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      ‘Breathtaking’ BBC Sport presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in daring low cut dress as she hosts major awards dinner

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES presented Leeds United’s Player of the Year Awards ceremony last night.The 34-year-old is a favourite among the Yorkshire club’s fans, having presented on Leeds United TV.Emma Louise Jones showed off her glamorous outfitCredit: INSTAGRAM / @eljonesukThe popular presenter was on hosting duties for LeedsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @eljonesukEmma presented plenty of awards at the lavish bashCredit: X /@LUFCLast night she wore a glamorous black dress as she hosted Leeds’ awards do.Daniel Farke’s side sit third in the Championship, having lost top spot last weekend following their shock 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn.With their next game not until Monday night, Leeds’ stars headed out to celebrate their season.Among the awards that Jones handed out was the prestigious Player of the Year gong, which went to former Chelsea ace Ethan Ampadu.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCrysencio Summerville picked up the Players’ Player of the Year award.While highly sought after teenager Archie Gray earned Young Player of the Year honours.Patrick Bamford won Goal of the Season for his brilliant FA Cup effort against Peterborough United.And Jess Rousseau was named Leeds’ Women’s Player of the Year.Most read in FootballOld favourite Luke Ayling was also back among his former Leeds colleagues.The defender has been on loan at Middlesbrough during the second half of the season, but was given a Special Achievement Award alongside fellow stalwarts Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas.Emma Louise Jones ‘breaks the internet’ as she shares video of herself awkwardly trying her hand at MMA Jones recently shared a video of herself trying her hand at MMA.The presenter uploaded a clip of herself grappling on the floor as she was taught some basic moves.After the session, she wrote: “I’m not sure I’ll ever be an MMA fighter after this training session.”Emma Louise Jones is a popular BBC sports presenterCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukJones covers rugby league for the BBC alongside other sportsCredit: Twitter / @eljonesukJones had put together a strong social media game and can boast over a quarter of a million followersCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukJones loves to share glam pics with her legion of followersCredit: instagramJones’ posts attract a lot of engagement from her followersCredit: Instagram, @eljones90 More

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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Enzo Maresca, 44, could leave Leicester even if they get promoted as ‘Euro giants line up Foxes boss’

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      LEICESTER boss Enzo Maresca is rated a top Sevilla target.And even if the Foxes return to the Premier League in his first season, he could be lured back to the Spanish club where he made his name.Leicester hope to make an immediate Prem return in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge but he is reportedly on the radar of old club SevillaCredit: RexFormer Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is under pressure at Sevilla as they sit a disappointing 13th in LaLiga.And Relevo claim the club’s ex-midfielder Maresca, 44, would be one of three main contenders lined up to replace him.Real Madrid legend Raul, who has been coaching Bernabeu junior teams, is also said to be in the running.The third man on Sevilla’s reported wish-list is Jagoba Arrasate – currently manager at their top-flight rivals Osasuna.READ MORE TOP STORIESMaresca’s strong coaching reputation in England is mainly based on two spells working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.He also spent 13 months inbetween as Parma chief in Serie A.And in June 2023 he departed the Etihad once more for a second stab at being the main man in the dugout.That was when the Foxes pounced for the former West Brom and Juventus player following relegation from the Prem.Most read in ChampionshipAnd he helped Leicester romp 17 points clear in the Championship with flowing, attacking football. But a remarkable slump, including three straight losses, sent Maresca’s men out of the two automatic promotion spots.Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table And only a recent revival has taken them back up to second spot.However, Leicester face a probe for allegedly breaching Prem financial rules before their demotion.And even if they go up, that investigation might be another factor for Maresca to ponder. More

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      Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson rushed to hospital after car crash in Norway

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      LEEDS UNITED star Kristoffer Klaesson was taken to hospital after a car crash in his home country of Norway.The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s BMW M5 Cs collided with a roadblock barrier late on Wednesday night in Berger, Lillestrom.Leeds star Kristoffer Klaesson crashed his BMW M5 late last night in NorwayCredit: RexThe goalkeeper was taken by ambulance to hospital afterwards and could reportedly face chargesCredit: GettyLeeds have confirmed to the Yorkshire Evening Post that Klaesson was driving the motor involved in the road accident.Lillestrom news outlet Romerikes Blad says that Terge Marstad, a police operations manager, informed them that the Norway U21 international was able to stand and appeared to be uninjured.However, he was taken by ambulance to Akershus University Hospital as a precaution and was questioned by police at the medical facility.The YEP added that Klaesson did not sustain any injuries.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPolice attorney Henrik Skrimstad told RB: “All I can say is that the police are investigating a traffic accident.”Bjorn Bratteng, the head of Lillestrom police station district’s investigation section, also revealed that Klaesson’s driving licence had been temporarily seized, without the footy ace’s consent. However, RB are reporting that cops do not suspect that he had alcohol in his system.But Norwegian media outlet, Verdens Gang, are reporting that Klaesson is charged with violating Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act.Most read in FootballThat states: “Any person shall travel showing consideration, and being alert and cautious so that no damage or risk is caused, and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or inconvenienced.”That can carry a penalty of up to one year in prison.Patrick Bamford reveals terrifying moment Leeds fans confronted him at his house leaving his fiancee shakenKlaesson signed a four-year contract at Elland Road in 2021 after Leeds paid £1.6m to Norwegian side Valerenga.He has only made three first-team appearances for them, two of which have come this season.He did manage to get a Premier League outing as well last term in the club’s relegation campaign when he replaced the injured Illan Meslier away to Wolves.However, he has found himself reduced to being third-choice stopper over recent weeks after Karl Darlow returned to being No.2 after thumb surgery.Kristoffer KlaessonHere’s all you need to know about the star:
      Club: Leeds United
      Position: Goalkeeper
      Age: 23
      DOB: November 27, 2000
      Place of birth: Oslo, Norway
      Height: 6ft 4in
      Previous club: Valerenga (2015-2021)
      International: Norway U21 (17 caps)
      Honours: 2016 Syrenka Cup

      Leeds are next in Championship action away to Middlesbrough on Monday as they look to try and seal an instant return to the top-flight.They are currently third, two points behind leaders Ipswich Town and one behind second-placed Leicester City, who have played a game less than their two rivals.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Southampton in fourth have also returned to the title race and sit three points behind Leeds with a game in hand on Daniel Farke’s side.The German boss is likely to give an update on the stopper’s condition on Friday at his next pre-match press conference. More

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      Rotherham United poach new manager from rival club less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson

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      ROTHERHAM have announced the return of Steve Evans as manager, less than three hours after sacking Leam Richardson.Richardson, 44, only lasted four months at the helm and was dismissed two weeks after Rotherham were relegated from the Championship.Leam Richardson was sacked by Rotherham on Wednesday morningCredit: PASteve Evans has returned to Rotherham, leaving Stevenage with two games of the season remainingCredit: GettyHe departed with the club rock bottom of the second tier, 21 points adrift of 23rd-place Sheffield Wednesday.And they have wasted no time in filling the vacancy as Stevenage boss Evans, 61, has been appointed for a second stint in charge.A statement from the club read: “Rotherham United are delighted to welcome back Steve Evans as the club’s new first team manager.”Evans returns to AESSEAL New York Stadium alongside assistant Paul Raynor, with the duo signing contracts which will run until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Talks with Steve, Paul and their representatives were opened upon permission being granted by Stevenage and the swift nature in which they were concluded outlines the desire of the club, Steve and Paul to make this move happen.”Evans will return to the club alongside his Assistant Paul Raynor.”Evans spent three years at Rotherham between 2012 and 2015, winning 72 of his 173 games.He secured promotion to League One in his first full season in charge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd back-to-back promotions were clinched 12 months later as Rotherham beat Leyton Orient on penalties in the play-off final.Evans guided the club to survival in their first season in the Championship, before he left in September 2015 with the team in 20th place.Watch Stevenage star blindside keeper to score cheeky goal and send fans wildHours before Evans’ return was confirmed, Rotherham revealed the search for a new manager was underway in their statement about ex-Wigan head coach Richardson’s exit.It read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team Head Coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect.”They went on to add: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course.”Rotherham United will be making no further comment at this time.” More

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      Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans admit ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’

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      CRYSTAL PALACE star Eberechi Eze revealed SIX clubs rejected the chance to sign him before his Selhurst Park heroics.Eze, 25, has shone bright in the Premier League with Palace in the last four years and has amassed a total of seven goals and four assists in 26 appearances this season.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was rejected by six clubs, including ArsenalCredit: GettyEze now commands an asking price in the region of £70mCredit: GettyEze was also turned down by Fulham, Sunderland, Bristol City, Reading and MillwallThe versatile forward’s impressive appearances have attracted interest from some of the Prem’s biggest clubs, such as Manchester City and Tottenham, ahead of the summer transfer window.And he could go for as much as £70million.However, the two-cap England star wasn’t so spoiled for choice earlier in his career.When starting out as a kid, Eze dealt with a series of rejections from various different teams, including Arsenal.Read More on FootballThe Gunners scouted the attacking midfielder in 2006, when he was playing for Sunday League outfit Bruin at the age of eight.The North Londoners signed the youngster, only to release him as a teenager.And that wasn’t the end of the rejection for Eze.Speaking to the Second Tier Podcast, Eze recalled: “So I started at Bruin, that’s a Sunday League team.Most read in FootballGobsmacked Jurgen Klopp appears to mouth three-letter response as Eze scores Crystal Palace winner at Liverpool”Was there for maybe half a year before getting scouted by a few teams like Arsenal, Chelsea – more London-based teams.”I decided to go to Arsenal, was there for maybe five years, played there then got released.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Went to Fulham for two-and-a-half years or so, got released from there.”Went to Reading for half a year, got released from there. The went to Millwall for my scholar, was there for two years then got released from there.”Went on trial to a few teams afterwards. Went to Sunderland, went to Bristol City, got released from there – well not released, but didn’t get in.”Then, thankfully to God, I got signed by QPR. They gave me a year contract.”Worked for maybe three or four months, got offered a new contract and from there started to grow, started to get better and improve, play first-team football and from there I got a move to Palace.”Fans couldn’t believe how their favourite clubs missed out on such a talent like Eze, who is poised to make a big money move soon with his Palace contract running until 2027.Eze’s asking priceReports suggest the Eagles won’t let their star man go for less than £70m, especially after he dealt a crushing blow to Liverpool’s title chances by scoring the winner on Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Anfield.One supporter tweeted: “It is MAD how many teams rejected Eberechi Eze.”Another commented: “Can’t forgive Sunderland for this one, absolute stinker in hindsight.”A third wrote: “The thought of Eze and [Palace team-mate Michael] Olise in the same #ReadingFC side is frightening.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “@SunderlandAFC f**k sake lads, dropped a right b*****k there.”And that one pleaded: “Come home to Arsenal.”Eze has stood out in the Premier League these past four years More

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      Rotherham SACK manager Leam Richardson after four months with club embarrassingly relegated and 21 points behind rivals

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      ROTHERHAM have sacked manager Leam Richardson after just four months.The Millers were relegated to League One two weeks ago and currently sit rock bottom of the Championship table with just 23 points – 21 points adrift of 23rd-placed Sheffield Wednesday.Leam Richardson has been sacked by RotherhamCredit: RexClub officials have now decided to axe Richardson and his assistant, Rob Kelly.A statement read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team Head Coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect.”Leam was appointed in December 2023, taking charge of 24 matches in all competitions during that time. Assistant Head Coach Rob Kelly has also left the club.”Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course.”Rotherham United will be making no further comment at this time.”Richardson won just two out of 24 games since taking over from Matt Taylor in December.The Millers suffered 18 defeats and four draws under his management.Most read in ChampionshipWhere are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersRotherham are the sixth team in the Championship to have changed managers at least twice this season, alongside Huddersfield, Birmingham, Millwall, Plymouth and Sunderland.Before taking the helm at the New York Stadium, Richardson spent two years at Wigan.However, he spent over a year out of work after being sacked in November 2022.Prior to becoming a manager, Richardson played as a right-back for Blackburn, Bolton, Notts County, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley. More

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      ‘Get a grip’, fumes Gary Lineker as he sends rallying cry to beloved Leicester in race for Championship promotion

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      PASSIONATE Leicester fan Gary Lineker urged his boyhood club to “get a grip” as they continue to falter in their race for promotion.The Foxes were on course to break Reading’s Championship record points tally of 108 just a couple of months ago as they looked set to canter to an immediate return to the Premier League.Leicester have gone on a torrid run in their quest for Championship promotionCredit: GettyGary Lineker urged his former club to ‘get a grip’ as they chase a return to the Premier LeagueCredit: YouTube @The Rest Is FootballBut a run of just three wins in ten league games has seen them dragged into a dogfight with Ipswich and Leeds, while Southampton also still hold an outside chance of an automatic spot.Leicester’s 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Plymouth on Friday occurred just 72 hours after they also came away with nothing from a trip to Millwall.But Leeds failed to capitalise as they lost 1-0 at home to Blackburn, before Ipswich could only muster a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.All that means Leicester sit second, one point behind Ipswich with a game in hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds are level on points with Enzo Maresca’s men having played one game more, while Southampton are a further six points adrift but with two games in hand on both Ipswich and Leeds.The inconsistent form of the promotion-chasing teams has enraged Leicester fan Lineker – who is keen to see the 2016 Premier League winners return to the top flight.And he took to his podcast The Rest Is Football to voice his frustrations.He said: “Nobody wants to go up. Nobody wants to win a game. Nobody wants to score a bloody goal.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As for Leicester, how are they getting away with it at the moment?”They lost on Friday night, then Leeds managed to lose at home, then Ipswich didn’t manage to win at home.”Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winnersLineker, who won the Second Division with Leicester in 1980, also addressed the boos from some travelling Foxes fans following their defeat to Plymouth.He added: “It was an away game. The last few games have been away and maybe it is the fans who have travelled.”If you have gone to Millwall and then gone all the way down to Plymouth, which is a long way, and your team hasn’t scored a goal or performed at all, then I am sure there will be a few rumbles.”I mean, I have got lots of Leicester fans who are friends and family, including three of my lads, and we are all bloody grumbling.”But, we also know the results have been so favourable, even after they have lost it is still in Leicester’s hands to go up.”They have got three of their last four games at home, but come on lads. Get a grip. Get a grip! Make it happen. Don’t just hope it happens. Get out there, make it happen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Stop trembling, stop being nervous. Get out there, score some goals, have some fun, play some football, entertain the crowd, win the bloody title and get back in the Premier League. There you go, there is my team talk.”Leicester’s final four games of the season see them host West Brom and Southampton, before they travel to Preston and finish with a home clash against Blackburn. More