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    Russell Martin in frame for Rangers job with ex-Ibrox star viewed as serious contender by influential boardroom figures

    RANGERS have confirmed Philippe Clement has been sacked after 16 months in the job.Now we can reveal a former Gers defender is one of the names in the frame to take over.Russell Martin is in the frame for the Rangers jobCredit: ReutersHe had a spell at Rangers as a playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationPhilippe Clement has been sackedCredit: GettySunSport were first to break the news on Sunday afternoon that the Belgian was on his way out of Ibrox.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren was the final straw for directors with Clement finally told his time was up by chief executive Patrick Stewart.We can now reveal former defender Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over.The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it’s understood he’s regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.READ MORE RANGERS STORIESThe bookies have installed Steven Gerrard as the favourite to make a sensational return.But it’s believed the Liverpool legend – who guided Gers to the Premiership title in 2021 – may not believe the time is right.The likelihood is that Ibrox chiefs will name a caretaker boss for Wednesday’s league clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.Under-18s coach Kevin Thomson and Clement’s No2 Issame Charai are distinct possibilities. The Daily Record have also named former Ger Barry Ferguson as another potential short-term candidate.Most read in FootballClement was informed of the club’s decision following behind-the-scenes talks throughout Saturday night and yesterday.A statement released by the club last night confirmed: “Rangers Football club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement. The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSport“The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. “A further update from the club will follow in due course.”Gers will now be obliged to pay out a hefty severance deal to the 50 year-old Belgian and his backroom staff.The club handed Clement a bumper new deal last August which meant he was due a big money pay-off if he was sacked.The current board were hoping to avoid wielding the axe. But a decision was made yesterday to part ways with Clement with fans demanding he was shown the door.He survived after Gers crashed out of the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park.But Clement himself admitted the performance in the weekend defeat to St Mirren was an even worse display.Asked about his future following that latest defeat – which has Gers 13 points behind rivals Celtic – he said: “Those are things the board needs to decide. “In the end, I believe these players want to do the right things.“I believe I can get results with these players. “But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today – and I am responsible for that.“Today was by far not the performance that we have seen in the past. “It was by far the worst performance from my time here.“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous on the ball and in the duels, in everything.“I don’t know where it’s coming from. “That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.“There were a few better spells, but by far we were not what Rangers should be.“I saw the team drifting apart in islands. “That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and gone behind we have reacted as a team.“Today, it was reacting one on one and not as a team. “Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance “Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the first place it’s my responsibility.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Philippe Clement SACKED by Rangers as Ibrox chiefs finally end boss’ turbulent reign after only 16 months

    PHILIPPE CLEMENT has been SACKED as manager of Rangers.Ibrox chiefs have finally decided enough is enough with Clement dismissed just 16 months after taking charge.Clement has been dismissed by RangersCredit: PARangers CEO Patrick Stewart (left) and chairman Fraser Thornton (right) watching on in MotherwellCredit: Willie VassAlex Rae was Clement’s first-team coach with previous No2 Andries Ulderink (centre) drafted in as assistant manager in the summerCredit: Willie VassSunSport exclusively revealed late on Sunday afternoon that Clement was set for the Ibrox sack.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren proved the final straw and the club have now confirmed the manager’s exit.Clement replaced Michael Beale as Rangers manager in October 2023 and won the League Cup less than two months into his tenure.The former Monaco boss also led Rangers into an unexpected title challenge, but it was a challenge that ultimately fell apart towards the end of the season.The Gers would eventually finish eight points behind champions Celtic.There has barely been a hint of a title challenge this season, with Rangers’ campaign all but over by February.The Light Blues trail rivals Celtic by THIRTEEN points and also lost the League Cup Final to the Hoops back in December.Dire form either side of a 3-0 league win over Celtic in early January led to major fan protests, with supporters WALKING OUT during the match with St Johnstone.Most read in FootballDespite fans demanding change, new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart publicly BLACKED Clement last month.An upturn in form bought Clement some much-needed credit.The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSportRangers were on a run of five domestic games unbeaten when Queen’s Park visited Ibrox on February 9.However, Clement’s side would lose 1-0 to their Championship opponents in a result viewed as one of the worst in the club’s history.A video surfaced online showing Clement walking a gauntlet of some furious abuse as he left Ibrox following the humiliating loss.He would, however, keep his job.Speaking last week, Gers CEO Stewart branded that result ‘a source of shame’ but still insisted it was still wasn’t the right decision NOT so sack Clement.Those comments came before the dramatic developments regarding the financial muscle of NFL giants San Francisco 49ers closing in on a stunning takeover of Rangers came to light.The weekend would prove another horror show with Rangers, one that Clement branded the WORST performance since he took charge.The Gers fell to a 2-0 home defeat against St Mirren, the first time the Buddies had won at Ibrox since 1991.It was also the Saints’ first time recording back-to-back wins over the Light Blues for more than FORTY years.And despite the words of the chief executive last week, Gers chiefs have decided they can no longer back Clement as boss.The 50-year old has been axed just six months after signing a contract extension until 2028.Rangers’ form in Europe has been good, with a last 16 Europa League tie with Fenerbahce on the horizon.CEO Stewart had claimed the Light Blues’ excellent showing on the continent meant it was too much of a RISK to dismiss Clement.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that European performance hasn’t ultimately been enough to save him.PHILIPPE CLEMENT: THE NUMBERSGAMES: 86WINS: 55DRAWS: 16LOSSES: 15WIN PERCENTAGE: 65%TROPHIES: 1 (2023 League Cup)Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Philippe Clement set to be SACKED by Rangers with Ibrox chiefs on verge of dismissing under-fire Belgian boss

    PHILIPPE CLEMENT is on the brink of being sacked by Rangers.SunSport understands Ibrox chiefs are on the verge of axing the Belgian following the 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren.Philippe Clement is on the brink of being sacked by RangersCredit: GettyRangers CEO Patrick Stewart watched on at Ibrox on SaturdayCredit: PAClement, 50, has been in charge of the since October 2023, when he was named Michael Beale’s successor.But the Belgian looks set to be relieved of his duties having won just one League Cup during his tenure – with a caretaker boss named for this midweek’s league clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.The shock Scottish Cup exit to Championship Queen’s Park pushed Clement towards the exit door.But the club’s hierarchy refused to fire him while they were engaged in take-over discussions with potential US investors and a Europa League clash ahead.Yesterday’s defeat to Stephen Robinson’s Buddies, however, looks certain to prove the final straw after angry fans vented their fury after the final whistle.Clement was eager to battle on in the job.But asked about his future following the latest defeat – which has Gers 13 points behind rivals Celtic – he said: “Those are things the board needs to decide. “In the end, I believe these players want to do the right things.Most read in Football“I believe I can get results with these players. “But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today – and I am responsible for that.Rangers star Cyriel Dessers responds to questions on Philippe Clement’s future as he empathises with raging fans“Today was by far not the performance that we have seen in the past. “It was by far the worst performance from my time here.“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous on the ball and in the duels, in everything.“I don’t know where it’s coming from. “That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.“Those are things the board needs to decide. I believe I can get results with these players.“But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today — and I am responsible for that.”Philippe Clementspeaking after 2-0 defeat to St Mirren“There were a few better spells, but by far we were not what Rangers should be.“I saw the team drifting apart in islands. “That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and gone behind we have reacted as a team.“Today, it was reacting one on one and not as a team. “Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance “Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the first place it’s my responsibility.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Tributes flood in as Celtic European Cup final hero dies

    TRIBUTES are being paid to former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams, who has sadly died at the age of 81.Williams, born in Dumbarton, played for the Hoops between 1969 and 1974 and was the goalie for their second European Cup final appearance.Evan Williams (right) at the funeral of fellow Celtic hero Tommy GemmellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowWilliams in action for Celtic in the 1972 Drybrough Cup final against AberdeenCredit: Scottish News and SportWhen Celtic took on Feyenoord in 1970, Williams won man of the match on a night when the Glasgow side lost 2-0 but it could have been a lot worse if not for the man between the sticks pulling off a string of impressive saves.Williams was the first choice ‘keeper in three league title-winning seasons from 1970 through to 1972 and had the unenviable task of taking over from Lisbon Lion hero Ronnie Simpson.He held onto the No.1 jersey after signing from Wolves despite the attentions of John Fallon and Denis Connaghan.Williams made 148 appearances for Celtic before leaving to join Kilmarnock, taking with him four league winners’ medals and two Scottish Cup winners’ medals.Hugh Jordan, a journalist who was a friend of Williams, posted on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness I report the death of my friend Evan Williams, the former Celtic goalkeeper. “He passed away in Helensburgh earlier today, aged 81. “As schoolboys, Evan and I both played football for St.Patrick’s, Dumbarton, although he was a few years older. Not a lot of people know this, but Evan was capped as a schoolboy international playing outfield, which he did at every opportunity. “He would have been well suited to the modern game. Evan signed for Celtic after a stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers and he soon became Jock Stein’s most trusted keeper. Most read in Football”He gave a great performance in the 1972 European Cup final when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord and afterwards, Dutch superstar Wim Van Hannigan handed Evan his jersey, which he treasured. “40 years ago in July, I accidentally broke my arm, but hadn’t realised until I woke up in agony at 3.00am. Unable to move, I rang Evan who was working as a taxi driver. He came straight over, helped me get dressed and took me to hospital. Barry Robson Part 2 The Tommy Burns quip which brought him crashing to earth on day one at Celtic and the attitude problems which hit him at Rangers”Evan’s dad was Welsh and although I didn’t know him, I knew his mum Nellie very well. She was very proud of Evan and so was I. “I fondly remember great European nights at Celtic Park when he provided a safe pair of hands between the posts.”Upon hearing the news, one fan said: “Sad to hear the news that former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away.”Another said: “So sad to hear my old school friend and Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away rest in peace God bless, hail hail.”Maryhill Bertie Auld CSC commented: “Rest in peace Evan Williams. A lovely man and a great Celt.”While this supporter said: “Farewell to Evan Williams who has passed away. The first goalie I ever saw play for Celtic in 1972. A Celt to the core. rest in peace, Evan.”David Currie, who was coached by Williams, recalled: “Sad to hear of the passing of former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams. He was my goalie coach at Dumbarton Harp under 21s and I remember he would regularly tell me that Pelé ‘took two touches but scored three goals’ against him! Lovely guy and great coach. RIP the ‘Golden Throw’.”Legendary Celts boss Jock Stein once said of Williams: “I didn’t realise how important you were to Celtic until you weren’t there anymore, and I didn’t realise that goalkeeper is the hardest position of all.”Williams also played for East Fife, Third Lanark, Aston Villa, Clyde and Stranraer before retiring in 1976.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe managed Vale of Leven and then Ardeer Thistle in the junior ranks.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Arsenal complete first transfer of 2025 as they move for 15-year-old wonderkid defender from St Johnstone

    ARSENAL have reportedly completed their first transfer for 2025.The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Scottish wonderkid Callan Hamill.Callan Hamill will join Arsenal in JulyCredit: GettyHe impressed Jack Wilshere before the former Gunner left for Norwich CityCredit: GettyHamill, 15, will officially join the club on July 1 as he will leave St Johnstone.The Athletic claim that Arsenal have agreed to a six-figure package plus add-ons to sign the defender.The Scottish club are entitled to at least £100,000 in cross-border compensation.Hamill has already trained with Arsenal’s under-18 group more than once.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Scottish Sun claimed that he caught the eye of former Gunner Jack Wilshere before he then left for Norwich City in October.He also took part in an international tournament in July 2024.Last summer he had the chance to move to Rangers and Celtic but rejected the Old Firm pair.Hamill opted to extend his stay at St Johnstone and committed himself to a one-year contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut on March 1, he will be eligible to travel south and across the border to move to England as he will be 16.Callan is mostly viewed as a defender by can also feature in midfield.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’This season, he has been used in St Johnstone’s under-18s squad.Callan even starred for Scotland’s Under-16s on Wednesday as he netted his first international goal in the win over Cyprus.He spoke about the achievement after the game.He said: “It was a very proud moment for me and my family to score my first international goal for my country.”A corner came in and I ran across the front post and attacked it and blasted it into the back of the next.”It was an amazing feeling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Arsenal will continue their title challenge with Liverpool, as they face West Ham on Saturday.The Gunners then travel to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. More

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    Rangers at centre of advanced talks over stunning San Francisco 49ers takeover

    SAN FRANCISCO 49ers chief Paraag Marathe is part of a US-led Rangers takeover bid.The NFL supremo is involved in a consortium hoping to take control of the Ibrox club.Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers EnterprisesCredit: GettyMarathe speaks out at Levis StadiumCredit: GettyLeeds United chairman Marathe and fellow US business figures have held detailed talks with the Gers hierarchy in recent months.SunSport understands current board member, the American John Halsted, has been a prominent figure in bringing potential investors to the table.And this could lead to the 49ers being part of a major multi-million pound investment – should a deal be struck.Ibrox sources insist there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome as high-level discussions continue.But there is hope that an agreement can be reached with the US investors to kick off a new era at Gers.The consortium see huge potential in the Ibrox club, with possible access to the Champions League a reward for domestic success.They also view Scottish football as a prime environment to bring in young talent and adopt a successful player-trading model.Marathe heads up the 49ers Enterprises arm – which seeks to ‘oversee outside business ventures, advisory efforts, and major investment opportunities for the club’.Most read in FootballHe is also Executive VP of Football Operations for the NFL giants.Marathe orchestrated the 49ers’ takeover of Leeds in 2023 after years of investment and is driving their bid for Premier League promotion.Under the SFA’s dual ownership stance, this could limit the 49ers’ ability to snap up a Gers shareholding of over 29.9 per cent – the amount Bournemouth supremo Bill Foley was allowed to control in Hibs.Deebo Samuel facing major San Francisco 49ers punishment after taking a swing at his own teammates in shocking scenes However, there are other US investors keen to plunge money into Gers as part of a wider consortium.These figures believe Marathe’s experience of British football can be of huge significance as part of a potential deal to revive Rangers.And the 49ers – bankrolled by the York family – could extend their portfolio by investing in the Ibrox giants.Speaking at the club’s AGM last year, interim chairman John Gilligan made it clear that Rangers were open to a cash injection.The Ibrox club are currently strapped for cash after posting a £17.2million loss last year.Boss Philippe Clement was limited to just one loan signing in January, with runaway league leaders Celtic favourites to complete another Treble.The Lowdown: The San Francisco 49ersEverything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ersFounded: Established in 1946 as part of the AAFC; joined the NFL in 1949.Team Name Origin: Named after the prospectors of the 1849 California Gold Rush.Location: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area; home games played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.Team Colours: Red, gold, and white, representing the Gold Rush heritage.Super Bowl Success: Five-time Super Bowl champions (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994 seasons).Key Players in History: Legends include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott.Hall of Fame: Many inductees, including Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.The West Coast Offence: Known for popularising Bill Walsh’s innovative passing strategy in the 1980s.Rivalries: Major rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams.Community Impact: Active in charity and youth programmes through the 49ers Foundation.But back in December, Gilligan promised fans that change was coming.He told shareholders: “There is fresh investment coming into the club.“The current investors have invested considerably over the years and are willing to do so again.“We are open to anyone who approaches us on investment.“We get approaches from all over the world from various sources.“But it has to be the right people and the right conditions and for the right amount of shares.San Francisco quarter back Brock Purdy“We don’t want one person owning the club.”Rangers’ current shareholding group is varied – with former chairman Dave King still owning around 13 per cent.Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson and John Bennett also have a significant amount of shares.It’s believed several of them would be willing to cut a deal for the right price, if they felt it was in the best interests of the club. The Rangers board already has strong American ties, with non-executive director Alastair Johnston vice chairman of US-based IMG – a leading sports and entertainment group.Wyoming-based Halsted became a Gers investor in 2021 through Perron Investments, LLC.There’s been a spate of tie-ins between the US sport and British football with Tom Brady is the co-owner of a Birmingham City side which has many ex-Gers stars on the payroll in the form of Scott Wright, Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell.READ MORE SUN STORIESJJ Watt is a minority investor in a Burnley side which currently sits third in the EFL Championship table. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Bayern Munich 1 Celtic 1 (3-2 on agg): Scots dumped OUT of Champions League after heartbreaking goal in dying seconds

    HARRY KANE’S Champions League dream is alive and kicking – just – as Bayern Munich scraped past brave Celtic.Alphonso Davies bundled home from a yard out at the death to keep their hopes of lifting the famous trophy for a seventh time in their own city intact.Celtic suffered heartbreak at the death to be knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAlphonso Davies scored a last second equaliser to win the game on aggregateCredit: ReutersBrendan Rodgers’ side were on the brink of forcing extra time in BavariaCredit: RexHarry Kane’s dream of European glory lives onCredit: RexHowever, it was heartbreak for Brendan Rodgers and his side after they missed a host of glorious chances.England’s top goalscorer barely had a touch before he was taken off at the break amid fears the facial injury that kept him out of training on Monday had flared up again.He still managed to hit the woodwork – but he and his team-mates were the fortunate ones not to be trailing at the break as they were almost caught cold.Celtic made a flying start in trying to secure a first knockout tie in this competition for 36 years and should have been at least two up inside the opening 20 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptain Callum McGregor sliced over after being sent clean through early on.The Bhoys carved the hosts wide open again when Jota flew past Josip Stanisic and pulled it from the left to the unmarked Nicolas Kuhn.The ex-Bayern ace met it left footed at the far post and beat Manuel Neuer, but Raphael Guerreiro was able to clear on the line.Vincent Kompany’s side were struggling and alarm bells started to ring as Celtic came close once more.Most read in FootballKasper Schmeichel had a superb gameNicolas Kuhn gave Celtic the lead and looked to start a miracle in MunichCredit: RexKuhn capitalised on a Kim Min-jae mistakeCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis time Kuhn flashed a ball along the front of goal but team-mate Daizen Maeda was just unable to reach.Bayern looked completely rattled, but once more the visitors failed to take advantage when Maeda shot wide with a first-time effort to leave Brendan Rodgers tearing his hair out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern Kane, chasing his 30th goal of the season, almost punished Celtic as he forced his ex-Leicester City team-mate Kasper Schmeichel into action.Bayern were now starting to get a grip of the game with Joshua Kimmich shooting wide from 20 yards.And Kane, who only had ten touches during the opening period, almost broke the deadlock with the last kick of the half as he rattled the crossbar from 12 yards.That would be the hotshot’s final act as he was replaced by Kingsley Coman.Schmeichel produced a vital save to deny Leon Goretzka after the restart and it proved to be crucial as Celtic soon stunned the Allianz Arena.Maeda’s through-ball should have been bread and butter for Kim Min-jae, but his poor defending was pounced on by Kuhn as the winger coolly drilled a low shot past Neuer.Celtic were level on aggregate but they missed another huge opportunity to lead the tie for the first time when Japanese ace Maeda’s diving header was straight at the keeper.Goretzka and Leroy Sane were both off target as Bayern desperately tried to fight back.READ MORE SUN STORIESSchmeichel then produced an acrobatic flying save to push away Kimmich’s long-ranger.Though there was a cruel twist in the fourth minute of added time when Schmeichel brilliantly saved from Goretzka’s header, Canadian Davies reacted quickest to smash home and win 3-2 on aggregate.Davies bundled home the winner in the final secondsCredit: ReutersBayern celebrate their goal wildlyCredit: Getty More

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    Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football with BetMGM

    BAYERN MUNICH have a 2-1 lead to build on when Celtic visit the Allianz Arena for the Champions League second leg on Tuesday.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the play-off showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsBayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More