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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs to become dad for third time aged 50 with lingerie model girlfriend, 36

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      RYAN Giggs is set to become a dad for the third time aged 50.The Manchester United legend and girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, are expecting a baby later this year.Ryan Giggs, 50, is expecting a baby later this year with girlfriend Zara Charles, 36The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: ReutersStacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: The Picture Library LtdGiggs, who has two kids from a previous marriage, and mum-of-one Zara are said to be “delighted”.Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival later this year.Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.Lingerie model Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.A source said: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.“But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.Most read in Football“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again.“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.Ryan Giggs is cleared and WON’T face another retrial as domestic abuse case over ‘attacking ex Kate Greville’ collapses“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”A separate source said Stacey — who divorced Giggs in 2017 after ten years of marriage — has also given her blessing.’Blended family’She, Giggs and Zara spent Christmas together in December 2022 as a “blended family”, a source confirmed.They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara, who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan. “So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”Zara and Ryan are said to be ‘delighted’ at the news, the pair pictured this monthCredit: BackGridFriends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrivalCredit: BackGridStacey approves of ZaraSourceThe couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.Zara supported him through his assault trial after he was charged with attacking his ex-lover Kate Greville and her sister Emma during a drunken row at his home in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, in November 2020.He was also charged with controlling coercive behaviour towards PR executive Kate during their three-year relationship.During the trial, the jury was told how Kate had accused Giggs of cheating on her with several women, including Zara.In a goodbye letter Kate penned to Giggs, she wrote: “You and Zara were also in a full-on relationship for a year. “I could go on but I think that’s enough. You got your guy from Harrods to send her shoes, bags, and dresses.”A jury failed to reach a verdict in August 2022 and Giggs — who always denied any wrongdoing — made a point of publicly thanking “my girlfriend Zara” for support.He faced a retrial but in 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges after Kate said she did not want to give evidence, citing the toll the first trial had taken on her mental health. Judge Hilary Manley then told Manchester crown court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of each of the three counts.”Giggs’s lawyer Chris Daw said at the time: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.“He’s now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”Giggs stepped down from his job as Wales national team manager in June 2022 ahead of the first trial. He has since been trying to rebuild his life out of the spotlight.Last month it emerged he was working again as Salford City’s director of football.Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents againSourceFlying winger Giggs joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.He made 963 appearances and managed the club for four games at the end of the 2014 season after David Moyes was sacked.He then worked as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before leaving when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe won 64 Wales caps and was appointed national team boss in January 2018. Current boss Rob Page was appointed in his place in 2022.Giggs and his girlfriend live in a £2.1million mansion which he bought last yearCredit: Getty – ContributorThe football legend outside Manchester Crown Court during his trialCredit: PA More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

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      RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. More

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      Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winners

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reached the historic milestone of handing 250 academy graduates their debuts last night.With his late introduction in the 4-2 win over Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley landed the honour of being the club’s 250th homegrown player.Ethan Wheatley became the 250th Man Utd academy graduate to make the first team when he came on against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club has a rich history of bringing through talentCredit: GettySome 117 of these debuts have come at Old Trafford, with Wheatley’s bow being the 35th in the Premier League era.The club’s two greatest managers, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, built dynasties off the back of the Red Devils academy.Busby famously said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, while Ferguson said: “Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down.”These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince 1937, every single Man Utd matchday squad has featured an academy graduate.The Class of 92 and Busby Babes are the most famous generations of recruits, but across the club’s illustrious history there have been some real titans of football emerging from the youth ranks.Below we take a look at the best XI of academy players to play for the club… and some of the massive names who didn’t quite make the grade.GK – David GaskellDavid Gaskell won two league titles with Man UtdCredit: Rex FeaturesDavid Gaskell, 83, stood in goal for Man Utd over a 13-year career, making 113 appearances for the club and becoming the the youngest-ever player when he made his debut in 1956.Most read in FootballGaskell played largely as a deputy to the likes of Alex Stepney under Busby but won a Community Shield and FA Cup before retrospectively being awarded medals for the 1965 and 1967 Division One titles. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRB – Gary NevilleGary Neville was one of the club’s famous Class of 92Credit: PA:Empics SportOne-club man Gary Neville was of the Class of 92 and was a stalwart at right-back for almost two decades at Old Trafford, making more than 602 appearances.With a CV including 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups among other accolades, it’s little surprise he has found talking about the game on Sky Sports so easy.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCB – Duncan EdwardsDuncan Edwards looked set to become an all-time great before his death in the Munich air disasterCredit: PA:Press AssociationDescribed by Busby as “the most complete player I’ve ever seen,” Duncan Edwards looked destined to become one of the all-time great defenders for both club and country.But the Munich Air Disaster of 1958 robbed Edwards, who had made 151 league appearances for United and won 18 England caps by the age of just 21, of forging a legacy like no other.CB – Bill FoulkesBill Foulkes, left, survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to star for 17 years at Man UtdCredit: PA:Press AssociationLike Edwards, Bill Foulkes is a name synonymous with the club’s tragic past. He was one of the lucky few to survive Munich and went on to define the club’s resolve and determination to be the best in Europe.Foulkes starred at the club for 17 years and played in 688 matches, scoring only nine goals – though one of those put Man Utd into the 1968 European Cup final. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.LB – Phil NevillePhil Neville won six Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe younger of the Neville brothers, Phil made 383 appearances for United. He won six Premier League titles and was a key part of the Treble-winning team of 1999.Neville swapped Old Trafford for Goodison Park in 2005, where he developed into a central midfielder and made more than 300 appearances. CM – Nobby StilesNobby Stiles was a 1966 World Cup winner and 1968 European Cup winnerCredit: PAMaking his debut in 1960, Nobby Stiles went on to make 395 appearances for the Red Devils as a key part of Busby’s engine room.Stiles, who could also play centre-back, won two Division One titles, the European Cup in 1968 and was a member of England and Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winning team. He died in 2020 aged 78.CM – Paul ScholesPaul Scholes was one of the best passers the Premier League has seenCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother graduate from the Class of 92, Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for the club up to his full retirement in 2013, scoring 155 goals and winning 11 league titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups.The 49-year-old’s quality can perhaps best be summarised by Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane, who said: “One of my regrets is the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”CM – Bobby CharltonBallon d’Or winner Sir Bobby Charlton is the club’s all-time leading academy goalscorerCredit: GettyThe first Ballon d’Or winner on this list was another member of the Busby Babes. Over a 15-year career at United, Charlton scored 249 goals.There is no higher praise from a club than to name a stand after you, and with the “Sir Bobby Charlton stand” opening in 2016, the 1966 Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner achieved that goal. He died aged 86 in October 2023.RM – George BestGeorge Best was football’s first rock-and-roll superstarCredit: PA:Empics SportThe second Ballon d’Or winner on the list, George Best was arguably football’s first true superstar and defined the rock-and-roll lifestyle.When he was found by Man Utd scout Bob Bishop, he wrote to Busby saying: “I think I’ve found you a genius.”He wasn’t wrong, and the Belfast Boy landed Busby two English titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup. He died in 2005.LM – Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs is the Premier League’s all-time assist leaderCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnother of the Class of 92, Ryan Giggs’ trophy cabinet in English football is second to none, with his longevity in moving from an exciting winger to cultured midfielder showing his quality.He is miles clear in the all-time Premier League assists with 162. He also leads the charts for trophies won, with 13 titles to his name. In all he played 961 games for the Red Devils.ST – Mark HughesMark Hughes, left, was the ace that led Man Utd to the first two Premier League titlesCredit: Getty – ContributorMark Hughes graduated from the club’s academy but did not earn his status as a club legend until he had returned to Manchester from spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Hughes played 435 times for United and scored 151 goals to help the Red Devils land their first two Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Uefa Supercup.Man Utd’s best academy graduates on paperA number of big names missed out on places in our xi, but that is not to diminish their standing as Man Utd greats.Two members of the Class of 92, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, who a raft of trophies with the club.There were also steady stars from the mid 2000s such as John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher, not to mention the likes of Gerard Pique who went on to be a dominant defender for Barcelona.Arthur Albiston only narrowly missed out on a spot at left-back, but we opted to for Neville’s trophy record despite Albiston’s years of faithful service to the Red Devils badge in the 1970s and 1980s.The likes of Sammy McIlroy and Norman Whiteside are other stars from the 1980s who do not get the recognition they deserve due to Man Utd’s relative struggles in the period.Then there are the modern ballers of Man Utd’s academy. World Cup winner Paul Pogba could not restore Man Utd to it’s glory days after returning to the club in a club-record £89million transfer deal, though his talent was undeniable.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is the face of the club’s academy today.READ MORE SUN STORIESA poor season for him has hindered peoples impression of him, but not many players can boast 399 games and 131 goals for the club at the age of 26.Stars such as Kobbie Mainoo are billed as the club’s next generation who fans hope will lead them back to the top of the game. More

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      Savvy Ryan Reynolds turning Wrexham stars into ‘money machines’ OFF the pitch with power of £273m Hollywood fortune

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      FEW football clubs have seen their fortunes change quite as dramatically as Wrexham AFC. But it’s not just the fans who are benefiting from Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with the players punching way above their lower league status too – on and off the pitch.Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2million in November 2020Credit: AlamyFans believed they spotted Wrexham star Ollie Palmer (right) in the background of the new Deadpool trailerThe striker, 32, joined the football club back in 2022Credit: AlamyThis week, Reynolds appeared to confirm Wrexham star Ollie Palmer has a cameo in the star’s new Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor, who is worth £273million, wrote “keen eyesight” in response to a fan’s social media post asking whether the striker, 32, was in the background of the movie trailer.   Brand and culture expert Nick Ede claims the A-list owners, as well as the popularity of doc series Welcome To Wrexham, could open “a golden door” for the club’s best players, who could become famous ‘money machines’ in their own right.Nick told The Sun: ““Ryan and Rob have made a massive impact, all eyeballs have been on the club because of them and their huge TV show. READ MORE ON SPORT“It’s enabled them to give a voice to the players but also gifted them a bigger following, meaning players can get other big opportunities.“We have seen Ollie get a cameo or an extra role in the new Marvel film but that’s just the beginning. Some of the standout stars will make a lot of money from endorsements and deals.”Here Nick takes us through some of the potential ways Wrexham stars could benefit – from striking “Beckham-style” modelling deals to landing £100,000 pay cheques.Building the brandIt proved a game changer for Wrexham when Ryan and Rob bought the Welsh club for a reported £2million back in November 2020.Most read in FootballThe team has since achieved two back-to-back promotions, meaning next year they will play in League One – two below the Premier League.  Many of the players, who would previously have only been known by lower league fans, are now famous and have supporters across the world thanks to the Disney+ show Welcome To Wrexham.Ryan Reynolds all but confirms Wrexham star’s cameo in new Deadpool movie as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’Ryan and Rob lifting the Vanarama National League trophy last year after Wrexham were promotedCredit: GettyOllie launched WXM Clothing in November 2022Credit: Instagram/olliep9_His business has been supported by Ryan and Rob who have posted snaps wearing his clothes onlineCredit: Facebook/VancityReynoldsIt’s enabled some of the players incredible opportunities, including Ollie Palmer bagging a part in the third Deadpool film.Away from his footballing career, the striker has also launched the brand WXM Clothing in November 2022, which could prove to be another wise money-spinner.Crucially, the business venture has been supported by Ryan and Rob, who have regularly worn his gear in pictures on social media, where they collectively have nearly 54million followers.Nick says: “Having the guys wearing Ollie’s actual brand is a great way of endorsing what he does and will definitely help him to build his brand.“He is one of the players who ticks every box and is a star in the making, whether he carries on in Hollywood, who knows, but I suspect he will be endorsing lots of different things.“I can see him doing modeling and it could lead to him becoming a bit like David Beckham.”All eyes are on him. He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years.Nick Ede, brand and culture expertNick also believes coming from “an underdog football team” could bag Ollie more fans and describes the footballer’s future as “very exciting”.  He adds: “Ollie is someone brands are going to want to jump on now while his star is on the rise because he will make money for them and will be loyal to them. But also he will make a lot of money for himself.“I could see someone like Ollie, who is a rugged, sexy man, doing an aftershave or a fragrance launch, which could demand good fees of around £100,000 up to £250,000 as he becomes a bigger star.” Incredible bond with players and city
      FANS have been won over by Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – and it’s no wonder after a series of generous and thoughtful acts to help others.
      Ryan helped the wife of Wrexham defender Anthony Forde get a second opinion after she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given months to live. He arranged for Laura, who was planning her own funeral, to speak with one of the leading neurosurgeons in the US. They later confirmed the mass in her brain was benign and the initial diagnosis was wrong last year.
      Wrexham legend Martyn Chalk, who played for the club between 1996 and 2002, received money from the club owners to cover for his medical bills. They donated £1,000 each to a fundraiser after he broke his femur and fractured his legs in Thailand, in December 2023.
      The family of Louis Perrin, four, received a £10,000 donation to help convert their home to meet the disabled child’s needs. Parents Aaron and Charlotte were “blown away” by the sum, in February. They said it would help make life easier for their son who has TUBA1A, which causes leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
      Charity football match organisers were “overwhelmed with happiness” last year when Ryan and Rob donated £5,000. The money was being raised for the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 
      Last year, it was revealed that Ryan visited a terminally ill fan in hospital and gifted them one of his original gloves from the film Deadpool. The other was gifted to the club’s goalkeeper Ben Foster.
      Former Wrexham footballer and Dementia sufferer Gareth Davies was invited to be a “guest of honour” at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Ryan and Rob personally reached out after spotting a post on Twitter. In response, Rob wrote: “He showed up for Wrexham AFC and we’ll show up for him.” 
      When footballer Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey Edward’s’ son was stillborn, the Wrexham duo donated £10,000 to their fundraising page. They were raising money for the charity Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) in 2022.

      ‘Stand-out star’While there’s much intrigue about Ollie’s future after his apparent Marvel debut, Nick believes there’s an even bigger “stand-out star”.Paul Mullin was listed as a GQ Men of the Year Honouree after a superb season with Wrexham last year when he netted an impressive 38 goals. Nick says some of the players could carve out David Beckham-style modelling careersNick tips Wrexham striker Paul Mullin as one of the ‘stand-out stars’ to watchCredit: PAIt’s led to the footballer writing his autobiography, Paul Mullin: My Wrexham Story, and a mural of him being painted on the side of a local pub.Nick suspects Paul will be a popular choice for brands in the next few years as he continues to prove himself at the club. “All eyes are on him,” Nick says. “He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years. We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. Nick“I can see him landing great endorsements, commentary roles and various TV opportunities, as footballers are very popular on these shows.“Paul is an inspiration to a lot of people so he could earn good money from public speaking and while working with brands, whether that is alcohol or apparel.” Giant sponsorsThe club’s exposure has enabled them to land impressive sponsorship deals too, including a deal with US giant Gatorade earlier this month. Since buying Wrexham, the club went from having one shirt sponsor to three – and has pulled in huge names including TikTok, Expedia, United Airlines and Vistaprint. Nick explains that landing such big brands, who hope to take advantage of the club’s TV deal and international following, not only benefits the club’s finances but the players too.“Most of these clubs wouldn’t receive this kind of endorsement, they may get sponsored by a local business or business associated with the counties they are in.Wrexham AFC managed to land United Airlines as one of its sponsorsCredit: GettyThe clubs fanbase has grown since Welcome To Wrexham first aired in 2022He said: “To have huge brands associate with a minor club is brilliant and all down to the star power of Ryan and Rob. “Having a TV show, which is potentially watched around the world, is a good way for advertisers and sponsors to get good bang for your buck. “It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to be associated with Wrexham but also offers big opportunities for the club’s stars.”Movie spin-off?Nick says Ryan and Rob have delivered “absolutely genius PR” since taking over the club and believes part of the success is they are “credible and authentic”.He notes the multiple charitable donations made by the duo and investment in community projects to help the locals of Wrexham too. Nick says: “Who would have thought that this small Welsh town would suddenly become one of the biggest TV hits in the world and have all eyes on them.“I can compare it to what Taylor Swift has done when she’s gone to different countries and her concerts have helped to grow mini economies thanks to fans buying food and drink and celebrating.”He believes the Wrexham owners should continue “carrying on doing what they are doing” to draw attention to the club, which will in turn benefit the players.But Nick suggests other ventures that could increase the club’s popularity, spread their story to more fans and expand the interest around the area as a whole. “I can imagine they might make a movie about Wrexham’s rise, it’s such an interesting and compelling story,” he says. “It could focus on the regeneration around Wrexham, showing how the football club helped to rebuild the community, which would create even more of a buzz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. “Especially with Ryan Reynolds, he loves a good old singsong so it could next on the cards and they get an Oscar for it.”  More

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      Biggest footballer broods – from Arsenal striker with 8 kids to four different mums to Brazil legend’s FOURTEEN heirs

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      NOT content with being part of a team on the pitch, many football players have chosen to create their own squad at home as well.Manchester City star Phil Foden is expecting his third child with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke at just 23 years old – meaning there’s plenty of time to build up to a full 11.Phil Foden is expecting his third child at the age of 23Credit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsKyle Walker has six kids – four with ex-wife Annie and two with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AFPThe midfielder and his childhood sweetheart celebrated the exciting announcement with a lavish baby shower this week as they prepare for their new arrival.Foden and Rebecca, 22, posed for a cute snap with their two kids Ronnie, four, and True, one, in hand.At this rate, Foden is likely to be following in the footsteps of Man City teammate Kyle Walker – who recently welcomed his sixth child.And it’s not unusual for footie stars to have a lot of children, as we reveal the players with the biggest broods…READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESKyle Walker – six kidsKyle Walker welcomed his fourth child with estranged wife Annie Kilner earlier this month – and was said to be over the moon about becoming a father again.The couple, who also share three sons Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, split in January after two years of marriage.It came after influencer Lauryn Goodman revealed her son Kairo, four, and eight-month-old daughter are both Walker’s children.Earlier this month, we revealed Lauryn is taking their two kids to the Euros — where the England ace’s ex-wife and four boys will also support him.Most read in FootballLauryn told a pal: “I am determined my children will get to see their daddy playing for the Three Lions this summer.”She told pals he invited them to Germany in June and she is determined to go.Kyle Walker risks explosive showdown between wife Annie and Lauryn Goodman after ‘inviting’ ex and two kids to EurosA source says Walker told Lauryn: “I want you there. And I want Kairo there to see me play.”But a source close to Walker insisted he had not invited her.Cristiano Ronaldo – six kidsCristiano Ronaldo – who named his CR7 fashion brand after his initials and his football shirt number – also confessed he wanted to have seven children because it is his “magic number” To date, the former Manchester United star has had six children – although, in April 2022, he tragically lost one of his sons shortly after he was born.Cristiano Ronaldo is father to six children – although one son tragically died after birthCredit: instagram/Cristiano RonaldoHis eldest son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 13, was born in the United States and brought up by Ronaldo.His mother has never been named.In June 2017, not long after he’d begun dating model Georgina Rodriguez,  it was revealed that Ronaldo had fathered twins, Eva and Matteo, now six, via a surrogate mother in the United States.The following month, Ronaldo confirmed he and Georgina were expecting a baby, who was born in November 2017, named Alana Martina.On April 18 2022, the couple sadly announced Georgina had given birth to twins but one had died, while daughter Bella survived.They said in a statement: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.”It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.”Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”Baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”Ian Wright – eight kidsIan Wright and Nancy Hallam with daughters Lola and RoxanneCredit: GettyIan Wright has eight kids by four different women, and was just 19 when he first became a dad,  adopting girlfriend Sharon Phillips’ son Shaun, 42, who went on to play football for Chelsea and Man City.”I didn’t have a job, and no means, but I took him on because it was the right thing to do,” he told The Mirror.Ian went on to have two more children with Sharon – Bradley, 39, and Brett, 38 – making Ian a father of three by the time he was 21.A year after welcoming Brett, Ian and Sharon broke up, as he reconnected with a childhood friend named Debbie, who grew up down the road from him.They had a luxury wedding in Mauritius in 1993, before welcoming their first son together, Stacey, the following year.Three years later, Debbie kicked Ian out of the house when she learned he’d been having an affair – but took him back soon after, and they had daughter Bobbi-Lee.But in 2008, Debbie revealed Ian had been unfaithful again, and had fathered another child during a fling, a daughter named Coco, born in 2006.“I support her but play no other part in her or her mother’s life,” Ian confessed in his autobiography, A Life In Football.Ian went on to marry his second wife Nancy Hallam – who he met in a pub – in 2011, and has called her his “perfect woman”.They have two daughters together, Lola and Roxanne, who he says he “can’t stand to be apart from”.In his book, Ian says: “I didn’t set out for it to be like that. I wanted to get married just once and never planned to have so many children in so many different circumstances.”Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha – 11 kidsRoberto Carlos has 11 children with seven different women, and is a grandfatherCredit: Getty Images – GettyFormer Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos, 51, has 11 children with seven different women – and has one grandchild, Pedro, seven, who’s older than some of his aunts and uncles.Pedro is the child of the former Real Madrid player’s second daughter, Giovanna, 27.Including Giovanna, Carlos has three children with his first wife Alexandra Pinheiro – the other two are Roberta and Roberto Carlos Jr, who’s adopted. He also has four children with his current wife, Mariana Luccon – Manuela, 14, Marina, seven, and two younger ones.He also has four sons – Carlos Eduardo, Christopher, Junior and Luca – all from other relationships. In 2018, Carlos told a Brazilian radio station he  was suffering because he was unable to see some of his children.According to BeSoccer, three of his former partners took legal action against him after this, accusing him of lying and not attending to the needs of their children.Brazilian Barbara Thurler filed for neglect after not receiving alimony for his two children.She even alleged he had attempted to put his two children on the streets despite their young age, adding: ”My son asks me if his father has died.” Barbara’s pleas encouraged Hungarian Alexandra Phaedra to come forward too.Then Dora Robles, from Mexico, also claimed not to have received the child support stipulated by the judge. The three claimed that Carlos neglected his children on more than one occasion.Carlos denied the accusations and reiterated that the lack of contact with his kids was due to the distance between countries and a bad relationship with their mothers.However he agreed to meet financial deadlines eventually. Pele – seven kidsBrazil’s soccer legend Pele had seven childrenCredit: ReutersPele’s family gathered at hospital to be beside Brazilian World Cup legendCredit: InstagramHe died at the end of 2022, at the age of 82, but Brazilian legend Pele had a lot of children in his lifetime.In his Netflix documentary,  the football icon – who was married three times – even confessed to not knowing how many children he fathered due to the number of affairs he had.Pele married his first wife, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, in February 1996 and the pair had three children – Kelly, Edinho and Jennifer.However, after splitting up with Rosemeri, the goal-scoring machine had a fling with his housekeeper Anizia Machado which led to the birth of his daughter Sandra Machado in 1993.He refused to take a DNA test, leaving Sandra no choice but to file a lawsuit to be recognised as his daughter as well as publishing a book entitled The Daughter Pele Never Wanted.Pele lost the lawsuit as DNA evidence showed that Sandra was his biological daughter.Four years later, Pele had another daughter, Flavia Kurtz with journalist Lenita Kurtz.In 1994, Pele married his second wife, psychologist and gospel singer, Assaria Lemos Seixas and the couple had twins Joshua and Celeste.Pele never had children with his third wife, Marcia Cibele Aoki, who he married in 2016.Diego Maradona – Between five and 11 kidsDiego Maradona accepted five of his children as his but may have had up to 11Credit: EPANot long before Diego Maradona died in 2020, one of his daughters, Giannina, joked the Argentine could make up a full starting eleven with his brood.The football star accepted two sons and three daughters were his, but is alleged to have at least six other children from various flings and some have previously appealed for their dad’s love.Maradona accepted his two daughters with ex-wife Claudia Villafane – Dalma and Gianinna – along with his son Diego Fernando who he had with girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.He also had flings with bar worker Valeria Sablalin, who gave birth to daughter Jana Maradona, and Italian Cristinia Sinagra, with whom he had son Diego Sinagra.But Santiago Lara and Magali Gil also made appeals in the media to the football legend and both were said to have been trying to get a DNA test before he died.The star is also alleged to have fathered up to four children while he was living in Cuba, three of whom have been named as Joana, Lu and Javielito.Garrincha – At least 14 kidsGarrincha is believed to have fathered at least 14 children during his colourful lifeCredit: Getty – ContributorGarrincha was regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, before he tragically drank himself into an early grave in 1983, at the age of 49.But he had a very scandalous lifestyle off the pitch, and is believed to have fathered at least 14 children.He had eight daughters with his first wife Nair Marques who he was married to from 1952 to 1965.Garrincha then married samba singer Elza Soares, after a scandalous affair but they separated in 1977, after he hit her during an argument.With his colourful lifestyle, Garrincha had many more affairs, including one with showgirl Angelita Martinez and it’s thought he fathered at least six more children on top of his eight legitimate daughters.Antoine Greizman – three kids born on same dayAntoine Griezmann has three children all born on the same day over five yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM/EriKA ChoperenaWhile it’s not unusual to have three children, Barcelona football star Antoine Greizmann welcomed all of his on exactly the same date over five years.The World Cup winning striker’s daughter Alba was born on April 8, 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, his daughter Mia was born on the same date in 2016, and son Amaro, was born on April 8 2019.Now THAT’S a hat trick! More

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      I scored the fastest goal in World Cup history but was exiled for being a traitor, now I drive for Uber

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      MENTION Hakan Sukur to Turkish football fans and their faces will light up.Revered for his goals and brilliance, he scored 295 times across three spells with Galatasaray.Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur lives in exile in CaliforniaSukur was forced to give up his life in his homeland after he was charged with being a member of a terrorist groupCentre forward Sukur celebrates scoring the fastest ever World Cup goal in 2002Credit: AP:Associated PressBetter still, he plundered 51 goals for the national team – so think Turkey’s answer to Gary Lineker.Hakan also held the accolade for netting the fastest ever goal in a World Cup finals – when he scored against South Korea in 2002 after just 11 seconds.However, despite the adulation in his homeland, if he was to step foot in his own country it’s likely he would would be sent to prison, or worse, face the death penalty.The former footballer now lives in exile in California in the wealthy area of Palo Alto, on the outskirts of San Francisco.Read more football newsBut don’t be fooled into thinking he works for one of those tech giants in Silicon Valley.For Hakan now makes ends meet as an Uber driver, as well as a football coach.He formerly ran a bakery in the area, but was forced to close it down after his identity became an issue.Serving coffee and cake”I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar,” the 52-year-old told German outlet, Welt am Sonntag.Most read in Football”Now I drive for Uber and I sell books.Fenerbahce WALK OFF pitch after two minutes and forefeit Turkish Super Cup final with bitter rivals Galatasaray”Nobody seems able to explain what my role in this coup was supposed to be.”I never did anything illegal, I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”He used to run a popular bakery called Tuts, where the house specials were dishes like Turkish sausage and eggs, and Greek-style pancakes.It received rave reviews on rating website Yelp, with comments such as: “Oh my gosh. This is the best place in the Bay Area to eat delicious food with your friends.”The staff is so kind and friendly.”But none of the customers mentioned that one of the men behind the cafe is the Turkish legend.In the 1990s, Hakan was one of the most prolific marksman in European football.Despite Ill-fated spells overseas in Italy with Torino, Inter Milan, Parma, and in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, it was at Galatasaray where the goals continued to flow.In 2008, Hakan hung up his boots for a different life.Sukur parked outside his former bakery, TutsCredit: Getty – ContributorTuts Bakery and Cafe in the Bay Area was a big hitHowever, Sukur quit the catering world because he felt he was being spied onCredit: Instagram @tutsbakeryPolitical careerIn 2011, he was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development Party, a conservative political group that has ruled over Turkey since 2002.The Bull of the Bosphorus was making strides and friends in government.He aligned himself with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as maintained a friendship with cleric Fethullah Gulen.In 2013 an alliance between Erdogan and Gulen, who was keen for Turkey to become an Islamic state, was destroyed when a government corruption scandal erupted.Erdogan blamed Gulen for the disruption, and given Hakan was seen as a disciple of the Gulen movement, it all started to go wrong.That same year, the government closed all schools run by Gulenists and Hakan resigned from the governing party in protest to run as an independent.Shortly after, Hakan gave a university speech where he told an audience of bemused students: “I am Albanian, as such I am not a Turk.”Given the political climate in a country that was aiming to regain its national identity, those comments weren’t well-received.Galatasaray legend Sukur scored 295 goals for the Turkish giantsCredit: Getty – ContributorAfter he hung up his boots, Sukur turned to politics and became an MPCredit: Getty Images – GettyIn 2016, Hakan was charged with insulting President Erdogan on Twitter.That summer, a trial began in absentia. Hakan claimed it wasn’t his intention to insult Erdogan, but prosecutors disagreed.Gulen coupIn July that year, hell broke loose when a coup, organised by Gulen with the aid of a small fraction of the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow Erdogan.The coup was defeated, but more than 300 people had lost their lives, 120,000 people lost their jobs and 50,000 were arrested.Anyone who had Gulen links was deemed a terrorist and labelled a member of FETO (Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation).A warrant was issued for Hakan’s arrest and he was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group.The charges carry a hefty jail sentence or the death penalty.Sukur was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group and threatened with the death penaltyCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur fled Turkey and moved to the US with wife BeydaCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Hakan was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs and love for the Gulen movement, but passed on the chance.His father Selmet wasn’t so lucky. The authorities arrested him at a mosque in Adapazar and he was charged with financial coup support.Somehow, Hakan managed to flee to America, but it was reported his father passed away in prison after battling cancer.Fled to the USAHakan moved to California, where he built a new life for himself.He had everything taken from him in Turkey, including his businesses, his houses and bank accounts, as well as his nationality.The ex-pro now lives in exile, unable to return home.Sadly, Hakan’s name is so sullied in Turkey that when a commentator working for state-ran broadcaster TRT at the 2022 World Cup mentioned him during a game they were sacked at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo make ends meet, Sukur drives for Uber and is a football coach in the USCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur hasn’t given up on his country just yet and hopes to return one dayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, he does hold hope for the future of a return to his country.”It’s my country. I love my people, even though their ideas about me are distorted by controlled media,” he told the New York Times back in 2018. More

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      How Liverpool would play under Ruben Amorim next season and three key changes the Sporting Lisbon manager will make

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      SPORTING Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in football today.  The former Portuguese international midfielder has, to this point, shown patience and self-belief in terms of building his career and making choices in terms of when to move clubs to give himself a greater platform. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is favourite to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon are dominant in PortugalNo wonder he is now the outright favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool when the German leaves the club at the end of the season.Now that Xabi Alonso has revealed he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season, it seems Amorim is Klopp’s heir apparent.Liverpool are known to use a data-generated model to rate and evaluate coaches from around the world.And Amorim is one of the top names on that model, along with Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and the current Bologna coach Thiago Motta.read more on footballAmorim has always shown real personality in terms of believing in himself and believing in his model of play. He has shown a clear history of being willing to back himself in terms of stepping up levels as he moves clubs but his style of play has remained largely consistent.Which means we have a good idea of what Amorim’s style of play and game model would mean for Liverpool next season if he lands the big job.Three at the back and building the attackOne of the biggest things changes Amorim would make at Liverpool will be that he favours a three-at-the-back system with three central defenders. Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is likely to stick to his tried and tested formula if he moves to AnfieldCredit: GettyRuben Amorim favours a 3-4-3 system at Sporting LisbonHow Amorim could play with Liverpool’s existing squadHe is likely to do the same at Liverpool and introduce the 3-4-3 that we have seen Amorin use almost exclusively at Sporting Lisbon.This does not mean in any way, however, that the Portuguese coach is defensive minded and the three central defenders for Liverpool would be expected to be brave and comfortable on the ball when looking to play out from the back.There are actually similarities in the way that Amorim likes his team to build with the way that we see Brighton build their attack under Roberto De Zerbi. The central defenders, and goalkeeper, at Sporting Lisbon almost pause at times in possession to force the opposition to come and press the ball.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classTwo wide centre backs for Sporting split and sit deep while the central of the three will step forward, almost like a midfielder to give more options to play through the press.The positive news in this regard for Liverpool fans is that they already have the makings of an interesting back three in the current squad. Virgil van Dijk is now 32 but his game intelligence and dominance would translate extremely well to playing as the central defender in a back three system. Equally, Ibrahima Konate has all of the traits needed to be an absolutely dominant player on the right of the back three system. They also have the youngster Jarrel Quansah who has broken through this season and who is showing promise. With that said, however, we would expect this to be an area where Amorim would want the squad to be strengthened in order to provide more depth and balance .The Reds have already been linked with taking the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. Both would represent sensible targets for Liverpool if they do appoint Amorim given that they already understand the system of play that Amorim favours.Centre half Ousmane Diomande often sees more possession than any other playerThe goalkeeper passes to Coates who then immediately pings it wider to Inacio. The ball then comes out to the left-sided wingback and Sporting are outIf Liverpool fans want to understand the coaching ability of Amorim then they have to look now further than the performances of the Uruguayan international central defender Sebastian Coates at centre back this season. Coates is, of course, a former Liverpool player and his emergence as a dominant and comfortable ball-playing defender will surprise fans of Liverpool who remember his disappointed spell at Anfield.Changing from a three man midfield to a twoIf Ruben Amorim does become the new Liverpool coach after this season then we will also see a change to the midfield unit at the club. Under Jurgen Klopp we have seen Liverpool consistently use a three-man midfield with one sitting No6 and then two midfielders who have more licence to push forward and play as No8’s in the opposition half of the pitch. Under Amorim we see Sporting Lisbon use a double pivot in the midfield with two players who are expected to be able to play either as the No6 or as the No8 from that position.For the most part this season we have seen Amorim favour the use of the Japanese international Hidemasa Morita and the Danish star Morten Hjulmand in these positions. Both players are comfortable when asked to play as the deepest of the two midfielders and both have the ability to sit and dictate the tempo or look to defend and break down opposition attacks. Both are also, however, capable of pushing forward and contributing to the play in the final third.Hjulmand plays as the deeper midfielder and hits a longer pass to access space. Trincao and Pedro Goncalves stay narrow with Morita pushing into space between them.The change to the midfield should Amorim take charge at Liverpool could well be bigger than the changes to the defensive line. Liverpool have been so used to having a No6 sitting in front of the midfield and the change to having two players who essentially take turns doing this would be an adjustment. The other question, of course, is which players Amorim would use in these roles from the current Liverpool squad.Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are capable of performing these roles from the current squad although the former is more comfortable in deeper areas than the latter. It would likely mean a reduced role though for the Japanese international midfielder Wataru Endo. It would also be interesting to see whether Amorim wanted to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central role.The England star’s passing range and ability on the ball would be interesting in the model of play that Amorim favours.This time Morita sits deeper in front of the defensive line and Hjulmand pushes up and splits the two attacking midfieldersLiverpool have options within their squad in terms of finding players to suit the midfield structure that is favoured by Amorim. Those players would, however, have to adjust to new roles within the squad.But according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, Amorim is keen to bring some of his key players with him to Merseyside.The top targets are Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, who could help bolster the Reds’ heavily injury-ridden defence.It is also said that Amorim wants to bring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham – to Liverpool.Inacio and Diomande have formed a sensational centre-back partnership, having lost just two games in the league this season.Amorim is reportedly keen to have them both involved at Anfield alongside captain Van Dijk.Narrow wide attackersWhen Klopp led Liverpool to win the Premier League in 2020, one of the main features was the way that his wide attackers came inside and attacked centrally. The attack of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the wide areas and Roberto Firmino centrally worked perfectly.The Brazilian international Firmino wanted to come deep to link with the midfield and the other two wanted to make diagonal movements from wide to attack in the channels or central areas.The front three of Sporting under Amorim works slightly differently.The central striker – the highly-rated Viktor Gyokeres for the most part – stays central and pushes the opposition central defenders deep.And the two attacking midfielders play more centrally or in the channels, almost acting like No10’s as opposed to playing as traditional wingers. As Sporting attack into the final third the movement of these two attacking midfielders is key as they drift deep or into space to create areas in which they can receive the ball.Trincao comes deep to get on the ball and then play the ball wide to combine with the right wingback. He then makes a quick forward run.At the moment Liverpool are playing with their wide attackers in more traditional wide positions as they build the attack. Mohamed Salah, on the right, and Luis Diaz, on the left, play as traditional wingers in the areas that they receive the ball – although they do still make movement from outside to in when in possession. This would change under Amorim and while we know that Salah would be comfortable receiving and playing in these pockets would the same be true of Luis Diaz? The new role for the wide attacking midfielders would require some adjustment for the Colombian international.Liverpool do also have the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in their squad, however, and these players would be comfortable playing as the narrow attacking midfielders and receiving in pockets of space in more central areas. Liverpool also have a striker in Darwin Nunez who would play the No9 role perfectly under a coach like Amorim.Marcus Edwards is the right-sided attacking midfielder but he comes back towards the ball in the channel to receive a pass that moves the ball quickly into attacking positions.The change to a more narrow role for the wide or attacking midfielders under Amorim would be an adjustment.Given the fact that Salah’s contract is expiring relatively soon could we see Liverpool decide to cash in on the Egyptian forward? ConclusionYou cannot help but be impressed when you watch a side coached by Ruben Amorim play. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim may decide to bring with him some stars from Sporting LisbonThere is a clear plan in everything that he wants his team to do and his players are well coached and put into roles that they are comfortable in. If the Portuguese coach is the man chosen to replace Klopp at Liverpool then the Premier League could well be gaining another great young coach. 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      Meet ‘no-nonsense’ hard man who was sent off TWELVE times – and got his big break thanks to legendary comedian

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      MARK DENNIS enjoyed a 12-year football career and won two England Under-21 caps along with two player-of-the-year awards at Birmingham and Southampton.The no-nonsense left-back was part of the Saints side who finished runners-up in the top flight in 1983-84 — finishing just three points behind champions Liverpool.Mark Dennis broke into the Birmingham first team in 1978 and spent four years thereCredit: GettyHe played three times for England’s U21s between 1979 and 1980Credit: AlamyNow 62, London-born Dennis is still based on the South Coast after his move to Southampton in 1983 — and is loving life again.He said: “I am retired but I still do a bit of freelance work whenever I can and I also thoroughly enjoy working on the after-dinner circuit.“It’s an opportunity for me to share the stories from my career with some wonderful football supporters.“It’s lovely to reflect and have a laugh with so many fans who still love the game as much today.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet his pathway into football may never have happened had it not been for a charity match on behalf of one of the great music-hall comedians, Tommy Trinder, at Fulham’s Craven Cottage in 1976.Dennis said: “I was 15 years old and had just been rejected by Chelsea, who had a load of talented kids breaking through. I thought that was it.“Then, out of the blue, I was asked if I’d play in this one-off charity game at Fulham for Tommy.“I jumped at the chance. I ended up being man of the match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Then a couple of days later I came home and my mum told me both Aston Villa and Birmingham had been on, wanting me to go up for trials.“I had relatives in Birmingham who were ‘Blue noses’, so it was the perfect move for me to join City.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Within the first few weeks of being at the club, Sir Alf Ramsey came in as caretaker manager.“He really took to me. For a start he liked left-sided players but I think he also enjoyed the fact I had a bit of attitude about me.“He didn’t want the job full-time and Jim Smith replaced him, a man who I owe everything for the career I had in the game.“I’ll never forget my debut against Norwich in 1978. I was part of the 13-man team going to Carrow Road but not for a second did I think I would play.“Then just before the game one of our defenders, Jimmy Calderwood, slipped over in the shower and I had to be drafted in.“I ended up being younger than Trevor Francis making my debut for Birmingham.“Norwich winger Jimmy Neighbour — sadly no longer with us — took me apart in the first 45 minutes. I thought I had a better second half. But we lost and conceded four goals.“I thought that perhaps the gaffer might have thought it was too soon for me and that would be it. But then I was back in the side two weeks later and stayed in the team for the rest of the season. Jim was just class.”Sadly for Mark, Smith was sacked in 1982 and replaced by Ron Saunders. The two never got on.Dennis finished second in the First Division with Southampton in 1984Credit: GettySaints exit and QPR frustrationDennis said: “Ron wanted me to play a completely different game. I had no intention of changing. I was banished to the reserves. So that was it!“Then Lawrie McMenemy got in touch from Southampton, another fantastic man and a huge influence in my career. We are still in touch regularly today.“When I turned up in the dressing room and saw the likes of Peter Shilton, Mick Mills, it was an incredible squad. We finished runners-up in the top flight in 1983-84.”He moved to Queens Park Rangers in 1987 to rejoin his old boss Smith.Dennis said: “Jim then switched to Newcastle in 1988 and I moved to Crystal Palace. The frustration for me is Trevor Francis took over at Rangers from Jim but never told me that Terry [Venables] at Tottenham wanted me.”A year after joining Palace Dennis quit football in 1990, first going to Spain.When he came back, he worked for the Post Office and played cricket for them, a period in his life he looks back on fondly.He added: “I have also loved my time working on local radio here in Southampton on Saints’ games.”Meeting ‘hero’ George BestDennis highlights one of the greatest moments in his career at St Andrew’s — after a City game.He said: “We played Fulham including a certain Mr George Best in their side. When the ref blew the final whistle I went over to George and shook his hand. I was in awe of the man.“Along with George, my other sporting heroes are Shane Warne — I was fortunate enough to share his company at Hampshire many times — and Ian Botham.”Dennis was sent off 12 times and admitted: “I have regrets that I should have achieved more in my football career.“My problem was I didn’t have any boundaries and I know now I should have been more disciplined.“I am hugely grateful for the life and career that football gave me. It was a wonderful adventure.”Dennis wanted to place on record his huge thanks to the many players who have become lifelong friends like Paul Walsh, Andy Townsend, Alan Curbishley, Keith Bertschin, Mike Fillery and Frank Sheridan.He said: “I have had lots of struggles and lows after quitting the game but I cannot begin to explain how these people have become my extended family and helped me.“I got divorced but now I am back with my ex, Nicky. She has been my absolute rock.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Life is good. I neglected my family for several years, which I regret.“But now I’m hopefully making up for lost time.” More