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      Tom Lockyer, 29, returns to Luton training as Championship season starts having ‘died’ on pitch just eight months ago

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      TOM LOCKYER has returned to training eight months after he suffered a cardiac arrest.The Luton Town captain collapsed to the pitch during the Premier League clash against Bournemouth in December.Tom Lockyer has returned to training just eight months after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lutontown/He suffered a cardiac arrest against Bournemouth in DecemberCredit: RexLockyer, 29, admitted that he “literally died” after his heart stopped for two minutes and 40 seconds on the pitch.The defender also collapsed during the Championship play-off final against Coventry last May.For the past few months he has been undergoing rehab with heart specialists in Amsterdam with the aim of returning to action.Luton have now confirmed that Lockyer is back on the grass at the club’s training base.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is currently undergoing an individual training plan and has been welcomed back by manager Rob Edwards and his team-mates.Lockyer is also continuing to work with the British Heart Foundation in spreading awareness of CPR and using a defibrillator. A club statement read: “We are so pleased to be able to inform our supporters and everyone around the world who has sent him their support that our captain, Tom Lockyer, has today returned to The Brache to start the next phase of his rehabilitation.”Tom has been under the guidance and care of leading consultants in London and Amsterdam, where he has been completing the most recent phase of his rehabilitation at a specialist clinic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”For now, Tom will work individually back at The Brache, but his very presence around the training ground will be welcomed by all of his team-mates, manager Rob Edwards and the coaching staff.”Whilst continuing his rehab, Tom will continue his work with the British Heart Foundation in spreading the importance of knowing CPR and how to use a defibrillator, and he will now be focussing fully on his next stage of the rehabilitation.Tom Lockyer given hero’s welcome as he returns to Luton pitch for first time since cardiac arrest-“We ask that he is allowed to do this at his own pace, in private, to ultimately give himself the best chance of completing the next phases of his rehabilitation program.”Welcome back, Locks!”Lockyer saw Professor Sanjay Shah, a London-based cardiologist.He is the same man who helped Christian Eriksen return to action following his cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener in June 2021.Eriksen had an ICD fitted and spent nine months on the sidelines.He was unable to resume his career at Inter Milan as he could not get insured, so joined Brentford in January 2022 before moving to Manchester United that summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Luton have kicked off their Championship season as they search for a quick return to the Premier League.However, the Hatters were thumped 4-1 by Burnley at Kenilworth Road in Scott Parker’s first match as the Clarets boss.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Chelsea’s outrageous transfer spending spree put into context as they are compared to Premier League rivals

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      PEDRO NETO became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly era last week.The winger completed a £54million transfer to Stamford Bridge last week.Pedro Neto became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly eraCredit: GettyRaheem Strerling was Boehly’s first signingCredit: GettyHe joins the likes of Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo in joining the Blues within the last year.Chelsea now boast a squad of 48 players – 35 of whom signed after Boehly took over in May 2022.Raheem Sterling was the American’s first addition just two years ago.Now SunSport have looked at every Premier League club and who they purchased 35 signings ago…Read More in FootballArsenal – Matteo GuendouziGuendouzi joined the Gunners from FC Lorient all the way back in 2017.He spent four years at the club, making 82 appearances, and went on two loan spells before moving to Marseille in 2022.The 25-year-old left the French side this summer to sign for Lazio.Matteo Guendouzi joined Arsenal in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyAston Villa – Tyrone MingsThe centre-back joined from Bournemouth in 2017 after an initial loan spell.Most read in FootballEvery Premier League team’s transfers 35 signings agoMings has since made 166 appearances but missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury.Bournemouth – Jack StaceyThe 28-year-old signed for Bournemouth in a £4m transfer from Luton in 2019.He went on to make 98 first team appearances before leaving for Norwich last summer.Brentford – Mads RoerslavRoerslav joined Brentford when they were still in the Championship back in 2019.He is still at the club and has since made 123 appearances across all competitions.Brighton – Adam LallanaA move that many fans might remember, Lallana joined Brighton from Liverpool in a free transfer in 2020.Following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022 he stepped in as assistant interim manager to Andrew Crofts.Lallana left Brighton this summer to join Southampton in a free transfer.Adam Lallana joined Brighton in a free transfer from LiverpoolCredit: GettyCrystal Palace – Vicente GuaitaGoalkeeper Guaita joined Palace from Getafe in 2018 and spent five years at Selhurst Park, making 154 appearances.The 37-year-old left last summer to return to Spain and now plays for Celta Vigo.Everton – Lucas DigneDigne was a big signing for Everton when he first joined from Barcelona in 2018.He signed for the Toffees in an £18m move and quickly established himself as first-choice right-back.He played 127 times for Everton but left in January 2022 to join Aston Villa.Fulham – Frank AnguissaAnguissa joined Fulham in 2018 but was sent on loan to Villarreal the following year when the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.He then spent a year on loan at Napoli before joining the Italian giants in a permanent transfer in 2022.Ipswich – Tete YengiAustralian striker Tete Yengi joined Ipswich from A-League side Newcastle Jets.Having signed for the Tractor Boys in 2021, he failed to make a single first team appearance before leaving for Livingston earlier this summer.During his time at Ipswich he was loaned out three times, to Vaasan Palloseura, Northampton Town and Kuopion Palloseura.Leicester City – Harry MaguireAnother high-profile transfer, Maguire joined Leicester from Hull in 2017 for just £12m.After two years at the King Power Stadium he then signed for Manchester United in a huge £80m transfer, making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history.Maguire has since made 207 appearances for the Red Devils and has 63 England caps and counting.Leicester made over £60m in profit from the sale of Harry Maguire, who joined from HullCredit: PA:Empics SportLiverpool – Roberto FirminoA fan-favourite among the Reds, Firmino spent eight years at Anfield after signing from Hoffenheim all the way back in 2015.He won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Liverpool and made 362 appearances.He now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.Roberto Firmino was a fan favourite at LiverpoolCredit: GettyManchester City – Aymeric LaporteLaporte signed for City in a £57m transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad before leaving for Saudi Arabia last summer.Aymeric Laporte joined Man City in 2018Credit: GettyManchester United – Eric BaillyBailly completed a £30m switch from Villarreal to Man Utd back in 2016.He made 113 appearances but fell out of favour when Erik ten Hag took over two years ago.The defender is now a free agent having left United upon the expiry of his contract in July.Eric Bailly spent eight years at Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle – Federico FernandezThe 35-year-old joined Newcastle from Swansea in 2018 and went on to spend four years at St James’ Park.After leaving he joined Spanish side Elche and has since played for Al-Duhail and Estudiantes.Nottingham Forest – Brandon AguileraCosta Rican midfielder Aguilera joined Forest in 2022 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.He was loaned out twice by the club, to Estoril and Bristol Rovers, and made just three appearances for Forest before joining Rio Ave this year.Southampton – Theo WalcottWalcott became a Premier League icon during his time with Arsenal between 2006 and 2018.He eventually left the Gunners after falling down the pecking order and joined Everton.However, he returned to Southampton – his first club – in 2021.Walcott spent two years with the Saints before retiring from professional football last year.Theo Walcott retired after leaving SouthamptonCredit: APTottenham – Ryan SessegnonSessegnon was viewed as one of the most promising talents in England when Tottenham signed him from Fulham in 2019.However, he never quite established his spot in Spurs’ starting line-up.He suffered several injuries during his time at Spurs which hindered his time in the first team.Sessegnon rejoined Fulham this summer in a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.West Ham – Felipe AndersonThe winger spent three years with West Ham after joining from Lazio in a £36m transfer in 2018.He made 73 appearances for the Hammers and returned to Lazio three years later.Anderson now plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Wolves – Matija SarkicSarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23s in 2020 and spent three years at Molineux.He signed for Millwall last summer and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Sarkic tragically and unexpectedly passed away in June.The club paid tribute to him on the opening day of the Championship season at the weekend.Matija Sarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23sCredit: Getty More

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      Delia Smith gives up control of Norwich City after 27 years and legendary cook won’t receive a penny from sale

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      DELIA SMITH has sold her controlling stake in Norwich after 27 years in charge.Norfolk Holdings, a group run by American businessman Mark Attanasio, have bought the Canaries and will take on the club’s debt, totalling around £59million.Delia Smith has sold her controlling stake in NorwichCredit: RexAttansio will hold an 85 per cent stake with Smith and her husband Michael Wunn Jones retaining 10 per cent.Norwich released a statement which read: “Delia and Michael have always been clear that they would act in the best interests of the club when passing on stewardship of it.”Delia and Michael feel that the group are best placed to be the next custodians of the club.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Timo Werner bizarrely spotted at Sheffield Wednesday for clash with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth… but there’s a sweet reason

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      TOTTENHAM striker Timo Werner was spotted watching Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle at Hillsborough on Sunday.The 28-year-old was seen in the crowd as the hosts cruised to a 4-0 win over Wayne Rooney’s new side.Timo Werner was watching Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth ArgyleCredit: Sky SportsHe was there to support Sascha Lense, who is now Sheffield Wednesday’s performance managerCredit: GettyMany fans were left baffled as to why he travelled nearly 200 miles out of London to watch the Championship clash.But he was actually there to support Danny Rohl and Sascha Lense, the club’s performance manager.Lense followed Rohl to Sheffield Wednesday last season following spells with Shalke, RB Leipzig and Manchester United.He is the father-in-law of Germany international Werner, who has been with Paula Lense for nine years.Read More in ChelseaWerner proved to be a lucky charm as the Owls stormed to a 4-0 win and topped the Championship table on the opening weekend.Plymouth manager Rooney was left “disappointed” and “angry” at full-time following his first game in charge.He said: “The scoreline was deserved. From my point of view the really disappointing thing was the basics of the game, winning duels and stopping crosses.”We conceded four goals from four crosses. The basics of the game were not there.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle suffered a 4-0 defeatCredit: Alamy”The really disappointing thing for me is as a team we didn’t play with the confidence we’ve shown in the last few weeks.”We didn’t take the ball well enough or handle the crowd early enough.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!'”We allowed them to get a foothold in the game, and we let it run out and conceded two more goals.”I’m disappointed and angry, because that’s not the performance I wanted to see. We spoke about their threats from crosses.”We spoke about Barry Bannan and we let him run the game and didn’t get close enough to him. That wasn’t acceptable.”The players have to earn the right to play. You can lose football games, that happens, but there’s a way you want to see your players run, work and tackle.”We’ve had a lot of fans come a long way, and the perfomance we’ve given wasn’t good enough.”We have to make sure that doesn’t happen again.” More

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      Watch Vincent Kompany scream ‘don’t f***ing test me big boy’ in explosive X-rated row in sneak preview to Burnley TV doc

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      THIS is the moment Vincent Kompany screamed at one of his Burnley players in an X-rated training ground row.The footage has emerged after a sneak preview of a new Clarets’ documentary.Kompany was infuriated by GudmundssonCredit: https://x.com/BurnleyFC_clipsThe manager swore at him a number of timesCredit: https://x.com/BurnleyFC_clipsThe Belgian spent two years at the club from 2022 until this summer.The documentary, titled “Mission to Burnley”, charts their disastrous season in the Premier League last year which ended in relegation.An 89 second clip of the new series has gone viral which shows Kompany in a heated exchange with Johann Berg Gudmundsson.The clip begins with Kompany telling the documentary makers: “You can’t say ‘I want confidence’. You can’t say ‘I want results’. You have to live in a certain way to achieve results.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt then cuts to Kompany on the training ground going off on Gudmundsson and swearing at him 15 times in less than a minute.The manager says: “Joey, don’t f***ing test me.”Do not f***ing test me. Enough of the f***ing moaning. Enough of the f***ing moaning. Play f***ing football. You’ve got to f***ing work for everything. F***ing play!”How many times do I have to tell you? Stop f***ing moaning.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter Gudmundsson walks away from Kompany, the manager continues the issue and says: “What? Have you got something you want to communicate to the team? You want to communicate something, you big boy? You’re a big boy, you want to talk?When the two were face to face, Gudmundsson said: “I just said ‘can we finish that attack?'”SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’Kompany then replied: “No, you’re moaning about everything!”To which Gudmundsson asked: “What have I moaned about today?”Kompany says: “Body language is f***ing s*** and I’m not accepting it. Play! F***ing hell man.With the row appearing to be over, Kompany then continues and says: “It’s f***ing life or death. F***ing play!”He then mutters to himself: “F***ing… I’ve had a f***ing enough of this!”Burnley would go on to be relegated from the Premier League, finishing second bottom of the league on 24 points.Kompany left the Clarets this summer to go on to become manager of Bayern Munich.READ MORE SUN STORIESGudmundsson left Burnley this summer on the expiration of his contract.But he has since re-joined the club, after a chance meeting with chairman Alan Pace on a plane saw the two agree a new deal.Vincent Kompany is now Bayern Munich managerCredit: RexGudmundsson has now re-joined BurnleyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More

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      EFL manager sacked after ONE GAME as club brutally swing axe after losing opening match of new season

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      PRESTON have sacked manager Ryan Lowe just ONE game into the Championship season.And the club have announced Ched Evans will fill in on the touchline while they find a replacement.Ryan Lowe has left Preston by mutual consentCredit: GettyA statement read: “Preston North End can confirm that manager Ryan Lowe has left the club by mutual consent.”Ryan joined the club in December 2021, leading us to 13th, 12th and 10th-placed finishes in his two and a half seasons as the club’s first team manager.”Following discussions that took place on Sunday 11th August, it was mutually agreed that now was an appropriate time for a change to be made.”Ryan leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club for his hard work, dedication and commitment, and we wish him and his family the very best for the future.Read More in Sport”For the two upcoming fixtures against Sunderland and Swansea City this week, Mike Marsh – accompanied by Peter Murphy and Ched Evans – will be in charge of the team.”Arrangements beyond these two fixtures will be announced next week.”Preston suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on the opening day of the Championship season.First team coach Mike Marsh is now set to take over as manager for the next two games, with striker Evans set to assist him.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEvans previously had a lengthy spell out of football after being convicted of rape in 2014, before a 2016 retrial found him not guilty.The striker spent two-and-a-half years in prison and returned to the game with Chesterfield following his release.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’Peter Murphy is also set to assist Marsh in charge.Preston currently sit 23rd in the Championship table, only above Plymouth Argyle. More

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      Wayne Rooney gets off to worst possible start at Plymouth as comical own goal leads to thumping Sheffield Wednesday loss

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      WAYNE ROONEY got off to the worst possible start as Plymouth boss – summed up with a comical own goal. The Manchester United legend took over at Argyle after being sacked by Birmingham in January. Brendan Galloway scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: RexRooney needed to win fans over after his hiring was slammed by some supporters. But now he has even more work to do after falling to a 4-0 drubbing in his opening Championship game of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.Striker Jamal Lowe opened the scoring on 35 minutes before things got worse after the break.On 52 minutes, Lowe headed the ball into Plymouth defender Brendan Galloway’s face and it bounces into the net.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe laughable own goal about summed up Rooney’s opening game with Josh Windass and Michael Smith adding to the rout. Rooney said after the game: “The scoreline was deserved. “From my point of view the really disappointing thing was the basics of the game, winning duels and stopping crosses. “We conceded four goals from four crosses. The basics of the game were not there.Most read in Championship”The really disappointing thing for me is as a team we didn’t play with the confidence we’ve shown in the last few weeks.”We didn’t take the ball well enough or handle the crowd early enough. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We allowed them to get a foothold in the game, and we let it run out and conceded two more goals.”I’m disappointed and angry, because that’s not the performance I wanted to see. We spoke about their threats from crosses. “We spoke about Barry Bannan and we let him run the game and didn’t get close enough to him. That wasn’t acceptable.”The players have to earn the right to play. You can lose football games, that happens, but there’s a way you want to see your players run, work and tackle.”We’ve had a lot of fans come a long way, and the perfomance we’ve given wasn’t good enough.”We have to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”Wayne Rooney got off to the worst start as Plymouth managerCredit: Getty More

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      EFL club threaten to KICK OUT fans who wear fake football shirts to their stadium in unprecedented statement

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have threatened to remove fans wearing fake football shirts from their stadium.The Championship club have issued a warning to all supporters ahead of their league campaign beginning on Sunday.Sheffield Wednesday have issued an unprecedented statement against fake football shirtsCredit: GettyWednesday start their new season with a home clash against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on Sunday afternoon.But any fans who have dodged paying for an official shirt, by bagging themselves a cheap counterfeit alternative, could face eviction from the season opener at Hillsborough. A statement released by the club read: “The rise of counterfeit shirts continues to become increasingly evident in the football industry.”We respectfully remind supporters that as well as being inferior in terms of quality and potentially unsafe due to materials used, counterfeit shirts and their sales impact directly on club revenues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Official SWFC merchandise can be purchased only from the Owls Megastore or online store.”Brand protection teams work together with the relevant authorities to remove counterfeit selling websites and will continue to do so.”Offline, all parties concerned will remain diligent in making every effort to close down the illegal trade of counterfeit goods.Sheffield Wednesday’s official home shirt is up for sale on the club’s website for £69Credit: SWFC.CO.UKBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”To that end, requests for lettering and/or numbering on any counterfeit shirts brought into the Megastore will be declined.Most read in Football”Although we cannot prevent supporters from wearing counterfeit shirts away from Hillsborough, we do respectfully request that such products are not displayed inside the stadium. SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!'”Anyone found to be wearing a fake shirt inside Hillsborough could be asked to leave, with information passed on to the relevant parties.”Thank you for your cooperation.”There has been an exponential rise in the purchase of fake football shirts in recent years as the prices for official jerseys continue to increase.An official Sheffield Wednesday short sleeve home shirt from the club’s online store is currently being sold for £69, with the long sleeve shirt on sale for a whopping £77.While fake alternatives can be found elsewhere online for a fraction of the price.Knock-off shirts became a problem during this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, with German law prohibiting the sale and possession of fake designer goods.Fans found with rip-off kits faced a penalty of up to £4,000 and risked random checks from German authorities throughout the tournament.Sheffield Wednesday claim that the sale of fake shirts “directly impacts” club revenue.Wednesday have found themselves in financial turmoil over recent seasons as the club looked to pay off HMRC debt.READ MORE SUN STORIESControversial owner Dejphon Chansiri even pleaded with Owls fans to raise £2million among themselves to pay off an HMRC debt that the club owed in October 2023.While he also made headlines for reportedly labelling a fan as an “idiot” after receiving an email demanding that he sells the Yorkshire club.Who are these famous footballers? More