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    England set to appoint Lee Carsley as manager as FA look to follow Gareth Southgate path, claims ex-Three Lions boss

    THREE LIONS legend Stuart Pearce believes the FA will install Lee Carsley as England’s interim manager.And he has challenged him to prove he can successfully follow Gareth Southgate’s pathway to become England’s permanent boss.Lee Carsley has been backed to become England’s next bossCredit: GettyTalk about Gareth Southgate’s successor has been rampantCredit: GettyPearce, himself a former England Under-21 boss, believes Carsley is perfectly placed to be handed the role on a caretaker basis until Christmas.If the 50-year-old succeeds in making a smooth transition during England’s Nations League campaign, Pearce believes he should be given the job ahead of Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and even Pep Guardiola.Asked whether he thought the FA should appoint an interim boss to replace Southgate, Pearce told talkSPORT: “This is where I’m thinking it’s going.”They need a manager for September. Who is the ideal man?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Lee Carsley won the Under-21 tournament – and I know how difficult it is to do that – so his CV is looking good.”He knows the FA, he knows the running of it, he’s been there long enough.”He will be ideally suited to put into place and say take the team until Christmas. ‘You’re doing the Nations League games,’ run that until Christmas.”The FA have got a chance then to have a look at him in post.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”How is he viewed by the public? How is he viewed by the players?”All of those types of things and make a decision from there.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeat”You might want to go elsewhere at that stage. But if it works and you’ve got cover at Under-21 level, then step him up at this stage.”Because there was no succession plan when Gareth took over.”He was working with the 21s but I don’t think there was a real mentality within the FA that said: ‘Right, you’re going to take over from Roy.'”He just fell into place and look at how successful that’s been.”SunSport exclusively revealed Carsley was in pole position to succeed Southgate on an interim basis earlier this month.Asked about the other contenders, Pearce said: “This is how I see it panning out.Lee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect?”Eddie Howe will be somewhere right up at the top of the list.”It depends on what Newcastle wants financially for him whether that deal happens or not. Or how much Eddie turns round and says: ‘I want out of the club.'”Graham Potter is out of work at the moment, so he’s ideal to step straight into the work, no compensation needs paying blah, blah, blah. That fits.”Jurgen Klopp has been mentioned, knows English football, probably the style of football he plays would suit an English game as well.”I think there’s a valid candidate there, if he wants to come back in.”People talk about Pep (Guardiola). I think Pep’s got one more year at Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think he’ll leave next summer.”But an interim manager is where I think it’s going and Lee Carsley is the ideal man.”Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. More

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    Fans baffled as Celtic presented with Scottish Premiership trophy by SANTA CLAUS.. but there’s a hilarious reason for it

    FOOTBALL fans were baffled after Celtic were presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy by SANTA CLAUS.Celtic ran out 3-2 winners over St Mirren courtesy of goals from Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi and a late goal from Luis Palma.Santa Claus presented the trophy for Celtic as they lifted the Scottish league titleCredit: ReutersIt was their 54th league titleCredit: Kenny RamsayIt came after Santa was booed by fans in DecemberFollowing the game, the Hoops were waiting on the pitch at Celtic Park to lift the trophy in front of the home support.However, to everyone’s amazement, the trophy was walked on to the pitch by a man dressed as Father Christmas.Reacting to the jolly surprise in May, one fan said: “WTF?”A second said: “This is phenomenal 😂”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “Imagine trying to explain this to people outside Scottish football…”The explanation for his appearance can actually be traced back to when Celtic were 2-0 down to Hearts at half-time back in December.Santa had come on the pitch back in the winter to do a prize draw.But fans were not feeling merry at the time and proceeded to heavily boo Santa.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis time around Celtic fans were in a more celebratory mood.And on time occasion Santa was serenaded as he handed the trophy over for the ceremony.One social media user said: “Santa’s Celtic redemption.”A second said: “A lovely reception for Santa at Celtic Park.”A third said: “All is forgiven, Saint Nick!”With their trophy this season, Celtic have now won 54 Scottish League Championships. It puts them one behind rivals Rangers who have 55 league titles.The record for most titles in a single league country is the 56 Linfield have won in Northern Ireland.Most league titles
    Linfield (Northern Ireland), 56.
    Rangers (Scotland), 55.
    Celtic (Scotland), 54.
    Penarol (Uruguay), 53.
    Nacional (Uruguay), 49.
    Olympiacos (Greece), 47.
    Olimpia (Paraguay), 46.
    Olimpia (Honduras), 44.
    Al-Ahly (Egypt), 43.
    South China FC (Hong Kong), 44.
    Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica), 39.
    Benfica (Portugal), River Plate (Argentina), 38.
    Ajax (Netherlands), Juventus (Italy), Real Madrid (Spain), 36.
    Boca Juniors (Argentina), Red Star Belgrade (Serbia, Yugoslavia), Al-Faysali (Jordan), Ferencvaros (Hungary), 35.

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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    Tyson Fury’s my best friend but I’d fight him for world title in a heartbeat – it would change both of our lives forever

    JOSEPH PARKER is ready to put friendship aside for a life-changing fight with Tyson Fury. The heavyweight pair have formed a bromance over the past few years and have been inseparable in training camps. Joseph Parker defeated Zhilei ZhangThey have even spent Christmas and New Year’s with each other and it was Fury who introduced cousin Andy Lee to train Parker. The New Zealander has won his last five bouts and is now in line for the WBO belt he formerly held and now owned by Oleksandr Usyk. So if Usyk is beaten by Fury in their May 18 undisputed clash Parker could be on the verge of civil war. But he insisted if the price is right, friendship could be forgotten for 12 rounds or less. READ MORE IN BOXINGParker told iFL TV: “When Tyson wins the fight with Usyk, and I’m in the position to fight for the WBO world title, if it’s going to make a massive change for my life and my family, we’ll do it. “I reckon he’ll be like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ So, he can look after both of us for the rest of our lives“I want to be world champion, and I want to fight the best, and I believe Tyson is the best. “If it’s Tyson, we’ll have a quick word and see where we end up. We’ll see.”Most read in BoxingParker, 32, is already contracted to a rematch with Zhilei Zhang, 40, after beating the Chinese star on points. But it did earn him the interim WBO belt and the right to challenge whoever is in possession of the gold. Joseph Parker celebrates his points victory over Zhilei ZhangThat could be Fury, 35, by the time he unifies all four belts with Usyk, 37, in Riyadh. But Parker said: “Without Tyson, I wouldn’t have been with Andy Lee. I wouldn’t have been with George Lockhart. “I wouldn’t have had the team that I have. I’m very grateful to cross paths with him and become a close brother. “He’s done well for me, and all I can say is thanks to him. It’s great to be back, and there’s more to come.”Parker celebrating with pal Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY More

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    I will never let my son box – there would be a target on his back straight away, says Anthony Joshua

    JOSEPH BAYLEY TEMILOLUWA PRINCE JOSHUA will not be allowed to inherit his dad’s world heavyweight crown.Two-time king Anthony Joshua raced out of Saudi Arabia in December — after scorching Otto Wallin — to treat his eight-year-old son to Christmas in Dubai. On Boxing Day, he shared a snap of them posing in a pool.Anthony Joshua doesn’t want his son to follow in his footsteps in boxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/healthy_mindset/Joshua is set for a big boxing fight against MMA legend Francis NgannouCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/Joshua doesn’t want his son to experience the same dark moments he did in the ringCredit: PAIn October his lad will turn nine and be old enough to train in amateur gyms — like AJ’s favourite Finchley ABC school. A year later he can  spar and enter competitions.But 34-year-old AJ — who did not lace up a pair of gloves until he was 18 — will not let his son follow him into the hurt business.Joshua declared: “I would never let him box. I am not interested in him boxing.“You have to be so strong, you have to be so strong mentally to be a boxer.Read More on Boxing“I am not saying he won’t be mentally strong but I would not want to put him through that ­mental pressure.“I am sure he could fight, he will definitely have the genes to do it.“But the mental side, that goes unspoken about, I would not want him to go through that.“Imagine ‘Anthony Joshua’s son is boxing’ . . . there would be a target on his back straight away. Would I want to put him under that pressure? Probably not.Most read in Boxing“I will advise him that he could probably still do something completely different and still enjoy life.“During your career, when you are actually competing, you get the odd nice ten days, like that one in the swimming pool. But in the back of your head is always the next fight that is coming up.”Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?Joshua takes on MMA monster Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday.The Watford hero suffered a Saudi breakdown when he lost for the second time to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022 — failing to recapture the WBA, IBF and WBO belts he lost to the Ukrainian in London 11 months earlier.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Defeat dashed Joshua’s dream of becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champ since Lennox Lewis in 1999.He threw his old belts on the Jeddah floor and hijacked Usyk’s post-fight speech before storming out of the ring.Those frantic moments were fairly criticised.But, in the press conference afterwards, the former bricklayer broke down and cried because he felt he had let down people in the UK.Joshua admitted: “I was in a bad place — not a bad place, a bad moment.“I had put so much into becoming undisputed  and I just fell short. The feeling was not good and I had to pick myself back up again.Great highs and great lows“I changed trainer after that and had a mix-and-match of everything going on.“It took me  a year-and-a-bit to smooth things out and now we are just getting back to basics again.”In his last fight, a dominant Joshua stopped Wallin in five rounds. He added: “I felt back to normal against Wallin.“It’s a tough industry because I put everything into the Wallin fight and now it is just in the past.“You get there, you do your best, everyone is watching and then it’s over and on to the next.”That constant scrutiny and the sad fact that one attention-seeking critic can often shout over all the measured and considered praise, are two of the reasons why Joshua will keep his boy out of the ring and the spotlight.’This job is not fun’He added: “This job is not fun. I get to enjoy showcasing my skill on Friday but to get to that point is not fun.“It’s a lot of sacrifice, a lot of passion and dedication, it takes a lot out of you.“I’ll have to wait for 15 years to get  to the end of my career and think, ‘F***, I got through all that, now let me go and have fun now’.“JJ could live a good life — from the day he is conscious of what that means. I have to wait until I retire before I can sit back and finally enjoy life.”Joshua did not enjoy Tuesday night when he had to sit down at a private dinner and pose for photos with Ngannou and nemesis Tyson Fury.The 35-year-old WBC champ is a constant thorn in AJ’s side with insults and trash talk. But the Gypsy King has actually HELPED his long-time rival recently.Fury’s unexpected helpFirst, Joshua has picked up with Fury’s old trainer Ben Davison.And, second, Fury was floored and only earned a split-decision points win over Ngannou when the Cameroon bruiser made his boxing debut here in October.Recalling that bout, Joshua said: “It definitely helps. It helped get me motivated for the fight.“Before I looked at this whole crossover thing as not serious.“Before, if I had taken a crossover fight, people would have asked, ‘What the f*** is Anthony Joshua doing?’ I wouldn’t have been able to walk out of my house.“But now people are taking it more seriously because of that fight.Ngannou’s incredible journey“It has helped to get me motivated and has given me more reason to take the fight.“I can show how great I am and what I can do in the ring.”Ngannou’s story is a magnificent one, from child labour in a Cameroon sand mine to becoming one of the most celebrated and richest men in prize fighting.The 37-year-old former UFC heavyweight king is a genetic freak who looks like he was made by computer gamers.Ngannou stands 6ft 4in, has thighs like tree trunks, a neck that resembles a human torso and a bowling ball head seemingly impervious to shock treatment.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTHe weighs 21 POUNDS more than Joshua, too, scaling 19st 7lb yesterday, compared to AJ’s 18st. But Joshua, who has suffered painful losses against smaller men like Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk,  prefers chopping fellow behemoths like 6ft 7in September KO victim Robert Helenius.He explained: “Little fellas have been fighting big guys their whole life, so they just know what to do at the click of a finger.“As a bigger guy you usually fight guys your height. I have fought all different guys but, yeah, I seem to get better knockouts against guys my height.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Look at the performances against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. One shorter guy who was smaller and nimble against a tall guy I found it easier to hit with.“Ngannou is big and tall and I know what I have to do.” More

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    Wilson Fittipaldi dead at 80: Former F1 star and team owner dies after Christmas dinner incident

    WILSON FITTIPALDI has died at the age of 80.The former F1 star and team owner had been in hospital since Christmas.
    Wilson Fittipaldi has passed awayCredit: Getty
    He started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975Credit: Getty
    Fittipaldi – brother of former world champions Emerson – choked on a piece of meat during dinner and his family were unable to clear his airway.
    This led to him suffering a cardiac arrest and being rushed to hospital after being resuscitated.
    But he remained in poor heath and unfortunately passed away on Friday.
    Vice-president of motorsport for South America at the FIA, Fabiana Ecclestone, released a statement following Fittipaldi’s death.
    READ MORE ON F1
    It read: “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. His departure leaves an irreparable void in the automobile scene and in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
    “His dedication and efforts were fundamental in consolidating the country as an important protagonist on the international racing scene.
    “In this moment of mourning, we express our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.
    “May they find comfort in the memories of his brilliant career and in the legacy he left for the sport he loved so much. May he rest in peace.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    Fittipaldi set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team in 1974Credit: AFP
    Tributes have also flooded in for Fittipaldi on social media.
    One person posted: “What sad news 😔 RIP 🇧🇷 Wilson Fittipaldi 🕯️.”
    Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton unveil new 2024 Formula 1 car
    A second wrote: “Sad to hear about Wilson Fittipaldi passing away.”
    A third commented: “Sad, sad news.”
    In 2020, Fittipaldi had a fall at his house and was diagnosed with a cerebral haemorrhage.
    He was operated on a couple of days after and made a recovery.
    He continued to be active on social media and present at motorsports events.
    He was in the paddock at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year as he continued to follow the sport.
    Fittipaldi started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975, claiming three points during his short career in the sport.
    Alongside his brother Emerson, he set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team – Fittipaldi-Copersucar – in 1974.
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    The team raced in F1 from 1975 to 1982.
    He managed his son Christian, 53, between 1992 and 1994 as a F1 driver. More

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    Sean Millis says it would be a ‘dream’ if Man Utd fans sang his hit at Old Trafford as he opens up on battle with trolls

    SEAN MILLIS wants Old Trafford to become the theatre for his own dream.The singer would love fans to belt out his ‘Waiting on a Miracle’ Christmas viral No1 at Manchester United – after insisting he has embraced banter over his likeness to Red Devils’ striker Rasmus Hojlund.
    Aussie songwriter Sean Millis enjoys ‘banter’ over his likeness to Rasmus Hojlund
    Hojlund’s Premier League scoring woe was trolled by fans as ‘Waiting for a Miracle but he finally netted on Boxing DayCredit: PA
    Millis, 22, sprung to fame on The Voice Australia 2023.
    But although he’s since faced some trolling, the Aussie says he’s comfortable with that and in particular has enjoyed supporters linked his ‘Miracle’ hit with Hojlund’s Premier League goal drought.
    Fans began sharing Millis’ videos every time United’s £72million summer signing failed to net.
    The TikTok sensation followed suit but with a more positive spin – putting up his own clips in a Red Devils’ shirt and sending Hojlund some motivational words.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Both men then struck festive gold – Millis in the online charts and the Dane bagging his first ever Prem goal with a Boxing Day comeback winner in a 3-2 home thriller against Aston Villa.
    And Millis, who has the incurable disability Hunter’s syndrome, says he’s revelled in the whole experience with United.
    Now he hopes to hear something extra special from the stands at the Theatre of Dreams.
    With a beaming smile, he told Sky Sports: “It’s been beautiful. It would be a dream if they sang ‘Waiting On a Miracle’ at Old Trafford.”
    Most read in Football
    Millis added: “I’m so grateful for the people connected with the song and I hope it inspires them to do what they want to do.”
    Fans responded warmly online with comments like: “Just a nice fella to be fair isn’t he” and “This guy’s a legend”.
    But some supporters still couldn’t resist linking his best-known song with United’s current plight – as Erik ten Hag’s men sit just ninth in the Prem and are out of the Champions League.
    These jibes included: “Waiting on a miracle at Old Trafford. .. how fitting” and “A miracle is needed at the club alright”.
    Millis’ Hunter’s syndrome causes health issues such as reduced lung capacity, joint stiffness and mild hearing loss. More

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    My football star daughter Maddy Cusack took her own life – Sheffield United won’t tell us what they know about her death

    MADDY Cusack’s father has claimed that Sheffield United refused to tell their family what they know about her death.The Sheffield United star’s heartbroken family made an official complaint to the club after she tragically took her own life in September 2023.
    Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack was found dead in SeptemberCredit: PA
    Former Sheffield United player Tony Currie, Sheffield United women’s Sophie Barker and Maddy Cusack’s mum and sister laid a wreath in memory of herCredit: PA
    Jonathan Morgan was named in a complaint by her familyCredit: Getty
    Following her death, her family lodged a complaint with the club relating to her treatment by the club’s head coach, Jonathan Morgan.
    Morgan, who had previously managed Cusack at Leicester, was cleared of treating her unfavourably by a nine-week external inquiry – with no disciplinary action taken.
    But Cusack’s family were left frustrated by how the inquiry was conducted and claim they have not been allowed to see the findings of the report. 
    Maddy’s father, David Cusack, told the Times that this was “outrageous and unacceptable”.
    Read More in Football
    It remains unclear who was interviewed during the club’s inquiry and what they were asked.
    David said: “I was told that I could not see the report. This was outrageous and unacceptable.”
    Cusack was in good spirits in December 2022, two months before Morgan’s arrival at Sheffield United, the family recall.
    “She was happy as Larry,” David said.
    Most read in Football
    “We all bought the same pyjamas and wore them on Christmas Day. Even I had on a pair on. Maddy thought it was hilarious, of course. We’ve got great memories as a family from that Christmas.”
    Maddy’s family say her mental state deteriorated in Febuary, which coincided with the arrival of Morgan as the team’s head coach. 
    David said: “We always tried to work hard and provide the stable family life we both enjoyed ourselves as children. 
    “Until recent events, we thought we’d done so. We’ve always tried to follow the rules and teach our children the same. Maddy was an achiever.
    “She got good grades and was very driven. I used to compare her to a nuclear aircraft carrier: she went on for ever and didn’t need refuelling.”
    I was told that I could not see the report. This was outrageous and unacceptable.”David Cusack
    The complaint by Cusack’s family alleged that she left Leicester in 2019 because she felt worn down by Morgan – who she thought disliked her.
    Cusack and Morgan met again after she played for Sheffield against his Burnley women’s side.
    Morgan allegedly called Cusack a “psycho” when she ran near his dugout, adding to her sense that he disliked her.
    When Morgan was appointed as Sheffield’s manager, Maddy was dropped from the starting line-up and Cusack allegedly told her she was overweight.
    He is also claimed to have told other players about their previous clashes, giving the impression she was difficult to manage.
    Cusack stayed at Sheffield United because she had bought a house in the South Yorkshire city and had made friends at the club.
    She had reportedly never clashed with previous Sheffield managers and was popular at the club, according to the family’s complaint.
    HEALTH CONCERNS
    It is claimed that Cusack moved back in with her parents after become unwell from anxiety.
    Maddy’s text messages and conversations with her parents last year detailed her mental health struggle, as she was signed off work due to depression in September. 
    Having been prescribed medication prescribed by her GP. She told her father: “I don’t think I’ll get through this, Dad.”
    The family’s complaint was delivered to the club on September 27, a week after her body was found at her parents’ house in Derbyshire – which cops have said is not suspicious.
    Cusack was the first female player to reach 100 appearances for the club and became a figurehead for its women’s team, featuring in many of United’s post-match interviews and match-day programmes.
    The Athletic reported Cusack’s lawyer dad David alleged in the complaint to the club that she was “troubled” after Jonathan Morgan was appointed as the team’s manager.
    The complaint, seen by the sport news website, reads: “There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end.
    “But they all spring from the relationship with Jonathan Morgan.
    “As she confided to us, every issue had its origin in Morgan’s appointment.
    “We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this.”
    Morgan has denied the allegations against him and an investigation organised by Sheffield United found no evidence of wrongdoing.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Morgan also reportedly denies treating Cusack unfavourably.
    Sheffield United have been contacted for comment by The Sun.
    If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
    YOU ARE NOT ALONE
    EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost – to suicide.
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet, it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun has launched the You’re Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there’s nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
    To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, over the course of this week, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans – and share tips from mental health experts.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You’re Not Alone.
    For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. More

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    John Fury spent Christmas alone in the woods eating rabbit stew and anything he can kill

    JOHN FURY spent Christmas alone in the woods eating rabbit stew and anything else he could kill with his dog.The outspoken 59-year-old has never been one to shy away from the spotlight next to his famous sons – WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury and Love Island star turned undefeated pro boxer Tommy Fury.
    John Fury has revealed how he spent the recent festive periodCredit: PA
    The father of the WBC champ says he spent Christmas alone in his caravan eating rabbit stewCredit: Youtube//Boxing Social
    Tyson, 35, is currently in Saudi Arabia preparing for his unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.
    Meanwhile Tommy, 24, has just revealed his new-look as he continues to revel in his victories of YouTubers Jake Paul and KSI in 2023.
    Both men now have millions in the bank after their exploits in and out of the ring – but their father John is still happy living the simple life.
    And he gave an example of how content he is living that way by revealing how he spent the festive period last month.
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    Speaking to the Daily Star courtesy of Free Bets, John said: “I’ve no money. I live in a shed.
    “I drive a 30-year-old car. I live on rabbit stew. I live on what I kill.
    “I’m the only man in the world that probably spends Christmas in the middle of a wood in the dead of winter with himself and a dog.”
    And John also declared that he is proud of his roots and old-fashioned lifestyle.
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    He said: “That’s what I do. That’s me. I don’t wanna change. 
    “But what I am is a good Christian man.
    “I respect people who respect me. I’m polite.”
    John then admitted: “I do make the odd, wise suggestion now and then. But do I know everything? Definitely not.
    “Are there better people out there than me? Yes, there is. I don’t deny that.
    “My true claim to fame is that I’ve got two very famous sons. Multimillionaires.
    “All the rest of them’s doing well. They’re all alive. I’m in good health.
    “I’m happy. I’m in good spirit.”
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    Fury’s other children are Roman, Hughie and Shane.
    His only daughter, Ramona, tragically passed away months after birth.

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