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      in Soccer

      Can teenager Jobe Bellingham really be as good as big brother Jude? We compare Sunderland ace with Real Madrid superstar

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      IT’S A tough act following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham – especially if you’re his younger brother.But fellow midfielder Jobe, 19, is already showing signs that he can also reach the top and perhaps play alongside his sibling in the future as he continues to shine at Sunderland.Mark and Denise have raised two fine footballers in Jude and Jobe BellinghamCredit: AFPThe pair, who both came up through Birmingham’s academy, are well protected and grounded thanks to their upbringing.Their characters are said to have been moulded by mum Denise and his father – a former West Midlands Police Officer.Mark Bellingham, now a licensed Fifa agent, has taken on the responsibility of guiding the career path of his boys.And he was also a bit of a baller himself after enjoying a prolific non-league career at the likes of Stourbridge, Leamington, Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove Rovers, and Halesowen Town.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, you will not see Jobe wearing the family surname on the back of his jersey.He instead says he wants to forge his own identity rather than hang on his brother’s coattails and has decided to have his first name on his shirt instead.Jude, 21, already has Champions League and LaLiga winners’ medals with Real Madrid and experience of playing at three major international tournaments.But the big boys are now starting to take notice of the younger Bellingham too, with Dortmund, Arsenal and even Madrid all keen on signing him.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd despite all of big bruv’s success, Jobe is well on course to achieve one major feat first – playing in the Premier League.Sunderland are flying high in the chase for promotion and the talented teen is a key part behind that charge.Jude Bellingham’s little brother Jobe impresses with brilliant free kick goalHe is also, statistically, one of the best midfielders in the Championship.Jobe was deployed as false nine for the majority of the 47 appearances during his first season, scoring seven goals, but it is this season that he has really come into his own playing deeper.He has recovered the ball 283 times – a huge aspect of Sunderland’s success.His goal contribution is also impressive, with four goals and three assists to his name.While Jude is more advanced, Jobe’s profile suggests he is transforming into a more traditional box to box type midfielder who provides value with his defensive work and positioning against the ball.In fact, you could even make a valid argument that the pair would compliment one another nicely if they lined up together.Here, tactical guru Chris Beaumont takes a close look at the way that Jobe plays.Threat in the final thirdWhile it is fair to say that Jobe is not quite as much of an attacking threat as Jude, that does not mean that he does not carry value for Sunderland in the final third.For a player that is just 19 years old, he is well over 6ft and has a powerful build. When he does move forward from the midfield and into areas around and about the opposition penalty area then he causes problems with his movement and the timing of his runs into the area.This is a trait that Jobe shares with his older brother.While Jude makes more runs that break into the opposition area, Jobe shares the ability to time his runs to maximum effect.His frame and power make him difficult to defend when he makes late arrivals into the area but he also provides value with his ability to strike the ball with power from distance.Like in this example below, you can see how Bellingham has worked his way into the penalty area.He receives the ball in the area and shows awareness to step inside his defender and finish with power past the goalkeeper.Jobe’s frame and power make him so difficult to defend againstWhile Jobe is not as prolific a goalscorer as Jude at this point in his career, this does not mean that he does not carry a threat.With Jobe typically being positioned deeper as an 8, as opposed to as a 10, we also see him taking up positions around the final third to support the attack.When his team are attacking and he receives the ball in deeper areas, Jobe Bellingham provides a threat with his ability to split the defence with passes. He can also shoot from range with power.And everything suggests it is likely that Jobe will develop more of a goal threat as he continues in his career.Timing is everything to Jobe’s attacking successLIke this example above, you can see the timing of the run to get into the area from Jobe.With the ball wide on the right, he times his run from deep to attack an area of space inside the opposition area.And, as he arrives in the area, he meets the low cross and finishes past the goalkeeper.Given the difference in their profile, we believe that Jude will always remain the more consistent goalscorer.However, we would expect Jobe to continue providing value in front of goal in his own way.Attacking creativityJude provides most of his creative output by making runs to create space for others to exploit, but he is also a creative passer in the final third. He has the ability to thread passes and the vision to notice the movement of team-mates as they look to break lines with their forward runs.It is in this regard that the two Bellingham brothers are perhaps the most similar. Jobe typically holds a deeper position than his older brother on the pitch but this makes him more likely to dictate the flow of the game.He has real passing range to his game with the ability to pick up the ball in deep areas and play longer switches of play to attack space.He is also a clever passer of the ball, who scans well and takes positive positions in the first instance in order to receive the ball. With his size and strength, he then has the ability to hold off pressure.Once he has turned he can play longer passes to split lines.This example below shows Jobe in possession of the ball deep with little pressure, as the opposition are content to sit in a deeper block.He spots the run to attack space of a team-mate ahead of him and plays a well weighted through ball to release the run.Jobe regularly splits the lines with his passesJobe has the ability to play quickly with strong receiving skills allowing him to take the ball before he then looks to break a line or play a pass that creates space or time for team-mates in advanced positions.However, he does not always opt for the most aggressive option and can be counted on to retain possession when his team needs him to.This is an area where Jobe starts to separate himself from his older brother.Jude is a more aggressive and advanced midfielde,r who wants to attack and create danger whenever he has possession of the ball.Jobe, however, has more of a classic midfielder’s mentality.Jobe also possesses a creative edgeThe example above shows a situation where Jobe found a pocket of space and received the ball centrally.There are a lot of opposition players positioned around the ball but the midfielder has the quality to retain possession and get turned before playing a pass to release a team-mate in space.There could also be a very real scenario for England in the future that could see Jude making aggressive runs forward and being released by his younger brother playing a deeper role.Aggression out of possessionJude is a good player out of possession with an impressive work rate, but Jobe edges it in this regard.The younger Bellingham is aggressive and committed, making long runs out of possession to engage the opposition high up the pitch and look to pick the pockets of their defenders.This does, at times, mean that Jobe will get into trouble in terms of conceding fouls and picking up cards.It is not unusual to see Jobe flying into tackles and defending in a manner that is very aggressive but this is all part of his game.We have already seen his out of possession work develop to the point that he remains aggressive in pressing but he will look to stay on his feet and force the opposition player back towards his own goal, rather than going to ground easily.Jobe’s out of possession work has already caught the eyeThis example above highlights this as the opposition look to build out from the back with their goalkeeper playing it short into the midfield.The defender receives an instruction to play wide to avoid pressure but Bellingham follows the ball and makes a strong challenge to regain possession.Jobe Bellingham is equally comfortable defending from the front and the back.This is part of the reason I can see the two Bellingham brothers playing together. They want to occupy different areas of the pitch in and out of possession and would actually work together nicely in terms of their profiles.Jobe moves high quickly to stop the receiving player from turningIn the image above, a pass is played forward from the opposition and into the midfield.Once again, we can see that Jobe moves up the pitch quickly and gets into position to stop the receiving player from turning and wins the ball himself.There is little doubt that, even at the younger age, Jobe has the advantage over his older brother in terms of his profile out of possession.ConclusionThe next step for Jobe is key. Jude’s career took off when he moved from Birmingham to Dortmund and if Jobe decides to leave Sunderland then there will be no shortage of interest in his signature both from England and abroad.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Sunderland get promoted this season though, there is every chance that Jobe will stay for at least one more year.And looking further ahead, it is easy to imagine a future where the two Bellingham boys play side by side for both club and country. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside the toxic world of Misfits boxing…from OnlyFans star ‘choked unconscious’ to vile revenge porn to promote bouts

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      IT’S been at the centre of the controversial new era of boxing with online celebs stepping into the ring to fight anyone who is willing to say yes.But despite scandal after scandal, Misfits boxing attracts millions of fans the world over – and earns eye-watering figures for the fighters on the cards.October 2023’s fight between YouTuber KSI and Tommy Fury was one of the most watched boxing events of the yearCredit: ReutersLogan Paul’s partner Nina Agdal was subjected to misogynistic harassment by Paul’s opponent, ex-MMA fighter Dillon DanisCredit: Instagram / Nina AgdalEx-England footballer Wayne Bridge had to be pulled apart from KSI after the Misfits founder made a brutal John Terry jibeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @@MF_DAZNXSeriesFounded as a way of bringing ‘non-traditional’ fighters together in the ring – meaning YouTubers, TikTokers, and other internet stars – it’s divided sports fans, with some seeing it as having given boxing a new lease of life, while others think it’s made a mockery of the sport.But their taste for controversy and over-the-top hype has seen bouts marred by scandal, while questions have been raised over the dangers of putting inexperienced fighters in the ring.Build-ups to fights have even seen an OnlyFans star get choked unconscious and bitter rivalries that cross the line into harassment – with claims that revenge porn was used to psych out opponents. Yesterday, the spotlight was once again on the promotion company when it was announced that YouTuber KSI – who also founded Misfits – is set to fight former England footballer Wayne Bridge in a bout on the 29th March.Read More FeaturesComing face to face in the AO Arena in Manchester, KSI mocked Bridge over 2010 claims that Chelsea-teammate John Terry had an affair with Bridge’s ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel – which both have since vehemently denied.“Wayne Bridge, aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex? That is what you are known for,” KSI said, leading to security stepping in to separate the pair.That same evening, boxer Anthony Taylor worried fans after collapsing unconscious, and needing oxygen, following a defeat against ex-UFC fighter Darren Till.And an earlier fight saw AfghanDan and Little T – grime artists from Blackpool who went viral in 2016 – step into the ring with AfghanDan receiving a dislocated shoulder.Most read in BoxingChoked for viewsSince being founded in 2022, Misfits has gone on to some of the most-viewed fights of recent years, many of which have involved KSI, and other celebrities such as Logan Paul and his brother Jake.But it has also been at the centre of plenty of scandals that many people fear is damaging the credibility of the sport.Misfits Boxing star speaks out after collapsing following loss to Darren TillIn October 2023, at the Misfits open workout being held in Manchester ahead of a fight between Dillon Danis and Logan Paul, Ella Brooke was conducting interviews when she put in a bizarre – and highly dangerous – request.She asked fighter Dillon Danis, to “choke her unconscious.” He held her neck in his arms until she was out cold – but after being shaken back to her senses she couldn’t hide her excitement.Viral Blackpool Grime rappers Little T and Afghan Dan met in the ring on SundayCredit: PAFootage from the Manchester event shows the moment Brooke allowed Danis to put her in a headlockCredit: SuppliedThe OnlyFans star then passes out, before claiming it had felt “better than drugs”Credit: Supplied“Oh my God, that is so much better than drugs,” she exclaimed.And this is far from the only scandal the pair have been at the centre of.Brooke, a law student turned OnlyFans creator, has come under fire for using boxing to promote her content – though she is laughing all the way to the bank, claiming that she earns at least £30,000 a month from selling adult videos.The 27-year old has also cultivated an intense rivalry with fellow OnlyFans star-turned boxer Astrid Wett, known for posing in football shirts – and not much else.”Revenge porn”Danis, meanwhile, was at the heart of an even more toxic feud that saw him launch vicious attacks on his rival’s fiancee ahead of his boxing debut with Misfits.Brazilian jiu-jitsuist and MMA fighter Danis had long been in a quarrel with YouTuber Jake Paul and brother Logan – who was slammed for posting a video which appeared to show the dead body of a suicide victim.“The Pauls and I have had beef since forever,” he posted on social media when announcing his fight against Logan.I just got another absolute nuke pic of Nina this one might be worse than the other oneDillon Danis“Logan ridiculed me for years, attacked Floyd (Mayweather’s) wife, filmed a deceased person, scammed millions. KSI went after my mom, the list goes on,” he added.The more cynical among boxing fans would see it as little more than savvy marketing, with both Logan and Dillon all too aware of how much exposure a public feud could bring them.And it wasn’t long before the rivalry turned from a friendly one to genuine nastiness in the lead up to their 2023 fight.Only a few days before meeting in the ring in Manchester, during an attempt at a face off, Logan threw a bottle at Dillon, getting a microphone to the head in return.But what really shocked fans was the way in which Dillon dragged Logan’s fiancee, Nina Agdal, into their spat. After the announcement of their fight, Danis launched a hateful social media offensive against Agdal in an effort to mess with his opponent’s head.The MMA fighter posted pictures of Agdal with Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom she had a year-long relationship that ended in 2017, as well as bizarre photoshopped pictures of her with other men, including Brad Pitt.One fake image even had him cuddling up to his rival’s girl. The build up to Paul and Danis’ fight saw the pair engage in a bitter rivalry that for many crossed the lineCredit: AlamyThe harassment prompted the model to take out a restraining order against DanisCredit: InstagramDanis was disqualified after six rounds after the fight descended into a mass-brawlCredit: AlamyBut despite already having harassed her with hundreds of hateful comments and memes, Danis stooped even lower and claimed he had explicit photos of the former Victoria’s Secret Model.“I just got another absolute nuke pic of Nina this one might be worse than the other one. Wow this girl is actually wild,” Danis posted.“Logan, on a man level you need to call this marriage off now.”He then went on to put up am X-rated video of Nina in which she is talking about how she is craving sex.In response to Danis’s harassment of her, Nina filed a lawsuit for “revenge porn”, claiming that his posts had caused her to “suffer humiliation, emotional distress, and reputational harm.”Agdal took out a restraining order against Danis, alleging that he’d posted a sexually explicit photograph of her that was “obtained without consent.”The lawsuit is ongoing, with lawyers alleging that Danis had damaged his own phone to prevent evidence from being collected.Dillon Danis shared this picture of himself with Nina, which was branded fakeCredit: TwitterA fan shared the original picture which shows him with another womanCredit: TwitterKSI’S Business EmpireKSI is one of Britain’s richest YouTubers, estimated to be worth just under £20million according to Forbes.And much of his wealth was made long before moving into boxing.Born Olajide “JJ” Olatunji in 1999, he attended Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire before becoming a founding member of YouTube group the Sidemen, known for their football and comedy videos.Since creating his channel in 2009, KSI has racked up nearly six billion views and has over 25 million subscribers.KSI also branched out into rapping, with his debut EP Keep Up topping the UK R&B albums chart in 2016. He has since gone on to achieve fourteen top 40 singles.In 2022, he launched Prime energy drink in collaboration with Logan Paul.Following social media hype around its release, some people paid up to £100 for a single bottle, while others sold it at inflated prices on places such as eBay.He also founded Lunchly along with Paul and MrBeast, a kids lunch kit company.The YouTuber is also known for his flashy car collection, which has included a Lamborghini Aventador, a Porsche 718 Boxster, and Rolls-Royce Wraith.He also revealed in a 2020 interview that he owns over ten properties around England with a combined worth of over £10million.Ring brawlCommentators and boxing fans condemned the behaviour, while the fight itself also descended into farce.After six rounds of prancing around, tensions boiled over with both fighters’ security teams becoming entangled in a brawl and Danis putting Paul in a headlock. Danis was disqualified.The toxic feuds are all part of the game to the fans – and one of the reasons many tune in.“Danis got this fight because he’s great at being a troll, he quadrupled his following because he’s great at being a troll,” commented MMA reporter Aaron Bronster.“He got sued because he’s great at being a troll, he showed up and made this a terrible match because he’s great at being a troll.”Founder vs FuryThe match between Danis and Paul was the under card for a bout between Misfits’s founder, KSI, and the boxer and Love Island contestant Tommy Fury.KSI was criticised for using homophobic slurs against Tommy Fury’s dad, John FuryCredit: GettyKSI’s meeting with the ex-Love Islander was derided by former world champion Carl FrochCredit: GettyAt least 1.3 million people tuned in to watch the October 2023 fightCredit: ReutersAt the face-off ahead of the much-anticipated fight, a clip of Fury’s father, John Fury, headbutting a Perspex screen in cartoon-like rage went viral. KSI also spat at the senior Fury from a balcony and launched a volley of homophobic slurs against him.Fury eventually emerged victorious by unanimous decision but the pair were soon met with criticism from long-time professionals of the sport.“It’s a load of crap as far as I’m concerned,” former world champion Carl Froch commented shortly after.“They’re not qualified, they’re not experienced or good enough to be in a boxing ring,” he added.You like pork, right?Alex SteinBut while the criticism from the more traditional parts of the boxing world was harsh, no one could deny how successful the event was for Misfits.More than 1.3 million pay-per-views were bought ahead of the fight, potentially generating at least £25million in revenue.And that’s on top of the 21,000 spectators who crammed into Manchester’s AO Area to see the pair battle it out.Racist abuseOther press conferences and fights have also been marred by controversy.In July 2023, right-wing Youtube personality Alex Stein had been due to fight Muslim Youtuber MoDeen.However, Stein ended up being removed from the undercard after throwing hotdogs at his opponents during a press conference and saying, “You like pork, right?”MoDeen, a Muslim TikToker, was subject to racist abuse at Misfits press conferenceCredit: Twitter / Alex SteinRight-wing YouTuber Alex Stein carried out the stunt, which saw him get dropped from the fight cardCredit: Twitter / @StokeyyG2Controversial social media star HSTikkyTokky clashed with his opponent in a hotel lobby after his fight was called offCredit: tiktok/hsboxertokkyMoDeen then had to be held back by security, with the press conference falling apart in the chaos.Other participants in Misfits boxing matches include the social media personality Harrison Sullivan, better known by his username of HSTikkytokky.The controversial influencer was due to face court after allegedly crashing his £220k McLaren, but fled the country.He had been set to get into the ring with opponent Masai Warrior in Qatar, although their fight was called off at the last minute.But this didn’t stop the pair from clashing in the lobby of a hotel in the Gulf state.Masai later commented: “You cancelled the fight, you don’t want to get into the ring, but you’re OK to push and shove in front of your girl. Don’t make no sense to me, Harrison.”Sullivan also spat at and attempted to punch a fan minutes after his victory at another Misfits event in August.READ MORE SUN STORIESA mass-brawl also broke out among the crowd for a Misfits event in London in May of last year.Chairs were thrown at the event at The Troxy before security stepped in and separated those involved. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd players don’t trust Ruben Amorim’s tactics or each other – the utter humiliation by Brighton proved it 

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit a new rock bottom on Sunday as Ruben Amorim labelled this current team the worst in the club’s history.A harrowing, humiliating 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Brighton sees the Red Devils slumped down in 13th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim’s stinker continued with a 3-1 defeat to BrightonCredit: PAThe manager labelled the current crop the worst team in United’s historyCredit: ReutersBrighton outclassed and tactically outdid the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAnd this is also the worst home start to a campaign for more than 130 YEARS. But exactly what went wrong against the Seagulls as United suffered their tenth league defeat of the season?SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins broke down the game in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed… 1. DE LIGT AND YORO WEL BEATENAt 34 years old, United could do with Danny Welbeck back at Old Trafford. How many strikers over a consistent period have done a good a job as him since he left in 2014?READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt was a great performance up front but it was also the way he and Joao Pedro absolutely led Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro on a merry dance.This is not the first time we’ve talked about defenders getting dragged out by a striker on a rope but this is the longest rope I’ve ever seen.It was absolutely ludicrous where they were going.Because both strikers dropped in, both defenders just decided to go with them which then left space for the really dangerous wingers Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma to run into. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDanny Welbeck and Joao Pedro gave the United defenders the runaroundCredit: AlamyLeny Yoro followed Joao Pedro back into midfieldCredit: SunSportThe centre-backs were dragged out of positionCredit: SunSportThe space left allowed the Brighton wingers to run in behindCredit: SunSportKaoru Mitoma caused chaos at Old TraffordCredit: SunSportMatthijs de Ligt left Harry Maguire isolatedCredit: SunSportLeny Yoro ventured forward throughout the gameCredit: SunSportYoro is still getting used to his role in the Red Devils teamCredit: SunSportUnited’s defence was anything but a flat back five when out of possessionCredit: SunSportAs soon as you’ve got those two running in behind, then good luck. It was 4-4-2 demolishing 3-4-3. Ruben Amorim says his team could be the worst in the history of Man Utd It happened all day, not just once. Harry Maguire must have been absolutely doing his nut, ‘Just stay with me.’We’ve talked previously about the positives of a centre-back coming out of the line to meet the ball but that’s when you’re defending on the edge of the box and you go three or four yards to nick it when you’ve got cover behind you, not when you’ve got 50 yards of pitch behind you.The backline was not even a zigzag – that would be a compliment – it was just this higgledy-piggledy line. De Ligt and Yoro, Yoro particularly, didn’t know whether to stick or twist.He looked confused and as though the message of what they’re doing hasn’t got through.For the first goal, De Ligt, where are you going? If he sits, it’s a back pedal and header or a turn and hook clear over his shoulder. It was horrible. 2. WING-BACKS PINNED BACKBut we also have to give enormous credit to Brighton and Fabian Hurzeler. It really was virtually an old-school 4-4-2, albeit with the centre-backs dropping so that the wingers could go on.The United wing-backs don’t trust the centre-backs because they couldn’t afford to push on in case they lost possession as De Ligt and Yoro could not cover as they were occupied by the strikers.So Harry Maguire was kind of like not doing anything – and that’s not a criticism of Maguire – because there was no passing on of players to pick up.Consistently throughout the game, the wing-backs were deeper than the three centre-backs which is mad. Maybe Maguire is being told not to leave that central square and not dragged out of position whatsoever – but they’ve got to be more intelligent. Noussair Mazraoui struggled to cope with MitomaCredit: APUnited lined up in their 3-4-3 formationCredit: SunSportBrighton outplayed them with their own 4-4-2Credit: SunSportWelbeck and Pedro played as false No9s at timesCredit: SunSportThere are two solutions.Either the wing-backs are the ones who actually push on a little bit and invert to cover the space that those strikers are dropping into.The other option is Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo split out and pass the strikers on to them so the defenders can pick up the wingers flying forward. It wasn’t pretty, they were all over the place, and they didn’t solve it at half-time because it kept happening again in the second half.De Ligt and Yoro insisted on following the strikersCredit: SunSportMitoma and Yankuba Minteh exposed the United defenceCredit: SunSportThe Red Devils struggled to cope and did not find a solutionCredit: SunSportOne option could have been for De Ligt to leave Welbeck and pick up MitomaCredit: SunSportYoro could have sat in and retained his positionCredit: SunSportUnited should have been able to deal with Brighton’s two forwards with their three centre-backsCredit: SunSportAnother option would see the wing-backs invert or the midfielders pick up the strikersCredit: SunSportThe defenders could pick up the wingers as they pushed onCredit: SunSport3. I’M A BALEBAYes he gave away the penalty for United after Joshua Zirkzee did very well with his pressing but that was his only mistake because Carlos Baleba was excellent. He was the consistent one, the single pivot who Brighton played off. With the ball, he can drop in between the two centre-backs then without it, he sat in front and just mopped everything up. It was 2v1 – Ugarte and Mainoo against Baleba – but he bossed it. What I liked most was he knew when to go with that direct ball to the wingers and when to put his foot on the ball. Carlos Baleba put in an excellent performance in the heart of midfieldCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee’s intelligent pressing led to the United penaltyCredit: SunSportKaoru Mitoma scored and assisted – just like his other winger Yankuba MintehCredit: GettyIt was a top-class performance and how Manchester United fans wish he was in a red shirt.Would he make them better? Yes, I think he’s better than Ugarte but maybe not quite as technical a footballer as Mainoo but has other things. Plus United haven’t got many players in that position that Amorim trusts. Brighton have got a big job keeping hold of him.4. ONANA, OH-NO-NO!The horrible, horrible error was woeful and let’s not forget at that stage United were still in the game.The set-up looks good with one centre-back going into midfield with one of the two midfielders, usually Ugarte, while the other two centre-backs split and Mainoo can join Bruno Fernandes in the No10s with the wing-backs high and the centre forward.They get into a good position, Onana was brought in because he is good with his feet, but he doesn’t play it and I think it’s because he doesn’t trust the centre-backs to play the pass back.He looks a bit static and doesn’t seem to want to play those ten-yard passes to receive it back to draw the opposition out of position. Andre Onana had a shocker for the Georginio Rutter goalCredit: GettyMaybe it is time for back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to get a go in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyOnana does not look comfortable with the ball at his feetCredit: AlamyIt’s like he’s a bit spooked by the whole scenario and feels like the ball-playing goalkeeper has been stifled by the way that they want to play out. Maybe it’s time for Altay Bayindir to have a go because they’ve got to sort it out very, very quickly.United have done well when they can be a low block, they’ve done okay against teams with a very low block but have struggled against a mid-block. Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA was back to his worst as Manchester United fell to another Old Trafford defeat.It appeared Ruben Amorim’s side had turned a corner in recent weeks with a draw at Anfield and an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Arsenal.But dreadful individual mistakes cost them yet again with Onana the chief culprit.The keeper dropped a huge clanger as he palmed a simple cross straight to Georginio Rutter under no pressure whatsoever.There were few positive notes for the Red Devils as Amad once again provided a spark.Here is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the United display…ANDRE ONANA: 2 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT: 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO: 5 – The £52m youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE: 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3-1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched on.KOBBIE MAINOO: 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT: 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO: 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES: 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE: 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64): 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64): 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84): 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim…RASMUS HOJLUND (for Zirkzee 84): 4 – Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display.5. MISSING IN ACTIONThere’s a very, very high-end nerdy statistic about player positions under certain managers which is effectively worked out by if a player is a striker, where he goes other than that striker position – or how much he deviates from his position.Amorim’s teams – especially Sporting – are very focused and do not deviate much from a rigid structure of what he wants.It is different from average positions but is more similar to heat maps and how concentrated they are.This Manchester United team are all over the place. There was a moment against Southampton where there were seven players in shot and five of them are out of position.Kobbie Mainoo can find himself caught out of positionCredit: AlamyThe alarming lack of danger in the key area was clear to seeCredit: SunSportIt’s just wild that they’re that far out of position and that comes from earlier on in a move where you’ve been sucked out.Mainoo is not unfit or slow but sometimes makes these half-sprints, these jogs out, to the No10 position, doesn’t get there and is played around, leaving Ugarte on his own and he presses and the ball goes around him too then centre-backs are sucked out. They are just not in their positions at all. It just wasn’t very good and it looks like, from the shape, that they aren’t trying very hard. I think they are trying hard. They’re just getting sucked out of positions that they shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne mistake breeds the second one, then the dominoes go and then you’ve got five people out of seven out of position.The solution could be as simple as what a coach does with an Under-11s, Under-12s team and puts the cones out on the pitch and says, ‘You don’t leave your square.’United’s midfield were bypassed by SouthamptonCredit: SunSport / TNT SportsThis grab shows five of United’s seven players out of possessionCredit: SunSport / TNT SportsMainoo likes to go out and press into the No10 position but does not always win the ballCredit: SunSport / TNT Sports More

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      Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel are ‘going to be bigger than the Beckhams’ after he signs landmark £260m contract

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      ERLING HAALAND and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to be a ‘bigger couple that the Beckhams’.Last week, the Man City ace, 24, inked a bumper contract worth £260million over 10 years.Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen are set to become football’s next power coupleCredit: GettySerial winner Haaland recently inked a new 10-year contract at Man City worth £260mCredit: GettyAn insider believes Haaland and partner Isabel could be bigger than the BeckhamsCredit: InstagramIt could see the Norwegian hotshot play for the Premier League giants until he is 24.Incredibly, his new salary will see him earn an astonishing £500,000-per-week.It’s an astronomical amount that will make him one of the richest footballers ever.Those riches will also allow Haaland and his private partner Isabel, who recently welcomed a child into the world, to live an enviable lifestyle.Read more football newsIn terms of financial standing – an insider believes they could outshine David and Victoria Beckham – who boast a reported £455million fortune.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger couple than the Beckhams.”Haaland’s new contract is a landmark deal which until now was unheard of and really puts them both in the spotlight, even though she’s very private and protective.”She knows this deal will attract a great deal of attention. It’s one of the most historic deals in the footballing world ever and means huge money as a result.”Most read in FootballHaaland and Isabel were childhood friends, before they became romantically involved.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ They both played for the same football club when they were kids in their native Norway.As Haaland’s career took off, she joined him on his journey – from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.However, the pretty brunette – who played for Byrne FK in her homeland – has purposefully kept a low-profile.She is believed to work part-time at a fashion store.The source continued: “What is lovely about these two is unlike other football couples, they don’t even need to try and constantly promote themselves – it just comes effortlessly.They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football. “She’s come from very humble beginnings, world’s away from what they have now. “She’s a girl who absolutely loves sport and football – that’s how they met and she’s a footballer herself, and is amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her – not just sporting names but beauty too.   “For them things just happen, and unlike other football couples that are constantly promoting themselves, it just comes effortlessly for them.  “She’s such a lovely girl, who has no airs or graces and has been more than happy to support herself working part-time in a shop. She likes working – not because she has to, but because she wants to.Pretty Isabel grew with Haaland in their native NorwayHumble beauty Isabel played football for Norwegian club Byrne FKRomance blossomed when Haaland’s career took offCredit: Splashread more sport features“She’s known for her kindness, and is happy to talk to everyone. She’s so ‘normal’ by Wag standards – she doesn’t have to try hard and looks good even when playing football. “She’s got the world at her feet, but she’s so humble – she’ll keep both their feet firmly on the ground. With such a mega bucks deal he needs people he can trust and they met at a young age and that’s what’s so lovely about them, he can trust her completely.”With his new contract out there, Haaland could find himself the centre of attention for glam girls lining up to date him.But, family should help him avoid temptation – and the way the couple lead their life, out of the limelight, should make it easier for the lovebirds.The source said: “As with any footballing star there will of course be a string of girls lined up wanting to date him and she will have to have eyes in the back of her head, but she will keep him down to earth and they have a close knit family to support them. “They will be a powerhouse couple. They’ve done some red carpets together before but they don’t seek the limelight and are very choosy – they only do what they want to.”They don’t have to, and this makes her more interesting and creates more intrigue – she doesn’t show off or try to promote herself.”Last summer, Haaland and Isabel were spotted on board a luxury private yacht in Italy.He also owns a £6million holiday home in Marbella, which he visits regularly with Isabel.They enjoy all the trappings that one of the richest sports stars in the world could.But, Isabel isn’t with Haaland for what he offers.The insider explained: “Of course she enjoys the perks of that sort of money and the luxurious lifestyle – the holidays, the shopping – it can get you, but she’s with Haaland for all the right reasons.Isabel celebrates Haaland’s success but prefers to stay out of the limelightCredit: GettyVery rarely do the pair pose on the red carpet togetherCredit: GettyAn insider says Isabel is with Haaland for all the right reasons”She genuinely has a passion for the beautiful game, and that’s the difference – she’s a sports star in her own right and she’s not in it for the luxury. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She also really appreciates everything they have too – she doesn’t take anything for granted.”They’ve both worked hard to get to where they are and she’s not afraid of hard work. They’ll be a breath of fresh air to the footballing world.” More

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      Meet the ‘Hampstead socialite’ who captured Mark Chapman’s heart, five years after his beloved wife died

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      MARK CHAPMAN and his younger girlfriend’s romance is moving fast.The Match of the Day host, 51, appeared to be looking in estate agent’s windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester with Claire Collier, 43, over the weekend.Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman has fallen for the charms of Claire CollierCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierChapman and Claire were seen walking hand-in-hand in Altrincham, Great ManchesterCredit: BackGridClaire is a Dubai-based – but often visits Chapman in ManchesterCredit: Instagram / Clere CollierPals say he has found happiness with Claire, five years on from being widowed.The pretty blonde regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media as their romance continues to blossom.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his birthday, she gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.read more football news“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”The estate agent, who works in Dubai, is twice-divorced, a mother of two, and was once linked with singer Dane Bowers.Despite being based in Dubai — she makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.Before she established her career, Claire worked at the Benham & Reeves agency in Hampstead, North London.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA ‘Hampstead socialite’ – she had an inner circle of celebrity friends.This included drinking pals, radio DJ Chris Moyles and Jason Brown of boyband 5ive.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors While she was a close pal of former Eastenders star Christopher Parker, appearing on several red carpet events together.Claire also helped Premier League footballers find rental homes in North London.Meet the woman who has captured Chappers’ heart.Famous tiesClaire grew up in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.She soon moved to London, where she scored a job at Benham & Reeves in Hampstead, North London.Thanks to the area’s wealthy clientele, she helped the rich and famous find homes.This included sourcing rental homes for wealthy Premier League footballers.Young, and in her early 20s, she frequented the bars and high-end eateries of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Primrose Hill.Claire has been referred to as a ‘Hampstead socialite’Claire has enjoyed living a glam lifestyle through the yearsHer job and good looks attracted celebrity pals, and she became friends with many showbiz names.A source told The Sun: “Claire was a hugely popular fun time girl among her set of friends.”She loved meeting new people and living in Hampstead, and enjoyed letting her hair down in the bars there.”Because of her good looks and outgoing personality she became a magnet for celebrities.”She knew many famous people and was a real Hampstead socialite.”One of her drinking pals was radio DJ Chris Moyles, who she would often meet up with in the pubs around Belsize Park, as well as 5ive boyband member Jason Brown.Another famous friend was TV presenter Jayne Sharp, a former girlfriend of Chris Evans.Often, Claire would find herself on the red carpet of events supporting famous friends.That included former Eastenders star, Christopher Parker.As he found fame as Spencer Moon on the BBC soap, as well as on Strictly Come Dancing in the noughties, Claire would join the actor at glitzy parties, including at Capital FM’s Rock On! Xmas Party in 2005.However, she soon left London for pastures new.Over the years, Claire has associated with celebs including rugby legend Martin OffiahDJ Chris Moyles was one of Claire’s drinking pals in North LondonClaire poses with pal Jason Brown of boyband 5ive fameCredit: Facebook / Clere CollierActor Christopher Parker pose on the red carpet together in 2005Credit: GettyJayne Sharp and Clere Collier party together at the launch of Room 68 in Hampstead, North London in 2006Credit: Ed Watts / Retna UKread more sport featuresMoving to DubaiFor over 15 years Claire has been working in the Middle East.She initially worked for Benham & Reeves, and has over two decades of experience in international real estate.This included running a Dubai property brokerage, managing a portfolio of investors based in East Africa and working with a US based private equity real estate fund.She has since moved to the American company, Lion Real Estate Group – where she is Director of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Europe.But while things have gone well in her professional life, she has been unlucky in love.Claire has been married twice – most recently to ex-husband James for three years, before they split in 2019.She also had a failed marriage with Dubai-based businessman Tomas Kristiansen Wallin.Claire has two children, Freddie, 12, and Florence, 2, from those former relationships.Claire has been married twice and has two childrenAccording to LinkedIn, Claire works for Lion Real Estate GroupCredit: LinkedinNew loveBefore she fell for Chapman, Claire was reported to have dated Another Level boyband star Dane Bowers.A source revealed to the Mail in 2023: “Dane and Claire have been getting to know each other in recent weeks.”They mix in similar circles and have bumped into each other on a few occasions.”However, it’s new Match of the Day host Chapman she is now smitten with.A source told us in early 2024: “It’s early days but Mark and Claire are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.”Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.”He and Claire are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChapman was recently revealed as one of the three presenters of Match of the Day, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby LoganCredit: PAChapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years, before her life was tragically cut by cancerCredit: TwitterIt is Chapman’s first romance since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.He had three children with Sara, who he was married to for 19 years. More

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      I was Premier League club’s record scorer, then I went into local Government and formed a turf company

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      JOHN RICHARDS has been front page news in Wolverhampton again this week after being awarded the freedom of the city.The former striker was rewarded for his outstanding contributions to Wolves, supporting ex-players and his charity work.    Wolves legend John Richards was awarded the freedom of the cityCredit: GettyRichards spent 14 years at Wolves and became their record scorer with 194 goalsCredit: Getty – ContributorWhen it comes to club legends, there are few greater than the man fans call ‘King John’ at Molineux.Richards spent 14 years at Wolves between 1969 and 1983 and became their record goalscorer with 194 until fellow forward Steve Bull passed his mark in 1992.He was the club’s leading scorer in eight out of nine seasons between 1972 and 1981, helped them to two League Cup wins — even scoring the Wembley winner in the 1974 final against Manchester City.After packing away his boots and going into local government in 1985, he returned to the club in 1995 during the Jack Hayward era, first as a non-executive director and then as the club’s managing director.Read More on FootballLast year he was named Wolves’ third vice-president alongside Bull and Robert Plant following the death of Ron Flowers.In his pomp, Richards was a match for any striker in English football.He was a ‘fox in the box’ with speed and pace but with an intelligence and sharp instinct of always being in the right place at the right time.Now 74, Richards takes a deep breath and says: “It’s 56 years ago when I first joined Wolves. Man was just walking on the moon in 1969 when I signed a contract here. There’s been a few steps taken since then!Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I am honoured to be back at the club as vice-president. It means the world to me.”Richards is also chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, another role he talks about with great passion.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira reveals his difficulties with Mario Lemina He added: “It gives me the opportunity to be part of a group of players from different eras, who have become lifelong friends and, beyond that, an extended family for me.”For one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, it is baffling that Richards only ever played at Wembley twice in his 16-year career and won just one England cap.He said: “For me, playing at Wembley meant everything. In my era, so few games were played at the national stadium. There were a lot of wonderful players of my generation who never played there.“I consider myself very lucky that my two games at Wembley were both finals and we won them both.“Last year we had a reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of that 1974 League Cup victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1. I was grateful to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining.“It was a joy to share it with so many supporters, who wanted to tell me their stories of celebrating after the game and not getting back home until the Monday!How it started“In the end I was more absorbed by their anecdotes than what we did on the pitch.“Against Nottingham Forest six years later, we always found them tough to beat but to win it I still get goosebumps  reliving that day.“As for England, I played a few times at different levels but only had one senior cap. I never quite took the opportunity.”As a teenager, Richards was spotted playing for Lancashire Grammar School against a team who had a Wolves scout among their staff.He said: “He asked me if I was assigned to any club and offered me a trial. I went along and from there I was offered a one-year contract, moving up from the third team and then reserves before the first team in just over a year.”Richards made his debut for the black and gold at West Brom in February  1970.Successful debutHe recalled: “Derek Dougan was injured but I didn’t know until the Friday that I would be playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t even know where West Bromwich was, let alone the rivalry between the  sides.“I soon found out as it was quite hostile. I thought I played okay, it was a 3-3 draw and I thought we were unlucky not to win.“I scored my opening first-team goal a year later against  Huddersfield. It wasn’t the best shot  but it went in and is one of those unforgettable moments.“That Wolves side in the early to mid seventies was exceptional and I was lucky to play with so many  talented players.”After 14 years he moved on loan to Derby in 1982 and then joined Portugal’s Maritimo for two seasons.He said: “I moved because at that time I wasn’t getting any minutes. Derby were struggling when I joined but I’m pleased to say they stayed up.“Playing abroad in Portugal was another great opportunity.”Despite scoring 23 league goals in 44 games for Maritimo, Richards and his family headed back to England in 1985, with his eldest daughter due to move into secondary school.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe became Wolves’ managing director in 1997, then from 2001  formed Pitchcare — a sports turf service provider — with Wolves groundsman Dave Saltman.They sold the business to Agro-vista UK in 2020 and Richards added: “It had been a richly rewarding 18 years. I think Dave felt it was the right time to step down and I felt exactly the same.” More

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      I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

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      LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      I used to be a Six Nations rugby star but now I’m working in security at Tyson Fury fights

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      A FORMER Wales star has swapped the rugby pitch for a high-profile security job – which involves working at Tyson Fury events.Lou Reed hung up his boots in 2017 after getting fed up with the wear and tear the gruelling sport had on his body.Former Wales international Lou Reed retired from rugby in 2017Credit: GETTYReed now spends his days working security at boxing eventsCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514Reed was in attendance for Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last DecemberCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514The former Scarlets and Cardiff star now passes the time by being a heavy for Lyons Den Security security firm, which is part of former heavyweight champion Fury’s wider security team.During an appearance on the BBC’s Scrum V podcast, he told former team-mates Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkis: “I’m a medical salesman, for now, and a little bit of security.”It’s quite broad, it’s quite different but it seems to have helped me with the transition [from rugby], which is daunting for anyone.”When I called it a day on my career, I sent a couple of emails out.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I was actually in Morgan Stoddart’s rental home in Aberporth, and I sent an email to a guy from Bridgend who was in charge of Wimbledon security.”I was then on the tennis courts at Wimbledon, a complete baptism of fire because I had no experience on the radio.”These guys are military trained on the radios, they know everything about everything and there was me on Court Three with all the top seeds, trying to work out where I fit in.”But it served me well, keep it light and wing it and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m [now] part of Tyson Fury’s security team, the wider security team.”We work closely with the Riyadh Season over in Saudi Arabia and if there’s work in the UK, we also jump in and do that. We travel the world.”Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionReed’s primary gig is looking after iconic announcer and boxing Hall of Famer Michael Buffer, who he’s developed a good relationship with.He said: “My exclusive job in Saudi Arabia is to deal with Michael Buffer, the ring announcer.”How that came about was someone needed a break and the door was empty, so I was told to stand on the door.”He came out and we started chatting, light-hearted. It’s very difficult sometimes in security because you’re there to do a really serious job, but you can be diligent and light-hearted, you’re easy to be around.”I think I went above and beyond really, because that’s how I like to treat people. “I made him feel good and got the rota for his day and tried to stick to it and communicate with him.”Essentially, I would walk him to the stage, he’d do his announcing and I’d walk him back to his car, keep fans who were a bit overzealous from getting on to him, and that would be my week.Lou Reed’s main job in Saudi Arabia is looking after iconic announcer Michael BufferCredit: GETTY”There’d be a press conference where he would be announcing it and I’d stand at the side of the stage, there would be weigh-ins, where the boys would stop the fighters from getting at each other.”Some do it for the camera but others are genuinely that passionate.”It’s been seven years since former lock Reed, who played for his country in the Six Nations, announced his retirement.But his new job sometimes reminds him of the life he left behind aged just 30.He continued: “For the night itself, I get to the arena and walk him into the ring, down the actual fighters walk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s in a stadium so I get that rugby feel, I really do. “I don’t struggle from not playing rugby but it’s really nice to dip your toe in now and again.” More