpool ace Luis Suarez was handed a four-month ban from football after he was found guilty of biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.If found guilty, 25-year-old Osmajic can also expect a hefty ban to be forthcoming.On the incident, Blackburn boss John Eustace said: “That’s what happens in local derbies, you can see the kid had taken a big chunk out of his neck.”He added: “He’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that as well. “He’s got a big bite mark. He has been in and shown the lads. He’s very disappointed to be sent off and you don’t expect him to have that either.”He’s a bit quiet in there and a bit shaken up. I don’t know if he spoke to the referee, I’m not sure if it was before or after the red. He might want to speak to the officials about it.”It’s a very serious incident, nobody likes to be bitten. Everyone is angry about it, it’s not a nice situation to be in. I’m sure the right people will see it and deal with it.”Preston viewMeanwhile, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “No, I’ve not seen it or spoken to John (Eustace) or anyone about that.”I’ve just been told there, when I did the Sky interview. Listen, all I can say is that there is no place for that and we know we can’t do that. “Mistimed tackles, things like that are part and parcel of the game – you accept them. “Anything that is not, we know how that’s dealt with. “But, I have not seen anything so I am just going off you saying there has been an incident. I’ll wait and see what happens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match ended 0-0, with Preston’s Sam Greenwood also sent off in the first half.The point leaves Blackburn four points off of league leaders West Brom, while Preston have climbed out of the relegation zone. More

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      Championship club SACK manager just three months after handing him bumper new contract following worst start in 94 YEARS

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      CARDIFF CITY have sacked Erol Bulut with the Bluebirds bottom of the Championship.Bulut, 49, signed a bumper new two-year deal in June, after joining in the summer of 2023, as the Welsh side finished 12th last season.Erol Bulut has been sacked by CardiffThe Turkish manager joined Cardiff last summer and signed a new deal in June 2024But Cardiff have picked up just one point from six leagues games so far this season.And have scored just one goal in the process amounting to their worst start to a campaign in 94 years.Cardiff club statement read: “The club can confirm First Team Manager Erol Bulut has been relieved of his duties.”And will leave the Club with immediate effect. The Board of Directors wish to thank Erol for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First Team Coach Nikolaos Karydas will also depart and leaves with the Club’s best wishes. Further backroom staff confirmation will follow in due course.”Assistant Omer Riza will take charge of the club on an interim basis.Bulut’s final game was Cardiff’s 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United on Saturday.The Bluebirds have also lost to Sunderland, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Derby County.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith their only point coming in the South Wales derby against Swansea, who sit seventh in the table.After a relegation battle in 2022-23, Cardiff improved in Bulut’s first year in charge, finishing 12th.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed He previously managed Fenerbahce and Gaziantep in Turkey more making the switch to the UK.Cardiff travel to Hull City on Saturday, who sit 16th after winning just one game themselves.They face three more bottom half sides after that in Millwall, Bristol City and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. Cardiff captain Joe Ralls looks on against Leeds More