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      Energy drink mogul Storey claims he’s made ‘formal legal offer’ to buy Sunderland and boasts of ‘blue chip backers’

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      ENERGY DRINK entrepreneur William Storey claims he has launched a bid to buy Sunderland.
      Black Cats owner Stewart Donald, who resigned as chairman last week, is desperate to sell and is holding out for £35million.

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      William Storey is turning his sights towards football after ending his involvement with Formula 1
      And the shaggy bearded Storey, CEO of Rich Energy, revealed his move on Twitter on Friday.
      He said: “I am limited in what I can say due to NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), but I can confirm that I have made a formal legal offer for Sunderland.
      “I have significant funding from blue chip backers. Sunderland are a giant of English football & their fans deserve a team to reflect that stature.”
      Storey is yet to provide proof of funds, with Donald believed to be in talks with other suitors.

      Rich Energy has dabbled in F1 having failed in an attempt to save the Force India team from administration.
      Storey’s company then entered a sponsorship agreement with Haas F1 team but the contract was terminated early.

      He told SunSport at the time: “Haas [are] nice people but the car is going backwards. We are a superior product to Red Bull. A milkfloat at back of grid a disaster for us. End of.”
      Sunderland narrowly missed out on the League One play-offs in 2019/20 after the season was cut short due to coronavirus.

      On Friday, Northern Ireland international Tom Flanagan signed a new two-year deal with the club.

      Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell calls for PFA to help fund coronavirus tests for League One players More

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      Leeds TV presenter Emma Louise Jones sends fans into frenzy as she posts selfie holding Championship trophy

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      POPULAR Leeds United TV presenter Emma Louise Jones sent fans into a frenzy with a selfie holding the Championship trophy.
      In a now-deleted tweet to her 203,000 followers, the on-camera personality shared the celebratory snap after the Whites finally returned to the Premier League after 16 years.

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      Leeds United presenter Emma Louise Jones tweeted a picture of her with the Championship trophy which has now been deleted
      The snap showed Jones in a bar area inside Elland Road clasping the trophy with a huge grin on her face.
      Most of the replies to the now unavailable tweet have gone but Jones replied to one which read: “Great job all year on both LUTV and Five Live! Here’s to a cracking PL season!”
      Jones never used to be a football fan but is now set to follow Leeds back to the Premier League.
      She has given fans plenty of reason to cheer with her appearances on LUTV since her 2017 debut.

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      Jones has worked for LUTV since 2017
      And with Marcelo Bielsa finally finding the secret formula to Leeds’ success, the Premier League is set to see much more of Jones.
      Emma conducts post and pre-match interviews for LUTV – while also working for BBC Radio 5 Live and the Netball Nation podcast.
      She famously stole the show during England’s 2018 World Cup warm-up win over Costa Rica – with the TV camera operator clearly more interested in her than the match.
      Leeds yesterday tried to claim their much criticised open-top bus celebration after their 4-0 win was to keep fans AWAY from Elland Road.

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      Lucy also works for BBC 5 Live
      Photos on Emma’s social media through the years have shown her alongside Leeds legend Eddie Gray and a crop of stars including Pontus Jansson and Stuart Dallas.
      Her success in the role is all the more remarkable considering she never used to watch the beautiful game before getting the job.
      Speaking to Ourtown magazine, Emma said: “I never used to be a football fan – but since doing Leeds I’ve become one!
      “The atmosphere, passion and buzz rubbed off on me very quickly and now I’m the noisiest spectator watching from the gallery.”
      Emma has a background in news but admits she found it hard asking people difficult questions.

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      Jones recently revealed she was not a football fan before getting the Leeds gig

      She says she once ended up crying with an interviewee – but there have been no such problems with Leeds… especially this season.
      Jones said: “Whilst in Hull, I managed to get a job on Leeds United TV, presenting their matchday shows.
      “Again, I couldn’t believe my luck as TV had been another dream of mine.”

      Cheers, Richard! 🙌🏼😁
      — Emma Louise Jones (@eljonesuk) July 24, 2020

      Premier League 2020-21 season to start on September 12 but fixtures will be released just three weeks before kick-off More

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      Port Vale striker Tom Pope hit with SIX-game ban and £3500 fine by FA for anti-Semitic Twitter post

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      PORT VALE striker Tom Pope has been hit with a SIX-game ban and a £3,500 fine for an anti-Semitic Twitter post.
      The FA dished out the punishment after Pope, 34, made comments in the early hours of January 5 following his goal in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

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      Tom Pope has been banned for SIX games after an anti-Semitic Twitter post
      In a series of posts, he promoted anti-Semitic myths about the Rothschild family “owning the banking system”.
      The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned Pope for subscribing to “the notorious antisemitic conspiracy theory” and urged the FA “to send a clear message that the promotion of antisemitism will not be tolerated at any level of the game”.
      FA disciplinary beaks began a probe within 24 hours, demanding information from the striker.
      And an FA statement today read: “Tom Pope has been suspended for six matches, fined £3,500 and must complete a face-to-face education course for an “Aggravated Breach” of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 5 January 2020.

      “The Port Vale FC player denied that comments he made were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1), and constituted an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in Rule E3(2), as they included, whether express or implied, reference to race and/or religion and/or ethnic origin.
      “An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found the charge to be proven during a personal hearing.
      “Written reasons for both a preliminary application ruling and the decision and sanction are available below.”
      While a ban for social media comments is not automatic in normal situations, Pope is facing the sanction as was his FOURTH offence in less than 12 months.

      In June 2019, he was fined £2,000 and warned for Twitter comments about Mansfield chief executive Carolyn Radford.
      Five months later, he was banned for one game for posts about the allegations of historic sexual abuse at Crewe following a win over the Railwaymen.
      And in January, Pope was handed another one-game ban for a post in which he compared a fan to the character Sloth from the 80s film “The Goonies”.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard apologies for rant at Klopp at Liverpool match More

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      Yaya Toure jokes about Leyton Orient transfer after training with League Two club to stay fit

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      YAYA TOURE has said “we will see” regarding a transfer to Leyton Orient after shocking fans by training with the League Two side as he aims to get fit for the 2020-21 season.
      The 37-year-old has been without a club since leaving Chinese second-tier side Qingdao Huanghai earlier this year.

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      Yaya Toure reported for training in full Leyton Orient training gearCredit: Twitter@leytonorientfc

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      The Manchester City legend appeared ready for work as he arrived for trainingCredit: Twitter@leytonorientfc
      But the Manchester City legend appeared ready for business as he adorned the red training kit of Orient and got down to work.
      And while today’s session was mainly about fitness, Toure confirmed that he will remain training with the O’s next week for some ball work.
      On being granted the opportunity to train with Ross Embleton’s side, the ex-Barcelona star was very grateful.
      He told the club’s media team: “I think the manager and the staff was fantastic, they allowed me to come and train with the lads.

      “It’s a huge opportunity, coming with team-mates, meeting people – it’s not easy at the moment with the virus.
      “I’m really delighted, I’m really happy.”

      I feel like I’m at home here, I want to train and do my best. Maybe we’ll see.
      Yaya Toure

      When the Leyton Orient interviewer Luke Lambourne suggested that it was unlikely that Toure would be signing for the O’s, the Ivorian cackled with laughter.
      He then continued on his future: “Maybe, can be!

      “I just want to enjoy until the last minute because football for me is everything. I’ve been outside football for four or three months and I was thinking ‘I miss something’.
      “It’s difficult to express that. I think today I have a great, great feeling with the Leyton Orient team – they allowed me to train with the lads – the manager was fantastic.
      “I feel like I’m at home here, I want to train and do my best.
      “Maybe we’ll see.”

      👀 Who have we got here then?It’s only three-time Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and African Cup of Nations winner Yaya Touré.There he is look, in his Leyton Orient top at training this morning.#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient pic.twitter.com/nvX99rro4Y
      — Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) July 24, 2020

      Even the Brisbane Road side’s Twitter admin could hardly believe the sight of the three-time Premier League winner in Orient colours, tweeting “Yaya Touré lads. Bloody hell.”
      Fans could scarcely believe their eyes either, struggling to conceal their shocked reactions.
      One responded: “Haha! What’s going on there? I can’t think of a good reason why he’s in our training gear.”
      While another wrote: “i’m so baffed what is going on”.
      Another joked: “We won’t forget your birthday cake @YayaToure x”.
      The Ivorian left Manchester City in 2018 after winning his third and final Premier League title with the Sky Blues.
      A brief spell with Olympiacos followed, before he made the move to China last year.

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      Toure last played for Qingdao Huanghai in China’s second tierCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Toure departed Qingdao Huanghai after helping them to promotion to the Chinese Super League last season.
      He had been linked with Brazilian side Botafogo prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
      And he remains eager to keep playing deep into his thirties – as he trains with the O’s and steps up his preparations for the 2020-21 season.

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      The Manchester City legend lifted three Premier League titles during his spell at the EtihadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yaya Toure sent off just 10 seconds into Man City legend’s potential last match More

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      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay AWAY from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires

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      LEEDS bizarrely claim their open top bus celebration last night was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland Road.
      Instead thousands of supporters flocked to the stadium to celebrate their side’s Championship title as Marcelo Bielsa and his players partied outside the ground.

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      Leeds claim their open top bus celebration was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Thousands of fans flocked to the stadium to see their heroes
      Club officials had previously urged fans to stay away because of coronavirus concerns ahead of their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton yesterday.
      Chief executive Angus Kinnear had said: “We must consider the health of people in our community before we celebrate.”
      But before kick-off, pictures emerged online showing the open top bus parked behind the centenary pavillion.
      It was used at the end of the game as the playing squad and management staff climbed aboard with some addressing the masses through the PA system.

      Four people were arrested at Elland Road as missiles were thrown and one police officer got a minor injury.
      Liverpool also lifted the Premier League trophy last night but did not celebrate outside Anfield – instead promising supporters a party at a later date.
      And after widespread condemnation, Leeds have tried to explain away the decision which clearly backfired.
      A club spokesman told Leeds Live: “Following consultation with the Supporter Advisory Group and [Leeds City] Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.

      “The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely.”
      Jubilant fans were on the streets for hours celebrating their Premier League return after 16 years.
      And Leeds Wags celebrated the promotion with a rooftop party.

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      There were jubilant scenes as Leeds returned to the Premier League after 16 yearsCredit: Reuters

      Leeds United fans have gathered outside Elland Road tonight, despite the club urging them to stay at home More

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      Why is Liverpool’s stand called The Kop, what are its origins and what other Kop’s are there?

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      IT’S one of the most iconic stands in sport.
      The Kop at Liverpool’s Anfield home has long been regarded as one of the noisest and most passionate Ends in all of football – but what are it’s origins?

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      The Kop is one of the most famous football stands in the worldCredit: Clive Brunnskill/Getty Images
      Why is Liverpool’s stand called ‘the Kop’?
      The reason actually stretches as far back as 1900. On a battlefield in South Africa, whilst the Boer war was going on.
      The British army were attempting to strategically capture a hilltop called Spoin Kop and 300 men died.
      Many of the men were from Liverpool, back Liverpool Football Club were on their way to winning their first league title.
      Following their second league title win in 1906, the club rewarded fan loyalty by erecting a new stand made of cinder and brick.

      After this, the stand was after the famous hill upon which those soldiers lost their lives.

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      Those who have season tickets in the stand are known as ‘Kopites’Credit: Oli Scarff (AFP)
      What are its origins?
      When the sports editor, Ernest Edwards of the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo  talked to the (at the time) new owners of the club, they decided a new stand was the way to go.
      After seeing the materials – cinder and brick, Edwards came up with the tribute name for the many Scousers who had lost their lives 6 years before.
      What other Kop’s are there?
      The number one most famous Kop is at Anfield. But there are some less famous Kop’s in the footballing world.

      The Spoin Kop – Hillsborough – Sheffield Wednesday
      The Spoin Kop – St Andrews – Birmingham City
      De Kop – Aan de Beatrixstraat  – NAC Breda (Holland)
      The Kop – Elland Road – Leeds Utd
      The Kop – Bramall Lane – Sheffield Utd
      Kop de Boulogne – Parc des Princes – Paris St Germain (France)
      The Kop Stand – Windsor Park – Linfield
      The Kop – Saltergate – Chesterfield
      Le Kop – Stade du Roudourou – En Avant Guingamp More

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      James McClean slammed by ex-West Brom pal MacAuley for moaning about abuse as he says he’s disliked for his actions

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      GARETH McAULEY believes his former West Brom team-mate James McClean ‘doesn’t help himself’ after he stated he receives more abuse than any other footballer.
      The Stoke winger took to social media last week where he rightly supported the Black Lives Matter movement, but insisted authorities haven’t helped him when he’s been targeted online.

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      Stoke winger James McClean has spoken of the years of abuse he has receivedCredit: Rex Features
      McClean, 31, questioned whether one certain type of discrimination holds higher bearing than another, after Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick were the victims of vile racist messages.
      But McAuley has stated his actions from his career have led to fans disliking him.
      The ex-Sunderland man has endured years of abuse from fans in England due to his decision not to wear a poppy.
      This is because of his affinity to Derry and the role of the British Army during The Troubles. 

      Commenting on McClean’s comments on Twitter, McAuley wrote in his column for the Belfast Telegraph: “My old pal and West Brom team-mate James McClean had a point when he stated on social media last week that he is probably the most abused footballer in England.
      “I’ve played alongside James and heard the derogatory comments launched in his direction from the stands, never mind read the abuse dished out to him on the internet. It’s disconcerting.
      JAM IT IN
      “While Zaha is being targeted because of the colour of his skin, something he has absolutely no control over, James is not being singled out because he is Irish.
      “Thousands of Irish players over the years have been welcomed into the professional game in England.

      “It’s James’ actions, decisions and outbursts that have turned football fans, even from the clubs he plays for, against him.”
      He added: “It was not helped when he proudly dressed up on Instagram in a balaclava to home school his kids. Joke or not, it was seriously insensitive.
      “Then there was the time on a West Brom tour to the United States when James made sure he had his back turned to the Union Jack and subsequently the Stars and Stripes.
      “It was noted by proud Baggies fans and not forgotten. Yet another sign of disrespect. More

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      Danny Cowley sacked by Huddersfield as owner Phil Hodgkinson wants total control over transfers

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      DANNY COWLEY was sacked just two days after he rescued Huddersfield from relegation after rows over recruitment.
      SunSport understands owner Phil Hodgkinson wants total control over transfers — but his manager was not willing to work that way.

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      Danny Cowley, and his brother and assistant Nicky, were sacked after helping Huddersfield avoid the drop – they took over when the club had one point from nine gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Cowley, and his brother and assistant Nicky, were fired after Terriers avoided the drop to League One by beating West Brom.
      Hodgkinson is talking to Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson and Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant Carlos Corberan.
      Insiders claim the Terriers’ owner decided  he was going to dismiss the brothers during the  coronavirus lockdown.
      A club source said: “Danny and Nicky had an inkling and could have just walked out.

      “But they wanted to see it through because so many jobs were at stake if they went down.”
      The Cowleys took over from Jan Siewert in September after the club had  one win in seven months.
      Despite only having one point from the first nine games, they kept the  club up. 
      No Championship team has ever survived from that position.

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      The Terriers are 18th the table following their 2-1 win against West Brom on FridayCredit: PA:Press Association
      After Friday’s  2-1 win, Cowley said  the club needed to sign  working-class British players  fans would identify with.
      Sources say Cowley felt they should follow the model Sean Dyche has used at Burnley.

      We have a different vision for how our ambitions can be achieved
      Phil Hodgkinson

      But Hodgkinson decided he wanted to bring in  European players.
      It is also understood the  owner released several players this summer against Cowley’s wishes.
      The brothers have enjoyed an incredible rise after starting in Essex Senior League football at Concord Rangers.

      They took Lincoln to League One and the FA Cup quarter-finals while still a non-league side before saving Huddersfield.
      Hodgkinson released a statement saying: “I would like to place my thanks on record to Danny and Nicky for their hard work.
      “We have a different vision for  how our ambitions can be achieved.”

      Steven Gerrard ‘emerges as shock target for Bristol City’ as ambitious Championship club look to poach Rangers manager More