More stories

  • in

    Who is Ashley Young’s son Tyler, how old is he and what position does he play?

    EVERTON’S Ashley Young might go head-to-head with his own son, Tyler, in the FA Cup.This potential father-son clash could be one for the history books as Peterborough travel to Everton in the third round. Here’s what we know about Tyler.Tyler Young of Peterborough United may be playing against his well-known fatherCredit: Getty ImagesWho is Ashley Young’s son, Tyler?Tyler Young is the son of Ashley Young, who plays for Everton.Born June 4, 2006, the 18-year-old may face his defender father at Goodison Park on January 9, 2025.Young Sr’s Everton have been drawn at home against Peterborough, the League One side where his son, Tyler, has been playing since joining from QPR in Summer 2024.The teenage midfielder has made just one first-team appearance for Peterborough so far, featuring in the EFL Trophy against Stevenage back in October 2024.Read more on Ashley YoungBefore QPR, he was at MK Dons, and in 2014, he joined the Arsenal Academy.Who is Ashley Young’s partner supporting in the match?In a fun joint interview packed with trash talk and playful mind games, Young Sr was asked the big question: who’s his partner and the rest of the family going to be cheering for?He told talkSPORT: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”Most read in FootballYoung Sr, 39, has been busy this season, making 18 appearances for the Toffees since signing a contract extension in the summer.Former Man Utd star Ashley Young, 39, ‘ripped his neck’ against Chelsea, claims Everton boss Sean Dyche In that time, he’s found the back of the net once and set up three goals for his teammates.The former England international already has an FA Cup win under his belt, having lifted the trophy with Manchester United back in 2016.But when it comes to potentially facing his son on the pitch, Young admits that moment would top any trophy he’s ever won.Looking back at last month’s draw, he shared his thoughts: “I saw that we’d been drawn against Peterborough and like I said for years, if there was any way that we could play against each other or play with each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career.“It would eclipse everything I’ve done.”So when it finally was drawn I was sat next to my wife and I was like I’ve been drawn against Tyler and she was like, ‘Nah no way,’ and I said, ‘Seriously look,’ and so we was there watching it.If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.Tyler Young”So she rang him, tried to FaceTime him. Tyler being Tyler, any 18-year-old, ‘Did you see the draw?’ ‘No I just come out the shower. What draw?’”Obviously he didn’t even know the FA Cup draw was on. You know as soon as I saw it, I’m not one that usually is lost for words and for me I just had no words.”I was saying to my wife, saying to my daughters that I just couldn’t believe it, like I just couldn’t believe it.”Tyler was getting ready for a game the next day, he couldn’t believe it after he’d obviously seen that I’d said that we’d been drawn against each other.”Ashley Young holding a young TylerCredit: InstagramTyler is absolutely buzzing at the idea of going up against his dad, saying that knocking him out of the FA Cup to secure a spot in the fourth round would make the victory even sweeter.Talking about the chance to face his dad, the former Watford star, Tyler said: “It means a lot, even to be playing against my dad, but even to play in the FA Cup, which has got so much history.”Just playing in the competition I’ve been watching since I was younger would mean a lot, it’ll be even better that I’ll be playing against my dad.”Ashley is looking forward to going head-to-head with his sonCredit: Getty ImagesHis father added: “There’ll be plenty of shoulder barging if it happened, don’t worry about that!“I’d pinch him or slap him over the head.”The duo even made an appearance on The One Show to chat about the upcoming match.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the preview, Tyler reaffirmed that his mum is backing him all the way — but he’s definitely risking some heat from his dad.He joked: “If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.” More

  • in

    Ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals dream career change after football and is already taking lessons

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is already preparing for life post-football – and dreaming of the silver screen. The former Arsenal striker has scored goals for fun since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is enjoying his football again in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is already considering a post-retirement career moveCredit: GettyAubameyang linked up with the Saudi title challengers over the summer after leaving Marseille. The 35-year-old has refound his scoring touch, netting seven times in just 12 games.Aubameyang knows his football career is moving towards its final stages.But the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has revealed he is already in training for a new profession. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gabon international has taken acting lessons as he looks to become a film star post-retirement. When asked his favourite acting genre, Aubameyang told The Athletic: “Comedy, for sure!”If you see me in a film that’s too serious then nah, you will not believe it. “If it’s comedy, yes, you’re going to believe it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAubameyang is “taking private lessons to master the art” of achieving his “dream” job.But the ex-Prem ace also revealed he would be open to staying in football.Former Arsenal star Aubameyang breaks down in tears and is consoled after Marseille are KO’d from Europa LeagueHe prefers the idea of club ownership or becoming a sporting director over coaching.A spell in Ligue 1 with Marseille helped Aubameyang fall back in love with football after a miserable spell with Chelsea.He told the outlet: “I never had that connection [with the Chelsea fans]. “No connections at all. The fans wanted the Auba they saw with Arsenal. “It was a chaotic year but it was good for me because I needed a break and, at the same time, they didn’t want to play me.”Aubameyang is taking private lessons to become an actorCredit: Instagram @aubaThe striker’s family are also piecing their life back together after a terrifying home robbery during his time at Barcelona. Auba and his family were burgled at gunpoint in August 2022, leaving kids Curtys and Pierre terrified to sleep in their own beds.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “After that, the kids told me, ‘Papa, I don’t want to go to school, I’m scared something is going to happen there’. “For a year my little one said, ‘I cannot sleep alone’. It was a big struggle. You have it always in the mind.” More

  • in

    Plymouth’s hunt to replace axed Wayne Rooney continues as former Premier League manager walks away from talks

    PLYMOUTH ARGYLE’S search to replace Wayne Rooney continues after they were rejected by a former Premier League boss, according to reports.The Manchester United and England legend was axed on New Year’s Eve with the club bottom of the Championship.Wayne Rooney was axed by the club with them bottom of the tableCredit: PADavid Wagner was approached about the job but has turned it downCredit: GettyArgyle remain in the hunt for a new manager and they approached ex-Huddersfield and Norwich boss David Wagner about the vacancy earlier this week.But The Express report that he has walked away from talks as he is not interested in the job.Wagner got Huddersfield promoted to the Premier League and then kept them in the top-flight for one season before leaving the Terriers six years ago.After spells at Schalke and Young Boys, the German spent 18 months with Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 53-year-old was dismissed after they crashed out in the play-offs to Leeds back in May.Until Argyle find a new manager, Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards will remain in temporary charge.Steven Schumacher is the favourite to take over at Home Park and complete a sensational return to the Pilgrims.The 40-year-old was surprisingly axed by Stoke back in September after quitting Argyle to move to the Potters just over a year ago.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSchumacher was a hugely popular figure in Devon after he got the club promoted to the Championship, winning the League One title in 2023.But he faces a tough job trying to keep them in the division should he take the job.’I was f***ing fuming with the wives,’ Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiascoArgyle are bottom of the table, remain three points from safety and are winless in their last 11 games.Rooney guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league during his tenure.And they conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division at his time of departure.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Rodrigo Bentancur and his girlfriend posed for heartwarming family picture just hours before horror injury

    RODRIGO BENTANCUR posted a heartwarming family photo on social media just hours before suffering a horror fall.The Tottenham midfielder slammed his head on the pitch just six minutes into the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool after trying to head the ball.Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a horror fall in Spur’s cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: ALAMYThe Uruguayan had to be stretchered off and was immediately taken to hospitalCredit: REXHis girlfriend Melany La Blanca rushed to be by his side at hospitalCredit: INSTAGRAM@RODRIGO_BENTANCURHer dash to the hospital came just a few hours after she shared a heartwarming family snapCredit: INSTAGRAM@MELANYLABLANCAMedical staff raced on to the pitch to give the Uruguayan treatment – including oxygen – before taking him off on a stretcher and sending him to the hospital.Bentancur’s girlfriend Melany La Blanca quickly raced to be by his beside – just hours after the pair publicly gushed over their daughter.The Uruguay international reposted a wholesome snap of them posing with their little one, who was dressed in school uniform and appeared to be celebrating a big milestone, to his Instagram story.La Blanca wrote “nuestra tan bebe ya no tan bebe” across the image, which translated to English means: “Our baby’s no longer a baby.”READ MORE ON BENTANCURBentancur, thankfully, regained consciousness before he was admitted to hospital to undergo further evaluation.And the former Juventus ace gave Spurs fans an update on his condition after being given a once-over by doctors.Along with a picture of himself smiling with La Blanca, he wrote on his Instagram story: “All good guys.”Thank you for the messages. Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”Most read in FootballSpurs ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late strike from Lucas BergvallCredit: REXSpurs put one foot into next month’s final at Wembley with a 1-0 win over the Premier League table-toppers.Youngster Lucas Bregvall struck in the 86th minute to give under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou a much-needed victory.Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on February 6. More

  • in

    I was f***ing fuming with the wives, Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiasco

    GARY NEVILLE has opened up on England’s infamous Wag chaos at the 2006 World Cup. The ex-Man Utd full-back claims he was “fuming” as a “circus” erupted at the Three Lions base in Baden-Baden. Gary Neville has taken a swipe at the England 2006 WagsCredit: YouTube/The OverlapColeen Rooney (right) was among the wives and girlfriends at England’s Baden-Baden baseCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe infamous tour saw the Wags criticised for running up a huge hotel bill and partyingCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEngland’s Golden Generation crashed out at the quarter-final stage in Germany after a penalty shootout loss to Portugal. But much of the focus during the tournament was on the partying Wags as they racked up a £1million hotel bill.Coleen Rooney – wife of England star Wayne – was among those criticized at the time for her role in the saga.In a recent edition of The Overlap, Wayne’s teammate Neville revealed his frustration at the arrangements in Germany.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJoining Coleen on the pod, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville said: “I was f***ing fuming with the wives.”Neville’s co-star Jamie Carragher interrupted to laughs: “Backtrack! Backtrack, reverse.”The ex-United star continued: “Not necessarily individually, or even with the wives actually. I was fuming with the organisers. “We were in Baden-Baden, in this camp in Germany for the 2006 World Cup – it was the biggest competition of our lives, and we had a good team. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I can only describe it as an absolute circus. It wasn’t with the wives [that I was annoyed] but the whole organization of the trip.”The families and wives were all at this other hotel. Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth Argyle“My wife was there so it wasn’t a case of me looking at any individual thinking they’ve done wrong, it was just a whole circus of the sports writers, journalists, and families and wives all being in the same hotel.”There were stories breaking every day. ‘They’ve eaten here today,’ or ‘They’ve shopped here,’ – it was just a constant distraction. “When the players went to their press conferences, they were being asked about it all the time.”I just thought it was nonsense in the midst of a World Cup.”Rooney claims reports of the WAGs excessive partying was “exaggerated”.Neville was an ever-present for Sven Goran Eriksen’s side in the competitionCredit: Getty Images – GettyColeen’s husband Wayne infamously saw red in the quarter-finals against PortugalCredit: GettyColeen said: “There was lots of press in the hotel – all the sports writers were there, and the place was tiny, there were only a handful of places to go out, eat and drink. “We couldn’t stay in a hotel all day, we had to go out and get food and enjoy ourselves.READ MORE SUN STORIESUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.”I do think it was unfair the way we got called out for it, that we got the blame for having a good time.”Gary Neville and Coleen Rooney were speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. More

  • in

    Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds ransacked by thieves with TRACTOR stolen

    THIEVES have ransacked Wrexham’s multi-million pound academy training ground.The complex is funded by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Ryan Reynolds provides the funds for Wrexham’s multi-million pound training groundCredit: AlamyThe state-of-the-art centre is being built as part of the club’s plans to move its youngsters into improved facilities.The site is situated next to the Darland High School in the village of Rossett near Wrexham.It was targeted over the Christmas period by thieves.Police have confirmed that several items were stolen after a padlocked gate was damaged.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is thought that the break-in happened between December 20 and January 3.A valuable John Deere tractor and a Bateson trailer were two of the stolen items.The Welsh club have filed a police report and are looking to recover the costs with its insurance.A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101, or via our website, using reference number 25000008049.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is not the first time there has been controversy at the new facility.Construction started before planning permission had been given by local authorities.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAAlso two of the buildings are being developed on a green land area which includes changing rooms, offices and a gym.It comes at what has already been a disappointing week for the club after their fixture away at Port Vale was called off.Wrexham were set to play on Tuesday night in the Vertu Trophy, but the game was cancelled just hours before kick-off due to snow.Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in a £2million deal back in February 2021 when it had been slumped in the National League.The club has since risen up the English football leagues having won back-to-back promotions to League One.They sit third in the table, two points behind leaders Birmingham. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans say ‘Liverpool purple patch is over’ after realising they let Lucas Bergvall slip away as photo re-emerges

    MANCHESTER UNITED supporters are fuming after realising they missed out on wonderkid Lucas Bergvall. The 18-year-old Swede netted a dramatic winner as Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Lucas Bergvall netted a dramatic late winner against Liverpool in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old Swede twice had trials at Manchester UnitedCredit: XThe club were unable to sign the midfielder when he was 16Credit: XBergvall kept his cool late on to fire past Alisson and give under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou a vital victory. The teenage midfielder signed for Tottenham in a dramatic Deadline Day swoop last January. Spurs hijacked Bergvall’s deal to Barcelona, signing him for £8.5 million from Swedish club Djurgarden. But long before his switch to North London, Bergvall TWICE had trials with Man Utd – once aged 14, and another aged 16.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was loved by scouts at the club – but couldn’t pen a deal at Old Trafford due to Brexit regulations.Under current Fifa rules, players aged under 18 cannot be sold overseas – except those within the European Economic Area.As such, the midfielder stayed in Sweden where he starred first for IF Brommapojkarna and then Djurgarden.Once the wonderkid turned 18, Barcelona came knocking – but it was Spurs who sealed his signature. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLearning Bergvall was once within United’s grasp, one fan wrote on X: “Shows the administrative failure that the club did not keep relations open with the player and his reps so as to be able to bring him to United once he turned 18.”Referencing the optimism following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, another said with a crying emoji: “Liverpool purple patch over.”‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen redWhile a third added, captioning a snap of Bergvall in United colours: “[His goal] this evening is proof that karma exists.”And a fourth said: “Once a red, always a red.”Bergvall smashed Spurs into a late lead on Wednesday night after putting in a tireless performance. But Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk was fuming the Swede hadn’t been red carded moments before.The 18-year-old – already on a yellow – leapt into a tackle and wiped out Kostas Tsimikas.Referee Stuart Atwell played advantage but didn’t return to book the teenager, while Tsimikas had to leave the pitch for treatment, temporarily reducing Liverpool to ten men.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.Just minutes later, Bergvall swept in a Dominic Solanke cross to secure a crucial first-leg advantage for Tottenham.A frustrated Van Dijk said post-match: “It was quite obvious there was going to be a second yellow, it was pretty clear.”Then a minute later he scores the winner.”The ref made a mistake and I told him that. It was quite obvious and everyone on the sideline knew it was a yellow.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He should have been off. There is a linesman, fourth official, VAR and referee and he doesn’t get a second yellow.”I’m not saying it is the reason why we lost but it was a big moment.” More

  • in

    Graham Potter confirmed as new West Ham boss after 21 months unemployed as Julen Lopetegui sacked in brutal statement

    GRAHAM POTTER has been confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach following a 21-month break from football.The 49-year-old replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed by the Hammers on Wednesday after just six months in the job.Graham Potter has been announced as the new West Ham managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui was sacked on WednesdayCredit: PAHe has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the clubCredit: ReutersAnnouncing Lopetegui’s departure, a statement from West Ham read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”The East London side wanted to line up a suitable replacement before announcing Lopetegui’s departure.Club officials opened talks with Potter this week before quickly sealing a deal.The new head coach has penned a two-and-a-half year contract.Read More in FootballPotter has insisted that his break from the game has been down to him making sure he wanted to wait for the right fit.He said: “I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining. That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.”My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success, and we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”West Ham United is a huge club, at the heart of London, with a tremendous fanbase and great support all around the world. I saw the scenes that followed their Europa Conference League victory in 2023 and it was clear that this is a club with everything in place to become consistently successful, both on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The club have made a lot of good progress in recent years and ensured there are some very strong foundations in place to build on.”You don’t win a European trophy by fluke – there has to be a good bedrock at a football club for that to happen, and the challenge now is to take that on and build the next steps, to develop a team and a club that the supporters can be proud of.”Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager Lopetegui v Potter: The statsGraham PotterCareer win rate: 38.6 %Games managed: 440 gamesPremier League win rate: 28.3 %Honours: Swedish Cup Winner (2016/17)Clubs managed: Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, ChelseaJulen LopeteguiCareer win rate: 54.9%Games managed: 419 gamesPremier League win rate: 34.4 per centHonours: Europa League (2019/20), U19 & U20 EurosClubs managed: Rayo Vallencano, Spain Youth, Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves, West HamHe will take charge of his first match this Friday when the Hammers face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.Prior to his appointment, Potter had been out of work since April 2023 – when he left Chelsea following a poor run of results.He was dismissed by the Blues just seven months into his time at Stamford Bridge.Prior to his stint with Chelsea, Potter spent three years with Brighton.The ex-defender has also managed Swansea, Ostersund and Leeds Carnegie.Potter will have to juggle his West Ham job with a new role at the Professional Footballers’ Association.The former Chelsea boss joined the PFA Business School this week as course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.Potter takes over at West Ham with the club 14th in the Premier League table.His first Prem match at the London Stadium will be a derby clash with Fulham next Tuesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is expected to name former Stoke City manager Narcis Pelach as a first-team coach at the club.Bruno Saltor will also join Potter as his assistant and Billy Reid as another first-team coach. More