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      Bukayo Saka posts picture from hospital bed after Arsenal star undergoes surgery and faces months on sidelines

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      BUKAYO SAKA has given fans a health update after undergoing surgery.Mikel Arteta confirmed the Arsenal star would be heading to hospital after he was hit with a hamstring injury during their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace before Christmas.Bukayo Saka has posted a health update following surgeryCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The Arsenal star was hit by a hamstring injury before ChristmasCredit: RexSaka was seen on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunSaka, 23, limped off the pitch at Selhurst Park with fears he could be out for a prolonged period of time.And those fears came true when Arteta confirmed his star man would need surgery and would be out until at least March.He said: “Yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.”I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaka has now undergone his operation and provided anxious Gooners with an update on his health by releasing a picture on Instagram.The stricken winger shared a photo to his page showing him in a hospital bed with his right thumb up.He captioned the post: “The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. “Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages #Godsplan.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a bid to alleviate the problem caused by Saka’s absence, Arsenal deployed Gabriel Martinelli on the right wing in their 1-0 win over Ipswich.On the game and the Brazilian’s new role, Arteta said: “[It was] Very different we will evolve that. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”In the second half I liked it more. It will take a bit of time.”Arsenal face back to back away trips to Brentford on New Year’s Day and Brighton the following Saturday.The Gunners then host Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg before taking on Manchester United at the Emirates in the FA Cup third round.Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

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      Stoke announce iconic Premier League hardman as caretaker boss as Narcis Pelach sacked after just three months

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      ICONIC Premier League hardman Ryan Shawcross has been plunged into caretaker management with Stoke just two years after quitting playing.The struggling Championship side sacked Narcis Pelach, 36, only three months after appointing the inexperienced Spaniard.Ryan Shawcross quit playing in 2022 and is now stand-in Stoke chiefCredit: PANarcis Pelach arrived in September but has been axed with the Potters just three points and three places above the drop zoneCredit: RexEx-England defender Shawcross will now step up from coaching Stoke Under-21s to taking charge at home to high-riding Sunderland on Sunday.The 37-year-old was involved in some brutal controversies amid 453 appearances for the Potters from 2008-2021.Shawcross was in tears after breaking Aaron Ramsey’s leg in two places in 2010.He saw red for that tackle, which Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger labelled “horrendous” and kept Ramsey out for a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also broke Sheffield Wednesday striker Francis Jeffers’ ankle and injured Gunners’ attacker Emmanuel Adebayor.But as well as critics, Shawcross had his backers, who rated him a fierce but fair tackler.The once-capped centre-back, who retired as a player after a year with Inter Miami, will now be under a different sort of piercing spotlight.The Potters revealed Shawcross will be assisted by Alex Morris, Dean Whitehead and Darren Behcet for Sunday’s Championship clash.Most read in ChampionshipShawcross was upset after breaking Ramsey’s legCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 19th-placed Potters axed Pelach 24 hours after a 2-0 Boxing Day home defeat to Leeds.Stoke sporting director Jon Walters – who was himself a tough team-mate of Shawcross – took “full responsibility” for the failure of the former Huddersfield interim boss.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeEx-Republic of Ireland frontman Walters, 41, said in a club statement: “Narcis is a talented coach with huge potential.”He works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.”However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.”I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.” More

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      ‘It’s more than ridiculous, it’s a disgrace’ – Jim Ratcliffe has gone ‘too far’ with latest Man Utd decision, fume fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are demanding Sir Jim Ratcliffe face the music over his latest cost-cutting at Old Trafford.SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday the Red Devils owner is slashing funding for a charity helping out former players.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire from Man Utd fansCredit: AlamySunSport revealed on Friday the club was halting payments to a charity helping former playersThe club previously gave £40,000 a year to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which fears it will fold without the cash.Set up in 1985, the charity helps former footballers who didn’t earn the millions raked in by today’s superstars.,Ratcliffe – who is worth £23.5billion – has recently raised ticket prices and even axed the club’s famous Christmas party. Outspoken United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge is the latest to rail against the cost-cutting measures. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking on The United Stand, he said: “It’s more than ridiculous – it’s a disgrace.”This football club may be about winning on the pitch, this football club may be about transfers.”But this football club is also [about] community.He added: “This is not what we want at our football club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Good people are being sacked. Good people are not getting bonuses. And now good people are getting their costs cut.”Fans were quick to agree, with one demanding “answers” from Ratcliffe over the decision to cut the charity support.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump One fan fumed on X: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to do an interview and explain what is currently going on with his running of Manchester United. We need answers.”Another argued: “Has any owner in Premier League history made as many PR gaffes as Jim Ratcliffe in his first 12 months in charge? I don’t think so.”A third added: “Genuinely feel sorry for the fans who were excited about Ratcliffe.As I feared a year ago, a Glazer 2.0!”While a fourth commented: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the wrong people. He rode in like the Lone Ranger only to reveal he’s one of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse.”Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5On the field, United’s fortunes have not improved despite tempting boss Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese has endured a torrid start to life at Old Trafford.Following a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, Amorim is now the first United coach since 1932 to lose five of his first ten games. United’s dismal form could also end up costing them in the pocket down the line.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for the Champions League.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.The club’s annual report says that players’ salaries change based on their participation in Europe or not.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.” More

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      Every out-of-contract Premier League star revealed including crucial Arsenal duo and Real Madrid-linked Alexander-Arnold

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are facing a nightmare January transfer window if they cannot tie major stars down to a new contract.A number of the best and biggest clubs in the land face losing their top stars to foreign clubs due to their contracts expiring in the summer.Mo Salah is one of the biggest stars under threat of being lost to a pre-contract dealCredit: RexArsenal are also set to lose a crucial duo including JorginhoCredit: GettyStars with just six months remaining on their contracts are free to negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. And the Premier League could be one of the hardest hit by this rule.Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been making the headlines over this fear, while reserve goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is also in a similar boat contractually.Salah has openly admitted this season could be his last for the Reds, while Alexander-Arnold has been extensively linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.Manchester City are similarly under threat of losing key playmaker’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, along with back-up goalkeeper Scott Carson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are also on course to lose two crucial midfielders from their ranks in the form of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Kieran Tierney also looks set to be on his way out.Chelsea have no major stars on the list, but do have reserve goalkeeper Lucas Bergström with just six months left on his deal as of Janaury.Across town, Tottenham could be set to lose talisman Son Heung-min, while Ben Davies, Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman are also on this list. Further down the table, Manchester United could end moving for some stars in this market during the window due to their new penny-pinching motivations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the Red Devils have six stars who could be poached by rivals; Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.Likewise, Newcastle have eight stars on the pre-contract countdown with Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Everton are the most heavily hit by this threat, with eight stars out of contract next summer.Many other clubs also face this threat with their stars, which are listed below:Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Harry Tofolo, Willy BolyFulham – Kenny Tete, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius, Tom CairneyAston Villa – Kourtney Hause, Robin OlsenBrighton – Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Joel Veltman, James Milner, Imari SamuelsBrentford – Christian Norgaard, Josh Dasilva, Ben MeeWest Ham – Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron CresswellEverton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia, Asmir BegovicWolves – Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Craig DawsonCrystal Palace – Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Remi MatthewsLeicester – Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen, Danny WardIpswich -Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, Massimo LuongoSouthampton – Kyle Walker-Peters, Adam Lallana, Jack Steptens, Joe LumleyOn the other hand there is some top talent overseas who could in turn be poached by English clubs.In the Bundesliga this includes Bayern Munich quartet Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sane and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.La Liga sees Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy up for grabs, as well as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.Ligue 1 side Lille have top stars Jonathan David and Angel Gomes both under threat of sealing moves elsewhere, while Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could also leave his club at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Serie A has Napoli’s Frank Anguissa and Alex Meret, AS Roma’s Nicolo Zalewski and Paulo Dybala and Atalanta’s Mario Palasic and Sead Kolasinac and Fiorentina’s David de Gea all with contracts expiring in the summer.Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Hilal’s Neymar all also have expiring deals in the summer. More

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      Man Utd staring £10million black hole in the face as Sir Jim Ratcliffe slashes £40k donation to charity helping legends

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to lose out on £10m in expected income if they continue on their current trajectory.The Red Devils are in dire form and currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.Manchester United’s current form could see them miss out on £10mCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim is yet to turn things around on the pitch with a third consecutive defeat on Thursday leaving United some 12 points off fourth placed Nottingham Forest.It now looks extremely unlikely that Man Utd will qualify for the Champions League this season, a failure that could have a huge impact on the club’s finances.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are already flirting with breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP_ regulations and have undergone a number of cost-cutting measures since the arrival of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sun Sport exclusively revealed Ratcliffe and the club cut funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, a charity set up in 1985 o help footballers from bygone eras who earned nothing like the megabucks of today’s superstars.While Ratcliffe’s other cost-cutting measures have included cancelling senior staff members’ credit cards, stopping staff from using private cars and even asking Man City if they could give United players a lift to the Ballon d’Or in their private jet.Manchester United do have measures in place to try and offset failure to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballSir Jim Ratcliffe has been putting cost-cutting measures in place at Old TraffordCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club’s annual report says that players salaries change based off their participation in Europe or not.It reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump “To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.”Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness has claimed that United are close to the line with Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) and FFP.Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said: “Yes, they are now right on that line for PSR.“The interesting thing is that we know they are on the New York Stock Exchange. If there is a material risk of them breaching PSR, that will have to be declared to the market.“I’m very intrigued by that situation. They’ve had a very poor start to the season.“If they’re not going to make Champions League next year, unless Amorim can bring a big resurrection in the second half of this season, then that will also add PSR pressure.“They’re in a risky situation, so Amorim needs to deliver the goods. There’s pressure on him from day one.”United have to change their on-the-pitch fortunes in order to rescue their financial situation.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Amorim and his low-on-confidence squad that continues on Monday with a tricky clash against an in-form Newcastle United side.Things don’t get any easier from there either with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton all on the horizon.United face a tricky run of fixtures More

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      ‘You never know what is going to happen’ – Cristiano Ronaldo opens door to shock Man City transfer with cryptic reply

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has sensationally teased a stunning move to Manchester City.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was on the verge of joining the Premier League champions before he sealed an emotional return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021.Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Manchester City in the summer of 2021Credit: PABut the Portuguese star opted instead to seal an emotional return to Manchester CityCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old has once again opened the door to an Etihad switchCredit: GETTYAnd the Al-Nassr hitman has appeared to once again open the door to a shock Etihad switch.During an appearance at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the 39-year-old revealed he’s open to giving the struggling Citizens a “helping hand”.The Portugal star said: “You never know what is going to happen.”Ronaldo was then asked to elaborate after the presenter responded to his bombshell by saying: “That’s not a no!”READ MORE IN SPORTBut the Real Madrid man refused, briefly laughing before going silent.City’s hopes of winning an unprecedented FIFTH-STRAIGHT Prem title are well and truly up in smoke.Pep Guardiola’s troops have lost NINE of their last 13 matches in all competitions and are a whopping 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool.City are currently SEVENTH in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Ronaldo said of the Citizens’ current woes: “Teams have moments. Difficult times, good times.”City are passing through a difficult moment but I’m 100% sure they will be back.” ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconHe added: “I think the big teams, the big players they are smart enough to understand what is the problem [and] where is the problem.”I’m sure 100% they will be back. Guardiola is a very smart coach.”He knows where the problem is coming from. They will be there like always.”City will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to the King Power Stadium to take on Leciester City. More

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      Inside world’s oldest football stadium which is 164 years old and still hosts matches in ninth tier of English football

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      THE world’s oldest football stadium isn’t home to one of the nation’s biggest clubs, but rather a side playing in the ninth tier of the English game.Hallam FC, officially the second oldest football club in the world, have been playing their home games at the same ground since 1860!Sandygate Road is the oldest football ground in the worldCredit: AlamyThe ground has been home to Hallam FC since 1860Credit: AlamyHallam are the second oldest club in the worldCredit: AlamyThe ground is still fitted with wood trimmings and a plaque to show the history of the stadiumCredit: AlamyA sign on the exit of the ground reminds fans of the history tooCredit: AlamyTheir home, Sandygate Road, boasts the title of the oldest football stadium around.Located in Sheffield, the first game played at the ground was on Boxing Day 1860.The clash pitted Hallam against neighbours Sheffield FC – the oldest club in the world.It’s believed that that match was the first inter-club football game ever played.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile the stadium itself was actually built another 56 years before that match took place – in 1804.It remains in use with Hallam currently using the pitch to play out their Northern Counties East League Premier Division games.The stadium can hold 1,300 fans on a matchday, with seating available for just 250 of those fans.But those keen on heading to watch the second oldest club play in the oldest stadium won’t have to fork out Premier League prices, with a matchday ticket at Hallam costing just £6 for an adult.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans visiting the ground now will find it looking pretty similar to how it did back in the day, but with an abundance of historic plaques and signs showing the historical significance of the stadium.While there has also been the sad demolition of The Plough Inn pub from across the way.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand The old pub was thought to be the location where the modern rules of football were agreed back in the 1800s. However, despite much campaigning from locals, the pub was torn down in 2023.Hallam FC are currently seventh in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.But still harbour hopes of climbing up the divisions to reach the level that would better represent the history behind the club and their ground.For now, they proudly keep a replica of the Youdan Cup – a competition pre-dating the FA Cup – that they won in 1867 inside their trophy cabinet to remind them of the club’s roots. Hallam keep a replica of the Youdan Cup trophy won they in 1867Credit: AlamySeats allow for 250 fans in the stadiumCredit: AlamyAround 1,300 spectators can watch at the groundCredit: AlamyThe ground is believed to have been built in 1804, 56 years before Hallam was foundedCredit: AlamyThe clubhouse looks no different to other clubs in the ninth tier of footballCredit: AlamyA view from 1991 shows how the round has changed in 33 yearsCredit: AlamyThe Plough Inn, which used to sit across from Sandygate, is thought to be where the modern rules of football were agreedCredit: Crosthwaite Commercial More

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      Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiancee flies to London with their two children to spend New Year with Chelsea’s £107m star

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      ENZO Fernandez’s former fiancee Valentina Cervantes has revealed she will jet to London with their two children to see in the New Year together with her ex.The Blues midfielder stunned everyone – including the pretty brunette – by telling her earlier this year he wanted to end their six-year relationship.Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiance is jetting into London for New YearCredit: Instagram @valucervantesThe pair split unexpectedly in October and share two children togetherCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesValentina jetted back to Argentina but will return to the capital for December 31Credit: Instagram / @valucervantesThe 24-year-old beauty moved back to their native Argentina with Olivia, four, and Benjamin, one, after confirming the split at the end of October.But on Friday she confirmed they would be jetting to the UK in the coming hours for a family reunion.Former law student Valentina, Enzo’s childhood sweetheart, also used an interview to reveal she had asked the footballer about rumours he was dating Argentinian rapper Nicki Nicole and had been assured the reports were untrue.The stunning influencer told Argentine newspaper La Nacion: “Enzo asked me to go to London for Christmas,READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”But I told him I preferred to spend it here in Argentina because the kids have more cousins and it makes the moment of opening gifts and everything else more special.”But for the 31st, we’ll travel there and spend it together.”She joked: “I’m not going to go to Big Ben with a cider alone. We talked about it, and he has no problem with it, and neither do I, in that I know how to separate things.”We are going to do everything possible to make the children happy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m going to stay a few days because I have to finish some things there that I left behind, then I’ll come back here and they’ll stay with him a bit longer.”Valentina also admitted she and Enzo lived and slept together for another 10 days after he left her shell-shocked by telling her “from one day to the next” he didn’t want to be with her anymore.Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely Asked whether they made love, she added: “Yes, some days, as a goodbye.”Addressing the split, Valentina continued: “I think it was a combination of things on his part. He made the decision and I respected it. We have two children together.”To this day, we try to have a good relationship, we try to share, so that the kids can continue living together.”If you ask me what happened, I have nothing specific to tell you.”I just think that he decided to focus 100 percent on his career, on performing, on finding himself.”He might not have been at his best as a player and tried to find it. “Today, fortunately, things are going well for him. That’s why I’m also happy.”The 24-year-old beauty has wished Fernandez well and insists there is no animosityCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesAfter their split rumours began circulating Fernandez was dating 24-year-old Nicole, whose real name is Nicole Cucco and was born and raised in Lionel Messi’s home city of Rosario.But Valentina said: “I asked him. Obviously, I don’t get involved in those things and I would respect the woman he has from now on because it’s his life.”But I wanted to know because I think as the mother of the children I have to know and he told me they weren’t together.”Olivia listens to Nicki Nicole’s songs, I was thrilled – I think they met once. Not alone, in a group.”She added: “We’ve talked about the fact that if either of us starts a new relationship in the future, we will inform each other out of respect and because we share two children together.”Valentina announced the end of their relationship at the end of October by writing on Instagram: “With Enzo, today we decided to put space between us.Chelsea ratings vs Everton as Enzo continues to shine but Jackson costs Blues chance to winCHELSEA extended their unbeaten run to nine Premier League games with a performance that will quickly be forgotten.Chances on goal were few and far between but Nicolas Jackson had two opportunities to put the Blues ahead in the first half.SunSport’s Kealan Hughes provides his ratings of the Chelsea squad…Robert Sanchez – 7Smart stop down to his right to deny Orel Mangala shortly before the break.Pulled off an even better save when Jack Harrison looked certain to score in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Dealt with the tricky Iliman Ndiaye reasonably well. Lacked an attacking threat which hindered Blues going forward.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Made a brilliant block 15 minutes from time to stop Ndiaye finding the net with Sanchez beaten.He also looked assured on the ball and comfortable doing the nitty-gritty every time he plays. Deserves more game time.Levi Colwill – 7An accomplished display as he limited Everton’s chances on goal, worked well with Adarabioyo.Malo Gusto – 5Was caught out a few times by Harrison, who should have scored when he got in behind the left-back.Almost opened the scoring in the first half but Pickford charged down his shot well.Moises Caicedo – 7Protected the defence well and cut out a lot of loose balls to prevent Everton getting near the Chelsea box.Enzo Fernandez – 8Perhaps Chelsea’s best player. Saw a lot of the ball and kept possession nicely.Had one shooting opportunity he aimed straight at the keeper.Cole Palmer – 5Squared well for Jackson’s chance. Failed to influence the match in his usual manner, which is a credit to the Everton defence.Pedro Neto – 5Plenty of effort and endeavour but not really his day. Every time he did threaten he was quickly fouled.Jadon Sancho – 5Some nice touches and passes but rarely posed a threat.Nicolas Jackson – 4Spurned a big chance first half as Pickford was equal to a close range effort.He then missed an even easier opportunity minutes later as he directed his header onto the post with the goal gaping.SubsChristopher Nkunku (for Jackson, 76mins) – 5Noni Madueke (for Neto, 76mins) – 5″But we will always be family and we will support each other in everything because there are two children in the middle who need a lot of our love for them.”I know the person and the excellent father that Enzo is, and the heart he has and with that, I’m satisfied.”Don’t try to create wars where there are none.”Fernandez, who cost Chelsea £106million, struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January last year from Benfica.Valentina has rubbished rumours of Fernandez dating Nicki NicoleCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesHe endured a difficult first full campaign at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, struggling with a hernia issue which required surgery and meant he missed 10 games.But his performances this season have improved following a spell on the bench.Addressing the difficulties of his first 18 months at Chelsea in a recent interview, the 23-year-old said: “When I arrived it was very difficult, the first year and a half here, change of coaches, the club wasn’t doing well, personal injuries.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was not satisfied with what I had been showing, then I got injured, many adverse things happened.”I tried to move forward but today I feel very good, as does the team and we hope to continue on this path.” More