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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

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      Everyone thought Jose Mourinho had taken over and my name was a typo – I’m making my own way as Portsmouth’s Special One

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      JOHN MOUSINHO got ridiculed when he was announced as Portsmouth boss.Stunned fans joked there was a typo on the club’s website and Jose Mourinho had taken over.John Mousinho guided Portsmouth to promotionCredit: GettySome have mistaken the Portsmouth manager with Jose Mourinho (above)Credit: GettySpecsavers even got in on the act, claiming anyone wearing their glasses would have correctly read Mousinho.But after taking Pompey back into the Championship after a 12-year absence — in his first full season in charge — Mousinho has become their own Special One.As he heads to Elland Road to face title favourites Leeds, the Portsmouth boss admitted: “Unless you were an EFL anorak, I’m not a name you would have been familiar with.“I didn’t mind having a laugh with all that amusing stuff.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It wasn’t only on social media with the fans but also on my family WhatsApp group. I got a proper ribbing.”Mousinho, whose dad is Portuguese, spent most of his playing career as  a defender in the lower divisions.And at the time of his Fratton Park appointment in January 2023, he was combining life as a 36-year-old Oxford player with a role as chairman of the PFA.So it is no wonder Mousinho’s appointment at such a big club raised eyebrows.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told SunSport: “I had always wanted to be a head coach or manager.“I was lucky in the final couple of years of my playing career to work under Karl Robinson, who gave me access to coaching, selection and recruitment meetings.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery“I had a big influence on the connection between the players and coaching staff and was doing set-piece coaching.“Every aspect of coaching suited me and I had completed my pro licence six months before taking this job.”Pompey were 15th and had not won for ten League One games when Mousinho walked in but they finished eighth — before winning the title last season.He said: “The only way to stop people laughing and joking about me was to win football matches.“I came in with the aim to consolidate and get to the summer first.“We then recruited 14 players and went for promotion.”Mousinho’s work on the South Coast has many similarities with Kieran McKenna’s success at Ipswich.Also in his first managerial job, he stopped the rot when he first went in before lifting them out of the third tier.But can Pompey emulate the Tractor Boys by clinching back-to-back promotions to the Premier League?Mousinho said: “Ipswich have given us a blueprint to work off. Kieran is an exciting coach touted to take on bigger roles. “We’re not setting sights low but, if we don’t ­replicate Ipswich it won’t be a failure.“The most important thing, having not been in the Championship for 12 years, is at a minimum to still be in this division this time next year.”Mousinho may not claim to be like Mourinho (right), but the 38-year-old understands the hunger in the famous naval city to join south coast rivals Southampton, Brighton and Bournemouth in the Prem.And expectations are high at a club bought  by ex-Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner in 2017.Mousinho cautioned: “Portsmouth were last at the top table 14 years ago.“The club was mixing it with the big boys and won the FA Cup in 2008.“We must be sensible in how we consolidate the gains we’ve made from this promotion so we can attack the league in the coming  seasons.”This promotion has reinvigorated the city. But we must remember this club almost went into liquidation before the supporters bought and saved it.“Then the Eisner family came in and transformed the club. We must make sure all that hard work doesn’t go to waste.”Pompey’s Irish defender Conor Shaughnessy returns to the club where he made his pro debut.The 28-year-old made 15 appearances for Leeds but then did the lower league hard yards with Mansfield, Rochdale and Burton before Pompey snapped him up last summer.Shaughnessy, who ended up starting 45 of the 46 league games, said: “I enjoyed my time at Leeds — I was signed as an under-21 and managed to get into the team. I got injured and it made it  difficult from there.“It’s going to be great going back. Elland Road has such a great atmosphere. It will be rocking for the first game. I had to drop into the lower leagues so it’s great to be back here again.”Meanwhile, lifelong Pompey fan Marlon Pack will be prouder than anyone when he captains the side on such a big stage.The midfielder — who grew up on the Buckland council estate in the city — was 16 when he watched Kanu score the  winner for Pompey at Wembley to beat Cardiff 1-0 in the 2008 FA Cup Final.Pack — who made his Championship debut for Pompey two  years later aged 19 — returned to his home city after stints with Cheltenham, Bristol City and Cardiff.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “There was no prouder moment than lifting the League One title trophy for my boyhood club and hopefully we can get back to the Premier League.“Two other south coast clubs I can mention — Brighton and Bournemouth — have shown how to do it. We’ve put building blocks in place and hopefully this is the start of something special.” More

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      Wayne Rooney wooing Plymouth squad already as hometown hero reveals how Man Utd legend has transformed area within weeks

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      WAYNE ROONEY has always had superstar quality — but his common touch will make him a huge success at Plymouth.That is the view of lifelong Argyle fan and midfielder Adam Randell.Wayne Rooney is back in the Championship with Plymouth after disappointment at BirminghamCredit: GettyAdam Randell has been impressed by his new bossCredit: RexThe 23-year-old’s jaw almost hit the ground when the England and Manchester United legend was appointed boss this summer.And Randell — along with the rest of the Pilgrims squad — were starstruck when Rooney, 38, walked into Home Park.But having worked with him during pre-season, it has been his down-to-earth persona that has wooed the squad.That has also been reflected off the field where Rooney is embracing life on the Devon coast, wandering into pubs and chatting to locals.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYHe even gatecrashed a quiz evening at one bar — listening intently to the questions in a Euro round, although not taking part himself.And ahead of Sunday’s Championship opener at Sheffield Wednesday, Randell said: “I was surprised when he was announced. I couldn’t believe it.“I had been reading the speculation and thinking, ‘No way’.“When he was named, it was surreal knowing that someone you’ve grown up watching and admiring is going to be in and around you in your daily life. It was strange but very exciting, too.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You have to give yourself a reality check in a moment like that — knowing who he is and what he’s done in his career, but also understanding he’s now your boss!“And since Rooney has come in, he’s been great. All the lads speak highly of him.Wayne Rooney reveals gruelling weight loss technique he would do after turning up at Man Utd pre-season 7lbs too heavy “He’ll have a conversation with people every single day — which is nice for us.“It’s nice to have that interest in us, whether it’s football based or non-football based. To have that connection is good.“The fact he walked into that pub on quiz night and chatted with everyone is exactly how he’s been here with the players, staff and fans. I’ve actually done that quiz myself.“He’s just a normal, everyday guy who comes across as genuine, likeable and approachable, which is huge for us as players.“We want to be able to talk to the manager and have conversations. There are no heirs and graces about him.”But despite that, just Rooney being the manager has raised the profile of Argyle through the roof.’HE BRINGS SO MANY EYES TO THE CLUB’Randell — born and bred in the city — knows more than anyone how Plymouth is often seen as a football outpost because of its location on the Devon-Cornwall border.He said: “Because he’s such a big name himself, he brings so many eyes to the club.“It was massive for everyone at the club and gave us all a huge boost.“We often get forgotten down this part of the world — that is certainly not going to be the case this season.”The midfielder has already been getting pearls of wisdom from Rooney, who played in his position towards the end of his career.’HE’S ALWAYS HONEST’And Randell said: “I’ve learned a lot directly from him. He has had that experience in my position so has been able to give me certain pointers of what he expects of me.“The things he has been telling other players I’ve listened to — making sure if it’s not directly based towards me I can pick up on that and learn from that as well.“He’s always honest and told us that from the start that’s how he is.“He’s clear in what he expects of people and that is to work hard and be a complete team to win games. We’re fully focused on performing well and getting results.”Randell has been an “obsessed Argyle fan” since he was taken to a home game on his sixth birthday as a treat.And he was thrilled that when he was signed to the club’s academy, he was able to pick up free tickets for Home Park and went most weeks with his dad.He said: “There have been so many fond memories but the one that pops in my head most is Peter Hartley’s late League Two play-off semi-final winner against Portsmouth in 2016.“I was sitting in block two with my family and was tempted to go on the pitch but my dad said ‘No’ because I was in the academy and it wouldn’t have looked good.“That one when I went away to Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2017 was another one. The play-off final in 2016.“So, it’s great to now pull on the green jersey and run out in front of my family and friends, who are all season-ticket holders.“Looking up and seeing smiling Plymouth fans and people I recognise is brilliant.”Randell played for the Pilgrims when they were in League Two and passionately believes the club can aim for Premier League football in the not-too-distant future.Plymouth celebrated staying up by a point in their first campaign after promotion from League One and he wants to be more greedy with his expectations this season.He said: “Our main goal has to be to stay in the division but, ultimately, we want to build for something special to happen here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve spoken about it multiple times and said where we want the club to be in future years.“We’ve said although the Premier League seems a long way away, it’s achievable. There’s nothing that can stop us achieving that.”Rooney is set for his first game in charge of the Pilgrims this SundayCredit: RexRandell is already learning from his new bossCredit: Rex More