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      ITV FA Cup final presenter Laura Woods defied online trolls and stood up to Jose Mourinho on her journey to TV stardom

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      ENGAGING, insightful, entertaining, professional, feisty… Laura Woods has become the definitive radio and TV sports presenter.The award-winning host regularly brightens up talkSPORT listeners’ mornings with her personality, knowledge of the sporting world and ability to mix it up in the banter stakes with Ally McCoist, Jamie O’Hara and Co.
      Brilliant Laura Woods is your host for the FA Cup final on ITVCredit: Insatgram @layurawoodsy
      Woods also hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast showCredit: talkSPORT
      Woodsy, as she is affectionately called by her colleagues, has also become ITV’s go-to for their football coverage – meaning this Saturday’s FA Cup final couldn’t be in better hands.
      The 35-year-old has come a long way from scoring a job as a runner on Sky Sports in 2009.
      And the confident Dagenham-born Arsenal fan has shown courage through the years in dealing with sexist trolls determined to bring her down on social media.
      First job
      Laura graduated from Kingston University in 2009 after studying print journalism.
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      Following work experience at the Croydon Advertiser, she scored her first job at Sky Sports, reporting to their Isleworth studios as a runner.
      Putting in the time, she would graft her way up to editorial assistant, assistant producer, associate and producer.
      A flair for presenting showed when Laura began working in front of the camera doing behind-the-scenes interviews for Sky Sports’ darts coverage on their YouTube channel.
      Wanting to do more than produce, she took a camera out with her, recorded footage, edited it together, and impressed TV chiefs with her natural talent. Online, it proved to be a big hit too.
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      Laura was then chosen to front Saturday morning kids’ show Game Changers, where she was the guinea pig for all sorts of daft experiments, including rollerskiing and smoothie biking.
      Her love for the NFL started at Sky Sports, before she scored a pitch-side reporter role on Super Sunday.
      It was interviewing football’s elite where she encountered her most difficult customer, Jose Mourinho.
      Ambitious Woods caught the attention of Sky TV chiefs interviewing darts stars
      A role on Soccer AM gave her a taste for interviewing footballers
      Woods began working for Soccer Sunday in 2018
      ‘Looked into my soul’
      Laura was tasked with questioning the ex-Tottenham manager, after Harry Kane saw a goal disallowed for Spurs. The Portuguese wasn’t happy about the decision, and let her know about it.
      Recalling the incident to Ian Wright on Wingmen, she said: “Harry Kane had just a scored a goal that was ruled out or something like that. Wrighty, he was looking into my soul! He was looking into my soul and he didn’t like what he saw. That’s how I felt.
      “Anyway, I started the interview, asking him questions and he immediately flipped it back on me and went, ‘Well, what did you think?’ And I was like, ‘Right, I have to put my big-girl pants on here’.
      “And I was like, ‘It’s not about me, it’s about you. No one cares about my opinion’. [Mourinho replied] ‘Well I care, what did you think?’ And I agreed with him but I just thought I had to hold my own.”
      Woods was adamant it was a test of her mettle – something that has stood her well as her career has progressed.
      She continued: “I think he was testing me but I like him as well. I miss him when he’s not around, like I miss that personality. That job, for any football fan looking in, it looks like a really simple job but it’s not.”
      talkSPORT
      In 2020, Laura became the main presenter for talkSPORT’s breakfast show, splitting duties with Alan Brazil.
      She was the perfect choice, combining a deep knowledge of all sports with an unparalleled wit, and has the perfect foil in McCoist – with the pair proving to be a ratings winner.
      But, not everyone thought she was a good choice at first. She was the target of online trolls who claimed she only got the job because of her good looks. Amusing considering it was radio.
      “I accept that as presenters we are putting ourselves out there; we’re essentially targets,” she told i.
      In 2020, Woods became talkSPORT’s breakfast presenter – sharing duties with Alan BrazilCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Online trolls targeted Woods claiming she only got the job because of her looksCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsy
      Woods admits she takes all the criticism with a pinch of saltCredit: The Sun
      “I’m learning to live with it because that’s part of our job. You’re never going to please everybody.
      “It would hurt me a lot more if I took it all to heart, so I take it with a pinch of salt now as much as I can. The people with something bad to say will always shout the loudest, so I have learnt to care less about the reaction.”
      Goodbye Sky, hello ITV
      In 2022, Woods finally said goodbye to Sky Sports.
      Following her departure, it was announced she would join former American football stars Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell to present ITV’s Friday night NFL highlights show.
      A few months later, she was named as one of ITV’s World Cup presenters in Qatar, alongside seasoned hand Mark Pougatch.
      Grumpy Des Lynam moaned in an opinion piece for the Telegraph about her familiarity with pundit Ian Wright, when she called him Wrighty during the coverage of Senegal v Netherlands and how it made him “wince”.
      Laura bit back on Twitter: “Jeez, of all the things covered this is what made Des wince?”
      Wright, himself, leapt to her defence. Not that she needed it. “How’s Des vexed that Laura called me ‘Wrighty’!!! Looking for something negative to write,” he wrote on social media.
      Today, she balances her ITV role alongside work with DAZN, where she reports on boxing and the Women’s Champions League for the streaming service, as well as Amazon Prime Video where she presents their Premier League output.
      Read More on The Sun
      Since last year, Woods has presented ITV’s football coverageCredit: Getty
      Woods has been tipped to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday and Jake Humphrey on BT Sport
      There is talk of a return to Sky, replacing Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday. While industry rumours suggest she is the frontrunner to take over from Jake Humphrey at BT Sport, which is soon to become TNT Sports. You feel she could ace both jobs.
      Ever ambitious, talented and a consummate pro, Saturday’s Cup final won’t be served better than with Woods at the helm introducing the coverage. More

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      Huge summer sporting event has NO TV deal sparking ‘concern’ with bosses

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      BBC and ITV are under pressure to announce a TV deal for the Women’s World Cup after the governments of the Big Five European markets weighed into the ongoing row.Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer was among the five signatories stating their “concern” at the lack of agreement with just seven weeks until kick-off in Australia and New Zealand.
      Some broadcasters are yet to claim rights for the Women’s World Cup despite the success of Euro 2022Credit: Getty
      ITV and the Beeb are understood to have made a £9m joint bid which Fifa is expected to accept.
      But broadcasters in France, Germany, Italy and Spain are said to have proposed “derisory” offers of a fraction of the bids for the men’s tournament.
      They have been strongly criticised by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, who is reluctant to dig further into the world body’s funds.
      And now the governments have pledged to put on the big squeeze.
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      In a joint statement by the senior sports ministers of all five countries, the governments said: “We have acknowledged with concern that until now, no television rights have been attributed for the matches broadcasting in our countries.
      “We are aware of the legitimate interests and budgetary constraints pressuring both assignees and independent broadcasters, who need a viable economic model for each of them. 
      “And we also recognise the specific organisational constraints that are likely to affect the ‘market value’ of the European broadcasters’ rights, such as the hours of broadcasting.
      “However, we are convinced that the media coverage of the Women’s World Cup will be decisive in improving the global visibility of women’s sports in our European countries. 
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      “Media exposure to women’s sports has indeed a highly significant impact on the development of women’s and young girls’ sports practices. 
      “Because of the high potential of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and the sport and social issues at stake, we consider it our responsibility to fully mobilise all stakeholders, for them to quickly reach an agreement. 
      “These are decisions for Fifa and broadcasters to take independently, but we know that discussions are in progress and we are confident in Fifa and independent broadcasters’ capability to find a common path toward fair development.” More

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      Footballer says four-game ban for horror tackle on Love Island star was ‘so worth it’

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      A FOOTBALLER has claimed his four-match ban for a horror tackle on Love Island star Tyrique Hyde “was so worth it”.The 24-year-old Hyde, whose dad Micah played for Watford in the Premier League, will be hoping to score with the villa beauties when he graces its hallowed turf on the hit ITV show.
      A footy ace says his four-match ban for a horror tackle on a new Love Island star ‘was so worth it’
      Tyrique Hyde is swapping his footy boots for flip-flops in the villaCredit: Rex

      Hyde, from Essex, is the latest semi-professional footballer to swap non-league action for Love Island.
      He follows in the footsteps of 2020 Love Island winner Finn Tapp, who played for Oxford City, and Hashtag United ace Toby Aromolaran, who was runner-up during season seven.
      Hyde is currently playing for seventh-tier side Lewes, who just missed out on the play-offs via goal difference, after previously lining-up for National League South outfit Welling United earlier in the campaign.
      Now a tackle that the ex-Dagenham & Redbridge ace was on the receiving end of while in action for the Isthmian Premier League side has now resurfaced.
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      The incident occurred during Lewes’ clash with Cray Wanderers at the Dripping Pan stadium.
      And it was so bad that the aggressor, Mitchell Chapman, received a whopping four-game suspension.
      However, after news of the former Dagenham & Redbridge ace’s upcoming stint on Love Island emerged, Chapman showed little remorse as he took to Twitter to boast about his wild two-footed lunge that left Hyde lying in a heap.
      Chapman responded to a tweet announcing Hyde joining the smash show with: “Four game ban was so worth it now.”
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      While a decent player in his own right, Tyrique is yet to experience the heights his dad reached in the early noughties.
      Micah, 48, played 253 times for Watford before making 102 appearances for Burnley in the Championship and 64 for Peterborough United.
      He also earned 17 international caps for Jamaica. More

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      Love Island footballer leaves Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield to focus on new opportunities in London

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      TOM CLARE has quit Macclesfield Town after starring on ITV dating show, Love Island.The striker’s contract at the club was due to run until 2024 but he has decided not to see it out.
      Love Island star Tom Clare has quit MacclesfieldCredit: Alamy
      His contract was due to expire in 2024Credit: Alamy
      Director of Football Robbie Savage has supported his decisionCredit: Getty
      Clare went on Love Island earlier this year after being allowed the opportunity by the Northern Premier League outfit.
      He formed a couple with stunner Samie Elishi but their relationship did not last.
      Clare has now announced his departure from Macclesfield as he seeks new opportunities by moving to London.
      In his message, he thanked director of football and former Premier League star Robbie Savage and the fans for all their support.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “Where do I start… this club has been right behind me throughout everything, the most I’ve ever enjoyed my football has been at this special club, the good times are unmatched and we’ve created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
      “The decision for me to leave has been my decision and has been so tough, but now in my life, there’s just too many opportunities that I just cannot turn down and moving down to London plays a huge part in that.
      “To @robbiesavage8 and @smethurst1 I thank you both for being there for me no matter what and for doing things off your own backs to help me is something I will never forget, two of the most passionate, genuine guys I’ve ever met, you guys deserve the best.
      “To the fans, I thank you for shouting my name week in, week out, and getting the stadium bouncing every single game, you fans have been through a lot but the only way is up!
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      “Keep supporting the lads and I will come to as many games as I can.
      “Football is my passion and has been in me since I could walk, I don’t see it as a job.
      “For the time being, I’m taking a step back to focus on other things, but I will never quit football and will keep myself in the best possible shape throughout all of this, @thesilkmen Thank you.
      “To the lads, I will miss the banter on and off the pitch you’re a top set of lads and it’s been one of the best changing rooms I’ve ever been in, I wish you all the best in your careers!”
      Savage admitted that this was always going to be a possibility once Clare went on Love Island.
      He said: “How am I qualified to stop a young man taking on a potentially life-changing experience?
      “Tom is a fit lad and it could be his gateway into modelling, gym equipment, TV appearances… anything.
      “If he does well on Love Island, he could earn 20 times his current annual income in a single year. Who am I to deny him the opportunity to make life-changing sums of money?” More

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      Huge sporting tournament at risk of TV BLACKOUT unless broadcasters stump up more cash

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      FIFA President Gianni Infantino has threatened Lionesses fans face a BLACKOUT of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.But BBC and ITV are understood to remain confident they will agree a deal to ensure Sarina Wiegman’s side are on our screens when they play in Australia.
      Gianni Infantino has warned there could be a UK blackout if broadcasters fail to agree a dealCredit: AFP
      Infantino made his warning as it emerged that Fifa has still to agree broadcast deals with ANY of the Big Five countries – England, France, Spain, Germany or Italy.
      That is despite the tournament kicking off Down Under in just 11 weeks’ time.
      The Fifa President said: “To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
      “Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair, we will be forced not to broadcast the Fifa Women’s World Cup into the ‘big five’ European countries.
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      “Broadcasters, especially public broadcasters funded by taxpayers’ money, should put their action behind their words.
      “They rightfully criticised football organisations for not paying equally women and men or not having the same prize money.

      “We need to generate these revenues and they should help us because otherwise we will simply not sell these rights to them at these undervalued prices.
      “Then the European public will not be able to watch the women’s World Cup which after the success of the last tournament and the Euros will be really a pity, a slap in the face for the women’s game.”
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      England go into their opening game against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22 as European champions and the inaugural holders of the “finalissima” trophy after beating South American title-holders Brazil at Wembley.
      But while the broadcast deal for the UK has yet to be confirmed, it is understood that negotiations for split coverage by the BBC and ITV are advanced and are expected to be of sufficient value to ensure there is no blackout of the tournament.
      There is big interest in the World Cup and ticket sales broke the 500,000 mark in January. More

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      BBC and ITV pundits including Roy Keane and Ian Wright warned they will NOT be getting pay rise next season

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      FOOTBALL pundits across BBC Sport and ITV Sport have been warned they will not be getting a pay rise next season.Manchester United icon Roy Keane works for ITV across domestic and international football.
      Roy Keane works for both Sky Sports and ITVCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright works for both BBC and ITV across various competitionsCredit: BBC
      And Arsenal legend Ian Wright spreads himself across more than one outlet, turning up on BBC’s Match of the Day and ITV’s coverage of England games and cup competitions.
      But no pay increases will be handed out across both terrestrial channels next season.
      The cap comes after reports of Sky Sports axing broadcasters from their coverage.
      Soccer AM’s 30-year stint was brought to an end last month… and they may not stop there.
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      There have been reports of long-time reporter Geoff Shreeves getting the boot.
      A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
      “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.”
      Long-serving studio analysts Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were axed in 2020 as Sky looked to go in a new direction.
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      This led to presenter Jeff Stelling announcing his intention to leave at the end of the 2022 season, before reversing the decision later on.
      Meanwhile, BT Sport will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery.
      WBD also own Eurosport, and under the merger both BT Sport and Eurosport are set to disappear from TV screens.
      BT is scrapping its popular Score football show on Saturday afternoons, which is presented by Jules Breach and Darrell Currie.
      TNT Sports will incorporate the live offerings from both BT Sport and Eurosport.
      WBD acquired BT Sport last year in a deal reportedly worth £633million.
      That means Premier League games will be shown under a new channel from next season, as BT Sport’s deal to show games runs until 2025. More

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      FA Cup final plunged into TV chaos with new kick-off time expected, forcing another major ITV event to be moved as well

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      THE FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concerns and could clash with the Epsom Derby.Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are set to collide in the final at Wembley on June 3.
      The FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concernsCredit: Rex
      The FA Cup Final may clash with the Epsom Derby on ITV next monthCredit: Getty
      And the FA are facing a logistical nightmare over scheduling the game with the Metropolitan Police refusing to sanction their preferred 5:30pm kick-off time due to safety reasons.
      According to The Mail, the authorities have deemed the first ever all-Manchester final a high-risk fixture for fan trouble.
      That is why they will demand an earlier kick-off time when they meet the FA for talks later this week.
      But the football governing body will also have to consider a potential clash with the Derby at Epsom.
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      The Jockey Club have listed it as being run at 4:30pm, but may now be brought forward.
      But the major problem is that both events are scheduled to air on ITV.
      The channel would ideally schedule both during late afternoon with a significant gap between them to increase the audience size and satisfy both sets of fans.
      But the FA may have no option but to follow police advice, with late kick-off times being avoided at Wembley following the violent scenes back in the final of Euro 2020 between England and Italy.
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      The authorities have made it clear that 4:45pm is the latest time they will tolerate for the FA Cup Final.
      The most likely solution would be if ITV tried to bring forward the running of the Derby until earlier in the card at Epsom.
      This way both events can be shown on ITV1, but that would still require the Jockey Club’s approval. More

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      Major change to ITV coverage before FA Cup final as TV bosses look to give fans blockbuster day of sport

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      ITV are planning to move the Epsom Derby to an earlier slot in order to broadcast it immediately before the FA Cup final, according to reports.The terrestrial broadcaster is the home of UK racing, with the Derby one of its biggest events.
      The Epsom Derby could be given a new start timeCredit: AFP
      Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4:45pmCredit: Getty
      Since 2015 it has been shown at 4:30pm in order to try and gather as big an audience as possible.
      This year it is set to take place on Saturday, June 3 – the same day as the FA Cup final.
      With ITV going up against the BBC, who also hold rights to the FA Cup final, they reckon that showing the Derby immediately beforehand could help retain viewers for the football.
      The Cup final kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by football chiefs.
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      Manchester City play Sheffield United in the first semi-final this Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Brighton in the second on Sunday.
      The final kick-off time will depend on who wins – with factors such as travel being taken into account.
      Last year’s final kicked off at 4:45pm, and according to the Mirror, the Epsom Derby could be moved to an earlier 4pm slot in order to get straight to the football afterwards.
      Along with Cheltenham and the Grand National, the Derby is one of the biggest events on ITV’s extensive racing schedule.
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      The terrestrial channel recently confirmed that they have secured exclusive rights to UK racing through to the end of 2026.
      This year will mark the first time that the FA Cup final has ever been played in June.

      The mid-season World Cup pushed the usual schedule back by a number of weeks, with the Champions League final not taking place until June 10.
      While the 2020 FA Cup final was also pushed back, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not played until August 1. More