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      Plymouth confirm exit of Wayne Rooney replacement in blunt 13-word statement as chairman sends surprise message

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE announced the departure of manager Miron Muslic with a blunt statement on social media after some turbulent negotiations.Muslic, 42, took over at then-Championship Plymouth in January following the unceremonious departure of Wayne Rooney, who only managed five wins and 14 losses in 25 matches..Plymouth Argyle confirmed manager Miron Muslic’s departure with a blunt statementPlymouth chairman Simon Hallett shared a lengthy statement reacting to Muslic’s dramatic exitHowever, Muslic couldn’t steer Argyle to safety and suffered relegation to League One, finishing second from bottom.The Pilgrims wanted to keep the ex-Cercle Brugge boss but he dramatically opted for a move to Schalke, who will be playing in Germany’s second tier this season.The Greens went on to confirm Muslic’s departure to the German outfit with a very short tweet following another furious statement accusing him of “breaking previous promises”.Plymouth tweeted: “Miron Muslic has left Argyle to join 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.”Read More on FootballThe club shared a longer announcement on their official website where they praised some of his work, such as his famous FA Cup triumph over Premier League champions Liverpool, and wished him the best.Plymouth announced: “Miron Muslic has departed the club to join 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.”Muslic joined Argyle in January, overseeing 23 matches, including the memorable victory against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup. “Despite his best efforts, he could not stave off relegation with Argyle dropping to Sky Bet League One on the final day of the season.Most read in EFLHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING”We wish Miron all the best for his future endeavours.”That led to a lengthy statement from Argyle chairman Simon Hallett who insists he did not want Muslic to leave and wanted him to lead next season’s bid to return to the Championship.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth Hallett stated: “After the season ended, and with rumours flying that Miron was attracting interest from other clubs, I called him personally and he assured me that he was 100% committed to Argyle. “As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave.”Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle’s prior permission. “We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission.”By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. “We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Chairman addresses Muslic exit”Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively.”Hallett admitted there will be no new investors coming in to Plymouth any time soon.However, the owner promised he and existing shareholders will provide the necessary funds that will help the team and Muslic’s replacement meet their goals this coming season.Hallett added: “As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February.”Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent.”As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. Read More on The Sun”This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. “These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one.”Plymouth Argyle Chairman Simon Hallett’s messageDear Green Army, I am sorry to have not written earlier after relegation was confirmed, earlier this month.Jane and I had personal issues in the US that forced us to cut short our visit to the UK, and we have been occupied taking care of them for a few weeks. Our thanks to those who sent best wishes, and all is ok now. We are making plans for a return to the UK later this summer.We are disappointed at Miron Muslic’s departure – not at his joining a club with a profile such as Schalke, but in the timing and manner of his leaving.We hired Miron in January, giving him a three-and-a-half-year contract. Shortly after his joining us, we also hired the staff he requested, in an assistant head coach, head of elite performance, performance analysis and, a little later, a set-piece coach. A recruitment team was in place for the season, augmented by our securing the services of Stuart Webber, a very experienced and well-regarded Sporting Director, to assist with the post-season rebuild of our squad, along with Tom Randle, who has subsequently joined us on a full-time basis as Head of Recruitment. After the season ended, and with rumours flying that Miron was attracting interest from other clubs, I called him personally and he assured me that he was 100% committed to Argyle. As a result, Miron continued to take part in all recruitment meetings and was involved with interviewing and recruiting players until just last week. His colleagues had no indication that he wanted to leave.Last Saturday, Miron informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Under his contract, a club wishing to speak with him needs Argyle’s prior permission. We were unwilling to give such permission, but Miron informed us that under no circumstances was he going to return to Plymouth. Thus, we reluctantly gave the necessary permission.By making clear his intention never to return, Miron gave us no choice but to move on. We could have insisted on the full compensation and gone to court to enforce his contract but would not have had his services as head coach, and progress on recruiting a replacement would have been blocked. Rather than get mired in a protracted, and highly disruptive, process we settled for an amount of compensation that, while below the contracted sum, is a strong financial outcome for a League One head coach, enabling us to move on positively.As you know, we have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year. Those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February.Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent.As a result, existing shareholders (I, Argyle Green and the Holliday family) will provide the funds to ensure that we stay on course with our plans. This means making funds available to ensure we have a competitive football budget to aim to return us to the Championship as soon as possible, as well as continued investment in Foulston Park. Our budget next season will be twice that we had the last time we were in League One. These additional funds equate to the same level of financial support that was written into the investor plan for year one.I completely understand that this will be very frustrating for fans, as it is extremely frustrating for me and the rest of the Argyle Board. I have said constantly that my resources can enable us to be a sustainable Championship club, but that if we wish to aspire beyond that we would need new investment. I can provide some of that new investment, with the Holliday family’s and Argyle Green’s help, but not all.While progress towards a transaction in its current form looks to have stalled, we will continue to explore alternative routes, including being open to revised terms with other investment groups. It is important that we get the right investor, not the quickest investor, and this may take some time. We are committed to this, but in the meantime, current shareholders can (and will) support the club through its next stage of development.This current situation is disappointing, obviously, but honesty and transparency are important to us. It’s been a long, ponderous process, but one we thought would come to a successful conclusion. It has not, but we remain in a very strong financial position.Over the past five or six years, we have set out a clear pathway to achieving success at Argyle. In that time, we progressed from League Two to the Championship, where we spent two seasons, before suffering relegation. Our mission has been, and remains, to be a sustainable and competitive Championship club, but some of the decisions we have made in the last two seasons have not worked as we had hoped. Those decisions obviously contributed to our relegation, but were decisions made by the entire board, and it is entirely unfair to blame any individuals. Unfortunately, in sport, as in life, decisions made do not always work out. We are sorry and will do everything we can to put it right.Argyle’s long-term strategy is set by the board and executed by Andrew Parkinson, our CEO, and his team. Away from the pitch, the club continues to make significant strides. Thanks to the efforts of all staff, we have seen remarkable off-pitch progress including record revenues this year. We’ve also been recognised with several industry awards – testament to the quality of work happening every day behind the scenes. This progress is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of staff across all departments. Our focus on sustainable growth has led to significant infrastructure investments that now generate substantial revenue which supports our football operations.The first and still the largest of those investments was the refurbishment of the Mayflower Grandstand. Today, that not only provides outstanding match-day hospitality to our fans, but a facility for businesses and other organisations in the area. The revenues generated now number in the millions, and go directly into the running of the football club, primarily the football budget. The Grandstand refurbishment was the first and remains the biggest investment, but has been followed by the acquisition of Higher Home Park, part of which is now used as the Biffa Fan Zone; by the Green Taverners’ building, now the Far Post; by the acquisition of Goals, now Harpers; and by many smaller investments that have improved the experience for fans and sponsors. As a result, the stadium has been full for most home games. We have also invested in players, breaking the club transfer record several times and realising substantial surpluses on subsequent sales of players. The result is that your club is now financially stronger than it has ever been with a strong and diversified revenue base. Those revenues have, until last season, helped lead to our success on the pitch. We have consistently achieved more than would be suggested by what we are able to spend on the first-team squad alone. Sometimes, our results flattered our performances but, overall, the strategy to compete by outsmarting not outspending our competitors has been successful. Last season, it was not, and the board took the decision in January that our best hope of avoiding what by then was a very likely fate was to hire a Head Coach who could introduce a new playing style. We narrowly failed, despite the efforts of our staff and our players. I thank them all.We will play the coming season in League One, as we did three years ago. Our circumstances, though, are much changed, because of the investments we have made and the support you have given us. We will have the financial resources to compete strongly at the top end of the division. Relegation is always disappointing, but we are now in a position where we end up stronger than we began. In the long-term, this is not being a yo-yo club, this is being a club that invests for the long term and emerges stronger from any setbacks.You will know that former Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson has left Argyle after a successful six years. Jimmy has been a positive influence on the club, and we wish him well in the future. We also congratulate Ross Goodwin, our Head of Football Data, who will return home, and take on a senior role as Head of Recruitment at Dundee United. We are delighted to welcome David Fox back to Home Park in a senior management role as Head of Football Operations. He will be responsible for helping formulate and executing strategy on the football side of the club. Initially, he will be aided by Stuart Webber, whose experience and abilities as a Sporting Director will be hugely beneficial to Argyle. David and Stuart have been actively engaged in the process of recruiting a new head coach, and we hope to have an appointment in place as soon as possible. David will be provided with the support, resources and structure he needs.As I mentioned above, we also welcome Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. He, David and Stuart have already been working behind the scenes to identify and recruit the players who will join us this summer. Recruitment is led by David and Tom, with other senior executive involvement. This structure means recruitment continues regardless of any changes in coaching staff, ensuring alignment with the club’s long-term football strategy.We have already seen the fruits of this combined effort, and I’d like to welcome Jamie Paterson, Caleb Watts and Jack MacKenzie to Argyle.I’ll be back in the UK over the summer, when we will host a Fans Forum ahead of the new season. I’ll be very happy to address the questions I’m sure you will have on the investment setbacks and how we intend to take things forward to achieve our goals.Finally, to you, the fans – you have been outstanding. Week after week, match after match, home or away, your support never wavers, and all at your club are grateful to you. We’ve never been more determined to succeed and, alongside your unrivalled backing, through the highs and the lows, together we’ll do this.See you soon,Simon More

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      in Soccer

      England star Morgan Gibbs-White’s girlfriend puts on busty display in revealing outfit for ‘date night’ on holiday

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Morgan Gibbs-White’s girlfriend Britney De Villiers has taken social media by storm with her holiday snaps.Gibbs-White, 25, is enjoying a relaxing holiday after an impressive season with Forest that saw them qualifying for Europe for the first time in 30 years.Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White’s girlfriend Britney De Villiers took social media by stormBritney wore a glamorous dark dressBritney posed with Gibbs-White during their holidayBritney and Gibbs-White took photos together during their downtimeThe playmaker was joined by his partner Britney who seems to be having the time of her life with her other half.And the couple got ready for a cosy date with the blogger wearing a stylish black dress.The agent shared the snap on Instagram for her 271,000 followers.Britney added the following caption: “Date night.”Read More on FootballShe also posted a few other pics of her in the same glamorous dress with Gibbs-White by her side sharing a tender embrace.Their fans were left touched as they stormed the comments’ section.One follower posted: “BEAUTIFUL!! You’re the best.”Another commented: “You always make my day.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: Ahhh beautiful.”And that one gushed: “Faves.”Inside Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White’s bromance as England new boys reveal ‘special’ bond that led to U21s gloryGibbs-White is set to return to action in June with England after being called up by boss Thomas Tuchel.The ex-Wolves star is expected to be in action on June 7 at Andorra in the Three Lions’ next World Cup qualifier and June 10 for the friendly against Senegal at Forest’s City Ground.Scroll down for more from BritneyGibbs-White and Britney often go on holiday togetherThe couple often share pictures togetherBritney has 271,000 followers on InstagramGibbs-White and Britney are very much in loveBritney is a blogger agentBritney supports Gibbs-White’s career More

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      in Soccer

      Alejandro Garnacho ‘filmed in altercation with fan’ as tour goes from bad to worse for Man Utd outcast

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was involved in a fan altercation as his time on Manchester United’s post-season Asia tour took another miserable turn.Garnacho, 20, is set to be one of the first out the door in Ruben Amorim’s summer clearout.Alejandro Garnacho was seen being filmed by a fanThe fan tried asking him about Messi or RonaldoBut the fan appeared to move into Garnacho’s personal spaceAnd the Argentine was told to “pray” he finds a new club quickly after his outburst at being left out of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.Despite that, Garnacho travelled with the Red Devils squad to Malaysia and Hong Kong.Garnacho first appeared glum at a shirt signing event – leaving fans convinced he was departing.He came on at half-time of the embarrassing 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd then sparked controversy when he was seen gesturing his middle finger towards a camera as he left the pitch.A photo with a pair of fans and involving a number of Man Utd team-mates also saw the winger make the gesture.Now a further clip has emerged where Garnacho appears to have been involved in another altercation.A video shared to social media showed a fan filming Garnacho, who was seen wearing all-black with sunglasses and a golden chain, as he walked along the street.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe fan can be heard asking him: “Garnacho, please.”As Garnacho then tries to move away from the video, the fan adds: “Messi or Ronaldo?”Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star’s futureThe fan then appears to lean into the wingers path with his camera, before the camera lurches to side and Garnacho is heard saying: “Bro.”He is then seen angrily looking back at the fan as he gets past him, as the fan then shouts: “Bro, he pushed me.”It’s not clear whether Garnacho did in fact push the supporter.Man Utd’s tour ends with a clash against the Hong Kong national team this afternoon.You can catch all the action with SunSport’s Live Blog here. Garnacho was also seen gesturing his middle finger at fans after the ASEAN-All-Stars clashCredit: XJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      David Raya’s model fiancee Tatiana leaves little to imagination in see-through outfit on holiday with Arsenal star

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      DAVID RAYA’S model fiancee stunned as the smitten couple took in some sun on holiday.Arsenal goalkeeper Raya was relaxing with his bride-to-be during a trip to Ibiza before he links up with the Spanish national team for a Nations League semi-final against France, and possibly a final.David Raya’s fiancee Tatiana Trouboul stunned as they enjoyed a holidayCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulShe shared a video of herself singing to InstagramCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulThe model has 21,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulShe was seen wearing a bra and see-through tightsCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulTatiana also shared a snap of the view from their boatCredit: Instagram @t.trouboulRaya proposed to his partner, Tatiana Trouboul, in October of last year.And taking to Instagram, Tatiana shared a video to social media of her lip singing a song while on a boat as she wore a bra and see-through lacy trousers.She also shared the incredible view they had during the trip by posting a photo of it to her page.The photo itself had an endless view of the ocean which had a sparkling surface as the sun reflected off it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTatiana and Raya have been together since 2021.However, they left it until June 2022 to go public with their relationship.Tatiana heralds from Barcelona but has since moved her life to London to be alongside Raya – having previously divided her time between the capital and Spain.The pair don’t have any children yet but are the owners of an adorable – now banned – XL Bully dog.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRaya is said to have obtained an exemption certificate for pet Goku in the hope that the dog will help protect their North London mansion.Tatiana reportedly used to work in a nightclub before she met Raya and has since picked up multiple modelling gigs. ‘I need to f—ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’The gorgeous Spanish Wag has also built an impressive social media presence over recent years too, now boasting 21,000 Instagram followers.Raya celebrated winning the Premier League Golden Glove alongside Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels, with 13 clean sheets each.The Gunners ended the season with the fewest goals conceded out of any team in the division, but once again missed out on the title by finishing second.Raya and Tatiana have been together since June 2021Credit: Instagram @t.trouboul @d.raya1He proposed to her last OctoberCredit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1They did not make their relationship public until 2022Credit: X formerly Twitter / @DavidRaya_22 / Instagram / @d.raya1 More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Just magic’ – One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever

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      CHARLES LECLERC and Lewis Hamilton won arguably the two most iconic Formula One races of the 2024 season.Leclerc made history as he won his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix with “tears” in his eyes, while Hamilton defied the odds to take the chequered flag at the British Grand Prix in his final home race with Mercedes.Charles Leclerc won an emotional 2024 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: RexLewis Hamilton then made history at the British Grand Prix later onCredit: ReutersBoth races were made iconic by the man behind the microphone for F1TV and Channel 4, Alex JacquesCredit: X @C4F1Both races have already gone down in the annals of F1 history for their huge significance in the modern era of the sport.But for many fans, that experience was elevated to even greater heights by the man behind the microphone, Alex Jacques.Jacques is the lead commentator of F1TV and Channel 4, and the voice of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, while he has also featured in the Netflix series Drive To Survive.His voice has become synonymous with formula racing, given he also spent a decade as the commentator of F2 before leaving the role to spend more time with family at the start of this year.READ MORE IN F1Following his work at both Monaco and Silverstone last year, fans showed their love by featuring him in numerous social media clips, often edited with emotive background music, of the races.And Jacques has not been blind to the outpouring of love fans have given him for his work.Speaking exclusively to SunSport at a launch event of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, Jacques explained his thought process in the moment and gave his thoughts on the fan reaction to it.He said: “You’re trying to tell their stories and both of those examples that you used, so for Charles Leclerc, my overarching, and it links back to the previous question, so it’s amazing to see all of those edits. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As a commentator, you want to do justice to the moment. If you’re watching the Monaco GP and you’re watching Charles Leclerc, you might be an F1 fan and you might not know that backstory.”That’s my job as the commentator, to tell you that this guy from Monaco, oh, it’s just a rich kid winning the Monaco GP. Nothing of the sort. This guy’s been through heartbreak on multiple occasions and it’s his life’s purpose to win that race. Lewis Hamilton sent ‘flying’ after hitting huge bump as Ferrari endure Monaco Grand Prix nightmare”On that last lap, I tried to distil quite a complex story into quite a short amount of time. He’s such a well-supported driver that that lap has, as you say, been subject to so many edits on social media.”He continued: “With Lewis Hamilton, this is a driver that we got used to winning week in, week out. Suddenly, goes through a winning drought. “That was one of the best Grand Prix of all time in the entire history of the 75 years. To see him come out on top when it could have been five drivers. “So rarely do you get a Grand Prix where five drivers could win it. For him to come out on top, top three was three British drivers at the British GP. He ends his winless drought.”If you can’t do justice to those moments, that’s when you have to step forward as a commentator and hopefully provide the words that match the pictures. Both of those occasions were just magic Formula One moments.”Jacques’ infectious love for motorsport means it was “tough” for him to step away from working on F2.What was is like working on the EA Sports F1 25 game?Alex Jacques:”It’s a really long time recording the commentary for the game but it’s a wonderful experience because these are the games that I played growing up, right? So maybe it wasn’t the case with commentators from a previous generation but for me I used to love the F1 game coming out and then to be part of it and to get to record the lines. “So I’m very happy to spend a week of my life in a very dark room effectively reading and in fifth place and in sixth place and so on and so forth. “You also get to do loads of creative stuff as well and they’ll bring in other people for you to commentate with so it’s a long process but when you hear your own commentary in the game it’s well worth it.Anything in particular for fans to look out for?”Yeah, there’s new tracks all the time, there’s new storylines all the time. One of the cool things that we got to do this year is they were introducing the cars and the characters from the F1 movie. so that’s a part of the game as well and it was great to be able to, it’s very weird when you’re finding yourself talking about Brad Pitt’s character in the game. but yeah and a lot of fun. “There’s always something new, they’re always coming up with new things for the game as well. The accuracy of the tracks this year is ridiculously good and you’re like, hold on, I’ve been there, there is a hot dog stand at that point, how have they got that in the game? So yeah, loads of fun stuff like that to enjoy.”However, “he has no complaints” about stepping back to spend more time with his family after becoming a father for the first time just before this season’s Imola Grand Prix, although he jokes it has led to his favourite drink being a “strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am”.He said: “It’s been a strange one because I got the job in F2 first and then got opportunities in F1. F2 has always felt a little bit like the home team, if you like. “F1 is the big international call-up, if you want to put it in a football metaphor. It was tough saying goodbye because very rarely you have to leave that paddock behind. “The nice thing about whether you’re telling the story of George Russell or Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc, these are all drivers that I’ve known from when they were very young because of commentating on F3 and F2 and watching their journey all the way through. But eventually it’s time. “Eventually, you just cannot commentate on everything as much as I would love to. It was sad to say goodbye, but I have the best job in the world, so I have no complaints. “I think to get 10 years commentating on any championship in any sport is a privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed it…Thoughts on 2026 possibly being last year at Imola? Alex Jacques:”I’m not entirely sure what the situation is for Imola, but I will say that it is a historic place to go racing. “It’s very, very fortunate. Anytime you’re covering motor racing in Italy, you’re having a great week of your life. Right?”That’s the nature of it. It’s obviously the circuit closest to Ferrari’s factory, and also you’ve got the Racing Bulls factory close around there. “But it’s the nature of gravel traps, narrow circuit, tight walls, thrilling undulations. Those are the things that drivers, not just at Imola, but those are the things across the calendar that the drivers respond to.”It’s important to have that balance between the old school tracks that we love and to have the amazing locations that we go to around the world. “And we’ll see. But I certainly adore going to that racetrack every time we do.””Eventually, my wife was like, it would be nice if we could hang out at some point rather than you travel the world all the time. “I got that F2 job when I was 25, so eventually you have to make more time for the people that support you when you’re away for ages and have to do the day-to-day moments. “So, yeah, very, very fortunate to be the dad of a lovely baby girl and I have a very supportive wife and it’s nice to have a bit more of a balance even though there’s still a fair bit of travel involved.”Despite his new responsibilities away from the track, Jacques does still make time to keep an eye on F1’s feeder series and earmarked Irish racer Alex Dunne as one star to keep an eye on, even before he scored a maiden pole position at Monaco last weekend.Jacques said: “I’ve been impressed with Alex Dunne, Irish driver, making that step up. There are some drivers that I think you take them from a F3 car, you put them with a little bit more power, a little bit more grip, and they seem to come alive.”He seems to fall in that category. So, he’s an exciting prospect. but there are loads of really, really talented drivers. You’ve got to be consistent. Thoughts on Ipswich Town’s season?Alex Jacques:”Was there a season this year? I don’t know. You skipped over.”Well, it’s worth saying that we are having this chat underneath Tottenham’s stadium. And the one thing I would say about Ipswich’s season is that, okay, it didn’t go to plan. “And I think there was an expectation around the club that we would be more competitive than we turned out to be. But we got some away days at grounds that we hadn’t visited before.”We got away days at, you know, and the combination of being able, I watched Ipswich win their first Premier League game in 22 years with my dad upstairs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That’s a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. “What Kieran McKenna gave Ipswich Town fans was not only amazing football in League One, in the Championship, but also when we got to the Premier League, away days and experiences that other clubs take for granted. And Ipswich hadn’t had for two decades.”Hadn’t had a trip to Old Trafford. That was amazing. Taking the lead there. You’ve got to see it as glass half full.”Okay. Lost a lot of points from winning positions this year. But hold on, last year we gained 30 points from losing positions. So you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.”Did we get promoted a little bit too early? Clearly on the evidence, yeah, we probably did. But have we bought? well?”I think so. I think we’ve got a great squad for the Championship next year. Take nothing for granted with like, oh, bounce back immediately. You have to win so many games.”We’ve seen this with Burnley. Seen this with Leeds. You’ve got to win an awful lot of games. I think the club is a little bit exhausted.”It will catch its breath over the summer. I think when you go from League One, when Kieran McKenna took over at Ipswich Town, Ipswich Town were below Accrington Stanley in the table. “I don’t think anyone could be moaning about the fact that it didn’t go to plan in the Premier League. I’ll take whatever timeline this is and he can stay for as long as he likes.”We need to build a statue of him for what he did. Not all seasons are going to go to plan, but I still enjoyed all the away days in the Premier League I was able to get to. “And I’ve got full confidence that if he’s still behind the wheel next year and he hasn’t been poached by a Premier League club, we’ll bounce straight back. “”But ultimately, I think all the drivers that eventually make it to F1, there are defining days in F3, in F2, where you watch what they do.”Thinking about Kimi Antonelli, the new Mercedes driver, at Silverstone last year, one second a lap faster than everyone else in the field. And that includes three F1 drivers who also graduated with him.”That is the type of performance that if you put in in F2, you can make a name for yourself. And everyone’s watching, everyone’s watching in the F1 paddock. “So, great start for Alex Dunne, lots of talented names in that championship this year, but you need to see a standout performance, whether it be an overtaking performance through the field. Get yourself on the radar. A standout head-bind drive is the best way to do it.”However, Jacques’ position on the “ludicrous” three-way 2025 F1 title race is far less clear as the 36-year-old can’t pick between McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris or reigning world champion Max Verstappen, but is certain it is “the best type of season” with the field being so close.He added: “I really loved it because you’ve got three drivers at totally different stages of their careers. You’ve also got Lando Norris, [who] came in as the pre-season favourite.”Can he deal with the expectation on his shoulders? And Oscar Piastri, exceeding expectations for where he is. You’ve got the McLaren drivers trying to win their first championships.”You’ve got Max trying to make history and emulate the great Michael Schumacher. And he’d only be two behind the all-time record if he gets five with a lot of his career still to go. It’s a wonderful dynamic. The qualifying sessions have been so tight.Read More on The Sun”We’ve not had a gap between first and second. that’s been over a tenth. That is ludicrous. We used to have gaps between first and second of a second back in the early 90s. F1 is ultra-competitive, we’re having a great season.”EA SPORTS has launched their new F1 25 game, with the iconic Edition out now and the Standard Edition launching May 30th. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.Quickfire questions: Alex JacquesBuild your dream driver:Racecraft: Fernando AlonsoQualifying Pace: Charles LeclercTalent: Max VerstappenAwareness: Lewis Hamilton all dayDefence: Fernando AlonsoTyre management: Ooh, tyre management. Probably be one of the McLaren boys at the moment because they seem to have that on lock, don’t they? Yeah, we’ll give Lando tyre management.Quickfire round: Favourite drink: Favourite drink? Wow, I didn’t expect that. Probably a strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am on the boat.Favourite food or snack during comms: You’ve got to have a bag of Haribo to get you through, especially if you’re doing an overnight one.Guilty pleasure: Guilty pleasure. Yeah, watching Ipswich Town win this year because it’s not been a regular occurrence.Favourite racetrack: Monza. Favourite car: Favourite car? Of all cars. F1 or… F1 or what? The 1998 McLaren. That’s the first season I watch, so that’s always my favourite F1 car. Favourite driver of all time: Favourite driver of all time? Similar answer. Mikka Hakkinen, champion the first year that he won and my childhood hero. And yeah, still get starstruck by him in the paddock. He’s a lovely chap. More

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      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. More

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      ‘How did we scout this guy?’ – Man Utd fans stunned by ‘horrendous’ video of Hojlund training with Angryginge

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gobsmacked after seeing a video of Rasmus Hojlund training with Angryginge.The Denmark international recently took part in a first-touch-and-finish challenge with the YouTube sensation.Rasmus Hojlund recently took part in a first-touch-and-finish challenge with YouTuber AngrygingeCredit: YOUTUBE@PRODIRECTSOCCERThe Dane first touch, as it often did last season, let him down in the challengeCredit: YOUTUBE@PRODIRECTSOCCERAnd the former Atalanta hitman’s first touch left little to be desired, as it did several times when he led the line for the Red Devils last season. Footage of Hojlund’s link-up with Angryginge spread like wildfire on social media and drew the ire of the Old Trafford faithful. One wrote on X: “Bro still looks a** around YouTubers.”Another channelled their inner Jose Mourinho by saying: “If I speak… [I am in big trouble].” READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd another said with three laughing emojis: “Lol how did United scout this [guy] again?” One remarked: “I don’t remember his first touch being so s**t the first season.” Another chimed in: “No way is this a professional footballer.” Some United fans, however, leapt to the 22-year-old’s defence. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne said: “I actually feel compassion for him.” Another said: “I have a feeling this guy will come good.” Napoli ‘make contact with Man Utd over Rasmus Hojlund deal that would open door to stunning swap transfer’ And another said: “Am I the only one who sees that this was obvious during a rest day?”Look how he’s trying not to run and strain.”Hojlund endured a dire season in the 2024/25 campaign, in which United finished a staggering 15TH PLACE in the Premier League table.He only managed ten goals and four assists, with only four of those strikes coming in the league. Despite his woes, Italian giants Inter Milan have been linked with a summer swoop for his services. More

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      Gary Neville trolled with masks and X-rated chant by Nottingham Forest fans after Sky Sports pundit banned from stadium

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      GARY NEVILLE was mocked by Nottingham Forest fans with masks and an X-rated chant following his City Ground ban.Forest refused to let the Sky Sport pundit cover Sunday’s Premier League finale against Chelsea.One Nottingham Forest fan posed this cheeky questionCredit: GettySupporters taunted Gary Neville over his stadium banCredit: Shutterstock EditorialNeville was banned after blasting a ‘scandalous’ incidentCredit: GettyThe club were unhappy at fierce criticism from the Manchester United legend in social media posts.Neville called the way Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis appeared to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch “scandalous”.The ex-England defender even urged Nuno to QUIT over the incident.However, Marinakis later insisted he had only being showing concern over his medical team’s handling of what turned out to be a serious injury for Taiwo Awoniyi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest responded to Neville’s outburst by denying him accreditation this weekend.The club also asked Sky to change their commentary team – a move the broadcaster described as “unwelcome”.Nev’s colleague Roy Keane reacted by labelling his old outfit Forest “small-minded”.But it seems fans agree with their club – or at least they just couldn’t resist trolling Neville.Most read in FootballFans spoofed Sky Sports star NevilleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSome wore masks of his face, while one supporter held up a poster with the famous “Where’s Wally?” image changed to “Where’s Gary?”Other masked fans spoofed Nev’s Sky role by holding up headphones.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaEx-Arsenal striker Alan Smith replaced Neville in Sky’s commentary team.But just ahead of kick-off, home supporters upped their venom by chanting “Gary Neville is a w*****”.The 50-year-old had earlier gone on social media to share his shock over his ban.Neville said: “I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and never come close to this unprecedented action. “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”Nev added that he wished Forest “all their best” for their bid to secure Champions League football.Read More on The SunBut instead Levi Colwill’s 50th-minute winner booked Chelsea’s place in Europe’s top club tournament.Forest had to settle for seventh place and a spot in the Conference League – still way above the pre-season expectations of almost every pundit.Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sparked Neville’s social media outburst when he spoke to manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitchCredit: AFP More