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      Thomas Tuchel sends 27-word Christmas message to England fans with new job to start in days

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has sent a message to England fans ahead of officially starting in his new role as Three Lions boss.Tuchel is set to begin his job as England manager on January 1, now just one week away.Thomas Tuchel sent a Christmas message to England fans on social mediaCredit: X / EnglandTuchel is set to officially take over as England boss on January 1Credit: GettyThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich gaffer, 51, is yet to start his role in charge of the nation properly, but still sent some festive well-wishes to supporters on Christmas Day.In a video posted on social media by England, he said: “A short message to all our England fans: Merry Christmas and a happy new year. “Stay safe happy holidays and see you soon in the stadium. Bye”.Tuchel will start his role at St George’s Park next Wednesday with preparations beginning for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the German’s first game in charge won’t come until March 21, when England face off against Albania at Wembley in their first qualification match for the 2026 tournament.Despite not officially starting his role as manager, Tuchel was present at the World Cup qualification draw in Zurich earlier this month – which is when the Christmas video appears to have been filmed.Tuchel watched on as England found out they will have to get the better of Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia to make it to the World Cup in North America.The Champions League winning manager has kept away from the limelight for the most-part since being announced as Gareth Southgate’s successor.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTuchel will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley and England fans can expect to see him inside stadiums up and down the country keeping a keen eye on the players from January 1 onwards.Speaking in his first press conference after being announced as the new manager, he discussed what fans can expect from his team when he takes over.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tears“To see the genuine excitement in the country for the national team is something very special and we want to create that energy,” He said. “We want to create chances, we want to not allow chances for the opponent and we want to implement a style that reflects the Premier League.”We want to excite everybody and we need the energy from the supporters to make special things happen.”Tuchel was in Zurich for the World Cup qualification draw earlier this monthCredit: AFP More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      Arsenal ‘to be offered PSG star Kolo-Muani’ as Gunners boss Arteta looks for Saka replacement after injury

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      ARSENAL are set to be offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo-Muani in January, according to reports.The Gunners could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month after losing Bukayo Saka to injury last week.Arsenal are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo-MuaniCredit: GettyThe Gunners needs attacking reinforcements after Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury last weekCredit: RexMikel Arteta revealed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” after the winger was substituted off in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.And Saka could miss FIFTEEN matches as the star faces being out until March after leaving Selhurst Park on crutches with a torn hamstring.But Arteta and Co could be handed an attacking lifeline in PSG star Kolo-Muani with The Standard reporting the Parisians may offer the versatile striker to Arsenal in January.They claim that the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs that PSG could offer Kolo-Muani to in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French international, 26, has struggled for game time this season and would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.Kolo-Muani has made just two starts in Ligue 1 this term, despite his mega £75m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.Despite mainly operating as a striker, Kolo-Muani is often able to play off the left and right hand side, meaning he could help provide cover for Saka if he was to join Arsenal.Arsenal aren’t currently thought to be looking for a new wide forward in January, but injury to Saka and Raheem Sterling could force their hand.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikel Arteta has claimed that he is focused on filling Saka and Sterling’s gaps from within the squad, listing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri as potential replacements.Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich on Friday, Arteta reiterated that point but kept his options open for a potential arrival in January. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad, the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said.“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out signing a new forward in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day revealed – and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table

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      THE most successful Premier League club on Boxing Day has been revealed and they’re not even in the top half of this year’s table.Analysts looked at more than 32 years of data to work out a host of fascinating stats to reveal the teams with the most wins and losses.Take the quiz hereCredit: gettyIt turns out that Manchester United fans have it best at Christmas – as they’ve won more Premier League Boxing Day games than any other club.United have not only won the most games with a whopping 21 victories, but they’ve also scored the most goals, hitting the net 76 times on December 26th.At the other end of the table, Newcastle have lost more than any other side when playing on Boxing Day, going down 15 times in 32 games played – and conceding as many as 45 goals.Four teams – Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa – feature in both top 10 lists due to having a high number of wins and losses from the festive fixture over the years.read more in premier league The findings come after research of 2,000 footie fans found four in 10 look forward to Boxing Day football more than any other day on the footballing calendar.The festive footie beat out transfer deadline day (13 per cent) and even the Carabao Cup final (10 per cent) as the day in the season fans enjoy most.Among the best things about the day are the fact almost every side plays and being able to chow down on turkey sandwiches while watching.It also emerged the typical football fan will watch as many as five matches over the packed festive schedule, racking up more than 10 hours of live sport in total.Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook, which commissioned the study and also created a tool to allow fans to try and predict the scores for this year’s matches, said: “It’s truly a late Christmas gift to football fans.“While the occasional player may moan about having to train and eat pasta throughout the festive period, fans get a feast of football to enjoy.Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope“There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.”The research found most fans don’t have a huge amount of sympathy for Premier League players who have to ‘work’ on Boxing Day, unlike most of the rest of the country having the day off.With 27 per cent admitting they don’t have very much sympathy, while 34 per cent feel none whatsoever.Other reasons people love the season’s sport include having people around the home to watch games with (22 per cent) and finally saying goodbye to “Christmassy” TV and films (17 per cent).While 13 per cent see switching off from family duties and on to 90 minutes of sport as a great way to have a break from their nearest and dearest.It also emerged 29 per cent are even likely to tune into games their team isn’t playing, just because they’re on TV.And 34 per cent are particularly looking forward to this year’s December 26 fixtures because the title race is so intriguing.Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) even enjoy the sport on the day after Christmas more than they do opening presents.But three in 10 claimed their favourite team losing on Boxing Day has the power to ruin the entire festive season for them, according to the OnePoll.com figures.Lottoland.co.uk Sportsbook’s spokesperson added: “Of course, watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.“But for the neutrals who don’t have a particular horse in the race, the endless supply of action can only be a good thing.”TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS ON BOXING DAY:Manchester United (21 wins)Liverpool (17 wins)Arsenal (16 wins)Chelsea (13 wins)Tottenham Hotspur (13 wins)Everton (11 wins)Manchester City (11 wins)Blackburn Rovers (7 wins)West Ham United (7 wins)Aston Villa (5 wins)TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST LOSSES ON BOXING DAY:Newcastle United (15 losses)Aston Villa (14 losses)Leicester City (11 losses)Everton (10 losses)Middlesbrough (9 losses)Manchester City (7 losses)Sunderland (7 losses)Norwich City (7 losses)West Bromwich Albion (7 losses)Chelsea (6 losses) More

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      ‘It’s our job’ – Blunt Pep Guardiola forcing his Man City strugglers to sleep at training ground on Christmas Day

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed that his Manchester City side will be staying overnight at the club’s training ground on Christmas Day.The Spanish gaffer told the media that his struggling squad will be spending the night at the facilities ahead of their clash with Everton on Boxing Day.Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City’s players will be staying at the training ground on Christmas DayCredit: ReutersCity extended their dismal run of form at the weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and will be hoping to bounce back against the Toffees tomorrow.And Guardiola is making sure that he doesn’t break the usual pre-match routine by ensuring his players spend the night at the training ground prior to the 12:30pm kick off at the Etihad Stadium.When asked about his side’s preparations, he said: “We train today (Tuesday), we train tomorrow (Wednesday) night, we will stay over here and we are going to play on Boxing Day.”City’s stars were given time to spend with their families earlier in the week and were able to spend Christmas morning and afternoon with their loved ones before heading to the Etihad Campus for their evening training session later in the day.READ MORE ON MAN CITYGuardiola claimed he hoped his players wouldn’t mind being at work for the evening, explaining it’s part of their job.He added: “Hopefully they want to be here, because it’s our job.”It’s common practice for squads to get together on Christmas day, especially when playing on Boxing Day.City will be hoping that a home clash against 15th placed Everton will give them an opportunity to rediscover some form after a torrid run has seen them win just once in their last 12 GAMES in all competitions. Most read in FootballMan City are bottom of the form table since NovemberFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe four-in-a-row champions have been the Premier League’s worst performers since the start of November, picking up only FOUR POINTS in the last two months.While they currently sit seventh in the league table, some 12 points off league leaders Liverpool.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss Despite getting the team in for Christmas Day, Guardiola has done his best to keep moral high amid the club’s rough patch this season.The experienced manager and his team allowed the squad to bring their partners to the Christmas party.Pictures shared on Instagram showed Ilkay Gundogan posing with wife Sara alongside Bernardo Silva and his partner Ines Degener Tomaz.And in another snap Kevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele Lacroix.Premier League clubs’ Christmas parties do not usually include players’ partners, though it is not known whether this is the custom for Man City.Guardiola emphasised that the whole club is trying to get to grips with the task of reigniting their season, highlighting Everton as an opportunity to get the ball rolling.“This situation is new for all of us. It’s about us, everyone. The guys are running and making an effort more than ever,” he said.“People say we are not running, fighting, it’s this player, this manager – it is not about that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is about many little details or some big details that make us not as good as we were. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day.“We have players coming back and at a certain time we will be better.”Manchester City’s players celebrated their Christmas party with their partnersCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZBernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan posed for photos with their other halvesCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZIt comes amid Man City’s dreadful run of form on the pitchCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZKevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele LacroixCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZManchester City need to turn their shocking form aroundCredit: Getty More

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      Former England international eyed by Hollywood-owned Wrexham for sensational January transfer

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      WREXHAM are planning a January swoop for Patrick Bamford, SunSport can reveal.The Welsh club believe the former England international – who earned his only cap in 2021 – could help propel them to the Championship.Patrick Bamford has not scored in nine games for Leeds this seasonCredit: GettyHe could be looking for a way out of the Championship club in the January windowAnd with the forward out of favour at Leeds, Wrexham are confident they will be able to get a deal over the line.The League One high-fliers are thought to be pushing for a loan deal which would include a clause to sign Bamford permanently in the summer.But owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will have to dig deep to bring the club.Bamford’s wages will impact the structure at the club so the celebrity owners will have to help out to land the striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham certainly need a new striker with recent draws coming because of their failure to take chances.Phil Parkinson would have once called upon Paul Mullin to kill games off, but he has scored just once in League One.Wrexham think a striker who can make a big impact in League One and potentially score goals at Championship level will take them to the next level and Bamford fits that bill when at his best.The only snag could be concerns about his injury record and his lack of game time, and Wrexham will want assurances he is able to play straight away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor Leeds, offloading Bamford from their wage bill is a priority due to his high salary and limited playing time.His current wages represent a significant financial burden, particularly since he has only played in eight of Leeds’ league matches, contributing no goals or assists.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashGiven his injury record and the team’s depth in forward positions, moving him out could free up funds for other squad investments or financial stability. More

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      Desperate Man City call on Wags to attend Christmas party to save faltering season with club BOTTOM of form table

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      MANCHESTER CITY allowed their players’ partners to attend the club’s Christmas party as they look to resurrect their disastrous season.Pep Guardiola’s men have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions and have lost their last three.Manchester City’s players celebrated their Christmas party with their partnersCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZBernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan posed for photos with their other halvesCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZIt comes amid Man City’s dreadful run of form on the pitchCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZKevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele LacroixCredit: INSTAGRAM / INES DEGENER TOMAZPep Guardiola will be hoping to turn his side’s fortunes around after ChristmasCredit: PAIt means they sit bottom of the Premier League form table since the beginning of November, picking up just four points from eight games.Dropping to seventh at Christmas, Guardiola recently admitted he is “not good enough”.But he will be hoping the Christmas party went some way to improving morale in the squad.Pictures shared on Instagram showed Ilkay Gundogan posing with wife Sara alongside Bernardo Silva and his partner Ines Degener Tomaz.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in another snap Kevin de Bruyne shared a kiss with wife Michele Lacroix.Premier League clubs’ Christmas parties do not usually include players’ partners, though it is not known whether this is the custom for Man City.Nevertheless, Guardiola will be eager to ensure his squad is in the right frame of mind for their clash with Everton at the Etihad on Boxing Day.A fifth successive Premier League title already seems out of reach for the defending champions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City are bottom of the form table since NovemberMan City sit 12 points adrift of table toppers Liverpool and have played one more game.However, they do now have a more favourable set of fixtures as they prepare to face Premier League games against Everton, Leicester, West Ham, Brentford and Ipswich.Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City Guardiola isn’t taking any chances with their Boxing Day clash against Everton either.The Spanish tactician revealed that he and his players will be STAYING OVER at the club’s training ground on Christmas Day ahead of the 12:30pm kick off on the 26th.When asked about his side’s preparations for the Toffees game, he said: “We train today (Tuesday), we train tomorrow (Wednesday) night, we will stay over here and we are going to play on Boxing Day.”City’s stars were given time to spend with their families earlier in the week and were able to spend Christmas morning and afternoon with their loved ones before heading to the Etihad Campus for their evening training session later in the day.Guardiola claimed he hoped his players wouldn’t mind being at work for the evening, explaining it’s part of their job.He added: “Hopefully they want to be here, because it’s our job.”It’s common practice for squads to get together on Christmas Day, especially when playing on Boxing Day.Manchester City’s underperforming stars will be training and staying over at the training ground on Christmas DayCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has said it’s his players job to be around on Christmas DayCredit: PA More

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      Marcus Rashford enjoys Christmas dinner with his family with Man Utd future up in air after ‘new challenge’ admission

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      MARCUS RASHFORD shared a picture enjoying Christmas with his family amid uncertainty surrounding his Manchester United future.The Red Devils star, 27, has been absent from Ruben Amorim’s last three squads and recently revealed he was “ready for a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford smiled for a photo ahead of a Christmas Eve meal with familyRashford’s Manchester United future is up in the airCredit: ReutersBut question marks over a potential January departure from Old Trafford have rightly not stopped him from enjoying the festive period.On Christmas Eve he shared a snap of him and 17 of his loved ones sitting down for a meal.It appears to be at a pub or restaurant due to the menus on the table.Alongside the picture, Rashford added the caption: “Family time – Happy Christmas everyone 🎄.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDReacting to the photo, one fan replied: “We love you Rashy ❤️.”Another added: “Big family bro🔥… Merry Christmas.”While a third said: “Seasons Greetings Marcus ❤️😍😍.”And a fourth responded: “Merry Christmas GOAT ❤️.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford spoke earlier this month about his future, telling journalist Henry Winter: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”After Man Utd’s 4-3 defeat to Tottenham last week, Amorim said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. ‘Not just Marcus’ – Ruben Amorim has theory on who’s behind bombshell Rashford interview and will ‘forget it.. for now'”This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.”Man Utd academy product Rashford has scored 138 goals and assisted 63 in 426 appearances.This season he has scored seven goals and assisted three in 24 games.Man Utd travel to Wolves on Boxing Day seeking a first win in three matches. More