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      Sunderland line up ex-Premier League boss as manager after sacking Michael Beale but will have to agree special terms

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      PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is top of Sunderland’s wanted list to be their next manager.The Black Cats want a long-term appointment after staggering along under caretaker boss Michael Dodds.Sunderland are lining up Paul Heckingbottom as their next managerCredit: PASunderland sacked Michael Beale and are under caretaker boss Michael DoddsCredit: RexAnd former Sheffield United chief Heck ticks the boxes.But that is if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.Sunderland want to promote their young players and keep some existing staff under the next boss.Heckingbottom, 46, had talks with the Wearsiders before Michael Beale got the job in December. Read More on FootballBut the move may suit both parties this time.Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is in talks with a US financial group about a £20million loan.But not all the cash will instantly go to the club.Heckingbottom spent two years in charge of Sheffield United and led them to Premier League promotion in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the Barnsley tactician suffered a dismal campaign with the Blades in the top flight as he lost 11 out of 14 matches, of which he only won one.Heckingbottom was sacked in December and was replaced by Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.’That’s Freudian slip of the month’, says Sky Sports presenter after embarrassed reporter’s blunder live on TVSheffield United are still bottom of the Prem table with seven points separating them from safety. More

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      Wolves boss Gary O’Neil breaks silence over shock reports linking him to Man Utd job in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul

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      GARY O’NEIL is “honoured” to be linked to an Old Trafford coaching role.But the Wolves boss, 40, insists there is “no truth” in such talk and claims he is “always going to be a head coach”.Gary O’Neil has suggested he wants to stay as a head coachCredit: GettyManchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants a new set-up off the field.And even the future of manager Erik ten Hag is uncertain.United’s new regime are said to admire England chief Gareth Southgate, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.And former Bournemouth boss O’Neil zoomed onto the radar this week amid suggestions Ratcliffe is keen on a whole new coaching structure.RREAD MORE TOP STORIESBut having guided Wolves to ninth in the Premier League in his first season, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder appeared to rule out the switch.He said: “No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard about it.”Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special, two real special clubs.“Firstly, an honour to be linked even though there is no truth in it.Most read in Football“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s an honour.”But, as I’ve said, I love it here [at Wolves].”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleO’Neil’s insistence that he wants to remain the main man would seem to be another obstacle for the Red Devils, should they pursue him.He added: “I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Declan Rice has swaggered to the top with a smile on his face… now he faces intriguing battle against the best

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      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.Arsenal star Declan Rice is on his way to superstardomCredit: GettyRice is facing his biggest challenge against Man City star RodriCredit: GettyTroy Deeney has been very impressed with Rice’s performances for Arsenal and EnglandCredit: APWhen he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.We would tell each other to “do one” every now and again, but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say: “Good touch, mate”.Read More on FootballHe had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be. When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or: “Why him?” It was more a sense of: “Yeah, that makes sense”.There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThose two can drive standards but in the new school way.They are able to do that, want to kill each other on the pitch, and as soon as it’s over they can smile, shake your hand and say: “Good game mate. You alright?”Arsenal star Declan Rice handed custom gift by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England capThey can go back to their normal personality which is juvenile and fun.The days of your Roy Keane types, intimidating people who were the same on the pitch as they were off it and in life, are long gone. It was very difficult to get any fun out of him.As a captain, if you keep barking at someone with no praise, then they will eventually snap. I’ve heard from people who played and worked with Keane that they were always working to get his approval or a nod, and rarely got it.I compare it to basketball with Michael Jordan and LeBron James — both men ridiculously good. Jordan had this fear factor and wanted people to be scared. LeBron knew he was better than you but still wanted to be your mate.Looking back, Keane needed to be that Jordan character in order to be the best version of himself. Now, as a pundit and an ex-pro, he is a good laugh and is more relaxed. In a weird way, I am probably the last of that old school type. With these young players now, it is a new generation, and they are more jokey. Rice’s biggest challenge yetDeclan does those Muller Rice TV adverts. He appears on A League of Their Own. You see clips of him singing and dancing in and around training. That’s just who he is.Look at Tottenham’s James Maddison. He is hell-bent on winning but he plays with a smile on his face. He interacts with the crowd. It’s the new way and it’s cool. It’s a good way.When they need to work, they work. But then they realise they have the best job in the world and they need to enjoy aspects of it.Declan must be enjoying himself at Arsenal. He practically runs games for them, and has his biggest test yet against Manchester City’s Rodri on Sunday.They are both in the top five best holding midfielders in the world, and all Rodri has over Declan right now is that he has won it all and has scored in big, big moments.Declan has scored a few last-minute winners for the Gunners, but nothing compared to scoring a career-defining winner in a Champions League final, something Rodri did for City last June.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal go into this City game top but need a win – a buffer – heading into the final stretch, and I only say that because of what happened last year and how they lost it.Mark my words, City and Liverpool will not drop many points between now and the end of the season, so what a chance it is for Mikel Arteta’s side to take a chunk out of one of their rivals. More

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      Jose Mourinho reveals he missed out on huge international job twice after owner told ex-Chelsea boss ‘no chance’

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      JOSE MOURINHO has revealed Real Madrid stopped him bossing Portugal – before he rejected another chance of taking the job when at Roma.The Serie A club axed the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United chief two months ago but he wants to return to management this summer.Jose Mourinho says he’s keen to resume his legendary managerial careerCredit: RexRoberto Martinez took the Portugal chance after Mourinho says he turned it down when he was approached for a second timeCredit: APNow the 61-year-old claims the “door opened” for him TWICE on taking charge of his own country.Mourinho says the first opportunity came while he was in charge of Real from 2010-2013.But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez responded with “no chance”.The Special One claims Portugal then came back in for him after Fernando Santos was sacked following a poor 2022 World Cup.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut although Mourinho was “proud” to be their first choice, he opted to stay at Roma.Instead Portugal appointed former Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.And while Mourinho went on to be ousted by his Italian top-flight club, Martinez has guided Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to 11 straight wins.The ex-Inter Milan and Tottenham chief told journalist Fabrizio Romano: “I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice.Most read in Football”First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’.”The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason.”‘He has a special place for Newcastle’ – Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Eddie Howe by former Premier League managerHowever, Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf is among those who have suggested Mourinho would be keen to land the job at some stage.Leboeuf told ESPN: “He admitted that the last thing he would love to do in his coaching career would be to get the Portuguese national team job. “I think that’s going to be his goal.”Meanwhile, Mourinho said earlier this week: “I want to work in the summer, I want to work.”And asked about the Portugal job, he added: “Never say no, especially in football.”My life is football, I can coach anywhere and I have no problems.”JOSE MOURINO NEXT MANAGERIAL JOBHere is how the market is priced up according to Betfair…
      Napoli – 5-1
      Chelsea – 6-1
      Newcastle – 6-1
      Marseille – 9-1
      Bayern Munich – 10-1
      Portugal National Team – 12-1
      Porto – 20-1
      England National Team – 20-1
      Any MLS Club – 25-1
      Sporting Lisbon – 25-1
      Real Madrid – 25-1
      Crystal Palace – 33-1
      *odds courtesy of Betfair More

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      in Soccer

      After Richarlison reveals therapy “saved his life”, we speak to the neuroscientist helping team-mate Emerson Royal

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      RICHARLISON’S revelation that working with a psychologist “saved his life” underlined how critical talking about personal problems can be for some players.The Brazil and Tottenham star last week claimed he was “at rock bottom” earlier this season when issues away from the pitch – including a split with his long-term agent – took hold.Richarlison spoke about the help therapy gave him while on Brazil dutyCredit: PAEmerson Royal is known for exploring every marginal gain going to aid performanceCredit: RexTherapy, along with surgery on a nagging groin problem, turned things around and now he faces Spain on Tuesday back firing on all cylinders.The 26-year-old is not alone as a player in seeking advice to gain better mental health to be a happier person and a better player on the pitch.Emerson Royal, a team-mate for both club and country, employs neuroscientist Dr Fabiano de Abreu as an advisor.It is part of the marginal-gains approach to the game of the right-back, who Ange Postecoglou has described as one of his top-three trainers at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDr Abreu, a member of the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, told SunSport: “Players may need psychologists more than ordinary people because of the pressure they are under.“Richarlison did the right thing in speaking out. But, in football, managers and clubs are still a long way behind on this topic.“Football today is more challenging than in Pele’s era. It demands more than just dynamic gameplay and skilled players. “The pressure from management, clubs, fans, and social media is immense. The psychological aspect is different now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Zico, the greatest idol of Flamengo, once told me, ‘I played for pleasure, for love’. “But what about today? With high stakes and demands, with constant scrutiny? I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024“There’s no more freedom, and it affects the brain. Plus today’s game demands higher performance.”Richarlison spoke of the profound effect his work with his psychologist had on him and his joy at seeing the Brazil national team employ one as a result.Dr Abreu’s neuroscience expertise means he provides more than a sounding board for Royal and his other clients, though therapy does play a part.His work considers a player’s genetics, upbringing and other social factors to get a detailed profile of the individual.A new client will undergo a thorough DNA test, an interview to understand the players’ background and upbringing, a comprehensive blood test and, if possible, a neuroimaging test to understand better, quite literally, how their mind works.The data from all this allows Dr Abreu and his team to work out how best to enhance the athlete’s performance and mental health.That could be through adjustments to their diet, habits such as improved sleep, medication if necessary and therapy.It is all to do with a player’s neurotransmitters – the chemicals in the brain and nervous system that transmit signals between nerve cells, which are pivotal for mood, sleep, appetite, learning and motor functions – and keeping them stable.Dr Abreu added: “Emerson is always open to suggestions for doing what’s best for him. “He’s a very easy person to work with and a good athlete. “It’s not easy to stand out in England, it’s the country where we feel the most pressure on players. But he knows how to deal with it. READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no doubt that neuroscience and genetics should be considered more in football. “That is if you want to create ‘machines’ like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I can tell you with certainty that Ronaldo has the same thought and uses it for himself.” More

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      Gareth Southgate overtakes Graham Potter as overwhelming favourite for Man Utd job with England contract talks on hold

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has overtaken Graham Potter as the bookies’ new 2-1 favourite for the Manchester United job.Ex-Chelsea boss Potter had been lined up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe if Erik ten Hag is sacked.England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a favourite for the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPASouthgate has overtaken Graham Potter as Ten Hag’s likeliest successorCredit: PABut England manager Southgate last week revealed he will shelve Three Lions contract talks until after Euro 2024.And Ratcliffe, in charge of United’s football operations, said: “If we get the right people in the right boxes, the results will drop out the bottom.”Potter worked closely with United’s incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at Brighton, while Southgate has worked with him at the FA.Reports suggest Sir Jim has made the 53-year-old his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdThis comes amid a turbulent campaign for the Red Devils under the Dutchman.The Manchester giants were eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage before plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December.And Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, which ended in 2009.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the Watford tactician.But as things stand, Ratcliffe would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services.Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names four players on cusp of breaking into squad The Ineos chief will also need to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Potter has been without a job since his dismissal as Chelsea boss last April.Southgate could bring some of his England stars if he took over at Man UtdInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Premier League cult hero lands first job as manager with national team that has never played a match

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      A PREMIER League cult hero has landed a national team job.The only catch being that the team was founded last year and is yet to play a match.Dave KItson has agreed to take charge of NauruCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The SunHe’s best known for his spell at ReadingCredit: GettyFormer Reading star Dave Kitson is the man who has landed the Nauru national team job.Nauru, for the uninitiated, is a small island off the coast of Australia.It’s the third smallest state in the world, classed as a “micro nation” and larger only than the Vatican and Monaco.It’s just 8.1 square miles in total and has a population of 10,800 people.For comparison, that’s smaller than the London Borough of Camden which has a total area of 8.4 square miles and a population of 262,000 people.Hardly the ideal pool to scout talent, so Kitson will have his work cut out when it comes to fielding a decent team.The former striker played for the likes of Stoke, Cambridge and Sheffield United but his most notable spell came at Reading.Kitson, 44, scored 62 goals and registered eight assists in 159 games for the Royals.Most read in FootballNauru is just 8.1 square milesCredit: PA:Press AssociationNauru is to the north east of Australia, way past Papua New GuineaCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALSince retiring he has gone on to start his own football academy which aims to help kids find places in professional academies.But he has now taken his talents to international management.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Nauru Director of International Development Gareth Johnson said the move has been in the works for some time.The Football in Oceania website reported Johnson as saying: “I first came into contact with Dave during 2020 through our mutual interest in travel when we began discussing a few projects, one of them being Nauru. “As things have quickly progressed I am now happy to be in a position to offer him the management role,”He genuinely cares about the project. One of the reasons for such a high profile appointment is to help the game, not just in Nauru, but the whole region.”Nauru are not currently members of FIFA, but hope to play their first international friendly against American Samoa soon.Kitson will manage alongside Brit Charlie Pomroy, who has previously coached the Cambodian national team and specialises in the coaching of smaller nations. More

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      Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke offers himself for vacant EFL manager’s job and says ‘I’ve handed my CV in’

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      DWIGHT YORKE has revealed that he has applied for the vacant Sunderland job.Yorke played for the Black Cats during the twilight of his career, signing for them when he was 35 in 2006.Dwight Yorke has applied for the Sunderland jobCredit: GettyThe former forward had been playing in Australia at the time and only signed after a phone call from then Sunderland manager Roy Keane.On concincing Yorke to sign for Sunderland, Keane said: “Towards the end of his career, Yorke had the reputation as a bit of a party animal but I knew Yorke loved the game.”He was over in Sydney and obviously he was their franchise player. I remember ringing him from the training ground – I’m not sure on the time difference but I rang him and it was pretty bleak.”I rang him, I said ‘Yorkey do you fancy coming to Sunderland?’ He said ‘Are you serious?’ and I said yeah.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He had a penthouse on Sydney Harbour but I said that would always be there, you can always go back to that.”I said we’ve got a big challenge here but I knew deep down he loved the game and I knew he fancied the challenge.”After swapping Sydney for Sunderland, Yorke spent three years with the Black Cats, and he told Ladbrokes Fanzone it left a special mark on him.Yorke said: “I’ve always kept my eye on Sunderland, simply because I had a successful time there. Even though I was at the end of my career, getting them promoted and playing a part in things, it was probably one of my greatest achievements, in the sense that my role as a player had changed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “I was surprised at how big a club it was when I got there, but the fanbase is terrific. It’s a great stadium, it’s a great set-up and I can only assume things have improved further over the last few years in terms of the facilities.”He also confirmed in the interview that he has handed his CV in to the club, with the hotseat being vacant since Michael Beale was sacked.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two years”It’s a club that I’ve actually handed my CV into recently, if I’m honest, because I want the job. I know enough of Sunderland; I lived in the area for nearly three years, and so I understand the culture up there, and what the supporters want and expect from that team.”It’s very difficult to assess what’s going on behind the scenes when you’re not in it. You can only assume things, and that can sometimes be a dangerous thought process. “The important thing would be to go in there and stabilise things. Most importantly, I’m a football fan through and through, and so the football aspect is my biggest concern. “You’ve got to get the players to buy into whatever you’re doing, you don’t know what the relationship is like between board and management, and exactly what is going on.”But, watching from the outside, you can only look at what’s going on on the pitch, and they’re underachieving, in my opinion. Yorke said he enjoyed his time at Sunderland and would like to live there againCredit: AFP”They should be far closer to the play-off spots, if not threatening the automatic spots.”That should be the expectation at a club like Sunderland. You know you’ve got a terrific fanbase and a fantastic stadium and that Sunderland is – or should be – a very difficult place to go and get a result if you’re the opposition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a strong base to build from, and a club with a good record of winning promotion. “Sunderland are currently 12th in the Championship, 11 points off Norwich in sixth. More