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      Canada Women’s boss Bev Priestman apologises to players after spy drone incident at Paris Olympics  

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      BEV PRIESTMAN admitted to being “heartbroken” for Canada’s women’s side after they had six-points docked at the Paris Olympics. Earlier today the Durham-born head coach apologised for the impact that drone spying accusations has had on the team’s players.Bev Priestman says Canada’s players “care very much about sportsmanship and integrity”Credit: APThe team received a six-point deduction at the Paris Olympics amid allegations of drones being used to spy on rivals New ZealandCredit: GettyPriestman, 38, who guided the side to a gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 games, is one of three Canada Soccer officials suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity for 12 months. The ban on the former Lionesses No2, and staff members Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, follows complaints of drones being used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand’s training sessions. And today Canada’s federal government announced it will withhold funding for women’s football team officials suspended by Fifa following the drone spying incident.Canada must win their remaining group stage fixtures and will need results to go their way to keep their medal hopes alive. Read More Football Stories Today Priestman’s legal representatives Lucentum Sports and Entertainment Law, shared a written statement from the head coach. In it, she said: “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them. “I know how hard they have worked following a difficult year in 2023, and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation. Most read in Football”To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. “I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character. “This programme and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination despite reports to the contrary. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this programme better, much of which will never be known or understood. “I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, I will be cheering from afar.”Last week New Zealand’s Olympic Committee lodged an official complaint with the IOC and reported to police that a drone was seen flying over their training session.  The drone was spotted hovering above their session ahead of their Thursday night clash with the reigning Olympic champions.Following the complaint Priestman withdrew from attending her side’s group stage duel with the Kiwis, which Canada won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.  The head coach was removed from her role at the games by Canada’s Olympic Committee last Thursday after being suspended by the country’s soccer association. This followed her assistant Mander and non-accredited analyst Lombardi also being dismissed from the team’s camp by the COC. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe COC stated this occurred after a second drone incident had emerged.The country’s national soccer association have also been handed a £175,720 fine as part of the sanctions announced by Fifa. Canada will take on Colombia in their final group A clash at the Paris games on July 31Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      I gave up on Paris 2024 Olympic dream to be with my dying dad… I’ve turned pro and want to spar Usyk for Fury rematch

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      LEWIS WILLIAMS will never regret sacrificing an Olympic dream to share his father’s last days.The 6ft 7in heavyweight coasted to Commonwealth gold in 2022 and hung the medal around the neck of proud Bob, who had just got out of hospital.Lewis Williams gave up on his Olympic support to share his father’s last daysWilliams seemed a shoo-in for Paris but his hero’s health dramatically declined last yearCredit: Twitter @Lewis24williamsHe will now turn professionalWilliams, 25, seemed a shoo-in for Paris but his hero’s health dramatically declined last year, so he decided to skip some crucial tournaments to stay at home and sleep beside his father before he passed away.Now Williams will cheer on his replacement, Pat Brown, and the rest of his Team GB pals, safe knowing he made the right call.He said: “I had some injuries after the Commonwealths but recovered for the European qualifiers.“Around Christmas there was another tournament but my dad started to get really ill and went downhill. READ MORE IN BOXING”Luckily, one of the nurses in the hospice had a boxing background and he knew what I was going through.“He pulled me aside and told me that time was running out. He didn’t tell me to miss the tournament but he was just honest about what was happening.“So I pulled out of the tournaments and stayed at home with him. Me and my sister would do shifts sleeping beside him because we never wanted him to be alone.“It was a bit of a sad Christmas for us but I am so glad I did it.Most read in Boxing“If I had been in Sheffield training or away at a tournament I would have missed him.“As hard as it was going through all that, I know I would be in a far worse state if I had been off training or boxing somewhere when he had gone.Samoa boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito passes away “Boxing rules your life, you miss so many birthdays, weddings and funerals, training is everything. “But that was the one time I stepped back . . . and I wouldn’t change it.“I’m annoyed at not going to the Olympics but if I had gone to all of the tournaments and missed my dad’s passing I would have beaten myself up about it for the rest of my life.“No matter what it has cost me, I did the right thing.”Williams will turn pro and has offered to spar with Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his December 21 rematch with Tyson Fury.I pulled out of the tournaments and stayed at home with him. Me and my sister would do shifts sleeping beside him because we never wanted him to be alone.Lewis Williams The Ukrainian’s London 2012 gold medal went into his father’s coffin and Usyk says his dad visits him in his dreams before the big fights.Leamington-born Williams said: “That’s so cool, to know Usyk has his dad there guiding him.“I had to deal with it for quite a long time. Every time I’d leave to travel to Sheffield for training, I’d hug him and say goodbye and tell him I’d be back on Thursday.“But it was always at the back of my mind that that might be the last time I ever see him, so every goodbye was emotional.“I made sure every chance we got to spend time together we did something nice, even just going for a coffee or a meal or fishing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m just glad I got to spend that time with him. I was able to dedicate proper time to him because I knew it was precious and running out.“Of course it was a horrible time but we spent it as best as we could, together.”Williams has offered to spar with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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      Fans ‘need’ new Olympic sport to be introduced at Paris 2024 as governing body say ‘we’re working on it’

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      FANS are calling on the Olympics to introduce a new sport on the eve of Paris 2024.Several new sports have been added to the Olympic roster for this edition including kayak cross, kiteboarding and breaking.Fans have called on tag to be introduced to the OlympicsCredit: YouTube/World Chase TagThe tag World Championships have taken place every year since 2016Athletes can hurdle over obstacles to evade being taggedA green light signals when the evader has been taggedThat followed the addition of skateboarding, bouldering, and karate, amongst others, at the Tokyo Games.But fans are keen to see another sport integrated into the Olympics – tag.World Chase Tag was born in 2012 with the inaugural world championship taking place in London four years later.It has taken place annually ever since in the UK and the USA and has even been televised in both countries, while attracting millions of views online.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSCompetitors are tasked with ‘tagging’ their opposition – just like the playground game.But at professional level obstacles are placed in the arena for athletes to hang off or jump from.And it creates quite a spectacle, with one athlete chasing after the other while a timer counts down from 20 seconds.Fans are loving the sport and have called for its inclusion in the Olympics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I need professional tag to be an Olympic sport.”Another added: “Oh, this 100% needs to be official.Most influential GB Olympians”Outside of how badass it looks, they have to be in top shape to do this stuff.”And a third wrote: “10/10 would watch.”The official World Chase Tag account replied saying: We’re working on it!” More

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      Canadian soccer coach Bev Priestman suspended from Paris 2024 Olympics over ‘drone use against opponents’

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      THE head coach of Canada’s women’s Olympic soccer team has been removed from her role amidst an alleged drone spying scandal.The announcement regarding head coach Bev Priestman was made by The Canadian Olympic Committee on Thursday.Head coach of Canada’s women’s Olympic soccer team, Bev Priestman, has been dropped by the Canadian Olympic CommitteCredit: GettyCanada beat New Zealand 2-1 in their first game in ParisCredit: GettyIn a statement, the Committee revealed that Priestman’s removal was down “to her suspension by Canada Soccer.”The team will now be led by assistant coach, Andy Spence, who led them during their 2-1 win against New Zealand.”Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” said Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue in a statement. “In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”This marks the latest chapter in a dramatic week for Canada, which all began when New Zealand claimed that a drone had been spotted flying over their training facility on Monday, as per the BBC.The drone was also spotted by police, who arrested Joseph Lombardi, an “unaccredited analyst,” and also interviewed Jasmine Mander, who worked as an assistant to Priestman.Having already reportedly admitted to spying, Lombardi later pled guilty to “maintaining an unmanned aircraft over a prohibited area.”He was handed a €45,000 fine and a suspended eight month sentence.Most read in OlympicsMander denied any knowledge of the incident.Both Lombardi and Mander were sent home.The Olympics are already underway in Paris Meanwhile, Fifa began an investigation into the allegations.On Wednesday, Priestman released an apologetic statement, via the Committee.”On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” she said.”This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program. How to watch the Olympics in the USAll recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.While you may feel very far from the 2024 Paris Olympics, you can stay up-to-date with all of the action right from the comfort of your sofa.You can watch on:Or if you’re not able to watch, you can follow along with The Sun’s live blog for the latest updates from France.”Accordingly, to emphasize our team’s commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday. “In the spirit of accountability, I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure everyone feels that the sportsmanship of this game is upheld.”Priestman also reportedly denied any involvement in the incident, according to Rolling Stone.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has led the Canadian national team since 2020, guiding them to a gold medal at the Olympics in Tokyo.The U.S. Sun has reached out to Priestman’s representatives for a comment.Priestman led Canada to a gold medal in TokyoCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul is going to Paris Olympics after bursting onto boxing scene with just one defeat on pro record

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      JAKE PAUL is going to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter moved to 10-1 with victory over ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry in Florida.Jake Paul is going to the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: YouTubeAnd he is now preparing to link up with Team USA’s boxing squad in the French capital – but not to compete. Paul, 27, is instead an honorary coach tasked with raising the profile of the gold medal hopefuls. He is also using his experience on the big stage to help the boxers deal with the pressures of the Games. Paul said on brother Logan’s podcast: “I’m bringing in meditation and them being prepared for the big moment and being there for them to support them in any way possible.READ MORE ON OLYMPICS”I don’t know how much help it’s going to be, I’m sure they’re going to do fine with or without me.”But also to try to bring eyeballs. We’re dropping a documentary on my entire week with them and the whole programme that’s going on there.”Paul even explored the idea of competing in Paris himself only to miss the deadline – with an eye now on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.He said: “We tried. I missed the cutoff. When we came up with the idea we were like three weeks late.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I can do it in LA. I think I might. I feel like it would be sick. I’d get gold medal, bro…”It’s a travesty. We missed the cutoff by about three weeks but if I could’ve gone to one qualifying tournament then it would’ve worked out.Jake Paul calls out Mike Tyson and UFC champion Alex Pereira after KOing Mike Perry”It would be hilarious. Become cruiserweight world champion and then get rid of my professional licence and become amateur, win a gold medal in 2028.”Paul spent a week with the USA boxing squad in Colorado before his last fight and will now jet off to France to link back up with them. He will then focus on his controversial clash against Mike Tyson, 58, which has been rescheduled to November 15 in Texas.Jake Paul is 10-1 in his pro boxing careerCredit: Getty More

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      Six footballers to watch at the Olympics including World Cup winner and former Arsenal fan favourite

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      FOOTBALL is back after an agonising break following Euro 2024, at least at the Olympics.The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games kicks off this Friday.Michael Olise is hoping to win gold for France at the OlympicsCredit: GettyWhile Julian Alvarez is hoping to add to his World Cup and Copa America medals with ArgentinaCredit: APAchraf Hakimi will captain Morocco in ParisCredit: AFPHowever, the men’s football event will be kicking off two days ahead of schedule with opening matches taking place on July 24 and the final – or gold medal match in this case – being held on August 9.The major difference between it and major tournaments such as the World Cup, Euros or Copa America, is the rule requiring players to be under the age of 23, barring three exceptions.The beautiful game has been an event at every summer Olympics except for the inaugural 1896 Games and the 1932 Games, which came as an attempt to promote the then new World Cup.Some major nations have managed to qualify, including France, Spain and Argentina, though the men’s defending champions, Brazil, won’t be there.READ MORE IN OLYMPICSDespite Team GB not sending a team to the tournament – with London 2012 the exception – since the 1970s, massive stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Samuel Eto’o have all tasted Olympic glory.SunSport have picked out six more stars – including some that Premier League fans will be familiar with – to keep an eye on as they aim to light up the tournament this summer.Michael Olise – France/Bayern MunichCrystal Palace fans will feel a pang of frustration knowing they may never see the winger at Selhurst Park again.But Michael Olise will be wanting to show new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany what he will bring to the Allianz Arena in the new campaign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNaby Keita – Guinea/Werder BremenEx-Liverpool star Naby Keita will also captain his nation at the Paris GamesCredit: GettyThe former Liverpool midfielder failed to make the impact expected at Anfield despite 129 appearances, but he has relished his switch to the Bundesliga and leads his nation as an overage player in their first global tournament at this level. Guinea will want to use it as a springboard for 2026 World Cup qualification.The Olympians who have won the most medals – with American swimming sensation Michael Phelps leagues ahead of the restJulian Alvarez – Argentina/Manchester CityThe Etihad striker is missing City’s pre-season tour to the USA in a bid to add an Olympic gold medal to his World Cup and Copa America titles.He is flying back from last week’s final in Miami to join Javier Mascherano’s squad in France, though City supporters may be concerned at his workload.Mohamed Elneny – Egypt/Free agentFormer Arsenal fan favourite Mohamed Elneny will be starring at the OlympicsCredit: GettyNo Mohamed Salah for the Pharaohs, much to the disappointment of their fervent fans, but ex-Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny will hope to lead his side into the knock-out stages and possibly beyond. Expectations are high in Cairo and Alexandria.Achraf Hakimi – Morocco/PSGThe flying right-back starred at Qatar 2022 as Morocco became the first African semi-finalists in World Cup history, and he will skipper the side as one of the three overage players in France. Morocco are assured of plenty of local support.READ MORE SUN STORIESFermin Lopez – Spain/BarcelonaFermin Lopez is making an appearance after just one game in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaignCredit: RexFermin Lopez and Villarreal’s Alex Baena have both jumped straight from Euro 2024 to Paris and are expecting rather more game-time than in Germany. Barcelona starlet Lopez made a 28-minute appearance off the bench in the final group win over Albania. More

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      in Boxing

      Paris Olympics star Jalolov is next in line to heavyweight throne and so good he was gifted luxury BMW by boxing boss

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      BAKHODIR JALOLOV is the 6ft 7in horse-riding, gun-toting Uzbek southpaw tipped to top heavyweight boxing after the Paris Olympics.The 30-year-old leftie already has a winner’s medal from Tokyo 2020 and is the red-hot favourite to do the double in France.Bakhodir Jalolov won super-heavy Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020Jalolov was gifted a luxury BMW as a wedding gift by a Russian boxing bossAnd – in another embarrassment for struggling amateur boxing – he has been allowed to reach 14-0 in the pro ranks, knocking over all of the stiffs inside the distance.The scary stats impressed Russia’s International Boxing Association boss Umar Kremlev so much he sent Jalolov a luxury BMW – complete with bright red bow tied across the bonnet – as a December wedding gift..And the flashy gift from the controversial figure arrived with a whiff of ludicrous as it failed to blend in with the much more modest surroundings of Jalolov’s home.With 37-year-old undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk, 35-year-old rematch challenger Tyson Fury and 34-year-old former champ Anthony Joshua all approaching retirement, the throne will soon need a huge and super-talented backside to take over.Read more OLYMPICSAnd – even though 19-year-old Kent prodigy Moses Itauma has shown staggering early potential – giant Jalolov is earmarked to be the next monster success.Legendary Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed Paris was always part of the plan when the US powerhouse did their deal with the ace.The mastermind, who has played a pivotal role in the careers of icons from Muhammad Ali to Vasyl Lomachenko, explained to us: “When we signed Jalolov last year, his participation at the Paris Olympics was always part of the plan. “I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics. “He is a uniquely talent fighter, and I do not doubt that he’ll one day be a dominant heavyweight champion.Inside Muhammad Ali’s stunning former LA mansion up for sale“His combination of size and power from a southpaw stance doesn’t come around too often. “Every time I watch him fight, I am amazed by his composure and unique skill set.”The devout Muslim is multi-talented too, judging from the photos and clips from his star-studded Instagram account.Sandwiched between photos of Jalolov with Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson and Cristiano Ronaldo, are snapshots of his far-more pious personal life.The 18st hulk knows his way around a stable and can even mount and ride a giant horse, without either of them collapsing.I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics.He can also bend a left-footed free-kick into the side netting from 25 yards so sweetly that – if he were English – Gareth Southgate would undoubtedly guarantee him three minutes off the bench in a pointless friendly.One Englishman who already rates Jalolov very highly is 2016 Olympic silver winner Joe Joyce, 38 – who beat the rising star in Rio.Jalolov has already been invited out to boxing hot bed Saudi Arabia and mixed with Cristiano RonaldoThe giant Uzbek southpaw has also met Mike TysonTeam GB hero Joe Joyce did beat Jalolov at the 2016 Rio GamesCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Putney Juggernaut – who was robbed of a gold by scandalous judging – told SunSport: “He was quite young back then and I felt I was in my prime, unstoppable.“It was a good fight, he tested me but I was ready and really ripping through people back then.“He was fresh back then and a tricky southpaw, but I was driving through anyone to get that gold medal.“That was eight years ago so he will have more experience and power and be even more difficult to beat.”Away from the ring and sport, Jalolov is a patriot too.Every January 14 he celebrates Uzbekistan’s military holiday by donning their combat fatigues.World title next yearBy Wally Downes JrBAKHODIR JALOLOV will get his world title shot in 2025.A second Olympic gold in Paris at the start of August will only strengthen his case but he already has most of boxing’s powerbrokers firmly in his corner.Heavyweight kingmaker Turki Alalshikh has already hosted the amateur star in Saudi Arabia and promoter Bob Arum knew he was dedicated to competing at the 2024 Games when he signed him last year, so the wheels are turning perfectly.Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will decide an IBF boss on September 21 and Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will settle their two-fight rivalry three months later.Then Jalolov will join in-form giants like Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel – who have seriously impressed in the Middle East since its takeover – in competing for the four major titles that are bound to fragment.Brit prodigy Moses Itauma seems nailed on for the top too but Jalolov has over a decade of experience on him and two Olympic gold medals would definitely put him at the head of the mega-money queue.Saudi is hosting a US show on August 3 in Los Angeles – featuring Andy Ruiz, Martin Bakole and Jared Anderson – and an eye-catching win for one of those hulks will sling them in the mix too.But Jalolov – complete with his rare heavyweight stance, his size, amateur pedigree and power – will be the golden bloke of 2025.Read more from Wally Downes Jr.And in 2020 – to mark the May 9 Uzbek Memorial Day – he showed off his rifle handling skills flanked by soldiers.In Paris, if the form book is to be believed, Jalolov should meet Team GB’s hero Delicious Orie in a mouth-watering semi-final clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Russia-born Brit with the beautiful backstory will need to add another chapter to his tale to win, after suffering three 2024 defeats already.But it already promises to be a cracker as the Turkic cowboy targets one more gold mine before turning pro and hunting down belts to match his stirrups and reins. 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      Chelsea recall £23m star from France Olympics team just days before tournament kicks off in blow to Thierry Henry

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      CHELSEA have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympic team just days before the tournament.The host nation begin their campaign against the USA in Marseille on Wednesday.Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympics teamCredit: RexThe midfielder had been included as a replacement by Thierry Henry for the tournamentCredit: GettyThierry Henry’s side are also set to face Guinea and New Zealand during the group stage.However, they will do so without Ugochukwu after the midfielder’s return to Chelsea.A statement confirming he had been recalled read: “Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection.”The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.”The technical staff, who have made a request to the organisers to be able to replace him, are awaiting a response. The current group is therefore made up of twenty-one players.”Ugochukwu had missed out on a place in the 18-man squad but was included as one of four replacements.Replacements can play in the tournament at any time if a member of the squad gets injured.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea had previously blocked both Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from call-ups for the Olympics.Ugochukwu returns to the Blues ahead of their pre-season USA tour, with five matches scheduled including a clash with Real Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHowever, the 20-year-old may still not be involved amid a potential move away from Stamford Bridge.Chelsea are keen to loan the midfielder to another Premier League club, with three sides currently interested according to the Metro.Ugochukwu signed from Rennes in a £23million deal last summer, penning a deal through to 2030.He made 13 appearances before a hamstring injury in December ruled him out for six months.Following the lay-off, Ugochukwu played twice more off the bench after returning to action in May.Ugochukwu is expected to be loaned out to a Premier League club this summerCredit: Getty More