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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

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      Kim Kardashian and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tipped for shock EFL club takeovers after Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham revolution

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      KIM KARDASHIAN and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have been tipped to complete an EFL club takeover.American investment in English football has exploded in recent years, with 14 Premier League clubs majority owned by US firms.The Rock has been tipped to make an investment in an EFL clubCredit: The Mega AgencyKim Kardashian could also be keen to get involvedCredit: GettyRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have paved the way for celebrity investorsCredit: PAA$AP Rocky has been linked with a purchase of Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyIt is a similar case in the EFL with a third of owners American, while there has also been an increase in celebrity involvement.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sparked the drive with their takeover of Wrexham and the subsequent release of Disney+ documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.More recently NFL legend Tom Brady has become involved as an investor in Birmingham City, with another American Football star JJ Watt purchasing a stake in Burnley.Superstar rapper A$AP Rocky was even linked to a takeover of Tranmere, and football investment expert Adam Sommerfeld believes it is only a matter of time before some bigger names get involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “A lot of these guys (celebs) will see them (clubs) as media assets because of the drama they produce.”To try and replicate that in another area, lets say film content, is very difficult.”The shoulder programming that comes with these things, the documentaries, opens them up to sponsors, to investors, to brand collaborators.”There’s an argument it will become saturated quite quickly, perhaps it already has been. [Tom] Brady, JJ Watt at Burnley.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Now it becomes about almost how can you take it up a level. Who’s going to get The Rock, god forbid who’s going to get a KIm Kardashian.”Sommerfeld also predicted all English clubs will be owned or part-owned by American investors in the next five to ten years, with “every team” in the EFL already in talks with US investors.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video More

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      Frank Lampard set for Coventry interview as Chelsea legend battles Man Utd hero Ruud van Nistelrooy for manager job

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      FRANK LAMPARD is set to have an interview at Coventry this week.The Chelsea legend, 46, ranks high on the shortlist to replace Mark Robins, who was axed as City’s boss earlier this month.Frank Lampard will have an interview with Coventry this weekCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is also in the running for the roleCredit: AlamyLamps is believed to be keen on talks despite not having applied for the job.The ex-Stamford Bridge, Derby and Everton boss has experience working in the Championship after taking the Rams to the play-off final  in 2019.Ruud van Nistelrooy is also thought to be a leading contender for the Sky Blues hotseat.The Dutchman, 48, was last week ruthlessly ditched from Manchester United’s coaching team by their new manager Ruben Amorim.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVan Nistelrooy managed three wins and a draw from his four games in charge as interim Red Devils boss after compatriot Erik ten Hag was sacked.Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield, 40 —  whose side top League One — is also a contender.Coventry are 17th in the Championship and sit just one point above  the drop zone.The club sacked fan favourite Robins earlier this month after winning just four of their first 15 matches this season.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA 2-2 draw at league leaders Sunderland proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.And Robins was shown the door after overseeing 387 games in seven-and-a-half years, freeing up a coveted dugout position.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyMark Robins was sacked after winning just four games this seasonCredit: PAManchester United icon Van Nistelrooy was one of the first to throw his hat into the ring after his interim spell at Old Trafford.But Lampard is also in the frame for the Coventry job.The Chelsea legend, who has twice managed his former side, has emerged as one of the favourites to replace Robins.And he will now hold talks over the vacancy this week.Should he get the job, Lampard will be hoping his time with the Sky Blues goes better than his last interim role at Stamford Bridge.Filling in for Graham Potter until the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Lampard mustered just one single win from 11 matches with a misfit Chelsea side.He has since been working as a pundit and admitted last month he would love to manage England in the future.Lampard said: “As an English player who played 100-plus times, and an English person who’s very proud – of course, the England set up is something… I never dreamed of playing as many times for England, let alone now as a coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So, now as a coach, I think I would be crazy to sort of say, ‘Oh no, that would never interest me’.”It would have to be something that they would want me to do, and have to be something that I want to do and thought I could add value to it in any way.”Frank Lampard’s managerial careerDerby County, May 2018-July 2019: P57 W24 D17 L16Chelsea, July 2019-Jan 2021: P84 W44 D17 L23Everton, Jan 2022-Jan 2023: P44 W12 D8 L24Chelsea, Apr 2023-May 2023: P11 W1 D2 L8 More

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      Rob Edwards’ Luton future in doubt whether under-fire manager, 42, is sacked or not

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      ROB EDWARDS’ Luton future is in doubt with rivals Coventry watching developments.Boss Edwards has seen the Hatters struggle back in the Championship and insiders claim the 41-year-old has considered quitting.Luton Town boss Rob Edwards’ future has plunged into doubt after a rough start in the ChampionshipCredit: AlamyLuton manager Edwards is being monitored by CoventryCredit: PACoventry sacked Mark Robins two weeks ago and are admirers of Edwards — whose Luton side beat them to promotion in the 2023 play-off final.But Sky Blues would be even more interested if he was a free agent instead of having to pay out compensation.Edwards took over at Kenilworth Road two years ago and quickly turned things around.The Luton boss won promotion to the Premier League by winning the play-offs only a year later.Read More on FootballHowever, the Hatters had a short stint in the English top flight as they finished in 18th place with six points separating them from safety last term.Luton immediately returned to the Championship where they have struggled this season.Edwards’ side is currently in 21st in the English second division and that has plunged their manager’s future in doubt.He would face immense competition for the top job at Coventry as owner Doug King has claimed the EFL side has received plenty of CVs from “high-quality” managers.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmong them are reportedly ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and former Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.Lampard has been a free agent since leaving Stamford Bridge last year where he worked as interim manager in his second stint in the Blues’ dugout.Luton’s injury crisis so bad assistant manager Rob Edwards had to play in training but then he got crocked too Van Nistelrooy was axed by United despite a four-match undefeated streak, which saw him winning three games, as there was no room in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching team. More