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      Harry Redknapp: Klopp and Guardiola would struggle to keep this Luton team up… Rob Edwards could be a miracle worker

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      THERE have been some classic Christmas hits over the years… and a few no one would have predicted.I’m reliably informed that Mr Blobby, Bob the Builder and Lily the Pink were all No 1s — and I don’t think too many saw them coming.
      Rob Edwards in Harry Redknapp’s Christmas No1 this season for his heroics with LutonCredit: Reuters

      Andros Townsend scored the winner as Luton got a huge win over NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Harry has picked out his Christmas chart toppersCredit: Rex
      So with the Big Day tomorrow, I thought I’d pick my chart toppers.
      Maybe not in terms of a place in the table but definitely so when it comes to the job they’re doing.
      Of course, if silverware and success were the only criteria, Pep Guardiola is streets ahead.
      Five trophies in one year for Manchester City. That will never — can never — be bettered.
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      And Friday’s disappointing draw with Sheffield United doesn’t mean Unai Emery has been anything but an absolute star at Aston Villa.
      I know that blew Villa’s chance to go top but don’t go overboard — they are still right in the mix. I’ll come back to him, though.
      Because the one who has really worked a water-into-wine miracle is Luton boss Rob Edwards. In so many ways.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. Let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.
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      I always say the best teams have the best players and Luton haven’t got too many stars, didn’t spend any money and have a small squad.
      But that doesn’t mean Edwards is a poor manager. For me, it’s the total opposite. And he’s certainly put the hard yards in to get there, from a less than glamorous starting point.
      Forest Green to be exact, where he won the title and took them into League One for the first time ever — and got the Watford job.
      He never had a chance there — you’re in a long list, Rob — so fair play to Luton for giving him a crack. That’s what you call a punt paying off, as well.
      Tenth in the Championship when he was appointed, third by the end and a day they’ll never forget at Wembley in the play-off final.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.Harry Redknapp
      A one-season stay it may be but the memories keep on coming. And what a bond he has built.
      Getting the best out of what you’ve got is vital for any manager, even more so when there are no superstars. Well, you won’t find many at Luton but they can match anyone for spirit.
      Yesterday’s win over Newcastle, a draw with Liverpool and pushing City and Arsenal close proves that.
      As much as I’d love to see them survive, that would be the biggest miracle of all. And highly unlikely.
      But it still doesn’t take away from how good Edwards has been — and how impressively he handles himself, too, because there’s been a lot to cope with outside of football.
      Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.
      Harry has been very impressed by Sean Dyche’s work at EvertonCredit: EPA
      Jude Bellingham has been tearing it up for Real MadridCredit: AP
      He’s not the only boss who’s stood out, though, and Emery has been magnificent at Villa. Disappointing against the Blades, for sure but everyone has the odd blip.
      I’m not the only one who didn’t think Villa would be above both Manchester clubs, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle — not by chance, either.
      I’m not saying they’re going to win the title — I fancied United in August, so you wouldn’t back my tips anyway — but Emery’s certainly making it a season to remember.
      It’s turned out that way for Everton, too, although not in the way they hoped because of that ten-point penalty.
      Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. But let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.Harry Redknapp
      But if there’s one man you’d want in charge when things are going against you, it’s Sean Dyche, who’s always got the best out of people and is doing so again at Goodison Park.
      Wolves manager Gary O’Neil needs a mention as well and Newcastle fans idolise Eddie Howe for a reason — they know they’ve got a diamond.
      I love the way he has given the kids a chance and wasn’t scared to play 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in France against Paris Saint-Germain. That’s what it’s all about.
      Talking of players, by the way, there’s a good argument that the best two in Europe right now are both English. Just a shame that they’re playing abroad.
      Read more on The Sun
      Harry Kane, with 25 goals for Bayern Munich, and Jude Bellingham tearing it up every week for Real Madrid.
      It would be great if they were playing in the Premier League. Fingers crossed they’re both fit for the Euros next summer. More

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      Fans say ‘even in retirement it’s still Mike Dean’s world we’re living in’ after hilarious wardrobe choice on Sky Sports

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      FANS have been left in hysterics after Mike Dean’s wardrobe choice on Sky Sports.The former referee is now working for the broadcaster as an expert on Soccer Saturday.
      Mike Dean wore a hilarious Christmas jumper on Sky SportsCredit: SKYSPORTS
      Dean, 55, got into the festive spirit for the Premier League fixtures with his jumper.
      He wore a green top that was football and Christmas themed.
      The jumper featured the Premier League logo lion with a Santa hat on it.
      It also featured a text saying “VAR Humbug”, as a play on the Xmas phrase “bah humbug”.
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      Fans spotted the jumper as they flocked to social media to comment.
      One fan posted: “Even in retirement it really still is Mike Dean’s world we’re all living in.”
      A second wrote: “Var is the kind of thing Scrooge would come up with tbf.”
      A third commented: “Credit where credit’s due, that jumper is hard.”
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      A fourth said: “No matter what you can say about him, or about VAR, or the PGMOL, this is a hilarious jumper.”
      Another added: “WHERE CAN I GET THIS.”
      Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
      He then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.
      But that switch has not panned out as expected and he did not receive a top-flight appointment from February leading to his career switch to Sky Sports. More

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      Man Utd fans left pining over Louis van Gaal years and threaten to ‘switch over to Xmas movie’ in ‘dire’ West Ham clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have threatened to put on “Christmas films” and been left pinning for the Louis van Gaal era.The supporters’ complaints came after a flat first half during their Premier League clash against West Ham.
      Fans have threatened to switch off Man United vs West HamCredit: Alamy
      Some even claimed that they missed Louis van Gaal’s footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      United faced the East London side as they looked to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last three games.
      However, the Red Devils looked unlikely to manage that feat after a poor opening 45 minutes.
      Alejandro Garnacho had the best chance, but Alphonse Areola saved his tame effort.
      Fans flocked to social media to complain about the lack of exciting football.
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      Many even pined for the days when Van Gaal was in charge when he was often criticised for his boring tactics.
      One fan posted: “This is so drab…I’m digging out my season review DVDs of the Louis van Gaal seasons…!”
      A second wrote: “This is so dire from Two teams in the most ‘exciting’ league in the world.
      “Two very average mid table teams producing nothing so far. Think I’ll have switched over to a Xmas movie by half time.”
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      A third comented: “Man Utd are like legit the most boring team to watch now.”
      A fourth said: “I’m being dead serious this current Man Utd team make it their main aim to make games mind-numbingly boring.”
      Another added: “Enough of this West Ham Vs Man Utd, it’s boring.”
      It got even worse in the second half as Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus scored for the hosts to hand United their 13th defeat of the season.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled this season and find themselves outside the top four.
      The club was even voted the most boring in the Premier League.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have been voted as the most boring in the leagueCredit: Getty More

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      Most expensive Premier League Christmas jumpers revealed – where does your club rank?

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      NEWCASTLE United fans are knit amused by the £45 price tag for one of their club’s footie- themed Christmas jumpers.Despite the Magpies having the richest owners in the world — the Saudi sovereign wealth fund — the black, white and gold jumper is more than any other Premier League club’s festive winter woolie.
      Newcastle United were the Premier League club selling the most expensive Christmas jumperCredit:
      Arsenal are selling their jumper, with yellow stripes on a blue background and red and white dots, for £40.
      Manchester United have designed a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer jumper, selling at £36.
      They are also offering one in the original club colours of green and yellow.
      Defending champions Manchester City have set their price tag at £30 — while Chelsea and Liverpool are among several clubs selling their jumpers for £35.
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      The cheapest sweater in the Prem can be found at Luton Town, whose Santa-inspired design retails at just £22.
      Fellow strugglers Burnley are the only club not selling a festive jumper.
      Clubs have hiked prices by up to 15 per cent compared with last year.
      But last night, the cost of the festive jumper on NUFC’s online shop was slashed to £13.
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      Karren Brady: Gareth Southgate couldn’t wish for better Christmas gift than seeing Kane and Bellingham tearing up Europe

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      THERE isn’t a team in the world who wouldn’t tear open Santa’s sack if they thought Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham was the gift inside it.That they are now worth even more than the £200million-plus Bayern Munich and Real Madrid paid for them is of great credit to the quality of coaching in English football.
      Harry Kane has had a sensational start to his spell with Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham’s switch to Real Madrid has been just as incredibleCredit: AP
      It also underlines how standards here have soared since the introduction of the Premier League.
      Those are all pluses. The minus is both are scoring floods of goals on foreign fields, not ours. Yes, we’re more likely to see a sleigh in the sky than either in the Premier League this season.
      Kane left his much-loved Spurs primarily as he grew frustrated at a failure to win major trophies.
      But also because his club were adamant about the size of his transfer fee having practically shut the door on an English rival.
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      So off to Bayern it was and 21 goals in 15 games in the Bundesliga is the kind of return offered only by Erling Haaland of current strikers.
      It is no accident Bellingham’s behaviour on and off the field is similar to Kane’s — civilised and appreciative of fans.
      He joined Borussia Dortmund in 2017 as a 17-year-old, leaving last summer for a fee that could reach £115m with add-ons.
      He has offered a fountain of goals for Real and is on his way to earning the idol status enjoyed by Bernabeu titans Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Alfredo Di Stefano.
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      After 15 games he shared the club’s record of 13 goals with Portuguese great Ronaldo — who played as a forward. Bellingham isn’t.
      He is “the complete midfielder,” according to former Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm.
      At 20, he already has 27 England caps and two goals. Expect those figures to change dramatically.
      And boss Gareth Southgate hopes that will be in time for next summer’s Euros.
      Bellingham has many similarities with Kane. Both are tall and exceptional in the air.
      Maybe the younger man has slightly better ball control, while Kane possesses all the hunger of a top striker.
      His partnership with Son Heung-min led to numerous Spurs goals for the speedy South Korean.
      He is an accurate and sometimes penetrative passer of the ball, willing to run forever and quick to take up devastating attacking positions.
      Kane and Bellingham should be England’s main hopes for Euro 2024 joyCredit: Getty
      For different reasons, these outstanding talents have left these shores.
      There must be a chance that at least Bellingham, already of Birmingham, Dortmund and now Real, will return at some stage.
      When exactly, no one can forecast although the lad from Stourbridge and his father Mark — a retired police sergeant and once a useful striker — might well have a plan for his entire career.
      One thing we do know is that Jude is already rich and will become a great deal richer, possibly even in the Ronaldo-Lionel Messi bracket.
      Logically, only two or three clubs here will be able to afford his transfer fee, never mind his wages, his agent’s costs and his accountants.
      Again, like Kane, Jude is straightforward and happy to chat to whoever asks questions.
      This was not true of many star players pre-Southgate, who encouraged his team to open up in public.
      Read more on The Sun
      As England’s greatest goalscorer, Kane has lots of awards but no trophies. He is also humble and a credit to his country.
      Accidents and injuries apart, I fancy his cups are not far away. Bellingham has time to win hatfuls. More

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      Inside Laura Woods’ loved-up Amsterdam getaway with Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard, from spa date to rude bar

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      LAURA WOODS has enjoyed a romantic getaway to Amsterdam with boyfriend Adam Collard. Award-winning sports presenter Laura, 36, shared a video of the highlights from their trip to the Netherlands’ capital.
      Laura Woods shared a video of the highlights of her trip to AmsterdamCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      After landing Laura shared a video while on the city’s famous canal’sCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Laura went to the city with boyfriend Adam CollardCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      The pair can be seen heading into a glitzy galleryCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      The loved-up couple shared a snap standing in a mirror togetherCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      The video starts out with Laura on a plane flying above the clouds.
      It then cuts to a view from the famous canals of the city.
      Laura can then be seen seeing the sights during the day including a visit to a pancake shop which saw them tuck into some gorgeous looking sweet treats under the Christmas lights.
      The point of view switches over to ex-Love Island star Adam, 27, who can be seen holding a Heineken beer glass in his hand while filming Laura laughing.
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      The holiday then continues as they head into an art gallery.
      They then descent down a flight of stairs into a purple-lit room which had a number of different coloured hearts all hanging from the ceiling.
      The loved-up couple can be seen embracing in front of an artsy brightly-coloured projection.
      Laura also gave fans a sneak peek into the digs they stayed in for the visit – a cosy spa-hotel adorned head to toe in Christmas decorations.
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      Laura could be seen standing under a crude sign for a barCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      She could also be seen enjoying plenty of food and drinkCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Her food trips included a pizza placeCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      There were also plenty of sweet treats on the visitCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      There was time to catch classic Christmas film The Snowman in the morning before they headed down to enjoy some time in the spa, with the video only showing off their gowns and slippers.
      After unwinding they can be seen back in town, heading to a number of foods places and grabbing a bite to eat at a few different places.
      One meal Laura had was a steak which was followed up by a stunning drink with an exquisite head decoration.
      Laura was certainly right with the caption of her post when she said: “Went to Amsterdam. Ate a lot, drank a lot & laughed a lot.”
      Next the TNT Sports presenter could be seen standing under a sign that said “Free Willie”, with a crude but suitable art design for Amsterdam.
      Next up came a visit to Febo (imagine McDonalds but with items you pick through a window display) and a restaurant before a trip to the Christmas market.
      The video rounds off by displaying the stunning Christmas lights running above the city’s tram lines.
      Laura and Adam’s romantic trip came with the background of Adam revealing his plans for marriage and kids.
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      He said during an interview with OnlyAccounts.com: “I’m protective, whether it’s Laura, or my family, my friends.
      “I want to get married. I want to have kids as well. I’ve always thought, what type of person will I be? How can I protect my kids?”
      Inside Laura Woods’ glamorous life as football, boxing and NFL presenter…
      Laura is the new face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage
      Laura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      She has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Laura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: Rex
      She has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: Getty
      Laura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Laura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: Instagram
      Laura is dating former Love Island star Adam CollardCredit: Instagram
      The presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: Getty
      She also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: Instagram
      Woods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram
      She loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Laura has an enviable lifestyle and fans regularly go wild for her outfitsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More

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      Harry Kane stars in Christmas-themed Amazon advert – failing to whip up a festive dinner

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      HARRY Kane kicks up his feet as he stars in a Christmas-themed Amazon advert.In the ad, the Bayern Munich man, 30, tries to earn his Spurs as he tries and fails to whip up a Christmas dinner.
      Harry Kane kicks up his feet as he stars in a Christmas-themed Amazon advertCredit: hello@maxgalys.de
      Harry’s cooking didn’t go too well and he needed a fire extinguisherCredit: Instagram
      At one point the star pulls out a fire extinguisher to put out some burned roast potatoes and is later seen staring at a serving tray as if it is the Bundesliga trophy.
      Harry is celebrating having his first Christmas off in years as the Bundesliga takes a three week break.
      And he said of his time off: “I’m really looking forward to it.
      “It’s been tough here without the family for these four months, without the kids and without the wife. 
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      “It’s just about spending some time with them, some quality time. 
      “When we get back everyone will move to Germany, which will be nice as well.”
      Kane and his family will head for a sunny escape soon after Christmas.
      He said: “We’re going somewhere hot, so we’ll spend 10 days and just enjoy that time. 
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      “I’m going to text all my mates in England a picture of me on the beach somewhere.”
      Thankfully he is having better luck on the pitch – having made a record-breaking start to life in Europe since his big-money move from Tottenham last summer.
      Last week he became the quickest player to reach 20 Bundesliga goals after knocking in a brace during Bayern’s 3-0 win over Stuttgart.
      Harry’s gingerbread men were a little burntCredit: Instagram More

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      Harry Kane can’t wait to taunt his England pals as Bayern star hits beach on his first Christmas off in over a decade

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      HARRY KANE can’t wait to taunt his mates back in England – when he celebrates his first ever Christmas off with a beach holiday.Football goes cold turkey for three weeks in the Bundesliga – whereas Premier League players will be eating there’s carefully due to their traditional hectic festive schedule.
      Harry Kane had fun with a promo for Amazon Prime Video’s Xmas coverage but it will be far removed from his own yuletideCredit: Instagram
      The hitman will swap sliding in to celebrate goals with lying around on a beachCredit: Getty
      The Tottenham legend won’t need a log fire to enjoy most of Christmas this year as he’s relishing three weeks off with Bayern due to the German breakCredit: X/ @HKane
      Bayern Munich’s new hero plans to send his old playing pals pictures of himself relaxing on the sand while they knuckle down to their busiest time of the year on the pitch.
      But above all the England skipper is relishing a reunion with his wife Kate and four kids – after a “tough” four months without them in Germany.
      The strike legend, 30, has set all sorts of early-season records by blasting 21 goals in 15 Bundesliga games since arriving from Spurs last summer.
      And although he’d love to maintain that incredible ratio, Kane is delighted to have a mid-season rest over Xmas and New Year.
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      He’s even filmed a light-hearted festive video for Amazon Prime to honour his break.
      And he said of his time off: “I’m really looking forward to it.
      “It’s been tough here without the family for these four months, without the kids and without the wife. 
      “It’s just about spending some time with them, some quality time. 
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      “When we get back everyone will move to Germany, which will be nice as well.”
      Kane and his family will head for a sunny escape soon after Christmas.
      He said: “We’re going somewhere hot, so we’ll spend 10 days and just enjoy that time. 
      “I’m going to text all my mates in England a picture of me on the beach somewhere.”
      Kane signed off for Xmas with a 25-yard cracker in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat of Wolfsburg – leaving him level with Kylian Mbappe on 52 goals as the world’s leading top-flight scorer this calendar year.
      However, Bayern are still four points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, albeit with a game in hand.  More