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      Brennan Johnson has unfinished family business as he bids to fire Forest into Prem… after legend dad David failed to

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON hopes to make dad David proud today by finishing some unfinished family business.Nottingham Forest legend David Johnson, 45, has always been gutted he could not shoot the club back into the Premier League when they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Sheffield United back in 2003.
      Brennan Johnson celebrates Forest’s shootout triumph with keeper Brice Samba
      David Johnson with his son Brennan who has followed in his Forest footsteps
      Johnson snr scored twice but they got edged out 5-4 on aggregate.
      But 19 years later his boy also netted twice against the Blades — only this time they prevailed after winning a thrilling tie on penalties — and today only Huddersfield stand in their way of returning to the top flight after 23 years.
      And Johnson snr told SunSport: “Wembley is the mecca of world football and I’m going to be so nervous watching Brennan playing there in front of almost 90,000.
      “It’s been tough watching him play because I can’t control anything. I just tell him, ‘Express yourself and enjoy it.’ Then everything is down to him.
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      “If it’s anything to go by last Tuesday night at the City Ground against Sheffield United it’s going to be an horrendous 90 minutes to watch.
      “When you’re in such a huge arena at such a young age in a big occasion, it’s tough. But Brennan can’t wait and this could be a defining moment in his career.”
      Johnson Jr netted in the first leg in a 2-1 win over the Blades and put Forest 3-1 up on aggregate early on in the second leg but a stunning comeback brought the scores back to 3-3 before keeper Brice Samba saved three penalties in the shootout.
      And his dad, who came through the Manchester United ranks with the likes of David Beckham, said: “Brennan has never been nervous before but he told me that the second half and extra-time was the worst experience he has had.
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      Young Brennan Johnson (second left) with his dad as one of the Forest mascots
      Brennan Johnson and his proud dad and Forest legend David Johnson
      David Johnson and the SkyBet Championship play-off trophy
      “That just shows you that the occasion at times can take over you.”
      Johnson Sr believes Forest will prevail against a Huddersfield team who will try to spoil their opponents’ attacking football.
      He said: “I think we’ll do it. We’ll play on the front foot and play exciting football. Hopefully the big pitch will exploit the gaps behind Huddersfield. Forest have the goals in their team and I’m predicting a 2-1 win.”
      Whatever happens today, it’s been an excellent breakthrough season for his son. 

      After spending last season on loan at Lincoln, where he lost at Wembley in the League One play-off final to Blackpool, Johnson jnr has been one of the stars of a stunning campaign which has seen the team rise from bottom of the table to today’s final since Steve Cooper took charge in September.
      And his dad explained: “Steve worked out Brennan’s personality quickly. He’s quiet and laid back — and you don’t really have to say much to him
      “They have their one-on-ones and he wants to learn. But sometimes when he hasn’t been playing well, he has to give Brennan a look to say, ‘come on, up your game’.
      “Brennan has virtually played every game and they have that trust between them. So if his level drops, the manager will let him know.”
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      For a local boy like Johnson, promotion will be huge and his dad added: “It’s a club defining moment. It’ll literally change the face of Nottingham to be back in the Premier League.
      “It’s make-or-break. It’s that big and this is an opportunity they can’t miss — but the desire of Brennan and all the players to make history will be there.”DAVID JOHNSON was speaking on behalf of EFL sponsor Sky Bet as part of their Step Up campaign. More

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      Harry Kane shows off footie skills with US chat show host Jimmy Fallon

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      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane showed off his footie skills in a game of table football against US chat show host Jimmy Fallon.The Spurs captain won 2-0 in the Tonight Show match and talked about England’s prospects ahead of the World Cup.
      Harry Kane showed off his footie skills in a game of table football against US chat show host Jimmy FallonCredit: Eroteme
      Harry said: “We’ve got a really good team, really great players, really good coach.
      “We’ve been building really nicely to this World Cup and I’m really looking forward to it.”
      The striker has scored 49 goals for his country, with four behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 in touching distance.
      He added: “Hopefully I can break that goal record once we’re there.”
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      Kane won 2-0 in the Tonight Show match and talked about England’s prospects ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      He said: ‘We’ve got a really good team, really great players, really good coach’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Kane added: ‘We’ve been building really nicely to this World Cup and I’m really looking forward to it’Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Michael Dawson: Steve Cooper has worked wonders to take my old Nottingham Forest pals one game from Premier League

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      WHEN Nottingham Forest last appeared at Wembley I was eight.I’ll be there on Sunday hoping to see the club finally return to the Premier League.
      Michael Dawson played with many of the Nottingham Forest squad last seasonCredit: Rex
      Steve Cooper has worked wonders since arriving at Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      I remember those days in the top division and used to wear a No 22 Forest shirt with Bryan Roy’s name on the back, hoping to one day break into the team myself.
      It’s unbelievable to think the club are one win away from returning to the big time.
      Only a year ago I was in that dressing room with most of these lads.
      And to see where they’ve got to and the job manager Steve Cooper has done, is nothing short of sensational.
      When you think they were bottom of the Championship when he walked in and now it all comes down to a play-off final against a Huddersfield side who have also done brilliantly too.
      As a player who came through the youth ranks to break into the first team, it’s wonderful to see that academy graduates have played a huge part in this turnaround.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ANTIQUE RHODES SHOW .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I never dreamed I could fire Huddersfield into Prem, says Jordan Rhodes
      Regulars Brennan Johnson, Joe Worrall and Ryan Yates have all been excellent — while Alex Mighten has been coming off the bench.
      I’ve known Brennan since he was a baby as I was team-mates with his dad David Johnson.
      But when I came back to the club for my second spell after playing for Tottenham and Hull, he used to come to train with us.
      He was a quiet lad but I always liked him.
      Dawson played for Forest last season and is thrilled to see his old team-mates doing so wellCredit: Rex
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      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      He went on loan to Lincoln last year and has been incredible in his breakthrough season.
      He was named Championship young player of the season — scoring 19 goals in all competitions, with ten league assists.
      And his end product is only going to get better.
      You need players like that in these types of games. I played in the 2016 Championship play-off final for Hull and we had Mohamed Diame. And what an honour it will be for Joe Worrall to lead out the team at Wembley — as it’s his city, his club.
      He has played an awful lot of first-team games (229) for someone who is just 25 — having been out on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge and a big club in Rangers.
      I’ve followed him ever since he broke into the team — he’s quick, can play on the right side of the three, has a lot of self-belief and will be striving to do it for himself, his team, family, friends and fans.
      As for Yatesy, I love him. In terms of his professionalism, I don’t think there is anyone better in that dressing room.
      He’s a grounded lad who wants to learn and works as hard as anyone I know to be as good as he can be. He always had questions and wanted to get the best out of what he had been given.
      I remember coming back here while I was at Spurs and he won young player of the year in the academy. He went out on loan and did it the hard way — going to Barrow, Scunthorpe and Notts County.
      Since Cooper has come in, his physique and muscle mass is bigger.
      As first-team players, we want to be coached, we want to improve and sometimes that does not happen. But Steve has got the best out of Ryan.
      Him and midfielder James Garner complement each other so well.
      You have to give the manager a lot of credit.
      He changed the formation and got the best out of the players he had.
      The team has more freedom and they just go out there to win, believing they can score goals.
      Everyone has bought into his ideas and ways of doing things.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}A TANTASTIC IDEA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I love fake tan and have figured out the perfect way to tan your back
      Nottingham Forest have a rich history — but you can only be a truly big club by being in the Premier League.
      If they get there tomorrow, not many people will be happier than me.
      MICHAEL DAWSON was talking to JUSTIN ALLEN More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Here for fans… and people of Ukraine’ – Klopp says Liverpool ready to send message to Russia in relocated CL final

      by

      WHEN Liverpool and Real Madrid last met in a Champions League final, the beautiful city of Kyiv was the host.We probably spoke about that memorable match as if it were a war — especially with Real’s big bad wolf Sergio Ramos having nobbled Mo Salah and apparently inflicted a concussion on Reds’ fall-guy keeper Loris Karius.
      Jurgen Klopp spoke powerfully and poignantly ahead of the relocated Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid and Liverpool met in the Champions League showdown four years ago in Ukraine, before the Russian invasion
      It wasn’t a war, of course, it was merely the greatest club football match on the planet.
      Four years on, these two European superpowers should have been meeting in St Petersburg.
      After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Uefa’s showpiece was switched to the Stade de France, just north of central Paris.
      When asked about this at the end of his eve-of-match media conference, Jurgen Klopp was momentarily struck dumb.
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      But after thinking long and hard, Klopp answered: “That the game still happens and that it’s not in St Petersburg maybe is exactly the message Russia should get.
      “Life goes on, even when you try to destroy it.
      “We play this final for all the people but as well for the people of Ukraine.”
      It was a sobering reminder, that for all the talk of a Liverpool ‘revenge mission’ after that controversial 3-1 defeat in Kyiv, tonight’s outcome will be nothing more than a glorious distraction on a continent scarred by war.

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      This final comes just a year after the football world was raging against elitism when the European Super League plan was hatched and swiftly wrecked.
      Yet here, tonight, will be the most elitist football match of all time. By the end, these two monsters will have 20 European Cups between them.
      Real boast a record 13 successes, while Liverpool’s haul of six makes them England’s most successful European club by a country mile.
      Here are two clubs who so often seem to be carried through on European nights by the sense of belief which comes from such mighty histories.
      A prime example came in Real’s epic semi-final comeback against Manchester City, when it felt as if the sheer will of the Bernabeu pulled Carlo Ancelotti’s men over the line.
      It was widely anticipated that we would be served up a third all-English final in four seasons — and a clash of ages between the two great Premier League sides of their generation.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LIVERPOOL AT 30/1 OR REAL MADRID AT 40/1
      But Real’s history — both recent and distant — counts for a lot. In this competition, history is rarely bunk.
      Klopp admitted: “Real Madrid are the most decorated club. Some in this team can win it for the fifth time and their manager can win it for the fourth.
      “We cannot buy that sort of experience or get it overnight. But we are here in the final for the third time in five years and that is special, too.”
      Life goes on, even when you try to destroy it.Jurgen Klopp
      Asked which team should be favourites, Klopp replied: “The history and the expectations of Real Madrid and the way they make these great comebacks — which are crazy — I’d say Real Madrid.
      “But I want us to be on the same level, to be thinking on the same level, to be completely ourselves.”
      Ancelotti can surpass Liverpool’s own Bob Paisley and become the first boss to win four European Cups tonight.
      Real beat Liverpool in Kiev as Gareth Bale scored twiceCredit: AFP
      Liverpool are in their third Champions League final in five yearsCredit: Getty
      He has the most feared centre-forward on the planet, Karim Benzema — with ten goals in his last five Champions League matches — the Frenchman sinking Chelsea and City on a one-man mission to disprove the notion of Premier League domination.
      There has been much griping this week in Madrid because Benzema’s international team-mate Kylian Mbappe has decided against his long-expected move to the Bernabeu and opted to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Those moans speak much about Real’s sense of entitlement. That arrogance can sound churlish — but in European Cup finals it can be a huge plus.
      Real haven’t lost one of these since Liverpool defeated them across town at the Parc des Princes way back in 1981.
      Klopp was asked whether he felt the need to do something ‘surprising’ in a match as big as this.
      ‘PUT THINGS RIGHT’
      His answer wasn’t intended as a swipe at his great domestic rival Pep Guardiola — accused of ‘over-thinking’ his City team selections in this competition and especially in last year’s final defeat by Chelsea.
      But, in that context, it was an interesting response.
      “If I do something surprising, the players might think I’m nervous,” said Klopp, “like a rabbit in the headlights.
      “But if you do things all the time and you’re successful, they must be the right thing.”
      Asked about that 2018 defeat in Kyiv, Klopp insisted that while “we want to put things right”, it would never be his team’s prime motivation.
      He added that while 2018 was important, 2019, when Liverpool defeated Tottenham in this fixture, was “more important”.
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      It was a measured response. After all, even Ramos isn’t in the same league as Vladimir Putin.
      This may be the greatest club fixture of the year, between two of the mightiest clubs on Earth, but it is still just a game of football.
      Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino are eyeing revenge for the 2018 defeatCredit: Getty
      Karim Benzema and Carlo Ancelotti are looking to write another chapter of Champions League historyCredit: Getty More

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      I saw first-hand why Real Madrid are kings of Europe… but there’s one reason I think Liverpool will win, says Woodgate

      by

      JONATHAN WOODGATE is in no doubt about the pecking order in football’s elite hierarchy.“There’s Manchester United, Liverpool of course, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus,” he tells SunSport.
      Jonathan Woodgate saws during his spell at Real Madrid why the club are Euro royaltyCredit: Getty
      Woodgate had an underwhelming time on the pitch in MadridCredit: AFP
      Woodgate believes Virgil van Dijk will be key to victory for LiverpoolCredit: AP
      “But Real Madrid are top of the pile. Even bigger than United.”
      The 42-year-old would say that, having played for the Spanish giants during an illustrious, though injury-plagued, career.
      But Woody insists there is documented proof his former club are the best of the very, very best.
      He adds: “The fact they could be crowned European champions for the 14th time if they beat Liverpool says it all.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LIVERPOOL VS REAL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the crucial info you need for MASSIVE Champions League final in Paris
      “There is something unique about that football club. It has an aura about it.
      “They are football royalty and across the world, whenever Real Madrid are in town, it’s a huge occasion.
      “Remember when you were a kid and you’re going to grandma and grandpa’s for Sunday dinner, you’d always dress smartly. It’s a bit like that with Real.”
      And that perhaps explains why 18 years ago, Woodgate, then a cornerstone of a high-flying Newcastle side, broke Sir Bobby Robson’s heart by swapping the Toon for Madrid.
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      The Geordies were chasing Champions League qualification and — with Alan Shearer banging in the goals at one end and Shay Given, Woodgate and Co stopping them at the other — prospects were bright on Tyneside.
      But when Real came calling, there was no dilemma inside the player’s head.
      He says: “I remember Sir Bobby telling me they wanted to sign me.
      “I can’t forget what happened next. He looked at me and said, ‘I don’t want you to go, son’.
      “But it was a no-brainer. You don’t turn down Real Madrid. I don’t think any footballer in the world would.
      “So I replied, ‘I know you want me to stay, gaffer, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’. As a football man, he understood.”

      Woodgate arrived in the Spanish capital carrying an injury, the centre-back did not play for the next 12 months and when he finally did make his debut, he scored an own goal and was sent off.
      Despite a brief spell when he was lauded for his classy displays alongside Sergio Ramos, fitness issues continued to dog the player and he eventually joined home-town club Middlesbrough on loan before going on to seal a permanent deal at the Riverside.
      Woodgate knows he played too few games for Real and a chronic injury record meant his entire senior career was largely unfulfilled.
      But nothing can take away the magic of having played alongside Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and David Beckham.
      He adds: “You felt special playing for that club.
      “I know Atletico Madrid are big in their own right but living there, you felt the whole city was behind Real.
      “The two sports papers devoted the first 15 pages to what was happening and — apart from closed sessions — more than 50 cameras would turn up for training each day.
      “Everyone talks about the Galacticos and it is true that Real had some superstars in that dressing room but when you got to know them, they were just normal, everyday guys.”
      What was not normal, however, was the unique pressure of pulling on that pristine Madrid shirt.
      Woodgate adds: “When I was at Leeds, I learnt that Don Revie had changed the kit to all white so that the team looked like Real Madrid.
      “But there’s something about the original, isn’t there? The badge, the trimmings and it seems to have a whiteness all of its own.
      “There’s probably not a more recognisable football strip in the world. But to wear it carries responsibility.
      Woodgate infamously scored an own goal and was sent off on his Madrid debutCredit: Getty
      “Winning is everything at that club, in training and of course on matchdays. Second is nowhere. That was hammered into us from the moment we arrived. There aren’t too many clubs in sport where winning is such an obsession.”
      Woodgate saw Real Madrid knock out Paris Saint-Germain this season and was also present to see his former club shatter Manchester City’s dream of a first Champions League crown.
      And he believes it was that winning mentality which came to the fore in the closing minutes of all those ties.
      He says: “There’s no denying City should have been out of sight after the first leg and then in the second, they controlled the first 85 minutes.
      “But that competition does something for Real Madrid. I was fortunate to play at the Bernabeu on European nights and it really is a quite extraordinary experience.
      “We witnessed that in that dramatic finale against City. No one but Real could have done what they did that night.”
      Which brings us to this year’s final between Real and Liverpool, where Woodgate briefly joined the scouting team after hanging up his boots.
      He says: “A clash of two glory teams. Both European aristocrats.
      “There are wonderful players on each side but I believe the outcome rests on one individual.
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      “If Virgil van Dijk is 100 per cent fit, Liverpool win, if he isn’t, they lose. Simple as that.
      “The guy is world class, probably the best centre-half on the planet. No disrespect to anyone else but his fitness holds the key.” More

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      I never dreamed I could fire Huddersfield into Premier League, beating Forest would be a fairy tale, says Jordan Rhodes

      by

      JORDAN RHODES rejoined Huddersfield last summer to recreate happy memories — but never thought he could help fire them into the Premier League.The striker is in his second spell with ­the Terriers having scored 87 goals from 129 starts during his previous stint — which saw him win promotion from League One.
      Jordan Rhodes is aiming to complete the fairy tale by firing Huddersfield back into the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      And after scoring a spectacular winner against Luton to set up tomorrow’s £200million winner-takes-all final with Nottingham Forest, he told SunSport: “Getting into the Premier League with Huddersfield would be a fairytale.”
      The Scot returned after being released by Sheffield Wednesday following their relegation from the Championship.
      Asked if he thought then the team were realistically going to mount a promotion challenge, Rhodes said: “No one set going up as a target but it was something that became more probable.
      “We’ve ended third in the league and are now in the play-off final.”
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BETTING PREVIEW .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Huddersfield v Forest free bets and sign up offers for play-off final
      Rhodes, 32, was already a Terriers legend for his previous exploits. They included scoring an eight-minute hat-trick of headers against Exeter in 2010 — beating Dixie Dean’s record at Everton from the 1930s.
      He became the first Huddersfield player to net back-to-back hat-tricks since the 1920s in 2011. The striker was top scorer three seasons in a row and won League One player of the season in 2012.
      And he said: “I returned because of the great memories — being able to walk out on a pitch where I’ve scored goals, played well and had seasons where we’d been successful as a club.
      “It was a desire to want to replicate the good old days — and it’s great being back.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “It’ll be fantastic for the whole club and town to get that win on Sunday.”
      Rhodes suffered a fractured back after two league games and sat out four months.
      And he admitted: “I overdid it in the summer — trained hard to come back in the best physical shape but I had this niggling injury in pre-season and couldn’t shake it off.
      “I had it scanned, got the bad news and had a few months doing nothing because there’s not much you can do with a fractured back.
      “But the body is now feeling better — nice and fresh — because I had that good rest.”
      Rhodes has played a supporting role since returning —  making 17 substitute appearances in the league and six starts.
      But he is in form with three goals in his last five games.
      He said: “I always strive to do my best — whether that be helping people out day to day, encouraging them, being enthusiastic.
      “If there’s a role to start then great but if it’s coming off the bench to impact the game, whether it be to see out a match, score or create a chance, I’m happy to do that, too.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LIVERPOOL AT 30/1 OR REAL MADRID AT 40/1
      “Everything I do is geared to hopefully getting Huddersfield promotion.”
      Rhodes has certainly made an impact. In the 793 Championship minutes he has played, the team have scored 17 goals and conceded only six — and in all the time he has spent on the pitch since January the team have let in just one.
      He laughed: “That makes me sound like a good defensive striker. But the one thing I’ve got better at and developed is being a nuisance  — throwing myself around and being annoying for the defenders.
      “As I’ve gotten older, every ball matters when it’s up there. Even when it’s not in my favour, I can tip it our way.
      “If I can’t win the ball, hopefully it drops to someone else in the team.”
      Huddersfield also have players with Wembley experience.
      Rhodes, himself, played in the League One final against Sheffield United when Huddersfield won promotion ten years ago — and admits it will help ahead of this weekend’s clash.
      He said: “We were going through the team the other day.
      Rhodes, left, helped win play-off promotion from League One with the Terriers in 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
      The striker celebrated with supporters after reaching WembleyCredit: Reuters
      “Jonathan Hogg got promoted with Huddersfield to the Premier League in the play-offs five years ago.
      “Fraizer Campbell went up with Hull. Duane Holmes was injured but was involved with Derby.
      “Tom Lees has been there with Sheffield Wednesday. Hopefully that’ll take away any nerves or apprehension.”
      Boss Carlos Corberan has done a fantastic job this season after a difficult first year.
      Rhodes admitted: “He doesn’t get close to us on a human level but definitely does on a professional one.
      “There are meetings every day before and after training. We have one-to-one time, too.
      “It’s always made clear exactly what the manager wants. There’s never a day we don’t interact with him.”
      But how does he cope as an older player with Corberan’s gruelling training sessions?
      PORTUGAL PREP
      The Terriers ace said: “It helps us older ones more because we’re keeping our bodies moving and high speeds up.
      “Every individual has his own target to hit. I’ve never had that scenario but it keeps me in the best physical shape I’ve ever been.”
      After beating Luton in the semi-finals, Huddersfield flew to Portugal for warm-weather training in the Algarve — and the players took their families.
      Rhodes said: “It was fantastic to see the lads with their wives, girlfriends and families and seeing the dynamics of that, such as each other’s children playing together. 
      “I don’t think too many people spoke about the play-off final.”
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The 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      They are all focused on it now, though.
      And Rhodes said: “Hopefully we can put in a performance that makes everyone from Huddersfield proud — and have even more reason to celebrate next week’s wonderful bank holiday weekend.” More

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      in Soccer

      From models to a Little Mix star, meet the WAGS in the stands as Liverpool take on Real Madrid in Champions League final

      by

      THEY don’t call it the beautiful game for nothing.Excitement is at fever pitch ahead of tonight’s Champions League Final.
      Excitement is at fever pitch ahead of the Champions League FinalCredit: AFP
      And these stunning Wags will be cheering on their other halves when Liverpool take on Spain’s Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris for the biggest match of the season.
      As the saying goes, behind every man is a great woman, so we kick off the interest early with the lowdown on some of the players’ wives and girlfriends who provide them with much-needed support at home.
      From a doctor and architect to a world-famous singer and a reality TV star, this lot are in a league of their own . . .
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on Champions 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LIVERPOOL VS REAL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the crucial info you need for MASSIVE Champions League final in Paris
      Mishel Gerzig – goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
      Mishel Gerzig and Thibaut Courtois were first spotted together in 2020
      IT’S not hard to see why Israeli model Mishel, 25, caught the eye of the Belgian goalie, 30, who slid into her DMs on Instagram.
      The pair were first spotted together in Ibiza after Belgium were knocked out of Euro 2020.
      Cora Gauthier – striker Karim Benzema
      Cora Gauthier and Karim Benzema have a son together
      MODEL Cora, 32, has worked for the likes of Dior and has 100,000 Instagram followers.
      Born in Martinique, she met French striker, Karim, 34, in Dubai in 2015 and they tied the knot the following year.
      The pair have son Ibrahim, 5, together.
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      Karoline Lima – defender Eder Militao
      Karoline Lima and Eder Militao confirmed their relationship last year
      BRAZILIANS Karoline and Eder, 24, confirmed their relationship last year with a loved-up snap on a yacht.
      The 36-year-old influencer is due to give birth to their first child and has been sharing snaps of her growing bump.

      Sandra Garal – forward Marco Asensio
      Sandra Garal met Marco Asensio while working as a nightclub waitress
      SANDRA met Marco, 26, while working as a waitress in a nightclub in 2019.
      The Spanish couple managed to keep their relationship a secret for months.
      The 28-year-old, who studied architecture in Madrid, now models and has 280,000 Instagram followers.
      Maria Julia Mazalli – forward Vinicius Junior
      Maria Julia Mazalli started dating Vinicius Junior in 2019
      AN eagle-eyed fan revealed the 21-year-old winger was dating Maria in 2019 after they each posted selfies in the same bathroom.
      The 26-year-old influencer found fame on Brazilian reality show, Holiday With The Ex in 2017.
      Natalia Becker – goalkeeper Alisson Becker
      Natalia Becker met Alisson Becker in their native Brazil in 2012
      BRAINY Natalia, 31, met Alisson, 29, in their native Brazil in 2012 while she was studying to become a doctor.
      They married in 2015 and moved to Liverpool three years later.
      They have three kids – Helena, five, Matteo, two, and Rafael, one.
      Larissa Pereira – striker Roberto Firmino
      Larissa Pereira and Roberto Firmino were married in 2017
      THE model married Roberto, 30, in their home country of Brazil in 2017 after three years together.
      As well as being a mum to their three daughters, the 29-year-old is an entrepreneur, having founded fashion brand BeValen Store.
      Rike Nooitgedagt – defender Virgil van Dijk
      Rike Nooitgedagt and Virgil van Dijk were childhood sweethearts and wed in 2017
      FIERCELY private Rike, 28, gave up her job as a fashion sales manager to support the 30-year-old Dutch ace when he signed to Celtic in 2013.
      The childhood sweethearts wed in 2017 and have kids Nila, eight, and Jadi, six.
      Rute Cardoso – forward Diogo Jota
      Rute Cardoso and Diogo Jota were childhood sweethearts
      CHILDHOOD sweethearts Rute, 26, and Diogo, 25, met at school in their native Portugal.
      Rute seems to have settled well into life in the UK and even admitted to being a fan of Peaky Blinders.
      The couple have a one-year-old son called Dinis.
      Perrie Edwards – midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards have become one of the hottest showbiz couples
      THE Little Mix star and Alex, both 28, have become one of the hottest showbiz couples since they started dating in 2016.
      They welcomed son, Axel, in August, and Perrie looked incredible on the girl band’s recent Confetti Tour.
      Saffie Khan – midfielder Curtis Jones
      Saffie Khan and Curtis Jones went Instagram official last year
      THE couple went Instagram official last year, but it is believed they have been dating since 2019.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WHAT THE FROCK! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I paid £24 for my Shein wedding dress – it’s so glam & looked so expensive
      Saffie is signed to M Models Management and lives with Curtis, 21.
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      I stand by my Forest strike, but I love the club and will be cheering them on vs Huddersfield, says Pierre van Hooijdonk

      by

      PIERRE VAN HOOIJDONK will be digging out his Nottingham Forest scarf and hoping for a big celebration tomorrow — just like he had 24 years ago.Then it was on the City Ground pitch as he was mobbed at the end of their final home game.
      Pierre van Hooijdonk fired Nottingham Forest to promotion but later went on strikeCredit: Rex
      The former Netherlands international still holds the club dear to his heartCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
      Forest had clinched promotion to the top flight powered by his incredible 29 league goals.
      While things would turn sour the following season he has never forgotten that 1997-98 campaign, the last time Forest fans had anything to really shout about.
      Van Hooijdonk said: “It was a great season and what’s happening now reminds me a lot of that time.
      “The atmosphere in the ground is fantastic just as it was then. They also have a great team as we did.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BETTING PREVIEW .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Huddersfield v Forest free bets and sign up offers for play-off final
      “It was an incredible race to get over the line then with ourselves, Middlesbrough and Sunderland all pushing each other. We clinched the second promotion spot but it was a real tough run.”
      The following season was their last in the Premier League. They have not been near a return, not even a play-off final, until now.
      Van Hooijdonk, 52, said: “It is unbelievable for a club of that size and history. I remember growing up watching their two European Cup final wins.
      “I still remember the song We’ve Got The Whole World In Our Hands with the players names put in the lyrics.
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      “When I was there I could always sense that history from Brian Clough’s days.”
      Glory days for this club seem, and are, a very long time ago.
      Which is probably why there is this outpouring of emotion in Nottingham now as they are finally on the verge of being back among the big boys.
      They are in tomorrow’s play-off final against Huddersfield courtesy of a tense semi-final second leg penalty shootout win over Sheffield United.
      Van Hooijdonk, now a successful TV pundit in Holland, said: “I was watching it. Incredible! I love these end-of-season games.
      “I still felt part of it because it was Forest. I just hope they can get the job done now.
      “I watched Huddersfield’s semi- final first leg against Luton and did not think they looked as good as Forest.
      “This is a very exciting team Steve Cooper has and up front Brennan Johnson is fantastic.
      If I had been an ass I would never have stayed and helped the club get promotionPierre van Hooijdonk
      “The only way they will lose is if they choke. It can happen.”
      Talking so positively about Forest it is easy to forget Van Hooijdonk famously went on strike for the first three months of the season after they were promoted.
      He wants people to understand why. He had arrived at the end of the 1996-97 season but could not stop them from going down.
      The following season he stayed to get them up. But he did not enjoy the coaching under then-manager Dave Bassett and believes the club also reneged on an agreement to let him go after the promotion.
      Van Hooijdonk said: “I realised in the December of that promotion season that I was not going to improve as a player.
      “I always wanted to push myself and while the games were great there was nothing happening in training in between.
      “Some of the players might have liked that and been used to it but I wasn’t.
      “There was an offer for me from PSV Eindhoven in the December but the club asked me to stay to help them go up and then they would let me go.
      Van Hooijdonk puts in a tackle on now-England manager Gareth Southgate back in 1999Credit: Getty
      Brice Samba and Brennan Johnson celebrate reaching this weekend’s finalCredit: Getty
      “I kept to my side of the bargain but when Newcastle came in for me that summer with a £7million offer they asked for £10m and the chance was gone.
      “Meanwhile our captain Colin Cooper was sold to Middlesbrough and Kevin Campbell was sold to Trabzonspor.”
      Van Hooijdonk did eventually come back but the team was in a mess and heading out of the league.
      He added: “When I came back I met with all the players, explained myself and said if anyone had an issue to speak up.
      “Only Geoff Thomas said he did not agree with what I had done and we had a discussion.
      “They all knew the sort of person I was. If I had been an ass I would never have stayed and helped the club get promotion.
      “For some fans, of course, the relationship did not recover but I want them to understand and know I still remember that promotion season so fondly and I will be cheering them on this Sunday.
      “They play good football and if they go up I believe they have the right structure in the way they play, similar to Brentford, to stay up. I hope it all happens.”
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      Van Hooijdonk will be at Wembley. Well, not Pierre, but his son Sydney.
      The 22-year-old plays for Bologna, but like his dad, this weekend, he will be a Forest fan. More