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    Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

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    BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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      Premier League star’s Wag suspected him of CHEATING after spotting Football Manager tweet

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      ANDROS TOWNSEND has revealed his girlfriend thought he may be cheating on her after she mistakenly believed a Football Manager tweet.The incident occurred nine years ago when the former England international was still playing for Tottenham.Andros Townsend’s girlfriend Hazel O’Sullivan was duped by a Football Manager tweetCredit: Instagram @itshazelosullivanShe thought this screenshot of a Football Manager game was about her real life boyfriendCredit: X @andros_townsendHazel hilariously messaged Townsend to ask about his supposed ‘fine’Credit: X @andros_townsendTownsend even admitted Hazel may have thought he was cheating on herCredit: ReutersA social media user had shared a screenshot from their Football Manager game which showed Townsend to have been fined for “failing to report to the training ground for a training session”.This rang alarm bells for his girlfriend Hazel O’Sullivan – who is now his wife and mother of their two children Aria Valentina and Andros Jr.She swiftly sent a WhatsApp message to Townsend – which was later shared by the winger alongside the caption: “@FootballManagerdo you wanna tell her or shall I? @Hazelosullivan1″The text to Townsend read: “When did you get fined for not showing up to training 😱. Just saw on Twitter.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter a confused Townsend responded, Hazel sent a screenshot and questioned whether it was a wind up.Realising it was merely somebody’s Football Manager game, Townsend replied: “Hahahahaha are you joking??”Now he has explained the misunderstanding in more depth and admitted Hazel was genuinely concerned as to whether he could have been cheating if he was not at home or training.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I get a text from her one day and I receive a screenshot from Twitter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTownsend is now married to Hazel and the couple have two children togetherCredit: PAHazel has more than 12,000 followers on InstagramCredit: X @Hazelosullivan1″As you do, she was searching my name on Twitter and a fine came up – Andros Townsend accepts his fine for reporting late to training.”So her mind is going off; if he wasn’t at training and he wasn’t at home then where was he? It could have been a real sticky one!Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire models”But she’s messaged me and it turns out the screen grab is from the popular video game Football Manager.”Someone’s obviously posted in on Twitter having a laugh on Football Manager and she’s thought it was real!”Townsend, 33, who scored three goals in his 13 England caps, left Luton for Turkish side Antalyaspor on Deadline Day.But due to the deal not being completed before a transfer ban came into effect for Antalyaspor, he admitted last month “I don’t know who owns me”.He eventually sealed the move a few days later and made his debut earlier this month.She often shares snaps on social mediaCredit: X @Hazelosullivan1She was brilliantly deceived by the Football Manager tweetCredit: X @Hazelosullivan1Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Meet the boss ‘playing real life Football Manager’ after taking fifth-tier minnows to European football in just 17 years

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      FRANK SCHMIDT is living out the fantasy that every football fan dreams up in their head.The FC Heidenheim manager is essentially playing Football Manager, having taken his home town club from the depths of German football to the top flight.Frank Schmidt has had an incredible spell as manager of FC HeidenheimCredit: GettyThe manager brought the club from the fifth tier of German football to the BundesligaCredit: APHeidenheim are now playing European footballCredit: EPASchmidt, 50, has been the boss of Heidenheim for 17 YEARS, taking over at the club after retiring as club captain in 2007.The German coach, who was born and raised in Heidenheim, spent four years with the side as a player after a journeyman career that saw him float around the divisions.After hanging up his boots in 2007, Schmidt was asked to step in as a two week stopgap interim boss for the club… 17 years later and he’s still the man in charge.That 17-year run as boss makes him the longest serving manager in German professional football history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s not just about staying put either, Schmidt has propelled the team through the divisions since his appointment all that time ago.When Schmidt took over at Heidenheim they were in the fifth tier of German football, languishing in the lower divisions with the idea of a rise to the top a pipe dream.But the hometown gaffer turned those dreams into a reality for the tiny town – which has a smaller population than the capacity of the Emirates Stadium.Schmidt’s first season in charge ended with promotion into the fourth tier, with a second promotion into the third tier following the next year.Most read in FootballSchmidt is the longest serving manager in German professional football historyCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHeidenheim then spent five seasons in the third tier before winning the league and gaining promotion into the 2. Bundesliga in 2014.Things slowed down for a bit once the club had earned a spot amongst some of Germany’s biggest clubs and Heidenheim established themselves as a solid second division side.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut after nine years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schmidt finally took his side to the big time, once again winning the league to earn the club a spot in the Bundesliga proper back in 2023.As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Schmidt’s tactics and man management saw Heidenheim secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League in their first season in the Bundesliga last term.While they managed wins over both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the league last season too.And things have been looking good in the early stages of this season as well, with Heidenheim currently top of the Bundesliga after winning both their opening clashes and keeping two clean sheets.Schmidt has managed to do it with a team of players who have hardly played Bundesliga football before too.Heidenheim beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Bundesliga last seasonCredit: AFPHis side will now get to take on Chelsea as part of their Conference League run this season as well as a trip to face Scottish side Hearts.Longevity appears to be a part of Schmidt’s DNA with the one-club boss not only staying put in his professional life but also his personal life.The 50-year-old has only ever been with his wife and even joked that it’s part of the reason that he has been able to manage Heidenheim for so long in an interview with Bild.He said: “My whole life is about continuity. I’m also still with my first girlfriend. It just fits,.”It’s actually unbelievable. It doesn’t seem that long to me [at Heidenheim], but it’s crazy, especially when you look at the average half-life of coaches in professional football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably Schmidt had a back-up plan for if things didn’t turn out the way they have too.The now-experienced manager is actually a trained banker. Heidenheim are top of the Bundesliga this termCredit: AP More

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      Major change to Football Manager 25 as developers axe much-loved feature to ensure game released on time

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      FOOTBALL MANAGER fans are set for major disappointment after developers of the popular game revealed they are AXING international teams for the next release.The tactical game, available on PC, consoles and mobile, is given a new version each year featuring the latest transfers and an updated interface.Football Manager 25 will remove the option to take charge of international teamsFootball Manager has become a staple for all lovers of the beautiful game.And many supporters use it as a way to discover the latest next-gen talents, while also getting to live out their fantasies as a boss on the sideline.Real players love it too, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann previously revealing his star-studded team.The next edition of the game, Football Manager 25, will have several new features including — for the first time ever — a women’s football database.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it appears the changes have come at a cost after developers revealed they have been forced to remove the option to manage international teams.Players could previously take charge of almost any nation in the world.And there was even an option to manage a national team alongside a club.But gamers will have to make do with just domestic sides after Sports Interactive manager Miles Jacobsen released a statement confirming international football’s exit from the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe decision was made due to moving Football Manager to a new engine called Unity.Jacobsen revealed the development team have found it “challenging” and “trickier than anticipated.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesAnd it’s also resulted in the official announcement of FM25 being delayed until the end of this month.While the game itself has seen its release pushed back to late November.However, international football matches will still be simulated in the background of a user’s club save.While national team management will remain playable on the mobile version of FM25.But gamers were left deeply unhappy with the departure of international footy.One said: “Rare FM L here — that’s a real shame. Huge impact.”Another declared: “Why don’t they just import it from 24 to give people the option to play it and just keep developing it for 26?”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Very poor. Awful in fact.”Another added: “How am I going to turn San Marino into the best country on earth now?” More

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      Fans convinced Chelsea are ‘playing Football Manager’ after spotting their bloated squad list on Wikipedia going viral

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      FANS are convinced Chelsea are playing real-life Football Manager after the club’s bloated squad list went viral.Owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbali have pursued an aggressive strategy of signing young players with high potential since taking the club over in May 2022.Chelsea are currently on tour in the US with a trimmed version of their squadCredit: GettyTheir full squad now stands at 45 playersCredit: WikipediaThat’s seen them spend over £1billion in transfer fees in a two year period.And while there have been some gems such as Cole Palmer signed along the way, it has left them with a very bloated squad going into this season.Fans on social media were stunned to see the amount of players in the squad when it was simply written out – with the tally now standing at 45 PLAYERS.The club are desperately trying to trim the squad ahead of the new season, with some players listed in the squad seemingly on the chopping block or on their way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those is Conor Gallagher, who looks set to complete a £34million move to Atletico Madrid soon.Fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah also appears on the list, but he has been frozen out of the squad under Enzo Maresca as the Blues look to find a transfer for him.And the perpetually loaned Romelu Lukaku appears in the list, despite not playing a part in Chelsea’s pre-season and looking set to join up with Antonio Conte again at Napoli.Reacting to the brimming squad on social media, one fan said: “I heard they’re adding a second story to the dressing room.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Quick glance at this and I thought this was just the players in the big 5 leagues on fbref, do they know it’s football not American football?😂😂”A third replied: “List keeps growing. Feel bad for some of these players who won’t even have much playing time.”Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shapeWhile a fourth said: “They are signing Omorodion, I’m sure they are playing Football manager for sure!!!”On signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, Chelsea have had their latest offer knocked back but a deal looks likely to happen once Gallagher joins Atletico.Chelsea lost 2-1 to Real Madrid last night in their latest pre-season friendly with Enzo Maresca criticising his team’s defending – so their business might not be done yet in that area.Real Madrid 2 Chelsea 1: Maresca lays into shaky Blues defence as pre-season struggles continue but Lavia shines againBy Jack Rosser in CharlotteENZO MARESCA keeps reminding Chelsea fans that they are trying a lot of different things on this pre-season tour.Defending does not appear to be one of them.The new Blues boss knows this is very much a work in progress, but his players are going to have to do a lot of learning on the job – and fast.Real Madrid ripped through them time and again on the break across a chaotic first half in Charlotte as Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to an end.Five games, five cities and a whole lot of questions.They have been taken apart by Celtic and Manchester City too while Stateside.Maresca said: “Any team wants to do something, they want to win games and compete.“They have to work in the right way defensively. It’s difficult when you concede one goal or two, always starting behind.”Today, again, for the first five minutes, we had two clear chances. When you concede and you are 1-0 behind, 2-0 behind, it becomes difficult.“But overall, in terms of the things we are doing, we are improving and I’m quite happy.”There have been positives, of course. Romeo Lavia looks fantastic, Noni Madueke has been confident and effective while a host of players who spent last season injured have a bank of minutes in the tank.The Chelsea ownership know this is going to take time, they are completely overhauling the playing style at Stamford Bridge. But on this evidence the early weeks of the season could be hard to watch.Players still look confused and unsure of their roles when defending while chances hardly flowed against the Champions League winners – who were without a host of their big names.Vinicius Jr was there, however, and tormented the Chelsea defenders – especially in the first half.Maresca has already moaned about how his players defend with a high line and they were all over the place again in North Carolina.Dani Ceballos grabbed the first, bundled in at the far post after a break was messily defended by Chelsea.Vinicius opened the Blues up again with a fine ball in behind to setup the second. His pass was collected by Brahim Diaz who rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and finished from an impressively tight angle.Chelsea were much improved defensively after the break, though there was a slight feeling that Madrid were easing their way to the end of their tour.Lessons are being slowly learned by Maresca’s new men – their second half improvement is an example of that – but the defending especially is something ingrained which the new boss is desperate to cut out.The fact his side did not collapse to fall four down, as they did against Celtic and Manchester City, will have pleased Maresca, though that is fairly slim pickings with the opening game against the champions less than two weeks away. More

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      AI José Mourinho gives rousing team talk to fans after they share everyday mistakes with the legendary football manager

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      AN AI powered José Mourinho has been created – designed to deliver a rousing team talk when fans admit their everyday mistakes.They are encouraged to share their funniest blunders to receive a personalised video message from the gaffer, which can then be sent to their pals via WhatsApp.An AI José Mourinho reacts to fans after they share everyday mistakesCredit: SnickersJosé has always been comfortable in front of the cameraCredit: SnickersNow the AI version of José can respond just like the real coachCredit: SnickersThe creation of the AI tool involved over 100 people and countless hours of filming with the Special One.The meticulous process was undertaken to not only ensure the videos of him look and sound like the real José, but it thinks like him too.It was developed using a unique ‘chain of thought’ architecture that makes the responses as José-like as possible.This approach used by the AI pros means there are a limitless number of videos, each being unique and not relying on templated content.Read More Sport News It has been created by Snickers and is available to use on smartphones via its ‘Own Goal’ page.The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager says he was “excited” to team up with the chocolate brand to bring the technology to life.And Sergio Peniche, senior brand and content director at Mars Wrigley, added: “Partnering with José Mourinho to create the AI version of himself brings a unique and entertaining twist to our ‘Own Goal’ campaign.“Now, everyone can receive a bit of valuable coaching and a lot of laughs from one of football’s greatest minds.”Most read in FootballThe real José spend hours filmingCredit: Snickers More

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      Football Manager predicts Arne Slot will be SACKED by February as Liverpool replace boss with Premier League rival

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      ARNE SLOT will be sacked midway through his first season at Liverpool, according to a Football Manager simulation.The Dutchman, 45, is the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and has confirmed his desire to leave Feyenoord for the Merseyside club.Arne Slot is favourite to become the next Liverpool managerCredit: GettyA Football Manager simulation saw Slot hired as the new Reds bossBut some Reds fans have reservations as to whether he has the credentials to step up and be successful in the Premier League.And Football Manager 2024 will give Liverpool fans little hope when it comes to Slot’s arrival.90Min carried out a simulation for Slot at Liverpool, with the head coach arriving at Anfield on July 1, beating Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou to the vacancy.He implements a 4-2-3-1 formation and enjoys a six-game unbeaten run during pre-season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also begins to bed in Benfica winger Ricardo Horta – who joined for £25.5million before Klopp’s departure.Poor start puts pressure on SlotHowever, an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign leads to Slot moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into one of the two holding midfield roles.But the poor run of form continues as Liverpool suffer five defeats in their opening 12 matches against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Tottenham and Arsenal.Slot’s men improve across October and November as the fans begin to believe a little more in their new manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      He lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfieldSlot suffers five defeats in his opening 12 matches across all competitionsAnd he is backed by the owners in the January window as he signs RB Salzburg midfielder Maurits Kjaergaard for £40.5m.But he is forced to remain patient as Alexis Mac Allister continues in the No10 role.Results then begin to turn again in early 2025 as pressure grows on Slot.He signs striker Maurits Kjaergaard from RB Salzburg in the January windowDifficult start to 2025Draws with Brentford and Crystal Palace are accompanied by defeats to Norwich and Nottingham Forest.They do progress against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League despite an Alexander-Arnold red card.But a difficult run of fixtures brings about defeats to Chelsea and Man City, before Liverpool bosses put Slot out of his misery and give him the sack.But the Dutchman is sacked in February following a run of poor resultsSalah fails to deliverOne player who is thoroughly underwhelming during Slot’s seven-month stint is Mo Salah.The Egyptian stays with Liverpool in the summer despite Klopp’s departure, but his form drops off a cliff.He scores just eight Premier League goals and 13 in all competitions – having previously netted 23 or more in each of his seven campaigns at the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESMo Salah manages just eight Premier League goals before Slot is axedDe Zerbi replaces SlotSlot’s departure brings about an opportunity for another Premier League manager in the form of Roberto De Zerbi.In the game, the Italian leaves Brighton for Liverpool – just months after he was linked with the move in real life.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi replaces Slot at AnfieldCredit: PA More

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      Gary Neville accuses Man Utd of ‘playing Football Manager’ before Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived as he slams three signings

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      GARY NEVILLE has accused the Glazers of “playing Football Manager” with Manchester United.The mood at Old Trafford has changed since the announcement that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has purchased 25 per cent of the club and will run football operations.
      Gary Neville has taken aim at the Glazers for their mismanagement of the clubCredit: PA
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already begun his rebuild at Man UtdCredit: PA
      The Glazers are still majority owners at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
      Man Utd have won seven of their nine games since the news and off the pitch, the British billionaire has already appointed Omar Berrada as CEO from Manchester City.
      And Ratcliffe is also lining up a move for highly-rated Newcastle transfer chief Dan Ashworth.
      Asked about his possible arrival and the change already seen under Ineos, Neville said: “It was getting to the point where we were getting mocked for mentioning the Glazers every time Man Utd lost a football match.
      “People would say ‘Well the Glazers aren’t the ones playing football’.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “But for 10 years, every Manchester United manager operated without a CEO, without a sporting director, without a director of football.
      “That is madness, forget negligence, that’s just madness.
      “Obviously Sir Jim Ratcliffe is coming in and appointing a CEO that has actually been at a football club before and everyone is applauding him for it – that’s staggering.
      “I can’t believe it hasn’t happened already, it’d never be allowed to happen at another club in the country.”
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      Neville then slammed the Glazers, saying: “They have shown blind loyalty to people who have been really good to them over a long period of time.
      “Ed Woodward was at the club for 10-12 years, they have believed everything he said.
      ‘Can we buy Mbappe?’ – Sir Dave Brailsford gives cheeky response after young Man Utd fan’s transfer plea
      “It was a little bit like they were playing Football Manager.
      “We can literally go and look at the best players without having serious people operating the club.”
      He highlighted the signings of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as evidence the Glazers signed big name players with a lack of long-term vision.
      Di Maria arrived in 2014 for £60million, he stayed just one year and scored four goals before joining PSG for a reported £44m fee.
      Falcao came in on loan the same year and struggled to make an impact, finding the back of the net just four times.
      Ibrahimovic, however, was a success as he won the Europa League and Carabao Cup with Man Utd, scoring 29 goals across two seasons.
      Ratcliffe is determined to take the club down a different direction in the transfer market – rather than be drawn in by the biggest name players.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      And he is set to ruthlessly rebuild the squad, with Neville convinced the current players are fighting to prove their worth to the new owner.
      The pundit said: “What Ratcliffe has come in and done is say to all of them ‘I’m looking at every single one of you lot – you’re all playing for your future.”
      Angel Di Maria left just a season after joining Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The signing of Radamel Falcao also did not work outCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic won two trophies with the clubCredit: Getty More

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      Man who has spent 8 per cent of his life playing Football Manager becomes boss of real team after double relegation

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      A FOOTBALL MANAGER addict has become a real-life boss aged just 27 – of a professional team relegated twice in a row.Orri Thorisson claims he’s spent eight per cent of his life playing the computer game. 
      Orri Thorisson says he feels like he’s succeeding in life when he does well onlineCredit: https://twitter.com/KVfotbolti
      And Icelandic fourth-tier side KV admit they’ve gone down a “different route” in appointing the rookie to their top job.
      Chairman Auounn Orn Gylfason agrees Thorisson has no “magic wand”.
      But he does have a wizard record on Football Manager.
      Thorisson recently won his sixth successive Premier League crown with Leicester City – at least, on his keyboard and screen.

      He saved 600 hours of playing time to achieve that feat… no doubt at the King Powered-up Stadium.
      But it’s not all it seems – as until last year he was a gamer of two halves.
      Thorisson shared his love for Football Manager online with almost equal playing time on the pitch.
      But hip surgery ended his physically-active career, leaving him feeling he had “lost something in my life”.
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      But incredibly Thorisson was quickly appointed head coach of sixth-tier Kria – thanks to his friends owning the local club.
      He won instant promotion after 13 wins in 16 games, before agreeing to move to KV on a one-year contract.
      Cristiano Ronaldo throws runners-up medal into the crowd as former Premier League star wins player of the tournament
      Thorisson insists Football Manager has helped him in the dugout as well as tackling personal demons.
      He told SportBible: “I genuinely believe it’s had a positive impact on my real-life management abilities.
      “The game’s intricate mechanics, strategic decision-making and pressure-filled scenarios have allowed me to hone my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
      Thorisson also called the game a “therapeutic escape during harder periods in my life”.
      He added: “I find solace and distraction from playing the game and it allows my mind to momentarily detach from real-world struggles.
      “I know it sounds bad but when I’m doing good in the game, I feel like I’m doing good in life.
      “For me, it’s the thrill of leading your favourite team to victory and the satisfaction of nurturing young talents.
      The job could be a really good stepping stone… And to have some extra income for my family, including my pregnant girlfriend, is huge.Orri Thorisson
      “Oh, and the 4-2-3-1 formation I’ve used throughout my entire FM career? I’ll definitely play a form of that tactic in real life.”
      Thorisson dreams of one day matching the levels he’s reached gaming with real-life achievements.
      He said: “I took the job knowing it could be a really good stepping stone in my career.
      “And to have some extra income to provide for my family, including my pregnant girlfriend, is huge.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Club supremo Gylfason confessed: “We know success in Football Manager doesn’t just happen with the swing of a magic wand.
      “You need to have a deep understanding of the game and now time will tell if he can meet up to our expectations in real life.” More