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      We’re so Chelsea-mad we’ve flown between two war zones to Chinese border to watch our team – and even eaten horse brains

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      DODGING war zones, braving Arctic conditions… and tucking into horse brains.An away day in the outer reaches of Kazakhstan is like no other.Chelsea face Astana 3,700 miles awayCredit: HaytersBlues fans have made the gruelling trip, eating horse brains and drinking Russian beerCredit: HaytersChelsea face Astana in the Conference League today, with die-hard fans embarking on a gruelling 7,000-mile round trip to a far-flung destination close to the Chinese border.Blues supporters are experienced European travellers and they have watched their side clinch continental success on numerous occasions — not least winning the Champions League in 2012 and 2021.Yet this trip provides an equally unforgettable and unique experience for the 500 going.Three flights are needed to get there as direct journeys from London to the city of Almaty are difficult to come by.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea fans have therefore been forced to get inventive — their 24-hour trip started yesterday with a plane from London to Ankara, Turkey.A seven-hour layover in an eerily quiet terminal until a local time of 2am awaited them before they hopped to board a second flight between two war zones to get to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital.The route taken goes over the Black and Caspian Seas, using the so-called ‘Middle Corridor’, in order to avoid the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the north and the raging Middle East tensions to the south.That would normally be far enough but Astana’s regular home ground is being renovated and they are instead playing 764 miles away in Almaty’s Central Stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTouching down just 235 miles away from China, the Chelsea faithful can expect to be greeted by bitterly cold temperatures.Weather forecasts say it will drop to -11C at the time of the game.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upBut it has not put off Londoner George Higgins, who said it was the allure of visiting a new country that attracted him to the trip.His adventure was pushed over the 24-hour mark by a three-hour delay in London before he finally boarded a flight to Kazakhstan via Istanbul and the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent.In a region five hours ahead of UK time, Almaty is a city that finds itself somewhere between gentrification and post-Soviet greyness.Battered Mercedes estate cars of years gone by fill the roads but there are also modern shopping malls full of familiar brands.We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Chelsea fansIn the back alleys there are a surprising number of English-inspired pubs for fans to enjoy once they have shaken off the jet lag.Over a pint of Russian beer, Norwegian Chelsea fans Knut, Lars, Sven and Anders discuss a week that has seen them ditch the usual pre-match pie for a plate of horse brains.On what drew them to this unique away day, they said: “The trip, mate, the trip. We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Temperatures will hit -11 at kick-offCredit: Hayters“I was actually hoping to qualify for the Conference League because of exactly these types of away days.“You get to watch teams you have never heard of — but you still want the excuse of going somewhere you would never normally go.”It was a very nice journey but a long one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last time Chelsea were near Asia for a  competitive game of football was when they thrashed Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku,  Azerbaijan.Enzo Maresca and the travelling Blues fans will be hoping the miles on the clock are worth it come May 28 for the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland.Chelsea have had to travel to Almaty as Astana’s ground is being redevelopedCredit: HaytersIt is a 24-hour journey from StanstedCredit: Hayters More

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      Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’

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      ARSENAL’S set-piece coach Nicolas Jover now has his very own MURAL outside the Emirates.But fans have torn it to shreds after an artist painted the black and white canvas ahead of Monaco’s Champions League visit on Wednesday.A new mural has been hand painted outside the Emirates StadiumAnd it honours Arsenal’s SET-PIECE coach Nicolas JoverArsenal’s success from dead ball situations over the last 18 months has been nothing short of remarkableThe Gunners are the new ‘kings’ of set-piecesThe new mural, in the Hornsey Road tunnel, right out the Emirates, has ironically been hand painted on the CORNER of the old brick wall.A smiling Jover, 43, sits next to the quarter-circle of a lined corner marking on a pitch, sporting his Arsenal coaching kit.A video shows a man carefully painting the portrait design today as fans walked past.Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces is often credited to Javer, with former Manchester United and Spurs star Dimitar Berbatov calling the Gunners the ‘new Stoke City’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Javer has now been celebrated in the same way as the stars on the pitch.He shares the historic tunnel with Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice, David Raya and William Saliba, who also boast their own artwork.And it’s not hard to see why – ever since Jover joined in 2021, Arsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other Premier League club.The Gunners’ corner tactics have become one of the unlikely talking points of the club’s season and Jover is the man responsible.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta’s side netted their Prem-leading eighth dead-ball goal of the season in disappointing 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.Their total of 48 means they are averaging one goal from every 16.4 corners (six per cent).Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal have now scored 23 GOALS from either corner post since the start of last season – eight more than any another side.German-born French coach Javer is never far from the celebrations whenever the North Londoners convert another set-piece.Old Trafford legend Gary Neville personally branded Jover “the most annoying bloke in football”.Fans, including some Gooners, have wasted no time in mocking the gesture.One wrote: “Utter woke nonsense games gone what happened to the Arsenal I love?”Utter woke nonsense, games gone, what happened to the Arsenal I love?Arsenal fanWhile another said: “Probably one of the most embarrassing things I’ve seen in football, so it checks out that it’s Arsenal that have done it.” Another added: “That is the most arsenal thing I’ve ever seen. This is just tragic 😂😂.A fourth replied: “This is why everyone laughs at Arsenal fans.” A fifth said: “Small club mentality.”One more wrote: “Arsenal fans have the most tin pot fans in England, they’ll never learn!”Club legend David Seaman also revealed that a banner has been holstered at Arsenal’s London Colney training base.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said on the Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway: “There’s a massive slogan on the wall – ‘set pieces win games’.“And they’re showing you that, the amount of prep that goes into that.”How to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More

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      Man Utd ‘identify £4m star from little-known league’ as Ruben Amorim’s first signing but he can’t join in January

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have identified their first signing under new manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the January transfer window.According to talkSPORT, United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego Leon, who plays in Costa Rica’s first division and is valued at around £4million.Manchester United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego LeonCredit: Instagram @ccp1912oficialLeon is valued at around £4m but Man Utd can’t sign him until he turns 18Credit: Tigo SportsNegotiations are being led by Man Utd technical director Jason Wilcox after Dan Ashworth’s shock exit as sporting director just five months into the job.However, Leon, 17, won’t be able to move to Old Trafford during the winter market.That is because the left-back is under 18 and thus the Red Devils will have to wait until at least April.FA and Premier League rules do not allow clubs to sign players based abroad before their 18th birthday.Read More on Man UtdHowever, the rules do not prevent teams from agreeing deals for underaged players.The Paraguayan ace stood out last season in Costa Rica with 19 appearances, which saw him score twice.United have struggled at the left-back position with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being stricken by injury.Shaw recently returned from a calf strain but suffered a setback and immediately returned to the treatment room.Most read in FootballInside Man Utd chaos amid Ashworth departureTHE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game. Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis comes after reports suggesting new manager Amorim will work on a much smaller budget than predecessor Erik ten Hag.During Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years in charge, the Manchester giants splashed more than £600million.Ruben Amorim discusses defensive strategy against Arsenal scoring from corners That included £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.However, Amorim will have to work with less amid the growing PSR theat.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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      Ex-England star, 58, takes up completely new sport and wins promotion with fellow Three Lions ace convinced to play too

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      AFTER sharing the pitch with David Beckham and earning 23 caps for England, a former Three Lions player is shining in a new sport.Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is now a local cricket star, winning promotion to the Yorkshire Premier League North last year.Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has taken up a new sport – village cricketMartyn was capped 23 times by England, playing alongside the likes of David BeckhamMartyn played at Crystal Palace and Leeds during his England spellBilled as a more-than-handy wicketkeeper, Martyn took up cricket alongside fellow former England stopper Paul Robinson at Knaresborough Club, in North Yorkshire.Despite Robinson replacing Martyn as Leed United’s No.1 in 2002, the pair are the best of pals and returned to a different kind of pitch 20 years later.Martyn, 58, told the England and Wales Cricket Board: “I saw him (Robinson) somewhere, and he asked what I was doing.”I told him I was playing cricket at Knaresborough, which is where he lives. His lad, Jack, is actually in the Yorkshire setup – probably around under-12s or 13s.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I said, ‘Look, you get the camaraderie we had in football dressing rooms, it’s good exercise, come and play a bit yourself’.”But he has a lot of football engagements, like punditry in the Middle East.”He’s not available much, but when he is we like to get him in. We actually played a game at Dringhouses away about two seasons ago. “It was the first game we played together, and there were some Leeds fans in their team. They couldn’t believe it.”Most read in FootballEx-England pro Paul Robinson also plays for Knaresborough Cricket Club from time-to-timeMartyn played football with the current England cricket team in 2017FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMartyn came through the Football League with Bristol Rovers, before becoming the first £1million goalkeeper in British football when he signed for Crystal Palace in 1989.He start both games in iconic 1990 FA Cup final, when Palace forced a replay after holding Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd to 3-3 draw at Old Wembley.Tragedy as cricketer dies aged 35 after suffering cardiac arrest and collapsing during televised match United would go on to win the replay 1-0 thanks to Lee Martin’s goal from left-back.Martyn then moved to Leeds and enjoyed their most successful spell in recent memory, before moving to Everton until retirement in 2006.And he was voted as part of Leeds United’s greatest team in 2006 and made the semi-final of the Champions League in the 2000-2001 season.Seven years ago, Martyn played football with the current England cricket team.In 2017, he was invited to join the team in their warm-up ahead of a Test against the West Indies by Jonny Bairstow.He previously told the BBC: “I always preferred cricket, but I was slightly better at football. “But I had to play outfield – though I was allowed to keep wicket for the school cricket team.”Once I turned professional the cricket had to stop. I couldn’t risk breaking a finger. I would get into a bit of trouble if I did that.’It started at school.It was rugby in the winter, then football and cricket. I really enjoyed playing, at 14 joined my local club and went from there.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You get into that changing room as a 14 year old and row up pretty quickly. There was a lot of fun to be had and we loved the competition of it.”He has previously spoken of his hope that more players from Cornwall would go onto play for England.Robinson also played for Leeds More

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      What is the new FPL assistant manager chip?

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      FANS have been wondering for weeks what this new Fantasy Premier League mystery chip will be – but the wait is finally over!FPL bosses announced at the start of the 2024/25 season that a mystery chip will be unveiled at some point during the campaign.Players can choose from any of the 20 Premier League managersCredit: GettyAnd on December 11, 2024, it was confirmed that it will be an assistant manager chip.But what exactly does it do you may ask?Well, SunSport can give you all the information you need on this game-changing chip below.What is the FPL assistant manager chip?Along with picking 15 players in your squad, FPL lovers can now pick one of the Premier League’s 20 managers to help earn points.Read more on Premier LeagueThe Chip will become playable from Gameweek 24 in January and when you activate it, you’ll be able to choose an assistant manager for THREE successive Gameweeks.If you pick a manager who faces a club ranked at least five places higher in the Premier League table at the start of the Gameweek, there’s the possibility of even greater rewards.An EXTRA 10 points for a win, so 16 in total, or an additional five points for a draw, so eight in total.This means players have to decide whether they choose a manager from a club at the higher end of the table.Most read in FootballOr one who is lower down but primed for some huge results against one of the big boys.How does the FPL assistant manager chip work?When you activate the chip and choose your assistant manager, you will score points for their club’s results for THREE Gameweeks in a row.  Once the chip is activated, choosing your assistant manager does not cost a “free transfer”. But if you want to change your manager during this three-Gameweek period it will cost a transfer in exactly the same way as players. Remember, you can only play one chip in a Gameweek. So if you activate the assistant manager chip in Gameweek 24, you won’t be able to use another chip until Gameweek 27.If a manager leaves their club, Fantasy managers who own or bring in that assistant manager will still score based on the original club’s performance.What is the FPL assistant manager chip points system?The chip earns points based on your chosen manager’s club performance. They earn points from several metrics, but you CANNOT captain them. –    Team win = 6 points-    Team draws = 3 points-    Goal scored by team = 1 point per goal-    Clean sheet from team = 2 points-    Table bonus: If your chosen manager faces a club ranked at least five places higher in the Premier League table at the start of the Gameweek, you get an EXTRA 10 points for a win, so 16 in total, or an additional five points for a draw, so eight in total. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality shows

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      SPORTS pundit Gary Lineker has revealed just how much a reality TV show might need to pay to entice him to take part.Speaking on YouTube for his podcast The Rest Is Football, he discussed with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer over what he would do if he ever gave up being a pundit for good.Sports presenter Gary Lineker revealed he would ‘never’ do a reality showCredit: ReutersGary revealed he’d been approached for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballThe sports TV pundit revealed his agent joked that he would only take part in a reality show for £50mCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballGary Lineker revealed: “Do you know last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”As his fellow podcasters laughed he then revealed his agent handled the enquiry, but outlined a major fee before Lineker would agree to be involved.Lineker continued: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million’.”He then added: “He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget’.”More on Gary LinekerAs Micah and Alan laughed along they joked that Gary would be getting more requests for shows now he’s stepping back from Match Of The Day, but he revealed a stint on a reality show is not likely.Gary explained: “I can tell you now, don’t bother asking.”Last month Gary revealed he will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.Yet as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.Most read in CelebrityLineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down from the show.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027The former England striker is understood to be on new terms, which will see his salary reduced significantly. He currently receives £1.35m, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.In November, a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Gary is set to leave BBC’s Match Of The Day in 2026Credit: BBCThe sports pundit will continue to present FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverageCredit: PA More

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      Newcastle announce St James’ Park stadium update with plans to transform Gallowgate into one of Europe’s largest stands

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are plotting a huge new Gallowgate End modelled on Borussia Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall” if they stay at St. James’ Park.Toon chiefs have said an update on plans to either redevelop their current 52,000 home or move to a new mega stadium elsewhere will not be given until next year.Newcastle are considering building a new Gallowgate EndCredit: GettyThe club are also open to leaving St James’ ParkCredit: AlamyThe current spot and the nearby Leazes Park area are believed to be the most favoured option.And now it has emerged that Newcastle want the purpose-built new SJP to feature a spectacular new version of the Gallowgate End.Plans are to construct one of Europe’s largest stands in a move that would see the capacity boosted to around the 65,000 mark.The new stand would look to replicate Dortmund’s iconic 25,000-seater ‘Yellow Wall’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it could be as big as the 17,500-seater South Stand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The new Gallowgate would be part of a huge multi-sports venue still at the heart of the city.And it would also include restaurants and bars in order to bolster the club’s revenue streams.Newcastle’s chief operating officer, Brad Miller, told supporters last month: “The first choice is to stay. If we stayed at St. James’, we have 52,000 seats already. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It comes with significantly more money if we transform it and it will look amazing. That’s option one.“Option two is if we were to move away, and not too far away as we aren’t going to stretch the elastic band to the point of breaking. Newcastle workers take blowtorch to Alan Shearer’s statue as it’s given facelift “The second option, we are looking at it seriously as it does have the potential to earn more than twice as much in terms of revenue, compared to a transformation of St. James’ Park. And more seats, a lot more seats potentially.“The brilliant thing about St. James’ is it is an iconic location, the atmosphere and the competitive edge it gives the team on the pitch – and it has 52,000 seats already.“A new stadium doesn’t have that, and we’d have to pay for all those seats again. “But a new stadium has the potential to earn a lot more, both on match days and non-match days.“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, everything we are doing, do we invest and transform St James’ as we see it today on site where we are? Or do we take that bold move and think about moving?”AI has predicted how a new Newcastle stadium might lookDortmund’s yellow wall will be the inspirationCredit: Getty More

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      Aaron Ramsdale used to stay at home of Premier League cult hero but was ‘a lot quieter’

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      AARON RAMSDALE used to regularly enjoy sleepovers at the house of a legendary Bolton Premier League star.And he used to be a “lot quieter” than he is these days out on the pitch.Aaron Ramsdale now plies his trade for Southampton having left ArsenalCredit: EPAJussi Jaaskelainen starred in the Premier League for many yearsCredit: GettyThe five-time capped England stopper, 26, is currently doing his best to try and help Southampton climb off the bottom of the table.He joined the Saints from Arsenal in the summer and has also appeared for both Bournemouth and Sheffield United in the top-flight.However, he still has some way to go to surpass ex-Finland star Jussi Jaaskelainen’s tally of 436 Prem appearances.The former Bolton and West Ham man’s own son Will, 26, is following in his father’s footsteps in goal at National League Woking.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he and Ramsdale used to be inseparable as Jaaskelainen revealed at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”.He said: “Aaron and my son were close friends growing up, and they played together for a couple of years in Bolton’s academy, and because Aaron’s parents lived in the Midlands, quite often he would stay at my house.”The boys were always playing football in the garden, and obviously I would get involved with them.”It was great, they were wonderful times for me and my family.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Both boys were really nice kids, and I know Aaron is a bit of a character now, but he was a lot quieter when he was younger.”Jaaskelainen added: “You know, him and my son, Will, were both a little smaller than they perhaps should have been at their age, and I know the coaches at Bolton weren’t really happy about that, because they couldn’t kick the ball long enough. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an end”But you just need to be patient with that kind of thing, because when you see the talent they had, and then they start growing, all of a sudden, you’ve got some great players there.”I have to say, at that time with Bolton, from a goalkeeping perspective, the coaches were very good, and it’s why the boys are where they are today.”Jaaskelainen’s son Will has followed in his footstepsCredit: Getty More