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      Ex-Newcastle chief behind one of biggest flop transfers faces jail after High Court Judge issues warrant for his arrest

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      FORMER Newcastle vice-president Tony Jimenez faces jail over a debt to Mike Ashley after a High Court Judge issued a warrant for his arrest.Jimenez, 62, worked alongside Ashley at St James Park before a spectacular 2008 fall-out over a proposed investment in a golf course in France.Tony Jimenez’s claims over Ashley were called ‘complete fantasy’Credit: AlamyThe former Charlton co-owner was ordered to pay Ashley £3m in 2019 but has yet to pay a penalty – with interest charges and legal bills now taking the money owed to just short of £6m.Jimenez’s claim that Ashley had agreed to pay him £10m was dismissed as “complete fantasy” by the Court with the document put forward on his behalf ruled as a “forgery”.Despite being committed to a 60-day sentence in Wandsworth Prison in 2021, Jimenez – understood to be living in Spain – has refused to surrender to the order.He also claimed – and had medical support for his arguments – that he is suffering from the major neurological complaint Guillan-Barre syndrome, which causes major muscle weakness and jerky movements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut His Honour Judge Jonathan Klein issued the “bench warrant” for Jimenez’s arrest at a High Court hearing on Friday.Judge Klein said he could “attach no weight” to the claims made about Jimenez’s medical condition.He added he was “not convinced” the defendant would “ever submit” to the court “voluntarily”.Jimenez was credited with bringing in one of Newcastle’s most infamous flops – Spanish striker Xisco.Most read in FootballJimenez’ recruit Xisco only made nine Toon appearances in five yearsCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was also behind the recruitment of other stars like Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Ignacio González.But those dealings were overshadowed by the failure of Xisco following his £6m arrival from Deportivo la Coruna in 2008.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upThe Under-21 international only played nine games in five years for the Magpies before returning to his home country with Cordoba.Argentina midfielder Gutierrez was Jimenez’s most successful buy, becoming a St James’ Park favourite from 2008-2015. More

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      My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

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      JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. 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      ‘They see things in black and white’ – Ruben Amorim hits out at Roy Keane and Man Utd legends over criticism

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      RUBEN AMORIM says Bruno Fernandes is a shining light for Manchester United — and the club’s former stars in the media need to give him a break.Ex-skipper Roy Keane is among the critics of the current captain, saying he is ‘not a fighter’ despite his obvious talent.Ruben Amorim has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXClub legend Roy Keane has been critical of the team and skipper Bruno Fernandes over the last few monthsCredit: GETTYUnited gaffer Ruben Amorim has leapt to the defence of his countrymanCredit: GETTYBut Fernandes, 30, has been the driving force behind a mini-revival for the Red Devils and scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad this week.Boss Amorim jumped to the defence of his fellow Portuguese, saying: “When you play for this team you have to be prepared for the critics.“I understand former players had a lot of success here and standards for them were so high.“They see things in black and white. Life is sometimes not black and white — there are other colours and you have to understand that context.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He is always there, trying his best. I am really proud to coach a player like him.”Fernandes has been involved in 11 of United’s last 13 goals.Amorim added: “He is so important for this team and you can see from the numbers.”Meanwhile, Fernandes revealed he turned down the chance to leave United last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSClubs in Saudi Arabia and Bayern Munich were linked with moves.Fernandes said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat“They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future or not. I spoke at the time with Erik ten Hag also.“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear, that they thought I’d be a big part of this rebuild that they want to do in a different way.“But now we are in a different moment with a new manager that thinks in a different way, that has a different way of playing.“I’m still very happy at the club. I’m always being happy at the club. To represent the club is a big honour for me.”Fernandes said it was ‘not nice’ to hear part-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s moans this week that some players were ‘overpaid and not good enough’.He said: “I don’t think any player likes to hear you’re not good enough, overpaid or whatever.“Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract.”Bruno Fernandes insists he’s still happy to be a Manchester United playerCredit: ALAMY More

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      Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup final

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      NEWCASTLE have already taken over London ahead of the Carabao Cup final.Tens of thousands of Geordies will descend on the capital on Saturday for a boozy weekend as they look to end their 70-year trophy drought against Liverpool.Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is projected on the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaDan Burn is projected on the Millbank Tower just hours before his England call upCredit: SelaJoelinton lights up the Millbank Tower in LondonCredit: SelaNewcastle’s Carabao Cup weekend started on Thursday with the incredible projection showCredit: SelaSela put on the spectacle to get fans into the spirit ahead of the weekendCredit: SelaOn Thursday night, an incredible projection display put on by Toon’s front-of-shirt sponsors Sela painted the town black and white – and kickstarted the weekend.The breathtaking show saw one of London’s major landmarks lit up with the club’s stars.Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Co were beamed onto the 390ft Millbank Tower, which sits on the banks of the River Thames near Big Ben.Highlights from this season’s Carabao Cup run, as well as animations of fans travelling from the Tyne Bridge to Wembley, set the tone for the weekend.READ MORE ON NEWCASTLEIn 2023, Sela put on a stunning drone spectacle to celebrate Newcastle’s Champions League return before the home clash against Paris Saint-Germain.The Saudi-based sponsors are donating a scarf to every Newcastle fan at the match, with both sides boasting just shy of 32,000 supporters.London pub The Dolphin – which regularly hosts Newcastle fans – has also been renamed in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall.Eddie Howe has called on his players to be “inspired” by the chance to win their first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1955.Most read in FootballHe said: “I think it’s a real motivation for us to try and break that long time and that long wait that everyone’s feeling.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhy Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend Wager”It should be inspiring for us – not a negative. I understand it will be a negative or a perceived negative for a lot of people, but we’re trying to look at it the other way round.”It’s a chance to make history for us as a team – that’s very rare in football. You get very few opportunities to do that, a chance to be remembered positively.”I want the players to look at it that way, as I said earlier, to attack the game and to get a good representation of us.”Howe also knows what to expect from the travelling Toon Army just two years after fans took over London for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.He added: “I’m sure they will be [the 12th man] for us. I think they always are, they were at West Ham.”We know from the last time we got to the final, the scenes driving up to Wembley, the feeling of support and unity that we have.”The expression the fans give in every game is huge for us and yeah, we’re going to need them, we’re absolutely going to need that 50% to turn into 55% if possible.”We need every bit of help we can to push us over the line.” More

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      ‘Looking forward to him joining Man Utd’ – Cheeky fans taunt Arsenal as 15-year-old is promoted to first-team training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans brutally mocked Arsenal after a 15-year-old academy wonderkid was spotted training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team.The Old Trafford faithful reckon they can STEAL Max Dowman from Hale End, after prying Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven over the last year.Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman is the new kid on the block at ArsenalManager Mikel Arteta has introduced Dowman to first team training sessionsArsenal’s trio of starlets Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly pose for a snap in DubaiBut Arsenal fans will surely riot if Mikel Arteta and Co. let this one go.Dowman has been a name on the lips of Gooners throughout the season and he has been pictured training with the first team regularly.And the Arsenal hierarchy are keen to show upcoming talent there is a pathway to the Prem after a two window exodus. Fans were utterly devastated to see record-breaking academy starlet Obi reject schoolboy terms and leave for Man Utd last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhile Hale End defender Ayden Heaven soon followed Obi to Carrington in January.And Man Utd supporters have issued a hiliarious ‘watch out’ warning to the Emirates faithful, hinting Dowman might jump ship too.After spotting Dowman in Arsenal training ahead of Chelsea’s visit on Sunday, one fan wrote: “@ManUtd do your thing”.A second posted: “Looking forward to him joining United in 18 months 😁.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third added: “They are scared Man Utd will come knocking 😂😂.”While another said: “ManchesterUnited bound…”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw One more replied: “Can’t wait to see him at Old Trafford in a few years time!”Striker Obi, 17, has already broken into Man Utd’s first team, playing two Prem games and impressing fans in the club’s FA Cup shootout exit to Fulham.Meanwhile, Heaven came on at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday as Arteta’ side all but withdrew from the title race after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.The likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters left for Brighton, Aston Villa and Luton Town during the summer, but the departure which hurt most was that of Obi.Unsurprisingly, Arsenal don’t want a repeat of this.Meanwhile, Dowman was part of Arsenal’s first-team squad that travelled to Dubai for the winter training camp earlier this month.Former Arsenal whizzkid Chido Obi joined Man Utd last summerObi scored scored a club record of 32 goals for Arsenal under-18s in his last seasonAyden Heaven joined Man Utd from Arsenal in JanuaryThis season, teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have gone from Hale End hopefuls to first team stars.The earliest point Arsenal can officially sign Dowman to scholarship terms is ahead of the 2026-27 season.The attacking midfielder has been compared to AC Milan legend Kaka by his youth coach.While he was fast-tracked into Arsenal’s U18 team at the tender age of just 13 by former teen prodigy Jack Wilshere.Up until then, luring him away wouldn’t be too tricky. Incredibly, he only turned 15 on December 31. Already, though, he turned heads in matches in the Uefa Youth League.Arteta handed Nwaneri his league debut against Brentford in September 2022, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history at 15 years and 181 days.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn December, Dowman became the youngest player ever to feature for Arsenal at Under 21 level or equivalent after coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw with BrightonMail Sport understands that multiple Premier League academies have approached Dowman’s father to register their interest his son. Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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      Why Isak and Newcastle are great value to shoot-down red hot favourites Liverpool – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for another week, using in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from a packed weekend of elite sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh for this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Our experts bring you the best bets from this weekend’s biggest Premier League clash, Arsenal vs ChelseaCredit: GettyMo Salah and Alexander Isak could be the stars of the show as Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: ReutersThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters can make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture – Arsenal vs Chelsea.There’s also good value in the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle as the Toon go for their first major trophy in 70 years.The opening weekend of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also one our our expert panel’s top talking points.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.READ MORE SPORT STORIESArsenal vs ChelseaKweku Afari – Arsenal to win and BTTS – 13/5When I was younger Arsenal vs Chelsea, that was cash money for my beloved Blues, but in recent years it’s changed – hence my bet.I’ve got Arsenal to win and both teams to score 13-5. Arsenal are struggling in the league for consistency but we know how good of a team they are.Chelsea are winless in their past six away league games, but Arsenal are without a clean sheet in four home league matches.Most read in FootballArsenal are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea.So I’ve got both teams to score but Arsenal to win.Ethan Nwaneri to score looks good value amid his red-hot run of form and Arsenal’s lack of centre forwardsCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Nwaneri to score – 9/4Although heads are going at Arsenal I do still fancy them to score, but ravaged by injuries they’re playing Mikel Merino up front – and he never even trained as a striker until a few weeks ago.I’m therefore saying the only place their goals are likely to come from is Ethan Nwaneri. He absolutely loves a shot on target but I’m going Nwaneri to score at 9-4.This will be his last ever appearance before he turns 18 and no under 18 player has ever scored in a Premier League London derby, with the only player doing so against Chelsea being James Milner for Leeds in December 2002 age 16.But I just fancy Nwaneri – he’s made of different stuff. He’s averaging 2.86 shots per 90 minutes in his last five games. I fancy him to get on the score sheet.Marc Cucurella to have at least one shot looks to be an absolute banker, according to our expertsCredit: GettySam Rosbottom – Cucurella to have 1+ shots – 7/5I could not believe the odds on this. I had to double take it and I had to ring the traders to make sure that this was correct: Marc Cucurella to have one or more shots in the match.Now that’s not a shot on target that’s just a shot… I think this is a great shout.He’s had 11 shots in his last 10 games. He’s scored in each of his last two matches as well.He is a player who you’d like him to get forward for Chelsea. He’s being very creative for them at the minute and I can just see him having a shot against Arsenal.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup finalCarabao Cup final – Liverpool vs NewcastleKweku Afari – Under 2.5 goals – 5/4This is a tasty final and when you mentioned Liverpool defending their crown that was a dagger through my heart because last year they beat my beloved Chelsea.Five of the past six Carabao Cup finals have seen fewer than three goals scored.Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup wins during that time which both were against Chelsea have seen the match finish goalless after 90 minutes.I’m going for under 2.5 goals in this one… cup finals are pretty boring. They’re pretty cagey.Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s biggest threat and if they’re going to score it’s likely to be himCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Isak to score – 15/8I’m just going for a little bit more adventurous one here…If Newcastle are going to win with Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall out, I believe they’re going to be relying on their big name, big money player: Alexander Isak.He’s had a hand in four goals across his five appearances against Liverpool – that’s three goals and one assist.So I’m going Isak to score any time.Sam Rosbottom – Gakpo to score or assist 13/10I do see it being a tight, cagey game. But what I like in this one, looking at the Liverpool player, is Cody Gakpo.He has been absolutely key for them in this competition. He’s scored nine goals in 11 appearances in the League Cup.If Liverpool are to do this – which the odds suggest they will – then he’s going to be absolutely key.For him to score or assist in this game currently is a decent price.Cody Gakpo will be key to Liverpool’s success as he aims to continue his staggering Carabao Cup formCredit: AFPIndian Premier LeagueSam RosbottomIf you’re into cricket this is an absolutely fantastic competition. It’s pure action. It’s pure drama. Expect lots of big hitters and loads of sixes.Chennai Super Kings are currently joint favourites with Mumbai Indians… they’re the most successful franchises in the competition.They’ve each won it five times so there’s always a bit of a battle between the two of them. However it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who won it last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s also Sunrisers Hyderabad who Pat Cummings and Travis Head have played for.Jos Buttler currently plays for the Gujarat Titans. And Jofra Archer, his Rajasthan Royals are the outsiders – he’ll need a big tournament if they’re to upset the odds.Jos Buttler is one of the huge names on show in this season’s IPL – which starts next weekendCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd star ‘had balloon in his mouth’ when he crashed Audi in 99mph horror crash

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      A FORMER Man Utd star was allegedly filmed with a balloon in his mouth before he crashed his Audi in a 99mph horror crash,Brandon Williams was driving erratically on the A34 near Handforth in Cheshire on August 20, 2023.Brandon Williams has pleaded guilty to driving dangerouslyCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder PicturesThe former Man Utd player crashed his Audi at 99mphCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old was playing for Utd at the time but was loaned to Ipswich for the 2023-24 season.Williams today pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without third party insurance following the high-speed crash.Chester Crown Court heard the defender was with a female passenger at the time of the crash.She was seen filming him at one point as Williams reached speeds of 99mph with a balloon in his mouth, it was said.Read more newsHe lost control of the Audi A3 before it collided with a blue Ford Fiesta and then smashed into the central reservation.Williams, who no longer has a team, was breathalysed at the scene but the test was negative.The footballer was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries before he was arrested.Williams told police he was driving the Audi but initially denied he was driving erratically.Most read in FootballHe also attempted to blame another driver for the crash – telling officers he only hit the central reservation as he was forced to swerve.Williams was asked about witnesses who saw him with a balloon at his mouth but he replied: “No comment”.The footballer will be sentenced on May 9 at Chester Crown Court.He joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.Williams has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances and then Ipswich.In June last year, Utd announced that Williams would leave the club at the end of his contract.Andrew Madden, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Brandon Williams’ driving on that day clearly fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.“Expert analysis showed that he was driving at 99 mph four seconds before he hit the Ford Fiesta.“Witnesses said Williams kept speeding up and then breaking sharply.“It was clear he wasn’t in control of the vehicle.“The driving was erratic and the speed was grossly excessive. “Eventually, Williams lost control completely and crashed.“It is a fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“To drive at 99mph in those circumstances was extremely dangerous and placed the lives of other road users at serious risk of harm.“The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to thank the witnesses for supporting this prosecution.”Williams will be sentenced in MayCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures More

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      Joey Barton denies branding Jeremy Vine ‘bike nonce’ & comparing female pundits to Fred & Rose West on social media

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      JOEY Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to sharing offensive social media postsCredit: PAHe allegedly targeted Eni AlukoCredit: GettyBarton is also accused of posting about Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to 12 charges against him.The 42-year-old is accused of sending grossly offensive communications with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.Barton allegedly shared the posts on X in January, February and March last year.He referred to Aluko and Ward as Fred and Rose West – calling both “serial killers”, the court heard.Barton also allegedly claimed Aluko was “only there to tick a box” and compared both pundits to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot”.At the time, both Aluki and Ward were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton allegedly branded him a “big bike nonce”.Most read in FootballThe former Man City star is due to stand trial later this year.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.The ex-footballer also allegedly called Jeremy Vine a ‘bike nonce’Credit: PABarton is due to stand trial later this yearCredit: PA More