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    Former Chelsea star, 32, once labelled next Luka Modric wakes up unemployed after release by Championship club

    JOSH MCEACHRAN has woken up unemployed following Oxford United’s brutal end-of-season cull.The former Chelsea star, who was once compared to Luka Modric, joined the U’s in the summer of 2023 on a one-year deal following the expiration of his contract with MK Dons.Josh McEachran has been released by Championship side Oxford UnitedCredit: GETTYThe former Chelsea midfielder spent two seasons with the U’sCredit: GETTYHe inked a second-straight one-year deal with the club following the culmination of the 2023/24 season.But the U’s brass have opted NOT to hand the Oxford-born midfielder a new deal following their first season back in the Championship in 25 years.An excerpt of a club statement read: “Oxford United have confirmed the list of players to be retained and released following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.”Josh McEachran, Joe Bennett, Max Woltman, Eddie Brearey and George Franklin will depart the Club following the expiration of their contracts this summer.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSOxford’s Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, said of the departures: “I would like to offer my thanks to each of the players departing the Club.“Both Joe Bennett and Josh McEachran have played important roles in the progression of Oxford United over the last few years, helping to deliver promotion and then stabilise the Club in the Championship.“Their quality and experience have been crucial in our development, and I’m certain both will be real assets to whichever club they continue their fantastic careers with.“Max Woltman has been through an incredibly difficult period with the Club due to injury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJosh McEachran was once tipped to become a big star at ChelseaCredit: ACTION IMAGES”Despite this, he has been an extremely popular figure at the Training Ground, and I want to wish him and the rest all the best going forward.“The recruitment process has been in motion for several months for the upcoming 2025/26 season.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release video”We will continue to look at ways to improve the squad to build on what was a successful first campaign back in the Championship.”McEachran has bounced from club to club after leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2015 following FIVE loan moves in five years.Many at Stamford Bridge had high hopes for the midfielder, who made 22 appearances for the club, including former manager Andre Villas-Boas.In August 2011, the Portuguese gaffer said of McEachran: “This is a youngster with so much talent. “Physique-wise, there is nothing to him at the moment.”In the changing room you see him getting ready to go and train and he looks nothing like a footballer.”His power and pace is in his head. But you could say the same about Luka Modric, Jack Wilshere or Samir Nasri.” All are built with slight ­physiques but they are all among the finest ­midfield players in the world.Read More on The Sun”Josh is going that way. His brain is always five yards ahead of the rest.”I see in him very much as part of the future of this club.” More

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    Play-off final goalkeeper is TikTok sensation who won reality TV series and has Miss Universe star girlfriend

    ALEXIS ANDRE Jr is not your typical footballer.For the Maidstone United goalkeeper is also a social media influencer who won a hit reality television series and whose girlfriend competed in Miss Universe.Alexis Andre Jr met model girlfriend Zoe Brunet while filming a major TV showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/Andre aims to return to the National League with play-off-final successCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrThe much-travelled Maidstone keeper will take on Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on SundayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/The France-born stopper has around five million followers on TikTok and Instagram, something he started at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic when he was at Bristol Rovers.Andre, whose Maidstone side face Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on Sunday, said: “I had nothing to do during the first lockdown.“I make content about anything, about my life and career and everything.“After the first lockdown, I came back to Bristol Rovers and I was bigger than the club because I had so many followers!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Now they have their own TikTok account.“But I don’t want people to think I am just a social media content creator and not a footballer.“It has never been an issue wherever I have played because I am a professional and respectful, too.”His most recent TikTok videos include dancing with his girlfriend to the latest dance craze, a behind-the-scenes look at Maidstone’s play-off semi-final win against Eastbourne, modelling for a number of fashion houses and quizzing his team-mates on their football knowledge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe son of a man from Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, he was abandoned aged four by his Moroccan mother at a railway station in his native Mulhouse.And it formed his “secret” on TV show Secret Story, where contestants all have a secret they are trying to hide.Andre’s partner Zoe competed in the 2018 Miss Universe competitionCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrAndre, who bagged £105,000 after winning it last year, said: “My dad raised me and I have no contact with my mother.“I didn’t miss the love of a mother because my dad, Alex, has given me everything.”He also met his girlfriend, Belgian TV presenter Zoe Brunet – who finished in the top 20 in the 2018 Miss Universe – during filming.Now he is hoping for another win, this time with Maidstone as they look to return to the National League after a two-season absence.The game will take place at the Wood’s Meadow Park ground as they finished higher in the league than the Stones.Andre, who has recorded a divisional best of 23 clean sheets, said: “We have no problem playing there because we are more confident being the away side and we have been all season.“But we know this is a one-off game and we know we have to perform.”Andre spent seven years in the Strasbourg youth set-up and played lower-league football in France and Germany before he joined the Nike Academy, at St George’s Park National Football Centre.Read More on The SunFrom there, he went on trial at Bristol Rovers and signed for the Gas, but only made one senior appearance.Andre, who is also signed to leading model agency SELECT, was signed by Maidstone manager George Elokobi last summer and rates the ex-Wolves defender as the best coach he has worked with.Andre has become a fans’ favourite in his first season with the StonesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/ More

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    Chelsea co-owner Hansjorg Wyss, 89, accused of sexual harassment after ‘groping young employee & suggesting a foursome’

    CHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss has been accused of sexual harassment after allegedly groping a young employee, a lawsuit claimed.It has also been claimed the 89-year-old suggested a foursome to the female staff member, 30.Chelsea co-owner Hansjorg Wyss has been accused of sexual harassmentCredit: GettyThe lawsuit claimed the harassment unfolded at the Halter Ranch winery in CaliforniaThe alleged harassment took place at a winery he owns in Paso Robles, California, called Halter Ranch.Wyss is accused of making unwanted advances to Madison Busby, who worked at the site.The winery was managed by her now-husband Bryce Mullins.The lawsuit stated: “While Ms Busby cooked at the stove, Mr Wyss, then in his mid-eighties and married, deliberately placed his hand on Ms Busby’s butt and groped her.”Wyss also allegedly asked Mr Mullins if he had any sexual photographs of Ms Busby on his phone. A spokesperson from Halter Ranch strongly denied all allegations.“We intend to vigorously advance the facts that surround their time at the winery and their departure,” a statement said.The lawsuit stated how Ms Busby moved into the winery with her now-husband in 2020 and became a staff member in 2021.Most read in FootballDuring the stay, it is alleged Wyss made “several sexual propositions” towards the 30-year-old employee.He is also accused of sharing explicit sexual stories with the couple and sharing tales of affairs.Once Ms Busby became an official employee, the lawsuit also claims Wyss pushed for threesomes with herself and Mr Mullins – as well as other people. She did not make any complaints at the time over fears they would lose their jobs, it is claimed.The 30-year-old left the winery in 2024 and has since filed the lawsuit. In a statement denying the allegations, Halter Ranch added: “For almost five years, starting in 2019, Mr Mullins and his current wife voluntarily made themselves part of the Halter Winery community and took advantage of its owner’s generosity.“This included deciding to become employees of the winery, choosing to live at the winery rent free for years, frequently travelling with the owner to Europe, the Caribbean and elsewhere at the owner’s expense, asking the owner and his wife to host their wedding party and inviting the owner to serve as best man.“Through all these years, they never complained about the owner’s conduct, or simply declined to spend so much time with him, until after they voluntarily left their employment at the winery in 2024.”Wyss has an estimated net worth of £4.2 billion according to Forbes.He is the founder of Synthes USA, the world’s largest medical device manufacturer making internal screws and plates for broken bones.They manufactured the company’s devices and exported them to the US which led to the billionaire opening up his first manufacturing plant in Colorado.Under Wyss’ guidance, the American division sales team expanded and trained surgeons on how to use its products such as plates and internal screws.This helped him to officially became Synthes’ worldwide CEO and chairman until HR decided in 2007 that he would only want to represent as the chairman before Johnson & Johnson acquired Synthes in 2012.Wyss sold Synthes for a staggering amount of £14.7bn in cash and stocks where he would go on to purchase stakes in a publicly-traded biotech companies NovoCure and Molecular.Read More on The SunIn 2022, Wyss was part of the consortium that bought Chelsea after sanctions were imposed on the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.Chelsea FC were contacted for comment.In 2022, Wyss was part of the consortium that bought ChelseaCredit: AP More

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    Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery

    NOTTINGHAM Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and recovering well after his urgent abdominal surgery. The striker ruptured his intestine after colliding with the goalpost during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester and was rushed to surgery on Monday.Awoniyi ruptured his intestine after a collision with a goalpost against Leicester on SundayCredit: PAHead coach Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Awoniyi is recovering wellCredit: PAForest owner Evangelos Marinakis was among many frustrated at how the situation was handledCredit: AFPHe was put in an induced coma to regulate his heart rate and restrict his movement but head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that he is now doing well.He said in Friday’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s away clash with West Ham: “He went to surgery and surgery went well, thank God.”He is on observation now. He is recovering. We are concerned but we are positive.”It has been very difficult on us and on everybody.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere was outrage over the in-match handling of Awoniyi’s injury as the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis came on to the field to voice his frustrations on the matter.SunSport understands that he is set to launch an investigation into the incident.The striker was allowed to continue playing despite his obvious pain and many blamed the ill-fitting offside rules for the injury occurring.Forest said in a statement: “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium.Most read in Football”There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous drawFootball’s offside rules are again being scrutinised as Awoniyi’s awful collision could have been prevented if play was stopped earlier.Anthony Elanga was in a clear offside position when he released the pass that Awoniyi was chasing when he got hurt.It was not flagged and play was allowed to continue, leading to the incident.This is due to an IFAB rule which states delaying the flag is ‘only permissible in a very clear attacking situation when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into/towards the opponents’ penalty area.’The rule, introduced in 2021, favours the run of play by directing the linesman to keep their flag down if there is any element of doubt over the offside position.This allows offside technology to make the tight call instead of the fallible human eye and prevents onside goals be wrongly ruled out.Frustration arises, however, when obvious offsides are not called and players get injured in runs of play that should have been stopped earlier.Speaking on Ref Watch, Stephen Warnock said: “Surely common sense has to kick into gear at some point.”If it’s two or three yards [offside] and something in your mind is thinking, ‘is it offside or isn’t it? I’m not so sure here’. Then keep your flag down, I understand that.”But that? Just put your flag up.”Read More on The SunAwoniyi will be kept in hospital for observation for at least five days.Nuno hopes that he will be able to return to Forest’s training ground after that to see the players and staff.Awoniyi will stay in hospital for observation for five days minimum after surgeryCredit: Getty More

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    What are the Survivor Tag rules for Tempo Arts vs Big Tobz vs Godson vs Curtis Pritchard at Misfits 21?

    MISFITS 21 will see a third Survivor Tag bout in the history of the organisation.The first card saw KSI taking on Dillon Danis on March 29, but KSI pulled out of the clash, and as such the card was rescheduled. Tempo Arts is a former Misfitst heavyweight champion, and fights for the first time since vacating the beltCredit: Will Matthews/PA WireGodson (left) has already met Tempo Arts (right) in the ring, in a losing effortCredit: GettyBig Tobz is currently winless in his Misfits careerCredit: GettyCurtis Pritchard is set to make his Misfits boxing debut, after growing close to Tommy Fury during his time on Love IslandCredit: SplashNews.comThe card from March also saw Harley Benn and Roman Fury set to fight, however the pair went elsewhere, with Roman fighting on brother Tommy’s recent card in Hungary. Tempo Arts, currently 4-0 on Misfits, will make his return to boxing action and is a former Misfits heavyweight champion.Tempo Arts vacated his title in November 2024, with champion Chase DeMoor set to defend the belt later on in the night.Read more MisfitsHe clashes Big Tobz (0-2-0), Godson (0-1-0) and former Love Islander Curtis Pritchard – who famously grew close with Tommy Fury during his time in the villa.Pritchard will be making his boxing debut.SunSport explains everything about the four-way matchup.What is a Survivor Tag bout on Misfits?A survivor tag bout is not 1 vs 1 or even 2 vs 2, but every man for himself.Most read in BoxingHowever, only two fighters are allowed in the ring at one time, and fighters can tag in and out of the match.If a fighter refuses to enter after being tagged in, they will be eliminated.If a fighter is knocked down or knocked out – or if there is a stoppage from the corner – they are eliminated.Once a fighter is eliminated, the next fighter will be chosen clockwise from the corner of the eliminated fighter.The match is fought over six rounds, each lasting three minutes, and at the end of every round the fighters in the ring change.Fighters are awarded eight to 10 performance based points per round, and if a fighter is not tagged in they are automatically awarded nine points.By the end of round three, there will be a mandatory elimination for the participants with the least cumulative points.Going into round five, there will only be two remaining boxers.When is Misfits 21?Tempo Arts vs Big Tobz vs Godson vs Curtis Pritchard is part of the rescheduled Misfits Boxing 21 card.The event will take place THIS Friday, May 16.The card was set for March 29, before KSI pulled out of his clash with Dillon Danis.It will be held at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby.Doors open at 5pm with coverage set from 7pm BST.The main event between Darren Till and Darren Stewart is expected at 10.30pm BST.Read More on The SunHow to watch Misfits 21 and is there a live stream?Misfits 21 will be aired on DAZN TV and streamed on their website and downloadable app.DAZN costs £14.99 month or £119.99 annually, or £24.99 on a flexible deal that can be cancelled at any time.The card is set to start at 5pm with DAZN coverage from 7pm.Ring walk times have not yet been announced, but Tempo Arts vs Big Tobz vs Godson vs Curtis Pritchard is set to take place around 7pm BST.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.Misfits 21 full card More

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    Reading release two former Tottenham stars as rebuild begins after Rob Couhig takeover saved Royals from extinction

    READING have released two former Tottenham players after their takeover was confirmed.The Royals narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in League One this season despite being under a transfer embargo for much of the campaign.Reading have released former Tottenham player Tom CarrollCredit: GettyThey have now announced their retainer list, with six senior players set to leave when their contracts expire next month.Among them is midfielder Tom Carroll, who made 56 appearances for Tottenham between 2011 and 2017.Carroll, 32, only joined Reading in March and played eight games after signing a short-term contract.He leaves alongside another former Spurs player, David Button.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goalkeeper, 36, joined Reading following their relegation from the Championship in 2023, and he has since made 49 appearances.Also on the released list is Adrian Akande, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Harlee Dean and Louie Holzmann.While contracts have been offered to Michael Craig, Jeriel Dorsett, Kelvin Ehibatiomhan, Abraham Kanu, Amadou Mbengue, Joel Pereira, Tivonge Rushesha, Michael Stickland, Basil Tuma, Jayden Wareham and Andy Yiadom.Reading are set to begin a new chapter after Dai Yongge finally sold the club to Rob Couhig.Most read in EFLThe Royals were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsAs a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation.The drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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    Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton: Start time, stream, TV channel as pair clash in HUGE British title fight

    THE BBBofC British middleweight title is on the line in London as Kieron Conway and Gerome Warburton face off in a HUGE clash.Conway comes into the bout as the Commenwealth Boxing Council middleweight champion, with a record of 22-3-1, and is looking to add the BBCofC British middleweight title.Kieron Conway (left) and Gerome Warburton (right) will fight for the BBBofC British middleweight titleCredit: GettyKieron Conway will be looking to bring the title to Northampton with a victoryCredit: GettyGerome Warburton has only lost one fight in his careerCredit: GettyGerome Warburton comes into his first title fight with a record of 15-1-2, having not lost a fight since December 2021. The pair will fight over 12 rounds, with Conway the more experienced of the fighters over this distance.The clash comes LIVE from the Copper Box Arena in London, and is part of the undercard for the Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen 2 card.SunSport can reveal all the details about the HUGE clash from London.Read more BoxingWhen is Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton?Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton comes LIVE from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, May 17.The undercard is expected to get underway at 7pm BST.Conway and Warburton are expected to make their ringwalks at around 9pm BST.How to watch Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton and is there a live stream?The fight card of Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton will stream LIVE on DAZN to over 200 countries.There are two different membership options on DAZN, £119.99 / £14.99 for an Annual Super Saver subscription, or £24.99 for a Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time.The fight can be found on DAZN TV, or can be streamed via the website or app.The main card is expected to start at 7pm BST, with Conway vs Warburton expected at around 9pm BST.SunSport will live blog every fight on the card.Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton full cardJohnny Fisher vs Dave Allen – for WBA Intercontinental heavyweight title.Kieron Conway vs Gerome Warburton – for BBBofC British middleweight titleGeorge Liddard vs Aaron SuttonJimmy Sains vs Gideon OnyenaniJohn Hedges vs Nathan QuarlessShannon Ryan vs Fara El BousairiTaylor Bevan vs Juan Cruz CacheiroEmmanuel Buttegieg vs Novak RadulovicWhat’s been said?Conway told Boxing News: “All my previous experience is going to be a factor in the pure fact that I’m going to be better on the night.Most read in Boxing”[Warburton’s] going to fight his heart out. He’s in a similar position to what I was in when I fought [Cheeseman] – he’s come out of the shadows – but I’m better in every single department.”It’ll be really sweet to bring this [British title] back to Northampton.” More

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    Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want it

    BRUNO FERNANDES has been named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at Manchester United for the fourth time, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. However, the United captain has urged his team-mates to raise their performance levels next season, because he doesn’t want to win it again under the same circumstances.Bruno Fernandes has been special even if others have failed to keep upCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain has grown into his roleCredit: GettyRegardless of who has been the manager at United Bruno has excelledCredit: AlamyFernandes made headlines not for his on-field prowess, but for his humility in accepting the award.The award, voted for by fans, recognises individual excellence, but Fernandes said he would prefer it if others raised their game and challenged him for the honour.The 30-year-old midfielder shared what he had told some of his team-mates.He said: “The main thing I want and I was even joking with Josh [Zirkzee] the other day.READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS “We were talking about the awards, and they were saying, ‘Oh, who’s going to win Player of the Season?’ They were kind of joking about it.”And I said that I hope next year I’m not even in the conversation, even if I have the same season I had this year and that I’m not involved in winning that trophy.”Because that will mean you step up, Amad will step up, Garnacho will step up, Rasmus will step up.”If they start scoring goals, providing assists, running back, and tackling, then they’ll be the ones getting the attention, not me.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”And I’ll be the happiest person in the world.”I’m here to help my team-mates get the best out of themselves, and that’s all I want to do, because I know that when they’re at their best, the team will be much better.”Sean Dyche wants to manage MAN UTD as he gives Ruben Amorim advice and claims he’d have won more games as bossHis comments reflect a selfless attitude, prioritising team success over personal recognition.United fans have praised Fernandes for his leadership and commitment.One supporter commented: “Bruno’s decision shows true captaincy. He leads by example, always putting the team first.”Another added: “It’s rare to see such humility in a player of his calibre. He deserves the award, but his focus remains on the collective.”A third said: “Bruno is the only player who truly makes me happy at Manchester United.”While Fernandes’ gesture is commendable, it also highlights the challenges United have faced this season. Read More on The SunDespite his individual brilliance, the team has struggled for consistency and his desire for others to step up underscores the urgent need for collective improvement.As the campaign draws to a close, Fernandes and Manchester United will hope to beat Tottenham and win the Europa League-a much-needed consolation in what has been a disappointing season.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More