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      Sky ‘getting serious’ over EFL rights offer but could lose games to BT Sport

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      SKY is ‘getting serious’ about the size of its offer for EFL coverage with the TV contracts now up for grabs.The broadcaster does not want to lose out on the prize of Championship coverage as bids go in before Thursday’s meeting.
      TV contracts are now up for grabs for EFL coverageCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports are ‘getting serious’ with the size of their offerCredit: AFP
      But the streaming specialists Viaplay and BT Sport’s new partners want a slice of the action.
      Sky is anxious not to lose subscribers, with many in the EFL community.
      Suspended Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has already been offered a more conventional new role by BT Sport as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports.
      They want the ex-England star, 62, to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
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      The popular presenter was suspended from presenting the Beeb’s flagship Premier League highlights show amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      Lineker previously worked for BT Sport between 2015-2021 and has presented Match of the Day since 1999.
      He decided to step down to watch his beloved Leicester on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      And Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea after becoming expectedly free.
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      It comes as the veteran broadcaster sparked a free speech row when he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down – meaning the show will go without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It means the show will be highlights only and will last just 20 minutes. More

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      ‘They’ve done him dirty’ – Fans baffled by Sky Sports’ picture of Akanji in line-up graphic against Crystal Palace

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      FANS have been left baffled by Manuel Akanji picture in Sky Sports’ line-up graphic.Ahead of the Man City clash with Crystal Palace the Swiss defender was shown in the line-up as part of the club’s defensive line.
      Fans have been baffled by Sky Sports’ image of him for their pre-match graphicCredit: Getty
      In the line-up he appears to be a lot smaller than his fellow defenders
      However, fans spotted that the picture used for him looked slightly off.
      Akanji is taller than his partner Ruben Dias, but in the graphic, he looks significantly smaller.
      The picture also does not feature his current hairstyle.
      And fans that spotted the image took to social media to share their confusion.
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      One tweeted: “Why does Akanji look 5 foot 6 on the Sky lineup every time.
      “He’s been with us since August man they’ve had plenty of time.”
      A second commented: “WHAT WAS THAT FOR AKANJI SKY SPORTS?”
      A third wrote: “Akanji’s picture on the Sky Sports Line-Up 😭😭😭☠”
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      A fourth said:  “They did Akanji dirty ffs.”
      While one thought that the broadcaster had swapped Akanji’s head with Bernardo Silva’s body, they asked: “Why do sky crop Akanji face on Bernardo’s body.”
      The defender joined Man City in September in a £15million deal from Borussia Dortmund.
      His transfer is presumed to have taken place after Sky Sports could grab an image of his whole body for their match graphics. More

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      Fans love Daniel Sturridge’s nod to Scott Parker as he joins pundits in Sky Sports studio for Palace vs Man City

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      FOOTBALL fans loved Daniel Sturridge’s homage to Scott Parker when appearing on Sky Sports.It was likely unintentional but Sturridge bore a striking resemblance to the former Bournemouth manager during the coverage of Crystal Palace vs Manchester City.
      Daniel Sturridge bore a resemblance to Scott Parker with his outfit choiceCredit: Sky Sports
      He was dressed head-to-toe in designer brand Thom BrowneCredit: Sky Sports
      Parker loved wearing his Thom Browne cardigan while in charge of BournemouthCredit: Getty
      Micah Richards was wearing the same suit, in a different colourCredit: Sky Sports
      That’s because he was dressed head-to-toe in Thom Browne clothing.
      The high-end fashion designer was a favourite for Parker in the dugout during his spell at the Cherries.
      Sturridge has spared no expense on his look, with the grey knit jacket alone costing £1,740.
      He also had on matching trousers priced at £970 and a tie which costs £190.
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      And fellow pundit Micah Richards was wearing the exact same suit… only in beige.
      Fans quickly noticed the likeness to Parker and joked about the situation.
      One wrote: “Daniel Sturridge gone full Parker 🤪”
      Another added: “Scott Parker hasn’t even been unemployed that long and already Daniel Sturridge has raided his wardrobe. Kicking a man when he’s down.”
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      A third said: “Sturridge must’ve belled up Scotty Parker and asked to borrow his horrific clobber.”
      Another commented: “Micah and Sturridge both going hard on Thom Browne Scotty Parker style!”
      Parker was a big fan of the £1,350 grey cashmere cardigan – which translated to a price of £5.00 for every minute he wore it on the touchline at Bournemouth. More

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      Jeff Stelling leaves Sky Sports studio stunned as he rocks pink tracksuit bottoms for Soccer Saturday

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      JEFF STELLING left his Sky Sports colleagues stunned as he rocked PINK tracksuit bottoms on air.The Soccer Saturday presenter was in his usual hot seat for the afternoon’s football action.
      Jeff Stelling stunned the Sky Sports studio on Soccer SaturdayCredit: Twitter @skysports
      He rocked a tight pair of pink tracksuit bottoms on airCredit: Twitter @skysports
      He opened the show by joking he had to be on top of his game with Gary Lineker now available to pinch his job.
      And the popular Stelling, 67, caused another stir when he stood up from behind his desk in the Sky studio.
      The Hartlepool fan had his suit jacket, shirt and tie on as normal for his flagship show.
      But then he revealed the slightly-too-tight, eye-opening salmon pink joggers.
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      Pundits Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison and Kris Boyd did not know where to look as they cracked into laughter.
      But Stelling was rocking the unusual trousers in a stand of solidarity with Sky Sports reporter Michelle Owen, who was criticised on social media for wearing her fuchsia bottoms for Plymouth’s win over Derby on Tuesday.
      Stelling said: “My friend and colleague Michelle Owen was presenting EFL coverage and was criticised by somebody on Twitter in part because of her clothing.
      “She was wearing some pink tracky bottoms which looked absolutely fantastic but unfortunately the tweeter, who swiftly deleted the tweet by the way, was suggesting otherwise.
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      “I vowed at the time I would show solidarity with Michelle… so Michelle, I am showing solidarity today because there you go.
      “What do you think, guys? Pretty in pink?
      “Okay, keep your thoughts to yourselves.”
      Merse quipped in reply: “I’m tweeting him for that one.”
      When Stelling had tweeted Owen with his promise on Tuesday night, the reporter replied: “You can borrow mine- we are a similar height!”
      And fans watching on at home loved Stelling’s brilliant public response.
      One said: “Some people will make any excuse to criticise female presenters and pundits, good on Jeff for calling it out.”
      Another wrote: “Don’t understand people like that. Michelle Owenis one of the best around in all honesty. Love the trackies Jeff Stelling.”
      And a third simply added: “Go on, Jeff.”
      Michelle Owen was criticised for her trousers for Tuesday’s EFL coverageCredit: Twitter @MichelleOwen7 More

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      Fans love Jeff Stelling’s cheeky opening joke on Soccer Saturday after Gary Lineker is pulled from Match of the Day

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      FOOTBALL fans are in stitches after Jeff Stelling made light of Gary Lineker’s BBC ban.Stelling opened Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme with a clever quip about needing to be on form today.
      Jeff Stelling made a clever quip about Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day absenceCredit: Sky Sports
      Lineker was pulled from MOTD by the BBC as part of the dispute over his tweetsCredit: Reuters
      There will be more eyeballs on him today as a result of Football Focus being taken off air – and Stelling joked he was auditioning for a new job.
      It comes after Lineker was withdrawn from his Match of the Day duties, with the flagship football show set to show highlights only after several pundits pulled out including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.
      Stelling, who has shown support for Lineker over his BBC dispute, could not help but joke about the situation.
      He said: “I need to be at the top of my game today because there’s a top-notch football presenter available on Saturdays now.”
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER

      Fans found Stelling’s wisecrack hilarious and praised his comment on Twitter.
      One wrote: “Jeff Stelling’s opening line as perfect as expected on Soccer Saturday.”
      Another added: “Fantastic intro 😂”
      A third said: “Hilarious first comment on Soccer Saturday I loved it 🤣”
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      And another commented: “Jeff Stelling brilliant as ever.”
      Stelling showed support for Lineker and Wright after the latter said he would not be appearing on Match of the Day out of solidarity for Lineker.
      He replied saying: “Well played Wrighty.” More

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      Who could replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day from The One Show regular to James Corden

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      THESE are some of the potential candidates that could eventually host Match of the Day after the BBC decided to pull Gary Lineker off air.The former England striker hit the headlines after he compared new immigration legislation to 1930s Germany.
      The BBC have pulled Gary Lineker off the airCredit: Getty
      That has led to people speculating as to who will step in as hostCredit: BBC
      In a major U-turn, the broadcaster announced Lineker would be suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      They added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use – which could potentially mean it is for the long-term.
      Attention quickly turned to who could replace him in the MOTD hot-seat.
      However, for the time being there will be NO HOST.
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      The BBC made that decision after numerous contenders ruled themselves out of the running in a show of solidarity with Lineker.
      Here, we take a look at those who could eventually end up replacing Lineker…
      JAMES CORDEN
      The Brit currently hosts the hit Late Late Show in America and is also set to stay Stateside to film his CBS chat show until next year before leaving the post following eight years in the job.
      Corden has previously presented the sports-based panel show A League of Their Own and is no stranger to football with the star being a huge West Ham supporter.
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      He was tipped as a contender to replace Lineker last year, with Lineker even tweeting the ‘eyes’ emoji in response to the story.
      James Corden would be a left-field choiceCredit: Getty
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      ALEX SCOTT
      The former Lionesses star, 38, began her media career while still playing football, appearing on programmes such as Soccer AM and also had other minor roles at BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports.
      She started co-presenting on Match of the Day Kickabout after retirement and then made history as a pundit at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first female football pundit at a World Cup for the BBC.
      In August 2019, Scott was announced as the new co-host of Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara and has been a regular presenter on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards while she is also a frequent guest presenter on The One Show.
      However, she says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Lineker after his suspension from the show.
      In a cryptic tweet she shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      JERMAINE JENAS
      The 40-year-old former Premier League star regularly works as a pundit and commentator for BBC and BT Sport.
      Jenas began co-presenting The One Show on BBC One with Alex Jones and became one of its permanent hosts the following year.
      Last year he also performed the role of “Draw Conductor” for the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw.
      But Jenas also tweeted on Friday: “Been on air with the one show. I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and @GaryLineker.”
      Jermaine Jenas has plenty of TV hosting experienceCredit: Getty
      MARK CHAPMAN
      The much-loved “Chappers” already has huge experience and has performed the role temporarily before.
      He also has experience of presenting but has hosted Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and Sky Sports’ coverage of the EFL Cup – but he now too is understood to have declared that he is standing with Lineker.
      MARK POUGATCH
      The 55-year-old also has huge experience in radio and television broadcasting.
      He is currently the Chief Sport Presenter for ITV Sport and fronts their major football and rugby coverage. 
      He is also the sideline reporter for Stan Sport’s UEFA competition coverage. 
      MANISH BHASIN
      Another well-known face and potential candidate for the job.
      He is a sports journalist and presenter broadcasting for Premier League Productions as the face of the Premier League’s global coverage to over 700 million viewers.
      And he also already works for the Beeb too.
      ALAN SHEARER OR IAN WRIGHT
      The two former England internationals are both regular pundits on Match of the Day and have been for years.
      They are close friends with Lineker, which could potentially be an issue.
      Wright announced that he would refuse to be on Saturday’s show after the news broke regarding Lineker.
      And that stance was swiftly followed by Newcastle legend Shearer, who tweeted: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      GABBY LOGAN
      The Welsh presenter is a former international rhythmic gymnast who represented Wales and Great Britain.
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      She hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013.
      And she can always be relied upon to step up for duty should the occasion arise.
      Logan hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ian Wright is refusing to appear on the show as an act of solidarityCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were jumping around like a couple of fans – what happened to objective punditry?

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      GARY NEVILLE was presumably trying to be funny when he signed off Sky’s ‘Super Sunday’ show with the words: “You were live on Liverpool TV.”But his comments weren’t completely wide of the mark after another afternoon of pundit ‘bantz’ from the Premier League’s leading broadcaster.
      SunSport’s Mark Irwin isn’t impressed with Neville and Carragher’s fanboy anticsCredit: PA
      Neville had a face like a slapped arse after watching his beloved Manchester United being ripped a new one at Anfield.
      And he made no attempt to hide his displeasure at their 7-0 defeat by the bitter rivals from the other end of the East Lancs Road.
      On the other side of the microphone, we had Jamie Carragher whooping and cheering every Liverpool goal live on air.
      During the post-match inquest they had Carragher grinning away with fellow Kop idol Graeme Souness while Neville sulked alongside professional United grinch Roy Keane.
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      And just to make sure there was absolutely no chance of impartial analysis, the whole thing was hosted by Kenny Dalglish’s daughter Kelly Cates.
      Now I have no problem with these former players having their loyalties forged over many years in a certain team’s colours.
      But there comes a point where favouritism becomes outright bias and we’re very close to crossing that particular bridge.
      And it’s not as if Neville and Carragher are the only culprits.
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      Rio Ferdinand can rarely resist the urge to wildly cheer a Man Utd goalCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright couldn’t hide his delight when Arsenal netted a last minute winner against Bournemouth last weekCredit: https://twitter.com/StokeyyG2/status/1632068949230735361
      Match of the Day regularly films Ian Wright and Alan Shearer celebrating Arsenal and Newcastle goals like mad things while Rio Ferdinand is equally vociferous in his support for United.
      And it seems that many viewers actually lap this stuff up.
      Nevertheless, it does beg the question whatever happened to objective football coverage?
      There used to be a time when Scottish sports writers were dismissed as ‘fans with typewriters’ because of their unwavering support for their national team.
      But now it appears that correspondents throughout the whole of Britain are actively encouraged to display their colours and are criticised for not being partisan enough.
      Now I know that I am a miserable bastard who is no-one’s idea of a ray of sunshine.
      But almost every time I write a match report for this paper I get taken to task by certain readers who complain that I have not been positive enough about their team.
      Well I’m sorry that I missed the memo that I’m now required to be a cheerleader and I’m still awaiting delivery of my spangly costume and pompoms.
      But judging by the number of scarves and club colours we’re now seeing in press boxes up and down the country, maybe I’m the one who is behind the times.
      Because there is a new breed of football reporter who happily admits that they are only interested in one team and couldn’t care less about anything else that is going on in the sport.
      And I understand that these guys connect with a lot of fans because they are every bit as fanatical as them.
      Yet we have now reached the point where post match press conferences are carried out in front of more tourists than Madame Tussauds.
      Many of them don’t even bother with the pretence of bringing a laptop, camera or notepad because all they’re interested in is the free pre-match meal and a nice comfy seat to cheer on their team.
      And the clubs don’t care less because they’d much rather open their doors to unquestioning loyalists than to grumpy old sods like me.
      So forgive me if I don’t get offended by Gary Lineker showing his political colours.
      It’s his sporting neutrality which I’m worried about.
      A right old Mess
      Lionel Messi and PSG are out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage once again, it remains to be seen whether his old boss Pep Guardiola can do better with moneybags Man City next weekCredit: Getty
      ANOTHER year, another early Champions League exit for Paris St.Germain.
      The flat track bullies of European football are strolling untroubled towards their ninth French League title in 11 years.
      Yet in spite of all the insane spending by their Qatari owners, they still cannot buy a win in the game’s most prestigious club competition.
      Maybe it’s because they have gathered more stars than the Milky Way that we all take such pleasure from their annual humiliation.
      And the fact that Messi and his chums have been sent packing by former Stoke and PSG cast-off Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting only adds to the comedy value this time.
      But we really shouldn’t laugh too loudly at this in-Seine farce.
      Because here in England we have our very own perennial Champions who have still never lifted the European Cup in spite of squeezing FFP until the pips squeak.
      So it’s probably best that we wait to see how Manchester City get on against RB Leipzig next week before we start gloating at Les Flops.
      F1 opener was the pits
      Lewis Hamilton looks set for a long, hard 2023 F1 campaignCredit: PA
      SERIAL winner Lewis Hamilton knew before the first Grand Prix of the season had even got underway that he had no chance of winning the championship.
      Now he knows how Harry Kane feels at Tottenham.
      But after more than a decade dominating Formula One, Hamilton is entitled to feel downhearted by the car which Mercedes have served up again this year.
      Team-mate George Russell was equally despondent after reigning champion Max Verstappen led from start to finish in Bahrain last weekend.
      “Red Bull have got this Championship sewn up,” he gloomily predicted. “My bet is that they will win every single race.”
      Now that might be good news for Verstappen and his team boss Christian Horner.
      But the lack of competition can’t be good for Formula One because no-one wants to watch a procession.
      And even the most obsessive petrol heads will soon lose interest if the highlight of the race is the pit stop.
      Where are their heads at?
      FIFA president Gianni Infantino left many baffled as his organisation refused the Premier League’s request to trial concussion subsCredit: PA
      THE geniuses at FIFA have refused a request from the Premier League and various other countries to trial the use of concussion subs.
      Why on earth would they do that?
      Time to send on a replacement for Gianni Infantino, who is clearly dazed and confused.
      Devil’s in the detail
      Wout Weghorst touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign is the least of Man Utd’s worriesCredit: BBC
      APPARENTLY Manchester United are looking to sign the Anfield pitch invader who slid into Andy Robertson on Sunday because he managed to get closer to the Liverpool players than anyone from Erik ten Hag’s team.
      In the aftermath of that 7-0 humiliation, Wout Weghorst has been getting dog’s abuse from irate United fans for touching the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign ahead of the match.
      Might I suggest that of all ten Hag’s weekend problems, that was the very least of them.
      All’s Wells that ends Wells
      Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to compete at Indian Wells, but should be back for the US OpenCredit: Getty
      THERE has been predictable outrage at Novak Djokovic being barred from competing in America because he still hasn’t been vaccinated against Covid.
      But the GOAT of tennis knows the requirements for entry to the land of the free and has opted not to comply with them.
      It is entirely his choice what he puts into his body and he is happy to live with the consequences of that decision.
      The US border ban is due to end in two months’ time anyway, so Djokovic will still be allowed to enter the US Open in August.
      It just means he cannot participate at Indian Wells and Miami this month. And he’s obviously not losing too much sleep over that.
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      Running Wild
      Chris Wilder is the new Watford managerCredit: PA
      CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Wilder on his appointment as Watford’s third manager of the season and their ninth full-time boss in four seasons.
      And if he achieves Championship promotion in May, he can still look forward to the sack. More

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      Wills and Kate’s Twitter account makes brilliant Chris Kamara joke as pundit receives MBE at Windsor Castle

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      CHRIS KAMARA received an MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle. The legendary pundit, 65, was presented with his special gong on Tuesday.
      Chris Kamara received his MBE on TuesdayCredit: PA
      The former footballer and pundit shared the special moment with Prince WilliamCredit: PA
      Kammy spent 20 years as a professional footballer before stepping into his popular role as a pundit and presenter with Sky Sports.
      However, he stepped away from the broadcaster amid his apraxia speech disorder, leaving him feeling like a “fraud”.
      Kamara continues to do some pre-recorded presenting on ITV and has received widespread support.
      Now the former Bradford manager, who served in the navy as a teenager, has been honoured for his services to football, charity and anti-racism.
      READ MORE ON CHRIS KAMARA
      Kamara, who was accompanied at the royal residence by his wife and two sons, shared a joke with the future King.
      And the Kensington Royal Twitter account for the Prince and Princess of Wales made reference to Kammy’s iconic red-card blunder moment at Fratton Park in 2010.
      The tweet said: “We’re off to Windsor Castle where there’s been an MBE, but for who @chris_kammy?”
      Kammy described the day as “unbelievable” in classic fashion.
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      He told Sky Sports: “It feels unbelievable. 
      “It’s a great family occasion to be there with Prince William and talk football with him for a good five minutes. It couldn’t have been any better.
      “My charity work is very important to me. I’ve always wanted to work with Marie Curie and raise money for them as they looked after my mum.
      “Thankfully, I’ve been a patron for 14 years and been involved in raising over £3million.
      “With my experience of apraxia, hopefully we can get something past the government to help young kids who are struggling with their speech.”
      Liverpool midfielder James Milner was also presented with his MBE after two decades as a Premier League player.
      Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee was made an OBE – like Milner, for his services to football and charity – while Chelsea and Wales star Sophie Ingle received her OBE.
      James Milner picked up his MBE on the same dayCredit: Getty More