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      I’m a former Premier League star famous for one of English football’s best moments – now I’m ready to make more history

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      ANTHONY KNOCKAERT was on the wrong end of one of the most dramatic moments in English football history.Now the former Leicester, Brighton and Fulham winger is hoping to cause a seismic shock in the French Cup for struggling Valenciennes.Anthony Knockaert joined Leicester in 2012 and helped them return to the Premier League after play-off nightmareCredit: Action Images – ReutersKnockaert, now 32, is best remembered for having a stoppage-time penalty saved in the Foxes’ Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg against Watford in 2013.The Hornets went straight down the other end and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney scored to send them to Wembley.Fast forward 11 years and Knockaert is one game from playing at the Stade de France in the final of the French Cup.But his current team Valenciennes are massive underdogs for this evening’s semi-final against a Lyon side captained by former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter a dreadful season, the club controlled by Southampton owners Sport Republic sit bottom of Ligue 2 and are all but certain to be relegated to the third tier.Yet after some kind draws against non-League opposition, Valenciennes have reached the last four of the French Cup for the first time since 1970.Knockaert said: “If anyone didn’t want to play a match like this, they should quit football, change sport! In terms of desire, we will be at 100 per cent.“Of course, that’s not everything. We will have to stick to the boss’ plan. We don’t have room to make the smallest mistake, we know we will pay dearly.Most read in Football“We have to give them the absolute minimum and, in attack, make the most of the shots we have and hope to be 100 per cent efficient to pull something off there.“We will have to surpass ourselves, to have the match of our lives.”Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette completes Lyon free transfer on three-year deal in sensational returnLyon, owned by Crystal Palace’s biggest shareholder John Textor, are hot favourites and have a number of players with Premier League experience in their ranks besides Lacazette.Former England defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined on a free from Arsenal last summer after spending a season on loan at Southampton, Valenciennes’ sister club. Croatian centre half Duje Caleta-Car is on a season-long loan from the Saints at Lyon, while Said Benrahma and Orel Mangala arrived on temporary deals in January from West Ham and Nottingham Forest. AinsleFormer Liverpool centre back Dejan Lovren is in his second spell at the club.So is skipper Lacazette, and he is taking nothing for granted against Valenciennes after Lyon’s defeat by Nantes at the same stage last season.The former Arsenal and France centre forward said: “We still have a lot of regrets from last season, and we don’t want to repeat the same mistakes.“We need to play. Last year we had that fear. This time we have to play to avoid regrets like last year.“They (Valenciennes) are the smallest of the four teams (left in the competition), but it is still a semi-final and we have to respect them.“We understand that with the atmosphere and environment, if we are serious, things will go well, but we have to be careful.“It is pleasing to be here today, but we want to reach the final for everything we have experienced since the start of the season.“We need to stay focused on the objective. I think in these kinds of matches there is no need for grand speeches. All players will be motivated to give their best.”Brighton are one of three clubs that Knockaert helped win promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyKnockaert has plenty of top-flight experience himself after helping THREE different teams achieve promotion to the Premier League.He joined Leicester from French club Guingamp in 2012 and after that extraordinary play-off disappointment, played a leading role as they went up as Championship winners the following season.But a contract stand-off led to him joining Standard Liege on a free transfer in 2015, which meant he missed out on Leicester’s incredible Premier League triumph.Knockaert went back to England to join Brighton in 2016 and was Championship Player of the Year in 2016/7 when a runners-up finish saw the Seagulls return to the top flight for the first time in 34 years.While at the Amex, he opened up about family tragedies and his struggle with depression. Older brother Steve died in 2011 from a heart attack and father Jamie passed away from cancer in 2016.Knockaert spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Fulham and helped the Cottagers win promotion via the Play-Offs, beating Brentford in the final at Wembley.After further loan spells at Nottingham Forest, Greek club Volos and Huddersfield, the winger and Fulham agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract.In September 2023, he joined Valenciennes, a club in North East France close to the Belgian border and less than an hour’s drive from his birthplace of Roubaix, near Lille.Taylor Moore, the former Bristol City defender and England Under-19s captain, is among his team-mates.But Valenciennes have had a nightmare in Ligue 2, winning just two games all season, and sit rock bottom 18 points from safety with just eight game to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe cup run has given Knockaert, the team and their fans something to enjoy.And he knows as well as anyone that anything can happen in football. 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      Referee hailed for ‘touch of class’ as he stops Leeds vs Hull clash on Sky Sports to applaud in emotional scenes

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      FOOTBALL fans have hailed referee Josh Smith for temporarily stopping Leeds United vs Hull City on Monday night.The Championship clash was brought to a halt in the 25th minute as both teams joined fans and coaching staff in a moment of applause.Referee Josh Smith has been praised for temporarily stopping Leeds vs HullCredit: SKY SPORTSPlayers were applauding alongside Smith who had stopped the game to allow for everyone to take a moment to remember two Leeds fans who lost their livesCredit: SKY SPORTSFans faced towards a touching banner and applaudedCredit: skY sportsReferee Smith appeared to put a pause on the game so that attention could be brought to the applause that was taking place inside Elland Road.Leeds United supporters were clapping to remember the tragic deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight in 2000.The pair sadly lost their lives in Istanbul while following Leeds after they were stabbed ahead of the Uefa Cup semi-final with Galatasaray on April 5, 2000.Leeds supporters held up a banner to pay tribute to them both that read: “Chris and Kev – Never forgotten”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans around the stadium turned towards the banner and applauded while the referee ensured that everyone paid their respects by pausing the game.Supporters watching on from home loved the gesture from Smith to allow an uninterrupted moment of remembering for Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.Many took to social media to praise his decision online, with one writing: “Touch of class. By all involved”.While a second added: “Absolute class from the ref stopping proceedings.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third lauded Smith for not only stopping the game, but joining in with the applause too. They wrote: “Well done the referee – stopped play and applauded.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseWhile a fourth suggested that the official had risked being marked down by his assessors for his decision to stop play, but was impressed by his actions nonetheless.They added: “Referee Josh Smith stopping play here is an extremely classy move. I’m not sure if he’ll get marked down by his assessors for doing it but he absolutely shouldn’t.”The match returned to action shortly after with Leeds United leaving it late to score a crucial winner to maintain their place in the Championship title race.Hull had held their Yorkshire rivals at 1-1 for the majority of the game but saw their hard work undone in the 88th minute.Another big influence from the referee saw him award a penalty with just a few minutes to go which was converted by Crysensio Summerville to give Leeds the lead.Dan James then put the cherry on top of the three points with a stunning goal from the halfway line in the 97th minute after Hull keeper Ryan Allsop had come up for a corner and left his goal wide open on the counter attack.Dan James secured a crucial win for Leeds with a late stunnerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘This is extraordinary’ yells commentator as Ipswich star nets outrageous last-second winner in Prem promotion showdown

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      JEREMY SARMIENTO climbed off the bench to snatch a winner SEVEN minutes into stoppage time and send Sky Sports commentators wild.It sent Ipswich top of the Championship and put a dent into Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes.Ipswich’s late winner saw them go top of the ChampionshipCredit: RexJeremy Sarmiento poked home a dramatic late winnerCredit: RexKieran McKenna has led Ipswich to nine wins in their last tenCredit: ReutersAnd anyone doubting the Tractor Boys’ staying power in this remarkable Championship promotion race had better start believing this lot can gatecrash the Premier League party next season.The second tier’s comeback kings looked beaten here at Portman Road after goals from Che Adams and Adam Armstrong put Saints firmly in the driving seat after Leif Davis’ 13th-minute opener.Saints were bossing the midfield. Stuart Armstrong had the freedom of the park. Ipswich were hit by the blow of losing striker Kieffer Moore after just 36 minutes.But anyone who writes off this Ipswich team does so with their peril.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoss Kieran McKenna once again showed why he is quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest coaches in English football right now.He made a triple change on the hour bringing on Jack Taylor, Harry Clarke and Nathan Broadhead.And two of them combined to bring Ipswich level with Taylor’s wonderful pass finding Broadhead and in one swoop he swivelled and struck the ball through the legs of a defender and past Bazunu.With five minutes left Davis was played in but Bree hauled him down and ref Michael Salisbury duly produced a red card.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd then McKenna brought on Sarmiento and after David Brooks squandered a late chance himself for Saints he ruthless punished them at the death.Davis crossed to the penalty spot where Sarmiento mis-kicked before instinctively lashing out with his right foot, nudging the ball beyond Bazunu.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayAnd the Ipswich boss said: “It was right up there with the best games since I’ve been here.“It was another brilliant match to be involved in and to win it in the last minute, it’s a moment to really cherish.“We kept out calm at half-time and just needed to regroup – and then the subs have done their job. That’s why these players are there – you need quality on the bench to win games like this.“This has been one of the toughest games to prepare for because Southampton cause so many problems.“I’ve almost forgotten what sleep is these past few days – but when you get a day like this it makes it all worthwhile.” Earlier Sam Morsy’s lovely raking ball found Davis on the left edge of the box.Musician Ed Sheeran watched the thrilling game from the standsCredit: PAAnd the Geordie thumped a ferocious effort past Gavin Bazunu at his near post – but the pace on the ball was what did for the keeper.But within the blink of an eye Saints were back level.Adam Armstrong crossed from the right and Joe Aribo burst forward to get on the end of it.The ball broke for Adam to score a typical poacher’s goal from six yards.Ipswich were appealing for offside but Cameron Burgess was playing everyone on.Here’s how the match played out on paper”It’s honestly a crazy feeling” 🤯Jeremy Sarmiento and Nathan Broadhead react to a breathtaking win for Ipswich 👇 pic.twitter.com/zJbFYgYKmh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 1, 2024

      And, incredibly, Saints moved into a 23rd-minute lead with a goal of sheer quality.Bazunu taking possession to the ball being in the back of the net took just five touches.Stuart Armstrong threaded a beautiful angled pass that dissected the Ipswich defence and caught Davis slightly out of position.And Adam Armstrong ran on to it to drive a low effort into the bottom left.Russell Martin refused to accept his fourth-placed Saints defeat and he said: “We were the best team and didn’t deserve to lose.“We had 17 shots on goal, had five huge chances and missed three. They had relatively little until late on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were the dominant team and should’ve gone on to win the game. Even when we were down to 10 men, we missed a great chance and they scored theirs.“So I’m proud of the players. It was a brilliant performance and if played like that between now and the end of the season, we’ll still have a chance of automatic promotion.” More

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      Plymouth SACK Steven Gerrard’s old assistant amid horror run as iconic boss in frame to take over in relegation scrap

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      HEADS have rolled at Plymouth with Ian Foster being sacked following another dismal result.Championship outfit Plymouth find themselves precariously placed above the relegation zone.Ian Foster has been sacked by PlymouthCredit: GettyThey are just one point above the drop with six games of the season left to play.The Pilgrims have not won a league game since February 24, a run that includes five home games in a row without a win or goal.Foster’s team was booed off at full-time following Plymouth’s 1-0 defeat to Bristol City on Easter Monday.Their latest defeat was the final straw for Pilgrim’s chiefs to pull the plug on Steven Gerrard’s former Al-Ettifaq assistant after just three months in charge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former England Under-20 boss has now been removed from his position, with chairman Simon Hallett confirming in a statement: “Ian was hired through a thorough and extensive recruitment process and his coaching credentials really stood out when making the appointment.“But we have to balance long-term stability against short-term decisions, and we have given Ian as long as possible to see if results could improve.“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, and we feel now is the right time to make a change to give us the best chance of securing survival. Argyle confirmed director of football Neil Dewsnip will step in as interim boss, supported by first-team coach Kevin NancekivellMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAccording to The Telegraph, club bosses are willing to take drastic action to avoid dropping into League One.However, there remains speculation that club chiefs could look to appoint a “firefighter” to steer them clear of danger should things get even more desperate.Football icons’ strange hobbiesThe Telegraph report that former boss Neil Warnock in the frame for a shock return to the club, where he previously managed between 1995 and 1997.Journeyman Warnock, 73, left his job as interim of Aberdeen on March 9.This season is the first since 2010 that Argyle have been in the second tier, having been promoted as League One champions last season.Neil Warnock has been tipped as one potential successorCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd anger Southampton with ‘derisory’ offer for former Man City chief as Sir Jim Ratcliffe frustrated in rebuild

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have had an approach for Southampton’s Jason Wilcox rejected following a derisory offer.The Championship club have been left frustrated by United’s bid to remove their director of football with eight games to go in the season as the Saints push for promotion back to the Premier League.Southampton have been angered by Man Utd’s offer to prise Jason Wilcox, right, away from St. MarysCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has seen a part of his rebuild plans stutterCredit: PAWilcox only moved to St. Mary’s from Manchester City last summer.But he is already viewed as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s behind the scenes rebuild at Old Trafford.The Red Devils want Wilcox to become their new technical director as part of a revamped footballing department at the club.United are believed to have offered compensation of around a year’s salary to Southampton.This has been dismissed as well below Southampton’s expectations for such a senior figure. That offer, and the timing, has angered the Saints hierarchy.Wilcox is said to be keen on the move, and according to Fabrizio Romano he has now tendered his resignation from Southampton following their refusal to accept Man Utd’s terms.However, a further stumbling block is widespread reports of Wilcox having a 12-month notice period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilcox has been instrumental to the overhauling of the coaching staff and squad at Southampton.He hired Russell Martin as manager last summer as well as overseeing a hectic transfer window following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThe former Blackburn Rovers winger is thought to be keen on joining Ratcliffe’s revolution at Old Trafford.Wilcox worked alongside incoming chief executive, Omar Berrada, at Manchester City and would work under Dan Ashworth, who is joining from Newcastle United as director of football.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Forgotten Newcastle ace who wasn’t paid wages on loan transfer reveals problem with ‘frustrating clubs these days’

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      NEWCASTLE forgotten man Isaac Hayden wants to rebuild his career with QPR after two years of turmoil.The on-loan midfielder — who Rafa Benitez signed in 2016 — had three knee surgeries in the space of a year which put paid to his previous two seasons.Newcastle loanee Isaac Hayden wants to rebuild his career with QPRCredit: GettyHayden claimed he ‘didn’t get paid’ while on loan to Belgium side Standard LiegeCredit: RexAnd now he hopes the Magpies can come to a settlement with him this summer — with his contract still having two more years left to run.His injury troubles began in December 2021 which ended his chances of being involved in Eddie Howe’s plans going forward.And those problems persisted while he was on loan at Norwich last season. First he could not start his campaign until October due to a “corrective procedure” and was out for another three-and-a-half months after going under the knife again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd this season has been frustrating for other reasons.After missing out on a number of loan moves in England, he found himself at Standard Liege — but that was cut short after the Belgium club kept failing to pay him on time.The 29-year-old told SunSport: “Last summer it was difficult to find a club because my injuries and the wage contribution Newcastle were looking for was putting people off.“After failing to get a number of deals over the line, it was decided the Belgium league would be good because they were only playing one game a week so I could get into a rhythm without worrying about Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“That was going well but then I either didn’t get paid or it was very late.”Hayden was signed by Benitez when Newcastle were in the Championship and went on to make 171 appearances in all competitions.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, After winning the second tier in 2017, he finished 10th, 13th and 13th in his three full Premier League seasons on Tyneside.Yet Howe told him he was surplus to requirements after he got crocked and the club asked him to move on. But his deal does not expire until the summer of 2026.And he said: “Unfortunately clubs these days can be frustrating.“Let’s say I was in a position where I was playing every week and Manchester United or Real Madrid wanted to sign me, they’d turn around and say: “Actually, you’ve got three years left so you’re not going!”“When it’s the other way round, they want you to leave — but I signed a contract.“It’s unfortunate I got injured. Had I not, I wouldn’t have missed out on the 25-man squad that Howe named for the second half of that 2021-22 season“I had three surgeries on the same part of my body in a calendar year and to come back from that isn’t easy.“You find yourself way behind everybody else. You’re always playing catch up. “Then things move quickly in football and you move on. But it’s a situation where myself and the club will have to sit down in the summer and discuss what they want to do.“I had to take a pay-cut to go to QPR, which I was happy to do for the last few months of the season, to get games.“But it’ll be back to square one in the summer but hopefully I can help keep QPR up and would love to stay here if possible.”Hayden has played for two of Europe’s top managers Arsene Wenger and Benitez.The midfielder came through the ranks at Arsenal from the age of eight and was there until 21.And, although he had only played two games for the Gunners in the League Cup, Benitez signed him.Hayden said: “Rafa was amazing. The level of detail and help he gave me as a young player was huge.“I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go to Newcastle if it wasn’t for him. He was specific in what he wanted.“He did a lot of homework on every player he signed. I believe I repaid him and ultimately we became a stable Premier League club again.“It’s a shame it didn’t work out for him and he couldn’t have stayed longer because had he been given more money to spend he could’ve achieved more.“But it was difficult for Mike Ashley at the time to put his hand in his pocket and spend more than the club generated.“He wasn’t in the same financial bracket as the owners of United, City and Chelsea — and neither was the club with their commercial revenue. That’s something Newcastle have improved now with their current owners.”Although Hayden has been told by Howe he has no future there, he holds no hard feelings and is a big fan.He said: “Eddie’s very intense. If you don’t come in to work or training 100 percent switched on, then ready to put in 110 percent, you’ll get found wanting with him.“He’s honest and fair. He’ll tell you what he thinks, whether you like it or not.“I played a few games for him before I got injured but then things change.“There are no hard feelings. I told him, ‘It’s a shame I didn’t get a chance to work with you for a couple of years before because I’d have developed a lot more.“He’d stimulate you mentally and before my injury he had me in my best-ever physical shape.”Hayden has enjoyed being reunited with his former Toon team-mate Jack Colback at Loftus Road — while he is also playing with Newcastle striker Joe Willock’s older brother Chris.And he said: “Jack was always class and we won the Championship together. It was mostly myself, Jack and Jonjo Shelvey playing in the two No6 positions for Rafa and he’d rotate us. It’s great to play with him again.“I also knew Chris from when I was at Arsenal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESQPR were in real danger of relegation but since Marti Cifuentes took over at the end of October has given them a real chance of staying up.And Hayden said: “To come in and change the whole way they play and pick up results has been brilliant. Hopefully we stay up and I’d love to potentially be here next season.” More

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      Ethan Ampadu delivers plea to Leeds pal Joe Rodon over his future

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      ETHAN AMPADU will pull out all the stops to persuade close pal Joe Rodon to stay at Leeds beyond this summer.Rodon, 26, is on a season-long loan with the Premier League chasing Whites from Tottenham.Ampadu and Rodon have helped Leeds into the automatic promotion places ahead of the Easter Monday clash with HullCredit: RexRodon is having a great season at Leeds on loan from Tottenham after spending last season at Ligue 1 club RennesCredit: AFPIf Leeds, second in the Championship after the 2-2 draw with Watford on Friday night, clinch promotion back to the top-flight then Spurs could offload the centre-back in a £10m+ deal.But Wales and Leeds team-mate Ampadu will be telling Rodon to stay in Yorkshire regardless of where they finish in the second tier.Ampadu said: “I’ll be pressuring him. He knows that. “A lot of Leeds fans enjoyed it when I commented on one of his Instagram photos one time.READ MORE FOOTBALL”I haven’t done it in a while. But we are all telling him to stay.”Everyone knows how much we appreciate him and what he has done this year.”Rodon himself has tried to play down the transfer talk, insisting he will sort his future at the end of the season.The Wales centre-back said: “I don’t really look into that. All I can control is now. I’ll give everything for Leeds.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRodon joined Spurs from Swansea in 2020 for an initial £11m deal rising to £15m under Jose Mourinho.But the defender, who is out of contract in the summer of 2025, failed to win a regular place at Tottenham.And Leeds is his second loan spell in as many seasons after a stint at Ligue 1 club Rennes last term.Rodon has had the best campaign of his career with the fixture at Vicarage his 46th outing of the season for club and country.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe suffered the cruel heartbreak of Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off final penalty shootout loss to Poland last Tuesday.But Rodon, who won his 44th cap, produced another outstanding display and helped to keep Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski quiet in the goalless draw after 120 minutes in Cardiff.Rodon added: “It’s the most I’ve played. Over the last couple of years it’s been sticky and I’ve not had the game time I’ve wanted. “So this has been the most important season so far.”It’s gone quick but playing every week has only given me more confidence as a player.  “But the job is not finished yet. The season isn’t done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s always nice when things are going well. It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time. “The Leeds fans have been incredible with me. Even the away games they’ve been great.” More

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      Hull owner reveals if he could sign any player in the world it would be Man Utd flop who has turned career around

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      HULL CITY owner Acun Ilicali has named ex-Manchester United star Fred as one of two players he would most like to sign.Fred, 31, left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce in a £13million transfer last summer.Acun Ilicali revealed he would love to sign Fred for HullCredit: GettyFred has impressed for Fenerbahce this seasonCredit: GettyDuring his five-year spell at Old Trafford the midfielder made 218 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists.But since leaving he has established himself as a key first team player for the Yellow Canaries.So far this season Fred has made 26 appearances, with Fenerbahce second in the Turkish Super Lig.But Ilicali has admitted he would love to bring the Brazilian back to England.When asked which two Super Lig players he would most like to sign, the Hull chief told Sabah: “If I had the right to buy two footballers at the end of the season, I would close my eyes and buy Fred.”Seri-Fred-Ozan trio would be so good that you can sit and watch it with pleasure.”Ilicali went on to reveal that he would also sign Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.He added: “Take Muslera, welcome to the Premier League.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIlicali took over Hull in January 2022 when the team was in near the bottom of the Championship table.The Tigers finished 15th in the league last season but currently sit ninth, six points adrift of the Play-Off places.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson More