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      My dad is a Premier League cult hero and joined Chelsea for a record fee – now I’m making my own way in the Championship

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      THIS footballer’s dad is a Premier League cult hero who once starred at Chelsea.But he’s now making his own way in the Championship after stepping out of his father’s shadow.
      Darnell Furlong has become a top star at West Brom after stepping out of his father’s shadowCredit: 2023 Adam Fradgley
      Dad Paul was once Chelsea’s record signingCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Darnell Furlong, 27, has been a key player for West Brom ever since joining them in 2019.
      The ex-QPR youngster has played 161 times for the Baggies, including 35 times in the Premier League.
      But early in his career, Furlong was simply seen as the son of former top flight star Paul Furlong.
      The ex-striker, 55, was Chelsea’s record signing at £2.3million when he joined from Watford in 1994.
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      Furlong netted 18 goals in 85 games during a two-year spell before he was ousted by the arrivals of Ruud Gullit, Mark Hughes and Gianluca Vialli.
      Furlong went on to enjoy a six-year spell with Birmingham before spending a further five years at QPR.
      He ended his career in 2012 with St Albans City, and is currently back at QPR with their academy.
      However, his son Darnell is now the star of the show at West Brom.
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      He’s helped the Midlands side to fifth in the Championship.
      And speaking to Sky Sports, Furlong revealed he was proud to be following in his dad’s footsteps.
      He said: “People used to ask me what it was like having a dad who played football. ‘Does he do this? Does he do that?’ But I didn’t know any different. 
      “It was just a case of Dad going to work, me going to school, and then coming home. It was definitely a massive privilege – I don’t take it for granted – but it was something that was normal to me.
      “I had a passion for it from a very young age, but I grew up knowing that it was entirely up to me what I wanted to do.
      “My dad used to say to me that if I didn’t want to play football, it wasn’t for everyone. He was very, very hands-off and I think that helped me.
      “He was relaxed about it all and there wasn’t any pressure for me to do well for him or anything. It was all about myself and what I wanted to do.
      “He helps me out with little things and talks to me about my games when he manages to watch them.
      “But it’s never a case of putting me under too much scrutiny or doing analysis. It’s more of a general chat over the dinner table, which is a nice way of having things.” More

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      Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou makes best start in Premier League history with Spurs five points clear at top of Prem

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      TOTTENHAM’S Ange Postecoglou has officially made the best start to Premier League management in the history of the competition.The Australian’s arrival from Celtic this summer led to many doubting his capabilities of transforming the North London club.
      Ange Postecoglou has made history in his first ten games at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      He has surpassed Guus Hiddink’s record at ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Maurizio Sarri got 24 points from ten games with the West London clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Carlo Ancelotti could the same total from ten games with the BluesCredit: PA
      But after guiding Spurs to a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Friday, he has now collected 26 points from his first ten Prem games, more than anyone else including the likes of Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger.
      Postecoglou, 58, and Tottenham’s latest success at Palace added to triumphs over Manchester United, Bournemouth, Burnley, Sheffield United, Liverpool and Luton this term.
      While their two draws came in away matches against Brentford and Arsenal, both finishing 2-2.
      Dutchman Guus Hiddink had the previous best tally, with his 25-point haul coming in 2009 when he took over as Chelsea’s interim boss following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
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      Another two former Blues managers are among the four men that sit joint-third.
      Maurizio Sarri, back in 2018, and Carlo Ancelotti, in 2009, both amassed 24 points from their first ten matches.

      John Gregory also achieved that feat with Aston Villa in 1998, as did Frank Clark with Nottingham Forest in 1994.
      Not even Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola makes it into the top five.
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      Spurs are now five points clear at the top of the Premier League – and fans are dreaming of a first title since 1961.
      Postecoglou told Sky Sports: “Let them dream. It’s what being a football fan is all about.
      “It’s fair to say that this lot have suffered a fair bit so I’m certainly not going to dampen that.”
      He then added: “What’s important is we’re giving our supporters joy and hope.
      “That’s what football clubs are there for.
      “Dreams last as long as they do until someone wakes you up. We’ll see.”
      John Gregory amassed a 24 point tally from ten matches with Aston VillaCredit: PA:Press Association
      Frank Clark got the same tally when he was boss of Nottingham ForestCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Pep Guardiola sends stark warning to Man City fans ahead of Manchester derby and Sir Bobby Charlton tributes

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      PEP GUARDIOLA will not accept any Manchester City fan insulting Sir Bobby Charlton, vowing: “They do not represent us.”City banned two supporters — both minors — who were filmed mocking the death of England 1966 World Cup winner Charlton last weekend.
      Pep Guardiola has told Man City supporters they should respect ‘iconic figures’ like the late Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: Instagram @mancity
      Old Trafford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby and is now preparing to do the same again at Sunday’s derby against champions CityCredit: Getty
      Sir Bobby has been hailed as the greatest ever English footballerCredit: Getty
      Fans have covered Old Trafford with floral tributesCredit: Getty
      The legend’s former club Manchester United will hold a minute’s applause ahead of Sunday’s emotionally-charged Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
      And City have warned any fans who  misbehave will be banned and reported to police.
      Guardiola said: “They don’t represent us.
      “Alcohol makes bad things in people.
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      “We have a lot of respect for United, especially the iconic figures like Sir Bobby Charlton.
      “We will be part of the condolences for the family, Manchester United and English football.”
      Security officials trawled through CCTV footage to identify the young fans who sang  sick chants on the Etihad concourse — after Charlton’s death, aged 86, was announced.
      But Guardiola preferred to focus on  the loss felt by City ambassador and legend Mike Summerbee — who played alongside Charlton for England.
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      He added: “What represents us is Mike Summerbee going to Old Trafford to sign the book on behalf of Man City.”
      Guardiola also added his tribute, writing: “Thanks for Bobby Charlton to make our football the best place to live. Never ever will you be forgotten.”
      City fans observed an impeccable silence at the 2008 Old Trafford derby marking 50 years since the Munich air disaster.
      And Guardiola sees no reason why tomorrow’s tributes should not be similarly appropriate.
      The Spaniard said: “This is definitely going to  happen. It’s a good rivalry and each club respects the other.
      “It’s my eighth season here and no big issues happened. We won games, we lost games.”
      Outside Old Trafford became a sea of scarfs and flowersCredit: Rex
      Fans have joined in the tributes to the Man Utd and England legendCredit: Rex More

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      Man City given green light for huge Etihad Stadium expansion that will make arena fifth biggest in Premier League

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been granted permission to expand the Etihad Stadium.Plans were initially approved in July, but a series of conditions had to be agreed before the local council gave the final green light.
      The Etihad Stadium is set to be expandedCredit: MANCHESTER CITY
      A new fan zone is in the plansCredit: MANCHESTER CITY
      A 400-bed hotel, a TV studio and a roof walk attraction are among the new features included in the blueprints.
      And a new fan zone – which will hold up to 3,000 people – is also set to be built.
      It will include a new club shop, food and drink outlets and a museum.
      As well as the brand-new additions to the stadium, the north stand is set to be expanded.
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      That means the overall capacity will increase to just under 62,000.
      According to Manchester Evening News, the project is expected to create 1,795 extra full-time jobs and inject an estimated extra £70million into the Greater Manchester economy each year.
      Building work is expected to start next month and it is due to be finished by August 2025.
      Speaking in July, City’s managing director of city operations Danny Wilson said: “We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the Club’s proposals for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.
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      “We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the Club’s proposals for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.”
      Man City moved to the stadium ahead of the 2003-04 season, when it was known as the City of Manchester Stadium.
      It was renamed to the Etihad Stadium in 2011. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino sets return date for £56million Chelsea signing Christopher Nkunku with striker yet to make debut

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is hopeful Christopher Nkunku’s early recovery from injury will provide a goal-scoring boost for Chelsea.The £56million forward suffered a knee injury during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States but has returned to training this week and could return to the pitch next month.
      Mauricio Pochettino has set return date for £56million signing Christopher NkunkuCredit: Getty
      Pochettino knows his side need to find the back of the net more often, with only Manchester United having scored fewer out of the Premier League’s top ten so far this season.
      The French forward, 25, bagged 23 goals in all competitions last season with RB Leipzig.
      Pochettino said: “He is doing really, really well.
      “He is working really hard. I think he is really close. I hope as soon as possible we can have him involved again. He is an important player for us.
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      “Maybe after the next international he will be involved. Maybe, it’s not sure.
      “He is a player that can provide goals and we are missing goals.
      “That is why always we think it’s a player that can be important for us.
      “He proved he can score goals in a league like Bundesliga and we have a different offensive player.
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      “Today with maybe 8-10 goals from Nkunku this situation is completely different because they are the goals we are missing to be in a different position.”
      Nkunku’s early return would not only be a boost to Pochettino’s squad but could also mean the Blues do not have to shell out even more cash come January.
      Pochettino is already deep in planning for the winter window but has not decided whether a new striker will be necessary.
      He added: “Football is really dynamic. Maybe we are thinking in a different way two weeks ago or three weeks ago.
      “We are ready and working with the sporting directors and owners to try to be ready.
      “The moment the transfer window is open, we can see if the team needs, if the squad needs to add some players in the position we are talking, an offensive position.” More

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      Jack Grealish gets parking ticket as he and girlfriend Sasha enjoy dinner date at Sexy Fish wearing matching outfits

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      JACK GREALISH and girlfriend Sasha Attwood wore matching outfits for a date night at Sexy Fish – only to be hit with a parking ticket.Manchester City’s England star has struggled for regular action this term under Pep Guardiola. 
      Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood enjoyed a date night on ThursdayCredit: Splash
      They wore matching red outfits as they ate out at the trendy Sexy Fish restaurantCredit: Splash
      The pair were joined by another couple for a double date in DeansgateCredit: Splash
      They had a nasty surprise waiting for them after parking on double yellow linesCredit: Splash
      But the 28-year-old attacker still has plenty to smile about following last season’s Treble success.
      Fresh from helping the Three Lions secure their place at Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win over Italy earlier this month, he then started for City in their 3-1 Champions League win at Young Boys on Wednesday.
      Just 24 hours after that Grealish and his beautiful Wag Sasha, who regularly give their ever-growing Instagram following a glimpse into their relationship and private life, decided to hit the town for a date night.
      The pair were spotted out with pals at Manchester’s trendy Sexy Fish seafood restaurant in Deansgate.
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      Despite him now being a true blue at the Etihad, both the ex-Aston Villa ace and the model were colour coordinated in red for the occasion.
      Grealish wore an £800 Gallery Dept red sweatshirt, which he paired with jeans and trainers, while Sasha donned a pair of red trousers that were accompanied with a cropped white strappy top.
      Sasha drove the group to the restaurant in her Range Rover and arrived around 10pm.
      However, around 1am they had a nasty surprise waiting for them on their return to the motor, which was parked on double yellow lines, after they were hit with a parking ticket.
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      Sasha, who had a red jacket on for her exit, handed over driving duties to Grealish as they left the restaurant.
      Grealish managed to avoid a similar fine just two months ago when he was confronted by three traffic wardens.
      That was after he had parked his £220,000 Lamborghini on double yellows for an evening out at The Ivy.
      The Range Rover they arrived in was left parked on double yellow linesCredit: Splash
      Grealish wore an £800 Gallery Dept red sweatshirt while Sasha had red trousers onCredit: Splash
      The Man City star was on driving duty following the mealCredit: Splash
      But as he got back to their expensive motor he spotted the nasty surpriseCredit: Splash
      They arrived back at their Range Rover to see the ticket on their windscreenCredit: Splash
      Grealish collected the ticket and climbed into the driving seatCredit: Splash More

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      Distraught Arsenal fans say ‘this is not what I wanted to see’ as Arteta gives Jesus and Partey injury update

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      ARSENAL fans are distraught over the recent injury update on Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey.Mikel Arteta’s squad suffered a double injury blow and according to the Spaniard it is expected the pair will be out for “a few weeks.”
      Mikel Arteta has given an injury update on Gabriel JesusCredit: Rex
      Arteta also informed about Thomas Partey’s injury which he suffered during trainingCredit: Alamy
      Jesus, 26, was forced off the pitch with a suspected hamstring problem on Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Sevilla.
      This followed the Brazilian forward’s exceptional performance – with a goal and an assist that led Arsenal to triumph in a 2-1 victory.
      While Partey, 30, missed out on the celebrations after falling with an injury in training prior to the game.
      And Arteta has now confirmed the players are set for the sidelines after undergoing checkups.
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      He said at the Arsenal press conference on Friday: “The scan showed there is a muscle injury. We might lose him for a few weeks.
      “With Gabi, I cannot give you any timeframe because he always surprises us.
      Jesus only returned to the first team at the end of August after suffering his second knee injury in the last year.
      Fans are the least to say happy about the injury update with many being left in distraught.
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      One fan said: “This is not what I wanted to see :(.”
      Another added: “Injured again?! 🤦‍♂️”
      While a third put: “Please NOOO, I can’t have Nketiah leading us week in week out.”
      Arsenal’s frontline was already struggling prior to Jesus’s blow.
      Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have led the line for the Gunners this season but have scored just four Premier League goals between them.
      With Jesus now out, Arteta will be desperate to strengthen his attack if he wants to give the squad the best run for the league title this term.
      Meanwhile, on Partey, Arteta added: “He has got a muscle injury and we expect him to be out for a few weeks.”
      The Ghanaian international arrived in North London in 2020 from Athletico Madrid for £45million.
      But since his debut at the Emirates, his journey has not been smooth and has run into a number of injuries – having only just returned to the pitch earlier this month from a groin issue. More

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      Chelsea boss Pochettino in doghouse with wife as he slams Premier League for ruining Christmas AND wedding anniversary

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has slammed the Premier League for scheduling a Chelsea fixture on Christmas Eve.That’s because it’s ruined his wedding anniversary, leaving him in the doghouse with his wife.
      Mauricio Pochettino is in the doghouse with wife Karina due to Chelsea’s Christmas Eve gameCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Chelsea were left stunned when league chiefs announced they would be travelling to Wolves for a 7.30pm kick-off on the night before Christmas.
      Irate supporters have demanded a meeting with organisers in order to get the decision reversed.
      But they’re not the only ones feeling the pain, with Blues boss Pochettino also seeing his plans ruined.
      The Argentine ace will celebrate his wedding anniversary on December 23.
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      But instead of spending the time with wife Karina, whom he married in 1994, Poch will instead be sharing a coach up to the Midlands with his Chelsea players.
      The December 24 game will also end his hopes of enjoying Christmas Eve with family members too.
      And an irate Pochettino said today: “Our supporters are not happy? Me neither. 
      “I’m not happy also because [December] 23rd is my anniversary with my wife and I need to travel to Wolves and I’m not going to spend the night of the 23rd in my house. 
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      “I believe I am not going to convince her to come [to Wolverhampton].
      “And the 24th for Argentinian people is a really important night and [I] hope to arrive to celebrate on time after the game. 
      “Our fans are not happy and I am not happy also.
      “It is difficult because it is not easy to change. We have to accept we are in England. 
      “I need to adapt myself and even if I am not happy I need to do my best to be in our best level and accept this is a situation we cannot change.”
      Poch’s comments come after the Chelsea Supporters Trust slammed the Christmas Eve game.
      A statement read: “This is totally unacceptable. We have made it clear that selecting this kick-off time will place another hurdle in the way of many match-going supporters.
      “We have requested an urgent meeting with the relevant decision-makers within the Premier League.
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      “We expect this meeting will be held very soon alongside the Wolves 1877 Trust and the Football Supporters’ Association.
      “And we will formally request the Premier League properly consults supporters and reverses this decision.” More