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      in Soccer

      Meet Dan Ashworth: Ex-Man Utd sporting director who has left Red Devils after just five months following turbulent reign

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      DAN Ashworth is a true footballing man who has progressed through the beautiful game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He was most recently Manchester United’s sporting director but has now left his role at the club following their 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Dan Ashworth is the sporting director at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAWho is Dan Ashworth?Born on March 6, 1971, in Norfolk, England, Dan Ashworth began his footballing journey in Norwich City’s youth academy.Though he didn’t make it as a professional player at the highest level, he had stints with non-league clubs including Eastbourne Town and St Leonards.Ashworth also spent time training in the US with West Florida Fury before returning to England.Transition to football adminAfter retiring as a player, Ashworth quickly moved into football administration.read more on dan ashworthIn 2000, he was appointed as the academy director at Peterborough United.He then moved to Cambridge United to work as the director of their Centre of Excellence in 2001.West Bromwich AlbionAshworth’s big break came at West Bromwich Albion, where he started out as a youth team assistant in 2004.He progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s sporting and technical director in December 2007.Most read in FootballAshworth gained a reputation for his scouting abilities and player recruitment during his time at the club.FA and England’s DNAIn September 2012, Ashworth was appointed as the FA’s director of elite development — a role he took up in March 2013.He was instrumental in creating the ‘England DNA’ — a comprehensive plan aimed at developing elite players for both the men’s and women’s national teams.Brighton and Hove AlbionIn 2018, Ashworth joined Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director.His tenure at the Seagulls was marked by the club’s establishment as one of the Premier League’s best-run teams, known for their shrewd recruitment and player development.Newcastle UnitedAshworth’s success at Brighton caught the attention of Newcastle United, who appointed him as Sporting Director in February 2022.Dan Ashworth pictured at St. James ParkCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in Newcastle’s rapid ascent, helping the club secure Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 season.A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.”The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.”Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”A Brighton statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Brighton.Dan Ashworth resigned from his position as Brighton’s technical director to take up a similar role at NewcastleCredit: PA”The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs.”We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”Move to Manchester UnitedIn February 2024, Manchester United made an official approach for Ashworth.This led to a period of gardening leave imposed by Newcastle, as negotiations between the clubs began.On July 1, 2024, The Red Devils confirmed Ashworth’s appointment as their new sporting director, following an agreement with Newcastle.The two clubs released a joint statement reading: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured leaving Ineos HQ following the meeting“The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”Ashworth threw himself into the job quickly, playing a major part in the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui. But the season didn’t start well and by November manager Erik Ten Hag was sacked, having left the club languishing in 14th place. Ruben Amorim was hired to take over after an impressive four years managing Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Amorim has managed five games so far but has only won one game in the Premier League, drawing with Ipswich and losing to Arsenal and Forest. Following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Forest last night, Ashworth has quit by mutual consent.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have been pivotal in the call to part ways.This follows SunSport’s exclusive story from three weeks ago which revealed that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio? Jamaica star ‘stable’ after horror car crash

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      WEST Ham striker Michail Antonio was taken to hospital following a horror car crash.A witness told The Sun they first saw car at 12.50pm on Saturday December 7, but the West Ham star wasn’t cut out by fire crews until around 1.45pm.The Hammers posted confirmation of the smash and an update on the star’s condition: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Wreckage from Michail Antonio’s horror crashCredit: X”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. “The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Who is Michail Antonio?Born on March 28, 1990 in Wandsworth, South London, Antonio is 34-years-old.Starting his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, a non-league side, the attacker climbed the English footballing pyramid to the very top.After impressing in non-league, Antonio secured a move to Reading but spent the majority of his time on loan at other clubs. Loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester led to the forward securing a permanent move after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe attacker scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for the Owls before making a £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest.Michail Antonio celebrates scoring a stoppage time equaliser for ForestAntonio netted 16 goals in 50 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record that caught the eye of Premier League team West Ham United.The Hammers signed the forward for £7 million in September 2015, completing Antonio’s rise to the elite of English football.West Ham United CareerSince his move, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.Furthermore, the attacker played a vital role in winning the 2023 Europa Conference League – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.Antonio has now scored 68 goals for the HammersCredit: GettyInitially, Antonio played a variety of roles in the squad – appearing as a right-back and a winger. Shortly, the attacker established himself as West Ham’s starting forward and remains a key member of the match day squad.International Playing CareerIn 2016, Antonio rejected the opportunity to play for the Jamaican national side and was called up to the England team by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite being called up, the forward never made an appearance for the Lions and switched his allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.Now, the striker has five goals in 21 appearances for The Reggae Boyz. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s ex-wife and how many kids do the pair have?

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      HAMMERS striker Michail Antonio met his ex-wife Debbie Whittle in January 2011.The pair formed a strong relationship, growing from best friends to husband and wife, but split up after the birth of their fourth child.On December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash.Who is Michail Antonio’s ex-wife?On July 6 2017, the couple agreed to tie the knot before holding their wedding ceremony at Staffordshire stately home.In January 2024, Antonio appeared on the High Performance Podcast opening up about his recent divorce from his ex-wife and the role of therapy throughout his career. The striker said: “‘I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. “After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.Michail Antonio and his ex-wife Debbie Whittle on their fifth wedding anniversary”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like “Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship.”Antonio opened up about the pressure to perform for a new contract at the elite level.Most read in FootballHe said: “As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.”So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.”I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. “At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, “How are you?””And your natural response is “Fine”. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, “To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus”.’How many children does Michail Antonio have?The Hammers striker likes to keep his private life out of the public eye but it is known that he has four children with ex-wife Debbie.Junior, Miles and Myla have all featured on Antonio’s social media.In June 2020, the striker announced the birth of his fourth child with Debbie Whittle. During lockdown, Antonio home-schooled his eldest three children whilst juggling the birth of his youngest.The West Ham striker and his family on Christmas eveHe said: “I’ve got three kids and my wife was pregnant until she had a baby on Sunday, so it was difficult home schooling and getting the time to go for runs and stuff.”But knowing that the season was going to get back on, we just needed to get on top of it and ensure we stayed fit because we knew we weren’t going to have much time to get back into it.“Aaaarghhhhh! I feel like home schooling should be a torture! “If someone is doing something wrong, you should send kids to them and go ‘teach these kids!’ because, do you know what, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and it made me emotional. “Teachers, I appreciate you!”Horror car crashOn December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed the striker had been involved in a horror car crash.In a post on X, they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Photographs from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. More

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      in Boxing

      Is Tommy Fury vs Darren Till still on? Latest on Misfits Boxing 20 main event

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      TOMMY FURY was due to return to the ring in January against former UFC star Darren Till in a blockbuster main event.The half-brother of former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has been out of action since his controversial points win over KSI on the record-breaking Misifts Prime card in October 2023.Fury has a professional record of 10-0 ahead of the huge January clash, with one of his most recent victories coming against Jake Paul, who defeated boxing icon Mike Tyson in November.MMA hero Till swapped the octagon for the squared circle after he parted ways with the UFC in March 2023.He made his boxing debut in July 2024 against Mohammad Mutie, which he won with a third-round TKO – but his debut in the sport was marred by a mass brawl after the fight was waved off.Fury and Till were due to meet in the first Misfits Boxing event of 2025 – but it now appears the fight will no longer take place.READ MORE IN BOXINGIs Tommy Fury vs Darren Till still on?Tommy Fury vs Darren Till will no longer be the main event of the Misfits Boxing 20 card in January.It comes after Fury axed the fight following Till’s claims that he would “kick” him in the head.The former Love Island star released the following statement on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing this but I am now not fighting Darren Till on January 18th 2025.”For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules and that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics.Most read in Boxing”I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans.”I have wasted weeks in training camp. We are working hard to get a new opponent and date.”I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys.”Good news around the corner.”After Fury broke the news, Till blasted the decision on X: “I was selling the fight to make me and you more money you absolute empty head fighting family my a** you and ur dad s**thouses”I don’t need to throw kicks you was getting knocked spark out you divvy we was making bank on this fight cos of me not you.”I was building it you should be fighting and should be thanking me.”Over and out… no one wants to fight me.”Jake Paul, what are you upto you big fat dummy?”READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing the axing of Fury vs Till, it has been mentioned that the former MMA fighter will still feature on the Misifts Boxing 20 card, while it’s unclear whether Fury will be in action.Now, the only bout confirmed for the January bill is HSTikkyTokky’s clash with Wade Plemons. More

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      in Soccer

      Fifa Club World Cup draw: Live stream FREE, start time, format, pots and which teams will be playing

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      THE Fifa Club World Cup draw will take place in Miami TODAY.Two clubs will represent England in the newly revamped tournament taking place next summer.Manchester City won the Fifa Club World Cup in 2023Credit: APPremier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City have qualified for the Club World Cup as both sides have won the Champions League in the last four years.Pep Guardiola’s men are the current champions after they thrashed Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final.The 21st edition will see the tournament expanded to 32 clubs – SunSport brings you all the information you need ahead of the draw.When is the Club World Cup draw?The Club World Cup draw will take place on Thursday, December 5.The draw will take place at 6pm GMT.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat’s the format of the Club World Cup format?The revamped Club World Cup will run in a similar way to the international World Cup.32 teams that have qualified will be divided into eight groups of four, who will play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.There is no third-place play-off between the two losing semi-finalists.Most read in FootballWhat are the Club World Cup draw pots?Pot 1Manchester City (ENG)Real Madrid (ESP)Bayern Munich (GER)PSG (FRA)Flamengo (BRA)Palmeiras (BRA)River Plate (ARG)Fluminense (BRA)Pot 2Chelsea (ENG)Dortmund (GER)Inter (ITA)FC Porto (POR)Atletico Madrid (ESP)Benfica (POR)Juventus (ITA)Salzburg (AUT)Pot 3Al Hilal (SAU)Ulsan HD (SOUTH COLOR)Al Ahly (EGI)Wydad Casablanca (MAR)Monterrey (MEX)Leon (MEX)Boca Juniors (ARG)Botafogo (BRA)Pot 4Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)Al Ain (UAE)Hope of Tunis (TUN)Mamelodi Sundowns (AFR)Pachuca (MEX)Seattle Sounders (USA)Auckland City (NZL)Inter Miami (USA)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the Club World Cup draw FREEThe Club World Cup draw will be broadcast live on Fifa.com for FREE.You can also catch the event via Fifa’s official YouTube channel.When is the Club World Cup?The Club World Cup begins on Sunday, June 15 2025.It will take place over 29 days.The final will take place on Sunday, July 13.The United States will host the Club World Cup. More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Kobbie Mainoo NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to the Emirates to take on old rivals Arsenal in a blockbuster clash TONIGHT.Ruben Amorim claimed his first three points in the Premier League last weekend after the Red Devils thrashed Everton 4-0.Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 last time outCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford were at the double as Man Utd look to climb the table under their new young coach.Amorim will face his toughest test yet this evening as his team face a rampant Arsenal side fresh from a 5-2 win over West Ham.The Gunners will be looking to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, with the Reds’ lead at the top now nine points.Man Utd will be without a number of key players for their trip to the Emirates, including midfield superstar Kobbie Mainoo – SunSport has the reason why.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Kobbie Mainoo NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?Kobbie Mainoo will NOT be available for Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Arsenal tonight.The midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card in the top flight against Everton on Sunday – meaning he now faces a one-match ban.Mainoo received his caution for a foul on Dwight McNeil on the edge of the area early in the second half.The Man Utd scarlet will be back in the fold for the Red Devil’s home clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7.Most read in FootballHow to watch Arsenal vs Man Utd FREEArsenal’s blockbuster clash with Manchester United will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.The streaming giants will be exclusively airing 20 Premier League fixtures this December.Should you not currently hold an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including streaming Arsenal vs Man Utd. More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Lisandro Martinez NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?

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      RUBEN AMORIM faces his toughest test since becoming Manchester United manager TONIGHT as the Red Devils take on Arsenal.Last Sunday, the Portugese coach claimed his first top flight win with a 4-0 triumph at home to Everton.Manchester United beat Everton 4-0 last time outCredit: GettyAmorim is looking to revive the club’s chances of Champions League football next term after the Red Devils made a woeful start to the season under former manager Erik ten Hag.United have a tough festive period coming up, with Premier League clashes against Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool all scheduled over the next month.The Red Devils begin their difficult run of fixtures at the Emirates this evening, with Amorim’s job made even more troublesome due to Lisandro Martinez’s suspension.Why is Lisandro Martinez NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?Lisandro Martinez will NOT be available for Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Arsenal tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Argentine defender picked up his fifth yellow card in the top flight during the Red Devils’ 4-0 win against Everton on Sunday afternoon.Martinez was cautioned for pulling back Beto as the Toffees striker was advancing on goal.The 26-year-old centre-back will be back available for selection for Man Utd’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7.How to watch Arsenal vs Man Utd FREEArsenal’s blockbuster clash with Manchester United will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.Most read in FootballThe streaming giants will be exclusively airing 20 Premier League fixtures this December.Should you not currently hold an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including streaming Arsenal vs Man Utd. More

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      in Athletics

      Who is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father Gjert?

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      NORWEGIAN middle and long-distance runners Jakob, Filip and Henrik have all become champions under the tutelage of their dad Gjert. But since stepping down as their coach, his Olympian sons have accused him of mental and physical abuse — here’s what we know.Gjert Ingebrigtsen coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022Credit: AlamyAll three have alleged that their father exhibited abusive behaviourCredit: NikeWho is Gjert Ingebrigtsen?Gjert Ingebrigtsen is the father and former coach of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his brothers, who are also professional athletes.Respected for coaching his sons to international success in middle-distance running, he has recently become the subject of serious allegations and legal proceedings.Gjert coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022.Remarkable successUnder his dad’s guidance, Jakob achieved remarkable success, including winning gold in the 5,000m at Paris 2024 and becoming a two-time world champion in the same distance.more on Jakob IngebrigtsenHis other sons also excelled, with Henrik and Filip both claiming European 1500m championships in 2012 and 2016 respectively.In 2022, Gjert stepped from coaching his sons for ‘medical reasons’ after Jakob secured the 1500m gold at the Tokyo Olympics.Abuse allegationsIn November 2023, Jakob and his siblings publicly accused their father of abusive behaviour, with the allegations outlined in Norwegian newspaper VG.The brothers expressed ongoing feelings of “discomfort and fear” regarding their father, describing him as “very aggressive and controlling”.Most read in AthleticsThese allegations led to legal action against Gjert Ingebrigtsen.Legal chargesIn April 2024, Gjert Ingebrigtsen was charged with physical abuse by Norwegian authorities.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldOn November 29, 2024, Gjert was indicted by the Norwegian public prosecutor’s office for physical and mental abuse of Jakob Ingebrigtsen.The trial is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, with the prosecution requesting at least 30 days for the proceedings.Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s denialsSince the allegations were first made, Gjert Ingebrigtsen has consistently denied any wrongdoing.Through his legal representatives, he has maintained that he does not accept criminal responsibility for the accusations.Henrik Ingebrigtsen (left) with his brothers Jakob and Filip (right)Credit: AFPGjert’s lawyers John Christian Elden and Heidi Reisvang said in a statement: “Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains what he has said all along, that he does not admit criminal guilt for the offences he has been charged with and that he has never subjected any of his children to either physical or mental abuse.”DevelopmentsThe case has seen some developments since the initial charges were made.While Gjert currently faces one charge, five additional allegations were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother was dropped due to time limitations.Mette Yvonne Larsen, representing the Ingebrigtsen children, has indicated that they intend to appeal at least one of the dismissed cases. More