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      Five players Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim MUST push out of Old Trafford… and five he needs to build team around

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      IF Ruben Amorim did not recognise the scale of his Manchester United task before, he surely does now.Sunday’s 3-0 Old Trafford trouncing by Bournemouth left United  13th at Christmas — seven points closer to the relegation zone than the Prem summit.Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life at Man UtdCredit: PAThe Red Devils endured a humbling defeat to Bournemouth on SundayCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese manager had pondered whether to take the Prem plunge mid-season or wait until the end of the campaign before leaving Sporting Lisbon.Unsurprisingly, the lure of Old Trafford and turning around a suffering beast proved too great.But Amorim needs to wave a magic wand fast or risk seeing the  season unravel, with dire consequences for summer recruitment.Amorim has a preferred 3-4-3 formation and plenty of the squad he  inherited are not designed to play in such a system.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf fans did not believe that a few weeks ago, they will do now.SunSport looks at the five players  Amorim needs to build his team around, the five who must be pushed through the  exit door and those whose future remains in their hands… STAYERS —MANUEL UGARTEUruguayan midfielder struggled in his early games but that might have been because everything Erik ten Hag touched had already started turning to dust.In recent weeks, Ugarte has looked like the real deal, with a genuine ability to do that vital dirty work in the middle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Uruguayan has shown signs of life under AmorimCredit: RexAMAD DIALLOIvorian wideman has been at United for five years — but is starting to turn his promise into something concrete.Amorim needs the wider players in his attacking trident to be able to invert and cause problems but also have the ability to attack in the outer areas of the pitch. Amad ticks all those boxes, with pace to burn.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’Amad Diallo has been a bright spot in an otherwise dreary season at UnitedCredit: RexLENY YOROAnother United youngster and plagued by injuries after his summer arrival from Lille.Plenty for the 19-year-old to learn and assuming Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire stay, they can help him live up to the reputation he arrived with from France.Leny Yoro arrived from France with heaps of potentialCredit: GettyBRUNO FERNANDESSome still accuse the Portuguese of being a flat-track bully but he remains at the creative hub of most of the things United do well.Of course, Amorim needs his captain to lead, not hide, and Fernandes still has games where he might go missing. But if he plays well, usually so do United.Bruno Fernandes remains at the heart of Man UtdCredit: RexKOBBIE MAINOOMissed the start of the Amorim era through injury and three defeats in the four matches since his return does not augur well.Mainoo, though, is still short of match sharpness. Yes, the 19-year-old makes mistakes.But he has the ability to make a mark in midfield and can forge a proper partnership with Ugarte, given time to work on it.Kobbie Mainoo remains one of United’s most promising playersCredit: RexLEAVERS —MARCUS RASHFORDRashford’s decision to go public on his willingness to leave his boyhood club might make things easier for Amorim than if he was seen to be pushing the England man out of the door.But it was hard to see the forward being a natural fit for the Amorim system — even before the fallout of the past two weeks.Unlike many of the potential discards, selling Rashford makes some economic sense, too, as any transfer fee can be calculated at full book value in the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules accounting.Marcus Rashford has signalled his desire to leave UnitedCredit: GettyANTONYPlenty of Stretford End regulars saw through the Brazilian after a couple of months when he joined in the summer of 2022.Nearly 2-and-a-half years later, the rest of the  United supporters have caught up.Winger Antony represents the worst of Ten Hag’s scoop-up of Eredivisie players that he knew from his Ajax days.The £85.5million flop offers nothing. Getting rid, even at a massive loss, is the only option.Antony is producing another dreadful seasonCredit: GettyCASEMIROThe Brazilian’s arrival from Real Madrid might have made sense at the time and he did score in the Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle in 2023.Yet United are now forking out a fortune for a midfielder who can barely rumble, let alone run, and who has been overtaken by the harshest enemy of all — time.Casemiro’s best days in football appear to be behind himCredit: AlamyLISANDRO MARTINEZAnother Ten Hag project who appears to be dialling it in over recent weeks — and making far too many mistakes.The Argentine defender has never been that physically imposing but he keeps shrinking from battle.He looks like a player who does not want to be there.Lisandro Martinez has not delivered this seasonCredit: RexLUKE SHAWHarsh to blame the England left-back — but his body is letting him down so much that Amorim cannot rely on him ever being fit.Shaw would have been ideal as the left-sided wing-back for the next two years if he could guarantee availability. But he simply cannot.Luke Shaw has suffered desperately with injuriesCredit: RexLOTS TO PROVE —MASON MOUNTAnother whose issues are physical but just nine Prem starts in 18 months since his move from Chelsea tell you everything about the England midfielder.Mount, if fit, could definitely have a role, even if off the bench. Yet what are the chances of him staying available for long enough?Mason Mount was forced off early against Man CityCredit: PARASMUS HOJLUNDUnited thought enough of the Dane’s potential to pay £64m up front to land him from Atalanta — and he will probably get the chance to be first-choice No 9.Hojlund, though, has yet to convince that he is the natural predator United hoped they were signing.He remains very much a work in progress.Rasmus Hojlund has shown flashes of promiseCredit: RexALEJANDRO GARNACHODropped for the 2-1 derby win over City and in the line of fire by some as United’s mole hunt continues, the winger made the right response in training.Three Prem goals this season, though, is a poor return and that Puskas Award for his bicycle-kick stunner at Everton last term will mean little to the new manager.Alejandro Garnacho has flattered to deceive this seasonCredit: GettyJOSHUA ZIRKZEEPrecious little, so far, to suggest the Dutch striker can have a long-term Old Trafford future.However, it makes little sense to ditch him after just a few months at the club.Zirkzee has to demonstrate he is mobile and dangerous — to make things happen rather than wait for opportunities to fall at his feet.Joshua Zirkzee has not yet delivered since joining from BolognaCredit: RexNOUSSAIR MAZRAOUIVersatility and the ability to play in a number of roles at the back may help the Moroccan.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet he has done little so far  to indicate he will be a part of the furniture for too long.Hard to see him operating as a wing-back other than when injuries kick in and does he have the defensive resilience to be trusted in a back three? Up to him to provide the answer.Noussair Mazraoui arrived from Bayern in the summerCredit: Rex More

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      Manchester United players want VIP Oasis reunion tickets from rival City players

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      MANCHESTER United players hope to call on Manchester City rivals for VIP tickets to Oasis reunion gigs.City’s Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden are close pals with Noel and Liam Gallagher, who are often seen in the dressing room celebrating derby wins.Tickets could be passed to the likes of Red Devils Amad Diallo and Bruno FernandesCredit: RexNoel and Liam Gallagher are often seen in the Man City dressing room celebrating derby winsCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceThe Oasis brothers love to mock United’s lack of recent trophies.But United players hope friendships formed with City stars on international duty and other functions will prove crucial.Tickets could be passed to the likes of Red Devils Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes.A source said: “United’s lads are used to being the hottest ticket in town. They have a load of lackeys who generally get them what they want.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“But they know getting in touch with Liam or Noel is not going to help, so are hoping their City mates can use their contacts.” Oasis are due to play Manchester’s Heaton Park in July.Grealish has told how he had yet to get tickets from Noel as he was unsure when City play in the Club World Cup next summer.But he added: “Trust me, I’ll be there. It’ll be the first time I’ve seen them live.”Noel, who is also pals with City boss Pep Guardiola, has previously told how most of his family support United.Most read in FootballHe said: “It’s only myself, Liam and our brother Paul who are City fans. The rest of my family — there must be about 6,000 of us — are United. But I’m glad my dad took us to see City.”Oasis split in 2009, a year after City were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group. They have since won eight Premier League titles.United have not won one since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Man City debut ‘Oasis kit’ but unveiling massively backfires as fans call it ‘worst ever’ and compare it to iconic sweet More

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      Controversial EFL team’s old stadium and former home of national side is now headquarters of Network Rail

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      THE home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network Rail.In it’s heyday, 9,000 fans would fill the stadium every week – but before all of that it housed England’s national hockey team.The home of English football’s most controversial club is now the headquarters of Network RailIt was once the National Hockey stadium before it was demolished in late 2009The stadium was previously used by England hockey between 1995 and 2003But housed the contentious EFL side for four years between 2003 and 2007The old multi-purpose ground was leased by a club that was going through one of the biggest changes in modern football history.It temporarily housed MK Dons, who were in League One at the time, between 2003 and 2007 – during the EFL side’s gigantic move away from London.MK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation to League Two and promotion back up again during that four year stay.In summer 2007, the Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, near Bletchley, leaving the hockey digs without a tenant. READ MORE FOOTBALLIt was unused for two years and, in late 2009, demolition began in preparation for the redevelopment of the site into a new Rail HQ, which became operational in July 2012.MK Dons were formed in 2004 following the controversial relocating of Wimbledon FC.Back in the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.However the iconic, but dreaded ground, no longer met the all-seater requirements for Premier League stadiums by 1991.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMK Dons suffered the highs and lows of relegation and promotion at the stadiumOwner Sam Hammam couldn’t afford the renovations and sold 80 per cent to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.Wimbledon were forced into ground sharing with Crystal Palace from 1991 to 2003 before Wrinkleman relocated 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire with the permission of the FA.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionMillions of fans were appalled when the club had to abandon their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge and colours by 2004.Many supporters walked away and formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league club, who are currently pushing for promotion in League Two.During that time, the club played home matches at Kingsmeadow – which is now the home of Chelsea FC Women.AFC Wimbledon returned to their spiritual home on Plough Lane to the Cherry Red Records Stadium a few hundred yards away from the original ground in 2020.MK Dons relocated to the Stadium MK in 2007A groundshare with rugby league side London Broncos began in 2022.MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon continue to share a unique, but bitter, with the latter refusing to recognise the former.AFC were charged for failing to call MK Dons by their proper name in a pre-match programme when they both sat in League One in 2017.No collection of football’s most memorable teams could ever be complete without mention of the rise of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.The notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ brought together a group of players who went from the fourth division to the top-flight in four consecutive seasons.And, most memorably of all, the Wombles lifted the FA Cup after Lawrie Sanchez scored the Wembley winner against all-conquering Liverpool in the 1988 final.But the old First Division’s most famous Cinderella story had a dark side.Vinnie Jones and the rest of the Crazy Gang were famous for their wild antics both on and off the pitchThe team’s work hard-play hard-tackle harder approach to football made them intimidating for opponents.And the fear factor spread within the team’s own dressing room.Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and John Fashanu told BT Sport a tale of vicious beatings, endemic brutality and even arson.“I saw players actually cry from the abuse – physically break down and cry,” said ex-defender Terry Phelan.Jones backed up those words saying: “We were a lot of misfits, a lot of throw-outs, a lot of not-wanteds.”You either grew a backbone very quickly or you dissolved as a man.”Jones was often identified as the ring leader, but he claims that the tough culture was already well established by the time he signed in 1984 and that Wally Downes really ran things. Meanwhile, Wrinkelman sold MK Dons to a Kuwait-based consortium led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim in August this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESWinkelman oversaw the club’s promotion up to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.MK Dons currently sit below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.MK Dons’ first stadium was the home of England hockeyThe National Hockey Stadium was demolished and replaced by a Network Rail building in 2012 More

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      I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I was playing along Mesut Ozil at Arsenal – I was gobsmacked

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      COHEN BRAMALL was training with Arsenal’s first team including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil – just days after being sacked by car giant Bentley.The current Rotherham’s left-back was “gobsmacked” when he was shoved straight into Arsenal’s senior practice under Arsene Wenger in 2017.Cohen Bramall impressed at an Arsenal trial, the day after he was made redundant from a factoryBramall now plays at League One side RotherhamBramall played for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division on a part-time basis, while working full-time at a car factory.He told BBC Sport: “I got made redundant by Bentley on the Tuesday [20 December], which was crazy because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”My agent Lee Payne rings me on the Wednesday saying you’ve got a trial at Arsenal. I was like ‘what?’ – I was gobsmacked.”He said pack your stuff and get to this postcode, so I packed all my stuff in about an hour, got there as fast as I could, slept for a bit, then the next minute I’m in training with the first team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”It was crazy how quick everything happened, how I met everyone and they just took me straight in. I had to take the opportunity with both hands.”A trial match with Sheffield Wednesday U23s had been watched by Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who called Bramall’s agent.The following morning, he was training with Arsenal’s first team after expecting to meet up with the reserves.He said: “I got chucked into a 5-vs-5 with some of the best players in the world, like Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. It was crazy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The tempo and movement was outstanding. It was a special moment for me.”He’d also played in a reserve game at Crystal Palace.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundBramall’s four Arsenal appearances all came in friendliesAfter two days, Arsenal submitted a bid to Hednesford Town and signed the then 20-year-old left-back.The Gunners agreed terms on a reported £40,000 deal in January.At the time, Wenger said: “Bramall is a young, promising left-back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.”He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”But the Crewe-born player spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly against A-League side Sydney FC in July 2017.But he and Arsenal team-mate Carl Jenkinson were loaned to Championship club Birmingham City in August.On Bramall’s return to Arsenal, he played three times for their under-21 team in the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.But the club confirmed he would be released when his contract expired in the 2019 summer window.Bramall later played against Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford for ColchesterHe has since worked his way up the EFL pyramid and boasts 58,000 followers on InstagramUp the EFL ladder After his time with Arsenal was up, Bramall signed a two-year contract with League Two club Colchester United in 2019.He was sent off for the first time in his professional career that August for violent conduct during Colchester’s 3–0 win against Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.And he scored his first professional goal with a well taken free kick in a 3–0 win over Carlisle United in December.Next up was a multi-year contract at League One side Lincoln City in February 2021. Bramall made 46 appearances for Lincoln City before RotherhamBramall then climbed the football pyramid again after Championship side Rotherham matched his Lincoln release clause.The now 28-year-old became a first XI staple, racking up 75 Championship appearances, before Rotherham were relegated in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since found himself playing second fiddle to former Man Utd youth player Reece James under manager Steve Evans.He told the Rotherham Advertisier: “This is a challenge and it’s good for my character. If I know I’ve not been doing great, I’ll definitely tell myself that.”Bramall enjoyed a trip to New York during an October international breakHe signed for Rotherham in 2022 More

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      Thomas Tuchel sends 27-word Christmas message to England fans with new job to start in days

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has sent a message to England fans ahead of officially starting in his new role as Three Lions boss.Tuchel is set to begin his job as England manager on January 1, now just one week away.Thomas Tuchel sent a Christmas message to England fans on social mediaCredit: X / EnglandTuchel is set to officially take over as England boss on January 1Credit: GettyThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich gaffer, 51, is yet to start his role in charge of the nation properly, but still sent some festive well-wishes to supporters on Christmas Day.In a video posted on social media by England, he said: “A short message to all our England fans: Merry Christmas and a happy new year. “Stay safe happy holidays and see you soon in the stadium. Bye”.Tuchel will start his role at St George’s Park next Wednesday with preparations beginning for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the German’s first game in charge won’t come until March 21, when England face off against Albania at Wembley in their first qualification match for the 2026 tournament.Despite not officially starting his role as manager, Tuchel was present at the World Cup qualification draw in Zurich earlier this month – which is when the Christmas video appears to have been filmed.Tuchel watched on as England found out they will have to get the better of Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia to make it to the World Cup in North America.The Champions League winning manager has kept away from the limelight for the most-part since being announced as Gareth Southgate’s successor.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTuchel will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley and England fans can expect to see him inside stadiums up and down the country keeping a keen eye on the players from January 1 onwards.Speaking in his first press conference after being announced as the new manager, he discussed what fans can expect from his team when he takes over.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tears“To see the genuine excitement in the country for the national team is something very special and we want to create that energy,” He said. “We want to create chances, we want to not allow chances for the opponent and we want to implement a style that reflects the Premier League.”We want to excite everybody and we need the energy from the supporters to make special things happen.”Tuchel was in Zurich for the World Cup qualification draw earlier this monthCredit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Britain’s six next boxing superstars who are set to replace Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua including new Mike Tyson

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      BRITISH boxing has never been in a better vein of pulling power thanks to the super-funding coming in from Saudi Arabia.But with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua cashing in and racing toward 40, who are the new generation of unknowns fighting hard and fast to make it to the promised lands of Riyadh and Wembley?Tyson Fury suffered his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk at the weekend and could soon hang up his glovesCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua is also likely coming to the end of his boxing careerCredit: GettyWith more and more British boxing heading behind the paywall of the DAZN app – and the main broadcasters spending their time and budget elsewhere – it has never been more difficult for the next AJ or Gypsy King to build their name or fanbase.If you don’t have an Olympic medal, like Audley Harrison, Amir Khan, James DeGale or Lauren Price – or have the backing of a football club and city like Manchester and Leeds icons Ricky Hatton and Josh Warrington, the early rounds of the hurt business can be brutal.But SunSport reckons we’ve unearthed half-a-dozen rough diamonds who will shine bright in 2025.And, most importantly for their health and success and that of the sport, they will be deserving of your attention and ticket money.READ MORE IN BOXINGMoses Itauma – 19 – heavyweightThe most obvious pick of the bunch but – at still a ridiculously young age – the Chatham wonderkid deserves top billing.SunSport was in the Ropes and Glory amateur gym for Itauma’s 18th birthday – and training session – last December 28.Moses Itauma has been dubbed Britain’s Mike TysonCredit: GettyItauma managed a first round knockout against Demsey McKean at the weekendCredit: GettyAnd his stunning rise to Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s chief support – in the space of just 12 transformative months – has been super.Manager Francis Warren and his promoter dad Frank have supported and guided the southpaw perfectly.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his freakish natural talent, laser-focused attitude, baffling maturity and even his ready-made media skills are what has got him so close to the top already.Barring injury or a catastrophic upset, it seems certain that Itauma will be a bonafide world champion before the end of 2026.Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of ringHe might not beat Mike Tyson’s record time of landing one in 20 years, four months and 22 days.But he seems to have the talent and – perhaps even more importantly the unshakable mindset- to have a longer and more sustained reign.The wonderkid was red-hot property way before his one-round demolition of 6ft 6in Aussie tough man Demsey McKean.But after smashing his biggest test way back Down Under, he is even closer to a world title than even his biggest fans could have imagined.Cindy Ngamba – 26 – middleweightThe 2024 Paris Olympics was such a dismal time for amateur boxing following the controversy over the gender of two fighters competing in the female code.It was painfully slim pickings for Team GB too, whose only medal was the bronze Colchester’s classy Lewis Richardson claimed.Cindy Ngamba made her debut at the Olympics this summerCredit: PABut our team up in Sheffield deserves credit for one more magnificent medal and an even better story.Bolton-based Ngamba came to England from Cameroon aged just 11 and, after her immigration paperwork was lost, she was given refugee status and even detained at the immigration office one sad day.Tragically, due to the ongoing lack of a British passport, Ngamba could not represent Great Britain at the Games.But she did manage to win the first ever medal – an iconic bronze – for the newly formed Refugee Olympic Team.Promoters should be fighting each other to sign the wonderful woman, with the amateur pedigree and the inspirational story. Ngamba truly is the full package.Lewis Williams – 26 – heavyweightThe Leamington Spa giant lit up Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games by coasting to a gold medal.It was even more poignant because dad Bob had to force his way out of hospital to race to ringside and watch all their shared dreams come true.Lewis Williams won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: GettyThe 6ft 7in talent was nailed on for a life-changing Olympics spot but when his dad’s health plummeted, Williams’ form went with it and he chose hospice stays over training and tournaments and his Paris dream and dad eventually faded away.Thankfully trainer and manager Edwin Cleary is ferociously invested in his fighters and whipped Williams back into shape and got him a pro deal with Frank Warren, who can guide an English heavyweight like nobody’s business.On his November debut he grabbed everybody’s attention when he finished a tough journeyman with intelligent spite.And he will return in February to help Itauma and Daniel Dubois keep the juggernaut of young British heavyweights booming on.Lucas Roehig – 21 – cruiserweightTrust George Groves to gift his promising protege one of the most testing pro debuts a young kid could ever have nightmares about.Most paid bows – especially one is as modest a venue as the Harrow leisure centre and untelevised – come against veteran journeymen who never win and are just a clever foil to test and teach the hotshot over the scheduled distance.Lucas Roehrig is considered a huge prospectCredit: RexBut Groves – a product of the excellent Dale Youth gym and criminally underrated trainer Mick Delaney – is not one for following trends.Roehig was slung in with dangerous and proud Pompey puncher Joel McIntyre, a former English champion.And Roehig cut, flogged and finished the warhorse in just three rounds.Groves – who won his super-middleweight title at the fourth time of asking – was always a maverick in British boxing’s too predictable business.And it looks like he is passing that baton on as Roehig has set a very high early pace and fans will enjoy trying to keep up.Leighton Birchall – 18 – bantamweightIn February the Morecambe sensation and equally exciting Adam Maca put on the sort of 57kg show that amateur British boxing buffs dream of.The pair of pocket rockets put on a clinic of freakish talent with Maca winning a razor-close split decision.Leighton Birchall is rapidly becoming more and more popularCredit: Photo credit Stockbridge ABC.But because Birchall has ditched the vest and headguard and raced into the paid ranks ahead of his rival, he lands on this list first, with Maca certain to follow.A Haringey Box Cup double winner, a multi-time national champion and GB youth representative, Birchall ran out of things to win in the amateurs.One of three professional fighting brothers, Birchall can talk as well as he can fight and his style will tantalise fans and tease opponents.And he is already using Generation Z’s many social media platforms to increase the speed of his rising reputation and call out his domestic rivals.Jermaine Dhliwayo – 22 – super-featherweightYou are probably not a real British boxing fan if you have not watched Derek Chisora in awe over the years and recently hoped he would settle down into a hard-earned retirement.Thankfully this Northampton-born southpaw could help guide us into that sweet spot.Jermaine Dhliwayo has a big fan in Derek ChisoraCredit: Instagram @jermaine.dhliwayoVeteran brawler Del Boy is Dhliwayo’s uncle and mentor.The pair are so close that the second-generation fighter lives in his uncle’s old bedroom – being watched over by his aunty and Chisora’s mum Violet – and he has not even changed the decor or ditched all the old boxing posters.Dhliwayo is a trained electrician who still works – properly – around his boxing and he is being well managed to learn on the job.In the space of just five months he has got to 4-0 with understated bouts at the O2, in Finland, at York Hall and in Gibraltar.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Chisora finally hangs up his battered old mitts, he will be a serious miss. But Dhliwayo looks like being his parting gift to UK fight fans – even though he never owed us anything after so many brutal nights. More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      Arsenal ‘to be offered PSG star Kolo-Muani’ as Gunners boss Arteta looks for Saka replacement after injury

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      ARSENAL are set to be offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo-Muani in January, according to reports.The Gunners could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month after losing Bukayo Saka to injury last week.Arsenal are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo-MuaniCredit: GettyThe Gunners needs attacking reinforcements after Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury last weekCredit: RexMikel Arteta revealed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” after the winger was substituted off in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.And Saka could miss FIFTEEN matches as the star faces being out until March after leaving Selhurst Park on crutches with a torn hamstring.But Arteta and Co could be handed an attacking lifeline in PSG star Kolo-Muani with The Standard reporting the Parisians may offer the versatile striker to Arsenal in January.They claim that the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs that PSG could offer Kolo-Muani to in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French international, 26, has struggled for game time this season and would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.Kolo-Muani has made just two starts in Ligue 1 this term, despite his mega £75m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.Despite mainly operating as a striker, Kolo-Muani is often able to play off the left and right hand side, meaning he could help provide cover for Saka if he was to join Arsenal.Arsenal aren’t currently thought to be looking for a new wide forward in January, but injury to Saka and Raheem Sterling could force their hand.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikel Arteta has claimed that he is focused on filling Saka and Sterling’s gaps from within the squad, listing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri as potential replacements.Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich on Friday, Arteta reiterated that point but kept his options open for a potential arrival in January. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad, the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said.“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out signing a new forward in JanuaryCredit: Getty More