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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

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    Tyson Fury reveals retirement decision after devastating Usyk loss as he looks forward to Xmas ‘blowout’ with family

    TYSON Fury has assured pals “it’s not over” despite his devastating world heavyweight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King flew back to Britain yesterday after hitting out at the judges’ decision in Saudi Arabia – sparking retirement rumours.Tyson Fury sparked retirement rumours after losing his world heavyweight title fight with UsykCredit: GettyTyson reunites with wife Paris, who he had not spoken to for three months amid intense pre-fight preparationsCredit: TNT SportsHe is now set for a Christmas “blowout” with family ahead of a possible £250million clash with rival Anthony Joshua.Tyson warned fans they may never see him box again after the judges controversially awarded the win to the Ukrainian on Saturday night.Dad-of-seven Fury flew back to Manchester on a private jet yesterday afternoon for a reunion with his family after spending the last three months at training camp.His promoter Frank Warren said the fighter plans a traditional Christmas at his home in Lancashire before he makes any decision on his future.READ MORE ON BOXINGHowever, The Sun can reveal the former world champion has told pals: “It’s not over.”And a £250million Battle of Britain mega-fight with rival AJ is already being discussed for next year, with Wembley Stadium touted as the perfect venue.Speaking after the fight, AJ’s ­promoter Eddie Hearn said the clash has to finally happen after being mooted for years.He added: “There’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua. It’s the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing.Most read in Boxing“Everyone will always want to see it. For me, AJ against Fury is the one, it’s the one at Wembley. It will be a huge global event.”Warren agreed, telling The Sun it would be “brilliant”.He said: “It’s what people will want to watch. The Fury/Joshua fight is a great fight and if it ­happens it will be a mega fight, it will be brilliant. But it will only happen if Tyson wants to do it and that’s a big if. And if he doesn’t want to do it, then so be it.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchThe veteran promoter raised hopes of the pair facing off, saying: “Look, Tyson’s a fighting man, that’s what he’s driven by, that’s what gives him a sense of purpose.”The fight would rake in around £250million through box office and pay-per-view revenues.Boxing insiders say the fighters could pocket purses in excess of £100million.Fury, 36, is already estimated to have a net worth of £110million, while 35-year-old Joshua’s wealth tops £100million.Hearn hopes to sign a two-fight deal for London and Riyadh.The pair, who have now both lost twice to Usyk, had originally agreed to fight in Saudi Arabia in 2021. But a judge ruled US boxer Deontay Wilder was entitled to exercise his option to fight the Gypsy King instead.Joshua was knocked out by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in September.Dubois, who holds the IBF world title, was branded an “embarrassment” for confronting Usyk in the ring after Saturday’s fight.Dubois, knocked out by Usyk in 2023, grabbed a microphone and said: “I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen Frank!” Usyk said he was open to a rematch but first wanted “to go home and rest”.It came after Fury had stormed out when all three judges deemed Usyk the winner.Fury was comforted by wife Paris, who he had not spoken to for three months amid intense pre-fight preparations.He said later: “What’s next for me? I’m going home and having some time off.”Asked if the public will see him fight again, he added: “You might do, you might not do. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.”He previously revealed he will be downing “plenty of eggnog and mince pies, turkey, and all that” this Christmas.Warren praised his fighter, who has battled mental health demons.Fury is looking ahead to a potential £250m clash with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyActor Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the audience in RiyadhCredit: PAHe said: “It’s how it should be, he wants a traditional Christmas. He wants to switch off and be with his family. He’s been in training camp for three months.“He hasn’t spoken to his family for three months, that’s how determined he was to win this fight.“From my perspective I don’t want him to make any decisions, or even discuss boxing, until he’s ready. If he said to me tomorrow he wants to fight on, I’d say OK. If he said he wants to retire, I’d say, ‘Great, whatever you want to do, I’m with you’.”He claimed Fury’s legacy is assured, whatever he decides to do next.Warren said: “He’s a two-time world champion, he’s been in so many epic, spectacular fights in the 21st century in the heavyweight division. And you think where he’s come from, how he’s championed mental health, he has bipolar, he has had a lot of problems outside the ring and he’s been a champion in beating them. On top of that he’s a decent person.“He deserves his downtime now, go and rest up and then make his decision as to what he wants to do. There’s lots of options there, including a Joshua fight.”Fury, who lost the first Usyk fight in May on a split decision, raised his hand in celebration at the end of a dramatic 12 rounds in Riyadh on Saturday night.But he was left reeling when all three judges scored the fight 116 to 112 in Usyk’s favour.Fury claimed later they had given Usyk, 37, a “Christmas gift”.He said: “There’s no doubt in my mind I won the fight, that’s it, we can’t cry over it.“We didn’t feel no spirit, we felt a bit of Christmas spirit in there and I think he got a little Christmas gift from them judges.“It is what it is, I’m not going to cry over spilt milk, it’s happened now. I know boxing, I’ve been in it all my life, you can’t change a decision but you always feel a little bit hard done by, not a little bit, a lot.“But when you don’t get the knockout this is what happens, you can’t guarantee a win. In that fight there, he never hurt me once, I’ve got a couple of flesh wounds, they’ll be gone in two or three days.“Not a mark on me, but listen, it is what it is, I know what’s happened, I’ll go home, there’s not much else I can say.”Meanwhile Warren raged: “How did Tyson only win four rounds? It’s impossible. It’s nuts! Crazy! That’s nonsense. I am dumbfounded, I don’t get it.”He added: “Tyson is gutted. He won the fight. I am biased — but I’m not stupid.”An AI judge also had Usyk as victor, by 118 to 112. But Fury was not impressed, blasting: “F**** all the computers, keep the humans going. More jobs for humans, less jobs for computers. F* electric cars too, while we’re at it.”Among the stars at the Kingdom Arena were actor Jason Statham with model partner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan.Brit Lennox Lewis was seated beside fellow ex-heavyweight world champ Wladimir Klitschko, while former featherweight world title holder Naseem Hamed was also there watching.READ MORE SUN STORIESUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Usyk’s win, calling it proof that the country “will not give up what’s ours”.He posted on Telegram: “Victory! So important and so necessary for all of us now.”Daniel Dubois, who holds one of the heavyweight belts, was in attendanceCredit: PASnooker’s Ronnie O’Sullivan watched the clashCredit: PAFury narrowly lost the boutCredit: Getty More

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    Love rat Man City ace Kyle Walker WILL spend Christmas Day with estranged wife & children after pair agree festive truce

    FOOTIE ace Kyle Walker will be with estranged wife Annie Kilner on Christmas Day after they agreed to put their divorce to one side for the sake of their kids.The England and Man City star, 34, faces a blockbuster legal fight for a share of his £27million fortune in the New Year.Kyle Walker and estranged wife Annie Kilner agreed to put their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsCredit: AFP or LicensorsKyle secretly fathered a second child with model ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyAnnie booted him out after he secretly fathered a second child with model ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.But they will call a Christmas truce for their four children — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.A source said: “It’s been a horrible 12 months. But huge credit to Annie.”Despite everything Kyle has done, she couldn’t bear the thought of him waking up alone on Christmas Day without his children.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“They’re putting everything to one side to save the kids from any more heartache.”Kyle will spend Christmas morning with Annie and the kids before joining up with his City teammates ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Everton.Annie, 31, could then return to Sheffield to be with her family, including sister Sian.The £150,000-a-week defender was kicked out this time last year after Lauryn, 34, revealed the truth to a then heavily pregnant Annie.Most read in FootballIn a message sent on December 27, she wrote: “Hey it’s Lauryn. I just wanted to quickly tell you that Kyle is the father of our daughter.”Annie kicked Kyle out and he rented a mansion close to the family home in Prestbury, Cheshire. In his only interview, he told The Sun days later: “What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.”Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeThe couple tried to repair the damage but looked worlds apart at the Euros as Kyle and his Three Lions teammates laboured to the final before defeat to Spain.He returned to the UK a day later and within hours was in court in London for a showdown with Lauryn over money for their daughter, Kinara.A judge accused Lauryn of using his desperation to keep it a secret as “leverage” to get what she wanted.Pals of Annie and Kyle hoped the scathing judgement would bring them closer together.But it pushed them further apart – laying bare the extraordinary sums of money Kyle had paid Lauryn in a bid to win her silence.Annie now wants a 50-50 share of his fortune as part of a “financial divorce”.Kyle will spend Christmas morning with Annie and the kids before joining up with his City teammatesCredit: BackGridKyle was kicked out by Annie this time last year More