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    Mauricio Pochettino set for very awkward return to Stamford Bridge less than two weeks after Chelsea exit

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO will be back at Stamford Bridge just TWO WEEKS after leaving Chelsea.The Blues announced the Argentine’s shock departure on Tuesday evening.Mauricio Pochettino is due to boss a World XI at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAChelsea legend Frank Lampard will manage the England XI on June 9Credit: GettyAnd stunned fans were quick to notice one “awkward” detail.That’s with Pochettino, 52, set to manage the World XI in Soccer Aid next month… in familiar surroundings.He will even be taking on an England side bossed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard in the charity game at the Bridge.It means two bosses with unceremonious exits from the club will clash in the annual charity match for Unicef on June 9.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESLampard’s fellow Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is in Pochettino’s squad.And supporters were dumbfounded by the Argentinian leaving so close to what should be a fun summer’s night at the Bridge.One fan posted: “I literally said surely we couldn’t sack him before that, it would be so awkward. Turns out we love awkward.”Other incredulous reactions included: “No way” … “lol”… “so awkward”… and “crazy world”.Most read in FootballWho could be the next Chelsea manager?

    HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
    Roberto De Zerbi
    The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
    Kieran McKenna
    The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
    Enzo Maresca
    Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
    Hansi Flick
    Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
    Sebastian Hoeness
    Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
    Michel
    Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
    Jose Mourinho
    Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?

    Alex Scott will be a TV host for Soccer AidCredit: The Mega AgencyIt was also labelled the “final dagger” by one Chelsea supporter.Lampard and ex-Real Madrid playmaker Hazard will make their Soccer Aid debut along with Ashes icon Stuart Broad, Gladiators’ Diamond, Bobby Brazier, Sam Thompson and Erin Doherty.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesReturning sports celebs include Usain Bolt, Harry Redknapp, Jesus Perez, Jill Scott, Karen Carney, Jermain Defoe, Mo Farah, David James, Joe Cole, Tommy Fury, Gary Cahill, David Seaman, Roberto Carlos and Jack Wilshere.Amongst other “names” taking part are Robbie Williams, Roman Kemp, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Paddy McGuinness, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan and Maisie Adam. Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will host ITV’s coverage.O’Leary said: “We’re one big team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, united by a goal to help protect play for children everywhere.Buying a ticket for this year’s star-studded match will help give children a chance to grow up happy and healthy.”Whoever you support, I know it’s going to an absolutely fantastic night at Stamford Bridge”.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
    HERE we go again.
    Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
    Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
    But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
    There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
    Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
    One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
    Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full… More

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    Beta Squad vs AMP football match: Date, teams, start time, live stream and how to watch

    BETA SQUAD and AMP will contest a charity football match in London this summer.The two YouTube groups announced in a video that they plan to settle whether the beautiful game should be called football or soccer.Chunkz will be playing at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyWith a combined 14.8million subscribers, they are looking to follow on from the success of the Sidemen charity matches in recent years.British group Beta Squad, featuring Chunkz and Niko Omilana, have over nine million subscribers on YouTube.Meanwhile, American-based AMP boast 5.54million fans on the platform.When does Beta Squad vs AMP take place?The match will take place on Sunday, June 2 at Selhurst Park in London.Selhurst Park is the home of Premier League side Crystal Palace and has a capacity of 26,000.The match will kick-off at 4pm UK time.How can I watch?Beta Squad vs AMP will be streamed live on YouTube, however it has not yet been confirmed where on the platform it will be available.Tickets for the match quickly sold out after going on sale on April 30 for between £8 and £10.Most read in FootballKai Cenat is is set to feature for AMPCredit: GettyWho is playing?The likes of Chunkz and Kai Cenat are expected to appear for Beta Squad and AMP, respectively.Although the full squads are yet to be announced, the following members of each group are set to feature.Beta Squad:
    Nike Omilana
    Chunkz
    Aj Shabeel
    Sharky
    KingKennyTv
    AMP:
    Agent 00
    ChrisNxtDoor
    Duke Dennis Gaming
    ImDavisss
    ImKaiCenat
    JustFanum More

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    Newcastle stars vow to unveil new celebration if they score against Tottenham for heartwarming reason

    NEWCASTLE stars Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn invited a group of young fans who are members of the deaf community to be mascots ahead of their match against Tottenham. The kids met their heroes at the NU foundation during a friendly kickabout before the game tomorrow, as shown in video captured by Toon sponsor Sela.Newcastle stars Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier met a group of deaf young fansCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024The Newcastle stars paid a visit to the Newcastle foundation earlier this weekCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024Footage of the meeting taken by Sela was done to raise awareness of RNID’s causeCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024The group were invited to be mascots for the Tottenham game on SaturdayCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024Trippier said the occasion would be ‘special’Credit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024Burn, 31, revealed to the youngsters: “For the Tottenham game you’re all going to be mascots. “So you get to walk out with us in front of the crowd.”Sela have revealed the youngsters will wear innovative shirts with haptic technology when they become mascots – meaning the shirts respond to movement generated electronically or mechanically.The shirts have been designed to enhance the matchday experience in a unique way, with fans wearing them promised a share of the St James’ Park vibe via “real-time touch sensation”. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes as part of a collaboration with RNID, the national charity supporting 12 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.Newcastle vice-captain Trippier, 33, added: “To walk out in the [RNID] shirts is special, and we had a good kickabout with the kids as well.”Burn also teased a new celebration that may be shown off: “The kids were teaching us a goal celebration so watch out for it. “I’ll probably get a few more before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBurn and Trippier were taught a celebration in sign languageCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024The celebration taught to them was ‘love the fans’Credit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024The celebration taught to the Magpies’ stars during their kickabout said: “Love the fans.”One of the youngsters said: “I was so happy to see Kieran and Dan, it’s the best day of my life.”Newcastle reveal incredible new hi-tech shirt that allows deaf fans to experience atmosphere for first timeA select number of fans will also be wearing the RNID-branded haptic shirts at the game, while RNID branding will be on display around the stadium to raise awareness of the cause.Sela, founded in 1997 as Saudi Arabia’s first FIFA-recognised player representation company, has donated it’s front-of-shirt sponsorship rights for Saturday’s game to RNID.Currently, one in five adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss. One in seven people have tinnitus. If you (or someone close to you) are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID. We are open 8:30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Find out how to contact RNID at rnid.org.uk/contact One of the kids described meeting Trippier and Burn as ‘ the best day of my life’Credit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024Toon sponsor Sela have donated their front-of-shirt sponsorship rights for Saturday’s game to RNIDCredit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024Innovative shirts with haptic technology will see fans given a unique experience with ‘real-time touch sensation’Credit: © Tom Hull Ltd 2024 More

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    ‘I’m not playing anymore’ – Gary Neville reveals why he won’t play in Soccer Aid again after ‘shocking’ events

    FORMER Manchester United star Gary Neville has revealed why he turned down the chance to play in Soccer Aid.The annual charity football event is set to take place on June 9 at Stamford Bridge.Gary Neville has revealed why he turned down Soccer AidCredit: GettyNeville represented England last yearCredit: PASeveral ex-pros such as Eden Hazard, Jermain Defoe, David James, Gary Cahill, Joe Cole and Roberto Carlos are already confirmed to be playing.And Jill Scott, who will captain England, was quick to try and sign Neville up in the latest edition of Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.However, the Man Utd legend declined due to the fear of getting injured.Neville said: “I’m not playing anymore. Every time an ex-player gets a shocking injury like a cruciate or they rip their achilles or something.Read More on Football”You know, when they try to chase people unfit.”Carragher then chimed in to tell a story about ex-Liverpool star Fabio Aurelio, saying: “He came back for the Liverpool legends match and was supposed to go back day after.”He’s still here now. He broke all of his ribs.”Aurelio suffered a punctured lung and cracked ribs during the Anfield clash with Ajax two weeks ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn a recent interview with The Athletic, he said: “I just tried to make the block and as he followed through after shooting, he ended up hitting me with his knee.”You don’t expect an accident like that to happen in a Legends match, but when you go out there in front of 60,000 people, the competitive streak comes out.Rio Ferdinand opens up on meeting with ‘gutted’ Sir Alex Ferguson during David Moyes’ Man Utd woes”I couldn’t fly back last week because of the damage to my lung.”At the start, the doctors said I would need to wait three weeks, so I was a bit scared, but the specialist saw the X-rays a few days ago and said it has settled down.”The lung is OK and with the ribs, it’s just a matter of time for them to heal.”Neville last took part in Soccer Aid last summer.The World XI won the match 4-2 thanks to goals from Olympic legend Usain Bolt, former Tottenham star Robbie Keane and ex-Love Island contestant Kem Cetinay. More

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    Newcastle set to wear one-off mystery kit ‘unique from any in the club’s history’ for huge Tottenham clash

    NEWCASTLE will reportedly adorn a one-off jersey when they host Tottenham at St James’ Park next week.And the fresh kit is unique from any other worn in the club’s storied history.Newcastle are set to donate their front-of-shirt sponsorship to a charity for when they host Tottenham next weekCredit: AFPAccording to The Mail Online, the kit will be missing the usual Sela sponsorship, with the Saudi Arabia-based events company donating the front of shirt space to a charity instead.The new sponsors eyed-up a televised game against a top-six opponent – so ensuring maximum exposure for the chosen charity.Talks have been ongoing for several weeks and the charity will be announced closer to its April 13th matchday. It is understood that Spurs has long been earmarked for the occasion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt means the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will sport a jersey that will be unique from any other in the club’s history. There will also be additional tie-ins related to the cause on matchday.It is hoped the one-off kit change will provide a longer-term historical impact as Newcastle look to beat Spurs once again after last season’s memorable 6-1 home thumping.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe limited-time kit change comes ahead of Newcastle’s incoming shirt deal with Adidas which will start this summer. Most read in FootballIt is understood new 2024-25 season kits have already been designed and will go on sale following the refurbishment of the club shop in June.Newcastle finalised a £25m-a-year shirt sponsorship deal with Sela last year.This is not the first special initiative Sela have come up with since becoming Newcastle’s shirt sponsor.Hilarious moment Newcastle Utd ballboy snubs West Ham star Mohammed Kudus as he asks for his seat for iconic celebrationThe company organised a drone show above St James’ Park ahead of the 4-1 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this season.They also handed out free scarves ahead of the FA Cup victory at Sunderland in January and a Sela-backed ‘Howay’ bus is now in operation for away games.The upcoming St James’ STACK fan zone at Strawberry Place is also officially ‘powered by Sela’.Fans were quick to praise their sponsors eye for charity, with one supporter writing: “Sela donating £10m. I can get behind this.”Another added: “Love this idea!” More

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    Bolton Wanderers’ annual Sleepout challenge to fight homelessness & poverty is back – here’s how you can help

    BOLTON Wanderers is holding its annual Sleepout challenge tomorrow to help fight homelessness and poverty.The club has invited anyone aged over 18 to sleep pitch side at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.Bolton will hold its annual Sleepout at the Toughsheet Community StadiumCredit: GettyThe event supports charities who are fighting homelessness and povertyAny money raised will go towards charities aimed at supporting young and vulnerable people who are at risk of homelessness.Funds will also help those living in poverty or anyone in need of food or shelter.Anyone who wants to donate can visit the official JustGiving page here.Charities involved include Bolton Wanderers in the Community, which helps support children and families experiencing hardship.Urban Outreach, which helps homeless people into housing, and supported accommodation organisation Backup North West will also benefit.Emmaus Bolton, which offers a home and work to people from the streets in a community setting, has been included for the first time this year.Those taking part have been invited to Bolton’s stadium between 8pm and 8am on March 22.Among the 130 fundraisers sleeping out are club CEO Neil Hart and COO Phil Mason.Most read in FootballThe event was launched for the first time last year and saw almost £28,000 raised for charity.Bolton Wanderers in the Community used their share to expand their ‘warm spaces’ offer, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for members of the community struggling with spiralling energy bills.Organisers are hoping to smash that figure this year. Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer at Bolton Wanderers said: “Though there’s a break in the domestic football schedule this week, there is certainly plenty still going on off the pitch and we are proud to be hosting this great event to support our community.“We’ve had fantastic backing from local businesses and Wanderers’ supporters who will brave the cold with us to support these special charities who are all carrying out invaluable work in Bolton.“With close to £10,000 already raised, we’re excited to see how far we can push the total and send our thanks in advance to all those who are able to donate.”While Phil Mason, CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community said: “We are proud to once again be hosting this event with the aim to raise both awareness and funds for the local Bolton charities that do so much good work in our community to support the most vulnerable.“I encourage as many supporters as possible to take on this unique challenge to do something special for our community here in Bolton.” More

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    Incredible body-cam footage shows what it was like to play against Hazard, Drogba & Co after Match For Hope charity game

    A YOUTUBER has given an insight into what it’s like to play with some of the biggest legends in the game.Jamm, who is a member of the Shoot For Love YouTube channel was playing in the Match for Hope charity game in Qatar, which featured the likes of IShowSpeed.
    The influencer got to play with KakaCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    And the legend said he hopes to play with Jamm againCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    The two exchanged a heartwarming momentCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    Jamm was playing for Team Aboflah, which was managed by Antonio Conte and included a bunch of influencers alongside the likes of Claude Makelele, Didier Drogba and Kaka.
    The opposing side, led by UK influencer Chunkz, was managed by Arsene Wenger and included the likes of Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos and David Villa.
    Jamm did not start the match, but his bodycam footage showed fans exactly what it’s like to play with the legends after he came on.
    His video showed him being called across by Conte to be substituted onto the field, with the former Spurs manager appearing to be a bit unsure of what Jamm’s name was.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Jamm was given the massive task of marking the recently retired Eden Hazard – who easily skipped around him to create a goal.
    Jamm’s footage also showed a smiling Didier Drogba walking past him to take a corner.
    Despite being skinned by Hazard, Jamm had a decent game while playing at left-back, putting in plenty of blocks.
    He even lost his glasses at one point when clearing the ball with a defensive header.
    Most read in Football
    He came up against HazardCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    And shared the pitch with DrogbaCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    There was also a special moment for Jamm at the end of the game when Kaka spoke to him.
    The AC Milan legend said “Very nice to play with you, I hope we can play again!”
    Jamm was managed by Antonio ConteCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    The former Spurs manager couldn’t believe what he was seeingCredit: YouTube / Shoot for Love
    IShowSpeed snaps legend Kaka with horror tackle from behind in charity game as fans slam his ‘nonsense behaviour’
    A starstruck Jamm replied: “What an honour!”
    Jamm ended up on the losing side in the end, with Team Chunkz taking the win by seven goals to five.
    The four minute video ended with Chunkz and co lifting the trophy specially made for the match.
    The friendly was not without incident however, with American internet personality IShowSpeed launching into a horror tackle on Kaka.
    The YouTuber was shown a yellow for a tackle, but many argued it was a red – it certainly would have been if it was made in the Premier League.
    But for the purposes of the friendly, the ref opted to keep things level at 11v11 – and luckily Kaka was not injured. More

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    IShowSpeed snaps legend Kaka with horror tackle from behind in charity game as fans slam his ‘nonsense behaviour’

    FANS have slammed IShowSpeed for his horror tackle on Kaka during a charity match.The social media star featured in a star-studded match in Qatar at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

    IShowSpeed made a horror challenge on KakaCredit: https://twitter.com/centregoals
    The YouTuber was booked by the refereeCredit: https://twitter.com/centregoals
    The Match of Hope saw a mix of footballing legends and content creators play.
    IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr, was up to his usual antics during the event.
    Before the match, he was spotted discussing positions with Eden Hazard and talking tactics with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
    He then caught flack from fans during the match for a dreadful challenge on Kaka.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The YouTuber came flying in from behind and completely wiped out the former Ballon d’Or winner.
    He was handed a yellow card by the referee and was quick to show his disapproval – even though many thought it was a clear RED.
    A clip of the tackle went viral on social media as fans slammed IShowSpeed.
    One posted: “He’s actually very cringe, always trying to get a viral moment.”
    Most read in Football
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    A second wrote: “What’s wrong with this guy bruh.”
    A third commented: “Should’ve been a straight red, that’s actually very dangerous.”
    SaltBae poses with World Cup winner Kaka to promote newest venture
    A fourth said: “Nonsense behaviour from IShowSpeed.”
    A fifth added: “Who keeps letting this guy run riot around legends.”
    Luckily, Kaka was not hurt by the challenge as he was able to continue.
    While on the bench, IShowSpeed was filmed next to Wenger repeatedly saying, “Put me in, I am ready now”, while the Frenchman laughed.
    His match would not get much better as he also missed an open goal.
    That’s despite kissing Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos’ head for good luck before being subbed on.
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    After the match, IShowSpeed was also seen strangely asking Drogba if he was Paul Pogba’s father.
    Former Chelsea stars Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele, as well as Barcelona legend David Villa, were also among the legends featured. More