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    Inside Man Utd’s 12 months of Ineos, from PR disasters to 2 major sackings.. but hope for future under Sir Jim Ratcliffe

    CHRISTMAS EVE marks exactly one year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford.And it is fair to say it has been a rather chaotic 12 months.Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived at Old Trafford on Christmas Eve a year agoCredit: PAThe first 12 months have plenty of PR own goalsCredit: AlamyIt has been a difficult year on the field for the Red DevilsCredit: ReutersThe British billionaire, 72, stumped up more than £1billion to take a 27.7 per cent stake in his beloved Manchester United.His minority ownership was officially ratified in February – but the announcement from the Red Devils came late on Christmas Eve in 2023.Pretty much every single Manchester United fan was delighted by the news of the Ineos chief’s arrival and received it as the best Christmas present imaginable.With his successful business and sporting background – plus his promise to invest heavily into the crumbling Old Trafford infrastructure – it felt like a major turning point for the club after years of regression under the Glazers and various managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe reality, though, has been quite different from what the United supporters were hoping. The Glazers still own the club.United had their worst Premier League finish ever last season – and a lowest position at Christmas in 35 years in this campaign.There has been major sackings galore in the boardroom and dugout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans are unhappy thanks to several PR own goals.And for the staff who still have their jobs, morale is through the floor. Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionSo, what has happened in this tumultuous first year for Ratcliffe?Well, it all started very positively indeed with CEO Richard Arnold resigning before the Ratcliffe news was even announced and United managed to poach Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City in January. In the same month, Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured smiling as they met Erik ten Hag and other staff at Carrington.Then in February, Arnold quit the board and left the club for good while Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin were added as Ratcliffe continued to stamp his mark and influence. But there were the first signs that things weren’t completely going swimmingly as early as March.On one hand, Ratcliffe gave fans a major boost by announcing his grand plans to replace the dated and leaking Old Trafford by building an epic new stadium dubbed a ‘Wembley of the North’.But on the other, United’s share price on the New York Stock Exchange dropped to just $13.71 – down from $20.52 immediately after the takeover was announced just three months earlier. And in a slightly strange twist, it came out that Ratcliffe had banned words such as “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” as part of a very corporate lingo drive. What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. It was in April, though, that the ruthless businessman started to wield his cost-cutting axe when he cancelled company credit cards and private cars for senior members of staff.Around the same time, there were more changes upstairs as football director John Murtough followed Arnold out of the exit door and Jason Wilcox arrived as technical director once a compensation package with Southampton was agreed. Concurrently, the highly-coveted former FA and Brighton chief Dan Ashworth was on gardening leave from Newcastle.May proved to be a crucial month for United – and for Ratcliffe.On the pitch, the club followed up their nightmare Prem season where they came eighth by shocking City to win the FA Cup final, making it two major trophies in two years for Ten Hag, who had been on the brink of the sack. Off the pitch, it was a catalogue of errors. The extent of the leaking roof was laid bare as heavy Manchester downpours prompted waterfalls on the seats – before construction crew were pictured finally getting to work on fixing it. Elsewhere, Ratcliffe started making himself not-so-Mr-Popular with the club’s staff.It started with sending a strongly-worded email to employees slamming the “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness around both the training ground and the stadium, prompting a “toxic” atmosphere around Carrington.He then announced plans for redundancies, giving staff just one week to decide if they would accept packages to leave. And to make things worse, the new owner slashed FA Cup final benefits, limiting staff to just one ticket each and forcing them to pay for their own transport to Wembley. The pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before the final was also axed – although a night of celebration in the capital did go ahead after the goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Ratcliffe doubled down on his cut-throat approach in June when he introduced the “back to work” policy, forcing all staff to be in the office every day – or else they could leave for good. He also announced plans for a £50m Carrington upgrade but scored an own goal with disparaging comments about the women’s team. Ashworth finally made his long-awaited arrival in his role as sporting director after four months of gardening leave and a £3m compensation package agreed with Newcastle. Jobs slashedRatcliffe made the most of the off-season to oversee a major overhaul of staff roles in July. He kicked things off by slashing the number of staff to travel on the tour to the USA down to 125 and then made plans to make 250 employees redundant.That included the departures of popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie in subsequent months as Ratcliffe showed he was at Old Trafford for business, not for sentiment. Jean-Claude Blanc joined the board and ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell came in on a short-term basis as interim director of recruitment.The month also saw a merry-go-round in the coaching staff – but crucially one man kept his job.A new ‘Wembley of the North’ could replace Old TraffordCredit: Lord PingRatcliffe and right-hand-man Sir Dave Brailsford were all smiles on their arrivalCredit: GettyRatcliffe showed no mercy as he stopped paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2m-a-year ambassador contractCredit: GettyErik ten Hag won the FA Cup, signed a new contract then got sackedCredit: GettyTen Hag was tipped to get the boot regardless of the result in the FA Cup final but the club made a major U-turn and offered him a contract extension until 2026 – which he duly signed.However, his backroom team underwent a major reshuffle. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake were appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson a first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar the goalkeeper coach.Darren Fletcher – previously the technical director – came into the coaching staff as a first-team coach, too.Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy all departed – the former taking over as Jamaica’s head coach. By the end of August, the new-look board had given the green light for £199m on transfer signings in the summer window.But that coincided with Ratcliffe ditching lunchboxes for matchday staff – with reports that some were even forced to eat hospitality suite leftovers beside the toilets. Fergie axedRatcliffe once again demonstrated his ruthless streak by stopping the payment of Ferguson’s £2million-a-year salary as a United ambassador in October.He also cancelled the staff Christmas party in yet another measure that infuriated those working for the club behind the scenes. But all those savings were offset with the £15m pay-off for Ten Hag, sacked with the club 14th in the Premier League table just three months after putting pen to paper on his new deal. And it emerged that the “back to work” policy was actually costing United a fortune – because there was not enough desks at Old Trafford so hospitality suites were being temporarily converted into offices between home matches. November saw the arrival of Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor on a deal until 2027 but only after United were forced to stump up £10m to activate his release clause.Amorim axed legend Van Nistelrooy, who oversaw three wins and a draw from his four matches in interim charge, to bring in his own coaching staff. But despite the excitement of a new manager, friction from the former regime still lingered with Manchester United’s board members and chiefs locked in a bitter blame game over the summer shambles including transfer signings and the Ten Hag saga with his new contract and subsequent dismissal. And while most of Ratcliffe’s policies had largely impacted staff and the playing squad, his actions towards the end of his first 12 months at Old Trafford started to directly affect fans.Reports emerged he plans to cut the £40,000 budget paid to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association in half. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherThen in December, supporters marched and protested against Ratcliffe after he scrapped OAP and children’s concessions tickets for home matches and simultaneously increased the minimum cost of a home ticket to a whopping £66. And he showed his Scrooge side by slashing the staff’s traditional £100 Christmas bonus, replacing it with a measly £40 M&S voucher. Then in a shock twist, £3m man Ashworth was suddenly sacked after just five months as sporting director. In the final match before the first anniversary of Ratcliffe’s arrival, it was somewhat fitting that United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, one of their summer signings gave away a penalty and the ceiling leaked during Amorim’s press conference. Ratcliffe ended the year by investing an extra £79m and increasing his stake in the club to 28.94 per cent.But both he and those watching on know this first year has not gone as he would have hoped or envisaged. Gary Lineker labelled the Ashworth rigmarole “bloody embarrassing”, “laughable” and a “terrible look” while Michael Owen insisted the way Ratcliffe has “ripped out” the core of the football club is “heartbreaking”.And Ratcliffe himself admitted “mediocre” Manchester United is “still in the last century”. READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, will he be able to turn things around on and off the pitch in his second year at the helm? Everyone connected to the Red Devils will certainly hope so…Ruben Amorim came in as the new manager in NovemberCredit: GettyThe roof at Old Trafford leaks a waterfall when it rains heavily in ManchesterCredit: GettyThere have been major changes in the boardroom at Old TraffordCredit: GettyDan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox were both brought in – but the former got the bootCredit: GettyA 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth was the final match before the anniversaryCredit: AlamyThere hasn’t been much to celebrate for United so farCredit: AlamyCan Ratcliffe turn things around in his second year in charge?Credit: Alamy More

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    Nottm Forest vs Spurs: Get £30 in free bets plus extra £10 casino bonus with talkSPORT BET

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST and Tottenham meet in an intriguing Boxing Day clash in the Premier League.And this festive period, bookmakers talkSPORT BET are offering new customers a fantastic Christmas welcome bonus, and you can claim it right now!Brand new punters with talkSPORT BET who register a new account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with £30 in free bets PLUS an extra £10 casino bonus!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNottm Forest vs Spurs: Claim YOUR £40 welcome bonus – HERE*How to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETCreate your account via mobile HERE*Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake your first deposit of £10 or morePlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sport market at odds of Evens or greaterThis must be done before January 2, 2025Once that’s settled, talkSPORT BET will credit your account with £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusNottm Forest vs Spurs: Claim YOUR £40 welcome bonus – HERE*Nottm Forest vs Spurs: Claim YOUR £40 welcome bonus – HERE*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus when they sign-up and stake a tenner on any sports market.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £10 or more on any sports market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account and before January 2, 2025.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets plus a further £10 casino bonus to spend on selected games.On settlement of your qualifying bet, you’ll receive:£10 Free Bet — Any football market£10 Slots Bonus – to use on selected gamesAnd the following will be credited 24 hours after receiving the first bonus funds:£10 Free Bet — Any Horse Racing market – doubles or higher£10 Free Bet — Any Darts marketNottm Forest vs Spurs: Claim YOUR £40 welcome bonus – HERE**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile and bet £10+ on sports at odds 2.00+ by 10:00am on 02/01/25. Get 3x£10 in Free Bets & £10 in slot bonus on selected games, 40x wagering, max redeem £250. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs | GambleAware.orgRemember 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 More

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    Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years out

    KEVIN NOLAN has been named the new manager of Northampton Town – six years after his last managerial role.The Premier League legend has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Kevin Nolan has made his return to the dugoutCredit: PAHe will be the new manager of Northampton Town in League OneCredit: GettyNorthampton are currently 20th in the tableCredit: GoogleNolan, 42, was working as a coach at the Hammers under David Moyes but was surplus to requirements following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.During his time at West Ham, where he also played, he helped the side win the European Conference League in 2023.He will now return to the dugout as the manager of Northampton Town – who are 20th in the table – having replaced Jon Brady.He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One strugglers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going.”We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.”The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons.”I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.”We don’t have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey.Kevin Nolan remembers the lost talent of Ravel Morrison Chairman’s view on Nolan appointmentNorthampton chairman Kelvin Thomas shared his views on Nolan’s appointment… He said: “Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job.”He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.”He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV. “He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.”Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.”Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that.”He played for West Ham between 2011 and 2015Credit: GettyHe also featured for Bolton and Newcastle during his careerCredit: AFP“We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around.”Nolan does bring managerial experience with him to the Sixfields Stadium.He started his managerial career with Leyton Orient as a player-manager, in which he won seven of 15 matches.He was named the manager of Notts County in January 2017.The former midfielder lifted the club away from the threat of relegation in his first season before a play-off finish in his second.During his playing days, he turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle, West Ham and Leyton Orient.He made 401 appearances in the Premier League and scored 69 goals. Nolan’s playing career Here is a look at Kevion Nolan’s playign career…Bolton Wanderers – 1999-2009Appearances: 342Newcastle United – 2006-2011Appearances: 91West Ham United – 2011-2015Appearances: 157Leyton Orient – 2016Appearances: 14 More

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    Every Premier League player suspended on Boxing Day and full list of stars who could get New Year’s off with booking

    FOUR Premier League players will be able to put their feet up on Christmas Day without the pressure of a match the following day.This is due to their suspension from action, which means they will be sidelined for the traditional festive fixtures.Ashley Young is one of four players to be suspended for gameweek 17Credit: GettyHarry Maguire is on the cusp of a suspensionCredit: GettyGameweek 17 commences on December 26, which means clubs will be training and travelling on Christmas.However, there will be four players who will not be involved due to suspension.Those who have accumulated five cautions in the first half of the season pick up a one-game ban.The four players that have reached the threshold are Nicolas Dominguez, Sam Morsy, Lucas Paqueta and Ashley Young.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDominguez will miss Nottingham Forest’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, while Morsy will be out of Ipswich Town’s trip to Arsenal.Paqueta will not be a part of the West Ham squad that faces Southampton and Young will miss Everton’s visit to Manchester City.While they will be sidelined for the games on Boxing Day they will be back for before the end of the year.To pick up another suspension for accumulated yellow cards they will have to reach 10 cautions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, there are many players who could play their last game of 2024 on Boxing Day.There are 44 players who are one more booking away from their fifth of the season and therefore a one-game suspension.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe warns Marcus Rashford potential exit could come back to haunt club if he joins Prem rivals Players suspended on Boxing DayNicolas Domínguez (Nottingham Forest)Sam Morsy (Ipswich)Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)Ashley Young (Everton)This means a booking in their next game will cause them to miss the games before the New Year.Arsenal could lose in-form striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Jurrien Timber if they pick up their fifth yellows of the season.Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim could be handed a headache if Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte get cautioned against Wolves.Liverpool could be without four players for their match against West Ham if Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate are booked against Leicester City.However, Fulham and Brentford can rest easy as none of their players are on the cusp of a suspension.After gameweek 19, the yellow card ban resets and players will have to pick up five more before being banned.Players close to an end-of-year banGabriel Jesus (Arsenal) 4Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) 4Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) 4Matty Cash (Aston Villa) 4Lewis Cook (Bournemouth) 4Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) 4Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) 4Adam Smith (Bournemouth) 4Lewis Dunk (Brighton) 4Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) 4Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) 4Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) 4Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) 4Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) 4Michael Keane (Everton) 4Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich) 4Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester) 4Oliver Skipp (Leicester) 4Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 4Jordan Ayew (Leicester) 4Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) 4Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) 4Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) 4Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) 4Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) 4Harry Maguire (Manchester United) 4Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United) 4Fabian Schar (Newcastle) 4Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) 4Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest) 4Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) 4Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest) 4Adam Armstrong (Southampton) 4Mateus Fernandes (Southampton) 4Adam Lallana (Southampton) 4Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) 4Rodrigo Bentancury (Tottenham) 4Guido Rodriguez (West Ham) 4Tomas Soucek (West Ham) 4Edson Alvarez (West Ham) 4Toti Gomes (Wolves) 4Mario Lemina (Wolves) 4Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves) 4 More

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    Incredible photo shows Fulham star as Tom Cairney’s MASCOT just six years before making first Premier League start

    FULHAM have released an incredible photo showing a stunning time leap involving Tom Cairney and Fulham’s new star Josh King.The Cottagers were held to a goalless draw against bottom club Southampton on Sunday.Josh King made his first Premier League start for Fulham on SundayCredit: RexAn image from 2018 emerged of Josh King being a mascot with Fulham captain Tom Cairney, rightCredit: RexCairney played alongside King against SouthamptonCredit: GettyHowever, while the game failed to rip up any trees ahead of Christmas, there was a significant promotion from the London club’s academy.The game marked the full Premier League debut of 17-year-old midfielder King.King was announced as the club’s Scholar of the Year for 2023/24, and has seen his dedication rewarded with minutes in the senior team this season.And Marco Silva saw fit to hand the teen his first start in the Premier League at the weekend, with his only other game in the top flight coming in a 10-minute cameo against Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing the game, Fulham shared a photo to their social media page showing captain Cairney walking out with King as a mascot in 2018.It was paired with images from the game of Cairney playing alongside him during the game, before King was subbed off after 62 minutes.On King’s performance, Silva said: “For him to start the game it was deserved because he showed me in the week he was ready.”It’s an important moment for him and his team-mates as well because they recognise his quality every day on the training pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”There were some good moments from him but he was not involved in the game all the time because it wasn’t the best performance from ourselves.”Because if you provide goals for him in the right areas of the pitch he’s going to be more involved and show his quality more.Fulham stars repeatedly slap pitch-invading fan on head in wild celebrations as he is dragged off by stewards “But for a first game for a boy at 17 years old it was a good performance.”King made his senior Fulham debut back in August against Birmingham in the Carabao Cup.Fulham face Chelsea on Boxing Day for their next match. They currently sit ninth in the league, but have hit a sticky patch of form that has seen them win just one of their last six games – albeit with clashes against Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool in that run. More

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    Jose Mourinho confirms he has undergone minor surgery but won’t miss a single Fenerbahce training session

    JOSE MOURINHO has confirmed he has undergone “minor surgery” but will not miss a single training session.It had been reported the 61-year-old had to undergo surgery outside of Turkey due to a health problem.Jose Mourinho has confirmed he has undergone minor surgeryHowever, he insisted he will not be missing a training session with FenerbahceCredit: GettyHowever, the Fenerbahce boss has insisted the procedure is nothing to worry about.The Portuguese tactician took to his Instagram page to post an update on his health.In a short video message, he said: “Merry Christmas. And thank you so much for so many messages.”He added a caption to the post saying: “Wishing everyone a happy holiday season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”May this time be full of love and happiness for you and your families.”For those of you who have shown concern, I can confirm reports of my surgery have been greatly exaggerated, it’s just a quick and minor procedure. “I will resume training on the first day back from the holidays, as always. “I’ve never missed a session in 25 years, and I don’t intend to start now. JM.”Most read in FootballHe was in the dugout for Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Eyupspor in the league on Friday.The Turkish giants are now not back in action until January 5, when they host Hatayspor.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager Mourinho’s side currently sit eight points behind league leaders Galatasaray, who remain unbeaten this season.He has previously managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma before arriving in Turkey. More

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    ‘Performance of the day’: BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day

    FESTIVE cheers was apparent for many during the final Premier League weekend before Christmas.And it was certainly a given in the Match of the Day studio as well, as one witty joke left fans in stitches.Shay Given was in top form on Match of the DayCredit: Match of the DayHe quipped that Alexis Mac Allister was not the only McCallister to be left alone at ChristmasThe joke was a reference to Christmas classic film Home AloneCredit: AlamyLiverpool’s 6-3 thriller against Tottenham was the headline act of the programme.And while analysing the goals from the game, Shay Given was in top form with a clever Christmas gag.The joke came while talking Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister after he was allowed to ghost into the box unmarked before netting the Reds’ second of the game.Seeing Spurs defenders fail to pick up the Argentine, the former goalkeeper quipped: “Not the first Mac Allister to be left alone at Christmas.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting on social media, one fan said: “What a line hahaha.”A second said: “Haha!! Brilliant!”A third added: “This is A+ commentary and creativity.”Another said: “Oh that is superb stuff.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor the uninitiated, the gag was a reference to Christmas classic film Home Alone.In the film, an eight-year-old boy by the name of Kevin McCallister – played by Macaulay Culkin – is left behind when his family leaves from France, and things take a twist when thieves try to break into the family home.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossIn an ironic twist that makes the joke even better, Mac Allister has an older brother called Kevin who currently plays for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.The nine-goal thriller left Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand after Chelsea had been held to a goalless draw with Everton earlier in the day.Meanwhile, Spurs were left in the bottom half of the table, eight points adrift of the top four. More

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    Hard-up Prem fans ‘priced out of buying club shirts’ fuelling boom in fake kit for Christmas gifts

    CASH-strapped Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas gifts.Data shows supporters have made 48,510 online searches for counterfeit top-flight club clobber from September to the beginning of December.Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas giftsCredit: GettyIn comparison, there were just 4,230 searches from January to August, before the festive shopping season began.Fake Manchester Utd shirts topped the table, with 17,730 searches.The team’s official adult home shirt costs £80, and £55 for children, while both go for £12 on knock-off websites.Betting site Footy Accumulators, which analysed the search data, said: “It is sad to see that clubs have priced many loyal fans out of being able to afford a shirt which is leading them to use websites selling fakes to buy gifts for loved ones this Christmas.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Rising prices mean that a family of four who want new shirts will have to fork out around £370 from club shops whereas if they go to knock off sites the price will be more like £50.“We hope that clubs across the UK take note of these alarming figures and try to make merchandise more affordable in the future to help supporters not have to turn to counterfeit merchandise.”Demand for Arsenal fake shirts soared by 191 per cent over the beginning of the year from just 680 to 5,940 in the run up to Christmas making fake Gooners tops the second most in demand.Newcastle knock offs were third highest in demand with 4,830 searches compared to just earlier in the year – an incredible 419 per cent rise.Most read in FootballTottenham Hotspurs came fourth with demand up from 440 to 3,750 – a 184 per cent rise.Liverpool came fifth on a 169 per cent increase from 460 to 3,720.In sixth place came Manchester City on 3,150 knock off searches – up from 420 and a 150 per cent increase.Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kit More