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      Liverpool scouting Championship wonderkid Ryan One, 18, after breaking into promotion-chasing Sheffield United first XI

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      LIVERPOOL continue to compile a dossier on Sheffield United’s teenage striker Ryan One.Kop spies like the look of the powerful Scot, 18, who has already made it into Blades’ promotion-chasing squad.Ryan One is being monitored by Liverpool after impressing for Sheffield UnitedCredit: AlamyThe teenager netted his first goal for the Blades against Bristol City in NovemberCredit: PAOne is the type of physical frontman Liverpool lack in their ranks of emerging talent – and they are poised to move for him.Blades see One as a player for the future so would look for a big fee if Anfield chiefs do come calling.The teenager spent his early career north of the border at Hamilton, before joining United in 2023.He made his debut for the club away at Arsenal last season, before the Blades dropped back to the Championship. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe powerful striker has since featured 10 times for Chris Wilder’s side, catching the eye of scouts from Merseyside.One netted his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City at the start of November.The son of former Scottish lower-league striker Armand One, Ryan has already impressed on the international stage.He was included in Archie Gemmill’s Scotland under-21 squad back in October, getting minutes against Belgium and Kazakhstan. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I didn’t expect it at all because I’d been selected for the Under-19s but it was a great feeling.“The standard in training has been really good.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “But that’s what you’d expect with so many of these players playing first-team football. “I’ve just tried to keep up with it but I think I’ve done well.”Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.Meanwhile, Derby have joined the growing list of clubs keen to take forward Jayden Danns on loan if Liverpool clear the move.The promising striker, 18, has been prolific at youth level for the club and has previously been linked with a move to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. More

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      Steve Cooper lined up for return to management with Championship club – but would have to accept big drop from Prem

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      STOKE are ready to sound out the experienced Steve Cooper as they look for a managerial saviour.The Potters axed Narcis Pelach, 36, on Thursday after a nightmare nine-match winless run.Stoke are considering appointing Steve CooperCredit: PAPelach only took charge in September and won just three of his 19 games.Cooper, 45, is available after his short Leicester spell — and he previously did well at Nottingham Forest and Swansea.But it is a big drop for him to take on Stoke, who are 19th in the second tier.Ryan Lowe is in the frame but is similar to Steven Schumacher, who was axed by Stoke in September.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLowe left Preston in August but does not have the depth of Cooper’s CV.Cooper has a Championship promotion under his belt having guided Forest to the Prem in 2022.He also kept them in the top flight before he was sacked in December 2023.Prior to that he spent two years at Swansea where he boasted a 45 per cent win ratio.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStoke are on the search for their seventh manager in six years, having already sacked Schumacher as well as Pelach this season.The club have reportedly fielded “a lot of interest from high calibre” candidates, with Mark Robins and Russell Martin amongst those linked. More

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      Stoke announce iconic Premier League hardman as caretaker boss as Narcis Pelach sacked after just three months

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      ICONIC Premier League hardman Ryan Shawcross has been plunged into caretaker management with Stoke just two years after quitting playing.The struggling Championship side sacked Narcis Pelach, 36, only three months after appointing the inexperienced Spaniard.Ryan Shawcross quit playing in 2022 and is now stand-in Stoke chiefCredit: PANarcis Pelach arrived in September but has been axed with the Potters just three points and three places above the drop zoneCredit: RexEx-England defender Shawcross will now step up from coaching Stoke Under-21s to taking charge at home to high-riding Sunderland on Sunday.The 37-year-old was involved in some brutal controversies amid 453 appearances for the Potters from 2008-2021.Shawcross was in tears after breaking Aaron Ramsey’s leg in two places in 2010.He saw red for that tackle, which Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger labelled “horrendous” and kept Ramsey out for a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also broke Sheffield Wednesday striker Francis Jeffers’ ankle and injured Gunners’ attacker Emmanuel Adebayor.But as well as critics, Shawcross had his backers, who rated him a fierce but fair tackler.The once-capped centre-back, who retired as a player after a year with Inter Miami, will now be under a different sort of piercing spotlight.The Potters revealed Shawcross will be assisted by Alex Morris, Dean Whitehead and Darren Behcet for Sunday’s Championship clash.Most read in ChampionshipShawcross was upset after breaking Ramsey’s legCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 19th-placed Potters axed Pelach 24 hours after a 2-0 Boxing Day home defeat to Leeds.Stoke sporting director Jon Walters – who was himself a tough team-mate of Shawcross – took “full responsibility” for the failure of the former Huddersfield interim boss.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeEx-Republic of Ireland frontman Walters, 41, said in a club statement: “Narcis is a talented coach with huge potential.”He works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.”However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.”I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.” More

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      Wayne Rooney breaks silence on facing sack with Plymouth’s form the WORST in entire Football League

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      WAYNE ROONEY has vowed that he remains the man to lead Plymouth Argyle out of their current predicament.The Pilgrims boss, 39, watched his side get thumped 4-0 by Coventry on Boxing Day.Wayne Rooney watched his side get trounced by Coventry on Boxing DayCredit: GettyArgyle endured yet more away day disappointmentCredit: RexArgyle are winless in eight, having not triumphed since a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on November 5.And their travelling supporters have seen them collect just two points on the road all season.Following yesterday’s Coventry drubbing, Rooney was asked if he remains the man to lead Argyle.He said: “I believe I am. I know how football works, I’m not stupid, you need to pick up results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The biggest frustration for me all season really is we look like two different teams at home and away.”So psychologically is there an issue? It’s something we’re looking at.”Yesterday’s shellacking was not the first time that Argyle have drubbed on the road this season.They had already lost 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City respectively, 5-0 at Cardiff, 6-1 at Norwich and 3-0 at Leeds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Manchester United legend went on to add: “I’m sure the fans have questions, I’m sure a lot of people from the outside will, and I’ll do my best to answer them as best I can.”Rooney recently appointed Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 Mike Phelan to replace outgoing assistant Pete Shuttleworth.Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich Argyle are bottom of the Championship table, having collected just 18 points from 22 games.They will return to action on Sunday, when they head to Oxford in a relegation six-pointer.Earlier this month, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett publicly backed Rooney.’THE GREAT COACH THAT WE THINK IS IN THERE’Speaking at a fans’ forum in Cornwall, he said: “What we are going to do is not think about getting rid of him and changing him.”We are thinking about how we can support him.”So there are no conversations going on about replacing Wayne but there are conversations going on about how we can support him to help him become the great coach that we think is in there.”Hallett also updated supporters on his hunt for fresh investment into the club.He said: “We have been disappointed in how long it has taken to find a new investor.”I have been thinking this for about eight months, but I think we are on the verge of being able to come public with something.”We have actually got the EFL already beginning the initial approval process. The progress has been slow and every time I think we are close, you get a little bit closer but you don’t quite get there.”Rooney has had to deal with injuries to key players.READ MORE SUN STORIESMorgan Whittaker has missed Argyle’s last six matches, while Ibrahim Cissoko has not featured since October.Captain Joe Edwards is a long-term absentee, while forwards Michael Obafemi, Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu have all pulled up injured in recent matches.Morgan Whittaker has missed Argyle’s last six matchesCredit: GettyMustapha Bundu joined Argyle’s lengthy list on absentees yesterdayCredit: Rex More

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      Fans convinced Jude Bellingham sang X-rated chant about Alan Shearer while watching brother Jobe for Sunderland

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      FANS reckon Jude Bellingham joined in a rude chant about Alan Shearer as he cheered on brother Jobe.The Real Madrid midfielder certainly showed plenty of Christmas spirit as he backed Jobe’s Sunderland at Shearer’s old club Blackburn in a Championship promotion battle.Jude Bellingham spent his time off from Real Madrid watching younger brother Jobe take on promotion rivals Blackburn for SunderlandCredit: GettyBellingham was smartly dressed as he took his seat at Ewood ParkCredit: GettySome fans were amused by the Real midfielder’s reaction when an Alan Shearer chant broke out at the former striker’s old hunting groundCredit: GettyBBC pundit Shearer is an England, Blackburn and Newcastle legend – but he’s not popular with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyAnd many supporters were convinced the smiling England hero jokingly sung along when visiting fans taunted the Toon legend and BBC pundit, who remains the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Bellingham, 21, was captured appearing to playfully mutter some of a chant that normally includes the wholesome words “he wears a magic hat”.The new variant – adapted unseasonally by Sunderland supporters – included: “Shearer is a w****r”.Bellingham’s head was seen swaying in time to the song as he looked to be having fun on his Christmas break – with Real out of action until January 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sunderland fans seemed delighted by his support for Jobe – in whatever way it came.One replied to a clip of the incident by revealing it was “not something that was on my list of things I’d expect to see this Christmas. But here we are. Legend!”Other approving messages included “Can’t love the guy any more if I tried” and “Oh I love you Jude”.Jobe Bellingham was at the front of the celebrations when the Black Cats went 2-1 up, only for Blackburn to grab a late point-saverCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham Senior’s 19-year-old brother Jobe is expected to follow him to the very top.Most read in ChampionshipAnd although for many the Bellingham Boxing Day talking point concerned the chant, the younger brother will be more worried about the dramatic finale on the pitch.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join GunnersYuki Ohashi’s deserved opener for Blackburn had been overhauled by a quickfire double after the break, via a Chris Rigg strike and a Wilson Isidor backheel.But Rovers’ late sub Harry Leonard grabbed a 90th-minute point-saver.Sunderland remain fourth – one place but six points ahead of Blackburn.The elder Bellingham brother is enjoying an Xmas break unlike British-based playersCredit: Rex More

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      Moment Watford star is CHASED by fuming Portsmouth players over controversial celebration that earned him red card

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      WATFORD’S late win over Portsmouth ended in farce after one Hornets star was red-carded – for taunting opposition fans with his dance moves.Kwadwo Baah was sent off after the final whistle following a feisty clash at Vicarage Road. Kwadwo Baah was sent off after Watford’s win over Portsmouth – for taunting the away fansCredit: GettyRocco Vata netted a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts to hand Watford a dramatic 2-1 win. Following wild celebrations, Tom Cleverley’s men saw out the game to head back into the Championship play-off places.Baah – who had been booked in the first half – headed towards the Portsmouth away support after the final whistle. He was filmed taunting the video fans, throwing out some moves from video game Fortnite in front of a packed contingent from the South Coast. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter his team-mates tried and failed to pull Baah away, Pompey’s Terry Devlin charged over to confront the German.Referee Geoff Eltringham brandished the red card, halting the jiving Baah in his tracks. But plenty felt the punishment was overly harsh, with a host of supporters defending the striker on social media.One Watford fan wrote on X: “Was receiving stick from Pompey all of the first half, had every right to go and give some back.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Why has he actually been sent off?? He did nothing wrong!!”While a third added: “Kwadwo Baah getting sent off after the FT whistle for taunting Portsmouth fans and doing the Fortnite dance in front of them. This boy is going straight to the top.”I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney And a fourth laughed: “To be fair he ran from the halfway line, he was hardly just walking past.”While Watford’s official X account tweeted: “Baah giving it back to the away end.”Cleverley’s Hornets are back in the top six thanks to the late Boxing Day victory.Watford have lost just two of their last ten games across all competitions. Their success has been built on making Vicarage Road a fortress – but the former Man Utd star wants his players to turn things around on the road. Cleverley said in the build-up to the clash: “At home we’ve suffered setbacks and responded to them, but away from home we just don’t show the same character or mindset to come back from any deficits.”I would never criticise my players for a technical mistake but when I see players shying away from wanting to receive the ball, then we’ve got a real issue.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To get to the level we want to get to we can’t just do it in the home games – we have to do it in the toughest environments.”At the minute we’re playing like a team who want to flip a coin and finish between fifth and 10th rather than really grab our own destiny by the scruff of the neck.” More

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      Wayne Rooney clinging to job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry ruthlessly thrash his ten-men Plymouth team 4-0

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been left clinging onto his job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry thrashed Plymouth 4-0. Argyle are now rock bottom of the Championship following the drubbing. Frank Lampard embraces with Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyJordan Houghton of Plymouth looks on in frustrationCredit: RexTatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring while Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal was sandwiched in between a Josh Eccles double. Boos rang around the away section of the Coventry Building Society Arena. And Rooney – who only took over in May – now faces the Plymouth sack. Lampard meanwhile has taken Coventry to 14th after replacing Mark Robins in November. READ MORE IN football Plymouth have now lost their last three matches and are without a win in EIGHT. They have just four wins in their 22 league matches this season – with Rooney left fighting for his job. He told talkSPORT: “The first four or five minutes there was nowhere near good enough. “The goals they score is what we identified, really how Coventry score goals and where their threats come from.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think from a defensive point of view, especially in wide areas, in full-back areas, we weren’t switched on quick enough.”Rooney added: “We’re two teams, basically. One team at home, one team away, and we’re trying everything to try and fix that, whether that’s a psychology situation, we’ve tried absolutely everything to try and fix that. It’s a concern, of course.”Rooney was taunted with “sacked in the morning’ chants” and responded to questions over his future in the aftermath. He said: “It’s football, life. as a manager, you need to get results and win games, so I know that, I’m not stupid from that point of view. “So, yes, we have to dig in and find a way.”Rooney is fighting for his Plymouth jobCredit: Getty More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More