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      Sol Bamba’s wife releases heartbreaking statement saying he ‘left earth knowing he was loved’ as ex-Prem star, 39, dies

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      SOL BAMBA’S wife Chloe has released a heartbreaking statement after he tragically lost his battle with cancer.The father-of-three’s death aged 39 was confirmed yesterday after he was taken ill while working for Turkish side Adanaspor on Friday.Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe has payed tribute to the gentle giantChloe and Sol have three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba returned to the field after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThe defender is an icon in the Welsh capital after he time with CardiffCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoBamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.He had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. “I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. Most read in Football”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Bamba became ill before a game against Manisa BBSK and later died in hospital.A statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Bamba was a beloved figure in English football after spells with` Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Sol Bamba was working in Turkey when he fell ill and passed awayCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoHe bravely battled cancer and leaves behind three childrenCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol and Chloe Bamba enjoy a touching moment togetherCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol was known for his generous personalityCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoChloe Bamba issued a heartbreaking statement after Sol’s deathCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoLeeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast – the country of his parents’ birth.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff in 2023. More

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      Everton make £20m-rated Luton striker Elijah Adebayo top transfer target

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      EVERTON boss Sean Dyche will make Luton striker Elijah Adebayo his top target in January.The Goodison chief expects to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at some stage and his spies are focusing on the 26-year-old Hatters hitman as his replacement.Luton striker Elijah Adebayo is being eyed up by EvertonCredit: GettyAdebayo scored 10 Premier League goals last seasonDyche would have bid for Adebayo last week if efforts to move DCL had come to anything, but he will be back.Championship side Luton are open to a sale in the £15m-£20million range.Everton would have enough to attempt a move if they sell England striker Calvert-Lewin, 27, who is out of contract next summer and stalling over a new deal.Crystal Palace are also checking out Adebayo just in case Jean-Philippe Mateta attracts a buyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe revealed that Eagles are keen for Mateta to sign an extension but there has been little progress and the Frenchman, 27, may fancy a glamour move.Adebayo’s Luton team-mate, Joe Taylor, missed out on a Deadline Day move to Championship rivals Huddersfield — despite being sent to Yorkshire to sign.The striker, 21, was due to go on loan for the season but the Hatters failed to find a replacement for him and had to call him back.And Luton missed out on Leicester’s Tom Cannon as the Republic of Ireland forward, 21, chose to join Stoke on loan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey have started their Championship campaign in a dreadful way, picking up just one point from four games.They have lost to Burnley, Preston and QPR and drawn with Portsmouth.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelRob Edwards’ men were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by QPR earlier this week. More

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy dealt selection blow with Dan James ruled out through injury

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      CRAIG BELLAMY has been dealt a selection blow after Dan James was ruled out of Wales’ Nations League double-header with Turkey and Montenegro next month.Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed winger James has a hamstring injury and is out of Saturday’s Championship clash with Hull at Elland Road.Dan James attended a McDonald’s event on Thursday afternoonJames will miss Wales’ Nations League clashes with Turkey and Montenegro next monthNew Wales chief Bellamy had named James in his 24-man squad for the September internationals on Wednesday morning.But the fitness setback means the winger will now not meet up with his country.James, 26, said: “I’m gutted to miss out. It’s a shame but I hope the injury won’t keep me out for too long. “The injury isn’t not too bad. I only found out on Wednesday afternoon.read more in football”It’s a new environment for all the players with the new manager and I was looking forward to going in and experiencing that.”James was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day which saw over 500 children attend Bollington United to take part in a Fun Football session alongside their footballing heroes.James added: “This is the biggest football session I’ve ever been involved in! What McDonald’s is doing is incredible and something that should be applauded. “Football is all about fun and these sessions allow children to play football without any expectations or pressures on them,”Most read in FootballFarke announced the injury blow at his weekly press conference yesterday lunchtime but hopes James will be fit when Leeds take on Burnley on September 14.Farke said: “We are without Dan, who has a hamstring problem. It’s a minor injury. He also won’t travel to the Welsh squad so he can’t be involved.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”I hope to have him back for the Burnley game but he will definitely miss out on this game and also the international game.”Bellamy is already without Bournemouth attacker David Brooks, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in last May’s Championship play-off final while on loan at Southampton.Ipswich pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.All four attackers – James, Brooks, Burns and Broadhead – will sit out Bellamy’s first matches in charge since he replaced Robert Page as manager in July.Wales host Turkey in Cardiff on September 6 followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Dan James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK.Sign up to a free session near you at: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football.html More

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      Watch Portsmouth and ex-Arsenal defender’s contender for funniest own goal of season as fans say ‘this cheered me up’

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      PORTSMOUTH ace Zak Swanson may have already scored the season’s most comical own goal.Swanson, 23, started for Pompey in the Championship clash against Sunderland at Fratton Park.Portsmouth ace Zak Swanson may have scored the funniest own goal of the seasonPortsmouth ace Swanson ‘s own goal helped Sunderland win 3-1Credit: RexHowever, the right-back had a moment to forget as he inadvertently sent the ball to his own net following a mad error.Sunderland ace Eliezer Mayenda fired a close-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Will Norris.Portsmouth defender Jordan Williams got the rebound and tried to clear the danger.But Williams’ kick was careless as he shot the ball straight onto Swanson’s abdomen and the deflection diverted into Norris’ own net.Read More on FootballThe Black Cats went on to win 3-1 as the fans were left in absolute disbelief by that howler.One fan tweeted: “This cheered me up a bit.”Another commented: “This Portsmouth own goal is comical.”A third exclaimed: “Wow.”Most read in ChampionshipThis fan said: “Even I can I find that funny.”And that one wrote: “How the f**k has that happened then?”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelSwanson joined Portsmouth in 2022 from Arsenal, where he started his career at the age of six but never managed a senior appearance. More

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      My ex-Premier League team-mate turned up with a disc cutter after someone clamped his car – there were sparks everywhere

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      QPR captain Steve Cook revealed Jefferson Lerma once turned up to training with a disc cutter after someone clamped his car.The Championship player also recounted a dressing room spat involving the Colombian star during their time at Bournemouth.QPR captain Steve Cook revealed Jefferson Lerma once turned up to training with a disc cutterCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportCook also recounted a dressing room spat involving the Colombian star at BournemouthCredit: GettyIn an exclusive interview with SunSport for the latest episode of “What the EFL?!”, Cook, 33, answered various questions about his 16-year career. When asked about his most “iconic training ground tale,” he recalled the time Lerma’s car was clamped, prompting him to show up to training with the disc cutter.He said: “Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth, he was a proper character.”Someone actually put a clamp on his car and he’s come in with a disc cutter and sparks going off here and there and everywhere. Columbia madness.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCook spent 11 years with the Cherries, having joined them permanently after a loan spell during the 2011-12 season on the south coast. During his time there, he shared that he experienced his “wildest dressing room tale.”He continued: “The Covid season at Bournemouth we went through a spell under Jonathan Woodgate where the changing room was a bit carnage.”Everyone wearing the worst clothes ever because they could be trusted. Clothes were being cut up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was like every man for himself. Adam Smith got done on the way out to training. Egg and flour by Jefferson Lerma and Diego Rico, but heavily. Not just one egg and one packet of flour.”And that’s where is obviously sparked the training ground war.”SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’Cook reminisced that his “wildest night out” with the Cherries was after Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory over Bolton in the 2015-16 season, which secured their promotion to the Premier League.He added: “We was straight out away in Bournemouth student night. Lads on the stage singing, rapping, tracksuits. Yeah, unforgettable, really.”After making 388 appearances the club Cook headed to Nottingham Forest in January 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year contract.However, his time was called short as the following summer he made a move to Championship side QPR.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League predictions and EFL tips this weekend including acca, Saturday banker and longshot PLUS £60 in free bets

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      THERE’S another full card of English football fixtures this weekend before a brief pause due to the international break next week.So SunSport tipster Craig Mahood is back with his tips and predictions including an accumulator, best Saturday single bet and a whopping longshot treble attempt for those that like one at big odds!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League and EFL tips this weekend including single, acca and huge longshotWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*The 5-fold acca – back it with William HillIt’s a 32/1 five-fold across the top four divisions in England this week.It starts in the top flight and ASTON VILLA (4/5) travel to Midlands rivals Leicester, looking to bounce back from defeat to Arsenal last week.Villa will be keen to get back to winning ways and should have too much for a Foxes side that were beaten at Fulham last week.Speaking of Fulham, they’ll face a tough afternoon at new boys IPSWICH (21/10), tipped to get their Premier League campaign up and running.This will be viewed as a fresh start after a horrible start against Liverpool and Man City.Beaten by League Two AFC Wimbledon in midweek won’t have helped things but this will show where they are in league terms and look a decent price at home.How to claim William Hill’s new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*High-flying SUNDERLAND (Evs) can continue their terrific start to the season with a win at Portsmouth.Pompey have three draws and a defeat to their name so far with the Black Cats beating promotion hopefuls Burnley comfortably last time out to maintain their 100% record – without having conceded yet.BIRMINGHAM (4/9) host Wigan having splashed the cash in this window, latterly on Lyndon Dykes.Birmingham were beaten by Fulham in the cup in midweek but had won three on the bounce before it and look sure to be in the promotion shake-up this season.And finally, BROMLEY (21/20) host a Crewe side that haven’t scored in any of the three league games, conceding six in the process and picking up just one point.Saturday English football accaBack with William HillIPSWICH vs FulhamLeicester vs ASTON VILLAPortsmouth vs SUNDERLANDBIRMINGHAM vs WiganBROMLEY vs CreweBack all five to win at 32/1 with William Hill HERE*William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Saturday singleEverton to win. Ok, you’ll need to hear me out with this one.Yes, they were well beaten by Brighton on matchday one and yes they were absolutely woeful against Tottenham last week.But they’ll both likely be up high in European contention based on early season form, so the Toffees’ season starts on Saturday.A home game against Bournemouth has been kind to them in the past, winning SIX of the last seven here at Goodison going back to 2016 – scoring 17 and conceding eight in the process.Bournemouth were dumped out the cup in midweek and will be ruing their VAR misfortune denying them three points last week, having opened with two draws in the league.Everton to beat Bournemouth at 7/4 with William Hill – ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE.LongshotOne for those that like a really speculative punt at silly odds.A match result & BTTS treble, which begins with West Brom who host Swansea in the Championship. The Baggies were good 2-1 winners at Stoke last time and won this fixture 3-2 last season.Stockport are out in front in the early stages of League One as one of only three sides to win all their games so far. They head to Mansfield who haven’t won any of their last four games, including a 4-1 defeat last week.And finally Newport have won their last two games by a 3-1 score-line, and head to Morecambe who’ve lost all three of their games under Derek Adams, who appears to be carrying on the dreadful form that got him sacked by Ross County.West Brom, Stockport and Newport all to win & BTTS in each game at 107/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Wayne Rooney leaves pub-goers stunned as he turns up to mid-week karaoke session in Plymouth boozer

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      WAYNE ROONEY stunned pubgoers by singing karaoke at Plymouth boozer.The pressure is already mounting on the Argyle boss following the club’s torrid start to the Championship season.Wazza decided to blow off some steam with some karaoke at a Plymouth pubCredit: X@MJFAZ1991The England legend had no issue serenading his fellow puntersCredit: X@MJFAZ1991Wayne Rooney has had little to smile about since taking charge of Plymouth ArgyleCredit: RexAnd Wazza opted to blow some steam off by visiting a local watering hole, where he got involved in some singing shenanigans.Regulars at The Cider Press were stunned when the former Manchester United and England skipper turned up to their open mic night on Wednesday.Rooney, 38, wasn’t shy about getting on the mic and sang his heart out – much to the shock of punters.Footage of Roo’s singing spread like wildfire on social media and received a slew of comments from stunned viewers.READ MORE ON ROONEYOne wrote on X: “Wazza on the beers at The Cider Press.”Another said: “Love this.”And another said: “My gaffer singing karaoke.”One remarked: “He seems like a sound bloke, TBF.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWayne Rooney and his Plymouth troops have struggled in the league so far this seasonCredit: REXAnother chimed in: “Never change, Wazza.”The season, so far, hasn’t been kind to Rooney and his Plymouth troops.Fans claim Wayne Rooney needs to start himself as Man Utd legend puts in stunning display in Plymouth training gameThey suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in their Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday.Plymouth avoided defeats in their subsequent league clashes with Hull and QPR, drawing 1-1 on both occasions.They cruised through to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over Cheltenham Town earlier this month.But a 2-0 defeat to Watford on Tuesday night dumped them out of the competition.”There were some positives in there,” Rooney told the BBC after his side were stung by the Hornets. “We moved the ball nicely at times and played some good stuff at times.”But I think we could have been more aggressive both in possession and out of possession.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I felt we turned down really good opportunities to put the ball in the box and try and cause problems and try and get more shots at goal.”Plymouth will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Stoke City to Home Park. More

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy names Aaron Ramsey as captain before hailing Liverpool teen star Lewis Koumas

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      AARON RAMSEY will remain Wales captain but has been told to inspire Liverpool whizkid Lewis Koumas.New Dragons boss Craig Bellamy named his first squad on Wednesday with Ramsey leading a 24-man party into next month’s Nations League ties with Turkey and Montenegro.Craig Bellamy named his first Wales squad on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday morningCredit: GettyLewis Koumas, 18, is in the squad and has scored two goals in his last two games for Stoke on loan from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyBellamy is adamant Cardiff midfield star Ramsey, 33, who has not played for Wales in almost a year, can make a positive impact on the likes of Stoke loanee Koumas, 18.Rambo has suffered a series of injuries since his last international against Latvia in September 2023.The 84-cap ace missed the summer friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia.But he has completed 90 minutes in each of Cardiff’s three opening Championship matches this season.read more in footballBellamy said: “He will be captain. I didn’t see any reason to change that for the time being. “I understand the role of the captaincy as I was captain for Wales through all the age groups and into the senior team.”I’m aware of what he’s doing, his training programmes. You can’t doubt his quality.  “We’re talking about one of the best players to ever play for Wales. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A player that’s represented Arsenal, he’s won cups, played in a World Cup, gone to Juventus and his experience with Nice. “Young players are aspiring to be him and he can help them with that.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″If you watch his attitude and the details of what he does, that’s what has allowed him to play at a top level for so long. “That’s great to have around. He’s still got football in him.”Ramsey recovered from a horrific leg break after a shocking challenge by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in 2010 to play at three major tournaments for Wales and the next target is the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy, who kicks off his reign against the Turks in Cardiff a week on Friday, added: “He was able to come back from that and for what he has achieved in his career tells me he is mentally strong.”He still has a lot to offer and the way we want to play will help him a lot and be perfect for him. I still see a  good footballer.”Koumas, the son of ex-Wales midfielder Jason, is on loan at Stoke from Arne Slot’s Reds. The teen striker made his international bow in the friendly double-header in June, ex-boss Robert Page’s final matches in charge.The two-cap ace scored against West Brom in the league last Saturday as well as Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win at Middlesbrough.Bellamy added: “I’ve got young Lewis who wants to become one of the top players. He’s just unbelievable to watch. “He’s fearless and I love that type of profile and player.”His father was incredible but I hope his attitude is better and he takes himself more seriously. “Every time he gets the ball then something positive happens. They are the players you love to coach.”I’m sure he would have looked up to Aaron for a number of years.”Now he gets to see what elite really looks like and I’d like to believe that will develop him quicker. He gets to see his actions, hear him talk and get certain information. “I was lucky I had Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, senior players who I had admired from afar, I caught the end of Ian Rush, who was my hero. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was able to pick up little bits and see what a serious player was. It benefitted me.”Wales squadDanny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl DarlowBen Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor RobertsJordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Cooper, Sorba ThomasKieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Rabbi Matondo More