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      Gareth Southgate tipped for Premier League job if club sack manager despite saying he’d take year off after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could be set for a Premier League return, according to reports.The former England manager, 54, appeared to pour cold water on an imminent move back into coaching earlier this month when he claimed he will take at least one year out.Gareth Southgate could return to Premier League football this seasonCredit: RexHe said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush. I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.”I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”This effectively meant he ruled himself out of replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United should Red Devils chiefs opt to sack their manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, The Guardian understands that, despite Southgate’s recent comments, he is now in the frame for the Crystal Palace job.Oliver Glasner’s side have had a dismal start to the season, failing to win any of their opening eight Premier League games, picking up just three points and languishing in the relegation zone.If the German is dismissed, reports suggest three names are in the frame to succeed him at Selhurst Park.One of those is Southgate – who last coached in the Premier League with Middlesbrough 15 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOliver Glasner has endured a torrid start to the seasonCredit: GettyEx-Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is also thought to be under consideration.And former West Ham head coach David Moyes is another name being linked with the post.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner had expected a better start to the season Southgate spent three years as Middlesbrough boss, winning 45 of his 151 games in charge.He helped them avoid the drop on two occasions, before they were relegated in 2009 and the English coach departed.He became England U21 boss and then took the role as senior team manager in 2016 – where he went on to reach a World Cup semi-final and two Euros finals. More

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      Premier League’s most attractive players ‘revealed by AI’ as Jamie Vardy comes in second

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S most attractive players have been revealed thanks to the use of AI.The findings come from Indian iGaming site Gamblino, who analysed player images from the official Prem site using an artificial intelligence attractiveness test tool.The Premier League’s most handsome male players have been revealedArsenal star Declan Rice tops the most handsome listCredit: RexLeicester star Jamie Vardy comes secondCredit: RexSouthampton ace Ryan Manning completes the top threeCredit: PAArsenal ace and Rice’s team-mate Jorginho comes fourthCredit: GettyNewcastle ace Joelinton completes the top fiveCredit: RexThe tool put together a top 10 consisting of players that were rated from one to 10 based on their looks.Arsenal star Declan Rice tops the most handsome list with a whopping 8.57 out of 10.Rice will be hoping that’s not the only table he tops come May as the Gunners are searching for their first Premier League title since 2004.The midfielder is followed by Leicester legend Jamie Vardy, who helped the Foxes return to the top flight and earned himself a place on the list with a score of 8.36.Read More on FootballSouthampton’s Ryan Manning, who also earned promotion to the Prem in August, completes the top three with 8.31.Arsenal ace and Rice’s team-mate Jorginho makes it in fourth place with 8.24.And Newcastle’s Joelinton completes the top five of the most attractive list with 8.23.Bournemouth’s Philip Billing (8.22) ranks sixth and is followed by Wolves’ Joao Gomes (8.16).Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBilling’s team-mate Lewis Cook and Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin are joint-eighth with 8.07.Ferdi Kadioglu only joined Brighton in the summer and is already turning heads as he is named ninth on the list with 7.99.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsThe top 10 is completed by Fulham’s Andreas Pereira with a score of 7.97.Bournemouth ace Philip Billing finishes in sixth placeCredit: GettyWolves ace Joao Gomes is seventh on the listCredit: AlamyBournemouth ace and Billing’s team-mate Lewis Cook is joint-eighthCredit: GettyTottenham ace Radu Dragusin is also joint-eighthCredit: GettyBrighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu makes the top 10 in ninth placeCredit: ReutersFulham’s Andreas Pereira completes the top 10Credit: Alamy More

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      I won Sky Sports competition and ended up playing for Chelsea – I’ll never forget my first day sat in the canteen

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      CARL MAGNAY lived a young footballer’s dream when he won a competition to sign for Chelsea.Out of thousands of applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, he claimed a six-month contract at Stamford Bridge after starring on Sky Sports’ Football Icon 2 show.Carl Magnay spent four years at Chelsea after winning a Sky Sports competitionCredit: GettyHe jumped from playing for Birtley Town U17s as a regular sixth form student, to rubbing shoulders with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry on a daily basis.During the final stages of Football Icon 2, he was invited to train alongside Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.And the centre-back, 35, admits it was an incredible experience to see Chelsea’s superstars at work.Speaking to Football London, he said: “It was surreal. You’ve got no option but to take it in your stride. Like I said, looking back now I didn’t know it at the time, I had a strong mentality and I was quite level headed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Chelsea’s first-team players were really respectful. They were just going about their daily jobs and their routines. I remember sitting in the canteen and I’m sharing an area where we’re all eating.”It took me about an hour to eat my food because I was just looking round the room staring at people.”Lampard going up to get food and get a plate of second and I’m looking at his physical stature thinking ‘look at the size of his quads’ and I was just in awe of everything that was going on around me.”It was really surreal but I knew I was there and had to prove myself and when you got on the pitch you had to push all that to one side and just focus on the session.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I think I did that really well to be fair.”Magnay ended up spending four years at Chelsea and played under a number of high-profile managers including Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassHowever, he failed to secure a single first-team appearance and left in 2011 to join non-league side Gateshead.He went on to feature for Grimsby, Hartlepool, Spennymoor Town, before he returned to Gateshead in 2022.The defender, who earned one cap for Northern Ireland’s U21s, retired last year and is now Gateshead manager. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Arsenal announce replacement for Jack Wilshere after former star, 32, quit as U18s boss to take job with Norwich

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      ARSENAL have named Adam Birchall as the new Under-18s head coach after Jack Wilshere’s departure to Norwich.Wilshere, 32, has left the Gunners to take his new role as first-team coach with the Canaries in the Championship.Jack Wilshere has left Arsenal as Under-18s boss to join Norwich as first-team coachCredit: GettyArsenal have announced Adam Birchall as Wilshere’s replacementCredit: GettyAnd the Gunners have announced that Birchall, 39, will be replacing the former England international in the youth side.The former forward is a product of the Hale End academy himself but never played for the North Londoners’ senior squad.The ex-Wales youth international went on to play in the EFL throughout his 13-year career until his retirement in 2016 at Bromley.Birchal returned to Arsenal’s youth system as a coach shortly after hanging up his boots.Read More on ArsenalAnd he will have a tough act to follow as Wilshere helped nurture talents, such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Birchall is now tasked with handling some promising young talent, such as Max Dowman who has been dubbed the “next Kaka”.And he now faces a major task ahead as it was reported that Wilshere’s departure from Arsenal after two years in charge of the Under-18s could spell the end for Dowman, 14.Reports suggest the attacking midfielder’s family are “extremely disappointed” with the change in the dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe England Under-16 international has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship.Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch.Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere shows his skills at AGF training The new Norwich coach showed an understanding for the pressures the playmaker faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

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      CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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      John Stones refused to swap shirts with me and told me to ‘f*** off’ after I riled England star up with brutal tweet

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      MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones has been labelled a f***ing s***bag” by former EFL striker Tom Pope.The pair clashed after Pope, now 39, had tweeted about Stones being “soft”.Tom Pope played against John Stones in the FA CupCredit: RexPope, 39, has relived his encounter with StonesCredit: X @IHadTrialsOnceHe wrote: “I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!”Pope then used the hashtags “soft” and “weakas****”.As fate would have it, Man City subsequently drew Port Vale in the FA Cup in January 2020, giving Pope his chance to go up against Stones.Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win 4-1, but Pope did get himself on the scoresheet at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the game the Stoke-born forward claims he was dragged into the Man City dressing room by Raheem Sterling and Benjamin Mendy, but Stones wasn’t having any of the banter.Recounting the tale while appearing on the I Had Trials Once Podcast, Pope said: “I think he was playing for England and he was so flipping soft.”I can’t remember who he played against, might have been flipping Zlatan or somebody, I can’t remember who it was but he got battered.”I was like, he’s a target man’s dream. Technically he’s unbelievable like, so good. I just tweeted going ‘you’d love to play against him because you’d just batter him’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPope scored against Man City for Port ValeCredit: Reuters”You’re not being derogatory about him because he never gives the ball away, he’s unbelievable on the ball, but if you’re getting balls in and going long you want John Stones over flipping (Virgil) van Dijk marking you don’t you?”When it was put to Pope that Stones has “done well”, the striker responded: “Yeah, he’s just an absolute s***bag. Because you go in their dressing room… I didn’t go in, I was the only one who stayed in our dressing room.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true'”Everybody else after the game came in and had pictures and that. And I just stayed in there, I was in there for about 15 minutes.”And then (Raheem) Sterling and (Benjamin) Mendy came in, ‘get in here, we’ve hammered him for f***ing months over your tweet, the group chat’s been f***ing mayhem’.”I’m like ‘I’m not coming in’, they literally dragged me, I’m going ‘I’m not coming in’.”And then in the end they go, ‘come on please, just come in’. So I walked in and they’re like ‘he’s here!'”And Stones went ‘oh f*** off, no, no’. I went ‘you f***ing s***bag you’.”I said ‘you’ve let a pub player f***ing get in your head that much? Are you alright, you’?’He wouldn’t speak to me'”All the money you’ve got, you’re at Man City and you’ve let that affect you?”He wouldn’t even look at me. I said ‘can I have your shirt?’ He said ‘No, f***off.'”He wouldn’t speak to me.”Pope was a prolific goalscorer for Port Vale, netting more than 100 times for the club across three spells.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for Rotherham, Bury and Crewe during his EFL career.Since leaving Port Vale in 2021 he has dropped into non-league, recently leaving Hanley Town to join Kidsgrove Athletic. More