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      Ex-Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber on Tykes success, NY Red Bulls, MLS kids and Premier League dreams

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      GERHARD STRUBER has watched from afar the unfathomable rise of Barnsley.But the Austrian has no doubts about the part he played in helping the Tykes believe they could jump from relegation probables to promotion possibles.
      Struber left Barnsley for Credit: Alamy
      Struber worked miracles at Barnsley last season as they escaped the Championship’s bottom three on the final dayCredit: Rex
      Bottom of the Championship and seven points adrift in November 2019, Struber’s arrival in south Yorkshire sparked an incredible survival drive, escaping the bottom three on the final day.
      The new season brought new hope, but a poor start saw Struber question the ambition of the Barnsley owners in the transfer market as he left for MLS side New York Red Bulls on October 6.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared since under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 games.
      Asked whether this was always a team capable of reaching those heights, Struber admitted: “I pushed the boys in the right way and right direction and gave them an identity of football helpful for success and development. This was my big duty.”
      The 44-year-old coach continued: “When I look back to Barnsley it was the biggest difference to the Austrian league or the European leagues.
      “We had so many games and you had to look at how you managed and handled the situation.
      “This was a big learning curve for me, especially handling boys from England.
      “I like so much working with the culture of English players. They have a very good attitude and it’s a good feeling to work with such ambitious players.
      “In the end they had a big belief in what we did and this was very interesting to see and also for me to learn from for my next step.”
      His next step was a more of a gigantic leap across the Atlantic to MLS giants NY Red Bulls – just the latest move in a few meteoric years for the young coach.
      From coaching Red Bull Salzburg’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League in 2017 to taking charge of one of America’s largest and most successful sides.
      And it was while getting his Pro License that he moulded his fast and efficient “synchronised pressing” playing style and philosophy during educational trips to Germany and Italy.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 gamesCredit: PA

      Two losses against Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy to kick off the MLS campaign was not an ideal start before their first win against Chicago Fire, but preparing a young side during the pandemic has been tough.
      Struber said: “We need patience, we need the right time but we have big ambitions to win trophies in the end. Right now, we are realistic and work very hard for our vision.
      “The goal is to play very attractive and win football games. We will be very successful in the next few years.”
      NY Red Bulls currently have several young English talents on their roster, including Stoke City defender Tom Edwards, Crystal Palace academy graduate Mandela Egbo and former Brentford and Southend midfielder Dru Yearwood.
      Struber explained: “In England you must be a top talent to have the chance to get game time with a club like Southampton or Liverpool or Manchester City. It’s not so easy.
      “But the MLS can be a very good first step in a big professional career. It gives young players a good platform.
      “We can develop young players in a modern direction where they have a big market in the future. In the end, it’s always good when the clubs can make very good deals with players.
      “We have the fantasy that they can play in top leagues in Europe. That is the Red Bull way.”
      After several years of plane-hopping from club to club – and with his family arriving in New York in the summer – Struber is ready to settle and plan for the future with NY Red Bulls.
      But there remains a hole in his heart where English football once was – and has dreams of one day emulating managerial hero Jurgen Klopp.
      He said: “I never forget England. The atmosphere in the stadium I remember with a good feeling and this is a league that is very attractive.
      “It is a big dream for every coach to work in the Premier League. Right now, I have my big focus here in this club with all my energy and we will see what comes in the future.”
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      in Soccer

      Man City star Phil Foden left devastated after pal and trusted advisor Richard Green passes away

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      PHIL FODEN was left devastated by the loss of his adviser, lawyer and trusted friend Richard Green.The managing director of 1810 Sports Limited died last month aged 56, leaving behind his wife and three children.
      Phil Foden has been left devastated at the loss of close friend and adviser Richard GreenCredit: Reuters
      Green had a major effect on Foden’s career and was considered part of the player’s family.
      But the City midfielder faces a massive decision.
      There is now a race among agents — including all of the big firms — to lure the player, even though he is contracted to  Liverpool-based 1810.
      Foden signed a new contract with City in 2018 but that was before the England international took his game to new levels.
      This means that more contract negotiations are in the pipeline with his advisers.
      While Foden’s form has improved, the same cannot be said for Raheem Sterling, who has been struggling.
      Many believe this is linked to his off-field issues as he is currently without an agent.
      With two years left on his deal, Sterling would normally be in the process of talking over an extension.
      Kevin De Bruyne is also without an agent but he used a lawyer while personally negotiating a new contract.
      Fulham’s impressive new stand (left) is expected to be complete by 2022Credit: Getty
      FULHAM are on course to complete their impressive new stand in the summer of 2022.
      The £100million Fulham Pier project started with the demolition of the old stand in 2019 and some seats in the new structure could be used next season.
      Initially, the  scheme was due to be finished ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. The 8,000-seat stand will increase the Craven Cottage capacity to 29,600  and include a rooftop swimming pool and boutique hotel.
      There will also be a new walkway behind it, which  means the public can travel from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge without having to divert around the streets near the stadium.
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      ARSENAL have not covered themselves in glory with some of their transfer dealings, but expect that to change.
      Jason Ayto is the  player recruitment co-ordinator and the club is now using analytics more than ever.
      Arsenal’s scouting network took the brunt of the job cuts earlier in the season. Equally, the traditional idea of having scouts worldwide is no longer as important due to the increased use of data.
      In the next couple of transfer windows expect a few arrivals that will cost a lot less than £72million Nicolas Pepe but that will  be a lot more successful.

      CHELSEA midfielder Mateo Kovacic  set up a Twitter account . . . to announce he was  boycotting social media.
      Kovacic arrived on the platform —  complete with blue tick — to announce “something needs to change”.
      It was his first and only post although he now has approaching 10,000 followers.
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      in Soccer

      Man Utd protester snorts white powder off stolen Old Trafford corner flag after invading pitch

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      A PROTESTER who ran across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flag was later filmed sniffing a suspicious white powder off it.In scenes that’ll do nothing for his cause, he was shown outside the ground emptying the substance on the bottom of the pole.
      A protester was pictured running across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flagCredit: AFP
      He was later filmed sprinkling a suspicious white powder on to the flag pole
      After appearing to snort it, he holds up the flag — bearing the club’s crest — and shouts “United” while laughing into the camera.
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: “Striped off the flag.”
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer family, in the wake of the failed European Super League proposals.
      Around 100 stormed the pitch. Others massed at the hotel where United players were staying.
      The match against Liverpool was postponed.
      Police said six officers were hurt, including one who suffered a fractured eye socket and another whose face was slashed.
      Assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said: “We fully respect the right for peaceful protest. But it soon became clear many present had no intention of doing so peacefully.”
      The grinning supporter showed off the club crest on the flag
      The fan appeared to sniff white powder off the flag base

      United denied claims that staff had opened a stadium gate for protesters and insisted they had smashed their way in.
      PM Boris Johnson, who was anti-Super League, said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to have disruptive behaviour.
      “But I do understand people’s strength of feeling.”
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: ‘Striped off the flag’
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer familyCredit: PA
      Around 100 fans stormed the pitch while others massed at the hotel where United players were stayingCredit: Getty
      Police said six officers were hurt in the protestsCredit: Reuters
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      in Soccer

      Premier League and FA join forces as they unveil plans to crush any future plots to launch breakaway Super League

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      THE Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
      Football fans were outraged after plans to join the European Super League were revealedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
      A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
      “These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
      The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup.
      FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
      A Wembley spokesperson said: “We have been discussing legislation with Government that would allow us to prevent any similar threat in the future so we can protect the English football pyramid.”
      The crisis brought English football’s ruling parties together — and the involvement of the Government and its threatened “legislative bombshell” helped torpedo the breakaway plans in the space of 48 hours.
      And the Prem clarified the specific steps it intends to take and force on to the rulebook at this summer’s AGM, to come into immediate effect.
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      It pledged to bring in new rules to “protect open competition” and an owners’ charter that must be signed by all club bosses “committing them to the core principles of the League” — or they will face “significant sanctions”.
      A statement read: “The Premier League, supported by The FA, is taking the following actions to protect our game, our clubs and their fans from further disruption and uncertainty:
      “Additional rules and regulation to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected.
      “A new Owners’ Charter that all club owners will be required to sign up to, committing them to the core principles of the Premier League.
      “Breaches of these rules and the Charter will be subject to significant sanctions.
      “We are enlisting the support of Government to bring in appropriate legislation to protect football’s open pyramid, principles of sporting merit and the integrity of the football community.
      “And we will work with the fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to defend the integrity and future prospects of English Football.”
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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez says his four children will stop him turning into another fallen boxing hero ahead of Saunders showdown

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      BOXING’S biggest superstar believes his iron will and four bambinos will stop him joining the sport’s long list of tragic fallen heroes.Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is a 30-year-old four-weight world champion, the biggest cash cow in the hurt business and a national icon in fight-mad Mexico.
      Family man Canelo has vowed never to become a boxing fallen hero as he keeps his feet on the ground
      Canelo believes his four children will help him remain grounded and avoid the pitfalls many sporting legends have fallen foul of in the past
      And the pound-for-pound No1 will own three of the four super-middleweight titles if he can beat brilliant undefeated Brit and WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders in Texas on Saturday.
      But the flame-haired powerhouse, who made his pro bow aged just 15, insists he will never fall into the traps that left too many legends before him bankrupt, broken-down and doomed.
      Canelo earned around £15 for his fighting debut in 2005.
      And when asked how the 11-fight £280million deal he signed in 2018 did not corrupt the youngest of eight kids, he said: “I believe that you are born with a certain mentality and I think that I have that. 
      “It is not really hard for me to continue in that line. 
      “I know what I want and I know that to stay on that path I need discipline and to be grounded and I believe that’s the sort of mentality you’re born with.
      “My kids will be the ones that keep me grounded. I always think about them before I make any decisions. 
      “I know the repercussions and the impact that it will have in their life so they are the ones I always think of first.”
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      Canelo signed an 11-fight £280million deal he signed in 2018 after earning just £15 for his first bout in 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      How Canelo and Saunders compare ahead of their bout
      🥊 CANELO VS SAUNDERS: TV, live stream and start time info ahead of the big fight

      The hardest game really is a family business for Canelo.
      All six of his older brothers fought for money and the boxing brood is in the Guinness Book of Records for all seven being on the same 2008 card, with Canelo one of four winners.
      So he never hesitates in letting his three daughters and baby son Saul Jr watch him in action, as they have to learn where their luxurious lifestyle comes from.
      Canelo said: “Yes they are allowed to watch me fight live. This is what their dad does and they have to watch and support it.
      “They really admire what I do so ys, they do watch live.”
      The Guadalajara gunslinger has now slain SIX Brits in his illustrious career.
      And the 2018 win over Liverpool’s Rocky Fielding looks even more impressive as it has since been revealed he negotiated the release of his kidnapped brother just days before the three-round demolition.
      But the 58-fight veteran, with a 2013 points loss to Floyd Mayweather the only defeat, can handle the hottest situations as has ice running through his veins from the family’s other trade.

      Canelo said: “My father used to sell ice creams from a truck and I used to help him make them from when I was five to 17 years old.
      “Then my family told me to start just devoting my time to boxing. But yeah, I did help him in the ice cream business.
      “I used to eat them all of the time.I could eat a litre of shaved ice all by myself in just three minutes.”
      Even with the best record in British boxing and world titles at 11st 7lbs and 12st, Saunders remains an unfulfilled talent.
      In wins over Andy Lee and David Lemieux the 31-year-old Hatfields man oozed class and flashes of power but his natural talent has allowed him to coast in too many underwhelming bouts.
      The southpaw has become more infamous for his trash talk than his quality boxing but Canelo is ready for both this week.
      He said: “I think he is a little bit more complicated as a fighter than some of my previous opponents.
      “He’s complicated, he is left handed, his movement is good, so it’s going to be a tough one in the early rounds.
      “He might try to get under my skin but he won’t achieve that.”
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      in Soccer

      Manchester United protester snorts white powder off stolen club corner flag

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      A PROTESTER who ran across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flag was later filmed sniffing a suspicious white powder off it.In scenes that will do nothing for his cause, he was shown outside the ground emptying the substance on the bottom of the pole.
      A protester was pictured running across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flagCredit: AFP
      He was later filmed sprinkling a suspicious white powder on to the flag pole
      After appearing to snort it, he holds up the flag — bearing the club’s crest — and shouts “United” while laughing into the camera.
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: “Striped off the flag.”
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer family, in the wake of the failed European Super League proposals.
      Around 100 stormed the pitch. Others massed at the hotel where United players were staying.
      The match against Liverpool was postponed.
      Police said six officers were hurt, including one who suffered a fractured eye socket and another whose face was slashed.
      Assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said: “We fully respect the right for peaceful protest. But it soon became clear many present had no intention of doing so peacefully.”
      The grinning supporter showed off the club crest on the flag
      The fan appeared to sniff white powder off the flag base

      United denied claims that staff had opened a stadium gate for protesters and insisted they had smashed their way in.
      PM Boris Johnson, who was anti-Super League, said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to have disruptive behaviour.
      “But I do understand people’s strength of feeling.”
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: ‘Striped off the flag’
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer familyCredit: PA
      Around 100 fans stormed the pitch while others massed at the hotel where United players were stayingCredit: Getty
      Police said six officers were hurt in the protestsCredit: Reuters
      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm pitch in protest against Glazers More

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      Leicester City star James Maddison reveals he’s going to be a dad for the first time

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      ENGLAND midfielder James Maddison has revealed he is going to be a dad for the first time.The Leicester City ace, 24, and partner Kennedy Alexa, 26, are expecting a boy in the autumn.
      James Maddison has revealed he is going to be a dad for the first timeCredit: PA
      James and partner Kennedy Alexa are expecting a boy in the autumnCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      James got a Leicester shirt featuring his squad number ten printed with “Daddy” on the back to announce the news.
      He posted online: “Can’t wait to meet you son.
      “Extremely excited to become a father. Bring on the sleepless nights.”

      English-born model Kennedy — who moved to the UK from LA — added: “We’re both over the moon and can’t wait to meet our sweet baby boy.”
      The couple have been together for a year.
      Maddison previously dated Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, 21.
      James got a Leicester shirt featuring his squad number ten printed with “Daddy” on the back to announce the newsCredit: Instagram
      James and Kennedy have been together for over a yearCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa
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      in Soccer

      Toni Rudiger hands Chelsea massive boost with German set to don protective mask to face Real Madrid in Champions League

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      TONI RUDIGER will have to wear a protective mask against Real Madrid on Wednesday.The centre-back suffered a facial injury at the end of the 1-1 semi-final first- leg draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
      Toni Rudiger will have to wear a protective mask against Real MadridCredit: Rex
      He missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham but trained with a mask on the morning of the match.
      In 2007, former Blues captain John Terry wore one against Valencia just 72 hours after undergoing a cheek operation.
      But there is bad news as Mateo Kovacic has not recovered from a muscle injury which has kept him out for a month.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “For Toni, he can play with a mask, so it’s just about getting used to it.
      “For Kovacic he felt something. It’s very likely he will not make it.
      “But I’m very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final. We feel ready for a big fight.”
      Talisman Sergio Ramos could be back after knee and calf injuries.

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      Chelsea boss Tuchel was asked whether he will change his tactics if the Real Madrid skipper plays.
      He added: “Maybe we will play with no striker at all and Ramos has nothing to fight against.
      “I have not made my mind up yet. Let’s wait and see if he’s fit.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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