More stories

  • in

    Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni LIVE RESULT: Wardley LOSING before detonating SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT win out of nowhere

    FABIO WARDLEY secured a truly SENSATIONAL KO win in front of a packed Portman Road!Fighting in front of his home fans in Ipswich, Wardley was way down on the judges’ scorecards before an absolutely PERFECT punch floored Justis Huni.The Australian was putting on the performance of his career as they meet at the home of Ipswich Town for the vacant interim WBA title.But in the 10th round, Wardley stole a victory with a sensational one-punch knockout to secure an incredible win.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow all the action with our live blog below…What next for Wardley?The Ipswich star is now the mandatory for the WBA belt, which is held by Oleksandr Usyk.The Ukrainian fights Daniel Dubois in their unification rematch next, of course, and after that anything could happen.It’s not clear if Usyk will even continue fighting after that, win or lose.The WBO mandatory – Joseph Parker – will get any first crack at Usyk, or Dubois.But Wardley is now right in line.We wouldn’t expect any rushed announcements, but Wardley’s crack would appear to be approaching at speed.Copy linkCopiedOnly one that mattersCompuBox stats show that Justis Huni threw and landed almost double the amount of power punches to Fabio Wardley.The home fighter worked behind the jab, throwing more of those.Most had Huni ahead on rounds, but despite all that good work, it came down to one stunning punch from Wardley to decide this fight.Copy linkCopied’I’m grateful’Justis Huni was extremely humble in defeat and, after being a late call up for the fight, the opportunity.The Australian, who had a five-week camp after Jarrell Miller withdrew, said: ” “That’s my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight. “I’m grateful to Fabio and his team and to Ipswich to be able to perform in front of you. “Get behind him, he’s going to do great things.”He’s just an awesome fighter. He never gave up and he got the win, he deserves it. “Thank you Ipswich for the opportunity to perform here, I’m grateful.”Copy linkCopiedNo JustisJustis Huni won’t believe what hit him.He was looking excellent in and totally in control in what was a career-best performance.The Australian looked to have marked himself as a contender at the very top of the division.But one mistake cost him dearly and he was unable to get out from a peach of a punch that landed flush on his nose.It’s not clear where he goes from here, but we would expect the Matchroom fighter to get plenty of opportunities for big fights in the near future.Copy linkCopiedMore from WarrenDuring his in-ring interview, the Hall of Fame promoter also said: “Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment. “He’s got a big heart, he’s a powerful man and again, he stopped another one. “I’ve got to take my hat off to Justis Huni, they both boxed very well. “Ipswich, you did him proud and he did Ipswich proud too.”This is such a fabulous place to put a fight on. “I’m sorry about the rain, but everyone stayed and both men put on a great fight.”Copy linkCopied’He’s walked into one’Former world champion Carl Frampton told DAZN: “I didn’t see it coming, “Fair play to Fabio for pulling that out the bag.”It adds to the mystique around him and his story. Coming from zero amateur background, white collar, to finish like that.”He got completely outboxed but he still had the dynamite to finish it off.”I thought it was so easy for Huni, I thought Wardley was feeling sorry for himself.”But when you carry that power you have a chance.”It was getting easier and easier and he’s made a mistake and walked into one.”Copy linkCopied’Got the job done’Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.”I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.”I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.”He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds.”But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”Copy linkCopiedWhat a momentThis is the moment Fabio Wardley detonated an absolutely PERFECT KO punch to beat Justis Huni: Copy linkCopiedTitle shot next?Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next.Warren said: “That fight will settle the heavyweight division.”Let’s let the dust settle after that.”The first mandatory is the WBO, then it’s down the line – but [Wardley’s] there.”He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart.”Copy linkCopiedWhat a win!Wow! That was absolutely sensational from Fabio Wardley!He was down on lots of scorecards before detonating that shot, truly incredible stuff from the heavyweight.Justis Huni did not know what had hit him.Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 10Huni leapt in with a right hand, Wardley slipped and fired his own one in and that was all she wrote. Sensational comeback from Wardley who once again find the homerun shot from seemingly nowhere. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 10 DOWN GOES HUNI! Big right hand and it’s all over!I said he needed a hail mary – that’s exactly what he produced. Right hand straight down the pipe floored Huni and turned the fight on its head remarkably. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 9Big combination from Huni – forcing Wardley to cover up. Big right hand forces Wardley’s knees to dip – Huni is in total control here. Wardley needs a hail mary to get him out of trouble. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 8Warldey needs to try and turn things around with Huni backing him up and landing big shots. Huni far too quick and cute for Wardley here. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 7Double right hand forces Wardley back – it’s not looking good for Ipswich’s hometown hero. Constant pressure appears to have Wardley looking hurt and in a spot of bother. Couple of right hands again has Wardley looking in trouble and in desperate need to turn things around. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 6Jab from Huni snaps Wardley’s head back. Two big right hands land on the button for Huni – he could be running away with it here. Another right hand over the top land for Huni and Wardley is looking out of ideas half way through here. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 5Counter right lands for Huni – but Wardley responds with an uppercut-hook combo. Left hook lands for Huni and Wardley responds with his own but he looks to be struggling with the pace a bit. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 4Right hand over the top lands for Huni but Wardley fires back – great action here. Another right hand snaps Wardley’s head back and the Aussie is coming on strong here. Wardley switches off for a second and Huni lets a combination go – having it his own way this round. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 3 Huni backs Wardley to the ropes and lands a right over the top. Big left hook lands for Wardley who is again back into the ropes. Big combination shake Huni and on come Wardley landing right hands at will – the travelling Aussie is under the cosh. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 2Smart left hook lands for Huni – forces Wardley to tie up. Wardley stabs to the body and Huni fires back over the top – not much to split them. Wardley yet to let the right hand go just yet – he looks to be trying to time and walk Huni onto one. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 1 Wardley goes looking for the big right hand early. Big left to the body from Huni followed by a right hand – good boxing from the Aussie. Sharp jabs from Wardley but Huni is light on his feet and elusive – close opener. Copy linkCopiedHere we go! Both have been introduced and we are now ready for the main event. Can Huni spring a late-notice upset or will he be the latest on Wardley’s highlight reel? Copy linkCopiedWalking the walk Both men have made their way to the ring and we’re moments away now. Portman Road has filled out nicely despite the glum weather – with Wardley ready to put on a lightening performance. Copy linkCopiedFab news Fabio Wardley revealed he is facing his girlfriend’s wrath with their first baby due NEXT WEEK. He said: “This is a slightly tense topic. My missus wasn’t the happiest with this fight date.“She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It’s not just any fight, it’s the one at Portman Road. She said, ‘Yeah I know but…’“They say the chances are that the first one comes late but who knows.”Whatever will be will be at this stage. I’m just focusing on my job at this point and that is winning the fight.“It’s a mad 2025 and really just a mad June but I can’t wait. I’m ready for fatherhood. My best mate’s not long had his, a beautiful little girl as well.”So being able to watch her grow and knowing that’s coming for me has made me a big softie to be honest.”It’s going to be something special and I’m really looking forward to it.”Copy linkCopiedO’Leary vs DillonJudges score the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 117-112 with O’Leary awarded the unanimous decision. Slightly closer on some scorecards but O’Leary rightly crowned the champion after 12 good rounds. Fabio Wardley up next in the main event! Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco LIVE RESULT: Simpson DROPPED TWICE but earns BRILLIANT win in fight of the year contender

    CALLUM SIMPSON won a fight of the year contender after coming back from being DROPPED TWICE by Ivan Zucco!The proud Barnsley native put on a show in front of a packed Oakwell stadium, fighting back from a deep hole to secure a signature win.Simpson was down with the second punch of the fight and then again in the third, but eventually overcome dogged Italian Zucco to secure a dramatic 10th round TKO win.The win, which saw Simpson pile on the pressure late to secure a superb finish, saw him win the vacant European super-middleweight title.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…First step of domination planCallum Simpson knows exactly what he wants from his career over the next twelve months.After securing the European belt, he wants to be challenging for the world title by the end of next year.Simpson felt he needed a fight like that, against an undefeated boxer, taking him through ten gruelling rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHe’s one of our own, he’s one of our ownThe crowd in the Oakwell Stadium sung loud and proud to motivate their man in the ring.He was facing a true warrior, who was never going to give up.With the crowd behind him, finally, Simpson broke Zucco and sent him to the canvas three times in one round.Levels.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedBarnsley’s finest has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports after the fight, the new European super-middleweight champion spoke:Honestly, I haven’t got words, I’m speechless. I knew Zucco would be tough. I wanna be world champion by next year. I got caught with a great straight backhand but I got back up fine. I got dropped again but it is all about not letting it phase me. There are no easy fights, not once did I give up, I just knew I had to push for everybody. I’ve got that Yorkshire grit, I was never gonna give up.Callum SimpsonEnglandCopy linkCopiedAll well at OakwellThis fight was all about doing it in front of his home fans for Callum Simpson.To win in the fashion he did and to become the new super-middleweight champion, will be something he does not forget for a lifetime.This is what Simpson no doubt had been dreaming of all week and now he is wearing the belt and living that dream.Copy linkCopiedSimpson does it at homeWhat a tenth round that was for Callum Simpson.Despite dominating the fight, he struggled to get through the Italian and put him down.That was until we were ten rounds in, where he dropped him on three occasions.The first time was a brilliant uppercut which Zucco really felt.He got back to his feet and made the count before being trapped in the corner again, allowing Simpson to repeat the feat.Finally as Simpson was landing combination after combination, he dropped the Italian again and this time his corner said that was it.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson wins by TKOCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 9)Both boxers are looking like they have cuts to the face.Simpson is in control of this round, like much of the fight, but he is struggling to make a dent in Zucco.The Italian really needs to do more if he is still thinking he can get a win here.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 8)Zucco ends up on the canvas but it is not deemed a knockdown.Great round for Simpson as he gets some telling punches to the head in on his opponent.You wonder if Zucco is flagging a little now.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 7)A good round for Zucco, who lands some good combinations.That said, Simpson continues to try and boss the round aside from these few moments of pressure.Zucco is looking the more battle-worn of the two fighters.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 6)Zucco looks to come forward a lot more in this round.He is firing off big overhand lefts, looking to hurt Simpson.Simpson has done well to ride out the pressure and needs to see what his opponent has left in the tank now.This has been a gruelling fight for the challenger and we are only at the halfway point.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 5)Simpson is doing well commanding the ring and boxing Zucco up against the ropes time after time.However, even in that position, Zucco offloads body shots and uppercuts to try and catch him again.If it weren’t for the two knockdowns, Simpson would be bossing the judges’ card.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 4)Simpson has a big height and reach advantage and starts to use it more in the round.He dominates the round and seems to have Zucco in trouble on a couple of occasions.The one thing he has not been able to do is completely capitalise on those moments and put him down.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 3)Neither fighter is holding back in this fight.Simpson was dominating the round with jabs but always want to come inside to try and unload uppercuts.As he looks to do just that, Zucco catches him with a punch and sends him to the canvas again.Despite boxing so well, those two knockdowns mean that Zucco has probably won two of the first three rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 2)Simpson lands a superb left-uppercut that rocks the head of Zucco backwards.As his guard seems to be down more and more, Simpson is taking advantage, landing head shots.Zucco seems to be taken by surprise by the punching power of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 1)What a start to this fight.After only eight seconds, Zucco catches Simpson and sits him down on the canvas.It doesn’t seem to have hurt him, despite the standing eight count.Both fighters are letting their hands go and Simpson catches his opponent and has him rocked.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoThe crowd is going wild for Callum Simpson.Ivan Zucco will be need to try and silence them early on.After all, he has an unbeaten record to protect this evening.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoNow it is time for the main event of the evening.Zucco makes his way into the ring amidst the boos from the crowd.This is the moment they have been waiting for, Simpson making his way into his spiritual home to put on a display for them.Copy linkCopiedHome-grown favourite for victoryIn front of his adoring Barnsley fans, the bookies cannot see an outcome other than a Callum Simpson win tonight.Callum Simpson – 1/7Draw – 16/1Ivan Zucco – 5/1All odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopiedNew champ has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports, the American who upset the odds gives his opinions:Yeh, this was an amazing experience. I’d like to thank the UK for making me feel at home. I’d like to box for you again. Mark Jeffers is a dog and I had to bring my game tonight. New Orleans stand up, I love you.Sean HemphillAmericaCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill Jeffers just didn’t have another gear to find this evening.It all became too predictable from him.As a result, Hemphill was able to start to control the fight and get the win, and belt, he had been dreaming of.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSean Hemphill wins by split decisionCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 10)Both boxers are starting to tire in this final round.Hemphill really starts to let his hands go as the fight heads into the final sixty seconds.The American has definitely landed the most punches in this final round.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 9)Jeffers talked a big game before the fight thhat he was in the mood for a knockout tonight.It has failed to deliver, in a few rounds he looked like he was making some inroads but since then Hemphill has come back.As we head into the final round, this one is still impossible to call.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 8)Both fighters continue to let their hands go.The pundits have this one all level on the card currently.Jeffers is allowing Hemphill to get into his groove and start to look more in control of the fight.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 7)Jeffers continues to try and turn the screw.He looks to offload some uppercuts, one of which seems to cut the lip of Hemphill.There is no doubting that Jeffers has far more power behind his punches, whereas Hemphill seems to just be putting them out there.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Crystal Palace line up £40m-rated AC Milan star Strahinja Pavlovic in potential Marc Guehi replacement transfer

    OLIVER GLASNER will make a new move to sign AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic with the Italian club wanting £40million.The Crystal Palace boss thinks the powerful Serb would be an ideal addition with Europe on the agenda next term.Crystal Palace are preparing a move for AC Milan star Strahinja PavlovicCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMarc Guehi has a year left on his Crystal Palace contractCredit: GettyCentre-back Pavlovic, 24, only moved from RB Salzburg for £15m a year ago but Palace have been tracking him for months.Boss Glasner wants extra competition at the back but the Eagles will not pay over the top and could start the bidding at just £25m.Glasner is a huge fan of Pavlovic’s — who was a regular in Milan’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns — so it is an ambitious target.He scored two goals and provided just as many assists in 35 appearances from centre-back this term.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMeanwhile, Pavlovic started six of Milan’s ten Champions League games, and 21 Serie A matches.Palace qualified for next seasons Europa League after beating Manchester City in a shock 1-0 win in the FA Cup final.But the club’s European status is under threat from Uefa because owner John Textor also owns shares in Lyon. Juventus’ Tiago Djalo, 25, is an alternative.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalace are possibly in the market for two defenders, especially if Marc Guehi leaves.Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, 23, is also admired.Crystal Palace could be KICKED OUT of Europa League before a ball is even kickedMeanwhile, Palace are in talks with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over signing a new contract.The 27-year-old was a standout performer in Glasner’s side last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Palace won the FA Cup – their first major trophy. More

  • in

    Crystal Palace co-owner looks to buy out John Textor as Europa League decision looms

    JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal Palace.Textor owns around 45 per cent of the club and was planning to make a move on Harris and David Blitzer — who have 18 per cent each — to purchase their shares.JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal PalaceCredit: RexTextor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPPalace qualified for the Europa League after beating Man City in the FA Cup finalBut that has failed so far — with Textor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa League due to Uefa’s rules on multi-club ownership.The European governing body’s regulations mean Textor, majority owner of Lyon, cannot have influence at two clubs in the same competition.But a sale is unlikely to be quick and will not impact the decision of Uefa chiefs.And Harris is looking to pay a smaller sum than his US compatriot wants.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSTextor, whose Palace club won entry to the Europa League through winning the FA Cup, does not have a majority stake and only 25 per cent of voting rights.Palace hope that relatively low figure will help their case with Uefa, who are expected to deliver a verdict next week.Lyon are also set to feature in the competition having finished higher than Palace domestically, with a sixth-placed finish in the Ligue 1 last season.Uefa rules prohibit anyone from “simultaneously be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe prospect of Palace dropping into the Conference League is also nigh-on impossible too.This is because other shareholder David Blitzer also has a stake in Danish oufit Brondby, who are set to play in European football’s tertiary club competition next season.Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final getting new lease of lifeIn a desperate bid to see the Eagles fly across Europe next season and comply with Uefa rules, Textor and Blitzer offered to put their shares in a blind trust.But Uefa chiefs have REJECTED the offer, leaving Palace’s proposed European adventure next season in limbo.Manchester City and Manchester United utilised blind trusts last season as sister clubs Girona and Nice both qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively. More

  • in

    Tottenham line up £20m-rated England U21 star transfer as managerless Spurs move on quickly from Ange Postecoglou

    ENGLAND UNDER-21 star Hayden Hackney is on managerless Tottenham’s transfer radar.The Middlesbrough midfielder, 22, looks set to leave his boyhood club after their failure to win Championship promotion.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a wanted manCredit: GettyThe £20m-rated ace has already proven he can cut it against the big boys of the Premier League with stand-out cup displays against both Chelsea and Aston Villa last season.Now he hopes to catch the eye at this month’s U21 European Championship in Slovakia.A host of clubs have been monitoring Hackney for several months, including Portuguese giants Porto who had a measly £9m bid rejected in January.German side Stuttgart are also keen as are Crystal Palace, but Sun Sport understands that Spurs’ scouts have also been running the rule over Hackney.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTottenham talent spotters will also be out in Slovakia to watch the action closely and, if Hackney shines for Lee Carsley’s side, they could give the green light for the club move despite not yet appointing a replacement for axed Ange Postecoglou.Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell their home-grown star and could even squeeze a couple more million onto his price tag depending on how he performs at the Euros.They are also searching for a new manager in their own right following the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick on Wednesday.And despite still having some money in the bank from selling Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, cashing in on Hackney would help them add to any incoming coach’s transfer kitty. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of England’s matches are being broadcast live on Channel 4.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

  • in

    Aston Villa out to hijack £20m Bournemouth transfer for France star and Milos Kerkez replacement

    ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertCredit: RexBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)Credit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Cherries are close to agreeing a £20million deal for France international Truffert.They see him as a replacement for Milos Kerkez, who is expected to join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.Truffert has scored two goals and provided two assists in 33 Ligue 1 games this season, as Rennes finished 12th.But the 23-year-old has understandably struggled to get into France’s star-studded squad.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSThe full-back has made just one appearances for Les Bleus, after receiving his first call-up for two Uefa Nations League matches.The switches get more complicated when you consider that Bournemouth were interested in Anfield left-back Andy Robertson.But the Villa Park outfit may struggle to bring the 32-year-old Scot to the West Midlands, considering Arne Slot’s stance on an exit.Unai Emery is believed to be in the market for a new left-back with Frenchman Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen failing to impress the Spaniard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Bournemouth are also in the market for Spanish keeper Joan Garcia, who was linked with Arsenal.The 24-year-old is set to sign for Barcelona from Espanyol — but could then be loaned out for a season in the Premier League.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez More

  • in

    Olympic bronze medallist Lewis Richardson wins pro debut… and can now enjoy his postponed birthday curry

    LEWIS RICHARDSON secured a debut windaloo weekend.The Colchester lad turned 28 on Wednesday but could not celebrate with his professional boxing bow slated for last night in Ipswich.Lewis Richardson beat Dmitri Protkunas in his pro debutCredit: GettyInstead the southpaw booked a local curry restaurant for 15 loved ones and just had to deliver the goods in the ring.And the 2024 Olympic bronze winner did the job, beating tough Estonian Dmitri Protkunas 60-54 on points.The Brit ace had a loud crowd make the 29-minute drive over from his doorstep.And they cheered his slick southpaw work, rapid fists and the willingness to drop his hands to his waist, in an effort to get the cautious journeyman to engage.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Essex ace used to sell Pukka Pies at the Portman Road stadium a decade ago, while doing his school exams.And he returned to his old stomping ground for six one-sided rounds where he showed plenty of his amateur skill and future potential.Richardson had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM FABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI AS IT HAPPENS AT PORTMAN ROAD“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.”Richardson celebrates debut victoryCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Thomas Frank is perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel Levy – after being slammed by his OWN chairman on forum

    THOMAS FRANK’S first big job ended when the club chairman was exposed for criticising him on an online fans’ forum.Although some Tottenham supporters have a pretty low opinion of supremo Daniel Levy, it’s unlikely he would ever be caught doing the same.Thomas Frank is the perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel LevyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs owner Levy is on the hunt for a new gaffer after sacking AngeCredit: AlamyLevy keeps a low profile and says very little about whether he is backing his manager — until the moment he doesn’t any more.Which is not quite how Jans Bech Andersen handled things after becoming chairman of Danish club Brondby.Frank had left his role with the Danish FA coaching the youth teams and working with senior boss Morten Olsen, to take over at the cash-strapped fallen giants in 2013.But he resigned in March 2016 after just under three years in charge because of what became known as ‘Oscar-gate’.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS‘Oscar’ was the name attached to a profile on a leading Brondby fan messageboard which had repeatedly hammered Frank and sporting director Per Rud.And it turned out that ‘Oscar’ was Bech Andersen, a rich fan who had increased his investment and influence at the club a few months after Frank’s arrival.Among ‘Oscar’s’ posts were rants criticising Frank for being a coach “who is inexperienced and stubbornly sticks to a system that doesn’t work” and his “inability to integrate new players that he himself has 100 per cent chosen”.‘Oscar’ said Frank and Rud had made “crazy decisions together due to ignorance and lack of experience”, creating “a headache that needs to be cured as soon as possible”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFrank understandably talked of a “breach of trust” in his resignation statement. Nine months later, in December 2016, he joined Brentford as assistant boss to Dean Smith before taking the head coach role in October 2018.England football ace Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married personal trainer ‘in a big way’It would be easy to say the rest is history but Frank did have a sticky start to his reign.Without the strong backing of Bees owner Matthew Benham and co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen —  a fellow Dane — he might not have survived.Gambling guru Benham believed Frank was a good bet and has been proved right.­For all Frank’s incredible success in leading the club from the Championship to the top half of the Premier League, Levy and Spurs fans are entitled to ask how he would cope with the very different challenge at Tottenham?The 51-year-old has never taken charge of a Champions League match nor won a major trophy, two things which were on former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s CV even before he led Spurs to Europa League glory in what turned out to be his final game.Eddie Howe was similarly inexperienced when he joined Newcastle in November 2021.Yes, Howe had taken Bournemouth through the divisions all the way to ninth place in the top flight but he had also been relegated in 2020 and never managed in Europe.Yet Howe proved his doubters wrong — in 2023 he led the Magpies back into the Champions League, before lifting their first major domestic trophy for 70 years with March’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.Much has been made of Brentford’s use of data from Benham’s gambling business to give them the edge in recruitment. But it is one thing to identify hidden gems with the potential to become stars — the art is  making them realise that potential.Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on FridayAnd Frank has a brilliant record, particularly with forward players.Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are  the most high-profile examples of the ability of Frank and his coaches.Levy will have also seen how players like Christian Norgaard — soon to become a free agent — have quietly become established Prem stars.Frank has also proved tactically adaptable in a way Big Ange stubbornly refused to be until that backs-to-the-wall performance in the second half of the Europa League final against Manchester United.Brentford were a free-scoring, attractive side in the Championship.But after winning the play-off final in 2021, Frank knew he had to compromise a bit.He made his side defensively sound and difficult to beat, using marginal gains like set-piece excellence to help preserve their top-flight status.But last season the Bees were among the Prem’s great entertainers.They were also one of the very few clubs in Europe to have three players with more than ten league goals – Mbeumo, Wissa and Kevin Schade.If Frank gets the Spurs job, his  personality will be quite a change from Postecoglou’s gruff Aussie charms.The genial Dane is the most  relatable and likeable Prem boss.His image of a man who likes to visit his local pub on the Thames is not just for show.Brentford know what an asset they have, which is why Frank has a £10million release clause.Every managerial appointment is a gamble but for Levy that could be money well spent.Read More on The SunBech Andersen remains at Brondby and is still posting on social media — albeit under his own name now.At least Frank won’t have to cope with Levy doing that if he joins Spurs. More