Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Milos Kerkez spends summers fishing in the woods and could be Liverpool’s biggest catch with best pal already at club

      by

      MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.Milos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Instagram / miloskerkezofficialThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean CourtCredit: RexKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekCredit: GettyWhile the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrom day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing roomCredit: GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022Credit: GettyBrother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.The Italian great, then AC Milan’s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.Kerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021Credit: GettyWhile with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.Kerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this seasonCredit: ReutersKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: GettyWhile his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.”People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ❤”. Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.The left-back has flourished under Andoi IraolaCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona transfer could be torpedoed by ASTON VILLA after £325,000-a-week Man Utd ace offered to club

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD’s potential loan move to Barcelona could fall apart – because of Aston Villa’s transfer business. The out-of-favour Manchester United star, 27, has been linked with a temporary switch to the Nou Camp. Marcus Rashford has been linked with a loan move to BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford has been a target for Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli this window after being frozen out by new Utd boss Ruben Amorim. But his mammoth £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations. Barcelona are reportedly desperate to bring the 27-year-old in to turn around their stuttering LaLiga campaign. To do so, they have to save enough money to register him within their league spending cap. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAccording to ESPN, Barcelona were desperate for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza to join Aston Villa earlier this month.The Catalan giants retain 50 per cent of any future transfer fee the defender raises after selling him to Celta in 2022.That deal never materialised, with Villa instead turning to Levante’s Andres Garcia to shore up their defensive options.The report adds Rashford has been “offered to every top club in France, Spain and Italy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSParis Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille were all reportedly contacted.Barcelona had also hoped to raise funds by selling winger Ansu Fati. Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit But he is reportedly unwilling to leave the club this January.As such, they are scrambling around late in the window – and may not be able to raise enough cash to afford Rashford. The England striker watched from the stands as Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europe League on Thursday.Barcelona had reportedly hoped to fund Rashford by pocketing a sell-on for Villa target Oscar MinguezaCredit: GettyVilla opted to sign Andrés García from Levante insteadCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialHe was left out of Amorim’s squad again – despite the Red Devils boss having three spaces spare on his bench.Rashford has now been dumped out by Amorim for ten-straight games.Rashford has been frozen out since giving an interview last month where he declared he was “ready for a new challenge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite not playing against Rangers, Rashford gave his full support to his teammates from the terraces.Speaking on Instagram, the forward posted his view of the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “Come on the boys”. Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans fear Champions League ‘fix’ as two sides can play out bore draw and guarantee qualification in final match

      by

      EYES will be on one game in particular as the Champions League group stage comes to an epic conclusion next week.The revamped tournament sees a mammoth 18 matches take place on a single night.Stuttgart are in with a chance of reaching the Champions League playoffsCredit: AFPThe Germans host PSG in their final group-stage match – and a draw sends both throughCredit: Rex24 teams will make it through to the knockout stages following the bumper evening of action. And, so far, only Liverpool and Barcelona have definitely secured their spot in the round of 16.A host of clubs – including Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid – are guaranteed a place in the playoffs.But some fans are fearing two sides could come to agreement that will see them BOTH go through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain face each other next week at the MHPArena in Germany. The Bundesliga side beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 last week and currently sit 24th in the standings, the final qualifying spot.They are level on points with the Ligue 1 champions, who have a slightly superior goal difference. And all that means a draw will guarantee both teams make it through to the playoffs – barring a miraculous goal swing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDinamo Zagreb would require an epic seven-goal victory against AC Milan to leapfrog either Stuttgart or PSG, should they draw their game.Fans were quick to notice the anomaly and have speculated the two teams will “fix” a draw, similar to claims made ahead of Romania and Slovakia’s 1-1 stalemate at Euro 2024.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresOne fan wrote on X: “Wait till Stuttgart and PSG fix their game and play a draw.”Another joked: “Can’t believe you’re just writing off Zagreb winning 11-0.”One team in real danger of crashing out are Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s men need to beat Club Brugge at home to make sure of a place in the playoffs.Should City beat Brugge and Stuttgart draw with PSG, all three would head through to the knockout stages at the expense of the Belgian side.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has rubbished claims his side will settle for a point and has instead indicated they will be aiming for all three on Wednesday. He said: “So far, we have always done quite well by sticking to ourselves and focusing on our tasks. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And this time, too, we will try to implement our game and our strategy. Of course, we know the possibilities.”For both teams, including Paris, it’s about progressing. And that’s exactly how we’re approaching the game.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      MOTD legend urges Gary Neville to become Man Utd manager as he’s ‘best man for the job’ leaving Carragher in hysterics

      by

      LEGENDARY Match of the Day host Des Lynam still believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at Manchester United.But the thought of Neville guiding United from the Old Trafford dugout has left Jamie Carragher in absolute hysterics.Des Lynam believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at UnitedCredit: PALynam first mooted Neville to take the reins in 2020Credit: RexBut the idea left Jamie Carragher in hystericsCredit: GettyLynam’s comments calling for Neville to “save United” are now trending on X and Carragher was the first to jump in.Writing for the Telegraph, Lynam, 82, has doubled down on his previous stance that Neville should be considered for the United manager job.The first-ever MOTD host wrote: “Neville has Manchester United blood running through his veins and is deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament. “He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room. Neville has remained the best candidate, in my mind.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs expected, Carragher couldn’t wait to ridicule the suggestion.The Liverpool legend, who works as a pundit alongside Neville, replied with a series of laughing emojis: “😂😂😂😂😂”.And fans have also poked fun at the idea on social media.One said: “This might be one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another joked: “After all these years, Des Lynam has finally come out as a Man City fan.”A third asked: “Des is surely trolling us 🤣🤣🤣.”Gary Neville to make special request to broadcaster over future plans Lynam first floated the idea in 2020 when the Red Devils were managed by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.But the former commentator appears to be unfazed by Neville’s disastrous spell at Valencia – his only senior management role to date.Neville accepted an offer to coach the LaLiga outfit from owner and close business pal Peter Lim.But the former Old Trafford right-back won just three of his 16 league games before he was brutally sacked after four months.Meanwhile Neville is unlikely to take the reins away from Ruben Amorim at his former club.He has influenced things in other ways after joining Jim Ratcliffe’s Task Force discussing the future of Old Trafford.Neville also regularly criticises United’s misfortunes on Sky Sports as Amorim’s side sit 13th in the Prem.Lynam (centre) presented MOTD in the 80s, with Alan Hansen and Trevor BrookingCredit: BBC More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal face nightmare Champions League last 16 draw as supercomputer projects four most likely Gunners opponents

      by

      ARSENAL could face a nightmare draw in the next round of the Champions League despite being on track to finish in the top four of the new-look league phase.The Gunners have looked strong in the Champions League this season and all-but guaranteed their spot in the top eight with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could be handed a nightmare draw in the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersArsenal all-but secured a top eight finish with a 3-0 win over Dynamo Zagreb on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe new league phase means that the teams that finish in the top eight avoid playing in a play-off game to reach the Last-16 that teams placed between ninth and 24th must compete in.Arsenal should finish in the top eight barring a disaster, and are projected to finish either third of fourth by beating Spanish outfit Girona in their final game of the league phase next week.However, they may not be rewarded as much as they’d like for their efforts.A supercomputer has predicted where every team will finish in the league phase and it makes grim reading for the Gunners’ when it comes to their seeded opponent in the next round.READ MORE ON ARSENALDespite being on course for a nice break from European football by avoiding the play-offs, Arsenal are in line to take on one of four European giants in the last 16 proper.A third or fourth placed finish would see them face one of the teams that finishes 13th, 14th, 19th or 20th in the league phase when they play their last 16 clash.According to the Football Rankings’ supercomputer, those four teams are most likely to be Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.Two of the four European heavyweights will have to do battle themselves in a play-off to book their spot against the Gunners.Most read in FootballArsenal could face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyThe Gunners could take on Juventus tooCredit: SplashCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut should the league phase end as predicted then it would leave Arsenal with a really tricky tie.Each of Sporting and PSG would face one of Real Madrid and Juventus in the play-off round, according to the projection.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players Afterwards, each winner would face one of Arsenal or Inter Milan in the last 16 phase, under the complicated new system.That said, Arsenal will take confidence from the fact that they have already got the better of both PSG (2-0) and Sporting (5-1) in the league phase this season.Juventus and Real Madrid would be a different story for Mikel Arteta’s side with the Gunners’ not facing either club since their 2006 Champions League campaign.Of course, it’s all hypothetical and depends on what results actually come to fruition when all 36 Champions League teams face off at the same time next Wednesday.But Arteta will be confident that his team are in a good position to give any opposition a game, having won five of their seven games in the Champions League this term and not conceded a single goal from open play in the competition.Arsenal have already got the better of PSG this seasonCredit: GettyThey beat Sporting Lisbon 5-1 tooCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Astonishing amount Watford have spent on sackings revealed with owners’ 21st manager Tom Cleverley at risk of axe

      by

      WATFORD have coughed up nearly £20million on managerial sackings over the past five seasons.The Championship club is known for its lack of patience and current boss Tom Cleverley is edging closer to their ruthless revolving door.Tom Cleverley could be at risk of being sackedCredit: RexWatford owner Gino Pozzo has fired 20 managers since 2012Credit: RexWatford have had 19 different managers since Gino Pozzo took over in 2012 – including three last season.Cleverley is now at risk of becoming the 21st redundancy of that time, as Quique Sanchez Flores spent 15 months at the club across two different spells.But constantly hiring and firing managers comes at a price.The club’s accounts have often been hit by termination payments for sacked managers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPozzo was forced to fork out £1.1m to Valerien Ismael and his staff when he dismissed him after 10 months in charge.That figure is significantly down from the £7.8m paid in 2021-22 when Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri and Roy Hodgson were all axed.That exceeded the £6.76m in matchday revenue the club brought in for games at Vicarage Road during that entire campaign.In all, it means Watford have squandered around £20m in settlement payments over the last five seasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Cleverley is at risk of becoming their next causality, despite the fact that Watford sit eighth, just one point off the play-off places. On Thursday, talkSPORT claimed the Hornets were set to add the Englishman to their long list of managerial redundancies.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!Spanish media outlets reported that Pacheta, who formerly managed Villarreal, is a contender to replace the former Man Utd midfielder.But Watford then issued a bizarre statement regarding Cleverley’s future.Rather than announcing Cleverley had been axed, the club confirmed he would be in charge of the next game against Coventry.While Cleverley’s side are well-placed for a promotion push, they have won just two of their last eight Championship fixtures.The concerning run, which stretches back to December 15, prompted rumours that he may not be at the helm for much longer. But 97 per cent of fans want Cleverley to survive his stay of execution, according to a poll run by a Watford Observer reporter.Meanwhile, Watford’s £58m revenue last season is some £90m lower than the heydays of life in the Premier League during 2018/19 term. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea charging eye-watering £12,500 for ONE TICKET to final two Prem games – £139 per minute of action

      by

      CHELSEA have angered fans by charging an extraordinary £12,500 for ONE TICKET for their final two home games of the season against Liverpool and Manchester United.The staggering prices for the club’s VIP dugout experience are a new record for the Premier League – and will cost punters £139 for every minute of action on the pitch.Chelsea’ are selling their exclusive Dugout Club tickets for £12,500Credit: GettyThe plush seats behind the home dugout have been used by stars including Gerard Butler (middle back row)Credit: GettyActress Cara Delevingne (blue hat) has also taken advantage of the exclusive ticketCredit: GettyChelsea caused outrage last season by charging a then-record £5,000 for a Premier League game against United, but have dug in by more than doubling the price for their most expensive games this year.Liverpool are due to visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday 3 May for a game that could see Arne Slot’s side win the title. The date and kick-off time is likely to change however, due to requests from broadcasters.The United game is on the last day of the season on Sunday 18 May and the most expensive ticket will again be priced at £12,500.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are also selling tickets behind the away dugout at Stamford Bridge aimed at Liverpool and United fans for £7,500 for both matches.Most tickets for the 136-seat Dugout Club are priced at between £2,000 and £3,000 per person per game.But the visit of Tottenham for a midweek game at the start of April will cost £6,000.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust labelled the prices as “eye-watering” and “unaffordable.” Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe fans want Chelsea to use the extra money to keep costs down for ordinary supporters.”The Dugout Club seats for the Man Utd and Liverpool games will bring in around £1.2million in extra revenue,” a spokesperson told SunSport.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him “This is an eye-watering amount of money and is totally unaffordable for the average Chelsea supporter.”Record-breaking premium pricing has increased the club’s revenue and this must be considered when deciding future general admission ticket prices.”The Dugout Club was introduced by Chelsea’s owners last season as way of making money from an area of the ground where players’ families and friends have traditionally been seated.While billed as a VIP experience the Dugout Club is not a purpose-built dining area such as those at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Etihad Stadium, where fans can get a view of the tunnel whilst eating their pre-match meal.Film star Butler is among those to have tested out the expensive seatsCredit: GettyThe idea is to increase matchday revenueCredit: AlamyAt Chelsea, the seats are located directly behind Enzo Maresca’s dugout close to where non-playing members of the squad often sit.As part of the package fans get the opportunity to watch both teams warm-up from pitch-side in the company of a former Chelsea player, and the chance to meet current players after the game in a media area.In addition, pre and post-match food and drink is provided from three hours before kick-off.How do Chelsea’s prices compare?CHELSEA’s Dugout Club prices are staggering, but they’re far from the only pricey seats in the Prem..Chelsea, Dugout Club, £12,500 per personAston Villa, Doug Ellis Box, £5999 ppMan City, Captain’s Centre Circle, £4830 ppManchester United , Warwick Private Executive Box, £2000 ppNottingham Forest, Boardroom Experience, £1194 ppChelsea’s position is that while expensive, the tickets are not aimed at ordinary fans.The Dugout Club is also used by Chelsea’s owners to entertain A-list guests.Hollywood star Gerard Butler and model Cara Delevingne both watched matches from there last season.Chelsea’s general admission prices went up for the first time in 13 years this season, but the increases have been relatively modest for season-ticket holders.The cheapest adult season-ticket costs £787.50 – making one ticket for the Dugout Club equivalent to almost 16 seasons of watching Chelsea from the cheap seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea have also been criticised by fans for converting general admission seats into corporate areas. As a result of the high prices charged in these areas, no matches at Stamford Bridge have sold out this season. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ set to have World Cup hosting rights RESTORED as work restarts after 16 years

      by

      VALENCIA’S Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium has seen its World Cup hosting rights restoredCredit: GettyThe skeleton of the 70,000 seater ground has been dormant for 16 yearsCredit: GettyBut Rafael Louzan, President of RFEF, has now said it will be in Spain’s World Cup rosterCredit: GettyHowever, after the best part of two decades, work has finally restarted on the stunning project.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.And the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has now suggested the ground will be one of those to play host to World Cup football in 2030.During a trip to the stadium with FFCV and LaLiga, he said: “I said it this morning, I am just another Valencianista, Valencia is not going to miss out on hosting the World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I can assure you of that. We have already been working on this and I know that in the end that would be something tremendously unfair and that it is not going to happen. “I want to reassure the Valencianistas so that they know that our work is oriented in that direction so that a stadium like this can host the World Cup and host important matches. “We must remember that the Nou Mestalla is going to be the most modern stadium in Spain with a very important capacity. Valencia is going to host the 2030 World Cup.”Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile the final venues for the tournament have not been announced, the so-called “most modern stadium” in the country would be a big miss at such a prestigious tournament.The original plans for the ground when it was announced had seen Valencia plan to move into it in the 2009/10 season.Iconic 60-year-old stadium which has hosted huge WWE pay-per-views unrecognizable after roof collapses in heavy snowfallHowever, crippling financial troubles where it climbed up to £350million in costs saw the project – which also originally had an 80,000 capacity – paused.Last summer Valencia was stripped of its hosting rights by the RFEF as it was no longer considered a viable venue.But now there has been a stunning U-turn that will see it host the World Cup.It comes following a report from Mundo Deportivo that the number of stadiums will be reduced from 20 to between 17 and 19. More