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      ‘When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE owner Simon Hallett made a “Freudian slip” during last night’s fans’ forum by inadvertently admitting that his club are getting relegated.Chairman Hallett took questions from supporters alongside Argyle CEO Andrew Parkinson.Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett spoke at a fans’ forum last nightCredit: YouTube/Plymouth ArgyleArgyle drew 1-1 at Luton on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersDuring the event, Hallett and Parkinson were asked about the club spending money on infrastructure, “rather than the playing squad”.Parkinson revealed that increased revenue generated via improved infrastructure is used to fund the playing squad – pointing to the fact that the club’s wage expenditure has gone up from around £2.5million annually 4-5 years ago to being “just under £15million” now.After building on his colleague’s point, Hallett then made an unfortunate slip of the tongue.”It’s generating revenues that can go into the football squad for many, many years,” the Argyle owner said.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is why when we go down to League One… if we go down to League One – oh God.”Host Charlie Price interjected calling Hallett’s gaffe a “Freudian slip”, before the chairman added: “Oh God… get it right. If we go down to League One, we will be one of the strongest clubs in League One, financially.”The last time we got promoted from League One we were in the middle of the pack.”Suggesting inevitable relegation again, Hallett added: “When we go back we’ll be at the top.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Pilgrims sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: GettyArgyle have had four permanent managers in the last 15 months.League One title-winner Steven Schumacher left for Stoke City in December 2023, with the Pilgrims opting for former England youth coach Ian Foster as his successor.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayFoster was sacked after just three months at the helm, with Wayne Rooney eventually appointed as his successor.After a promising start Rooney’s tenure soured, with the Manchester United legend sacked on New Year’s Eve as Argyle sat bottom of the Championship.Argyle subsequently pivoted to new boss Miron Muslic, who guided them to a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool earlier this month.The Pilgrims opted for a style change in Muslic, who favours a direct style of football, rather than reappointing title-winner Schumacher.’WE WERE SO BAD’On the decision, Hallett said: “Clearly Steven was in consideration during the process that Andrew described.”At the end of the day we decided, among the people on the shortlist, which is not to say that Steven was on the shortlist at all, we ended up going with Miron because we felt we had to do something different.”Coming with any manager, not just Steven, with a similar style to what we had… we were so bad both in attack and defence, that trying to do the same thing but a bit better would be inadequate to increase the probability of survival.”So one of the attractions of Miron was that he was very different. I mean all the other attractions are obvious.”The guy is a fantastic communicator, he’s a wonderful human being, he has that emotional intelligence to be able to deal very well with the players, they all love his clarity of thinking, his ability to communicate, all of that stuff is fantastic.”But in some ways, the core issue is that we were trying something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle drew 1-1 with bottom side Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday night.They are 23rd in the Championship table with 15 games remaining.Argyle opted against bringing back Steven SchumacherCredit: RexMiron Muslic was appointed Argyle manager last monthCredit: PA More

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      Lionel Messi grants referee’s unusual request after Inter Miami win but waited until they’d left the pitch

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      LIONEL MESSI had a very unusual interaction with a referee this week.Messi, 37, has done and seen it all throughout his glittering 21-year career.Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was asked for his shirt by the REFEREECredit: GettyMessi played in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas against Sporting KCCredit: RexMessi handed over his prized No10 shirt to the referee backstageCredit: APReferee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistleCredit: ReutersThe star forward has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League trophies, 10 LaLiga titles, two Copa America honours and the World Cup.And the Argentina international has played all around the world against the best football has to offer.But perhaps nothing could prepare the Inter Miami superstar for what he encountered on Thursday in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas.Messi and co visited Sporting KC at the freezing Children’s Mercy Park in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.Read More on FootballThe visitors braved the awful cold, with temperatures going as low as -22C.The Barcelona legend led Javier Mascherano’s side to a 1-0 win thanks to his winner on 56 minutes, which marked his first official goal of the calendar year.Messi’s performance finally put to bed the cliche theory of whether he could produce the same magic on a “cold Tuesday night in Stoke” as he shone bright against Sporting.According to ESPN, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star then received a very unusual request from the referee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistle.And Nara asked the Argentine great for his SHIRT as a memento – a tradition usually reserved for players.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami The MLS superstar agreed but passed on his prized No10 jersey backstage in the dressing room later on.That wasn’t because of the freezing temperatures, but rather that the Inter Miami star wanted to avoid any potential controversy on the field. More

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      Champions League Last 16 draw EXACT start time – how to watch big draw today

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      THE Champions League is set to enter the round of 16, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool set to learn their opponents. Manchester City won’t be joining the party in the round of 16, as they were beaten by a Kylian Mbappe inspired Real Madrid 6-3 on aggregate.Kylian Mbappe knocked Manchester City out the Champions LeagueCredit: John Walton/PA Wire.Mo Salah and Liverpool finished top of the Champions League group stageCredit: gettyMadrid will face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.As is the way with the new format, everyone knows who they could be facing.Aston Villa will either travel to Dortmund or Club Brugge, Liverpool will either take on Benfica or PSG, and Arsenal will go to the Netherlands to take on PSV or Feyenoord. Read more FootballAfter narrowly beating Celtic, Bayern Munich will face whoever doesn’t get drawn to Real Madrid, meaning there is potential for an all-Madrid and all-German round of 16 tie. When does the Champions League round of 16 draw startCoverage of the draw is set to begin at 11am GMT.Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa all qualified automatically as the top eight teams.How to watch Champions League round of 16 draw, and is there a live stream?The Champions League round of 16 draw will be live stream on UEFA.com and Uefa’s YouTube channel.As well as this, it will be shown on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.Streaming starts at 11am GMT.SunSport will also blog the draw as it happens.Who can face who in the Champions League round of 16?As with the new format, each side has an idea of who they will be playing:Most read in Champions LeaguePSG
      (1) Liverpool(2) BarcelonaClub Brugge
      (7) Lille(8) Aston VillaReal Madrid
      (5) Atletico Madrid(6) Bayer LeverkusenPSV
      (3) Arsenal(4) Inter MilanFeyernoord
      (3) Arsenal(4) Inter MilanBayern Munich
      (5) Atletico Madrid(6) Bayer LeverkusenDortmund
      (7) Lille(8) Aston VillaBenfica
      (1) Liverpool(2) Barcelona More

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      Erling Haaland seen in second brand new motor of the week as he buys £350k Aston Martin special edition F1 SAFETY CAR

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      ERLING HAALAND drove home from Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in his brand new lime green Formula 1 SAFETY CAR.Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in Wednesday night’s second leg.Erling Haaland drove his lime green Aston Martin away from Manchester AirportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHaaland, 24, penned a new contract last monthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAfter arriving back at Manchester Airport, Haaland walked to his incredible new car.The £350,000 Aston Martin DBX 707 is a special edition Formula 1 safety car.Usually appearing on track in British Racing Green, Haaland’s is more of a lime colour.Having sealed a lucrative new contract last month, the Norwegian has clearly been busy upgrading his garage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland’s new 10-year deal is worth a staggering £260million, £500,000 a week backdated to the start of this season.The 24-year-old was spotted in an Porsche 911 GT3 earlier this week – in another outlandish colour.He left City’s training ground in the plush car, which is worth more than £200,000.Fans were left in awe by the sports car as they took to social media, with some poking some fun at Haaland’s choice.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHaaland’s car is a special edition of Aston Martin’s F1 safety carCredit: AlamyHaaland was spotted in an orange motor earlier this weekCredit: TIKTOKOne fan wondered: “Why orange?”Another commented: “GOAT Haaland.”Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash A third wrote: “That new salary is hitting.”Haaland travelled to Madrid earlier in the week but did not play in City’s defeat.He was left on the bench for the duration of the match alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.On Sunday, City host Liverpool in the Premier League.Haaland was an unused substitute against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Not at his wisest’ – Jordan Henderson booked despite not even being on pitch after Ajax star’s bench antics

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      JORDAN HENDERSON was booked during a heated spat, even though he wasn’t even on the pitch during Ajax’s Europa League clash.The Dutch giants just managed to book their place in the Last 16 on Thursday despite a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise at the Johan Cruyff Arena.Ajax star Jordan Henderson was booked while on the benchHenderson came off the bench against Union Saint-GilloiseCredit: GettyHenderson, 34, started as a substitute but played a major role during a scuffle in the second half.It all started when USG ace Promise Akinpelu fouled Ajax’s Jorthy Mokio.Akinpelu’s team-mate Sofiane Boufal was left surprised at the decision and picked up the ball, only for opponent Anton Gaaei to try and snatch it from his hands.Ajax ace Gaaei then pushed his head into Boufal’s chest and the two briefly grappled.Read More on FootballThe row moved in front of the benches and players from both sides rushed over.Henderson moved towards Boufal but was forcefully shoved back by a USG member.The Liverpool legend was then seen gesturing with his hand as if to say his opponents talked too much.All that led to the former England international getting a yellow card from a Premier League referee.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChris Kavanagh also booked Gaaei, Boufal and USG ace Christian Burgess for their respective roles in the fracas.The TNT Sports commentator wasn’t impressed with the midfielder’s antics as he said: “Not at his wisest.”Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’That led to a mixed reaction from fans who took to social media after the incident.One fan tweeted: “Henderson’s bench passion explodes!”Another commented: “Henderson’s influence is so strong, even the bench can’t keep him out of the action!”A third wrote: “That wasn’t necessary to get booked.”This fan wondered: “Why?”And that one said: “Bro didn’t even do nothing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHenderson came on during stoppage time and helped Ajax earn a penalty that Kenneth Taylor converted at extra time to send the Dutch giants through with a score of 3-2 on aggregate.The hosts were playing with 10 men since the 25th minute as Davy Klaassen was sent off. More

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      ‘I have so many questions’ say fans as former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher belts out Ed Sheeran on stage with band

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      FORMER Chelsea star Conor Gallagher belted out Shape of You by Ed Sheeran as part of an unusual new initiative.The midfielder, 25, ditched his football boots for a leather jacket as he grabbed the mic.Conor Gallagher looked at home with a microphoneGallagher, 25, appeared alongside a band on stageIn partnership with a Spanish lager brand, Atletico have encouraged players to join a band in singing on stage.Earlier this season Gallagher’s team-mate Rodrigo Riquelme took part in a similar video.While Atleti women’s team stars Gio Garbelini and Andrea Medina have also taken the mic.Joining two other singers and a saxophonist in the video, Gallagher looked right at home as he took centre stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAtletico are encouraging young singers to submit videos of themselves performing.The Spanish giants and their commercial partner will then select their winners, who will receive special prizes.Like Gallagher, the winning entries will get to perform in Atletico’s studio.They will then get to take to the stage at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGallagher left boyhood club Chelsea for Atletico last summer.He has since made 18 LaLiga appearances, with a further 12 in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debutThe England international has seen his game time diminish in recent weeks.Gallagher has not played more than 45 minutes in a LaLiga match since December. More

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      England’s best keeper grew up helping lambs give birth and spent summer working on FARM – now he’s set for Prem transfer

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      JAMES TRAFFORD has always been good with his hands.Right now they are the most talked about in football, with the Burnley keeper, 22, having not conceded for ONE THOUSAND minutes.James Trafford is currently the most talked about EFL playerCredit: INSTAGRAM @burnleyofficial and @eflTrafford has conceded just nine goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheetsCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old grew up with his family in CumbriaCredit: CollectTrafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farmCredit: CollectThe Burnley stopper – who was at Man City’s academy – spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: CollectAnd he has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets.And tonight, as Burnley host  Sheffield Wednesday, Trafford — the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for January — is aiming for an incredible 12th successive shutout.But those safe hands have been put to other uses — such as being shoved up the backside of sheep or mixing manure  with lime!Trafford was raised and worked on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District, where his duties included lambing and mucking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he grimaced as he told SunSport: “The first time I did lambing was aged 11. I had to put my hand up them and pull. “That was far too disgusting and, although it was cool to have experienced that, it wasn’t the best thing.“I also had to muck out. We mixed manure with lime to get the right soil pH acidity. And being in the slurry pit was horrible — the stench. “Only last summer I was helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford — brought up in Cockermouth, where England Test captain Ben Stokes lived during his teens — was even driving tractors on the farm years before he had a driving license.He laughed: “About 14 or 15, way before I was allowed on the roads.” Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest goalkeeping talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.“When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.“We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.”Trafford revealed that, had his grandfather had his way, he would have been a JOCKEY.The 6ft 6in keeper said: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I.  “Grandpa always said, ‘He has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”Trafford’s dad James Sr has learned to love football for his sonCredit: CollectTrafford told SunSport that he was ‘helping wrap fleeces and clipping sheep’ last summerCredit: CollectTrafford, pictured with sister Charlotte, says his grandfather wanted him to be a jockeyCredit: CollectHis dad James Sr was never a football expert but has been learning through watching YouTube videos and going to his son’s games.Trafford said: “He’s even using  football terminology now and I’m thinking, ‘You haven’t thought about this, you’ve just listened to it and repeating it’. “But dad loves it for me. As long as I’m happy, he’s happy.”Trafford developed a strong work ethic from his years on the farm that stood him in good stead as he progressed through Manchester City’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12.And he went on to play on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton, where he won the EFL Trophy by beating Plymouth at Wembley in 2023, before going on to play in the Prem last season after Burnley signed him in a £19million deal.Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer had seen so much of Trafford’s heroics as team-mates growing up at City that he was videoed on the touchline predicting his old friend would save Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final in Georgia two years ago.Not only did he dive to his right to keep out Abel Ruiz’s spot-kick, he made an incredible reflex stop from Aimar Oroz’s follow-up.Trafford burst on to the scene after saving Spain’s late stoppage-time penalty in the Euro Under-21s final two years agoCredit: GettyCole Palmer had predicted that Trafford would win the game for EnglandCredit: GettyThat save saw the Young Lions win the trophy — and he became the first keeper in the competition’s history to go through an entire tournament without conceding a goal.And in his recent incredible run, he made TWO late penalty saves in last month’s  goalless draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor.Asked if the double penalty heroics at Turf Moor were among he finest, he said: “All the noise around those saves has been great but there are other things  since  that have brought me more enjoyment. Anyone can save a penalty.”Trafford — who looks set for a summer move to Newcastle — was named in the most recent England squad that faced Ireland and Greece in the Nations League in November.That was after he was in the provisional Euro 2024 squad but was cut from the final party.His call-up came after he was axed by then-Clarets manager Vincent Kompany — but Trafford reckons that made him stronger.He said: “I got taken out the team and it was hard to deal with.“Then I knew I was going away with the national team, I was excited.“When I came back  this season, it was my aim to get into the England squad even though I was in the Championship.”Trafford saved two penalties from Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor last monthCredit: RexThe boyhood Chelsea fan was delighted the FA appointed ex-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.He said: “He’s a brilliant manager who has won numerous things and got a massive reputation.“He will be the best man to win us the World Cup in 2026.”Former NFL star JJ Watt, at the start of this incredible run, vowed to come out of retirement and play for Trafford’s favourite team, the  Cincinnati Bengals, if he does not concede another goal this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are 13 games left and Trafford said: “When it gets down to single digits he should start worrying!”If he achieves another 13 clean sheets, you can bet Trafford will  continue talking about this season until the cows come home!Trafford progressed through ManCity’s academy after being signed from Carlisle aged 12Credit: Collect More

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      When is the Europa League last-16 draw? Date, start time, TV channel, FREE live stream as Man Utd learn fate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are one of the three remaining British clubs in today’s draw for the Europa League Last 16 – but who will they face?United finished third in the league phase which granted them automatic qualification into the Last 16.The Europa League is heading towards the business endCredit: AFPThe Red Devils hold an outstanding record, winning their last five fixtures in the Europa League.But now the competition gets tougher if United hope to progress any further.Also bidding for glory are Tottenham and Rangers, who secured their spot in the last 16 with a top eight finish in the league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is the Europa League last-16 draw?The draw for the Europa League last 16 will take place on Friday, February 21.The event will begins at 12pm GMTThe draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland at the House of European Football.What TV channel is the Europa League last-16 draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?Most read in Europa LeagueWho is in the Europa League last-16?Here are all the teams that have already qualified for the Europa League last-16:1. Lazio (ITA)2. Athletic Club (ESP)3. Manchester United (ENG)4. Tottenham (ENG)5. Frankfurt (GER)6. Lyon (FRA)7. Olympiacos (GRE)8. Rangers (SCO)Knockout phase play-off winners (unseeded)Ajax (NED)AZ Alkmaar (NED)Bodo/Glimt (NOR)FCSB (ROU)Fenerbahçe (TUR)Real Sociedad (ESP)Roma (ITA)Viktoria Plzen (CZE)Who could play who in the Europa League last 16?Man Utd’s potential opponents – Real Sociedad or AZ AlkmaarTottenham’s potential opponents – Real Sociedad or AZ AlkmaarRangers’ potential opponents – Bodo/Glimt or Fenerbahce More