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      in Boxing

      Joseph Parker understands he must massively up game to beat Derek Chisora this summer after controversial Junior Fa win

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      JOSEPH PARKER knows he has to drastically improve to beat Derek Chisora this summer.
      The ex-WBO heavyweight world champ – who lost his crown to Anthony Joshua – earned a controversially wide decision over Junior Fa in Auckland yesterday.

      Joseph Parker earned a controversially wide decision win over Junior Fa and next faces Derek ChisoraCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joseph Parker knows he must drastically improve to beat Derek ChisoraCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      New Zealander Parker went the distance with his compatriot in a nip-and-tuck fight that could have gone either way.
      But the three ringside judges somehow saw it as a landslide in Parker’s favour: 109-119, 113-115 and 111-117.
      Parker, 29, knows he dodged a bullet and has vowed to be better against Chisora – in a fight that was originally cancelled in 2019 when he suffered a spider bite.
      The Kiwi – who was watched by 12,000 fans before Auckland went back into lockdown – said: “It was a great night.

      “They came here to fight and it was a lot closer than expected.
      “Fa put on a great  performance and we have to go back and work on a lot of things.
      “It just showed the ring-rust you can end up with after a year out.”
      Now Parker, who has only lost to Brits Joshua and Dillian Whyte, wants to return to the UK for an overdue showdown this summer with Del Boy.

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      Parker added: “I love the UK.
      “I love the media, the respect, so welcoming to our team.
      “We have gained a lot of friends and supporters there.”

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      in Soccer

      Blackburn slap whopping £25m price tag on West Ham target Adam Armstrong despite striker being free agent in 2022

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      BLACKBURN ROVERS want a stunning £25million for striker Adam Armstrong — in a shock for West Ham and his other admirers.
      The 20-goal Ewood Park hotshot, 24, may move to the Premier League this summer and Hammers boss David Moyes leads the hunt.

      Blackburn want £25m for Adam Armstrong despite the fact he’ll be a free agent in 2022Credit: Rex Features

      Rovers think they can justify the price due to Championship goalscorers previously moving for similar sky-high numbers — like £28m Ollie Watkins, who left Brentford for Aston Villa back in September.
      But Armstrong’s value is affected by the fact he is a FREE agent in 2022.
      Blackburn need to demand a huge sum as Newcastle United are due a hefty 40 per cent of the profit.
      Moyes has been doing personal checks on Armstrong as he steps up his chase — but his West Ham will not get him for the £10m they had hoped to shell out.

      Meanwhile, Carlisle are cheering every time Dean Henderson plays for Manchester United — and counting the cash.
      The League Two outfit sold keeper Henderson to United at the age of 14 and pick up £10,000 whenever he is picked.
      Until now the keeper has mainly been sent on loan — Carlisle got nothing for that.
      And if he moves on, they will grab an even bigger pay-day because the Cumbrians come in for five per cent of any sale.

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      Carlisle receive £10,000 every time Dean Henderson plays for Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors

      Elsewhere, Rangers and Celtic plan to BUY slots in the Scottish League for their Under-21 sides — a move that will send shivers through clubs in England.
      The Old Firm want to join an extended League Two and pay around £1.5million each for the membership.
      That cash windfall may get the vote from hard-up clubs who will be asked to back the proposal.
      But lower league EFL clubs are worried Premier League clubs could plan a similar venture in England. 

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      in Soccer

      Dele Alli splits from model girlfriend Ruby Mae ‘because he spent too long playing Fortnite’

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      FOOTIE ace Dele Alli has split from his pin-up lover Ruby Mae — with mates blaming the amount of time he spent playing online video game Fortnite.
      The pair, both 24, have separated after a series of heated rows and she has moved out of their £2million pad.

      Model Ruby Mae has split up with her footballer boyfriend Dele AlliCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Pals said Ruby got fed up with video game fan Dele’s lifestyleCredit: Instagram

      Friends said model Ruby was “incensed” over the Spurs and England star’s recent behaviour — including “spending too much time playing Fortnite.”
      One friend told The Sun: “Dele and Ruby Mae are finished.
      “Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end. Ruby is sad but looking out for herself now.
      “She had enough of Dele’s good-time nature, and packed up her things.

      “She’s looking after number one from here.”

      Ruby is sad about the split ‘but looking out for herself now’Credit: Instagram

      Dele live streams himself playing Fortnite online to thousands of followers
      They broke up just before Valentine’s Day.
      Ruby, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, began dating Dele in 2016. They briefly split in 2018.

      Last year, masked robbers with knives raided their home as £150,000-a-week Dele was playing pool with his 24-year-old brother Harry Hickford and a friend.
      The midfielder — who last month reportedly wanted a move to Paris Saint-Germain after a lack of game time at Spurs — was punched in the face.

      Ruby has tens of thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram.com/rube_mae

      Dele and Ruby broke up just before Valentine’s DayCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Dele and Ruby on holiday in Mykonos together last yearCredit: Instagram / @ruby_mae

      Ruby and Dele became victims of a violent robbery at his homeCredit: Instagram
      The crooks escaped with watches and jewellery and Dele beefed up security by buying a Dobermann guard dog.
      Ruby first hit the headlines after being spotted consoling him after England lost 2-1 to Iceland and were knocked out of Euro 2016.
      As they hugged, their relationship became public. And they have since been spotted together looking loved-up on various holidays, including in Mykonos and Ibiza.
      Ruby has established herself as a high-profile model with a host of big-name brands.
      She is an avid Instagrammer and constantly updates her profile with new snaps of her life.

      Ruby is signed to a number of leading fashion brands as a model

      Ruby has finally had enough of her relationship with Dele Alli and called it quitsCredit: Instagram

      Ruby has always shown support for Dele Alli at England tournamentsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last week, she was blasted by road safety chiefs for sharing a video with her 96,000 Instagram fans which she shot while over-taking on a motorway.
      It is illegal to use a phone while driving and campaigners have urged cops to investigate.
      Offenders can be fined up to £1,000 and potentially be banned.

      Ruby is saying goodbye to her life as a WAGCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Dele’s relationship with Rub went public in 2016Credit: Rex Features

      Dele has been a Tottenham player since 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

      Dele Alli’s girlfriend Ruby Mae slammed after filming video while overtaking on a motorway
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      in Soccer

      Ex-England ace Alex Scott sports a new look wearing a red puffer jacket teamed with funky jogging pants

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      FOOTIE pundit Alex Scott scores highly for wackiness in this top-of-the-inflatable outfit clash.
      The eclectic combo combines a red puffer jacket teamed with funky jogging pants and yellow aviator sunglasses.

      Alex Scott teams a red puffer jacket with funky jogging pants and yellow aviator sunglasses

      Alex is usually more conservative with her outfits when she appears on TV as a punditCredit: Reuters

      Her hip outfit choice, was a far cry from the smart get-up the former football ace, 36, usually wears for her telly appearances.
      The ex-England ace may no longer play . . . but she’s still striking.
      The TV presenter penned a comment piece for The Sun this week about her struggles with depression, telling fans “I’m a tough cookie”.
      She wrote: “Most Brits are determined to put on a brave face and tell everyone they are ok even when it’s clear we’re not.

      Alex in her playing days for ArsenalCredit: The FA – Getty Images

      The former player is now a presenter on Sky SportsCredit: PA:Press Association

      “And I’m exactly the same.
      “There’s so many misunderstandings and misconceptions about mental health.”
      The star recently fronted BBC documentary, The Truth About Improving Your Mental Health.

      The ex-England ace, 36, may no longer play . . . but she’s still strikingCredit: PA:Press Association

      Alex Scott’s BBC mental health documentary reveals how to boost mood – from counting heart rate to probiotics
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      in Soccer

      Chelsea players putting boots in MICROWAVE before games to make them more comfortable

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      CHELSEA players are using a microwave oven to warm their boots before matches.
      And the squad hope the secret weapon means they won’t get cold feet in the battle for a top-four finish this season.

      Chelsea players have been putting their boots in the microwave before matchesCredit: The Sun

      Chelsea players – pictured here are Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic – hope their warm boots can give them an advantageCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The microwave is in the home dressing room at the club’s Stamford Bridge ground and even has a timer which pings when their boots are ready.
      It is also unplugged and taken on the team bus to domestic away games and is an integral part of pre-match preparations.
      The oven is used to soften the players’ boots and make them more supple and comfortable to wear.
      A club insider said: “Modern football boots seem to be pull-on types with much tighter fitting leather relying on a squeeze effect to stay on rather than the laces.

      “So when cold they can be quite tough, quite stiff and awkward to wear at least when they first go on.
      “The players put their boots in the microwave for a minute or two and the timer pings when they are soft enough. It’s actually a valuable addition to their equipment.
      “It’s not about Premier League millionaires being pampered. It’s about getting the best from the boots as quickly as possible, making the players comfortable so they can perform to their best as quickly as possible.”
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      Thomas Tuchel hopes his side can take a step forward in the race for a top-four spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea are at the forefront of using any new methods they can to gain an advantage over the opposition.
      They employ chefs to cook for the players in the bowels of the stadium after games to help them replenish lost energy.

      The microwave has been in place since last season and is a valuable asset in the bid to bring silverware to Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea are at home to Manchester United this Sunday and the microwave will be used to help new boss Thomas Tuchel play the boot-iful game.
      The insider joked: “And once the players have warmed their boots, other staff can use it to heat jacket potatoes too – it’s very popular.”
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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale is ‘happier than ever’ at Tottenham and playing without fear, says boss Jose Mourinho

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      JOSE MOURINHO reckons Gareth Bale is in his best shape since he arrived back at Tottenham.
      And the Spurs boss insists the Welsh superstar’s goal against Wolfsberger in the Europa League on Wednesday shows he is finally playing with freedom again.

      Gareth Bale is happier than ever at Tottenham, claims Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty

      Form and fitness restricted Bale, 31, to just two Prem starts since he rejoined the Londoners on loan from Real Madrid in September.
      But he is set to start tomorrow’s home clash against Burnley —  following his recent upturn in performances and attitude.
      Mourinho said: “Mentality is a consequence of the physical.
      “If a player feels great, if he is playing 100 per cent and if his feelings are all good, then there are no more psychological problems, fears or barriers.

      “When you have little worries, and especially when you have a recent history of injuries, it’s normal to have some fears — and these fears have consequences.
      “But lately he has been fine. It’s a question of how many minutes he can play and how many days he needs to recover between matches.
      “He looks happier than ever, he looks confident. In training you can see he has his confidence back, the way he hits shots.
      “You could see from his goal on Wednesday. It was a confident shot.”

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      He continued: “A player with fear or negative feelings would never hit that type of shot. To strike the ball that way, that strike means a lot.
      “It means freedom — and freedom in relation to the brain muscle.
      “For this, you need to be in a good condition. He is in the best condition since he arrived.”
      Bale’s rejuvenation and Dele Alli’s outstanding display midweek mean Tottenham fans may yet see their dream quartet of Bale, Dele, plus Harry Kane and Son Heung-min line up together regularly.
      For the N17 faithful, Mourinho’s Fab Four would rival Ossie Ardiles’ Famous Five — Teddy Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann, Ilie Dumitrescu, Nicky Barmby and Darren Anderton — of the 1990s.
      Mourinho said: “Can they play together? Of course, no problem.
      “They can play together and they will play together in some matches for sure — unless something happens to one of them — which I hope it does not.”
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      in Soccer

      Salford boss Richie Wellens desperate to get his players in the PUB – but coronavirus restrictions have thwarted him

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      RICHIE WELLENS knows one of the best ways to get into a player’s head is to get a drink into him.
      And if he could do that with his whole team, he might be able to break the mental block that he fears could cost him and Salford City promotion.

      How Richie Wellens’ pub sign might look

      Richie Wellens’ Salford are having an inconsistent season in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the normal getting–to–know-you exercise he and most managers use to build team spirit and understanding is still impossible because of Covid restrictions.
      Wellens, who quit Swindon for the Ammies on November 4, would by now have had a few nights  out with his squad and staff.
      He declared: “Getting the lads out for a bite and a bit of a bevvy is a great way to find out what makes each individual tick.
      “Nobody is talking about throwing loads of alcohol down necks.

      “But it’s amazing how people start relaxing and letting themselves go a little when they’ve had a couple.
      “Having a good time is great for team bonding.
      “Not only do you get to know your players better, but they get a better picture of who you are.
      “But with the lockdown that hasn’t happened.

      Salford are owned by Man Utd’s ‘Class of ’92’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “By now I should have a far better understanding of what makes each player tick than I do.
      “It’s crucial that a new manager finds out who he is dealing with in the dressing room and what the best approach is to get the best out of each individual.
      “And, of course, after 23 games I have a good idea.
      “But in a way, some of them are still like strangers to me because of the Covid restrictions.
      “They show up for training on their own — socially distanced from each other — then go home to shower and change.
      “The players travel to away games on the team bus but me and my coaches have to go separately.
      “Things are complicated enough for all of the managers in these times — but more difficult still when you are taking over a new set of players.”
      Wellens worries about that lack of communication more because he can’t work out why his side keep throwing away points at the end of games.
      He said: “Since I got here we have lost 12 points from winning positions in the 90th minute.
      “That has to be about some psychological block — maybe it’s to do with the fact that this club has come so far, so fast.

      “We are the best footballing team in the division but that means  nothing if you don’t make it pay.”
      Wellens was brought in by Gary Neville and the rest of the members of Manchester United’s Class of ’92 to replace Graham Alexander.
      The 40-year-old, who last season took Swindon out of League Two, is charged with continuing the climb that has seen four promotions since Neville and Co took over seven years ago.
      He said: “My job was made clear from the start and it’s a challenge I gladly accepted.
      “Promotion is the target this  season without question.
      “But every time we look like  getting on a run we stumble — when we win two in a row, we can’t make it three.

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      “I’d love the chance to just sit around, have a meal, let the lads relax and really dig into what the problem is.
      “Pubs and restaurants will be fully open on May 17 but our season ends on May 8.
      “That’s too late for me to do what I’d normally do with a new bunch of players.
      “So I’m going to have to think up another way to find out what’s going on in their heads — socially  distanced, of course.” More

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      in Soccer

      Steven Alzate hopes ‘hectic’ Leyton Orient season can help him in Brighton’s Prem survival bid

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      RELEGATION dogfights are nothing new to Steven Alzate.
      In fact, his introduction to professional football was a scrap for survival — and one far graver than Brighton face this season.

      Steven Alzate is calling on his experience at Leyton Orient to help Brighton seal survivalCredit: Rex Features

      The Colombian made his debut for the League Two side four years agoCredit: Getty

      The Albion midfielder, 22, made his bow four years ago playing for Leyton Orient in League Two.
      To call it a madcap campaign would be a huge understatement, as the O’s dropped out of the Football League to the backdrop of internal chaos.
      Alzate reflected: “I remember that season being a bit hectic, a bit crazy. I must have had at least four different managers.
      “At one point, quite a few of the youngsters got chucked in to play because the squad wasn’t getting paid, so a few players refused to play.

      “I had made my debut just before that madness. So it was a bit of a crazy one but I had to make the most of my opportunity and show what I could do.”
      It was actually five bosses, with hopeless owner Francesco Becchetti going through Andy Hessenthaler, Alberto Cavasin, Andy Edwards, Daniel Webb and Omer Riza.
      Webb was the one who gave Alzate his chance, two days before he was given the bullet.
      It puts into perspective the relative calm the Colombian is enjoying at the Amex under Graham Potter, even if they have been sucked into a relegation battle thanks to Fulham’s resurgence.

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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

      The gap to Scott Parker’s men is just four points ahead of today’s crunch clash at West Brom.
      Relegation is clearly a threat but it does not tell the whole story of Albion’s campaign.
      Potter’s side had been on a six-game unbeaten run before Monday’s 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, which included superb wins over Tottenham and Liverpool.
      Their style of  football has been lauded by the likes of  Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, while exciting talents such as Ben White, Tariq Lamptey and Yves Bissouma are emerging.
      Alzate would like to consider himself part of that group and now has his chance to impress, with Solly March set to miss the rest of the season injured.

      Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Graham Potter’s style of playCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Londoner added: “Naturally, if you’re towards the bottom of the table, you’re going to  be thinking ‘we need points ASAP’.
      “I feel we shouldn’t be panicking too much because we have been playing good football.
      “Sometimes we have lacked that cutting edge. We haven’t scored as many as we want to.
      “But we are aiming to keep  working well as a team, keep  playing well and I’m sure the goals will come.
      “I feel we shouldn’t be too worried about relegation at this moment.”

      Alzate has won four caps so far for ColombiaCredit: Getty
      Born in Camden to Colombian parents, Alzate opted to play for the South American nation and now has four senior caps.
      His heroes growing up were Steven Gerrard and Radamel Falcao, the latter of whom he is now proud to call an international team-mate.
      For most, playing with an idol would be a pinch-yourself moment.
      But Alzate’s reaction sums up  why he should cope well with the  pressure of Brighton’s predicament.

      The star’s hero growing up was Radamel Falcao, now an international team-mate of hisCredit: Reuters
      He said: “Sharing a pitch with players of the calibre of Falcao and James Rodriguez was an honour.
      “But I wasn’t too fazed. It’s my job. I’ve played with big players before and I’ve played against big players in the Premier League.
      “Falcao’s a lovely, lovely person. From the moment he saw me, he started speaking to me as if he had known me for years. That made me feel really comfortable straight away.”
      Alzate is not of the mindset that Brighton  are befitting of the old cliche of being too good to go down.
      He added: “Of course not. We have to be aware of the position we’re in. That’s normal.
      “We have to respect that we’re near the bottom and we are in a battle. On the other hand, we need to be positive. That’s the only way out of this.”
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