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      ‘He reeks of football’: French fans in love with Andy Carroll as he reveals how he ended up in country’s FOURTH division

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      ANDY CARROLL has proven to be an instant fan favourite across the Channel after making a stunning transfer switch to fourth tie of French football.Carroll, 35, completed a surprise move to crisis club Bordeaux from Amiens in September.Andy Carroll has made himself an instant fan favourite at Bordeaux after scoring four goals in two gamesCredit: AFPCarroll revealed the reasons behind his attraction to the clubCredit: AFPThe former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham ace has had an electric start to life in the French wine region with four goals in two games, and helping the club land their first win of the season in his last game.Last season Bordeaux played football in Ligue 2, but gave up its professional club status and were relegated down to the fourth tier of French football after going into financial administration.However, Carroll has revealed that the fallen giants maintained a huge appeal to him before he was convinced to join by head coach Bruno Irles.Speaking to Foot Mercato, Carroll said: “I had the opportunity to do it. I had the chance to speak with the coach. I like the idea of ​​this project to go back up to Ligue 1 and it’s something I wanted to do. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When I spoke to the coach, I was very confident about what we could achieve here in Bordeaux. That’s probably the main reason why I signed here in the summer. “Of course, it’s also a very big club with a huge fan base, great facilities and that’s something I want to be a part of…”I don’t think I needed any convincing honestly. Bordeaux is a very big club and as soon as I had the opportunity to sign here, I did it. “I was enthusiastic about trying to come and play here, I’m happy, even glad, to have done it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen asked about the drop down from professional football to amateur, he said: “Not at all. It’s just football. No matter what level you play at, it’s still football. And it’s something I want to do. “A few years ago, when I was out of contract and had no club, I used to play every week with my friends. Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tier”We used to play 11-a-side games on Thursday nights. And playing football is something I’m going to continue to do as much as I can…”Not at all. Football is football. I mean, there are obviously different pitches, but at the end of the day, it’s football. “I’ve played on a lot of pitches in my career and it’s true that it’s not great when the pitches are not good quality. But I haven’t complained since I’ve been here. “We have a fantastic training pitch. The stadium pitch is incredible. We’ve played away too and it was a decent pitch. I’m not complaining at all.”Fans were loving the nine-cap England international’s response, with one saying: “He reeks of football.”A second said: “Bravo, he exudes passion”, while a third said: “Top mentality of the player.”Yeah, but I mean, I get paid to play football. I get paid to do what I love. And if I wasn’t a professional footballer, I would have played football anyway and I wouldn’t have gotten paid. Andy CarrollFoot MercatoAnother said: “Very good mentality, respect.”While one added: “What a godsend for a player with his experience. A total star.”He revealed that his friends and family were all “happy” for him and wanted him to enjoy playing football.Carroll added that upon learning of his desire to join Bordeaux, they told him to “sign right away”.However, Carroll has admitted that some of his team-mates did not understand his decision to make such a sudden drop down the divisions.He added: “(Laughs) Yes, there are several players who have asked me what I was doing there and why. Carroll reveals plans to keep playing for Bordeaux until he’s 40ANDY CARROLL wants to keep playing until he hits 40 – and dreams of partnering his eldest boy up front.The ex-Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham striker enjoyed a dream debut for Bordeaux with two goals to earn a draw with Chateaubriant.And despite years of injury issues during his time in the Premier League, the nine-capped England international says he wants to continue “another five years until I’m 40”.Carroll, father to sons Lucas, 14, Arlo, eight, and Wolf, five and two daughters, said: “My sons keep saying, ‘Oh, you should go into management’.”But I’ll keep saying well, ‘hopefully, one day, you’re old enough that you can join me and be my strike partner in the same team playing with each other’.“They are really good players. So that’s probably more my dream than retiring and doing something else.”Read the full story by Gary StonehouseHERE.But I know why I signed here and I know it was the right decision. It’s a big club and I’ve said it before, but I want to be part of this adventure. “And when I spoke to the coach, everything went exactly as I wanted.”Despite his positive outlook on the situation, it has not been all rosy for him, with Carroll admitting that “everything was dark” as he struggled to battle injuries.He said: “Yeah, but I mean, I get paid to play football. I get paid to do what I love. And if I wasn’t a professional footballer, I would have played football anyway and I wouldn’t have gotten paid. “I’m grateful for the money I’ve earned in the past and still today, it allows me to continue playing football. That’s exactly what I wanted for myself. I just want to play. “I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career, I’ve been on the bench and I’ve been a bit player on and off the pitch sometimes. Only playing the last ten minutes. It was a really tough time in my life [at West Ham], really. It was a stressful time for me. I was down in the dumps, everything was dark. It was hard to get back up. I was just falling apart and making bad decisions and mistreatment and bad things. As a player, you just want to be out there and playing.Andy CarrollFoot Mercato”I just want to finish my career playing as much as possible. And it’s not about money. It’s just about enjoying my life…”It was a really tough time in my life [at West Ham], really. It was a stressful time for me. I was down in the dumps, everything was dark. It was hard to get back up. “I was just falling apart and making bad decisions and mistreatment and bad things. It was just really tough. You know, as a player, you just want to be out there and playing. “But sometimes you hear stories, people saying, ‘oh, he’s still injured’, ‘he should retire’ and things like that that are not nice. “At that point, you’re in a hole, in your shell and you’re just trying to get out of it, because it can be dangerous. “Luckily, I managed to get out of it and I had a more positive ending. So now I just love playing football.”There has been a lot of press about my injuries and other things, and it is not helpful. Those who know me know that I did not want to be injured and I want to be on the pitch to help the team. “But the press had been very negative with me saying that I did not want to be on the pitch and that I should leave the club. But for me, I have always been motivated by the idea of ​​playing and being on the pitch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And maybe sometimes I was too motivated, I forced myself when I was probably not 100%. I collapsed. It is part of the things that you have to experience to learn. But I feel very good now.”Carroll revealed that he was loving the “quiet” lifestyle in southwest France, having been “very well received” by a “great group of guys” in the dressing room.Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s new job shows why England fans should NOT expect a big name manager to replace Gareth Southgate

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      JURGEN KLOPP is banking around £9million as Red Bull’s ‘head of global soccer’.The German’s salary for his cushy new job is half of the £18m of what he was earning at Liverpool – yet it is still nearly double what Gareth Southgate received for managing England.Jurgen Klopp halved his Liverpool pay but it’s double what Southgate gotCredit: PADefeat against Greece undermined Lee Carsley’s chances of landing the permanent England job but it’s unclear if or how much he wants itCredit: AlamySaudi Arabia chief Roberto Mancini is the top earner on £21m a yearCredit: AFPAnd this tells you everything you need to know about the current economics of international football.Klopp’s past and current wages illustrate why it is a pointless exercise playing fantasy manager in terms of who the Football Association should be looking to appoint as the next boss of England.Lee Carsley, who has been earning about £300,000 a year as manager of the Under-21s, has not exactly enhanced his prospects as manager.Equally, although the 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday was an embarrassment, it would be unwise to take Carsley out of the equation.READ MORE TOP STORIESIf England are still able to win their next three games, including a comfortable win over Greece in Athens to top the group, then – potentially – the job could still be his.If he wanted it, naturally, and even that is up for debate.After this six-game Nations League programme is complete, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham will sit down with the organisation’s technical director, John McDermott, who is the man charged with recruiting the next head coach, to discuss the next appointment.Although the FA want the best man for the job, basic economics come into play.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola seems interested in the England role but maybe not yetCredit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the FA appointed Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, they were able to recruit who they felt were the best coaches in the world at that time.Yet club football has moved on in terms of cash. Southgate was the top earning coach at Euro 2024 on £5m, with Germany’s Julian Naglesmann close behind on £4m.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.In contrast, even the inexperienced Kieran McKenna earns £5m a season at Ipswich after he signed a new deal due to interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.The best paid manager in the world is Roberto Mancini who is scooping up £21m a year in Saudi Arabia but the mega-rich state is on a different level to everyone else.Interestingly, the next 14 best-paid managers in the world are all with club teams.This includes Pep Guardiola who earns about £20m a year at Manchester City.The England job does appear to interest him although this is one for the future. Whether the Spaniard would take a monumental pay cut remains to be seen.The FA is a not-for-profit organisation and they plough all their spare money into the game. This includes a commitment to deliver 4,000 quality pitches and to increase FA Cup prize money for the men’s and women’s game.Even if the FA decide to back away from Carsley, financial considerations will dictate who they appoint.Eddie Howe would be a popular choice and he would be interested in the England job.While the FA could give him an increase from his £4m salary at Newcastle, the north-east club would demand a huge amount in compensation which the FA would be unwilling to pay.Thomas Tuchel would be keen on taking charge of the Three Lions – with reports in Germany claiming he is ready for talks.He last earned £8m at Bayern Munich and would take a pay cut but he remains an outsider.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter was on £10m at Chelsea but would clearly love to take charge of the national team and money would not be an issue.So, while some fans might still dream of seeing Guardiola or Klopp lead the team into the next World Cup, they have to get real. It will be either Carsley or Potter.Thomas Tuchel would like to boss the Three Lions but is an outsiderCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd in huge security scare as changing room at Aston Villa is bugged with Erik Ten Hag’s team talks recorded

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      MANCHESTER United’s dressing room was bugged before their match at Aston Villa in a shocking security breach.A prankster claims he hoodwinked Villa Park staff to sneak in and plant a hidden device two days before the 0-0 draw last Sunday.Manchester United’s dressing room was bugged before their match at Aston Villa in a shocking security breach, pictured embattled manager Erik ten HagCredit: PAA prankster used a dodgy Chinese phone to record ten Hag’s team talkCredit: GettyIt recorded under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s team talks for the crunch Premier League game.A source said: “This is a shocking breach of security and some serious questions will be asked as to how this was allowed to happen. Fortunately, there was nothing sinister to this incident.“It was just a prankster, who’s actually a United fan, being silly and wanting to hear what was said inside those four walls. But it will definitely be a cause for concern about how they managed to get inside a changing room at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs just days before a match.”The Sun has heard the recordings but is choosing not to publish details of them.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, we can reveal Ten Hag’s instructions to the team and individual players can clearly be heard.The Sun understands the prankster used a phone from China that has a setting where a microphone can be activated by calling it from another device.He had sticky-taped the handset somewhere out of sight in the United dressing room and only rang it when he knew the manager would be in there.High alert Sources claimed the culprit responsible even had the nerve to collect the device on Monday.Most read in FootballIt is a similar stunt to the one that saw a Match of the Day studio hit with porn noises while live on air in 2023.Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s jobThat was the work of Daniel “Jarvo” Jarvis. However, it is believed that he had no involvement in the Villa recordings.The latest stunt comes with Premier League chiefs already on high alert after a string of pranks targeting stadiums and teams.In May, United were targeted by YouTuber Lizwani – who previously got on stage at the Baftas alongside the Oppenheimer cast.He managed to sneak on to the Red Devils’ team bus after a 4-0 hammering at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.Lizwani brazenly took a seat before he was removed.They are doing it to get a load of hits on YouTube and make their fans laugh. They aren’t trying to cause trouble or do harm to anyoneA sourceThat breach led to Prem bosses firing off alerts to the top flight’s 20 clubs advising them to watch out for similar stunts.A source said: “These people are mostly harmless and doing it for a bit of fun.“They are doing it to get a load of hits on YouTube and make their fans laugh. They aren’t trying to cause trouble or do harm to anyone.”Manchester United have suffered their worst start to a Premier League season, sitting in 14th on just eight points after seven games.Ten Hag, 54, told the media after the game at Villa he was “very pleased” with the performance.It came off the back of a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League – where they blew a 2-0 lead – and a 3-0 pummelling by Spurs at Old Trafford.Seven hour meetingThe Villa 0-0 was the Red Devils’ fifth game without a win – their last being a 7-0 Carabao Cup win over League One side Barnsley.It is a far cry from the glory days of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously called high-pressure moments “squeaky bum time”.The game ended 0-0 in BirminghamCredit: GettyThe United hierarchy — including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — held a seven-hour meeting at Old Trafford last week with Ten Hag’s future up in the air.They have remained silent over the manager’s position, with Sir Jim recently failing to publicly back him.However, Ten Hag — currently on holiday during the international break — insists he still has the bosses’ support.He said: “I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me.“We communicate — very open, very transparent. I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”He dismissed the “external noise”, adding: “Internal, we are disappointed.“We know we have to do better. Especially, we need to score more.”In 2016, Old Trafford suffered a bomb scare after a dummy device planted by a security company was found in a a toilet.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe fiasco led to United’s Premier League game against Bournemouth being called off.Man Utd and Aston Villa were approached for comment yesterday.Erik ten Hag’s role as Man Utd coach is hanging in the balance following a string of disappointing resultsCredit: GettyPorn stunt on Match Of The DayBy Amir RazaviMATCH of the Day viewers were stunned to hear porn noises during the show in another phone prank.They were coming from a device stuck to a wall by Daniel “Jarvo” Jarvis before a Wolves-Liverpool FA Cup tie at Molineux in 2023.He activated its speaker remotely from another device during the live broadcast, to the amusement of presenter Gary Lineker.Jarvo, also behind a string of other pranks at major sporting events, told The Sun at the time: “These things are all about confidence. If you hesitate, then you’ll get asked questions. People from Wolves thought we were with the TV, and vice versa.” More

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      Karren Brady: The Premier League is the envy of world football.. now Man City’s rivals must fight to save it THIS WEEK

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      PREMIER LEAGUE meetings are usually cordial, professional and unobtrusive affairs.All 20 clubs, plus their executives, sit in a room and ignore the massive elephant that also lurks in every meeting — the ongoing litigation and the £50million-plus of legal costs racked up fighting and defending claims.Man City made it four straight Prem titles in may and now face a big fight with the Prem off the field, but so far have a winning PR teamCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men are predictably again in contention for the top-flight crown but it’s less easy to say what will happen in a big meeting next weekCredit: GettyBut at the League meeting next week that elephant is going to get an introduction, as we have just tripped over his trunk.Manchester City versus the Premier League feels like a boxing match, where at the end of the final round both fighters put their hands up claiming the victory.If the judges of this heavyweight bout were the public, then City would be clear winners.They not only have the world’s best team on the pitch but also have the best off it too.READ MORE TOP STORIESTheir PR and media team got their message across while making the Prem’s set-up look like a lower league outfit by comparison.But it’s not the public or the media the Premier League has to worry about.It’s the clubs, the rules that govern them and what on earth happens now.Next week’s meeting is to decide exactly that.Most read in FootballMan City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut how did we get here?Most supporters have never heard of the term APT — Associated Party Transactions — or knew about the new rules regulating them when they came into play in 2021.Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyersAPT rules were accepted by the majority of clubs — although by no means all — and were put in place to ensure that all clubs’ sponsorship deals reflect a true and fair market value.It was hoped to prevent clubs from earning revenue through inflated sponsorship deals from companies related to their owners.This is important, as the value of sponsorship and other commercial revenue is used to offset the costs of the clubs, like player salaries, agent fees and the manager, which leaves you with a number, usually a loss.If you go over the League’s number of what they consider to be an acceptable loss — as Everton and Nottingham Forest did — you get a fine, a points deduction or possibly both.So, the higher your sponsorship, the higher your costs can be and the less you get into trouble.City challenged the legality of these rules, alleging the APT Rules breach competition and public law and the League’s application of the rules also breached public law standards.The Prem claims the three-man Arbitration Tribunal endorsed the overall objective of their rules.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfers and top wages.They also agreed that if the price of an APT is evidently not at fair market value — what anyone else OTHER than the party connected with the owner would have paid — then the competition will be distorted as the club would be benefitting from what effectively is a subsidy.The Prem needs a financial system to ensure that football is, remains and will always be competitive.The undiminished competitiveness of the Premier League is the envy of every other foreign league and club and the reason why our top-flight is the best in the world.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by the rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfer fees and top wages.So next week clubs have to agree to make the necessary changes to the APT rules to address the Tribunal’s concerns.This requires 14 votes — at least 14 clubs have to agree — or the whole system is thrown into chaos.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt needs to be so that the system can continue to be effective.We must stop clubs spending whatever they like to get an unbeatable team and create an uncompetitive league. More

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      England facing fixtures nightmare as shock Greece loss could have knock on effect for World Cup 2026 qualifiers

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      ENGLAND could be forced to feature in a Nations League play-off in March.And that would mean the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers wouldn’t start until June.England will face fixture congestion if they fail to win their Nations League groupInterim boss Lee Carsley and assistant Ashley Cole had a night to forget at WembleyThe draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Zurich in December.If England finish top of the League B group, they are set to begin their campaign for the World Cup in March.But if England fail to automatically qualify, they’ll be forced to play a Nations League play-off in March instead.If Lee Carsley’s men finish second in the Nations League — and the 2-1 loss to Greece means this is possible — they will have a promotion play-off against a third-placed League A side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGreece sit three points above England at the top of the group.The Three Lions are set to be in a five-team World Cup group so their eight qualifying games could be pushed back.Interim head boss Carsley was given one main challenge when accepting his current role with England – to help the Three Lions earn promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.But after the Greece defeat, Carsley all but confirmed that he doesn’t want the permanent job anyway.Most read in FootballThe damning stats that underline England horror showGreece were the lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years (since Northern Ireland ranked 116th in September 2005.The away side were the lowest ranked side to ever beat England on home soil.It was the first time Greece had never beaten England in their history (10 attempts).Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before tonight (the famous 2-2 with Becks free kick was at Old Trafford)Vangelis Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.Jude Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on  target since the third minute (also Bellingham).FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCountries that win their Nations League group could earn a place in the qualifying play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, should they fail to qualify for the competition by normal means.But Carsley might have failed his audition after fielding an England team with NO recognised No.9 for the first time in the modern era.’Freedom is the new garlic bread,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Lee Carsley’s England for forgetting the basicsWhat’s more, he admitted that they’d only worked on his rogue striker-less formation for 20 MINUTES in training.And the defeat could’ve been by four or five more – with the Greeks having THREE goals disallowed in their first ever win at Wembley.England can’t really afford more failed experiments like Carsley’s against Greece with a Pot 1 World Cup 2026 qualifying spot almost certain.England’s 12 shots only added up to 0.86 expected goals (xG), with Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser their only shot on target in the second half.Should Carsley win all three of his remaining group matches, taking place on Sunday and in another double header next month, England would be guaranteed promotion, should Greece drop points against either the Republic of Ireland or Finland.Next up for the Three Lions is a meeting with Finland, who sit bottom of Group B2 after three games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England swallowed plenty of chances against Finland last month -before Harry Kane’s late double saw them win 2-0 at Wembley.Reports in Germany on Friday evening suggested the England are in talks with Thomas Tuchel over a permanent job as Three Lions boss.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      German boss Thomas Tuchel ‘in negotiations’ over England job amid Man Utd links and is keen to replace Gareth Southgate

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is in negotiations to become the next England manager, according to reports in Germany.Tuchel has been without a job since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season but has been strongly linked with replacing under-pressure Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Thomas Tuchel is in talks to replace Gareth Southgate as England bossCredit: GettySouthgate left his position as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024Credit: RexLee Carsley has taken up the job on an interim basis but lost to Greece on ThursdayCredit: SplashIt would also be a boost for Erik ten Hag’s position at Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel, 51, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Red Devils boss.And he was spoken about as the preferred candidate for the job, should Ten Hag be axed, during SEVEN-HOUR crunch talks between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United chiefs on Tuesday.However, in a bitter blow to Red Devils chiefs as they consider their options, Tuchel could now be set to replace Gareth Southgate instead.German outlet Bild report the ex-Chelsea boss is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Three Lions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would become only the third non-English boss of the national side – and the first German.Lee Carsley has stepped in as England boss on an interim basis since Southgate’s decision to quit in the wake of the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.But the former midfielder suffered a potentially decisive blow to his aspirations of taking the job on full-time after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday night.Speaking after the defeat – which followed victories in his first two games in charge – Carsley appeared resigned to not being handed the keys to the senior team for much longer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 50-year-old said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s…How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?”I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”It is understood the FA are yet to formally interview new candidates for the job.The governing body insists it is undergoing a robust, ongoing and confidential process to appoint Southgate’s successor.Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been linked with the role.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was said to be top of their wish list for next summer.Tuchel has previously admitted he was open to the idea of international management.Speaking in 2022, he said: “Yeah, why not? I would, I would. I did not give too much thought to it until now.”But I would consider if it is the right team and if it has the potential to win trophies like the World Cup and the Euros.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked specifically about England, who then had Southgate in charge, he said: “I see where you are going. But I think England has a good coach right now.”The team is very strong and very talented… as for everything else, I will not comment.”England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

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      JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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      Premier League champion and Champions League winner, 33, considering shock RETIREMENT after three months unemployed

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      JOEL MATIP is considering a shock retirement from football aged just 33, according to reports.The Liverpool hero, who helped the club win the Premier League and Champions League, left Anfield in the summer.Joel Matip is said to be considering retirement from football after leaving LiverpoolCredit: AlamyHe formed a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at LiverpoolCredit: GettyEx-club Schalke and Hamburg had both been linked with a move for the centre-back, while Prem sides Bournemouth and Southampton also considered moves.However, the defender has ultimately been without a club since his Liverpool contract expired.And, after three months unemployed, he is now said to be considering a shock retirement from the beautiful game.According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, Matip has personally ruled out a return to football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatip also called it quits for the Cameroon national team back in 2015 at the age of just 24.He played 258 times for Schalke and 201 times for Liverpool.His exploits in Germany saw him land the German Cup and Super Cup.But it was in England where Matip managed to really flesh out his trophy cabinet under Jurgen Klopp – whose own next move to Red Bull was recently revealed after he left Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatip – who formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk – helped the Reds win their first-ever Premier League title in 2020, while also landing the Champions League the year before.He also helped them to win the Uefa Super Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freePaying tribute to Matip after he left Liverpool, Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. “I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. “I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”Matip was named in SunSport’s stunning free agent XI worth £78million on transfer deadline day. More