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      Neymar and girlfriend Bruna Biancardi hold spectacular gender reveal to announce she is expecting their second child

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      NEYMAR and his model girlfriend Bruna Biancardi have announced that they are expecting their second child just over a year after their split.The pair confirmed the shock news as they spent Christmas together with family and friends.Neymar and Bruna Biancardi revealed that they are having a baby girlCredit: instagram @brunabiancardiThe pair are back together after time apartCredit: instagram @brunabiancardiBruna is excited to be having another baby girlCredit: instagram @brunabiancardiNeymar, 32, looked overwhelmed by the newsCredit: instagram @brunabiancardiThe pair held a lavish baby gender reveal ceremonyCredit: instagram @brunabiancardiBruna, who gave birth to their first child Mavie in October last year, revealed she is pregnant with another girl in an emotional video she posted to her 12.3 million Instagram fans.The video showed Mavie kissing her stomach as she lay alongside the Al-Hilal striker and Neymar’s son Davi Lucca, 13.They went on to reveal the sex of the child they are expecting after releasing pink smoke and confetti following a ‘Boy or Girl’ countdown.The 30-year-old brunette wrote in a message alongside the video: “We are living such a sweet phase, and could not help but share with you that HE has once again heard our requests and confirmed our plans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Welcome, daughter, may you arrive in good health. We are waiting for you to complete our family even more. May God protect us from all evil.”Neymar, 32, shared Bruna’s post on his social media.The pregnancy confirmation marked a remarkable turnaround to the couple’s turbulent last year and a half.Bruna confirmed she and the Brazil international were no longer together 13 months ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeymar and Bruna are back together after their split 13 months agoCredit: neymarjr/instagramThe model and influencer took to social media to address for the first time rumours they had ended their relationship after the footballer was accused of asking an OnlyFans model for nude photos and trying to flirt with another woman at a party he hosted at his Brazilian mansion.Bruna gave birth to Mavie at a luxury maternity clinic in Sao Paulo on October 6 last year, just weeks after Neymar was forced to respond to claims he had cheated on her after he was filmed partying with two women in a Barcelona nightclub.Neymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellOn November 28 last year Bruna, who went official on her relationship with Neymar in January 2023, told her Instagram followers: “This is a private affair but as I’m linked on a daily basis to news reports, suppositions and jokes, I’m informing you that I’m not in a relationship.“We are Mavie’s parents and that’s the reason for our link.“I hope that with this people stop linking me to these frequent pieces of news. Thank you.”She spoke out just hours after screen grabs purporting to show a WhatsApp conversation between Neymar and OnlyFans model Aline Farias were published in Brazilian press.The footballer reacted by claiming the exchange was years-old.Neymar, whose teenage son’s mum is his former girlfriend Carolina Danta, was accused of cheating on his partner in October last year after he was filmed partying with two women in a Barcelona nightclub.’DISAPPOINTED’Bruna reacted to the video and cheat claims by admitting she was “disappointed” but focusing on her pregnancy.She said in a social media message before giving birth: “Good afternoon, I’m aware of what happened and once again I am disappointed but in the final stage of my pregnancy.“My focus and worries are directed to my daughter and that is all I will think about at the moment. I thank you all for the messages of love.”In June last year Neymar posted a grovelling apology to Biancardi and their unborn child on social media after previous allegations of infidelity.’MY MISTAKES’He wrote: “Bru. I do this for both of you and for your family. Justify the unjustifiable. No need to. But I need you in OUR lives”I saw how much you were exposed, how much you suffered with all of this and how much you want to be by my side. And I want to be by your side.“I did wrong. I did wrong to you both. I risk saying I’m wrong every day, on and off the pitch. But I like to resolve my mistakes in my personal life within my own home with my family and friends…”All of this affected one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of following beside me, the mother of my child. It affected your intimacy at this special moment which is maternity. Bru, I ask for forgiveness for my mistakes.”RETIRED FROM PARTYINGAfter the couple’s break-up it emerged Brazilian model and influencer Amanda Kimberley was pregnant with Neymar’s child.Their daughter Helena is now four months old.The footballer and Bruna are understood to have reignited their love affair over the summer with the help of therapy and friends.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe is said to have moved to Saudi Arabia with Mavie in July after deciding to give the footballer another chance.In a recent video Neymar showed off an engagement ring and said he had retired from partying.Bruna has joined Neymar in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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      Mikel Arteta planning tactical switch to cope with Saka injury… and it could mean position change for star Arsenal man

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      MIKEL ARTETA is praying Declan Rice’s versatility can help Arsenal cope without Bukayo Saka.A torn hamstring looks set to rule out England winger Saka until at least March in a massive blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.Arsenal take on Ipswich in the Premier League during the holidaysCredit: GettyArsenal may be without Bukayo Saka until at least MarchCredit: ReutersArsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be set for a major tactical changeCredit: GettyArsenal star Declan Rice may be fielded in midfield or attackCredit: GettyBoss Arteta has been pondering how to set up the team in his absence — and midfielder Rice, 25, will be key to whatever he decides.Three Lions enforcer Rice can operate in a defensive midfield role or further up the field.And Arteta hinted he could be having a go at each of them in a busy festive period that kicks off with Friday night’s Premier League visit of Ipswich.The Spaniard, 42, explained: “With the squad that we have, he needs to be versatile.Read More on Arsenal“With the qualities that he has, he needs to be versatile. With the brain that he has, he needs to be versatile.  With the age that he is, he needs to be versatile.“He can offer so much in relation to the opponent, to the needs in the squad. Putting Declan in a box, there’s no point in my opinion.”The Gunners, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game extra, travel to Brentford and then Brighton in the league at the start of January.Then, they host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the winners taking on Tottenham or Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat all adds up to a host of opponents with markedly different styles and Arteta will be relying on Rice to keep the Gunners in shape.The Emirates chief explained: “He’s going play as a No 6 against a low block in relation to what the nine does, he’s going to be with the centre-backs. If the No 10 is man-marking him, he’s going to have another role.”Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal were struggling to score goals from open play before the Carabao Cup and Prem double-header with Crystal Palace.A 3-2  win at home  on Wednesday booked a semi-final berth — and that was followed by a 5-1 league romp at Selhurst Park on Saturday, which saw Saka limp off early on but Gabriel Jesus scored five times in those two matches.How Arsenal set up against struggling Ipswich will depend on where Arteta deploys Kai Havertz, with the German able to play up front or in attacking midfield.Arteta said: “It is always about that. If you cover something, you uncover something else. That is always the dilemma.“We scored goals with Kai on the pitch and with Declan, who is a different profile.“So, is it related to the players, is it related to the intentions of the team as individuals in certain moments of games and confidence? A lot of aspects play a part.”Ipswich lacking confidenceConfidence is something Ipswich are lacking at the moment following Saturday’s 4-0 home thumping by Newcastle.The Tractor Boys have still not won at Portman Road on their long-awaited Premier League return.But they have triumphed twice on their travels — at Wolves earlier in the month and at Tottenham.Gunners fans certainly enjoyed hearing about that one and Arteta declared himself a big admirer of Town manager Kieran McKenna.McKenna, 38, has guided Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Arteta added: “I have a lot of people who know him and they always say great things about him.“They have been very unfortunate not getting the results they deserve. It’s a very tough game for sure.”Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Fans in stitches as Harry Kane’s Merry Christmas social media post as England captain ‘thinks tree is a fan’

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      FANS loved Harry Kane’s Christmas message.The England captain, 31, took to social media to wish his followers well yesterday.Harry Kane posted a selfie with his Christmas treeCredit: X @HKanePosting on X, Kane wrote: “Merry Christmas everyone!!”He accompanied his message with a selfie in front of his Christmas tree.A social media user playfully joked: “whys he taken a pic with the tree like he’s just met a fan ahhaha.”To which a second replied: “he looks honored to meet the tree.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third then quipped: “It looks more like he’s the fan and the tree’s the professional footballer.”And another added: “Looks like he’s meeting the tree for the first time!”Kane has been red-hot for Bayern Munich once again this season.The striker has netted 14 goals in just 13 Bundesliga appearances this term, with his side sitting top of the league.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis hopes of winning the DFB Pokal came to an end earlier this month, however, when his side were dumped out by Bayer Leverkusen.Kane’s Bayern team-mate Michael Olise did not appear to be in the Christmas spirit during a recent social media post.Michael Olise looks incredibly awkward as Bayern Munich stars get into Christmas mood by singing Jingle Bells The German side uploaded a video of its squad belting out Jingle Bells.While Kane and Co got into the spirit of things, former Crystal Palace star Olise looked awkward as he didn’t join in.Michael Olise looked awkward as Bayern’s squad sang Jingle BellsCredit: Bayern Munich More

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      Arsenal join THREE Premier League rivals in transfer race for PSG frontman Randal Kolo Muani after Bukayo Saka injury

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      FOUR Premier League clubs are battling for the signature of France star Randal Kolo Muani.Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have been exploring a deal for the speedy Paris Saint-Germain frontman.Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with a move away from PSGCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have joined the race, with winger Bukayo Saka facing more than two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou desperately needs options given his side’s injury crisis.And Kolo Muani’s electric pace and ability to play anywhere along the frontline appeals.City boss Pep Guardiola wants to freshen things up given their dreadful form and a loan deal would suit both parties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPSG are keen on an obligation-to-buy clause with Frenchman Kolo Muani not part of boss Luis Enrique’s plans.Liverpool are weighing up their options with Mo Salah out of contract in the summer and allowed to talk to foreign clubs in the January window.Boss Arne Slot is a big fan of Kolo Muani, who has performed better for country than club of late.The 26-year-old was chased by Europe’s biggest clubs after scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022-23.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelinesCredit: RexHe joined PSG for £80million in September last year. But he has scored just four times in 14 appearances for the club this season and made just two Ligue 1 starts.He was not in PSG’s squad for recent games with Monaco and Lyon.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossEnrique said: “I could speak about it, but I won’t.“My decisions say it all, even if all of my decisions can be changed.”Kolo Muani netted in the penalty shootout as France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.He was also denied by keeper Emi Martinez’s ‘save of the century’.France boss Didier Deschamps continues to pick Kolo Muani despite his lack of game time.Aston Villa also had dialogue with PSG, who were interested in a swap with striker Jhon Duran.But Villa are not interested in parting with the Colombian ace, 21. More

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      Five players Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim MUST push out of Old Trafford… and five he needs to build team around

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      IF Ruben Amorim did not recognise the scale of his Manchester United task before, he surely does now.Sunday’s 3-0 Old Trafford trouncing by Bournemouth left United  13th at Christmas — seven points closer to the relegation zone than the Prem summit.Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life at Man UtdCredit: PAThe Red Devils endured a humbling defeat to Bournemouth on SundayCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese manager had pondered whether to take the Prem plunge mid-season or wait until the end of the campaign before leaving Sporting Lisbon.Unsurprisingly, the lure of Old Trafford and turning around a suffering beast proved too great.But Amorim needs to wave a magic wand fast or risk seeing the  season unravel, with dire consequences for summer recruitment.Amorim has a preferred 3-4-3 formation and plenty of the squad he  inherited are not designed to play in such a system.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf fans did not believe that a few weeks ago, they will do now.SunSport looks at the five players  Amorim needs to build his team around, the five who must be pushed through the  exit door and those whose future remains in their hands… STAYERS —MANUEL UGARTEUruguayan midfielder struggled in his early games but that might have been because everything Erik ten Hag touched had already started turning to dust.In recent weeks, Ugarte has looked like the real deal, with a genuine ability to do that vital dirty work in the middle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Uruguayan has shown signs of life under AmorimCredit: RexAMAD DIALLOIvorian wideman has been at United for five years — but is starting to turn his promise into something concrete.Amorim needs the wider players in his attacking trident to be able to invert and cause problems but also have the ability to attack in the outer areas of the pitch. Amad ticks all those boxes, with pace to burn.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’Amad Diallo has been a bright spot in an otherwise dreary season at UnitedCredit: RexLENY YOROAnother United youngster and plagued by injuries after his summer arrival from Lille.Plenty for the 19-year-old to learn and assuming Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire stay, they can help him live up to the reputation he arrived with from France.Leny Yoro arrived from France with heaps of potentialCredit: GettyBRUNO FERNANDESSome still accuse the Portuguese of being a flat-track bully but he remains at the creative hub of most of the things United do well.Of course, Amorim needs his captain to lead, not hide, and Fernandes still has games where he might go missing. But if he plays well, usually so do United.Bruno Fernandes remains at the heart of Man UtdCredit: RexKOBBIE MAINOOMissed the start of the Amorim era through injury and three defeats in the four matches since his return does not augur well.Mainoo, though, is still short of match sharpness. Yes, the 19-year-old makes mistakes.But he has the ability to make a mark in midfield and can forge a proper partnership with Ugarte, given time to work on it.Kobbie Mainoo remains one of United’s most promising playersCredit: RexLEAVERS —MARCUS RASHFORDRashford’s decision to go public on his willingness to leave his boyhood club might make things easier for Amorim than if he was seen to be pushing the England man out of the door.But it was hard to see the forward being a natural fit for the Amorim system — even before the fallout of the past two weeks.Unlike many of the potential discards, selling Rashford makes some economic sense, too, as any transfer fee can be calculated at full book value in the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules accounting.Marcus Rashford has signalled his desire to leave UnitedCredit: GettyANTONYPlenty of Stretford End regulars saw through the Brazilian after a couple of months when he joined in the summer of 2022.Nearly 2-and-a-half years later, the rest of the  United supporters have caught up.Winger Antony represents the worst of Ten Hag’s scoop-up of Eredivisie players that he knew from his Ajax days.The £85.5million flop offers nothing. Getting rid, even at a massive loss, is the only option.Antony is producing another dreadful seasonCredit: GettyCASEMIROThe Brazilian’s arrival from Real Madrid might have made sense at the time and he did score in the Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle in 2023.Yet United are now forking out a fortune for a midfielder who can barely rumble, let alone run, and who has been overtaken by the harshest enemy of all — time.Casemiro’s best days in football appear to be behind himCredit: AlamyLISANDRO MARTINEZAnother Ten Hag project who appears to be dialling it in over recent weeks — and making far too many mistakes.The Argentine defender has never been that physically imposing but he keeps shrinking from battle.He looks like a player who does not want to be there.Lisandro Martinez has not delivered this seasonCredit: RexLUKE SHAWHarsh to blame the England left-back — but his body is letting him down so much that Amorim cannot rely on him ever being fit.Shaw would have been ideal as the left-sided wing-back for the next two years if he could guarantee availability. But he simply cannot.Luke Shaw has suffered desperately with injuriesCredit: RexLOTS TO PROVE —MASON MOUNTAnother whose issues are physical but just nine Prem starts in 18 months since his move from Chelsea tell you everything about the England midfielder.Mount, if fit, could definitely have a role, even if off the bench. Yet what are the chances of him staying available for long enough?Mason Mount was forced off early against Man CityCredit: PARASMUS HOJLUNDUnited thought enough of the Dane’s potential to pay £64m up front to land him from Atalanta — and he will probably get the chance to be first-choice No 9.Hojlund, though, has yet to convince that he is the natural predator United hoped they were signing.He remains very much a work in progress.Rasmus Hojlund has shown flashes of promiseCredit: RexALEJANDRO GARNACHODropped for the 2-1 derby win over City and in the line of fire by some as United’s mole hunt continues, the winger made the right response in training.Three Prem goals this season, though, is a poor return and that Puskas Award for his bicycle-kick stunner at Everton last term will mean little to the new manager.Alejandro Garnacho has flattered to deceive this seasonCredit: GettyJOSHUA ZIRKZEEPrecious little, so far, to suggest the Dutch striker can have a long-term Old Trafford future.However, it makes little sense to ditch him after just a few months at the club.Zirkzee has to demonstrate he is mobile and dangerous — to make things happen rather than wait for opportunities to fall at his feet.Joshua Zirkzee has not yet delivered since joining from BolognaCredit: RexNOUSSAIR MAZRAOUIVersatility and the ability to play in a number of roles at the back may help the Moroccan.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet he has done little so far  to indicate he will be a part of the furniture for too long.Hard to see him operating as a wing-back other than when injuries kick in and does he have the defensive resilience to be trusted in a back three? Up to him to provide the answer.Noussair Mazraoui arrived from Bayern in the summerCredit: Rex More

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      Manchester United players want VIP Oasis reunion tickets from rival City players

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      MANCHESTER United players hope to call on Manchester City rivals for VIP tickets to Oasis reunion gigs.City’s Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden are close pals with Noel and Liam Gallagher, who are often seen in the dressing room celebrating derby wins.Tickets could be passed to the likes of Red Devils Amad Diallo and Bruno FernandesCredit: RexNoel and Liam Gallagher are often seen in the Man City dressing room celebrating derby winsCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceThe Oasis brothers love to mock United’s lack of recent trophies.But United players hope friendships formed with City stars on international duty and other functions will prove crucial.Tickets could be passed to the likes of Red Devils Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes.A source said: “United’s lads are used to being the hottest ticket in town. They have a load of lackeys who generally get them what they want.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“But they know getting in touch with Liam or Noel is not going to help, so are hoping their City mates can use their contacts.” Oasis are due to play Manchester’s Heaton Park in July.Grealish has told how he had yet to get tickets from Noel as he was unsure when City play in the Club World Cup next summer.But he added: “Trust me, I’ll be there. It’ll be the first time I’ve seen them live.”Noel, who is also pals with City boss Pep Guardiola, has previously told how most of his family support United.Most read in FootballHe said: “It’s only myself, Liam and our brother Paul who are City fans. The rest of my family — there must be about 6,000 of us — are United. But I’m glad my dad took us to see City.”Oasis split in 2009, a year after City were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group. They have since won eight Premier League titles.United have not won one since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Man City debut ‘Oasis kit’ but unveiling massively backfires as fans call it ‘worst ever’ and compare it to iconic sweet More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More

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      I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I was playing along Mesut Ozil at Arsenal – I was gobsmacked

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      COHEN BRAMALL was training with Arsenal’s first team including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil – just days after being sacked by car giant Bentley.The current Rotherham’s left-back was “gobsmacked” when he was shoved straight into Arsenal’s senior practice under Arsene Wenger in 2017.Cohen Bramall impressed at an Arsenal trial, the day after he was made redundant from a factoryBramall now plays at League One side RotherhamBramall played for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division on a part-time basis, while working full-time at a car factory.He told BBC Sport: “I got made redundant by Bentley on the Tuesday [20 December], which was crazy because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”My agent Lee Payne rings me on the Wednesday saying you’ve got a trial at Arsenal. I was like ‘what?’ – I was gobsmacked.”He said pack your stuff and get to this postcode, so I packed all my stuff in about an hour, got there as fast as I could, slept for a bit, then the next minute I’m in training with the first team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”It was crazy how quick everything happened, how I met everyone and they just took me straight in. I had to take the opportunity with both hands.”A trial match with Sheffield Wednesday U23s had been watched by Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who called Bramall’s agent.The following morning, he was training with Arsenal’s first team after expecting to meet up with the reserves.He said: “I got chucked into a 5-vs-5 with some of the best players in the world, like Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. It was crazy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The tempo and movement was outstanding. It was a special moment for me.”He’d also played in a reserve game at Crystal Palace.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundBramall’s four Arsenal appearances all came in friendliesAfter two days, Arsenal submitted a bid to Hednesford Town and signed the then 20-year-old left-back.The Gunners agreed terms on a reported £40,000 deal in January.At the time, Wenger said: “Bramall is a young, promising left-back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.”He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”But the Crewe-born player spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly against A-League side Sydney FC in July 2017.But he and Arsenal team-mate Carl Jenkinson were loaned to Championship club Birmingham City in August.On Bramall’s return to Arsenal, he played three times for their under-21 team in the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.But the club confirmed he would be released when his contract expired in the 2019 summer window.Bramall later played against Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford for ColchesterHe has since worked his way up the EFL pyramid and boasts 58,000 followers on InstagramUp the EFL ladder After his time with Arsenal was up, Bramall signed a two-year contract with League Two club Colchester United in 2019.He was sent off for the first time in his professional career that August for violent conduct during Colchester’s 3–0 win against Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.And he scored his first professional goal with a well taken free kick in a 3–0 win over Carlisle United in December.Next up was a multi-year contract at League One side Lincoln City in February 2021. Bramall made 46 appearances for Lincoln City before RotherhamBramall then climbed the football pyramid again after Championship side Rotherham matched his Lincoln release clause.The now 28-year-old became a first XI staple, racking up 75 Championship appearances, before Rotherham were relegated in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since found himself playing second fiddle to former Man Utd youth player Reece James under manager Steve Evans.He told the Rotherham Advertisier: “This is a challenge and it’s good for my character. If I know I’ve not been doing great, I’ll definitely tell myself that.”Bramall enjoyed a trip to New York during an October international breakHe signed for Rotherham in 2022 More