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      Neymar closes in on shock transfer back to former club as ‘loan offer made for Brazil icon’

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      NEYMAR could make a dramatic return to one of his former clubs after a loan offer was made to sign him.The Brazilian has been sidelined for the best part of 18 months since his switch to Al-Hilal.An offer has been made to sign Neymar on loan from Al-HilalCredit: GettyNeymar, 32, ruptured his ACL in October 2023 and lasted just 30 minutes in his injury comeback in November.He had made just seven appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring once, and could now be set to leave the club.Former club Santos are interested in signing Neymar and have submitted a loan proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.They are understood to be waiting for the go ahead from Al-Hilal, with Neymar reportedly agreeing to the switch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMLS clubs are also interested in signing the Brazil legend, who is believed to earn £2.5million a week.Chicago Fire have been linked along with Inter Miami, which would give Neymar the chance to re-unite with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to bring back the iconic MSN trio.He would likely have to accept a huge pay-cut to end his Saudi disaster, but Chicago Fire are reportedly willing to give him £16m without bonuses per year.Al-Hilal have not included Neymar in their domestic squad for the coming season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManager Jorge Jesus said: “Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are used to. “Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”Neymar became a global icon during his first spell at SantosCredit: Reuters’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transfer More

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      I was Premier League club’s record scorer, then I went into local Government and formed a turf company

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      JOHN RICHARDS has been front page news in Wolverhampton again this week after being awarded the freedom of the city.The former striker was rewarded for his outstanding contributions to Wolves, supporting ex-players and his charity work.    Wolves legend John Richards was awarded the freedom of the cityCredit: GettyRichards spent 14 years at Wolves and became their record scorer with 194 goalsCredit: Getty – ContributorWhen it comes to club legends, there are few greater than the man fans call ‘King John’ at Molineux.Richards spent 14 years at Wolves between 1969 and 1983 and became their record goalscorer with 194 until fellow forward Steve Bull passed his mark in 1992.He was the club’s leading scorer in eight out of nine seasons between 1972 and 1981, helped them to two League Cup wins — even scoring the Wembley winner in the 1974 final against Manchester City.After packing away his boots and going into local government in 1985, he returned to the club in 1995 during the Jack Hayward era, first as a non-executive director and then as the club’s managing director.Read More on FootballLast year he was named Wolves’ third vice-president alongside Bull and Robert Plant following the death of Ron Flowers.In his pomp, Richards was a match for any striker in English football.He was a ‘fox in the box’ with speed and pace but with an intelligence and sharp instinct of always being in the right place at the right time.Now 74, Richards takes a deep breath and says: “It’s 56 years ago when I first joined Wolves. Man was just walking on the moon in 1969 when I signed a contract here. There’s been a few steps taken since then!Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I am honoured to be back at the club as vice-president. It means the world to me.”Richards is also chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, another role he talks about with great passion.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira reveals his difficulties with Mario Lemina He added: “It gives me the opportunity to be part of a group of players from different eras, who have become lifelong friends and, beyond that, an extended family for me.”For one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, it is baffling that Richards only ever played at Wembley twice in his 16-year career and won just one England cap.He said: “For me, playing at Wembley meant everything. In my era, so few games were played at the national stadium. There were a lot of wonderful players of my generation who never played there.“I consider myself very lucky that my two games at Wembley were both finals and we won them both.“Last year we had a reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of that 1974 League Cup victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1. I was grateful to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining.“It was a joy to share it with so many supporters, who wanted to tell me their stories of celebrating after the game and not getting back home until the Monday!How it started“In the end I was more absorbed by their anecdotes than what we did on the pitch.“Against Nottingham Forest six years later, we always found them tough to beat but to win it I still get goosebumps  reliving that day.“As for England, I played a few times at different levels but only had one senior cap. I never quite took the opportunity.”As a teenager, Richards was spotted playing for Lancashire Grammar School against a team who had a Wolves scout among their staff.He said: “He asked me if I was assigned to any club and offered me a trial. I went along and from there I was offered a one-year contract, moving up from the third team and then reserves before the first team in just over a year.”Richards made his debut for the black and gold at West Brom in February  1970.Successful debutHe recalled: “Derek Dougan was injured but I didn’t know until the Friday that I would be playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t even know where West Bromwich was, let alone the rivalry between the  sides.“I soon found out as it was quite hostile. I thought I played okay, it was a 3-3 draw and I thought we were unlucky not to win.“I scored my opening first-team goal a year later against  Huddersfield. It wasn’t the best shot  but it went in and is one of those unforgettable moments.“That Wolves side in the early to mid seventies was exceptional and I was lucky to play with so many  talented players.”After 14 years he moved on loan to Derby in 1982 and then joined Portugal’s Maritimo for two seasons.He said: “I moved because at that time I wasn’t getting any minutes. Derby were struggling when I joined but I’m pleased to say they stayed up.“Playing abroad in Portugal was another great opportunity.”Despite scoring 23 league goals in 44 games for Maritimo, Richards and his family headed back to England in 1985, with his eldest daughter due to move into secondary school.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe became Wolves’ managing director in 1997, then from 2001  formed Pitchcare — a sports turf service provider — with Wolves groundsman Dave Saltman.They sold the business to Agro-vista UK in 2020 and Richards added: “It had been a richly rewarding 18 years. I think Dave felt it was the right time to step down and I felt exactly the same.” More

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      Non-league clash postponed after pitch left covered in GOOSE POO as war of words erupts between clubs

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      A NON-LEAGUE match was postponed after the pitch was covered in goose poo.The two clubs clashed on social media after announcing the news that the game would not go ahead.West Allotment Celtic claimed their rivals refused to playSeaham Red Star FC took to X to confirm to supporters that their visit to West Allotment Celtic FC was postponed as a result of goose excrement covering the pitchWest Allotment coach Richard Stretton hit back, saying: “Referee granted a 15-minute window for the home team to clear the pitch, which was successfully completed. “However, the away team declined to proceed, with management asserting that their players were unwilling to continue, a claim later contradicted by the players themselves.”Seaham Red’s official account doubled down and responded claiming they did want to play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey wrote in reply: “Respectfully, it’s not our fault that your pitch was full of goose [poo].”It should have been cleared prior to our arrival, your post is factually incorrect as we wanted to play, [the] referee said ‘it’s caked in [poo]’, at 8pm it was still not clear was it.”West Allotment rejected that claim, saying: “Respectfully, you were asked if you wanted to play and said no (which is absolutely fine, you were given the choice). The match was called off at 19:05.”The club later put out an official statement on the incident, claiming Seaham Red informed the referee they felt the playing conditions were unsafe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement read: “Sincere apologies to those who attended tonight, please keep your ticket as we’ll be looking at what we can do as a club to offset the disappointment of tonight.”To clarify, goose excrement was found on the pitch during the warm up, which has never happened before.”Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DaySince the postponement, West Allotment Celtic have been active on social media joking about the situation.The Newcastle-based club have organised a raffle with prizes including a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and a t-shirt saying “I helped save a non-league football club from geese”.And after geese returned to the pitch on Sunday night, they posted a video, seen by over 30 thousand people, titled: “An actual wild goose chase” More

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      New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

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      NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

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      I called Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when we won promotion to the Premier League… I’ll never forget what he said

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion.Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson shared life-altering advice for Tony PulisCredit: GettyPulis had a chat with Ferguson after leading Stoke to Premier League promotionCredit: GettyPulis turned Stoke into a mainstay in the Prem thanks to Ferguson’s adviceCredit: GettyThe Welshman sought Fergie’s advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium – then Britannia Stadium – into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition.Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013.Pulis said back in March: “When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He told me: ‘Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go.”‘If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right.”‘The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long’.“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”We found a way to win and it worked.”I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and team were so together.”We used to play the top teams and the place used to light up.” More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off bum in bikini in stunning holiday snap as fans gush ‘it’s a beautiful view’

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      MADELENE Wright left nothing to the imagination in her latest Instagram share.The gorgeous blonde footballer is enjoying a sunnier climate to escape the UK winter chill.Glam football Madelene Wright shows off her incredible bum on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightGorgeous blonde Madelene stunned fans with her latest sexy snapsCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightMadelene has escaped the UK chill for warmer shoresCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightAnd wherever she is – it’ s bikini weather as these new glam photos suggest.Madelene showed off her incredible curves in black swimwear that barely covered her bum in a set of snaps.In one picture, she can be seen looking into the horizon with her posterior in full view.While in another, she runs her hands through her silky locks and shows off her perfect abs.Read more Madelene Wright newsShe captioned the moment with two emojis – a blue heart and a fish emoji.The images left her fans in awe of her look.One wrote: “OMG Wow!”A second posted: “Stunning!”Most read in FootballWhile a third added: “Beautiful view.”Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic Wright returned to football with Chesham United Women this season –  four years after she was sacked by Charlton over a controversial video.The ace was axed by the Addicks in 2020 after she was reportedly seen inhaling from a balloon at a party and swigging champagne while at the wheel of her Range Rover.Madelene has since gone on to become a major star on OnlyFans, regularly posting saucy content for loyal subscribers to access.It is believed she earns around $659,000 (£526,000) per year, which she revealed to us gives her an amazing lifestyle.She told SunSport: “I was able to get my own place, I’ve been able to travel the world and I’ve enjoyed a lot of luxuries.”A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Madelene regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has played for Leyton Orient and CharltonCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      Chelsea goal ace Cole Palmer signs megabucks deal with Amazon to star in Three Lions documentary

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      GOAL ace Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a Three Lions documentary.The four-parter will chart England’s next generation — including the Chelsea star, 22.Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a documentaryCredit: GettyFilming has begun with the series, which follows the England squad, due for release in springFilming has begun, with the series due for release in the spring.A source said: “This is an exciting project for everyone.“Amazon were desperate to land Cole. He’s one of the hottest properties in the world. The series will lift the veil on his life so far, feature exclusive footage, and help him connect with fans on a new level.“But it won’t just be about Cole. Other England players of the future have also signed up.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEREngland are among the favourites to lift next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.New boss Thomas Tuchel took over at the start of the month from Gareth Southgate, who encouraged his young stars to speak about their hopes and dreams.Sources said the Football Association were consulted and approved the project.One source added: “They know how important players like Cole will be if England are to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.Most read in Football“It’s important they allow a relationship to form between the players and fans. The FA saw the fruits of that under Southgate and want it to continue.“Cole is intensely private but a balance has to be struck, given how special a talent he is. He’s excited and wants fans to get to know him. He’s just a normal kid.“He loves football and is a whizz on Fifa in his spare time.”Cole recently trademarked his shivering goal celebration and made moves to own the term “Cold Palmer” to use to sell products.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star More

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      ‘Great way to start an interview,’ fumes Postecoglou at BBC reporter’s innocent two-word question after Tottenham loss

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      ANGE Postecoglou was left seething after an interview with BBC Sport.The Aussie tactician had just seen his side lose 3-2 to Everton at Goodison Park.Ange Postecoglou was left fuming after an interview with BBC SportSpurs boss Postecoglou was unhappy with the start of the interviewAnd after the game, he faced the cameras to answer questions about his team’s performance.However, one BBC reporter clearly riled Postecoglou, 59, up with his opening gambit.The reporter started: “Ange, familiar story.”What are your assessments of that performance please?”Read more in football A disgruntled Postecoglou asked:, “Familiar story?’ to which the journalist replied, “Well in terms of defeat.”Obviously disappointed with how the interviewer began his, Postecoglou then snapped, “Yeah okay. Great way to start an interview,” before going into his team’s inefficiences.Spurs were beaten by half-time after a disappointing 45 minutes against fellow strugglers, Everton.At the interval they found themselves three goals down – thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, and an Archie Gray own goal.Most read in FootballLate goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison gave the score some respectability, but in truth they were well beaten.SunSports’ Tom Barclay speaks on Tottenham’s current poor form which has led the club to the cup of a relegation battle Postecoglou’s side are now winless in six Premier League games.The last time they did that came in January 2009, a few months on from the infamous ‘two points from eight games’ start that saw Juande Ramos given the sack.Postecoglou is now under serious pressure himself, with chairman Daniel Levy watching on from the stands.Latest betting odds have the former Celtic manager as favourite to be the next Premier League boss to get the boot. More