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      in Soccer

      Potential Man Utd owner Sir Jim Rarcliffe decided NOT to buy Chelsea and also snubbed Newcastle takeover

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      BRITAIN’S richest man decided against buying Chelsea because the club’s stadium problems would take too long to resolve.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently rivalling Sheikh Jassim to buy Man Utd from the Glazer family.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe snubbed a takeover of Chelsea amid concerns over how long it would take to resolve the redevelopment of Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ratcliffe, who has met United’s owners “a couple of times,” explained: “I’ve signed an non-disclosure agreement so I can’t say too much.“But there is still a process — and we are in the process.”
      Sheikh Jassim wants “100 per cent control” while Ratcliffe was prepared to offer to buy a majority stake which could allow current United co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer to stay on for some time.
      But more than a month after that point, there is still no decision and there is even the possibility that the Glazers might decide not to sell after all.
      Ratcliffe added: “We have a good offer and we have met with the Glazers a couple of times.
      “We have had good discussions with them. We would still very much like to do it. And we would be doing it for the right reasons.
      “But in the end it is their decision not our decision.”
      But, before his dealings with United, Ratcliffe was looking for his INEOS group to seize control at Stamford Bridge was a serious option.
      The group held preliminary talks with Chelsea bosses about buying Roman Abramovich’s stake in the London club.
      But Ratcliffe’s brother Bob, who runs the football division of INEOS, says fears over redeveloping the stadium proved too big to overcome.
      Ratcliffe told BBC Five Live: “There was some early exchange but we were a significant way apart on valuations.
      “The issue with Chelsea is its stadium. We are all getting older and it is a decade of your life to resolve that.”
      Chelsea have looked at options to move away from Stamford Bridge but there is always a major problem with the Chelsea Pitch Owners, who own the freehold to the stadium.
      MAJOR DISADVANTAGE
      A planned £1billion redevelopment of the ground was put on hold with Abramovich citing the wrong economic climate.
      New owner Todd Boehly is formulating his own plan to rebuild the Bridge – but work has yet to begin.
      The result is that Chelsea are at a major disadvantage against their top six rivals in the Premier League when it comes to ground standard and capacity.
      Having rejected Chelsea, INEOS went on to look at other potential clubs in the Premier League – but the high valuations of them all, including Mike Ashley’s £350m demand for Newcastle, put them off.
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      They instead relocated to France where they have taken control of Nice.
      Bob Ratcliffe added: “We spent quite a lot of time looking at Premier League clubs and their valuations
      “It was difficult to rationalise purchases in the Premier League for us. If you look below the top six, they are all £150m and above.
      “You are going to write a cheque for £50m and get in the Everton cup. Where are you going to go?
      “You look at Newcastle, and we looked at a lot of clubs. You come back to a valuation in the hundreds of millions and it is difficult to contemplate.
      “I think the foreseeable future it is off the radar. We have a three to five year project in Nice and that will keep us busy.”
      Newcastle are now owned by Saudis and reached the League Cup final, as well as qualified for the Champions League. More

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      in Motorsport

      Super rich drivers of F1’s amazing lifestyles in Monaco including Lewis Hamilton and recent habitant Lando Norris

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      LANDO NORRIS was the most recent F1 drivers to move to Monte Carlo.The Bristol-born star, 23, revealed he was swapping Woking for tax-haven Monaco after the final Grand Prix of last season.
      Lando Norris is the most recent F1 star who moved to Monte CarloCredit: Rex
      He said: “I’m moving to Monaco after [the final race in] Abu Dhabi for the reasons you probably expect.
      “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do.
      “And especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill.”
      Norris joined the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc, and Valtteri Bottas in the Principality.
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      And they all boast incredible lifestyles that are the envy of sports stars around the globe.
      From sailing on the Mediterranean sea to cycling on the streets, these racers have got it made.
      LEWIS HAMILTON
      The seven-time world champion, who has a reported net worth of around £300million, has homes all across the globe.
      But for much of the year, Hamilton snubs his London mansion, New York penthouse and Colorado ranch for a life in Monaco.
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      Although not much is known about where his property is, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
      He captioned a photo on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
      “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
      It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
      Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
      Speaking of the Mediterranean, Hamilton has been seen enjoying watersports during his time away from the circuit.
      Lewis Hamilton enjoys the high-life in MonacoCredit: Refer to Caption
      Hamilton lives in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
      Seven-time champion Hamilton once shared the view from his penthouse on Instagram
      In his spare time, Hamilton has been known to enjoy watersportsCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      MAX VERSTAPPEN
      Current champ Verstappen’s lifestyle in Monaco is more paired down than his rival’s.
      But that said, it’s clear he doesn’t skimp either. The Dutch star is said to rent an apartment that’s worth around £16million.
      His home is believed to be in the same apartment block as Felipe Massa and Daniel Ricciardo, which he was once filmed allegedly entering drunk after a night out.
      During the first lockdown, he gave us a glimpse into his home when he shared his workouts from his balcony that overlooks the Mediterranean sea.
      It’s also where girlfriend, Brazilian model Kelly Piquet lives with him.
      Verstappen is said to have a car collection in Monaco to die for, and recently ordered the £2million Aston Martin Valkyrie.
      And like his speedy nemesis Hamilton, he likes watersports too – often seen whizzing around on a Red Bull sponsored jet-ski.
      Max Verstappen shared his favourite workout spot, his apartment balcony, on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1
      Like Hamilton, Verstappen is a huge fan of watersports and has been seen jet-skiing in the Mediterranean seaCredit: Refer to Caption
      Brazilian model Kelly Piquet is said to live in Monaco with VerstappenCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet

      DANIEL RICCIARDO
      Like Hamilton, Ricciardo has other abodes, most notably in Beverly Hills and in Perth.
      But, when the former Monaco Grand Prix winner is competing he lives in his comfortable one-bedroom pied-à-terre in the city.
      And he absolutely loves living in Monaco, as his Instagram reveals.
      He drives a super fast McLaren 720S around time, worth around £215,000.
      And when he’s not on four wheels, he takes his scooter for a drive around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
      Of the Grand Prix, the Aussie has revealed how the city changes when it’s race weekend.
      “It feels like a real racetrack, and I’m not thinking ‘there’s a cafe I eat at’ or ‘there’s a street I ride my Vespa down’ or whatever,” he revealed.
      “You wake up in your own bed, kick around your apartment and then start the journey to work.” 
      Daniel Ricciardo shows off the view from the balcony his Monaco apartment complexCredit: YouTube
      Ricciardo drives a £215,000 McLaren 720S around the cityCredit: Instagram / @danielricciardo
      When it’s race weekend, Ricciardo likes to take his scooter for a drive around the trackCredit: Instagram / @danielricciardo
      Aussie star Ricciardo loves life in MonacoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      VALTTERI BOTTAS
      The Finnish driver lives with Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell in the city.
      However, they opt for a more private life in Monte Carlo, like they do in his homeland, where he owns a beautiful lakeside holiday home.
      He did share his stunning view from his apartment balcony overlooking the harbour once upon a time though, giving fans a glimpse into his lifestyle.
      Bottas also has the cycling bug, often competing in races around Monaco in his spare time.
      When he’s not driving a race car, Bottas is seen driving his £115,000 Mercedes-AMG GT.
      To keep fit, Bottas goes running around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit he races on.
      Valtteri Bottas’ apartment overlooks the harbourCredit: Instagram / @valtteribottas
      Bottas lives together with Australian cyclist Tiffany CromwellCredit: Twitter / @ValtteriBottas
      Bottas often takes part in cycling races in Monte CarloCredit: Getty
      When he hits the road, Bottas travels in style in a £115,000 Mercedes-AMG GTCredit: Instagram / @valtteribottas
      CHARLES LECLERC
      Leclerc is born and bred in Monaco, so he has absolutely no reason to leave.
      He has a luxury apartment, which he lived in with gorgeous girlfriend Charlotte Sine until they split.
      Hilariously, when she was locked out of the home, Charlotte had to subscribe to his Twitch channel because he couldn’t hear her as he was playing a racing simulator and had a headset on.
      “So my girlfriend had to subscribe to my twitch channel to tell me to open the door,” he later revealed on Twitter.
      Leclerc has a gang of friends he loves spending the summers with.
      They hop on board his £1.5million yacht, Monza and cruise around the Mediterannean.
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      And when he’s not on sea, he’s on grass on the golf course working on his handicap.
      It’s a glam life for some living it up in Monte Carlo.
      Charles Leclerc lives the ultimate playboy lifestyle in Monte CarloCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
      Leclerc’s family are originally from MonacoCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
      Leclerc and his pals like to hang out on his £1.5m yacht called MonzaCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
      Hilariously, Leclerc’s former girlfriend Charlotte had to subscribe to his Twitch channel to tell him to open the front door of their apartment More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside George Russell’s glam lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoying romantic holidays with hot girlfriend Carmen

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      BRITISH F1 racer George Russell outshone his more illustrious team mate Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes last season.The rising star, 25, will be hoping to finish on the podium at this year’s British Grand Prix.
      Mercedes driver George Russell, pictured with girlfriend Carmen, enjoys a lavish lifestyle away from the F1 circuitCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
      George Russell joined Mercedes last season and is already providing competition for Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA
      Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, as an aspiring F1 champ
      He moved to Mercedes last season – earning a bumper £5MILLION payday.
      That helps the talented racer continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of team-mate Hamilton’s mega £40m pay-grade.
      Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
      Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.

      He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
      KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
      Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
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      The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
      He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
      But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
      In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
      A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
      By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
      Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
      He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
      They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
      Now, Russell is courting the stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Last year, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
      While last August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
      More recently, they shared some loved up snaps enjoying the country side.
      Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
      Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
      Last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
      Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      Most recently, Russell enjoyed a trip to the country sideCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
      COMPANY CAR
      Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
      On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
      He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
      Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to nearly four million followers.
      About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
      Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
      One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
      In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
      Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
      Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
      During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
      While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
      He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
      Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HEALTHY LIVING
      Crucial to Russell is his diet plan.
      Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
      From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
      Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
      Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
      LOVES SPORT
      Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
      When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
      During Euro 2020, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
      While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
      Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Joining Mercedes has earned Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
      Read More On The Sun
      This year, it’s Russell who is getting all the cheers in the Mercedes car.
      They could just have the next British F1 champ on their hands too.
      Watch F1 star Sebastian Vettel run to get fire extinguisher after smoke rises from his Aston Martin on Belgian GP track More

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      in Soccer

      Ex referee Mark Clattenburg reveals worst player he’s ever dealt with as he opens up on Keane, Pepe and Ferdinand

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      FORMER top referee Mark Clattenburg revealed his worst five footballers to deal with.Not surprisingly, firebrands Roy Keane and Craig Bellamy feature, but there was a shock as BT Sport pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand made the naughty list.
      Former top ref Mark Clattenburg has revealed his five worst players to deal withCredit: Getty
      The ex-Premier League official called time on his career in the professional game in 2017, after 17 years reffing when he gave his real thoughts on some of the top refs.
      Clattenburg then moved on to head refereeing in Saudi Arabia before taking up a lucrative post in China as a referee and was in charge of refs in Egypt until January 2023.
      Now, he is set for a TV career after joining the reboot of Gladiators, where he will take over referee duties.
      Here are his worst five players to deal with during his time working in the Premier League…
      JENS LEHMANN
      “I used to find Jens Lehmann such hard work.
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      “He was always difficult because he’d always whinge about people stepping on his toes in the penalty area.
      “Centre-forwards would always try and wind him up.
      “A corner would come in and they would give him a little nudge and he’d go ballistic and push players and have arguments with referees.
      “He was always a difficult one.”RIO FERDINAND
      “I found him difficult to referee during that Fergie era because he was always trying to play mind games.
      “He tried to get under your skin, probably to get that next decision.
      “Rio was such a difficult player to referee as he was always in your face.
      “When I got older and a bit more wiser, he probably left us alone more.”
      Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand both make Clattenburg’s naughty list
      PEPE
      “I had a run-in with Pepe in the Champions League final.
      “He was a guy who was always difficult because he’d try to frame stuff and wind attackers up to get them sent off, which is not always a great thing when you’re trying to referee a football match.”
      Clattenburg, who was pictured sticking his tongue out when Pepe rolled around, added to SunSport: “I remember coming off and everyone was talking about my tongue, they weren’t talking about my refereeing performance – which was a good thing.
      “So I thought ‘you know what, that wasn’t a bad thing to do’. But it was just a reaction – my mouth was completely dry, it was a really hot day.
      “It worked perfectly because, when you watch it back, Pepe was on the floor – and, oh my god, what a soft s***e. Rolling around.
      “So what I did was what everyone back at home watching probably thought of Pepe.”
      The ref was spotted sticking his tongue out as Pepe tried his typical anticsCredit: Reuters
      ROY KEANE
      “Roy was physical, hard and you couldn’t trust him.
      “Look at the tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland for example.
      “You never knew what he was going to do next.”
      CRAIG BELLAMY
      “The worst one – and I’ve thought it for years – was Bellamy.
      “He was just the most irritating player on the pitch – and he was irritating off it.
      “He was downright rude and it didn’t matter what you said to him.
      “I made mistakes against him but what he used to say to you, it was not acceptable.
      “People say you should have sent him off and I did – incorrectly for diving.
      “I cautioned him at Bolton for diving and it was a blatant penalty.
      “He was a guy I just didn’t really get on well with.”
      *Mark Clattenburg was speaking to Paddy Power for the Pitch Invader magazine…

      Clattenburg reckons Bellamy was the worst player to referee More

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      in Motorsport

      I was one of the biggest names on Sky Sport’s F1 coverage before sacking… I still have no idea why they got rid of me

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      JOHNNY HERBERT has revealed he has no idea why Sky Sports decided to sack him from their F1 presenting team after 11 years.Herbert joined the broadcaster during the 2012 season when it won the rights to show the F1 action in the UK.
      Johnny Herbert was a central figure in the Sky Sports F1 commentary teamCredit: Getty
      The pundit raced in Formula 1 himselfCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He became a central figure in the coverage of the sport, often reminiscing about his own time in Formula One with teams like Jaguar and Sauber.
      However, Sky Sports decided to axe him from the commentary team two months before this year’s coverage started, along with fellow pundit and former driver Paul di Resta.
      Both were at the end of their respective contracts but were not offered extensions.
      It was speculated that cost-cutting was behind Sky Sports’ decision not to have the two back.
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      Herbert posted a photo of the Sky Sports F1 team to Instagram to confirm his departure from the broadcaster.
      It was captioned: “Going to miss this team.”
      Speaking to The Mirror, Herbert has now revealed that he still doesn’t know why the broadcaster decided against renewing his contract.
      He said: “I didn’t decide to step away – I thought everything was going ahead!
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      “And then I got a call in December, I think it was, when I was told things were changing.
      “It wasn’t really explained why or what was changing. There was a mention of social media stuff and that was about it, really. I really don’t know.
      “I was always aware – at Sky they do these subscriber checks where you’re given points out of 10 – and I’ve always known I was always quite popular on that side.
      “It’s a shame, but I’m over it. Moving on.”
      Herbert is now presenting his own podcast called Lift the Lid, which he co-hosts with fellow racer Billy Monger.
      The two give their opinions on current F1 stories, and were brought together through their own near-fatal crashes.
      Herbert said about the podcast “This is great to do with Billy, for example.
      “There are other opportunities out there, once again just proving that if you work hard you can find different avenues to carry on being involved in the sport we love.
      “So there’s other things going on, which is fine.
      “Yes, it’s disappointing, but I’ve moved on.”
      The 59-year old added that he didn’t think he would be returning to TV screens this season.
      He added: “I did my 11 years at Sky and it was good. Now there are other things I am doing.
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      “Because it was in December it was all quite late in terms of sorting other things out.
      “There are a lot of other opportunities but, in terms of seeing me on a TV screen, there’s probably nothing planned on that front.”
      Herbert posted that he’d miss the team after he was axed
      Herbert now co-hosts a podcast with former British F4 racer Billy Monger, who suffered a horrific crash in 2017Credit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag insisted grass cut to 2mm, fumed at drinks not lined up and built window into office

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      ERIK TEN HAG has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure his managerial career would be a success.The Dutchman, 53, helped spark a Red Devils revival – winning the League Cup, reaching the FA Cup final and qualifying for the Champions League in his first season.
      Erik ten Hag strives for perfection as a manager
      The ex-Ajax chief is well known for his constant striving for perfection on the pitch, but he also demands it off it too.
      Sjoerd Overgoor, who was managed by his countryman at Go Ahead Eagles, told Sky Sports: “He wanted the drinks put out in straight lines.
      “Everything had to be perfect in his eyes. People needed time to get used to that. ”
      Ten Hag’s constant need for perfection was even felt by Go Ahead Eagles’ groundsmen.
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      Overgoor recalled: “We had one man whose job it was to look after the pitch.
      “Every day, Erik would be coming to him and saying that the grass had to be two millimetres or something like that.”
      Ten Hag even had a window built into his office door so he could keep an extra eye on his players.
      Overgoor said:  “He put a window in his office door.
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      “We were all saying to each other that he was doing that so he could see what we were doing.”
      Ten Hag led Dutch minnows Go Ahead Eagles to their first promotion in 17 years during his solitary season at the De Adelaarshorst stadium.
      Overgoor said of his brief reign: “That was a big difference for everyone at the club.
      “He changed everything. Remember, this is not a big club in Holland.
      “We did not have the best facilities but he made them the best.
      “A lot of coaches come to clubs like Eagles and have the attitude that they have to deal with it.
      “He did not deal with it. Instead, he made it better and better.”
      United’s stars have already felt the force of Ten Hag’s n o-nonsense approach – once having to run nearly ten miles the day after a 4-0 loss to Brentford at the start of last season.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was also frozen out by the coach and later sold after he refused to come on as a sub.
      Ten Hag now enters his second season in charge at United, having led them to a third-place finish last season.
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      He has completed the signing of Mason Mount but is still looking for at least a new keeper and centre forward.
      Erik ten Hag has been known for his extraordinary managerial methodsCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Former Arsenal transfer chief says why club made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, when there was NO release clause

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      ARSENAL’S former transfer chief Dick Law revealed why the club made their infamous £40million and £1 bid for Luis Suarez.The Uruguay international looked set to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013 after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League.
      Luis Suarez was heavily linked with a switch from Liverpool to Arsenal in summer 2013Credit: PA:Press Association
      The now 36-year-old had a clause in his contract with the Reds that they had to inform him of any transfer bid if it was more than £40m.
      And Law insisted that Arsenal were always aware the figure was not a buy-out clause and they simply added the extra pound to kick-start negotiations.
      But Liverpool owner John W. Henry took offence to the offer and, after it was publicised, he tweeted: “What do you think they’re smoking over there?”
      Suarez ended up remaining at Anfield for another season where he was named PFA Player of the Year before sealing a £75m move to Barcelona.
      Several years later and the striker was available for a nominal fee, leaving Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2020, where he won the LaLiga title.
      The Gunners’ then-transfer guru Law would later explain that the North London side had never wanted to antagonise their Premier League rivals.
      most read in football
      Speaking to Goal, he said: “That spring, news got round to us that Suarez wanted out of Liverpool.
      “We knew that we had to exceed a certain threshold and so we decided to throw another pound on it.
      “We could have thrown £50 or £500,000, but it wasn’t going to make any difference to the final negotiation.
      “The offer was just a trigger. Liverpool wanted to make a big deal out of it and that’s fine. When they received our offer they immediately publicised it.
      “I think John Henry wanted to know what we were smoking, which I thought was a bit disrespectful.
      “It was him having a bit of a go because he was getting ready to lose his star player. It was a good way to deflect attention.
      “I always thought that the move to publicise it was counter-productive.
      “One of the things we were always very proud of at Arsenal was working quietly behind the scenes. Ivan [Gazidis], Arsene [Wenger] and I always worked very hard on being discreet in all transfers.
      “And I thought Liverpool shot themselves in the foot by basically saying they were now forced to entertain offers because of this clause, by publicising it they just made everyone aware and eventually they lost the player.”
      Liverpool wanted to make a big deal out of it. I think John Henry wanted to know what we were smoking, which I thought was a bit disrespectful.Dick Law
      Arsenal’s transfer fixer at the time Dick Law has lifted the lid on the Gunners pursuitCredit: Rex Features
      Liverpool owner John W Henry infamously asked ‘what do you think they’re smoking at the Emirates’Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Under-17 European Championship winning team from 2010 and where they are now, including an ex-Man Utd star

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      ENGLAND fans might remember 2010 as the year the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup in the last-16 to Germany on the back of a highly contentious no-goal decision.But that same summer, the Young Lions were victorious at the Under-17 European Championships in Liechtenstein.
      Jack Butland recently signed for Rangers from Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      England’s youth team fought back from a goal down to beat a Spain team featuring the likes of Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu 2-1 in the final.
      Many of the players in the squad from that day were tipped for big things in the future.
      However, despite their early promise, the starting XI have mostly flopped at senior level. We take a look back at the starters from that May day in 2010 and where they are now.JACK BUTLAND
      Heralded as a potential goalie legend, Butland started off his career at Birmingham before moving to Stoke City in a £3.5million deal.
      He made his full debut for England in a 2012 defeat to Italy – and is still to this day the youngest goalie to ever play for the Three Lions.
      In 2015, he was handed the No1 jersey by Mark Hughes when Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
      However, a series of injuries to a bothersome ankle hampered his progress.
      Still only 30, Butland has move to Rangers in Scotland after a spell at Crystal Palace.
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      BRUNO PILATOS
      Originally a promising Middlesbrough full-back, Pilatos signed for Swedish side Ytterhogdal in 2016 after failing to secure first-team football.
      He was released again in 2017, and in 2018 spent two months in Scotland with Livingston FC, according to his LinkedIn page.
      Pilatos was last known to be plying his trade for non-league Bishop Auckland.
      LUKE GARBUTT
      Predicted to be the heir to Leighton Baines, Garbutt was an attacking left-back in a similar mould to the Everton legend.
      But he failed to establish himself with the Toffees, and was sold to Blackpool in 2020.
      He also had several loans with Ipswich Town – and has enjoyed loan spells at Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United in the past.
      Garbutt now plays his football for Salford City.
      Luke Garbutt failed to make the grade at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
      When Chalobah was starring at centre half for England’s U17 team he was a promising Chelsea starlet, alongside brother Trevoh.
      In 2012 he enjoyed a loan at Watford, impressed at Middlesbrough and Reading, which led to a move to Napoli.
      Five years later, upon his return to the Blues, he was sold to Watford.
      Chalobah was signed by Fulham in 2021, before moving to West Brom in the January transfer window.
      Nathaniel Chalobah struggled with injuries at WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      ANDRE WISDOM
      The central defender managed to make 22 appearances with Liverpool, often at right-back.
      But it was always going to be a big ask to break into a Reds side brimming with talent.
      He was playing in the Championship with Derby from 2017 after impressing on loan there during the 2013-14 season, but quit the club in 2021 and has been a free agent since.
      Andre Wisdom has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017Credit: JOHN CLIFTON
      CONOR COADY
      Coady failed to make the grade at Liverpool.
      However, at Wolves he became a steady Premier League player and captained the side.
      In August 2020 he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England senior side and went on to be part of the Euros squad.
      Last season, he was loaned out to Everton where he helped the side avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign.
      Leicester recently splashed £7.5million on the centre back, as they look to bounce back from relegation.
      Conor Coady is now captain at WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      WILL KEANE
      The Manchester United starlet played three times at Old Trafford, but was never good enough to make the grade.
      Most of his career has been spent plying his trade in the Championship with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, before he signed for Hull and Ipswich.
      He now plays for Wigan. He has also made himself available for the Republic of Ireland.
      Former Man Utd starlet Will Keane reps Ireland nowCredit: Rex Features
      ROSS BARKLEY
      The cream of the crop after breaking into the Everton side as a teen, Barkley showed flashes of brilliance that saw him compared to Paul Gascoigne.
      Sadly, he never managed to sustain his form with the Toffees, and a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for £15million was seen as a chance for him to start afresh.
      He didn’t live up to expectation at Chelsea, and was shipped off to Aston Villa on loan.
      With Dean Smith’s side, the 29-year-old did show glimpses of the old magic, but that failed to earn him a permanent move.
      Nice bought him last year, but he was released by the French club at the end of June.
      Ross Barkley moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15millionCredit: Alamy Live News
      JOSH McEACHRAN
      Chelsea product McEachran was dubbed a class outfit at youth level for the Blues because of his brilliance on the ball.
      The tidy midfielder managed to play 11 times for the West Londoners, before he was sold to Brentford in 2017 for £750,000. In 2019, he moved to Birmingham for a free transfer.
      He was released at the end of the January transfer window in 2021 and had a spell at Milton Keynes Dons.
      This month, McEachran signed for Oxford United.
      Josh McEachran played 11 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BENIK AFOBE
      The former Arsenal starlet was once targeted by Barcelona before committing a deal as a youngster with the Gunners.
      Following a series of loans, most successfully at Wolves when they were in the Championship, Premier League Bournemouth paid £10million for Afobe’s services.
      He failed to live up to standards of the top division, and was loaned out to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
      He has since gone on to play for DR Congo, but a spell at Millwall couldn’t reignite his career.
      Afobe has since set up home in Dubai, where he plays for Hatta Club.
      Ex-Arsenal starlet Afobe has found goals hard to come by at the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CONNOR WICKHAM
      After showing promise with Ipswich in the Championship, the powerful centre forward signed for Premier League Sunderland in a deal worth £12million in 2011.
      In his four years with the Black Cats he struggled for goals – scoring just 15 times in 91 games.
      In 2015, Crystal Palace signed Wickham for £9million – but a serious knee injury put pay to his progress in South London.
      His fall from grace has now seen him play for Milton Keynes Dons, then Forest Green Rovers and recently Cardiff City until the end of the last campaign.
      Connor Wickham celebrates scoring for Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Empics Sport More