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    Last Arsenal Invincible to announce his retirement says ‘this is bittersweet for me’ as he quits football at 40

    THE last of Arsenal’s Invincible squad has called quits on his career.Justin Hoyte, who was the final member of Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003/04 title winners still playing, has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 40.Justin Hoyte has announced his retirement from professional footballCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHoyte was part of Arsenal’s Invincible squadCredit: GettyThe 40-year-old announced his retirement on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @JustinHoyte32Hoyte played just one time as Arsenal went through an entire Premier League campaign without losing a single game.But the 18-time Trinidad and Tobago international has enjoyed a lengthy career that saw him go on to represent the Gunners 68 times.In a statement announcing that he is bringing an end to his playing days, Hoyte described the moment as bittersweet.He said: “This moment is bittersweet for me as I announce my retirement from professional football. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. From my early days in youth football to my time in the Premier League and beyond.”He added: “To the fans, your unwavering support has been the highlight of my career. “Whether you cheered us on from the stands or followed us from afar, you brought passion and energy that fuelled us during every match. “Thank you for believing in me, for your encouragement, and for your loyalty.”Most read in FootballHoyte played alongside some superb players ArsenalCredit: GettyHoyte made 68 appearances for the GunnersCredit: PA:Press AssociationHoyte also had a spell with FC Cincinatti in the USCredit: GettyHe played in the MLS for three yearsCredit: GettyHe also played under Gareth Southgate during his time at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty Images – GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHotye even suggested that he may make a move into coaching in the near future.The statement continued: “As I turn the page on this chapter of my life, I am excited about the future. While I may not be playing professionally anymore, football will always be a part of me.Arsenal Invincibles star unrecognisable as he spars in boxing ring with 18-cap international CEO of his own business”I look forward to exploring new opportunities and perhaps coaching or mentoring the next generation of players. In closing, I carry with me the lessons learned and the friendships made.”Thank you for the incredible journey, and I look forward to staying connected with you all in this beautiful game we love. Thank you football/soccer.” Hoyte’s career saw him play in both the UK and the US starring for Arsenal, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Dagenham and Redbridge and FC Cincinnati. The versatile full-back and centre-back represented England at youth level from U16s to U21s before making the decision to switch allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 28.He made 18 appearances for the nation and represented The Soca Warriors at the 2013 Gold Cup.He retires having made over 360 professional appearances, scoring six goals and registering 15 assists.Justin Hoyte’s careerA brief look at the career of Justin Hoyte…2003 – 2008: Arsenal2005 – 2006: Sunderland (loan)2008 – 2012: Middlesbrough2012 – 2015: Millwall2015 – 2016: Dagenham and Redbridge2017 – 2020: FC Cincinnati2020 – 2024: Miami Beach CFHoyte joined Middlesbrough after leaving ArsenalCredit: GettyHe also had a spell with MillwallCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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    Barcelona star ‘vomits BLOOD’ before being stretchered off in worrying scenes in LaLiga clash

    BARCELONA defender Alejandro Balde was stretchered off after appearing to vomit blood following a nasty collision.The incident occurred midway through the first half of the Catalan giants’ 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas in LaLiga – their first home defeat of the season.Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde went down following a collisionCredit: GettyThe left-back appeared to be coughing up blood on the pitchCredit: beIN Sports via XBalde was taken off on a stretcher following the incidentCredit: AFPBalde, 21, went down after coming together with Sandro Ramirez while wrestling for the ball.He fell to the floor and was holding his neck while coughing and choking.The Spaniard then vomited up something which Dentro De Juego have claimed was blood.He was put onto a stretcher and replaced by Gerard Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBalde has started 11 of Barcelona’s 15 LaLiga games so far this season.He has already made 95 appearances for the club despite having only turned 21 last month.He made his international debut for Spain in 2022 and has earned seven caps.But he missed out on his country’s Euro 2024 squad – a tournament they went on to win.Most read in FootballBarcelona came into the clash with Las Palmas four points clear of Real Madrid but having played one more game.They have also made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, winning four out of five matches.Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game Hansi Flick’s men sit third in the league phase table, safely in the top eight who all automatically qualify for the last-16. More

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    Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – before he’d even played

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon they’ve spotted one reason that Mason Mount could already be a favourite of Ruben Amorim’s – and it happened before he even played.Amorim has already gushed about Mount who has found it difficult to settle in at United since his arrival last summer.Manchester United fans reckon they know why Mason Mount could already be a favourite of Ruben Amorim’sCredit: PAEagle-eyed supporters spotted Mount pointing for a teammate to pass to Diogo Dalot during Man Utd’s draw with IpswichCredit: X formerly TwitterAmorim immediately pointed the same wayCredit: X formerly TwitterThe new Man Utd boss has said that he “loves” Mount and his attitude towards trying to get back on the pitch.And supporters reckon that the Portuguese gaffer and the Red Devils’ midfielder might be aligned tactically too.Eagle-eyed fans online found a clip of Mount sitting on the bench behind Amorim during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, seemingly telling his teammates the same thing as the gaffer.The video shows Mount pointing in the direction of Diogo Dalot, before Amorim does exactly the same thing just moments later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one fan gushed: “Mason Mount is the player who understands the Amorim system the most of all the players we have, just look at him pointing to Dalot before Amorim.”While another added: “Yes. This shows he knows the system. Absolutely.”A third commented: “Mount will be literally like a new signing . He gets me so excited. I hope he reaches his full potential now with Amorim and Tuchel now at the England job.”And a fourth wishfully claimed: “I am very sure he is gonna come good for Ruben. The system suits him. Please stay fit, Mason.”Most read in FootballMount struggled for game-time last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMount’s time in Manchester has been riddled with injuries, starting just seven Premier League games since his £55m move from Chelsea.But with the 36-time England international now fit once more, Amorim has laid out his plans to get Mount playing more regular minutes.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsSpeaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Everton, Amorim said: “The first thing is he is working really hard. “And then you have to understand the human also. He wants this really badly. That is the most important thing.“I have to tell you I love that kid. You can see in his eyes that he wants this so bad.“He has proven to all of you that he is a talented player. He was European champion. So we believe a lot in him.”Touching on Mount’s injury record, Amorim added: “I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.“He has to stay fit. And like all the guys in the team, they are quality players, they have to improve and believe in themselves.”Amorim has been full of praise for Mason Mount since his arrival at Man UtdCredit: X More

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    ‘Pay Man Utd an extra £20m’ Chelsea fans in raptures over ‘silky’ clip of Jadon Sancho’s dribbling skills

    CHELSEA fans have told the club to “pay Man Utd and extra £20million” after being left in awe at Jadon Sancho’s skill against Heidenheim.The Blues loanee, 24, assisted both of Chelsea’s goals in their 2-0 win in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening.Jadon Sancho produced a superb piece of skill against HeidenheimCredit: XChelsea fans were loving the dummy and dribble past the Heidenheim playerCredit: XSancho is on loan but will join permanently at the end of the seasonCredit: X formerly TwitterIt brings his tally to five assists in eight games since arriving from Old Trafford in the summer.Sancho is on loan at Chelsea but Enzo Maresca’s men have a £23million obligation to buy at the end of the season.And the Stamford Bridge faithful are more than happy for their club to pay that fee – or even a lot more.That is after seeing a clip shared by Chelsea which shows him pulling off an outrageous dummy and leaving a Heidenheim player on the floor as he saunters past him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to the video, which Chelsea described as “silky”, one fan said: “What a player we have thanks to United.”Another added: “Pay United an extra £20m.”A third replied: “We robbed United 🤝🏼.”While a fourth responded: “Magician in action 🎬.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fifth said: “This man is loving life at the Blues.”Sancho has only started four of Chelsea’s 12 Premier League games so far this season.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier LeagueThere is huge competition for places to play behind Nicolas Jackson, with Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto the preferred trio at the moment.Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk are also pushing for spots in the team.Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table and are unbeaten in five games in all competitions. More

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    Chris Wood reveals his next career move after retiring saying ‘it takes my fancy more than coaching does’

    CHRIS WOOD has his heart set on watching football forever – but he doesn’t want to go down the traditional coaching route.The in-form striker has scored eight Premier League goals in 12 starts this season as Forest host Ipswich Town on Saturday.Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood has revealed his plans for next career pathThe New Zealand international wants to move into commentary when he retiresIn fact, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have found the back of the net on more occasions this season.But Wood has admitted he would like to pursue a career as a football commentator when he hangs up his boots.The New Zealander has no plans to enter coaching after retirement and aims to do his talking off the pitch as well as on it.He told The Mail: “It really intrigues me. In certain sports, I would be OK.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Commentary feels like it would come a bit more naturally to me. It certainly takes my fancy a bit more than coaching. “The play-by-play commentary is a very different skill from punditry that would have to be enhanced and worked on.”You need to have a good understanding of what you’re talking about, and to me that means you must have played the sport or been involved in it for a long time.”‘It’s not a case of being able to do it straightaway. It will take a lot of time to learn and understand from people above me but it’s a nice option that might be possible.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”With television you can jump in and out when you need to, but on radio you have to do a lot more to get the picture across.”If I’m driving somewhere and there’s a Premier League or Champions League game on, I’ll chuck it on. It’s nice to hear what people are doing.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”You want to be able to visualise what’s happening. Sometimes you won’t get a clear picture but when it’s a great commentator, they can make you feel like you’re watching it. “It’s definitely a step I could take after football, through New Zealand outlets or international outlets. Who knows?”Wood also played cricket and rugby before focusing completely on football when he was 14.Despite leaving New Zealand in his mid-teens to pursue a career in English football with West Brom, Wood remains a proud Kiwi. He has clocked up around 85,000 miles between club and international duty this season.Wood and his partner are expecting their first child early next year and he has won 74 caps for his country over 15 years.Nottingham Forest sit seventh – three points behind the top fourWood is adored by Forest fans More

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    Fight cancelled after boxer weighs 15 POUNDS over the limit and fans joke his ‘hardest opponent was cookies’

    BOXING protege Curmel Moton saw his bout against Bryan Mercado cancelled after a MASSIVE weight miss on Friday.Moton, who is represented by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, missed weight by a whopping 15 POUNDS.Curmel Moton saw his bout with Bryan Mercado cancelled after a huge weight missCredit: GettyMoton weighed in 15 pounds over the 133 pound target weightCredit: YouTube / DontaesBoxingNationThe 18-year-old boasts a 6-0 record since turning pro last September on the Canelo Alvarez vs Jermell Charlo undercard, but was unable to extend that run of form this weekend.The Utah born teen was supposed to face Mercado at 133 pounds in New Jersey but ended up tipping the scales at some 148.7 pounds instead.His sensational miss was greeted with audible gasps and confused murmurs at the weigh-in as one of the biggest weight misses in boxing history.Naturally, Moton was taken off the card for tonight’s fight given the huge discrepancy in weights. READ MORE IN SPORTFans online teased the future star for his big miss, blaming a heavy Thanksgiving dinner for the weight miss.One wrote: “Damn, bro had one hell of a Thanksgiving dinner”.While another added: “He didn’t even try to make weight.”And a third joked: “Bro’s hardest opponent was cookies”.Most read in BoxingMoton (left) is a boxing protege and is represented by Floyd MayweatherCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMoton has since explained the situation, putting it down to prior knowledge that he couldn’t compete in the bout due to bloodwork issues.Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “I want to apologise to everyone that was planning on coming to Jersey to watch me fight.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first “I’ve been going back and forth with the commission about my bloodwork passing, and as of right now, they lost my blood in their system [which meant the fight was unlikely to be sanctioned].“I’ve known this for the past three days, so there was no point in killing myself to make weight. “They still made me weigh in for some reason, and they decided that was the reason they were going to cancel the fight.“Regardless, I’ll be back in Japan on December 30th. See you all there”. More

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    ‘It will be like the fight scene at end of Anchorman’ – expert predicts scrap over £2bn contract for new Man Utd stadium

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S new stadium could spark a scrap like “the fight scene at the end of Anchorman”, according to the designer of Everton’s ground.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to build a new 100,000-seater stadium or renovate and extend the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.AI images of how a new Manchester United stadium could look have been releasedCredit: CanvaOne designer has claimed the contract to build the new ground could end up in an Anchorman-style face-offCredit: Apatow Productions / DreamWorks PicturesWill Ferrell as Ron Burgundy in classic comedy movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyCredit: Apatow Productions / DreamWorks PicturesA final decision is not expected until next year but the club have already released pictures of what an Old Trafford regeneration could look like.AI images have also been mocked up to show how a new Man Utd ground may look – including a roof and circular shape.The plans are expected to cost Ineos around £2billion.And Dan Meis, who has designed both Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock and Roma’s Stadio della Roma, believes there will be an almighty fight between architects to secure the seismic contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to The Times, he said: “I don’t know if you’ve seen the fight scene between the rival news crews at the end of Anchorman, but it’s going to be like that.”The Anchorman reference relates to a scene from the 2004 hit movie where a host of famous faces appear in groups for a final showdown.Will Ferrell’s team of reporters from TV channel KVWN fights their rivals from other TV news rooms in an alley.Foster + Partners, who designed Wembley Stadium, produced drawings of how the ground could look.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. One designer pitched this as the revamped Old Trafford last yearCredit: YouTube / BondibotAI images show just how spectacular the ground could lookCredit: CanvaHowever, the project is still in the early stages of discussions – with a task force headed up by Lord Coe expected to share a “feasibility study” in 2025 detailing the options for both a new stadium and Old Trafford renovations.Ratcliffe spoke back in February about building a new stadium, saying: “It’s about time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.”If it can be achieved, it would clearly be my preference.Inside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford “I would be very excited for the north of England.”Architects are assembling at the Old Trafford cricket ground next week for The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit.But Man Utd’s home is not on the agenda at the meeting.A circular stadium with a stunning roof could be in the worksCredit: CanvaIt remains to be seen how the final proposal could shape upCredit: Canva More

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    How Gary Lineker’s podcast empire’s taking over the world as Goalhanger tops the charts with four most popular UK shows

    GARY Lineker may be giving up Match of the Day – but he is more than sorted with his podcast empire.Earlier this month, the England legend, 63, announced he was quitting the show after 25 years as host.Gary Lineker is conquering the podcast world on and off airCredit: The Rest is football podcastGary Lineker will step down from his Match of The Day job at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCA new four-year deal with the BBC to show Premier League highlights begins from next season.”I feel this is now the right time,” Lineker revealed.”I think [with] the next [highlights] contract, they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”He later said on his The Rest Is Football podcast: “I always thought my next thing would be the end. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve done Match of Day for 25 years. It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.read. more football news”But all things have to come to an end.”Lineker is far from done, though.Despite walking away from a £1.35million-per-year pay day with the Beeb, he will still rake it in – thanks to his company, Goalhanger Podcasts.They produce 13 podcasts in total, encompassing the worlds of politics, history, entertainment, and football.Most read in FootballAstonishingly, they collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedBetter still, a look at the British podcast charts – via Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify – reveals that Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Their latest hit, spy story The Rest Is Classified, has jumped straight to the top of the charts.While, the Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is Entertainment, in that order, make up the top four.Incredibly, The Rest Is Football props up the No8 spot – making Goalhanger Podcasts the biggest independent podcast group and the largest outside the United States.Thinking aheadIn 2014, Lineker and business partner Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Films Ltd.Originally, they set it up to produce documentaries, and they did it well.Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health was taken by the BBC, while Keane & Vieira – Best of Enemies appeared on ITV.However, earlier this month Pastor revealed that they focusing their attentions on podcasts.Therefore, Goalhanger Films Ltd was closing.“We effectively mothballed Films and set up a bespoke company concentrating on podcasts,” he told Deadline.Jack Davenport, Gary Lineker and Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Podcasts in 2018Credit: GoalhangerBeforehand, Pastor and Lineker had a film company that produced documentaries, including a film on Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane’s rivalryCredit: ITVread more sport features“There was a period in which I ran them in tandem, but the growth of podcasts was so explosive and television is challenged, so we’ve now done some housekeeping.”He added: “We’ve gone from a production company being entirely beholden to commissioners and the budgets of broadcasters to having a degree of self-control, whereby we are self-commissioning.”Stellar cast listGoalhanger’s podcasts, which began to take shape in 2018 with former radio exec Jack Davenport joining the party, bring together stellar hosts.Although sports readers will be familiar with Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football, it’s The Rest Is History that draws Hollywood movie stars in as guests.Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, both popular historians and bestselling authors, the subjects of their podcasts are varied.One six-part series was produced to debunk Hollywood’s story-telling of the sinking of The Titanic.While another saw Oscar-winner Tom Hanks offer his views on NASA’s lunar missions.The Rest Is Politics features ex-New Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell and former Conservative minister Rory Stewart.Last year, The Rest Is Entertainment was launched, featuring Pointless star Richard Osman and journalist Marina Hyde, where they discuss contemporary entertainment stories, in the world of film, television, stage, books and more.Goalhanger produced The Rest Is History is the most popular podcast in the UKCredit: The Rest Is HistoryThe Rest is Entertainment, launched in 2023, features Richard Osman and Marina HydeCredit: The Rest is EntertainmentTom Holland, left, and Dominic Sandbrook, right, had Tom Hanks on an episode of The Rest Is HistoryIt’s a formula that works, and can keep Lineker earning well after he’s left the MOTD hotseat.Nice pay dayDue to the astronomical figures of downloads that Goalhanger podcasts receive, they will certainly generate a lot of cash.While the podcasts also appear on YouTube, where the content has been viewed more than 80million times so far.According to reports, Goalhanger are paid £45 by advertisers for every 1,000 listens to an advert.It is believed that during the Euros this summer, Lineker made an additional £125,000, alongside his BBC duties at the tournament.Incredibly, one episode of The Rest Is Football was viewed over 530,000 times on YouTube.The Rest Is History, their regular best seller, generates 11 million downloads per month, alongside 1.2 million YouTube views, and 45,000 subscribers – paying up to £25-per-month.It has been estimated that show makes as much as £500,000-per-month for spoken ads from its presenters.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.Gary Lineker and Micah Richards appear on The Rest Is FootballCredit: The Rest Is FootbalDuring election years in the UK and US, The Rest is Politics thrived with hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory StewartCredit: The Rest is PoliticsThis year, The Rest Is Politics podcast has become the most popular on our shores, drawing 700,000 downloads per episode during election years in both the UK and US.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Lineker is not a director of Goalhanger Podcasts, he is its largest shareholder – owning 50 of its 150 shares.Forget TV, the ex-Three Lions ace has found a new lease of life – and it should be lucrative for years to come. 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