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      Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George BaldockCredit: AlamySheffield United players held up a Greek Flag with ‘Star Man’ written on itCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with his face alongside with the words: ‘Once a Blade, always a Blade.’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialBaldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold. Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.Most read in FootballTom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag around him at full-timeCredit: PAGoals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone. Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.’Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.” More

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      Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

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      THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More

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      Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash

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      HARRY MAGUIRE took some time away from his Manchester United problems with a trip to watch former club Sheffield United.The Blades booked a place in the play-off final after taking a 3-0 lead over Bristol City back to Bramall Lane before winning 6-0 on aggregate.Harry Maguire took some time away from Man UtdThe defender was spotted at his former ground Bramall LaneMaguire looked in high spirits before watching Sheffield United take on Bristol City in the Championship play-offsAnd Maguire returned back to his roots for some much needed downtime to cheer on his beloved childhood club.The United star looked in high spirits while walking through the rows leading to the director’s box, with Chris Kamara also present. After playing the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham, the defender took the chance to unwind.Sunday marked another humiliating day for Maguire as United suffered a 17th Premier League defeat of the season and slipped to 16th in the table.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaguire was initially rested and benched for West Ham’s visit ahead of United’s Europa League final against fellow strugglers Tottenham next Wednesday.But the 32-year-old was forced on to replace Leny Yoro, who limped off in tears with a foot injury.Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham’s lead within minutes of Maguire coming on, as Mohammed Kudus breezed past him to feed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s assist.The England international has personally endured topsy-turvy season, after saving United’s skin with several late goals – including the incredible last-gasp header in the comeback against Lyon.Most read in FootballBut Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford showed Maguire’s still prone to defensive mistakes, as his wayward pass saw Athletic Bilbao go 1-0 up in the first half.Maguire played the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West HamCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaguire came through the ranks at Sheffield United and broke into their first team when the club was relegated to League One in 2011.The then 18-year-old was thrown in at the deep end against uncompromising, physical forwards and thrived.Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in styleMaguire had played over 100 times for the Blades before his 20th birthday.And League One proved the launchpad that took him into the Prem with Hull City, on to Leicester City and then Man United.Maguire was spotted in the crowd at Bramall Lane More

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      ‘He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fight

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      FOOTBALL hardman James McClean has been backed by former manager Tony Pulis to beat Jake Paul in a boxing match.McClean – coached by Pulis at West Brom – has a reputation for his toughness on the field and trains in boxing as a hobby. James McClean has been backed to beat Jake Paul in a boxing matchCredit: RexTony Pulis coached McClean at West BromCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd ex-gaffer Pulis revealed Pulis was the most feared player he worked under and reckons he has the beating of Paul. He told OLBG: “Nobody, nobody would want to fight James McClean in the boxing ring. I’ve seen him at West Brom. “He has got the fastest hands of any professional footballer I’ve seen. He was on the bag and on the gloves. James, without question. “Like I say, I’ve got a lot of time for James. He mishandles himself at times in respect of what he says and what he does. READ MORE IN boxing “But he’s a great, great, great kid. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I’ve seen him with the gloves on.”You wouldn’t want to go in a ring against him. Against Jake Paul? McClean all day long.”McClean, now 36, made 111 Stoke appearances after joining from West Brom following prior stints at Wigan and Sunderland. He returned to Wigan in 2021 but moved to Wrexham two years later – recently celebrating promotion to the Championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season, the left winger scored four goals to help Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney take Wrexham from non-league to England’s second tier. McClean – who has 103 Ireland caps with 11 goals – regularly shows off his boxing training under former pro fighter Derry Matthews. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champYouTuber-turned-boxer Paul meanwhile is 11-1 in the ring. His only defeat came on points to Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023 and he most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November. Paul, 28, now returns on June 28 in a cruiserweight bout against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in California. The American knocked out former NBA star Nate Robinson in 2020 and has been called out by the likes of darts player Gerwyn Price, 40, before. Jake Paul is 11-1 in the ringCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero and ex-England star’s son, 23, closing in on EFL transfer after lighting up non-league

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      FORMER England winger Trevor Sinclair’s son looks to be getting a chance at Accrington Stanley.Midfielder Isaac, 23, plays for Curzon Ashton in National League North but is set to join The ‘Owd Reds.He is the son of Premier League hero Trevor SinclairIsaac Sinclair looks to be getting a chance at AccringtonCredit: GettySinclair Jr was at Blackpool as a teenager — like his dad — but this will be his first shot at the EFL.He has scored six goals and provided three assists in 45 games for Curzon Ashton this season.Isaac plays in a similar right-wing position to his dad for the Manchester-based non-league side.Sinclair’s day job sees him design clothes and sportswear, while he also helps out at his brother’s scaffolding company.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut that is set to change with a move into professional football with League Two side Accrington.Stanley marginally avoided relegation from the football league this season after finishing 21st in the table, as Morecambe and Carlisle went down. Isaac made headlines at the start of the season after scoring a wonder goal against Oxford City.Dad Trevor made 360 Premier League appearances throughout his playing career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaving started at Blackpool in 1989, the winger went on to play for Queens Park Rangers, West Ham, Man City, Cardiff City, Lancaster Gate and Squires Gate.He scored 52 goals during his time in the Premier League and provided 36 assists.The 52-year-old was also capped 12 times by England.The Sun exclusively revealed last month how he was facing bankruptcy over an unpaid £36,000 tax bill. Sinclair Sr enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West Ham More

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      Sean Dyche lined up for return to football with relegated Premier League club who IGNORED him this season

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      SEAN DYCHE is back in the frame for the Leicester job with the task of aiming for immediate promotion back to the Premier League.The former Everton chief is seen as the man to pull off the recovery act by some leading figures at the Foxes HQ.Sean Dyche is tipped to lead Leicester’s bid for an instant Prem returnCredit: PACurrent Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is unsure of his fateCredit: PALeicester have been looking around for a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy after a disastrous campaign.There was a lobby for a ‘footballing’ coach like free agent Russell Martin or Liam Manning at Bristol City.However the financial pressure of getting promotion back to the Prem’s riches is now the main factor in the decision making.Dyche has a proven record of success at Burnley, where he went up twice which marks him out as the steadiest choice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe experienced coach is based in the Midlands so the move would be ideal for him.Sources close to Dyche claim he was ready to answer the call from Leicester DURING the season but was ignored.Former Manchester United interim boss Van Nistelrooy is keen to discover his fate sooner rather than later.The 48-year-old said: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club. We’re all hoping to find out soon. Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”The Foxes were long ago doomed to an instant return to the Championship.Former Everton manager Sean Dyche lands new job two months after Toffees sacking But a shock derby win at European hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Sunday would see them leapfrog Ipswich and go third bottom.However, Prem clubs are already understood to be monitoring the King Power Stadium situation ahead of the summer transfer window.SunSport exclusively revealed that Brentford are interested in £25million-rated keeper Mads Hermansen. More

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      ‘Please delete this’ – Southampton send cringeworthy message to Derby after passing lowest Premier League points tally

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      SOUTHAMPTON fans have blasted the club’s social media account after it celebrated passing Derby County’s lowest ever Premier League points tally.The already-relegated Saints earned their 12th point of the season after a 0-0 draw with Manchester City, to overtake Derby’s 11 points secured in 2007-2008.Southampton beat officially beat Derby’s worst-ever Premier League side points tallyThe already-relegated Saints won their 12th point of the season against Manchester CitySouthampton tagged Derby County in an X post at full-timeRock bottom and Championship-bound Southampton survived 26 shots at goal to hold Champions League-chasing City on Saturday afternoon.And it even prompted a cheeky dig from the official Saints X account at full-time, which read: “Sorry if we got your hopes up, @dcfcofficial.”But other supporters were left fuming with the “humiliating” post and begged the club, who have now drawn six games, to rip it down.One wrote: This is embarrassing as f***. Please delete this. On behalf of Every saints fan.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA second said: “Even for bait this is proper tragic, head would be on Mars if I was a Saints fan.”A third added: “This is embarrassing 😶.”While another footie supporter chimed in with: “Imagine bragging about being the second worst team in Premier League history 😂.”And Saints fans probably won’t want to hear what proud goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to say about passing Derby’s tally.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Arsenal stopper said: “Delighted. We’re not happy about how the season has gone but we’re happy we’ve avoided that record.”We’re under no illusions that it’s not a great points tally. The fans are happy in the sun smiling.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history “Everyone knows it’s been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. “A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief.”When Rusky came in he asked us to be extraordinary in concentration and personality and we showed that in abundance today.”Credit to the lads and way they defended. We made it hard for them.”In fairness to Southampton, much has been made about whether or not they can beat Derby’s unwanted record. And now they’ve done it.And interim manager Simon Rusk did urge his side to leave the Premier League “with as much dignity as possible” before kick-off.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City failed to sew up a top-five finish in the race for the Champions League, and missed out on the chance to move level on points with Arsenal in second.Pep Guardiola’s side now stay within touching distance of their fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, with 65 points in third place. More

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      ‘Good way to find out’ – Championship star sees he’s been released on INSTAGRAM before sending snide message to club

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      KIAN BEST took a swipe at Preston North End after apparently finding out he was released by his boyhood club via Instagram.Best, 19, spent his entire career at Preston after joining the Championship outfit’s academy at a very young age and signed a scholarship deal in 2021 before going pro two years later.Kian Best was released from Preston North EndBest suggested he found out about his release on social mediaDespite a promising start, the left-back found opportunities hard to come by at Deepdale and was ultimately loaned out to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division in January.That spelled the end of his long stint with the Lilywhites, who announced the ex-England Under-19 international’s release on Saturday.Preston issued a post on social media, along with a slideshow of players who are set to leave. It read: “We’d like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future.”It included an image of Best with the following caption: “Thank you Besty”.Read More on FootballThe full-back then immediately took to social media where he shared a screenshot of Preston’s announcement and suggested he wasn’t informed about his release before the attached post was published. Best issued the following story: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”The youngster appears to have since deleted his post on social media.SunSport have approached Preston for comment.Most read in ChampionshipBest’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the player reportedly held no discussions with the club over an extension.Preston also announced the release of Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Patrick Bauer and Ryan Ledson, whose partner is a soap star.Kian Taylor was also included in the released section. More