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      Diehard Crystal Palace fans spend HUGE sum to get home from US holiday for FA Cup final before flying BACK out

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      THIS pair of diehard Crystal Palace fans have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back out. The side’s Wembley clash against Manchester City on May 17 falls three days into Mark and Anna Newlands’ ten-day trip to New York. Mark and Anna Newlands have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back outCredit: David HartleyThe pair say the club is in their DNA – so they have to be there for the finalCredit: David HartleyThe couple booked it months ago for a cousin’s birthday before the Eagles got to the final. So they have bought flights to get back the day before and will return to the US the day after. Mark said they would miss the big birthday but their relatives understood. The retired risk manager, 61, from Newbury, Berks, said: “The club is in my DNA. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We have to be there. “I’m not bothered if this is sensible or not. It’ll be worth every penny.” Anna, 62, is just as devoted to the South London club and did not hesitate when Mark suggested the plan. The pair, pictured at the semi-final win over Aston Villa, hope it will be third time lucky after Palace lost their two previous finals. Most read in FootballThe couple’s son James, also a Palace season ticket holder, is attending the final although he is not on the New York trip — while their daughter Alice will stay in the Big Apple. Crystal Palace fans earn club an FA charge within 30 SECONDS after engulfing Wembley in smoke by sneaking in flaresHow the couple will fly from the US to watch Crystal play in the FA Cup final – then jet back More

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      England ace Phil Foden reveals surprise new hobby after shunning nights out on the town

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      ENGLAND’S Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and nature.The Manchester City ace, 24, relishes home life at his country mansion and fishing lake.Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and natureCredit: MEN MediaThe England star is a fishing fanaticHe said: “I love sitting in my garden and looking at all the wildlife.”Winding down allows him to go fishing with son Ronnie, six. He said: “I started with my dad, so it’s nice to pass it on.”And Phil’s private chef cooks for fiancée Rebecca Cooke, mum to their three kids. Read More on FODENFriends join them some evenings.The midfielder added: “We love to play Ludo and board games. “I like to chill and relax really.”He said the family enjoy zoo trips and hiring bouncy castles.Most read in FootballInstead of a footballer off-season trip to Marbella or Ibiza, Phil will be in France “where the fish are a little bigger”.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumFoden on the pitch for Man CityCredit: Getty More

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      Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi has emergency surgery on abdominal injury after smashing into post vs Leicester

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Taiwo Awoniyi needed emergency surgery on an abdominal injury after smashing into a post against Leicester.The striker had several minutes of treatment following a sickening collision late in Sunday’s 2-2 Prem draw but returned to carry on.Taiwo Awoniyi had a nasty accident in Sunday’s derbyCredit: AFPAwoniyi eventually returned to resume playing but was in discomfortCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd it was only on Monday that medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.The Nigerian, 27, was then taken to hospital for surgery.The end of the derby match was marred by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronting his manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch.And it was later revealed Awoniyi’s condition was at the centre of that heated exchange.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarinakis said he was angered by the decision to let the frontman return to action.Awoniyi was able to come back after medical attention – even completing the match.But he’d looked in obvious discomfort after stretching to meet Anthony Elanga’s cross, only to slide into the base of the post.After the draw Nuno blamed a “misunderstanding” for Awoniyi being allowed to continue.Most read in FootballHe said: “It was disappointing for everybody.”Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. Taiwo gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team. The Nigerian was at the centre of a ‘misunderstanding’ over his injuryCredit: AFP”There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. We had the heads up to make a sub, then Taiwo tried but could not [run properly].”Nuno added: “[We feel] disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. “He pushes us. He wants us to be better… 30,000 people felt the same. For sure, many of them would go on the pitch and shake us down. We owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”Marinakis played down the flare-up – focusing on Forest qualifying for Europe.But he did say: “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. “This is natural. This is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!” More

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      Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George BaldockCredit: AlamySheffield United players held up a Greek Flag with ‘Star Man’ written on itCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with his face alongside with the words: ‘Once a Blade, always a Blade.’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialBaldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold. Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.Most read in FootballTom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag around him at full-timeCredit: PAGoals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone. Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.’Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.” More

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      Carlo Ancelotti’s son ‘offered first job in management’ just hours after dad agreed to take over as Brazil boss

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI’S son has reportedly been offered his first job in management.Davide, 35, is on the lookout for his next job after his dad agreed to take over Brazil.Davide Ancelotti (R) is reportedly set to become Rangers managerCredit: GettyHe has been the assistant to father Carlo at multiple clubsCredit: GettyThe father-and-son combo worked together at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and currently, Real Madrid.However, they will both be leaving the LaLiga giants at the end of the season.While Ancelotti is heading to the southern hemisphere, his son is set for a move to Scotland.Reports have claimed that Davide has been offered the manager job at Rangers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scottish outfit is on the lookout for their replacement with Barry Ferguson set to leave at the end of the season.The former Ibrox captain was installed as the boss temporarily after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.He has helped the club to an almost certain second-place finish in the SPL.Davide has gained interest from elsewhere due to his impressive CV.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, he was linked with Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims following Will Still’s exit.The coach has also been of interest for Serie A side Como, should Cesc Fabregas leave the club.Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real MadridDavide may be delayed getting to Rangers as he is reportedly set to assist his dad for June internationals against Ecuador and Paraguay.Rangers had previously been linked with former Premier League managers Russell Martin and Sean Dyche.The pair have been without clubs since they were sacked by Southampton and Everton this season.Meanwhile, Davide will leave Real Madrid along with his father after a successful four-year spell.He was in the dugout as the club won two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC MilanSerie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC MilanSerie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real MadridLaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern MunichBundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

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      Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker and EastEnders icon in Ibiza just hours after Arsenal clash

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      LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot was spotted in ibiza partying with celebrities after Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.The Prem champions drew 2-2 with the Gunners at Anfield where the visitors came back and cancelled out Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz’s openers with goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.Liverpool boss Arne Slot was spotted partying in Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne’s club in IbizaSlot was joined by EastEnders star Dean GaffneySlot celebrated to the tune of Queen’s famous We Are the ChampionsSlot is gearing up for Liverpool’s open-top bus paradeSlot, 46, led the Reds to only their second Premiership title on his debut season after replacing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp only last summer.The Dutch tactician won the Merseysiders’ 20th ever title and equalled Manchester United’s record.Liverpool put together some passionate celebrations ever since Slot and co mathematically confirmed the title three weeks ago against Tottenham at the Kop.And thus the ex-Feyenoord boss decided to fly to Ibiza after the game with Arsenal to party at the popular O Beach Club, which is owned by Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne.Read More on FootballThe club owner shared a pic of him and Slot sharing a warm embrace on Instagram. Wayne issued the following caption: “Caption this.”The celebrity duo were joined by Eastenders star Dean Gaffney who shared a clip of him at the club close to Slot on his instagram story.Gaffney added the following caption: “Eagle-eyed viewers will spot a certain Premiership-winning manager.”Most read in FootballAnother clip showed the Liverpool boss celebrating to Queen’s famous We Are the Champions song.Slot is now focused on Liverpool’s last two Premier League matches before the open-top bus parade on May 26. Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing himThe Reds visit Brighton on Monday and will then host Crystal Palace the following Sunday.That is when the champions will lift the trophy at Anfield in front of their fans. More

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      Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

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      THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More

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      Amorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man Utd – who’d blame them for walking away

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      THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a nightmare first 16 months at Man UtdCredit: PARuben Amorim looks like a broken man at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnd United fans are at the end of their tether with it allCredit: GettyIt is easy to forget, after Ruben Amorim laid bare United’s desolate  soul in his latest brutally honest press conference, what a coup it had been to land him in the first place.How Amorim had been hailed as a cross between a young Jose Mourinho and Jesus Christ, when he oversaw a 4-1 Champions League demolition of Manchester City in his final home match  in charge of Sporting Lisbon just six months ago.Sporting boasted a 100 per cent record in the Portuguese league and Amorim was a charismatic tactical mastermind who was going to transform Old Trafford.And what a game-changer it was supposed to have been when Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of United’s footballing operation just 16 months ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football  — and United are two places above the  relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men. As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWords which left you seriously wondering whether Amorim wants out this summer.The 40-year-old offered up the idea that if United could not change things “really fast, we should give our places to different people”.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubAfter all, the trend is clear: leave United and start enjoying football again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka, instrumental in both Hammers goals, has been voted West Ham’s player of the season by a landslide and is just one of many players to have left Old Trafford and thrived.Scott McTominay is a key figure in table-topping Napoli’s bid for the Serie A title, Antony has inspired Real Betis to the Conference League final and Dean Henderson is heading for an FA Cup final with Crystal Palace.You can list a composite starting XI of players who left United, either permanently or on loan, in the last two years — all of them considered either dead wood or wrong ’uns — which would probably beat Amorim’s team on current form.The group includes: Henderson (Crystal Palace); Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly (both Villarreal), Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven); McFred (Napoli and Fenerbahce); Antony (Real Betis), Mason Greenwood  (Marseille), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest).United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka was instrumental in both West Ham goals on SundayCredit: GettyLike Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag before him, Amorim has identified a kind of concrete cancer at United which feels incurable once you have been inside the place for any length of time.Win next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao and Amorim will have something to build upon.Champions League qualification would significantly increase the budget, as well as the desirability of moving to United this summer.Lose it and Ratcliffe is in the same ­position as last summer — wondering whether to back a manager who is failing badly in the Premier League.Having erroneously handed Ten Hag a new deal and a hefty transfer kitty last year, would he dare do the same again?Amorim is bright enough to realise this predicament, describing it as “a decisive moment in the history of the club.”Like all good managers, he had the ego to believe he could turn around United.Once inside, however, he realised the full scale of that task was beyond him. Perhaps beyond anyone.Man Utd suffered their 17th Prem defeat of the season on SundayCredit: PAAnd Amorim hinted that he’s prepared to QUIT if he can’t turn things aroundCredit: ReutersUnder the ruinous Glazers, so many things have been wrong at United for so long that nobody even knows where to start when it comes to putting things right.Dan Ashworth, one of the finest sporting directors in the game, was in and out of Old Trafford within months. Amorim may well follow suit.Amorim was correct to suggest that United’s players have been turning it on for Europa League matches on Thursday nights and tossing it off in the Premier League on Sundays.He was also bang-on when he identified that United players are no longer scared of losing and that not possessing “that fear” is “the most dangerous thing a big club can have”.What does the idea of ‘bigness’ actually mean when home defeats in the Premier League have become so routine that everyone knows they can beat you?Since the start of last season, United have lost domestic matches at Old Trafford to Brighton, Crystal Palace (twice), Manchester City, Newcastle (twice), Bournemouth (twice), Fulham (twice), Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham.When Aston Villa win at Old Trafford on Sunday week it will mean that, of the 16 clubs United have faced in the Premier League both this season and last, only Chelsea, Everton and Brentford won’t have won at Old Trafford.And only Everton will have failed to beat United either home or away.United have been consistently terrible in the Premier League for two years now.Read More on The SunShould they fail to win the Europa League and should any one of the promoted clubs show any serious ambition, United will be genuine relegation candidates next term.So we should not blame Amorim if he doesn’t fancy being around to oversee it.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford… More