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    Coventry boss Mark Robins saved Fergie’s job at Man Utd in 1990 FA Cup.. now he may hammer final nail in Ten Hag coffin

    IT was one of my favourite FA Cup memories — not as a player but as a fan.I was in the away end at what was then called the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry City suffer a first-round giant-killing at the hands of non-league Worcester City in 2014.Mark Robins netted a vital goal early in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United careerCredit: GettyFergie had been under pressureCredit: APRobins now faces United as the manager of CoventryCredit: AlamyErik ten Hag takes on Coventry in the FA CupCredit: GettyMy brother Ellis, a loose-cannon of a central midfielder, was playing for Worcester and I had a thoroughly good day out, shouting myself hoarse, watching his team cause a proper upset.Fast forward a decade and Championship Coventry will face Manchester United at Wembley tomorrow in an FA Cup semi-final.It says a lot about the Cup’s special place in the English football calendar that Coventry can experience such extreme fortunes in the competition.Indeed, back in the 1980s, the Sky Blues won the Cup in a classic final against Tottenham and then lost to non-league Sutton United a couple of years later.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoventry and their supporters have been to hell and back in the last decade or so.They have had to play home matches at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s and Northampton because of a dispute between their former owners and the arena operators.I was at Birmingham when they were sharing St Andrew’s and I managed to snap my Achilles playing against them in an ‘away’ fixture at our ground.Coventry fell into the fourth tier at one point. For a club which was a fixture in the top flight for three decades that was a hell of a fall.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are back under local ownership, after years of being run by a hedge fund — although the only cloud might be Mike Ashley owns their ground, now known as the Coventry Building Society Arena.Mark Robins, whose seven years in charge make him the fourth-longest serving manager in English football, has done a tremendous job, taking Coventry to within a penalty shoot-out of the Premier League last season.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Mark is a terrific bloke, who knows football inside out. He is such a decent and generous man.He has this aura about him which makes him a big personality without having to shout and scream.He has consistently had to sell Coventry’s best players — especially Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer last summer — but still manages to rebuild impressively.He famously scored the FA Cup third-round winner for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest to save Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in 1990.And if Cov pull off a win at Wembley, he could do the opposite for Erik ten Hag, whose job as United boss is hanging by a thread.I genuinely think Coventry have a chance, mainly because you never have a clue which United are going to turn up on any given day.Also, Coventry have two forwards who can really cause problems.Ellis Simms, who has scored five goals in their last two Cup ties, and the American, Haji Wright, both have the ability to make runs behind United’s defence and that is exactly what the Premier League side don’t want to encounter.Simms, signed from Everton last summer, is one of many players whose careers have been revived by Robins at Coventry. He might not be absolutely top-drawer but he has a real eye for goal.He scored twice in a dramatic 3-2 win at Wolves in the quarter-finals and a hat-trick against Maidstone in the previous round.Like some of their team-mates, Simms and Wright will be thinking ‘one big game here and I could earn myself a Premier League move’.This is a free hit for Coventry’s players. They have already earned a massive day out for their supporters — a Wembley trip for the second successive season after the Championship play-off final against Luton.Nobody is expecting them to win but they have a real chance. Anything is possible in the Cup, as I remember from my day out with Worcester City.My main memory of that match was that Sean Geddes, who I’d played with at Walsall, scored both of Worcester’s goals.All I can remember of my brother’s performance is that he got booked for a heavy challenge!READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there will be plenty of Coventry fans at Wembley tomorrow who will have seen their team lose at home to Worcester.And when you have experienced bitter moments like that — especially with people like me goading them from the away end — then the good times taste all the more sweet.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE 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 with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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    Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

    SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More

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    Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

    THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE 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 with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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    Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

    EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE 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 with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

    It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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    How Man Utd lined up last time they played Coventry with Barcelona legend unable to prevent humiliating defeat

    A BARCELONA legend was left red-faced the last time Manchester United faced Coventry City.The Red Devils will meet the Sky Blues in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.Coventry City’s Michael Mifsud celebrates after his second goal against United in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationGerard Pique was in defence for United on that night against the Sky BluesCredit: GettyJonny Evans (pictured in 2007) is back at Old Trafford playing under current boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyJohn O’Shea has just taken his first job in managementCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side will go into the clash as heavy favourites against the Championship team managed by their former striker Mark Robins.The two clubs were regular opponents in the Premier League throughout the 1990s but have barely met since Coventry were relegated from the top-flight in 2001.However, there was a shock the last time they went head-to-head back in September 2007.Old Trafford hosted the League Cup third round tie with over 74,000 fans packed in to watch the action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut it was Coventry who were left celebrating as they ran out 2-0 victors thanks to a brace from Michael Mifsud.It was far from a star-studded line-up named by Sir Alex Ferguson that night.And the result seemed to have little impact on their season as they lifted both the Premier League and Champions League.Here’s who was in the United starting XI that night:Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTOMASZ KUSZCZAKThe Polish goalie spent six years at United having caught the eye previously at West Brom.He later played for Watford, Brighton and Wolves before finishing his career at Birmingham City in 2009.It’s baffling,’ says Gary Neville as he blasts Ten Hag’s coaching and reveals what Man Utd are ‘worst in the league at’DANNY SIMPSONCame through the academy at Man Utd but it would be at Leicester City where he enjoyed his greatest success as he helped them to Premier League glory in 2016.PHIL BARDSLEYThe ex-Scotland defender left United for Sunderland at the end of this season and later played for Stoke, Burnley and Stockport.JONNY EVANSThe veteran defender is now back at United after rejoining on a free transfer following an eight-year absence that included spells at West Brom and Leicester.GERARD PIQUEThe Spanish icon won the Euros and World Cup with Spain and everything possible at Barcelona after his move to the Nou Camp in 2008 but he was given a torrid time by Mifsud on this night. JOHN O’SHEAThe versatile Irishman was a huge favourite with Fergie and fans but left in 2011 to join Sunderland and then ended his career at Reading.ANDERSONThe Brazilian spent eight years at United before returning to his homeland, and then he headed to Turkey to finish his career.LEE MARTINAlso played for Rangers and Nottingham Forest on loan before he dropped down the pyramid and ended up in non-league.CHRIS EAGLESLeft for Burnley in 2011 and became a big fave and was equally loved at Bolton before spending the latter years of his career with several clubs in the lower leagues and Scotland.READ MORE SUN STORIESNANIThe Portuguese winger was a first-team regular for years at United after this and still plays as a winger for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.DONG FANG ZHOUThe Chinese forward was simply not good enough to cut it at United and after just a handful of appearances he was shipped out, and following some stints elsewhere in Europe, he finished his career back in his homeland.WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Here’s what the United players from that night are doing now:
    KUSZCZAK
    He was most recently the goalkeeping coach of the Poland national team.
    SIMPSON
    Still plays for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Macclesfield.
    BARDSLEY
    Assistant manager of Macclesfield.
    EVANS
    Back playing for Man Utd under Ten Hag.
    PIQUE
    Retired from football in 2022 and then hit the headlines after splitting with his pop star wife Shakira.
    O’SHEA
    Recently appointed interim manager of the Republic of Ireland.
    ANDERSON 
    Assistant manager of Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
    MARTIN
    Signed for Isthmian League South East Division club Ramsgate at the start of the season.
    EAGLES
    He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in September 2021.
    NANI
    Still playing for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.
    DONGCoaches youngsters back in China after retiring from playing More

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

    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

    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’

    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