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      in Boxing

      How Olympics defeat sparked Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten pro legacy while rival’s career went wildly different direction

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S last-ever defeat sparked an unbeaten professional legacy – while victory left his opponent doomed. Mayweather was just 19 when he made it into the 1996 Olympic semi-finals in Atlanta against little-known Bulgarian Serafim Todorov. Floyd Mayweather famously missed out on gold at the 1996 OlympicsCredit: AP:Associated PressMayweather was left in tearsCredit: NBCThe American legend retired at 50-0Credit: ReutersAnd he looked to be on his way to the final after the referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman raised his hand following three convincing rounds. Except confusion ensued around the arena when it was in fact Todorov’s name announced as the winner – to the shock of all. Mayweather was so devastated and full of emotion that he could barely get his words out in the aftermath. Fighting back tears, he told NBC: “I feel I won that fight.” READ MORE IN BOXINGMayweather then let out a cry and walked away from the interview as he was too heartbroken to speak. That pain followed the American legend throughout his career and it ultimately proved inspirational to his unmatched 50-0 pro record. Mayweather, now 47, told ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe: “Am I happy with my amateur career? Absolutely. “Am I happy with the bronze medal and not winning gold? Absolutely. The referee raised my hand because he thought I won. Most read in BoxingEven the referee thought Mayweather wonCredit: YouTube Todorov was left in equal shockCredit: YouTube CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” Mayweather made his pro debut just months on from Olympic heartache while Todorov rejected lucrative deals to stay amateur. Floyd Mayweather cried on camera after 1996 Olympic final defeat Todorov – who took silver after losing the 1996 Olympic featherweight final – was locked in a dispute with the Bulgarian Boxing Federation. He even tried to switch alliances to represent Turkey in the 1997 World Championships – a year after his controversial win over Mayweather. The move was barred and Todorov refused to represent Bulgaria again – finishing his amateur boxing career in 2003. In the years since, Mayweather became boxing’s richest prizefighter of all time, topping Forbes’ rich list of the decade in 2019 with over £700MILLION made. Todorov meanwhile barely had enough to get by.He was living in a house in Peshtera, located in the southern area of Bulgaria, but he was forced to sell it to after falling on hard times.In 2015, New York Times tracked the former Olympian down and revealed he and his wife were working in sausage factories and supermarkets. And Todorov – who also turned down approaches from the Bulgarian underworld – was left to rely on £370 benefits. Serafim Todorov took a different path to MayweatherCredit: ReutersMayweather is the richest prizefighter of all timeCredit: InstagramHe is known for his extravagant lifestyleCredit: Instagram @liramsustielHe said: “I live on just a handout from the state, the money I get from the government is not enough, my family have no jobs. “It’s hard here because it is a small town and there is very little work. “I did have a bigger house in my home town, Peshtera, 20km from where I live now but I had to sell because I had no money to get by.”Mayweather caught wind of Todorov’s sad circumstances and said: “I wish him nothing but the best.”I don’t know why he didn’t become a boxing trainer because at the time when we fought, he was already a lot older than I was.”I was fighting at the elite stage at 16. I wanted to turn pro at 14, but it never happened. Five years later, I turned pro at 19. Within a year, I was a champion.”As Mayweather used the setback to greater good, Todorov took the opposite approach of self-pity. He said: “After I lost we had to stay in Atlanta for two more days to wait for our plane. I am glad that the fight went how it went because it made me work that much harder as a professional – not to feel that same pain again. Floyd Mayweather on his Olympic loss “I drowned my sorrows in alcohol and when I came back to Bulgaria, I wanted to quit boxing.”Mayweather – who has never once touched alcohol – was famed for his exhausting training sessions – and has Todorov to thank for it.He told Showtime in 2015: “I’m happy with how the result went. “I’m really happy because that made me strive and work hard to get to where I’m at today.”Mayweather officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 36, in a lucrative crossover clash. But even in retirement, the money continues to come in with Mayweather still boxing in exhibition bouts.His next is a rematch against the grandson of notorious New York crime boss John Gotti on August 24 in Mexico. Gotti III was disqualified last year before a brawl in the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIESTodorov on the other hand has kept a low profile although a movie about his life was said to be in the works. So it may not be the last we hear of the man who gave Mayweather his last loss.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions and rematches John Gotti III on August 24Credit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Kieran McKenna emerges as shock contender for England job with key decision-maker huge fan of Ipswich boss

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      KIERAN McKENNA is a shock contender for the England job.The FA are searching for a successor to Gareth Southgate and the Ipswich boss is on the list.London-born Kieran McKenna, who played for Northern Ireland Under-21s, is regarded as a contender to manage the Three LionsCredit: GettyLee Carsley is one of the favourites and could be interim coach against Ireland on September 7 if no permanent appointment has been made by thenCredit: GettyEddie Howe, Graham Potter and Lee Carsley are the three favourites for the post.But Northern Irishman McKenna, 38, has emerged as another candidate after back-to-back promotions at Portman Road.FA technical director John McDermott is drawing up the shortlist to replace Southgate.And he worked with McKenna when he was a youth coach at Tottenham.READ MORE TOP STORIESMcDermott was Spurs’ head of coaching and development and he is a huge fan of what McKenna has achieved. In 2016, McKenna joined Manchester United as Under-18s chief and ended up as first-team assistant boss. United, Chelsea and Brighton were all interested in hiring him at the end of last term before he signed a fresh £5million deal with Ipswich.The FA — who wanted Southgate to stay on after Euro 2024 — do not believe the next boss must be English even though the three main candidates are from this country.Most read in FootballNewcastle chief Eddie Howe is also in contentionCredit: GettyEngland’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEx-Spurs and Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino would like the job, along with Germans Thomas Tuchel and Joachim Low.England’s next game is a  Nations League clash in Ireland on September 7.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes says ‘I don’t like to say it but…’ as he reveals which manager would succeed with England If a new manager is not in place, Carsley will take interim charge.Carsley remains a candidate in his own right and the cash-strapped FA would not need to pay compensation for him or ex-Chelsea boss Potter.McKenna is understood to be happy at Ipswich.And the Suffolk club would fight hard to keep the manager who has led them back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.Graham Potter is rated one of the three main contendersCredit: PAEngland need a new boss as Gareth Southgate quit after Euro 2024 final woeCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      England will regret the day Gareth Southgate was hounded out of Three Lions job, claims Man Utd goalkeeper

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      ENGLAND will regret the day Gareth Southgate was forced out of the Three Lions job.That is the view of one of his coaching staff at the Euros who has become the first to speak out after the manager resigned.Man Utd goalkeeper Heaton claims England will rue the day Southgate quitCredit: GettyTom Heaton has launched a staunch defence of his former bossCredit: GettySouthgate walked after suffering criticism and abuse despite reaching a second successive Euros final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.Southgate drafted in Manchester United’s third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton ahead of the finals to help with training.And he is clearly angry at the treatment Southgate received and believes there will be regret amongst his detractors in the future.Heaton, 38, said: “I really do. I think, If you look back at his record, I think he changed the feel of it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We were all excited to watch the games. We were performing well. He changed the expectation.“So I think now that the door’s shut, I think we will look back and go, ‘incredible, job.’”Heaton believes the negativity directed towards Southgate from game one through to the final helped him to come to his decision to quit.He said: “When I thought back and reflected, I could maybe see it from his point of view.Most read in FootballOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. “I imagine that probably took its toll on him. He’s the sort of guy that would only be wanting the optimism to try and win it, giving everything he’s got for it.“I think, if I’m honest, the narrative through the tournament was a surprise to me.Inside Gareth Southgates love life with wife Alison.“I was involved from the start of his tenure and it always felt really, really positive.“I think that first game at the Euros it felt different. It felt like the narrative had changed. Major tournaments are difficult anyway.“Getting booed in each half, pretty much every half all the way to the semi-final, it’s not easy.”All through the tournament Heaton believes Southgate had the faith of his players and they wanted him to stay on.He said: “That was very evident to me. “It’s very rare in football you get a squad of players – the ones who aren’t playing, especially the ones used to playing every week – every single person there wants to win it, they want to win it for the manager, he is a leader you want to follow.”Yet fans who used to sing songs about him were now booing and questioning Southgate while a handful threw beer cups in his direction after the third group game that was drawn with Slovenia.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Heaton said: “Yeah, a bit brutal. It makes you think, ‘where did it come from?’ Football’s always on a knife edge, I suppose. I know we all want to win it but it’s not straightforward. It’s never easy.“There are teams sitting in, very, very difficult to break down. And you think ‘we’ve finished top of the group’.“We had some major moments getting to the final. If you’re going to win it, you have to go through those moments. “I thought we were doing that well, so we were building up a belief in that.”The former Burnley goalkeeper had been involved in England squads as a player from 2016, earning three caps.He was named in Southgate’s standby squad for the Russia World Cup in 2018 when England reached the semi-finals.Heaton was brought in to train alongside England’s three squad goalkeepersCredit: ReutersHe believed the accusations of being a defensive manager aimed against Southgate, most notably in Germany this summer, were harsh.He said: “We all want to go and win 3-0 or 4-0, but I think they’re built on really solid defensive displays.“Not that we set out to be overly defensive by any stretch, but we did have a real defensive strength to us.“In the final, maybe we would have liked to have controlled it a little bit more. Spain were obviously a good side and a good side through the tournament. READ MORE SUN STORIES“But even still, you think later on in the game, with the headers, you can get back in it. Even when we go 1-1, I was thinking ‘we’re in a great spot here’.”Sadly for England they would concede again and a second final under Southgate was lost.England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England set to appoint Lee Carsley as manager as FA look to follow Gareth Southgate path, claims ex-Three Lions boss

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      THREE LIONS legend Stuart Pearce believes the FA will install Lee Carsley as England’s interim manager.And he has challenged him to prove he can successfully follow Gareth Southgate’s pathway to become England’s permanent boss.Lee Carsley has been backed to become England’s next bossCredit: GettyTalk about Gareth Southgate’s successor has been rampantCredit: GettyPearce, himself a former England Under-21 boss, believes Carsley is perfectly placed to be handed the role on a caretaker basis until Christmas.If the 50-year-old succeeds in making a smooth transition during England’s Nations League campaign, Pearce believes he should be given the job ahead of Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and even Pep Guardiola.Asked whether he thought the FA should appoint an interim boss to replace Southgate, Pearce told talkSPORT: “This is where I’m thinking it’s going.”They need a manager for September. Who is the ideal man?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Lee Carsley won the Under-21 tournament – and I know how difficult it is to do that – so his CV is looking good.”He knows the FA, he knows the running of it, he’s been there long enough.”He will be ideally suited to put into place and say take the team until Christmas. ‘You’re doing the Nations League games,’ run that until Christmas.”The FA have got a chance then to have a look at him in post.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”How is he viewed by the public? How is he viewed by the players?”All of those types of things and make a decision from there.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeat”You might want to go elsewhere at that stage. But if it works and you’ve got cover at Under-21 level, then step him up at this stage.”Because there was no succession plan when Gareth took over.”He was working with the 21s but I don’t think there was a real mentality within the FA that said: ‘Right, you’re going to take over from Roy.'”He just fell into place and look at how successful that’s been.”SunSport exclusively revealed Carsley was in pole position to succeed Southgate on an interim basis earlier this month.Asked about the other contenders, Pearce said: “This is how I see it panning out.Lee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect?”Eddie Howe will be somewhere right up at the top of the list.”It depends on what Newcastle wants financially for him whether that deal happens or not. Or how much Eddie turns round and says: ‘I want out of the club.'”Graham Potter is out of work at the moment, so he’s ideal to step straight into the work, no compensation needs paying blah, blah, blah. That fits.”Jurgen Klopp has been mentioned, knows English football, probably the style of football he plays would suit an English game as well.”I think there’s a valid candidate there, if he wants to come back in.”People talk about Pep (Guardiola). I think Pep’s got one more year at Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think he’ll leave next summer.”But an interim manager is where I think it’s going and Lee Carsley is the ideal man.”Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Eddie Howe’s hint he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss shows job is more attractive than ever before

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      EDDIE HOWE, the bookies’ favourite to become the next England manager, is an avid fan of the 80s Norwegian pop group A-ha.And while this may not be a ringing endorsement of his personal tastes, the idea of Morten Harket & Co performing a secret gig for our brave Three Lions at the next World Cup is surely still an improvement on Ed bleeding Sheeran.Eddie Howe is a candidate for the England jobCredit: GettyGareth Southgate stepped down from the role after Euro 2024Credit: GettyHowe’s response to links with the England job wasn’t quite a ‘take on me, take me on’ plea to the FA.The Newcastle boss insisted he has an ‘unwavering’ commitment to his club, that he is ‘happy’ on Tyneside, which is ‘the best place’ he could be.But then came the caveats.Asked if he would still be Newcastle manager at the start of the season, Howe replied: “As long as I’m happy in the position that I’m in.READ MORE ON SPORT“As long as I feel supported by the club and free to work in the way that I want to work, yes. That is the crucial thing.”This was not typical of Howe — usually extremely measured in media interviews — and it sounded like a prime example of a man speaking to two conflicting audiences simultaneously.There were hearts and flowers for the Toon Army — the self-styled ‘loyalest football supporters the world has ever seen’.But for the FA — who want an English successor to Gareth Southgate — it was also a major suggestion that Howe might be open to a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowe has been unsettled by a summer of boardroom upheaval in Geordie Arabia — the arrival of sporting director Paul Mitchell and the departures of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who had provided the key link between Howe and his Saudi paymasters.There are also Profit and Sustainability restraints, which mean Newcastle’s inevitable rise to the Premier League summit is likely to be a long-term project.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. But this was still a bold public statement to make for a man who has just failed to qualify for Europe at the club with the  richest owners in world football.Howe ought not to be in a position to call any shots — and he surely wouldn’t be doing so if there wasn’t an England job that’s probably his for the taking.Last week, SunSport revealed Howe had stated his long-term ambition to manage England in an interview conducted before Southgate’s resignation.And the fact that Howe clearly holds some interest in succeeding the outgoing Three Lions chief is a huge compliment to Southgate.Because eight years ago, this wasn’t a job the boss of a filthy-rich top-flight club would have regarded as any sort of step up.Especially given that Howe would have to take a hefty pay cut if he were to leave Newcastle for England.Not since the launch of the Premier League has the national team been truly regarded as  ‘bigger’ than the biggest clubs.Although, admittedly, there have been fewer Englishmen operating at top clubs over these past three decades.It’s 42 years since Bobby  Robson and Brian Clough duked it out to succeed Ron Greenwood — and Clough, a two-time European Cup-winning genius, was left unfulfilled by never having managed his national team.Southgate has raised the status of the England job back to those levels by leading his team to two Euros finals, a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, and by changing the national-team environment.The FA are right to prefer an English  successor and, given  Howe is pretty much the only English candidate whose Prem record must be regarded as an overall success, he is the best man for the job.While his Newcastle predecessor, Steve Bruce, referred to Howe as ‘the fella who got Bournemouth relegated’, he had previously guided the Cherries from the Football League basement to the top flight, then led Toon to the Champions League in his first full season at the North East club.Howe possesses many of Southgate’s better qualities — a good man-manager and an able media communicator — but also a tendency for the more positive footballing approach which England will need if they are to finally win a trophy.Some in the FA had hoped  Howe would part ways with Newcastle at the end of last season, avoiding the need to pay compensation to the Saudis.But the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to Howe’s candidacy.Even if the dressing-room playlist might still not be an easy listen.TEE ‘N A FAGDan Brown finished joint 10th at The Open – and enjoyed a smoke along the waySMOKING isn’t big or clever but plenty of sportsmen — and many more managers and coaches — still do it. Although only privately.So it was amusing, and strangely heartening, to see English debutant Dan Brown leading The Open with an oily rag on the go while standing on the tee at Royal Troon.Darts and snooker stars used to puff away while playing and there were plenty of elite football bosses — including World Cup winners Cesar Luis Menotti and Marcello Lippi — who used to light up in the dugout.Meanwhile, cigarette companies would sponsor F1 teams and several major sporting events.But now golf is pretty much the only major sport where smoking on the go is still vaguely acceptable.A major boon for all those treated as social pariahs due to unfashionable addictions.RAY HAD ALL FANS ALL SHOOK UPRay Reardon mentored Ronnie O’SullivanCredit: ReutersIT’S easy to forget just how famous leading snooker players were in the 80s.On a childhood holiday, I watched Ray Reardon play at Butlins in Barry Island and it felt like watching an Elvis residency in Las Vegas.Reading obituaries to the legendary Welsh cueman — who has died aged 91 — reminded us of a life far more varied than those of most sportsmen.Reardon was not just a six-time world champion, and mentor to  Ronnie O’Sullivan, but a man who defied death in both of his previous careers as a coal miner and a policeman.He was also a better entertainer than any holiday camp Redcoat.SHO FAITHShoaib Bashir took five wickets as England beat West IndiesCredit: ReutersTHERE was a Test match to be won at Trent Bridge on Sunday and — in the fourth innings, when the pressure is always on a front-line spinner — Shoaib Bashir went and won it for England.The 20-year-old off-spinner isn’t even first-choice for his county Somerset.But after decimating the West Indies at Nottingham, he has three five-wicket hauls in his first five Tests.If England are to have any chance of regaining The Ashes in Australia 18 months from now, the continued progression of Bashir will be crucial.READ MORE SUN STORIESPAR BLIMEYParis is hosting the Olympics this weekCredit: GettyTHE Olympic Games are always a joyous opportunity to showcase some weird and wonderful sports — and stop us from obsessing about football for a fortnight or so.But the best thing about boarding a Eurostar and travelling to watch the Paris Olympics live and in person will be not having to view wall-to-wall cheerleading TV coverage on the BBC.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Jake Paul offers Mike Perry a job after disgusted Conor McGregor sacked him from BKFC after devastating loss

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      MIKE PERRY was offered a job from Jake Paul after being sacked by Conor McGregor in the aftermath of his boxing loss. Perry was granted permission by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – in which McGregor co-owns – to face Paul. Jake Paul beat Mike Perry in their boxing boutCredit: GettyConor McGregor fired Perry from BKFC – which he co-ownsCredit: EPABefore the bout, McGregor wished Perry well and labelled YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul a “little dweeb”. But following Perry’s sixth-round loss to Paul, it resulted in a social media rant by McGregor.And he claimed the BKFC champion was expelled from the promotion,But Paul, 27, said on his podcast: “Mike Perry, as you got fired by Conor McGregor from BKFC, we will hire you at Betr into a partnership and give you some sort of role.READ MORE IN BOXING”We’ll figure out what that’s going to be. Betr has a job for you, Mike Perry. We’re just giving him another stream of income. He can keep fighting.”We can maybe start a podcast with him or something… we’ll figure it out.”Paul’s betting company Betr sponsors UFC middleweight Bo Nickal while launching men’s health care line W with bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. The American moved to 10-1 and now heads on to his controversial clash against Mike Tyson, 58, on November 15 in Texas.Most read in BoxingPerry, 32, is now left to ponder a move back into BKFC after speaking out following McGregor’s blast.He said: “He doesn’t have a promotion because me and him are both owners of BKFC, so he can’t fire me.Mike Perry brutally responds to being ‘fired’ by Conor McGregor and warns him Jake Paul fight ‘worse than Mayweather'”We can fight in bare-knuckle, look at me I lost to Jake Paul so why don’t you go and fight Jake Paul.”You can box him with the gloves on, I think it would be worse than Conor McGregor vs [Floyd] Mayweather.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sacked EFL manager to replace Patrick Vieira as boss of Chelsea’s sister club in shock move

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      PATRICK VIEIRA is set to be replaced as Strasbourg boss by a recently-axed EFL manager, it’s been claimed.The former Arsenal and France midfielder was given his marching orders by the Ligue 1 side this week, just a year after being given the job.Patrick Vieira was given the boot by Strasbourg this weekCredit: PAThe former Crystal Palace gaffer is now contention to take charge of the USACredit: APLiam Rosenior is on the brink of replacing Vieira as Strasbourg chiefCredit: RexStrasbourg are working frantically to try to find a new manager before they kick off their domestic campaign in a month’s time.And they are reportedly on the verge of appointing Liam Rosenior as Viera’s successorThat’s according to L’Equipe, who claim the BluCo brass – who also own Premier League big boys Chelsea – are on the brink of making him the French outfit’s new gaffer.Rosenior, 40, has reportedly pipped former Millwall and Rochdale bosses Joe Edwards and Brian Barry-Murphy to land the gig.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe seemingly imminent appointment of Rosenior comes as a shock as he was sacked by Hull in May.He was given the boot by The Championship side after failing to guide them into the play-offs.Rosenior said after his departure from MKM Stadium: “It has been an honour, a joy and a pleasure to lead a football club that I love for the last 18 months. “I would like to thank every member of staff, every player I worked with, every fan who supported us on the journey and also to Acun Ilicali and Tan Kesler for believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to manage Hull City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I take immense pride in the massive progress and growth of the club in this period, both on and off the pitch, and the small part I played in it.”I genuinely hope that the hard work of everybody at the football club continues to move things in an upward trajectory.Hull City SACK Liam Rosenior in shock decision just weeks after Manager of the Year nomination“Working with Acun, Tan and his football brain team has been an incredible learning experience and with the passion, energy, determination and hard work they have put into this club.”I am sure they will get the vision and success that they crave in the long term.“Seeing the team and players develop, improve and grow in an 18 month period, in a style that we believed in, has been amazing.”And I have enjoyed every moment of working with an outstanding group of people who gave me trust, spirit and togetherness, not just in games, but in every single training session that we worked in.”Great people who I have loved being around. Always together.”Rosenior’s first competitive game in charge of Strasbourg – if he’s appointed as their new manager – will be the club’s Ligue 1 opener against Montpellier on August 18.Liam Rosenior has been a free agent since being sacked by Hull in MayCredit: GETTY More

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      Eddie Howe breaks silence on England job links after Gareth Southgate quits as boss asks Newcastle to back him

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      EDDIE HOWE is happy to snub England and stay “committed” to Newcastle – as long as he continues to be supported.The Football Association are now officially advertising for Gareth Southgate’s replacement and the Newcastle boss ticks a lot of the boxes.Eddie Howe says he’s happy at Newcastle as long as they back himCredit: GettySouthgate’s resignation on Tuesday instantly led to Howe and unemployed Graham Potter being installed as bookies favourites for the job.Newcastle issued a hands-off warning to the FA by revealing that their manager had signed a multi-year contract extension with them last summer that does not have a set figure release clause.Magpies CEO Darren Eales also vowed to fight to hang on to the ex-Bournemouth man and said that he still believes the 46-year-old is the “right man for the project”.Howe has now finally broken his silence and addressed his future as he spoke to reporters at the Toon’s pre-season training camp in Germany on Friday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he was adamant that he needs to continue feeling backed by Newcastle’s Saudi owners and chiefs.Howe said: “For me, being very proud to be Newcastle manager, this is all about Newcastle.“It’s not about England so as long as I’m happy, feel supported, feel free to work in a way that I want to work, I’ve not thought of anything else other than Newcastle.“I absolutely love the club. I love the supporters. I love where I am at in my career. There’s no better place for me to be. That’s how I feel.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I hope that from the answer that I’ve just given that there’s everything you need to know in there.“For me, it’s not about England. England is absolutely someone else’s conversation. It’s not mine. Mine is Newcastle.Gareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England boss“To speak about something else while manager of Newcastle is wrong. I don’t think I have to say the answer again. The answer is clear.”It has been a summer of upheaval and change at the North East giants as Howe’s key allies Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have both left.And with Dan Ashworth’s exit for Manchester United now done, that has led to Paul Mitchell and James Bunce arriving as sporting and performance director respectively.Howe, who has not worked with either before, admitted that “boundaries of relationships and how they’re going to work are slightly unclear”.But when pressed again on whether he would still be in charge for Newcastle’s opening day Premier League home clash with Southampton, he reiterated: “As long as I’m happy in the position I’ve been.“As long as I feel supported by the football club and free to work in the way that I want to work, yes. That’s the crucial thing.“There’s been a lot of change at the football club this summer. It’s been a very difficult summer for everyone connected with the club because with change comes a new feeling so you can point to PSR, Amanda and Mehrdad, a change in sporting director, which, of course, influences me.“These are all big changes and that’s why I’ve made the points that I have because this has to work for Newcastle.England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation.“It’s not about me as the manager. I’m slightly irrelevant. It’s about making sure Newcastle United is as strong as it can be for the next season and beyond. We’ve all got to come together to be the force that we want to be.”Howe added: “I absolutely want to stay, but it has to be right for me and the football club. You have to understand, there’s no point me saying, ‘I’m absolutely going to stay’ if the dynamic is not right and it’s not going to work. I’m not serving Newcastle well if I do that.“It’s been a difficult summer in various aspects, no one more important than the other, but as a new team coming together we have to set our boundaries.“We have to see if we can work together in a really fluid, dynamic way to the benefit of Newcastle.“I’m working every day with the new people to see if the relationships can be beneficial to Newcastle.“The transfer window is absolutely massive. That’s no criticism of anyone who has come in. I want to make that absolutely clear.“Paul Mitchell has an outstanding record as a sporting director, he’s dynamic, he’s very strong, I think he’s exactly the sort of person Newcastle need to take the club forward.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. “I’ve absolutely no issues with anyone personally but of course we move together, we have to be able to work together in key relationships for the football club.“I’m not talking about England. England is not even my focus – it’s all about Newcastle it has been all summer.”The FA outlined that the new man’s primary role will be to “lead and develop the England senior men’s team to win a major tournament”.Candidates should have a Uefa pro coaching license and significant experience of English football – both of which Howe possesses.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey also want an “exceptional leader” with “strong personal values and integrity” that is “highly resilient” to deal with the “intense public scrutiny” that comes with the role.And Wembley chiefs also want someone with a “track record of creating a high performing and positive team culture”. More