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      Graham Potter fits in with modern east London culture and can create togetherness at West Ham, says Karren Brady

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      IN ALL MY years in football, taking the decision to part company with a manager has never been an easy, straightforward, or enjoyable task.Regardless of the fact that it is an unavoidable, familiar part of the game, or that it is a call made purely for sporting reasons, there remains a sense of sadness and disappointment, on a human level, that things haven’t worked out as you had hoped.Karren Brady insisted Julen Lopetegui was sacked for sporting reasonsCredit: GettyLopetegui left with the club in 14th position in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersGraham Potter has been hired as the Spaniard’s replacementCredit: GettyAt West Ham United, we have always taken as much care and pride in recruiting the ‘man’ as we have in recruiting the ‘manager’.And so we were disappointed that things didn’t work out with Julen Lopetegui.A good man, a family man, an extremely hard-working man, who was a pleasure to deal with and wanted to be successful here as much as we wanted him to be. We wish Julen and his staff, who worked so well with our team on and off the pitch, all the very best in their future endeavours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUltimately though, we have an ambitious project at this football club, and we have a responsibility to our loyal and passionate supporters to do all we can to keep that on track.In Graham Potter, we have recruited another very good man, a hugely respected elite Premier League coach, and someone who was the unanimous choice of our Board to steer our project back in the right direction.From our early conversations with Graham, we felt the overwhelming sense that he is the right fit for West Ham United, as are we for him.As Graham himself has said, since leaving Chelsea 20 months ago, he has been waiting for and carefully considering the right opportunity, seeking the challenge and project that would re-ignite the feeling of excitement and anticipation that would inspire his return to top-flight management.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe are delighted that, despite being highly sought-after by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he has discovered that feeling with West Ham United.Graham understands and shares our principles – that hard work, togetherness and commitment breeds progress and success.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: ChelseaHe was attracted by our ambitious project and the steps we are taking to reach our objectives. And he has found common ground with the core values that our supporters and the people of east London hold dear – a family culture, a sense of belonging to a clear identity, and a dedication to hard graft and craft.Modern east London is a thriving, exciting hub of innovation combined with tradition.A creative centre of opportunity and chance, especially for young people. Graham has already spoken with Mark Noble about his desire to engage with and maximise the talent of our world-renowned Academy – something that is embedded so deeply into the fabric and soul of our club.As Graham has shown throughout his successful coaching career so far, he is adept at building on strong foundations and creating a culture of togetherness, spirit and trust so that, regardless of the outcome of a single 90-minute football match, everyone connected with the club feels a part of something bigger and more significant.Of belonging to an identity that continuously fosters pride, honour and belief.  We believe that the right foundations are in place for further success in the future at West Ham United.It is only 18 months ago that we enjoyed European glory and, while that night in Prague will never be forgotten, there is a genuine and fierce hunger at this club to ensure that we continue to work as hard as possible to build and create more outstanding memories.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter shares that ambition.That is why we didn’t hesitate to hand him a two-and-a-half-year contract, and that is why we firmly believe we have appointed not only a good man, but the right man for West Ham United.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th. 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      LaLiga Wag claims she was ‘harassed’ by men at Saudi stadium as fan says women were ‘touched without consent’

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      TWO wives of LaLiga footballers claimed they were “harassed” and “insulted” by fans at a stadium in Saudi Arabia. And one supporter said women were “touched without consent” in worrying scenes. Cristina Palavra, wife of Dani Rodriguez, described her awful experience at the Supercopa de Espana semi-finalCredit: XMallorca lost 3-0 to Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyMallorca faced Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Thursday night.The match was played at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium just north of Jeddah.Underdogs Mallorca – who lost to Athletic Bilbao in the 2024 Copa del Rey final – were still right in the game going into injury time despite Jude Bellingham’s 63rd-minute opener.But a Martin Valjent own goal and a Rodrygo finish in added time secured a 3-0 win for LaLiga champions Real.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTempers flared throughout the fiery semi-final clash, which included Bellingham “humbling” Pablo Maffeo after the Mallorca defender claimed he would only need ten seconds to knock Vinicius Junior out in a boxing fight. However, the occasion was overshadowed for family members of the Mallorca players who had a horrible and traumatic experience leaving the ground after full-time.Cristina Palavra, wife of Dani Rodriguez, and goalkeeper Dominik Greif’s partner Natalia Kaluzova were among the group of loved ones caught up in the trouble. The pair – who ironically got married to their respective footballer husbands within a fortnight of each other last June – told the media they were photographed, filmed and pushed by supporters. Most read in FootballKaluzova told Marca: “After the match, we formed a large group to go back to the hotel and while we were waiting, everything happened.“A group of people came towards us and made videos of us, they pushed us, they insulted us in Arabic, they recorded us without consent and there were attacks.”Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Palavra added to Esports IB3: “The truth is that the boys from this country started taking photos of us up close and harassed us. Natali, Dominik Greif’s wife, too.”We felt a little disoriented because we didn’t have anyone protecting us. The exit was very bad.”The departure was a bit complicated. We went with the children and there was no security. “We went as a group, all together with the organisation and everything but we couldn’t do anything else. “We got to the bus as best we could, that’s how it was.”Mallorca fans also allegedly were targeted in the aftermath of the semi-final, taking place in the Middle East for the fifth time. The women were touched and had their photos taken without consentPere, Mallorca fan One, called Pere, said to COPE: “There were very few Real Mallorca fans and they didn’t look after us or protect us. “They mixed us up with fans from there and throughout the match, many of them were bothering us, making fun of us, provoking children and older people.”It was very unpleasant but the worst of all was that at the end of the match, on the way from the stands to the bus, hundreds of people heckled us and lined us up. “They took photos of us without consent, hitting us on the back of the head.”It was very unpleasant but the worst thing was what the women suffered. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were touched and had their photos taken without consent.”Real Madrid will play arch-rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s final after Hansi Flick’s men beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to goals from youngsters Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Dominik Greif’s partner Natalia Kaluzova revealed she was ‘pushed’ and ‘insulted’Credit: InstagramMallorca fans also shared their experiences including being hit on the head and mockedCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Andreas Pereira wears ‘MILF’ T-shirt to Fulham training and ‘shushes’ fans in brilliant Instagram post

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      FULHAM star Andreas Pereira appeared to send a cryptic message to fans with his bizarre choice of training outfit. The former Man Utd star rocked a t-shirt emblazoned with the acronym ‘MILF’ earlier this week. Andreas Pereira’s future at Craven Cottage remains uncertainCredit: RexThe Brazilian uploaded a snap of him wearing a MILF shirt to his 5m followersCredit: instagramIt comes as Pereira continues to be heavily linked with a move away from West London this January.Brazilian club Palmeiras have reportedly returned with an improved bid after a £16million approach was rebuffed at the weekend. Pereira reported for training on Tuesday and posed for a snap with team-mate Calvin Bassey. He wore a shirt emblazoned with the letters MILF – but it didn’t stand for what you might think.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnderneath the acronym, the words were explained as: “Man, I love Fulham.”Pereira – in an apparent dig at his critics – captioned the snap “Say less,” adding a shushing emoji. The 29-year-old – who joined the club from United in 2022 – still has 18 months remaining on his current deal in West London. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballThe Brazilian was left out of a game against Tottenham by boss Marco Silva last month after giving an interview where he appeared to suggest it would be “very cool” to join Ligue 1 club Marseille.Pereira insisted his comments had been lost in translation, however the Brazilian journalist who conducted the interview then released the audio, in which it appeared Pereira DID say what he had been quoted as saying.Watch crazy moment WWE legend Sheamus leaves Gary Neville writhing in pain after Man Utd legend swipes at LiverpoolPereira raged on Instagram: “Unfortunately, the piece contains statements attributed to me that I did not make.”The translation into English was done in a malicious and inaccurate manner, completely distorting my words.”In the interview, I clearly expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham and my gratitude for everything the club and the staff have done for me, emphasising at all times that I still have two years remaining on my contract and that I am fully focused on the club.”However, the article includes comments that are neither accurate nor reflective of what I actually said.”I deeply regret the unprofessional conduct displayed in this situation and respectfully request a retraction of the quotes falsely attributed to me.”It is essential to uphold the truth and ensure that public discourse is based on facts.”Asked after the game if Pereira wasn’t in the squad due to his interview, Silva said, as per The Standard: “No, not at all.”Pereira started for Fulham in Thursday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Watford. Pereira was given the captain’s armband for Thursday’s FA Cup tie with WatfordCredit: RexThe Brazilian – who was named captain for the first time – proved too skilful for the Championship side and notched an assist in a comfortable 4-1 win.He has now made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice. After leading the Cottagers to victory, Pereira wrote: “Great team performance today, and it’s an honour to wear the captain’s armband for the first time for this club. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thank you to the fans for your incredible support. It truly means a lot!”See you on Tuesday! Let’s keep moving forward together.” More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Jonjo Shelvey’s contract at Turkish club RIPPED UP after just five months as blunt statement is released

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas Eyupspor after just five months.The 32-year-old, who joined Eyupspor in August, agreed to leave the Istanbul-based club by mutual consent.Jojo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas EyupsporCredit: Instagram @eyupsporkulubuA statement from the club read: “We have parted ways with professional football player Jonjo Shelvey by mutual consent.”We would like to thank Jonjo Shelvey for his contributions to our team and wish him success in his future career.”Shelvey made just six appearances for Eyupspor after joining five months ago.But he now finds himself without a club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome reports suggest Burnley might look to sign him this month.Clarets boss Scott Parker could turn to Shelvey for some midfield experience as his side push for promotion back to the Premier League.Han-Noah Massengo joined Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre earlier this week, leaving Burnley light in terms of midfield options.Asked if it was a concern, Parker said: “Yes, we’re a little bit short there at the moment and it’s probably an area that we’ll see if there’s anything [in the transfer window].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’ve obviously got Aaron Ramsey [to return from injury], but he’s still a little bit away.”There’s a player there that I look at and I’ve been looking at for some time before I came here and I know exactly what sort of level of player he is. But obviously at this present moment in time he’s out injured.Forgotten Premier League star scores from inside his OWN HALF as fans say ‘hide him from Man Utd before they send a bid’”But you’re right, there’s a little area there where we’re a little bit light and maybe we’ll have a look at that.”Before joining Eyupspor, Shelvey spent a season with Caykur Rizespor.He joined the club after being released by Nottingham Forest.The midfielder has also played for Newcastle, Swansea, Liverpool and Charlton. More

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      Harvey Elliott could be set for shock Liverpool transfer exit with Brighton and Dortmund both tracking star

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      HARVEY ELLIOTT could be on his way out of Liverpool – in what would be one of the shock transfers of the January window.Brighton and Dortmund are both tracking the 21-year-old whose future under Arne Slot appears to be under question.Harvey Elliott could be set for a surprise Liverpool exit this JanuaryCredit: RexThe 21-year-old has struggled to break back into the first team this seasonCredit: RexElliott fractured his foot earlier this season and has started just one game, managing just 43 minutes of Prem football. But eyebrows have been raised by his lack of game-time since returning to training in late November. The 21-year-old was an unused sub during Thursday’s Carabao Cup loss at Spurs, heightening speculation he could leave.Brighton are leading the way in signing the cultured midfielder who is hugely popular among Reds’ fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman giants Dortmund would also be interested in Elliott who Liverpool value at around £35million to £40million. There has been surprise among the Liverpool fanbase that Elliott – who made 53 appearances last season under Jurgen Klopp – has not been afforded more minutes in recent weeks. It has now led to suggestions that a transfer exit is a distinct possibility.Speaking about Elliott in November, Slot said: “We always want all of our players available and it was a blow for him and for us that he got injured for such a long time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I think he’s been out for three months now. Now we also have to give him time to come back to his normal level.”I recently spoke about Ibou Konate who was out from playing football for maybe two, three or four months, because he didn’t play at the end of the season and didn’t play at the Euros.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclass”As a result of that his first game against Man United in pre-season wasn’t his best.”That is something which is completely normal for a football player and this is something we have to take into consideration with Harvey as well.”Yes, he’s training with us again, but that’s different from being on the top of your game immediately again. We have to give him time for this as well.”But I’m very fortunate that he’s back, especially with the amount of games that are coming up in the coming two, three or four months.”Elliott arrived on Merseyside as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in 2019. He rose through the academy at Fulham and at the time of his debut for the Cottagers was the youngest Prem player ever. READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool shelled out £4.3 million to bring the youngster to Anfield following a tribunal. He has since played 128 times for the Reds, scoring 11 goals. More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More

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      FA Cup third round clashes postponed with two-time winners given new date for tie after freezing weather wreaks havoc

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      TWO FA Cup clashes have already been postponed due to freezing weather sweeping across the nation.Former two-time winners Preston were due to host Charlton at Deepdale but the game has been called off due to a frozen pitch.The Deepdale pitch was frozen on Friday afternoonCredit: Preston North End FCPreston’s FA Cup tie has been postponedCredit: Preston North End FCThe game will now be played on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.A Preston statement read: “A pitch inspection took place at Deepdale on Friday by match referee Ruebyn Ricardo and the surface was deemed unplayable.”Despite the tireless work of the club’s grounds staff to prepare the pitch for this fixture, the sub-zero temperatures throughout the week and overnight on Thursday mean the surface remains frozen.”With similar conditions expected again on Friday evening into Saturday morning, a decision has been made early in consideration of travel plans for supporters, and the players and staff of Charlton Athletic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston vs Charlton isn’t the only FA Cup game to have been affected.Mansfield’s all-League One tie with Wigan has also been called off.The clash will too take place on Tuesday, kicking off at 7:45pm.In addition to the FA Cup, EFL fixtures across Leagues 1 and 2 have also been called off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P WiganPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P EastleighIn the third tier, Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield have been called off.While League Two has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againMeanwhile, six National League games have so far had to be called off.And tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: Getty More