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      Chelsea’s forgotten men are tearing it up on loan in France, but are Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic good enough?

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      CHELSEA have signed a whopping 47 players since Todd Boehly took over three years ago.However, many of them have failed to impress.Andrey Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the first teamCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has enjoyed a breakthrough season on loan at StrasbourgCredit: AFPGoalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is also impressing for the French sideCredit: AFPSome have barely touched the pitch in Chelsea blue, while others haven’t even represented the club yet.One of those stars is 20-year-old Andrey Santos.The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Rio-based side Vasco da Gama in 2023 but is yet to make his senior debut.He spent an underwhelming loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season – where he made just two appearances – but is currently enjoying a sensational breakthrough with Strasbourg in France.There, he is joined by goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, also on loan, who has made 31 outings for the Blues.And the two players have become fan-favourites at the club.Santos is a generation-defining midfield talent that Chelsea have got waiting in the wings in Ligue 1, ready to be unleashed on the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign.Having watched his side thoroughly this season, I was so impressed by his talent and the development of Petrovic that I flew to Strasbourg to scout them in the flesh vs OGC Nice – this is what I found from each…Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeANDREY SANTOS – MIDFIELDER – 20 Y/OMY VIEWA Swiss army knife of a midfielder, Santos is made of steel and was forged in the fire of box-to-box icon Patrick Vieira when he worked under him in the second half of last season.When I arrived at the Stade de Meinau, I had doubts that he could really be as good as the online discourse about him, but he was better.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe young Brazilian was presented the fans’ Player of The Month award to rapturous applause ahead of kick-off vs Nice, and has previously captained the team this season as a 20-year-old loanee.With his collar up, he plays with the swagger of Eric Cantona, having the technical ability to match, hardly ever misplacing a pass and being dependable in his own box as well as the oppositions.He provided two assists, for Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Emmanuel Emegha, taking home the Man of the Match award in what would’ve been a perfect evening had Nice not equalised at the death.THE STATS VIEWIn 27 league games this season, Andrey Santos has racked up NINE goals and four assists, playing as a box-to-box midfielder.That is the same goal tally as Nicolas Jackson, with one less assist than Enzo Fernandez in the Premier League.He averages a 7.78 match rating according to Futmob, and his nine goals have come from an Expected Goal count (xG) of 4.37, a stat in which Chelsea players have made a habit of underperforming.Among midfielders aged under 21 in Europe’s top five leagues he ranks FIRST for: goals, possession won, interceptions, duels won, forward passes, and fouls suffered. (Stats @DataMB)THE FANS VIEWStrasbourg fans are very aware that he has the potential to be up there with their greatest ever players, and if they make it to the UCL this season, he will go down a club cult hero.The overarching view is that it’s a real shame he is BlueCo owned, that they will miss him more than anything when he returns to Stamford Bridge in the summer.Santos has managed nine goals and four assists this seasonCredit: GettyAndrey Santos is the next one, the next generational player that we will remember for years, and in a couple of years we will all be proud when he’s holding the World Cup in Brazil, that this guy played here at the Meinau”LionelStrasbourg fan VERDICTSantos must be a part of Chelsea’s plans next season, most likely fitting in where the injured Romeo Lavia would have liked to have been this season, or be used as an option to occasionally rest Moises Caicedo or Enzo Fernandez.He will give Maresca a huge selection headache however, as if he moves Caicedo to an inverted RB position as we saw earlier this season, then you have to drop club captain Reece James.Will at the very least be incredible squad depth.DJORDJE PETROVIC – GOALKEEPER – 25 Y/OMY VIEWMuch has been made of Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation this season, and rightly so.Robert Sanchez is perfectly portrayed by the stats that make the man, with the best save % in the Premier League at 74.5%, but also the most errors leading to goals (5)…Djordje Petrovic was shipped on loan to Strasbourg to develop his ability on the ball, with his shot-stopping ability rarely questioned in the season he spent as number one at Stamford Bridge.His development in that area has been undeniable, often playing those direct ‘hospital’ passes with great accuracy into the deepest lying midfielder, in this case Andrey Santos, who can turn on a sixpence and spring an attack for his side in transition. The only question mark I was left with from him in this game was his ability to deal with high balls, there were a few times in the game vs Nice that he was almost caught out at the back post and let off somewhat by his opponents poor finishing.Petrovic has zero errors leading to goals in Ligue 1Credit: AFPTHE STATS VIEWThe stats tell us that Petrovic has been one of, if not the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.He ranks first among his competitors for passes completed and short passes completed, while ranking second for goals prevented. (@DataMB)In Ligue 1 he has ZERO errors leading to goals, compared to Robert Sanchez who has the highest in the Premier League with FIVE.Djordje Petrovic stands clear of most in Europe for passes completed per 90 and prevented goals this seasonCredit: (@DataMB) THE FANS VIEWStrasbourg fans know a thing or two about very good goalkeepers.The contrast between Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels and Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge earlier this season was stark, and the Belgian is who the RCSA faithful watched in between the sticks for six seasons.When asked about Djordje Petrovic, this is what I was told by lifelong Strasbourg fan Alex:”Petrovic is Petr Cech reincarnated. In the modern game his ability on the ball has been criticised, but if you’re protecting a one-goal lead there are maybe five goalkeepers in the world I would rather have. It’s astounding that Maresca saw his skill and selected Sanchez”AlexLifelong Strasbourg fanVERDICTHas earned the chance to be Chelsea’s No1 next season once more.Has clearly developed into a very strong goalkeeper on the line, while becoming much better with the ball at his feet, something Enzo Maresca clearly adores. More

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      Moment Jack Grealish parties with pals as he racks up £5k bill at trendy nightclub… after late subs appearance for City

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      JACK Grealish and pals racked up a £5,000 bar bill partying at a trendy West End nightclub in the wake of City’s blistering 5-2 win over Crystal Palace – after coming on as a late sub. The £100million England favourite led pals in a 1am dance as he was cheered on by adoring models in a crowded nightclub.Jack Grealish parties with pals after Man City beat Crystal PalaceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe England ace raised his arms like the Wolf of Wall Street Jordan BelfortCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskGrealish performed a similar pose on board a trophy parade busCredit: GettyThe £100m star was subbed on for the final minutes of the 5-2 win in the PremCredit: GettyFootage obtained by The Sun shows the moment the ace, in a white t-shirt and blue shirt, sprung to his feet.The wing wizard, with his distinctive floppy hair on display, stretched out both arms to resemble Leonardo DiCaprio playing morally bankrupt businessman Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 financial black blockbuster the Wolf of Wall Street.And as crowds whooped, last year’s revamped hit Dirty Cash (Money Talks) by Pawsa and The Adventures of Stevie V was belted out in London nightspot Bagatelle.Onlookers told The Sun how father-of-one Grealish was the “life and soul of the party” at the venue’s ‘Midnight Mass’ event on Sunday night.Read more on Jack GrealishThe 29-year-old was letting his hair down after starring as an 87th minute substitute in City’s 5-2 Prem demolition of Crystal Palace the previous day.A reveller told The Sun: “Jack arrived around 10.45pm on Sunday and was the life and soul of the party.“He was with four pals and there were girls surrounding him on his table.”He even had a bodyguard protecting his table in the restaurant.Most read in Football“He looked like he was really enjoying himself and totally in his element. He had help moving around the club and was knocking back drinks with his friends.“While Jack’s pals were interested in chatting to admiring women onlookers, he was behaving impeccably and making the most of the belting tunes.”Another party-goer said: “When Grealish resembled the famous Wolf of Wall Street office scene when DiCapario’s character saluted his corrupt bankers, everyone was in hysterics.“He was dancing and singing along to the music before the group left after 1am. The group had ordered many bottles to their table, and eaten inside the club too, so the bill was at least five-figures.”Grealish also pulled the ‘Wolf of Wall Street salute’ during a trophy celebration with Manchester City.Man Utd fan who ‘slapped Grealish’ banned from Old TraffordA MANCHESTER United fan who is charged with assaulting Manchester City ace Jack Grealish at the end of Sunday’s Manchester derby has been banned from Old Trafford.Alfie Holt, 20, is alleged to have slapped 29-year-old Grealish as he walked off the Old Trafford pitch following the 0-0 draw.Grealish was walking towards the tunnel at the end of the Premier League game when Holt is alleged to have beckoned him over and raised his hands to the England midfielder.Grealish, who came on as sub in the 74th minute, complained to club officials and cops later arrested a man.A Gtr Manchester Police spokesperson said: ‘Alfie Holt, 20, of Droylsden, has been charged with assault. He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court in July.“This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club.”After Holt was charged with an offence, United immediately issued him with a ban.Last month we told how Grealish showed off his nifty footwork as he staged a Michael Flatley-style Riverdance jig on a night out in Dubai.He lapped up the sunshine with partner Sasha Attwood and daughter Mila Rose in what was their first foreign holiday together. The loved-up couple described her arrival as ‘the most special moment of their lives’.Grealish was the toast of the North East earlier in April after walking into a social club and getting a round in. The winger bought 200 pints for lucky punters at the North Biddick Social Club in Washington.Grealish on holiday with his partner Sasha AttwoodCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaSasha watching City with their daughter Mila Rose, born in SeptemberCredit: Instagram More

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      Eddie Howe health update as Newcastle boss reveals he is still in hospital with pneumonia and will miss more games

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      NEWCASTLE have confirmed that head coach Eddie Howe is recovering from pneumonia.The 47-year-old was admitted to hospital on Friday night after missing his pre-match press conference due to illness.Eddie Howe is recovering from pneumonia in hospitalCredit: GettyHe subsequently missed Sunday’s match against Manchester United at St James’ Park with his assistant, Jason Tindall, leading the team instead.And now the Magpies have confirmed that Howe remains in hospital with pneumonia.A club statement confirmed that he will miss upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while he continues his recovery.The statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week, with further updates to be communicated in due course.”In his own statement, Howe thanked the hospital staff who continue to care for him.He said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me.”I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Manchester United to Howe on Sunday.He explained: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.”He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.”Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes added: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.”We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”Howe could potentially return to the dugout for Newcastle’s clash with Ipswich next Saturday.Jason Tindall will remain in the dugout for Newcastle’s next two gamesCredit: Getty More

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      Baller League LIVE: Scores and results from Night Four as John Terry 26ers remain winless following late winner

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      BALLER LEAGUE action once again entertained as London’s Copper Box were treated to a set of barnstorming games with implications in both ends of the table. The top two: Deportrio and Yanited make it four wins from their first four games, with Gary Lineker and co’s side gaining an additional point in the Pepsi Pressure Point challenge.In the first game, some familiar Arsenal legends went up against each other as Ian Wright’s Wembley Rangers toppled N5 FC, who is ran by Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.Trebol, without their headline manager Luís Figo, bottled a lead as the Gamechanger played am effect in the final seconds for the second week in a row.Despite former Premier League player Ciaran Clark getting on the scoresheet, M7 FC would secure all three points through Stefan Ilic.In the battle of the YouTube led sides, Henri Lansbury spearheaded VZN FC to beat SDS as they go provisionally top of the league.John Terry’s 26ers remain winless as they come up short against Santan FC  with a last-second winner from Dominic Vose.Follow ALL updates from the Copperbox Arena with our live blog below…M7 FC take unique approachWhen it came to the Pepsi Penalty Challenge this evening, for the first time, a side named their goalkeeper.Toby Bull seemed to be on course to surprise everyone and take the extra point for his side.However, a missed shot cost him and saw him bow out before the final two players locked horns.Copy linkCopiedWildcards continue to pay dividendsWe had another example of wildcard players paying off big this evening.The managers are using them well and it is getting them much-needed victories in the process.N5 FC could do with flexing their contacts and getting some of the Invincibles in to change their fortunes.Copy linkCopiedYanited battle for victoryFC RTW opted for a more physical approach in their match against Yanited this evening.It was something that AngryGinge’s side struggled to deal with in the first half.However, they were left with a flattering scoreline after notching a flurry of goals in he ‘game-changer’ towards the end of the match.Copy linkCopiedFigo still nowhere to be seenAllegedly, Luis Figo is the manager of Trebol FC.However, he has not been seen anywhere the Ballers League this campaign.Everyone is wondering whether he is every going to grace his team with his presence as manager.Copy linkCopiedThree amigos leading the wayThe siide managed by Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker sit at the top of the tree in the Ballers League table.It was a superb all-round performance as they beat MVPs United and you may not see a more one-sided game.Deportrio look to side to beat and could well even silence loudmouth AngryGinge in the process which would be a service to humanity in itself.Copy linkCopiedTerry-less 26ers shoot blanksWith John Terry in Dubai, Jody Morris took the reigns of the team for this evening’s game.There was some improvement on recent weeks as they had in excess of 30 shots during the course of the game.However, failing to score more than four goals will be a concern.It will also hurt the manner in which they lost the game as Vose rolled his shot into an empty net with confusion in the 26ers ranks.Copy linkCopiedBallers League matchday 4 resultsWembley Rangers 5-4 N5 FCTrebol FC 4-5 M7 FCVZN FC 4-2 SDS FCDeportrio 4-0 MVPs UnitedYanited 7-3 FC RTWSantan FC 5-4 26ersCopy linkCopiedAnother big night in Ballers LeagueDeportrio are the stand-out team this evening.A solid 4-0 victory, getting the first clean-sheet of this season’s Ballers League in the process.They now sit at the top of the table.Yanited had a big 7-3 victory but are just playing catch-up to the side managed by Micah Richards and Alan Shearer tonight.N5 FC are still on a dreadful run and looking to pick up their first win of the season.Copy linkCopiedFT: Santan FC 5-4 26ersVose scores in the last few seconds, rolling a shot into an empty net.The 26ers had over 30 shots and still lost this game.Big win for Santan FC.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 4-4 26ersSayoud scores for the 26ers.Santan FC then drill their shot well wide.As the 26ers come forward again, Sayoud scores again.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 4-2 26ersVose receives the ball out wide and squares it to Valentine to tap into an empty net.It is now ‘game-changer’ time in this match.’1-on-1′ is active for the remainder of the game.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 3-2 26ersBoth teams are trying to create goalscoring opportunities. 26ers have had 26 shots and missed two penalties.How on earth they haven’t scored more in this game is baffling.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 3-2 26ersThe 26ers get a penalty from an accumulation of corners.Sayoud steps up to take it but wastes the opportunty as the keeper tips it over.Santan FC have their keeper to thank for this scoreline tonight.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Santan FC 3-2 26ersThe second-half is underway.Tough one to call at the moment this one.Santan FC have the bit between their teeth after scoring two goals to come from behind before the break.Copy linkCopiedHT: Santan FC 3-2 26ersLuca Valentine scores to draw the match level.It was a calm finish from the Santan FC player.Moments later, they grab another just before the interval.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 1-2 26ersSantan FC have opted for three outfield players.As their move breaks down, Stirling shoots from his own half into an empty net.Massive goal for Jody Morris’ side.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 1-1 26ersRuben Carvalho scores of pearler from some way out, curling his effort into the far corner.It is a good time to score, just before the ‘game-changer’.’3play’ is now active for the remainder of the half.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 1-0 26ersOn their first real attack of the game, Santan FC score.Laid on a plate for an easy tap-in.Despite being outplayed for most of this first-half, they have that much-needed lead.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC 0-0 26ersStirling does a great double dragback to lose his marker.He fires a shot off that has the keeper beaten but thunders against the post.26ers have made the most positive start here so far.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Santan FC vs 26ersWe are underway in the final game of the evening.No John Terry here tonight, currently in Dubai.Santan FC need a win to force their way back into the top four.Copy linkCopiedSantan FC vs 26ersHere are the sides for the final match of the evening:Santan FC: Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.26ers: J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Copy linkCopiedFT: Yanited 7-3 F.C. RTWThis was a massive chance for FC RTW and they are wasting it.Pepy’s shooting has been absolutely woeful.Winter scores for Yanited before FC RTW pull one back.Then he then lofts it downfield, over the player and into the net.An impressive win for Yanited.Copy linkCopiedYanited 4-2 F.C. RTWThis is what FC RTW have been waiting for.It is ‘game-changer’ time in this match.’1-on-1′ is now active, this is anyone’s game.Copy linkCopiedYanited 4-2 F.C. RTWOke-William is causing some issues up front with his physical presence and quick feet for FC RTW.He should have scored when he rolled his marker but as he looked to round the keeper, he could not slot home.The keeper did well to recover and get the block in.Copy linkCopiedYanited 4-2 F.C. RTWTyler Winters scores to give Yanited a two-goal advantage.You feel they needed that with such a slender lead.Yanited seem to trying to be more physical since the interval to cancel out the FC RTW tactics.Copy linkCopied More

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      Baller League LIVE: Scores and results from Night Four as Terry eyes first win, Ian Wright vs Arsenal legends’ N5 FC

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      BALLER LEAGUE action returns to the big screens for Night Four – and teams such as John Terry’s 26ers will be hoping to end their winless runs.The Chelsea legend’s side are yet to earn a single win but he’ll be desperate for that to change when they take on rapper Dave’s Santan FC.Looking further up the table, Gary Lineker and co’s undefeated Deportrio side play Maya Jama’s flawless MVPs.And some familiar Arsenal legends go up against each other as Ian Wright’s Wembley Rangers battle it out with N5 FC who is ran by Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.Follow ALL updates from the Copperbox Arena with our live blog below…Round Four Evening and welcome to night four of Baller League action. The league is hotting up now with a selected group starting to separate themselves from the rest at the top and bottom. Three, including Yanited, Depertrio and MVPs United remain perfect whilst footballing royalty in the form of Ian Wright, John Terry and Jens Lehmann remain without a win after three games. The league’s introduction of wildcards has certainly had its effect, and a new one was announced this afternoon as Matthew Briggs aka The Youngest Player to Ever Play in The Premier League joined high-flying MOTD-led Depertrio. Action has yet to disappoint at London’s Copper Box, with another week set to deliver starting at 5.35pm BST.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      More Man Utd disruption as club director steps away from Old Trafford role and accepts new job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED director Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his position at Old Trafford.Blanc joined the United board last year when Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club.Jean-Claude Blanc is no longer director of Man UtdCredit: GettyHaving already held the title of CEO of Ineos Sport, he was appointed as director and represented the Red Devils at European Clubs’ Association and Premier League meetings.However, the 62-year-old has now vacated the position to take up a different role within Man Utd.A statement from the club read: “Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his position as a director of Manchester United Football Club. “However, he will continue to have an active role in the management of the club in his new position as Chief of International Football Relations and Special Adviser to the board.”MORE TO FOLLOW More

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      Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough

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      TOM BRADY and Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner have come under fire for their actions after Peterborough beat their side at Wembley. Birmingham were denied a historic league and cup double as Darren Ferguson’s Posh upset the odds to lift the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 win on Sunday.Birmingham City were denied a League One double after losing to Peterborough at WembleyClub owner Tom Wagner and minority co-owner Tom Brady watched onBut the directors have been criticised for giving a bizarre team-talk to the Birmingham City players who were collecting their runners up medalsThe squad were forced to take directions from Wagner and Brady at full-timeThe Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night – ironically after a 2-1 win against Peterborough – and won the League One title without kicking a ball on Saturday when Wrexham drew at Wigan.Minority owner and NFL legend Brady was at Wembley to congratulate the team on their immediate promotion at the first time of asking, and was hoping to see them add another trophy to an impressive season.With 47 points separating the sides in the League One table and Birmingham having already beaten Peterborough twice this season, the odds seemed stacked against the Posh.But Birmingham were shocked to find themselves 2-0 down after first half goals from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, while most of their 50,000 travelling fans clapped the players as they climbed the steps to get their runners-up medals, viewers at home called out Wagner for his “cringeworthy” actions.Wagner and Brady were spotted giving a lengthy team-talk to the Birmingham squad up in the stands before they collected their medals, while the winners were waiting to grab theirs.Many thought it wasn’t their place to get involved and that player instructions should always come from the manager.Reacting to a video on X, one fan raged: “What an embarrassment he (Wagner) is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Can you imagine getting smashed and then having to listen to these two about football?”A third noted: “Do it in the dressing room. Only doing this because Tom Brady is there and the camera’s are out.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWhile another said: “It’s so self indulgent to hold them up there whilst the winners are waiting.”One more wrote: “Show respect to the winners. Let them have their moment of glory. So cringey to watch.”Peterborough – who have never lost at Wembley and became the first club to retain the EFL Trophy – were indeed waiting to collect lift the trophy.And for a team that has scored 100 goals in all competitions, Chris Davies’ Blues side offered little going forward and were limp in attack. Peterborough became the first club to retain the EFL TrophyBut others thought Wagner and Brady were only supporting the team and giving them a morale boost after a fantastic campaign.One fan said: “I would imagine he’s saying something along the lines of ‘we’ve won the league, probably going to break the points record’.”While Troy Deeney said on comms: “Brady and Wagner know they’ve lost because they’ve not put the best foot forward.”And I think that’s what Wagner is saying to them now. He’s just saying ‘remember this feeling of losing because that’s going to carry you forward’.”Spending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995.Read More on The SunThe Blues are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103.The club’s emphatic season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary. More

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      Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell ‘lost over 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before tragic death’

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell lost more than 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before his death, an inquest heard.The striker passed away in hospital last June aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.Kevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospitalCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failureCredit: GettyAn inquest into Campbell’s death today heard he he was “desperately unwell” when he was admitted to hospital months before his death and had lost more than half of his body weight.He had been fit and well until about January 2024 until he was admitted to hospital with heart and kidney failure.No underlying cause for his declining health was identified during his six-week stay and he was discharged two months later after “responding well to treatment”, it was said.But in May last year, Campbell was readmitted after his weight plummeted to 9.3st from 19.5st and he developed gangrene in his toes.He was so weak by this point that his family – including his Sheffield United striker son Tyrese – were told he was not expected to survive.Campbell was put on palliative care within five days of his admission but was still “alert” and “conscious” despite being “very weak”.He passed away on June 15 where it was then discovered the footballer had a rare infection in his heart called endocarditis.Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) declared a level 5 patient safety incident to see whether a delay in diagnosing the infection could have contributed to his death.Most read in FootballBut this was downgraded to a level 2 incident and the hospital concluded his death was “possibly avoidable but not very likely”.Consultant Dr Robert Henney said tests suggested the infective endocarditis was “not present during the first admission”.Unearthed footage shows Kevin Campbell tell incredible story about first time he played with 14-year-old Wayne RooneyHe added: “Kevin was so weak as a result of heart and kidney failure and weight loss that even if we had diagnosed the endocarditis on that day (of admission) I don’t think his treatment would have been any different.“What he actually needed was surgery … but he was so weak that was not an option. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could have been done.”The consultant admitted his weight loss was not recognised by hospital staff “as early as it should have been”.Coroner Zak Golombek ruled there had been “clear evidence of a missed opportunity or a delay in diagnosis” of Campbell’s endocarditis.He added: “That has been admitted by the trust.”However, it’s also part of the evidence that this particular missed opportunity or delay in diagnosis would not have more than minimally contributed to Kevin’s death on the balance of probabilities.”During an earlier hearing, Campbell’s family questioned his “delayed diagnosis” and why he was not given an echocardiogram – a heart scan – during his first hospital admission.His brother Harold and sister Lorna today confirmed they were “happy” with the coroner’s ruling that the footballer died from natural causes.Paying tribute, Harold said: “From a family’s point of view, he was a superstar. He was very loved.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the club, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Arsenal led tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.Read More on The Sun”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995Credit: GettyHe also had a successful stint at EvertonCredit: GettyFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tributeCredit: PA More