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      West Ham legend Tony Cottee hails David Moyes as Hammers boss ‘gets’ the club

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      WEST HAM legend Tony Cottee says boss David Moyes ‘gets’ the club.And that is why the Hammers are flying high and should aim for Champions League football.
      David Moyes has earned rave reviews at West Ham since returning to the club in December 2019Credit: Reuters
      Hammers icon Tony Cottee has heaped praise on Moyes after their impressive start to the season
      Former England striker Cottee said: “West Ham is a very special football club and the fans want something unique.
      “West Ham fans want to see a certain brand of football, a certain amount of effort from the players.
      “David Moyes understands that and as a result we’ve seen the sort of performances we’ve seen over the last 15 months. The biggest thing is he gets it.”
      Cottee was impressed at how Moyes bounced back after his tough experience with today’s opponents, Manchester United, and further setbacks at Real Sociedad and Sunderland.
      He said: “I have the utmost admiration for him as a person and a professional for what he’s done to prove people wrong.
      “After doing such a fantastic job at Everton, there’s no way anyone could turn down that Manchester United role.

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      “I felt they let him go far too soon. There was a panic button pressed.
      “Once you have that bad experience, you can make calls on where you go to next.
      “It happens to players, coaches and managers.
      “But even after all that, he still had that inner belief in himself as a manager that he could prove people wrong.
      “He had a first spell at West Ham and now he’s returned for what’s becoming a glorious second spell.”
      Cottee, 56, was part of the 1985-86 West Ham side that finished third in the old First Division, the highest league placing in the club’s history.
      He said: “As a club, we’ve not won anything since the FA Cup win 41 years ago, which is far too long for a club like West Ham.
      Every Premier League club’s most-affordable season ticket, ranked from most to least expensive
      “You don’t support West Ham because they will win the Premier League every year. Fans are realistic.
      “West Ham want to compete with the big London clubs. Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs are all trying to get in the Champions League, so why shouldn’t West Ham?
      “If David can do for West Ham what he did for Everton, there won’t be too many unhappy Hammers in five years’ time.”
      West Ham fan fights off ten Dinamo Zagreb thugs who tried to attack group in bar after Europa League clash More

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      Fans of Brighton and Hove Albion are highest up the exam table with most GCSEs

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      FANS of Brighton and Hove Albion are highest up the exam table as they have got most GCSEs, research found.After Brighton, Premier League’s second smartest supporters are Southampton’s who average ten passes.
      Fans of Brighton and Hove Albion are highest up the exam table as they have got most GCSEs, research foundCredit: Rex

      Further down are fans of Aston Villa and Newcastle, who have an average of five GCSEs. As well as Premier League fans, analysts studied the exam results of 2,000 followers of other sports.
      They were knocked for six by cricket supporters, who came out top with 11 GCSEs.
      Tennis lovers were second with nine GCSEs followed by Formula One obsessives on eight and rugby union and rugby league fans on seven. Football and horse racing supporters averaged six passes.
      Boxing fans were the lowest achievers with an average of five GCSEs to their name.
      Ben Warren, of betting site cricketbetindia.com, which carried out the study, said: “Brighton may be one of the smallest clubs but Seagulls’ fans seem to have the biggest brains.
      “But overall football fans don’t fare too well in comparison to other sports fans.”

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      Football fans will be allowed to stand at top-flight games after 27-year ban

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      FOOTBALL fans will get standing areas at top-flight games for the first time in nearly 30 years, ministers are to reveal.Premier League clubs will be told they can register to open safe standing sections in their grounds in the second half of this season.
      Fans will be able to stand at top-flight football games for the first time in nearly 30 years, ministers are to revealCredit: Getty
      Several will be chosen to act as pilot schemes before a decision is made on whether to introduce it across the top two divisions next year.
      Standing has been illegal in the top division since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
      But ministers will this week give the go-ahead for Premier League and EFL clubs to add seats with barriers so fans can stand. It will be the first major decision made by new ­Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a Liverpool fan brought up half-a-mile from Anfield.
      A source said: “The Government has proceeded with caution on this issue and gathered robust evidence that the safety of fans will not be compromised.
      “We’ll ensure any changes will have the backing of supporters’ groups.”

      Safe standing sections have been successfully installed in Germany.
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Manchester United have already constructed similar sections.
      The Sports Grounds Safety Authority is expected to set out more details in London tomorrow.
      The Government will then make a formal announcement later this week.
      The move will be the first major decision made by new ­Culture Secretary Nadine DorriesCredit: Rex
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      Raid on England star Reece James’ house may have been an ‘inside job’

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      A RAID on England ace Reece James’ home may have been an inside job, it is feared.Sources close to the Chelsea star say the burglary, which saw his medal haul in a large safe stolen, is thought to have been done by people who know him personally.
      Burglars knew where Reece James’ medals were hiddenCredit: Getty
      Reece, 21, claimed on Thursday he already “had firm leads” on the burglars’ identities.
      Sources say the gang of five masked and hooded raiders “knew exactly where they were and what they were looking for” as they were in and out quickly.
      They also pointed out the getaway car had been parked in a CCTV blind spot.
      Reece was playing for Chelsea against Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League on Tuesday when they struck.
      The claims came as it was revealed the defender had fought neighbours to beef up his security months earlier at his £2.5million Surrey mansion.
      He faced opposition to put in tough new steel gates and 6ft fences, before permission was granted in March.

      One neighbour said: “I think he was scared because he was a footballer and living on his own most of the time, and didn’t want anything to happen.”
      James was playing for Chelsea when the raid took placeCredit: Getty
      England star Reece James, 21, reveals shocking CCTV as ‘cowardly’ thieves break into his home and steal safe with medals More

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      Raid on England star Reece James’ home may have been ‘inside job’

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      A RAID on England star Reece James’ home may have been an inside job, it is feared.Sources close to the Chelsea player say the burglary, which saw his medal haul in a large safe stolen, is thought to have been done by people who know him personally.
      Burglars knew where Reece James’ medals were hiddenCredit: Getty
      Reece, 21, claimed on Thursday he already “had firm leads” on the burglars’ identities.
      Sources say the gang of five masked and hooded raiders “knew exactly where they were and what they were looking for” as they were in and out quickly.
      They also pointed out the getaway car had been parked in a CCTV blind spot.
      Reece was playing for Chelsea against Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League on Tuesday when they struck.
      The claims came as it was revealed the defender had fought neighbours to beef up his security months earlier at his £2.5million Surrey mansion.
      He faced opposition to put in tough new steel gates and 6ft fences, before permission was granted in March.

      One neighbour said: “I think he was scared because he was a footballer and living on his own most of the time, and didn’t want anything to happen.”
      James was playing for Chelsea when the raid took placeCredit: Getty
      England star Reece James, 21, reveals shocking CCTV as ‘cowardly’ thieves break into his home and steal safe with medals More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo switches mansions after bleating sheep kept waking Man Utd ace up at night

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo and his family have switched mansions after bleating sheep kept waking them up.Manchester United’s new signing, 36, who loves his rest between matches, has moved from one seven-bed home to another.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has swapped mansions after sheep kept waking him and his familyCredit: Getty
      A security team had whisked the Man Utd legend and his family to a £6million home in 23 acres days after sealing his return to United
      Ronaldo escaped his baaing woe by moving into a £3million seven-bed owned by a former Man United star.
      A security team had whisked the Man Utd legend and his family to a £6million home in 23 acres days after sealing his return to United.
      But the striker, partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, and their four children moved out after less than a week due to the racket from sheep and security fears.
      A source said: “While the property is beautiful and is nestled in rolling fields and woodland, it was also close to sheep which are very noisy early in the morning.
      “It had a public footpath across the land and the road at the front gave a view inside its gates.
      “Ronaldo is a true pro who places a lot on rest and recovery after games, so it was decided it was best if he and his family moved.”

      The new home, in Cheshire, boasts a pool, cinema room and four-car garage for some of his £17million supercars.
      It has CCTV cameras, electric gates and is patrolled by guards.
      According to estate agents, the property is unique thanks to its “gardens which screen the house from view”, despite it being a short walk from nightlife.
      A source said: “Ronaldo lived close by during his previous stint so it feels like home.
      Georgina Rodriguez shared a photo of their little ones enjoying the English countrysideCredit: Eroteme
      “His kids are in a private school and he hopes that once the buzz of his return to United dies down, he can take Georgina out and show her his favourite local spots.”
      The ace is known as the GOAT or Greatest Of All Time by some of his fans but also The Winker for helping to get England’s Wayne Rooney sent off at the 2006 World Cup.
      United said they and Juventus had agreed terms for Ronaldo on August 27, with The Sun dubbing it The Second Coming of Crist.

      He made a dream start on Saturday, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
      He scored again in the club’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland on Tuesday.
      Ronaldo bagged 118 goals in 292 games in his first United stint from 2003-2009.
      Cristiano Ronaldo KOs steward with shot during Man Utd warm-up at Young Boys More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo switches mansions after bleating sheep kept waking him up

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo and his family have switched mansions after bleating sheep kept waking them.Manchester United’s new signing, 36, who loves his rest between matches, has moved from one seven-bed home to another.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has swapped mansions after sheep kept waking him and his familyCredit: Getty
      A security team had whisked the Man Utd legend and his family to a £6million home in 23 acres days after sealing his return to United
      Ronaldo escaped his baaing woe by moving into a £3million seven-bed owned by a former Man United star.
      A security team had whisked the Man Utd legend and his family to a £6million home in 23 acres days after sealing his return to United.
      But the striker, partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, and their four children moved out after less than a week due to the racket from sheep and security fears.
      A source said: “While the property is beautiful and is nestled in rolling fields and woodland, it was also close to sheep which are very noisy early in the morning.
      “It had a public footpath across the land and the road at the front gave a view inside its gates.
      “Ronaldo is a true pro who places a lot on rest and recovery after games, so it was decided it was best if he and his family moved.”

      The new home, in Cheshire, boasts a pool, cinema room and four-car garage for some of his £17million supercars.
      It has CCTV cameras, electric gates and is patrolled by guards.
      According to estate agents, the property is unique thanks to its “gardens which screen the house from view”, despite it being a short walk from nightlife.
      A source said: “Ronaldo lived close by during his previous stint so it feels like home.
      Georgina Rodriguez shared a photo of their little ones enjoying the English countrysideCredit: Eroteme
      “His kids are in a private school and he hopes that once the buzz of his return to United dies down, he can take Georgina out and show her his favourite local spots.”
      The ace is known as the GOAT or Greatest Of All Time by some of his fans but also The Winker for helping to get England’s Wayne Rooney sent off at the 2006 World Cup.
      United said they and Juventus had agreed terms for Ronaldo on August 27, with The Sun dubbing it The Second Coming of Crist.
      He made a dream start on Saturday, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
      He scored again in the club’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland on Tuesday.
      Ronaldo bagged 118 goals in 292 games in his first United stint from 2003-2009.
      Cristiano Ronaldo KOs steward with shot during Man Utd warm-up at Young Boys More

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      Erling Haaland ‘laughed and walked off’ when Gibraltar captain asked for shirt to give to his son

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      NOT many footballers would turn down swapping shirts with Erling Haaland – let alone one playing in the SEVENTH tier of English football.Yet Hednesford Town striker Reece Styche delivered that extraordinary snub to the planet’s hottest prospect in Oslo last week.
      Norway international Erling Haaland score a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Gibraltar last weekCredit: AFP
      Gibraltar international Reece Styche scored in the World Cup qualifier in OsloCredit: Getty
      The 32-year-old Gibraltar international scored the best goal of the night – despite Haaland hitting a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-1 win.
      But no Gibraltar player rocked up to ask Haaland for his shirt at full-time – and Brummie-born Styche says there was no chance they would begging for it.
      He told SunSport: “None of us wanted Haaland’s shirt, so we snubbed him. Last March, our skipper Roy Chipolina asked for Haaland’s shirt when we met in Gibraltar.
      “Norway won 3-0 but Haaland never scored, was substituted after an hour and was in a bit of a mood.
      “After they’d both done TV interviews, Roy said to him: ‘My little boy’s a massive fan of yours, do you mind swapping jerseys?
      “Haaland just looked at him, laughed and walked off! He can buy a lot of things – but he can’t buy class – perhaps the media hype has gone to his head.
      Hednesford Town ace Styche found the back of the net just before half-time against NorwayCredit: Reuters

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      “He had the chance to make a little kid’s day, month, year, whatever and he said no. So no-one wanted his shirt in Oslo.
      “Maybe he kept it to mark his hat-trick or gave it to a Norwegian fan because it was their first home match with supporters after Covid.”
      Borussia Dortmund hitman Haaland, who faces Besiktas in the Champions League tonight, is wanted by Manchester City next summer.
      He may be heading for the big time but Styche admits representing 195th ranked nation Gibraltar means the world to him.
      He added: “I’ve represented Gibraltar 16 times and we don’t receive caps, like the home nations.
      Haaland has banged in eight goals in six games for Borussia Dortmund this campaignCredit: Reuters
      “So I don’t need Haaland’s top as a memento. My goal is down in history and I’ll always have the memories stored in my head.”
      Styche struck two minutes before half-time with a brilliant flick into the top corner, for his record-equalling third goal for his country.
      “I remember vividly looking at the screens after 34 minutes and saying out loud: ‘Don’t let this opportunity pass you by Reece.’
      “Five minutes later Haaland made it 3-0. But four minutes after that our press won the ball back and I always knew I was going to dink the goalkeeper to score.”
      Styche, who is an accountant for Bromsgrove-based Safety Technology International, dreams of playing for Gibralter against England at Wembley one day.

      He already has an England C shirt which he won against Portugal when he was playing for Wycombe Wanderers.
      Now, he plies his trade in the Southern Premier Central League and followed up scoring against the Norwegians, by being blanked out by Barwell in front of 405 fans for Hednesford 72 hours later.
      He added: “It brings you back down to earth but that’s my bread and butter. International football is just a ridiculous privilege I have and I’ll never take it for granted.”
      Watch Erling Haaland score insane rocket volley in Norway training with fans in awe of Borussia Dortmund superstar More