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      Ange Postecoglou opens up on playing on pitch covered in TOADS as Tottenham prepare to brave 3G Tamworth turf

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU will bid to stop Tottenham’s FA Cup hopes croaking on Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitch on Sunday.But that is nothing compared to the surface the Aussie and his South Melbourne team once played on in Fiji — which was infested with TOADS.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t worry about Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitchCredit: AlamyPostecoglou has had worse than Tamworth’s pitch ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup matchCredit: GettyIn 1999, Postecoglou’s Aussie side travelled to the Pacific Island for qualifiers ahead of the inaugural Club World Championship and found a ground littered with the amphibian critters.But they showed enough Kermit-ment to reach the finals  a year later and faced Treble-winners Manchester United in Brazil.Postefroglou . . .  sorry, Postecoglou recalled: “Warming up, there were toads which kept jumping on the pitch. At the time, you’re kind of going, ‘Really?’“But when you realise what was at stake — a fair bit of money and the opportunity to play at the Maracana against some of the best teams in the world — it was quite extraordinary.”Read More on FootballThat game 26 years ago was the Oceanic final of qualifying against local side Nadi at Prince Charles Park. South Melbourne won 5-1 and went on to play United, Vasco da Gama and Necaxa of Mexico.The gap between Postecoglou’s Melbourne team and United is similar to the 96 divisional spots between Tottenham and National League Tamworth.United won 2-0 but it was much tighter than had been expected.And the Aussie knows players can pull a ribbit out the hat for the biggest game of their lives.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPostecoglou, 59, added: “We were a semi-pro team playing at the Maracana against the great Manchester United. So there was a fair difference between us.“But qualifying for that tournament probably destroyed our domestic season because players didn’t want to risk getting injured.Ange Postecoglou proud of patched-up Tottenham’s win over Liverpool “We ended up losing but we gave a decent account of ourselves and some of my players, probably played the best game of their lives.“You know Tamworth have had a couple of defeats recently. It’s probably because their mind has been on this game.“What we’re going to face on Sunday is players hoping to play the best game of their lives.” More

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      Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1: Graham Potter delight turns to despair as Villans reach FA Cup fourth round with comeback win

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      MORGAN ROGERS ended Graham Potter’s hopes of a magical return to football management.The Aston Villa forward completed an impressive comeback after sub Amadou Onana had equalised five minutes earlier.Morgan Rogers shares his joy at completing a turnaround winCredit: GettyRogers pounced for the Villa winner on 76 minutesCredit: PAGraham Potter had a frustrating eveningCredit: GettyBut there was controversy about Onana’s goal – it came from a corner which should never have been given as it did not hit a West Ham players.Hammers’ players were at ref Tim Robinson who waved away their protests.Villa used the goal as a springboard to complete a third round victory.But it had all looked so different for new Hammers boss Potter after Lucas Paqueta had opened the scoring after nine minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALLWith Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on ITV 2 – and the ex-Brighton boss doing the business on ITV1 it looked like there was wizardy all round.But Villa had other ideas – and after an hour when the FA Cup looked low on their agenda his season, they conjured up a rousing finish on a night when they celebrated the 150th anniversary of their first game.They wore a one-off, commemorative all-black shirt – their original look before adopting the now familiar strip.But it was never going to be a claret and blue derby as West Ham chose white shirts.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs opposed to the Harry Potter film, this was definitely a black and white movie – and Villa finished with flying colours, albeit with a stroke of luck courtesy of the officials.They also avoided an unwanted record.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamThey went into the game knowing failure to win meant they would match the longest run of home defeats – non-league excepted –  in FA Cup history, with Rotherham having seven losses in a row between 2002 and 2007.That included defeats to Stevenage and Peterborough United.For a while, it looked like that would happen – but Potte’s new side could not see the game out.He clearly has work to do and the Hammers’ early product suggested they can be a more adventurous side.Potter returned after a 21-month absence from management – against the side who sent him packing from Chelsea.His last match there was a 2-0 home defeat to Villa.The fact that his first game in charge of West Ham was Villa away meant he had come full circle.But he was clearly keen for a new start, applauding the travelling fans as he emerged from the tunnel – and clapping every positive move from his new side.And Hammers showed their intentions inside 50 seconds when Paqueta went close from 20 yards out.Amadou Onana is mobbed after his match-turning equaliserCredit: RexLucas Paqueta drilled an early opener for West HamCredit: GettyBut it did not take long for Potter’s men to make their mark.They took the lead when a ball from the halfway line from Mohammed Kudus found Crysencio Summerville on the right.He picked out Pacqueta whose perfectly placed shot well-placed shot found the net for the Brazilian’s first goal in a month.Both sides then saw key players forced off injured.Niclas Fullkrug limped off to be replaced by ex-Villa striker Danny IngsVilla then lost Ross Barkley after 23 minutes and he was replaced by Onana.The game settled after that but a low Kudus shot was saved by Robin Olsen – in for the injured Emi Martinez.Villa offered little before the break, perhaps a hectic January schedule was on their minds.Unai Emery’s men face two Champions League games against Monaco and Celtic – as well as key Premier League matches.But that did not stop Hammers fans reminding Villa they won the Europa Conference League a year before Emery’s bid ended at the semi-final stage.They sang: “Champions League, you’re having a laugh”.For while, they could enjoy themselves instead of seeing their team ship goals against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.That was beforte Villa finally found their form,.Star midfielder Paqueta celebrates his breakthrough goalCredit: GettyUnai Emery’s side threatened at the start of the second half, but with no cutting edge.Too many of their important players were having an off-night – with mis-placed passes hindering their attempts to get back on level terms.But Villa began to step it up and Ian Maatsen’s shot flew towards goal as keeper Lukasz Fabianski was forced into a rare save with 22 minutes left.That lifted Villa and they levelled the tie through Onana after 70 minutes.Again Maatsen was involved and this time, Fabianski could not hold on to the Dutchman’s shot.The ball fell at the feet of Ollie Watkins – but it was Onana who poked the ball home from close range.Paqueta went down after getting tangled up with Ezri Konsa – but ref Robinson saw nothing wrong with that either as Hammers’ players pointed the error in awarding a corner in the first place.Suddenly Villa were in charge – and they took the lead after 76 minutes.Watkins broke clear on the left and found Rogers with a pinpoint cross that Villa forward tucked away for his of the seventh goal of the season.This was rampant stuff from Villa now and sub Jacob Ramsey shook the woodwork from 18 yards out.READ MORE SUN STORIES More

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      Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consent

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      A PREMIER League footballer was arrested on his training pitch on suspicion of making a sex tape without consent.Shocked teammates looked on as the international star was led away at 11am for six hours of questioning.A Prem ace was dramatically nicked at his training groundCredit: GettyThe star was escorted from the pitch as they trained for this weekend’s FA Cup third round clashCredit: GettyCops later released the player with no further action due to insufficient evidenceCredit: GettyTwo phones were seized by cops, who examined them for footage and video recordings.Premier League stars thought it was a prank when their teammate was arrested on the pitch.A source said: “A lot of stars initially thought it was a prank when two uniformed officers strode on to the pitches during training. Everyone was in disbelief.“Players were open-mouthed. No one was sure what was going on.”Read more Sports NewsThe ace was later released with no further action.He returned to training yesterday and could play in his club’s FA Cup third round fixture this weekend.The Sun understands that cops acted after a woman accused the footballer of secretly filming their sex session despite her allegedly asking him not to.She told friends she felt violated and humiliated when he sent her packing moments after they’d romped in his bed.Most read in FootballShe said she had refused to record a sex tape, or take part in a threesome.Police said: “A man in his 20s was arrested at an address, on suspicion of voyeurism.“It was determined no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence.”The club refused to comment.AGONY OF VICTIMSREALITY TV star Stephen Bear’s voyeurism court case highlighted the harm the offence can cause victims.The 34-year-old made at least £40,000 on OnlyFans by sharing a CCTV video of him having sex with Georgia Harrison. Bear was jailed for 21 months in 2023 after being found guilty of voyeurism and disclosing a private sexual film. The judge praised Georgia’s bravery and said she had suffered extensive humiliation and embarrassment.Last summer, former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson, 36, of Aberdeen, was convicted of rape, with a court hearing he got a kick out of filming women. More

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      Plymouth announce Wayne Rooney successor as little-known Austrian boss, 42, is named new manager

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      PLYMOUTH have announced little-known Austrian Miron Muslic as successor to sacked boss Wayne Rooney.Muslic, 42, is taking over the Championship’s bottom side after he himself was AXED a month ago – by Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge.Miron Muslic arrives in the Championship after a month out of workWayne Rooney departed with Plymouth bottom of the second tierCredit: RexManchester United legend Rooney only arrived at Argyle in the summer but paid the price for an alarming dip in form following a mini-revival. And Plymouth unveiled his replacement on the eve of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Prem side Brentford.Muslic played for a string of Austrian clubs below the top level before becoming caretaker chief at the last of them, Ried, in the second tier.He then bossed Ried youths, Austrian 2 rivals Floridsdorfer and Ried’s first team in the same division, before Cercle pounced in September 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe steered them away from relegation trouble for a sixth-placed finish but was sacked on December 2 last year.It followed a 3-2 loss against bottom side Beerschot after Cercle led 2-0.A statement from the Pilgrims read: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Miron Muslic as Argyle’s new Head Coach. Welcome to Argyle, Miron!”Plymouth appointed former England skipper Rooney, 39, despite his poor spell in charge of Birmingham. Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after the ex-Derby boss was axed, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett denied his arrival had been a publicity stunt.Hallett told the club website: “Raising our profile was not one of the considerations in hiring Wayne Rooney.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth Argyle”We thought that he would be able to help us win football matches. “During Wayne’s tenure as Head Coach, we saw glimpses of what was possible, but clearly both results and underlying performances were showing few signs of being at the level we need.”But Hallett added: “We thank Wayne for what he did achieve in his months at the Club. “He united the players, helped restore a positive attitude at the Club and won over the fans whose support had been tested for a few months in 2024. “His approachable nature and down to earth personality made him a popular figure and we will miss him.”Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Footballer saves side’s fairytale cup run by fixing broken floodlight – then gets brutally trolled by away fans

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      A FOOTBALLER saved his side’s fairytale cup run — by fixing a broken floodlight.Liam Smith, who works as an electrician, used his tool kit to help Sittingbourne FC get to the fifth round of the FA Trophy for the first time in their 140-year history.Footballer Liam Smith used his tool kit to help Sittingbourne FC get to the fifth round of the FA TrophySittingbourne FC defender Liam Smith fixed a broken floodlight at the team’s stadiumLiam’s electrical heroics sparked a dramatic victory for his teamThey were drawing 0-0 at home with favourites Salisbury when a corner of The Staxson Stadium in Kent was plunged into darkness at half-time.With the match in danger of being abandoned, Liam, 24, was urged by team-mates to fix the faulty floodlight.The defender said: “I went over to open the floodlight and saw something had gone wrong with the breakers and just had to put them back on.”Luckily I didn’t need many tools and had it working again within 15 minutes.READ MORE ON THE FA TROPHY”After a quick warm-up, we were ready to go for the second half.”I got a bit of stick from the away fans afterwards. They were chanting, ‘You’re better as a sparky’.”Liam’s electrical heroics sparked a dramatic giant-killing, with Sittingbourne winning 2-1 on Saturday.Vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram, 41, said it would have been a financial blow for the Isthmian League South East Division club if the game, which drew a crowd of 700, was called off.Most read in FootballHe said: “Liam is a new signing and did a great job to get the game back on after a half-hour delay.”Although he did cheekily say there would be an invoice coming and made sure I knew it was double rates on a Saturday.”Brackley Town staff and players run onto the pitch on full time and do the ‘Viking Clap’ with fans after winning the FA trophy at WembleyThe side now travel to Southend United in the next round on February 1. More

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      Graham Potter in huge blow as West Ham star Niclas Fullkrug pulls hamstring live on TV and collapses to ground

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      NICLAS FULLKRUG was forced off with an injury just 15 minutes into Graham Potter’s first game in charge of West Ham.The German, 31, appeared to pull up with a hamstring issue before falling to the ground.Niclas Fullkrug pulled up with a hamstring injuryCredit: ITVFullkrug, 31, immediately winced in painCredit: GettyThe German was helped off by medical staffCredit: GettyTeam-mate Edson Alvarez attempted to comfort Fullkrug, who winced in pain as he lay on the turf.The striker was subsequently helped off and replaced by Danny Ings.Fullkrug had been making just his 11th appearance for West Ham since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.He was previously ruled out for three months of the campaign with an Achilles issue.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bustling forward had been involved in West Ham’s opening goal at Villa Park in just the ninth minute.He headed a long ball down to Lucas Paqueta, who subsequently passed the ball out wide to Crysencio Summerville.The former Leeds winger drove down the wing before cutting the ball back to Paqueta, who swept a shot beyond Villa keeper Robin Olsen.West Ham are light up front having suffered with several injury issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichail Antonio was hospitalised for more than three weeks in December following a frightening car crash.The forward, who was discharged from hospital on December 31, broke his leg in the crash and is sidelined indefinitely.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashCaptain Jarrod Bowen, meanwhile, fractured his foot in the Hammers’ recent 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.The West Ham favourite is set to be sidelined for around two months with the injury.This leaves new boss Potter with Ings the only fit recognised striker in his squad. Aston Villa suffered an injury blow of their own barely five minutes after Fullkrug was forced off.Ross Barkley pulled up hurt, appearing to signal that he felt discomfort in his ankle.The former Chelsea man received attention from medical staff, before having to go off.Barkley, 31, was replaced by Amadou Onana on 23 minutes.Ross Barkley also suffered an injury during the matchCredit: PABarkley, 31, was forced off by the issueCredit: Getty More

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      Watch classy Jose Mourinho give on-pitch team talk to the OPPOSITION as Fenerbahce secure 3-0 Turkish Cup win

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      JOSE MOURINHO gave his beaten opponents an on-pitch pep talk following a cup tie this week.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss took his Fenerbahce side to fellow top flight outfit Kasimpasa.Jose Mourinho gave a team talk to Kasimpasa players on the pitchCredit: X/ ceyhunsametyMourinho, 61, also took selfies with fansCredit: GettyThe home team fielded a very young side, including 15-year-old Yaman Suakar.Midfielder Suakar completed 88 minutes of the match, becoming his team’s second-youngest ever player in the process.With experienced campaigners such as Sofyan Amrabat, Caglar Soyuncu and Youssef En-Nesyri in action, Fenerbahce comfortably won 3-0.En-Nesyri gave his side the lead inside the first two minutes, with Yusuf Akcicek doubling their advantage before the half hour.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBartug Elmaz made it 3-0 before the half-time break, with no further goals in the second period.After the game, Mourinho gathered the young Kasimpasa side around him.In footage captured from the stands and posted on social media, the 61-year-old can be seen giving an animated speech to them.Upon concluding his pep talk, Mourinho nodded and the Kasimpasa players applauded.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe viral clip prompted plenty of reactions online.One fan wrote: “He just really loves football. He wants to motivate that team.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationWhile a second joked: “He can beat only U19 teams. Unfortunately….”A third posted: “That’s mutual respect. They applauded him after his speech. I love this.”Although a fourth countered: “People are liking this but imo it’s very arrogant. Are you their manager?”Fenerbahce are second in the Turkish Super Lig after 17 games.They trail fierce rivals Galatasaray by eight points.Last season’s Turkish title race went down to the wire.READ MORE SUN STORIESMourinho’s predecessor Ismail Kartal achieved 99 points, but still lost out on the title to Galatasaray.Kartal subsequently left upon the conclusion of his deal, being replaced by the Portuguese.Mourinho watched his side easily beat Kasimpasa 3-0Credit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari car number confirmed for 2025 as full driver line-up for new F1 season revealed

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has confirmed his car number as he gears up for his debut season with Ferrari.Hamilton, 40, has changed teams after rolling credits on his 11-year stint with Mercedes which led him to seven world championships – a joint-record he shares with Michael Schumacher.Sir Lewis Hamilton’s car number has been confirmed for the coming seasonCredit: RexHamilton will be competing in his signature No44 with FerrariCredit: PAThe British megastar will now be looking to overcome Ferrari legend Schumacher as he prepares for the 2025 season.And Lewis will be competing with his signature No44 plastered on his race car.The Formula One legend has become synonymous with that number as he also used it during his karting days.And back in 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity advocating for greater representation, diversity and inclusion in motorsport.Read More on F1Other major F1 stars have also chosen their car numbers ahead of the coming season.Reigning world champion and Hamilton’s archrival Max Verstappen will be competing with No1.Sir Lewis’ ex-Mercedes team-mate George Russell has chosen to compete with No63.And his new Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will be donning No16 on the track.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSF1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99 when they compete on a professional level.The numbers remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. Ferrari urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s contract by F1 legend after star’s ‘worrying’ admission If they depart car racing for any reason then their numbers would be reserved for two seasons.No1, though, is reserved for the reigning world champion, though drivers are not obliged to use it. More