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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy names Aaron Ramsey as captain before hailing Liverpool teen star Lewis Koumas

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      AARON RAMSEY will remain Wales captain but has been told to inspire Liverpool whizkid Lewis Koumas.New Dragons boss Craig Bellamy named his first squad on Wednesday with Ramsey leading a 24-man party into next month’s Nations League ties with Turkey and Montenegro.Craig Bellamy named his first Wales squad on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday morningCredit: GettyLewis Koumas, 18, is in the squad and has scored two goals in his last two games for Stoke on loan from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyBellamy is adamant Cardiff midfield star Ramsey, 33, who has not played for Wales in almost a year, can make a positive impact on the likes of Stoke loanee Koumas, 18.Rambo has suffered a series of injuries since his last international against Latvia in September 2023.The 84-cap ace missed the summer friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia.But he has completed 90 minutes in each of Cardiff’s three opening Championship matches this season.read more in footballBellamy said: “He will be captain. I didn’t see any reason to change that for the time being. “I understand the role of the captaincy as I was captain for Wales through all the age groups and into the senior team.”I’m aware of what he’s doing, his training programmes. You can’t doubt his quality.  “We’re talking about one of the best players to ever play for Wales. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A player that’s represented Arsenal, he’s won cups, played in a World Cup, gone to Juventus and his experience with Nice. “Young players are aspiring to be him and he can help them with that.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″If you watch his attitude and the details of what he does, that’s what has allowed him to play at a top level for so long. “That’s great to have around. He’s still got football in him.”Ramsey recovered from a horrific leg break after a shocking challenge by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in 2010 to play at three major tournaments for Wales and the next target is the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy, who kicks off his reign against the Turks in Cardiff a week on Friday, added: “He was able to come back from that and for what he has achieved in his career tells me he is mentally strong.”He still has a lot to offer and the way we want to play will help him a lot and be perfect for him. I still see a  good footballer.”Koumas, the son of ex-Wales midfielder Jason, is on loan at Stoke from Arne Slot’s Reds. The teen striker made his international bow in the friendly double-header in June, ex-boss Robert Page’s final matches in charge.The two-cap ace scored against West Brom in the league last Saturday as well as Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win at Middlesbrough.Bellamy added: “I’ve got young Lewis who wants to become one of the top players. He’s just unbelievable to watch. “He’s fearless and I love that type of profile and player.”His father was incredible but I hope his attitude is better and he takes himself more seriously. “Every time he gets the ball then something positive happens. They are the players you love to coach.”I’m sure he would have looked up to Aaron for a number of years.”Now he gets to see what elite really looks like and I’d like to believe that will develop him quicker. He gets to see his actions, hear him talk and get certain information. “I was lucky I had Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, senior players who I had admired from afar, I caught the end of Ian Rush, who was my hero. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was able to pick up little bits and see what a serious player was. It benefitted me.”Wales squadDanny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl DarlowBen Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor RobertsJordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Cooper, Sorba ThomasKieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Rabbi Matondo More

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      Wales’ Nations League clash moved at 13 days’ notice with stadium unfit for purpose and huge patches of grass missing

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      WALES’ clash with Montenegro has been moved due to the stadium being unfit for purpose.The Nations League fixture was scheduled to take place at the Gradski Stadium three days after Wales face Turkey in Cardiff.Wales’ match against Montenegro has seen the venue changeCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy’s side will now play in a 5,000-capacity groundCredit: GettyHowever, Craig Bellamy’s side will now play at the 5,000-capacity City Stadium, which is home to FK Sutjeska and regularly hosts Montenegro’s U21 matches.The original venue in Podgorica has been deemed unplayable due to concerns over the playing surface.A Football Association of Wales statement read: “Following concerns over the quality of the playing surface at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica, Uefa has confirmed that the Nations League match between Montenegro and Cymru on 9 September will be moved to Nikšić.“The FAW acknowledges the inconvenience that this announcement will have on Cymru’s travelling fans, who have already planned for Podgorica.READ MORE IN SPORT“Therefore, the FAW is currently in discussions with UEFA and the Football Association of Montenegro to limit the disruption caused by this late announcement to the Cymru national team and The Red Wall.“The FAW will provide an update when further information is confirmed.”The pitch was visited by Uefa officials on the weekend in order to be examined.They found that it was dry and cratered in spots with large patches of grass missing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe switch will affect the 700 travelling Wales fans who had booked accommodation in Podgorica, who will now have to make appropriate arrangements.Bellamy was appointed as the Wales boss in July after leaving Burnley.Players rushed off the pitch as fire breaks out in stadium as cup game suspended with pitch engulfed in cloud of smokeThe Nations League fixtures will be his first as the national team coach.The former Premier League striker has been set the target of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We want to qualify for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and we felt that Craig was the right choice there.“It’s a really exciting appointment. We do see the Nations League as a chance for Craig to input his ideas, mindful of the fact that we would like to get some results in this Nations League as well, of course.“However, ultimately, here it’s about tournament qualification. That’s what it’s about.“We want to be in America, Canada, Mexico in 2026 and when we host the Euros here in 2028, we want to have a brilliant side that goes out there and represents Wales really well.“It’s fine to get to a tournament but, once you get to the tournament, it’s how you present yourself at these tournaments and how you deliver at these tournaments.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and vandalised years after hosting Olympics, Six Nations and TWO euro giants

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      A SPORTS STADIUM that once hosted an Olympic Games, several Six Nations matches and two Serie A giants has been left completely abandoned.The Stadio Flaminio in Rome was once the home of Italy’s national rugby union team, but it has also been used for football.The Stadio Flamino is now in a state of disrepairCredit: RexThe stands of the stadium are crumblingCredit: RexThe stadium has been abandoned and the pitch has become overgrownCredit: RexBuilt on the site of the demolished Stadio Nazionale PNF – which hosted the 1934 World Cup final – it opened in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Olympic Games.It became a hugely popular venue during the 1980s when some of the world’s biggest music artists performed there.Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2 took to the stage in the late 80s in front of 45,000 to 65,000 fans.Following the music season, Lazio and Roma temporarily moved there while the Stadio Olimpico was being refurbished.Read More on FootballLower league side Atletico Roma later called it home.Between 2010 and 2011 the Stadio Flaminio hosted Italy’s Six Nations matches.It was due to be redeveloped before the 2012 Six Nations with a 42,000 capacity planned.However, the proposed renovations fell through and the Italian Rugby Federation moved to a new home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the years that followed, Stadio Flaminio became neglected.It is now in a state of disrepair with an overgrown pitch and crumbling stands.However, there is hope that given the adequate funding it can become a fully-functioning, multi-purpose venue once again.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe stadium previously hosted an Olympic games and Six Nations matchesCredit: RexMusic artists such as Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen have also performed thereCredit: RexThe pitch has become severely overgrownCredit: Rex More

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      England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

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      ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More

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      Shocking moment ‘piece of s***’ fan sucker punches 15-year-old during rugby match as furious dad vows to hunt him down

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      A RUGBY LEAGUE match was suspended after a fan punched a 15-year-old player.The Auckland Rugby League under-16s fixture between the Otara Scorpions and Manurewa Marlins was marred by the incident.A fan in a blue top walked onto the field to confront a playerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyHe appeared to swing his fist at the player’s headCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyThe player managed to move out of the way of the punchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyFootage has shown a man walking onto the field and throwing a punch at the Scorpions player.Fortunately, the player was able to move out of the way and reduce the amount of contact made by the attack.The father of the player has now called on social media to help him identify the fan.He wrote: “Needing help identifying this piece of s*** in the blue/yellow/white top who thought it was OK to run on the field and blind shot my 15yr old son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Manurewa Marlins won’t give up his name, so I’m letting social media do its thing.”The Marlins char Karla Matua argued that social media does “not always show the full context of the situation.”She also claimed that they are “aware and have evidence to support this.”Matua told New Zealand website Newshub: “Our priority has been to ensure our team and team management are safe mentally, physically and spiritually and we have wrapped support services around them.Most read in Football”We are in positive dialogue with Otara RL and both clubs want the same thing, for our kids to be safe and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.”We are following ARL (Auckland Rugby League) processes and look forward to positive outcomes for our kids and whānau [families].”Otara Rugby League club general manager Willie Maea has insisted that they are trying to identify the spectator alongside the help of the Marlins.The club will then bring the matter to the police once it is confirmed.Maea said: “While the actions on the field were controlled by the referee, they don’t condone adults coming on the field.”For us, we’re wanting to identify these men, charge them with assault and trespass them from this ground.”The ARL have also released a statement on the incident and confirmed that the police would be involved.It read: “ARL has zero tolerance for this type of violence and behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have judicial processes in place and when necessary, we will involve the police.”This matter is now being managed by the police and we are unable to be commenting further.” More

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      I played in the Premier League – but since I retired I have tried my hand at THREE different sports

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      FROM football to rugby, golf and then horseracing, it has been an incredible sporting merry-go-round for Jay Tabb over the last decade.The former midfielder, who celebrated his 40th birthday last month, spent six years at Brentford from 2000 to 2006 before switching to Coventry, where he was voted fans’ Player of the Year in 2007-08.Jay Tabb has gone from playing Premier League football to trying out three new sportsCredit: PATabb’s latest adventure is in horseracingCredit: RexHe then went on to help Reading to the Championship title in 2011-12, a promotion that earned him 12 Premier League appearances before playing the final three years of his career at Ipswich in the second tier.He quit aged 32 in 2016 — and his ambitions have been unlike any other footballer after hanging up his boots.He has worked as a builder, played amateur rugby union, reduced his golf handicap down to five and caddied on the Ladies’ European Tour.He also qualified from horseracing’s Northern Racing College in Doncaster and went on to ride the Philip Hobbs-trained Umndeni to sixth place at Wincanton in the Fitzdares Racing Welfare Charity flat race in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTabb said: “In the last couple of years of my football career at Ipswich, working under manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor was brilliant. I cannot speak highly enough about them.“But I knew that my playing days were coming to an end.“I had lost my appetite for the game. I know this sounds weird but I have really missed football — but I have not missed playing since the day I quit.“I was in a bubble. I loved the atmosphere of being involved but I lost my mojo for playing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Football has been incredibly kind to me and I will be forever grateful for the path it’s allowed me to take in my professional life.“But I had new challenges once I stopped — and when the opportunity came along to play rugby or golf, and train and ride horses, it has been a pretty amazing journey.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHe has had a go at golf after quitting football aged 32Credit: GettyTabb also played semi-pro rugby while working a 9-5Between retiring and racing college, Tabb played rugby with his brother Harry, worked as a labourer with his father Tony, fitting bathrooms and renovating houses, and caddied for Lauren Horsford.He explained: “My family have always been rugby mad and my brother was a pretty decent player.“The moment I stopped playing football, the chance to play rugby was something I always wanted to do.“The fact that I had a sibling involved in the sport and had friends who were all keen for me to give it a go was extra motivation.“Playing for the semi-pro Old Wimbledonians was not rugby at the highest level but it was still a decent standard.”It was former Coventry team-mate and room-mate Ben Turner who introduced Jay to racing by putting it on the telly after training.They co-owned Mister Miyagi, who won twice at Cheltenham, giving Tabb a view of the winners’ enclosure.He added: “There is nothing like Cheltenham. It has been another brilliant week for racing.“My dream would be to ride in one of the amateur races at the Festival.”But for Tabb it’s not about becoming a jockey.Tabb is loving the life of a jockeyHe made his name as a footballer at BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe added: “I was 35 when I first went into racing — which is very late.“I am still as serious about working in the sport long term.“I had an eye-opening two-year apprenticeship at trainer Philip Hobbs’ yard as a stable lad.“I have so much respect for jockeys and the incredible schedule they have. It’s not until you sit on a racehorse that you can fully appreciate how fit you have to be and how they are putting their lives on the line.“I’m glad that I have come to learn how to ride a horse, because you can put things off.“I thought: ‘Life’s too short, I’m not enjoying football, I do have other interests.’ So it was the right time.”Growing up, football was everything to Tabb. He is a mad Chelsea fan but first got his chance at the West Ham academy.He said: “My heroes were Dennis Wise and Gianfranco Zola.“After moving on from West Ham, I went to Crystal Palace where I was eventually rejected.“I did seriously think that my football career had finished before it had even started at Palace.Tabb also played for Coventry, Ipswich and ReadingCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was also capped by the Republic of Ireland’s youth sidesCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription“But then I joined Brentford, where I had a brilliant mentor in Wally Downes, who believed in me and gave me my chance.“A year to the day after I left Palace, I made my first-team debut for Brentford against Luton — and I started the game too.“I worked under some great coaches at Griffin Park like Wally, Martin Allen and Steve Coppell.”He was reunited with Coppell at Reading in 2009.He said: “It felt very familiar, joining Reading and being part of Steve’s management.“It was a brilliant, success-driven mentality even after Steve left.“Winning the Championship title under Brian McDermott and being able to play in the Premier League were the biggest highs of my career.“Playing in the top-flight was another huge ambition realised.”He has recently sorted a framed montage picture of himself playing for each of his four clubs for his home.READ MORE SUN STORIESTabb added: “They are all wonderful clubs with incredible fan bases.“I am hugely proud to have represented  them all and every time I look at the picture I am reminded of a brilliant 16 years in the game.” More

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      Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie flashes bra in see-through lace top as fans call her ‘beautiful woman’

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      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie has left her fans in awe as she hung out in the streets of Paris.Shearer’s 29-year-old daughter has built a strong following on social media with a series of glam pics and is often sharing fashion tips online.
      Hollie Shearer took social media by storm once moreCredit: Instagram
      Hollie took to the streets of Paris with a glam outfitCredit: Instagram
      Hollie left her Instagram followers in aweCredit: Instagram
      This time she took to the streets of the French capital with a see-through top and a pair of jeans.
      Hollie issued the following caption on Instagram: “Strolling the streets of Paris.”
      Her 83,000 followers took to the comments’ section soon after she posted those three photos.
      One fan posted: “Beautiful woman.”
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      Another commented: “Gorgeous.”
      A third wrote: “Lovely pictures.”
      This fan said: “Stunning.”
      And that one gushed: “Beaut.”
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      Away from the camera, Hollie is a singer-songwriter and released a number of singles over the past few years.
      The social media model is dating England rugby superstar Joe Marchant and lives in Paris with the Stade Francais centre.
      Alan Shearer’s glamorous daughter Hollie shows off her toned tummy in crop top leaving fans in love with her outfit-
      The couple recently holidayed in Marrakech and kept fans up to date with their travels.
      Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…
      Hollie is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and pundit Alan Shearer
      Father and daughter; Hollie with dad Alan
      Hollie has become a social media star in her own right
      Hollie boasts over 83,000 followers on Instagram
      Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
      She supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: Instagram
      Hollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: Instagram
      Hollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1
      Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in France alongside his sister Melita, mum Sue and dad JoeCredit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: Instagram
      Hollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to Greece
      Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
      Hollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: Instagram
      She has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Hollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswim
      She treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      The singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      She loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      Hollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goal
      Hollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      Hollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More

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      Newcastle star Anthony Gordon spotted leaving ground on crutches as Eddie Howe’s injury crisis goes from bad to worse

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      ANTHONY GORDON left St James’ Park on crutches in yet another Newcastle injury blow.The Toon winger, 22, was subbed off at half-time in the thrilling 4-4 draw with Luton this afternoon.
      Anthony Gordon was spotted on crutches with his right foot in a protective bootCredit: X
      Pictures emerged afterwards of the Englishman limping past the dugouts using crutches with his right foot in a protective boot.
      And it could prove to be another major problem for Eddie Howe if £45million attacker Gordon is sidelined with a serious issue.
      Howe said: “It looked like he twisted his ankle.
      “I wasn’t sure on the incident, I didn’t see what happened.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “But he was in a lot of pain at half-time and had to come off.”
      Howe was then asked how bad the injury looks to be.
      The Magpies chief replied: “No idea.
      “It was sore enough for him to come off, that was his decision, he knew he couldn’t continue.
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      “So obviously we hope it’s not bad, he’s such an important player for us and we missed him when he went off.”
      Newcastle’s squad is already decimated with absentees.
      Joelinton looks set to miss the rest of the season while Nick Pope is unavailable after dislocating his shoulder.
      Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Jamaal Lascelles are also injured while Sandro Tonali remains banned.
      And to make matters worse, star striker Alexander Isak missed the clash with the Hatters.
      Howe added: “Isak has got a slight groin injury, we don’t think it’s too serious.
      “We don’t yet know when he’ll be back.”
      In more positive news, though, Harvey Barnes made a goalscoring return after four months on the sidelines.
      The ex-Leicester wide man replaced Miguel Almiron just after the hour mark and ten minutes later grabbed the eighth goal of a bonkers Premier League clash.
      Gordon played 45 minutes in the 4-4 draw with LutonCredit: Getty More