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      Global sports giant makes £230m bid to buy Crystal Palace owner John Textor out of club with American wanting quick deal

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      JOHN TEXTOR is in talks to sell his Crystal Palace stake for £230million.A global sports investment group are understood to have made an offer for the American businessman’s 45 per cent share.John Textor is in talks to sell his Crystal Palace stake for £230millionThe offer would value the Selhurst Park club at £500millionThe offer would value the Selhurst Park club at £500million.Textor, 59, had instructed merchant bank Raine Group to identify interested parties for his stake at the South London club.And Sportsbank are one of three serious bidders for Textor’s shares, which he bought for £87.5m in 2021.The group are made up of a collection of investors from North America, Canada, Europe and the Persian Gulf.read more football newsOn Companies House, persons with significant control of Sportsbank are listed as Zechariah Janjua and Navshir Jaffer – who are actually Palace fans.But although Sportsbank are the leading contenders, they are one of three serious interested parties.Textor’s Eagle Football Group made one final bid to take over Palace in full in August, but they did not receive a response.The American business tycoon’s relationship with co-owner Steve Parish has become seriously fractured, with fans calling for him to leave the club.Most read in FootballPalace chairman Steve Parish was sat alongside Oliver Glasner before he was appointed manager in FebruaryFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt remains to be seen whether Palace’s other three general partners — chairman Parish and fellow U.S. businessmen Josh Harris and David Blitzer – are prepared to sell their own stakes.Harris and Blitzer, who are both 18 per cent shareholders, could in theory decide to match Sportsbank’s bid but have no automatic right to.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner had expected a better start to the season The ownership has a general partnership structure where different investors run the business together.Robert Franco is also a person with “significant interest” in the Eagles as he owns around five per cent of the club. Eagle Football Group also own other clubs around the world, including French side Lyon, Brazilian league competitors Botafogo, Belgian club RWD Molenbeek and FC Florida in the U.S. Textor first announced his plans to sell his stake in Palace amid an interest in buying Everton in May, which has since fallen through.Other co-owners include Josh Harris and David Blitzer (right)The Friedkin Group have reached an agreement in principle to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority 94 per cent stake at Goodison Park instead.Textor is a digital entrepreneur who made his name in virtual reality studios and the streaming platform FuboTV.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Palace, who sit 17th in the table, won their first Prem game of the season after beating Spurs 1-0 on Sunday.Oliver Glasner’s side then backed it up with a solid 2-1 win over Aston Villa to set up a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Arsenal on December 17. More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals emotional conversation with sacked Man Utd boss Ten Hag as he makes Ruben Amorim plea

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has called on Ruben Amorim to let him stay at Manchester United and help take the club back to the top.Van Nistelrooy’s position as an assistant manager is under threat now Erik ten Hag has gone with Amorim planning to bring his own backroom team in.Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to stay on as a United assistantSporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is set to become United’s permanent bossBut the interim boss, who oversaw a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester on Wednesday, says he has the ability and knowledge of United to help him as part of that new management team.Van Nistelrooy said: “I decided to come back here for a very important reason.“I came as an assistant to help the club move forward and I’m still motivated to do so in any capacity.”I’m very motivated to stay here and help the club forward, that’s my absolute goal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It’s gonna be a short job as an interim, that was communicated very clear, I was happy with that, I will then go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next.“When a new manager is signing and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”Van Nistelrooy was given the interim job after Ten Hag was sacked just three months into his third season after winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his two full campaigns in charge.And Van Nistelrooy revealed the manager was emotional about having to leave.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “He is very disappointed and touched. I really felt he loved and cared for the club.“He wanted to bring this club forward and that’s why we connected. That is why it hurt that he had to leave, but he was also proud of the achievements with the club winning two cups.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcement“In the end it’s also clear in football it’s the results and Erik also said that.“In pre-season we had new staff, it was very positive, and we were working hard to bring the club forward.“Obviously there are things you can’t explain sometimes.“I remember the Brighton goal we scored that was ruled out, then you concede and it’s 2-1.“There’ve been so many games we could’ve got a better result; at Palace, West Ham, Fenerbahce and Porto, but it’s about results this game, that’s our jobs.”The club legend scored 150 goals in 219 games and was understandably given a warm welcome when he took his place in the dugout on Wednesday.He will be back there for Chelsea’s visit on Sunday and probably two more games before the current Sporting Lisbon boss takes the reins after the next international break in mid-November.The former PSV Eindhoven gaffer admitted it was strange to be in the Old Trafford dugout 18 years after he left the club as a player.He said: “I left in 2006, oh my God what a long time ago.“But it was special to come back to the club and city I loved so much and still do, I enjoy being around Manchester and enjoy being around players and staff here.“It’s the other side, being a football player or manager or assistant, it’s complete opposite sides.“I’m standing in front of the team, talking to them about what Manchester United is about, playing at Old Trafford, what songs are being sung by the fans and why.“You try to transmit that lovely feeling of playing for this club and it is a proud moment to do that and share it with the players.”Not surprisingly he turned to his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson for advice before the game.The pair fell out, leading to Van Nistelrooy’s exit back in 2006 but have long since made up.He said: “We spoke about my situation and the team. Most of all he wished me luck. It is always great to speak to him.”Ten Hag spent £600million in his time as boss including another £200million this last summer.It has left many wondering if it was money well spent but Van Nistelrooy wants to show it was.Van Nistelrooy said: “I think what is important is to get the maximum from these players. READ MORE SUN STORIES“This Premier League season, and all the other games we are going to play, will give us a very good and clear picture where the club is.“It is a big challenge, everybody is convinced with this group of players that we can and have to perform better than we have at the moment.” More

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      Watch Jose Mourinho get wiped out in training exercise and collapse to floor before being trolled by Prem legends

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      THIS is the moment Jose Mourinho is wiped out in a training exercise before being helped off the floor by his players.The hilarious incident occurred in a Fenerbahce training session this week.Jose Mourinho was knocked over during a training session with FenerbahceCredit: Instagram @josemourinhoThe Special One lay on the ground after the bizarre incidentCredit: Instagram @josemourinhoMourinho posted the footage to his Instagram account.In it, the Special One could be seen ordering players around as they ran and passed the ball in tight combinations.Mourinho was at the centre of the exercise as he barked orders at his stars.But the Portuguese ace ended up getting involved in a painful way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs he walked backwards, a Fenerbahce player accidentally ran into him, knocking the coach to the floor.Players gathered round as Mourinho lay on the ground.Yet he was all fine and well after gingerly getting up before walking off the pitch in a daze.It is unclear from the footage which player knocked Mourinho over.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut in his post, the Special One tagged Fenerbahce’s Turkish left-back Ismail Yuksek.And he also mentioned two of his former players in ex-Man Utd star Marouane Fellaini and former Roma defender Marash Kumbulla — hinting that it’s not the first time he’d been knocked over in training by a star.Jose Mourinho jokes that he could become Millwall manager as he says ‘it’s just across the bridge from my house’John Terry was one of Mourinho’s former stars who reacted to the hilarious videoCredit: PA:Press AssociationNemanja Matic also had plenty to sayCredit: Getty Images – GettyMourinho said: “Lesson to young coaches, ‘never wear the same colour as players’.“They can pass you the ball… or kick you from behind @fellaini @maxkumbulla @ismailyuksek.”Some of Mourinho’s former players were among those who reacted to the amusing post.Nemanja Matic, who played under him at Chelsea and Manchester United, joked: “Well deserved!”While ex-Blues pair John Terry and Willian as well as Spurs legend Robbie Keane reacted with laughing emojis.Kumbulla, one of the players tagged in the post, added: “Sorry again mister!” More

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      EFL cult hero, 39, brutally sacked by non-league minnows after 48 days as he says ‘not what I wanted or worked for’

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      EFL CULT HERO David Stockdale has been brutally sacked as manager of non-league outfit Blyth Spartans AFC.The former Premier League goalkeeper, who was only appointed 48 days ago, has turned to social media to announce his dismissal.David Stockdale has been sacked by non-league side Blyth Spartans AFCCredit: https://www.instagram.com/yorkcityfc/The former goalkeeper took up his first role in management just 48 days agoCredit: GettyStockdale posted on X: “Gutted to have been SACKED. Not what I wanted or worked for.”It’s been a great time and worked with some great people. Hopefully I can try somewhere else. I wish @Blyth_Spartans all the best.”But more so the staff and players I had while there. Truly great people ❤.”The 39-year-old joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to the newly appointed former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano on August 5.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockdale was then appointed caretaker manager after Solano was sacked 22 days later on August 27.But he was later given the job on a permanent basis on Friday 13 September after reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.However, the Green Army have endured a horrible start to the Northern Premier League Premier Division season.The Northumberland outfit sit rock-bottom, having lost seven and won just two of their opening 12 games following their relegation from the National League North last term.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Stockdale was winless in the league during his seven-game spell as permanent gaffer.The club’s two victories came against Campion and Workington during the former goalkeeper’s fortnight as interim boss.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Blyth Spartans have also announced that local businessman Martin Trinder will take over the club from Friday 1 November.Earlier this month, the club’s chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were underway.The non-league side had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.Meanwhile, Stockdale became a cult-hero during his playing career in England.He started at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008. The stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.He left the West London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESStockdale returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment, but was released in April.He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England’s top division.Stockdale was promoted to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023Credit: Rex More

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      Trevor Whymark dead at 74: Ipswich legend and one-cap England international passes away as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Ipswich Town star Trevor Whymark has died aged 74 after an 18-month battle with Alzheimer’s.The one-time England international spent a decade at Portman Road from 1969 to 1979.Ipswich Town legend Trevor Whymark has died aged 74Credit: GettyWhymark bagged 104 goals at Portman RoadCredit: RexWhymark made one appearance for England in 1977Whymark scored 104 goals in 335 outings for Ipswich.And he scooped two trophies with the club, first landing the Texaco Cup in 1973 before securing FA Cup glory in 1978.Whymark remains Ipswich’s sixth-highest goal scorer.He was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2012.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the forward’s prowess up top saw him land one England cap against Luxembourg in 1977.Whymark was signed by Ipswich from Diss Town in 1969 by Sir Bobby Robson.After 10 years at Portman Road, he spent time with Derby County and Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam.Whymark then enjoyed a spell in Canada with the Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring 25 goals in 57 games while winning the NASL (North American Soccer League) title.Most read in FootballWhymark was inducted into Ipswich’s Hall of Fame in 2012Credit: AlamyWhymark also won the North American Soccer League title with VancouverCredit: RexHe returned to England in 1980 with Grimsby Town, where he netted 16 times in 93 games over four years.And between 1984 and 1985, he played for Southend, Peterborough and Colchester before closing the door on his career with boyhood club Diss Town as player-manager for a year.After retiring, he coached youth sides at both Norwich and Ipswich.But last year Whymark’s family announced he was battling Alzheimer’s.Ipswich led the tributes to their former star, saying: “The club is saddened to report the passing of Town legend Trevor Whymark at the age of 74.“Trevor, who scored 104 goals in 335 appearances for the Club, died peacefully surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, Trevor.”The PFA said: “Everyone at the PFA is deeply saddened by the passing of Trevor Whymark.“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones.”Former BDO world darts champ Keith Deller said: “Trevor was one of my all-time favourite Ipswich players.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Fantastic football and such sad news. RIP Ipswich legend.”An Ipswich fan added: “RIP the great Trevor Whymark. Brilliant, underrated striker and lovely, unassuming man.” More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy took just 59 minutes to break Ten Hag record after replacing him as Man Utd interim boss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy needed less than an hour to best former manager Erik ten Hag on his debut at the helm.Van Nistelrooy, 48, took over at the United hotseat on a temporary basis following Sunday’s 2-1 loss at West Ham under Ten Hag which extended the club’s worst ever Premier League start.Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy beat an Erik ten Hag recordCredit: GettyMan Utd scored five goals against a Premier League side under Van Nistelrooy, something Ten Hag never managedCredit: GettyThe club legend oversaw the Red Devils’ Carabao Cup clash with Leicester in the Round of 16 at Old Trafford on Wednesday and led them to an impressive 5-2 win.The former striker saw his team score four goals in the first half with a brace by Casemiro and strikes by Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.Goals by the Foxes’ Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady sealed an entertaining six-goal spectacular in the first half before both teams slowed down in the second half.That was when Fernandes completed his brace in the 59th minute before Van Nistelrooy took his foot off the gas.Read More on Man UtdThat means that in his first game in charge of Man Utd, the ex-PSV Eindhoven boss has already beaten a Ten Hag feat by netting five goals against a Premier League side.Ten Hag’s biggest win was last month’s 7-0 triumph over League One outfit Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup.The Dutch tactician’s biggest win before that was a 4-1 victory against Chelsea and Real Betis last year in the Premier League and Europa League respectively.United looked much better in just one match under Van Nistelrooy, who hinted he wants to stay and work under incoming new boss Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Sky Sports: “I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.”I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim is expected to replace Ten Hag on a full-time basis.The Portuguese tactician, though, may not assume duties until after next month’s international break, meaning his first match could take place at Ipswich on November 24.And Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club is currently uncertain as United appear to be trying to also sign Amorim’s coaching staff at Sporting.Those are assistant coaches Adelio Candido, Carlos Fernandes and Emanuel Ferro as well as goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital and sports scientist Paulo Barreira. More

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      Who are FC Noah? Armenian football club taking on Chelsea in Uefa Conference League match

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      FC NOAH is an Armenian team that has recently made waves in European football.Here’s everything you need to know about the aspirational club, who are taking on Chelsea in the Europa Conference League.FC Noah was founded in 2017 as FC ArtsakhRui Mota is the head coach of FC NoahCredit: GettyMatheus Aiás is a striker for the Armenian sideCredit: GettyWho Are FC Noah?Founded in 2017 as FC Artsakh, the team was originally based in Stepanakert, Artsakh, Armenia.The club relocated to Armavir and was rebranded as FC Noah in 2019, drawing inspiration from biblical figure Noah.Its name references the story of Noah’s Ark, which is said to have come to rest on the Mountains of Ararat, traditionally identified with Mount Ararat in Armenia.Rise to prominenceThe team’s rise to prominence has been meteoric — they finished second in the Armenian First League in their inaugural 2017-18 season, earning promotion to the Armenian Premier League.More Europa Conference LeagueDespite a disappointing 8th-place finish in their first top-flight season, the club’s fortunes changed dramatically following a change of ownership and the rebranding in 2019.Noah’s first major trophy came in the 2019-20 season, when they won the Armenian Cup, defeating Ararat-Armenia on penalties.This marked the beginning of their European journey, as it meant they qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League for the first time.They were knocked out in the first qualifying round in the 2021-22 season, losing 5-1 on aggregate to Finish club Kuopion Palloseura.Most read in FootballThe side finished second in the Armenian Premier League in 2023-24, meaning they qualified for Europe’s third-tier tournament once again.Making historyThe 2024-25 season has been a landmark year for FC Noah.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauds Cole Palmer as the type of player supporters ‘pay to see’ They made history by becoming the first club in history to enter the Conference League qualifiers in the first round and successfully navigate all four rounds.Their impressive run included victories over Shkëndija, Sliema Wanderers and Greek powerhouse AEK Athens, before a nail-biting 4-3 aggregate win against Ružomberok in the play-off round.They continued their hot streak run into match-day one of the competition on October 3, 2024, beating Czech First League outfit FK Mladá Boleslav 2-0 at Armavir City Stadium, their home ground. Key playersCurrently managed by Rui Mota, Noah boasts a diverse squad filled with both local talent and players from around the world.Key players include Gonçalo Gregório from Portugal and Brazilian Matheus Aiás in attack.Gonçalo Gregório plays up front for FC NoahmaCredit: GettyIn midfield there’s Gustavo Sangaré from Burkina Faso and local lad Gor Manvelyan.The side boasts experienced defenders in Hovhannes Hambardzumyan from Armenia, as well as the Icelandic left-back Guðmundur Þórarinsson.StadiumThe team’s home ground has changed several times since their inception.After initially playing at various stadiums in Yerevan, including the Mika Stadium and Alashkert Stadium, FC Noah moved their home games to the Armavir City Stadium in February 2022.Upcoming Chelsea fixtureFC Noah’s European adventure continues with a highly anticipated match against English giants Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League on November 7, 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fixture represents a David vs Goliath encounter, pitting the Armenian underdogs against one of Europe’s most successful clubs of the past two decades.The match against Chelsea will undoubtedly be the biggest in the club’s short history.Chelsea’s Europa Conference League matchesHere are the Blues’ Europa Conference League fixtures in 2024:Thursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm. More

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      Steve Bruce shares heartbreaking statement after tragic death of four-month old grandson Madison

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      STEVE BRUCE has shared a heartbreaking statement after the tragic death of his four-month old grandson.Newborn Madison was the child of former Leeds, Fulham and Millwall striker Matt Smith, who is Bruce’s son-in-law.Blackpool’s Manager Steve Bruce has issued a statement after the death of his grandsonCredit: PABruce’s statement read: “On Tuesday we laid my grandson Madison to rest.”It’s been the worst time of my family’s entire lives and is something no family should have to endure.”I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages from inside and outside the footballing world.”It has touched us all. I’d also like to thank David, Julian and the owner Simon for their understanding and support.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday at Gillingham, and back at Bloomfield Road.”Look after your loved ones. Best wishes, Steve Bruce.”Madison’s passing was announced on October 18.In a statement, Blackpool said Madison’s death was “sudden and unexpected”.Most read in FootballBruce, former Newcastle and Aston Villa gaffer, missed Blackpool’s match against Barnsley on October 19 due to the bereavement. And understanding so, hasn’t been in the dugout since.The legendary manager, who has overseen more than 1,000 matches, is set to return to action for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Gillingham.Bruce’s son Alex, who is currently working as the assistant manager at Salford City, also missed their game against Crewe.The ex-Prem manager, 63, joined the Tangerines on a two-year deal in September after nearly two years out of football management.Blackpool have won just four of their opening 13 games of the season, losing five along the way, leaving them 16th in League One. What tributes clubs have madeClubs up and down the country have sent their condolences…Preston North End”Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”West Bromwich Albion”Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.”Norwich City”Heartbreaking news. We’re sending our love and support to Steve and his family at this difficult time”Birmingham City”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”Bristol City”Everybody at Bristol City sends their condolences, thoughts and love to the family at this tragic time.”Lincoln City”Deepest condolences from everyone at the Imps to Steve and his family.”Northampton Town”Sending the condolences of everyone at Sixfields to Steve and his family.”Leeds United”Everybody at Leeds United sends their condolences and thoughts to Steve’s family at this tragic time.”Bristol Rovers”Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our condolences, thoughts and love to Steve and the Bruce family.”Barnsley”Incredibly sad news. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club are with Steve and his family.” More