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      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
      Free EFL football tips, 22/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday
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      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
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      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
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      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

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      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

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      I was gutted when rival Wayne Rooney lost his job at Birmingham, the Championship is the hardest league in the world

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      LIAM ROSENIOR was gutted his old pal Wayne Rooney lost his job at Birmingham — and admitted: “The Championship is the hardest league in the world.”Manchester United and England legend Rooney was sacked after just 15 games and 83 days in charge of the Blues to become the second tier’s latest managerial casualty.
      Wayne Rooney was sacked as Birmingham boss as the club slid from sixth to 20thCredit: Getty
      Liam Rosenior worked as Rooney’s assistant at DerbyCredit: Getty
      Rosenior, who was Rooney’s assistant manager at Derby, is the seventh longest-serving boss in the division having taken over at Hull 14 months ago.
      He has guided the Tigers to seventh in the table after 26 games and they can climb into the play-off spots tonight with victory over Norwich.
      And Rosenior said: “Every manager needs time to build something.
      “I was devastated for Wayne because he’s a good friend of mine and I hoped it would go well for him.
      READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEY
      “It’s a brutal industry. It’s crazy to think I’m one of the longest-serving managers having been here just over a year.
      “But the Championship is tough for managers because it’s so hard to go on consistent runs.
      “And it’s the hardest league in the world for a player. From a physical point of view, the schedule is crazy. We’ve just played four games in ten days.
      “When you have smaller squads with smaller budgets, you end up getting more injuries. It’s relentless.
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      “We’re playing Norwich, who are 12th at the moment but in two games they can be sixth. The league is so tight and that speaks so much for the competition.”
      Hull have been on an upward trajectory since Rosenior arrived with the club 18th in the Championship.
      But the Tigers comfortably stayed up last term and are surprise play-off contenders this time around.
      Rosenior, 39, said: “The level in the Championship has gone up — the coaching and standard of players.
      “So for us to be in a position where we can challenge for the play-offs and be disappointed not to have more points from the performance is a great platform for the second half of the season.
      “What made this division harder were the three teams that came down.
      “Leeds, Leicester and Southampton are all huge clubs who were established in the Premier League.
      “And so many more younger coaches have been recruited this season. The game has become far more of a tactical challenge than even a year ago.
      “So for us to be at this end of the table a year in, we’ve done a lot of good work. There has to be something tangible at the end of it — that is what we’ve been working towards.”
      Rooney lasted just 15 matches and 83 days in charge of the BluesCredit: PA
      Rosenior is now boss of fellow Championship side HullCredit: PA
      The pair went up against each other in OctoberCredit: PA
      Tried-and-trusted managers like Neil Warnock and Steve Bruce have not yet been called in to ­rescue a team .
      But Birmingham this week opted to replace Rooney with Tony Mowbray, 60, who was bizarrely sacked by Sunderland last month despite challenging for promotion.
      Rosenior added: “It’s a choice for every club and it’s not always down to age.
      “Tony did an excellent job at Sunderland and he has gone into Birmingham. It’s just what clubs are looking for.
      “The league’s tactical level has gone up. Teams are changing their system, changing their press and how they build.
      “The style of football is a lot more possession-based.”
      While the Championship is ruthless when it comes to longevity of managers, Rosenior is confident Hull owner Acun Ilicali has his back.
      The businessman — known as the Turkish Simon Cowell — has made no secret of his desire to take Hull back into the Premier League.
      But Rosenior said: “This club has grown on and off the pitch.
      “We’re attracting outstanding players and that is credit to Acun and our vice chairman Tan Kesler.
      “They have worked hard to build a wonderful club back up. With the previous ownership there was not a great feeling around the club but that’s changed now.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “When I walk around the city, everyone is excited about what’s happening.
      “That helps me in my job as manager so I just want to see it through and get this club back to where it was in previous years.”
      Hull are making a surprise charge for the play-offs this termCredit: Getty
      Tony Mowbray replaced Rooney at St Andrew’sCredit: Reuters More

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      Championship strugglers resort to showing Soccer Saturday in stands DURING game as fans say ‘We’re a hard watch but…’

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS have been showing Soccer Saturday on screens while fans watch the game.It’s not uncommon for football grounds to broadcast the Sky Sports programme within their concourses.
      QPR took on Bournemouth at Loftus Road on SaturdayCredit: Getty

      But it’s more unusual for fans to be able to watch along while sat in the stands.
      That’s exactly what QPR fans have been able to do, however.
      The R’s have struggled this season and sit 23rd in the Championship under Marti Cifuentes.
      Last Saturday they turned their attention towards the FA Cup, hosting Premier League Bournemouth at the Loft.
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      QPR surprisingly found themselves 2-0 up at half-time courtesy of goals by Sinclair Armstrong and Lyndon Dykes.
      But it all went wrong in the second half, with Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore and Justin Kluivert efforts turning the game around.
      After Bournemouth’s 3-2 win it emerged on social media that Soccer Saturday was playing on tellies in the stand.
      Responding to the image, one QPR fan wrote: “I know we’re a hard watch this season but I’m not a fan of this at all.”
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      While a second commented: “Should be in concourse but not hanging down like that.”
      A third fumed: “Why on earth would you want that? Just watch the game that’s happening right in front of you?”
      Another added: “Just watch the game in front of you.” More

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      Five Championship stars destined for the Premier League including ex-Arsenal star and winger dreaming of Ballon d’Or

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      HAYDEN HACKNEY’S winner against Chelsea last night made it a night to remember for Middlesbrough at the Riverside.The 21-year-old Boro kid has been superb since breaking into the team last season after a year on loan at Scunthorpe.
      Middlesbrough hero Hayden Hackney has been linked with a Premier League moveCredit: Getty
      He didn’t get much of a look-in under Chris Wilder but Michael Carrick has certainly shown plenty of belief in him and he certainly showed how good he is by shining in midfield against one of the Premier League’s marquee clubs.
      Manchester United and Tottenham are said to be ready to pounce for the youngster although anyone wanting him will almost certainly have to wait for the summer.
      During transfer windows, Premier League clubs are always being linked with players from overseas but here are FIVE other Championship players that really should be a target for top clubs.
      Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)
      Jobe Bellingham has starred for Sunderland since signing in the summerCredit: Getty
      I’ve enjoyed watching the 19-year-old midfielder who is two years younger than his famous and illustrious brother Jude.
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      Wanting to write his own football story — and not simply be known as the brother of a Real Madrid and England international — the Sunderland kid insisted he wanted the name Jobe on the back of his shirt rather than Bellingham.
      Has a lot of similar attributes to his brother in terms of his physique and maturity. 
      Thought he was outstanding away at Leicester when the Black Cats gave the runaway Championship leaders a tough evening.
      A huge chunk of Bellingham’s minutes have come as a false nine, though he’s also been used behind a more traditional striker and in a deeper midfield position. 
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      Conor Chaplin (Ipswich)
      Conor Chaplin has eight goals and seven assists for Ipswich this termCredit: Getty
      Ipswich simply cannot function as well as they have been this season without him.
      His eight goals don’t tell the story. His pressing is out of this world. His blocks, interceptions and ball recovery has played a huge part in Ipswich’s success story this season. 
      I’ve watched him a number of times and he’s been one of the standout players. He was outstanding down at Southampton in October and he pops up with vital goals like the winner I saw him net at QPR.
      It’s crazy to think this talent has been overlooked by bigger clubs. Thought he was great when he was at Barnsley too. Was huge for the Tykes during his two years there.
      The high press McKenna likes is not as effective without Chaplin — and without his energy up top I feel Ipswich would be a mid-table team. He has been that good for them.
      Leif Davis (Ipswich)
      The Tractor Boys can also call upon left-back Leif DavisCredit: Getty
      The 23-year-old left-back has been Ipswich’s best player and the Geordie practically owns the left side of the pitch for the Tractor Boys.
      Has nine assists so far this season and is simply scintillating. 
      I was at Elland Road, though, when he had a tough afternoon against his former club Leeds when his side were walloped 4-0.
      However, that was just a bad day at the office. Although he is a full-back, his attacking numbers are higher than most wingers.
      If Ipswich don’t go up, he will surely be in the Premier League next season.
      Stephy Mavididi (Leicester)
      Stephy Mavididi is a key man for Leicester after spells in Italy and FranceCredit: Alamy
      The Foxes are winning the Championship at a canter and one of their star players has been without question the 25-year-old winger who came through the youth system at Arsenal — but ended up going to Juventus and Montpelier to really learn his trade. 
      Did have some EFL experience with loans at Charlton and Preston as well.
      Lots of pace and up near the top of the assists charts, he has been tearing it up in English football’s second tier and does look a cut above many of his opponents.
      Knows where the goal is too — and has nine to his name already this season, including a nice one I saw him score against Southampton at St Mary’s where he ripped them to shreds in an easy 4-1 win.
      With the Foxes flying though, you would think they should be able to keep hold of him as their promotion to the Premier League is all but guaranteed.
      Jaden Philogene (Hull)
      Hull’s Jaden Philogene dreams of winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: Alamy
      Interviewed the winger a couple of months ago and he told me his ambition is to win the Ballon d’Or. 
      What a bold statement. But I like that from a 21-year-old — lots of confidence but also prepared to work hard to reach his goal.
      Ok, he is millions or miles away from that as a Hull player right now — but has has been previously linked with moves to Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. 
      Philogene came through the ranks at Aston Villa and many people thought he was going to get a look-in this season — but Unai Emery decided to let him move down into the Championship with Hull.
      But in Liam Rosenior he has a manager who has shown a lot of faith in him and who is giving him lots of game time to develop.
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      I was impressed by his tricky skills and lots of pace when I saw him away at Birmingham — and he scored the decisive second goal.
      He did get injured recently but up to that point he has been key to Hull’s strong start to the season. More

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      Hull City win transfer window with ‘funniest announcement seen’ after sealing signing of Liverpool star

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      FOOTBALL fans heaped praise on Hull after they announced the loan signing of Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho in hilarious fashion.Carvalho, 21, arrived at Anfield from Fulham in 2022 but spent the first half of this season on loan at RB Leipzig.
      Fabio Carvalho was mocked up as the woman choosing her man on ‘Blind Date’Credit: X / @HullCity
      Hull were made to be the man chosen, while Southampton and Patrick Bamford’s Leeds were left disappointedCredit: X / @HullCity
      He returned to Merseyside at the end of December amid speculation of another loan.
      Several Championship clubs were linked with him including Leicester, Leeds and Southampton.
      But he has opted to join Liam Rosenior’s side until the end of the season – with Hull seventh in the Championship table, just one point adrift of the play-off places.
      And the unveiling of Carvalho left social media in stitches.
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      Hull put together a photo-shopped version of the famous TV programme “Blind Date” which was hosted by Cilla Black.
      The premise of the show was that one person would ask three potential dates a series of questions without seeing them, before eventually choosing one to go out with.
      The edited clip saw Cilla with a Liverpool crest on her head, Carvalho mocked up as the woman choosing the date, and a Hull badge on the person she chose.
      It also contained Leeds and Southampton badges for the two people who had been snubbed by the woman.
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      And at the end of the video, Cilla even says: “How could you turn down Pat?,” as the image of Leeds striker Patrick Bamford storms off set.
      The caption for the post read: “‘His name is Fabio and he’s from Portugal.’
      “‘Come in, Fabio!’ 👋”
      Reacting to the clip, one person said: “Funniest announcement i think I’ve ever seen😂😂😂.”
      Another added: “Content!! This is legendary.”
      A third replied: “This really is wholesome content. You’ve got to be happy with this.”
      While a fourth responded: “As an Ipswich supporter, this is nearing genius… 😂😂fair play lads.” More

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      Baffled fans ask ‘what is he doing’ after spotting ‘overhyped’ Caicedo’s actions in build-up to Middlesbrough goal

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      FOOTIE fans were left baffled by Moises Caicedo’s actions in the build-up to Middlesbrough’s winner against Chelsea.The Premier League big boys suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship Boro in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
      Hayden Hackney scored the winner in Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with ChelseaCredit: GETTY
      Hackney breezed past Moises Caideco in the build-up to the goalCredit: GETTY
      Replays showed Caicedo stopped tracking Hackney and put his hands behind his back before the goal went inCredit: Rex
      Caicedo just let his man get away

      A second-half strike from Hayden Hackney sent the Riverside into a state of pandemonium and saw Michael Carrick’s troops put one foot in next month’s Wembley final.
      Hackney strolled into the box unchallenged and cooly slotted the ball past Djordje Petrovic.
      And replays showed that Caicedo was to blame for the midfielder’s free run at goal.
      The Blues’ club-record signing failed to bust a gut as Boro broke away and made little effort to close the distance between himself and Hackney.
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      And to make matters worse, he stopped shortly after getting into the box and put his hands behind his back before Hackney fired home.
      Blues fans couldn’t believe their eyes after seeing the Ecuador international’s lack of effort, with one saying: “What is Caicedo doing?
      “Just stops following his runner and puts his hands behind his back.”
      Another said: “Bruh gave up real quick.”
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      And another said: “Nahhhh WTF is this about.”
      One remarked: “Caicedo is generally way overhyped.
      “He always takes long breaks in each game walking around and not positioning himself to receive passes.
      “Second time in three games he cost a goal as well because he doesn’t track back.”
      One furious member of the Stamford Bridge faithful said: “How does this player cost that amount of money?
      “He runs around like he’s got cement blocks in his shoes, heavy legs. Overrated player.”
      Chelsea will bid to exact revenge on Boro and reach the first major final of the season in the return leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday week.
      Middlesbrough have one foot in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: REX More

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      I’m the Premier League cult hero behind most iconic transfer deadline day moment ever – now I play the guitar on TikTok

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      PETER ODEMWINGIE is best known for his six-year stint in the Premier League – but he’s now serenading fans on social media.The former Nigeria international hung up his boots in April 2019, a year after playing for Indonesian side Madura United.
      Peter Odemwingie spent six years in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      The former Nigeria international hung up his boots in April 2019Credit: REUTERS
      Odemwingie now spends his days playing his guitar on TikTokCredit: TIKTOK@ODEMWINGIE1981
      Odemwingie has kept a relatively low profile since calling time on his playing career.
      Although he’s recently built up quite the following on TikTok thanks to his previously unknown musical talent.
      Odemwingie, 42, has amassed nearly 30,000 followers on the popular social media platform doing renditions of popular songs.
      But he’s not just singing them – he’s strumming the chords on his acoustic guitar.
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      The former West Brom, Cardiff and Stoke City ace has posted ten videos of himself singing an array of songs – including Christian rock tunes – to his page.
      His videos have racked up thousands of views, with one even being watched by over 100,000 people.
      Despite becoming a somewhat popular TikTok singer, Odemwingie’s vocal chords won’t trump his success on the pitch.
      He bagged 35 goals in 114 Premier League appearances, although English football fans will forever remember him for his attempts to force through a move to QPR on transfer deadline day.
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      Odemwingie drove to QPR on January transfer deadline day to finalise a move that never came to fruitionCredit: SKY SPORTS
      In January 2013, the then West Brom hitman drove to London to try and seal a move to QPR – although the London club refused the striker entry to Loftus Road.
      Odemwingie was forced to sit outside the stadium and wait in his car for both clubs to reach an agreement, which never came to fruition.
      Recalling the incident to Sky Sports, he said: “Everything seemed agreed, but actually I didn’t know that one of the terms was that they [West Brom] were getting [Junior] Hoilett and [if I had known that] I would have never driven to London
      “Why would I have driven to London in bad weather? It was dark already, it was winter and I had just had a newborn, who was one week old.
      “Why would I leave my wife and my newborn kid to drive to London and wait outside?
      “One thing I would have done [if I had known] is call my friends at QPR and say, ‘Hey guys, can you find out whether Hoilett will actually come to West Brom or not?’
      “That’s what I would have done. But I didn’t have to because I thought it was never a condition that he had to go the other way.
      “I was left there waiting for the agents to tell me what’s next.
      “Then the time was ticking, I had a medical to go through, I obviously had to read the contracts and everything had to be drafted.” More

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      Neil Warnock reveals he fined players £50 for passing to Adel Taarabt and how coach warned Moroccan would get him sacked

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      NEIL WARNOCK has revealed that he would FINE players for passing to Adel Taarabt in their own half.The veteran boss managed Taarabt at Queens Park Rangers.
      Neil Warnock poses with Alejandro Faurlin, left, and Adel Taarabt, right after winning the Championship titleCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      The Moroccan produced one of the all-time great Championship seasonsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Warnock, now 75, arrived at Loftus Road in March 2010 and didn’t initially receive a particularly glowing review of the attacking midfielder.
      Recounting the first time he encountered the mercurial Moroccan, Warnock told Peter Crouch on the ex-striker’s podcast: “This is a red hot day and there’s a kid with black gloves on. Black woollen gloves.
      “I said to a member of staff: ‘Who’s that with gloves on?’.
      “The guy says: ‘You don’t want to know him, gaffer. That’s Taarabt. He’s a Moroccan from Tottenham. He’ll get you the sack. He’s already got a manager the sack. Waste of space’.
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      “I watched this game and QPR couldn’t score goals then – that was their problem. So I’m watching this kid and I’ve never seen anything like it. Some of his ability.
      “But what he was doing was getting the ball off the centre-half, nut-megging someone, losing it and them scoring.”
      Taarabt, now 34, first joined QPR on loan in March 2009.
      He played under Paulo Sousa, Jim Magilton, Paul Hart and Mick Harford before Warnock’s arrival the following January.
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      Despite Taarabt’s flaws being clear, Warnock couldn’t help but be impressed by his strengths.
      He added: “You sometimes get gut-feelings as a manager. I just liked him straight away, even with his gloves and all that. He had that little bit of arrogance.
      “So I pulled him over on the pitch and said: ‘Are you cold, Adel? We play West Brom on Saturday, top of the league, my first game. I’m going to play you – understand? And if you’re s****, I’m going to play you the next game. And if you’re s****, I’m going to play you the next game. Do you understand? Because you are going to save us’.”
      Despite holding huge belief in Taarabt, Warnock felt the need to take drastic action in order to mask his weaknesses.
      He added: “So then I got all the other lads, without him, and said: ‘Right, anybody who gives him the ball in our half, it’s a £50 fine’.
      “And I said to Adel: ‘Adel, if you come over the halfway line and pick a ball up, I fine you £50 – okay?’.
      “I think one player passed it to him and we fined him £50, but that was it. You give him the ball in the [opponent’s] half… oh my God.”
      Taarabt went on to produce one of the all-time great Championship campaigns by an individual player in the 2010-11 season.
      Missing just two matches, the former Tottenham youngster scored 19 times, often in spectacular fashion, and laid on 21 assists as his side lifted the title and sealed promotion to the Premier League.
      He went on to play two seasons in the top flight with QPR, before spending the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Fulham and AC Milan.
      Taarabt returned to Loftus Road for the 2014-15 season back in the Prem, but only played seven times.
      Read more on The Sun
      The 30-cap Moroccan joined Benfica before later plying his trade back in Serie A with Genoa.
      He signed for Dubai-based Al-Nasr in 2022, where he still plays to this day.
      The midfielder had joined Spurs alongside the likes of Gareth BaleCredit: AFP
      Taarabt went on to star for BenficaCredit: AFP More