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      Pep Guardiola called me overweight… now every new club I go to asks about my body, rants ex-Man City ace Kalvin Phillips

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS is fed up with talk about his feeding and fitness.The Manchester City midfielder was famously labelled as “overweight” by his manager Pep Guardiola following the 2022 World Cup.Kalvin Phillips is still feeling the effects of Pep Guardiola calling him ‘overweight’Credit: GettyPhillips admitted the brutal remark and the aftermath was the “toughest moment” he has experienced as a footballer.And now the former Leeds man insists his body shape is the first topic of conversation with any club.Phillips – who has made just six competitive starts for City since a £42million move from Elland Road in 2022 – was shipped out on loan to West Ham for a difficult loan spell last season.Now he is spending the 2024-25 campaign with Premier League new-boys Ipswich – where he feels at his physical peak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPhillips told former Leeds team-mate Patrick Bamford on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast: “You probably heard about the time when Pep came out and said that I was overweight after the World Cup and I think that narrative on social media just grew and grew.”Every club that I’d go and spoke to, the manager and the nutritionist would always speak about weight before they’d say anything else.”And it got to the point where it peed me off a little bit. “I was getting quite frustrated with it, but now I’ve come to Ipswich and the manager’s an unbelievable person as well as a manager.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPhillips enjoyed his best football with boyhood club Leeds – helping them into the Premier League in 2020 and then forcing his way into the England squad. The Whites earned promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, who set Phillips an ambitious body composition target to maximise his performances on the pitch.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out However, within months of his big-money switch to the Etihad, Guardiola publicly ridiculed the Yorkshireman for his weight – a comment he later apologised for. But still not getting a look in at City, Phillips opted for Portman Road as the place to try and reignite his career at the age of 28 under Kieran McKenna. Phillips added: “We spoke about all my past stuff that happened in my career.”He just said, ‘I’m big on body composition and I just want you to get to where you were when you left Leeds or when you were at Leeds. “‘I think that’ll give us a good starting point for you to push on and hopefully get back to where you were.'”It is only recently since I came to Ipswich I have got around about the target Bielsa set me because I have not played much in the last two years, one-and-a-half years.”The manager is very big on body composition here as well and I thought, ‘I’m not getting off to a bad start here as well, I need to come in and make sure my weight is on point.'”Phillips has started four times for the Tractor Boys so far.He is yet to taste victory but McKenna is pleased with what he has seen from the holding midfielder. The Northern Irishman said after the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa: “I think game by game he’s improving, his confidence was coming on the ball a little bit today. He’s been working really well off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Of course, it was a shame for him to get the little injury that stopped his momentum, but I thought he stepped back into the team well today after only a couple of days’ training.”He’s enjoying it, he’s enjoying being part of the group, he’s enjoying the day-to-day work and he’s proving that he can be an important player for us on the pitch.”Phillips reckons he is in his best shape now on loan at IpswichCredit: PA More

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      Premier League cult icon working for FREE as manager of cash-strapped crisis club as they face threat of administration

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE cult icon is currently working for free as manager of a cash-strapped club.The crisis outfit are facing the threat of administration as their future continues to look bleak.Inverness manager Duncan Ferguson is working for free to help out the crisis clubCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun GlasgowHowever, they have been handed a boost by their manager after he sacrificed his wages for the cause.He had already taken a 40 per cent cut to his salary to help save the club.Scottish side Inverness need to raise £200,000 this month to avoid the threat of relegation.Manager Duncan Ferguson is now working for free in order to help, having already reduced his weekly wages from £3,000 to £1,200.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained: “I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing.”That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.”The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line.”I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage.”I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available Ferguson has donated his wages to help the club raise £200,000 to avoid administrationCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow”I like to think I’m a caring person and I like to look after my staff and people around about me.”At the moment, I’ll get through as best I can and try to keep putting petrol in my car and food on the table.”Ferguson was appointed by Caley Thistle in September last year, penning a three-year deal through to the summer of 2026.However, he was unable to avoid relegation from the Scottish Championship last season.Instead, Inverness dropped into the third tier for the first time since 1999, where they currently sit sixth in the table.They have won just one of their eight matches, drawing six and losing the other, to give Ferguson 15 victories from his 49 matches as boss.The former striker became a cult hero in England during his playing days after scoring 68 goals in 239 Premier League appearances for Everton and Newcastle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is particularly beloved by fans of the Toffees, where he won the FA Cup in 1995.Ferguson later returned to spend 11 years on the coaching staff, working with the under-18s before becoming first-team assistant and caretaker manager.Ferguson previously took a 40 per cent pay cut from £3,000-a-week to £1,200Credit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow More

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      Newcastle drop biggest hint yet they will LEAVE St James’ Stadium in ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED will wait until “early 2025” before announcing whether they will redevelop St. James’ Park or build a brand new stadium.As we revealed this week, plans drawn up to rebuild their current home showed that it could cost up to a billion quid.Newcastle want to either redevelop St James’ Park or build a new stadiumCredit: AlamyRebuilding the ground could cost up to £1bnCredit: RexAnd a new stadium built from scratch in a different location could cost DOUBLE that price.Members of the club’s Fan Advisory Board have now been talked through initial findings of the feasibility study into the different options.However, due to more investigations into what the best affordability and sustainability is, the Toon Army will have to wait to see what the next move is.Newcastle’s chief operating officer, Brad Miller, said: “This is an exciting but extremely complex project, and I’d like to thank supporters for their patience as we conduct this key phase of the feasibility process.Read More in Football“We aren’t quite at a decision-making stage yet, but we are targeting the early part of 2025 to complete the next essential tasks.“We know what a transformed St. James’ Park would give us and we now have a significant amount of data and feedback on our stadium footprint and surrounding area, so we are several steps forward.“But it is also clear that this option has several risks associated with it, so we need to fully analyse those risks against the opportunities to reach truly informed and intelligent outcomes.“We are challenging our appointed design team, and ourselves, to make sure our eventual chosen route delivers a fantastic fan experience – one that represents the fans, city, region and club, and aligns with the long-term ambitions of our ownership group.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But it must provide an investable return, and not least deliver strong revenue growth to increase our PSR headroom, which, as everyone knows, means we can invest more in football.“Part of the process is also to understand alternative options so that we see the bigger picture and, again, find the right balance between risk and opportunity.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“This is a once-in-a-generation investment, so we don’t want to look back in years to come, as a club or as a city, and regret an opportunity missed.“Our objective is to select a scheme that is deliverable, affordable, and sustainable, so we are investing this time to make sure we are only going to spend money on the project where it will make the biggest difference – to fan experience, revenue, competitiveness, investment in football and operational efficiency. “All this requires a robust process that leaves no stone unturned.”Miller added: “We are very grateful to the members of FAB for taking on board some of the detail behind our reasoning, and we look forward to their continued input as we move this historic project forward in the near future.” More

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      Alejandro Garnacho transfer: TWO European giants targeting shock £50m swoop for Man Utd star amid Erik ten Hag ‘row’

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      TWO of Europe’s biggest clubs are monitoring Alejandro Garnacho as his frustrating start to the season continues.The Argentine winger has had to spend a lot of time on the bench so far.Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Alejandro GarnachoCredit: ReutersHis surprising lack of action even led to claims of a row with boss Erik Ten Hag who was reportedly angry about a social media post Garnacho shared about not playing.Now, SunSport can reveal the situation has put Barcelona and Juventus on red alert.The Spanish and Italian giants are tracking the situation and could be willing to try to tempt United with a massive bid in thesummer.United are believed to value the player – who is a huge favourite with fans – at £50m.Read more on man utd Earlier this year, he insisted “God has something planned for me” in a cryptic post after being left out of the starting XI by Ten Hag in their 2-1 loss to Brighton.The Argentine was forced to play a substitute role in both of United’s first two games this season, playing the final 30 minutes against Fulham and the Seagulls – assisting Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner against the former at Old Trafford.Eyebrows were also raised earlier this season when Ten Hag was asked if he thought Garnacho was world class.Ten Hag responded: “You have gone to quickly. World class is something where he has to go a long way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has a high potential, 100 per cent. But last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player.”It starts with hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential.”Garnacho impressed for United last season and was one of the bright sparks amid a difficult campaign, scoring nine times and providing four assists.Garnacho is being watched by Barcelona and JuventusCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League icon, 48, unrecognisable after incredible body transformation as mate admits he’s constantly in the gym’

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      A FORMER Premier League striker has undergone a shock body transformation and looks unrecognisable.The 48-year-old used to be a rapid centre-forward but is now built like a target man.The former striker looks unrecognisableThe ex-player now works as a coachCredit: RexHe has showed off his new look on social mediaCredit: @DHUCKS6He has been regularly hitting the gym and these days boasts a stunning ripped physique.His trademark spiky hair has also gone and a grey beard replaces his old clean shaven look.The player came through the ranks at Lincoln and got a Premier League move to Newcastle in 1995.He struggled for game time under Kevin Keegan and was loaned to Milwall before permanently joining Coventry.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe scored 28 league goals for the club across three seasons and earned a £6million transfer to then Champions League club Leeds.After one-and-a-half years at Elland Road, he signed for Manchester City, playing a crucial role in getting the club promoted from the Championship in 2002.Five years at Norwich and a brief stay at Nottingham Forest followed before he hung up his boots with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS in 2009.The star in question is Canaries legend Darren Huckerby.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe looked unrecognisable in an appearance on the Soccer A-Z podcast this week.Huckerby currently works as a coach in Norwich’s academy.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanDarren Huckerby helped Man City to promotion in 2002Credit: GettyHe has cult hero status at NorwichCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ex-Chelsea and England star Wayne Bridge shows off results of hair transplant after go-ahead from Loose Women star wife

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      WAYNE BRIDGE showed off the results of his hair transplant – after getting the green light from his Loose Women star wife.Bridge, 44, made his name and fortune after breaking through at Southampton to earn his transfer to Chelsea in 2003.Wayne Bridge has undergone a hair transplantCredit: CavendishThe former footballer got the work done at a top London clinicCredit: CavendishHe was given the green light from wife FrankieCredit: GettyAfter six years at Stamford Bridge, he joined Manchester City then finished his club career with Reading in 2014.He also racked up 36 senior England caps, including featuring at the 2002 World Cup.But since hanging up his boots a decade ago, the former left-back has noticed he has been thinning on top.And so he opted to get the treatment done to give himself a thicker mop – in turn giving himself a new boost of confidence. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBridge is married to former Saturdays singer and Loose Women host Frankie Sandford and revealed she was on board with him getting the procedure done.The ex-footballer headed to a high-end Harley Street clinic – DHI Global – to get the work done.It involved removing 4,085 hair follicles individually and then replanting them in the balder areas with a special pen – without the need to shave the whole head. Bridge said: “I had the hair transplant because I wanted to boost my confidence.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I have been suffering from hair loss since my mid-30s and I just felt it would give me a bit of a boost to get it sorted. So many men are getting help with their hair and it is really no big deal. “I told Frankie what I was doing and she was really supportive. Frankie Bridge shows ‘what’s in my bag’ including Christmas snack she eats for breakfast & item she had to stop husband Wayne stealing”She said, ‘Go for it,’ and supports anything that makes me feel better about myself.”Bridge added: “I used to like wearing my hair long but my thinning hair became more noticeable when I grew it. I thought of just shaving it all off but a better solution was a hair transplant.”You hear about women having procedures to improve their appearance all the time and it is great that it is no big deal for men now, too. “It is great that we can all be open about it and hopefully we will inspire more men to seek help. The boost in confidence can be really good for your mental health.”The 4 stages of the hair growth cycleHair experts at Philip Kingsley shared the four stages of the hair growtn cycle are: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and ExogenAnagen Phase: Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, is when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed.During the Anagen Phase, hair grows around half an inch a month [about six inches a year], and faster in the summer than in winter.This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years. Catagen Phase: Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair. Approximately three percent of all hairs are in this stage at any time and it lasts for around 10 days. Telogen Phase: The third stage of your natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing. An estimate of 10-15 percent of your hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given moment.The Telogen Phase lasts around three months or 100 days.Exogen Phase: The final stage of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out. Now the whole process begins again. Bridge revealed he was inspired to get the treatment after a celebrity friend recommended the London specialists, whose treatments start from £3,000 and where cricketer Phil Tufnell went for his new look.He explained: “I bumped into him at a wedding and his hair looked great. “He explained that he had gone to DHI because the treatment is so discreet and no one knows you have had it done until all the hair has grown back.”I wanted the very best treatment in the world with the shortest downtime and that was always going to be DHI.HAIR WE GO”You read about patients going abroad for hair transplants but that was never going to be an option for me.”The best clinics in the world are here and it is reassuring to know that the team is next to Harley Street for the aftercare. Who wants to jump on a flight to check on their hair if something goes wrong?”What I particularly like about this treatment is that you don’t have to have your entire head shaved. “They literally pick the donor hairs out and then implant them directly where you have the bald spots with very little fuss. “There is very little disturbance to the scalp and the final results are completely natural.”It means the downtime after the operation is minimal and I can quickly get back to doing what I love, which is staying fit and enjoying time with my family.”Bridge tied the knot with glamorous Frankie in July 2014 – nine months after their son Parker was born. Their second son Carter arrived in August 2015.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-footballer appeared in the 2016 series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and then won the debut season of SAS: Who Dares Wins after trekking a glacier in Chile.He is also a keen poker player and admitted his style can be “kamikaze” when he appears in tournaments. The procedure involved extracting and replanting more than 4,000 hair folliclesCredit: CavendishBridge was raving about the work done to boost his confidenceCredit: CavendishBridge showed off his new look after undergoing the procedureCredit: CavendishHe got engaged to Frankie in 2013 then tied the knot the following yearCredit: MegaThe couple have two children togetherCredit: GettyBridge joined Chelsea in 2003Credit: GettyHe earned 36 caps for EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Alvaro Morata forced to move house just days after moving in after town’s Mayor leaked new home

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      ALVARO MORATA has said he had to make an instant house move – after his new town’s mayor revealed where the striker lives.Spain captain Morata, 31, joined AC Milan in July after leaving Atletico Madrid.Alvaro Morata made an instant house move after his new town’s mayor revealed where he livesMorata made the reveal onlineThe ex-Chelsea striker moved into a luxury home in Corbetta, a town of 18,000 people west of Milan.But the former £60million Chelsea record buy felt his family’s security was endangered after Corbetta’s mayor Marco Ballarini posted news of their arrival on social media.The report swiftly went viral among townsfolk, prompting the Moratas to move out.Euro 2024 winner Morata fumed on Instagram: “Dear Mr Mayor, thanks for violating my privacy. Thankfully I don’t have anything of value.READ MORE IN football”The only treasures I have are my children, whose security has been jeopardised by you.”I thought that the town of Corbetta could afford me a certain amount of privacy.”Instead I find myself having to move house straight away, thanks to your inabilities to use social media and to safeguard your citizens.”Mayor Ballarini had previously proudly written: “Alvaro Morata is a Corbetta citizen. Here We Go!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The Spanish striker, newly signed by Milan, is finalising the paperwork for the move to his marvellous new home in our town.”I am a huge Inter Milan fan, but it is with pleasure that I offer Alvaro Morata a welcome to our big family in Corbetta.”Morata scored 24 goals in 72 Chelsea appearances following his 2017 arrival from Juventus.However, he spent just 18 months at Stamford Bridge before returning home to join Atletico.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More

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      Next Man Utd manager: Five favourites to replace Erik ten Hag including Gareth Southgate and Old Trafford legend

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      JUST nine games since being handed an improved contract, Erik ten Hag is back under immense pressure.The boss was on the brink of the sack for much of last season after the club crashed out the Champions League in the group stages and finished in their lowest ever Premier League position of eighth.Pressure is mounting on Erik ten HagCredit: GettyGareth Southate is one of the favourites to take overCredit: AlamyRuud van Nistelrooy could get a chance to prove himself on an interim basisCredit: GettyBut the Dutchman saved his job by winning the FA Cup and was then given the vote of confidence by Sir Jim Ratcllife despite initial talks with other managers.Yet Man Utd’s disastrous start to the season has led to calls for Ten Hag to be axed. A woeful display in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham means he reportedly has clashes with Porto and Aston Villa to save his job. Should the Red Devils lose both, the club could then be on the lookout for their sixth permanent boss since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.READ MOE IN FOOTBALL SunSport take a look at the bookies’ five favourites to replace Ten Hag.Gareth SouthgateSouthgate has been heavily linked with the United job in the past and is currently unemployed after resigning as England boss after Euro 2024 heartbreak.United sporting director Dan Ashworth used to work at the FA and was given the job of creating an “England DNA” across the senior and youth sides in 2012.A year later, he was part of the group that appointed Southgate as Under-21s boss and then gave him a promotion to Three Lions gaffer in 2016.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate has experience of working with United stars like Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.And he would make the Red Devils far more defensively solid, with them currently way too easy to carve open.Odds: 5/2’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagRuud van NistelrooyThe former Man Utd striker was appointed Ten Hag’s assistant in the summer but has so far seemingly been unable to install his ideas on the squad.Van Nistelrooy is an experienced coach, having worked with the Dutch national team and PSV youth sides.He managed the PSV senior side during the 2022/23 season and led them to domestic cup glory and a second place finish.However, he surprisingly quit the club over a lack of support.Van Nistelrooy could have a chance to stake his claim as United boss should he land the role on an interim basis if Ten Hag is axed.Odds: 2/1Thomas TuchelTuchel is a world-class manager and boasts an impressive CV.He has Premier League experience with Chelsea, winning the Champions League with them in 2021, and he has won the title at PSG and Bayern Munich.Tuchel landed his last two jobs mid-season and quickly established a tactical identity before leading them to a trophy later that season.Man Utd had face-to-face talks with the German over the summer and he appeared to be their number one target.But Tuchel turned down the job as he wanted time away from management.With him now feeling refreshed, Ratcliffe could try to pick up talks from where they left of.Odds: 6/1Thomas Tuchel held talks with Man Utd in the summerCredit: GettyGraham PotterPotter has been out of work since his sacking by Chelsea in April 2023 and he has declined offers to return to the dugout.He has been biding his time, with some believing he is holding out for the Man Utd or England job.Potter struggled to cope with Chelsea’s bloated squad and was sacked after just seven months in charge.But it was his stunning work at Brighton that got him recognition, developing the sort of clear style of play that Ten Hag has been unable to implement in his three years at Old Trafford.Potter built Brighton’s identity with chief Ashworth and the pair could be keen on reuniting.Asked about a return to football on Sky Sports on Monday, he revealed: “I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Odds: 14/1Graham Potter has been out of work for nearly two yearsCredit: GettyKieran McKenna Just seven years ago, McKenna was guiding United’s Under-18s to Premier League glory and here he is linked with the first-team job.After his success with the kids, he was promoted to senior coach and the Northern Irishman formed part of the setup under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.He left when Ten Hag came in and in the mean time has transformed Ipswich, taking them from League One to the Premier League with a bold attacking style of play.His rise up the coaching ranks has been phenomenal and a return to Old Trafford could complete his remarkable journey. READ MORE SUN STORIESMcKenna signed a four-year deal at Ipswich in the summer and he would not be blamed for wanting to stay loyal and focus on keeping the Tractor Boys in the Prem.Odds: 14/1Kieran McKenna has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotionsCredit: Rex More