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      Rangers cult hero looks unrecognisable after career spanning Indonesia, two World Cups and a love of 33 HORSES

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      HE only played an average of ten times a season, but enough to earn his status as a Rangers cult hero.Indeed, he’s also a national football hero for the international achievements of the star-studded squad he was part of.
      He joined the Gers 25 years agoCredit: Getty
      He was front and centre of a star-studded French squad – but only grabbed a single capCredit: EPA
      But his time at Rangers, though limited to 30 games in three years remains close to his heart.
      So much so the club’s jersey still forms the background image of his Twitter profile.
      The same can’t be said for a former boss.
      His toxic relationship with the man who signed him – Dick Advocaat – still rankles, even now.

      But his love for Gers fans remains. They even sang his name to the tune of his national anthem to welcome him in 1998.
      It sticks out in the memory even though Ibrox was only a small part of his football career.
      But the game of football is only a small part of the intriguing life of Lionel Charbonnier.
      The flamboyant Frenchman would be spotted wearing a cravate on his trips around Glasgow and he still cut a suave figure 25 years on from his arrival – and still sported one in one of recent appearances on the red carpet at the Balon d’Or.
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      The shaggy mane of hair has gone and is now slicked back while his wispy beard from his playing days is significantly bushier on the 56-year-old face.
      And his changing appearance is not the only unrecognisable aspect of the World Cup winning goalkeeper.
      He was part of France’s 1998 tournament triumph and though he moved into minor management roles after retiring – it’s his off-the-field activities that make Charbonnier stand out from the retired football crowd.
      He’d nip around the city in a Rover Metro and drop into art galleries outside training. Then after retirement he got into painting more himself.
      Charbonnier played 30 times for the Gers either side of a serious knee injury that eventually ended his career.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He joined some legendary figures in the 1998 France squadCredit: Reuters
      But the only league win of the World Cup winner’s career came at Ibrox.Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow
      But after serious injury that all but ended his Rangers career he retired to France to recuperate and bred HORSES.
      At one stage – while he was still on the books with the Gers he cared for 15 and owned 33.
      His animal loved has passed to his daughter who is now a show-jumper too and he coaches her while working in broadcast punditry back home.
      After retiring from the game at Lausanne Sport he moved into coaching alongside his animal sanctuary.
      And though a man who followed alternative pursuits for a footballer, he did follow a familiar ex-pro’s pursuit into coaching, but true to form, off the beaten track.
      He began in lower league French football and would eventually return to his homeland but in between, he worked as part of the international set-ups at Tahiti and Indonesia – leading the under-20s to the 2009 World Cup in Egypt.
      He also managed a club side in Congo.
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      He’d never rule out a return to Ibrox though, telling the Rangers Review: “For me, to come back one day would be a dream, I would be very, very happy to work for Rangers.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Watch moment Celtic star Joe Hart gets completely shut down live on American TV as he takes sly dig at US soccer

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      JOE HART got more than he bargained for when he took a sly dig at US soccer in a live TV interview alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. The pair of Hoops pals were seated alongside each other as they joined the Morning Footy show for CBS Golazo with host Alexis Guerreros.
      Cameron Carter-Vickers and Joe Hart were appearing live on CBS
      Joe Hart couldn’t find the breakthrough against the USA
      Guerreros asked USA international Carter-Vickers about the kind of questions he gets from fans in the UK about American soccer, saying: “CCV I have a question.
      “What is the No1 question YOU get from these Europeans about playing in America, what is the No1 question about America and Joe Hart do you have any questions about America?”
      Carter Vickers responded: “Obviously we have Alistair Johnston here now so I can direct all of the questions about the MLS to him, he knows a bit more than me.
      “The team is a good group and there is a bit of banter flying about Ted Lasso but in the main it is all good.”

      At that point, Hart chipped in, saying: “When do you dominate?
      “Because obviously the US has such a strong history in sports – athletes, the size of the country, the way the colleges are set up to establish great athletes.
      “It is time, right? Enough money has gone into it, enough energy has gone into it.
      “I see players like Cameron, if he’s not starting, then the standard must be high.”
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      Quick as a flash, Guerreros answered, referencing the 0-0 draw with England during the World Cup, saying: “I think we did a pretty good job against England in the World Cup.”
      Cue hilarity amongst the other panel members, with Hart briefly rendered speechless before replying: “Oh Alexis, that was a good chess move.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      I’m an ex-Celtic star who played with John Hartson – we had to sweep up his pubic hair when he trimmed his privates

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      JOHN HARTSON is regarded as a hero at Celtic – but the academy players had to sweep up his pubic hair.Paul Caddis was in the Hoops’ youth set-up when Hartson was banging in the goals for the first team.
      John Hartson was a prolific goalscorer for Celtic from 2001 to 2006Credit: Getty
      Paul Caddis was in the youth team and had to clean up after HartsonCredit: Getty
      The Welsh striker scored 109 times for the club in 201 appearances between 2001 and 2006.
      But Caddis, who made his Celtic debut in January 2008, has less fond memories of Hartson.
      That is because part of the role as a youth player at Celtic Park meant cleaning up after the senior stars – including when Hartson trimmed his privates.
      Caddis, 35, told the Undr The Cosh podcast, Caddis revealed: “John Hartson used to trim his balls and we used to have to move balls out the way to sweep them.
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      “He’d trim up and there’d be all these ginger pubes.”
      Caddis was talking to host John Parkin about the jobs scholars used to do as part of their apprenticeship – with Parkin revealing he would force teenagers to shave his hairy back at York City.
      Caddis, now Hereford manager, added: “I would love it to go back to that way. I worked with Fleetwood academy. I know the 18s do jobs and that but they’re doing nothing compared to what they used to do.
      “It was better the old way, that’s why they’re such little a***holes now. They’re all chirpy, too much too young and all the rest of it.
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      “Nowadays, academies are almost built alongside first teams so you lose that nervousness.
      “You used to idolise a lot of the boys in the first team. You don’t see that now because you’ve probably grown up with them over the last three or four years.
      “We would never go in for lunch until after every first-team player had left the building. It would be half two, three o’clock sometimes because one of the first-team players was still in the gym.
      “I think that’s the way it should be. It’s the first team’s building, that’s the way I see it, but nowadays it’s becoming too snowflakey.”
      One-cap Scotland international Caddis played 24 times for Celtic, including against Barcelona in the Champions League on his home debut, before a journeyman career in the EFL.
      Hartson, meanwhile, is still regarded as a hero at Celtic, where he won three league titles.
      The forward turned pro at Luton and then had stints with Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry before moving north of the border and returning to finish his career at West Brom.
      He also represented Wales 51 times, scoring 14. More

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      Former EFL boss quits his job ONE HOUR after being named Manager of the Season

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      GARY BOWYER has left Dundee FC just an hour after being named the Scottish Championship Manager of the Year.The former Blackburn Rovers boss took over as manager of the Scottish side in June.
      Gary Bowyer was awarded the Championship Manager of the Season for his incredible campaign with Dundee FC
      He managed to guide them to promotion back into the Scottish Premiership and was given the award as a result.
      But despite his title winning credentials he won’t be staying around to help keep them in the top division.
      The club announced that Bowyer would be leaving via an official statement.
      The statement read: “Gary helped the club achieve its objective of an immediate return to the cinch Premiership and we are grateful to him for leading us to the cinch Championship and automatic promotion.
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      “Now is the time for certainty as we enter a critical summer of work in the transfer market and on the training ground, to ensure the first-team squad is ready to compete in the Premiership and remain in the top division.”
      Dundee will now be without a manager until they can find the right fit for their return to the Scottish Premiership.
      The club’s managing director, John Nelms, commented on Bowyer’s exit too.
      He said: “Given the importance of the weeks and months ahead, I felt it was necessary to ensure we are all aligned on the direction needed to ensure the club is ready for its return to the Premiership.
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      “On behalf of everyone at the club, not least our fans, we wish Gary the best for the future and reiterate our thanks for his achievements in the past year.”
      Bowyer secured the league title by five clear points and only lost seven league games at the helm of Dundee. More

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      Three EFL clubs watching former Liverpool ace with star set for transfer after stunning season in Scotland

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      YAN DHANDA is being watched by Blackburn, Birmingham and Ipswich.The Ross County attacking midfielder, 24, has shone for the Scottish Premiership club this season.
      Yan Dhanda has impressed in his first season in Scotland with Ross County after leaving Swansea last summer.Credit: PA
      The Birmingham-born midfielder started his career at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Dhanda has had nine assists and three goals in 31 games north of the border.
      And he even scored directly from a corner against Hibs in February.
      Dhanda moved to Scotland on a free transfer from Swansea.
      He signed a two-year deal with the SPL side.
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      But the Englishman could be available for a price of £400,000.
      Dhanda started his career with the Liverpool academy before joining Swansea in 2018.
      Since his move to Ross County, Dhanda’s performances have improved as the season has gone on.
      And that has attracted the Championship trio to register their interest in the Birmingham-born player.
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      Ross County travel to relegation rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
      Malky Mackay’s side are bottom of the table but just one point behind Kilmarnock and the Tangerines. More

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      Ex-Rangers chief set to join Nottingham Forest in shock new career move

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      FORMER academy chief at Rangers, Craig Mulholland, could be set to join up with Nottingham Forest.Gary Brazil is leaving the club after nearly 10 years.
      Nottingham Forest are set to hire Rangers’ ex-academy chief Craig MulhollandCredit: Rex
      And new football supremo Ross Wilson wants his old pal Mulholland to sort out the youth set-up.
      Wilson left the Gers last month after spending four years at the club as its sporting director.
      The 39-year-old has been given the title of chief football officer at the City Ground.
      The recruitment chief will effectively replace Filippo Giraldi who was sacked as sporting director after just six months in the role.
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      The former Rangers director will take on a more expanded role at Forest.
      Wilson said: “I would like to thank the players, led superbly by captain James Tavernier, and the manager Michael Beale, as well as all those who have come before them in the three and a half years I have spent at Rangers.
      “I would like to thank Douglas Park, Stewart Robertson and the Board for their support.
      “I wish John Bennett – a true Rangers man – a successful chairmanship.
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      “This is a great club, and there are so many reasons for Rangers to face the decades ahead with optimism and pride.
      “Thank you for your support. I wish everyone associated with Rangers nothing but the best for the future.”
      Forest are fighting for survival in the Premier League as they are 18th in the table with the same points as Leeds and Leicester who are just above them in the safety zone. More

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      Let’s raise a glass to Celtic boss Postecoglou.. don’t be surprised to see him an impact this side of Hadrian’s Wall

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      IT WAS a storm in an egg cup, or perhaps a whisky glass, but Celtic’s probable fifth treble in seven seasons has the other half of Glasgow itching with frustration.And there can be few scratchers north of the border more aggravated than Rangers manager Michael Beale, 42, who has already been rendered title-less as another Hoops monopoly of big trophies plays out.
      Ange Postecoglou’s CV is nothing to sneer atCredit: Getty
      He is on course to win the treble with CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      His counterpart five-and-a-half miles away, Ange Postecoglou, brushed off Beale’s comment that the Greco-Australian was a lucky man to have had handy transfer cash.
      “Not luck but know-how” was an Aussie reaction the late Shane Warne, God bless him, would have been proud of. I am sure the Greeks had a phrase for it, too.
      Under-estimating Ange has been a common reaction throughout his 25 years of management.
      But get this for a CV: Two titles in the old National Soccer League with South Melbourne; two in the A-League with Brisbane Roar, yet another in Japan’s J League with Yokohama F Marinos.
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      And then, a badge really to boast about, guiding Australia to 2015 Asian Cup glory.
      With the Roar, he once went an impressive 36 games undefeated. Eat your heart out, Pep.
      There isn’t a name Aussies can’t transform into a single syllable so Angelos soon became Ange to his mates in Melbourne.
      He was five when his family, penniless and jobless settled there in 1965. A defender with the features of a warrior, he was to become a one-club player and Aussie international.
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      Postecoglou, 57, has led Celtic to the title and won the league cup twice in his first two seasons with the club, dominating Scottish football as Manchester City threaten to do in England.
      But where Celtic are set to be champions for the 53rd time, no English club has the satisfaction of nearing an equivalent domination — Manchester United leading on 20 from Liverpool’s 19.
      Now whether being emperor of a small kingdom is more satisfying than being president of a big one, the fact is that Celtic are minor players in modern football.
      The national team are only beginning to shrug off the air of useless braggadocio that settled over it in the past two decades.
      In Glasgow pubs, they still tease Sassenachs about the 3-2 win against England, 1966 World Cup winners a year earlier.
      And the triumphs of Robert the Bruce, seven centuries ago.
      All bar Celtic and Rangers struggle to attract attendances of more than 20,000.
      Billionaire owners are not to be found and television contracts are tiny compared with those in England.
      Sky recently signed to pay Scottish football £150million-a-year from 2025, while the company’s current contract with the EFL is £119m-a-season, but is likely to be increased because there is a probable new rival.
      Chicken feed compared with the Premier League champions, who will earn £176m from TV money this season alone.
      There are still advocates of the admission of the two Old Firm clubs to the English structure, although these tend to fall foul of arguments about the level of entry.
      The Ibrox capacity is just over 50,000 and Celtic Park is around 60,000 so the possibility will always be attractive to some — the SNP  Government probably not.
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      And so with the odd exception — Rangers under Steven Gerrard in 2021 — Celtic have a recent record of domestic dominance that looks set to continue.
      Postecoglou’s feats around the world suggest he would make an impact this side of Hadrian’s Wall and, no, this is not a new defensive strategy. More

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      Footballers’ surprising jobs, from Billy Gilmour modelling for Burberry to Lee Bowyer’s carp fishing business

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      Back in 2020, former Manchester City right-back Shay Logan revealed that he’s secretly been training to become a plumber.The Aberdeen ace, now 35, told how he doesn’t earn enough cash from football to be set up for life so is planning ahead for after retirement.
      Shay Logan trained to become a plumberCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Logan revealed: “We earn good money. But at this level are we really going to earn money that will last us a long time, for life? No.
      “I always said to myself that when I get to a certain age I want to start doing something else.
      “I love football but I don’t love it enough to go into coaching and stuff like that.
      “I thought you know what, I’m going to do a trade. It was either go into gas, electrician or plumbing. Plumbing and gas come together, it’s the same course.”
      And the English defender is far from being the only player who’s had a second profession they can fall back on.
      Throughout the years plenty of stars have found extra ways to line their pockets besides taking to the pitch – with some taking on second jobs or planning ahead for post-retirement like Logan.BILLY GILMOUR
      Billy Gilmour did some modelling for Burberry in 2017Credit: Burberry
      BEFORE BRIGHTON star Billy Gilmour starred for Chelsea he was a model.
      In 2017 the Scots ace, then aged just 16, was snapped up by luxury clothing brand Burberry for a fashion campaign.
      The ex-Rangers star was pictured modelling a coat on the company’s Instagram page.
      Former Ibrox team-mate Martyn Waghorn was seemingly impressed – commenting, “Love that mate”, on his post.
      LEE BOWYER
      Lee Bowyer’s fishing skills saw him open a carp fishing business in FranceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FORMER Leeds, Newcastle and Birmingham midfielder Bowyer was never scared of a tackle.
      And it turns out that he was doing it every day even during his career, with his fishing obsession.
      Bowyer, now in charge of Charlton, runs a carp fishing business in France after working on his skills while still playing football at the highest level.
      The hardman explained: “I suddenly found myself with an abundance of time on my hands [after retiring].
      “Having always been an active person it was obvious that I now needed to find something else to occupy myself with as I moved into this new chapter of my life.”STUART ARMSTRONG
      Stuart Armstrong was studying lawCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      SOUTHAMPTON star Stuart Armstrong has become a mainstay on the south coast side since moving to the Premier League in 2018.
      Prior to that, the midfielder was a key player in Brendan Rodgers’ treble winning Celtic sides.
      And years back he revealed he was studying for a law degree at the Open University.
      Former team-mate and ex-Livingston star Mark Millar said Armstrong was a role model for younger kids starting out in the game.
      It came as he advised teen hopefuls to plan ahead for careers once they hang up their boots.MATHIEU FLAMINI
      Mathieu Flamini spent time during his career looking into alternative to fossil fuelCredit: Getty
      THE former Arsenal ace grew sick and tired of humanity’s addiction to Flamin’ fossil fuels.
      So he attempted to come up with an alternative during his time in Italy.
      The ex-Crystal Palace ace, who retired after a spell at La Liga side Getafe, began the project while at AC Milan and funded a load of research into levulinic acid.
      Flamini told SunSport: “We financed the research by Milan Polytechnic.
      “After several months we came up with the technology of how to produce ‘LA’ on an industrial scale, meaning cheaply and cost-effectively. We patented it.”
      The business is now said to be worth £10billion… not bad for a little side-hustle.
      KENNY DEUCHAR
      Kenny Deuchar is a qualified doctorCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FORMER Scottish forward Kenny Deuchar was instrumental in Gretna’s fairy-tale rise.
      He netted more than 30 goals when they won the Scottish Third Division in 2005.
      And Kenny was affectionately known by fans as Doctor Goals, due to the fact that he is a qualified medical professional.
      The striker, who also had spells with East Fife, Falkirk, St Johnstone and Livingston, was branded The Good Doctor by Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling.CHRIS MILLAR
      Chris Millar is a personal trainer
      EX-ST JOHNSTONE star Chris Millar has put his fitness on the field to good use by working as a personal trainer in his spare time.
      The Morton ace revealed in 2018 he had picked up his Level 3 personal training certificate.
      And he regularly shares pictures of his clients’ success stories on Instagram.
      The veteran midfielder is now aged 37 and may be nearing the end of his playing career – but it looks like he’ll have no problem finding work once he retires.MORITZ BAUER
      Moritz Bauer has a pilot’s licence
      STOKE aren’t exactly flying high in the game these days – but they do have one player who’s used to being up in the air.
      Moritz Baeur is a qualified pilot and flies light aircraft in his spare time.
      The Austrian footie ace has shared snaps showing off his hobby on social media.HARALD BRATTBAKK
      Harald Brattbakk is also a qualified pilotCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      BAUER isn’t the first Celtic star with a fondness for living the high life.
      Norwegian striker Harald Brattbakk played for the Hoops from 1997 to 1999.
      It wasn’t all plain sailing for the striker during his time in Glasgow – but he famously scored the clinching goal that helped the Hoops deny Rangers ten-in-a-row.
      We told in 2012 how the ex-Rosenborg hitman was ferrying passengers all over the world for one of Norway’s biggest airlines.
      He said: “I work for the biggest airline in Norway. Some Celtic supporters knocked on the cockpit door to speak to me.”
      The committed pilot moved his family to Florida and spent £80k in order to qualify.
      A man of many talents, Brattbakk was also an accountant before his move to Celtic Park.IAN BLACK
      Ian Black did some work as a painter and decoratorCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
      HEARTS stars were plunged into uncertainty back in 2011 when a wage row left them without pay for two months.
      But ex-Rangers ace Ian Black took to earning money on the side by working as a part-time painter and decorator.
      The midfielder helped out a tradesman pal in Edinburgh to ensure he could buy a Christmas present for his daughter.
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      A source told SunSport at the time: “Because the players are not getting paid, it got to the stage where Ian’s now started working for his mate.
      “He owns a painting and decorating business and Ian was out doing hard graft on Monday on his day off.
      “He is looking at the possibility of working twice a week for him in the run up to Christmas.
      “He said to the gaffer last week he might have to work on a Monday and Tuesday because he has to put food on the table for his kid.”
      KEVIN KYLE
      Kevin Kyle was a storeman on an oil rig
      FORMER Rangers and Scotland forward Kevin Kyle took a job as a storeman on an oil ship back in 2014.
      Just over a year after he left the Ibrox club, the veteran striker was plying his trade in the remote Shetland Isles up north.
      The footie ace was reportedly earning a relatively-small £800 every fortnight – a far-cry from the £10k a week he had been on beforehand. More