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      Man Utd’s plans for Old Trafford revealed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveils £2billion new stadium project

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S iconic Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after moving into their brand new stadium.United revealed images and graphics of the 100,000-seater super ground worth a staggering £2billion they are planning to build near their current home.Manchester United’s Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after movingCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to make a final decision about Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Red Devils’ minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the 2030-31 season for the move to the “New Trafford” stadium.The plan is to continue playing at Old Trafford until the permanent switch.Foster + Partners, the firm hired to design the new stadium as well as the renovation of Carrington training complex, insist Man Utd would not spend a day away from Old Trafford during construction.According to Manchester Evening News, the architects also suggested that their legendary ground could be demolished within a year.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants explored the possibility of keeping Old Trafford as a mini stadium that would host women’s and academy matches, but that idea appears to have been scrapped.United chief executive Omar Berrada stated that a final decision regarding Old Trafford has yet to be taken but added it’s “unlikely” they will keep it in operation.Berrada said when asked if Old Trafford could be kept: “I’d say it’s unlikely.”We haven’t made a decision on it yet. It’s true that at some point there was some thinking either keeping it as it is or reducing the capacity to 25 or 30,000, as somewhere where the women’s team could play, the youth teams could play.Most read in Football”I think given our ambition to build what you saw today [Tuesday], maybe that needs to be re-visited. “Again, our ambition is for the women’s team to have a big enough fan base that they’re playing in the main stadium, not in a smaller capacity stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid'”It’s not off the table [to have a mini Old Trafford]. It’s feasible but we have to find the best ways to finance a new stadium and we’re thinking about this in the context of how can it benefit the wider regeneration project.”If we feel the space where Old Trafford currently is can be used in a different way whilst preserving the history of Old Trafford then we’ll explore it.” More

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      Arsenal ‘interested in signing Leroy Sane’ in free transfer with ex-Man City yet to be offered new contract

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      ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.Arsenal are interested in Leroy SaneCredit: GettyThe club’s recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.The 29-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to agree terms for a new deal so could become available on a free transfer come July.Arteta is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Sane.The German winger joined Bayern from Manchester City for around £55million in July 2020 and has since managed 106 goal contributions in 209 appearances.Prior to his time in Munich, Sane spent four years with Man City and won two Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsArsenal are also interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in a free transfer from Bayern.The German side allegedly withdrew his contract offer last month.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen More

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      Virgil van Dijk hints Liverpool career could be over in 10 GAMES with no breakthrough in talks over new contract

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper is out of contract this summer, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the Dutchman claims that anybody who claims to know where he will be playing next term is “lying to your face”.Virgil van Dijk has ‘no idea’ whether he will be at Liverpool next seasonCredit: RexLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: RexArne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night – having been outplayed by the French champions for the most of the tie.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year.Read More on Football“If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have all attracted significant interest from abroad, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both keen to sign the Dutch centre-half.But Van Dijk, 33, is adamant that he is focused on winning Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle, then securing a second Premier League title – with the Reds 15 points clear of Arsenal.He said: “There are 10 games left, not many, and there are two big prizes we can still get.Most read in Football“We are going to give it everything. We have to feel the disappointment of this [PSG] loss but now it is about recovery. Be ready for a good one.“If we bring this intensity to Wembley with our fans, then I am positive. I am always positive. But I am really looking forward to being back out there.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red“We don’t need any added motivation. We have 10 games, the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, if you need any added motivation you are in the wrong business.” More

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      Man Utd set for mass squad cull this summer with EIGHT stars set for axe and ‘practically all players for sale’

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      SEVERAL Manchester United players are at risk of being axed this summer as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a complete rebuild.The British billionaire name-dropped five senior stars when giving a damning assessment on the state of Man Utd this week, admitting they are “not good enough” to represent the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to listen to offers for every Man Utd playerCredit: PAThe Red Devils want to offload Casemiro but the midfielder is determined to stayCredit: GettyAntony’s future is still yet to be resolvedCredit: GettyDuring an interview with the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”Read More in FootballThe only player that received any praise from the club chief was captain Bruno Fernandes.However, even he could be put up for sale at the end of the season.The Daily Mail has claimed that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the Red Devils may find it hard to offload some players – especially without taking a huge loss.Casemiro – who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ The Brazilian is also the club’s highest earner and pockets £375,000-a-week.Meanwhile, £85.5m man Antony has struggled at Old Trafford since completing his move from Ajax three years ago.With just 12 Man Utd goals to his name, the winger was loaned out to Real Betis in January and has since managed six goal contributions in nine games.Ratcliffe and Co will be hoping that his impressive La Liga form bumps up his value ahead of the summer window.Hojlund is another player who has failed to match expectations following a big-money move.While he showcased some positive glimpses in his debut campaign, the striker has not lived up to his £72m price tag this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mail has also reported that Sancho could return to Man Utd from Chelsea this summer – despite the Blues having an obligation to buy.Should Enzo Maresca decide against keeping the England forward, Chelsea will have to pay a “significant penalty” to withdraw from the agreement.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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      ‘Loss not bad enough’ – Liverpool fans suffer more pain as tunnel video of Virgil Van Dijk emerges from after PSG defeat

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      LIVERPOOL star Virgil van Dijk was spotted speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefs ahead of his contract’s expiration, leaving fans concerned.The Reds crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday when they lost 4-1 on penalties after PSG tied the aggregate on 1-1 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s goal.Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsVan Dijk’s Liverpool contract runs out in JuneCredit: GettyVitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele and Desire Doue went on to score all of the visitors’ spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma caught Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones’ pens.After the heartbreaking loss in the Last 16, the Merseysiders’ captain Van Dijk, 33, was seen speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and strategic advisor Luis Campos in the tunnel.A viral clip showed the trio having a cordial conversation a week after the centre-back clashed with Campos, who complained about a red card he thought Ibrahima Konate should have been shown in the first leg.However, Liverpool fans were left very worried as the Netherlands international’s contract runs out in June and there are still no developments regarding his status.Read More on FootballSome fans were left fearing Van Dijk was discussing a potential free transfer to PSG.One fan tweeted: “Like the loss wasn’t bad enough.”Another commented: “Great thanks for this what a lovely thing to see.”A third wrote: “Oh. That’s just beautiful, isn’t it.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThis fan gushed: “Oh, wow.”And that one simply said: “Hmmmm.”Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Nevertheless, there are currently no reports linking Van Dijk to a move to PSG.However, Liverpool are still facing the risk of losing the Dutchman as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and superstar Mohamed Salah whose contract also run out in June. More

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      Trippier reveals why Newcastle have changed HOTEL as they prepare for Carabao Cup final after 2023 Man Utd heartache

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final than they were two years ago.And that even extends to changing their hotel — in the hope it changes their luck.Kieran Trippier has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for the Carabao Cup final nowCredit: PAToon right-back Trippier says the emotion of the 2023 showpiece at Wembley was overwhelming for Eddie Howe’s squad as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United.It was Newcastle’s first major final since 1999 and the pressure was on to deliver a first major domestic trophy since 1955, with the local players particularly feeling the heat.Trippier, however, says the squad are much more relaxed now as they prepare to take on Arne Slot’s men.The Magpies claimed a 1-0 win at West Ham on Monday in their last game before Sunday’s final.READ MORE IN footballAnd former England defender Trippier, 34, said: “There was a lot of noise the first time in the final.“But now the lads have experienced it, we know how to handle it. It’ll be a different feel this time. The most important thing is to stay calm, stay relaxed.“The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.“It was the first final for some of the players, playing at Wembley, the cup final for Newcastle, the fans are all excited, etc.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But the lads have gained that experience and are fully prepared, calm, relaxed for this final.“I’m not picking anybody out — but if you look at the Geordie lads in our team, for example, it means so much to them, because they’re from Newcastle.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ “Family and friends, everyone’s buzzing because it’s the first final in so many years.“So the emotion was very, very high for a large part before the final.“But this time around it’s more calm, more relaxed — and that’s from the supporters as well.“But all we can do is just give everything in that final.”Newcastle have made logistical changes too, moving away from the Hilton hotel that is right next door to Wembley.The Hilton is so close to the stadium it leaves players trapped inside on the morning of the game.Trippier added: “Staying at the Hilton was too close, shall we say. It’s about learning. The club learned a lot from the first time around.The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.Kieran Trippier“A lot more things are well organised this time. I’m not saying it was bad last time but we’re more prepared because we’ve been in this position now.“We played United in the last cup final and we’re more relaxed.“Now we’ve just got to review this game and look forward to another special occasion at the weekend against Liverpool.”After back-to-back defeats — in the Prem by Liverpool and Brighton in the FA Cup — as well as losing forward Anthony Gordon to suspension plus defenders Sven Botman and Lewis Hall to injury, Newcastle still saw off the Hammers to go into the final on a high.Bruno Guimaraes converted Harvey Barnes’ 63rd-minute cross to seal three points and take Toon back into the Premier League’s top six.They are now just two points off the top four in the race for the Champions League places, which has proved to be a tough balancing act alongside their run to the Carabao Cup final.Boss Howe and his players know they will have to perform much better than they did at the London Stadium if they are to make history against Liverpool on Sunday.Trippier added: “We know how close it is at the top of the table, so it was a big win, especially before the final.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You want to win any game before a cup final, you don’t want to go in on the back of a defeat.“But we know we can improve and we’ve got to show that same character on the weekend.”Trippier will lead Newcastle into the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Old Trafford holds so many special memories’ – Sir Alex Ferguson breaks silence on Man Utd’s £2bn 100,000-seat stadium

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has urged Manchester United to “seize the opportunity” to leave Old Trafford for a new stadium.On Tuesday, the Red Devils announced they would be moving to a brand-new, state of the art stadium near the Old Trafford side.Sir Alex Ferguson believes Man Utd should ‘seize the opportunity’ to move into a new stadiumCredit: GettyMan Utd are set to build a new £2bn stadiumCredit: AFPThe new state-of-the-art stadium is set to have a capacity of 100,000Credit: PAThe stadium, which could be completed in the next five years, is set to cost £2billion and hold 100,000 fans.Therefore, it will become the biggest stadium in the United Kingdom, surpassing Wembley.Although those affiliated with United will be sad to leave Old Trafford, the club’s home for the last 115 years, legendary manager Ferguson believes it will be hugely beneficial for the Red Devils.He said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch.Read More on Man Utd”And that includes the stadium we play in. Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally.”But we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build anew home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”Architects at Foster and Partners have said the stadium will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza “twice the size” of Trafalgar Square.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up a sweeping canopy that will cover the stadium itself and the area around it.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe struggling Premier League side will fund the ground, while the UK government will support the wider park area around it.Under-fire co-owner Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of anincredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.” More

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      Chelsea files: How Jose Mourinho BANNED banter at Cobham training ground and why Blues figures facing sleepless nights

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      CHELSEA are still battling for a Champions League finish after their latest win over Leicester.Enzo Maresca’s men edged past the relegation candidates in a narrow 1-0 win.Jose Mourinho’s no-nonsense managerial approach at Chelsea has been revealedCredit: Getty Images – GettyThey now face a crunch Conference League tie against Copenhagen on Thursday before a trip to Arsenal on Sunday.Ahead of a huge few days, our team of experts yet again bring you the inside track from Stamford Bridge… exclusively in Sun Club.MIND OVER MATTERJOSE MOURINHO’S mind games are legendary throughout football.From stoking up feuds with rival managers and poking referees to create a sense of injustice, the Special One is a one-off.But the most consistently successful coach in Chelsea’s history didn’t just limit his brain tricks to his enemies.Even his own players could feel the force if they didn’t produce the goods day in and day out for the ruthless Portuguese.Winger Salomon Kalou has revealed how Mourinho could spot any of his stars not pulling their weight – and he had a special way of dealing with it.The Ivorian explained: “I have never seen a coach that knows his players so well like Jose does.“Sometimes he would see you at training and get the feeling that you were training in a way because you think you won’t play at the weekend.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“That is when he would start you but if you didn’t perform he took you off at half time and then told you why you were underperforming.“He’d do that and when he finished you’d be there running out your lungs the next training session because you know he gets into your mind.Wayne Bridge recalls ‘unbelievable’ fight between two Chelsea teammates which left one KO’d Salomon Kalou claims the Special One banned any banter in his quest for trophiesCredit: AP:Associated Press“For me it was important because back then as a young player I needed to know that it doesn’t matter whether I play five or 10 minutes I need to train properly.”Mourinho combined being a demanding dictator determined to win at all costs with his sometimes hidden mischievous side.During his second spell as manager between 2013 and 2015 the team was in such a rut that banter at the training ground was banned.Cobham was a comedy no-go zone. Yet there were times when he couldn’t help himself from acting up.On one occasion his players were on the deck going through fitness drills a couple of months into the season when suddenly they were hit by tiny objects pinging across the pitch.They were baffled – and it was painful when they landed somewhere sensitive.It took the player some time to work out that innocent-looking Mourinho, who was overseeing the turf session, had filled his coat pockets with acorns and every time his players looked away he let loose with a secret salvo of the tiny hard nuts right at them.Kalou won the FA Cup under Mourinho and went on to win the Premier League and Champions League in later years.But memories of Mourinho still stick in his mind as do the fans who chanted his name two weeks ago during a protest against the ownership and with the club struggling to keep tabs with English football’s elite.Kalou said: “With Mourinho, pre-season was always important to his success. That is where it starts for him –  if he smelled that you came to pre-season and wasn’t at it you’d have problems with him. “Chelsea are much more successful on the pitch when Wesley Fofana is involvedCredit: GettyTHE WES EFFECTWESLEY FOFANA made a welcome return from injury against his former side on Sunday.The Chelsea defender had been absent since December but managed 73 minutes in the win over Leicester.Just like under Mauricio Pochettino last season, Fofana’s absence has been a key factor in Chelsea’s struggles since Christmas.The Blues continued a winning run shortly after Fofana’s injury, though that included victories over Southampton, Astana and Shamrock Rovers.With the Frenchman back, Maresca will hope some consistency can return to his side – and the stats show he is right to be optimistic.Chelsea’s win percentage with Fofana in the side this season is more than 20 per cent higher than without him (61.5 per cent compared to 40 per cent).The Blues have lost just one Premier League game, against Manchester City on the opening day, with Fofana in the side.Chelsea concede fewer goals per game (0.9 compared to 1.6) with the ex-Foxes man playing and gain more points per-90 too (2.2 compared to 1.4).There will always be a number of problems for Maresca to balance at Stamford Bridge, but Fofana’s return should prove a big help at the back.Todd Boehly has assembled the most expensive squad in historyCredit: GettyCASH AND CARRYUEFA’s financial reports are usually a sure fire way to battle insomnia – but their latest publication could provide some at Stamford Bridge with sleepless nights.Last week’s report showed that Chelsea have assembled the most expensive squad in history.At the end of the 2024 financial year, UEFA estimated that the Blues squad was worth a staggering £1.4billion.Chelsea’s long-term plan of paying for the brightest talents across the world is well documented, but it does mean they must face up to some stark figures until the potential comes good.Mauricio Pochettino’s side finished sixth with 63 points last season – a cool £22m per point.Chelsea’s American owners will be hoping the squad can become rather more cost-effective, to steal a phrase from their business world.Cole Palmer’s family watched his Conference League debut last weekCredit: GettyFAMILY FORTUNESCOLE PALMER is certainly more Champions League than Conference League.But, now that the Blues star has been added to their European squad for the knockout stages, the England international is going all in on the midweek trips.Palmer’s parents made the journey over to Copenhagen for Chelsea’s 2-1 first leg victory, taking in training the night before the game at the Parken Stadium.Aces like Andrey Santos have starred for Chelsea’s sister club StrasbourgFRENCH CONNECTIONBLUECO’S ownership of Strasbourg has been littered with fan protests and unrest.Passionate supporters have remained silent during the first 15 minutes of matches, both home and away, in protest at their club being part of a multi-club ownership model.The plot twist, however, is that they are potentially on course to qualify for Europe for just the second time since 2005.In short, they’re actually quite good.Smart recruitment has seen them build a competitive squad under talented young English manager Liam Rosenior.Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic have particularly excelled – with the latter’s assured presence in goal a far-cry from Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen’s dodgy displays back in West London.Fan protests against BlueCo have noticeably dulled over the course of the season.Leading ultras group UB90 remain staunchly committed to their opening 15 minutes of silence. But the rest of the Strasbourg faithful aren’t so sure anymore.Many supporters remain philosophically opposed to the multi-club model, essentially feeling like Chelsea’s pawn – and UB90 will continue to display their anti-BlueCo banners.But for a fair few, good results can heal all wounds – no matter how uncomfortable.Coventry boss Frank Lampard was given a hero’s cheer by visiting Chelsea fansCredit: GettyFRANKEN-FINEFRANK LAMPARD’S standing among Chelsea fans will never dim.So much so that a group of around half a dozen paid a visit to see their hero in his new job – at Championship Coventry.They hired an executive box for Saturday’s home win over Stoke.And ‘Lamps’ – who played for The Blues and managed them twice – was more than happy to meet the lads and pose for snaps with them after the game. More