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    Oleksandr Usyk spotted working on trademark move in training… but here’s why it WON’T work against Tyson Fury

    OLEKSANDR USYK has been keeping his head on a swivel in his final preparations for Tyson Fury.The undefeated Ukrainian will look to become a two-time undisputed champion when he faces the Gypsy King for all the heavyweight marbles on May 18.Oleksandr Usyk faces Anthony Joshua on May 18Credit: EPAThe Ukrainian has been keeping his head on a swivel in training for the Saudi showdownCredit: INSTAGRAM@USYKAAUsyk has been fine-tuning his head movement ahead of the Riyadh rumbleCredit: INSTAGRAM@USYKAAUsyk’s head movement and defence were on point in his back-to-back clashes with Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERSFan favourite Usyk will have significant height and reach disadvantages when he throws down with the WBC titleholder.The southpaw’s path to victory lies in utilising his speed, footwork and head movement – the latter of which he’s been fine-tuning ahead of the Saudi showdown.Fresh footage from the 37-year-old’s training camp has shown him extensively practising his bobbing and weaving.Usyk, of course, brilliantly kept his head off the centre line in his back-to-back victories over Anthony Joshua.READ MORE IN BOXINGAlthough he was aided by AJ’s bizarre decision not to utilise his attributes and attempt to outbox him.Fury, 35, could very well opt to adopt a similar approach in the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in nearly 25 years.Although his recent admission that the former cruiserweight king has “got more than boxing ability” than him suggests he’ll undertake a different approach.It would make sense for Fury to stay out of the pocket and keep Usyk at the end of his 85-inch power jab.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTAs would carefully-timed blitzes when he lands something of note from a distance.If he chooses to engage Usyk in the pocket, he’ll find himself eating punches in bunches from all angles.Confused Tyson Fury asks ‘what does that even mean-‘ after Oleksandr Usyk sends him 12-word message before fightThe physical advantages Fury possesses over fan favourite Usyk have made him the bookies’ favourite to win the historic unification bout.But the Wythenshawe warrior recently told Queensberry Promotions: “It won’t come down to, ‘He’s bigger than me or he’s smaller than me.“I think it will come down to who wants it most on the night.”If he wants it more than me, he will win and if I want it more than him, I’ll win, but either way I think we’re in for a real treat.”Fury is relishing the challenge of becoming the first man to defeat smooth operator Usyk in the professional ranks, saying: “Usyk is a bad man.“He’s a real bad man and any underestimation of Oleksandr Usyk – you’d be a mug.Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport.
    “I’m training hard for him, I’m doing everything I can, I respect Usyk as a man.”I respect his career as well, he’s been Olympic champion, he’s had 350 amateur fights or something.”And he’s been an undisputed cruiserweight champion, and he’s a unified heavyweight champion. “So, you have to respect that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not fighting a guy that’s had 14 and won 11, I’m fighting the real deal, as real a deal as Holyfield.”I’m looking forward to the challenge.” More

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    Premier League cult hero, 30, blasts Stoke as ‘s*** place to work’ after seeing career fall apart

    FORMER Premier League cult hero Saido Berahino has blasted Stoke as a “s*** place to work” as he opens up on his career.The former England U21 international appeared to have the world at his feet when he broke through at West Brom.Berahino slammed Stoke City as a ‘s*** place to work’Credit: Getty Images – Getty20 goals for the Baggies in the 2014-15 season had Spurs desperate to sign the striker, who was then aged 21.Tottenham had a £22million bid rejected by West Brom in August 2015 which ultimately saw them sign Son Heung-Min instead.Berahino’s career began to stall from there as he scored just seven goals the next season after failing to get a big move.He drew a complete blank the season after that as bids from Stoke and Crystal Palace were rejected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFinally, he secured his exit from the Hawthorns in January 2017 in a £15m transfer to Stoke but that turned into a nightmare.He failed to score for the Potters until August 2018 and netted just five goals for the club in his 56 games.The striker, who now plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol, has been opening up about his career on X today, allowing fans to ask him questions.He wrote: “Right shoot, what do you want me to answer??”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Stoke fan then asked: “Why were you so s*** at Stoke?”A brutally honest Berahino replied: “Was a s*** place to work honestly.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIn the same X Q&A, Berahinho revealed he would also be open to playing for League One Wrexham should he be offered the chance to move there.When asked whether he would consider moving to Wales when his contract in Cyprus expires, Berahino replied: “Why not.”Meanwhile one of Berahino’s former Stoke team-mates, Joselu, continued his surreal career last night when he scored both of Real Madrid’s goals last night as the club reached the Champions League final.Both players played for the Potters between 2016 and 2017 but struggled to make an impact. More

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    Martin O’Neill, 72, ‘closes in on astonishing manager’s job in Europe’ weeks after accepting career was over

    MARTIN O’NEILL is reportedly closing in on a shock return to management.The Irishman has been out of the dugout since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019.Rapid Bucharest are keen on hiring Martin O’NeillCredit: GettyO’Neill, 72, has enjoyed a brilliant career as a player and manager, winning trophies throughout.During his playing career, he peaked at Forest and won back-to-back European Cups.As a manager, he led Celtic to three Scottish Premier League titles and a UEFA Cup final.O’Neill was equally successful in England, winning the League Cup with Leicester and taking Aston Villa to the final of the same tournament.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe is now set to return to management at Rapid Bucharest in Romania.Reports have claimed that the club is working on a deal that would see him take charge.It is also suggested that O’Neill could be in post by the end of the week.Rapid Bucharest competes in the country’s SuperLiga and finished second in the regular season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the playoff round, the club crashed down to 6th place.It is a difficult league to participate in, with European regulars FCSB and CFR Cluj also battling for the top spot. Football icons’ strange hobbiesHowever, last month it was revealed that O’Neill had landed a job with the League Managers’ Association.He is currently set to replace Howard Wilkinson, who has overseen the bosses’ group for over three decades, when he steps down this summer.That was after he was voted in by his fellow managers after being put forward for the role.It has not been confirmed whether he would take up the LMA position as planned if he got the job in Romania, but it seems unlikelyHaving started out in the dug-out in non-league, O’Neill led Wycombe Wanderers from the conference into the third tier. He took over at Leicester in 1995 and guided them to League Cup success twice during his five years there.He left to join Celtic in 2000, winning the title three times and leading the Hoops to the Uefa Cup Final.O’Neill returned to the Premier League for a four-year stint at Aston Villa and then two years at Sunderland before taking charge of his country.He led them to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 but his five-year reign ended after a poor run of results in November 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESO’Neill did return to the dug-out in January 2019 when he was appointed boss of Forest.He guided them to a ninth-place finish in the Championship but was sacked that summer.MARTIN O’NEILL’S HONOURSCheck out everything the Irishman has won during his career as both a player and manager:
    PLAYING CAREER
    DISTILLERY
    Irish Cup (1971)
    NOTTINGHAM FOREST
    First Division (1978); European Cup (1979, 1980); European Super Cup (1979); League Cup (1978, 1979); FA Charity Shield (1978); Anglo-Scottish Cup (1977)
    NORTHERN IRELAND
    British Home Championship (1980, 1984)
    MANAGEMENT CAREER
    WYCOMBE WANDERERS
    Conference champions (1993); FA Trophy (1991, 1993), Conference League Cup (1992); Third Division play-off winners (1994)
    LEICESTER CITY
    League Cup (1997, 2000); First Division play-off winners (1996)
    CELTIC
    Scottish Premiership (2001, 2002, 2004); Scottish Cup (2001, 2004, 2005); Scottish League Cup (2001) More

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    Nicky Butt never said sorry after he smashed my leg in road accident – I’ve lost my job & struggle to walk, says biker

    THE biker who had his leg broken by ex-Manchester United’s Nicky Butt in a car smash says it cost him his job and claims the star has never said sorry.Ex-England ace Butt, 49, was last week told he faced possible jail for causing serious injury by careless driving.Nicky Butt puts his hand to his mouth as biker Adam Fielding lies injured in roadCredit: The SunOur pictures show the Man Utd legend looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover DefenderCredit: The SunAdam spent two weeks in hospital and needed an operation to insert a metal rod into his mangled left legCredit: The SunOur pictures show him looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover Defender, as Adam Fielding lies in the road with a shattered left leg.But despite claims in court that he had shown remorse, Honda rider Adam, 30, said: “I have not heard anything from Nicky Butt.“If I had knocked someone from their bike, I would be making sure that person was looked after from the moment they got home.“I’d be doing their shopping and making sure they are OK but I have not heard a word from him.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court heard Butt had a lapse of concentration as he pulled out of a junction after collecting his son from Burnley FC’s training ground at 8.10pm on October 17, 2022.The shaken midfielder, now chief executive at League Two Salford City, covered his mouth with his hand as bystanders comforted Adam until an ambulance arrived.He needed an operation to insert a metal rod into the mangled limb and spent ten months on crutches.Adam developed a blood clot and requires medication for the rest of his life. The devastating injury also meant he had to give up his job as a Screwfix store manager.Most read in FootballLast week Butt’s solicitor told Blackburn magistrates his client had “clearly shown remorse” in a letter. However, it is not clear whether this was an apology to the court or to Adam.Nicky Butt admits breaking man’s leg in crashAdam told The Sun: “He has never spoken to me or written me a letter. “Or if he has, I haven’t seen it. If I had put somebody through all this, I’d be doing everything possible to help. He has done some serious damage to me, and I have not fully recovered from my injuries.“His solicitors may have advised him not to make direct contact.” ‘Didn’t hear from him’Adam, of Burnley, spent two weeks in hospital.He added: “While I was there Nicky Butt did ask the police if he could contact me and I agreed, but I didn’t hear from him.”About his work, Adam said: “Screwfix were very good to me but, after 13 months, it was clear I wouldn’t be able to do the job.I have been through a range of emotions about himAdam “It is quite physically demanding and I could no longer do it.“My life has changed drastically very quickly.”Adam says he does not remember anything about the crash or the immediate aftermath. He has not ridden a motorbike since.He added: “Apparently, at the scene, Butt was very concerned and held his hands up and accepted it was his fault and said he didn’t see me. I just don’t know how he hasn’t seen me.“I don’t hold any ill will against him because I know he didn’t knock me off my bike deliberately.“I have been through a range of emotions about him.“When I am in pain with my leg, I get angry at him and at what has happened. I am OK walking short distances but long walks can cause me pain. I take painkillers and need to elevate my foot because it swells up.”Butt, who lives in a £1.7million mansion in Bowdon, Cheshire, initially attended a voluntary police interview on December 1, 2023.Last week he admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.He was told he faces up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when sentenced on June 21.Butt was also handed an interim driving ban.I don’t hold any ill will against him because I know he didn’t knock me off my bike deliberatelyAdam Prosecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV. “Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielding is coming past on the motorcycle.”John Dye, defending the footballer, said: “Mr Butt tried to assist and clearly has shown remorse in the letter that he sent.”Adam did not give a victim impact statement at the hearing.Lancashire Police last night said he was in the process of writing one.Butt, who has two children from his marriage to ex Shelley Barlow, was a key member of United’s celebrated Class of 92 — rising through the ranks with pals David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.Butt helped the Old Trafford club win countless trophies, including the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble in 1999.By the time he left in 2004, he had helped United win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League win.READ MORE SUN STORIESButt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City. In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Giggs, the Nevilles and Paul Scholes.He was also head of first-team development at Manchester United from 2019-2021.Butt was told he faces possible jail for causing serious injury by careless drivingCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe devastating injury meant Adam had to give up his job as a Screwfix store managerCredit: The SunAdam says: ‘He has never spoken to me or written me a letter. Or if he has, I haven’t seen it’Credit: Matthew Pover More

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    Erik ten Hag loses managerial job offer just hours after Man Utd’s 4-0 mauling at Crystal Palace

    ERIK TEN HAG is allegedly no longer in the running for the Bayern Munich job.The Manchester United boss faces more uncertainty over his future after he hit a new low last night.Talks between Erik ten Hag and Bayern Munich are allegedly overCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace to leave them eighth in the Premier League.However, despite a disappointing campaign, he was among the top candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Bundesliga club.However, Bild are now claiming that he “is no longer a candidate”.The publication states that “there were talks between Max Eberl and the management” but “these talks will not be continued” with Bayern’s director of sport.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt emerged over the weekend that Ten Hag was on Bayern’s shortlist for a new boss and that the Germans had “made contact” with his agent.The 54-year-old Dutchman is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked this summer by new chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.Even though he has an FA Cup Final with Man City coming up, last night’s mauling in South London could prove to be the final straw.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed United are the “most poorly coached team in the league” and Ashley Young labelled the performance “shambolic” afterwards.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe result means United are on 54 points and are at risk of finishing below their lowest ever total of 58.Asked if this is the lowest point of his Old Trafford reign, Ten Hag admitted that it was rock bottom, saying: “Yes. Our worst defeat. We should have kept fighting like the fans did.Michael Owen demands Man Utd sack Ten Hag and put Steve McClaren in charge as Scholes calls him ‘best coach I ever had’“It’s clear, this is underperforming. It’s by far not good enough. We are very disappointed. It’s a deserved defeat.”Ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen has blasted Ten Hag and pointed out his three managerial flaws while Michael Owen says Steve McClaren should take over for the next few months to save what’s left of their season.Meanwhile, Bayern are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League and face Real Madrid in the semi-final second leg tomorrow with the scores tied 2-2.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    David Moyes approached for shock new job as West Ham boss’ future shrouded in uncertainty

    DAVID MOYES has been the subject of a sensational approach from Spartak Moscow, it’s been claimed.The Scot’s future at West Ham has been up in the air for several months.David Moyes has a matter of months left on his West Ham contractCredit: RexSpartak Moscow have made a shock approach for the Scot, according to reportsCredit: REXThere are strong suggestions that the veteran gaffer will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.And according to reports, he could find himself in the dugout at the Otkritie Arena next season.That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim Spartak have inquired about his “availability” in recent weeks.The Russian outfit are on the hunt for a new manager following their decision to relieve Guille Abascal of his duties earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s claimed they have identified Moyes as a potential successor to the Spaniard.Moyes, however, is said to be “reluctant to commit” to the Moscow club at this moment in time.Moyes’ contract with the Hammers is set to expire at the end of the season. The former Manchester United manager is set to hold talks with club owners after the campaign draws to a close.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDavid Moyes refused to be drawn on his future at the London StadiumCredit: GETTYA decision over his future is expected to be made during the post-season chat.Moyes has refused to be drawn on his future, saying after his troops’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend: “I’ve always said we’ll make a decision at the end of the season.’F—ing too big, teeth are too bright.. I’ll be glad he’s gone’, says David Moyes in bizarre X-rated farewell to Klopp”I want things to be right on both sides and I’m quite cool about the whole thing at the moment.”The team are showing up and doing the job.”Moyes’ sole focus at this moment in time is trying to pull off the Hammers’ Mission Impossible to qualify for the Europa Conference League.He said: “Our points total is a good total for West Ham, if you look at our totals over all the Premier League years.”We’ll keep banging at the door. “We finish with a really tough game at Manchester City so the next two games we’ll look to get something.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Today keeps us in the hunt.”West Ham will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

    RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. More

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    Erik ten Hag ‘faces huge 25% pay cut’ to his £9m salary if he somehow manages to keep his job as Man Utd manager

    ERIK TEN HAG faces a 25 per cent pay cut should he keep his job at Manchester United. The Dutchman signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford in 2022 but his role is under serious threat. Erik ten Hag faces a 25 per cent pay cut should he keep his job at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyUnited sit sixth in the table after beating Sheffield Utd 4-2 at Old Trafford last night, 13 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa, and look to be out of the race for Champions League football.And according to ESPN, failure to reach Europe’s elite will see Ten Hag’s £9million-a-year wages slashed by 25 per cent. It means starting next season with a revised £6.75m yearly salary but there remain questions over Ten Hag’s future.As revealed by SunSport, the ex-Ajax boss appears to be heading for the Old Trafford exit after losing the faith of fans.READ MORE IN football It comes in the wake of blowing a 3-0 lead against Championship side ­Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final and needing penalties to win. United’s hierarchy witnessed the turning of the tide in person as the Red Devils faithful streamed out of Wembley rather than celebrate a shootout.Co-chairmen Avram and Joel Glazer were there with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has assumed sporting control of the club.Behind him was sat new technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe has made changes at the very top with Omar Berrada poached from City to be the new chief executive and Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth set to be given the sporting director role.Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford will also have a say in the football department.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThat is increasingly looking unlikely to have Ten Hag at the helm even if he enjoys a shock final win on May 25 against neighbours City.Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is the leading contender to take the job in the summer.England’s Gareth Southgate, Brighton’ Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are other names linked.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More