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      Watch Jobe Bellingham score 25-yard screamer for Sunderland that Real Madrid star brother Jude would be proud of

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM bagged a stunning 25-yard strike for Sunderland in their 2-0 win over Derby.The midfielder, 19, is known by many as the younger brother of Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham.Jobe Bellingham let fly from 25 yards out to score a stunning goalCredit: Sky SportsThe screamer set Sunderland on their way to a comfortable win over DerbyCredit: Sky SportsBellingham has made an impressive start to the season in the ChampionshipCredit: PABut he began making a name for himself at Birmingham and is now enjoying a superb start to his second season with Sunderland.He has not missed a single minute of The Black Cats’ league campaign so far.And on Tuesday night Bellingham produced his moment of the season so far with a breathtaking goal.The England U20 star picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and fizzed a sumptuous effort beyond the despairing dive of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to Bellingham’s first goal of the season, one fan said: “It is a beauty.”While another added: “šŸ”„ What a stunning goal from Jobe Bellingham! Excited to see more from him this season! šŸŒŸ”A third replied: “England might as well put him in the side now because heā€™s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”And a fourth simply responded: “Unreal.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJobe’s brilliant goal comes as brother Jude prepares to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night.He missed one month of action due to a calf injury but has played their last three LaLiga games – including Sunday’s derby draw away at Atletico Madrid.Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchThe match was halted in the second half due to objects being thrown at Real keeper Thibaut Courtois by Atletico fans. More

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      Wonderkid once labelled ā€˜the next Lionel Messiā€™ completes permanent move despite being outside transfer window

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      FORMER Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join Queens Park Rangers in a permanent deal.The 21-year-old signed for QPR on loan from Ligue 1 side Brest in August and has since made eight first team appearances.Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join QPR on a permanent basisCredit: RexThe winger joined QPR on a season-long loan from Brest in AugustCredit: RexDembele was considered the next Lionel Messi during his time at CelticCredit: The SunDembele has already established himself as a fan favourite, also earning praise from boss Marti Cifuentes.And he will now be awarded with a new deal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.The winger’s loan has been turned into a permanent move that will come into effect from next summer.Dembele has admitted he is “really happy” with the move and “confident” about the future.Read More in FootballHe told the official QPR website: “Iā€™ve always wanted stability in my career, and this gives me that.”Iā€™m really happy to be here permanently and Iā€™ve also enjoyed playing at Loftus Road – the atmosphere is incredible when thereā€™s a big game.”Iā€™m pleased with the impact Iā€™ve been able to make so far. My goal is to help the team as much as I can – I always want more but Iā€™m pleased with the start Iā€™ve made.”Iā€™m confident there is more to come, from both me and the team. Weā€™ve got a good group and I think weā€™ve got lots of potential to do well this season.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is already a growing camaraderie between the new players and the players who were already here. As time goes on and with the more games we play, that will grow even stronger.”We want to finish as high as we can this season and be the best we can be.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDembele gained widespread attention in 2016 after making his debut for Celtic Under-20s aged just 13.He signed his first professional contract two years later and went on to make 10 first team appearances.During his time at Celtic, he was considered the “next Lionel Messi” by fans and one of his former coaches.David Feeney said: “I think he is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance, then the sky is the limit for him.”When his Celtic deal ran down in July 2022, Dembele joined Brest in a free transfer.He was loaned out to Blackpool the following summer, where he scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 47 League One appearances. More

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      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

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      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra Ā£2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the countryā€™s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra Ā£2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make Ā£15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of Ā£65,000, which is up from Ā£41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket Ā£145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move withĀ  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More

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      Sheffield United stars held back as Championship clash with Portsmouth descends into brawl at full-time whistle

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      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Sheffield United descended into a bad-tempered melee after the final whistle.John Mousinho’s winless side held Chris Wilder’s promotion hopefuls to a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.Portsmouth’s clash with Sheffield United descended into chaosCredit: PATempers flared between the rival playersCredit: PAIn the final act of the contest, the Blades thought they had earned a free-kick for a foul.Referee Matt Donohue instead opted to blow the final whistle, much to the visitors’ frustration.Sheffield United captain Vini Souza was particularly incensed, earning a yellow card for his protestations.Tempers then flared between members of both teams, with pushing and shoving matches breaking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis enraged members of the home support, with X-rated chants coming from the stands and a ball thrown towards the players.At one point home goalkeeper Will Norris was floored, before the melee was finally split up.After the game, Pompey boss Mousinho attempted to play the incident down, claiming: “It was nothing.”Wilder, meanwhile, was full of praise for the home side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It wasnā€™t our day and maybe we didnā€™t deserve it, thatā€™s how the game goes.”Portsmouth were good and you have to give them credit. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!”If they play like that for all their home games and their away games, they will get results and they will win games.”They will make it as difficult for other teams as they made it for us.”Teams will get beaten here if Pompey play like that all season.”The Blades boss, 57, then heaped praise upon goalkeeper Michael Cooper, who arrived from Plymouth Argyle last month.’TONGUE IN CHEEK’After Cooper completed a full month of clean sheets, Wilder said: “I found out today that my goalkeeper can make some saves, as he hadnā€™t had to make a save yet!ā€œIā€™m being tongue in cheek, we knew he could make saves, but now he has proved it to everybody, including our coaching staff and supporters.ā€œHeā€™s played a part today. We brought him in to make saves and when he is, he is playing his part.READ MORE SUN STORIESā€œEveryone has to defend, it isnā€™t just the keeper and back four that have to stick their bodies on the line. We defend from the front.ā€œWe want to win games and take risks, we feel we are an attacking team, so to get those four sheets gives us a great base to move on.ā€Chris Wilder had his say after the feisty 0-0 drawCredit: PA More

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      Wayne Rooney hailed for management style as Plymouth surge up Championship table under Man Utd legend

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star Ibrahim Cissoko has sung the praises of manager Wayne Rooney after he netted twice against Luton.Argyle beat the recently relegated side 3-1 last night to climb up to 14th in the Championship table.Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney predicted his sub would win him the gameCredit: PAIbrahim Cissoko was full of praise about his managerCredit: RexCissoko started the game on the bench – but came on after 58 minutes to wrap up the three points with two brilliant finishes.It was the 21-year-old winger’s third goal in seven league games this season.And Cissoko has hailed Rooney for his good start to the season, telling Sky Sports: “For me, he is the perfect coach because he lets me have the freedom to play.”And the Manchester United legend returned the compliment, saying: “He’s a fantastic player and he showed his ability tonight when he came on. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It wasn’t so easy telling him he wasn’t playing.”But I felt late on in the game, I said to him yesterday, ‘Just trust in me, you’re going to come on and win us the game’. “It’s always great as a manager when that happens and it shows to be true.”On his side’s performance so far this campaign, Rooney added: “We were underestimated at the start of the season before we kicked a ball and then especially after the first game. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But I think we’ve shown real character, we’ve shown the type of team we want to be, we’re getting the ball forward and creating chances.”It’s a big win for us against a good Luton team. It’s a big win for a lot of our young players. Wayne Rooney leaves pub-goers stunned as he turns up to mid-week karaoke session in Plymouth boozer”I was delighted for the lads tonight, delighted for the fans – great atmosphere again, so a great start to the weekend.”Perhaps Rooney will celebrate with another midweek trip the pub he was spotted singing karaoke in last month. More

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      Tahith Chong health update after scary collapse on pitch as Luton boss speaks out on ex-Man Utd star

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      LUTON TOWN boss Rob Edwards confirmed Tahith Chong is “a bit sore but fine” after his shocking collapse at Plymouth Argyle.Chong, 24, crumpled to the floor on Friday after sustaining a devastating blow to the head from an accidental collision with a Plymouth player and laid motionless just before half-time.Luton Town star Tahith Chong collapsed after a devastating collisionCredit: RexChong hurt his head just before half-time but walked back to the dressing roomCredit: PAMedical staff from both sides entered the pitch to help ChongCredit: Sky SportsLuton boss Rob Edwards confirmed Chong is ‘a bit sore but fine’Credit: RexMedical staff from both teams rushed to the winger’s aid and a stretcher was brought on to the pitch.Fortunately, the Dutchman made it back on his feet and walked to the dressing room unaided.Chong was replaced by Jacob Brown at half-time but the forward was seen with a large lump on the left side of his forehead as he exited the pitch.Nevertheless, Edwards confirmed the ex-Netherlands youth international is “fine”.Read More on FootballAnd Luton will check the full extent of the ex-Manchester United ace’s injury.Edwards said: “Heā€™s up and about and fine.”So weā€™ll see the extent of it concussion wise. He was a bit sore but heā€™s fine.”Plymouth won the Championship fixture 3-1 at Home Park to record their third victory in nine matches under new manager Wayne Rooney, who lost four of the exchange.Most read in ChampionshipRami Al Hajj opened the scoring for the Pilgrims after just eight minutes.Ibrahim Cissoko doubled the lead in the 69th minute to put some distance.Troy Deeney talks to Luton Town’s Tahith Chong about his Man United mentorsBut ex-Chelsea ace Victor Moses put Luton back in the game just two minutes later.However, Plymouth left with the three points after Cissoko sealed a brace in the third minute of stoppage time.Chong joined Luton from Birmingham last year and has amassed a total of six goals in 46 appearances with the Hatters.The forward also underwent a six-year stint with United before joining the Blues in 2022.Chong was added to the Red Devils’ youth side in 2016 and earned a senior call-up three years later but struggled for a regular spot and was loaned out to Werder Bremen, Club Brugge and Birmingham.Chong spent six years at Manchester United before joining LutonCredit: PA More

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      Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris needed just one hour to be persuaded by new star, 24, to give him a career lifeline

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed it only took an hour for Aaron Connolly to convince him that he deserved a shot at resurrecting his career.The Irish forward, 24, joined promotion-chasing Sunderland on a free this week after three months unemployed.Sunderland announced the signing of Aaron Connolly this weekCredit: X @SunderlandAFCThe Irish striker has been offered the chance to resurrect his careerCredit: X @SunderlandAFCConnolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham.Four years later, after failed loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia, he left the Amex having featured more on the gossip pages rather than sport ones.He scored eight times for Hull City last term in the Championship but questions were raised over his physical condition.Despite their bright start, Sunderland have only had 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda as a recognised striker after deadline day signing Ahmed Abdullahi was sidelined for three months.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe clubā€™s recruitment team had produced a number of suggestions to help bolster Le Brisā€™ attack.But the Frenchman says he already knew the talents of Connolly and all it took was a chat at the clubā€™s training ground for him to offer him a lifeline.The Black Cats boss said: ā€œI had many, many profiles during the transfer window and so I watched many games from him before. Then, during this period when he was available, I watched other games.ā€œTechnically, I knew him before but from his profile, and the others were exactly the same, what exactly is his pathway and connection with this project and his willingness to become a high level player again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSā€œSo it was the connection with our team, club and energy and I just had a one hour conversation with him and at the end it was clear that he was ready.ā€œHe was very clear. They were not bad subjects, everything was on the table.Roy Keane made Ā£800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfiredā€œIt was clear to me that he has learned from these experiences. If you want to avoid a subject . . . but he talked about every subject. It was interesting.ā€When asked if this was the last chance saloon for Connolly, Le Bris said: ā€œI donā€™t know, weā€™ll see. The experience needs to be lived.ā€Explaining how Connolly can help his talented teens such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, Le Bris continued: ā€œIā€™ll explain it for Aaronā€¦ He maybe got carried away before and now, after, he understood that he could have many problems if that is the case.ā€œSo these experiences are very helpful to those players that donā€™t know these potential problems.ā€œChris Mepham, for example, is great for that as when we have spoken in here for example he has shown great maturity.ā€œI have shown two or three clips this week where Chris was involved with a mistake and he just said ā€˜it was my faultā€™ instead of trying to find an excuse.ā€œSo this experience and this behaviour is very important for everybody because we can all make mistakes but we need to learn very quickly.ā€œThe young players, we can expect them to not make any mistakes, but it is not possible. If you take risks then you will make mistakes, that is for sure, but if you learn quickly itā€™s OK.ā€And when pressed on whether his new recruit has now matured, Le Bris added: ā€œI think so, but we need to experience it. Weā€™ll see.ā€œAt the minute I think thatā€™s the case but the truth lies in his activity and our experience. Weā€™ll see in the next weeks and months.ā€READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris stated that he realistically expects Connolly to be ready for match action after the international break.However, both Ian Poveda and Alan Browne are due to return to the Sunderland squad for the trip to Watford after their respective thigh and knee niggles.Regis Le Bris expects to have the star in his squad after the international breakCredit: Getty More

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      Harry Redknapp, 77, tipped for stunning return to football as Premier League cult hero says ā€˜the game needs himā€™

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      HARRY REDKNAPP has been told “Football needs you back” – at 77.The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and West Ham chief was sacked from hisĀ last job, as Birmingham boss, in October 2017.Harry Redknapp has not managed for seven yearsCredit: GettyBut ex-Spurs andĀ Pompey midfielder Pedro Mendes believes Redknapp offers “something different” from other managers.The former Southampton and QPR boss, who never got the England job he craved, has found fame away from the sport in the past seven years.Redknapp won Iā€™m a Celebrityā€¦ Get Me Out of Here – sparking a string of TV appearances.But Mendes reckons the 2018 King of the Jungle deservesĀ to come out of the wilderness and reign at another top club.READ MORE TOP STORIESTheĀ former Portugal star toldĀ Gambling.com: “I think there should always be a place for a guy like Harry Redknapp in the game.Ā “Everything around Harry is different. The way he trains, the way he speaks, the way his relationship is with the players.”Harry has been out of the game for a while now, and I think he should be back. “The game needs him, you know. He just brings something different.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRedknapp mainly played for West Ham and Bournemouth in his 17-year career on the pitch.He then launched 34 years in managementĀ with long spells at both those teams.Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphRedknapp bossed the Cherries from 1983-1992, winning the Associate Members Cup.He then took charge of the Hammers until 2001, guiding them to Intertoto Cup success in 1991.But his main claim to silverwareĀ was at his next job.He took Portsmouth into theĀ top flight as second-tier champions in 2003 and FA Cup glory followedĀ five yearsĀ later.That aside, Redknapp’s peak managerial achievement was notching successive finishes of fourth, fifth and fourth at SpursĀ from 2008-2012.Mendes said: “When Harryā€™s not upset, and he’s not looking for the players to run kilometres and build stamina, he just loves when a player does a trick and scores a fantastic goal, or does something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 45-year-old singled out ex-Portsmouth playmakers Niko Kranjcar and Andres) D’Alessandro as stylists who Redknapp got the best out of.Now Mendes reckons it’s time his old gaffer got a chance to help a new generation of exciting players reach their Pomp. More