Premier League

THE bookies seem convinced.It will be Ange out this summer. And Poch back in.The bookies reckon Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of Spurs this summerCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou has led Tottenham to the Europa League finalCredit: GettyYet while a return to N17 for Mauricio Pochettino at some point in time does have a feeling of inevitability, it is probably NOT now.The Argentine, sacked in 2019, just months after leading Spurs to the Champions League Final, has spoken of “unfinished business” at the club.There is, within the Argentine, seemingly a desire to come back – and this time to land the silverware that so narrowly eluded him during his five years at the helm.He loves London, with a passion. Still, despite his season at Chelsea, loves Tottenham Hotspur.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd there have been times over the past six years when you could see him rocking up back at Hotspur Way if the offer had come.But Poch is not going to walk out on his £4.5m per year job with the United States now, not with only 13 months to go before the Stars and Stripes are draped all over the World Cup Finals.Whether or not Daniel Levy wants to reopen the door – some might argue spin the revolving door given that Ange Postecoglou’s departure will spend the end of the fourth permanent reign since Pochettino was fired – the logistics are against it taking place.Levy and Spurs cannot afford a repeat of the 2021 debacle that ended with Nuno Espirito Santos appointed after all the other preferred candidates turned the club down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf and when – and it’s surely a when – Ange gets the boot, there HAS to be a near-instant replacement announced.That’s despite the Aussie setting up a Europa League final against Manchester United that guarantees the winner a place in next season’s Champions League.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsIt is suggested that Pochettino’s US deal has a £20m set of golden handcuffs attached.That’s simply too great a price for Spurs to pay, especially if they have no European football to plug the financial gap next term.Poch has been criticised for the lack of development of his side, humiliated into fourth place in March’s Nations League Finals when they lost to both Panama and Canada.But US Soccer have invested too much in him to even consider a change of jockey before the Concacaf Gold Cup they are hosting in the summer.Drawn alongside Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and guest side Saudi Arabia, it is almost inconceivable that the US will not at least make the last eight, played at the end of June, just days before Spurs will be due back for the start of pre-season training.Even if the US blow up again, Levy and Tottenham cannot wait that long to have a manager in place.So where might a punter look to have a dip in the market?Managers who could replace Big AngeThere’s plenty of big names in the running…Mauricio PochettinoAndoni IraolaMarco SilvaThomas FrankEdin TerzicXavi HernandezOliver GlasnerLevy and his boardroom colleagues will have had their own thoughts – and have unsurprisingly kept them private.But it does seem that Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has fallen down the list of potential runners and riders – his style and approach is perhaps too similar to the Postecoglou model.Fulham’s Marco Silva and Thomas Frank at Brentford are two genuine contenders already in the capital, while former Dortmund boss Edin Terzic now has a London-based agent looking out for his interests.There was a market plunge for Xavi Hernandez a few weeks ago, too. That would be an ambitious move, for sure. But a risky one.Perhaps, then, the man who will be heading to the away dug-out and dressing room on Sunday might be emerging as the best bet for the home versions next term.Oliver Glasner made an instant impact when he replaced Roy Hodgson in 2024 and has bounced back from a rocky start to this season – when his side struggled to cope with the absence of Michael Olise and injuries hampering Eberezi Eze and Adam Wharton – to lead the Eagles to the FA Cup Final.Austrian Glasner’s preferred back three system might seem a natural fit for a club whose full-backs are all natural wing-backs while he has also tasted European success guiding Frankfurt to the Europa League in 2022.Would Glasner swap Selhurst for Tottenham High Road? You would think so.Read More on The SunDespite the shape of the Prem table, few would deny it is a step up.And it would be a far easier deal for Spurs than trying to prise Poch out of the US. Sometimes you have to remember football is the art of the possible. More

NEWCASTLE UNITED have begun consultations with supporters to create a new club crest.The North East club sent out a survey on Friday to fans over plans to either refine, revise or completely reinvent their current badge.Newcastle claim their badge doesn’t always translate well onlineThe much-loved crest finally saw a trophy as the Magpies lifted the Carabao Cup in MarchCredit: GettyToon’s current shield crest design was introduced in 1988, the third since the 1950s, but there a number of issues regarding its use in branding and marketing have emerged over modern times.That was based on the city’s 1860s coat of arms – something marketing bods want to respect and keep at the heart of it.It features a shield in the club’s black and white colours with a gold trim, with two sea horses (hippocampi) included in a nod to the city’s Roman past.Though, the castle, lion and flag that it’s holding are where some of the main issues arise.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWSThere are issues with the details regarding both embroidery and in marketing corners as it is a struggle to see clearly what sits upon the castle on the shield.The hooves of the horses do not interact or are symmetrical on the shield.In all, they feel that it’s a poor execution of the club crest no matter what technology or embroidery experts are used.Now initial plans have been put in motion over what will be a delicate and sensitive piece of work starting with the survey sent out to fans.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNewcastle want to ensure that story of the club, community and people remain at the forefront of a new design that represents who the club are and want to be in the future.There will be three options for the Toon Army to consider in the feedback – Refine, revise or reinvent.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’Its main purpose is to see how important the castle, lion, flag and ribbon is to supporters.The first two ‘Rs’ are understood to be the preference of club chiefs.Though they are open to any wider concerns or further add-ons suggested and are determined to keep fans at the heart of the process and will remain in thorough and deep consultation process with them.Fans will have a week to respond to today’s survey and give their feedback while the club will host fan workshops both online and in person to provide more info and get more feedback.SunSport understands it won’t be a rushed process and that the current badge will remain for at least next season.A host of clubs have changed crests, to very different responses, over recent years to a more minimalist look.That has followed a trend by fashion designers such as Burberry – although they and even the likes of Ajax in the football world have since gone back to a more intricate look.Newcastle statementUPDATING our crest. Together.As our club grows on the global stage, the symbol that represents us needs to be able to keep pace. It needs to show up clearly and confidently across everything –from kits to screens to merchandise.So, we’ve been asking ourselves: how well does our current crest represent the club today? And how well will it serve us tomorrow?It’s time to update our crestThis isn’t a decision we take lightly. We love our crest. It’s iconic and has stood us through unforgettable triumphs and testing times.But it was created in a different era. Its intricate design doesn’t always translate well in today’s digital world. And it’s difficult to reproduce it clearly and consistently.As football and the world changes, so too must the symbol that unites us.That’s why we’re coming to youThis isn’t about walking away from our past. It’s about carrying it forward with pride.The crest is part of our story. It’s on our shirts and inked in our skin. It deserves thoughtful evolution – shaped by the voices of the people who love it.Tell us what matters mostBased on what we’ve heard, updates to the current club crest should be minimal and therefore ‘Refine & Revive’ is our recommended approach.We’ve spoken to our Fan Advisory Board, now we want to hear from you.What should stay the same? What needs to be updated? And how can we embrace our history – not just by honouring it, but by preserving its spirit and building on it, so we can thrive in the years ahead?We’re inviting Season Ticket holders and Members to share their views in an independently ran survey.A link to that survey will be emailed directly to those fans. The cut off is 5pm on Friday 16th May!Want to hear more?Want to hear more? We will be holding a fan consultation workshop for Season Ticket Holders and Members on Wednesday 14th May, both in person at St. James’ Park and online, to provide more detail on why we’re undergoing this process and offer you an opportunity to share your thoughts.A link will be supplied to register your interest to this event in the same email.What happens after the survey closes?The Fan Advisory Board have recommended that the wider fan base should be given a choice of options to select from during the second stage consultation. This second stage will be delivered via a separate survey, dates to follow.*an independent third party, Savanta, will be collecting responses, and sharing the results with Newcastle United. More

COMEDIAN Kevin Hart was compared to an “armrest” after posing with two Premier League giants.The pint-sized funnyman, who stands at 5ft 4in, is currently on a tour of the UK performing his new show ‘Acting My Age’.Kevin Hart was compared to an ‘armrest’ as he posed with two Premier League starsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kevinhart4real/?hl=enThe 5ft 4in comic looked tiny standing next to Virgil van Dijk, who is a whole foot tallerCredit: AlamyHart, a Hollywood superstar with a net worth of £340million after starring in box office hits like Jumanji, Central Intelligence and Ride Along, will play two sold-out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall this weekend.But earlier in the week, he performed at the AO Arena in Manchester to another bumper audience.And among the fans in attendance were Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Man City star Nathan Ake.After the gig, the Netherlands duo met Hart before posing for pictures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the comic had the last laugh with a hilarious crop which cut the heads off Van Dijk, who is 6ft 4in tall, and Ake, who stands at 5ft 10in.Hart told his 177m Instagram followers: “I got to meet two amazing guys last night… shout out to Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake.“Congrats on all of your success fellas, keep going. Looking forward to what you are going to do next! Dinner on me when the World Cup hits the States.“Sorry about your heads in the picture fellas but rules are rules… I have to look cool at all times.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLuckily for Hart, Van Dijk saw the funny side as the newly-crowned Premier League title winner responded with a laughing face and heart emoji.England star Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan from Man City, also replied with a series of laugh emojis.Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton Nathan Ake was also in attendance for Hart’s Manchester showCredit: AlamyThe Hollywood star is touring the UK this monthCredit: GettyWhile Ake said: “Thank you for a great show man, it was nice to meet you and see you soon in the States.”Fans were also left in stitches with the funny snap.One said: “I’ll never get over these pics.”Another declared: “I would do the same if someone used me as an armrest.”One noted: “Bro had to get a camera man who was his height.”Another added: “They knew the rules when they walked into shot.” More

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO suggested this week that he will stay at Manchester United this summer.But that is unlikely to deter the growing number of clubs who are interested in signing the Argentinian winger this summer.Alejandro Garnacho is not short of suitorsCredit: GettyNapoli and Chelsea were leading the chase in January – but the Italian club did not want to rip up their wage structure in mid-season.They are still monitoring his situation while his former club Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are also admirers.United would find it hard to resist a big offer for the 20-year-old as he classes as home grown.And that would make a sale particularly valuable when it comes to falling into line with the Prem’s profit and sustainability rules.With Ruben Amorim eyeing moves for Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap this summer, they may need to raise some funds, particularly if they miss out on the Champions League.Despite Garnacho’s words, you might not have heard the end of that one yet.RASH TO JUDGEMENTMARCUS RASHFORD took to Instagram on New Year’s Day to deny SunSport’s story that he was in talks with top agency Stellar to help get a move out of Manchester United.He wrote: “Been a lot of false stories written over past few weeks but guys this is getting ridiculous. Never met with any other agency and don’t have any plans to.”Rashford has always been represented by his two brothers and the implication was he trusted them to manage the first big move of his career.Imagine our surprise then to see reports from Spain this week that the England ace is looking for help from another agent to secure a dream move to Barcelona.Can’t be true, surely – or can it?Marcus Rashford could be set for a change of agentCredit: AlamyWe lose our minds’ – Amorim fears conceding three to Bilbao as he calls Man Utd ‘worst team in Prem since I arrived’LOST HIS TRAIN OF THOUGHTNOT all of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting exercises since taking over at Old Trafford have worked.The club has reduced the number of security guards who manage the flow of cars and people outside Old Trafford on a daily basis as fans visit the ground for a stadium tour and to buy replica shirts at the superstore.But some cheeky commuters are taking the chance to park up for free and then jump on a nearby Metrolink to Manchester city centre to save on parking costs.Not all of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have had the desired effectCredit: GettyLIND AHOYVICTOR LINDELOF is coming to the end of his eight year stay at Old Trafford and it is widely accepted he will leave this summer.But don’t be surprised to see the Swede lining up against the Red Devils next season – as several Prem clubs are showing an interest in the free agent.One of those is understood to be West Ham who weighed up a move in January.He has offers from abroad too – with his former club Benfica making a strong push.Victor Lindelof could be playing against Man Utd next seasonCredit: GettyTIME FOR CHANGECONFIRMATION that this Sunday’s home game against West Ham would be moved to Sunday was met with an eye roll from many United fans.Because it meant the Red Devils will have had just ONE Saturday 3pm kick off in the Prem this season.And that one came when Brentford visited the Theatre of Dreams way back in mid-October.United’s run to the latter stages of the Europa League has meant many of their games have been moved back to Sunday.Indeed the Old Trafford faithful have had to find other things to do with their Saturdays during the current campaign.Their team have had only six Saturday games in 2024/5 – three at lunchtime and two in the evening along with the one against the Bees in the autumn.At least they won’t be in the Europa League next season so there might be a few more traditional kick-off times for them.Old Trafford has seen just one 3pm kick-off this seasonCredit: PAFINAL COUNTDOWNUNITED are only likely to get around 14,000 for the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21 – although thousands more are expected to travel in hope of getting into the San Mames.However those who decide to stay at home and save thousands of pounds on flights and accommodation are still likely to be catered for.Plans are in place for a giant fan zone – for around 50,000 Red Devils at the BEC Arena in Stretford, which is just a 10 minute drive from Old Trafford.Organisers ‘4 the Fans’ have already put tickets for the event on sale with a promise they will give a full refund if Ruben Amorim’s men blow it on Thursday night.Plans are in place for a fan zone for Man Utd fans who can’t make it to the finalCredit: PAQUICK GETAWAYIT’S been clear for a while that United are prioritising the Europa League over the Prem in the final weeks of the season.And they proved it by losing at Brentford on Sunday – their 16th league defeat of the season – and then clearing the Gtech Stadium within 45 minutes of the final whistle.Ruben Amorim clearly felt every minute could be crucial in preparing his team for the second leg against Athletic Bilbao and wanted to get his players back home as quickly as possible.Man Utd had left the Gtech Stadium just 45 minutes after their defeat at BrentfordCredit: AFPDEVILS IN THE DETAILUNITED have not had much interest in the Champions League this season.But fans were heartened to see two of their former stars – Inter’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian – celebrating reaching the final with Wayne Rooney on Tuesday night.The former England ace was at the San Siro as a pundit and took time to congratulate his two old team-mates following their epic win over Barcelona.Ex-Man Utd star Henrikh Mkhitaryan helped Inter Milan to the Champions League finalCredit: EPACANINE ABLEDIOGO DALOT has had a woof time of it recently – and is battling to recover from a calf problem before the end of the season.Sources close to the Portuguese say he has not given up hope of being ready in time for a potential Europa League final on May 21.But he took to Instagram to thank Phoenix Dogs for looking after his pets, posting: ‘Thank you for treating well my boys’.The company describes itself as ‘Expert Canine Behaviourists’ – and says they are trusted by Premier League and VIP clients.Diogo Dalot gave a ringing endorsement to a VIP dog homeCredit: AlamyKING BANISHEDYOUNG defender Jack Kingdon was told this week he was being released by United – but he could still get a Hollywood ending.The academy graduate is being pursued by several Championship clubs.And at the front of the queue are newly-promoted Wrexham – owned by Tinseltown pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Jack Kingdon is being released by Man Utd and could end up at WrexhamCredit: Alamy More