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      How soccer ace Frank Worthington bedded a different woman every night – but had no regrets

      by

      FORMER England striker Frank Worthington was a legend for strutting his stuff at clubs across the land and satisfying adoring fans with his keepy-uppy.The question always lingered, though, how much of a star Frank would have been if he’d reserved those skills for the football pitch.
      Ladies man Frank Worthington has died aged 72Credit: Mirrorpix
      The former striker, pictured with George Best and Alex Higgins, was known as ‘the working man’s Best’Credit: Raymonds Press Agency
      The cult hero passed away after a long battle with dementia
      For this mercurial talent, who has died at the age of 72, was just as well known for his inexhaustible exploits in the bedroom and on the dancefloor as his prowess in front of goal.
      He boasted of sleeping with a different woman every night, bedding a teenager followed by her mother and dating a string of beauties.
      They included Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies, his first wife Birgitta who won Miss Sweden and his second spouse Carol Dwyer, who had been a Page 3 Girl.
      And when he was asked to name his ‘previous clubs’ he answered: “The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.”
      A flamboyant maverick, who sported flowing long hair, a manicured moustache, medallion and John Travolta flares, Frank’s passion for the high life cost him his chance to reach the very top.
      A record breaking deal to sign for Liverpool in 1972 fell through because two weeks of sex and partying left him with high blood pressure.
      While his England caps ended at just eight after manager Don Revie discovered Frank had ignored a strict curfew by going out drinking and gambling at a casino.
      BORN TO PLAY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      Frank, who played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds United, also confessed to taking cocaine and nearly drove a car off a cliff in Spain.
      Extravagant spending, including buying a Ford Mustang and drinking champagne at breakfast, left him bankrupt when he couldn’t pay the taxman.
      Frank played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
      But he wouldn’t have changed anything.
      Frank said: “Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Why should I? I never have regrets. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.”
      A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game.
      The West Yorkshireman, from the village of Shelf near Bradford, was the son of two football players, with his dad Eric turning out for Halifax Town and mum Alice for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
      He quickly made a big impression at his first club Huddersfield Town, scoring 41 goals in 171 appearances.
      I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Why should I?Frank Worthington
      Huddersfield were not exactly a glamour club, but that didn’t stop Frank becoming a major attraction.
      Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: “I was pulling girls every night. Sometimes I’d wonder if they were with me because I was Frank Worthington, the footballer, or if they genuinely fancied me as a bloke.
      “But I soon realised this didn’t matter a damn.”
      He kept a flat in Leeds so the club did not know about his “nocturnal activities” or that he was “abusing my body” by staying out late.
      Frank was a notorious ladies man until he eventually settled down with his second wife Carol DwyerCredit: Mirrorpix
      The Elvis fan, seen rocking out with TV’s Grumbleweeds, tried to keep his ‘nocturnal activities’ secretCredit: Getty
      Frank’s ability to juggle the ball on the pitch and go past defenders at will persuaded Liverpool manager Bill Shankly to offer a then £150,000 club record to sign him.
      Having put pen to paper, Frank failed two medicals.
      There were rumours that he had a sexually transmitted disease, but the player insisted it was blood pressure due to constant carousing.
      Before the second medical, Shankly sent Frank off on holiday to relax.
      Instead the player seduced a young woman on the aeroplane and went on a two week bender with her.
      With Liverpool out of the picture, Frank signed for Leicester City instead, scoring 72 goals in 210 games for the Midlands side.
      Ex-Leicester and England star Gary Lineker described him last night as “my boyhood hero” and a “wonderful character”.
      In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior.
      Displaying some eye-raising parental priorities he said he wanted to teach Frank Junior “all the tricks” so he could be “the greatest Casanova of all time”.
      Frank also had a daughter, Kim-Malou, with Birgitta but parenthood did not slow him down.
      Touching tributes
      LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media.
      “Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. He was my boyhood hero when he was at LCFC. A beautiful footballer, maverick and wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice.” Gary Lineker
      “What a character, and one of the most talented footballers I played with.” Ally McCoist
      “What a character & what a player! Very sad news.” Tony Cottee
      “A great player, entertainer and character, even at 9 we had to go just to see him play. Rest in peace, Elvis.” Stan Collymore
      “A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.”John Fashanu
      “Absolute luxury. RIP Frank Worthington, one of the greats.”Paddy McGuinness
      “One of the great entertainers, scorer of one of the greatest ever goals.” Sky Sports’ Gary Taphouse
      “What a player, got fans off their seats, a great entertainer.” TalkSport’s Ian Abrahams

      Frank boasted of sleeping with Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies and his first wife Birgitta, who won Miss Sweden (pictured)Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He later confessed: “In my Leicester days, it wasn’t a night out unless you were in at six in the morning after a visit to the Playboy Club.”
      Around 1978 the marriage broke down, giving Frank the freedom to play the field even more.
      In his autobiography One Hump or Two?, which certainly wasn’t a reference to camels, he wrote extensively about his sexual exploits.
      Describing meeting a Belgian brunette in Magaluf, he wrote: “It was appropriate that she came from Knokke, because you should have seen her Knokke-ers when I got them out back at my villa.”
      Never shy about discussing his pulling prowess, he also told a journalist what happened after bedding a teenager in Sweden.
      He said: “Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her ‘muzzer’ woke me up with a cup of tea. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?”
      ‘I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIT OF A PEACOCK’
      Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United star’s first wife Angie.
      But Frank – described as “the working man’s George Best” by the late Bolton manager, Ian Greaves – reckoned he was even more of a womaniser than the Belfast ladies’ man.
      He said: “This is where I differ from George Best. He wants everyone to love him. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.”
      Frank was famed for his ability to juggle the ball on the pitchCredit: George Herringshaw
      He won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers
      He played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the USCredit: Getty
      Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didn’t play more for his country.
      Frank thought it was because his unconventional approach upset the national side’s bosses.
      Sir Alf Ramsey swore when he turned up to fly with the England team wearing cowboy boots, a velvet jacket and silk shirt.
      Frank, who reckoned he was ‘the first man in Britain to own a tank top’, said: “I suppose I have always been a bit of a peacock.”
      Best wants everyone to love him. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.Frank Worthington
      He also upset England’s caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game.
      Tough guy boss Revie wasn’t so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out.
      Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino.
      Gambling was a major part of football back in those days and one marathon card game in 1974 went on until 9am in the morning after England beat Bulgaria.
      Newcastle United striker Malcolm Macdonald ended up losing £1,200 to Frank. Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to.
      He once recalled: “On one trip to Spain, I was driving a car with three other players and ended up crashing it and almost going over the end of a cliff.
      “When we walked back the next day, there was the car balancing on the edge of a big drop.”
      The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two?
      That wild behaviour went too far when Frank was playing for Birmingham City between 1979 and 1982.
      He confessed to smoking cannabis and snorting cocaine through a bank note. It was, he admitted, a mistake.
      Elvis fan Frank said: “I don’t see any harm in trying things out, but drug taking is certainly not something I would recommend to anyone.”
      Around that time he declared bankruptcy because he couldn’t pay off tax bills of £36,000.
      Gradually, though, he started to calm down and after he married second wife Carol in 1986 he was content to be in bed by 10pm.
      Despite failing that Liverpool medical Frank played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the US, before finally hanging up his boots in 1992.
      The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town.
      Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division.
      But he had to sell that precious memory in 2005 to fund his retirement.
      Frank’s wife says ‘he brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life’Credit: Reuters

      Frank’s cause of death has not been announced. His daughter claimed in 2016 that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s due to heading the ball during his playing days. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease.
      After his death his wife Carol said in a statement: “Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life.
      “He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”
      Ally McCoist pays tribute Leicester legend Frank Worthington who has died at 72
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      in Soccer

      How Frank Worthington’s passion for the high life cost him his chance to reach the very top

      by

      FORMER England striker Frank Worthington was a legend for strutting his stuff at clubs across the land and satisfying adoring fans with his keepy-uppy.The question always lingered, though, how much of a star Frank would have been if he’d reserved those skills for the football pitch.
      Ladies man Frank Worthington has died aged 72Credit: Mirrorpix
      The former striker, pictured with George Best and Alex Higgins, was known as ‘the working man’s Best’Credit: Raymonds Press Agency
      The cult hero passed away after a long battle with dementia
      For this mercurial talent, who has died at the age of 72, was just as well known for his inexhaustible exploits in the bedroom and on the dancefloor as his prowess in front of goal.
      He boasted of sleeping with a different woman every night, bedding a teenager followed by her mother and dating a string of beauties.
      They included Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies, his first wife Birgitta who won Miss Sweden and his second spouse Carol Dwyer, who had been a Page 3 Girl.
      And when he was asked to name his ‘previous clubs’ he answered: “The Playboy, Tramps and Sandpiper.”
      A flamboyant maverick, who sported flowing long hair, a manicured moustache, medallion and John Travolta flares, Frank’s passion for the high life cost him his chance to reach the very top.
      A record breaking deal to sign for Liverpool in 1972 fell through because two weeks of sex and partying left him with high blood pressure.
      While his England caps ended at just eight after manager Don Revie discovered Frank had ignored a strict curfew by going out drinking and gambling at a casino.
      BORN TO PLAY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      Frank, who played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds United, also confessed to taking cocaine and nearly drove a car off a cliff in Spain.
      Extravagant spending, including buying a Ford Mustang and drinking champagne at breakfast, left him bankrupt when he couldn’t pay the taxman.
      Frank played for 24 clubs including Leicester City and Leeds UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
      But he wouldn’t have changed anything.
      Frank said: “Yeah, I was a bit of a rascal. I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Why should I? I never have regrets. I did all right for myself, thanks very much.”
      A naturally gifted attacker, Frank was born to play the beautiful game.
      The West Yorkshireman, from the village of Shelf near Bradford, was the son of two football players, with his dad Eric turning out for Halifax Town and mum Alice for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
      He quickly made a big impression at his first club Huddersfield Town, scoring 41 goals in 171 appearances.
      I loved football and the ladies and I was not prepared to give up either. Why should I?Frank Worthington
      Huddersfield were not exactly a glamour club, but that didn’t stop Frank becoming a major attraction.
      Shortly after leaving the club in 1972 he boasted: “I was pulling girls every night. Sometimes I’d wonder if they were with me because I was Frank Worthington, the footballer, or if they genuinely fancied me as a bloke.
      “But I soon realised this didn’t matter a damn.”
      He kept a flat in Leeds so the club did not know about his “nocturnal activities” or that he was “abusing my body” by staying out late.
      Frank was a notorious ladies man until he eventually settled down with his second wife Carol DwyerCredit: Mirrorpix
      The Elvis fan, seen rocking out with TV’s Grumbleweeds, tried to keep his ‘nocturnal activities’ secretCredit: Getty
      Frank’s ability to juggle the ball on the pitch and go past defenders at will persuaded Liverpool manager Bill Shankly to offer a then £150,000 club record to sign him.
      Having put pen to paper, Frank failed two medicals.
      There were rumours that he had a sexually transmitted disease, but the player insisted it was blood pressure due to constant carousing.
      Before the second medical, Shankly sent Frank off on holiday to relax.
      Instead the player seduced a young woman on the aeroplane and went on a two week bender with her.
      With Liverpool out of the picture, Frank signed for Leicester City instead, scoring 72 goals in 210 games for the Midlands side.
      Ex-Leicester and England star Gary Lineker described him last night as “my boyhood hero” and a “wonderful character”.
      In 1973 Frank married his first wife Birgitta, who had already given birth to his son Frank Junior.
      Displaying some eye-raising parental priorities he said he wanted to teach Frank Junior “all the tricks” so he could be “the greatest Casanova of all time”.
      Frank also had a daughter, Kim-Malou, with Birgitta but parenthood did not slow him down.
      Touching tributes
      LEGENDS of the game, footie experts and celebrity fans paid tribute to Frank on social media.
      “Profoundly saddened to hear Frank Worthington has died. He was my boyhood hero when he was at LCFC. A beautiful footballer, maverick and wonderful character who was so kind to this young apprentice.” Gary Lineker
      “What a character, and one of the most talented footballers I played with.” Ally McCoist
      “What a character & what a player! Very sad news.” Tony Cottee
      “A great player, entertainer and character, even at 9 we had to go just to see him play. Rest in peace, Elvis.” Stan Collymore
      “A true showman and great footballer but even better bloke.”John Fashanu
      “Absolute luxury. RIP Frank Worthington, one of the greats.”Paddy McGuinness
      “One of the great entertainers, scorer of one of the greatest ever goals.” Sky Sports’ Gary Taphouse
      “What a player, got fans off their seats, a great entertainer.” TalkSport’s Ian Abrahams

      Frank boasted of sleeping with Miss World Mary Stavin, Miss Barbados Lindy Field, Profumo Affair model Mandy Rice-Davies and his first wife Birgitta, who won Miss Sweden (pictured)Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He later confessed: “In my Leicester days, it wasn’t a night out unless you were in at six in the morning after a visit to the Playboy Club.”
      Around 1978 the marriage broke down, giving Frank the freedom to play the field even more.
      In his autobiography One Hump or Two?, which certainly wasn’t a reference to camels, he wrote extensively about his sexual exploits.
      Describing meeting a Belgian brunette in Magaluf, he wrote: “It was appropriate that she came from Knokke, because you should have seen her Knokke-ers when I got them out back at my villa.”
      Never shy about discussing his pulling prowess, he also told a journalist what happened after bedding a teenager in Sweden.
      He said: “Next morning, after the girl had got up early for work, her ‘muzzer’ woke me up with a cup of tea. She was young and attractive, so what was a man supposed to do?”
      ‘I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIT OF A PEACOCK’
      Great pals with the late George Best he lived with Lindy, the sister of the Manchester United star’s first wife Angie.
      But Frank – described as “the working man’s George Best” by the late Bolton manager, Ian Greaves – reckoned he was even more of a womaniser than the Belfast ladies’ man.
      He said: “This is where I differ from George Best. He wants everyone to love him. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.”
      Frank was famed for his ability to juggle the ball on the pitchCredit: George Herringshaw
      He won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers
      He played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the USCredit: Getty
      Many England fans wondered why Frank, whose majestic skills were compared to Best, didn’t play more for his country.
      Frank thought it was because his unconventional approach upset the national side’s bosses.
      Sir Alf Ramsey swore when he turned up to fly with the England team wearing cowboy boots, a velvet jacket and silk shirt.
      Frank, who reckoned he was ‘the first man in Britain to own a tank top’, said: “I suppose I have always been a bit of a peacock.”
      Best wants everyone to love him. I just wanted every girl to go to bed with me.Frank Worthington
      He also upset England’s caretaker manager Joe Mercer by sneaking a girl up to his hotel room after a game.
      Tough guy boss Revie wasn’t so forgiving when Frank ignored his clear instructions not to go out.
      Slipping out the hotel through a side door with a few other England players they visited a casino.
      Gambling was a major part of football back in those days and one marathon card game in 1974 went on until 9am in the morning after England beat Bulgaria.
      Newcastle United striker Malcolm Macdonald ended up losing £1,200 to Frank. Living close to the edge was what Frank was used to.
      He once recalled: “On one trip to Spain, I was driving a car with three other players and ended up crashing it and almost going over the end of a cliff.
      “When we walked back the next day, there was the car balancing on the edge of a big drop.”
      The football legend spoke extensively about his sexual exploits in his autobiography One Hump or Two?
      That wild behaviour went too far when Frank was playing for Birmingham City between 1979 and 1982.
      He confessed to smoking cannabis and snorting cocaine through a bank note. It was, he admitted, a mistake.
      Elvis fan Frank said: “I don’t see any harm in trying things out, but drug taking is certainly not something I would recommend to anyone.”
      Around that time he declared bankruptcy because he couldn’t pay off tax bills of £36,000.
      Gradually, though, he started to calm down and after he married second wife Carol in 1986 he was content to be in bed by 10pm.
      Despite failing that Liverpool medical Frank played until he was aged 43, running out for over 20 clubs here and in the US, before finally hanging up his boots in 1992.
      The only silverware he picked up during that long career was the old Division Two title with Huddersfield Town.
      Frank also won the Golden Boot title in 1979 for the 24 goals he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the top division.
      But he had to sell that precious memory in 2005 to fund his retirement.
      Frank’s wife says ‘he brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life’Credit: Reuters

      Frank’s cause of death has not been announced. His daughter claimed in 2016 that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s due to heading the ball during his playing days. But Frank denied suffering from the brain disease.
      After his death his wife Carol said in a statement: “Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life.
      “He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him so much.”
      Ally McCoist pays tribute Leicester legend Frank Worthington who has died at 72
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      in Soccer

      Man City’s Quadruple bid can help England win Euro 2020, says John Stones on international return after two years

      by

      JOHN STONES reckons quadruple-chasing Manchester City can help England win Euro 2020.Defender Stones, Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden are on a mission to bag a stunning clean sweep of trophies for City before setting their sights on Euro glory this summer.
      John Stones, with the Premier League trophy in 2019, hopes winning trophies with Manchester City will lead to England glory this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Stones, here at the 2018 World Cup, returns to the England squad after a two-year absenceCredit: Getty
      The former Everton centre-back, whose team face San Marino in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, said: “If we can bring that winning mentality into the England squad it would be invaluable.
      “It would be massive for us if we can keep pushing and keep fighting at City until the end of the season and see what happens.
      “I’d love everyone in the England squad to be coming in camp after winning something but that’s not possible.”
      Stones, who has 39 caps, has not played for England since facing Montenegro in November 2019.
      But he is certain to feature in the World Cup qualifiers which will also see the Three Lions visit Albania on Sunday and then entertain Poland on Tuesday.
      And he revealed his nerves before getting the text saying he was in the squad.
      He added: “I was at home the other day, waiting for the text to see if I was in. Time goes a bit slower when you are sat about, waiting for something to happen. It was a special moment. A really special moment.
      “It was a relief. I was very nervous. I had worked so hard and I was hearing people say “you should be in”. But I didn’t take any of that in until the text arrived. I wanted to hear from a good source! I was absolutely made up.
      Stones has a laugh with Kyle Walker at trainingCredit: GettyENGLAND RECORD SINCE STONES’ LAST GAMESINCE John Stones last played for England against Montenegro (above) the Three Lions have won six, drawn one and lost two.

      Nov 17, 2019      Kosovo (a)                           W 4-0
      Sep 5, 2020         Iceland (a)                           W 1-0
      Sep 8, 2020         Denmark (a)                       D 0-0
      Oct 8, 2020          Wales (h)                             W 3-0
      Oct 11, 2020       Belgium (h)                         W 2-1
      Oct 14, 2020       Denmark (h)                       L 1-0
      Nov 12, 2020      Rep of Ireland (h)             W 3-0
      Nov 15, 2020      Belgium (a)                         L 2-0
      Nov 18, 2020      Iceland (h)                           W 4-0

      “It was very tough watching England at home on TV and I think it would be the same for everyone.
      “You feel a bit helpless that you can’t contribute and be a part of the squad, but I used it as a motivation to strive to be better.
      “So when I got the text the other day, it was a great feeling to be back involved and see all the faces I’ve got some great memories with.
      “Me and the manager texted now and then. We’ve worked together for so many years now, from the U21s. I’m sure he’s like that with everyone else. He’s that type of character and wants to make you feel involved, which is great.”
      Boss Gareth Southgate has delivered a big speech to the squad stressing that the road to the World Cup in Qatar next year starts now.

      He urged the importance of the three qualifiers and that the players should forget any negativity about the number of games they are having to play.
      England’s players last night staged a meeting over whether to take the knee before the three games.
      The squad are now aware they will not be breaking any rules if they choose to do so.
      Gareth Southgate given boost by all England players reporting at St George’s Park More

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      Ben Godfrey, Eddie Nketiah, Tom Davies and Aaron Ramsdale are England Under-21s leadership group aiming for Euro glory

      by

      BEN GODFREY has made it his mission to ensure standards do not slip this week as England look to exorcise some demons.Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21s take on Switzerland in Thursday’s Group D opener at the Euros.
      England U21s Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey prepare to face Switzerland on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is one of the key players for the Lion cubsCredit: Getty
      Finish in the top two and they will progress to the knockout stage, which takes place between May 31 and June 6.
      Should they do so, they would be going one better than the 2019 Euro campaign when a star-studded squad featuring Phil Foden, James Maddison and Godfrey’s Everton colleague Dominic Calvert-Lewin crashed out at the group phase.
      That squad was accused of complacency. And Godfrey — part of a four-man leadership team along with Tom Davies, Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah — said: “There’s a few of us to help keep those standards high and help people out when they need it.
      Everton midfielder Tom Davies will look to drive England on to the knockout stagesCredit: Getty
      “Being a leader is something that  I enjoy doing — setting standards and helping people, driving people forward.
      “We’ve got a lot of young players so it’s important as a senior member that I do that.”
      Unlike the majority of his squad-mates, Toffees defender Godfrey, 23, was not produced by a swish academy.
      Instead, he had to graft his way up the divisions, beginning with hometown club York City after being rejected by nearly every side in  Yorkshire after trials.
      But he benefited hugely from that early experience and has already racked up 174 professional games.
      And the ex-Shrewsbury loanee said: “I wouldn’t change my journey for anything. It’s been an enjoyable one.
      “A lot of people think it’s just been an upwards journey but it’s not necessarily been the case. You’ve got to be mentally strong when things don’t go your way.”
      Godfrey will likely face the Swiss alongside Chelsea centre-back Marc Guehi, currently on loan at Swansea.
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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Guehi is one of six players in the squad — with Emile Smith Rowe, Steven Sessegnon, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Conor Gallagher and Rhian Brewster — who won the Under-17 World Cup together in 2017.
      And Ivory Coast-born Guehi, 20, said: “It’s fantastic having all us boys  together.
      “What we have here is a real togetherness — we just love playing together. That’s one big component to go on and win a competition.”
      Everton sign Ben Godfrey in £25m transfer from Norwich More

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      New PFA chief Maheta Molango played vital role in Mesut Ozil joining Arsenal from Real Madrid

      by

      MAHETA MOLANGO’S CV makes him the ideal man to succeed Gordon Taylor as PFA chief executive.He understands the game as a former player but also has had insight into law, business, tax and transfers — and he even scouted players for an English club.
      German legend Mesut Ozil was advised ahead of his move from Real Madrid to Arsenal in 2013 by Maheta MolangoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Maheta Molango, seen with then-Mallorca loanee Takefusa Kubo, was chief executive of the Spanish clubCredit: Getty
      This column can reveal he even advised Mesut Ozil ahead of his move from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
      Former Brighton, Lincoln and Oldham forward Molango was the outstanding candidate for the £500,000-a-year role and spent four impressive years as chief executive of Real Mallorca.
      He did a great job overseeing back-to-back promotions and turned a loss-making club into one which made a £17million profit.

      They parted company in early 2020 because Mallorca wanted to go in a different direction.
      Before his time in Majorca, Molango qualified as a lawyer and worked for a top firm in Madrid.
      He offered legal advice to Ozil when he left Real  for Arsenal in 2013 and sorted the German’s termination agreement.
      Molango  advised Toby Alderweireld ahead of his 2014 loan from Atletico Madrid to Southampton,  then negotiated a good contract with the notoriously difficult Daniel Levy for the defender’s permanent move to Spurs.
      The Swiss, while also scouting in Spain for Charlton, did not only deal with the big moves but also advised Luciano Becchio’s switch from Merida to Leeds, Emmanuel Ledesma’s Walsall to Middlesbrough deal  and Leonardo Ulloa’s transfer from Brighton to Leicester.
      For one year, Molango  was Atletico’s in-house lawyer and  worked on the return of Filipe Luis from Chelsea in 2015, Mario Mandzukic’s move to Juventus and Antoine Griezmann’s  contract extension.
      A few weeks after leaving Mallorca last year, Molango  was questioned in connection with tax fraud and money laundering allegations against big-hitting agent Fali Ramadani.
      FITS THE BILL
      Quizzed by Spanish police, Molango handed over all his player documents, insisting everything was legal.
      He was questioned as a witness and NOT a suspect, so was never in any trouble.
      Ramadani and his associates, who look after a string of top stars including Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, have been charged.
      Molango, meanwhile, now has the task of helping to sort out English football and certainly fits the bill.
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      FOOTBALL LEAGUE clubs could face a cracking pre-season — with all of the Premier League teams planning to remain in the UK.
      Top clubs know Covid-19 restrictions will make it impossible to travel abroad for  money-spinning tournaments   and they would face huge penalty clauses if forced to pull out.
      This means we may go back to the old days and see the big sides boosting the  coffers of  smaller local sides.
      Arteta says he doesn’t like excuses after Arsenal’s draw with West Ham More

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      in Soccer

      Steven Davis will become UK’s joint most-capped player with Shilton (but is well behind Euro kings Ronaldo and Ramos)

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      GEORGE BEST will always be Northern Ireland’s most celebrated player — but one current star eclipses him, according to Michael O’Neill.The former Northern Ireland boss names Steven Davis as all-time No 1 in a landmark week for the captain.
      Steven Davis will make history for Northern Ireland on WednesdayCredit: PA
      Midfielder Davis, 36, will collect his 125th cap in Italy tomorrow, drawing him level with England’s legendary keeper Peter Shilton on the all-time list.
      By next Wednesday at the latest he should have nosed ahead and become the UK’s most-capped player – although will still be a decent way behind Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, Europe’s most-capped active players.
      O’Neill managed Davis for nine years from 2011, taking in the fairytale run to Euro 2016, where Northern Ireland reached the knockout stage.
      That was the easy bit. Davis has been in it for the lows as well as the highs and it is that enduring commitment which, O’Neill claims, makes him better than glamour boy Best.
      The Stoke boss joked: “I would honestly pick Steven Davis. He would be easier to manage than George for a start.
      “Steven is incredible. One thing you need as a manager is players you can trust and rely on and I never doubted I had that with him.
      “It is an added achievement given he has only been to one major tournament. He deserves his place up there with the greats of European football.
      “When I look down the years of Northern Ireland players, everyone loves George Best and rightly so. But when you look at Steven’s career, there has never been a better player that has played for Northern Ireland.
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      Europe’s top dogs

      “His enthusiasm for international football at 36 is every bit what it was when he first came into the squad.
      “It’s amazing to have the desire to continue to do it. He has had some reward but played through all the bad times. He would have played when there were long runs without a win or even scoring a goal.
      “When you look through the great players of European football that have amassed statistics at international level, he will be up there.
      “You get captains that can be a little bit on the wane but have a presence. More often than not though, when Northern Ireland are at their best, Steven Davis is at his best. It’s no coincidence.”
      Best played 37 times for his country but his off-field antics are as notable on his CV as the undoubted talent.
      MOST INTERNATIONAL CAPSThe UK’s most-capped international footballers:
      Peter Shilton (England)              125
      Steven Davis (N Ireland)           124
      Wayne Rooney (England)         120
      David Beckham (England)         115
      Pat Jennings (N Ireland)            119
      Steven Gerrard (England)         114
      Aaron Hughes (N Ireland)         112
      Bobby Moore (England)            108
      Ashley Cole (England)                 107
      Bobby Charlton (England)         106
      Frank Lampard (England)          106

      Family-man Davis made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Canada in February 2005. A year later he was made captain for another loss, this time to the USA.
      Two goals against Greece sent Northern Ireland to Euro 2016, an adventure which captured hearts across the Continent.
      Shilton represented England at two Euros and three World Cups over 20 years.
      And Davis deserves at least the same standing for turning up relentlessly, especially when you consider even home games mean taking a flight.
      He signed a new one-year contract at Rangers on Saturday to underline his durability and abiding worth — although he does have flaws.
      Former Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has hailed the midfielder as the country’s best-ever playerCredit: Pacemaker
      O’Neill joked: “We used to  try to give him diminished responsibilities at set-pieces because he had a habit of forgetting what we wanted him to do.
      “But I also remember when we knew we were going to Euro 2016, we had a late night and  had to fly to Finland the next morning.
      “I put my arm around Steven at one point and made sure he didn’t have to face the cameras. He knows how to enjoy himself.
      “He is a brilliant player. Every manager that has handled him will say what I would.
      “He is a top professional, a top player, a top lad to have around you.”
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      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte tells Joyce and Usyk they are behind him in the queue for a world title shot ahead of Povetkin fight

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      DILLIAN WHYTE has told Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk to get behind him in the queue for a world title shot — if he gets revenge on Alexander Povetkin.Whyte had been the WBC’s No 1 contender for over 1,000 days before he faced the Russian for the interim title and mandatory position in August.
      Dillian Whyte gets his shot at revenge against Alexander Povetkin on SaturdayCredit: PA
      Oleksandr Usyk  has his sights set on heavyweight title gloryCredit: Mark Robinson
      Despite scoring two impressive knockdowns, he was scorched in the fifth as his plans for an overdue crack at Tyson Fury went up in smoke.
      Now the Gypsy King has signed a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua, while Usyk and Joyce are thrashing out a fight to decide the WBO’s mandatory man.
      But bullish Whyte has warned them all he has jetted out to Gibraltar to grab more than revenge.
      When asked if the Mexican sanctioning body  should reinstate him instantly with a win on Saturday, he barked: “They better f****** acknowledge my position, I’ve waited long enough.
      “The winner of this fight should be made the mandatory challenger.
      “If you take into consideration how long I was ranked No 1 and how many top guys I beat, I should get the title shot in front of both of them.
      “Who has Usyk beaten at heavyweight? Only Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora and now Joe Joyce.”
      Saturday’s rematch was delayed three times while Povetkin, 41, suffered and then recovered from Covid-19.
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      Whyte, 32, has claimed the illness was a hoax just to afford the former world champion more training time.
      But Povetkin hit back and said: “Dillian Whyte can think and say whatever he wants but we have the medical papers.
      “I had to recover from the virus properly to protect my family.”
      Joe Joyce has been told to get to the back of the lineCredit: Getty

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘hungry’ to end English drought in Women’s Champions League, says Blues star Magda Eriksson

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      MAGDA ERIKSSON reckons Chelsea are “hungry” to end English clubs’ trophy drought in the Women’s Champion League. And the Blues skipper believes the WSL could become an even bigger draw for overseas talent thanks to the big bucks TV deal announced this week. 
      Magda Eriksson and her Chelsea team-mates hope to win their first Champions League trophy this seasonCredit: Getty
      Eriksson, 27, was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s quarter-final duel with Wolfsburg at the Szusza Ferenc Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.
      And Emma Hayes’ aces are out to avenge a hat-trick of losses to the German giants who have won the competition twice in 2013 and 2014. 
      Eriksson said: “The Champions League is the biggest thing and there are not a lot of us who have been in a final. 
      “I think the hunger within the squad for this is massive and I think this is what drives us on a daily basis in training and what drives us to be better all the time. 
      “We know Wolfsburg’s background. They’re an amazing team with a great history in women’s football. 
      “It’s exciting to play a team that you have played before, just to see where you’re at now.
      “I think it’s going to be very tight, but we have a really good chance of going through this time.” 
      Wolfsburg, who had Pernille Harder as their top-scorer last term before her high-profile Chelsea switch, are currently second in the Women’s Bundesliga. 
      The Denmark ace, who could start against her old side later, netted 27 goals in 21 top tier games ahead of her September move.
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      Chelsea’s Champions League quarters clash with Wolfsburg will see Pernille Harder face her former teamCredit: Getty

      And Eriksson believes the WSL’s broadcast agreement with Sky Sports and the BBC could see more top internationals eager to head to these shores.  
      Eriksson added: “I can only speak from a Swedish point of view.
      “I know a lot of Swedes are talking about moving to England as the first option because there are so many teams to choose from and the league is so good.
      “Having this kind of a TV deal just amplifies that really.”
      The first two clashes in Europe between the Blues and Wolfsburg ended in 4-1 aggregate defeats for Hayes’ side in 2016 and 2017.   
      And the Women’s Bundesliga champs thrashed the champs 5-1 in the contest’s semis in 2018.
      However, Hayes believes there is enough talent in her squad to “hurt” her opponents with the Blues aiming to become the first English side to triumph in the tournament since Arsenal in 2007. 
      Emma Hayes believes her WSL champs have the talent to overcome WolfsburgCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 44, said: “We’re completely respectful of our opponent, and the qualities that they have.
      “But we completely believe in what we are doing and how we are progressing.
      “With the way we’re planning, I’m sure we’ve got qualities that will hurt Wolfsburg.”
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