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      in Soccer

      Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran stepped in to secure major Tractor Boys summer transfer, reveals club chief

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      ED SHEERAN stepped in to help Ipswich secure a major transfer during the summer, it has been revealed.Ipswich chairman and CEO Mark Ashton has lifted the lid on how the club’s most famous fan also played a key part in their recruitment team over the summer.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton revealed Ed Sheeran played a key role in finalising a major transferCredit: ReutersThe Tractor Boys earned promotion to the Premier League for this season for the first time since 2002 under Kieran McKenna, but knew they needed reinforcements if they hoped to avoid relegation.Sheeran was already a major investor in the club, but received a call to help finalise a huge transfer.Speaking at a Soccerex event broadcast by Sky Sports, Ashton said: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”We’ve gone from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we haven’t forgotten our roots and Ed’s a key part of that, the work that we do in our local communities is central to us.”Without outright saying who the player was, Ashton was asked how the star was doing for them.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe player is former Manchester City striker Liam Delap, who is the club’s top goalscorer this season with six in all competitions including the winner against Tottenham.The 21-year-old signed for the club for £20million on July 13. Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to Premier LeagueDelap and Sammie Szmodics both netted in their recent 2-1 win against Tottenham.Sheeran was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when for the game, which saw Ipswich score twice before half-time.Szmodics and Sheeran were seen posing for a photo together after the game.Ipswich’s next game sees them host Manchester United in Ruben Amorim’s first game in England.McKenna’s side sit one point above the relegation zone with one win, five draws and five defeats from 11 games.Liam Delap scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over TottenhamCredit: AlamySheeran celebrated Ipswich’s first win of the season by getting a photo with SzmodicsCredit: Instagram / @samszmodics_ More

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      Cult hero BBC host rules himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day with eight-word statement

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      CULT hero BBC host Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.Lineker, 63, will be stepping down from his role as host at the end of the season.Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of the running for Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker will leave the show at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe former England striker has been in the hot seat for over 25 years.And following the 2026 World Cup, Lineker will also be leaving the BBC for good.Many names are said to be in the running to replace him for next season.Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman is the favourite.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers have also been tipped for the role.While fans have said they would love to see Alan Shearer promoted from the couch to the main chair.However, one BBC favourite will not be taking over.Bhasin, 48, first popped up on screens in 2004, after becoming the youngest host of Football Focus aged just 27.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe later became the BBC’s main cricket presenter and now works for Premier League Productions.But after being tipped by a fan to replace Lineker on Match of the Day, humble Bhasin ruled himself out with an eight-word statement.Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’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.The fan initially said: “Your time has finally come @_manishbhasin.@Bhasin replied: “I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though.”He received plenty of support from other fans who backed him for the role.One said: “The perfect successor to Lineker.”Another declared: “He would be a great choice.”One noted: “Good a chance as any tbf.”Another added: “The ideal candidate.” More

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      ‘North vs South match could be huge positive for English game’ as Premier League considers holding matches in the US

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      A NORTH vs South match could be a huge positive for English football, says a football investment expert.It was an idea mooted by Todd Boehly two years ago, not long after he took control of Chelsea.The Big Six already compete in the Summer Series friendlies in the USBoehly stated at the time that he wanted the Premier League to “take a little bit of a lesson from American sports” and questioned why there was not an All-Star game.A YouGov poll found most fans opposed the idea of such a match, though younger fans supported it, but investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld believes it could benefit the Premier League.He suggests US investment, which already has a stronghold in the Prem, could enhance the English game and improve its entertainment product.Sommerfeld told SunSport: “Some of the things they would bring to the game could be necessary changes or enhancements to the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A North vs South game, an All-Star game, why is it so bad? It’s just more entertainment, it’s something different. “We are in this attention economy, it’s a better and improved entertainment product so I don’t see it as a bad thing at all.”Those discussions are taking place (to have a Prem match in the US). We’ve seen from the NFL, NBA, MLB coming to London, these are big showcases, they are great events and they help promote that game.”I don’t think it’s the worst thing. I think it’s quite exciting, I think the fans would travel. We’ve seen from games in Europe that fans like the away day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t think that’s the worst thing at all.”LaLiga president Javier Tebas said there are plans to hold a league match in the US as early as the 2025-26 season, to build LaLiga’s brand in the American market.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanCrossing the pond for pre-season friendlies has already become a regular fixture for several English clubs, even League One side Wrexham thanks to the popularity of documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.TV executives are keen for a Prem game to be played in the US and the idea has received support from Liverpool chairman Tom Werner and London mayor Sadiq Khan.Werner told the Financial Times: “I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City.”I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.” More

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      in Boxing

      Logan Paul tipped to sensationally fight his own BROTHER Jake in bid to ‘teach him a lesson’ in never-before-seen bout

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      LOGAN PAUL has been tipped to fight his own BROTHER Jake in a bid to “teach him a lesson” in what would be a never-before-seen bout. The pair of YouTube stars have both crossed over to the boxing ring with differing success. Jake Paul has been tipped to fight his own brother LoganCredit: GettyLogan could teach Jake ‘a lesson’Credit: SplashJake is 11-1 and most recently beat heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on points in their controversial Netflix clash. Logan meanwhile has had four bouts, drawing to KSI, losing the rematch, an exhibition with Floyd Mayweather and a win over Dillon Danis. The American celebrity has since become a WWE superstar with his future in boxing unclear. But the Paul brothers have continued to tease an extraordinary bout between them. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Jake’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian believes Logan is out to try and one-up his younger sibling. He told Ariel Helwani: “I think maybe that’s something Logan would like to happen.”Jake, for the first time is probably ahead of his brother in terms of reach, in terms of awareness, in terms of popularity, in terms of engagement.”And I think from a Logan perspective, who is ultra-competitive, there is that tension.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”There is that, ‘My baby brother is taking over and I need to teach him a lesson.’ So, I wouldn’t be surprised if that came to fruition, at all.”Tyson, 58, initially pulled out of fighting Jake, 27, in July after suffering an ulcer flare-up in his stomach. Jake Paul teases major career change from boxing to follow in footsteps of brother Logan despite beating Mike Tyson Logan, 29, agreed to step in to fight his brother but Netflix instead waited for Iron Mike to recover. Never have two brothers fought each other in a pay-per-view bout but the Pauls have continued to tease it. During an episode on Logan’s podcast, Jake said: “I’ll fight you. Why not? You’re f***ing tiny.”Logan said: “I feel like ruining my little brother’s boxing career would be so bad and mean. “People would be like, ‘You’re such a bad older brother.’ Like they already say. But now you ruined his career as well?'” Logan then asks: “Do you really think you can beat me?” And Jake responds: “Yeah. You’re weak.” Jake Paul alongside older brother LoganCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Man Utd wonderkid handed debut by Sir Alex Ferguson now a POSTMAN after getting ‘fed up’ with football

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Marnick Vermijl has ditched professional football to become a postman.Vermijl, now 32, was part of an impressive Red Devils academy generation.Marnick Vermijl made two first-team appearances for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe defender, now 32, was handed his debut by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyThe defender featured for United academy sides alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison and Michael Keane – having impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while turning out for Standard Liege’s youth team.He even earned a first team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson, featuring in a starting XI also including Wayne Rooney as the Red Devils beat Newcastle 2-1 in a September 2012 League Cup tie.Full-back Vermijl did not feature again under Ferguson, and went on to spend the 2013-14 season on loan at Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen.He made one more outing for Man Utd, in the disastrous 4-0 League Cup defeat by MK Dons under Louis van Gaal, before departing Old Trafford permanently in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpells at Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Scunthorpe United followed in the EFL.Vermijl then left England in 2019, moving to Dutch side MVV Maastricht.A year later, after not having his contract renewed by MVV amid the coronavirus pandemic, Vermijl decided to drop down to the Belgian third-tier to play for Thes – with family at the heart of his decision.The transfer saw him link up with brother Laurens.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile his newfound semi-pro status allowed him to become a postman, which Vermijl enjoyed.As quoted by Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, he explained: “I was fed up with professional football.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain “You are too dependent on the trainer you have. Finding pleasure was also a big factor for me.”Father to a daughter and a son, Vermijl also loves being able to spend plenty of time with his kids.He added: “As a postman I have to get up at four o’clock, but now I am home around noon and can pick up the children from school every day.”That is a luxury.”Vermijl played for MVV Maastricht prior to the pandemicCredit: Getty More

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      Former England star named as fans’ favourite to take over Match of the Day with pundit more popular than Gary Lineker

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      FANS want a former England international to become the next Match of the Day host.Gary Lineker confirmed earlier this month that he will step down as host of the BBC highlights programme at the end of the season after 25 years in the role.The BBC are yet to confirm who will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day hostCredit: BBCA number of broadcasters have been linked with the role including the likes of Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.But a poll carried out from Ipsos of football fans between the ages of 18 and 75 has revealed a left-field name as the viewers’ choice for the position.That individual is Alan Shearer.A total of 71 per cent have a “favourable” view of him as a pundit, while 22 per cent would like to see him as the next host of Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a higher figure than any other candidate – with the next best being Chapman at 20 per cent, followed by Scott at 12 and Logan at ten per cent.Ian Wright has the next highest pundit favourability percentage at 65 per cent.Lineker is down in third at 57, narrowly ahead of Roy Keane [56], Gary Neville [55] and Micah Richards [54].Recent reports have claimed Shearer penned a new deal with the BBC in the wake of Lineker’s departure.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlan Shearer, right, is the fans’ favourite to take over from LinekerCredit: Kieran Clarke/BBCShearer has a 22 per cent approval rating, higher than any other candidateHe also joked he would not sign an extension on Match of the Day if pal Richards was named as Lineker’s successor.Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way [Richards hosting Match of the Day].”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’The fans’ favourite pundit is also ShearerShearer’s former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne recently tipped the Newcastle legend to take the Match of the Day job because he “loves a bit of money”.Premier League record scorer Shearer has been a pundit on the BBC show for nearly two decades.He has also worked for Amazon Prime on their football coverage.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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      in Boxing

      Barry and Eddie Hearn being followed by Netflix cameras for new ‘Succession-style’ documentary – with NOTHING off limits

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      BARRY and Eddie Hearn are being followed around by Netflix cameras for a new documentary – and they claim nothing is off limits.The production brains behind the worldwide success Drive to Survive – which covers Formula One shenanigans – are shadowing the UK’s leading sports promoters.Netflix are making a documentary on Barry and Eddie HearnCredit: GettyNothing will be off the table for sport’s biggest father-and-son duoCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe show will be aired globally in June 2025 and focuses on the fortunes of the Essex-based empire that has fingers in different sporting, commercial and broadcasting pies.Barry, 76, set up Matchroom Sport in 1982, the year after he celebrated protege Steve Davis winning the first of six world snooker championships at the Crucible.Since then, he has made millions in boxing, pool and darts, the latter of which he has transformed into the second most-watched sport on Sky after football.Eddie, 45, has since taken over the reins of the company and put aside a longstanding family grudge with boxing guru Frank Warren to hook up with oil-rich Saudi officials.READ MORE IN SPORTSpeaking to SunSport after he completed the latest episode of The Barry Hearn Show podcast, Barry said: “Everything is a completely open book. It’s going to be fun.“But I’m frightened to have a bath, mate! Because I get up and go, ‘f***ing, who put this microphone on me?’“The title is ‘Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen’. It’s going to go out to 500 million homes. They are spending millions and millions.“The team that are doing it are the ones who did Drive to Survive, so they have a hard act to follow. But they are very excited about it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You try to distance yourself from it. It’s a good story. We had Succession, which was almost a take-off of the Murdoch empire.“Well, we are not at that level but it is a similar theme of an old geezer that starts off something, brings up kids in a different world to what he came from.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoThe Hearns made stars out of boxers such as Anthony Joshua through MatchroomCredit: GettyEddie’s biggest rival in the boxing game is Frank Warren, but the pair are now also working together on some projects alongside the SaudisCredit: Getty“It’s not a power struggle but there are definitely different influences throughout.“But the company has grown bigger and bigger, it’s a global one rather than a British one. There are a lot of good stories.”Barry added: “We asked ourselves: ‘Are we ready for this type of intrusion?“We’ve never allowed anyone behind the scenes access at Matchroom. But we’re very proud to be a successful British company that has added to the sports world.Barry’s snooker empire saw players including Steve Davis become superstarsCredit: RexHis world of darts is growing even more popular thanks to Luke LittlerCredit: Getty“We took the view that if it’s gonna be treated seriously enough and done properly, then now was the time.“They are everywhere. Quite honestly, I’m seeing more of them than I’m seeing my wife and children lately.“They followed me to Atlantic City for my entry at the US Open 9-Ball Pool.“They’re attending board meetings and we are giving them unlimited access because we don’t want any excuses.“We won’t be doing this with anyone else probably in our lifetime and we’re going to make sure it’s a series that is memorable and tells the truth at every level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re gonna give them a good story. There’ll be things in there that’ll shock and entertain people.”The Barry Hearn Show is available on all podcast platforms – with exclusive video episodes on Spotify. More

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      in Soccer

      A-list celebrities exploring takeover of EFL clubs after watching Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham success

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      A-LIST celebrities are set to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after their success with Wrexham.The Hollywood actors secured back-to-back promotions with the Red Dragons to return the club to the third tier for the first time in 15 years, and are on the right track to repeat that feat this season.Celebrities are looking to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: AFPTom Brady invested in Birmingham last yearCredit: GettyA figure like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could have a big impact on an English clubCredit: The Mega AgencyThe pair have acted as a catalyst for celebrity investment in English football, with the likes of Tom Brady, JJ Watt, Will Ferrell and golfers Jordan Spieth and Jordan Thomas all involved at various EFL clubs.Many more high-profile celebrities are set to follow suit according to football investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld, whose work involves connecting clubs with prospective celebrity investors.He told SunSport: “There are some incredibly high profile celebrities that are looking, some of the time it’s with their agent, some of the time it’s with the direct celebrity, but there are certainly some incredibly high profile ones looking at the moment.”Whether they find what they are looking for is another question. Celebrities certainly from the sporting world want to be seen to back a winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If you back a team in the Premier League that then gets relegated three times in a row, you don’t want to be connected to that.”It’s finding a club that could go on a journey but isn’t likely to plummet and negatively impact your brand.”Reynolds and McElhenney are quite unique as they are majority owners of Wrexham, whereas the likes of Brady and Watt only have minor shares in Birmingham and Burnley respectively.But they have already seen a return on their investment in terms of exposure, with League One Blues a regular pick for Sky Sports coverage – David Beckham even attended their match against Wrexham and sat alongside NFL legend Brady.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it appears the trend of celeb and US involvement in English clubs is only set to rise, with rapper A$AP Rocky tipped to invest in Tranmere.Sommerfeld continued: “Every team has at some point spoken in recent months to US investors. Most teams will listen and listen very seriously, as will most companies. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For a celebrity it’s a win-win. Ultimately you want to make sure you’re not backing the wrong horse that could have multiple relegations, goes out of business, but that’s very rare.”Otherwise it’s win-win for the celeb because they get to promote their personal brand to that team, they will gain Instagram followers, social media followers, which can be directly related to revenue for them.”There is the fun element, there is the partnership element of other doors that will open up in terms of co-valuing opportunities for both sides.”It’s sort of like how can The Rock’s followers go and follow Watford for example, and now that celebrity is being followed by Watford fans and now they might go and watch his latest film because of the affinity to Watford.”And rarely do celebrities put big capital in, most of it will be brand equity they will be putting in. “So their name is their investment, it’s not like they have to put in a huge amount of capital.” More