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      Ex-Newcastle coach recalls famous Champions League night when unlikely hero came up trumps against Gianluigi Buffon & Co

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      IT IS 22 years ago since one of the most under the radar but magical European nights occurred at Newcastle – and Steve Harper got an incredible memento.Tino Asprilla’s incredible hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona back in 1997 still takes some beating for those members of the Toon Army old enough to remember it.Simon Smith (left) was goalkeeper coach under Sir Bobby Robson (right)Credit: PA:Press AssociationNewcastle United’s Andy Griffin (C) scored the winner against Juventus in 2002Credit: ReutersWhile the stunning 4-1 thumping dished out to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago also goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the Magpies.However, another club famed for wearing black and white have also suffered disappointment under the lights at St. James’ – and it was packed with superstars.Alessandro Del Piero, Lillian Thuram, Pavel Nedved, Edgar Davids and Gianluigi Buffon were all part of the Juventus side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle on this very day in 2002.The Magpies had lost each of their opening group matches that year with a 2-0 reverse at Dynamo Kyiv, a 1-0 home setback to Feyenoord and a 2-0 defeat in Turin leaving them with a mountain to climb.REAL MORE ON FOOTBALLThe probability of them reaching the next round was slim – so much so that Sir Bobby opted to play back-up ‘keeper Harper in order to just give him experience.But it turned into an evening that the Toon legend would never forget as Andy Griffin scored the only goal to secure the win.It was a result that reignited their Champions League campaign, with following victories over Kyiv and in Feyenoord meaning they completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the next stage, where they would eventually be eliminated. Newcastle’s former Geordie goalie coach Simon Smith, who has also worked under the likes of Ruud Gullit, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe during his two spells at his boyhood club, still remembers the game as if it was just yesterday.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told Sun Sport: “We thought that we were out. We hadn’t won one of our opening three games and then we had Juventus, who were packed with great players.“But, lo and behold, we won 1-0. We then went on and beat Feyenoord to get through into the next stage.I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail and I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved “There was no pressure at all. It really just felt like we hadn’t done very well and we were going out and Sir Bobby changed his team.“I know Harps played and I think Sir Bobby just wanted to give him some experience of playing in Europe, not thinking that we’d go any further. But he kept a clean sheet.”And Smith’s work was only just beginning once the full-time whistle had gone.He continued: “My main memory of that night is that Harps was desperate to swap shirts with Buffon.“He gave me his shirt to go and swap and I had to go and stand outside of their changing room and ask their staff if Buffon would exchange his shirt after they had just lost.“To be fair to him, he came out and it was a real classic pink and black goalie shirt, and he swapped it for Harps’ blue Newcastle one. A quite remarkable night really.”Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien battles with Juventus’ Edgar Davids in the Champions League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationSmith enjoyed plenty of memorable moments sat in the dug-out at St. James’ – two of which came when the ground was being redeveloped into the huge arena it is now.He said: “I’ve had two really magical experiences of the place that will always stand out. One was when they built the new stands with the top on.“We had an afternoon out, just before it was finished, and went right to the top and looked down and we all just thought ‘oh my, this is unbelievable’.“Then they arranged for me to take Shay Given and Steve Harper to test out the floodlights when nobody else was there.“We pitched up at St. James’ one night, just the three of us, to have a kickaround and they switched all of the lights on and it was all to make sure that the new lights would not be shining in the eyes of the goalies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So we did corners, free-kicks etc to make sure that the lights were on the right angle and it was totally unbelievable to be there, just the three of us with no crowd. That was very special.“The other special day was after Sir Bobby’s death and the tribute at the Leazes end with the scarves, flags – that was totally unbelievable.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to good old days but faces toughest week of his reign

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      HANSI FLICK’S start to life at Barcelona has been better than anyone could have expected.After another summer of financial acrobatics within the walls of the club in Catalonia, a pre-season with most of the star names absent and some key injuries it was hardly a settled start.Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to the topCredit: GettyBarcelona boss Flick is facing two major clashes against Bayern Munich and Real MadridBut the German’s eagerness to embrace the culture of the club and its surrounding areas has seen the Spanish giants flourish.They are top of LaLiga, three points clear of Real Madrid, and have won all but one of their ten league games so far.But Flick’s flying start is about to face its litmus test. They host his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before visiting Real on Saturday evening.Weeks do not come much more taxing than that.Read More on FootballFlick returns to Bayern finally feeling at the top of his game once more following the brutal and bruising experience of becoming the first manager to ever be sacked in the history of the German national team.He took his time in choosing a next step, there were trips to watch Premier League games and a brief flirtation with the West Ham job in the summer. Things have worked out rather better, for both him and Barcelona.After the chaos of last season’s dance around the future of club legend Xavi, in Flick the club now have a manager in whom everyone appears completely invested.From players benefiting from a clear plan and strict fitness regime to a board blown away by his investment in the culture.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFlick has dived head first into Barcelona and Catalonia, touring the area in the early weeks, attending an event on National Day of Catalonia and, first and foremost, embracing La Masia.Ten graduates from the club’s famed academy were involved in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla, with seven of them starting.Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers everClub president, Joan Laporta, said: “Flick understood perfectly what our value is, our jewel: La Masia.”He travelled to meet Xavi at his home and involved former midfielder Thiago Alcantara in his staff for a short period early on.Flick even earned the seal of approval from Pep Guardiola during a pre-season game against Manchester City, drawn 2-2.Guardiola said: “They have done a lot of things well. The positional play of his team is extraordinary, I wish them all the best.”Lamine Yamal, now at the grand old age of 17 following his Euro 2024 heroics, continues to shine while Ansu Fati, following a dispiriting season on loan with Brighton, is back in the picture.Pedri is thriving and Gavi has now returned from his long injury lay-off.Improving Robert LewandowskiBut it is not just the youngsters Flick is getting the best out of. Robert Lewandowski, with whom Flick won the treble at Bayern in 2020, is playing a more advanced role and reaping the rewards once again.The Pole, 36, is LaLiga’s top scorer with 12 already – double that of Kylian Mbappe, Real’s marquee arrival.Having not had a number of his senior players during the summer, Flick had to work hard to blend what was a positive pre-season with the more senior players as they returned.It was another challenge which meant he did not foresee such a fine start.He said: “I always think positive but at the end it’s a project we started with the players from La Masia, because a lot of players were with the national teams at the Euros, it feels really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because also the young players are doing great.”The players came back, it was the same and I think this is an important thing… That you have a good feeling and, step by step, the players get the confidence to play how we want to play, to do it on the pitch and at the end we have the quality.” More

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      Inside Fallon Sherrock’s romance with fellow darts star Cameron Menzies who wooed her with KFC

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      THEY are the power couple of darts, and romance blossomed after a date at KFC.Fallon Sherrock, 30, and Cameron Menzies, 35, began dating in 2021.Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies are the power couple of dartsThe down-to-earth pair met over a KFC meal in SouthamptonSince then, Menzies and Sherrock have eaten out one of Salt Bae’s famous restaurantsA year later they moved in together, and better date nights followed, including dining at one of Salt Bae’s restaurants.Last year, the Scot revealed his girlfriend has made him a much better darts player.Time away from his day job as a plumber also helped his cause, with Sherrock cheering him on when she’s not playing herself.SunSport takes a look inside Sherrock and Menzies’ relationship.READ MORE DARTS NEWSThat first date…Menzies and Sherrock met on the darts circuit, and soon clicked.They played doubles together and naturally got together.Menzies revealed: “I had known Fallon for years in darts and played doubles with her years ago.”We met in an online league in Southampton. The rest is history as they say. It started off with a KFC.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey inspire one another…In an interview with Sky Sports, Menzies spoke about how he is inspired by his other half who has opened doors as a woman in male-dominated sport.He said: “We enjoy our practice together and she is a very class player.She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the bestCameron Menzies “She has done well for darts in general and is banging in 90 averages and 100 averages, the same as a lot of women.”I’m quite lucky I’ve got a very good partner who can play darts. “It’s good in the house unless she beats me and I’ve got to make the food. I don’t like it when she beats me.Fallon Sherrock becomes first woman ever to reach knockout stages of Grand Slam of Darts with sensational 170 finish”I will support her left, right and centre. I am her biggest fan.”I might be a bit strict, but I know how good she is. I’ve known her for a very long time and I know she is very, very good.”She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the best.”Amusingly, in an interview with The Scottish Sun Menzies revealed that Sherrock has “bigger balls” than him and is better when the pressure is on.”If I wasn’t with Fallon I’d still be a decent darts player, but she has definitely made me a better player. Who is the better of the two of us?”I think I’m a tad better, but she’s better on stage when you’re in the spotlight. She just handles that better… she has bigger balls than me.””I’m getting better at it, but when it comes down to the marbles in an important match Fallon performs better. Hopefully one day I can keep up with her level in that area.”Scot Menzies revealed Sherrock is better at bigger tournaments than himWorld No41 Menzies is Sherrock’s biggest fanThe feeling is mutual – with Sherrock regularly cheering on Menzies from the crowdRangers fanMenzies also let slip that Sherrock likes to wear his Rangers top around the house.When the darts star went to meet Prince William to receive her MBE, Menzies threatened to go to Windsor Castle in the football shirt and a kilt.But, he couldn’t make it. Instead he asked Sherrock to give him a Rangers key ring.Menzies said: “I was given a Rangers key ring and it’s in the house. I wanted Fallon to give it to Prince William.”I’m sure he doesn’t care about Rangers, he’s an Aston Villa fan.“If I had gone to Windsor Castle with Fallon to get the MBE, I would have worn a Rangers top and kilt.“She wears my old Rangers kits around the house, I think she finds them comfy.”I have loads of them, that’s what I wear around the house. A few are a bit tight for me these days and she steals them!”Sherrock likes to wear Menzies’ Rangers football shirt around their homeWhen Sherrock received her MBE, Menzies threatened to visit Windsor Castle wearing a Rangers top and a kiltSherrock and Menzies enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas earlier this yearread more sport featuresPlumber by day…Menzies is ranked 41 in the world in PDC Order of Merit.This year, he reached the quarter-final of a Players Championship event, before losing to Gerwyn Price.While at the World Grand Prix he was defeated by Dave Chisnall in the last-32.Humble Menzies juggles his darts career with a day job as a plumber – fixing sinks and the like.He even took to social media to share a picture fitting a bathroom before an appearance at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in 2023.Along with three laughing emojis, he wrote: “Working before the world’s. What a joy.”Brilliantly, the post was quickly picked up on by the official PDC darts feed, who added: “Plumbing at 11, Worlds at 8.”Menzies juggles his darts career with a day job as a plumberMenzies had a job to do the day he competed in the World Darts ChampionshipMenzies admitted he would hate to face Sherrock in a competitionHowever, Menzies is always looking at the draws at the Worlds, and is hopeful of avoiding a complicated match against his partner.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a handful of players you don’t want to draw and Fallon is up there,” he said.”I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10, but she has a moment when she smashes me.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside David Beckham’s Inter Miami revolution, from ruthlessly sacking best mate to MLS record holders with Messi’s help

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      INTER Miami are not just one of the world’s most fashionable clubs, they’re becoming a success story too.Over the weekend, the club beat New England Revolution 6-2 – with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.David Beckham has proven to be a ruthless owner at Inter MiamiLionel Messi helped Inter Miami shatter records in the MLS this seasonIn his early years as owner, Beckham begrudgingly sacked best pal Phil NevilleThe thrashing saw them finish the season with 74 points – the most an MLS team has ever recorded, which ironically edged out New England’s total from 2021.David Beckham’s side have smashed a number of records this season on their way to landing the Eastern Conference title.They won 22 games of their 34, meaning they had the highest winning percentage of any team.Inter Miami also equalled eight other franchises in losing only four games during a regular MLS campaign.Read more football newsTheir talisman, without doubt, has been World Cup winner Messi – who managed 20 goals in 19 league games.Not to be outdone, Suarez joined him on the same tally, but from 27 games.Inter Miami have come a long way since they were founded in 2018, and are now followed by celebrities like Leo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian.While there early seasons were a disaster, since signing Messi they have only looked up – recently adding the MLS Supporters’ Shield to their trophy cabinet that joined their Leagues Cup trophy from 2023.Most read in FootballBecks had to make some ruthless decision, like sacking his best mate as manager.David Beckham rewarded as Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to second trophy by knocking reigning champions off their perch However, it was a move that paid off – with Argie boss Gerrardo Martino now turning the club into a powerhouse.Ruthless ownershipWith the club struggling in its infancy under Uruguay manager Diego Alonso, Beckham turned to an old pal.Phil Neville coached England Women during a three-year spell from 2018, until taking up Inter Miami’s offer.Becks and Neville famously grew up together, from boys in Manchester United’s famed youth team and Class of ’92, to men in the first team scoring staggering success.Neville’s first season was a difficult one. In his first 12 games, they won just two games and had the worst record in the MLS.Feeling the pressure, he was then fined by the MLS after blasting the quality of referees and demanding an investigation into their decisions against his team.Inter Miami finished 11th out of 14 teams in his first season.Things improved in his second season, as the club reached the MLS Cup’s play offs, before losing 3-0 to New York City FC.But they couldn’t capitalise on those foundations, and after a horrific start in Neville’s third season saw Miami rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, Beckham had to do the unthinkable.In 2021, Phil Neville arrived at Inter Miami as a coachNeville struggled in the job and found himself fined by the MLSBeckham and Neville played with each other for England and Man UtdBecks recently revealed it was the hardest decision he has ever had to make sacking his friend NevilleNeville was relieved of his duties, with the owner saying in a statement at the time: “Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach.”Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person.”Neville would later reveal in an episode of It’s Called Soccer! about the day he was sacked, and how it was probably harder for Beckham than him.He said: “The day I actually got fired was probably actually harder for David than it was for me. He really didn’t want to do it, he was really emotional. I was emotional too but I knew it was coming so it was probably easier for me.”Beckham, himself, recently relived that moment on podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents.He said: “I think it was one of the most difficult things I’d had to do, even though me and Phil had spoke about it when he first came on as Miami coach, I knew that if it came to this moment, it was going to be difficult no matter what time it happened and when it happened.”I’d called him and said, ‘we’re going to meet,’ and he said “I know.” “We walked in the room and we hugged. It was quite emotional on my side just purely because I didn’t want to sack a friend.”The Messiah arrivesIt’s no surprise that an upturn in Inter Miami’s fortune came when Messi arrived.Lionel Messi was unveiled as a superstar signing on a £50-per-year contract in 2023Messi was joined by Spain and Barcelona legend Sergio BusquetsShortly after inking a contract reportedly worth £50million-per-year, the highest in MLS history, he was presented to fans in a damp squid of a unveiling ceremony interrupted by thunder and lightning.Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul provided the Hollywood factor US football fans crave.The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain fans who had paid over £1,000 for a ticket to see him in action.Deep into stoppage time, Inter Miami were awarded a free kick outside the area.Up stepped Messi to whip the ball into the top corner and give his new side the win, sending fans delirious.It was a taste of what was to come.A month later, the club lifted the Leagues Cup after beating Nashville on penalties. It gave them their first trophy and a winning feeling.A trademark free kick on his debut against Cruz Azul set the tone for Messi’s successA month later Inter Miami won their first ever trophy – the Leagues Cupread more sport featuresJoined by an old palThis season, Messi has shared striking duties with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.The two have been instrumental in leading Inter Miami to the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference.For Messi’s goals against New England, Suarez was the foil providing his assists.First, the two exchanged like they were Harlem Globetrotters, until Messi curled the ball from the edge of the area into the corner of the net.His hat-trick strike came from a volleyed pass from a stretching Suarez on the right was met by Messi to catch the ball on the volley, himself, and side foot home.READ MORE SUN STORIESInter Miami have continued their winning habit – lifting the Supporters’ Shield earlier this monthLuis Suarez has also been a hit in Miami alongside MessiBeckham, Messi and Inter Miami are headed to the Club World Cup in 2025Fifa president Gianni Infantino has selected Inter Miami to play in the Club World Cup in 2025, partly because of their success and the Messi factor.The revolution will, most probably, be televised. More

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      Harry Redknapp: Arne Slot has made super start to life at Liverpool after replacing Jurgen Klopp… by doing NOTHING

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      YOU know the most impressive thing Arne Slot has done since taking over at Liverpool? Nothing.And the best way to keep that fantastic start at Anfield rolling along? Carry on doing exactly the same.Arne Slot’s start as Liverpool manager has been impressiveCredit: APThe Reds have marched to the top of the league with Slot keeping changes to a minimumIf you think it’s a strange thing to say about someone who’s won six of his seven league games, I’m not suggesting Slot’s sitting in his office with his feet up.What I am saying is he’s been smart enough to realise there was no reason to make any big changes — and honest enough to admit it.The minute Liverpool won their first two or three games, everyone was into him about what he was doing on the training ground and how he was different from Jurgen Klopp.But Slot was dead honest. There was no secret plan, he didn’t arrive with big ideas of how he’d fix this or that. If it’s not broken, why should he?read more football newsInstead he was straight up. It was about having a fantastic group of players, with great partnerships, who’d been together for a long time.No bulls**t like you hear from lots of managers who talk about what they’ve done, about high presses, changes they’ve made, like there is some sort of magic formula.Well let me tell you, there isn’t. It’s not as though pressing is something new — just that back in the day they called it tackling!Stuart Pearce or Tony Adams didn’t press, they tackled!Most read in FootballSlot knows he took over a great squad and is happy to admit as much — and fair play to him.The more I hear about the Liverpool manager, the more I like. He comes across great.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ He’s not gone around taking down pictures from the old days, like plenty do when they arrive.There’s been no “that was the past, we’re doing it my way now”.No boasting about his own success, no “I’ve won this or that”.The plan has been just to carry on playing as they did under Klopp — and they’re doing it very well.Slot knows he’s got great players — Virgil van Dijk at the back, Luis Diaz in the form of his life, a magnificent attack, class all over the park. That’s what wins things.I don’t dispute Liverpool face their biggest test so far, against Chelsea this afternoon, after a pretty kind start against sides you’d expect them to beat.And no doubt the next few weeks will tell us more, with Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa to come. But I’d be amazed if they’re not in the mix again this season.For me Liverpool are one of three contenders and although you would have them as outsiders behind Manchester City and Arsenal, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if they won the title.Liverpool, led by Mo Salah, should be considered title contendersChelsea coach Enzo Maresca inherited a great squad says RedknappAnd I certainly expect them to win today, for all that Enzo Maresca has inherited a fantastic squad as well.Maresca was maybe a bit fortunate to get the Chelsea job on the back of one good season at Leicester, winning the promotion you’d expect with that bunch of players.Like Liverpool, they’ve made a decent start — but nothing they shouldn’t have done — and like Liverpool they have a tough-looking run coming up.I can’t have them as title- winners yet but they’re certainly entitled to think they’ll be challenging for the top four.Anything less would be a big disappointment — and in my book, that’s what they’re in for at Anfield.I fancy Liverpool and can’t see anything but a home win.Just don’t expect to hear Slot making a song and dance about his part in it.Chat a Cars-crashTHERE’S no doubt Thomas Tuchel has the world at his feet with such a huge pool of talent to pick from as national manager.So let’s hope he gets it right.Thomas Tuchel was announced as England manager in the past weekRedknapp believes Lee Carsley talked himself out of a jobAs a proud Englishman, I certainly hope he makes a right good go of it.Let’s face it, the bottom line is that’s what he will be judged on — if he can make us winners.But while I have no problem with a foreign boss, the big disappointment is we can’t produce an Englishman to manage England. That’s the really scary thing.I’ve no doubt Lee Carsley was first choice and, in my book, the job was his until we played so poorly against Greece.That is what changed the plan.Up to then Carsley was the one, for sure.I know the FA claim Tuchel signed up two days before the game but I’m not buying that.Yet it wasn’t losing the game where the real damage was done — anyone can get beaten.Thomas Tuchel inked an 18-month contract with the FA worth £5m-per-yearIt was Carsley’s interview afterwards that did more damage than anything his team did on the pitch. It was very, very poor.READ MORE SUN STORIESI looked at that and thought, ‘There’s no way you can manage England’.Obviously I wasn’t the only one, either.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      I used to cry at the thought of playing football – now I’m a Premier League star known as the ‘Guernsey Grealish’

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      ALEX SCOTT is a Guernsey boy living the Premier League dream.Bournemouth’s 21-year-old midfielder has had a unique rise to the top, having not wanted to play football and being axed by Prem academies.Alex Scott stars in Bournemouth’s midfield and has featured in every game so far this seasonCredit: RexHe is capped four times by England Under-21sCredit: GettyPep Guardiola has compared Scott to Jack GrealishCredit: GettyNot long ago, Scott saw playing as a frustrating distraction from a limited social life that included nailing scooter tricks at a local skate park with his friends.And when football did get in the way, the youngster was often left in tears.Until, that is, he moved from non-league Guernsey to Bristol City in January 2020 aged 16 and the scooter was “put to one side”.Cherries boss Andoni Iraola will be pleased to hear that, especially after forking out £25million in August 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Scott’s scootering obsession came during a tough time in his early footballing career.He was let go by the Southampton and Bournemouth academies by the age of 14 and forced into an “embarrassing” return to his Channel Island birthplace.Scott admitted: “Once you get released, it’s like, where do you go from here?“It is embarrassing. Back home, I was the kid that was going to be pro.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s tough to get back into academy football but I wasn’t playing well and I wasn’t enjoying it. I lost the love.“I never really had a life outside of football. From the age of eight to 14, I would be at school then flying over every weekend and playing games in the UK and then back to school.Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?“When I got home I was more interested in other hobbies. I was big on scootering, at the skate park.“It was ahead of football for about a year, two years. Even when I was  playing for Bournemouth at 13, I never wanted to go.“There were times when my mum and dad would say, ‘Right, you can take your scooter’. I would go to the skate park and then play football on the Sunday.“I didn’t want to tell my dad I wanted to scooter instead of football. “He saw it as a missed opportunity because he knew the talent I had.“It was hard. The number of times I would just be in my room crying, knowing I’d got to fly over to play football.”But then Scott says something just “clicked” between the ages of 14 and 16.He added: “I had a few years playing football at home in Guernsey, getting my confidence back, spending time with my friends. I enjoyed growing up as a normal kid.“And then when I was 16, I got the chance to go back to England and it was a dead cert that I would try the career again. It’s been a whirlwind. I never expected any of this to happen.”Others would disagree, Guernsey manager Tony Vance saw the potential, making him the club’s youngest ever player in the Isthmian League as a 16-year-old.Bristol City then took a punt after watching Scott score a hat-trick in a trial match against their Under-17s and Ashton Gate boss Nigel Pearson handed the teenager his first Championship start in May 2021.Following a 3-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City in February 2023, Pep Guardiola labelled him an “unbelievable player” and the “Guernsey Grealish” nickname stuck — teeing up Scott’s Prem switch to Bournemouth just six months later.Since then, however Scott’s mentality has continued to be tested. He was sidelined with a knee injury for 12 weeks after signing and missed another seven weeks with an ligament strain.The England Under-21 international — who idolises Jude Bellingham —  admitted: “That second injury was the hardest time I have had in football.”Unsurprisingly, though, he has bounced back and come off the bench in all seven of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “There are times when I’m not starting and it’s hard, keeping that confidence. But I like to watch clips of myself to remind myself what I can do.“I’m always going to be grounded and humble.” More

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      in Boxing

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic teased for sensational boxing switch as ex-Man Utd star’s shock talks revealed

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has been lined up for a sensational boxing switch after holding secret talks over FaceTime.The former Manchester United striker has a martial arts background with a black belt in taekwondo. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being lined up for a shock boxing matchCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicIbrahimovic is still at AC Milan in an advisory roleCredit: GettyThese days, he is overseeing operations at ex-club AC Milan after hanging up his boots last year following a glittering 24-year career. His old United team-mate Wayne Rooney moved into management following retirement but was linked with a stunning boxing fight. Rooney even held talks with Misfits Boxing – home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – before deciding to take on the Plymouth job. And Misfits head honcho Mams Taylor revealed he has even tried to talk Ibrahimovic, 43, into lacing up the gloves and stepping into the ring. READ MORE IN BOXINGTaylor told SunSport: “I’ve tried to convince Zlatan and he can fight. I’m good friends with his manager and we had a FaceTime, the three of us.”It was really cool because he’s seen a lot of Misfits fights and he’s followed it. He was a kickboxer, he’d be a good one as well. “But yeah, there’s other names that aren’t quite as big as these guys that are but still very respected and have achieved a lot that are interested. “And because it’s so realistic that those guys are going to fight, I’m not gonna give you their names. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But, I will say that Zlatan and Wayne Rooney, there’ve been conversations and I think it’s a matter of time. At some point it will materialise.”Rooney’s former United colleague Danny Simpson became the first footballer on the Misfits circuit in August. Joey Essex postpones boxing debut as fight with KSI’s brother collapses but TV ‘villain’ still in talks with Misfits He faced YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds with the bout ending in a controversial draw. Simpson’s step into the ring has helped inspire others to take the leap with Taylor in talks with more ex-Premier League stars to fight.But the promoter remained coy on the details as he said: “I’m not going to give you any names because I’ll ruin the surprise. “But definitely there’s some really big names and some very credible footballers, ex-footballers who have expressed interest.”So I think that’s gonna unfold in its own time.”KSI with manager and Misfits co-founder Mams TaylorCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

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      Son Heung-min set to take huge Tottenham record off former England star who says ‘I’m happy it’s going to be him’

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      DARREN ANDERTON can think of nobody who is more fitting to steal his assist record for Spurs than selfless skipper Son Heung-min.Former England midfielder Anderton tops Tottenham’s charts in the Premier League with a whopping 68.Son Hueng-min could set a new assist record against West HamCredit: GettyDarren Anderton is Tottenham’s record holder with 68Credit: GettyBut South Korean icon Son is creeping up behind on 64 and will surely surpass him at some point this term.Son will target getting even closer to Anderton’s record at home to West Ham.And Anderton, 52, told  SunSport in association with freebets.com: “If anyone is going to break that record, I’m very happy it’s going to be Son because he’s a team player.“I always considered myself to be that, and always put the team first.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’d get as much joy at  creating opportunities and  setting up goals as I did from scoring myself.”Assists — providing the final ball to the player who scores the goal — were not as revered in Anderton’s 1990s heyday.But the growing influence of stats-obsessed American sports and the rise of fantasy football have seen the goal-maker take almost as much credit as the goal-taker.Put it this way: Anderton would be hailed far more for his playmaking ability if he were playing today rather than 30 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMany of Anderton’s assists saw him tee up old mucker Teddy Sheringham.In fact, their epic 27-goal combinations make the pair the fifth-most prolific duo in Premier League history.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsSon is top of that particular list owing to his fruitful partnership with Harry Kane.They hit a staggering 47-goal combinations before Kane was sold to Bayern Munich two summers ago.California-based Anderton added: “We live in America now and all the sports over here are about the assists and the stats and everything.“So I’ve always been aware of it. My American friends always used to say that it’s scandalous no one ever speaks about assists!“Now they do, so that’s good, and I think they should. It’s a huge part of the game and it’s what happens in the final third that wins games.“Your team can have all the possession in the world but it’s that final ball which is so, so important.“I’m very proud of the record. It’s something that I was always aware of.“When I first got in at Spurs I struggled, but then things really took off for me and my relationship with Teddy in terms of assists and scoring goals.“When Harry and Sonny had their assist-goal relationship, I saw myself and Teddy’s names up in the top five  Premier League goal-assist partnerships.“Someone sent me something the other day about my record on social media when Son had two assists and I was like, ‘Oh, OK’.“We were having dinner and I showed my daughter and  wife and we were having a bit of a giggle about it.”Son has missed Spurs’  last three games due to a hamstring issue picked up  in the 3-0 home win over Qarabag in the Europa League group stages last month.However, the South Korean expects to return to action today in the early kick-off.The attacker, 32, is one of Spurs’ greatest modern-day players and is 21st in the all-time list of Premier League goalscorers on 122.But he has only scored in one match this season — the 4-0 win over Everton on August 24 — and has not netted in his last five club appearances.Anderton added: “He hasn’t played as well as he would like and against Manchester United, he wasn’t missed — that performance was incredible.“But that’s all part of getting to that sort of age and things start to change. I left Spurs at 32, I thought I had a few more years in me, but that’s all part of the game that we all play.“But everyone in football knows how good he is.“He’s the perfect football player. He works his socks off, he creates opportunities, he scores goals.“He has always produced  and has been an unbelievable player for the club.”But if Spurs are to beat their London neighbours today, Anderton believes the performance of £40million midfielder James Maddison will be key.The playmaker has struggled for large parts of this year as he battles back to peak fitness after damaging ankle ligaments in November 2023.But he has been in red-hot form in recent weeks, yet was overlooked again by England this month.Anderton felt the 27-year-old deserved a recall and believes the North Londoners are at their best when Maddison is on top of his game.Euro 96 star Anderton, who won 30 caps for his country, added: “When he plays well, we play well.“He has that X Factor that when teams sit deep because we do dominate, you need that bit of magic to create things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Christian Eriksen used to do it and James Maddison is in that mould.“After he had that injury last season, our form was never the same. He’s that important to the team.”James Maddison was left out of the last England teamCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More