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    ‘I’m a big fan’ – Steve Bruce picks ‘great lad’ he managed that must ‘be on the plane’ to Euro 2024

    STEVE BRUCE insists Jack Grealish must be on the plane for England’s adventure at Euro 2024, insisting the Manchester City star is a “great lad.”Grealish, 28, was one of Pep Guardiola’s top players last season as City scooped a historic Treble.Steve Bruce insists Jack Grealish must go to the Euros with England this summerCredit: GettyThe pair worked together for two years at Aston VillaCredit: ReutersBut the winger has played a lesser role this term after being hit by injury issues.Grealish has clocked up just 17 Premier League appearances while contributing only three goals.And doubts have been cast on his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany.City teammate Phil Foden, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka look nailed on to start in an attacking three behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMeanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and West Ham’s Jarred Bowen have all enjoyed excellent seasons.Versatile Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is also hoping to get on the plane with Tottenham’s James Maddison, as is underperforming Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.And with just 23 places up for grabs, which includes three goalies, defence-heavy Southgate will be forced to make some tough phone calls.However, former Premier League manager Bruce reckons 35-caps Grealish is more than deserving of a spot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair worked together at Villa for two years from October 2016.And those seasons saw Grealish mature from precocious playmaker to one of Villa’s main leaders.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsBruce reckons those qualities makes his former player a shoe-in, as being part of a tournament squad is more than just about talent.Even still, Bruce adds that Grealish still has skills other England players can only dream about, and he must get the nod from Southgate at the end of the season.Bruce told talkSPORT: “For me, yes. I’m going to (take him) because I’m a big admirer of Jack having worked with him.“Especially in a competition when you’re away for six weeks, you need someone like Jack to have him around the place.“It’s not just his football ability but his personality, the way he is and the way he is around the group.“He’s great fun and a really great lad and of course, the kid can play and offer something different which obviously others can’t, in my opinion.“For me, he’s got to be on the plane.”Steve Bruce’s managerial careerThose numbers in full:

    Sheffield United, 1998-1999: P55 W22 D15 L18

    Huddersfield Town, 1999-2000: P66 W25 D16 L25

    Wigan, 2001: P8 W3 D2 L3

    Crystal Palace, 2001: P18 W11 D2 L5

    Birmingham, 2001-2007: P269 W100 D69 L100

    Wigan, 2007-2009: P68 W23 D17 L28

    Sunderland, 2009-2011: P98 W29 D28 L41

    Hull, 2012-2016: P201 W82 D44 L75

    Aston Villa, 2016-2018: P102 W46 D25 L31

    Sheffield Wednesday, 2019: P18 W7 D8 L3

    Newcastle, 2019-2021: P97 W28 D28 L41

    West Brom, 2022: P32 W8 D12 L12 More

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    ‘That’s all we do’ – Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou left baffled by Eric Dier’s assessment of his training methods

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has fired back at Eric Dier after he claimed the Tottenham boss “doesn’t do any tactical work” during training.Dier, 30, fell down the pecking order once Postecoglou, 58, was appointed at Spurs last summer and that led to a mere four Premier League appearances this season.Eric Dier claims Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t work on tactics during trainingCredit: ReutersTottenham boss Postecoglou insists tactics is all the team works on during trainingCredit: AFPDier has been loaned out to Bayern Munich who are expected to sign him permanently from TottenhamCredit: GettyThe versatile defender was thus shipped out on loan at Bayern Munich in January and he has since turned a corner with a total of 13 appearances already under his belt.The England international then opened up about his experience working under the Aussie tactician and suggested his tactical work leaves much to be desired.Dier previously said when asked whether Postecoglou is the most tactically aware manager he has worked with: “No, interestingly, he really doesn’t do any tactical work.”What he does is, every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way that he wants to play.Read More on Football”[Antonio] Conte, I could do it blind, but that was a lot of tactical work Monday to Friday, a lot of 10 versus zero, walkthroughs. You were so well drilled, it would be ingrained in you.”However, Postecoglou hit back at Dier, who is expected to be signed permanently by Bayern in June, insisting he completely focuses on tactics during training.And that has paid off as Tottenham are chasing a top-four finish in the ex-Celtic boss’ debut season in north London.Postecoglou responded: “I don’t know what you mean by tactical work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Everything we do is geared on how we are going to play our football, so for me by extension is tactical work.”Whether that’s on us, or whether it’s on the opposition. In fact I would probably say we don’t do anything apart from tactical work.Eric Dier reveals ‘unfair’ Premier League title race decision which gave Tottenham ‘a sucker punch every week'”That’s all we do every day. If we’re working on our fitness, we’re still trying to play our football.”But I haven’t seen the interview so I’m not sure what he’s referencing.”If you’re talking about do we do training where we’re standing around and working on how we’re going to stop an opposition, how we’re going to break down, no we don’t do that.”But I don’t think that’s the only kind of tactical work that exists. I think anyone who trains with us will tell you that all we do is train the way we play. Maybe that’s not tactical work, I don’t know!”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
    This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
    Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
    Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
    And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
    And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
    Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
    Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in major Victor Osimhen transfer boost as Napoli move for replacement

    CHELSEA, MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been given a boost in their battle to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.The Italian club are reported to have lined up a replacement for the Nigerian centre forward, paving the way for him to make a big-money move to the Premier League this summer.Victor Osimhen could be set to leave Napoli this summerCredit: AlamyLille frontman Jonathan David, himself a target for a number of Premier League clubs, is the man Napoli want to fill Osimhen’s boots.According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Canada international David is ready to join the Italian club even if they fail to qualify for European football next season.Napoli and Lille are said to be haggling over David’s transfer fee, with the Italians said to be offering £30m plus bonus payments while the Ligue 1 side want £42.7m up front.But the negotiations appear to signal that Napoli are resigned to losing Osimhen, the striker who fired them to the Serie A title last season, this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOsimhen’s release clause is believed to be up to £110m, putting him within the reach of only a small number of clubs.Long-term suitors Chelsea and United would have to raise money through sales to be able to afford the 25 year old. Inside Victor Osimhen’s life as a footballerArsenal would also have to think hard about breaking the club transfer record they set when Declan Rice arrived from West Ham for £105m.The Premier League trio are also likely to face stiff competition from Champions League semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballThe French side regard Osimhen as the best candidate to replace star striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman all but certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Napoli are prepared to triple David’s wages at Lille to nearly £60,000 per week and to give the 24 year old a five-year deal.New York-born David helped Lille win a shock French title in his first season at the club  in 2020/1 and has continued to bang in the goals.The former Gent striker has found the net 81 times in 175 appearances for Lille.Lille hotshot Jonathan David has been linked with a Premier League move but is now set to join NapoliCredit: Alamy More

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    Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the London Marathon 2024?

    THE London Marathon is back THIS MONTH and around 50,000 runners are expected to take part.Among the thousands taking to the streets of England’s capital on April 21 will be a host of famous faces, including actors, comedians and TV presenters.The London Marathon is set for April 21Credit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe is set to runCredit: PATed Lasso star Phil Dunster is set to run, as well as Golden Globe winning actress Ruth Wilson.Comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham are also set to take part.But Manchester United fans will want to keep an eye out for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new partial owner.Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the London Marathon?The 71-year-old IS set to take part in the marathon this year.Read More on Man UtdSir Jim Ratcliffe will have to beat his PB to make it to WembleyCredit: PAHowever, the big event is on the same day as Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry at Wembley.That means he would have to smash last year’s time of 4 hours 30 minutes in order to make it for kick-off.Britain’s richest man recently discussed his love of distance running while appearing on Geraint Thomas’ podcast.Asked how many marathons he has completed in his life, Ratcliffe said: “It’s somewhere approaching 40. My project certainly doesn’t have a one in it!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I did London last year. I did four and a half. I’m doing London again this year. It’s only six weeks away.”I trained for London last year and I had a hamstring issue. I was out for five weeks and I didn’t have much time to retrain. I went to Africa, it was quite warm and I had a go. It was okay.”Exactly the same thing has happened this year. I’ve had five weeks out with a hamstring so I only started training a week ago for London. It’s not very long. I need to get going.”The Marathon starts in Greenwich, East London and then snakes around the capital before reaching the finishing line in Westminster.From there he would be looking at an hour’s journey at the very least, by car or public transport, to reach Wembley for the match. More

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    Man Utd join transfer race for rising Brazil star, 18, as scout attends match with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City keen

    MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in the bidding war for a Brazilian wonderkid.According to The Mail, United sent a scout to Brazil to watch Gremio starlet Gustavo Nunes, 18, in action last week during the 2-0 loss to Huachipato in the Copa Libertadores.Manchester United sent a scout to watch Gremio star Gustavinho in actionCredit: AlamyManchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on GustavinhoCredit: AlamyGustavinho, as he has been nicknamed by fans, only made his senior debut in February but quickly rose through the ranks after impressing manager Renato Gaucho.The winger came on as a half-time substitute as he replaced Everton and showed his skills in front of the Red Devils’ representative.New United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are said to be prioritising rising young talent from South America.That is because the Manchester giants want to get more value for their money amid Financial Fair Play restrictions.Read More on FootballGustavinho has amassed a total of four goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.The forward’s immediate impact attracted attention from City, Arsenal and Liverpool.Wolves and Norwich are also keeping tabs on the young Brazilian’s progress.However, the Citizens appear to be leading the race for the youngster’s signature.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNevertheless, Gremio are not keen to part ways with their wonderkid just yet.That is why the Brazilian outfit tied Gustavinho to a contract until 2028.Gary Neville ‘lost faith’ with ‘scrawny and erratic’ Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd before transformation into a ‘machine’Gremio, who own 70 per cent of the player’s economic rights, will also command a high fee which is said to be more than £18million City considered splashing in the summer. More

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    ‘Angry Rantman’ dead updates — YouTuber and Chelsea fan dies aged 27 following major surgery

    ANGRY Rantman, best known for his football YouTube videos has tragically passed away at the age of 27.A statement from his family read: “With profound grief and sorrow, we hereby declare the sad and untimely demise of Abhradeep Saha AKA #AngryRantman today at 10:18 hrs IST.”He touched the lives of millions with his Honesty, humour and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”As we mourn his loss, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and hold on to the cherished memories we share together. Inspiring change one rant at a time.”Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Mark Goldbridge pays respects
    Popular Manchester United pundit Mark Goldbridge has paid his respects following Angry Rantman’s death.
    Taking to X, he wrote: “RIP Angry Rantman!
    “Whether you liked it or not he was a unique content creator doing what he loved. We’re here for a good time not a long time.”
    RIP Angry Rantman! Whether you liked it or not he was a unique content creator doing what he loved. We’re here for a good time not a long time.— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 17, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedAngry Rantman’s reaction to Barca’s historic defeat
    Angry Rantman went viral following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020.
    Half a million people tuned in to watch the iconic YouTuber rage.
    He said: “That wasn’t a football match, that was a slaughtering house.
    “Setién has turned Barcelona into Real Betis”
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal Fan TV pays tribute
    AFTV have taken to Twitter/X to honour Angry Rantman following his tragic passing aged 27.
    A tweet read: “RIP Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman.
    “One of the greats of the fan channel scene.”

    Copy linkCopiedHow many subscribers did Angry Rantman have?
    Angry Rantman, real name Abhradeep Saha, had a huge presence on YouTube and social media.
    Iconic for his passionate videos about Chelsea football club, Saha rose to fame on the video-sharing platform.
    As of today, he has 483,000 subscribers on YouTube.
    Copy linkCopied’One of the kindest people’
    More tributes continue to come in following the news of Angry Rantman’s death.
    One fan wrote: “Such sad news 💔.”
    While another said: “I’m absolutely gutted. He was one of the kindest, nicest and best people I have spoken to.”
    Copy linkCopiedHeartbroken fans pay tribute
    Chelsea fans are flooding social media with tributes to beloved YouTuber Angry Rantman.
    One popular X account wrote: “RIP Abhradeep or commonly known as Angry Rantman.
    “One of the original voices in our community that never failed to make us smile.”
    Copy linkCopiedWhat was Angry Rantman’s last sports YouTube post?
    Angry Rantman last posted to his YouTube channel one month ago.
    His last sports based video was his furious review of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Brentford.
    The video managed to accumulate over 70,000 views and Angry Rantman did not hold back with his comments about Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
    Copy linkCopied’His rants were iconic’
    One person took to X to write: “RIP Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman.
    “His rants were iconic to us all, but I think fewer people know just how kind and generous he was beyond his content.
    “Proper Chelsea fan, and a genuinely phenomenal and brilliant human being 💙.”
    Another added: “RIP brother, lovely human being and he will be missed 💔.”
    A third wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted. He was one of the kindest, nicest and best people I have spoken to.”
    Copy linkCopiedHow many subscribers did he have?
    Abhradeep Saha, best known as Angry Rantman, had a whopping 482,000 subscribers on YouTube.
    Angry Rantman would share his views on football and cinema.
    Some of his viral videos criticising Chelsea made him a popular figure among the football fan community on social media.
    Copy linkCopiedAngry Rantman’s most viewed rants
    These were his most popular sporting rants…
    1. “Humiliating is not the word”Abhradeep clocked up an amazing 3 MILLION views after Chelsea lost 6-0 to Man City five years ago.He raged: “What the hell is that!” and called Marcos Alonso a “shambolic defender”.
    2. “Worst start to the season”A 4-0 defeat to Man Utd four years ago saw him have a meltdown.He fumed: “This is the worst start to the season ever, ever, ever.”
    3. “Setién has Turned Barcelona into Real Betis”Abhradeep moved away from his favourite team Chelsea to give his views on Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich three years ago. Half a million tuned in.He said: “That wasn’t a football match, that was a slaughtering house.”
    Copy linkCopied’He will be missed by our community’
    YouTuber True Geordie commented: “RIP to the funny football YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman. This guy had some hilarious epic clips and will be missed by our community.”
    Another said: “Such sad news 💔.”
    While one fan wrote: “RIP Abhradeep or commonly known as Angry Rantman 💔 One of the original voices in our community that never failed to make us smile.”
    Copy linkCopiedTributes flood in
    Taking to social media one fan wrote: “RIP Abhradeep or commonly known as AngryRantman.
    “One of the original voices in our community that never failed to make us smile.”
    A second wrote: “Rest in power, Angry Rantman. One of YouTube’s finest entertainers.”
    Copy linkCopied’Angry Rantman’s’ death confirmed by family
    A statement from his family read: “With profound grief and sorrow, we hereby declare the sad and untimely demise of Abhradeep Saha AKA #AngryRantman today at 10:18 hrs IST.
    “He touched the lives of millions with his Honesty, humour and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
    “As we mourn his loss, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and hold on to the cherished memories we share together. Inspiring change one rant at a time.”
    Copy linkCopied’Angry Rantman’ dead aged 27
    YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, also known as Angry Rantman, has died aged 27.
    The social media sensation was best known for his videos criticising Chelsea.

    Copy linkCopied More

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    Angry Rantman dead at 27: YouTuber and viral Chelsea fan – real name Abhradeep Saha – dies as tributes pour in

    FOOTBALL YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, also known as Angry Rantman, has tragically passed away at the age of 27.A statement from his family read: “With profound grief and sorrow, we hereby declare the sad and untimely demise of Abhradeep Saha AKA #AngryRantman today at 10:18 hrs IST.Abhradeep Saha aka Angry Rantman has passed awayCredit: X”He touched the lives of millions with his Honesty, humour and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”As we mourn his loss, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and hold on to the cherished memories we share together. Inspiring change one rant at a time.”The avid Chelsea fan was in a “critical situation” before his death, his family confirmed.Saha burst onto the scene when he formed his YouTube channel six years ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEASome of his viral videos criticising Chelsea made him a popular figure among the football fan community on social media.Tributes flooded in for the YouTube superstar following the announcement of his death.One person took to X to write: “RIP Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman.”His rants were iconic to us all, but I think fewer people know just how kind and generous he was beyond his content.Most read in FootballAngry Rantman’s most viewed sporting rantsAbhradeep Saha, best known as Angry Rantman, had a whopping 482,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he shared his views on football and cinema. These were his most popular sporting rants…

    1. “Humiliating is not the word”Abhradeep clocked up an amazing 3 MILLION views after Chelsea lost 6-0 to Man City five years ago.He raged: “What the hell is that!” and called Marcos Alonso a “shambolic defender”.
    2. “Worst start to the season”A 4-0 defeat to Man Utd four years ago saw him have a meltdown.He fumed: “This is the worst start to the season ever, ever, ever.”
    3. “Setién has Turned Barcelona into Real Betis”Abhradeep moved away from his favourite team Chelsea to give his views on Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich three years ago. Half a million tuned in.He said: “That wasn’t a football match, that was a slaughtering house.”

    “Proper Chelsea fan, and a genuinely phenomenal and brilliant human being 💙.”Another added: “RIP brother, lovely human being and he will be missed 💔.”A third wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted. He was one of the kindest, nicest and best people I have spoken to.”YouTuber True Geordie commented: “RIP to the funny football YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman. This guy had some hilarious epic clips and will be missed by our community.”Another said: “Such sad news 💔.”While one fan wrote: “RIP Abhradeep or commonly known as Angry Rantman 💔 One of the original voices in our community that never failed to make us smile.” More

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    Fans spot Real Madrid stars’ classy gesture as training footage emerges ahead of huge Man City clash

    REAL MADRID stars were hailed for their immense sportsmanship ahead of tonight’s crunch Champions League clash against Manchester City.Real take on City in the quarter-finals at the Etihad following a stunning first leg between the two title favourites at the Santiago Bernabeu which ended 3-3.Real Madrid stars avoided stepping on Manchester City’s badgeReal Madrid take on Man City in a crunch Champions League quarter-final clashLos Blancos trained for the crucial game at the Citizens’ ground and the camera caught Carlo Ancelotti’s players paying respect to the hosts.Real players were seen walking down the corridors where City’s badge was placed on the floor.And all the Madrid aces walked around the club crest making sure they wouldn’t step on it.Fans stormed social media to congratulate Real for the class and dignity they showed.Read More on Man CityOne supporter tweeted: “Values.”Another commented: “Sportsmanship.”A third wrote: “They are real players.”This ones said: “Respect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one stated: “Class.”City are looking to replicate last season’s Treble triumph but are facing a daunting task against Champions League record winners Real.Guardiola is hoping Man City can see off Real Madrid to make more historyThe winner of tonight’s fixture will go on to face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the semi-finals.Speaking ahead of the clash, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham revealed he held talks with other clubs – thought to include Man City – before making the switch to the Bernabeu.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.” More