Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      English manager SACKED by EFL club after leaving side rooted to bottom of League One table

      by

      BURTON have SACKED manager Mark Robinson with the club rock bottom of League One.Robinson, 58, left his previous job as Chelsea’s development squad boss to become Burton head coach in June.Mark Robinson has been sacked by League One outfit Burton AlbionBut Robinson has been dismissed just five months after replacing Martin Paterson, with the Brewers already 11 points from safety.Burton remain winless in League One this season, having lost seven and drawn four of their opening 11 games.Robinson has only won only ONE of his 14 games in charge – beating Leicester City’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy in August.And the club’s Scandinavian owners decided enough was enough following Tuesday’s 3-2 home loss to Wycombe Wanderers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was the first appointment made by Burton’s new owners – the Nordic Football Group – when the Sweden-based consortium took control of the east Staffordshire club in the summer.Sporting director Bendik Hareide said: “During our time working together, we’ve all got to know and appreciate ‘Robbo’, which is why we have great regret over the fact that this has not worked out in the way any of us would have wanted.He told the club website: “We have to be objective with our decision-making, and we feel we have reached a point where a change is necessary to improve the team’s results.“We believe we have a talented squad, and we remain committed to our football strategy. Now is the time to re-group and look to deliver a positive season for our fantastic supporters.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAssistant manager Tom Hounsell will step up as interim head coach until a permanent successor is named.But coaches John Brayford, Jake Kean and Elliott Axtell will continue in their first team roles.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Burton have conceded 24 goals this season, second behind Peterborough, who have sunk 25 – but also scored that many as well.After joining Chelsea’s development coaching set up in May 2022, Robinson steered the Under-21s to third place in a league of 26 teams during his second season.During his time at Cobham, Lewis Hall progressed to the first team with several appearances as well as Bashir Humphries and Omari Hutchinson making their debuts.Before Chelsea, Robinson spent 19 years as a coach at AFC Wimbledon before being announced as the permanent first-team manager in 2021. But AFC Wimbledon parted company with Robinson by mutual consent in March 2022 after a poor run of form.Meanwhile, Burton narrowly avoided relegation from League One last season – finishing 20th in the table. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s eldest son takes charge of Spanish fifth tier side in biggest management step of his career

      by

      A STRUGGLING Tenerife team has turned to Diego Maradona’s eldest son to save their season.Diego Maradona Junior has been appointed as the manager of Union Deportiva Ibarra, who are facing a fight against relegation after notching up just seven points from seven games.Diego Armando Maradona’s son has been appointed of a team fighting relegationDiego Sinagra will take charge of Spanish fifth-tier side Union Deportiva IbarraHis world-famous dad is still idolised in Naples after helping to turn their beloved Napoli into Serie A champions in 1986-87.And sources at the semi-professional Canary Islands club said last night they hoped their new man, with the instantly-recognisable surname, could turn things around for them too.UD Ibarra, who play in the fifth-tier of Spanish football, said in statement: “We are pleased to present Diego Armando Maradona Jr, who will form part of the coaching staff.”It added: “Welcome and every success in your new home.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDiego’s son was born in 1986 when the late football great was still playing in Naples after an extramarital affair with Italian model Cristina Sinagra.Maradona Sr was still married to first and only wife Claudia Villafane at the time of his birth.The 38-year-old posted goodwill messages from fans on his Instagram.One said: “Hopefully you can put Ibarra where it belongs.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDiego Jr, full name Diego Armando Maradona Sinatra, has always been linked to football and took up coaching after playing as a midfielder in Italy.He resigned from his first head coaching job as manager of amateur side Napoli United in protest at the club’s failure to pay players’ wages.Maradona- Blessed Dream trailer He left Eccellenza Campania club Montecalcio earlier this week before it was announced he was UD Ibarra’s new manager.Diego Maradona didn’t formally recognise his eldest son until August 2016.Diego Jr was forced to miss his dad’s funeral following his death aged 60 in November 2020 from heart failure after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.The late football legend’s other children include Dalma and Gianinna whose mum is his ex-wife Claudia, Jana who Maradona recognised as his following a court fight by her mum Valeria Sabalain, and 11-year-old Diego Fernando by former girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.Eight people, including Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, are due to stand trial next year over the football legend’s death.They were charged with homicide by negligence after a long-running criminal investigation and have been warned they face between prison sentences of between eight and 25 years if convicted.The trial was due to start this month but was recently rescheduled for March next year.Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of footballWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney reveals he spent £250k promotion bonus in three days in Las Vegas partying with 15 Victoria’s Secret models

      by

      TROY DEENEY has revealed he spent his £250,000 bonus in THREE DAYS in Las Vegas following Watford’s Premier League promotion.The former Hornets striker, 36, led the club back to the top flight as Championship runners-up in 2015.Troy Deeney has revealed he spent £250,000 on a three-day trip to Las VegasCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunHe has admitted the splashing of cash was driven by egoCredit: Under The CoshPrior to being promoted, Deeney had promised some of his team-mates a paid trip to Las Vegas if they went up.And the SunSport columnist lived up to his pledge as he shelled out a remarkable quarter of a million pounds in a matter of days.Speaking on the Undr the Cosh podcast, he said: “I did quarter of a mill in three and a half days.”I would love to tell you it was on gambling, but we did 80k at a pool party, 80k at MGM in the morning, 60k in the night. In my head I wasn’t getting this money anyway because I made the deal with my pals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There were five footballers at the time out on a stag do and they were on the table next to me, we’ve ordered the first set of drinks and they’ve come out and as we have done it they have ordered at the same time.”I saw our drinks come out, like three or four, because we are getting started and they have got like 10, so I said to my pal ‘they think they can f***ing mug me off, I’ve just got to the Prem’, ‘come here I’ll have 20’.”It was all ego, I was an a***hole of the highest order, I could do with that quarter of a mil now, I’ll tell you that.”Deeney went on to explain how he avoided pictures while partying with Victoria’s Secret models – while he also kept quiet that he was a famous face.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added: “She’s like ‘are you famous’ and I’m like ‘nah, nah, I’m not famous I just don’t like pictures’.”She’s like ‘can you tell your friend to stop taking pictures, I am a Victoria Secret model and I can’t really be seen like this anyway’.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal comment”I’ve gone ‘I’ll get them to stop’ and she’s gone ‘just so you are aware all of us are Victoria’s Secret models”.”I was like ‘thank you Jesus, I am in heaven now’. Didn’t even do anything as well, f***ing drank so much I got carted off in a taxi.”Deeney spent 11 years at Watford, earning a second promotion to the Premier League in 2021.He scored 140 goals in 419 games for the club – who signed him for just £250,000 in 2010.After departing Watford he spent two seasons at Birmingham, before he ended his playing career at Forest Green Rovers.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Biggest acca ever’ lands punter over £10k after whopping 34-fold wins

      by

      THE most ridiculous, audacious, ludicrous acca win we’ve ever seen.One genius (or lucky, depending on your view) Ladbrokes customer placed an incredible 34-FOLD which turned a measly 50p into a staggering £10k!New sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe bookmaker has labelled it ‘the biggest acca they’ve ever seen’ that will ‘almost definitely go down as the best bet of the season.’Not just that, but having dug through the results of each of the 34 selections in the monster acca, it actually landed with relative comfort.That was helped by the fact that no individual selection was a higher price than 3/4.But the sheer number of legs in the bet has accumulated to a massive 20,678/1 price.There was a general theme in the bet too with 23 picks coming in the Over 1.5 first half goals market.The winning bet slipLadbrokes 34-fold accaJuventus FC (Women) v Bayern Munich (Women) – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.333Arsenal WFC (Women) v Valerenga IF (Women) – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.4FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin v FSV Zwickau – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.25SD Compostela v UD Poblense – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.55Antequera CF v Marbella FC – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.533Independiente Santa Fe (Women) v Dragonas IDV (Women) – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.4Sanat Naft Abadan FC v Mes Sungun Varzaghan – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.5SV Neulengbach (Women) v SK Sturm Graz (Women) – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.444Union Kleinmunchen / BW Linz (Women) v FC Bergheim (Women) – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.3Huachipato v Puerto Montt – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.18224 de Setiembre VP v Guairena FC – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.5Deportivo Upala FC V AD Municipal Grecia – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – VOIDDeportivo Venados v Deportivo Zitacuaro – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.4Montaneses v Tapachula Soconusco – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.364AS Cotonou v AS Police – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.55FC Urartu Yerevan v FC Van Charentsavan – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.4Chapelton Maroons FC v Humble Lions – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.333Harbour View FC v Portmore United – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.444HSK Zrinjski Mostar v FK Radnik Bijeljina – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.285Boca Juniors de Cali v Atletico FC – Under 2.5 Total Goals – 1.75Danubio FC v CA Penarol Montevideo – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.071Deportes Union La Calera v CSD Colo-Colo – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.1CD Aguila v CD Dragon – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.364Muncipal Perez Zeledon v Santos de Guapiles – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.111Nacional Asuncion v CS 2 de Mayo – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.1NK Celik Zenica v Tomislav Tomislavgrad – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.3Cuniburo FC v 9 de Octubre FC – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.4Spartak Myjava v Lok. Kosice – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.285Etoile Filante de Ouagadougou v Real du Faso – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.55IK Uppsala Fotboll (Women) v Djurgardens IF DFF (Women) – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.3 Standard Liege (Women) v RSC Anderlecht (Women) – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.25Gualaceo SC v CD Independiente Juniors – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.5CA Boston River v CA Progreso – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.1Racing Club Montevideo v Rampla Juniors – Under 2.5 Second Half Goals – 1.111CD Real Santander v Llaneros FC – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – 1.4Racing United FC v Cavalier FC – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – VOID (match postponed)Dunbeholden FC v Tivoli Gardens – Over 0.5 First Half Goals – VOID (match postponed)While Under 2.5 second half goals was used 10 times, with just Under 2.5 total goals used once in Boca Juniors de Cali’s 2-0 win over Atletico FC last week.Alex Apati of Ladbrokes: “This punter has landed the biggest acca we’ve ever seen… at 20,678/1, and to the tune of just over £10.3k from a 50p stake will almost definitely go down as the best bet of the season.””What’s even more remarkable is that the monster acca landed with relative ease… bar a late scare in the Arsenal vs Valerenga game as the hosts scored two late goals.”And then squeaky bum time in the Muncipal Perez Zeledon vs Santos de Guapiles after an 86th minute strike, amazingly there was little to no drama we could see across the rest of the matches in question.”Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

      by

      CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet England wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, who made history vs Real Madrid, changed name and will eye place under Tuchel

      by

      IN a flash, Jamie Gittens has become Borussia Dortmund’s heir-apparent to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.At 20 years old and 75 days, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, when he put Dortmund two goals ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.Jamie Gittens suddenly finds himself in the form of his life after scoring his third Champions League goal of the seasonThe 20-year-old became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueGittens beat former Leeds forward Alan Smith by about two months with his clever back-post run and simple finish to establish a stunning two-goal lead over the holders after half an hour.But despite going on to lose 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior second half hat-trick, Gittens has cemented his name in the Champions League history books after being subbed off at 2-0 in the 55th minute.In fact, only Harry Kane (four) has more European goals than Gittens, who has three, this season.The England wonderkid, who previously went by the surname Bynoe-Gittens before changing it on his Barbadian dad’s advice, is in the form of his life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored six goals and registered three assists in 11 games in all competitions this season.After making history on Tuesday, he told TNT Sports: “To lose how we did should not have happened. But this stadium is so magical. They have great players to make impacts and they did it again tonight.”Gittens scored Dortmund’s first two goals in their last Champions League outing as they beat Club Brugge 3-0, after a stoppage-time penalty from Serhou Guirassy.The Reading-born winger has already starred in a European final, coming on from the bench at Wembley when Madrid won their 15th title in June.Most read in FootballGittens shortened his name from Bynoe-Gittens at the behest of his fatherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGittens went the Sancho route of joining Dortmund straight from Manchester City’s academy four years ago.He has since made 51 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund since joining the first team from the Under-19 side in July 2022.15 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shows why he is such a special player at Man City Bellingham named his fellow Englishman as his successor to the Golden Boy award when the Madrid superstar won it in December.Gittens signed up with Reading at Under-9 level after rejecting an invitation to switch to Chelsea.He told Secret Scout: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four. “I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. “My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket. “I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. “I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s.”He eventually moved north to join Man City’s Under-15s.His train to City would take three hours so he would stay with a host family up there and joined a new school in Manchester. The distance was tough on both him and his family.Gittens revealed he also turned down approaches from Arsenal to move to Manchester.He said: “It was an easy decision. I could have gone to Arsenal but I chose City because they were producing players like Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho back then.”At the start, I didn’t really believe it. I’m from a small town in the middle of nowhere. “When they told me that they wanted me, I was just surprised, but thought that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.”He was highly-rated at City but in 2020 moved to Dortmund, believing it would provide him a quicker route to the first team.England fans are already getting excited at the prospect of Dortmund developing another Three Lions talent.Gittens could be set to earn himself an England call-up as new boss Thomas Tuchel will be fully aware of his talent, having faced him as Bayern Munich manager in March.A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-oldCoach Martyn BeneyGittens played the final half-an-hour of Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Bayern in March.Although he has grown up in Dortmund, he has been progressing through England’s youth levels.The winger was part of England’s triumphant Under-19 Euro campaign two years ago, starting the 3-1 win over Israel in the final alongside recent senior call-up Jarell Quansah.He has made 10 appearances for England’s Under-21s and is set to play a prominent role under Lee Carsley, who will return to the fold after a three-camp stint with the first-team.Martyn Beney coached Gittens as a seven-year-old at local club Caversham Trents, who also produced female star Fran Kirby.The 49-year-old told SunSport earlier this year: “A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-old.Gittens joined Man City’s academy from Reading aged 15Credit: Manchester City“Jamie was a shy boy behind the scenes, with a really nice, sporty family, but they didn’t push him. “They said they wanted him to be coached in a way where he could enjoy it, learn a few things along the way and can develop naturally. That’s exactly what we did.“We worked out quickly that he was a goal-scorer, and he scored a ridiculous number of goals.“But he was happy to play anywhere. He would even go in goal at times and he wasn’t bad.”His German is developing nicely too, after three and a half years of three lessons a week, and is even conducting parts of some interviews in it.He has also had to curb his sweet-tooth ways in his bid to reach the top, confessing: “When I was younger, I used to always eat chocolate and sweets.“I had to cut that out. Now I try to avoid sugar as much as I can.”Future England star?Jamie Gittens was born in Reading in August 2004.He was outstanding at a very early age, and played at Chelsea’s famous Cobham Academy aged eight.Gittens went to Reading before moving to Man City’s academy in 2018.He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, and made his debut in the Bundesliga in April 2022, against Wolfsburg.He is a winger blessed with pace, outstanding dribbling skills and a cool head in front of goalGittens has played for England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but could also represent Barbados.Gittens in training with the England Under-21s in September 2023Credit: PAGittens playing for England Under-19s v Italy in 2022Credit: GettyThe talented wideman’s new lease of life has coincided with using a shorter version of his surname on the back of his shirt.In August 2024, Dortmund announced that he would play under the surname “Gittens”, rather than “Bynoe-Gittens” as he had previously used. Gittens told Dortmund’s official website: “Both are my father’s names, but he said he thinks it’s better if I’m just called Gittens because it’s shorter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I’ll only wear Gittens.”The “shorter the better” he told German outlet Bild. More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal exit may have knock-on effect on future of ‘next Kaka’, 14, with family ‘extremely disappointed’

      by

      JACK WILSHERE’S departure from Arsenal could spell the end for a highly-rated Gunners youngster dubbed the “next Kaka”.Former England international Wilshere, 32, has left his boyhood club to join Championship side Norwich as a coach.Jack Wilshere has left Arsenal to become a coach at NorwichCredit: GettyWilshere’s departure could impact the future of Arsenal youngster Max DowmanCredit: GettyIt brings to an end his two-year stint as manager of Arsenal’s U18s – where he has forged a strong relationship with promising talent Max Dowman.Dowman, 14, is the youngest player to score in a Uefa Youth League game – hitting the back of the net three and a half months shy of his 15th birthday.He was given his U18 Premier League debut by Wilshere last year, making more history as the youngest player to feature in the division, aged just 13.But Wilshere’s exit has now thrown Dowman’s future into question.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, his family are “extremely disappointed” by Wilshere’s departure.He has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship with the North London club.Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch – showing an understanding for the pressures he faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.The coach ensured when he returned to Arsenal that the focus would be on the needs of the academy players’ families, rather than the football itself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis has had a positive impact in transitioning players from prospects to accomplished professionals – shown through the development of Ethan Nwaneri.Dowman’s comparison to AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka comes from academy coach Gustavo Oliveira who recently made the link.Arsenal fans call for Wilshere to come out of retirement after footage of 31-year-old dominating kickabout goes viralHe said: “He plays in the style of Kaka.”He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”Wilshere recently said of Dowman: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.”For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran RAGES as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair

      by

      JHON DURAN was visibly FURIOUS after being substituted off during Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Bologna.Duran, 20, was given a rare change from his super-sub role by starting the Villa Park match on Tuesday.Jhon Duran punched a chair after being subbed off moments after scoring against BolognaCredit: X/ footballontntDuran then kicked the back of a team-mate’s chairCredit: X/ footballontntDuran was then seen throwing somethingCredit: X/ footballontntIt was the 20-year-old’s second start of the seasonCredit: X @footballontntThe goal machine took 64 minutes to find the back of the net and make it 2-0 after John McGinn had opened the scoring nine minutes earlier.Duran got across his marker to volley home a low shot into the bottom corner from a Morgan Rogers cross for his seventh goal of the season.It proved to be his final touch of the match because two minutes later the subs board went up to show his number as he was replaced by Ollie Watkins.However, after going off and sitting down on the bench Duran was clearly upset about the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was filmed punching his chair before sitting down and then kicking the back of a chair that his TEAM-MATE was sitting in.The Colombian was then seen with an angry expression on his face before throwing something.After giving Duran his first start in front of the home fans in 11 months, manager Unai Emery was relaxed over his reaction to being subbed.Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m managing everything and the reaction of the player as well.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are sending a message in the dressing room that our values mean we need to try to be mature and responsible.”It’s not only Duran, before the other players have sometimes reacted a little bit (shrugs shoulders).Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”It’s under our control. It’s not a problem.”Duran has started two games this season, but also came off the bench to net the winner against Bayern Munich in their last Champions League game.The Villans host Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday for their next match.Reports suggest both Arsenal and Chelsea are now battling to sign £75million-rated Duran next summer.Who are these famous footballers? More