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      Ex-Sunderland hero desperate for Harrogate to down Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham and seal star FA Cup dream

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      PAUL THIRLWELL almost helped his boyhood club reach the FA Cup Final – now he is desperate for one of his Harrogate Town players to secure their own fairytale.The 45-year-old grew up following Sunderland home and away alongside his parents and brother, which included a trip to Wembley for their 1992 final defeat to Liverpool.Paul Thirlwell, left, played for Sunderland against Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup semi-finalCredit: AlamyThe ex-Premier League midfielder is hoping for some cup joy on Sunday with Harrogate TownCredit: X @HarrogateTownThirlwell then burst on the scene aged 20 as the Black Cats thumped Chelsea, who included stars like Marcel Desailly and Gianfranco Zola, 4-1 in the Premier League in 1999.But it would be a midfielder he came up against that day that would help inflict FA Cup heartbreak on him four seasons later when player-manager Dennis Wise guided Millwall to a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford in the semi.Thirlwell told Sun Sport: “We’ll probably never get a better chance to get to the final with it being two Championship teams at the time. Unfortunately it didn’t go our way but it was a great experience. It’s just a shame we got done as we’d have faced Man United.“I’d played against him [Wise] before on my debut but everyone knows what he was like, tenacious and knowing all the dark arts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“But Millwall had some good players like him, Tim Cahill who scored on the day and went on to have an unbelievable career, Danny Dichio, but they also had that edge that made them so tough to play against.“Of course you want to win, but when you look back and think that you played in a semi-final then you appreciate now that it is quite a big achievement.”These days Thirlwell is assistant manager to Simon Weaver at League Two Harrogate Town, a club he finished his playing career at after spells with Sheffield United, Derby and Carlisle.“I moved to Wetherby and was totally unaware that it was next to one of the club’s directors. “He maybe spoke to the gaffer and then mentioned me and after a chat we hit it off straight away.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I didn’t just want to go anywhere as a player as I’d dipped my foot into the coaching so I wanted a bit of both.“I got involved with coaching the U21s here and then we went full-time and the opportunity arose to become assistant manager and wow, here we are still here nearly a decade later.”Major A-list celebs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expand Wrexham empire with new breweryDuring that time they have climbed from non-league into the EFL and enjoyed FA Trophy joy in 2020.But as they prepare to host Hollywood-owned Wrexham, who are pushing for League One promotion, Thirlwell says that he is desperate for long-serving star Warren Burrell, 34, to get his big FA Cup moment this year.He said: “You’d probably have to speak to some of the younger lads now but I think definitely for people of my era that the cup still has the magic.“I keep trying to tell our lads, who are all Arsenal, United, Spurs supporters, that we have to get Warren, who is a huge Liverpool fan, to Anfield. It’s one of those places that he’ll never play at unless it comes in the cup, so just things like that make the cup massive for me.”Harrogate’s long-serving defender Warren Burrell would love a trip to AnfieldCredit: RexAnd Thirlwell, who admitted the game being televised adds an “extra edge”, says the whole club from top to bottom want to put on a show against the big-spending Welsh side owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.“When you get a big club at home in the early rounds then you are hoping that it gets on the tele and as it happens we have,” Thirlwell said.“And I do think it helps, not that anybody tries harder, but it does give you an extra edge when you know it’s on TV.“But everyone at the club wants to get everything right on the day as you are showcasing the whole club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “We are one of, if not the, smallest club in the Football League but we have a go on and off the pitch as best we can.“We are realistic to the point that usually bigger clubs do win these games but we are going into it with optimism and want to cause an upset. Someone will this year so why not us?”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner

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      WHILE  Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone. Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side. Man United are currently unbeaten having registered four wins and a draw from their first five WSL games this termCredit: GettyMarc Skinner hopes to guide his side to victory on his 100th game in charge of the Red Devils’ WSL teamCredit: AlamyIt is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club. And the head coach has another target in his sights – a first WSL title win for the club. Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here. “It’s the first club I’ve achieved this for and I’m really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.Read More Football Stories”Regardless that it’s a great milestone, we’ve got to try and win this game. “We’ve got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that’s what I’m here to do. “I’ve got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go. “Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL. Most read in Football”But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me.”In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham. The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term. This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand. Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term. So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal. However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term. Skinner adds: “We’re looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we’ll see where we’re at”.Arsenal’s visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month. Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: “I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside. “We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things”We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed.”Slegers hopes to help Arsenal remain unbeaten since the team picked up two wins in the WSL and Champions League before the October international breakCredit: GettyDespite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threatREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of. “But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Huge F1 row erupts on eve of Brazilian GP as Red Bull accuse title rivals McLaren of illegally tampering with tyres

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      A HUGE row has erupted before the Brazilian GP between Red Bull and McLaren.Red Bull have accused their title rivals of injecting water into their tyres to cool them.Red Bull, who have Christian Horner as team principal, have accused McLaren of tampering with their tyresLando Norris in action for McLaren in the Sprint raceThe constructor, who have Christian Horner as team principal, claim McLaren have inserted either water or an unknown substance through a valve in the tyre.They first came to that conclusion in Singapore when a jet of water came flying out of the tyre rims.Red Bull have informed the FIA, who will reportedly keep a close eye on the allegation.McLaren have dismissed Red Bull’s theory. While a spokesperson for Pirelli tyres has confirmed if they felt there was anything tampering with their equipment, they would have told the FIA themselves.Read more F1 newsPirelli regularly collect all the tyres after F1 races and analyse them.The reason for using water, or any other substance, to cool tyres before they are fitted to their cars in a race is to help limit thermal degradation.This, in turn, would help drivers drive faster, especially in the later stages of a Grand Prix.The FIA have already banned this practice before.Most read in MotorsportSeveral teams, including Red Bull, were said to have done it a number of years ago.Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistNow Red Bull believe their rivals are doing it and achieving better performances.Red Bull and McLaren are already at loggerheads – with their drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, respectively, fighting to be world champion.McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ was scrutinised by Red Bull recently, which forced them to tweak the design after conversations with the FIA.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCurrently champ Verstappen’s lead at the top was cut to 44 points, after Oscar Piastri let Norris through to win the Sprint.However, in the constructor’s standings it’s a different story.McLaren lead Red Bull by a whopping 63 points, with their nearest rival being Ferrari who trail by only 34 points. More

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      Sporting expect Ruben Amorim to raid his old club for Man Utd next summer with THREE stars tipped for pricey transfers

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      RUBEN AMORIM revealed he will not sign any Sporting Lisbon stars in January.But the new Manchester United boss refuses to rule out a summer move for sensation Viktor Gyokeres.Ruben Amorim could bring three Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAViktor Gyokeres has been linked with Man Utd but is also being monitored by ArsenalCredit: PAUnited have only scored eight goals in nine top-flight games this season.Ex-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has already netted 18 times so far — having hit 43 last term — but the Swede’s release clause is £84million.Amorim said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. Gyokeres costs 100 million and it’s very difficult.”Despite promising not to make any moves when the winter transfer window opens, Sporting bosses are privately admitting they expect Amorim to come in for his former players next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGyokeres — also being followed closely by Arsenal — refused to rule out a potential move to the Premier League.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know… I’m here.“As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. It’s nothing I think about.“I’m just sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.Goncalo Inacio is another player Amorim could look to take with him to Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnother player Amorim could move for is centre-back Ousmane Diomande.Portuguese Amorim, meanwhile, has yet to speak to any of United’s players, including countrymen Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim showed flashes of a young Jose Mourinho is his latest press conference – and teased a big announcementAhead of joining on November 11, he added: “As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone — not even the players. I’m focused on Sporting.”Ex-Red Devils winger Nani is backing Amorim to be a success.Nani said: “He is in an excellent place and has all the conditions to do well.”Morten Hjulmand is the third man Amorim may bid for as Man Utd bossCredit: Getty More

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      Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sack

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      STEVEN Gerrard was booed by fans after Al-Ettifaq fell to ANOTHER defeat.The Liverpool legend’s side were beaten 2-0 at home to local rivals Al Qadsiah on Saturday.Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq FC suffered their fourth defeat in six games on SaturdayGerrard was booed by the home fans following his club’s latest defeatIt was Al-Ettifaq’s fourth defeat in six games, with reports suggesting Gerrard is on the brink of losing his job.And at the final whistle, the Saudi Pro League club’s supporters let the ex-England star know how they felt about the loss.As he clapped on the pitch towards the stands at the end of the game, he was met by jeers from the home faithful.The heated moment was captured on video and shared on social media.Read more football news The boos come after it was reported Gerrard, 44, held talks with Al-Ettifaq owners, as he fights to keep his £15.2million job.Gerrard, who lives a lavish lifestyle in the Gulf state, is just 16 months into the job.However, this week his also side suffered an embarrassing defeat to a second division team in the Saudi cup.Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss controversially leaving star striker Moussa Dembele on the bench.Most read in FootballThe ex-Three Lions captain revealed he held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners – but vowed to fight for his job.Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.AI-Ettifaq fans have called for Gerrard to be sackedCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.”After nine games, Al-Ettifaq sit in 11th place in the Saudi Pro League – 14 points off the pace of first placed Al-Hilal. More

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      Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirt

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      CHELSEA fans hailed Eden Hazard’s reaction after he was hilariously pranked with a Tottenham shirt by his barber.Blues icon Hazard, 33, spent seven hugely successful years at Stamford Bridge between 2012 and 2019.Eden Hazard did not realise he was about to be pranked at the barbersCredit: INSTAGRAM @astarbarbersHe reacted hilariously when he realised his apron cape had a Spurs shirt printed on itCredit: INSTAGRAM @astarbarbersHazard made himself a Chelsea legend during his seven years at the clubCredit: GettyHe scored 11 goals and assisted 85 in 352 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.Hazard left for Real Madrid five years ago – a move that failed desperately, largely due to persistent injuries.But the Chelsea faithful have never held that against the Belgian, who also earned 126 caps and scored 33 goals for his country.And it appears Hazard reciprocates the love between him and Blues supporters.READ MORE ON CHELSEAA-Star Barbers chose to prank him by putting the print of a Tottenham shirt on his apron cape.And when it was put on him he was not having any of it.Hazard said: “Bro, what are you doing man?”The former Lille man then threw it off as the barber laughed at the brilliant response.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlongside the video, they added the caption: “Once a blue, always a blue 🔵.”Reacting to the clip, one fan said: “Don’t ever do that to our man 😂💙💙.”Watch Eden Hazard get mercilessly booed in CHARITY MATCH as fans refuse to forget Chelsea legend’s pastAnother added: “Eden never disappoints us 😂❤️.”A third replied: “💙👏legend.”While a fourth said: “You don’t try that with a Chelsea legend man.”A-Star Barbers have cut a host of footballers’ hair including Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba. More

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      Erik ten Hag seen for first time since jetting back to Holland after Man Utd sacking as he’s spotted at Eredivisie match

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted for the first time since jetting back to Holland after his sacking from Manchester United.The manager was finally put out of his misery at Old Trafford earlier this week following the club’s disastrous start to the season.Erik ten Hag has made his first public appearance since being sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe was spotted watching a match in the Dutch ErediviseCredit: RexHe was watching Heracles Almelo beat NAC Breda 2-0Credit: RexThe Red Devils had only won three of their league games under the Dutchman this season – their worst start EVER.And, with the Red Devils all the way down in 13th in the Premier League, club chiefs decided they had to act.The final nail in the coffin came after Ten Hag’s side lost 2-1 to West Ham at the London Stadium.Despite dominating the match, his side failed to take their chances, and a Jarrod Bowen penalty confirmed the defeat.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter his sacking, Ten Hag, 54, hopped on a private jet back to his homeland in Holland.But it seems he has no intention of taking a break from football.In fact, Ten Hag waited just days before attending a match in the Dutch Eredivisie, between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.Heracles won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Brian De Keersmaecker at the Erve Asito stage.Most read in FootballThe ESPN commentator, Sjors Blaauw, pointed to Ten Hag during the coverage.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Of course Erik ten Hag has time. He’s using that time to watch a nice game of football in Almelo.”Man United have won their only game since Ten Hag’s exit.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreRuben Amorim is the new Manchester United managerCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy oversaw the 5-2 drubbing of Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.Despite that win, they club wasted no time in appointing a full-time successor to take over at Old Trafford.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim has agreed to take over the job on a contract until 2027.Amorim, 39, has agreed a £6.5million-a-year deal and has claimed he turned down THREE TIMES that amount from another club who met his £8.3m buy-out clause.However, he admitted that he has not made the decision to leave Sporting lightly.He said: “United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests.“The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never.“I had three days to decide on something that would completely change my life. It’s not the first time that I’ve had my clause paid by another club.“Nor is it the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.“The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months.“And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. The only club that I wanted, and that moved me, was United.“It got to a point where I had to decide — and I did. Now I’m going home much more relaxed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I would earn three times more with the last club that offered to pay my clause. I gave everything I had for the club.“I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team. And we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.” More

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      FA to let Thomas Tuchel work from home as England boss with German set to split his time between London and Munich

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has been told he can work remotely for part of the week when he starts as England manager in January.The German committed to living in England “most of the time” when he was appointed last month, but will not be pressured by the FA to attend daily meetings at the Three Lions’ training base at St George’s Park.Thomas Tuchel will divide his time between London and Munich as England bossThe FA have allowed Tuchel to work from his base in MunichTuchel’s England regime is likely to be different from that of his predecessor Gareth Southgate, who was based at the National Football Centre in Burton for three days a week during his eight years in charge.He demanded similar attendance levels from the rest of the FA’s back-room team and held regular meetings with age-group coaches, analysts, coach educators, security and team operation staff.And Southgate, 54, and his assistant Steve Holland attended an average of five Prem matches between them each week.Tuchel will go to some meetings with junior coaches and other departments, but has been told he can work remotely.Read more football newsThe German, 51, lived in London for 18 months when he was in charge at Chelsea, and plans to split his time between the capital and his current base in Munich, near where his two daughters live.England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman splits her living arrangements between the UK and her home in Holland.Tuchel said last month: “I love to live in England and I’m looking forward to living again in England.“I want to be close to the Premier League, I want to be close to the majority of the players.Most read in Football“But of course, the schedule will allow me to be close to my family and my children in Germany.Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’“I will be in England most of the time.”Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract with the sole target of winning the 2026 World Cup.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024In another surprise Tuchel will NOT attend England’s crucial Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Greece this month.It is not yet known if he will go to the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw in Switzerland in December.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More