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      My manager asked me to draw an ELEPHANT in a team meeting – but there’s a good reason behind bizarre request

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      KELLEN FISHER was asked to draw an ELEPHANT by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup in front of stunned team-mates.But the Canaries right-back, 20, says there was a method to the madness as he revealed the Dane’s way of working.Kellen Fisher was asked to draw an elephant by Norwich boss Johannes Hoff ThorupFisher plays for England’s Under-21sFisher explained: “Everyone’s striving to do well since the new manager came in during the summer. Each day he’s asking us to be consistent.“We had a meeting and he got me up to draw an elephant.“After doing so, he asked how good I thought it was? I told him, ‘Not very’.“And then the manager asked, ‘If you practised it every day, how good would your elephant be?’READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I replied, ‘Pretty good’. He said, ‘In six months, your elephant will be perfect’.“He was comparing practising drawing an elephant to what we’re doing here.“We’ve just got to keep working hard and keeping our standards high to achieve better results.“It’s just the way this manager explains things, it’s eye-opening.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Going up to draw an elephant on the board and comparing that to football isn’t something I was thinking about!”Although Norwich are lower mid-table as they travel to West Brom on Saturday, this has still been a breakthrough few months for the rookie.Delia Smith gives up control of Norwich City after 27 years and legendary cook won’t receive a penny from saleFisher, who was in non-league last year, has made ten Championship starts this term and earned a first England Under-21 squad call-up.It has been a whirlwind since he joined Norwich in the summer of 2023 from Bromley.Fisher was expected to be playing for the Canaries’ under-21s for a couple of years.Yet he was quickly dining with then-club owner Delia Smith and put in the first team by ex-boss David Wagner.And Fisher said: “Delia invited me and my family for a meal before a game to get to know us, asking where I’d been and stuff like that. She wanted to make us feel welcome.“I don’t think she physically cooked it but the food was so good, maybe she did! We had steak pie, mash and gravy.“She gave me a cooking book and signed it, which I’ve given to my mum because she’s a fan of hers.”Within six weeks, Fisher was handed his debut and set up Jonathan Rowe’s last-minute winner at QPR.Fisher went on to make another two starts and came off the bench six times.Fisher started his career at Sunday team Kingfisher based in BromleyCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier LeagueHe admitted: “I struggled to adapt to this level for about  six months but everyone helped me settle in.“It was great working with Wagner. I thank him for giving me my debut. I really enjoyed working for him.”Under Thorup, since starting in the 4-1 win against Watford in September, the youngster has been an ever-present.Fisher was gutted the other week when his equalising ‘goal’ in a 3-3 epic with Middlesbrough was given as an own goal to keeper Seny Dieng.The right-back’s slightly miscued cross appeared to be heading in before the Boro stopper palmed it into the net.Fisher said: “I thought it was mine but then suspected it might be taken away.“I put the ball across the front zone and it went a bit more to the right than expected. It’s gone in off the keeper and the place erupted. It was a great moment.”Fisher even enjoyed a spot of dinner with former Norwich director and chef Delia SmithNorwich sit 14th in the Championship, seven points of the play-off placesFisher is yet to score in his senior career, which also included two loan spells at Welling and Cray Wanderers while at Bromley.But he used to be an attacker until Bromley academy coach Steve Harris switched him to right-back.Fisher said: “I was playing as a winger for the under-21s and randomly one game he said, ‘I want you to play right-back’.“At the time it was short-term because, after a few games, I was a winger again.“But then during the off- season Steve told me, ‘Right- back is your position now — and you’re not changing’. I’ve been there ever since.”Fisher rose through the ranks at Bromley after making his debut in an FA Trophy game at Dover, aged 17, in 2021.And he credited his ex-boss Andy Woodman for helping him grow into a man — including a half-time rollicking after a poor performance.Fisher said: “We were winning 1-0 in a game and, before half-time, conceded two stoppage-time goals. “He told me I wasn’t being aggressive enough and that I was playing like a little boy.“At the time I was a little boy but I understood what he meant. It was the first time he had a real go at me.“But the next day he pulled me in to check if I was OK. In football, you do sometimes need a little push.”There is no doubting that Fisher is a huge talent with so much potential.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoaches and ex-team-mates at Bromley told SunSport they believe he will make it to the Premier League.Maybe the youngster who started his football journey for local Bromley Sunday league side Kingfisher is destined to become a real King Fisher.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      I played for Man Utd legend and ex-Premier League manager – he taught me absolutely nothing

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      MARK HUGHES was a huge disappointment as Bradford boss and lacked people skills.That is the damning view of Bantams midfielder Richie Smallwood, who has revealed how underwhelmed he was by the Manchester United legend’s spell at the club.Richie Smallwood was expecting much more from Mark HughesCredit: RexHughes was an Old Trafford hero as a striker and managed Man CityCredit: AlamyHughes had an illustrious playing career which also took in Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.He also managed Rovers, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke, Fulham and QPR in the Premier League as well as his home nation, Wales.But he had 19 months in charge at Valley Parade before he was sacked in October 2023 with the club sitting 18th in League Two.Smallwood, 33, took a two-division drop in 2022 having just racked up 42 Championship appearances as Hull captain because of the lure of Hughes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Sparky could only lead the Bantams to play-off semi-final agony in his only full season in charge.Asked if he enjoyed working for the former star striker, Smallwood said: “To be honest, no. We didn’t get the job done despite having a good enough team.“I didn’t learn anything from him. I was expecting a lot more. That’s how it is in football sometimes.“Hughes was the big draw for people to come here.Most read in FootballHughes, who was a popular frontman for the Red Devils, hasn’t managed since being sacked by Bradford in October 2023Credit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Because of the player he was and the capabilities he had you think that’s going to transfer over as a manager.“But sometimes it didn’t and that led to us not getting the job done. That was the way it was. I didn’t learn too much from him.”Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers Smallwood even hit out at his lack of man-management and communication skills.He added: “That wasn’t one of his strengths. That’s my honest opinion.”Bradford sit ninth, two points behind the play-offs and five off the automatic places ahead of entertaining Accrington on Saturday.And Smallwood believes the team are heading in a better direction under Hughes’ successor Graham Alexander.The former Salford, Scunthorpe, Fleetwood and MK Dons boss may not have had the glittering career of Hughes but he has played at all levels from League Two to the Premier League.Smallwood, who played for Alexander at Scunny, said: “He’s intense and gets to work. He’s always early doing his analysis, research and getting his stats together.“Graham got to know the players when he replaced Hughes and has put his stamp on things during the summer. It has paid off.“The big thing is our home form, that’s improved hugely this season. We all respect him greatly.”Bradford has been a tough job to crack in recent years.The Bantams get almost 17,000 fans at home and yet this is their fifth season stuck in League Two — and it has been 20 years since they were in the second tier and 24 since the Prem.Bradford chief Graham Alexander, seen dishing instructions to loan defender Jay Benn, has been praised by SmallwoodCredit: RexSmallwood said: “People look from the outside and see we get big crowds and have a big  stadium.“There is a big expectation that comes from that but we’ve not been able to deal with it.“We’ve had a lot of players here who haven’t played in front of those sorts of crowds before. That might be a factor.“Also opposing teams set up to keep the crowd quiet and frustrate us — and they can get edgy if we don’t score.“But things are changing. And there is a great stat that is consistent now — when we score first, we go on to win the game. We’re scoring the first goal more often.”Smallwood’s drop into the fourth tier from being a Championship captain did seem a strange one from the outside — even with the lure of  Hughes.Yet Smallwood said: “Hull went through a takeover and you find new owners want to get their own people in.“Often the captain bears the brunt of that.“But I was excited by the project here. The head of recruitment, Stephen Gent, is a relative of my missus and he sold it to me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My partner was also expecting at the time and while some players who left Hull were patient to wait for an offer, I wasn’t. “I don’t regret it and, hopefully, we can be promoted this season.”Smallwood is now targeting promotion under AlexanderCredit: Getty More

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      Championship star forced to take £500 taxi to match after 15-hour flight back from international break he didn’t play in

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      WATFORD star Francisco Sierralta was forced to take a £500 taxi for his side’s next match after a 15-hour flight from Chile — where he was left on the bench for the entire international break.Hornets ace Sierralta, 27, faced a rough trip back to England after being called up by international boss Ricardo Gareca for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Venezuela.Francisco Sierralta took a £500 taxi after a 15-hour flight to make Watford’s next gameCredit: GettyChile drew with the former 0-0 before ending the break with a 4-2 win over the latter.But Sierralta’s 15-hour flight to South America proved fruitless as he was an unused sub in both games.The defender then had to make another 15-hour flight back to London’s Heathrow Airport.Yet his torturous trip was far from over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter touching down in the capital, Sierralta next had to jump straight in a taxi and drive for five straight hours to Plymouth.His side Watford play Argyle in a crunch Championship match tonight.And the Hornets stumped up a crisp £500 to ferry Sierralta directly to their seaside base.It meant the centre-back was on the move non-stop for over 20 hours.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile his entire round trip clocked in at a mammoth 15,620 miles.It now remains to be seen whether Sierralta faces Plymouth tonight, with Watford boss Tom Cleverley keen to assess his condition.Watford interim head coach Tom Cleverley explains what attracted him to managing The Hornets gaffer said: “It’s a situation I’ve never seen before in my career where you’ve got a player who is going straight to the team hotel without a training session.“He lands at Heathrow this morning and then will get a cab straight down to Plymouth.“We’re sending a physio down there to work with him and help get the journey out of his legs and back.“The first time I’ll see him will be when I get to Plymouth, which will be strange. “He’s an important player for us, so we’re managing things to give him the best chance of being in the best condition.” More

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      Inside Plymouth Argyle’s 46,000-seater World Cup stadium plans as Wayne Rooney’s side battle relegation to third tier

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE are battling relegation from the Championship under former England captain Wayne Rooney’s management.And the Pilgrims’ home form has been crucial in keeping their heads above water – with Rooney’s men currently sitting 18th in the Championship and a point ahead of the bottom three.Plymouth Argyle once had ambitious plans for a stunning 46,000-seater stadiumCredit: Rotolok/JLLIt would have hosted four World Cup matchesCredit: Rotolok/JLLArgyle have lost just one home game so far this season at their 17,000-seater stadium.But in a parallel universe, Home Park could have looked very different.That’s because Plymouth once had ambitious plans for the 2018 World Cup, and was chosen by the FA as one of the host cities.However, England’s failed bid to host the World Cup that year – with the tournament instead being handed to Russia – ultimately saw the plans fall flat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad England won the bidding, Home Park, where Plymouth have played since 1893, would have been set to become a stunning 46,000-seater arena.This would have been surrounded by a £150million project of shops, cinemas, restaurants, a hotel and an ice rink.State-of-the-art tramlines, as well as a new pier and stunning Drake’s Island would attract the super-rich.The city’s rejuvenation would also see it playing host to other major sporting events such as the America’s Cup – sailing’s own version of the World Cup.Most read in FootballThe ambitious project would have created 3,700 jobs and £292m in investment for the city.Argyle would have hosted four World Cup matches, along with training camps around the region and “Fan Fests” on the Hoe and at Stonehouse Creek costing over £15m over 31 days.There was widespread support for the bid from locals, while politicians jetted to South Africa to try and promote Plymouth’s campaign.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the light of ambition became shrouded in the darkness of the ashes that nearly became Plymouth Argyle.The Plymouth Herald revealed the city council itself lost £700,000 in the failed bid.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersPlymouth City Council alone spent £147,000 with another £250,000 being underwritten by Argyle.The Devon outfit owed £17m due to the project, sending the club into administration in 2011.James Brent’s Akkeron Group eventually agreed a deal with administrators to buy the club, with former chairman Peter Risdale leaving the club when the deal was completed.Argyle sold Home Park back to the city council for £1.6m and agreed to pay £135,000 a year in rent.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf this project had not been torpedoed by Fifa, Plymouth may well have been among the first names when considering who might host games for Euro 2028.However, the tournament – which will be across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland after Northern Ireland pulled out – will not feature any trips to the West Country. More

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      Wayne Rooney and I’m A Celeb star wife Coleen go head-to-head in TV ratings battle as he faces former Man Utd team-mate

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      WAYNE ROONEY and wife Coleen go head-to-head on TV tonight in a bid to conquer their jungles.While Coleen stars on ITV’s I’m a Celeb in the Aussie outback, 10,000 miles away Rooney can edge Plymouth away from the Championship drop zone by beating Watford live on Sky Sports. Wayne Rooney and Plymouth will be shown live on Sky SportsCredit: AlamyColeen Rooney, left is currently testing herself in the Australian jungleCredit: RexThe legendary Manchester United striker, 39,  is also facing a number of hazards himself as Pilgrims boss.Argyle are geographically an outpost, have one of the league’s smallest budgets  and their main ambition this season is simply to survive.Yet Rooney is winning over hearts and minds in the city with his down-to-earth, man-of-the-people approach.Whether it is singing karaoke with fans, dining out in the city, or visiting boozers for a few pints, he has immersed himself in Devon life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club source told SunSport: “Wayne has really bought into Plymouth.“He’s not come down to be a boss who hides away in his apartment — but wants to  feel completely connected to the fans and everything going on.”Due to Plymouth’s remote location in the south-west of England, Rooney has introduced starting some away journeys two days before matches.He likes to stop off halfway to games on Thursday to train before continuing the journey on Friday ahead of a Saturday fixture.Most read in FootballThis has not led to a win on the road yet but Home Park is becoming a mini fortress with just one league defeat.The ex-England star still takes part in training himself — and has left   players open-mouthed with his skills.Wayne Rooney reveals nine-word message to Plymouth stars that inspired stunning comeback from being 3-0 downRooney often likes talking to his stars and staff about movies, holidays, family life, food and is always sharing little anecdotes away from the game.While we get to see Coleen up close in the jungle, Roo is now making  a behind-the-scenes  documentary about managing Plymouth.It has not yet been decided which platform it will be screened on.But the Argyle gaffer said: “It’s going to be great for the club. We have cameras everywhere from a club point of view anyway, so it’s not anything new.“They won’t be here every single day and minute. It will give good insight for the fans.”Rooney‘s ex-United team-mate and best pal Tom Cleverley — with whom he won the Premier League in 2013 — is Watford boss.He serves a touchline ban tonight but hit out at critics who reckon Rooney underachieved as gaffer at Derby, DC United and Birmingham.READ MORE SUN STORIESCleverley, 35, said: “We’ll catch up before and after as friends. He was one of the best players I’ve seen  and I’m happy to see us both trying to work our magic as coaches.“It’s harsh to say he underachieved.”I’M A CELEBROOTYHERE’S where you can watch the Rooneys tonight…WAYNE:Plymouth v Watford, 8pm, Sky Sports Football (also on talkSPORT 2)COLEEN:I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, 9pm, ITV1 and ITVX More

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      Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran stepped in to secure major Tractor Boys summer transfer, reveals club chief

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      ED SHEERAN stepped in to help Ipswich secure a major transfer during the summer, it has been revealed.Ipswich chairman and CEO Mark Ashton has lifted the lid on how the club’s most famous fan also played a key part in their recruitment team over the summer.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton revealed Ed Sheeran played a key role in finalising a major transferCredit: ReutersThe Tractor Boys earned promotion to the Premier League for this season for the first time since 2002 under Kieran McKenna, but knew they needed reinforcements if they hoped to avoid relegation.Sheeran was already a major investor in the club, but received a call to help finalise a huge transfer.Speaking at a Soccerex event broadcast by Sky Sports, Ashton said: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”We’ve gone from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we haven’t forgotten our roots and Ed’s a key part of that, the work that we do in our local communities is central to us.”Without outright saying who the player was, Ashton was asked how the star was doing for them.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe player is former Manchester City striker Liam Delap, who is the club’s top goalscorer this season with six in all competitions including the winner against Tottenham.The 21-year-old signed for the club for £20million on July 13. Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to Premier LeagueDelap and Sammie Szmodics both netted in their recent 2-1 win against Tottenham.Sheeran was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when for the game, which saw Ipswich score twice before half-time.Szmodics and Sheeran were seen posing for a photo together after the game.Ipswich’s next game sees them host Manchester United in Ruben Amorim’s first game in England.McKenna’s side sit one point above the relegation zone with one win, five draws and five defeats from 11 games.Liam Delap scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over TottenhamCredit: AlamySheeran celebrated Ipswich’s first win of the season by getting a photo with SzmodicsCredit: Instagram / @samszmodics_ More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

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      Steven Gerrard reunited with Michael Beale as ex-Sunderland and Rangers boss appointed his Al-Ettifaq assistant

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      MICHAEL BEALE is set for to be reunited with Steven Gerrard after being appointed Al-Ettifaq’s new assistant managerEx-Rangers boss Beale has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in February.Michael Beale is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: The SunMeanwhile Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq following a horror start to the season.The Liverpool legend has kept his £15million-a-year job but has made changes to his backroom staff.Assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen both left by mutual consent.And Beale – who worked with Gerrard in Scotland – has now joined to replace Holden.READ MORE IN football The 44-year-old was in charge for just 12 matches at Sunderland before being sacked in February.Al-Ettifaq sit 12th out of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, losing HALF of their ten games this season.The ex-England captain held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners in November – but vowed to fight for his job.He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq More