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      Napoli’s amazing resurgence with Serie A leaders the highest scorers in Champions League and winning fans for their play

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      FORGET Arsenal, Man City or Real Madrid.There’s a new sheriff in town and they have become the perennial entertainers in their domestic league and the Champions League.
      Napoli’s fans are toasting new heroes, including Giacomo RaspadoriCredit: Getty
      Napoli are unbeaten in their first 13 games in both Serie A and the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli have blitzed all before them in devastating fashion to go 13 games unbeaten in both competitions with a brand of free-flowing, heavy-metal football that Jurgen Klopp would be proud of.
      The German manager got a flavour of what they offer at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last month, as Liverpool were humbled 4-1 – with three goals coming in a first half massacre.
      And the Naples giant’s’ amazing start is even more of a surprise, given they had a summer of upheaval.
      All change
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      The Camorra would have been watching with bated breath at what the upcoming season promised.
      Especially after losing legends like Dries Mertens, who plundered 148 goals for the club, Italian international Lorenzo Insigne and star midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
      Serie A’s best centre back of recent years, Kalidou Koulibaly also left for the bright lights of the Premier League and Chelsea. You could forgive Napoli’s faithful for feeling pessimistic.
      Some £72million was made from player sales, with just £61million of that reinvested into the team.
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      The most expensive signing came in the form of South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae for £16million, who had the unenviable job of filling Koulibally’s giant boots.
      Cameroon midfielder Frank Anguissa was added from Fulham for £13million.
      Steady Uruguayan full-back Mathias Olivera was snapped up from Getafe for £9million.
      There was also a nod to the future, with Georgian talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 21, and Giacomo Raspadori, 22, added for creativity and firepower.
      What happened next no one could have seen.
      Start as you mean to go on
      The season’s opener gave a taste of what was to come, as Verona can testify.
      Spalletti’s side smashed five away from home – with the old guard of Victor Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski and Stanislav Lobotka all running riot.
      Led by Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s frightening attack has scored three goals or more in eight of their 13 matches in all competitionsCredit: Rex
      A 6-1 demolition of Ajax had Europe take noteCredit: Getty
      It was helter-skelter football, played at a 100mph. But it worked.
      What has followed has been goal blitz after goal blitz. In their first 13 matches, they’ve scored three goals or more in a game eight times.
      In Serie A they sit pretty at the top of the pile with seven wins and two draws from their nine games. They are the league’s top scorers with an impressive 22 strikes.
      While in the Champions League, they’ve won four from four – scoring 17 goals along the way. That too is the highest goal tally of any of their rivals.
      At the turn of the month, Europe took note after they demolished Ajax 6-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
      Fabio Capello, who was watching the game as a pundit for Italian TV, was impressed.
      “Napoli just gave a football lesson at the Johan Cruyff Arena,” he told former Alessandro Costacurta on Sky Sport Italia.
      “A lesson to the Dutch, who taught the rest of us how to play!”
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores Napoli’s fifth in the rout of Ajax in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Napoli’s fans hold on to the memory of Diego Maradona, but could have new heroes to saviour with their current teamCredit: Rex
      Even the press in Holland couldn’t help summon up the spirits of the two clubs’ favourite sons, Diego Maradona and Cruyff.
      “Napoli’s spectacular game in Amsterdam would certainly have enchanted Maradona, Cruyff would have without doubt been very disturbed by Ajax’s performance, which became the laughing stock of Europe,” De Telegraaf wrote.
      A nod to the gaffer
      Napoli’s free-flowing attacking football has been guided by Italian tactician Spalletti.
      Before a world of false nine’s, the 63-year-old famously played a system without a striker at Roma – getting the best out of Francesco Totti who prospered in a free role.
      Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a fan, and even utilised Wayne Rooney in a similar role after being inspired by Spalletti’s tactic.
      But, he is yet to win the Scudetto in his 28 years in the game. Two Russian Premier League titles with Zenit Saint Petersburg during a five-year spell haven’t silenced the doubters.
      Coach Luciano Spalletti has drawn praise for building attacking teamsCredit: Getty
      Napoli have scored more goals than any other team in both Serie A and Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Buy of the season
      Comparisons to Maradona from Napoli’s tifosi aren’t handed out quickly.
      However, in Georgian midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia they’ve found a new talisman who is already a contender for buy of the season.
      Snapped up for just £9million from Dinamo Batumi, who had him for a short spell after he was allowed to suspend his contract with Russian side Rubin Kazan, he won Italy’s player of the month in August.
      The 6ft winger scored his first Champions League goal in that Ajax massacre and has five in nine Serie A matches this season.
      With an air of unpredictability, blistering pace and skill – Kvaratskhelia has been given the label the ‘Georgian Maradona’.
      While, Spalletti has already waxed lyrical about his talent.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has undoubtedly been Serie A’s best player this seasonCredit: Getty
      Will Napoli’s stars be celebrating in front of their own supporters at the end of the season?Credit: Getty
      He said: “He is able to control any ball and make it clean, he has this very shy way of doing things, he never wants to be the centre of attention, but when he plays football, he is so confident.”
      Italy hero Alessandro Del Piero added: “Watch out for Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable and talented, he seems to be made to play in Europe.”
      With 17th placed Bologna up next, Napoli fans will no doubt expect another goal glut on Sunday. And they will, no doubt, live up to their new tag as ‘Europe’s Entertainers’. More

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      Premier League stars, including Kalvin Phillips and Wilfried Zaha are using private limos to travel to match days

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      PREMIER LEAGUE footballers use ATG Chauffeuring – a luxury limo service that provides rides to stars on match days.The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Morgan Gibbs-White, Wilfried Zaha and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer have all been spotted in their high-end cars travelling to games or to a TV studio.
      England ace Kalvin Phillips uses ATG Chauffering’s servicesCredit: Instagram
      Wilfried Zaha has also taken advantage of the luxury limo serviceCredit: Instagram
      Footballers and their Wags travel in style in a £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
      And they’re ferried in £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans kitted out with all the latest gadgets.
      Fitted with PlayStation4’s, Sky TV, and Netflix – the game’s elite can kick back and relax.
      ATG Chauffeuring have been known to give international stars drop-offs at the airport.
      While even their Wags are making the most of it, using it for personal travel for matches.
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      Testimonials
      Former footballer and now talkSPORT host Darren Bent is a fan of the service, and has been pictued on their social media giving the thumbs up.
      While Shearer has bigged up owner Andre Torean Gonzales and addressed the service offer on the Midlands-based company’s website with a glowing review.
      Man City footballer Kalvin Phillips and Morgan Gibbs-White have used ATG Chauffeuring to ferry themselves around, with the former Sheffield United ace using the service on a match day.
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      Former Wag Danielle Lloyd is also a fan, appearing on ATG’s Instagram page.
      As is Brittney De Villiers – the stunning girlfriend of Nottingham Forest midfielder Gibbs-White – who posed up in the back of one of their limos on a trip to Bristol for a social media snap.
      And these cars give regular transport a run for their money.
      Amazing amenities
      With their focus on training or matches, some footballers might not want to take their cars with them.
      Morgan Gibbs-White hired ATG Chauffeuring on a match dayCredit: Instagram
      Gibbs-White’s stunning girlfriend Brittney De Villiers poses in the back of a limoCredit: Instagram
      They could want to switch off from the pressures and rigours of professional football.
      By travelling with a limo service, they have enough distractions to forget about that.
      ATG Chauffeuring’s cars feature PlayStations loaded up with the latest instalment of FIFA.
      If they want to keep up with the football scores elsewhere, there’s Sky TV to watch a game on the well-sized screens.
      And if they don’t want to think about football at all, then they can simply watch a film on Netflix.
      Entertainment systems on board feature Netflix and Sky TV
      Football stars can also play FIFA on a PlayStation 4
      With all that on offer, it’s no wonder some footballers are leaving their expensive motors at home and using personal limo services, like ATG Chauffeuring.
      Maybe they’ll save room for football journalists too. More

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      Former West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky now runs a pie and mash cafe after hanging up his boots

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      WHEN planning for a life after football, maybe it’s best to think with your stomach rather than your head.That’s what ex-Charlton, West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky, now 41, did when he took over a cafe in Brentwood, Essex in 2015.
      Paul Konchesky now runs his own pie and mash cafeCredit: Splash News
      Former Charlton left-back Konchesky opened Konch’s Kafe in 2015 in Essex
      The former Premier League left-back renamed the site Konch’s Kafe, and started selling traditional East End grub like pie and mash and hasn’t looked back since.
      And making sure he’s keeping it in the family, Konchesky has got his mum Carol in to run her son’s operation.
      An experienced chef, she used to cook in the kitchen of the Royal Oak pub in Essex.
      LOVES HIS PIES
      Pie and mash is something that reminds the two-cap England international of his youth days as a trainee with the Addicks, even if his food-intake wasn’t quite fitting for a wannabe pro footballer.
      Konchesky told the Daily Mail: “There was this pie-and-mash shop next to our school in Dagenham.
      “Every Tuesday we’d all have mash and liquor for a pound in a takeaway cup.
      “Every Friday it’d be proper pie, mash and liquor, with jellied eels. And a cream soda. Without fail.
      “I used to be a right dumpling with a big fat face. I was quite tubby when I had my first fitness test at Charlton.
      “I was in the first team at 16 with John Robinson and that, getting crates of beer on to the team bus. And on the way home we’d stop for fish and chips.”
      Konch’s Kafe has been a big success for Konchesky since he retiredCredit: Rex Features

      Now a picture of health, and even completing the London Marathon in three hours 51 minutes after hanging up his boots, Konchesky resists the temptation of chowing down on pies.
      But he often pops in and greets customers, who love to quiz him about his football career.
      Occasionally, he’ll chip in in the kitchen, making teas and coffees for his clientele too.
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      WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe is vast, and offers everything you’ll need for a decent price.
      Cockney favourites – pie ‘n’ mash start at a reasonable £3.90, while if you want to add some jellied eels to the dish with a bit of liquor, you’ll pay £6.40.
      But if you don’t fancy that, there’s breakfast options, including the Mega Feast with two eggs, sausage, two bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, chips, beans or tomatoes for £6.25.
      For lunch, there are jacket potatoes and various sandwiches, and recent specials have included beef stew with dumpling and creamy potato for just £4.75, as well as a chicken curry with rice and naan for a fiver.
      However, it’s the pie and mash that’s getting customers through the door and keeping them happy.
      A boyhood West Ham fan, Konchesky fell in love with the Hammers and that East End delicacy thanks to his grandfather, who settled in England from Poland during World War II.
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe offers everything you’ll want
      A beef stew was recently on the special’s board at Konch’s Kafe

      GETTING SHIRTY
      And anyone who visits Konch’s Kafe will be taken by their surroundings – framed shirts from various opponents Konchesky has faced during his action-packed career.
      A West Ham No 3 shirt with his name on takes centre stage, there’s a signed sketch featuring his hero Julian Dicks, a signed England shirt, as well as a photo of tough defender taking on Teddy Sheringham.
      “I’ve always collected shirts: Henry, Vieira, Gazza, Ravanelli, Ronaldo, Scholes,” he said.
      “I’ve got an England shirt from John Barnes, who gave it to me when we were together at Charlton.
      “He signed it, ‘Remember me when you’re famous’. They’re all dirty. I’ve never washed any of them.”
      Clearly with his fingers in many pies, you’ll be thankful that Konchesky’s hands aren’t as dirty as his shirts when you pop in for your next pie fix.
      THE REVIEWS ARE IN
      You won’t be surprised to know that it’s scored five out of five on TripAdvisor’s site t he time of writing.
      Mandy R wrote: “Love this cafe not just because of the pie and mash but all the food is yummy and the staff are always helpful and a good laugh. They look after everyone, no ones ever alone at Konchs.”
      While Samuel A declared: “Very nice staff, very nice atmosphere with the pictures on the walls of ex west ham players and football history! The pies are a must! superb value!”
      And wendybrooks07 called Konch’s ‘best pie and mash in Brentwood’, adding: “Traditional Pie and Mash and liquor is just great from here – delicous and worth trying – my favourite.”
      On TripAdvisor Konch’s Kafe has scored 5 star reviews
      Jamie Redknapp and Mark Noble tuck into some grub at Konch’s KafeCredit: Rex Features
      Paul Konchesky’s love of pie and mash stemmed from his Polish grandfather who emigrated to the East End during World War II
      You won’t be disappointed with your meal at Konch’s Kafe
      Konchesky’s last Premier League club was Leicester City in 2015Credit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The Sun More

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      Before Arsenal play Bodo Glimt on a plastic pitch, teams likes QPR and Luton used artificial turf to their advantage

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      THERE’S nothing like a plastic pitch as a leveller.Tonight, Mikel Arteta takes his in-form Arsenal team, who sit top of the Premier League, to play against Bodo Glimt – who play at the 8,270 seater Aspmyra Stadion.
      Bodo Glimt play on an artifical pitch as the club battles the elements of the Norwegian weather
      Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are ready for the artificial surface
      But what will make their task much harder – and what undid Roma last season who were humbled their 6-1 – is the turf they play on.
      Arsenal’s superstars, used to playing on the pristine carpets of our top division, will have to deal with an artificial pitch as they continue their Europa League campaign.
      Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, Arteta revealed his players will have to adapt to their relatively unknown surroundings.
      He said: “Obviously, everybody is aware that there are a lot of things that are different. The speed is different, the way you can use the grass is different and we will have to adapt to it. We know that, we are here to win the game and tomorrow night for sure we are going to play on an artificial pitch.”
      Of course, this isn’t the first time a professional side has used an artificial pitch for a professional match.
      Here’s some SunSport have seen over the years  that would’ve had our knees jerking at the thought of having a run-out on them.
      IT STARTED WITH QPR
      In 1981, Queens Park Rangers became the first club in the country to replace grass for something called Omni-Turf.
      The West London pioneers were always looking for a solution to improving the Loftus Road surface, which suffered after treacherous winters and arid summers of the 1970s.
      QPR were the first side to embrace synthetic turf in 1981Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Under Terry Venables Loftus Road became a fortress and QPR reached the FA Cup final in 1982Credit: PA:Press Association
      With Omni-Turf they got a green carpet, rolled on to a thick layer of concrete with sand acting as a cushion.
      Their first game on it was ironically against Luton Town, who joined the artificial pitch brigade soon after, and they lost 2-1.
      However, Terry Venables’ team managed to master their new pitch, and in 1982 Second Division QPR managed to reach an FA Cup Final after playing every round at home before a Highbury showdown in a semi-final with West Brom.
      Because of that run, many felt that Omni-Turf gave QPR an unfair advantage. Rangers became the first team to remove it in 1988.
      KENILWORTH ROAD
      Luton Town clearly took notes from QPR’s experiment.
      In the summer of the 1984-85 season they installed a multi-layered £350,000 surface called Sporturf International that had base levels of broken stones and bitumen macadam (a mixture of aggregate, filler and bitumen), underneath an artificial surface finished with sand.
      Although it was said to be kinder on the joints, the carpet burn for many was unpleasant and the bounce of the ball made fans critical of the football they watched, even though it forced sides to keep it on the deck.
      The first game played at Kenilworth Road on the new surface ended in a 1-1 draw between the hosts and Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest.
      It was an extremely difficult place for any of the high-flyers to get a result at, with many top sides dreading their visits to Luton. And that wasn’t helped by the thought of coming up against the might of Mick Harford too.
      Inspired by QPR, Luton Town soon installed a plastic pitch in time for the 1984-85 seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      OLDHAM AND PRESTON
      Boundary Park became a fortress for Joe Royle’s Oldham Athletic AFTER a plastic pitch was installed in 1986.
      They embarked on a 32-game unbeaten run at home, and in 1989 enjoyed arguably their best ever campaign reaching the League Cup final and the semi-final of the FA Cup, beating Arsenal, Southampton, Everton and Aston Villa along the way.
      That same year, cash-strapped Preston North End, who were nearly on the verge of extinction from the Football League after a disastrous campaign in Division Four, decided to install a plastic pitch, too.
      The idea was to help swell the club’s coffers by renting it out to local teams to play on, to reduce the number of postponed matches, and to use the Deepdale pitch as a training ground.
      A season later, Preston were promoted to Division Three.
      Incidentally, they were the last Football League club to play on a plastic pitch until it was ripped up in 1994.
      Joe Royle’s Oldham went from second division to First, reaching an FA Cup semi-final and League Cup Final thanks to a synthetic pitchCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Oldham’s Gunnar Halle shows off his moulded boots on the plastic pitchCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Preston North End installed a plastic pitch at Deepdale as a money-spinner so they could rent it out to local teamsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THREE LIONS ON THE TURF
      In 2007, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Co walked out onto synthetic turf in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
      It was one of the first full international games to be played on such a surface that was approved by Fifa and Uefa, and the visitors slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat.
      Despite allowing England to toil on turf, Uefa insisted that the 2008 Champions League final in the same arena takes place on grass.
      The Three Lions would again play on artificial turf at the LFF Stadium against Lithuania in 2016.
      That game was notable for the Lithuanian fire brigade being called before kick off to water the pitch.
      In 2007 England played a Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on this plastic pitchCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Steven Gerrard and Co struggled on synthetic turf for EnglandCredit: Action Images
      The Three Lions slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Russia on a plastic pitchCredit: Getty
      CRUYFF’S TURN
      Today, National League sides Sutton United and Maidstone United play on plastic pitches, but one of the last big teams in world football to embrace artificial turf was Mexican giants Chivas.
      In 2010 they opened their stunning Estadio Omnilife stadium in Guadalajara, which embraced the idea that plastic is fantastic.
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      Chivas owner Jorge Vergara said he wanted the stadium to be “environment friendly and as such, having grass would result [in] using too much water.”
      But when Johan Cruyff became an adviser at the club, he recommended they ditch the artificial pitch.
      In 2012, Chivas listened to the Dutch legend and the turf was replaced by grass.
      Arsenal, you have been warned.
      In 2017 Arsenal played Sutton United on their synthetic turf in the FA CupCredit: AFP and licensors
      Mexican club Chivas played on a plastic pitch until Johan Cruyff came on board as an adviser and told them to ditch it for grassCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea talent Charlie Webster, 18, has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and wowed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      GENERATIONAL talents are becoming the norm at Stamford Bridge.In the past few years, thanks to Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter, Chelsea’s youth talents are thriving in the first team.
      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is next off the conveyor belt at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under Grahan PotterCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount wowed all and is the back-to-back Chelsea player of the season, while Reece James seems to be winning the bumper race to be Gareth Southgate’s first-choice right-back.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Potter.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 18, is a rising star and has already been tracked by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      He’s been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’, and with the Bundesliga giants losing the Three Lions winger last summer they might just make a beeline for Charlie.
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      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      At just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’
      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, who joined Brighton in the summer, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.
      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession
      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      In 2019, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.
      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA in 2020.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton, followed by his U23 debut last April.
      Then in January 2021, Charlie signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday. Given his progress, you can imagine it’ll be the first of many.
      Webster has captained England at U16 levelCredit: Getty More

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      I’ve been a devoted Wolves fan for 50 years, I never imagined I’d manage them in the Premier League, says Steve Davis

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      IT IS 1971 and a six-year-old Steve Davis stands on the South Bank terrace, held tightly by his father, Peter, and wrapped from head to toe in gold and black. He is swaying from left to right, as thousands of fans jostle to get the best view of their beloved team.
      Steve Davis applauds the Wolves fans after leading out the side at Chelsea last weekend
      Steve Davis as a boy, in his beloved Wolves kit
      Steve Davis also loved Wolves Speedway which he was obsessed with due to gold and black colours
      It is packed. Molineux is the place to be, and First Division side Wolverhampton Wanderers are the team to watch.
      Davis remembers: “Molineux is a special place for me. I remember we would always park down West Park and walk up to the ground, passing the gold and black memorabilia and rosettes on the way.
      “My dad worked in Tipton with all of his mates who were Wolves fans, so he wanted to convert me as early as he could.
      “He would buy us both a ticket on the day and we would get in whichever stand we could.
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      “We used to stand behind where the little St. John Ambulance hut was because it was the quietest part for me as a little one – I think he was frightened about it all kicking off. 
      “From the first time I stepped foot inside the ground I was hooked. He would prop me up on the barriers and I would just sit there, in a world of my own, open-mouthed, taking it all in, dreaming of being on the pitch one day.
      “The team was brilliant – Kenny Hibbitt, Frank Munro, John Richards. I can remember going to Villa Park for the FA Cup Semi Finals against Arsenal in 79…” he tails off.
      Fast forward to the present day and Davis – now 57 years old, and my dad – is preparing for another week as interim manager of the club he has supported his entire life, following the sudden sacking of Bruno Lage last week.
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      He was thrust into the managerial hot seat alongside Under-23s manager, James Collins, in the run up to Saturday’s trip to Chelsea and went on to lead the team during the 3-0 defeat. 
      Although he and Collins were unable to prevent the winless streak stretching to three games or stop them slipping further towards the base of the Premier League table, Davis has managed to put smiles on faces and capture the hearts of football fans around the country.
      For Wanderers fans, his caretaker tenure has given them the chance to live out the ultimate dream of managing their team.
      “It is indescribable – an unbelievably proud moment for me,” Davis says with a smile, reflecting on the experience at Stamford Bridge.
      “I’ve dreamt of that day many times – playing in a game of that magnitude, but never thought I would ever manage the club in the Premier League. I don’t think you ever dream that big”.
      Wolves caretaker manager Steve Davis with his son Joe
      Steve Davis during his playing days with Barnsley, with sons Harry, right, and Joe
      Starting as player-manager with Northwich Victoria in 2003, his unique coaching journey has seen him gradually rise from the seventh tier of English Football with Nantwich Town to managing in the top-flight – a source of motivation for all the young, budding football managers who are currently putting in the hard yards beneath the EFL. 
      “I always thought the Premier League was so far away from me, and I’ve grown up thinking that it is just full of superstars,” he said.
      “I didn’t ever imagine it would happen and I’m comfortable with that, but the fact that it has, it is difficult to sum up. It’s beyond anything that I thought I’d do. 
      “I’ve probably fulfilled more than I’ve ever dreamed of in the space of a week.”
      Davis, who has been in charge of the club’s Under-18s for the past four years and has previously managed the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Leyton Orient, explains how he suppressed the raw emotion that is ingrained inside every avid football fan, to take training sessions, hold group meetings, pick a team and carefully craft a game plan for Chelsea.
      “It’s difficult to explain, but you got into a zone,” he says.
      The people of Wolverhampton are genuine, humble and the people the club employ all share certain values – determination, unity, togetherness. I see those qualities in and around the building every day.Steve Davis
      “You’re in control but you’re utilising the staff around you. You go into that managing role.”
      The task of rejuvenating the players and bringing a feel-good-factor to the group has been a challenge, he admits, but one that he has embraced.
      “I’ve tried to make small changes since stepping in. It’s not an easy situation as interim manager, but you have to make small gains.”
      “I’ve never felt better than anyone else, I’ve always been humble and valued every single person within the football club, particularly those that aren’t in the limelight – cleaners, bus drivers, they are equally as important to me as the chairman.
      “That’s something that I’ve tried to get across – I think that’s really important.”
      Bruno Lage’s sacking left Wolves in their most difficult spot since they returned to the Premier League four years ago.
      Steve Davis in charge of Wolves trainingCredit: Getty
      Steve Davis plays for Barnsley against Sheffield United in 1996Credit: Allsport
      It left the connection between the team, its backroom staff and fan base fragmented, but despite that, Davis believes the support of the fanbase has never changed and remains just as strong today as it did when he passed through the turnstiles.
      “They [the fans] were equally behind the club as much as they are now.
      “The older brigade will appreciate some of the football they’ve seen over the years – there were some top players back then – but I also think they realise these have been our best moments over the last four years.
      “The younger fans probably won’t know any different because it’s all they’ve seen, but I’ve experienced the decline, and I’ve seen the growth as well.
      “I’ve managed elsewhere in my career, but I’ve always looked out for the Wolves results.
      “The people of Wolverhampton are genuine, humble and the people the club employ all share certain values – determination, unity, togetherness. I see those qualities in and around the building every day.”
      And those qualities will be much needed this weekend as they turn their attention to a crucial home league game against fellow-strugglers Nottingham Forest, with the side looking to claw themselves away from the relegation zone and above Southampton who sit one point adrift in 17th.
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      The rumours linking former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui with the head coach vacancy have been getting louder in recent days, but the noise is not distracting Davis and Collins who are once again central to preparing the team for another battle.
      And if Davis is trusted by Chairman Jeff Shi to take the reins at Molineux this weekend, those crazy six-year-old’s dreams of stepping onto the pitch wearing the Wolves gold and black will be realised.  More

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      in Soccer

      Football’s most intelligent, as Petr Cech graduates with a Masters in Business Administration, including Mata and Lukaku

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      THEY’RE football’s smartest men.For years footballers have had their intelligence questioned, but that’s just not the case with this lot.
      Petr Cech graduated with a Masters in Business AdministrationCredit: Instagram
      Fikayo Tomori revealed he was studying for a business management degree on England duty in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sure, many players neglect their studies to concentrate on making it in the professional game, and that’s fine.
      But some like to use their brains further in getting degrees that could help them in life after football.
      Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal keeper Petr Cech is the latest brain box – graduating with a Masters in Business Administration.
      While AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori  talked about studying for a business management diploma, while on England duty back in 2019.
      “Football won’t go on for ever,” he wisely said in a press conference.
      “When I retire or, God forbid, I get an injury, then I have something I’m working towards that can stand me in good stead for the future.”
      And he’s not the only one who has thought about a life after football.
      Join SunSport in introducing the beautiful game’s most intelligent stars.
      JUAN MATA
      Juan Mata could’ve been a journalist instead of a footballerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Not only is he an all-round nice guy doing tons for charity, he’s also super smart.
      The former Man Utd man studied journalism at Universidad Politecnica e Madrid.
      And during his time at Old Trafford, dancing down the wing, he’s completed a sports science and finance degree too.
      Not many in the game can lay claim to two degrees.
      Former Man Utd ace Juan Mata also studied sport science and financeCredit: Reuters
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      ANDREY ARSHAVIN
      If it wasn’t football, it would’ve been fashion for Arshavin.
      The mercurial Russian playmaker graduated from the St Petersburg State University of Technology and Design.
      He studied clothing technology, and has put that talent to use by launching his own clothing range in Russia.
      Andrey Arshavin studied clothing technology and has his own fashion label in RussiaCredit: Instagram @arshavin_official
      Former Arsenal favourite Andrey Arshavin graduated from St Petersburg State University of Technology and DesignCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      SIMON MIGNOLET
      He’s not just a talented keeper, you know.
      The Belgium shot-stopper has a coffee shop in his native country, so he’ll always have that to fall back on when his career ends.
      But should he want to, Mignolet could lean on his degree in law and political sciences for a career change.
      Simon Mignolet has a degree in law and political sciencesCredit: AFP or licensors
      FRANK LAMPARD
      Super Frank excelled at Derby, and did a credible job as Chelsea boss before the axe.
      But that should be child’s play for the Blues’ all-time leading goalscorer.
      After all, the Everton gaffer reportedly scored over 150 in an IQ test with Mensa.
      That result meant that Lamps is among the most intelligent 0.1 percent of the world’s population.
      Frank Lampard reportedly scored over 150 in an IQ test with MensaCredit: EPA
      Chelsea legend Frank Lampard  is among the most intelligent 0.1 percent of the world’s populationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GIORGIO CHIELLINI
      The tough-tackling Italian centre half isn’t as much of a brute as you’d think.
      Chiellini was a whizz at high-school, passing all his exams with ease.
      He later went to the prestigious University of Turin where he graduated with a business economics degree, just like Tomori is studying for.
      Must be something about uncompromising defenders.
      Giorgio Chiellini graduated with a business economics degree from University of TurinCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GLENN JOHNSON
      The former Stoke City right-back has commanded high-numbered transfer fees during his time, so it’s lucky he’s not numerically challenged.
      In fact, Johnson is so good with digits he enrolled at The Open University to do a degree in Maths.
      He can start negotiating his own contracts, surely?
      Glenn Johnson enrolled at The Open University to do a degree in MathsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CLARKE CARLISLE
      Dubbed Britain’s most intelligent footballer, Clarke has the right CV to back that up.
      He was a contestant on Countdown, and was also the first player to appear on Question Time.
      Clarke has a degree in sports writing and broadcasting from Staffordshire University.
      Clarke Carlisle once appeared on TV show CountdownCredit: PA:Press Association
      Dubbed the most intelligent footballer, Clarke Carlisle became the first player to appear on Question TimeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROMELU LUKAKU
      The on-loan Inter striker isn’t just your average footballer.
      The skilled forward is also a natural linguist, speaking as many as five languages including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and Portuguese.
      Lukaku is also said to understand German and Swahili, as well as hold a degree in tourism and public relations.
      Romelu Lukaku speaks five languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French and PortugueseCredit: Reuters
      Belgium star Romelu Lukaku has a degree in tourism and public relationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      EDWIN VAN DER SAAR
      Another ex-Man United man with a great brain – no wonder they’re so successful.
      When the Red Devils Dutch keeper retired he studied for a masters degree in sports and brand management at the Johan Cruyff Institute.
      After becoming a marketing director at the Dutch giants, he’s now their CEO and has been linked with a move to Manchester United to become their director.
      Edwin Van der Saar finished a masters degree in sports and brand managementCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Edwin Van der Saar is now a CEO at AjaxCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      SOCRATES
      Recognised for his headband and beard on the football pitch, the late Socrates was one of Brazil’s favourite sons.
      He held a bachelors degree in medicine from the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto while he was still playing.
      Socrates also wrote columns for Brazilian newspapers on everything from sport to politics to economics.
      Socrates was a star of the Brazil sides of the 1982 and 1986 World CupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Not only did Socrates finish medicine, he also wrote several newspaper columns about economics and politicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DUNCAN WATMORE
      The Middlesbrough footballer became only the second player in the Premier League ever to graduate with a first.
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      Midfielder Duncan studied economics and business management, which he finished at Newcastle University.
      He juggled breaking into the first team with catching up with lectures in the evening while poring over textbooks.
      Duncan Watmore graduated from Newcastle University with a first class honours degree in 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Duncan Watmore is one of two Premier League players to graduate with a firstCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Oliver Bierhoff has a degree in economicsCredit: Bongarts – Getty
      OLIVER BIERHOFF
      The former German centre forward, who famously scored the first golden goal of football at Wembley, is a smart man.
      Not only is he revered by his home nation for scoring 37 international goals, he’s championed for having a economics degree.
      Economics is a degree that runs in football, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also having a diploma in economics.
      It just goes to show, footballers are much smarter than you think.
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      in Soccer

      Meet West Ham ace Gianluca Scamacca’s stunning sister, who helped raise the Italian and has more followers on Instagram

      by

      GIANLUCA SCAMACCA is winning over the fans in East London.The Italian striker, who moved to West Ham from Sassuolo for £30.5million in the summer, has scored three goals in his last games for the Hammers, including a deft finish against Fulham on Sunday.
      Meet West Ham ace Gianluca Scamacca’s stunning sisterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Giuly Scamacca has more followers on Instagram than her famous brotherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      West Ham ace Scamacca was raised by his elder siblingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Helping the 23-year-old settle in in the Capital is his stunning older sister, Giuly.
      She is a blogger who boasts a staggering 440,000 followers on Instagram, which is more than the international striker.
      Scamacca has also credited Giuly with helping his mother raise him – with his father absent for most of his life.
      Sibling love
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      If you take glance at Scamacca’s social media, there’s one woman who pops up regularly.
      It’s not his Wag, although you could be forgiven for thinking that because of her striking beauty.
      It’s sister Giuly, who he seemingly spends most of his time with.
      Since his deal with West Ham was announced, she has divided her time between London and their homeland.
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      But in truth, she has always looked out for him.
      His father Emiliano Scamacca was in an out of his life, and last year reportedly wielded a baseball cap at Roma’s training camp – destroying several cars.
      He spoke of his shock of the incident to the Italian press.
       “I am badly shaken by what happened and what I read. I really don’t know how to explain it,” he told Gazzetta.it.
      Before revealing it was his mum and sister Giuly who were there for him when he grew up.
      He continued: “It is painful for me to talk about this, but perhaps it is necessary. My father has not lived with my mother for a very long time. They aren’t divorced, because they never married. I was raised by my mother and my sister. They are my family.”
      Gorgeous Giuly regularly shows off her amazing body on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Like a Wag, Giuly Scamacca shares her glam life on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Gym bunny Giuly regularly works out and shares that to her followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      A staggering 440,000 followers enjoy Giuly’s postsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Tattooed stunner Giuly divides her time between London and her homelandCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Strong woman
      As the elder sibling, Giuly took responsibility for her brother’s upbringing and supported his football – going to his games growing up.
      The strong, independent woman has since become a social media queen.
      Incredibly, 440,000 followers track her on Instagram – a total that dwarfs his 280,000.
      And on the social media channel, she shares a glam life to envy.
      The tattooed beauty blogs her adventures – from working out in the gym to topping up her tan and showing off her bikini body.
      She also has a penchant for dance, showing off her moves in several videos online.
      Fashionable Giuly is also a keen dancer, sharing her moves on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Foodie Giuly loves dining out and eating sushiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Since Gianluca Scamacca moved to London, she has helped him settle inCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Giuly Scamacca has already made the pilgrimage to London Stadium to cheer on her brotherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/giuly___giuly__/?hl=en
      Read More on The Sun
      Giuly has also made the pilgrimage to the London Stadium to cheer on her brother.
      With his career now blossoming on our shores, perhaps she can give him some tips on raising his social media profile too. More