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      in Soccer

      Arsenal set to move for Nico Williams after new chief Andrea Berta holds transfer talks with Spain star’s agent

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      ANDREA BERTA is ready to raid LaLiga for talent this summer – with Nico Williams in his sights. The new Arsenal sporting director is bracing for a busy first few months in the job. Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a huge summer at the EmiratesCredit: GettyNew sporting director Andrea Berta (left) is plotting a major overhaulCredit: GettyItalian Berta, 53, was appointed as Edu’s successor earlier this month.And he’s got straight to work in planning for a radical overhaul at the Emirates.The former Atletico Madrid chief reportedly met with Williams’ representatives earlier this week.It was one of Berta’s first acts in his new role, where he is tasked with making Arsenal consistent title challengers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBerta set up a meeting with the 22-year-old’s agent Felix Tainta, according to The Guardian.Williams, a tricky and exciting winger, has been a long-term target for the Gunners. He has helped Bilbao reach the quarter finals of the Europa League this season, netting 8 times in 35 games. Arsenal approached Bilbao over a move last summer after Williams had broken England’s hearts in the Euro 2024 final.Most read in FootballARSENAL FILES: HOW GUNNERS COULD LINE-UP AGAINST REAL MADRIDBut they were told the Spaniard was keen to stay in LaLiga for at least another season. Williams has a release clause of £48.4million and the outlet claims he is pushing for a move. England fans heartbroken as Three Lions trail Spain courtesy of Nico Williams goalBarcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all set to rival Arsenal for his signature. Berta has wasted no time in getting his feet under the table in North London.He has already drawn up an exciting shortlist as he looks to provide Mikel Arteta with a true No9.Arsenal look set to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.And their lack of depth in attacking areas has been laid bare by a crowded injury room this term.Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort.SunSport revealed last week that Arsenal are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to £150m-rated Newcastle star Alexander Isak.Isak looks set to stay in the North East with Newcastle unlikely to sell their prized asset.While Berta has also put Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres on his wishlist.The former Coventry forward is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after netting 42 goals in his last 42 games. Arteta appeared upbeat as he discussed the upcoming transfer window ahead of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham. He said: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.”When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.Read More on The Sun”Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.”But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.” More

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      in Soccer

      Major blow to shamed ex-footballer Joey Barton as thug’s business faces being struck off

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      DISGRACED footballer Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on time.A business run by ex Manchester City star Barton, who was convicted of kicking his wife in a drunken row this week, has been served with an order to close.Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on timeJoey Barton Promotions has not published legally required accounts and is now facing being struck off by Companies House.The firm faces a fine of £375 for failing to submit the documents which were supposed to have been published by Christmas Eve. If they are not filed by April 1, the fine will double to £750.The business’s last financial details for 2022 were published in June 2023 and revealed it was £58,539 in the red.The firm had just £2,301 in cash at the bank and the only other assets are computer equipment worth £1,958 and a debt of £148 owed to the business.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONBut it was plunged into the red as it owed creditors £60,988, the accounts showed.This week Barton avoided jail for pushing his wife over and kicking her in the head after an incident at their home in southwest London in June 2021.Barton, 42, was convicted of assault and given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years – meaning he will not go to prison unless he commits another offence.Wife Georgia Barton, 38, was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose after the attack in Kew.Most read in FootballBarton was arrested in his bedroom – still drunk – on the night of the attack, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told.He has a chequered history of violence which included burning team mate Jamie Tandy’s eye with a cigar, punching teammate Ousmane Dabo until he blacked out, and a six month prison sentence for punching a man 20 times before turning his anger on a 16-year-old in a Liverpool City Centre bust up caught on CCTV.Barton also owns between 25%-50% of a management consultancy Resolve Energy which employs 26 people and has nearly £670,000 in assets.Joey Barton ‘shoved wife & kicked her in head as their kids slept upstairs’ More

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      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager says ‘it just shines through’

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      CHRIS WILDER believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be the next England boss.The two managers go head-to-head in a bumper Championship promotion clash when Sheffield United host Coventry on Friday night.Chris Wilder believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be next England bossCredit: GettyLampard has taken Coventry from 15th to fifth since joining in NovemberCredit: GettyChelsea legend Lampard took over the Sky Blues in November, his fifth job in management, when they were just two points above the relegation zone.Now he takes them to the Blades sitting fifth and among the favourites to clinch a play-off spot.Wilder said: “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard, I honestly have.“His playing career is there for everybody to see but I just love the fact that he loves football and it just shines through.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He took a tough job at Derby and got through to a play-off final and we had a couple of great games with them in that season and he had an outstanding run at it.“Tough gig at Chelsea when they didn’t sign any players and he had to play a lot of young players. Tough gig at Everton.“I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves, I honestly don’t.“People talk about England managers and people are critical of him, I just don’t get it. He can quite easily manage England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The job he’s doing at Coventry, he didn’t have to do it, but he wants to get his hands dirty. “He loves football, he loves the changing room, he loves everything about football. So I’m a big fan.”Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everMeanwhile, Wilder’s Blades are locked in a three-horse race for automatic promotion with Leeds and Burnley.A victory against Coventry would take them three points clear of Leeds, who host Swansea, and five ahead of Burnley, and he insists he is relishing every second of the run-in.Wilder said: “We have to embrace and enjoy this, and that’s everybody from staff to players to supporters.“We really have to enjoy it because there’s plenty of times where you have dark days in football and these clubs have had a few dark days over the years and even recently. So when the sun shines, you’ve got to enjoy it.“The full focus now is on to the last eight games and taking the next one in our stride.”With a sold-out crowd set to cheer them on, Wilder also called for fans to help his players “get over the line” in the promotion race.He added: “The team really deserves and needs a massive push from, from the punters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I know I’ve always said it’s up to the players to set the tone, but the players need the help now to get over the line and I know they’ll do everything they can to help us.“I’m sure they’ll be as loud as they’ll ever have been at Bramall Lane on Friday to make that a tough place to come.” More

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      in Boxing

      Trailblazing boxer Inder Bassi won huge battle for Sikh fighters and now faces clash at legendary football ground

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      INDER BASSI hopes to leave behind a lasting memory in the boxing ring – having already done so outside of it.Bassi is 14-2 in his career – turning professional in 2019 – off the back of a title-winning amateur career of 50 wins out of 75. Inder Bassi is a 14-2 professional boxerHe features on SunSport’s Contender series on YouTubeHere he is sparring in the famous Peacock Boxing gymBassi is hard at work preparing for his next boutBut one of the biggest fights Bassi had during his time in the unpaid ranks was the old rule that amateur boxers had to shave off all facial hair. The welterweight from Basildon is a proud Sikh – a religion which prohibits the cutting or shaving hair. Bassi helped campaign to change the the amateur boxing rule – which was in place to stop cuts due to the coarse texture of facial hair. And in 2019, the ban was lifted by England Boxing thanks to the help of Bassi, who features in SunSport’s latest Contender episode on YouTube. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe trailblazer told us: “The overturning of the beard ban – people associate that with my name. “It’s weird because you weren’t allowed a beard in the amateur boxing and like I said, in the professional game, you’re allowed. “In Muay Thai, kickboxing, in any other contact sport you were allowed just weren’t allowed in the amateur boxing. “That held a lot of Sikh boxers back. The belts are something every fighter wants and I want them myself, I’m hungry for belts. Most read in BoxingBassi had to shave his beard in the amateursBut he helped change the boxing ruleHe will be remembered for his work inside and outside the ringCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But it’s more so for people to remember me as a good man who done something for my community. “The more I fight, the more I win, the more belts I win I’m going to continue smashing them glass ceilings in. They are my belts as well.Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson’s Record I Contender Documentary”They are my belts that are metaphorical, I can’t see them, I can’t show nobody them but that’s what people are going to remember me for.” Bassi is training out of the Peacock Gym in East London – which has welcomed some of boxing’s greatest ever through its doors. He said: “It’s one of the most notorious gyms in the country. Floyd Mayweather’s been here, loads of legends. Prince Naseem’s trained here. “To belong to a gym where them kind of fighters have trained, it is quite special.” In our episode, Bassi spars hard rounds against an international German boxer in preparation for his next fight. The 28-year-old has won his last two fights having lost an English title bout against Sean Noakes in July. His promoter Jon Trethewey said: “I am a bit biased, Sean won on the night and he did deserve to win, can’t deny that. “But I don’t think we saw the best of Inder that night.” Bassi was beaten by Sean Noakes in an English title fightCredit: PAHe has bounced back with two wins sinceCredit: PANow Bassi has bounced back, he has landed himself a huge fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. The event is headed up by American legend Roy Jones Jr and former European champion Spencer Oliver. Bassi will take on Lucas Ballingall from Portsmouth, who is 18-2, in the Battle of The Bridge event which is airing on Fight Zone. And Bassi said with a smile: “When I tell people I’m boxing at Stamford Bridge, some say, ‘Oh man, you could have picked a better stadium!’ “But it’s exciting. Everyone’s excited.” It is the first-ever boxing event staged at Chelsea’s West London home – and Bassi was blown away when he visited the SW6. He said: “Expect the unexpected and put in the work and opportunities will come. It’s genuinely a mad sport. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But to be boxing here, when I got the call up to say, you know what you’re on the show, it was a big thing for myself. “I was a bit shocked. It’s everyone’s dream to be boxing on the big shows in front of the bright lights.”Bassi is set to fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundHe was blown away on a visit to Stamford Bridge More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Tensions always arise’ – Tuchel questioned by Germany icon who says his chemistry with Kane at Bayern was ‘not perfect’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has often faced tension in previous jobs and he was not the best fit for Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, according to Germany legend Philipp Lahm.The England boss has held six managerial jobs but only lasted more than three years in one role – as Mainz boss.Thomas Tuchel has often faced tension in the past, claims Philipp LahmCredit: AlamyHarry Kane has already been given a big instruction by the England bossCredit: PAAnd Lahm believes that is often because Tuchel’s relationships can prove fractious, either with players or his superiors.Lahm claims Tuchel lacked connection with Bayern’s leading stars, including England captain Kane.He told the New York Times: “It does not always go well for him and when it fails, it’s never because of tactics, but rather interpersonal relationships.“His departure from Mainz was fractious. In Dortmund, there were conflicts with the club management, in Paris, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and at Chelsea, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital after they bought the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“No matter where he works, tensions seem to arise at some point. “Apart from Mainz (2009 to 2014), Tuchel has never stayed anywhere for three years.“His biggest problem at Bayern was also not a sporting one, but the lack of connection with leading players such as Thomas Muller or Leon Goretzka, and the chemistry with Kane was probably not perfect either.”Tuchel is already making his mark on the Three Lions squad and after winning his first two matches he has issued an instruction to Kane.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe striker has been told to stop dropping deep into midfield as Tuchel believes he came too deep to collect the ball during the Euros.Tuchel said: “I know Harry as a top, top professional who does what is asked of him and he does it now with Bayern Munich.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “They play with a very high press – they almost man-mark.“I saw him here for England dropping deeper and deeper in his game and this is maybe not exactly what we want with Harry.“Making him drop as a No.9 is not a problem, but it should not be the No.6 position.“Dropping as a No10, turning and shooting from range and delivering from outside the box is not a problem.”But then we need to make sure that around him is enough speed and high position to take advantage of the space.“We have the highest expectations when we bring him in. He is our captain.“He will maybe never be the most outspoken person, never be the most emotional leader out there on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in the group, we have high expectations he has to live up to.”And, of course, in terms of intensity in the game, pressing, closing down players, we will not take any exceptions of the rule.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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      in Soccer

      Roy Keane’s daughter ‘mourned what life might be’ after being diagnosed with incurable illness but dad ‘lightened mood’

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      ROY KEANE’S daughter Caragh revealed she was left in tears after an incurable illness forced her to turn down her dream job.The 29-year-old was diagnosed with lupus in 2021 when she was only 25.Roy Keane’s daughter Caragh revealed her struggle with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe opened up on how her dad helped her through the darkest timesCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16It came after a prolonged spell of debilitating symptoms including joint pain, alopecia and painful blisters on her face and body.Such was the degree of it that Keane – who had qualified to be a teacher – was left bed-bound by the condition.It meant turning down the chance at her “dream job” at her old school in Manchester.She admitted to the Irish Independent: “I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ “I wanted to be the best teacher I could be.”After undergoing some tests, she was diagnosed with lupus: a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.Now that she knew what was going on, Caragh could go about addressing it and no longer living in mystery.Keane added: “Being so poorly ended up being a blessing in disguise because I was able to get the diagnosis really quickly.Most read in Football“There was a bit of a mourning period for me, when you start to think about how your life might turn out.“I suppose there was a sense of relief because, with that information, I could start looking into the next steps. Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “At the age of 25, you’re sat there being told everything and you’re thinking, ‘I’m never going to have a boyfriend. I’ve not had children yet.’ “That was the sort of thing that was going through my head.”Fortunately, she was surrounded by a loving and caring support network.She is one of five kids – alongside sisters Alanna, Shannon and Leah, and brother Aidan – raised by Man Utd and Ireland legend Roy Keane and wife Theresa Doyle.And while the Keane kids were often kept out of the limelight in their formative years, Roy was never shy of giving them his full attention.This proved particularly useful when Caragh was diagnosed with lupus, as she revealed how his sense of humour helped lighten the load.She revealed: “My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive. “My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaragh Keane has parlayed her own healthcare experience into founding her own company – Superkeen Foods.With the brand’s award-winning cereal and products, which are gluten-free, nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, 100% natural and autoimmune protocol-friendly, Caragh hopes to help others with lupus on their healing journeys. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate was close to Man Utd job but now England’s most successful manager in decades looks done with football

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      HE was England’s most successful manager in half a century and was only a couple of penalty kicks away from being regarded as the greatest of all time.He has represented the Three Lions, as a player and manager, more often than any other man.Sir Gareth Southgate appears unlikely to return as a manager, nor become a consultant, despite the wishes of the FACredit: GettySouthgate has major interests, such as the challenges facing young men in the social media age, which he addressed in his Dimbleby lectureCredit: BBCHe is a knight of the realm, who is respected in wider society to such a degree that he delivered the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture at the BBC last week.Yet, at the age of 54, Sir Gareth Southgate may be finished with football.The former defender was closer than many would believe to becoming Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United.Dan Ashworth, United’s short-lived sporting director, pushed his candidacy strongly and left the club soon after he failed to persuade United’s ownership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Southgate’s advisor Jimmy Worrall also has close links to Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.But the United job was an outlier.If Southgate did look to return to club management, he would be unlikely to land a job at a higher level than his previous club role at Middlesbrough almost two decades ago.Despite leading England to successive Euros finals, as well as a World Cup semi and quarter-final — and despite transforming the once-rotten culture around the national team — Southgate’s stock as a manager has not risen  significantly.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile the FA are keen to employ Southgate as a consultant, that doesn’t appeal to the former manager, who believes his presence on the payroll would not be beneficial to Thomas Tuchel nor any future Three Lions boss.The idea of returning to media punditry is regarded similarly.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ New England chief Tuchel may have criticised the performance of Southgate’s team at last summer’s Euros — although he only really echoed Southgate’s own public comments during that tournament.But Sir Gareth will not be responding in kind. He is too classy and decent to give it back to Tuchel.There is also a feeling that international management, rather than the club game, suited Southgate perfectly.Most great club managers are single-minded football obsessives.Southgate has a more curious mind and the England role allowed him a wider remit, which he relished. The themes he expressed in his Dimbleby Lecture — on the challenges facing young men in the social media age — are dear to him.He helped many England players greatly, as people as well as footballers.And if Southgate headed back into football management any time soon, he would do so without his hugely-trusted No 2 Steve Holland — who is keen to make it as a manager in his own right and is currently the boss of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.Southgate always regarded his England role as a partnership with Holland, believing the pair counteracted each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He may feel isolated in management without Holland’s presence.Southgate’s old sidekick Steve Holland now bosses Yokohama F MarinosCredit: GettyA boardroom job in football isn’t on the agenda either.He may have looked good in a  waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup but, professionally speaking, a tracksuit is more Southgate’s style.So what next, if there is no return  to football?The Dimbleby Lecture — given on  the personal request of BBC director-general Tim Davie — wasn’t his first weighty speech since his exit.Southgate showed during his England reign he is a more effective politician than most politicians. His ‘Dear England’ letter before the Euros in 2021 spoke to the nation better than anyone in the House of Commons could.But there is apparently no chance of a bid for Parliament.Despite being branded as ‘woke’ — an insult which shouldn’t even be an insult — Southgate isn’t party political. He’d probably have more in common with Sir John Major than Jeremy Corbyn.That Dimbleby Lecture championed traditional family values as well as Southgate’s deep respect for the military.He is a quiet patriot, not a raving lefty and not even close friends could tell you which way he votes.As for a  job in business, Southgate is said to be equally uninterested.Unlike many in football he isn’t  an obsessive chaser of the next five-pound note.He doesn’t need to work but equally recognises that even a senior job in industry would only pay a fraction of that on offer in managing a lowly Premier League club. And anyway Southgate is patriotic and old-school enough to have regarded the England job as the pinnacle of his profession.Should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Fighting relegation, as he did unsuccessfully at Middlesbrough in 2009, isn’t currently on his wish-list either.Had Southgate landed the United job he wouldn’t have been a popular appointment among supporters — despite doing the kind of transformative job with England that they are crying out for at Old Trafford.And the sad truth is he wouldn’t be welcomed with widespread jubilation at any top-flight club.His image as an overly-cautious manager is overstated but not entirely untrue.He never played for nor managed clubs which expected to win  silverware and never quite shook off that mindset as expectations rose with England.So what next for a man who is significantly younger than most who have just departed England’s ‘impossible job’?Having succeeded the likes of Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and King Charles in giving that Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth is yet to find his calling, post-England.But should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Flair’s fair for AngeTHERE was much online merriment when a Tottenham legends team — featuring Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon — hammered  AC Milan’s old boys 6-2.The obvious joke, that the veterans could still beat Ange Postecoglou’s first team, was barely even funny because it is possibly true.Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick as Spurs legends beat Milan 6-2Credit: GettyYet the flair of some of those Spurs players of the not-too-distant past also showed that Postecoglou’s devil-may-care style was more in tune with the club’s ethos than most of his recent predecessors.The expectation is that Spurs will wilt in a hostile atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s Europa League quarter-final and that will spell the end for Big Ange.If so, that would be a shame. Spurs might not be very good under Postecoglou but at least they are recognisably Spurs.IT was so sad  to see Scotland relegated from the top tier of the Nations League by virtue of a 3-0 loss at home to Greece.And the poor old  Tartan Army couldn’t even get a drink at Hampden Park.Despite their great national thirst, booze is still banned inside grounds north of the border, as it has been since 1981 — just about the last time the Scots were any good at football.Lennox all HartTHE warm tributes to The Sun’s legendary ‘Voice of Boxing’ Colin Hart — who died on Saturday aged 89 — were rich, poignant and greatly appreciated by his family.Lennox Lewis says he was inspired by Colin Hart’s viewsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIt was especially interesting to read the words of Lennox Lewis and  how he felt driven to win over a sceptical Harty on his journey to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.The media landscape has changed hugely since Lewis and Colin enjoyed their verbal sparring en route to an immense mutual respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are now often too many obstructive PR people between elite  athletes and journalists.As Lewis agrees, that is to the detriment of sportsmen and women, as well as to the media and the public. 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      I slept in the A&E waiting room after being sacked by KFC for eating too much – now I’m training with world champions

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      MICHAEL KING has gone from being homeless and sleeping in A&E waiting rooms to training with two Brit world champions.The welterweight is currently perfecting his trade under the watchful eye of the much-respected Shane McGuigan.Michael King used to sleep in A&E waiting rooms when he didn’t have a roof over his headCredit: BOXXERBut now the former KFC employee trains with Brit world champs Caroline Dubois and Ellie ScotneyCredit: BOXXERKing regularly trains with world champions Caroline Dubois and Ellie Scotney, as well as surging contender Adim Azim.But his life was very different just a few years ago when he was left homeless after being sacked for “eating too much” at KFC, where he worked to fund his dream of becoming a world champion.In an interview with the BBC, he recalled: “I sometimes went back when I didn’t have money and they’d give me free food.”Maybe I wanted to get fired because I was boxing and working. I couldn’t find a balance.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”When I got told to leave, I thought it was a sign.”He added: “I couldn’t afford a place and so I stayed in my car.”Despite his trials and tribulations, King – who grew up in war-torn Congo before moving to London as a teenager – was determined not to give up on his dream.He’d eventually turn pro in 2019, although he’d lose his first two fights.Most read in BoxingMichael King hopes to change his family’s life with his exploits inside the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM@YOURHIGHNESS_LIKALUThose defeats, however, didn’t deter the 27-year-old, who was eventually forced to take numerous bouts in Russia just to remain active.”I had to go because nobody wanted to face me but I learned a lot,” King said. “It was taking around 30 hours to get there.Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”[I was] taking three different flights, and I’d arrive 48 hours before getting in the ring sometimes.”But again, it taught me to always be ready, always in shape and always in top condition.”I’m looking to kick on now and get some really big fights. Who knows?”We might eventually even be able to get one back in Congo, which would be something else.”Before he’d even set foot in the ring, King’s father was against the idea of him making a living by punching people’s heads in.But he’s since changed his stance and is immensely proud of his son’s achievements so far.King said: “I want to change my family’s financial situation.”Sometimes, we were just eating rice or bread and butter. Being [a] world champion didn’t cross my mind.”I just saw an opportunity to bring hope to the people who care about me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My dad is proud of what I’ve achieved so far.”When he goes back to Congo, he takes pictures of me to show people and tells them about my story.” More