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      Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

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      WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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      Portsmouth release FIVE players including former Arsenal star after securing Championship survival

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      PORTSMOUTH have announced the departures of five players after securing Championship survival.Cohen Bramall, Tom Lowery, Alexander Milošević, Anthony Scully and Kusini Yengi are all set to leave Fratton Park.Five players are set to depart Portsmouth – including former Arsenal star Cohen BramallCredit: RexBramall previously spent two years at Arsenal before leaving in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorMeanwhile, loan stars Adil Aouchiche, Rob Atkinson, Kaide Gordon, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony will return to their parent clubs.On the exits, Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”Kusini played a massive part in our memorable League One title success just over a year ago, while Anthony and Tom are both model professionals who I enjoyed working with greatly.”Cohen provided genuine competition at left-back after arriving in January, while Alexander offered vital defensive cover at a time we really needed it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”Bramall joined Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee in January and signed a six-month deal.But the 29-year-old’s contract has not been extended beyond this summer.Following spells with several non-league clubs, Bramall was signed by Arsenal in 2017 and went on to make 21 appearances for the club’s Under-23s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe did not earn a senior appearance for the Gunners.The defender spent a season on loan at Birmingham before joining Colchester United in a permanent transfer in 2019.Portsmouth vs Millwall delayed after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darknessBramall has since played for Lincoln, Rotherham and Pompey.Meanwhile, Lowery joined Portsmouth from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 but spent the last five months on loan at his former club.Milošević completed a short-term move to Fratton Park in March and now already finds himself without a club again.Scully, who spent the 2024-25 season at Colchester, is also among the players set to be released at the end of their contracts.And Yengi will also depart after two years at Portsmouth.John Mousinho has thanked the players for their contributionsCredit: Alamy More

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      Championship club announce decision to change badge after overwhelming fan support for new design

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      MIDDLESBROUGH have announced plans to change their badge ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary next year.Boro initially proposed a badge change last March and subsequently held a consultation period with a group of supporters.Middlesbrough have announced plans for a badge changeCredit: PAClub officials conducted a survey with fans, held face-to-face conversations along with workshops both at the Riverside Stadium and online and even discussed the matter casually with individuals on match days.And now they have officially notified the FA of their intention to alter the badge.The survey from the club found that 57 per cent of supporters are in favour of the change, with 19 per cent against the idea.Middlesbrough have revealed that the change will take place from the start of the 2026-27 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe new badge will then remain permanent.An update from the club read: “As well as providing extensive feedback across a cross-section of our fans; Season Ticket holders, match-going fans and long-distance supporters, based locally and further afield, young and old, there is a clear and consistent consensus among that feedback which can now be used to drive the design process.”The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all supporters who have engaged with the club on this project so far, and we look forward to sharing further developments in due course.”Middlesbrough ended the 2024-25 season 10th in the Championship table with 64 points from 46 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing the final match of the campaign, head coach Michael Carrick revealed he expects to stay on despite failing to reach the play-offs.He told the BBC: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad.”My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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      Nottingham Forest give Taiwo Awoniyi injury update after ‘urgent surgery’ and hail Marinakis for showing ‘deep care’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering “well so far” after undergoing “urgent surgery”.Awoniyi, 27, suffered a horrific abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League at City Ground.Nottingham Forest announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgeryAwoniyi’s injury and the way it was handled led to a furious reaction by Forest owner Evangelos MarinakisForest insist there was no confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito SantoThe striker crashed into the post on 87 minutes after stretching to meet a brilliant pass from Anthony Elanga on the right flank.But following several minutes of treatment the Nigeria international was cleared to continue even though he did not look fit to play. Forest told SunSport that was what led owner Evangelos Marinakis’ intense talk with manager Nuno Espírito Santo at full-time as he wasn’t happy with the way Awoniyi’s injury was handled.And the Nigerian was rushed to hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after the Tricky Trees’ medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.Read More on Football Thankfully the centre-forward’s operation went well and he is currently recovering.Forest shared the following statement: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Nottingham also explained Marinakis’ angry reaction, which was met by criticism from the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, came as a result of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain -something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Forest stated there was no confrontation with Nuno but instead there was a “shared frustration” regarding the medical team’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue.’There was no confrontation’The statement also suggested Marinakis “would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur”.The announcement added: “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.Read More on The Sun”At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. “In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That’s what real leadership looks like in our game.” More

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      in Boxing

      Meet James Dean Fury, the latest pro boxer in Tyson and Tommy Fury’s fighting family who sounds exactly like Gypsy King

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      THE FURY family is arguably the most well-known in the history of British boxing.The biggest and most boisterous name in the fighting family is, undoubtedly, former two-time heavyweight champion Tyson.Tyson Fury is the biggest name from the Fury clanCredit: REUTERSThe Gypsy King’s brother Tommy is also forging his own way in the sportCredit: GETTYTyson’s other younger brother, Roman, is also embarking on his own heavyweight journeyCredit: GETTYTeenager James Dean is the latest member of the Fury clan set to make a splash in the sportCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAMESDEANFURYTyson’s younger brothers Tommy and Roman, who both fought in Budapest last week, are also trying to make their own way in the brutal sport.As is Tyson’s cousin, Hughie, who is on a seven-fight win streak after coming unstuck against retired heavyweight title contender Alexander Povetkin in 2019.Tyson’s other cousins, Hosea Burton and Nathan Gorman, are also professional boxers who compete at light-heavyweight and heavyweight respectively.But another member of the massive Fury family has quietly been making a name for himself in the sport.READ MORE IN BOXINGSuper-middleweight prospect James Dean is the latest Fury to pursue the dream of becoming a world champion.James – the grandson of Jimmy Fury, who is the brother of coaches John and Peter – has been competing as an amateur since October 2021 and has amassed an 8-1 record in his nine outings.The 19-year-old’s sole defeat came in April 2024 at the hands of Oladimeji Shittu.But he’s bounced back with a whopping five wins in the space of TWO MONTHS.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJames is trained by Peter Fury, the brother of Tyson’s dad JohnCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAMESDEANFURYJames has won three National Championships and a BoxCredit: INSTGARAM@JAMESDEANFURYThe teenager, who is trained by Hughie’s dad Peter, already has accolades galore to his name having won THREE National Championships and a Box Cup.James, the cousin of Brit icon Tyson, who he SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE, will bid to add another Box Cup title to his trophy cabinet in the 2025 tournament later this month.Tyson Fury’s dad rips into son’s corner and claims he saved Gypsy King getting KO’d by Oleksandr Usyk (main)And under the watchful eye of head coach Peter, he plans to utilise the famed Fury style to become a world champion at 168lbs.During an appearance on Sky Sports, he said: “Of course there’s a Fury styling, you know. “Like I said earlier, you know, you gotta be a Fury to perfect it.”You know what I mean? It’s in the blood, isn’t it? And look, I’m training every day.As soon as I turn professional, I will light up the super middleweight division.”James Dean Fury”I’ve I’ve got my head down and I’m I’m fully focused and committed on what I want in life and what I want in my career.”I’m training every day. I’ve got my head down.”And I’m fully focused and committed on what I want in life and what I want in my career.Read More on The Sun”And soon enough, everybody will know the name James Dean Fury.”Because as soon as I turn professional, I will light up the super middleweight division and I’ll come for everything.” More

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      in Soccer

      The incredible Martin Odegaard stats that show why his drop in form at Arsenal is linked to long-range shooting

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has been a shadow of his former brilliant self at Arsenal this term.A combination of illness, injury and becoming a father for the first time in December has seen him struggle for consistency and momentum, with large sections of the Gunners fanbase questioning his ability as captain with another Prem title charge falling short.Martin Odegaard has failed to convert from long-shots this seasonCredit: GettyThe stats show that the less he shoots, the worse his output isCredit: GettyBut perhaps more worryingly, it has been his creativity and intent on the ball in front of goal that has been missing – put in the spotlight following key absences to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for large periods of the campaign.One area that has slumped in particular has been his shooting and scoring from outside the box, something that became a real trademark for the Norwegian in previous seasons.But his last two games can give fans hope he is on his way back as SunSport reveals the stats behind his dramatic drop in long-range belters, and why they are so important to his overall game.Odegaard gave a first glimpse of what was to come during his six-month loan spell from Real Madrid during the 2020/21 season, having joined on January 27, 2021.read more arsenalIt came in a Europa League round of 16 first leg clash away at Olympiacos, scoring his first goal for the club with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in a 3-1 victory.Collected on the half turn, he took two touches to compose himself and with the third came a venomous thump to announce himself to the Arsenal fans and boss Mikel Arteta.He ended that campaign with 12 shots from outside the box in 20 games in all competitions.His bravery to shoot in those positions grew in the following seasons, and got his rewards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn 2021/22, he attempted 33 shots from outside the box in all competitions – 32 of them coming in the Prem – scoring twice, from a free-kick in a 1-0 victory away at Burnley in September 2021 and a screamer in a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in April 2022.His most successful and persistent year with long-range shots and goals came in 2022/23, scoring three times from 46 attempts in the Prem against Tottenham, Southampton and Newcastle. In total, he had 47 attempts in all competitions.How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalThe strike against Spurs in a 2-0 away win in January 2023 was prime Odegaard – one touch out of his feet followed by a low, driven fizzler into the bottom corner.Odegaard went one better last year with 48 long-range shots in all competitions, scoring twice. The first was against PSV in the Champions League in September 2023. The second was away at Burnley in February 2024, making it one goal from 39 long-range Prem attempts.And the stats show that there is a direct correlation between the number of long-range shots Odegaard takes and his overall performance.Across the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns – his best so far in an Arsenal shirt – he mustered 95 shots from outside the box in 93 appearances in all competitions, just over one a game.Within that period, Odegaard scored 26 goals and notched 18 assists.So, it is perhaps no surprise that we have witnessed a below-par Odegaard showing this term with just five goals and 10 assists in 42 games in all competitions having attempted just 30 long-range shots, the only goal from them coming in the 7-1 Champions League last 16 first leg rout of PSV in March.Of those 30, only 22 have been in the Prem with no success. You have to go back 15 months to find his last league belter from outside the box.There have been signs Odegaard is regaining his confidence in this regard.In last week’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, he was denied by a world class save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.Read More on The SunAnd in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool at Anfield, another long ranger was tipped onto the post by Alisson that Mikel Merino then headed in to complete the comeback.The message is clear then: Odegaard is at his best when he is brave enough to take responsibility and shoot from range. Once that comes back into his game on a regular basis, so will his form. More

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      ‘I’ve been very lucky’ – Former Premier League manager George Burley, 68, free of cancer after eight-month battle

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      FORMER Ipswich manager George Burley has received the all-clear following his cancer diagnosis.The 68-year-old publicly announced his diagnosis in September but did not disclose the form of the disease.Former Ipswich and Scotland manager George Burley has revealed he is now cancer freeCredit: PABurley announced his diagnosis in SeptemberCredit: PAHe said: “It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now.”In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.”We are grateful to the club (Ipswich) for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”Burley, who played for Ipswich before managing the club, underwent six cycles of chemotherapy as well as an operation which left him in hospital for three weeks. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the former defender has this week revealed that he is now cancer free.He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “It’s been a long road – it didn’t happen overnight.”It started almost a year ago where I was having symptoms and wasn’t feeling great.”It was great to eventually come through it all – I’ve been very, very lucky with the amount of support I’ve had.Most read in Football”My family’s been unbelievable… and I’ve been very well looked after.”Burley felt unwell for several months before being diagnosed with cancer.Opening up on the early stages of his battle, the Ipswich legend continued: “Eventually, when I did get diagnosed, I thought I’ve got to get on with it.”The people around you, you’ve got to make sure you’re not moping around [and] keep their chins up.”It’s not easy because initially you don’t want to speak much about it, but once you grow into it, people around you know you’re accepting the fact – and [you] get on with life as normal as possible.”The Ipswich hero also said he was “lucky” his body responded to the treatment and believes the fitness levels he built up as a player helped him in his recovery.Burley enjoyed spells with Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United as a player.But his longest term came in the form of 13 years overall at Ipswich.After hanging up his boots, he spent eight years as manager of the Tractor Boys. More

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      Goodison Park SAVED as Everton announce plans to turn venue into ‘most iconic stadium in league’

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      GOODISON PARK will be SAVED even after Everton move out.The Toffees are preparing for an emotional farewell from the famous old ground this Sunday after 133 years.Everton’s Goodison Park will be the new home of the Women’s team from next seasonCredit: RexThey will then move into their brand-new state-of-the-art 53,000-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.But the club have ensured Goodison Park will remain in use.Because Everton Women are going to move in and make the stadium their new permanent home – and believe it will be “the most iconic venue in the Women’s Super League”. Everton launched The Goodison Legacy project in 2020 to figure out what would happen with the stadium once the men’s team move across town. And the club’s new owners – the Friedkin Group – decided to keep football being played on the site that first opened in 1892. The announcement means Goodison Park will remain a key place within Liverpool – and not knocked down as previously planned.Everton’s former owners had laid out £82million plans for it to be demolished and replaced with housing, a care home, retain units and a park. Instead, the 39,572-capacity Goodison Park becomes the biggest dedicated women’s football stadium in the country. Most read in FootballIt holds approximately 18 times more fans than Everton Women’s current home ground, Walton Hall Park. It is reported the club plan to make upgrades to the changing rooms and will update the exterior to reflect the women’s team. Everton Women captain Megan Finnigan said: “This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading. “Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community. “Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”The news comes just the day after ex-Everton owner Farhad Moshiri told Sky Sports he was given a deadline of 2028 for Goodison to be bulldozed.Moshiri said: “My advisors told me that their estimate was by 2028, Goodison should be demolished and [move into] a new stadium.”I went through the history of our attempts to have a new ground. I realised that is the No1 priority of the club – or should be.”They were all in love with Goodison and then I was in love with Goodison, nobody wanted to move.”But the reason we had to leave was partly infrastructural, partly financial.” David Moyes’ men’s team host already-relegated Saints this weekend.And the Premier League have given fans special permission to break a strict rule.The grand goodbye plans mean Toffees supporters will be allowed to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, which is usually prohibited. Read More on The SunFans will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle has been sounded at around 2pm. Spectators will be allowed to buy booze until 2.45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More