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      in Soccer

      Meet Tamworth captain Ben Milnes, 33, as he looks to down Tottenham with brutal ice bin routine

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      TAMWORTH captain Ben Milnes will have ice in his veins when he leads the National League minnows out against mighty Tottenham tomorrow.Which is hardly surprising for anyone who witnessed his chilling post-training ritual on Thursday night.Lambs skipper Ben Milnes will be dreaming it’s freeze and easy for Tamworth against Premier League giants TottenhamMilnes says his icy encounter makes him feel warmer on the pitchCredit: Roland LeonAs temperatures plunged to -4C, Milnes finished training on the frost-covered pitch at Tamworth’s ground The Lamb — then plunged straight into a wheely-bin full of icy water to chill out for five minutes!And Milnes, 33, reckons it is a brrrrrilliant way to warm-up for the biggest game of his career as it helps his body’s recovery process.While Premier League Spurs have state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers at their plush Hotspur Way training ground, Milnes had to make do with a more humble container and several bags of ice.As  the temperatures plunged after part-time Tamworth’s only training session of the week, Milnes told SunSport: “It makes it feel warmer when it’s this cold outside.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“I do it after every Thursday night training session before games.”Most people reckon that tiny Tamworth, who are 2,500-1 shots to win this year’s FA Cup, have snow chance of creating one of the biggest upsets of all time tomorrow.But the part-time Lambs will be going flat out to put on a show in the hope of making Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s blood run cold.Milnes goes into bat for Tamworth looking to hit their visitors for six and turn Aussie Ange Postecoglou’s FA Cup dream to “Ashes”.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause the midfielder could just as easily have been playing professional cricket instead of trying to make Spurs stumble on a sticky wicket. In fact, his cricket-playing brother will be at The Lamb roaring him on.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsThe Tamworth skipper said: “My younger brother Matt Milnes plays cricket for Yorkshire.“He played for England Lions a few years ago when they toured Australia.“He could have gone on to represent England but he’s had a few bad injuries over the last couple of years including a stress fracture of the back and hasn’t played much recently.”Milnes was also a big hit at cricket as a youngster and for a while it was touch and go which career path he would choose.He added: “My dad Mark played football and cricket and I played both when I was  younger too.“I played for Notts Academy and the Midlands age groups, so I was at a decent level.“But when I was around 14 or 15 I had to choose which route I wanted to go down and I chose football, while Matt chose cricket. Cricket is too slow for me. “Matt will be here for the game. He also came for our Boxing Day match against Forest Green. I go to watch him whenever I can, too.“One of the biggest games he’s played in was when they won the Twenty20 final with Kent a few years ago — but I was playing for Buxton at the time and missed it.Tamworth boss Andy Peaks hopes it’s all pointing to an upsetCredit: Roland Leon“I haven’t managed to get  to too many of his biggest games but the really big games are always on TV  so I am able to watch him most of the time.”Milnes — who runs a financial planning business with his wife — admits he is living the dream right now after bagging a hat-trick of footballing titles on the spin in the last 2½ years.He added: “I’ve won three in three which is not bad. “I won the Northern League Premier Division with Buxton, then joined Tamworth and won the Southern League Premier Division, then followed that up by winning the National League North.“I don’t think I’m going to keep that record going in the National League this year.“But it was always going to be pretty hard to beat three titles in three years.“If we stay up this year it will definitely feel like winning another title.“When you consider the teams we are coming  up against and their  facilities, budgets and players with league experience then it would feel very special.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But beating Spurs would feel like winning a hat-trick of titles all over again in 90 minutes!“Occasion-wise this is definitely the biggest game I’ve ever played — even though realistically it’s not the most important because the league really is our bread and butter.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars’ wages revealed as Amad Diallo TRIPLES salary with new contract – but shock name is bottom

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      AMAD DIALLO has earned a huge pay rise at Manchester United thanks to a bumper new contract.The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a new five-and-a-half year deal this week, extending his stay at Old Trafford to June 2030.Amad Diallo has penned a new £100,000-a-week contractCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old has tripled his salaryCredit: GettyAmad will now take home £100,000-a-week – over three times the amount he earned previously.He said: “I am really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already but there is so much more to come. I have huge ambitions in the game and I want to achieve history at Manchester United. “I have learnt so much since arriving here four years ago; I am very grateful to the coaches and staff who have helped me to develop, and to the fans for driving me forward every day.  “It has been a difficult season for everyone, but I fully believe that we are on the right path and the future is going to be really special.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I am ready to give everything to help the team and make our supporters proud again.”Amad’s new deal bumps him much higher in Man Utd’s wage list and above the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.Meanwhile, academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo reportedly earns the least out of all United players.Casemiro tops the list as the club’s highest earner, taking home a whopping £375,000-a-week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasemiro is still United’s highest earnerCredit: GettyHe is followed by Marcus Rashford and club captain Bruno Fernandes, who both earn a weekly wage of £325k.The Red Devils will reportedly look to get Rashford off their wage bill this year amid a run of poor performances.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterAC Milan and Tottenham are allegedly among the clubs interested, but he will likely have to accept a significant pay-cut.Mason Mount – who has made just 32 appearances since joining Man Utd in July 2023 – ranks fourth in the club’s list of earners, pocketing £250,000-a-week.And under-fire Antony – who cost the Red Devils £86million almost three years ago – earns a weekly wage of £200k.He is followed by the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Andre Onana and Leny Yoro are all among the players in the middle of the list, as are summer signings Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. More

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      in Soccer

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

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

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Heartbroken British boxing champion fighting in honour of his little sister after her tragic death aged just 19

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      CALLUM SIMPSON begins honouring little sister Lily-Rae’s memory on Saturday night with his first British title defence.On August 3, the Barnsley middleweight grabbed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak Chelli.Callum Simpson returns to the ring on Saturday night to defend his British middleweight titleCredit: RICHARD PELHAMSimspon enters the fight with a heavy heart following the passing of his sister, Lily-RaeCredit: @CALLUMSIMPSimpson plans to honour his late sister for the rest of his careerCredit: @CALLUMSIMPAnd, in social media posts since shared by his broadcaster Sky Sports, his proud 19-year-old sibling was filmed singing her big brother’s name and celebrating his success.Tragically, just two weeks later while on the first night of a holiday in Greece, Lily-Rae was in a road accident and eventually died after a 10-day coma.The last six months have been brutal for the Yorkshire lad but he knows his No.1 fan would want him to carry on – and he can do so while paying a perfect tribute to her.Ahead of his Sheffield bout with Steed Woodall, 28-year-old Simpson said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will never stop talking about her. I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.Most read in BoxingCallum Simpson insists he’ll never stop talking about his late sisterCredit: INSTAGRAM@CALLUMSIMP“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchSimpson really does beam when he fights back tears to talk about her.But the last six months have left him realising all the wonderful milestones they would have shared will now go unfulfilled.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted from Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.Callum Simpson claimed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak ChelliCredit: GETTYHe’ll make his miaden defence of the belt against Steed WoodallCredit: GETTY“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.”In the chief support, Caroline Dubois defends her WBC lightweight world title for the first time against Jessica Camara and fancies tempting WBO queen Terri Harper with a big payday next.“It’s up to Terri and her team,” the 23-year-old super-talent said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I think will convince her is the money we put on the line and, once we do that, I am sure she will take the fight.“But then I truly believe I stop her, just by being more aggressive.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho will join elite club if he makes shock Premier League return at Everton that includes Pardew and Bruce

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      JOSE MOURINHO has emerged as the shock favourite to replace Sean Dyche at Everton.Toffees manager Dyche was sacked today following The Friedkin Group’s £400million takeover at Goodison Park.Jose Mourinho has emerged as a top candidate for the Everton jobCredit: GettyDyche, 53, was given the elbow with Everton 16th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.And ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho could be in line to replace him – even though he was sacked by Dan Friedkin just one year ago.Friedkin – also the owner of Serie A side Roma – got rid of the Portuguese manager following a poor run of results.Mourinho subsequently joined Fenerbahce five months later, but he is understood to be unhappy in Turkey and could seek a move elsewhere.Read More on MourinhoIn October, he issued a come-and-get-me plea to Prem clubs after growing frustrated with UEFA competitions.He said: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in Uefa competition.”So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. I don’t want to speak any more about it.”Mourinho is one of the bookies’ favourites to take charge at Goodison Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Everton boss David Moyes is also fancied for a return to the club.The Scot was in charge of Everton for 11 years and is currently without a job after leaving West Ham at the end of last season.Should Mourinho accept the Everton job, he would be added to an exclusive list of managers who have taken charge of at least FOUR Premier League clubs…Neil Warnock – 4 clubsWarnock’s first taste of Premier League action came with Sheffield United back in 2006 after he led the club to promotion by finishing second in the Championship.However, the Blades were relegated back down to the second tier after just one season.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig The 76-year-old has also managed Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers.He is currently out of management but has a role as football advisor at Torquay United.Graeme Souness – 4 clubsBefore becoming a pundit, Liverpool icon Souness managed 281 Prem games.He spent three years with Liverpool before going on to manage Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle.Since leaving St James’ Park in 2006, Souness has not returned to management.Marco Silva – 4 clubsAs things stand, Silva is the only name on this list to still be working in the Premier League.The 47-year-old is currently enjoying a spell at Fulham, having joined in 2021.Silva has also managed Everton, Watford and Hull City, amassing 191 games in total.Marco Silva is currently in charge of FulhamCredit: GettyClaudio Ranieri – 4 clubsThe Italian achieved arguably the most impressive feat of anyone on this list – winning the Premier League with Leicester City.Ranieri lifted the trophy at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after an incredible run.However, he was dismissed the following year after Leicester plummeted down the table.The 73-year-old has also led Chelsea, Fulham and Watford in the Prem.Claudio Ranieri won the Prem with Leicester in 2016Credit: PA:Empics SportRafa Benitez – 4 clubsThe Spaniard has taken charge of both Merseyside clubs during his career.His biggest achievement came in 2005 when he won the Champions League with Liverpool.Benitez has also managed Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton.He last managed Celta Vigo for 10 months before being sacked in March 2024.Ron Atkinson – 4 clubsThe 85-year-old took the step into management in the 1970s but went on to manage four clubs in the Premier League era.Before retiring in 1999, Atkinson took charge of Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City and Aston Villa.David Moyes – 4 clubsMoyes is one of the Premier League’s most iconic managers.He spent 11 years at Goodison Park leading Everton towards the start of his coaching career before being chosen as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United.The Scot lasted just nine months in the job and later joined Real Sociedad.But he returned to the Prem in July 2016 to join Sunderland.Moyes most recently enjoyed a five-year stint with West Ham, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2023 before leaving the following year.The ex-Hammers boss is also believed to be under consideration by TFG for the Everton job.David Moyes last managed West HamCredit: PAChris Hughton – 4 clubsHughton managed 169 Prem games across his spells with Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich and Brighton.His longest stint as a top tier manager came with the Seagulls between 2014 and 2019 before he got sacked despite leading the club to safety.Alan Pardew – 5 clubsPardew managed 318 Premier League games throughout his career with the likes of West Brom, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Charlton and West Ham.The majority of his time as a manager has been spent in England, but in recent years he left to coach Dutch side ADO Den Haag, Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia and Greek outfit Aris.Steve Bruce – 5 clubsAnother Prem icon, Bruce has led five different clubs in England’s top division.Across 477 games, the 64-year-old spent time with Newcastle, Hull, Sunderland, Wigan and Birmingham.He is currently in charge of Blackpool, having taken the reigns last year.Steve Bruce has managed 477 Prem gamesCredit: PAHarry Redknapp – 5 clubs One of the most beloved figures in English football, Redknapp has been involved in 642 Prem games.QPR, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Southampton and West Ham are all among the clubs he coached before retiring in 2017.After stepping away from the game he won reality TV show ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’ and was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018.He now has an advisory role at Bournemouth.Mark Hughes – 6 clubsHughes has managed six different clubs in the Premier League era.Spells at Southampton, Stoke, QPR, Fulham, Manchester City and Blackburn made up his 12 years in the top division.His longest stint was with Stoke, where he spent five years after joining in 2013.Roy Hodgson – 6 clubsHodgson most recently managed Crystal Palace in the Prem, only leaving last February following his 200th match for the club.He was allegedly on the verge of being sacked by the Eagles before stepping down and retiring.The 77-year-old has also managed Watford, West Brom, Liverpool, Fulham and Blackburn.As well as his club career, Hodgson spent four years as England manager before getting sacked in 2016.Roy Hodgson left Crystal Palace and retired last yearCredit: ReutersSam Allardyce – 9 clubsTopping the list of the most clubs managed in the Premier League is Allardyce with a whopping nine to his name.He also holds the record for the shortest tenure of any Prem manager – 30 days with Leeds at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.The 70-year-old was appointed on a temporary basis as the club made a desperate attempt to stay in the top tier, but they were relegated to the Championship.Allardyce has not had a job since. The Dudley-born manager has also coached West Brom, Everton, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, West Ham, Blackburn, Newcastle and Bolton.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he infamously managed England for just one game before stepping down.He spent just 67 days in charge of the national team and left following allegations of malpractice.Sam Allardyce has managed the most Prem clubsCredit: AFPManagers who have worked at four Premier League clubs or more More

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      in Soccer

      I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

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

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals dream career change after football and is already taking lessons

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is already preparing for life post-football – and dreaming of the silver screen. The former Arsenal striker has scored goals for fun since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is enjoying his football again in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is already considering a post-retirement career moveCredit: GettyAubameyang linked up with the Saudi title challengers over the summer after leaving Marseille. The 35-year-old has refound his scoring touch, netting seven times in just 12 games.Aubameyang knows his football career is moving towards its final stages.But the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has revealed he is already in training for a new profession. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gabon international has taken acting lessons as he looks to become a film star post-retirement. When asked his favourite acting genre, Aubameyang told The Athletic: “Comedy, for sure!”If you see me in a film that’s too serious then nah, you will not believe it. “If it’s comedy, yes, you’re going to believe it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAubameyang is “taking private lessons to master the art” of achieving his “dream” job.But the ex-Prem ace also revealed he would be open to staying in football.Former Arsenal star Aubameyang breaks down in tears and is consoled after Marseille are KO’d from Europa LeagueHe prefers the idea of club ownership or becoming a sporting director over coaching.A spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille helped Aubameyang fall back in love with football after a miserable spell with Chelsea.He told the outlet: “I never had that connection [with the Chelsea fans]. “No connections at all. The fans wanted the Auba they saw with Arsenal. “It was a chaotic year but it was good for me because I needed a break and, at the same time, they didn’t want to play me.”Aubameyang is taking private lessons to become an actorCredit: Instagram @aubaThe striker’s family are also piecing their life back together after a terrifying home robbery during his time at Barcelona. Auba and his family were burgled at gunpoint in August 2022, leaving kids Curtys and Pierre terrified to sleep in their own beds.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “After that, the kids told me, ‘Papa, I don’t want to go to school, I’m scared something is going to happen there’. “For a year my little one said, ‘I cannot sleep alone’. It was a big struggle. You have it always in the mind.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Roberto Carlos’ wild life with 11 children from seven women as he faces divorce and battles for £133m fortune

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      BRAZIL legend Roberto Carlos’ life away from football is as colourful as the kits he used to wear for his country.Incredibly, the marauding left-back with the huge thighs – famous for scoring the greatest free kick of all time – admitted in the past he fathered 11 children with seven different women.Roberto Carlos has amassed a £133million fortune thanks to a glittering football careerCredit: GettyCarlos and second wife Mariana Luccon have reportedly split with a messy divorce settlement expectedCredit: GettyCarlos shared this photo in 2016 and captioned the snap ‘My children’Credit: Instagram @oficialrc3The ladies’ man, with a £133million fortune, is currently going through a bitter divorce with wife of over 15 years, Mariana Luccon.They have two children together, Manuela and Marina.However, Estadio Deportivo claims the pair have gone their separate ways – and a war over his fortune has begun.The report adds that Carlos has been allegedly sleeping at Real Madrid’s training ground – the club he appeared 527 times for and won four La Liga and three Champions League titles.Read more in footballCarlos has since denied the claims, insisting he remains “at a private residence, supported by members of my family.”But the latest chapter in Carlos’ life adds to the mad existence he leads.Not only does he have a ‘futsal team’ worth of children.He’s also best pals with the original Ronaldo, sometimes known simply as R9.Most read in FootballWhile he is still keen on showing off his football skills – turning out on Sunday League pitches on our shores.SunSport looks at how Carlos continues to amaze.Roberto Carlos says Jude Belingham is as good as Zinedine Zidane’He has enough to set up a futsal team’Carlos had been in a happy marriage to Mariana from 2009.But according to TV show Fiesta, they have decided to walk away from their nuptials.The Brazilian beauty managed to stay out the limelight during her time with one of the most famous footballers of his generation, keeping her personal life off social media.However, she did appear in some Nike adverts, as well as on the red carpet with their two shared children.In an interview in 2015 with Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol, Carlos admitted he fathered 11 kids.A video clip of his confession went viral on social media.He said: “Now I live with Manuela and I have several around. I have 7 in Brazil. I have one in Mexico, I have one in Hungary who lives in Alicante and the others live in Brazil.”Three of those children, Roberta, Giovanna, and Roberto Carlos Jr were born from his first marriage to Alexandra Pinheiro.Others born out of wedlock include Rebeca, Christopher, and Carlos Eduardo. The identity of all 11 children isn’t known.Carlos appeared on Spanish kids’ show El Hormiguero alongside former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista in 2018, when the subject of children was brought up.Baptista hilariously told the host Pablo Motos: “He has enough to set up a futsal team and with some substitutes.”Chris, now 22, appeared for CD Canillas – a feeder club for Real Madrid – as he aimed to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.Marina, left, and Manuela, right, pose with their dad on Father’s DayRebeca da Silva Rocha attends an event with Carlos last yearCredit: AlamySon Christopher, now 22, was born to a Hungarian mumChristoper, seen with former model Alexandra Horvath, who had a fling with CarlosCarlos became a grandad at 44 when daughter Giovanna gave birth to her first child they called PedroCarlos shows of daughter Marina during a legends’ gameCredit: GettyThree of Carlos’ children were born from his first marriage to Alexandra PinheiroCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresDaughter Giovanna, 27, gave birth to her first child in 2017 she called Pedro, making Carlos a grandad at 44.Football friendIn the past, 5ft 6in Carlos has been linked with a string of stunning women.Before his marriage to Mariana, he was in a romance with Brazilian model Jane Borges.There was another relationship with Hungarian supermodel Alexandra Horvath, who he shares son Christopher with.However, despite all those women in his life – it’s a close bond with ‘Blood Brother’ Ronaldo who he has spent more time ‘sleeping’ with. In a hilarious interview with the late Grant Wahl for Sports Illustrated, R9 revealed: “My best team-mate was Roberto Carlos.”I slept more in the same room with Roberto Carlos in training camps than with all the women I’ve been with in my life!”I spent all my life with Roberto Carlos for 20 years: with the national team, with Real Madrid, with Corinthians.”Famously, Ronaldo credits Carlos with saving his life when he suffered a seizure before the 1998 World Cup final against France.Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, seen with Pele, are ‘Blood Brothers’Credit: ReutersRonaldo credits former roommate Carlos with saving his life ahead of the 1998 World Cup finalCredit: ReutersRonaldo once joked he slept more times with Carlos than any woman in his lifeIt put his place in the starting eleven in jeopardy, as a riddle over whether he would play ensued.“For me, it was so simple to take care of Ronaldo,” Carlos said in the documentary Brazil 2002: The Real Story.“We were sharing a room and it was something natural, instinctive. ‘OK, there is something happening, I need to help, to call a doctor and get the situation sorted out.’”I just shouted for the doctor and the players who were in the rooms nearby, Leonardo, Edmundo …”Carlos added:“It could have been something worse if there was not someone in the room with him.“Today, the players don’t share rooms, so …”Making moves after retirementAcross three decades, Carlos was one of the most recognisable and bankable footballers on the planet.Not only did he enjoy huge pay days at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he also seized on an opportunity to sign with Anzhi Makhachkala in his later years in a deal worth around £8.3million over two years.The president of the oil and mining-rich Russian club would also gift him a £1million Bugatti Veyron car on his birthday.Alongside his playing contracts, he enjoyed sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, and Gillette.Legend Carlos famously scored the greatest free kick of all time against France in 1997Credit: GettyAlthough he announced his retirement in 2012, he laced up his boots three times as a player manager for Delhi DynamosCredit: Getty He announced his retirement as a player in 2012 at the age of 39.Although, that didn’t stop him from lacing up his boots to play in the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos, as he became a player manager there during the 2015-16 season.Astonishingly, for the heady heights Carlos reached during his football career, he once rolled back the years to play for a Sunday League outfit in Shrewsbury.He came on as a sub for pub side Bull in the Barne United in 2022, scoring from the penalty spot during his brief cameo.However, that wasn’t enough to help his team avoid a 4-3 loss during the friendly match.Carlos said before the match: “I’m excited to play for Bull in the Barne in Shrewsbury, paying homage to when I nearly signed for Birmingham City in the 90s, which is very close by.”I’ve heard that the team’s been down a number of players this season, so here’s hoping my training is enough to help them up their game and bring what Bull in the Barne’s fans want to see!”Carlos’ estimated wealth, which stands at £133million, has been earned from a glistening football career, as well as some savvy investments, including a property portfolio.According to Spanish reports, Mariana is continuing to live at their main home in Madrid.His in-laws are said to be living in his second property in the Spanish capital.This has seen Carlos move into Madrid’s training ground in Valdebebas.In 2022, Carlos had fun playing for Sunday League pub side Bull in the Barne UnitedCredit: AFPCarlos is reportedly being put up at Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: YouTubeThe training ground boasts apartments that overlook the training pitchesThe plush complex has its own swimming poolMariana Luccon and Roberto Carlos looks set to battle over his £133m fortuneCredit: GettyThat boasts small apartments, usually reserved for youth stars, complete with Real Madrid bedding featuring the club badge on the pillow cases.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a balcony that overlooks the training pitches too, as well as a swimming pool and gym.That will now come under threat as his divorce settlement with Mariana gathers pace. 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