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    Harry Redknapp: I would choose to boss this Spurs side over Man Utd EVERY time – and I’d make young starlet my captain

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    WHEREVER that old saying about the darkest nights making the brightest stars comes from, it certainly isn’t Tottenham.But if you had to pin it to a Premier League club, it’d be Ange Postecoglou’s side every day of the week.I would much rather manage this Tottenham squad over Man UtdCredit: Darren FletcherAnge Postecoglou has so many stars in his squad but is being let down by injuriesCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is the right man to turn around Man Utd but it will take years to get the right playersCredit: GettyAnge would probably be glad of it, to be honest, as there’s been little else to light up the place this season.Last summer, the thought that today’s game against Manchester United would be a meeting of two mid-table teams was unbelievable. But that’s exactly what it is.I do think Ruben Amorim is the right man to turn United around but there is so much work that it will take years.If I had the choice of who I’d like to manage, it is Spurs every time as Postecoglou has so many stars in his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it doesn’t count for much when they’re in the treatment room rather than the dressing room — and loads are.At times Postecoglou has been without a whole team of injured players, which is where that stuff about dark nights and bright stars comes in.And with so many key men missing, Ange has had to rely on some of his kids at a time he needs players AND leaders.But in Archie Gray he has a young man who ticks both boxes despite only making his full Premier League debut in December. And if everyone was available he may still be waiting.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGray’s dad Andy had a long playing career, his grandad Frank is a Leeds legend, and his uncle Eddie an all-time great.So although he’s only 18, Archie has had more experience of football life than many senior players before he joined Spurs from Leeds last year.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonAnd while all the lads who’ve been thrown in have done well, Gray has been an absolute diamond — and I have to say it doesn’t surprise me.Everything I’ve seen about him has been positive from day one, wherever he’s played, which is three different defensive positions and midfield already.The way the teenager strolls around at the back reminds me of Franz Beckenbauer or Alan Hansen, which is some comparison.I’m not saying he will ever be that good, of course, as not many got within a mile of those two legends.Last summer, the thought that today’s game against Manchester United would be a meeting of two mid-table teams was unbelievable. But that’s exactly what it is.But there is a real style and elegance in everything he does.There was a moment at Aston Villa last week when Marcus Rashford tried to run at him one-on-one, but Archie got his body across, won the ball and shut down the danger. It was class.From what I hear, he is a good talker too, despite being so young. He’s confident, says the right things, and is not afraid to put his message across in the dressing room.So you can forget his age as he is already a natural leader — and Ange certainly needs one with his team in this position.I would make Archie Gray the club captainCredit: RexCloser to the bottom three than the top six in the Prem — like United — out of both domestic cups and just the Europa League left with just over three months of the campaign to go.Spurs may have a team with no inspiring voice on the pitch but at least Amorim has a couple in Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Even with a fully fit squad, Ange has no obvious choice for the armband. As much as I love Son, who has it now, he’s never struck me as a captain.In my book Ange should be brave and give Archie the armband now as he won’t be handing it back for a decade if he does.There’s more to it than just calling heads or tails, believe me. As a manager, the skipper is someone you can rely on.You will pick his brains, he will be the link with the rest of the team and almost your right arm in many ways. So it is a vital role.READ MORE SUN STORIESI have said for ages that Gray is a captain of the future — and maybe even an England one — but up to the job at Tottenham already.In my book Ange should be brave and give Archie the armband now as he won’t be handing it back for a decade if he does. More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney: Arsenal will NOT sign Alexander Isak – Mikel Arteta is too frightened of having a genuine maverick No9

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      TEN days ago, I watched Arsenal get knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.During that semi-final second leg, I spotted Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall screaming at their centre-forward Alexander Isak to sprint back and help his team defend.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are severely lacking attacking threatCredit: EPAAlexander Isak showed the Gunners his goalscoring instinct in the recent Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyThe Gunners are without a recognised No. 9, with Gabriel Jesus (pictured) among those out injuredCredit: GettyIt must have happened five times and, on each occasion, Isak smiled at them and carried on jogging.Howe and Tindall weren’t happy but they know that Isak is a proper goal-scorer and a match-winner.It seems to me that the man in the opposing dug-out that night, Mikel Arteta, is frightened of signing a genuine No 9 like Isak.True centre-forwards always have that element of selfishness, of single-mindedness.They are often mavericks, they can often be disruptive, they usually have minds of their own and they live for scoring goals.Arsene Wenger almost always had a world-class finisher, from Ian Wright to Nicolas Anelka to Thierry Henry to Robin Van Persie, right up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his final season.But I believe Arteta is so wrapped up in his team ethos that he shies away from signing such players.Fans paint murals of Arsenal’s set-piece coach when I’m sure they’d much rather be splashing the Dulux in homage to a world-class number nine.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe policy of not signing a genuine centre forward backfired spectacularly after Kai Havertz suffered a season-ending injury on the club’s mid-season break to Dubai.I know there was a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins in January but for me that just felt like a PR stunt. Watkins was never going to leave Aston Villa in mid-season.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for the remainder of the seasonCredit: PABut it meant Arsenal could tell their fans ‘at least we tried’. It didn’t feel as if the club tried too hard.When Ivan Toney was available last summer, Arsenal didn’t do the deal because of finances – but it was a false economy. Victor Osimhen was on the market too but Arteta didn’t go for him.Back-up striker Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace and no replacement was bought.Arsenal have been transformed and greatly improved during five years under Arteta – but while they have spent big in defence and midfield, they have not invested anywhere near as much in their front line.The summer was the time to strike. In the January window you are always going to be struggling – especially when other clubs know you are desperate.Gabriel Jesus, Arteta’s other option at centre-forward, had already been ruled out for the season so the idea of a serious injury to Havertz was always the nightmare scenario.Fans paint murals of Arsenal’s set-piece coach when I’m sure they’d much rather be splashing the Dulux in homage to a world-class number nine.Neither Jesus nor Havertz is an out-and-out centre-forward but the German has done a really decent job there.People are going to realise how effective he is in both boxes – and as an attacking focal point – now that he is on the sidelines.Without Havertz, Arteta is now into ‘false nine’ territory – with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also out, his only attacking options are Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.Those might be enough to beat Leicester handsomely today but they are not going to allow the perfect 14-match run-in Arsenal will need to have any chance of hunting down Liverpool – which would have to include a win at Anfield.As an old-school nine, I’m sceptical about the idea of false nines.The only two clubs who have been consistently successful playing such a system were Barcelona, with Lionel Messi, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, between Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland.Those were two of the greatest teams in history.To play that way, you have to pass teams to death, grind them down. Only the very best are good enough to do that.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.In the last two seasons, Arsenal could argue that City were a truly great team, more experienced and more expensive than them.But when they miss out on the title again, this one is all on Arsenal – and their failure to sign a goalscorer.Liverpool have only signed one player in the last year and they have overtaken Arteta’s team.City have fallen off a cliff and Arsenal haven’t been able to capitalise.I know there was a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins in January but for me that just felt like a PR stunt. Watkins was never going to leave Aston Villa in mid-season.The Gunners don’t have a single player with ten league goals to his name this season – while Chris Wood, a veteran who has been around the block, has 17 for Nottingham Forest.The other day, I was talking to a proven Premier League goalscorer, a centre-forward who is likely to be on the move this summer.I told him that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and perhaps Tottenham could all be options – because there aren’t many good young centre-forwards around.This player could easily have done a job for Arsenal for the next few months had they come in for him.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsNow Arsenal will be relying even more on set-pieces, meaning opposing teams will be extra determined not to concede corners against them.Yet without Havertz Arsenal lack one of their prime targets from set-pieces too.It seems crazy to me that they have allowed themselves to get into this situation.Maybe it’s arrogance, maybe it’s tactical pigheadedness.But for me it’s more a case of a manager too afraid to sign a striker with a one-track mind.Tifo madnessWHAT on Earth were Manchester City thinking of with that giant banner and those posters of Rodri with the Ballon d’Or before their Champions League clash with Real Madrid?Real boycotted the awards ceremony, believing their man Vinicius Junior should have won the prize rather than Rodri.If that was a bit childish, then City’s response before a match against the 15-time European champions was sillier still.Why would you want to go out of your way to wind up Vinicius and his team-mates?City’s tifo against Real Madrid massively backfiredCredit: ReutersCity are in no position right now to be taking the p*** out of the greatest club in the world.I’m sure City’s own players wouldn’t have appreciated it.The closest thing I can remember from my career was whenWatford’s mascot Harry the Hornet dived to ridicule Wilf Zaha during a match against Crystal Palace.And I think the bloke inside the big wasp’s costume got sacked for that! 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      in Boxing

      Daredevil Chisora keeps putting his life in danger.. a fight vs Anthony Joshua or Dubois must NEVER be allowed to happen

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      DEREK CHISORA thoroughly deserved his standing ovation after his outstanding victory over Otto Wallin in Manchester last Saturday.The thousands who packed the Co-op Arena were every bit as emotional as Del Boy after seeing him twice bludgeon the Swede to the canvas on his way to becoming the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.Derek Chisora gave Otto Wallin a battering – but he should hang up his gloves nowCredit: ReutersThe 41-year-old has nothing left to prove after another warrior performanceCredit: GettyChisora soaked up the adulation as blood gushed from his badly cut eyes before his war wounds were eventually stitched.It was certainly an incredible performance for a man who has had a brutal 18-year, 49-fight career that has seen him win British, Commonwealth and European titles and twice fight for the world championship.But I’m afraid I can’t join in the general Chisora cheerleading party.There’s no getting away from the undeniable fact that after slugging it out over 12 rounds, at the final bell the battle-scarred Chisora looked every one of his 41 years.There’s no doubt Derek will be encouraged to take on Dubois or even Anthony Joshua as a 50th fight finale – either at a London stadium or in Riyadh.I will be accused of being a party-pooper, but that is a fight I would hate to happen.Two years ago, after Chisora took a terrible beating from Tyson Fury’s educated fists at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground, this column implored him to retire.I was in excellent company because so did his promoter Frank Warren.They may not be prepared to admit it publicly, but most boxing people – fighters, trainers and managers – know Chisora should have hung up his gloves a long time ago.But Chisora is a one-off law unto himself and he has no intention of taking advice from anyone – however good it is.There is no doubt he has become a cult figure with the fans – in fact his thousands of followers are boxing’s equivalent of cricket’s Barmy Army.Derek Chisora opens up on retirement and says people ‘don’t care’ about him in ‘scumbag’ sport of boxingDel Boy was left bloodied and bruised after his bout with WallinCredit: ReutersChisora asked fans if he should fight Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk next – but the answer should be NONE of themCredit: GettyThey sing his name as soon as he climbs through the ropes and never stop.That’s because he gives them what they want to see – blood and guts. That’s all very well but it’s his blood and his guts he’s spilling – not theirs.I just wish I could understand Del Boy’s intransigent addiction to fame and pain.Chisora is a one-off law unto himself and he has no intention of taking advice from anyone – however good it isHe dotes on his two daughters and has given his family wealth and stability, having earned his fortune the hardest way possible.Yet this immensely brave and eccentric man continues to put his life in danger every time he goes to work when he has no need to.Maybe it takes a fellow fighter to fully understand Chisora’s mentality.A needless showdown against Anthony Joshua (left) or Daniel Dubois (right) could prove a step too farCredit: GettyJoe Calzaghe, one of Britain’s greatest world champions who retired with a perfect 46-0 record, perhaps has the answer.Calzaghe in a Foreword to Gareth A. Davies’ recently published and highly entertaining and informative book A Call of the Warrior, wrote: “Many people feel the call of the warrior.”And some of us find ourselves dedicating our lives to fighting in the ring. “It is a calling although we are not always able to fathom where it comes from.”But it’s there. To ignore the call of the warrior is to go against ourselves, to deny a deeply fundamental part of what makes us all human.”Whatever Chisora’s wishes, it must NEVER be allowed to happenSurely there can be no better way for Chisora to have taken his final bow than the adrenaline high and love he experienced as he walked back to his dressing room last weekend.The thought of him tangling with a young, fearsome punching tyro like Dubois – it has already been mentioned – sends shivers of fear up and down my spine. Whatever Chisora’s wishes, it must never be allowed to happen.Surely Del Boy wouldn’t risk going out being beaten up and counted out? But then, you can never legislate for Chisora. More

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      in Soccer

      Ancelotti has been sacked more than Mourinho but never loses his cool unlike rivals… he’s the greatest of them all

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      HOW can somebody so good have been sacked so often?Ice-cool Carlo Ancelotti has ­suffered a manager’s ultimate fate more times than fireball Jose Mourinho.Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all timeCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been sacked more than any other managerCredit: AFPBut ice-cool Ancelotti always keeps his coolCredit: RexHe has won trophies all across his glittering careerCredit: GettyThe Italian leads six to five, give or take the odd ‘mutual consent’ — which of course can mean whatever you want it to.Yet there is not a silver-fox hair out of place, the dashing blue ­overcoat fits like a glove and even at 65, he puts many of his younger peers to shame with his elegance and eloquence.That was on crystal clear display as Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations on their own turf three days ago.Coming from behind to beat the pride of English football with a last-gasp winner against the team Ancelotti describes as his own ‘great rivals’ — yet not even a twitch in the pulse rate in the Spanish technical area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat unique characteristic among coaches sets Ancelotti apart. No head scratching, no bottle kicking, no digital a**e probing. Precious few examples of super calm Carlo losing the plot with the officials or opponents.Which when you consider he has also managed Europe’s titans in Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, to stay in control takes some doing.Ancelotti has shared rooms with shadowy Russian oligarchs, endured penalty shootouts in Champions League finals and managed Everton — it’s debatable which is most scary.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet while Pep Guardiola flicks phlegm through pursed lips by way of a nervous tick, spindly Thomas Tuchel leaps and gestures and Joachim Low reaches for his backside in stressful moments, Ancelotti is having none of it.And for that alone he should be considered the greatest of them all.Five Champions League titles does help. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the BluesBut to reach such heights and still not break sweat dealing with the egos and the snipes at such  a high level in the game is the ultimate accolade.As he assembles the latest troupe of Galacticos at the Bernabeu with the expected summer addition of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold,  that trait stands him in good stead.The nice guy nature has been his undoing but Ancelotti has learned from that. He managed Chelsea on a peer-to-peer level, treating his players as equals, hoping they would do the same.Some took advantage of that in his second season at Stamford Bridge. That contributed to him being sacked in the away dressing room at Everton in May 2011 — having won the Double the previous season.Yet despite the relentless pressure of working for ruthless Roman Abramovich, Ancelotti did not desert his humanity and never will.After trips back home to Italy, he would return bearing salamis made by a friend for one staff member’s son who was obsessed with Peperami sticks at the time.He fought hard behind the scenes for staff members who struggled to cope with life. And the guard never drops.Carlo Ancelotti managerial honoursJuventus – UEFA Intertoto CupAC Milan – Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Champions League x2, UEFA Super Cup x2, Club World CupChelsea – Premier League, FA Cup, Community ShieldPSG – Ligue 1Real Madrid – LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey x2, Supercopa de Espana x2, Champions League x3, UEFA Super Cup x3, Club World Cup x2, Intercontinnental Cup Bayern Munich – Bundesliga, DFL-SupercupDuring his short and surprising stint in charge of a troubled Everton team at the height of Covid, he secured an injury-time 5-4 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round. As the 97th-minute goal crashes in, Ancelotti stops to blow steam from the top of his piping hot cup of tea, then takes a sip while his coaching staff lose it around him.Everton fans with half a brain have accepted him walking out to rejoin Real Madrid where he is now furthering his already stellar reputation.Those with a fully functioning noddle are still shocked why he chose their underperforming, underwhelming club in the first place.When you deal at the top table you need to keep your cards close to your chest.And Ancelotti is smart enough to know never to say anything in a press conference that could be considered genuinely interesting.The arch-diplomat, he plays the game straight, takes his severance money and doesn’t burn bridges.Ancelotti’s only complaint about life in England was the poor standard of coffee. And he has a point. The washed-out Espresso being his main bone of contention.And it’s probably why he won’t ever come back to manage here again. Shame.Don’t sit ‘n take itTottenham fans need to rethink their protest strategyCredit: RexTOTTENHAM fans plotting a protest against club chairman Daniel Levy on Sunday should rethink their strategy.Planning a sit-in demo after the home game against Manchester United is the wrong way to go about things in this time of turmoil.With the team playing so badly and the whole matchday experience being one big letdown, why prolong the agony?Surely a walkout as soon as possible after kick-off would be far more appealing?That way the aggrieved supporters make their point and get to p*** off home early and do something far more enjoyable instead.It means sweet FAArne Slot didn’t care much for the FA Cup in realityCredit: PAAPPARENTLY Arne Slot will be kicking himself at Liverpool’s embarrassing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Plymouth Argyle.Uh-huh.Sadly, with a Premier League title to chase down, genuine aspirations of winning the Champions League and a place in next month’s Carabao Cup Final in the bag, something has to give.Unfortunately, in this case, it’s our national cup competition.As exciting and unpredictable as the FA Cup is, I imagine it was fourth in line on Slot’s list of ­priorities — and he has probably forgotten where Plymouth is already.Vini kicks City in tifoVinicius Jr got his own back at Man City after their tifo displayCredit: GettyIT’S SAFE to assume that Manchester City gave the nod to the most tactless tifo in football with the giant banner poking fun at Vinicius  Jr and Real Madrid.In which case it’s going to be fun waiting to see whether the Spaniards hit back on Wednesday when they stage the second leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off.The poster featuring the Etihad midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy along with the caption ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ was successful only in winding up ungracious loser Vinicius Jr.Would love to know where it is now?PITY the poor sods who are working in the Manchester United public relations department.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the very day Red Devils legend Denis Law was laid to rest on Tuesday, hard-pressed staff in the communications team were dealing with questions that between 100 and 200 club workers are to be axed in the latest round of redundancies.Not easy that.Man Utd PR has been nothing short of disastrous recentlyCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Five reasons Man City have fallen away as title contenders – and why Pep Guardiola’s side can still win it

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      I’M STILL not willing to write off Manchester City from winning the Premier League title this year.And yet, on Tuesday night, Phil Foden claimed that top four is what they are aiming for this season.Troy Deeney isn’t writing off Pep Guardiola and Man City just yetCredit: GettyPhil Foden declared City were aiming for the top four after the 2-2 draw with BrentfordCredit: PAWhat the f*** are you on about?Where’s the confidence of reigning champions?If City had beaten Brentford, they would have been six points off Arsenal, who are being tipped as Liverpool’s greatest threat.And with 17 games left, there is only one team, one squad and one manager on the planet capable of putting together a near-perfect run worthy of winning a title and that’s Pep Guardiola and City.READ MORE ON MAN CITYWho in their right mind would bet against that when they’ve done it before?But, and there is a big but, we’re also in a situation where it has become a taboo to question the great man that is Pep, which in itself is really scary.He needs to be called out when he is in the wrong and he has got a lot of big decisions wrong this season — including on Tuesday in the 2-2 draw at the Gtech.City were 2-0 up and cruising. Are you telling me taking off Foden and bringing on James McAtee was the best tactical situation to see out that game?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s not a dig at McAtee but is he going to put his foot on the ball, run it into the corner or kick it into Row Z if needs be?Pep left the far more experienced Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish on the bench.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainHis decision-making generally has been bizarre – why is Ederson not starting regularly? Isn’t he your No 1? Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t getting a kick and now he is starting most weeks.Why does it feel like there are more disgruntled players in the squad than ever before?Has Pep’s man-management changed with the underachievement so far this season?Why is Kyle Walker still at the club if he wants to leave?Normally, City get transfers done and dusted before you’ve even heard about it. Now, they’re dithering.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.Why didn’t they go big in the summer with signings? Because of the 130 financial rule breaches they have been charged with? Because the manager’s future was undecided before he signed a two-year deal in November?I get the feeling Pep is overthinking it, almost double bluffing himself and the club are following suit.As a result, City just aren’t as tough to beat or nick points off as they used to be and they no longer feel or look like an efficient machine away from the pitch.Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were dominant forces and then went off the boil – are we seeing this now with City and Pep?Maybe it is as simple as losing the best player on the planet in Rodri to a long-term injury, but I don’t buy that.City have nailed down Erling Haaland to an incredible long-term dealCredit: GettyBut it’s not just Pep. When you look at City as an organisation this season, it’s been sloppy.Signing up Erling Haaland until 2034 is great business but as a team and as a club, they have fallen asleep at the wheel.And because of that, we have heard more excuses coming from their camp in the last three or four months than the past five years.They have injuries but so does everybody. And look at that squad — world-class talent capable of beating most teams comfortably.There’s a lot of moaning. Maybe some of the players are not used to the fight because they usually win everything with ease.They’re not being accountable. They’re not stepping up.READ MORE SUN STORIESDon’t try and suggest they have an ‘ageing squad’ either. Last season, no one mentioned their ages because they have a terrific squad. This ‘ageing’ stuff is the biggest cop out.Yes, they have tough games coming up – Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool, Spurs and Nottingham Forest by March 8 – but they’re brilliant chances to get back on track. More

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      Sean Dyche has class and messaged me in prison, there’s no way he’d walk out on Everton… something doesn’t feel right

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      SEAN DYCHE is not the sort of person to just give up and walk out on a club.I know the man well — he was my manager at Watford for the 2011-12 campaign. He’s got class.Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton on ThursdayCredit: PASunSport columnist Troy Deeney believes that Dyche’s exit doesn’t add upCredit: APWhen he was sacked in July 2012, he left in difficult circumstances but still fronted it, said thanks to everybody.He even managed to get a message to me and I was in prison at the time.Even when he left Burnley, he said his goodbyes in the proper way — he didn’t shirk away, hide and run off into the night without letting everybody know.He’s a proud man too. He’s never going to admit that he can’t do something.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSI’ve heard suggestions he had talks with new owners The Friedkin Group and told them he taken the club as far as he could.I don’t buy it. It sounds like PR bluffing to me.And he would not decide to walk out on a club on the morning of a game, without the players even knowing when they turned up to take on Peterborough in the FA Cup on Thursday night.If he is going into a meeting knowing that he’s going to get the sack, he is still going to say goodbye to the lads.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDyche and Deeney have known each other dating back to the manager’s Watford daysCredit: GettySo for this to happen, out of nowhere, it doesn’t feel right.You’re talking about a man’s character and principles here.Leighton Baines praises Everton response after victory on ‘difficult day’ I reckon there has been a bit of a to-do at the training ground — about where each party sees things and how the future looks.I can hazard a guess that these owners told him he can’t say his goodbyes in the way he would have wanted to.Just leave, sort it out and stay away from everyone.As a whole, it doesn’t seem right to me.’THE NOSTALGIA MOVE’It is a real panic-button move from the new owners against a manager who has worked pretty well with what he had to choose from.Including a striker — in Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who has only scored 17 goals in all competitions since August 2021. And if you look at the owners’  history elsewhere, they thrive off of the nostalgia move — but that hasn’t worked wonders so far.At Roma, they went down the Jose Mourinho route and now have brought back Claudio Ranieri to the club.It is all about pulling on the heartstrings to get the fans onside.So, it is no surprise that David Moyes is one of the favourites to take over — a real legend of the club after his largely successful 11-year stint there.But it just screams of bad planning. It is a short-term fix — and then what?Let’s say Moyes gets six months and starts doing well. And say he brings another legend back in Wayne Rooney as his assistant and they win eight games between now and the end of the season.What then? Just get rid of him and risk the wrath of the fans? Or are you going to ask him to stay a little bit longer?Then Moyes will start plotting and planning for a summer transfer window ahead of moving into their new stadium.I don’t want to sound disrespectful  — because Moyes is a great manager — but will he dramatically change the style of play, the types of players they buy, compared to Dyche?READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is just a lot of confusion. What is their end goal here? What’s the long-term project?So far, we haven’t got a clue.David Moyes is the front-runner to land the Everton jobCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Wayne Rooney and Gareth Southgate had a Christmas they won’t forget in a hurry… but will either return to management?

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      ONE of England’s best-known football men gets a posh title while another loses his job.So a happy new year then for Sir Gareth Southgate, but less so for Wayne Rooney.Gareth Southgate has been made a Knight of the RealmCredit: GettyBut it’s not been such a happy Christmas period for Wayne RooneyCredit: PAThe former England striker was axed by Plymouth earlier this weekCredit: PAFormer centre-back Southgate, 54, became the fourth former England manager to be knighted, although such an appointment does not necessarily qualify for a gong  – just ask Sam Allardyce!For anyone with short-term memory loss, Rooney is one of our all-time greats as a player, with his 53 goals for England putting him on top of the pile until Harry Kane went past him in 2023.But as a manager, Wayne was sacked by Plymouth a few days ago after taking them to the foot of the Championship.It was his fourth management failure and he might well conclude he needs a fresh line of work.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis career and Sir Gareth’s crossed a couple of times at least, once or twice in 2003 on the playing field when Rooney was a teenage wizard, scissor-kicks a speciality and our best forward since Alan Shearer.In 2016, he was still around at the start of Southgate’s eight-year tenure as England boss.Rooney, 39, might not be a great manager but how his shining talent brightened the lives of Everton fans for a short time and Manchester United’s for a generation.Wide in the shoulders, strong and quick, he could go either side of a defenders, motor at fair speed and even occasionally score with his left foot.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe learned early on that he had to handle himself, remaining unflinching – and sometimes more.His outlook is perhaps mirrored by his wife, Coleen, who was sued in the Wagatha Christie court case by Rebekah Vardy, whose husband Jamie was also an England striker.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursNo matter the costs of going to court – for a case lost by Vardy – or of a family of four children, the Rooneys have made a mint from football celebrity, said to be about £200million. Good for them.Rooney’s sacking might well have been his last throw at management but there were no angry noises.To his credit, he left Home Park without a murmur against the club.I admire that and I admire his persistence in pursuing a career as a football manager.That takes a special type of character and he clearly loves football.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Southgate brought to his England management a touch of style.His honesty and integrity are not always expected virtues in football and a lot of international players must have found it refreshing, along with being part of a well-run, decently-coached and amenable set-up.He succeeded in many ways – two European finals and a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final is a good record – but was not as solid an achievement as a cup or two.Neither were some critics happy with the way his team played, claiming it was stolid, with little flair from attacking players who were capable of so much more.Rooney was good enough to have made a difference but time was against them both and so we can only dream of the possibilities.The sole Knight of the Realm to have won a major trophy for England was Sir Alf Ramsey 59 years ago. Rooney leaves the Pilgrims with the side bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe others – Walter Winterbottom and Bobby Robson – tried and failed.Managers, especially international ones, always need more time to  connect with their players and it is perhaps surprising that Thomas Tuchel was appointed for only an 18-month term, starting this week.The end of his contract coincides with the World Cup next year, should we qualify.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.If we don’t, heaven save anyone within firing distance.England have an abundance of fine attacking players, several of whom will have to wait to meet their international boss whose first game is nearly three months away — a qualifier against Albania.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhatever happens, I am sure 2025 will bring new opportunities to both Sir Gareth and Wayne.Good luck to them both. More

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      It may be too late for protesters concerned about World Cup 2034 in Saudi thanks to Fifa ‘emperor’ Gianni Infantino

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      THE magical effect of Gulf State money has transformed the Premier League.It will take a while to discover whether these riches will continue.Gianni Infantino operates like an emperor in footballCredit: EPANeither of the two clubs which have hugely benefited, Manchester City and Newcastle, are blowing our socks off so far this season.Pep Guardiola’s City, it is fair to say, have disappointed their fans so far — but not for long, I am sure.Toon lie close to City in mid-table which must be no more than acceptable to Eddie Howe, his players and the masses on the Tyne.There is further heat for the pair over whether any football club should be financed by a state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Parliamentary Bill is in the pipeline.At a debate I attended at the House of Lords last week, Lord Scriven made his view clear: “There is a specific issue with the Gulf states.“If people are potentially put to death for being gay in a state, would that debar a state entity or an individual in that government from owning an English club? It is a clear question.”One which like so many others, was not answered. Apparently, a letter answering the question will be put in the “library”.Most read in FootballI hope it doesn’t have to wait as long to get his letter as it has taken the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to reply to the Prem clubs she invited in to discuss the Bill.We’ve been waiting five months and counting…Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar funding will be responsible for the 2034 Saudi World Cup, having dodged inspection by the 211 national federations. Or anyone else bar the press and campaigners.Critics point out that hundreds, possibly thousands, of workers died building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup in fellow oil state Qatar.The deaths were barely reported at the time.It may be too late for protestors concerned at this return to a Middle East autocracy because Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the process before they could make a full case.Infantino bizarrely said he felt “gay, African and disabled” before Qatar and also told women to “pick the right battles”, so he was hardly going to think about the treatment of the fairer sex when awarding the World Cup.Amnesty International reports women “continue to face discrimination in law, inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody”.But women have been battling for decades against this sort of nonsense, so we won’t be relying on Infantino to fight any corners for us.I’m sure neither City nor Newcastle regard Fifa’s practices as their affair.The Prem already have strict rules about spending on transfers and soon new directives will cover what can be spent on players’ wages.Ownership is, rightly, open to investment from companies all over the world.Nearly half of top-flight teams are ultimately controlled by American investors, as well as by Chinese, Pakistan, Thai, Greek and even English!All of these owners are multi-millionaires and have boardrooms.The oil states have only Arab royalty.Infantino’s behaviour is open to question.Clearly, he likes to operate as an emperor, altering the fixture list in open warfare with Uefa.His Club World Cup intrudes on the close season and relegates the Champions League to a runner-up in importance.Plus, any possibility of an open competition for the 2034 enlarged World Cup has been shut tight.Infantino, a lawyer by trade, knows just how to get his own way and pay.When he was elected Fifa president unopposed in 2023, his annual salary with bonuses was raised by 33 per cent to more than £5million a year.And, as a Swiss-Italian, he now lives in Florida and pays no taxes there.Although some countries, notably Germany, asked questions, he will remain president until 2027 when he is likely to stand again for a further four years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new Club World Cup will take place in 11 stadiums for a month next summer in the US.Chelsea and City are our entrants on the basis of Champions League success. Good luck to them. And readers for the coming year. More

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      I covered all 16 of Mike Tyson’s world championship battles but Jake Paul bout isn’t a fight, it’s a FARCE

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      WHOEVER wrote the advertising blurb promoting the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing buffoonery that’s taking place in Texas on Friday would make George Washington blush with shame.The description of this ridiculous, universally condemned freak show between 58-year-old Tyson and novice YouTuber Paul, is a masterpiece of deception.Mike Tyson ends his near two-decade absence from the ring on FridayCredit: GettyFormer YouTuber Jake Paul will be the 58-year-old’s opponentCredit: GettyTyson suffered a medical emergency just four months ago, resulting in the fight being postponedCredit: ReutersIt thunders: “One of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing history. “It’s legendary power against relentless ambition promising an unforgettable clash in the ring.”Has there ever been anything more derisory or misleading? Because this isn’t a fight – IT’S A FARCE!It must be appalling to the good folk who run the Age Concern charity that looks after the welfare of the elderly.READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBecause Tyson – one of the all-time great world heavyweight champions – is not only being allowed to climb through the ropes at his time of life after 19 years in retirement but encouraged to combat a man 31 years younger.At least he is only being asked to box eight two-minute rounds and he’ll be wearing 14oz gloves instead of the usual 10oz – as if that is going to lessen the danger to Tyson’s health.We keep hearing what incredible shape Mike’s in considering he’s well passed middle age – yet four months ago he was said to be seriously ill suffering from a bleeding stomach ulcer which he admitted caused him to vomit blood.This sorry spectacle has been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOnly in America would this kind of punching parody be sanctioned – it certainly wouldn’t be tolerated here.Stranger things have happened across the pond and it reminds me of the Aaron Pryor horror story.Jake Paul threatens to ‘bet the purse’ ahead of his fight with Mike TysonJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTPryor was found to be blind in his left eye after losing his world junior welterweight title in 1988. Eighteen months later he decided to make a comeback – understandably he found great difficulty in getting licenced to fight in most cities in the States.Eventually, he applied to the licensing authorities in Madison, Wisconsin and it was granted. Marlene Cummings – who made the decision – in her infinite wisdom said solemnly: “Handicapped people should not be penalised for their handicap.”You couldn’t make it up.Pryor went ahead with the fight and KO’d his opponent in the third.Has there ever been anything more derisory or misleading? Because this isn’t a fight – IT’S A FARCE!Colin HartIf the Texan authorities had done the sensible thing and refused to give their blessing to this unjustifiable Tyson-Paul spectacle no doubt another State would have been found willing to cash in and stage it.At least 60,000 are expected in the 80,000-capacity AT&T stadium to see Tyson and Paul square off – probably most of them the kind of people who slow down on motorways to ogle at a car crash.It’s being shown worldwide on Netflix which has 200 million subscribers – which is why Tyson and Paul are each supposed to be getting anything between £20-£30million.Hand on heart, who who can blame the one-time Baddest Man on the Planet for grabbing such a massive fortune for a maximum of 16 minutes work?Obviously Mike believes it’s worth gambling on not getting seriously hurt.The Baddest Man on the Planet hasn’t fought professionally since 2005Credit: GettyJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTHaving covered 30 of Tyson’s 58 fights over a period of 17 years – including every one of his 16 world championship battles – I spent many hours with him talking about his troubled life inside and outside the ring.Always a tormented soul, it was in the cards he would grow old disgracefully – but he always professed his undying love for boxing and respected its history and traditions.That’s why I find it so dispiriting Mike has allowed himself to get involved in something he would have regarded in his prime as degrading – but we all know money always talks loudest.It must be appalling to the good folk who run the Age Concern charity that looks after the welfare of the elderly.Colin HartThe Tyson I want to remember was the terrifying fighting machine who sent shivers of fear up and down the spine of his opponents – and many in the press seats as well – before he ruthlessly blasted them insensible with the dynamite he carried in both fists.I’m so glad I’m going to be nearly 5000 miles from Arlington and won’t have to watch the charade that is going to be enacted in cowboy country.What two long-dead American authors had to say many moons ago perfectly sums up what the majority feel and brings home what the unedifying Tyson-Paul match-up is really all about.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCharles Bukowski pointed out: “Bad taste creates many more millionaires than good taste.”And H. L. Mencken wrote: “Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a ring walk Iron Mike Tyson should come in to Any Old Iron – an old Cockney music hall song the rag-and-bone men used to sing as they toured the East London streets when I was a kid.They were collecting damaged goods. More