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      ‘It’s hugely important’ – Shay Given fires warning to Newcastle despite Carabao Cup triumph

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      SHAY GIVEN hailed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup heroes but warned they need Champions League qualification to reach “next level”.Eddie Howe’s side ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley a fortnight ago.Shay Given spoke to SunSport in his role as brand ambassador for CopyBetCredit: CopyBetThe Magpies ended 70-years of hurt at Wembley this monthCredit: GettyToon’s much-loved former goalkeeper Given was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the 2011 FA Cup to kickstart their Middle East revolution.But with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the Irishman says it will take Newcastle’s Saudi owners a lot longer to get to the top.And that is why they cannot rest on their cup-winning laurels this term and must do everything possible to return to the Champions League.Given, speaking in his role as brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet, told SunSport: “The City lads really kicked on and obviously got the Premier League titles and other things that followed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Hopefully it’ll be the same sort of pattern for Newcastle but I don’t think it’ll be straightforward because there’s all sorts of different legislations in place now that might make it take longer.“It’s an unbelievable achievement what they have done to lift that burden after 70 years but there is still a prize to play for with Champions League qualification.“That is, probably for the club to go on to the next level, nearly as important if not more than picking up the Carabao Cup.“What that would mean is they can strengthen again and regenerate the money back into the playing squad. At the end of the day, that’s only where you’re going to really challenge for a Premier League title, Champions League and things like that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Eddie Howe and the powers that be in Newcastle understand that as well. So, there’s so much to play for this season in the remaining games. It’s hugely important to get that Champions League spot.”And sealing a return to Europe’s top club competition is not only vitally important for the club coffers and PSR.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’It would also help them to keep hold of £150m-rated top scorer Alexander Isak amid interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.And he insists that the Swedish hitman is the perfect man for Howe to build a side around to challenge the big boys.Given added: “The one player in the whole squad I don’t think you can afford to lose Isak.“It would send such a wrong message to everyone. It would put you back and leave a massive hole on what probably is the most important position on your team.“Hopefully Champions League will come and that’ll keep others from trying to lure Alexander away.“He’s the player that you can build around for years to come and he’s the kind of player that you can challenge at the very top with.”Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comKeeping Alexander Isak is a must for the Magpies, says their legendary former goalieCredit: AlamyHow ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      ‘I wasn’t expecting it’ – Inside Bournemouth’s futuristic new base including indoor dome

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      YOU turn the corner at the end  of a mile-long drive and suddenly Bournemouth’s ambition smacks you in the face.Behind the ornamental fountains is the stunning main building of the Cherries’ new £40million Performance Centre, which opened this week.Bournemouth are on the rise both inside and outside the pitchCredit: GettyBournemouth have developed a stunning training centreCredit: GettyBournemouth’s training facility rivals any Premier League clubCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth’s training facility will help them attract even more talentCredit: X @afcbournemouthAs the Dorset sunshine pours down and is harvested by the first set of solar panels to be installed at a Prem training ground, the state-of-the-art complex is a breathtaking sight.And a facility which rivals any in the top flight will be key to attracting the kind of players Bournemouth will need if they are to continue their remarkable rise.Evanilson left Champions League regulars Porto last summer to become the Cherries’ £31.5m record signing.The Brazilian, 25, is impressed by the new centre and told SunSport: “I knew before I even came to Bournemouth they had big plans but I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is.”Read More on FootballOwner Bill Foley is all about changing expectations around the plucky Cherries and the Performance Centre is just one part of that mission.The American billionaire took over the club in December 2022 and set the target of bringing European football to the Vitality Stadium within five years.In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Foley noted progress on the pitch was ahead of schedule and gave details about more of his plans off the field.The biggest project is a stand-by-stand revamp of the 11,307-seater Vitality that will increase the capacity to 16,000 then 20,000 and 24,000.Most read in FootballFoley, 80, is building not only infrastructure but a football empire.Through his Black Knight companies, he owns A-League side Auckland FC and minority stakes in Hibernian and French club Lorient — but Bournemouth are the jewel in the crown.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerNext week, academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main building at the Performance Centre.The first structure built on the site, 18 months ago, was the indoor dome that allowed the youth set-up to earn Category 2 status. Bournemouth are gaining a  reputation for giving those young players a chance to shine in the first team.It is likely centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, and 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez will leave this summer for fees totalling £100m.But when technical director Simon Francis and president of football operations Tiago Pinto are trying to recruit fresh new talent, they can point to Huijsen, Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi (22), Dango Ouattara (23) and Alex Scott (21) as examples of the opportunities the club gives kids.Brighton, Brentford and Southampton have used a similar model of identifying, developing and selling on talent while reinvesting  in the next big things.Extending Iraola contractThe Saints’ fall from grace is a warning about how that virtuous circle can become a vicious one if errors are made in player recruitment.Bournemouth may well find rivals sniffing around Andoni Iraola this summer.Talks about extending the head coach’s contract will be one thing on the agenda when Foley flies over next month.Iraola was full of admiration after his first week’s training in their new HQ.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The pitches are perfect and we have all the tools we need.“But the important thing is not what happens here in the building, it’s what happens out on the pitch.”Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is all about changing expectationsCredit: X @afcbournemouthAnd Bournemouth’s Performance Centre is just one part of Foley’s missionCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth academy players and staff will move into the other half of the main buildingCredit: X @afcbournemouth More

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      Ruben Amorim’s former team-mate admits Man Utd boss was ‘changing room clown’ and he never thought he’d end up a manager

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim is considered one of the brightest young managers in the world.Bursting onto the scene in 2021 when he ended Sporting Lisbon’s 19-year title drought, he quickly started receiving interest from the best clubs and that intensified after winning the Primeira Liga once more last season.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim used to be the ‘changing room clown’Credit: AFPThat is according to Amorim’s former team-mate Roderick MirandaCredit: GettyMiranda never throught Amorim would switch to coachingCredit: RexHowever, one former team-mate of the Portuguese head coach remembers him more for his dressing room pranks than his tactical nous.Roderick Miranda and Amorim both started out at Benfica’s academy and spent seven years together as part of the European giants’ fold.And Roderick, 33, never thought he would ever see his former team-mate switching to coaching and experiencing so much success.That is because the former Wolves defender, who currently plays for Melbourne Victory, remembers him as the “changing room clown”.Read More on Man UtdHowever, upon reflection, the centre-back thinks Amorim’s rise makes sense as he was a very intelligent midfielder with a “great understanding of the game”.Roderick told Flashscore Australia: “I never thought he’d become a coach! “Not because of his football skills or his intelligence, but because he was the changing room clown.”He had a really fun personality and was always doing something to make people laugh.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”When I heard he started as a coach I was a little bit surprised and wondered how the guy I played with could become so serious!”But he was a very intelligent player. He could play in many different positions, so maybe that’s why he’s a brilliant coach, because he has such a great understanding of the game.”Ed Sheeran reveals he was ten pints down before awkward Sky Sports moment that left Ruben Amorim looking fuming Amorim has struggled this season with United, who are set for their worst ever Premier League finish as they are currently 13th in the table.However, the Red Devils boss still has the boardroom’s trust and will get the chance to build the team to his liking this coming summer. More

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      Erling Haaland looks sheepish as he’s seen for first time since Man City probe into claim he ‘gave club mascot whiplash’

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      ERLING HAALAND looked sheepish as he arrived at Manchester City training after it was revealed he left the club mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion.SunSport exclusively told how the Norwegian striker twice struck the woman dressed up as furry alien Moonbeam across the head before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland hid from the cameras as he arrived at Manchester City trainingCredit: ZenpixHe refused to smile following SunSport’s revelationsCredit: BackGridHaaland was accused of leaving the woman with whiplash and concussion after the playful hitsCredit: mancityThe lady dressed up as the furry alien vomited and made a furious complaintCredit: GettyThe lady vomited and struggled with neck pain as she went to hospital, believing she had been hit by a stray football before being told it was Haaland. Her CT scan revealed no damage but she accused “arrogant” City of sweeping her complaint under the carpet as a “cover-up” to protect Haaland.City’s probe concluded Haaland did not cause the uni graduate’s injuries.But on Saturday morning, the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner kept a low profile on his way into the training ground as he was spotted for the first time since SunSport’s shock revelations.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDHaaland drove his outlandish lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 in through the gates of the Etihad Campus.But he turned his head away from the camera inside the £350,000 motor to avoid having his face snapped. City face Bournemouth away in their FA Cup quarter-final tomorrow afternoon, hoping to book their place at Wembley.And Haaland will be keen to get back to scoring goals – and away from the drama surrounding the mascot. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe woman, who does not want to be named, was posing for photos on October 26 when she felt the two blows to the back of her head, leaving her in shock as she left the pitch.She said: “I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.How Pep can ignite Marmoush and Haaland partnership with aggressive attacking shape in FA Cup“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”She told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched the internal investigation and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. But the report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It also described his contact with Moonbeam’s head as “grazing”. The lady also lodged an assault complaint with police.She returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.The unnamed woman also went to the police about the incidentCredit: GettyThe striker drove his lime green £350,000 Aston MartinCredit: ZenpixHe covered his face with the sun visorCredit: Zenpix“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged.“We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.” More

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      Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futuristic James Bond villain lair

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      BOURNEMOUTH stars looked amazed as they reported for their first day at their new training ground.The Cherries have opened their brand new Performance Centre for business.Bournemouth have moved in to their new training groundCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe Performance Centre is open for businessCredit: X @afcbournemouthRyan Christie was buzzing with the moveCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe likes of Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie beamed as they made their way in from the car park.Kluivert, 25, grinned as he said: “Bit different… lovely!”As Christie walked into the dressing room he bellowed: “Look at this! Amazing!”Aerial shots of the training ground show a huge semi-circle of buildings, with the view resembling something between a naval base and a James Bond villain’s lair.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA video posted by the Cherries’ social channels also shows a spacious dressing room, gym area, canteen and lounge.Upon returning from international duty, Andoni Iraola put his players through their paces on their pristine new training pitches.The 57-acre training ground is located in Dorset village Canford Magna.Bournemouth owner Bill Foley also has ambitious plans for the Cherries’ Vitality Stadium home.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBournemouth are taking their infrastructure to a new levelCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe training ground features a glossy interiorCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe ground currently holds just 11,307 fans – making it by far the smallest in the Premier League.It had previously been suggested that Bournemouth could build a new stadium.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerBut during an appearance on talkSPORT earlier this month, Foley unveiled different plans.The American, 80, said: “We are well underway to having a solution for our stadium with several stages in mind.“The first stage would be to grow to about 16,000 seats, the next stage would be about 20,000, and the third stage would be to about 24,000 seats.”Much more hospitality and a much more welcoming environment, in terms of when people arrive and how they get into the stands and so on.”Private property company Structadene currently owns the Vitality Stadium.Foley wants to buy the stadium outright before beginning improvements.’WE NEED TO IMPROVE IT’He said: “We are hopefully going to be acquiring the Vitality.”We have a plan in place. It is going to be a staged effort, and we need to have the council’s approval.“We’ll start with the south stand, and we’ll really expand that and make that a permanent stand with some hospitality.“At the same time we’re going to be redoing the main stand in terms of hospitality and ingress and egress, high speed elevators and so on so people aren’t having to walk up three flights to go to have lunch and then walk down two flights to go to their seats, and then walk two flights up again.“The stadium is just antiquated and we need to improve it.”Bournemouth face a battle to hold on to manager Iraola this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard, 42, has emerged as Tottenham’s top target to replace under-fire Ange Postecoglou, should the Aussie be sacked.While Real Madrid are also claimed to be keen on Iraola, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves.The spacious training ground is far cry from Bournemouth’s old training groundCredit: X @afcbournemouthThere is a fountain located outsideCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth have new pristine training pitchesCredit: X @afcbournemouth More

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      Fuming Enzo Maresca CANCELS Chelsea stars’ day off after they are embarrassed by U21s team

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      ENZO MARESCA cancelled a day off for senior Chelsea stars after they flopped in a training session with the club’s U21s.The first-team players who did not go away on international duty were supposed to enjoy a rest on Thursday.Enzo Maresca cancelled a day off for his senior Chelsea stars after a loss to the U21sCredit: GettyBut Maresca was so incensed by the standards he witnessed during Wednesday’s session that he changed his mind and demanded they show up again at the club’s base in Cobham.The Italian told the players in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate any slacking off as Chelsea approach the business end of the season.The Blues boss made it clear that he expected every member of his squad to give the maximum as the team chase Champions League qualification and Europa Conference League glory.During the international break Maresca worked with the first-team squad members who remained at the club after the likes of captain Reece James and Enzo Fernandez joined up with their countries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Blues boss was bitterly disappointed to see Chelsea youngsters outwork and outperform senior stars.It was claimed that a team made up of under-21 players and even some from the under-16s won 3-0 against a side whose core was first-teamers.Donnell McNeilly, of the Under-21s, was said to have scored twice, with Chizzy Ezenwata, 16, claiming the other.But it is understood there was no formal match and the action was part of a stop-start training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNevertheless Maresca was upset enough with what he saw to punish the first teamers and lay down a marker for the rest of the season.A number of Chelsea’s international stars returned to training today [FRI] and the standards are believed to have been much higher.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clash Players who were unavailableInternational Duty:Enzo FernandezFilip JorgensenMoises CaicedoLevi ColwillReece JamesPedro NetoMarc CucurellaJosh AcheampongTyrique GeorgeMathis AmougouInjured:Cole PalmerNicolas JacksonNoni MaduekeOmari KellymanSuspended:Mykhailo MudrykThe Blues are back in action next Thursday with a London derby against Tottenham.Meanwhile off the pitch Chelsea’s estranged owners are united in their mission to demolish Stamford Bridge.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have put aside their differences to agree to pursue a completely new stadium instead of redeveloping their current home.But it remains to be seen if Chelsea will stay at the Bridge during construction of a new ground.Boehly is believed to favour building a new stadium at Earl’s Court, while Twickenham could end up being used as a temporary home. More

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      Mathys Tel forced to apologise to Tottenham fans after wearing ex-Arsenal star’s name on shirt

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      MATHYS TEL has apologised to Tottenham fans after posting a photo of himself wearing a Willian shirt on social media.The 19-year-old swapped shirts with the Brazilian following Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Fulham earlier this month.Mathys Tel has apologised to Spurs fans after wearing a Willian shirtCredit: Instagram @m.tel14The 19-year-old admitted he wasn’t aware of the history between Willian and the clubCredit: GettyWillian rejected a move to Tottenham in 2013 and chose to join Chelsea insteadCredit: RexAnd he donned the white top in a photo that was posted to his social media this week.However, some Tottenham fans were furious to see that he was wearing the shirt of a player who once rejected them.One person commented: “Oh, Mathys…”Another said: “How do footballers not realise that this goes down like a lead balloon…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a third commented: “Willian jersey after he’s played for both our biggest rivals is kinda nuts.”Willian came close to joining Tottenham in 2013 but ultimately rejected the Lilywhites.After completing a medical in North London, the 36-year-old had a last-minute change of heart and instead signed for Chelsea.He went on to win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe winger also spent a year with Arsenal, Tottenham’s biggest rivals.After realising his error, Tel promptly apologised to Spurs fans.Mathys Tel completes dramatic Tottenham loan transfer after making shock U-turn He said: “Ahaha sorry my bad guys I didn’t know.”Some Tottenham supporters thought the loanee was unfairly treated over the incident.One person said: “He joined two months ago. He’s 19. He’s French. Why would he know the history… Shameful the stick he got.”While another added: “To be honest I wouldn’t expect him to know the backstory to that situation. He’s a 19 year old who’s been at the club for 2 months so why would he know the full story about a transfer over a decade ago?”Tel joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich in January after initially turning down a move to North London.Spurs have the option to make the move permanent for around £45million. More

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      Man Utd treble winner, 46, looks unrecognisable with beard and new hair as he enjoys new life as a grandad

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      A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable with a new haircut and grey beard.The ex-player in question, now 46, is currently the manager of National League North side Scarborough Athletic.This former United star is unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: InstagramHe now sports shorter hair and a grey beardCredit: InstagramThe ex-midfielder also played for Middlesbrough and West BromCredit: InstagramHe took the helm back in 2021, four years after retiring from professional football.As a player, he starred for the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Man Utd.The midfielder made 252 Premier League appearances in total, with four Champions League outings also under his belt.Having joined United back in 1998, he played alongside the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Roy Keane during his time at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDuring his three-year spell with the Red Devils, he won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.He was recognisable at the time for his long hair, which he would later hold back with a headband.If you haven’t guessed already, the player in question is… Jonathan Greening.The 46-year-old called time on his playing career in 2017 following a two-year spell with non-league side Tadcaster Albion.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter earning all of his coaching credentials, he was appointed the manager of Scarborough Athletic in 2021.During his first season, he led the club to promotion from the Northern Premier League and won the North Riding Senior Cup.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Greening is now contracted to Scarborough until the end of the year.The ex-United star lives with his wife, Anna, and the couple have three children together.He also recently became a grandad and now has plenty of photos and videos with his new grandson on his Instagram.Greening spent three years with Man UtdCredit: Getty More