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    Jeff Stelling vows to go one step further than Gary Lineker in his pants if his beloved Hartlepool get to Championship

    JEFF STELLING has promised go one step further than Gary Lineker if his beloved Hartlepool get to the Championship.The departing host memorably presented Match of the Day in his PANTS after Leicester won the Prem in 2015-2016.Jeff Stelling is ready to outshine Gary Linker live on air but under one conditionStelling promised to strip down like Lineker if Hartlepool climb the EFLLineker vowed to present MOTD in his underwear if Leicester won the PremCredit: GettyBut with Hartlepool languishing down in 13th in the National League, fans will likely have to wait a long time for Stelling to mimic Lineker.Life-long Hartlepool fan and club president Stelling hasn’t stopped dreaming about the Pools’ ascent back into the EFL after suffering relegation from League Two in 2023.But stranger things have happened – remember Leicester winning the Premier League title at 5000-1 eight seasons ago?And all after narrowly escaping relegation 12 months earlier.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFew believed Leicester could win a Prem before Liverpool and Lineker promised to do MOTD in his undies if his hometown club got over the line.The Foxes ended up winning the league that year by a whopping 10 points ahead of their closest title rivals, Arsenal.And Lineker made headlines when he was forced to grab his white briefs and present MOTD in front of millions.But that is nothing compared to the lengths talkSPORT host Stelling is prepared to go.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked whether he would emulate Lineker: “I would host talkSPORT breakfast without my pants in order for Hartlepool to get into the Championship.“League Two would be fine, never mind the Championship.”Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsMeanwhile, Lineker will leave MOTD at the end of the season after 25 years in the hot seat.The 63-year-old will also quit the BBC after anchoring the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.And just two weeks later Lineker’s newest project has been unveiled as he prepares to get involved in Baller League UK.The football tournament was launched in Germany earlier this year and includes the likes of Mats Hummels and Lukasz Podolski.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. More

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    Arsenal star Kai Havertz and wife Sophia announce they are expecting a baby in heartwarming post

    ARSENAL forward Kai Havertz and wife Sophia Weber are expecting a baby.The Germany international, 25, has been in a relationship with model and influencer Sophia, 25, since 2018.Kai Havertz and wife Sophia Weber have announced they are expecting their first childCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29One image showed a close-up shot of Sophia’s baby bumpCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29Kai and Sophia smiled as they revealed the news in the heartwarming postCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29A snap of the couple’s golden retriever holding a baby’s hat in its mouth was sharedCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29They got engaged in July 2023 and married this summer at what appeared to be a lavish country manor.Now the couple have announced Sophia is pregnant with their first child.Sophia shared pictures of her and Havertz hugging as she showed off her baby bump.Another image also showed their golden retriever holding a baby hat in its mouth.READ MORE ON ARSENALAlongside the snaps, Sophia added the heartwarming caption: “Our biggest blessing 🤎🧸.”And a host of other footballer’s partners were quick to send their congratulations on Sophia’s post. Helene Spilling, partner of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, said: “We can’t wait to meet your little one.”Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson added: “SO EXCITED!!!! ♥️”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHavertz and Sophia have been together for six yearsCredit: FacebookSophia celebrated Chelsea’s Champions League triumph with Havertz back in 2021Credit: GettyThe couple got engaged last year and married this summerCredit: Instagram @sophiaaemeliaBayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer’s wife Anika replied: “Omg wow I can’t wait!!!!”Ben White’s wife Milly said: “AHHHHHHHHH the best.”Arsenal player ratings vs SportingAnd the wife of ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, Katrine, added: “CAN’T WAIT 😭😭❤️ love you!!”Havertz has scored eight goals and assisted once in 18 appearances so far this season.Arsenal were on a a run of just one win in five games before the international break.But they have returned from the two-week pause with impressive performances, beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 and thrashing Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League.They travel to West Ham on Saturday evening before title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City face off against one another on Sunday. More

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    Is HS Tikky Tokky fighting on Misfits Boxing 19 card?

    SOME huge names are on the mega Misfits Boxing card taking place this evening.The stacked bill is topped by long-term rivals Gib and Slim finally going head-to-head.Gib faces Slim in tonight’s main eventCredit: GettyMISFITS BOXING 19 LIVEOther big names on the card include KSI’s brother Deji as he makes a stunning return after over a year out of the ring.The YouTube star is taking on Dawood Savage in one of the most eagerly-anticipated bouts of the night.TikTok sensation HS Tikky Tokky was due to fight this evening but it’s unclear whether or not he will take to the ring.READ MORE IN BOXINGIs HS Tikky Tokky fighting on Misfits Boxing 19 card?HS Tikky Tokky was due to fight Masia Warrior on tonight’s huge Misfits supercard.But speculation over the TikTok star withdrawing from the fight began last night when he took to Instagram to say he ‘injured his shoulder’ and that he ‘couldn’t scrap tomorrow’.However, there was another twist on the day of the fight when HS Tikky Tokky posted a video on X with the caption, “IF I GET A KO TONIGHT IM GIVING A BAG TO SOMEONE WHO LKS RRRTTTS N COMMENTS MUST BE FOLLLLLLLOWING.”This post suggested that the fight was still going ahead until DAZN revealed the running order of tonight’s show, and it did not include HS Tikky Tokky’s fight.Most read in BoxingThe official running order suggests that we will not see the TikTok star’s fight with Masia Warrior this evening.Fans may not have seen HS Tikky Tokky in action in Qatar, but they were treated to some huge fight news after KSI announced the internet sensation will face Wade Plemons on a Misfits card in the near future.How to watch Misfits Boxing 19Misfits Boxing 19 will be aired on DAZN.The show will began at 3pm GMT.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can also pay £99.99 for the year upfront, and this is the lowest cost option. More

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    I’m the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisions and my dad is my boss

    HARROGATE TOWN manager Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football.But he’s answerable to his chairman dad Irving – who owns the North Yorkshire club in League Two.Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisionsSimon Weaver and dad Irving have worked together at Harrogate Town since 2011Weaver Sr, 75, vowed to “put Harrogate further up the football pyramid” when he took over in 2011.Together with Simon, they are the father-and-son team that have lifted Harrogate from the National League North to League Two.But his son had already been manager for two years when dad stepped in, making it 15 years and 191 days in the Town dugout.The Sulphurites were drifting in the sixth tier of English football and surviving on crowds of around 200 just 11 years ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFast forward 13 years, and Harrogate are enjoying their fifth season in League Two.And all with one of the smallest budgets in the division – finishing comfortably in 13th last term.Harrogate, it seems, have not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.Simon has led the club through two promotions in 2017-18 and 2019-20 and the FA Trophy success in the latter too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer PE teacher George Thomson, 32, has played a significant part in the Town’s rise from the non-league, making more than 300 appearances.Winger Thomson scored at Wembley in their National League play-off final victory over Notts County to help seal a spot in the Football League back in 2020.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And he exclusively revealed to SunSport how he is eyeing a third promotion to add to his fairytale rise from non-league hopeful to Harrogate icon.He said: “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m hoping that there are a few more years left for me.”There were a group of us who have been here long-term that said straight after that Wembley win that we want one more.”More than a decade ago, Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere.Harrogate beat Notts County in the National League Play Off final in 2020George Thomson is eyeing an incredible third promotion with Harrogate TownSimon, 45, who used to play for Sheffield Wednesday, took over with the club in turmoil.The former defender told the BBC: “We lost 3-0 away to Corby Town. I had a playing budget of £1,600. “I had to count on a few friends and some played for free as a favour.”We didn’t have anywhere to train and when we did train, I got in trouble with the club because we were damaging the pitch.”We eventually got an hour a week in the gym and and a half on the AstroTurf, which caused injuries because it was rock hard.”Watford have made more than 20 managerial changes since Simon took the reigns after answering an advert placed in the Non-League Paper.Simon will be looking to deliver his dad a financial boost when Harrogate host non-league Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup on Friday.Harrogate beat Wrexham in the FA Cup first round earlier this monthCredit: RexThey knocked out League One side Wrexham in the first round.The cup tie will be his 766th game in charge of the club.Victory will secure them a place in the third round for only the second time in their 105-year history – and a potential money-spinning tie against a Prem club.Pep Guardiola, who took over at Manchester City in 2016, is the longest-serving current manager in the Premier League.The Spaniard has enjoyed eight years and five months at the Etihad, while Thomas Frank has spent six years and one month at Brentford. Simon added: “I’m proud of it. Sometimes I think ‘gosh, how has he been in and out in such a short space of time’ when I hear about a manger losing their job.”Multi-millionaire Irving made his money as a property magnate and is not afraid to make tough business decisions when needed.So, has he ever come close to sacking his son?Irving told the Beeb: “We’ve never had to go that far. Arguments are a waste of time. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a concern when we’re on a losing run. We’ve just been down to 20th in the table. “There’s a serious discussion about where the problems lie. But it’s a discussion – not an argument.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’

    A REAL MADRID fan vowed to stop supporting Kylian Mbappe as they posted a video of the Frenchman’s shirt in flames.Mbappe, 25, completed a long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital in the summer.A Real Madrid burned their Kylian Mbappe shirtCredit: XMbappe, 25, endured a disappointing evening at AnfieldCredit: GettyBut the forward has so far failed to impress many of his new club’s supporters.Last night his woes intensified as he saw a crucial penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.The wasted spot kick came at 1-0, with Real Madrid going on to lose 2-0 at Anfield.After the game, a social media user declared that they’d had enough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Madrid fan uploaded a video of an Mbappe No9 shirt in flames.They dramatically captioned it: “My hopes and support for Kylian Mbappe is over.”I’ll assume anyone supporting him has IQ of that of a house fly.”Mbappe has scored seven goals in 12 LaLiga appearances so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLast night, former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Steve McManaman criticised Mbappe.Appearing on TNT Sports, he said: “We haven’t seen the best of Mbappe tonight.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “They needed Mbappe tonight and he flattered to deceive. The Madrid press will be ruthless because he didn’t deliver again when he needed to.”Madrid are going through a rough patch and the big players are not performing. All the baggage around Mbappe magnifies it.”This year they are really, really struggling.”Real Madrid are second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.In the Champions League they occupy 24th place in the league table, the final spot for a place in the play-offs.But boss Carlo Ancelotti has come under-fire, particularly since his side’s 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona last month.Amid criticism of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham last night jumped to the defence of his team-mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Kylian is a wonderful player but the pressure is humongous.”The penalty is not why we lost the game. Kylian can keep his head high and I know for sure he will produce many more big moments for this club.”Jude Bellingham has defended Mbappe’s formCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Misfits Boxer and YouTuber Warren Spencer AKA The Mechanic – and when is he fighting NichLmao?

    WARREN SPENCER has been training hard in a bid to comeback from his debut loss with Misfits Boxing.Spencer, AKA The Mechanic, is taking on Nichlmao – full name Nicholai Perrett – on the Misfits 19 Supercard in Qatar TONIGHT.Warren Spencer will face Nichlmao TONIGHT after their clashed at the weigh-inThe former mechanic weighed in at 163 pounds, two pounds heavier than his opponent.KSI looked on as the pair exchanged heated discussion before Nichlmao jokingly stripped the sunglasses from Spencer’s face.Security guards were forced to hold the pair back as they tried to break-free and throw punches. Spencer claimed the fight was personal in an interview after the weigh-in saying: “This is personal now, between me and him.Read more abut Misfits Boxing”He sent me a message last night on Instagram, he said your Nan’s egg and chips sucks.”No one disses my Nan’s egg and chips and gets away with it.”Fans will be excited to see how this one plays out on Thursday, November 28.Most read in BoxingWho is Warren Spencer?Warren Spencer left his previous life behind to become a professional crossover boxer but not much is known about his private life.Spencer’s father was a mechanic and inspired him to take on his first career.On a recent podcast, The Mechanic explained how watching his father rebuild a motorbike inspired his dream.After six to seven years as a mechanic, Spencer made the change to boxing and hasn’t looked back since. Warren “The Mechanic” Spencer’s boxing recordSpencer has fought taken part in three crossover fights since he left the nuts and bolts behind. Losing his first exhibition bout against Aaron Chalmers via unanimous decision, the Mechanic had a tough start in the boxing world.Warren Spencer spent time training with fellow influencer Andrew Tate.However, the newcomer managed to turn his fortune around and delivered a convincing victory in his second fight – delivering a knockout against Dawood Savage in just 40 seconds.Warren Spencer’s sunglasses businessDespite leaving his toolbox behind, Spencer has continued to push new businesses and ideas where possible. ‘Gigs Eyewear’, the Mechanic’s latest venture, provides biodegradable sunglasses which he claims are ‘designed to be lost’ on a recent podcast.Misfits BoxingMisfits Boxing is a boxing promotional company formed through the partnership of YouTuber KSI and Wasserman Boxing in June 2021.The “MF & DAZN: X Series” have been produced in collaboration with DAZN, leading to a new 5-year deal signed between the pair in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe deal will continue the promotion and broadcasting of influencer/crossover boxing fights, with two pay-per-views each year.More newcomers, like Warren Spencer, are expected to follow the deal. More

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    Conor Benn breaks silence after major breakthrough for hopes of UK boxing return following appeal decision

    CONOR BENN has broken his silence after his return to British boxing took a giant step towards coming to fruition.Benn – the son of world former champ Nigel – was banned by the British Boxing Board of Control and the National Anti-Doping Panel after failing two drug tests in the build-up to his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022.Conor Benn failed two drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022Credit: GETTYThe NAD lifted Benn’s suspension earlier this month and UKAD and the BBBofC have opted not to appeal the decisionCredit: MATCHROOMBenn took to X shortly after the news broken to shush his detractorsCredit: X@CONORNIGELThe NAD, however, lifted the suspension earlier this month – although both the BBBofC and UKAD had the right to appeal the decision.But both governing bodies have chosen NOT to appeal the decision, paving the way for Conor to fight in the UK for the first time in over two-and-a-half years.And an elated Conor took to X shortly after the news broke, posting a shush emoji in a message to his detractors.Despite the good news, Conor still has one hurdle left to clear before he can box in the UK.READ MORE ON CONOR BENNHe must first successfully apply for a new BBBofC license, which he ripped up in the fallout of his failed tests, to compete on these shores.Alternatively, he could secure a foreign license and obtain board approval to fight here.The World Anti-Doping Agency could, however, scupper a UK return as they have extended deadline of 21 days to appeal the NADP’s ruling.Conor’s positive tests returned traces of the banned female fertility drug clomiphene, which can increase testosterone levels in men.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSConor Benn has fought twice since his failed drug testsCredit: MATCHROOM BOXINGHe vehemently ever denied intentionally taking the substance, which he believes may have entered his system through “contamination”.Conor, who has twice fought in America during the ongoing saga, doubled down on his innocence after the NADP lifted his suspension.He said: “I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.”The past 24 months have unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. “”A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.“As someone who is passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now that I have been cleared it can be understood why I maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.“As a man of God, I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control.”We have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.” More

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    Tottenham keeper Fraser Forster was hailed by Lionel Messi and his exes include Apprentice star and Neighbours actress

    FRASER Forster is set for an extended run in the Tottenham first team, following an injury to a long-term injury to first choice No1 Guglielmo Vicario.The unlucky Italian has undergone surgery on a fractured ankle suffered in a match against Man City and faces “months” out, according to Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.Fraser Forster is set for an extended run in the Tottenham teamCredit: GettyLionel Messi hailed Forster for the best goalkeeper performance he’s seenCredit: GettyBarcelona’s stars were in awe of Forster after a Champions League defeatCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut that won’t faze seasoned pro Forster, 36, who will be a welcome face in the dressing room before a match day.It has been said that shotstopper has been good for team morale as the joker of the pack amongst his teammates.While his goalkeeping ability has been hailed in the past by Argentinian legend, Lionel Messi.Away from the pitch, Forster has also had celebrity romances in the past.Read more football newsSunSport delves in the world of the former England goalie.”He performed inhumanely”Forster came through the ranks at Newcastle, but he first came to prominence playing for Celtic.After a loan spell in Scotland in the 2011-12 season, he was snapped up by The Bhoys the following summer for £2million.It was the 2012-13 campaign where the giant goalie, who stands at 6ft7in, produced a performance that was hailed as “the best goalkeeper display I’ve ever seen” by Lionel Messi.Most read in FootballForster played twice in the group stages against the Argentinian, including in one of the most famous night’s in the club’s recent history.Flashback as Fraser Forster trains with the England squad in 2014 Celtic, incredibly, beat a Barcelona team that featured Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Dani Alves, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and more 2-1 in Glasgow.Forster’s display left a lasting impression on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.After that match, in which he made seven saves, he earned the nickname ‘The Great Wall of Glasgow’.Messi even admitted that Barcelona considered signing him.”Fraser Forster’s performance against us was talked about for a long time,” Messi said, according to the Daily Star.”There was a game in Scotland where he performed inhumanly, it’s the best goalkeeper performance I’ve seen.”The Argie World Cup winner added: “When Victor Valdes said he was leaving, we even talked about him playing here. I was sure that he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United.”Famous exesNot only is Forster popular with one of the best players of all-time, he’s also dated celebrities.In 2009, he met future The Apprentice star Leah Totton when she was studying medicine at University of Anglia.Glam Leah Totton was Forster’s long-term girlfriendCredit: Rex FeaturesTotton won The Apprentice in 2013 and partnered up with Lord SugarCredit: GettyAussie beauty Olympia Valance was linked to Forster in 2018Credit: GettyNeighbours star Valance even went on a date with the former England keeperCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresThey dated for four years, before splitting up as she geared up to star on the reality TV hit.Leah and Forster rekindled their romance after she won the 2013 show, but it wasn’t to be – with the long-distance romance fizzling out.She went on to launch the Dr Leah Botox Clinic, and has been very successful in her own right.In 2018, Forster was then reported to be dating Aussie soap beauty, Olympia Valance.The Neighbours beauty received a large bouquet of red roses on her birthday from the giant keeper.She posed excitedly with the flowers, captioning the snap: “The birthday that keeps on giving. What a surprise @fraserforster!!!! I’ve literally never seen so many roses! THANK YOU!!!!!’Valance sent tongues wagging again when she posted a picture of her and a mystery man enjoying a date in Los Angeles, which was believed to be Forster.It’s not known why it didn’t work out. Beforehand, Valance had her own celebrity romance with One Direction star Niall Horan.Joker in the packAlthough Vicario’s injury will be a blow for Spurs, Forster will offer a much-needed morale boost in the dressing room.Guglielmo Vicario’s injury is a blow for SpursCredit: GettyBut ‘joker’ Forster should be on hand to entertain his teammates and improve moraleCredit: RexMany of his former teammates have said that he is the joker of their team.Most recently, Timo Werner was asked in a chat with the Premier League’s YouTube channel who is his funniest teammate is.He said: “I love a lot about Fraser Forster and his jokes, but in terms of funny actions, I think Emerson Royal.”This was backed up by Micky Van de Ven who previously said to the same question: “Fraser Forster! He’s always joking around in the changing room.”Former teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi also joked that Forster was a “class clown” during his time at Celtic.”Fraser is a really good guy,” he said in the Scottish Sun back in 2019.”At Southampton I talked to him a lot and in the end we were in the same situation. He was always quite positive down there.READ MORE SUN STORIESTimo Werner recently said Fraser Forster was one of his funniest teammatesCredit: RexTeammates Pedro Porro and Fraser Forster mess about on the training groundCredit: Rex”I’d say he was kind of a clown, he talked a lot and made a few jokes. He’s still the same guy here.”Fraser is a quality keeper. I think he was the best goalkeeper down at Southampton. He’s amazing when he’s at his best.” More