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      Heartbroken Alan Shearer reveals death of his dad and says MOTD will be ‘tough’ after theme tune was played at funeral

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dad for the first time.The 54-year-old’s father, also named Alan, passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dadCredit: GettyHe admits it will be ‘tough’ returning to work on Match of the DayCredit: BBCShearer with wife LainyaCredit: GettyHe had been diagnosed in February having already fought and beat the cruel disease at the age of 65.It spread to his lungs and brain, leaving him with just months to live.Shearer has now opened up about the tragic death of his dad for the first time as he gets set to return to work on Match of the Day.In a column for The Athletic, he wrote: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was. We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the way, there were light and dark moments. We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours, but on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral. He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Shearer, who is married to wife Lainya and has three children – Hollie, Chloe and Will, also revealed that his dad wanted the Match of the Day theme tune played at his funeral.The ex-striker recalled: “Along with Will, my son, I’d carried his coffin into the crematorium — the hardest thing I’ve ever done — as the Match of the Day theme blared out, jaunty and loud.Most read in Premier League”The music was his decision too, although he pinched that idea from my mam, telling us shortly before he died that this was what he wanted.”Mixed emotions on MOTD returnShearer continued his broadcasting duties following the death of his dad, although he admits he “glided” through “with the blinkers on”.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe now has mixed emotions about returning to work for the new Premier League season, which kicks off tonight.The Newcastle icon continued: “I got to the end of last season with the blinkers on. I appeared on Match of the Day a couple of times and glided through it, just as I did for my punditry work at the European Championship, but the here and now feels different.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough — very tough.”This won’t come as a total surprise to most of you, but like my dad, I’m not emotional by nature, yet at 54 years old I’m heading into my first season without him beside me, without him just there. It’s a void that can’t be filled and it still feels very raw.”Shearer will be working with a new look team on Match of the Day, with long-time fellow pundit Ian Wright having quit the show.Alan Shearer with his family (left-right) Hollie, Lainya, Will and Chloe after he was presented with a CBE in 2016Credit: GettyShearer’s family including wife Lainya and kids Hollie, Will and ChloeCredit: willshearer9/InstagramShearer will be back on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: BBC More

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      Chelsea star Raheem Sterling reveals brilliant reason why he’s eaten exact same breakfast every day for eight years

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      RAHEEM STERLING believes the ‘eventful journey’ of being a Chelsea player will ultimately pay dividends.The experienced winger is about to kick off his third season under his fifth manager at the volatile club which has also signed 35 players in barely two years.Raheem Sterling played a key role in Chelsea’s pre-season gamesCredit: GettySterling is back in favour under latest head coach Enzo Maresca and in line to start Sunday’s Premier League opener against his old club Manchester City.He said: “It’s been, again, an eventful two years. But one that I’m super committed to, that will get the results that I was expecting.“It’s been an eventful journey, but I do see the vision and I do see us taking our next step and now really challenging for stuff – slowly but surely.“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself and you hear yourself moaning sometimes, or being disappointed sometimes, and I always go back to the moments I was a kid in my bedroom and praying to God that one day, hopefully, this could be me.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I’m very fortunate to be living that dream and just continue enjoying it and loving every minute of it.”Chelsea finished sixth last season but are aiming higher this term with demands from the board to qualify for the Champions League consistently – which means fourth place minimum.Sterling, 29, is all about routine and says former boss Pep Gaurdiola taught him how to use monotony to his advantage when they were together at Premier League champions City.The £47million winger has eaten eggs on toast for breakfast every day for the past eight years.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “It was just the messaging of sleep, eat, breathe football,” he recounts Guardiola telling him.“And as you can see from how he is and how successful he’s been, that’s the motto – not just football, any aspect of your life. If you want something and you’re doing it, you gotta be all in and have all your energy and thought process on that.Pedro Neto joins Chelsea for £54million in transfer from Wolves “The most beautiful thing in football is you’re the one in control. So when you’re on that football field, it’s you that’s in control. So I think that’s definitely something I’ve learned in the later years of my career that, you know, don’t focus on what you can’t control.”Sterling has been boosted by playing a large part in Chelsea’s pre-season games, learning to understand Maresca’s possession-based approach to the game and the new tactics under the Italian.He turns 30 in four months and has become a senior figure in the Chelsea dressing room – especially to emerging star Cole Palmer, eight years younger than him. They are previous team-mates from City too.Sterling also has two sons and is enjoying the responsibilities of bringing them up and sees a future in football for himself once he retires from playing.He said: “If I can have some part in football, it will definitely be something along those lines, helping younger individuals to seek their pathway in the game. That’s something that brings me joy.“I’ve got my boys, so I think my main focus, even now, is getting them as much information as I can with my experiences in life and football, to get them ready for the real world.” More

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      Ipswich forced to make huge number of stadium changes for Premier League return including ref massage room and VIP boxes

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      IPSWICH’s return to the Premier League has led to a huge overhaul at Portman Road.Kieran McKenna has led The Tractor Boys into the top flight after 22 years away following back-to-back promotions.Portman Road is undergoing major work ahead of their return to the Premier LeagueCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThis is the new Players Lounge for families and friends of the squadCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe final touches are being put on the areaCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCA safe standing area has been put inCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCGlass panels have also been placed in front of fansCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCNew fan bars on the concourse are being developedCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe main reception has been modernisedCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCOver the summer, they have brought in six new signings to bolster their squad and give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking.They are Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves, Liam Delap, Arijanet Muric, Conor Townsend and Ben Johnson.But while work is going on in the boardroom, the main focus has been on getting the stadium ready to meet Premier League regulations ahead of their opening game against Liverpool on Saturday.In a tour with managing director Mark Ashton, that includes a number of key transformations such as the refurbishment of the referees’ changing rooms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeparate rooms for male and female officials are being developed and will have space for masseuse facilities.A new lounge is also being built for players’ loved ones to relax in before and after games.This is because the existing one is being turned into a 75-seater international media suite.Other upgrades include the Ipswich crest being taken down outside the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and being replaced by a new one that will light up for fans to see as they approach the ground.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMatch officials are having the changing rooms renovatedReferees are being given more space and room for masseuse facilitiesThe Ipswich crest has been taken down and will be replaced by a light up oneCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCA new TV studio is being built above the new tunnelCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe press room has been improved as it prepares to welcome high-profile managersCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCA TV studio is being built above a new tunnel and will be in operation after their Premier League opener against Liverpool.This will house Sky Sports and TNT Sports pundits when Ipswich games are televised at Portman Road. Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to Premier LeagueFive new media suites are being built for broadcasters, the home dressing room is being improved, while facilities for away fans are also being touched up.A full VAR programme is being installed, while their broadcast operation is being increased from a “five or six camera feed” to a “46 or 47 camera feed”.Stadium steps have been painted white, entrances painted black, and the floodlights are being upgraded between now and September.Seats have been re-arranged, while a safe standing area has also been implemented and glass protection installed by the front row.Advertising hoardings at both ends of the stadium are being digitalised, while a new fan concourse and bar area is being developed.Draft beer will also now be on offer in the Cobbold Stand.The main reception and press room have also had major renovations, with the Directors Box in the process of being improved too.The steps in the stands have been painted whiteCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCWalls at the entrances of the ground have been painted blackCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCHuge construction is taking place days out from the start of the seasonCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCManaging director Mark Ashton gave Ipswich fans a look at the upgradesCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe floodlights are also being upgradedCredit: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC More

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      Premier League predictions as SunSport’s experts select title winners, players of the year and reveal their dark horses

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      THE Premier League is BACK!Manchester United and Fulham kick off the 2024-25 campaign tonight at Old Trafford.The Premier League season kicks off tonightCredit: GettyMan City are pushing to win a fifth straight titleCredit: GettyThe likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa will follow suit on Saturday, with Chelsea taking on reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to win a record-breaking FIFTH straight Prem title this season.However, they are expected to face competition from Arsenal once again.SunSport’s football experts have had their say on who they think could lift the trophy next May, while also predicting three relegation candidates, player of the season and who they believe could be the dark horse.Read More in FootballNEIL CUSTIS – FOOTBALL REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Manchester City; As long as Pep is there City are winning this. Only the charges can derail them.TOP FOUR: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool.RELEGATION:  Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alejandro Garnacho. He is rising star who is going to just shine brighter and brighter.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd could surprise fans this seasonCredit: GettyBEST SIGNING: Pedro Neto (Wolves to Chelsea). Unstoppable at his very best. Just needs to steer clear of injuries.DARK HORSES: Manchester United. Seems ridiculous to put them in this category but that is how far they have fallen. Nobody is expecting anything from them this season and Erik ten Hag is ready to prove his doubters wrong.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanWALLY DOWNES JR – SPORT REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Man City. 115 rules broken, a bottomless budget for players and lawyers and Liam Gallagher singing the theme tune. Easy.TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool.RELEGATION: Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, Everton.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Erling Haaland. With a summer full of rest and Norwegian offal, he should be fully fuelled ahead of his teammates and rivals who went to the Euros and Copa America.Erling Haaland has been tipped to win Player of the YearCredit: GettyBEST SIGNING: Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle to Brighton). Newcastle spotted his talent first but farmed him out to Holland where he scored and assisted plenty despite a couple of injuries. Should hit the ground flying and star for Brighton.DARK HORSES: Chelsea reserves. With everyone else focusing on winning the title or staying up, the mega-money and giant Stamford Bridge second-string should win the League Cup and FA Cup double.MARTIN LIPTON – SPORT REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Manchester City. The best team, the best players and the best manager. Rodri is the finest holding midfielder in world football, Haaland a goal machine, De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva class acts. And Pep!TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham.Ipswich could face the dropCredit: GettyRELEGATION: Ipswich, Leicester, Nottingham Forest.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Erling Haaland. His goals will make the biggest difference in the season, once again.BEST SIGNING: Niklas Fullkrug (Dortmund to West Ham). German striker looks to have “Premier League” stamped into his DNA. A great transfer coup for West Ham.DARK HORSES: West Ham to finish in the top six – they have had the best transfer window of any club and also do not have European football, so players will be fresh every week.DAN KING – FOOTBALL REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Manchester City. Nothing has changed: they still have Pep Guardiola, they still have the best players and squad, and they have tons of money to improve it further, thanks to Julian Alvarez’s sale. Only the 115 charges can stop them.TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool.West Ham could be the dark horsesCredit: GettyRELEGATION: Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Erling Haaland. After a summer off, he will be fit and raring to go, and will have loads of chances as well.BEST SIGNING: Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth to Tottenham). An all-round striker should be the final piece in the Tottenham puzzle.DARK HORSES: West Ham. They’ve spent the Declan Rice money well and the new era should be exciting.JORDAN DAVIES – FOOTBALL REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Arsenal. Five titles in a row is just ridiculous – a slump has to come at some point and Arsenal are best positioned to pounce when that happens if they manage to keep a fully fit starting XI.TOP FOUR: Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Liverpool.RELEGATION: Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: William Saliba. Already one of the best centre backs on the planet, his form will be pivotal in Arsenal lifting a first league title since 2004, much like Virgil van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool in 2019/20.BEST SIGNING: Ian Maatsen (Chelsea to Aston Villa). Named in last term’s Champions League Team of the Season for a reason. Crazy that Chelsea let him go to a top six rival and will flourish under Unai Emery this year.DARK HORSES: West Ham. With no European football and a fantastic summer recruitment splurge, expect the Hammers to jump straight back into contention near the top of the Prem after a disappointing outing last campaign.JUSTIN ALLEN – FOOTBALL REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Man City – just too good. It’s boring every year but you can’t bet against them.TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea.Arsenal are expected to challenge Man City againCredit: AlamyRELEGATION: Southampton, Brentford, Nottingham Forest.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Haaland. He will just keep scoring bag loads and will probably win it.BEST SIGNING: Kieran McKenna. Keeping him as Ipswich was huge. Fancy him to keep the Tractor Boys up.DARK HORSES: West Ham. Busy summer of decent signings. Expect them to compete for European spots.GRAEME BRYCE – FOOTBALL REPORTERTITLE WINNERS: Manchester City because Erling Haaland’s extended summer break should see him hit peak form. However if Arsenal sign a recognised striker and City fail to replace Julian Alvarez, the Gunners could sneak it.TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs.Leicester City are at risk of a points deductionCredit: GettyRELEGATION: Ipswich Town, Southampton, Leicester City (dependant on points deduction)/Brentford.PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Martin Odegaard makes Arsenal tick and, while I expect Erling Haaland to score for fun this season, Odegaard’s incredible consistency will give him the edge over his Norwegian international teammate.READ MORE SUN STORIESBEST SIGNING: Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth to Tottenham). Solanke will earn that title if he provides the goals to take Spurs into the Champions’ League. But for sheer value for money watch out for Jaden Philogene’s return to Aston Villa.DARK HORSES: Ambitious West Ham should push for Europe under Julen Lopetegui – but for pure progression I’m tipping Nottingham Forest to make the biggest climb up the table from 17th to threaten the top 10. More

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      Gary Neville gets shock new job for upcoming Premier League season leaving fans stunned

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      GARY NEVILLE has landed a surprise new job – leaving fans shocked and divided for the new Premier League season.The England and Manchester United legend already stirs up mixed opinions with his punditry for Sky Sports.Gary Neville’s new role has divided opinionCredit: GettyAmerican keeper Tim Howard, who played for United as well as against them for Everton, will work with Neville off the field this seasonCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunNow he’s been unveiled for a top role covering the English top-flight in the USA.NBC heralded their capture of the 49-year-old as a major coup.The broadcaster even announced a unique title for the ex-defender.They proclaimed: “NBC Sports is proud to welcome Gary Neville to the team as a special contributor throughout the 2024/25 season!”READ MORE TOP STORIESNBC say Nev will boost their studio coverage every Sunday – but will start work with  Friday’s Prem opener at Old Trafford between his old club United and Fulham.And if supporters finish up as animated by the season as they are starting it over Nev’s appointment, then we are in for a fantastic feast of drama!One fan spearheaded the doubters over his arrival with this message: “Oh well, I’ll be muting commentary this season.”Another joked: “How did you get the Mayor of Manchester to do the crossover?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLess subtle shots were also fired towards NBC’s pick.”Yikes,” said one observer, while another claimed: “This is the change we did not want.”Gary Neville predicts Man Utd will use unusual lineup that saw Juventus dominate Serie AOther disapproving verdicts included: “Pass”… “Boooooooo”… and “Wtf”.One supporter reckons two ex-US players would be better choices.He wrote: “I would take that Alexi Lalas guy over Gary. I’d even take Eric Wynalda. Pls man, not Gary.”However, Neville also had his backers – one fan hailing him as a “huge get”. A second enthusiast posted: “Truly love this. It’s what we need. More of everyone working for both NBC Sports and Sky Sports.”We pretty much use their stuff – why not also have the pundits too. Most of us know (Jamie) Carragher via CBS UEFA Championship League coverage. “Other votes for Nev were more succinct, such as: “GOOD”… “Yesss”…. and “NBC needed this!”  Meanwhile, the broadcaster confirmed their studio team for this weekend.Experienced ex-BBC presenter Rebecca Lowe and one-time Man Utd goalkeeper Tim Howard will line up alongside former top-flight aces Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe.NBC described Neville’s role as “in collaboration with Sky Sports”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they boasted of some record-breaking figures last season .That included an average audience of nearly 3million viewers in English and Spanish for “Championship Sunday” – the final day of the campaign.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Glamorous Sky Sports presenter Kate Tracey reveals shock new job as fans says ‘welcome to the best club in the league’

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      KATE TRACEY has surprised fans by adding a “rollercoaster” role to the hurdles in her versatile career.Sky Sports’ popular horse-racing broadcaster has become Aston Villa’s new TV presenter for their biggest season in decades.Kate Tracey proudly revealed her new roleThe boot is on the other foot as Kate gets a Prem jobCredit: Instagram / @katetraceyxThe broadcaster has made good use of the hot spellCredit: instagram @katetraceyxThe fans’ favourite says she is “over the moon” with her new position.And Villa supporters claim the feeling is mutual – ahead of Saturday’s Premier League launch at West Ham.One told Kate: “Congratulations. Best team in the world.”Another posted: “Welcome to the best and most wonderfully named club on the planet!!!”   READ MORE TOP STORIESThe sporting host sparked speculation earlier in the summer by sharing a snap with an Aston Villa cap.And if that was a decent enough clue, this time she spelt it out loud and clear – as she stood next next to a huge Villa badge.Kate posted: “Straight off the plane and into a new job… A little something I’ve been keeping up my sleeve for a while now (bar a big hint) but over the moon to be the new VillaTV presenter for this season.”Unai Emery’s men earned an historic shot at the Champions League this campaign after coming fourth in the Prem last term.Most read in FootballChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.And one fan told Kate: “Congrats enjoy the rollercoaster because that’s what it will be but it hooks you in.”She thanked many well-wishing fans personally on social media.Sky Sports presenter Kate Tracey stuns in bold outfit as fans call her ‘simply stunning’ And in one such message she gave a clear nod to Villa’s new era by adding: “What a time to join.”Apart from fame in front of the camera, Kate has built an army of admirers by posting online pics in an array of colourful outfits, recently including bikinis and sarongs.But now it’s time to focus more on the claret and blue of Villa – amid a two-tone career covering football as well as the gee-gees.This shade is a pretty good match for what Kate can expect from VillaCredit: instagram @katetraceyxKate has 31,000 followers on Instagram and 38k on XCredit: instagram @katetraceyxThe cap fits as Kate counts down to her new jobCredit: instagram @katetraceyxThe setting might not be quite like this at Prem groundsCredit: instagram @katetraceyx More

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      Man City ‘close in on transfer signing of striker RELEASED by Premier League rivals’ in shock move

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      MANCHESTER CITY are expected to pull off a surprise move for a club-less England Under-20 striker.Etihad chief Pep Guardiola wants to recruit top young British talent and eventually replace Julian Alvarez – sold to Atletico Madrid for £81million.Divin Mubama could soon join Prem champs Man CityCredit: ReutersAnd it’s claimed the Premier League champs are “close” to landing Divin Mubama, who left West Ham after failing to agree a new deal.Mubama, 19, and  24-year-old English defender Ben Johnson both became free agents once their Hammers’ contracts expired in June.The six-foot frontman has since been linked with clubs on the continent.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes French giants Lyon and Portuguese top-flight side Famalicao have held talks over signing him.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut Romano now reckons City are poised to “hijack” any overseas move.And Etihad chiefs are reportedly negotiating with the Hammers over paying “training compensation” – for developing Mubama since he was eight.Guardiola would love more home-grown prospects at the Etihad.But if Mubama does switch to the Etihad, it’s likely he’ll first be allowed to progress away from the senior squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.He only made five Prem appearances for West Ham last season, failing to score.But it’s thought the Hammers were keen to keep hold of him – only for Mubama to decide he should build his career at another club.Jack Grealish sneaks out of Bernardo Silva’s birthday party in underground tunnel as Man City stars hit town with Wags (1)In all, he played 19 senior games for his childhood club, notching one goal and a single assist.But Mubama has played for England at all levels since U-15s.And he was prolific for West Ham below senior level.He netted 18 times in 34 matches for the club’s U-21s.And as a member of the Hammers’ team that won the 2023 FA Youth Cup, he netted a semi-final hat-trick.–Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today! More

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      Major change to Premier League rules could nullify Arsenal’s secret weapon in major blow to title hopes

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      A STRICT rule change to set-pieces is going to be introduced in the Premier League this season.Officials will clamp down on players’ attempts to impede opponents during free kicks and corners.Teams will now no longer be able to obstruct opponentsArsenal were prolific from set pieces last season, largely thanks to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover (left)Credit: ReutersArsenal benefited hugely from set-pieces last season, scoring the most goals from them excluding penalties (22) and the most from corners (16).They also conceded the second-fewest number of set-piece goals excluding penalties (six) during the 2023-24 campaign.The Gunners achieved the feat by obstructing or blocking opponents, including the opposition goalkeeper.However, they will not be able to do anything like that this time around.Read More in FootballAccording to The Times, acts of holding, blocking and obstructing during set-pieces will be penalised more stringently from this season.The new rules could hinder Arsenal’s attempt to dethrone Manchester City for the Premier League title.Mikel Arteta and his side are expected to go toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens again this season.Reflecting on last season’s near miss, Arteta recently told ESPN: “When you are analytical and you gather all the stats and everything the team has done over the past 11 months in the Premier League, we should have won it. That’s what the stats say.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The reality is that we didn’t so there is something that is there that we haven’t managed as well as Man City or other clubs in the past.”I think we understand where those margins are. I think we have come very far. We have been really consistent now in the past 24 months in terms of performance and the levels that we want to hit.Best ten new Premier League kits for next season”But those margins are super small. One thing is to get the 90% that we want and actually the 10%, 5%, 1% is what defines success and winning major trophies.”Now we have to continue to do all the right things that we are doing and just make those small margins that are going to be able to win the tournaments.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More