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      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan wears ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ hat as fans arrive in Paris for Champions League semi-final

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      PIERS MORGAN wore a “Make Arsenal Great Again” hat as he headed to Paris on the Eurostar.The 60-year-old is in the French capital for the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.Piers Morgan headed to Paris on the EurostarCredit: X / @piersmorganArsenal fans have been enjoying themselves in ParisCredit: PAGunners supporters have posed in front of the Eiffel TowerCredit: PAMikel Arteta’s side head to France with an uphill task, having lost last week’s first leg 1-0 in London.Irrespective of their deficit, Arsenal fans including Morgan have arrived in Paris dreaming of a place in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31.Travelling supporters have been warned to be “vigilant” during their time in Paris.A section of PSG supporters have gathered a reputation for hooliganism.READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal told supporters to take “sensible precautions”.While fans have also been warned against visiting Paris’ Auteuil suburb.Despite urging caution, the Gunners handed out 2,000 scarves to travelling supporters.Several have been seen being worn by fans walking around the city today.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesSupporters pose in their Arsenal scarvesCredit: PAThe Gunners handed out 2,000 scarves to supportersCredit: PAArsenal have arrived in Paris with a one-goal deficitCredit: PASome supporters have even paraded their Arsenal colours for pictures in front of Eiffel Tower.Last month, Aston Villa headed to Paris for their Champions League quarter-final against PSG.Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesFans brawled in Paris’ Pigalle region on the eve of the match.The Sun subsequently revealed that Villa supporters had been deliberately targeted by hooligans.Arsenal boss Arteta and midfielder Declan Rice headed to the Parc des Princes yesterday.Ahead of the match, optimistic Arteta said: “We are here to make history, and we have a big opportunity.”We are a win away from being in the Champions League final, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world against a great opponent – it doesn’t get much better than that.”Hopeful Arsenal fans have identified four omens for a potential comeback victory this evening.They include PSG having lost all of their Champions League semi-final home legs.Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice were at Parc des Princes yesterdayCredit: GettyArteta, 43, was optimistic in his pre-match press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      Fan swaps five kilos of semi-dried fish worth hundreds for ticket to watch Tottenham in Europa League semi-final

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      A FOOTBALL fan secured a ticket for Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final at Bodo/Glimt in a swap for a bucket of FISH.Spurs travel to Norway on Thursday looking to hold on to their 3-1 lead from last week’s first leg in London.A fan secured a ticket for Spurs’ trip to Bodo/Glimt by trading a bucket of fishCredit: AlamyTottenham travel to Norway as they look for a place in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe tiny stadium holds just 8,000 fans and only 450 tickets were made available late onCredit: Kenny RamsayAnge Postecoglou’s men are desperate to reach this month’s final, where they will likely play Premier League rivals Manchester United.But with Bodo/Glimt’s stadium holding just over 8,000 seats, only a handful of tickets were made available for Thursday’s big clash.According to the Independent, 50,000 supporters were left to compete for just 480 tickets put on late release.But one Norwegian managed to bag a ticket in bizarre style.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTorbjorn Eide is a production manager at a fish farm in Senja.And he managed to eventually get his hands on a ticket by offering up five kilos of boknafisk, a semi-dried fish delicacy, in exchange.The value of the food came in at £182, with Eide saying: “We produce Norway’s best boknafisk, and you probably can’t get it in Bodo city.“So I thought maybe someone would want it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOystein Aanes swapped his ticket for the fish, adding:”It was just a fun thing.”It then inspired another Norwegian, Nils Erik Oskal, to offer up five kilos of reindeer meat worth £73 for a ticket.Tottenham fan brings along his puppet to watch the match And to his delight, someone eventually came forward with an offer.Oskal said: “Someone took the bait. It didn’t take long.“(The price) doesn’t matter. I get to experience something huge.” More

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      in Soccer

      Four lucky omens that give Arsenal hope of incredible Champions League comeback win against PSG

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      ARSENAL might need a miracle in Paris tonight, but should they produce one, the omens are in their favour.Mikel Arteta is trying to lead the Gunners to a first-ever European crown, and the North Londoners find themselves with a stiff job on their hands as they travel to the French capital.Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the quartersCredit: RexMikel Arteta is trying to mastermind a solution to the toughest of tasksThey will kick off at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday a goal down after a 1-0 home defeat last week.Ousmane Dembele’s early strike proved the difference.Arteta’s side don’t come into this huge fixture in the best of form, having slipped to a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, as Dean Huijsen and Evanilson secured a crucial win for the Cherries.However, if Arsenal are to do the improbable under the Paris night sky, the history books read that this could be their year.Read more footballThere are four omens that point towards it being a successful end to the campaign for them. New winner every time in Munich Every time the final has been hosted in the Bavarian capital, there is always a fresh winner of Europe’s elite competition. Germany’s third largest city has played host to the final four times. The first was at the Olympiastadion, where Nottingham Forest famously defeated Malmo in 1979, and the second was in 1993, when Marseille overcame AC Milan. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArsenal fans will be hoping Gabriel Martinelli hits top form in ParisCredit: GettyRoberto di Matteo’s Blues won a dramatic shootout, with Didier Drogba the hero that night. Hence, the omens also suggest that when European Cup finals are held in Munich, and English sides are involved, they win. Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashStrong on their travelsArteta’s side are unbeaten in all of their last four away games on the continent. Last time out, the Gunners beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a rousing comeback at the Bernabeu, and before that, they thrashed PSV 7-1 in the last 16.In the league phase, they edged past Girona and smashed Sporting Lisbon. They have never won five on the spin on the road in Europe, but Arteta will argue that that creates yet another chance for his players to make history.The brilliance of David Ginola wasn’t enought for PSG in 1995 vs MilanCredit: Action ImagesPSG have lost all their Champions League semi-final home legsThe French side might have home advantage, but that might not be a good thing considering their history in the last four at the Parc des Princes. They were beaten 1-0 by Borussia Dortmund in last year’s semi in Paris, and 2-1 by Manchester City in 2020/21.They were defeated by AC Milan in their first semi-final appearance in 1995.It must also be remembered that the Ligue 1 champions have never lifted the Champions League trophy, either. This is new territory for them, too.PSG were dejected last year after being dumped out by DortmundCredit: AFPNeymar and co were defeated by Manchester City in 2021Credit: The SunOusmane Dembele was the first leg heroCredit: GettyEvery year the Pope has died, an English team has won the Champions League Say it quietly, but Pope Francis’ tragic passing this year could be another sign that Arsenal could win it. When Pope John Paul died in 1978, Nottingham Forest won Europe’s top prize. Read More on The SunWhen Pope John Paul II passed in 2005, Liverpool remarkably won the trophy from the jaws of defeat against AC Milan, and when Pope Benedict XVI died in on New Year’s Eve 2022, Manchester City went on to win a maiden European title in May. Could this be a sign for Arsenal?Pope Francis recently died – which could be a sign for ArsenalCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero sacked by sixth tier Kidderminster Harriers after heartbreaking end to play-off campaign

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      PHIL BROWN has been sacked as Kidderminster Harriers boss.The National League North side confirmed the news in the wake of their playoff defeat to Chester on Monday.Phil Brown has been sacked as Kidderminster bossCredit: AlamyKidderminster finished third in the sixth tier, three points behind title winners Brackley Town.A final day victory at Southport would have seen Brown’s men promoted as title winners.But a 1-0 defeat condemned them to the playoffs, going on to lose 2-1 to Chester at Aggborough.Brown’s men had taken a 19th-minute lead via Kyle Morrison.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut goals by Dylan Mottley-Henry and Declan Weeks saw the visitors come away victorious.Brown’s assistant Neil McDonald has also been relieved of his duties.Confirming the news, Kidderminster chairman Richard Lane said: “Whilst we came very close to achieving our goal, the outcome of the season ultimately proved bitterly disappointing.”We remain firmly focused on our primary objective for the club, which is returning to the National League, we feel now is the right time to make changes before embarking our future campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I would personally like to thank both Phil and Neil for their efforts during their time with Kidderminster Harriers and we wish them nothing but the best for the future and their next challenge.”On Kidderminster’s hunt for a new boss, Lane added: “The process of appointing a new manager is already underway and we hope to update our loyal supporters on that soon.”Cult hero ex-Premier League boss who’s now managing in non-league says he’d SACK HIMSELF if he was chairmanFollowing the defeat to Chester, Brown slammed his players.The 65-year-old said: “We haven’t been able to step up to the plate, we haven’t been able to handle the pressure.”That’s the part I’m disappointed with and it’s something I’m going to have to address in the close season with regard to next season.”When we had our noses in front, I thought we had enough composure and experience to maybe get us to half time at least.”There’s highs and lows and the example has been there today; we played well for 30, 35 minutes and succumbed to pressure to what the opposition were throwing at us, and the basics of the game.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard as TNT makes his return to the ring

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      TOMMY FURY is back in a boxing ring on FRIDAY NIGHT!TNT will lace up his gloves to headline a show in Budapest, Hungary, against Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic.Tommy Fury is back in the boxing ring THIS FRIDAYCredit: Instagram / tommyfuryFury hasn’t fought since beating KSI in October 2023Fury has not been seen with his gloves laced up since beating KSI in October 2023.He had to undergo surgery on his wrist in the aftermath of that win.The former Love Island star was then set to face ex-UFC contender Darren Till on a Misfits card earlier this year, only to withdraw over concerns the Gorilla would use MMA moves in the ring.Till, who makes his own return on xxxx, blasted Tommy and dad John as “completely and utterly embarrassing”.Read more Tommy FuryFury is now back and is promising to make this the “best year of my life” after a rough 12 months that saw him split from Molly-Mae Hague.The event – which will not be under the misfits banner – also features the return of his and Tyson Fury’s other brother, Roman.SunSport has the lowdown on the big return.Who is Kenan Hanjalic?Tommy Fury’s opponent Kenan Hanjalic has a record of 5-1 (4 KOs). Most read in BoxingHe was born in Braunschweig, Germany, but is from Bosnia and Herzegovina and lives in Sarajevo.Hanjalic is listed as a heavyweight, where he is ranked 322 in the world by boxrec.Conversely, Fury usually fights at cruiserweight and it appears that Hanjalic will move down to cruiser for the fight.In his last fight – a second round KO win over Edhem Hrustic – Hanjalic weighed 220lbs, 20lbs above the 200lb cruiserweight limit.He weighed 238lbs for his fight last August, a points loss to Italian Angelo Morejon.Hanjalic turned pro in 2019 but has been very active in the last 18 months.This will be his fourth fight since August – he has won two of the three previous – having had a two-year break from April 2022.When is Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic?Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic takes place on Friday, May 9.The fight is taking place at the MTK Arena in Budapest, Hungary.Fury vs Hanjalic is the main event of the evening.There is no exact time for the ring walk at the time of writing, although the fight is expected at 10pm.Roman Fury is chief supported and expected at 9pm, although his opponent is yet to be confirmed.Roman Fury is also back in action on Friday nightCredit: GettyIs Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic on TV and can I live stream it?There is currently no TV information on the fight.It is not yet clear if the fight will be aired in the UK.Similarly, there is no information on where Fury vs Hanjalic can be live streamed.This information will be updated as soon as it is available.Alternatively, SunSport will have a live blog of all the action as it happens from Hungary. Who is on the Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic undercard?Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – cruiserweightRoman Fury vs TBA – heavyweightShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – cruiserweightValentin Koloszar vs Alexandru Ionita – featherweightWhat’s been said?Fury was candid during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on May 7, saying he had “fallen into a dark place” in 2024.He recalled his injury recovery and said: “I thought sod it all.”You go down a route for a few weeks, and you end up staying there for a long time.”Seemingly referring to his split with Molly-Mae he said: “There has to be consequences.”He then added: “This year will be the best year of my life.”And it starts on Friday.Read More on The Sun”I am happy mentally now.”I have come through it, I am on the other side.” More

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      Francesco Acerbi beat cancer twice and bravely fought depression before saving Inter’s Champions League dreams

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      IN A semi-final for the ages, it ultimately belonged to the oldest player on the pitch.Francesco Acerbi defied his veteran 37 years and centre-back defensive instincts to turn home Inter Milan’s dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser and force extra-time against Barcelona.Francesco Acerbi was Inter Milan’s last-gasp her against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe defender showed the finishing quality of a striker to equalise in injury timeCredit: GettyThis image of a topless Acerbi celebrating will go down in Inter historyCredit: GettyYes, Davide Frattesi grabbed the winning goal to book the Italian giants’ place in the Champions League final.But old-timer defender Acerbi’s superb striker’s finish epitomised a bonkers two-legged tie.And that cute, near-post effort to get in front of Ronald Araujo and find Wojciech Szczesny’s top corner may well be his own personal crowning moment of a career that has seen it all. Born in the outskirts of Milan in February 1988, Acerbi is now 90 minutes away from completing the circle by leading I Nerazzurri to European glory. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut his road to the San Siro – the site of this goal that will live long in the memory of all Inter fans – is far longer than the 15 miles from suburban Vizzolo Predabissi.And it features battles on the pitch with the world’s best strikers but more importantly off the pitch, too, with cancer, depression and alcohol. JOURNEYMAN CAREERAcerbi started out in Serie C at Pavia in 2006 and even featured in the semi-professional Serie D on loan at Renate.A loan to Spezia’s youth team followed before permanent spells at Reggina, Genoa and Chievo, where he eventually made his top-flight debut. Most read in FootballAC Milan came calling in 2012 and he was briefly team-mates with the likes of Robinho and Mario Balotelli.But after just six months of struggling for minutes, he was sold to Genoa, who immediately loaned him back to Chievo.It wasn’t until Acerbi signed for Sassuolo in 2013 that he finally had stability, spending five seasons there before four at Lazio.He initially joined Inter on loan in 2022-23 where he was reunited with ex-Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi and made the move permanent the following summer. That transfer took his tally to 14 spells with ten different clubs.FRAN THE MANAcerbi scored an all-important header against bitter rivals and former employers AC Milan in April 2024.That helped his side to a 2-1 win which saw them confirmed as Serie A champions for the 20th time.A year earlier, towards the end of his loan season, Acerbi came in for huge praise for his performance in the Champions League final.Inter were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Manchester City but the Italian centre-half managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet and off the scoresheet. HEALTH STRUGGLESHowever, Acerbi’s toughest challenges have come away from football.His father died during his short stint at Milan, triggering depression which led to him turning and even relying on alcohol to numb the pain and suffering. Then upon signing for Sassuolo in 2013 at the start of the next season, Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer. A regular health check-up flagged unusual blood test results and he immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumour. But having returned to training and competitive action, he failed an anti-doping test. Acerbi kept Erling Haaland quiet in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: ReutersHis header against AC Milan helped secure Inter the Serie A titleCredit: GettyAcerbi’s journeyman career settled after he beat cancer twice at SassuoloCredit: Getty Images – GettyAcerbi got his kit off to make the Euro 2020 victory over EnglandCredit: GettyAcerbi denied taking any banned performance-enhancing drugs and it transpired the irregular hormone levels were because the cancer had come back again. As a result, the defender had two months of chemotherapy at the start of 2014.But Acerbi actually credits the two bouts of cancer for “saving” him from the depression and alcholism.He candidly explained to La Repubblica in 2019: “After my father died, when I was playing for Milan, I hit rock bottom. “It was as if I’d forgotten how to play, or why I was playing. I started drinking and, believe me, I’d drink anything. “It might seem like a terrible paradox, but the cancer saved me. I had something new to fight against, a limit to overcome. “It was as if I got to start life all over again and saw the world in a way I’d completely forgotten. I stopped being scared. “I was thinking to myself, ‘What will you do if it comes back again?’ ‘I’ll face it again,’ I replied.Symptoms of testicular cancerThe most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles, which is normally about the size of a pea.Not all testicular lumps are cancerous, while only four per cent of scrotal lumps are, but you should still always get your GP to take a look.Here are the signs to look out for:A lump or swelling in the testicleA heavy scrotumA dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotumA feeling of heaviness in the scrotumA difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicleA difference between one testicle and the otherTo know if you have any signs of changes in your testicles, it’s important to know what feels normal.It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger.Then repeat for the other testicle.Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size.“Chemotherapy was like stepping into a parallel world, the entrance to which is closer than you could possibly think, so you never leave it again. It’s a world of pain and of courage.“I think having that illness improved me as a person, cancelling out remorse and regret. “I became an observer of my surroundings. I eliminated the superfluous, the negative, but also the illusions. I stopped dreaming big and started to focus on simple targets.”EURO HEROIncredibly, Acerbi made his senior Italy international debut in the same year he underwent the chemotherapy. But by 2019, he had still only managed to add two further appearances – one in 2016, one in 2018 – before being brought back into the fold by Roberto Mancini.And while Acerbi won’t go down as one of the all-time great Italian defenders with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini et al, he was awarded the top Order of Merit in Italy after being part of the Euro 2020-winning squad.Francesco Acerbi has two children with Claudia ScarpariCredit: InstagramThe couple got married in January 2025Credit: InstagramAcerbi has tattoos across his torso, arms and legsCredit: Instagram @claudiascarpClaudia regularly attends Inter matches to cheer her husband onCredit: InstagramAcerbi opened up on his struggles with depression and alcohol after his father diedCredit: InstagramHe set up the extra-time winner against Austria in the round of 16 then was an unused sub in the quarters, semis and final, where the Azzurri beat England on penalties. Acerbi, though, has not added to his 34 caps since 2023 and pulled out of the squad in March 2024 after allegations he made racist comments to Napoli’s Juan Jesus during a Serie A match earlier that month.A Serie A sports judge dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence as Acerbi escaped punishment, a decision furious Napoli labelled “astonishing”. BARCA DRAMAAcerbi hit the headlines for all the right reasons, though, with his goal against Barcelona – four months on from marrying Claudia Scarpari, the mum of his two daughters. Inzaghi deployed him in the Harry Maguire role – throwing the big centre-back up front in the desperate hunt for a goal.And just like the Manchester United man against Lyon, Acerbi came up trumps.Incredibly, that was his very first career goal in European football in his 66th appearance across the Champions League and Europa League. To make the finish even more impressive and remarkable, the left-footed 6ft 4ins unit scored with his right foot. So it was no wonder he ripped his famous black-and-blue shirt and then his underlayer off in sheer unbridled delirious delight to reveal his tattooed torso.Read More on The SunAcerbi’s many inkings will tell their own stories.But the image of the seasoned and battle-scarred pensioner unsure how to celebrate his magic moment other than jumping gleefully on to his knees punctuates a truly turbulent tale of football with the most emphatic of exclamation marks.Acerbi could barely contain his excitement at San SiroCredit: GettyHe got in front of Ronald Araujo to fire past Wojciech SzczesnyCredit: APHis goal sparked wild scenes among his team-mates, coaches and fansCredit: GettyAcerbi soaked up the adulation from the adoring crowdCredit: APAcerbi won the Coppa Italia in 2019 with Lazio then in 2023 with InterCredit: Instagram More

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      From Man Utd to Mansfield… where it all went wrong for Luton as they’re relegated twice and end up in League One

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      LUTON TOWN have been relegated AGAIN just 12 months on from their Premier League survival fight.The Hatters finished just six points behind Nottingham Forest last season, with the Tricky Trees now chasing Champions League football under Nuno Espirito Santo.Luton Town have been relegated to League OneCredit: RexThe Hatters’ relegation was confirmed last weekendCredit: GettyLuton failed to ditch their losing habit from last seasonCredit: Prime MediaMatt Bloomfield arrived in January but could not keep Luton upCredit: GettyUnfortunately for the Kenilworth Road faithful, Luton just could not shake off the habit of losing.Under former boss Rob Edwards, who guided Town to the Premier League, Luton collected just six points from their last 16 matches of the 2023-24 campaign.If fans had the impression that the Championship would be easier, they were plunged back down to earth with a cruel bump when they lost 4-1 at home to Burnley on the opening day last August.The Clarets would bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking, the Hatters would not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChastening defeats at Preston, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield United and Coventry City followed their opening day disappointment.While their 5-1 battering at Middlesbrough prompted boss Edwards to admit that he felt “numb” to the situation.Luton tried to stay faithful to the man that got them up to the Premier League, but finally pulled the trigger in January when their desperate situation became impossible to ignore.In came Matt Bloomfield, ditching a League One promotion charge with Wycombe Wanderers for a relegation dogfight at Luton.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRob Edwards was sacked by Luton in JanuaryCredit: GettyBloomfield won just four of his first 15 games in charge of Wycombe, so a slow start at Luton may not have been totally unpredictable.But the 41-year-old taking nine matches to secure his first Hatters win left his side with an awful lot to do.Rob Edwards reflects on Luton Town’s loss to Queens Park Rangers A late charge did see Luton briefly climb out of the relegation zone.But a 5-3 collapse at West Brom on the final day sealed their fate, condemning the Hatters to relegation.Last summer, Luton lost the likes of Ross Barkley, Chiedozie Ogbene and Andros Townsend, while club stalwart Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was allowed to go out on loan.Then there was inspirational skipper Tom Lockyer, the centre-back who suffered a second cardiac arrest on the pitch last season.The Wales international has since recovered and been cleared to return, but a slew of injuries have kept him off the pitch this season.His future at Kenilworth Road remains in doubt.Speaking of Luton’s traditional home, so embedded in the community, the Hatters recently announced plans to move into a new 25,000-seater stadium.Despite their relegation, CEO Gary Sweet remains bullish on the prospect.’THAT’S WHO WE ARE’Speaking to The Athletic, Sweet said: “That is what the Premier League has done for us.”What I’ve been saying this week when we’ve announced the contractor to build Power Court (the location of the new ground) is that during the course of this lifetime we’re going to be playing football in that stadium in the Premier League, the Championship, in League One and, most probably, League Two because that’s Luton Town.“That’s who we are, they are the journeys we take, as our history has absolutely proven.”So whether we are League One or Championship next season, it makes really no difference to the specification of that programme, the timeline or delivery of Power Court.”All we do is regroup as a football club and a football team.”In a club statement, chairman David Wilkinson bullishly added: “The in-depth analysis started before relegation was confirmed, as individuals and as a Club, as we set about working harder and more effectively to build on the run of form that, before Saturday’s defeat, had put us in with such a chance of survival.”All we can promise, at this moment, is that we will review, regroup and rebuild. Indeed, this has started. “We must recover the spirit that was so familiar to us on our rise, and we will use this now as a catalyst for a renewed determination and focus to achieve one objective.”Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt [Bloomfield] and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.Read More on The Sun”No stone will go unturned as we review and prepare for the 2025/26 season, hopefully, with fresh optimism and renewed vigour.”From duelling with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool last season, Luton will have to overcome Mansfield and Burton next term.Luton rallied late on in the season but could not stay upCredit: RexThe Hatters will battle the likes of Mansfield next seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who spent 10 years with Blues wakes up unemployed as he’s released with ‘next Steven Gerrard’

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have released former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Blackman and ex-Liverpool prospect Jordan Rossiter.Shrewsbury revealed their retained list ahead of the coming League One season and neither of the two made the cut.Shrewsbury Town have released ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal BlackmanShrewsbury also let go of former Liverpool prospect Jordan RossiterBlackman, 31, joined the Shrews in 2024 from Burton Albion amid an ongoing nomadic career.The goalkeeper amassed a mere total of 27 appearances since his arrival to the EFL outfit.Rossiter, 28, moved to New Meadow on the same year as the former Chelsea ace. The midfielder, who was sent out on loan to Oldham Athletic this season, registered only 17 appearances for Shrewsbury.Read More on FootballBlackman was tipped by many to become Chelsea’s next No1 after impressing within the youth ranks.The keeper was with the Blues’ seniors for almost 10 years after an impressive six-year spell with the reserves until he was called up in 2012.But the ex-England Under-19 international never played for the first team and was released in 2021 after several loan stints with Middlesbrough, Ostersund, Wycombe Wanderers, Sheffield United, Leeds, Vitesse, Bristol Rovers and Rotherham.Blackman now finds himself as a free agent after some unremarkable spells with Los Angeles FC, Huddersfield, Exeter City and of course Burton, which took place before his move to Shrewsbury.Most read in FootballRossiter poses as perhaps an even greater shock than the former Chelsea shot-stopper.The former England Under-19 international enjoyed an impressive 11-year stint with Liverpool’s reserves, where he even donned the captain’s armband, until he was called up to the seniors in 2014. The defensive midfielder stood out so much in the youth ranks that the Reds’ legend Robbie Fowler tipped him to become the next Steven Gerrard back in 2013.Fowler said 12 years ago: “Jordan Rossiter. Big shout, but potentially a young Stevie G. He’s a very good player.”But the England legend’s prediction never materialised as Rossiter only managed a total of five appearances with Liverpool’s first team during a hapless two-year stint that was marred by injury.That led to a move to Rangers in 2016, where he played under Gerrard for two years, before also competing for the likes of Bury, Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.He never lived up to the Gerrard tag, but he insists that wasn’t the reason behind his unfortunate fall from grace.Rossiter said back in 2020 when asked if all that hype added pressure: “No, I never saw it like that. For legends of the club to say positive things about me was great to hear. Read More on The Sun”It showed that they rated me highly but I never felt under any extra pressure or anything like.”I never got carried away by it either. I was just thinking, ‘Next Steven Gerrard? If I have 10 per cent of the career Steven Gerrard has had then I will have had a great career’.”Blackman was expected to become Chelsea’s next No1Rossiter was tipped to become the next Steven Gerrard More