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    Aston Villa 1 Ipswich 1: Ten-man Tractor Boys grab crucial point through Delap as Rashford plays huge role in equaliser

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    LIAM DELAP showed why he is one of the hottest young talents in the country when he struck his 10th goal of the season to earn 10-man Ipswich a valuable point.But it was one of the hottest talents from yesteryear who saved Villa from a shock defeat as Marcus Rashford started to pay off his hefty wage bill.Liam Delap showed why he is one of the hottest young talents in the countryCredit: PAMarcus Rashford helped Aston Villa rescue a pointCredit: AFPThe on-loan Manchester United forward came on at half-time and showed enough to convince Villa fans they are on to a winner.His fiercely struck free kick crashed off the bar and Ollie Watkins tucked away the rebound to earn Villa a point.But it was his workrate and pace which impressed as he showed he is not the lazy dud he was written off as by Ruben Amorin, who couldn’t wait to get him out of Old Trafford.The first half was messier than a two-year-old with a brush and a set of paints, with precious little quality on show.READ MORE IN football In fairness the game was disrupted after quarter of an hour when both sides lost a player to injury.Julio Enciso had made the mistake of going into a crunching tackle with Villa’s pocket rocket John McGinn after 13 minutes.Although the Ipswich winger came out with the ball and managed to send in a 25-yard shot which Emi Martinez gathered with ease, he didn’t come out unscathed.Two minutes later he hit the turf and, after treatment, he hobbled off with his left sock at his ankles, clearly distressed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEnciso may have got a sympathetic round of applause but he was in floods of tears as he trudged towards the tunnel.Meanwhile, unnoticed to most of the crowd, Boubacar Kamara had headed to the home dugout to report that he too was injured.Carlos Cuellar reveals leaving Rangers was ‘hardest’ day, why stunning return didn’t happen and why he’s dreaming of being Gers MANAGERHe was replaced by Tyrone Mings and a match which had started slowly became even more disjointed.There were only two minutes on the clock when Morgan Rogers raced clear on goal and went down as Town goalie Alex Palmer raced out of his box.However VAR confirmed there was no contact from the keeper, although Rogers could have been awarded a foul as chasing defender Jacob Greaves shoved him off balance.Kalvin Phillips fired a free kick straight at Emi Martinez and Lucas Digne blazed over from distance.But it was scrappy stuff and Axel Tuanzebe went into the book for taking a tug at Rogers who toppled to the turf.That was to have major implications for this match as 12 minutes later Tuanzebe completed a nightmare return to his former Villa Park stomping ground.The former Manchester United defender spent three loan periods at Villa.But it didn’t gain him any sympathy from the home fans when he was given his marching orders five minutes before half-time.Axel Tuanzebe was sent off for IpswichCredit: GettyJacob Ramsey set off on a thrusting run and Tuanzebe laid his right hand on his shoulder to try to prevent his progress.The Villa kid was shrewd enough to tumble which gave ref Robert Jones a decision to make.He decided another yellow card was merited, followed by the inevitable red.Ten-man Ipswich now had their backs to the wall.They had been fortunate to survive earlier in the half when Axel Disasi, on his debut, launched a long pass out of defence.It cleared the Ipswich defence and Watkins held off Dara O’Shea but screwed his shot wide of the far post.Then, one minute before half-time Watkins cut the ball back to Rogers who seemed certain to score.But he was when Alex Palmer somehow got his fingers to flip the ball over from point blank range.Liam Delap opened the scoring for IpswichCredit: ReutersThe striker is in fine formCredit: ReutersEmery had seen enough and sent for reinforcements to stretch Ipswich, who were bound to sit deep after the break.Marcus Rashford and Ian Maatsen replaced Ramsey and Digne and Villa fans sat back and waited for the goals to arrive.Rashford was first to show with a shot which Palmer palmed away before Maatsen fired a long-ranger wide.Greaves was booked for hauling down Andres Garcia on the touchline.However Villa Park was silenced when, against all odds, Ipswich swept into the lead just before the hour.Omar Hutchinson got round the back of Maatsen and fired in a low cross.Then Liam Delap showed why he is going to be targeted by all the big boys this summer.The 22-year-old smelled a goal and when Mings failed to cut out Hutchinson’s centre the striker pounced to beat Disasi and McGinn to the ball.Marcus Rashford’s shot set up Ollie Watkins levellerCredit: ReutersWatkins was quick to follow upCredit: ReutersThe game was back onCredit: PAAnd he beat Emi Martinez with a deft flick of his boot to steer the ball into the far corner.It was the youngster’s 10th goal of the season and it proved enough to earn his side a point.Villa were rocked but came back to lay siege to the Tractor Boys goal.Maatsen had a shot pushed over by Palmer and Rashford was roared on by his new supporters when he sprinted back 25 yards to put in a sliding tackle to prevent an Ipswich break.Emery sent on another big name as he unleashed Marco Asensio on Ipswich’s dogged defence.The three-times Champions League winner was brilliant but showed signs of ring-rust as he passed up a hat-trick of chances.But it was Rashford who had a major say in Villa grabbing a point.His free kick after 69 minutes was hit with a wicked whip and dip and crashed off Palmer’s crossbar.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins was on the rebound in a flash to slam it home.But despite laying siege to Town’s goal, Palmer kept out everything Villa threw at him. 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      Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could split huge £160MILLION purse for shock fight as Eddie Hearn reveals PPV prediction

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      EDDIE HEARN says Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul could put themselves in line to share a massive £160MILLION purse for their shock fight. The boxing great and YouTuber-turned-boxer are reportedly in talks for a surprise bout in May. Eddie Hearn reckons Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could make $100m each to fightCredit: RexCanelo with promoter Hearn and trainer Eddy ReynosoCredit: Instagram @eddiehearnPaul’s last fight marked Netflix’s first move into live boxing – with over 100MILLION tuning in to watch his points win over Mike Tyson. Despite controversy surrounding the event due to 58-year-old Tyson’s age, it was still a huge commercial success with £14m made in ticket sales too.Hearn believes a fight with Canelo could make £24m just in tickets with another £144m in pay-per-view buys. He told iFL TV: “If it’s on Netflix it’s not pay-per-view. READ MORE IN BOXING”But if it’s on Amazon Prime it would be pay-per-view and with DAZN, I dunno how it’s going to work.”But the fight does on pay-per-view, at $90 the fight does potentially two million buys. Which is $180million (£144m) of revenue, just TV revenue.”Not closed circuit, not the gate, the gate’s another $30million (£24m). You’re looking at over $200million (£160m) in revenue for that fight.”And with the gate of $30million, obviously you have to give a percentage to the broadcaster but with sponsorship and international TV, global pay-per-view, I think that fight generates $200million if it does two million buys. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So potentially Canelo, in my opinion he’ll earn more than Jake Paul but even if it was a 50/50 split, $100million each, oh what a terrible day at the office.”Imagine Canelo Alvarez getting one hundred mill to fight Jake Paul.”Jake Paul’s next fight will be ‘bigger than Mike Tyson’ after emerging as shock contender for Canelo Alvarez bout Journlist Dan Rafael reported that Canelo, 34, was in early talks to face Paul, 28, on May 3 in Vegas.Mexican reporter Julianis Julius meanwhile claimed an agreement to fight was already in place.Canelo was also lined up for a super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 34, in September in Las Vegas. But the fight now appears to be OFF – as Hearn admitted the four-division champion will inevitably go where the money is. He said: “Canelo’s super transparent, give him the money and you’ve got the fight. “If he can make more money and certainly in this instance considerably more money to fight Jake Paul than he can to fight, I dunno Charlo, Pacheco, even Bivol, he’s going to do it. “He does not care. He’s got the legacy, he’s got the belts, just give him the money. “It’s all about the deal and if he’s going to get a s*** load of money to fight Jake Paul, he’s taking it. How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him. Eddie Hearn “And I think, when you think about it the money’s mad.”Canelo currently holds the WBC, WBA and WBO 168lb super-middleweight titles at 12st. Paul meanwhile bulked up to heavyweight at 16st 2lb for his eight-round decision win over 58-year-old Tyson. His last four bouts had been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb – having been as low as 185lb in his career beforehand. And Paul’s team suggested he would be willing to come back down to as low as 185lb for a 13st 2lb catchweight clash with Canelo. Hearn – who has promoted Canelo in the past – warned the fight will go on for however long the ring icon wants it to. He said: “Canelo will end the fight whenever he wants. READ MORE SUN STORIES”How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him and it’s massive.” Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsCanelo is the super-middleweight world championCredit: Reuters More

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      Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former partner moves out of their home as mansion and farm are put up for sale for £1.8million

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      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON’S mansion is up for sale at a “bargain” price – and his former partner has moved out.Football went into mourning last August when the ex-England boss died from pancreatic cancer aged 76.Sven-Goran Eriksson lived in the mansion for 22 yearsCredit: AlamyEriksson bought it for £420k and ‘left his personal mark’ on itCredit: AlamyHis ex-partner Yaniseth Alcides has moved out and returned to PanamaCredit: RexNow his lakeside property on a secluded estate in Sunne, Sweden, has been made available for around £1.8million.  Meanwhile, Eriksson’s long-time girlfriend Yaniseth Alcides has returned to her native Panama.A wave of affectionate memories of the ex-Manchester City and Leicester boss swept across sport following the Swede’s death.David Beckham and Roy Hodgson were then among the mourners at Eriksson’s funeral in his home-town of Torsby, near Sunne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreparations to sell his seven-bedroom home, which has a private beach, began in September.Eriksson paid £420,000 for the late-19th century home in 2002 when he was Three Lions chief and his partner was Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio.Agent Sotheby’s say he has since “left his personal mark on both the interior and exterior”.The property’s value soared to £3m in the last decade, but it’s now fallen to almost half of that figure.Most read in FootballAgents believe the reduced valuation will help it sell quicklyCredit: AlamyThe home could be a great escape as it’s so secludedCredit: AlamyA sizeable poolhouse is one of the special featuresCredit: AlamyThe home, covering 835 square metres, has multiple reception rooms and a library.And it’s also as sporty as you might expect.Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsA 250-square metre poolhouse sits outside, along with a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area.There’s also a tennis court, jetty, a motorized floating platform, a sandy cove and waterside gazebos.Lawyer Anders Runebjer, who was a close friend of Eriksson’s, reportedly expects the home to sell quite easily.Swedish outlet Expressen say Runebjer believes the reduced valuation of £1.8m is more realistic for buyers.He also pointed to the freedom and natural setting offered by the property. This outbuilding is part of the land for saleCredit: AlamyTributes flowed in after the death of Eriksson last AugustCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle eye shock transfer swoop for Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin… but are prepared to wait until summer

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      NEWCASTLE have targeted Dominic Calvert-Lewin — but are prepared to wait to get him on a free in the summer.The Toon set their sights on the Everton striker, whose deal expires in June, although they are reluctant to pay a big fee next month.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is wanted by the Magpies plus overseas clubsCredit: RexInstead, the Geordies will put all of their cash into a major contract offer for the  one-cap England man to tempt him away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old is happy to stay in the Premier League for family reasons.And he has snubbed approaches from abroad, where Fiorentina are keen on him.The Italians would also offer Calvert-Lewin a huge deal to land him in the summer, with a pre- contract ready and waiting to be signed now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Newcastle are firm favourites and will wait, which also suits their budget plans.Toon boss Eddie Howe may only make one serious move for a player next month and would need to sell one to bring in any more.Ironically, Everton and Newcastle are the two Prem clubs with the most players whose contracts end in the summer.That means they are vulnerable to swoops from overseas clubs in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because players with just six months remaining on their contracts can negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. Indeed the Prem could be one of the hardest hit top-flights in Europe.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran kicks water bottle in fury after he is sent off against NewcastleThe Toffees and the Magpies both have eight stars poised for the pre-contract countdown.For the Toon that’s Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.And Calvert-Lewin is joined by other household names on the list of Goodison Park aces who might move for nothing at the end of the season.Ex-England wideman Ashley Young, 39, is joined by Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd facing Harry Maguire dilemma as three European giants able to agree free transfer within days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 – and THREE European giants are interested.Harry Maguire will leave Man Utd a free agent if the club don’t trigger his extensionCredit: PAMaguire’s current terms expire at the end of the season, but United have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026. But should Maguire agree to move to a team abroad next month, that might remove United’s clause.The matter would become complicated legally if the 31-year-old centre-back wants to push through a free transfer.Should United try to activate Maguire’s extension after he has agreed with another team then Fifa could step in to resolve, according to The Athletic. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three European giants are keeping tabs on United’s most expensive ever defender.Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire, reports The Athletic.Napoli boss Antonio Conte will have seen Maguire up close for a number of years in the Prem and is weighing up bringing him to Serie A.Conte has been hugely impressed with Scott McTominay, who decided to swap Manchester for Naples in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho — who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United — have a history of signing from the Prem.Fred and Sofyan Ambrabat are in their squad. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterFellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too.In England, Ruud van Nistelrooy admired Maguire during their time together at United, and Leicester City offer an emotional pull for him.Maguire spent two years at the King Power Stadium before moving to United for £80million in 2019.That price tag has often made life tough for Maguire at Old Trafford.But after suffering a dip of form he is enjoying a good season when featuring, particularly at Villa Park and against Manchester City.Maguire was solid at the back against Man City last SundayCredit: GettyAfter pocketing Erling Haaland during United’s 2-1 win over rivals City, Maguire said: “All the signs are positive at the moment.”And the chat that I’m having is really positive. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was injured when Ruben Amorim first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes – I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet. “Hopefully, with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months I can play consecutive matches.”Maguire travelled with his teammates but didn’t featureCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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      in Soccer

      Government plans for football will backfire… damaging the Premier League is in NOBODY’S interest

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      NO ONE watching this year’s Premier League could think English football isn’t in rude health.Liverpool are on top, with Chelsea in hot pursuit and Aston Villa flying high in the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all pushing for Europe.The Football Governance Bill is currently being debated in ParliamentCredit: AlamyThe Premier League provides support further down the football pyramidCredit: GettyOur second league, the Championship, is thriving like never before.It’s now the sixth richest league in Europe, thanks to the EFL’s £1billion broadcasting deals and the Premier League’s financial support — the most generous of any major league in the world.Incredibly, our second tier is now far wealthier than even the Portuguese or Dutch first leagues.Meanwhile, club insolvencies across the pyramid are at a 30-year low.READ MORE ON FOTBALLBut a lot of our politicians seem to think English football is a fragile house of cards. Other countries would love to have our so-called “problems”.There’s a reason 1.5bn people around the world tune into English football.Because, from top to bottom, our leagues crackle with tension, high stakes and meaning.They are not boring hierarchies where one team dominates in half-full stadiums, but the best competitions on the planet — forged by those willing to take risks, invest millions and back their judgment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn what was promised to be a “light touch” regulator concentrating on the issues that are very important to clubs and fans — heritage issues, better fan engagement, proper owners and so on — the Government has given the Independent Football Regulator a so-called “Backstop” power.It’s part of the Football Governance Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, although it is making slower than expected progress. Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released – Labour’s own backbenchers have suggested over 150 new clauses they believe should be added to their own Government’s Bill.That’s on everything from forcing clubs to socially engineer the make-up of their season ticket holders, to demanding that fans are defined as only those who have season tickets, regardless of if you can actually get a season ticket at your club or not.The Backstop power gives the Regulator the right to forcibly take money from Prem clubs, even if it harms or affects their own competitiveness.Less cash means less to spend on transfer fees or less cash to pay their players.Not all Prem clubs have endless wealth, that’s why there is over £2bn of debt in the Prem.The Prem is no miserly Scrooge. Every Championship club receives around £7million a season, each League One club gets around £1.5m and each League One club gets over £1m.These payments are a helping hand, agreed freely and with goodwill.And since their inception in 2007, they have increased more than tenfold.But the Government believes this generosity, more money shared than any other league on the planet, should make way for state intervention.The result of which could mean that Prem clubs have to take on more debt (which ironically makes them less sustainable) or invest less in their own team so that fellow owners in the other leagues no longer have to take similar risks themselves. This is trickle-down turned upside-down.The Championship is no soup kitchen queue. It hosts incredibly wealthy owners, nine of them billionaires, who plough millions into efforts to reach the promised land.Yet, a Prem side that has climbed the ladder the hard way,  through calculated risk-taking and sustained investment, may be forced to hand over more millions so that Championship owners don’t have to.That’s even if those owners have mismanaged their clubs, made bad decisions and ­deliberately put their clubs at financial risk.It won’t be their owners that have to face the consequences, it will be the Prem owners who have to pick up their tab!The Prem willingly supports the pyramid with £1.6bn over a three-year broadcast cycle.That’s how I believe it should stay: negotiated, reasonable and always voluntary.That’s why I think the Regulator could well consider £1.6bn is far too generous and decide to cut it back.Or wonder why League Two only get eight per cent of the total PL handout, as the Championship keeps 80 per cent.Or they may decide the Prem should not fund every part of the pyramid themselves and the EFL should support the National League, the league directly below them, rather than asking the Prem to do that for them.Or they may just simply decide to impose far more stringent self-help measures that the EFL will have to implement to ensure they manage their own money better.Any good Regulator will surely see that damaging the appeal of the PL, and creating a competition that’s less vibrant, less exciting and much less appealing is in no one’s interests.Because if that happens, the Premier League will go into reverse and there will be far less money for everyone in the football pyramid.Less money for grassroots football. Less money for the PFA. Less money for the Football Foundation. Less money for the women’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd less money for all the many community projects and charities the PL supports to the tune of over £50m a year.As they say, be careful what you wish for…Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

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      ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More