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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

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      I’m not scared of Liverpool at Anfield… I scored the winner in Europe’s maddest derby where fans set fire to the stadium

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      NIKOLA MILENKOVIC says stepping into the Anfield cauldron holds no fears.That is because he came of age playing in the maddest, baddest derby in Europe.Nikola Milenkovic thrived in the barmy Belgrade derbyCredit: AlamyPartizan Belgrade fans are seen burning Red Star T-Shirts back in 2016Credit: AFPLiverpool fans are among the most passionate in world football, with the Kop capable of producing a spine-tingling atmosphere to unnerve the best.But Nottingham Forest’s 6ft 5in defender reckons he can handle the Merseyside crowd today after surviving the bonkers Balkans derby between Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.Milenkovic played in four of the notorious clashes which divide a nation, never mind a city — winning three and drawing one.The 26-year-old, who was born in the Serbian capital, said: “The atmosphere is crazy in Belgrade derbies but I really enjoyed them.READ MORE TOP STORIES“On derby day in Belgrade everything stops in the city — absolutely anything goes. There are so many police all over the place and rival fans fight in the streets.“The stadium looks as if it is on fire — and it often is because the visiting Ultras set fire to the seats!”Milenkovic was only 18 and had barely graduated from Partizan’s academy when he was thrust into his first ‘Eternal Derby’.On that occasion Partizan fans gave the visiting Red Star supporters a warm welcome hell would have been proud of as their Ultras displayed a washing line packed with Red Star shirts… then set it ablaze!Most read in FootballNemanja Vidic, who went on to shine for Man Utd, was Milenkovic’s idol, despite playing for Belgrade rivals Red StarCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMilenkovic emerged a 1-0 victor and went on to win a league and cup double at Red Star’s expense.He scored the only goal in the Serbian Cup final AGAINST them with a booming header on his 36th and final game for Partizan before his 2017 move to Fiorentina.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Unfortunately, the derby has a history of violence — with its darkest day coming in 1999 when a teenage Red Star supporter was killed by a rocket fired by Partizan fans.In 2013, 104 arrests were made following violent clashes before, during and after the match.Two years later the derby was delayed for 45 minutes due to crowd trouble with rival fans hurling seats and flares at riot police — before launching stun grenades on to the track surrounding the pitch.Milenkovic, a £12million summer arrival at Forest, said: “Unfortunately these things happen in the derby of Serbia.“In England you don’t have this hatred. Here you have a lot of passion for the game and your clubs. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere here in English grounds but in Serbia it’s loco, it’s all a bit crazy!“Partizan and Red Star share the same city and the two stadiums are only 800 metres apart.“But it can also be a beautiful experience — especially when you win.“It was a great achievement for a child who grew up in the Partizan academy, to go on to win the double with Partizan, especially against Red Star.“To score the winning goal in the cup final before moving to Fiorentina, that was a dream come true for me.”Meet North London derby WagsARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday.So with that in mind, SunSport has put together a piece looking at 10 of the players’ partners ahead of the game.One Arsenal man is with a woman who had a romance and daughter with Hollywood star Jude Law.Another Gunners player is married to a competitive twerker who goes by the stage name Redheaded.And one Spurs star convinced his partner to move to England from Los Angeles when they got together – before they went on to have three children.Click here to read the full story.Milenkovic only played 36 games for Partizan but will go down in club history for that goal. As a kid he was compared to Serbia legend Nemanja Vidic, who he idolised despite being a Red Star man.Milenkovic said: “My role model was Nemanja Vidic. He is the best Serbian defender ever and a legend of Manchester United.“I grew up watching him on YouTube. I watched almost every game of his.“I still have my Serbia national team jersey with his name at home which I wore as a child, playing football in the streets.“I learned so much just watching Nemanja but our playing careers passed each other by and I’ve never had the chance to meet him but I hope so one day.”Milenkovic has won more caps for Serbia than Vidic, who only represented his nation 56 times.The Forest defender marked his 58th appearance by captaining Serbia for the first time last week in the Nations League against Spain.And his inspirational leadership sealed a brilliant, battling 0-0 draw with the European champions  as he helped tame Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.Milenkovic added: “I was hugely honoured to captain my country and represent our people.“It was very emotional for me to lead my nation and such a young Serbian team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The national anthem was such a proud moment for myself and my family, and to draw 0-0 with Spain was a real highlight of my career.“Did I shed a tear during the national anthem? No, I am a big defender, I don’t cry…” More

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      Inside Kate Abdo’s intimate wedding as Malik Scott reveals sweet gesture that made him cry and why Carragher didn’t come

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      MALIK SCOTT has lifted the lid on his secret wedding to sports presenter Kate Abdo.The retired boxer and coach of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder tied the knot with the CBS Sports star in an intimate wedding earlier this month.CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo recently tied the knot with Malik ScottCredit: INSTAGRAM@KATEABDOAbdo moved her new husband to tears with an incredible gesture involving their cakeCredit: INSTAGRAM@KATEABDOScott, understandably, was emotional as he vowed to spend the rest of his life with the former Sky Sports presenter.But Abdo moved the hardman to tears with an incredible homage to his first boxing gym on their wedding cake.Recalling their big day in an interview with Genting Casinos, the 43-year-old said: “Kate did something incredibly creative, caring, and compassionate—reflecting the walk of life I come from.”She took an old picture of my first ABC Gym in North Philadelphia, where I was raised—the gym that essentially saved my life.READ MORE ON KATE ABDO”She copied the ring from that gym and turned it into a cake, with me in the ring wearing the boxing trunks I had on when I fought Tony Thompson.”Those trunks had a design I borrowed from Sugar Ray Leonard when he fought Tommy Hearns the second time, but I added my own colours—pink and black with stripes.”She even put herself next to me in a wedding dress.”The thoughtfulness and creativity moved me to tears because it took me back to my childhood in that ring, where I faced many challenges, learned hard lessons and grew.Most read in Sport”That ring always meant the world to me.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKate Abdo and Malik Scott tied the knot in a low-key ceremonyCredit: INSTAGRAM@KATEABDO”She made sure to incorporate that into our wedding day, placing us both in the ring on the cake—her in a wedding dress, me in my boxing outfit. “The contrast was beautiful, thoughtful, and loving.’Why would you even say that’ says Kate Abdo after Jamie Carragher’s most awkward joke ever on live TV”It was emotional for me because I had never shared my craft with anyone the way I have with her. It’s refreshing and comforting.”In the past, I’d kept that side of me private, but with her, I’m comfortable letting her in—whether it’s film study or talking about boxing. “It’s a special connection that I’ve never had with anyone else.”Scott and Abdo, who went public with their relationship earlier this year, didn’t have an expensive and over-the-top celebration of their love.And there was no room on the exclusive guestlist for Abdo’s on-air CBS colleagues Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards.”Our wedding was intimate—just the two of us, really,” Scott revealed. “We didn’t want a big affair. “We focused on each other and the commitment we were making.”It was a godly ceremony on the Malibu hills, just how we wanted it. “My kids were there, and it was important for them to see this meaningful, godly moment.”Watching her walk down the aisle was so emotional for me. Every day I fall deeper in love with her.There was no room on the Abdo wedding guestlist for Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry, Micah RichardsCredit: CBS SPORTS”I don’t know if Jamie Carragher would have been invited to the wedding. I don’t know.”I don’t know how to answer that because having a bigger wedding was never a possibility. That’s something that wouldn’t have happened.”[But] Thierry, Michah, Jamie—they all sent their wishes.”Carragher was unlikely to have received an invite to the nuptials after joking that Abdo wasn’t “loyal” to her new husband live on air.Scott, however, bears no ill will towards the former Liverpool and England defender.He said of Abdo’s colleagues: “They’re a good group of people. “I may not know the full ins and outs of their status, but what impresses me most is the kind of men they are.”The respect they carry, the pride they walk into a room with. They’re men’s men. And there’s nothing wrong with my relationship with Jamie.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was never broken. Jamie has a good understanding of how people are, especially in this social media era.”We sat down, broke bread, and had good conversations. I’ve never had a problem with him.” More

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      Steve Bruce reveals text from Sir Alex Ferguson with cheeky eight-word command after getting Blackpool job

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      STEVE BRUCE is on Fergie time once more as he starts back as a boss – by order of the great man himself.The former Manchester United skipper takes charge of his first game tomorrow with Blackpool after almost two years out of the game.Steve Bruce’s Blackpool tenure kicks off on SaturdayCredit: PABruce exclusively revealed details of what former boss Fergie text him this weekCredit: Getty – ContributorSince his appointment 11 days ago, the 63-year-old has been deluged with messages – some, he laughs, asking : “Are you bonkers?”But the one that meant the most to him came from Sir Alex Ferguson.He reveals: “Thursday morning the phone rang at half past six.“I didn’t know who it was, didn’t have a clue, because the screen came up showing a no-caller ID, so I thought I’d leave it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then all of a sudden a text message comes through from Sir Alex: ‘Congratulations, delighted for you’ etc, etc,etc.“’And by the way. You should be on the way to work’. And that’s at 6.40 am.“Typical him, some things never change. He is what he is.“At Old Trafford he was always in first for training, no matter how successful he was, just ready for another day and another challenge.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He was incredible and still is. His work ethic was unbelievable and he’s always been such an inspiration.Sir Alex changed my life. He gave me an opportunity which I cherished.Steve BruceMan Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“He made me captain of Manchester United for five years. I’ll always be glad he had such a major influence on my life and career.”Yet Bruce admits that having been sacked by West Brom, the 11th club he had managed before those two years away, he was pining for to get that career going again.The fact that he has now picked up the reigns again, even in the EFL’s third tier at a club that hasn’t won any of its first four games has rejuvenated him.Bruce has never managed below the Championship and twice took Birmingham City as well as Hull City into the Premier League.Amongst other club he took charge of was boyhood club Newcastle United over two years which is why, he knows, some of his pals questioned his decision to step down the ladder.Fergie and Bruce share the same birthday in DecemberCredit: GettyBut he explains: “After West Brom I did a lot of travelling with my missus Janet.“We’ve been all around the world, everything that we wanted to do, seen what we wanted to see.“And yeah, I’ll miss that part. I’ll miss Barbados in January that’s for sure when the wind’s blowing hard around here.“And I’m just as sure Janet will too.“In the first year I just wanted to have a look at it from the outside although there were five or six opportunities then but I forced myself to stay away.“But the last six months the lack of that routine of managing a team, the buzz of Saturday match day, was getting to me.“Whatever it is – a bug or a drug – you need it. Retirement wasn’t for me just yet.“I need a purpose to get out of bed in the morning and all I’ve had in my life is this, really. Football.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. That text from Ferguson a couple of days ago certainly found him out of bed early – even if he wasn’t quite on his way to work – and a little long in the tooth or not that buzz is back.A home clash with Exeter City marks his return and he adds : “Most of the messages I got were positive, saying : ‘Good for you. Why not? “Yes, Blackpool are League One but after speaking to the owner it was like, ‘Why not?’ too.“I haven’t got any more ego left in me and so many of my close mates understood that in the last six months I really wanted this life again.“I didn’t know I would be working back at the coal face again but we’ve got a squad that I believe can compete with anybody in the division.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The plan is to get this club back in the Championship.“If I didn’t think we could do that – then what WOULD be the point?”Steve Bruce left Newcastle in November 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Eddie Howe reveals he HASN’T spoken to Paul Mitchell in bombshell admission after Newcastle chief slammed club strategy

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      EDDIE HOWE launched a passionate defence of his Newcastle signings after Paul Mitchell claimed there was “no clear strategy” regarding transfers previously.The Magpies boss also set alarm bells ringing by revealing the Toon chiefs have not spoken since last week’s bombshell interview as he addressed the internal “civil war” talk.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed he hasn’t spoken to Paul MitchellCredit: GettyNewcastle sporting director Mitchell blamed transfer struggles on the previous regimeCredit: GettyNew sporting director Mitchell came in for fierce criticism after failing to deliver Marc Guehi or any other top outfield reinforcements in the summer after replacing Dan Ashworth.However, he pointed the finger of blame at Newcastle’s previous regime for their struggles in the last window and claimed the recruitment set-up he inherited was “not fit for purpose”.But Howe, who played a pivotal role in transforming the squad since taking over in November 2021, hit back and said: “I’m very, very proud of every single player that we signed in that period.“It’s easy to look back on any transfer window and make a judgement on the players that you signed three years down the line. Read More on Football”But, actually, you have to go back to the situation that we were in at those moments and when you’re in the relegation zone and trying to recruit players, that’s not an easy thing to do.“You are also recruiting for the long-term and not just the short-term and I think when you look then that work was good.“Our objective was to stay in the league, and I’m not going to critique every signing, but I’m proud of the body of work that we did and the players that we have now from the legacy of those transfers. I think everybody can hold their heads up very high.”As well as convincing Kieran Trippier to leave Atletico Madrid to help Toon fight relegation in his first season, Howe has also brought in a host of young and hungry talents such as Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd all of them will now be worth considerably more than they were signed for.Howe continued: “I’m very, very proud of those signings and I’ve said all along – and I don’t want to make it about old and new structure – but those signings I played a huge part in.Eddie Howe reveals best striker he’s ever worked with who’s scored 58 times this season while on £75-per-goal bonus“I took ownership of all those signings, whether they were good, bad, I’ll take ownership of that as ultimately I was the final decision maker on those signings.“I was very proud to sign those players and I think they’ve been brilliant signings for where we were and the very long-term future of the club and I really believed in them and still do. I’d certainly like to find a few more of them.“We were in a relegation battle so some of those signings were more short-term in that moment because you needed instant results, relegation wasn’t something we could contemplate.“But, always in the back of my mind with every signing I make, it is always about can they impact the team now and impact the team in the right way in the future.“The key thing now is the future and I’m sure we can get future transfer windows right as ultimately that is the most important thing at any club because to be successful you have to recruit well.”Mitchell also claimed that Howe had played more of a supporting role over the past window than the leading one he had previous, to which the Newcastle boss responded: “I don’t think it’s right for me to make individual comments in reply to Paul’s.“I don’t think that will help our current situation and for me I’m just focusing on the future.”’No contact’Mitchell also said he and Howe spoke for “an hour on the phone” each night, but the latter revealed that the pair have not had any contact since the former’s interview.“I’ve had no contact from Paul,” said Howe. “But I don’t think that is unusual. We’ve got different jobs to do, I’m focusing on the football and the team and he’s focusing on his role.”When pressed on why Mitchell went public with his “not fit for purpose” remarks, Howe replied: “That’s for Paul to answer, I don’t think I can answer for him.“The scouting structure was there, and whatever you think about the structures, the results were very good.”Howe was given the opportunity to respond directly and publicly to the criticism, but stated that “it wasn’t the time or place” to do that.As for rumours regarding internal problems between him and Mitchell, Howe said: “As for civil war stuff, absolutely not in my experience.No ‘civil war’ “But I’m cocooned in my work and absolutely focused on the players and the training and that is what I do every single day that I’m here.“I don’t involve myself in politics. For me, this job is very much about the players that we do have and trying to make the supporters proud every time that we play.“Everything else around that I try not to get involved in.”When asked to rate his “bromance” with Mitchell, Howe said: “I don’t really understand the fascination with our bromance and I don’t think that it has to be that way.“I think it has to be a collaboration and sometimes there are moments – I fall out with Jason [Tindall] a lot and that’s probably the closest bromance I have at the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have healthy debate and argument and that’s never been a problem as long as it’s respectful and for the greater cause, which is always the football club and to try and get results.“There is no issue with that but I think that the collaboration part is the most important thing and it’s got to be teamwork for the ultimate aim.” More

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      in Boxing

      Misfits Boxing beauty Carla Jade promises to bash ‘annoying actress’ Nikki Hru and become the lightweight champion

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      GORGEOUS Carla Jade has vowed to “beat up” Nikki Hru in their Misfits Boxing lightweight title fight.The model and ring girl, 34, features on the card at the MF & DAZN X Series 18 event at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday.Ring girl and model Carla Jade is fighting for a title at the MF & DAZN X Series 18 eventJade’s opponent is singer and actress Nikki HruDedicated Carla has revealed she has been training for a year in the build up to her fight for the lightweight beltAnd the stunning brunette has revealed she is more than ready for her moment to shine, after promoter Mams Taylor threw her in at the deep end.She told SunSport: “I have been training all year for this, I just love it – sparring every week and getting really stuck in.”I kept get fights falling through, but I stayed active and kept busy. I was meant to fight in October, but out of the blue I was asked if I wanted a title fight.”I said, ‘You don’t have to ask me twice!’ So I had around five weeks to drop about five or six kilos.Read more Misfits boxing news”I think Mams [Taylor] knew I would be game, and I was like ‘hell yeah’. It was really a dream come true.”I’ve got the shot and I know I’m going to win. I can’t wait to show everybody what I can do in the ring.”Trash talking is all part of the process in the build up to any Misfits Boxing contest. And words have been exchanged between Jade and Hru.Not holding back, Jade told us: “I just don’t see that she’s a good fighter.Most read in Boxing”I’m from real boxing, I’ve seen real boxers, and I just… she’s an actress, and she looks angry and plays the part but I think people are buying into her hype.”In terms of her actual boxing skills and even the cardio, I mean… there are so many things that are not there for her.Ex-Playboy model Amber Fields poses naked in just body paint for Misfits Boxing ring walk before wild scrap with rival”No disrespect, but she is not going to known what has hit her.”For the first two or three punches, I think it’s going to be ‘Wow’.”It’s laughable that she says she’s from the streets and she’s had street-fighting. I think she’s bitten off a little bit too much than she can chew fighting me.I don’t hate her, but she is just so boring. Let me just beat her up so she can go away.Carla Jade on Nikki Hru”To be fair, I’m happy she took the fight because no one else wanted to fight me.”But she’s getting a little bit annoying this week. She’s like that annoying girl at school you just want to say, ‘Go away!’ She’s not doing anything bad. I don’t hate her, but she is just so boring. Let me just beat her up so she can go away.”If she was a skilled fighter, I might have felt threatened. But I don’t fear her at all.”Jade has appeared as a ring girl for numerous BKFC eventsLast year, Jade was victorious when she defeated reality TV star Tash KiranNow, Carla is vowing to defeat her next opponent Nikki HruAs for Elle Brooke who takes on Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fighter Jenny Savage for the MFB Middleweight Championship, Jade laughed off the porn star’s claims that everyone dislikes her.Jade retorted: “I don’t know her, so I don’t hate her. But I’d like that belt she has.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Who she is and things she does don’t really align with my morals. It’s no disrespect, but we’re just different people.”I’m looking forward to watching her fight. But, with my allegiances to BKFC, I will be hoping Jenny wins.”Jade will feature on the same card as Misfits boxing favourite Elle BrookeJade doesn’t agree with Elle Brooke’s moralsBrunette beauty Jade is looking forward to putting on a show in Newcastle More

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      David Beckham will lead mourners at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral as ex manager’s heartbreaking last words revealed

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      DAVID Beckham will lead soccer legends and dignitaries saluting England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at his star-studded funeral in Sweden on Friday.Becks, 49, was the Swedish coach’s captain during their Three Lions heyday and will fly to pay tribute in person at Sven’s home town of Torsby.David Beckham will lead soccer legends and dignitaries saluting England boss Sven-Goran ErikssonCredit: ReutersThe book of condolence near Fryksande Church in Torsby where the funeral will be heldCredit: Doug SeeburgDavid Beckham’s private jet lands at the Karlstad airport in Sweden todayCredit: EPAHundreds are expected to throng his funeral, which will be followed by a New Orleans-style funeral processionCredit: EPASven’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’olio, 63, will also join hundreds of mourners at a colourful funeral procession staged to celebrate the soccer legend’s life.A source told The Sun: “David will be going to the funeral – he was very close to Sven and wants to say goodbye in person.“It will be a low key appearance – he won’t be giving a eulogy or saying any words but will definitely be there.”Sven – who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in August, eight months after revealing his terminal diagnosis – was England manager for all but two of Becks’ 59 matches as captain.Paying tribute, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan superstar said: “Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.”I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain.”Beckham posted his message on social media alongside a video of the pair from his visit to see the ailing former coach after he revealed he had “at best” a year to live.The former Three Lions superstar recalled: “We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye.Most read in Football”I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family.”Thank you Sven and in your last words to me: “It will be OK”.” David Beckham shares heartbreaking tribute video after tragic death of former England manager Sven-Goran ErikssonSven’s send-off has been organised by his last partner, flame-haired Panamanian beauty Yaniseth Alcides and his children from his first marriage, Johan, 45, and Lina, 37.Glamorous Yaniseth – who has a son from a previous relationship – enjoyed glitzy gala dinners with Sven until a few months before his death.The soccer svengali spent his last days at his stunning waterside retreat at Sunne on Sweden’s Lake Fryken and died surrounded by loved ones.Hundreds are expected to throng his funeral at picturesque Fryksände Church in the nearby town of Torsby, which will be followed by a New Orleans-style funeral procession.The town’s brass band will lead his coffin on a 700-metres parade to the Kollsberg homestead museum where speeches and eulogies will be given.Band leaders will pack a string of Sven’s favourite jazz songs into the 14-minute march intended to live up to Sven’s mantra: “Celebrate life.”Sven sadly died of pancreatic cancer in August, eight months after he revealed his terminal diagnosisCredit: AFPInside the Fryksande church in Torsby, SwedenCredit: EPADavid Beckham was the Swedish coach’s captain during their Three Lions heydayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSven delivered a final goodbye message just months before his deathCredit: Amazon PrimeBecks penned in a heartfelt tribute ‘I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain’Credit: Times Newspapers LtdThe funeral will be the biggest ever staged in Sven’s home town of Torsby – population 4,000 – with 200 seats reserved for close family and friends inside the 600-seat red brick church.A big TV screen will be set up outside for hundreds of more mourners expected outside once the pews are filled.Eriksson’s agent, Bo Gustavsson, said Sven – known as “Svennis” in Sweden – wanted “ordinary people” to attend.Guests have been asked to wear black at the service, which will be packed with Sven’s many Swedish pals, townsfolk and football pals from across the globe..Woman priest Ingela Älvskog, 64, was asked to officiate – after the pair became friends when she joined Fryksände Church in 2014.Ingela – who is returning especially after a spell preaching abroad – said: “This is such an honourable mission that I have been given.”He would come to church. He was so nice. I am friends with his family and especially his father Sven.”There are so many good things to say about Svennis. He was a man full of joy and love.”‘A VERY KIND PERSON’Like Becks, Sven’s ex Nancy – at his side throughout his five-year England reign up to 2006 – also said tearful goodbyes after his diagnosis.The former kingpin of English soccer and his first lady reconciled and shared tender moments on the phone up until a few weeks before his death.Nancy said: “It was hard, but he sounded so relaxed and we were laughing and he would just say ‘I feel okay’.“It was quite difficult to even be talking but I tried to be fearless and see how he was. I wanted to get together for another dinner.“I find it difficult being here talking about Sven knowing that he is not here with us anymore.“He was loveable – when you love someone you will love them forever. He was a very kind person.”Nancy later broke down and wept in a ITV interview as she told of her pain at the loss of the “love of her life”.Sven’s aides last night declined to give a full list of guests expected at the funeral – but a string of stars and footy friends are expected.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001)Football Association deputy CEO Mark Burrows will attend to represent England soccer chiefs.Sven’s last written words were revealed on the eve of his funeral yesterday – urging readers to enjoy life to the full.He told how he passed on the advice to former player Didier Hamann, who found him cracking open champagne on the day he was sacked by Manchester City in 2008.READ MORE SUN STORIESSven wrote in his last, an unfinished, last column for the Daily Telegraph: “Life is to be celebrated. I always had that attitude.“Celebrate life. That has always been my mindset – whatever is thrown at you.”Beckham will pay a tribute in person at the star-studded funeralCredit: PALina and Johan Eriksson have helped plan the funeralCredit: Andrew TimmsThe former England Football Manager with his ex-girlfriend Nancy Dell’olioCredit: GettyEriksson’s partner of the last 15 years, Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, stood by his side in the final daysCredit: Alamy More

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      Arsenal star Jorginho, 32, reveals shock retirement plan and admits ‘I’m in trouble’ after getting taste for new job

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      ARSENAL ace Jorginho revealed he is planning to transition to coaching after his retirement.The 32-year-old has become a key figure in the Gunners’ dressing room ever since his arrival from rivals Chelsea in January 2023.Arsenal ace Jorginho is planning to pursue coaching after his retirementCredit: GettyJorginho was initially against becoming a manager but Arsenal changed his mindCredit: GettyAnd the new surroundings at the Emirates changed his mind on something he was adamantly against for many years.The midfielder insisted that he doesn’t want to become a manager once he rolls credits on his career.Arsenal chiefs asked him if he wanted to pursue coaching badges upon his arrival and he initially declined as he stayed true to his previous assertions. The Italy international, however, ultimately caved in and started gaining his credentials.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Napoli star soon found himself “in trouble” as he ended up enjoying the experience and now looks set to follow in the footsteps of his current boss Mikel Arteta.Jorginho told the Seaman Says podcast: “Because of how I am and how much I love the game, my friends back home, my family, since I was 18 or 19, they were always like, ‘You’re going to be a coach’.”And I was like, ‘No way, I want to be involved in football, but no hope or chance I’ll be a coach’.”Then I came to Arsenal and they asked me if you wanted to do badges and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to be a coach’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”After some encouragement I did them and in the first session I was saying, ‘Oh no why did I do this, now I’m in trouble’. And I think I I’ll go for it [a coaching career] now.”To be on the pitch, with the players, I fell in love with it. It was so satisfying, when you see things coming up and working out how you expected, it was so good.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal “Being on the pitch, seeing the stuff there is different, but it’s really good.”Jorginho has amassed a total of one goal and three assists in 52 appearances at Arsenal.The Italian is likely to start on Sunday’s North London Derby at Tottenham as Declan Rice is suspended, Mikel Merino is injured and captain Martin Odegaard poses as a major doubt. More