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    Liverpool and Newcastle set for Bryan Mbeumo transfer battle with Brentford hotshot seen as potential Salah replacement

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    LIVERPOOL and Newcastle are set to battle it out in a race for one of the Premier League’s hottest properties.The current league leaders and the Geordie giants are both tracking Bryan Mbeumo – whose form for Brentford this season has been electrifying.Bryan Mbeumo is a transfer target for both Liverpool and NewcastleCredit: PAEddie Howe has long been an admirer of the forward, who has scored eight goals in 11 Premier League starts this season.However, the Cameroonian hitman has now caught the attention of Arne Slot.He regards the Brentford forward as a brilliant option for Liverpool due to the versatility he offers.Like ex-cult hero Sadio Mane, the 25-year-old would be able to comfortably fit into any of the front three roles at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool have been scouting the forward all season and are now weighing up a summer move for the player.He’s even seen as a potential replacement for Mo Salah – whose future at Liverpool remains unclear.But the Merseysiders won’t have things all their own way.Scouts from St. James’ Park have also been watching the player, who Howe is believed to regard as his number one target.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport understands they’d even be willing to offer Callum Wilson as a potential makeweight in a deal should Brentford be willing to sell the £50million-rated player.A move for the Indomitable Lions star was mooted in the summer.’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title predictionHowever, a disappointing summer window on Tyneside followed with the club adding just Lloyd Kelly and William Osula as senior outfield players. They may reignite their interest in Mbeumo in January, but the Bees will be very reluctant to see one of their key men leave the club during the season.It’s also likely Newcastle will have to part with around £50m to sign him.Mbeumo’s stunning start to the campaign has helped limit the effects of Ivan Toney’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Toney moved to Saudi Arabia in the final few days of the summer window with the Bees netting £40m from his sale.Brentford manager Thomas Frank admitted in September that he expected Mbeumo to leave the club sooner rather than later following his blistering start to the season.He said: “He was our biggest miss for four months last year, even with Toney out.”He was our key player and has added another layer this season with five goals in six games. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s incredible and he’s creating chances. He’s a top player. I’m convinced he will play for a bigger club. I’d buy him if I was at a bigger club.“We convinced him to stay and he’s very happy. All our players might need to leave us one day but a lot of them are happy because we have a top environment, with good people. We push each other.”Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

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      Crystal Palace supremo eyeing shock takeover of EFL side if he sells £230m Eagles stake after missing out on Everton

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      JOHN TEXTOR is eyeing a shock move for Watford if he sells his stake in Crystal Palace.The American businessman failed in a bid to buy Everton.John Textor is looking to buy Watford if he sells his Crystal Palace stakeCredit: GettyBut he is pushing ahead with plans to add another English side to his multi-club operation.Hornets’ Italian owner Gino Pozzo put ten per cent of the club on the market last summer and is open to offers for the rest of his shares.Textor, 59, has held preliminary talks about using shares in his investment company Eagle Football to buy into Watford.The Championship side are valued at between £150-175million by Pozzo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTextor has spoken to potential investors about joining a consortium and acting as an operating partner, given his experience of running clubs.In addition to his 45 per cent stake in Palace, he also owns Lyon, Brazilian league leaders Botafogo and Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek.Watford appeal to him as they are already part of a multi-club group with Serie A side Udinese.Textor has been trying to sell his shares in Palace since February due to a stand-off with the club’s other owners — chairman Steve Parish and fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInvestment group Sportsbank, led by British Eagles fans Zechariah  Janjua and Navshir Jaffer, are understood to have made a bid.Harris and Blitzer are interested in buying out Textor, depending on price, set at around £230m by Textor.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League ground More

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      Tottenham can beat Arsenal with Trent-like secret weapon – if they don’t shoot themselves in the foot, says ex-Spurs ace

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      STEPHEN CARR knows what it is like to play for an uncompromising, hell-for-leather Tottenham manager – and does not think Ange Postecoglou fits that profile.Sure, the Aussie favours attack over defence and his team do seem to have a habit of “shooting themselves in the foot” at the back, according to Carr.Stephen Carr reckons Ange Postecoglou will adapt to the Arsenal challengeCredit: GettyHe believes Postecoglou would be willing change approachCredit: AlamyBut the Irishman does not think the current Spurs chief is as unwilling to adapt his philosophy as Ossie Ardiles was in the 90s.Carr racked up 272 appearances in 11 seasons for Tottenham, the first of which he played under gung-ho Ardiles in 1993-94.And though he expects Postecoglou to go at an Arsenal missing three key men in Sunday’s North London derby, he believes the 59-year-old is capable of tweaking his approach.Carr told SunSport in association with igaming software solutions: “I think he will adapt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He will have learnt from playing them last year (when Arsenal raced into a 3-0 lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and won the game 3-2).“This is a good time to play them. Declan Rice is suspended and he is pivotal in midfield. Martin Odegaard, I can’t see him being fit. They’re two huge losses for them.“I played under Ossie Ardiles. Ossie would never, ever change.“Ange is not that severe, but I still think he will go at Arsenal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s about finding a balance. He’s an experienced manager, I don’t think he just goes gung-ho, we’re attacking and that’s it. I don’t think that’s ever the gameplan.“But they seem to shoot themselves in the foot a bit.”Fans say ‘I NEED that’ after video of Tottenham’s fancy football boot cleaner steals show in Pedro Porro featureCarr, 48, was a quality attacking full-back in his day and would have loved to have played in Postecoglou’s system – though he admits the space left in behind the Spurs’ defence would have been a worry.Postecoglou’s attractive style and charisma captured the imagination of supporters beyond just the Tottenham fanbase when he first arrived last summer.But a poor end to the campaign and a patchy start to this one means questions will be asked if his side lose convincingly to their arch-rivals this weekend.Carr is a big fan of the ex-Celtic chief but insists avoiding defeat is a must.Lee Carsley’s former Ireland team-mate added: “It is early in the season. But I do think it’s important he gets a result and doesn’t lose.“I’ve played enough derby games, if fans go home and don’t lose, they’re happy.“It’s a big game for him, he’ll know that.”Pedro Porro has become an essential part of Postecoglou’s approach and is arguably Spurs’ most creative player, despite being a right-back.Pedro Porro can be Spurs’ secret weaponCredit: GettyCarr believes Porro can have a similar impact to Trent Alexander-Arnold at LiverpoolCredit: GettyCarr sees similarities to another full-back with a wand of a right foot who took centre stage for England against Finland on Tuesday night.The ex-Newcastle and Birmingham defender added: “Porro reminds me of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the ball.“People hammer him saying he doesn’t do this, he doesn’t do that, but he creates the most chances on the pitch. Porro is the same.“I love watching him. His talent on the ball is phenomenal and it has to be utilised.“Will you give up a bit to utilise it? Yeah, you will.“I played with David Ginola, he would never run back but he would win the game for you. That’s the way it is.“It’s the way it’s changing. Full-backs do get involved a hell of a lot more now, moving inside and up front.“He’s a great footballer, a great passer of the ball, settled in now and he can only get better and better.”Spurs fans are desperate for their 16-year trophy drought to end, meaning Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Coventry has nearly as much importance as Sunday’s clash with the old enemyAsked if Postecoglou could end the long wait, Carr, who won the League Cup with Spurs in 1999, added: “He can, he’s proven that before.“He’ll be confident he can win a trophy, without a shadow of a doubt.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You just need that little bit of luck at times. There’s a lot of games coming up this year.“There’s no reason why it can’t end. Their squad is good enough to win a trophy. The league? No. The cups? Yeah. He can end it. But it’s not easy.” More

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      Team GB boxer emotionally torn apart and battling depression after Olympics 2024 robbery

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      DELICIOUS ORIE has been emotionally torn apart and is still battling     the depression that engulfed him after he was robbed by Olympic  boxing judges.Orie hasn’t yet recovered from that intense sense of injustice he felt in Paris last month.Great Britain’s Delicious Orie, right, was devastated after losing to Davit Chaloyan during the Men’s +92kg final in ParisCredit: PAHe said ‘I’ve never suffered depression in my life before’Credit: GettyDJ, as he likes to be called, won Commonwealth Games and European Championship golds.And Great Britain’s super-heavyweight was a favourite to become Olympic champion.The smell from sewage in the Seine may have been unpleasant but there was a far greater stench in the boxing arena.The XY chromosomes controversy over Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting — allowed to compete in the women’s event despite previously failing gender tests — and some disturbing judges’ scorecards saw to that.READ MORE IN BOXINGOrie wasn’t at his best fighting Davit Chaloyan yet was given the first round by all five judges.The second and third rounds were much closer but DJ and his team were dumbfounded as he was ruled a 3-2 loser.Orie was distraught and is struggling to come to terms with that dodgy defeat to the Armenian.When I tracked Orie down this week, on holiday with his parents in Thailand, he was pleased to unburden himself.Most read in BoxingThough he was 5,000 miles away, I could feel his pain when he said: “It’s going to be a very long time before I get what happened to me in Paris out of my system.“I just can’t stop thinking about it.Ten things from the Olympics closing ceremony you may have missed“Knowing my Olympic boxing history, I know it has happened to much better fighters than me — Roy Jones Jr in Seoul and Floyd Mayweather Jr in Atlanta being the most famous victims.“But I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.“It took eight hard years preparing to win gold, then all my dreams were just shattered.“I’ve never suffered depression in my life before — I just can’t get it out of my mind and my whole world seemed to have collapsed.“I’ve taken a lot of punches, been dropped in sparring, been really wounded as an athlete.I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.Delicious OrieSunSport“But this is by far the worst thing I’ve had to go through — nothing has hurt me as much as this.”Orie is 27 and won’t want to stay amateur for another four years to try to make it to the Los Angeles Games.Not least because it’s uncertain if boxing will be included for 2028.He could turn pro — or quit boxing altogether and rely on his first-class honours degree in economics from Aston University to earn a living.Having failed to get an Olympic medal, DJ can’t expect to be offered a lucrative promotional deal to start punching for pay.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s certainly not too old to leave the amateurs — 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce didn’t turn pro until he was 32 and was interim WBO world heavyweight champ.Orie is not a big puncher but with his brains   and colourful background — his mother is Russian and his father Nigerian — he would be a welcome addition to Britain’s talented and highly competitive heavyweight scene.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt 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 launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.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.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      Everton face THIRD points deduction as Premier League make new claim over alleged PSR breach

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      EVERTON will start the season with the threat of another points deduction hanging over them.The Premier League claims Everton breached their PSR rules by an extra £6.5million for the 2022-23 season.Everton are facing a third points deductionCredit: PAThe Premier League allege Everton have breached PSR rules by an additional £6.5mCredit: RexIt comes on top of the £16m overspend they have been docked points for, as a result of interest payments linked to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.Everton were docked two points by an independent commission for their 2022-23 overspend in April. They had already been hit with the loss of TEN points for breaches in the 2021-22 campaign the previous November — a sanction which was reduced to six points on appeal.The Prem is alleging the breach in 2022-23 was far higher however, as interest payments related to the stadium were NOT included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn independent commission who imposed the second points deduction rejected the Prem’s argument that £17m in interest payments should be added to their losses. But it will look again at £6.5m worth of payments, which it has said could represent another breach.SunSport learned that the commission have yet to tell the Toffees or the League when they will reach a decision despite both parties pushing for an answer.The Premier League claims the disputed £6.5m should be added to the club’s spending as it was used for day-to-day running costs. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Everton insist it should be removed as stadium costs do not count towards PSR calculations.Everton were initially docked five points last season for the £16m breach, which was reduced to two points due to an early guilty plea and the fact they were being punished for overspending in successive seasons.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanIn the same season, Everton were docked ten points for overspending in the 2021/22 campaign, which was later reduced to six – resulting in a total of eight points deducted last term.The club are contesting the alleged £6.5m breach so will not be let off lightly if found guilty, meaning another two-point penalty is possible.Everton are confident they will not face PSR charges for the 2023-24 season. More

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      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk could come face-to-face for first time since world title fight at Joyce vs Chisora

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk could come nose-to-nose on Saturday night in London.The heavyweight pair last saw and brutalised each other on May 18 in Saudi Arabia where the 37-year-old Ukraine icon became the undisputed world champion following a magnificent battle.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk could both be in London at the O2 on SaturdayCredit: GettyFrank Warren revealed they could face off for the first time since their undisputed title fightCredit: GettyThe rematch is signed for December 21, back in Riyadh, but the giant duo are on course to collide at the O2 as fans watching the bout between Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce.Usyk beat Joyce in the amateurs and Chisora in the pros, while 35-year-old Fury has sparred hundreds of rounds with the Putney Juggernaut and beaten Del Boy three times.Crimea king Usyk is guaranteed to be ringside in Greenwich, popping over from Paris where he is helping the Ukraine national boxing team at the Olympics.And Fury is in talks to travel down from Morecambe after returning from a well-earned family holiday.READ MORE IN BOXINGPromoter Frank Warren told SunSport: “I spoke to Tyson this morning, he has just come back from a great time on holiday with all of the kids.“Tyson might come down to the fight on Saturday night – and Usyk is definitely coming as well as he is just over the Channel at the Olympics.“I spoke to Tyson and he said he will try to come down, he definitely wants to.”But with all those kids – and another one on the way – he has to use his time away from fights and camp to be a father and husband.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury wasted the opening three rounds, showboating when he should have been taking advantage of Usyk being a slow starter.But the 6ft 9in Morecambe master was sensational between rounds four and seven, slashing uppercuts and hooks into the gap-toothed southpaw.Tyson Fury’s fortune soars – with more huge pay days to comeBut he had his nose shattered in round eight and was battered all over the ring, and down to the canvas, in round nine and lost a split decision.In the aftermath, Team Fury’s corner work was analysed and the overbearing influence of dad John was a disaster, as he yelled over experienced and respected trainers Andy Lee and Sugarhill Steward.Thankfully Warren suggests that the debacle will not be repeated.“He knows he has to sort a couple of things out,” the Queensberry boss said. “And they will get sorted out.“If he repeats what he did in the middle rounds, he will stop Usyk.“I went in both dressing rooms afterwards and – hand on my heart – I could see the difference in the damage and Tyson was far better off.“Tyson caught him with so many shots and then Usyk caught him on the nose but Usyk was bashed up afterwards.“Tyson does like to showboat – I wish he wouldn’t – but it’s part of his style and nature, he’s a showman and he won’t change at 35.“They need to sort out the corner, they only need one voice, not ‘voices’.”London 2012 golden boy and former undisputed cruiserweight boss Usyk explained why he enjoyed UK trips so much.The undefeated genius said: “I love UK fans because a lot of UK fans understand boxing.”I have a big story with UK fighters, Joe Joyce, Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury. But I love UK fans, the country.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is just sport, we are all a community, I respect these guys, I message them on Instagram.”They’re my rivals, but we’re friends.”Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

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      How you can bunk off work on Monday after Euros final WITHOUT getting sacked, lawyer reveals

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      THERE is a way England fans can bunk off work on Monday after the Euros final without losing your job, a lawyer has revealed.Depending on the outcome of the big game against Spain, Brits across the country are likely to be either celebrating or drowning their sorrows.Depending on the result, fans could be celebrating or drowning their sorrows on SundayCredit: AlamyEngland fans in Manchester celebrate Ollie Watkin’s goal against the Netherlands in the Euro semi-final gameCredit: PAHopefully England supporters will be celebrating a historic win on SundayCredit: AlamyEither way, many could over do it and find themselves the worse for wear come Monday morning and the need to head to work.Lawyer Lynette Calder, from 5 Pump Court, has revealed there is a way you can be excused from a day’s toil without being fired.In most cases, not turning up for work when you’re due in would be a breach of the terms and conditions of your employment.Lynette warned: “Basically you have a contract with your employer and in most cases not turning up when you should will breach that contract, unless you are covered – as most people are – by a clause about sickness but it unlikely that a hangover will be covered by that.”Read More on the EurosBut there is a way you can swerve this but it depends on how long you have worked for your employer as well as your track record of attendance there.Any employer who has worked for the same employer for at least two years has the statutory right not to be dismissed unfairly.Lynette said: “This means that in certain circumstances, whatever your contract says, the statutory rules apply.“The key question here is likely to be your employers trust and confidence in you, if you lie and are caught out in a lie then that can be even more damaging than the not turning up.Most read in Euro 2024“On the other hand who wants to tell their boss they aren’t coming in because they are hungover?”But a large factor is down to just how well you get on with your boss.England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaLynette added: “If it’s good and your company needs you then a strictly truthful ‘I really don’t’ feel very well’ is unlikely to be a big deal, unless everyone in the company does the same thing.“In which case your employer may well want to make something of it to discourage it happening again, here you could be looking at a verbal or a written warning.”Which would mean you are likely to find yourself in the clear with no problems, but things could be trickier if things aren’t so good.Lynette said: “If you already have problems and there is a history of your employer querying your performance then they could take more drastic action up to and including dismissal for gross misconduct depending on all the circumstances.”Another aspect to consider is just how important is it that you turn up for work on Monday and are able to perform your role.The legal expert said: “If it is crucial to the business that you turn up on Monday and you don’t, or you turn up not capable of performing your job, then your employer may well be able to fairly impose sanctions up to and including dismissal.”However, anyone trying to duck out of work when they have worked for their current boss for two years may find themselves in a sticky situation.Lynette said: “If you have less than two years service bear in mind that the ‘fairness’ test doesn’t apply to you.“That means in practise that your employer can get rid of you with very little risk to themselves, so you may be even less inclined to give them any sort of reason to want to.”To give yourself peace of mind, come Monday morning and the possibility of being hungover, the advice is simple – book a day’s holiday.If it’s too late for getting some time off there are some decent alcohol-free beers on the market that you can enjoy, safe in the knowledge you’ll have a clear head in the morning.BIG SPENDINGThe news comes after it is expected a whopping £800million will be spent on pizza and beer for the Euro 2024 final.World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff is hoping Gareth Southgate’s men will finally end 58 years of trophyless hurt — and he is backing growing calls for a bank holiday if football does comes home.With warm weather forecast, packed boozers around the country will be allowed to stay open extra late on Sunday night — as they were for Wednesday’s semi-final triumph.Experts reckon Ollie Watkins’ dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands has triggered a £405million spending bonanza in pubs and supermarkets.An estimated £120million worth of booze will be sunk on Sunday alone, with pubs expected to sell ten million more pints than usual.READ MORE SUN STORIESTesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket, reckons it will sell four million packs of beer and cider, plus 1.2 million cans and bottles of low and zero-alcohol beer.Andrew Rennie, chief executive of Domino’s, said the takeaway chain expects to be making 20 to 25 pizzas a second during the game.Fans could find themselves in hot water with their boss if they don’t show up for work on Monday morningCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Fans may feel the worse for wear come Monday morning if they’ve over-indulgedCredit: EPA More

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      We’re an EFL club where Robbie Williams is president, but now want to be famous for another reason

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      PORT VALE are famous for being supported by singer Robbie Williams who is their club president.But Williams – whose hits included Kids – will be thrilled that his League One side are fast becoming known in football for developing some top young England talent. The nine academy players at Port Vale who have played first-team football this termSinger Robbie Williams is the club president at Port ValeBaylee Dipepa scored twice on his England U17s debut against Northern IrelandJust ask rookie striker Baylee Dipepa, who on Wednesday scored twice on his Young Lions debut for the under-17s against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.Or Wesley Jose who has been part of the England U15s emerging talent camp.The Valiants have also in the past year received compensation packages from Newcastle for 14-year-old wonder kid Michael Mills and Aston Villa for under-15s player Freddie Lawrie – as well as 18-year-old striker Tommy McDermott joining Burnley.And the club have so far this season given minutes in senior football to TEN academy products, including the now-departed McDermott … while five of them have made their EFL debuts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season Vale are closing in on an incredible FIFTY League One appearances for academy products.That is not to mention Vale have been entrusted to help England Under-20s duo Dan Gore and Alfie Devine, both 19, develop in the first team on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.And Oliver Arblaster spent the first half of this season at Vale and has since broken into the Sheffield United team in the Premier League.This blossoming of talent are the fruits of a match made in heaven between club owner Carol Shanahan OBE and her family, the people of Burslem and academy director Will Ryder and his staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOliver Arblaster is now playing Premier League football for Sheffield United after spending the first half of the season on loan at Port ValeShanahan fell in love with Port Vale after the family business – fintech company Synectics Solutions – moved next door to their stadium in 2015 and she went to a match.Her son Patrick told SunSport: “She moved the business along with 350 staff here from Newcastle-under-Lyme.Nike changing our England kit is borderline offensive & utter cobblers – shame on them, says Colin Robertson“The locals thanked our family for coming to Burslem because they had only been used to people leaving for 20 years. “Suddenly a high street that had the lowest percentage of shops in the UK started to get life into it because staff were going into the town during lunch breaks.“We were sent gifts and received so much goodwill. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them.”PATRICK SHANAHAN, Port Vale director of strategy“She recognised Port Vale was at the centre of it so went to a game to learn more.“I was living in Manchester then and remember calling her. There was the loud noise of lots of people and she said, ‘I’m on a coach with the Vale fans … we’re off to Exeter!”Shanahan eventually bought the club from unpopular ex-owner Norman Smurthwaite for a hugely-inflated £5million five years ago – a figure she likened to paying a ransom for a loved one held hostage but “someone had to pay it.”Carol Shanahan OBE fell in love with Port Vale that so much she bought the clubWill Ryder has worked wonders in charge of Port Vale’s academySince Vale became free of their captor, her family have put people at the front and centre of the club’s vision. They plan to leave a lasting legacy in Burslem – making Vale a welcoming club where local people can go, aspire to better themselves and learn good life skills and values.And delivering on that vision with flying colours has been Ryder, who took charge of the academy two-and-a-half years ago. He said: “We’ve now arrived at a sweet spot where we’re renowned across England as a centre for producing players and good people as well. That sits at the heart of everything we do.“It’s centred on individual development but within a team structure. There’s opportunity here because of a clear pathway into the first team – and it’s then up to the young players to take that chance.“Everyone who comes through this door is on their own journey and we’re here to make sure we help every person with their own needs regardless of what level they’re at. “When a player ends his journey at Port Vale, whether it’s to go to another professional club, play semi-pro or do something else entirely, we want them to look back fondly at their time here. “Also, crucially, we want them to remain loving the game because less than one percent of academy kids go on to become pros.Back, from left: Baylee Dipepa, Patrick Shanahan, Will Ryder, Carol Shanahan, Dave Flitcroft (director of football), Jack Shorrock, James Plant. Bottom, from left: Rhys Walters, Andrew Buah, Logan Cousins, Liam Brazier, Dan Mahaffy, Ben LomaxVALE’S SUPER KIDSHere are the academy products who have played in the first team this season.

      RHYS WALTERS, 18: Midfielder
      JACK SHORROCK, 16: Defender
      JAMES PLANT, 19: Winger
      TOMMY McDERMOTT, 18: Midfielder *now at Burnley
      DAN MAHAFFY, 18: Midfielder
      BEN LOMAX, 18: Defender
      BAYLEE DIEPA, 17: Forward
      LOGAN COUSINS, 17: Midfielder
      ANDREW BUAH, 17: Forward
      LIAM BRAZIER, 17: Midfielder

      “And, because this sport is brutally competitive, we make sure we support people when they’re not playing.“Sometimes that’s putting an arm around them but also being honest about where they are.“One of our players was around the first team but wasn’t breaking into the side and I had a frank conversation with him and one of his parents about where he was falling short.“When he made his debut that parent couldn’t thank me enough because at that point they needed that honest chat.”Unlike at some pro clubs, the Valiants like players’ families to be at the centre of their development. One scholar for example was treated to some boardroom hospitality at a recent game along with his family.Baylee Dipepa has had a breakthrough year for club and countryAs Ryder said: “It’s important to bring people in, rather than shut them out. Families can play a massive part in the journey and I’ve seen many times in football where they’ve been pushed out.”Patrick Shanahan, who is the club’s chief strategy officer, added: “Will has been massive in helping us deliver on our family’s vision. We know parents are sending THEIR son to our academy, THEIR boy. “And he’s giving away a part of his childhood to be developed and push himself to get into the professional game.“That deserves huge respect – so it’s important to care about their son as a human being. And that’s what we do.”You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.”WILL RYDER, Port Vale academy directorThe club takes care of helping players develop life skills. Their under-18s went to a local fire station to improve leadership qualities while under-nines are encouraged to stand in front of their peers to talk through their clips.Ryder added: “The more they do that at a younger age, the more natural and comfortable it becomes.”The business model relies on good recruitment and either receiving “training compensation fees” when players get taken by Category One academies or selling players at the right price when they are pro.The Shanahans have invested funds into the academy so over time it can pay for itself. The club are playing catch-up in that department as it had not enjoyed much outlay during the past quarter of a century,READ MORE SUN STORIESBut things are now taking off. Ryder added: “You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.” More

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      I’m boxing star who got blamed for Fury vs Usyk being cancelled, I’d already left the camp when Tyson got cut

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      MOSES ITAUMA was stitched up by a boxing MC who blamed him for the cut that delayed Tyson Fury’s huge undisputed decider.Kent’s 19-year-old heavyweight sensation was in the WBC champ’s Saudi Arabia camp to provide southpaw sparring ahead of a February 17 showdown with WBA, IBF and WBO boss Oleksandr Usyk.Moses Itauma revealed he was stitched up by a boxing MCCredit: https://www.instagram.com/m.itauma/?hl=enItauma is in action against Dan Garber on FridayCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut the 7-0 starlet was long gone by the time Croatian Agron Smakici accidentally did the damage to the Gypsy King which saw the bout pushed back to May 18. Some social media trolls blamed Itauma but it was a man with a mic who stirred it up.Ahead of his eighth pro bout against Bradford’s Dan Garber, 38, tonight, Itauma said: “I was getting slated on Instagram but I’d left the camp before it happened and was back training in England.“I even went to watch my brother Samuel box in Essex and the MC thought it’d be a good idea to introduce me as, ‘A future heavyweight world champion who did the cut on Tyson Fury’s eye that ruined the undisputed fight’.READ MORE IN BOXING“I couldn’t believe it and a few people had funny reactions. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to stitch me up but I had already gotten enough grief about the cut.”Itauma also points out that grainy viral footage of how Fury got the injury clears his name.  He explained with a grin: “You can see in the video the sparring partner has a hairy chest and I definitely don’t have it yet. Agron has the chest rug — not me!”Itauma used to go to the gyms of Joe Joyce and Lawrence Okolie still in his school uniform — and give them serious rounds.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd he was thrilled to later get ring time with Brit legend Fury, 35.Itauma added: “The stuff you learn to really appreciate is advice very few people can give you — and Tyson, his family and team shared that with me, so I’m very grateful.”Tyson Fury’s Amazing Car Collection Tyson Fury – All you need to knowTyson Fury is one of the most colourful personalities in sport, here is all you need to know: More