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    OnlyFans star Elle Brooke calls out UFC legends Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZant but first wants to fight Astrid Wett

    ELLE BROOKE wants to fight former UFC stars Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZant in a boxing match.OnlyFans star Elle has been trying her luck at influencer boxing where she boasts a 3-1 record and is set for a rematch against former Love Island contestant AJ Bunker at Misfits Boxing 12 on Saturday.
    Elle Brooke wants to face ex-UFC stars Ronda Rousey and Paige VanZantCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    But first Elle wants to lock horns with OnlyFans nemesis Astrid WettCredit: Twitter / @AstridWett
    Paige has also put together a strong OnlyFans game after leaving UFCCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant
    The model is also looking to face off another nemesis in the adult content world in Astrid Wett, who’s currently top of her list.
    The 26-year-old is then looking to follow in the footsteps of other social media personalities like Jake Paul by crossing paths with former MMA fighters.
    And that is why she would like to face off against UFC Hall of Famer Rousey and former MMA athlete-turned OnlyFans model Paige, whom the Brit wouldn’t mind facing in a bare-knuckle fight.
    Elle told talkSPORT: “A really huge fight like Paige VanZant or Ronda Rousey. Someone like that, but then in between I need that Astrid fight.
    Read More on Boxing
    “I don’t think those fights would ever work without that one because that is the money fight, that could be like a main [event].
    “Nate Diaz has fought Jake Paul and then he’s facing another opponent in a couple of months.
    “I know it’s called influencer boxing but it’s a crossover scene. You can get other fighters into the scene [and] I think that would make sense.
    “I think the only people who have done it are Jake Paul, KSI, and Bryce Hall. I would definitely love to put my name on the map by winning against a real fighter.
    Most read in Boxing
    “Not that I’m underestimating influencer boxers, but someone that is known to be good, tough, and shocking. I want to be a true underdog and come out on top.
    “I would do bare-knuckle. Apparently, it is better for you because it just grazes your face rather than rattle your brain in your head. Sure, I’ve seen people get their teeth knocked out but okay.”
    Rousey is still regarded as UFC’s greatest female fighter of all time as she enjoyed a four-year undefeated streak that saw her winning all 12 of her fights.
    However, the American bruiser picked up her first loss in 2015 against Holly Holm and never managed to bounce back as she went on to suffer another defeat at the hands of Amanda Nunes a year later.
    Rousey is a UFC Hall of Famer who currently competes in professional wrestlingCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Rowdy left Dana White’s promotion that year and crossed over to WWE in 2018 where she went on to dominate the women’s division by becoming RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
    The Baddest Woman on the Planet left the company after SummerSlam in August when she lost to close friend and fellow UFC hero Shayna Baszler.
    The 36-year-old has since been competing in the independent circuit with MMA comrade Marina Shafir, with whom she also appeared in Ring of Honor.
    Rousey hasn’t shown intent to participate in influencer boxing as she is already a major attraction in professional wrestling.
    Meanwhile, Elle is focused on AJ after releasing a bizarre video mocking her rival.
    Inside Elle’s glamorous life as a boxer and OnlyFans star…
    Elle traded in OnlyFans for boxingCredit: PA
    Elle boasts 843k followersCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She also showed fans a red outfitCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Elle always embraces the seasons traditionsCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong

    She also recently posed in laceCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She also posed in a pink lingerieCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    And also embraced yellowCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    The influencer posed with a championship beltCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    Elle recently visited the USCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Including visiting TexasCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thedumbledong/
    The influencer has posed for several photoshootsCredit: instagram More

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    I won two league titles at Arsenal… a misunderstood team-mate could have been next Ronaldo – he left Adams on the floor

    ARSENAL hero Paul Merson insists Nicolas Anelka was “definitely” destined to become better than Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario.Anelka, who underwent a stormy career, joined the Gunners from Paris Saint-Germain in 1997 at the tender age of 17 years old and still managed to turn heads immediately after his arrival.
    Arsenal hero Paul Merson insists Nicolas Anelka could have been better than RonaldoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Merson watched Anelka dominating Tony Adams and Steve Bould in trainingCredit: Rex
    Merson spent a few months playing with Anelka at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Merson, who won two titles with the club, spent a few months with the famous striker in north London and was absolutely mesmerised by his talent as he absolutely stood out on the pitch.
    The Sky Sports pundit was also left in awe during training as he witnessed the ex-France international dominating notoriously tough defenders in Tony Adams and Steve Bould “every two minutes”.
    In fact, the former England international watched the then teenager leaving both veteran centre-backs “on their backside” before beating legendary goalkeeper David Seaman.
    Merson told the League of Legends show: “I played with a kid who came over to England and I definitely thought that he was going to be better than the Brazilian Ronaldo – and that was Anelka.
    Read More on Arsenal
    “When he came over, he was about 17 and he was leaving Tony Adams and Steve Bould on their backside every two minutes.
    “We used to do this one-on-one where we would stand in between the halfway line and the 18-yard box and the defender would start on the 18-yard line.
    “The boss would chip the ball into you and you would have to take on the defender one-on-one and then you’d have to try and beat the goalkeeper. I don’t think he ever missed.
    “He managed to get past the defender, whoever he was doing it against, then Dave Seaman would come out and he would go round him like he wasn’t there.
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    “I seriously thought that he was going to be the best in the world – and he should have been. He should have been as good as Ronaldo.”
    Anelka underwent a nomadic career that saw him leaving Arsenal for Real Madrid only two years after his arrival at Highbury, where he won the Double in 1998 and amassed 28 goals in 90 appearances.
    The Frenchman’s stint at the Santiago Bernabeu barely lasted a year and he returned to PSG before coming back to England in 2001 for Liverpool and Manchester City a year later.
    In 2005 the now 44-year-old signed for Fenerbahce but returned to the UK for a third time as he was signed by Bolton a year later.
    And Anelka found himself at top level once more in 2008 when he put pen to paper on a contract with Chelsea where he won the Premier League as well as two FA Cups until his departure in 2012.
    Short stints followed with Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus, West Brom and Mumbai City where he retired in 2015. More

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    How unlikely Casanova Sven-Goran Eriksson won over England with Germany rout – as fans show support amid cancer fight

    SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is much-loved by England fans – for one night in Munich in September 2001.The Swede, 75, has received messages of support by supporters all over the world after he revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
    Legendary Sweden manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he has terminal cancer
    Eriksson and his coaching staff celebrate England’s famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: Rex
    At Lazio. in Italy Eriksson scored his greatest successCredit: Getty
    He told a radio station in his homeland that he has “at best a year” to live.
    He revealed to P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
    “Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”
    When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.
    Read more football news
    The decorated ex-Three Lions gaffer added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.
    “But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”
    Eriksson – or just Sven as England fans call him – has enjoyed some incredible achievements in the game.
    After all, this was a man who beat Juventus and AC Milan to winning a Serie A title with unfashionable Lazio – only the second in their history – in 2000.
    Most read in Football
    And despite his admitted failings with not getting the best out of the ‘Golden Generation’ of England footballers from 2001-2006, the 5-1 demolition of Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich is immortal.
    Sven also proved himself to be an unlikely Casanova, charming beauties Nancy Dell’Ollio, Ulrika Jonsson and Faria Alam.
    Legend in Italy
    Sven arrived back in Italy in 1992 with Sampdoria, following a successful spell with Benfica who he led to a European Cup final.
    He had previously scored success with Roma in the Coppa Italia in 1985, but a trophyless stint with Fiorentina meant he had unfinished business.
    For the Genoa giants he won the Coppa Italia in 1994, ripping up the Italian defensive blueprint of man-marking by introducing a zonal marking system.
    He left Sampdoria for Lazio in 1997, where he would become a legend.
    A talented squad, that included future Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved, Argies Juan Sebastian Veron, Nestor Sensini and Diego Simeone, as well as top scorer Marcelo Salas proved too much for their rivals in 2000.
    They pipped Juventus to win Serie A by a point, also ousting the great AC Milan side of that era in the title race.
    Knowing how to make a team difficult to beat was Sven’s strength and it played to the style of the league he coached in.
    Eriksson’s love affair with Italian football began in the 1980s at RomaCredit: Alamy
    It was at rivals Lazio he would win multiple trophiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Eriksson, pictured with ex-Lazio Owner Sergio Cragnotti, won the Serie A title and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: Rex
    Lazio won the double that year – making it a trio of Coppa Italia wins for the studious manager.
    He left in 2001 with his legacy in place, also adding the Cup Winners’ Cup and Super Cup to his CV.
    New challenge
    That same year, Sven landed the England job to become the first foreigner to take charge of the national team.
    The Scandinavian tactician had flirted with the idea of coaching in the UK – almost joining Blackburn Rovers in 1996, before opting to stay in Italy for family reasons.
    But, the allure of working with England’s ‘Golden Generation’ of Beckham, Scholes, Lampard and more would prove to be too hard to turn down.
    In truth, his cautious approach didn’t always work. Tournament failures – losing in the quarter-finals of two World Cups (2002 and 2006), and the Euros in 2004.
    Least we not forget we lost to two very good sides in Brazil and Portugal (twice) in those games.
    However, before those losses, we did have reason to cheer for one unforgettable night in Munich when it all came together.
    The Three Lions travelled to Germany to face off against their bitter rivals, after a poor start to their 2002 World Cup qualification campaign in a crucial game.
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    Eriksson coached England to a famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Michael Owen was the hero scoring a hat-trick on that famous eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Steven Gerrard also contributed towards Svenmania in the 5-1 routCredit: Reuters
    Wins against lesser opposition didn’t exactly fill us with confidence.
    But we took the Germans to the sword on their own soil. Spearheaded by Michael Owen who scored a hat-trick, and rounded off by Emile Heskey – it was an awesome display in a 5-1 win away from home.
    It kickstarted Svenmania. Unbelievably in his homeland, the game was watched by over a million football fans – double the amount that tuned in to watch Sweden take on Macedonia that night.
    Marks & Spencer, a longtime supporter of the England national team, printed 9,000 Germany 1 England 5 T-shirts, which sold out in a day.
    “I can’t remember a menswear product selling so well,” a spokesman revealed at the time – a testament to Sven’s greatest day.
    Unlikely Casanova
    Sven married Ann-Christine Pettersson in 1977, they had two children, before they divorced in 1994.
    The cause of their split, he admitted, was an extramarital affair with curvy beauty Graziella Mancinelli.
    It was a trait that followed Sven in his love life.
    By 1998, he began a romance with glam lawyer Nancy Dell’Ollio who left her husband for the unlikely Casanova.
    Eriksson had a longterm romance with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He had an affair with fellow Swede Ulrika JonssonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Glam FA secretary Faria Alam also fell for Eriksson’s charmsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Again, he would stray – enjoying a brief tryst with Italian actress Debora Caprioglio.
    Nancy forgave him, joining Sven in London at his £2million Regent’s Park.
    His wandering eye led to more well-publicised affairs – with TV personality Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and FA secretary Faria Alam in 2004.
    Nancy stuck by Sven until 2006, when they finally called it quits.
    “People said the constant media attention was something I had to accept, but I never understood what was so interesting about my private life,” he wrote in a column in the Daily Mail.
    Plenty of support
    Former players have spoken in support of Sven after his shock cancer diagnosis.
    Wayne Rooney took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: “Sad news this morning. Thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family.
    “A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone. We’re all with you Sven, keep fighting.”
    Ex-player Trevor Sinclair posted: “Upsetting to read my old boss Sven Goran-Eriksson has terminal cancer!
    “An absolute gentleman & excellent coach that I am eternally grateful to, as I earned all my England caps under him. I wish him love & comfort during his final battle.”
    While fans have united to wish Sven the best.
    Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind Eriksson after his sad cancer revealCredit: AP
    Eriksson has revealed he has ‘at best’ a year to liveCredit: Reuters
    One shared: “Really sad news about Sven Goran Eriksson, I hope he finds the strength to fight as long as he can, as someone who cared for my grandad with terminal cancer it is the cruelest disease. Wishing him & his family the best.”
    A second added: “Cancer is just the most evil disease that take everything from not only the person suffering but everyone who loves them.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “Wishing Sven Goran Eriksson the best possible in his health & hope that he has the best support around him to help him fight it.”
    We, at SunSport, echo those thoughts. More

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    Alex Scott & Jess Glynn are ‘getting serious’ but one’s got a ‘rebellious side’, says body language expert

    WHILE the beginning of their relationship may have been underwraps, but Alex Scott and Jess Glynne have been packing on the PDA since making their relationship official in November.Since then the BBC presenter and Brit Award-nominated pop star’s relationship has gone from strength to strength and this month they took the next stepas they jetted off on their first couple’s holiday to Mexico.
    Alex Scott and Jess Glynne have been official since NovemberCredit: Rex
    The video Alex shared of their moped ride displays ‘strong affection’ according to body language expert Judi JamesCredit: instagram
    Judi James says that the couple’s gestures suggest that their relationship is authenticCredit: instagram
    Former Lioness Alex shared a glimpse into their romantic getaway on Instagram earlier this week sharing a selection of sun-soaked snaps as well as a video of the pair riding around on a moped.
    And according to body language expert Judi James the holiday video suggests the pair are getting serious.
    TRUST & AFFECTION
    Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Judi says: “Alex and Jess’s body language here shows high levels of trust between them plus the powerful trait of each intensifying and complimenting the happiness and the fun of the other. 
    “Jess seems to balance a more serious side to Alex by bringing signals of rebellion and spontaneity that might border on the reckless, while Alex appears to produce signals of strong affection and empathy in Jess.”
    MIRRORED AFFECTION
     “Their body language is full of subliminal mirroring, even in this short clip,” Judi adds.
    “When Alex turns her head away from Jess they both produce almost identical smiles to suggest like-minded thinking and emotions and when Alex turns to look back at Jess both of them get the rounded cheeks that suggest authentic happiness.”
     EMOTIONAL GENEROSITY
    “Alex’s eyes seem to gleam here, but as Jess prompts an open-mouthed laugh from Alex there are clues in the way that Jess then gazes at Alex’s face that she is made happy by prompting that laugh and watching the results, suggesting emotional generosity,” Judi explains.
    “Jess licks her lips as Alex looks away but then she performs the big tongue-poke gesture to the camera to show off her more rebellious side after the cute moment of subtle emotional reveal with Alex.”
    Most read in Football
    The video captures the couple’s interaction on a moped ride during their fun-filled holiday.
    In the video, Scott says: “You know what we are? Brits abroad.”
    Glynne, 34, laughed and replied: “Brits abroad with chin straps.”
    A beaming Scott then added: “Safety first.”
    Glynne said: “Mexico, I’m ready,” before the traffic began to move and Scott set off.
    The couple sparked dating rumours earlier this year when they were spotted at Wimbledon together before attending an awards show.
    Their relationship was later confirmed with a public kiss and they have been inseparable ever since, with both seen at BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
    However, there have been a variety of clues that they were dating one another.
    As far back as May, they were snapped at an event called Advertising Week Europe.
    A few months later, the pair were spotted side-by-side watching Wimbledon.
    They wore matching white ensembles as they cheered on England’s Katie Boulter against Daria Saville. Their outfit choice suggested they were already in sync.
    Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
    Alex and Jess enjoyed pints at the time and appeared in high spirits as they drank and chatted.
    That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
    Alex looked stunning as she donned a black top and her hair slicked back at the collection launch.
    Jess was also in attendance and oozed glam in a black leather top, with the songstress posing next to Alex for photos at the event hosted by Helena Christensen and Charli Howard. Matching dress code once again.
    The pair’s relationship was confirmed when they were spotted sharing a kiss in November ending all speculation.
    Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
    A friend told The Sun: “Alex and Jess have been a slow burn and they didn’t want to rush things or go public too soon.
    “But they’re officially an item now and seem really happy. They are both strong, independent women with a shared passion and respect of their respective careers, supporting one another from the sidelines.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “It’s still early days for them, but they’ve met one another’s mates and everyone is super-happy for them.”
    The couple have been enjoying a sun-soaked holiday in MexicoCredit: @alexscott2
    Alex Scott has been sharing their holiday snaps with her Instagram followersCredit: @alexscott2 More

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    What happened to the 16 former Sir Alex Ferguson players who went on to become managers including Carabao Cup hero

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S 26-year tenure of Manchester United made him one of the greatest managers of all time.The Scot racked up a stunning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
    Sir Alex Ferguson has many disciples in the gameCredit: Getty
    So it’s no wonder that his leadership inspired many of his former players to go into management.
    Michael Carrick is the latest of his ex-players to catch the eye in the dugout as Middlesbrough boss.
    His side are just one match from Wembley after a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
    Here’s we take a look at those who tried to following in his footsteps – to varying degrees of success…
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Wayne Rooney
    Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    MANCHESTER UNITED’s all time record goalscorer is currently out of work after his disastrous spell with Birmingham.
    He was controversially given the job in October when the club’s new American owners sacked John Eustace despite being in the play-off places.
    However, after winning just two of 15 matches in charge, and the Blues dropping to 20th, Rooney was sacked following the New Year’s Day loss to Leeds.
    Michael Carrick
    While Michael Carrick is enjoying cup success at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
    ANOTHER one of Fergie’s disciples managing in the Championship at Middlesbrough – Carrick is known for his brand of attacking football.
    Most read in Football
    He narrowly missed out on guiding Middlesbrough to the Premier League last season when he took them to the play-offs despite the club being 21st when he took over in late October.
    This season, he has overseen a fairytale Carabao Cup run that has left Boro on the brink of a first final in 20 years.
    His side take a 1-0 advantage to Stamford Bridge for the second leg on January 23 as they eye a place at Wembley next month.
    Ruud van Nistelrooy
    Van Nistelrooy is out of work despite a successful spell as PSV managerCredit: Getty
    VAN NISTELROOY had an excellent spell in charge of PSV last season, guiding them to a Dutch Cup victory and finishing second in the league.
    But he resigned in the summer, citing a lack of support from the board over transfers.
    Prior to that he’d worked as an assistant for the Dutch national team having retired from playing back in 2012.
    Gabriel Heinze
    Heinze most recently managed Newell’s Old BoysCredit: AFP
    THE former left-back is something of a cult legend on the United terraces.
    He was most recently the manager of Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where he started his career and has previously managed in the MLS for Atlanta United.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
    Solskjaer hasn’t worked since his spell in charge of UnitedCredit: Getty
    ENJOYED three years in charge of United from 2018 until 2021 when he was sacked following a poor run of form.
    Guided United to a Europa League final as well as a second placed finish – their joint highest finish in the league since Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
    History is beginning to look back more kindly on Solskjaer’s tenure given the club’s current struggles under Erik ten Hag.
    Gary Neville
    Neville had an ill-fated spell in charge of ValenciaCredit: Getty
    A STALWART of Fergue’s defence, Neville’s foray into management was less fruitful.
    He won just three of his sixteen league games after surprisingly being made Valencia manager in the 2015-16 season.
    He made a rapid return to punditry following his dismissal.
    Phil Neville
    Phil Neville is back in management at Portland TimbersCredit: Twitter @SkySportsNews
    HAD a semi-successful spell in charge of England’s women team between 2018 and 2021 which ended in dismissal following a run of seven defeats in 11 games.
    His successor Sarina Wiegman took the side to Euro 2022 glory and the 2023 World Cup final.
    Was sacked by David Beckham’s Inter Miami in June but now has another MLS management role as the coach of the Portland Timbers.
    Ryan Giggs
    Giggs is currently out of managementCredit: Reuters
    HAD a spell as player-manager of Manchester United following David Moyes’ dismissal in 2014.
    Took over Wales in 2018 but stepped down in June 2022 after he faced trial over allegations of using controlling behaviour and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
    Giggs was cleared of domestic abuse allegations.
    He was also cleared of attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
    The 50-year-old was recently linked with the vacant Salford job before Karl Robinson’s appointment as manager.
    David Healy
    Healy has found success at LinfieldCredit: Pacemaker
    MADE just one league appearance under Fergie after coming through the academy.
    Healy has won five Northern Irish championships and two Northern Irish cups with Linfield.
    Michael Appleton
    Appleton is the current manager of CharltonCredit: Getty
    APPLETON came through the United academy and was limited to cup appearances for the Red Devils between 1994 and 1997.
    He is currently in charge of Charlton Athletic in League One.
    Has also enjoyed spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn, Oxford, Leicester and Lincoln.
    Mark Robins
    Robins narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last seasonCredit: PA
    ROBINS is widely credited with the goal that saved Fergie’s job in a 1-0 FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in 1990.
    Led Coventry to the brink of the Premier League last season, where they lost in the play-off final to Luton on penalties.
    Also been in charge of Rotherham, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Scunthorpe.
    Laurent Blanc
    Blanc recently lost his job as Lyon managerCredit: Getty
    ARRIVED as a 35-year old veteran at United in 2001 having won the World Cup and Euros with France.
    Had a decent start to life as a manager with spells in charge of France and PSG, winning the league three times with the latter.
    But the manager has lost his way recently, and was most recently sacked by Lyon in September.
    Mark Hughes
    Mark Hughes was sacked by Bradford in OctoberCredit: Alamy
    A STALWART of mid-2000s Barclays, Hughes enjoyed good spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn and Fulham.
    He was Manchester City boss in 2008 when the club were taken over by Sheikh Mansour but was dispatched soon after.
    His career has dwindled over the last decade and he was most recently sacked by League Two Bradford City.
    Steve Bruce
    Bruce wants the Ireland jobCredit: PA
    ANOTHER manager who suffered at the hands of a takeover – Bruce was sacked by Newcastle shortly after they were bought by Saudi Arabia.
    An unhappy period as West Brom manager followed on from that.
    Has gone on record saying he would be interested in taking the Ireland job.
    Darren Ferguson
    Ferguson is in his fourth stint as Peterborough managerCredit: Getty
    FOLLOWED his father’s footsteps into management after spending four years in the United first-team.
    Currently on his fourth stint as Peterborough manager.
    Read more on The Sun
    Jaap Stam
    Jaap Stam is currently out of workCredit: Alamy
    CURRENTLY out of work after most recently managing Cincinnati in the MLS in 2021.
    The former defensive colossus, who famously had a huge fall-out with Fergie and was sold to Lazio, previously managed Reading in the Championship. More

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    OnlyFans and football star Madelene Wright stuns in low-cut top as followers hail her as ‘absolutely incredible’

    MADELENE WRIGHT must be dreaming of racking up goals as fast as she does compliments after a gushing response to her new crop-top shots.Fans called the Leyton Orient footballer and OnlyFans star the “cutest angel” and a “beautiful princess”.
    Madelene Wright was described as ‘gorgeous’ in these picsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/madelene_wright/
    Madelene’s new images drew more than 5,000 likes in the first five hoursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/madelene_wright/
    The footballer is posing more indoors now that’s it’s got chillyCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wright
    Madelene can reflect on growing success onlineCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wright
    Madelene, 25, labelled herself “sweet as honey” as she posed in a mini-skirt and high heels.
    And her 331,000 Instagram followers made a bee-line for the “like” button – at a rate of more than one thousand an hour.
    Praise came in from far and wide, including: “Without a doubt, she is very pretty, a top model, greetings from Chile.”
    Typical verdicts sandwiched between declarations of love for the ex-Charlton ace were: “Absolutely incredible” and “You’re just amazing Maddie”.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    The model remains a sizzling hit online – after scorching back into action on the pitch.
    Charlton sacked her in December 2020 over X-rated content on Snapchat.
    Madelene finally launched a playing comeback last September with Orient.
    And on her debut she took just nine minutes after coming off the bench to net a brilliant goal.
    Most read in Football
    Madelene’s magical moment clinched a 4-2 FA Cup victory over Cheshunt.
    Since then she’s continued to blend football with her desire to keep earning big from exotic images online.
    The influencer believes she’s picked up more than £500,000, mainly from OnlyFans.
    Inside Madelene’s life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…
    She has a huge following across social mediaCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
    The Orient player lives a glamorous lifestyle
    She often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: Instagram
    She celebrated her 25th birthday last SeptemberCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
    The football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
    She claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
    She often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: Instagram
    The footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wright
    Madelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright
    She has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadelene More

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    Inside deserted Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics stadiums destroyed by the war and never rebuilt including gruesome podium

    VENUES used for the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics have been left in ruin.The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted the games between February 8 and 19 in 1984.
    Sarajevo played host to the 1984 Winter OlympicsCredit: Getty
    The tournament happened eight years before the Bosnian WarCredit: Getty
    Many of the venues were left in ruin by the conflict
    This Sarajevo ski jump venue is wreckedCredit: Reuters
    The majority of the venues were built for the Games before they were awarded.
    In total, there were nine venues including the Bjelašnica mountain which was used for the Alpine skiing.
    The Igman mountain and Jahorina ski resort were also used.
    In terms of buildings, there was the Skenderija II Hall for ice hockey, which housed 8,500 people.
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    There was the Trebević Bobsleigh and Luge Track which saw up to 11,500 people visit.
    The closing ceremonies, figure skating and ice hockey final took place in the Zetra Ice Hall which had a capacity of 15,000 spectators.
    The Winter Games were considered as a success.
    In 2019, Bosnian Nedzad Fazlija, 55, a five-time Olympian shooter said: “Sarajevo was a very successful host of the Winter Olympics.
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    Nedzad Fazlija considered the Winter Games in Sarajevo a successCredit: Getty
    “We are one of the few that can boast of being an Olympic city. We are very proud of that, we appreciate it, and we are grateful that we were entrusted. A huge number of volunteers were engaged in preparing everything. Everyone was proud.
    “This atmosphere, which ruled for the Games, created something that we call the Olympic spirit, which has remained to this day. We built facilities, but the most important profit is the Olympic spirit. It drives and motivates people to get involved in sport, to train, or just to be fans.
    “A lasting benefit is that the spirit is transmitted from generation to generation. Almost every child practised some sport. The Olympic spirit creates new athletes, new recreational players.”
    However, just eight years after the event the Bosnian War broke out and ran for three years between 1992 and 1995.
    The war was a part of the breakup of the state of Yugoslavia and led to the deaths of around 100,000.
    During the conflict, most of the venues from the Winter Games were destroyed and none of them were rebuilt.
    On average, the city was shelled 329 times a day including the track which once had the world’s best athletes on it.
    Sarajevo’s bobsleigh track became disused and was later spoiled with graffiti.
    The bobsleigh track is covered in graffitiCredit: AFP – Getty
    Plans to reconstruct the track were scrappedCredit: AFP
    One of the ski jumping venues is abandonedCredit: AFP – Getty
    The bobsled run on Mount Trebević is derelictCredit: Getty
    The track, used for both bobsleigh and luge, was called “safe, quick and technically interesting,” and required “extreme concentration and technical knowledge”.
    At the time, it was the fastest and steepest in the world at 1,300 meters and held 30,000 spectators.
    When the war broke out the Olympic track became a concrete trench and an artillery stronghold, as holes were drilled in to use in the war.
    The conflict continued to see the trench used in warfare as it was in a prime location, looking down on the city of Sarajevo from the mountain top.
    There have been plans to renovate the track in recent years following an extensive demining operation.
    But in 2019 it was cancelled due to the massive cost of fixing the critical infrastructure.
    There is still some hope as in 2022 the government of the Sarajevo Canton picked a team to develop a plan for reconstructing the facility as part of Barcelona’s potential 2030 bid.
    The Spanish city has been twinned with Sarajevo since 2000.
    The medal podium was used as a place for executions during the warCredit: Getty – Contributor
    A hotel was turned into a prison before being abandonedCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The venues are unrecognisableCredit: AFP – Getty
    The Olympic accommodation for athletes and a hotel were also left in ruins.
    During the war, it became a prison for Bosnian Muslims.
    One of the more grizzly scars from the war is a podium from the Winter Olympics that later became a place of execution for the imprisoned.
    The ramps for the ski jumping events have also been ruined as a result of the war.
    Sarajevo took a lot of damage during the war and reminders of the conflict are all around the former sporting venues.
    Fazlija added: “Sarajevo was in the longest siege in the modern history of war.
    “The first objects destroyed in Sarajevo were Olympic facilities.
    “It was very difficult to live in the city, to cope without water, food, warmth.
    “For sport, of course, it was not a good time. But the Olympic spirit of the city gave people the strength to endure another day, another week, another month.
    “The people helped each other as they could.
    “It drove people to clear the ruins, repair buildings, roads and infrastructure. Sarajevo was progressing every day, and life returned to the city.”
    In 2014 the Sarajevo Olympic Museum opened inside the Juan Antonio Samaranch Olympic Hall.
    The exhibits showcase artefacts from the games while the Olympic rings can still be seen around the city.
    In 2019 the region played host to the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.
    This included eight sports and had 1,200 volunteers and 900 athletes heading to the area.
    Read more on The Sun
    As a result, the Bjelašnica ski resort was revitalised and will continue to benefit the locals.
    The Zetra Olympic Hall has also been the recipient of a reconstruction. More

  • in

    Meet Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin who snubbed Chelsea, has sport star parents and whose Wag is a glam architect

    FOR Spurs it promises to be a Rad signing.Tottenham have agreed a deal to bring the “Romanian Van Dijk” Radu Dragusin to the Premier League for £21.5million from Italian side Genoa.
    Radu Dragusin has agreed to join Tottenham in a £21.5m deal
    Standing at 6ft3in, Dragusin is a hulking presence at the backCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
    Dragusin is supported by his stunning Wag Iona StanCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
    Heading in the opposite direction is forgotten man Djed Spence, as Ange Postecoglou also closes in on a swoop for German forward Timo Werner.
    Dragusin could have been a star on our shores sooner – snubbing Chelsea as a teenager to sign for Juventus.
    He comes from sporting stock – with both his parents elite sports stars in their homeland.
    Meanwhile his glam girlfriend Iona Stan is an aspiring architect who is living the dream life of a Wag.
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    Start big
    Standing at 6ft3in with a striking top-knot and goatee beard, Dragusin cuts an imposing figure.
    It was in his blood to be an athlete, both his parents were involved in professional sport.
    Dad Dan played volleyball for Romania, while mum Svetlana also represented her country in basketball.
    But it was a cousin who introduced a young Radu to football.
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    He joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest who have an affiliation with Atletico Madrid.
    But the LaLiga side missed the boat on the centre-half, who moved to Italy in 2018 to link up with Juventus and their academy.
    Chelsea and PSG were also interested, but the Serie A giants moved fast to secure the talent – paying around £215,000 to secure the services of the then Romania U16 captain.
    “My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,” Florin Manea, the agent who brokered the transfer, told TMW.
    “He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.
    “After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone. Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him.
    “He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.”
    Dragusin worked his way up the ranks at JuventusCredit: AP
    Centre back Dragusin idolises Juve legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo BonucciCredit: Getty
    Following the legends
    In 2020, Dragusin told Juventus TV: “I am inspired by Van Dijk, as well as Bonucci and Chiellini.”
    It was the latter two that he would get the opportunity to learn from in Turin.
    After making his way through the youth ranks, he was called up to the first team for a game against Lazio.
    A month later he made his debut in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, coming on as a second half substitute.
    But, despite signing a four-year contract and being highly thought of, he consistently found himself on the fringes of the first eleven.
    Loan spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana hindered his progress, which convinced the Old Lady to offer Dragusin to Serie B side Genoa with an obligation to buy at the end of another loan.
    It was that move at the start of the 2022-23 season that would be the making of him.
    Starring role
    Dragusin took all the plaudits as Genoa gained promotion from Serie B.
    Incredibly, he missed just 45 minutes of a tiring campaign – contributing to his club’s impressive defensive record of conceding the second least in the division.
    After leaving Juventus, Dragusin became a key player for GenoaCredit: Getty
    Dragusin celebrates winning Serie B with IonaCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    And he managed to find the net four times, as his aerial prowess proved to be a threat from set-pieces.
    His impressive form alerted Romania boss Edward Iordănescu, who called him up to the international set-up for all of his nation’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
    It would prove to be a successful period for Romania, who topped their group over favourites Switzerland.
    With Dragusin at the heart of the defence, the Romanians conceded just five times in their 10 games.
    Starring in Serie A
    The stopper has continued to progress with his side cementing their place in Italy’s top flight.
    His development has been aided by coach Alberto Gilardino, a once prolific marksman for Parma, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
    Dragusin said: “Gilardino has given us a lot confidence in our abilities, he told us to play with heart and give everything on the pitch.”
    Stopper Dragusin has proven to be one of Serie A’s most impressive competitorsCredit: Getty
    Dragusin celebrates scoring against Inter in Genoa’s final game of 2023Credit: Reuters
    That was in evidence in Genoa’s final game of 2023, before the winter break.
    The underdogs secured a vital point against Inter Milan to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
    It was Dragusin who displayed that fighting spirit, netting an equaliser.
    Beautiful missus
    Away from the pitch, Dragusin is ably supported by his stunning girlfriend, Iona.
    Not much is known about how the pair met.
    However, they both appear on each other’s Instagram pages from 2021.
    She is an inspiring architect, who is studying at The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.
    When she’s not, she is living the life of a football Wag.
    On game day, you will find her cheering on her beloved in the stands.
    Gorgeous Iona lives the life of a WagCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Iona is Dragusin’s biggest fanCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Brunette beauty Iona is studying to be an architectCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Iona will be a big fan of London’s architecture when she moves to our shoresCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    The artsy brunette looks and plays the part, dressing in designer fur coats and taking luxury holidays.
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    Their next port of call is London, where she will be able to indulge her love for shopping and iconic architecture.
    While Dragusin’s game under Postecoglou will, no doubt, continue to improve. More