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    Graham Potter fits in with modern east London culture and can create togetherness at West Ham, says Karren Brady

    IN ALL MY years in football, taking the decision to part company with a manager has never been an easy, straightforward, or enjoyable task.Regardless of the fact that it is an unavoidable, familiar part of the game, or that it is a call made purely for sporting reasons, there remains a sense of sadness and disappointment, on a human level, that things haven’t worked out as you had hoped.Karren Brady insisted Julen Lopetegui was sacked for sporting reasonsCredit: GettyLopetegui left with the club in 14th position in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersGraham Potter has been hired as the Spaniard’s replacementCredit: GettyAt West Ham United, we have always taken as much care and pride in recruiting the ‘man’ as we have in recruiting the ‘manager’.And so we were disappointed that things didn’t work out with Julen Lopetegui.A good man, a family man, an extremely hard-working man, who was a pleasure to deal with and wanted to be successful here as much as we wanted him to be. We wish Julen and his staff, who worked so well with our team on and off the pitch, all the very best in their future endeavours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUltimately though, we have an ambitious project at this football club, and we have a responsibility to our loyal and passionate supporters to do all we can to keep that on track.In Graham Potter, we have recruited another very good man, a hugely respected elite Premier League coach, and someone who was the unanimous choice of our Board to steer our project back in the right direction.From our early conversations with Graham, we felt the overwhelming sense that he is the right fit for West Ham United, as are we for him.As Graham himself has said, since leaving Chelsea 20 months ago, he has been waiting for and carefully considering the right opportunity, seeking the challenge and project that would re-ignite the feeling of excitement and anticipation that would inspire his return to top-flight management.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe are delighted that, despite being highly sought-after by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he has discovered that feeling with West Ham United.Graham understands and shares our principles – that hard work, togetherness and commitment breeds progress and success.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: ChelseaHe was attracted by our ambitious project and the steps we are taking to reach our objectives. And he has found common ground with the core values that our supporters and the people of east London hold dear – a family culture, a sense of belonging to a clear identity, and a dedication to hard graft and craft.Modern east London is a thriving, exciting hub of innovation combined with tradition.A creative centre of opportunity and chance, especially for young people. Graham has already spoken with Mark Noble about his desire to engage with and maximise the talent of our world-renowned Academy – something that is embedded so deeply into the fabric and soul of our club.As Graham has shown throughout his successful coaching career so far, he is adept at building on strong foundations and creating a culture of togetherness, spirit and trust so that, regardless of the outcome of a single 90-minute football match, everyone connected with the club feels a part of something bigger and more significant.Of belonging to an identity that continuously fosters pride, honour and belief.  We believe that the right foundations are in place for further success in the future at West Ham United.It is only 18 months ago that we enjoyed European glory and, while that night in Prague will never be forgotten, there is a genuine and fierce hunger at this club to ensure that we continue to work as hard as possible to build and create more outstanding memories.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter shares that ambition.That is why we didn’t hesitate to hand him a two-and-a-half-year contract, and that is why we firmly believe we have appointed not only a good man, but the right man for West Ham United.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th. 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    I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

    CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More

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    Graham Potter to appoint former Championship manager to West Ham staff just 13 days after he was sacked from last job

    GRAHAM POTTER will appoint a recently sacked Championship manager to be in his staff at West Ham.The former Chelsea boss is expected to be named as the new Hammers manager today.Graham Potter is expected to be named the West Ham managerCredit: AFPNarcis Pelach will arrive a coach despite being sacked by Stoke City in DecemberCredit: RexPotter, 49, arrives at the London Stadium as the successor to Julen Lopetegui.The Spaniard was sacked after just seven months in charge of the club.He only won six of his 20 Premier League games leaving the club in 14th place in the table.Lopetegui’s backroom staff have also left the club, with only goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero remaining.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPotter will therefore name Narcis Pelachone of his first-team coaches at the club.The Spaniard has previously coached at the likes of Huddersfield Town and Norwich City.The 36-year-old landed his first managerial job in England in September as he was appointed Stoke City boss.However, he was axed just 13 days ago, on December 27, after winning just three of his 19 matches in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also had time as a player and played for the likes of Spanish sides Cassa, Manlleu, Palamos and Figueres.Pelach’s playing career came to an early end as he retired at the age of just 27.Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager West Ham’s first game without Lopetegui in charge will come against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night at Villa Park.Potter will have to get to work quickly in order to steady the sinking West Ham ship.The club forked out £127.5million in the summer on stars such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman and Crysencio Summerville.But results on the pitch have gone backwards from the time under David Moyes.Potter will also have to find a way to get the team firing without talisman captain Jarrod Bowen.The England international is currently sidelined with a fractured foot and is not expected back until February at the earliest.Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West Ham More

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    Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

    JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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    England captain Harry Kane’s eye-watering net worth revealed

    ENGLAND captain Harry Kane is continuing to coin it in off the pitch — with his personal worth now more than £91million, latest figures show.The Bayern Munich forward, 31, had been No 35 in The Sunday Times Rich List for sport earlier this year — with a net wealth of £75million.England skipper Harry Kane’s personal worth is now more than £91million, latest figures showBut he has added £10.8million from spon­sorship deals through his image rights firm in ­figures filed with Companies House dated up to December 31, 2023.He also has raked in £3.6million in wages from German side Bayern — while his property firm’s value is up by £2million to £15million.The star also raked in cash from from the likes of Nike and Mars and his property empire went up in value from £13m to £15 million.This all means he’s now worth more than £91m.READ MORE ON HARRY KANEHarry has an organisation called HK28 LTD.Books filed to Companies House this week show it retained cash and assets of £11m for the 12 months to the end of December last year and has nine employees – one up on the previous year.Its trading name is self-titled as The Harry Kane Company.”The Harry Kane Company exclusively manages the football, business, and charity interests of England Captain and Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane,” it explains on its LinkedIn page.Most read in Football”With specialism across sport, business, entertainment and charity sectors, the team work purposefully with global brands, innovators and charitable organisations to harness Harry’s profile and platforms to inspire, educate and empower others.”HK28 recently announced a new partnership with 3Bears Foods GmbH, with Kane starring in an advert for their porridge.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain Kane also invests in eco-friendly performance wear brand Reflo and the low-calorie doughnut company Urban Legend.In addition to these interests as well as his Harry Kane Foundation, he has been involved with other global brands including Cadbury, Amazon and Topps.He is estimated to be making £400,000-per-week – or £1.8million-per-month – at the German giants on his four-year contract.This means he will net more than £86m over the lifetime of that contract, that will see him in Germany until he is 34.Kane is a director at a property business called Edward James Investments Limited alongside his parents and brother Charlie, who is also his agent.Accounts also filed this week show it has of £2.2m in its coffers and bricks and mortar worth £15m. More

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    Wayne Rooney clinging to job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry ruthlessly thrash his ten-men Plymouth team 4-0

    WAYNE ROONEY has been left clinging onto his job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry thrashed Plymouth 4-0. Argyle are now rock bottom of the Championship following the drubbing. Frank Lampard embraces with Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyJordan Houghton of Plymouth looks on in frustrationCredit: RexTatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring while Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal was sandwiched in between a Josh Eccles double. Boos rang around the away section of the Coventry Building Society Arena. And Rooney – who only took over in May – now faces the Plymouth sack. Lampard meanwhile has taken Coventry to 14th after replacing Mark Robins in November. READ MORE IN football Plymouth have now lost their last three matches and are without a win in EIGHT. They have just four wins in their 22 league matches this season – with Rooney left fighting for his job. He told talkSPORT: “The first four or five minutes there was nowhere near good enough. “The goals they score is what we identified, really how Coventry score goals and where their threats come from.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think from a defensive point of view, especially in wide areas, in full-back areas, we weren’t switched on quick enough.”Rooney added: “We’re two teams, basically. One team at home, one team away, and we’re trying everything to try and fix that, whether that’s a psychology situation, we’ve tried absolutely everything to try and fix that. It’s a concern, of course.”Rooney was taunted with “sacked in the morning’ chants” and responded to questions over his future in the aftermath. He said: “It’s football, life. as a manager, you need to get results and win games, so I know that, I’m not stupid from that point of view. “So, yes, we have to dig in and find a way.”Rooney is fighting for his Plymouth jobCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years out

    KEVIN NOLAN has been named the new manager of Northampton Town – six years after his last managerial role.The Premier League legend has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Kevin Nolan has made his return to the dugoutCredit: PAHe will be the new manager of Northampton Town in League OneCredit: GettyNorthampton are currently 20th in the tableCredit: GoogleNolan, 42, was working as a coach at the Hammers under David Moyes but was surplus to requirements following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.During his time at West Ham, where he also played, he helped the side win the European Conference League in 2023.He will now return to the dugout as the manager of Northampton Town – who are 20th in the table – having replaced Jon Brady.He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One strugglers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going.”We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.”The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons.”I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.”We don’t have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey.Kevin Nolan remembers the lost talent of Ravel Morrison Chairman’s view on Nolan appointmentNorthampton chairman Kelvin Thomas shared his views on Nolan’s appointment… He said: “Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job.”He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.”He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV. “He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.”Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.”Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that.”He played for West Ham between 2011 and 2015Credit: GettyHe also featured for Bolton and Newcastle during his careerCredit: AFP“We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around.”Nolan does bring managerial experience with him to the Sixfields Stadium.He started his managerial career with Leyton Orient as a player-manager, in which he won seven of 15 matches.He was named the manager of Notts County in January 2017.The former midfielder lifted the club away from the threat of relegation in his first season before a play-off finish in his second.During his playing days, he turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle, West Ham and Leyton Orient.He made 401 appearances in the Premier League and scored 69 goals. Nolan’s playing career Here is a look at Kevion Nolan’s playign career…Bolton Wanderers – 1999-2009Appearances: 342Newcastle United – 2006-2011Appearances: 91West Ham United – 2011-2015Appearances: 157Leyton Orient – 2016Appearances: 14 More

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    Mario Lemina and Co’s disrespectful antics are just embarrassing – deal with it the old school way and be done with it

    A REAL team of fighters do not get involved in the sort of disrespectful antics Wolves have recently.Mario Lemina was pushing his own team-mates and coaches after they lost to West Ham this month, and then last weekend Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri clashed with Ipswich players and staff after falling to a late defeat.Mario Lemina clashed with team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyMario Lemina was held back by team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyIf something like that happens once, you go: Right, that’s just someone losing their cool.It’s not the right way to go about things, but sometimes emotions spill over, especially when you are under that much pressure or in a relegation battle.But for it to happen in back-to-back weeks, it looked like they were just reacting off Gary O’Neil after he asked for more ‘fight’ from his team.That is not what he meant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe’re footballers, not tough guys. You want to be a boxer or a fighter? Go watch a proper fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk tonight.Get in the ring with them, I dare you.I wouldn’t even use the word ‘fight’ to describe what those players did.It’s petulance. It stinks of a team that is needing leadership and direction from both the top of the club and on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYou want to do it properly? Go old school and do what we used to do back in the day, even if it was our own team-mate we had a disagreement with.Get down the tunnel, into the boot room, have someone hold the door shut, one-on-one for a few minutes, then shake hands and it is finished.Alan Shearer left red-faced and fuming after botching question about his own career The next morning, it was back to work and we didn’t speak about it again.If it lasted longer than 30 seconds, people would dive in and break it up, but often it was just three or four punches to blow off some steam, and that happened a few times a season.But those involved at Wolves were pretending to be something they’re not, pretending to be up for a fight by getting themselves involved in something. It is embarrassing.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.And if they really were that hard or tough or up for a fight, they wouldn’t be doing what they did.It’s like that friend who says you can trust him. If you have to tell me, I don’t think I should trust you.As the saying goes: It’s easier for a nice guy to pretend to be tough than it is for a tough guy to pretend to be nice.And this Wolves group, they’re not tough, they’re just nice kids, nice people.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.Troy Deeney You wouldn’t be scared to bits if you came across them in a dark alley, would you?I saw Lemina having a go at the assistant, Shaun Derry, at West Ham.I tell you what, if Lemina had tried that on Derry a few years ago, he would have been put on the ground.And then I saw Craig Dawson try to carry Ait-Nouri down the tunnel to calm him down.As a whole, there is just a lack of respect across that whole team. There should be a genuine, healthy fear and respect of senior players or leaders in any dressing room.I saw a few of those incidents close up during my career, especially during my early days with Walsall.After something like that, we would be terrified knowing the manager would tear us a new one or the captain would have us up against the wall after making such fools of ourselves.I don’t sense that happening now. Respect your elders.But saying that, it seemed to me like the players actually liked O’Neil before he got sacked.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt wasn’t like they ever quit on him. There were so many times they could have.They followed him and liked him and respected him and didn’t want him to go.Rayan Ait-Nouri was restrained by Craig DawsonCredit: Rex More