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      Former Premier League star, 38, makes retirement U-turn to join seventh tier minnows just weeks after quitting football

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      FORMER Premier League striker Matt Derbyshire has come out of retirement to sign for a seventh tier club.Derbyshire announced that he was hanging up his boots just last month.Former Bradford star Matt Derbyshire has completed a retirement U-turn by signing for a non-league clubCredit: GettyIn a statement on social media, he wrote: “What a privilege in life to play this wonderful game of football. I have never taken a single day for granted waking up and being able to do this as my job for the past 22 years.”It has allowed me the privilege to play for my home club Blackburn Rovers, the team that I supported grown up as a local boy and where I made my Premier League debut.”I could not and would not have picked a better club to start my journey and will be forever grateful to them.”I have been so fortunate to have experienced and played in every level of English football and I am so proud to have represented my country…Read More in Football”I wish I could do it all over again but now it’s time for me to pass on my knowledge and help the next generation of young footballers.”Now, just eight weeks on from his announcement, the 38-year-old is making a retirement U-turn.Derbyshire has signed for non-league side Matlock Town.The seventh-tier club is managed by Ryan Cresswell and player-coach Adam Clayton, who played with the striker at Bradford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCresswell said: “Myself and Clayts went to the Rotherham game today and he was the guest speaker in the lounge.”Clayts played with him at Bradford City so knew him really well. He wants to play football and we put a deal together to suit all parties for him to come on board.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”He’s really excited to be involved and get back playing and had offers from multiple non-league clubs but is really excited about the work we’re doing at Matlock and wants to be a part of it.”Derbyshire was released by Bradford at the end of the 2023-24 season and struggled to find another club before announcing his retirement.The striker has also played for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Wrexham, Olympiacos, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Blackpool. More

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      David De Gea makes wonder save that ‘makes Vlahovic find religion’ as Man Utd fans ask ‘why did we let him go’

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      DAVID DE GEA showed Manchester United fans he has still got it with a stunning save against Juventus.The 34-year-old goalkeeper is now at Italian side Fiorentina.David De Gea pulled off a stunning save to stop Juventus going aheadDusan Vlahovic was left in disbeliefDe Gea made three huge saves in the draw with JuveCredit: RexDe Gea starred in La Viola’s 2-2 draw with Juve last night, making three huge saves.His best came when the game was level at 1-1 in the first-half as he denied Dusan Vlahovic in stunning fashion.The striker chested the ball down and fired powerfully towards the near post from point blank range on the half volley.But De Gea stood firm and reacted smartly to get a strong right hand on the ball to divert it wide.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVlahovic was in disbelief at how he had not found the back of the net and did the sign of the cross in shock.Fans were also stunned, with one saying: “Vlahovic questioning his footballing faith.”Another added: “De Gea with a save that made Vlahovic find religion.”United fans reacted: “Why did we let him go?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second wrote: “One of the best shot stoppers of all-time, just weak in other areas.”On the save, De Gea told DAZN: “I actually hurt myself with the landing on that save, but it all went well in the end.”Classy Ruben Amorim gives young Man Utd fan once-in-a-lifetime tour around Carrington training ground in his carThe Spaniard left Man Utd in 2023 to end a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.De Gea departed the club after United reportedly pulled out a contract agreement.He played 545 times for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. More

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      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn reveals two-fight plan for Anthony Joshua and hints Tyson Fury WON’T get Oleksandr Usyk trilogy

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      EDDIE HEARN has revealed the timeline for Anthony Joshua’s return – as well as a two-fight plan for the former heavyweight champ.The Watford warrior hasn’t fought since his spectacular September slaying at the hands of former sparring partner Daniel Dubois.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since his September slugfest with Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTYAJ is currently recovering from niggling injuries and will resume full training in JanuaryCredit: GETTYPromoter Eddie Hearn has revealed AJ will be back in the ring in late JuneCredit: REUTERSA rematch with Dubois was set to take place in February before AJ was convinced by his team to recover from niggling injuries.And Team AJ are now targeting an early summer return, provided he resumes full training in January.When asked when the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist will next fight, Hearn told iFL TV: “In May or June.”He’s not in full training yet. He’s probably ready to resume training in January.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSA long-overdue domestic dust-up with Tyson Fury is also on the cards for Joshua following the Gypsy King’s second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this month.But as much as he wants the Fury fight, Hearn insists a hasty decision won’t be made on AJ’s immediate future.The Matchroom Boxing chief continued: “At the moment, you’ve got the Dubois fight [against Joseph Parker] on February 22nd.”And you’ve got to see what Fury wants to do. We’re not in a terrible rush. AJ will fight twice in 2025.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Once in the summer and once in the winter.”If we can’t make the Dubois fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight somebody, or do you wait for those fights? Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle“I can’t speak on behalf of AJ, for who he’s prepared to fight.”But what I know is the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.”Of course, he’s [Joshua] done it all. If he gets Fury on his resume, he’s boxed virtually everybody of his era.”SunSport exclusively revealed that Fury has decided NOT to retire following his second straight defeat to Usyk.And Hearn believes all that’s left for the Wythenshawe warrior is a mammoth Wembley showdown with AJ.“For me, Fury fights AJ, or I don’t know who else he’d want to fight, “he said. “There’s no demand for a third fight [with Usyk].Eddie Hearn insists Tyson Fury has no other option but to face Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA”His Excellency isn’t looking to make a third fight.”We all know those two [Fury and AJ] come together, and it’s just a monster.”I don’t think it’s a time to call it out, but common sense, hopefully, will prevail. “We’re all getting on, we’re all talking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We all want to do great fights and do big business. So, hopefully, you’ll see that, and if not. “If Dubois comes through Parker, we’d [Joshua] like the rematch.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal face TRIPLE blow in Alexander Isak transfer chase that looks set to force Arteta to seek alternative option

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      ARSENAL are facing a triple blow to their hopes of signing Newcastle star Alexander Isak.The Swedish international is one of the most in-form forwards in Europe.Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is wanted by ArsenalCredit: PAMikel Arteta’s side could struggle to complete a deal to sign IsakCredit: RexIsak, 25, has recovered from a slow start to the season and now has 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.His exploits have seen interest in him from Arsenal ramp up; however, they may struggle to complete a deal.SunSport can reveal the prolific forward is potentially prepared to stay at St James Park – if the club finishes in the top four.Sources close to the player say he’s desperate to play in the Champions League but believes he can achieve that ambition with the Magpies.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe news will be a blow to Arsenal who are continuing to monitor the player.The Gunners are also likely to baulk at the huge price tag that has now been placed on the player.Reports over the weekend suggest Newcastle will resist any attempt to lure him away by placing a record price tag in excess of £150million on Isak.They blocked talks to poach Isak last summer by quoting a fee of around £150mfor Isak, which scared off Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith three and a half years left on his contract, which Newcastle may well look to extend at the end of the season, the asking price will not be lowered.New contract talks were postponed earlier this year, Newcastle want to keep Isak and know an extension will need to be discussed at some point.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starArsenal have long been linked with an interest in Isak, who has scored 42 goals in 68 Premier League appearances.However, they could struggle to come up with the sort of money needed to open talks at a time when every club in England needs to comply with PSR.And in a third blow to Arsenal’s hopes, they are not the only club keen on signing Isak.Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be tracking the striker, while there could be interest from the two Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.If Liverpool fails to agree on a new contract with Mohamed Salah, they could also look at Isak as his replacement.The interest from the top clubs could start a bidding war and drive Isak’s fee towards a world record number.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record at £198m.This means that Arsenal could look for an alternative to Isak, with Wolves’ star Matheus Cunha, one option that has been linked with a switch to the Emirates. More

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      Former Newcastle youth star, 27, dies suddenly as his heartbroken club pay tribute and postpone match out of respect

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      FORMER Newcastle academy player Michael Newberry has tragically passed away at the age of 27.Newberry, who left the Toon in 2018, signed for Northern Irish club Cliftonville FC last summer.Former Newcastle player Michael Newberry has tragically passed awayCredit: GettyNewberry’s current club Cliftonville FC have postponed their game to honour his deathCliftonville confirmed Newberry’s death on Monday in a heartbreaking tribute, with the club left “shaken” by the loss.The tribute read: “Cliftonville FC are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry. “Our condolences are extended to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many team-mates he played with during his career, and fans who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news.”This evening’s scheduled fixture with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed.”Monday’s scheduled fixture with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed out of respect.Dungannon said: “Everyone at Dungannon Swifts FC are deeply saddened by the news of Michael Newberry’s passing.”We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Newberry’s family and everybody associated with Cliftonville FC and Linfield FC at this sad time.”Also postponed is the game between Linfield and Larne following a request from the former due to his time at the club.Most read in FootballNewberry’s last game for Cliftonville was on Boxing DayCredit: A Linfield statement read: “Linfield FC is devastated to learn of the sudden passing of our former player, Michael Newberry. West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui defends loss against Liverpool “Linfield has agreed with NIFL that tonight’s Premiership game against Larne should be postponed. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michael’s family and friends at this very sad time.”Larne said: “Everyone at Larne Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of Michael Newberry’s passing. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family and friends at this time and everyone associated with Cliftonville FC and Linfield FC.”Due to the tragic news, tonight’s game against Linfield has now been postponed.”A statement from the Northern Ireland Football League said: “The NI Football League are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Cliftonville player Michael Newberry.”Everyone connected with the NI Football League pass on our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends and everyone connected with Cliftonville Football Club at this sad time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a mark of respect, Cliftonville’s match against Dungannon Swifts in the Sports Direct Premiership tonight (Monday) has been postponed.”In addition, following a request from Linfield, and due to Michael’s time at Windsor Park and his close association with the Linfield players and staff – their match against Larne this evening has also been postponed.” More

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      in Soccer

      Four Premier League teams sweating over dreaded points deduction as PSR D-Day arrives and clubs face revealing accounts

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      PREM club accountants face PSR D-Day tomorrow – with the threat of a points deduction hanging over them.Under League rules, all clubs that have posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons must hand in their 2023-24 accounts by close of business.Clubs including Chelsea face a nervy wait with PSR deadlines tomorrowCredit: AlamyLeicester have already won a legal battle against sanctionsCredit: GettyPrem lawyers will then go through the numbers to decide if charges for breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules are due – with a decision made and published by January 13.And the biggest scrutiny is likely to be on the figures supplied by Leicester after the Foxes – already in the drop zone – won a huge legal victory to avoid being sanctioned before the season started.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons.That sum is reduced by £22m for each season a club has spent in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it ensures an anxious time for fans of a number of top flight clubs until Prem chiefs confirm charges in the middle of next month – with the rules ensuring that any punishments MUST be applied this term.Last season saw Everton and Nottingham Forest both hit with points deductions for breaches in the 2022-23 season.Everton, who had already been deducted six points for a £19.5m breach over the three years to June 2022, had two more points knocked off for posting losses of £16.5m – although Prem lawyers argued that the Goodison club was responsible for a further £6.5m sum in “interest payments”.Forest, who were only in their season in the top flight, were docked four points for busting their £61m loss limit by £34m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City Ground club, the success story of this campaign and who will end the year with a six-point buffer in the race for a Champions League spot, admitted in March that they were on course for PSR losses of between £12m and £17m, despite finally being able to include the £47m sale of Brennan Johnson to Spurs in their calculations.But the previous losses meant they entered the season already £9m OVER their 2023-24 loss limit of £83m.Everton points deduction explainedNottingham Forest are hoping to avoid another points hitCredit: GettyEverton are also keeping their fingers crossed after doing plenty of business in the summerCredit: GettyForest are understood to be confident their end of season fire-sale, including the £20m departure of Greek keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to Newcastle, will enable them to get in under the threshold for a charge, but it is likely to be touch and go.Likewise at Everton, who sold Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for £10m and Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa for £9m in the final days before the official June 30 end of last term.The Toffees, now under new ownership, were looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns and were once again sailing close to the PSR wind.Those sales were part of an end of season transfer merry-go-round which also saw Everton pay £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, Chelsea sell Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and buy youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.There were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.Chelsea, who contentiously received the green light to sell two hotels on the Stamford Bridge site for £76m to sister company BlueCo 22 Properties, also owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, were perilously close to the maximum loss limit last season.A season without any European football knocked a £50m black hole in their anticipated income but the hotel sale is likely to see them clear the PSR hurdle for last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever the biggest cloud is hanging over Leicester, who successfully argued they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship.Promotion brings them back under the Prem auspices and the Foxes posted cumulative losses of £124m for the final three seasons before they were demoted, with last term likely to have seen their numbers take another hit. More

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      in Soccer

      Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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      Incredible throwback photo shows Hollywood superstar playing against England’s Joe Gomez – can you guess who it is?

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      AN incredible throwback photo of England centre-back Joe Gomez alongside a Hollywood superstar has re-emerged on social media.But can you guess who it is?Joe Gomez (front left)played against a Hollywood actor (front right) as a childCredit: Instagram @manhattankickersfcGomez now plays for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: EPALiverpool man Gomez played against the actor in question during his time at Charlton as a youngster.The Addicks’ academy faced New York-based soccer school Manhattan Kickers in a friendly.Before the match, both teams lined up for a photograph.And England centre-back Gomez crouched down next to someone who would go on to star in Hollywood blockbusters such as Wonka, Dune and Little Women.Read More in FootballIf you haven’t guessed already, the 27-year-old posed next to Academy Award nominee Timothee Chalamet.Fans were left mind-blown after discovering the little-known crossover, with one person writing: “This is delightfully random.”Another commented: “Would have never predicted this crossover in a million years.”While another said: “Need more on this what…”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGomez played against Timothee ChalametCredit: ReutersChalamet, who most recently starred as Bob Dylan in new biopic A Complete Unknown, also stunned fans last week by revealing his favourite football team.In an interview, the 29-year-old revealed that he used to follow the Saint-Etienne team bus on his bike in the 2000s.’Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbrokenHe said: “Yeah, that’s true. Chased the team up there. Bafetimbi Gomis, Dimitri Payet… it was that generation of Saint-Etienne players.”[I’m a] big Saint-Etienne fan, probably the team I support most in the world; better than the New York Knicks (basketball).” More