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      Ryan Giggs, 51, confirms plans to return to management five years after Wales stint

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      RYAN GIGGS has indicated he is ready to return to the managerial dugout.The Man Utd legend is currently taking on a more hands-on role with Salford City.Ryan Giggs has indicated he would be open to returning to managementCredit: GettyThe ex-Wales gaffer is currently director of football at Salford CityCredit: GettyGiggs hasn’t held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.The 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has slowly returned to the touchline in recent months at Salford, the team he co-owns with his fellow Class of ’92 teammates.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is currently Director of Football at the League Two side.But in recent months he has been regularly spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.Speaking prior to Salford’s FA Cup tie with Manchester City, Giggs revealed he is determined to return to management “one day”.The United legend told the BBC: “I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoy watching the team, happy where I am.”But eventually I would like to get back into management. Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson “On matchday I still get as excited as ever, probably more so than ever.”The BBC reports Giggs has “not applied for any management roles” since leaving his post with Wales.FAW’s chief football officer Dave Adams told the Beeb: “I know he was very disappointed to leave the Wales job. “We’d qualified for the Euros, which is a big achievement, but he never got the chance to go there with the team.”I’m sure that was really difficult for him and I would guess he still has that drive to feel the success as a head coach that he did as a player.”Salford have put together an incredible run of form since Giggs was first spotted in the dugout back in October.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ammies lost just TWICE in their last 14 games across all competitions – winning 10 and drawing two in that time.They currently sit third in the League Two table, ten points behind runaway leaders Walsall. More

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      Shocking moment football coach, 43, punches teen linesman to the ground during 8-0 defeat – as thug avoids prison

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      THIS is the shocking moment a football coach punched a teen linesman to the ground during an 8-0 defeat.Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at the humiliating scoresheet.The linesman was sent crashing to the groundCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Robert Williams-Jones was handed a suspended sentenceJust 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.Read more newsHe was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.The shocking attack took place in Amlwch, Wales, last April as the North Wales Coast West team took on Penrhyndeudraeth FC.Williams-Jones was stood on the touchline as the linesman did his job when he appeared to assault him out of nowhere.As the teen was sent flying, the game was paused while the raging gaffer returned to his team’s bench.Most read in FootballThe Penrhyn player, who had been acting as voluntary linesman, was then seen standing up looking dazed before being led off the pitch.Footage of the punch was shared widely online – causing police to launch an investigation.Amlwch Town FC later confirmed it had cut ties with Williams-Jones.Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.”I’m proud all of you COYC.”The voluntary linesman was attacked on the touchlineCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/His fellow players came rushing overCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/ More

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      Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targeted

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line to fight in boxing and MMA in 2025.The heavyweight returned to the cage in October – following a three year absence from MMA. Francis Ngannou could rematch Tyson FuryCredit: ReutersNgannou had walked out on the UFC in 2021 to pursue boxing while also signing with rivals the Professional Fighters League. The PFL permitted their star signing to box – setting up two mega-money bouts in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. And PFL founder Donn Davis revealed Ngannou is expected to fight in the ring and cage this year.Davis told SunSport: “He’s considering two options; one boxing, one MMA.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe he’ll box once in 2025 and he’ll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. “And we’re thinking about the same way. So I think it’s too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? “But he’ll do one of each in 2025.”Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in October 2023 against Fury, 36, who was the WBC champion and unbeaten at the time. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fury was sensationally dropped in the fight before winning a controversial split-decision. Ngannou then faced Joshua, 35, in March 2024 but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivalsIt set up his return to MMA which he won against Renan Ferreira, 35, in one dominant round. Ngannou has continued to keep the door open to a boxing return and was recently linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.Wilder, 39, is coming off two losses but is set to return this year after snubbing retirement. And Davis warned not to rule out Ngannou facing the American or rematching Fury. He said: “I think he’s open to either one. But if I knew, I wouldn’t breach my confidence on his boxing stuff.”What I know about Francis is A, he’s very, very smart, and B, he really doesn’t have any fear, as some other fighters do.”They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he’ll say, ‘That guy’s much harder match up for me.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, ‘I prefer versus I prefer.'”He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you’d have to train differently, but he’s open to everything.”Deontay Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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      Graham Potter fits in with modern east London culture and can create togetherness at West Ham, says Karren Brady

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      IN ALL MY years in football, taking the decision to part company with a manager has never been an easy, straightforward, or enjoyable task.Regardless of the fact that it is an unavoidable, familiar part of the game, or that it is a call made purely for sporting reasons, there remains a sense of sadness and disappointment, on a human level, that things haven’t worked out as you had hoped.Karren Brady insisted Julen Lopetegui was sacked for sporting reasonsCredit: GettyLopetegui left with the club in 14th position in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersGraham Potter has been hired as the Spaniard’s replacementCredit: GettyAt West Ham United, we have always taken as much care and pride in recruiting the ‘man’ as we have in recruiting the ‘manager’.And so we were disappointed that things didn’t work out with Julen Lopetegui.A good man, a family man, an extremely hard-working man, who was a pleasure to deal with and wanted to be successful here as much as we wanted him to be. We wish Julen and his staff, who worked so well with our team on and off the pitch, all the very best in their future endeavours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUltimately though, we have an ambitious project at this football club, and we have a responsibility to our loyal and passionate supporters to do all we can to keep that on track.In Graham Potter, we have recruited another very good man, a hugely respected elite Premier League coach, and someone who was the unanimous choice of our Board to steer our project back in the right direction.From our early conversations with Graham, we felt the overwhelming sense that he is the right fit for West Ham United, as are we for him.As Graham himself has said, since leaving Chelsea 20 months ago, he has been waiting for and carefully considering the right opportunity, seeking the challenge and project that would re-ignite the feeling of excitement and anticipation that would inspire his return to top-flight management.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe are delighted that, despite being highly sought-after by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, he has discovered that feeling with West Ham United.Graham understands and shares our principles – that hard work, togetherness and commitment breeds progress and success.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: ChelseaHe was attracted by our ambitious project and the steps we are taking to reach our objectives. And he has found common ground with the core values that our supporters and the people of east London hold dear – a family culture, a sense of belonging to a clear identity, and a dedication to hard graft and craft.Modern east London is a thriving, exciting hub of innovation combined with tradition.A creative centre of opportunity and chance, especially for young people. Graham has already spoken with Mark Noble about his desire to engage with and maximise the talent of our world-renowned Academy – something that is embedded so deeply into the fabric and soul of our club.As Graham has shown throughout his successful coaching career so far, he is adept at building on strong foundations and creating a culture of togetherness, spirit and trust so that, regardless of the outcome of a single 90-minute football match, everyone connected with the club feels a part of something bigger and more significant.Of belonging to an identity that continuously fosters pride, honour and belief.  We believe that the right foundations are in place for further success in the future at West Ham United.It is only 18 months ago that we enjoyed European glory and, while that night in Prague will never be forgotten, there is a genuine and fierce hunger at this club to ensure that we continue to work as hard as possible to build and create more outstanding memories.READ MORE SUN STORIESGraham Potter shares that ambition.That is why we didn’t hesitate to hand him a two-and-a-half-year contract, and that is why we firmly believe we have appointed not only a good man, but the right man for West Ham United.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th. More

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      LaLiga Wag claims she was ‘harassed’ by men at Saudi stadium as fan says women were ‘touched without consent’

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      TWO wives of LaLiga footballers claimed they were “harassed” and “insulted” by fans at a stadium in Saudi Arabia. And one supporter said women were “touched without consent” in worrying scenes. Cristina Palavra, wife of Dani Rodriguez, described her awful experience at the Supercopa de Espana semi-finalCredit: XMallorca lost 3-0 to Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyMallorca faced Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Thursday night.The match was played at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium just north of Jeddah.Underdogs Mallorca – who lost to Athletic Bilbao in the 2024 Copa del Rey final – were still right in the game going into injury time despite Jude Bellingham’s 63rd-minute opener.But a Martin Valjent own goal and a Rodrygo finish in added time secured a 3-0 win for LaLiga champions Real.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTempers flared throughout the fiery semi-final clash, which included Bellingham “humbling” Pablo Maffeo after the Mallorca defender claimed he would only need ten seconds to knock Vinicius Junior out in a boxing fight. However, the occasion was overshadowed for family members of the Mallorca players who had a horrible and traumatic experience leaving the ground after full-time.Cristina Palavra, wife of Dani Rodriguez, and goalkeeper Dominik Greif’s partner Natalia Kaluzova were among the group of loved ones caught up in the trouble. The pair – who ironically got married to their respective footballer husbands within a fortnight of each other last June – told the media they were photographed, filmed and pushed by supporters. Most read in FootballKaluzova told Marca: “After the match, we formed a large group to go back to the hotel and while we were waiting, everything happened.“A group of people came towards us and made videos of us, they pushed us, they insulted us in Arabic, they recorded us without consent and there were attacks.”Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Palavra added to Esports IB3: “The truth is that the boys from this country started taking photos of us up close and harassed us. Natali, Dominik Greif’s wife, too.”We felt a little disoriented because we didn’t have anyone protecting us. The exit was very bad.”The departure was a bit complicated. We went with the children and there was no security. “We went as a group, all together with the organisation and everything but we couldn’t do anything else. “We got to the bus as best we could, that’s how it was.”Mallorca fans also allegedly were targeted in the aftermath of the semi-final, taking place in the Middle East for the fifth time. The women were touched and had their photos taken without consentPere, Mallorca fan One, called Pere, said to COPE: “There were very few Real Mallorca fans and they didn’t look after us or protect us. “They mixed us up with fans from there and throughout the match, many of them were bothering us, making fun of us, provoking children and older people.”It was very unpleasant but the worst of all was that at the end of the match, on the way from the stands to the bus, hundreds of people heckled us and lined us up. “They took photos of us without consent, hitting us on the back of the head.”It was very unpleasant but the worst thing was what the women suffered. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were touched and had their photos taken without consent.”Real Madrid will play arch-rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s final after Hansi Flick’s men beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to goals from youngsters Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Dominik Greif’s partner Natalia Kaluzova revealed she was ‘pushed’ and ‘insulted’Credit: InstagramMallorca fans also shared their experiences including being hit on the head and mockedCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Andreas Pereira wears ‘MILF’ T-shirt to Fulham training and ‘shushes’ fans in brilliant Instagram post

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      FULHAM star Andreas Pereira appeared to send a cryptic message to fans with his bizarre choice of training outfit. The former Man Utd star rocked a t-shirt emblazoned with the acronym ‘MILF’ earlier this week. Andreas Pereira’s future at Craven Cottage remains uncertainCredit: RexThe Brazilian uploaded a snap of him wearing a MILF shirt to his 5m followersCredit: instagramIt comes as Pereira continues to be heavily linked with a move away from West London this January.Brazilian club Palmeiras have reportedly returned with an improved bid after a £16million approach was rebuffed at the weekend. Pereira reported for training on Tuesday and posed for a snap with team-mate Calvin Bassey. He wore a shirt emblazoned with the letters MILF – but it didn’t stand for what you might think.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnderneath the acronym, the words were explained as: “Man, I love Fulham.”Pereira – in an apparent dig at his critics – captioned the snap “Say less,” adding a shushing emoji. The 29-year-old – who joined the club from United in 2022 – still has 18 months remaining on his current deal in West London. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballThe Brazilian was left out of a game against Tottenham by boss Marco Silva last month after giving an interview where he appeared to suggest it would be “very cool” to join Ligue 1 club Marseille.Pereira insisted his comments had been lost in translation, however the Brazilian journalist who conducted the interview then released the audio, in which it appeared Pereira DID say what he had been quoted as saying.Watch crazy moment WWE legend Sheamus leaves Gary Neville writhing in pain after Man Utd legend swipes at LiverpoolPereira raged on Instagram: “Unfortunately, the piece contains statements attributed to me that I did not make.”The translation into English was done in a malicious and inaccurate manner, completely distorting my words.”In the interview, I clearly expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham and my gratitude for everything the club and the staff have done for me, emphasising at all times that I still have two years remaining on my contract and that I am fully focused on the club.”However, the article includes comments that are neither accurate nor reflective of what I actually said.”I deeply regret the unprofessional conduct displayed in this situation and respectfully request a retraction of the quotes falsely attributed to me.”It is essential to uphold the truth and ensure that public discourse is based on facts.”Asked after the game if Pereira wasn’t in the squad due to his interview, Silva said, as per The Standard: “No, not at all.”Pereira started for Fulham in Thursday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Watford. Pereira was given the captain’s armband for Thursday’s FA Cup tie with WatfordCredit: RexThe Brazilian – who was named captain for the first time – proved too skilful for the Championship side and notched an assist in a comfortable 4-1 win.He has now made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice. After leading the Cottagers to victory, Pereira wrote: “Great team performance today, and it’s an honour to wear the captain’s armband for the first time for this club. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thank you to the fans for your incredible support. It truly means a lot!”See you on Tuesday! Let’s keep moving forward together.” More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Jonjo Shelvey’s contract at Turkish club RIPPED UP after just five months as blunt statement is released

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas Eyupspor after just five months.The 32-year-old, who joined Eyupspor in August, agreed to leave the Istanbul-based club by mutual consent.Jojo Shelvey has been released by Turkish side ikas EyupsporCredit: Instagram @eyupsporkulubuA statement from the club read: “We have parted ways with professional football player Jonjo Shelvey by mutual consent.”We would like to thank Jonjo Shelvey for his contributions to our team and wish him success in his future career.”Shelvey made just six appearances for Eyupspor after joining five months ago.But he now finds himself without a club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome reports suggest Burnley might look to sign him this month.Clarets boss Scott Parker could turn to Shelvey for some midfield experience as his side push for promotion back to the Premier League.Han-Noah Massengo joined Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre earlier this week, leaving Burnley light in terms of midfield options.Asked if it was a concern, Parker said: “Yes, we’re a little bit short there at the moment and it’s probably an area that we’ll see if there’s anything [in the transfer window].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’ve obviously got Aaron Ramsey [to return from injury], but he’s still a little bit away.”There’s a player there that I look at and I’ve been looking at for some time before I came here and I know exactly what sort of level of player he is. But obviously at this present moment in time he’s out injured.Forgotten Premier League star scores from inside his OWN HALF as fans say ‘hide him from Man Utd before they send a bid’”But you’re right, there’s a little area there where we’re a little bit light and maybe we’ll have a look at that.”Before joining Eyupspor, Shelvey spent a season with Caykur Rizespor.He joined the club after being released by Nottingham Forest.The midfielder has also played for Newcastle, Swansea, Liverpool and Charlton. More