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      I was sat in a service station when Sky Sports News said I was flying in for a transfer – I couldn’t believe it

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      PETER CROUCH was once left shocked with a McDonald’s burger in hand ahead of a transfer he made.The former England star revealed his departure from Tottenham was a lot less glamorous than the media made out, and involved a service station stop rather than a helicopter ride.Peter Crouch revealed he was waiting in a McDonalds ahead of his move from Tottenham to StokeCrouch, 43, moved to Stoke in the summer of 2011 but was unsure the transfer would get the green light with paperwork still to be completed.So on his way up north he stopped off at a McDonalds as he waited for the deal to go through, as Sky Sports reported a completely different version of events.Crouch recalled the story on That Peter Crouch Podcast, saying: “I remember sitting in a Maccies and watching Sky Sports News on my phone.”It was breaking news with the yellow bar, [it said] ‘Peter Crouch has been spotted in a helicopter landing at a golf club near Stoke, and I was sitting there with a quarter-pounder on a target roundabout.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrouch spent seven-and-a-half years at Stoke, scoring 62 goals in 261 appearances following a two-year stint at Spurs.The former striker also spent time at Tottenham as a youth player and recalled another story from that time about some harsh treatment he received from first-team players.He said: “I remember being in the Tottenham dressing room, going in to pick up my boots and they were like ‘Crouchy, what is your love life like?'”And you’d have to stand there in front of like 20 first-team players and go ‘well, nothing’ and they’d go ‘are you a virgin?’ and you’d go ‘yeah at the moment’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”They’d go ‘do you have a girlfriend, have you kissed one yet?’ and you’re standing there as they’re all absolutely buzzing off you as you tell them what you’ve achieved with the opposite sex. There’s nothing worse – horrible, horrible, horrible.”It was horrible to be a part of. They would say things like ‘well how would you kiss a girl’ and you’d have to practise it on something.”You know the back one, you’d have to show your technique. It’s not right. I hope it’s out of the game now, it wasn’t nice for a young lad to be in that environment.”Peter Crouch reveals ‘horrible’ Tottenham interrogation ‘you couldn’t do now’ where stars found out about his sex life More

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      Jeff Stelling calls out Sky Sports for coverage of Arsenal’s win over Brighton and says solution ‘is not brain surgery’

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      JEFF STELLING has called out Sky Sports’ coverage of Brighton vs Arsenal for a lack of “balance”.The legendary presenter, 68, quit the broadcaster last year after 25 years hosting Soccer Saturday.Dave Jones was joined by Karen Carney, Alan Smith and Theo WalcottCredit: X/SkySportsPLJeff Stelling wasn’t overly impressed by the coverageCredit: PAStill an avid viewer, Stelling was unhappy with how Gunners-tinted he felt Sky’s coverage of yesterday’s match had been at the Amex.Host Dave Jones was joined by former Arsenal players Theo Walcott, Karen Carney and Alan Smith.During the coverage, Stelling tweeted: “Brighton v Arsenal has ex Arsenal co commentator and both pundits are ex Arsenal.”Maybe next time Sky should be a bit more balanced. It is like using me on a Hartlepool game!!!”READ MORE ON ARSENALAn Arsenal fan hit back at Stelling, claiming that Smith in particular, nicknamed Smudge, isn’t biased.They replied: “Jeff that’s poor from you. Shall we put Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Nev (Gary Neville) on who are rivals. Smudge is most impartial pundit going.”Stelling, however, wasn’t having the argument.He responded: “Smudge is great. So when you have decided to use him on commentary, pick two neutrals as pundits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Or one from each side if you wish. Not brain surgery.”Arsenal went on to stroll to a 3-0 victory on the South Coast.BBC commentator takes dig at Arsenal star Ben White during Match of the Day coverageBukayo Saka put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have tripped Gabriel Jesus.Kai Havertz doubled Arsenal’s lead just after the hour mark, before Leandro Trossard sealed the win four minutes from time.Mikel Arteta’s side returned to the top of the Premier League table, moving a point ahead of Manchester City with seven games remaining.Liverpool will return to the summit should they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford later today.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win on the South CoastCredit: Getty More

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      ITV in major broadcasting change as they hire legendary Sky Sports pundit for Euro 2024 coverage

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      GREAT Scot Graeme Souness will return to TV for Euro 2024.The pundit, who left Sky Sports last season, has been signed up by ITV and will start with Scotland v Germany on June 14.ITV have made a key hire for their Euros coverageCredit: PAGraeme Souness will join ITV’s punditry team this summerSouey recently returned to viewers’ screens with ITV for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United in the quarter-final of the FA Cup last month.He appeared alongside his old sparring partner Roy Keane and Ian Wright for the channel.Souness never formally retired from punditry and declared himself “still very much open for business” after he left Sky.He did appeared for England’s clash with Scotland at Hampden Park last year, which England won 3-1.Read more football newsThe fixture was played to mark the 150th anniversary of the first international fixture.Souness also appears regularly on talkSPORT, as he vows not to give up on giving his opinions on the game.He told The Telegraph: “I will never retire.“I will be retired when the phone stops ringing. I know we have to be very careful with what words we choose now, but you must be as honest as you possibly can, consistently.Most read in Football”And just be real. That is becoming more and more difficult for the guys who are doing it now.”He disagreed with the notion that pundits should be required to have achieved it all in order to analyse the top level.Awkward moment Joe Cole’s jaw drops on Channel 4 as Graeme Souness calls current England crop the real Golden GenerationHe added: “That is like saying Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho shouldn’t have been great managers.“There are people I will listen to. There are people I think ‘no, you have nothing I’m going to learn from you at all’. That is only me.”Back in February, he told Simon Jordan on their podcast that his radio and charity work has kept him busier than ever. More

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      Sky Sports commentator points out Arsenal ‘weakness’ repeatedly targeted by Brighton

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      KAREN CARNEY reckons Arsenal’s title hopes could be derailed by teams targeting Oleksandr Zinchenko.The left-back lined up in Saturday’s crunch 3-0 win at Brighton which sent the Gunners back to the top of the table.Oleksandr Zinchenko was described as Arsenal’s weak link against BrightonCredit: ReutersKaren Carney reckons teams could target Zinchenko in the title run-inCredit: PABut he was given a torrid time down the left flank by Simon Adingra.Zinchenko struggled to keep up with the speedy winger.And he was also penned back by Brighton’s high press when trying to get forward himself before being hauled off for Takehiro Tomiyasu with 20 minutes remaining.Carney drew attention to the way Roberto De Zerbi’s men repeatedly targeted Zinchenko during the first half,.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fellow pundit Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal star himself, believes the Ukrainian needs to buck his ideas up if the Gunners are to finally go a step further than last season and claim their first title since the Invincibles.Carney said: “They’re targeting Zinchenko, can they be a bit more patient?”Walcott added: “What they’re doing well is isolating Zinchenko in one-on-one situations.”He’s never comfortable going back towards his goal.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans also reacted, saying: “Get Zinchenko off.”Another declared: “Zinchenko’s mental lapses, frustrating to say the least.”Arsenal fans love Leandro Trossard’s celebration as he silences Brighton fans after being booed on return to AmexOne noted: “Zinchenko worries me though.”Another added: “Zinchenko better not be played against Bayern.”Zinchenko joined Arsenal in 2022 from Man City in a £30million deal and has two goals in 63 games.The 27-year-old said at the weekend he’d walk away from his career with the Gunners to fight in his native Ukraine against Russia if called up to the army.Zinchenko said: “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go [to fight].”I know maybe some people might think that it’s much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine]. “I really hope that this war will end soon.”Zinchenko’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Ufa, 2014-2016: 33 games, 2 goals

      PSV, 2016-17: 17 games, 0 goals

      Man City, 2017-2022: 128 games, 2 goals

      Arsenal, 2022-2024: 63 games, 2 goals

      Trophies: Premier League x4, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x4, Community Shield (Man City) More

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      Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host explains why he won’t ‘doing a Jeff Stelling’ on live TV after his team score

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      SOCCER SATURDAY host Simon Thomas resisted doing Jeff Stelling’s iconic celebration after Norwich scored against Ipswich.The Canaries secured a vital 1-0 win in the East Anglia derby against Ipswich.Simon Thomas resisted doing Jeff Stelling’s iconic celebration when he found at Norwich scoredHartlepool fan Stelling would do a little dance when his side scored during Soccer SaturdayCredit: sky sportsIn the second-tier clash, Marcelino Nunez’s free-kick in the 39th minute was all Norwich needed to salvage their promotion hopes this season. And Sky Sports presenter and Norwich fan Thomas was “delighted” to receive the news on air that his side scored against their East Anglian rivals Ipswich.But unlike former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling who would do a little dance on live TV when his beloved Hartlepool netted a goal – Thomas decided to be “impartial”.As he said: “A couple of these guys said ‘Why don’t I do a Jeff?’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because this is the Championship. This is a massive game. And I’ll do my best to remain impartial but that is delightful news.”The Canaries hold onto sixth place in the Championship – the last spot for the play-offs for promotion to the Premier League.And Ipswich losing today means Leicester City overtake the Tractor Boys.Kieran McKenna’s squad had been on stellar form overtaking the Foxes in the table in recent weeks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut now behind on one point, Ipswich have some catching up to do in their next clash against Watford on Wednesday.Meanwhile, Norwich have five games left of the season.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDavid Wagner’s side faces Sheffield Wednesday next, who are on the brink of relegation.Fixtures against Preston North End, Bristol City, Swansea and Birmingham City follow. More

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      Shocked Simon Thomas says ‘something I never thought I’d say on Soccer Saturday’ as he reveals why match was abandoned

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      FANS of Edinburgh City and Montrose would have been just as bemused as Simon Thomas for why their game was abandoned.The two sides were going head-to-head in a Scottish League One clash.Screengrab taken from Edinburgh City’s Twitter account shows the corner flag bent in half before the gameBut, the match had to be suspended for an unusual reason.It was one that caused an astonished Thomas to pause before he explained on Gillette Soccer Saturday.He began: “The game has been abandoned due to wind problems.”Something I never thought I would say on a Gillette Soccer Saturday.”Read more football newsEdinburgh City confirmed the game was suspended on their X account.They wrote: “The match has been called off due to heavy winds and unplayable conditions.”We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”After just 10 minutes, Edinburgh City’s social media hinted to the appalling weather conditions.Most read in FootballThey shared: “10” The wind is crazy but it’s been end to end so far! 0-0.’Montrose also confirmed the game was off on X.Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host forced to resist ‘doing a Jeff Stelling’ on live TV after goal in huge derby clashThey wrote: “GAME ABANDONED Due to the strong winds from Storm Kathleen, the ref has called proceedings to a halt after just 24 mins.”Storm Kathleen hit the UK with 70mph gales – as huge waves batter the coast and a river bursts it banks while other parts bask in 22C.The Atlantic storm has sparked travel delays, power cuts and could cause life-threatening debris along the west coast from Cornwall to Scotland.Saturday has provisionally become the hottest day of the year so far with 20.9C recorded, the Met Office said.The mercury topped out in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Saturday afternoon.But while it was hot for some, it was very wet for others as snaps showed the River Ouse had burst its banks in York, flooding the city.A yellow wind warning is in place for the whole west coast and Northern Ireland until 10pm tonight. More

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      Championship club’s fans fume ‘this needs looking in to’ as they’re handed incredible 32nd TV game this season

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      LEEDS UNITED fans have been left calling foul play after a whopping 32nd fixture was moved for television.Daniel Farke’s side are flying high in the Championship as they look to try and secure an instant return to the Premier League.Promotion-chasing Leeds have been chosen for TV for a mega 32nd time this seasonCredit: ReutersWith just six matches remaining, Ipswich currently lead the way with 87 points.Leeds are a point behind them in the second automatic promotion spot, while Leicester City have played one fewer game and sit on 85 points.Viewers across the country and world will be glued to the screen to watch how the extraordinary Championship promotion race plays out as it reaches climax.Now they can start planning on when to tune in after Sky Sports released their latest round of TV picks for the penultimate round of matches before the final day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, a few eyebrows were raised when it was announced that Leeds’ final away game of the campaign had been switched.Farke’s men were due to play at QPR on Saturday 27 April, but now that has been moved forward a day to an 8pm kick-off.That means that it is another late finish on a Friday for Leeds, who will also face a challenging journey back to West Yorkshire.Amazingly, that will be the 32nd time out of their 45 second-tier games that they have played in front of the cameras.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd they are expected to be chosen for the final day, when they host Southampton on May 4, along with Ipswich and Leicester should all three still be in contention.However, the confirmation of another game being moved for the cameras has infuriated some supporters who fear it could derail their promotion push.Fans call for Sky Sports to hire singing Argentine commentator after brilliant melody to Calvert-Lewin goalEspecially as the QPR match comes just days after their Monday night trip to Middlesbrough that will be live on the air.One fan fumed: “This needs looking into, this is going to affect us in a negative way, they shouldn’t be allowed to get away with this.”They then added: “@LUFC need to strike and say no.”Another said: “Disgusting @SkySports !!!! Absolute shambles. Ruining football even more!”A third commented: “This is absolutely ridiculous. 3 days between fixtures in a promotion run in and 3 weeks notice of fixture change.“When are the club going to make a stand?”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth said: “When are club going to make a stand ? Football is for the fans. Football kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.”While a fifth added: “This makes me so mad. Literally our promotion race could come down to scheduling where we are at a disadvantage due to lack of rest and prep.” More

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      Laura Woods makes awkward blunder live on TNT Sports as ex-talkSPORT host says ‘I might be getting fired for this’

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      LAURA WOODS was left red-faced and joked she might get fired after an embarrassing slip of the tongue live on air.The much-loved 36-year-old has caught the eye recently holidaying in Mexico with boyfriend Adam Collard.Laura Woods was left red-faced after an embarrassing slip of the tongue on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsThe much-loved host used to be the voice of talkSPORTCredit: GettyWoods has also made headlines with her bold outfit choices since becoming the face of TNT Sports coverage last summer.That was after she left her role as breakfast show host on talkSPORT after three years.However, the presenter got herself in a right muddle as she introduced the show on TNT Sports for last night’s Manchester City vs Aston Villa clash.Phil Foden went on to steal the show in a 4-1 win for the champions, but it was a night to forget for Woods.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTeeing up the coverage right at the start, she said: “The title race takes centre stage as we hit the middle of a mammoth Premier League midweek on talkSPORT.”Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the error, and Woods owned up herself right at the end of the show as she made fun of herself.Recapping the evening’s results, she signed off with: “There’s more football tomorrow, Liverpool-Sheffield United and Chelsea against Manchester United.“Don’t forget, you can enjoy it all at once on the brilliant Discovery Plus app, but I might not be there for much longer because I said talkSPORT.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“So they might be firing me pretty soon!“They’re [talkSPORT] up there so hello guys, I’ll be back with you imminently.”Laura Woods can’t keep her hands off boyfriend Adam Collard as loved-up couple snog on the beach in MexicoShe then turned to pundits Rio Ferdinand and Jolean Lescott and joked: “Shall we talk about Aston Villa? You just can’t get the staff nowadays.”Woods struggled to contain her emotions when she said her final farewell on talkSPORT last summer live on-air.She said: “Thank you everyone. I’ve done all the speeches and stuff, so I’ll try not to bore you as I know lots of you just want to know what’s going on in sport like where Declan Rice is going.“There’s just a final couple of things I wanted to say. Whoever gets this job next, whoever has the pleasure of sitting in this chair, I don’t think I realised until I got it the impact you can have on people’s lives.“That’s been the biggest thing I’ve learnt, the power of this station and this chair and the people you get to work with.“This job is the best thing you will experience. The people you get to speak to, everywhere you go, this station is just a cut through.”Woods was at the Etihad for Man City’s win over Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe beautiful star often steals the show with her outfit choicesCredit: InstagramWoods made an emotional farewell to talkSPORT last summerCredit: talkSPORT More