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      Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate to get knighthood in the New Year ­Honours List

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      FORMER England boss Gareth Southgate will get a knighthood in the New Year ­Honours List.He will be given the gong after steering the men’s footie side to two Euro finals.England boss Gareth Southgate will get a knighthood in the New Year ­Honours ListGareth is set for a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax schemeCredit: GettySouthgate with Prince William ahead of the 2024 Euro finalCredit: AFPGareth, 54, follows in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport.The Sun on Sunday revealed in October that tax bosses had cleared Gareth of wrongdoing after he put money into a controversial film investment scheme.It paved the way for him to get the coveted title.The letters are understood to have been sent out already by the Honours Committee.READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATEA source said: “Gareth is a football legend who achieved great things this year.”He is England’s most successful boss since Sir Alf Ramsey — who guided the team to victory in the 1966 World Cup.As well as the two Euro finals, Gareth took England to a World Cup semi final.The father-of-two was made an OBE in 2019.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England bossSouthgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Crystal Palace star’s rubbish was fly tipped outside my flat – I was furious & reported him to club

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      A PREMIER League star’s domestic rubbish was dumped illegally outside an apartment block.Furious residents contacted Crystal Palace to report Jefferson Lerma for fly-tipping.Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma has been reported for fly-tippingCredit: GettyThe garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s addressThe club investigated and discovered that the Colombian midfielder, 30, had paid for a “legitimate waste disposal service” to dispose of the trash “in good faith”.The rubbish was strewn across the front of garages behind flats in Streatham, South London — nine miles from Lerma’s home.Grainy CCTV images show men arriving in cars with fake number plates to dump the trash.The garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s address.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRecent windy weather spread the rubbish further.Heidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: “Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property.“A quick look showed it was Jefferson Lerma’s domestic rubbish. Now we want to pursue the ‘man with a van’ so he is dealt with by law.”Lerma signed for Bournemouth for £25million in 2018 and joined Palace on a free transfer last year.Most read in FootballThe club said: “When this matter was drawn to our attention, we immediately arranged for the rubbish to be collected and disposed of correctly.“We apologise for any inconvenience.”Bournemouth target Jefferson Lerma is an absolute beast of a defensive midfielderHeidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: ‘Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property’Credit: Louis Wood More

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      Shamed ace Richard Rufus told to pay back just £372,740 of £9m he scammed from family and friends

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      SHAMED footballer Richard Rufus has been told to pay back just £372,740 of the £9million he scammed from family and friends in a pyramid scheme.The ex-Charlton Athletic star, now 49, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023 after conning friends and family into investing in the fraudulent get-rich-quick plan.Rufus played for Charlton AthleticCredit: GettySouthwark Crown Court heard yesterday how Rufus had fleeced a grand total of £9,388,112.99 from his nearest and dearest.But the court ordered him to pay back just £372,740.20, with the sum representing all that he has left.Posing as a foreign exchange trader, he had urged friends to invest with him – lying that footie contacts such as Rio Ferdinand had done the same.Instead he splurged the money on a flash Bentley, Rolex and a mansion.read more on football But the once-millionaire star is now left with just £372,740.20 – which he will have to pay back to his victims.Rufus had tried to reduce the cost – insisting that he needed the money to keep up his flash lifestyle.But Judge Dafna Spiro said he was lying about how much he needed to live off.She said: “I have not found him to be a credible witness.Most read in Football“I do not agree they are reasonable expenses – perhaps the lifestyle could be considered reasonable when you’re a Premier League footballer.“I consider that he is not telling the court the truth at all.”My aunt befriended a man on a bus who forged her will & paid drug addicts to ‘witness’ it to scam my family out of £350kHe was ordered to cough up the money by March next year or face another three years behind bars.Judge Dafna went on: “I make a confiscation order –which will be paid to victims as notified to the court by the Crown.“We will be able to provide the court with a schedule of victims and how much each should be paid.“This is an application for a confiscation order in respect to Mr Rufus following his conviction for his offences in 2022.“I am satisfied that he will not be able to make that sum today so it must be paid before the 12 March 2025.”If he fails to pay off the money he will serve another three years and nine months in prison – which will run consecutively with his current sentence.During the height of his money-spinning scheme the ex-footballer also splurged £200,000 on flash cars.Thousands more were splashed on shopping and meals at top-end restaurants.Meanwhile the only legitimate income he was receiving was £850-a-month rent from his Surrey property.Rufus duped investors by claiming he could return their original capital within 14 days of them asking.He took more than £15million in total – paying some of it back to investors to prop up his con.And he carried on the scam even after his accounts were frozen by the Financial Services Agency in 2011.Charlton legend Rufus earned six England caps during his career.He played his entire career at Charlton – making 288 appearances after his debut in 1994, aged 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis first goal came in the side’s historic win over Sunderland in the 1998 play-off final at Wembley.Richard Rufus was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023Credit: Central News More

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      Port Vale kit man, 54, ‘blackmailed club’s millionaire owner for £15k’

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      A FOOTIE club’s kit man is accused of trying to blackmail the millionaire owner.Former police hostage negotiator Duncan Whitehead, 54, allegedly threatened to release damaging information about Port Vale’s Carol Shanahan if she did not hand over £15,000.A man has been accused of trying to blackmail Port Vale owner Carol ShanahanCredit: GettyShanahan, 67, has owned the League Two club with husband Kevin since 2019. The pair turned Whitehead over to cops last October.It is unclear what he was allegedly threatening to reveal about Ms Shanahan, who made £10million founding financial technology giant Synectics Solutions in the 1990s.Whitehead appeared at North Staffordshire magistrates court last month.read more on footballHe has yet to enter a plea and will appear at Stoke-on-Trent crown court on January 5.Whitehead, of Blackpool, served as a Lancashire Constabulary cop from 1992 to 2014 but resigned to start a mental health charity.He has worked as a kit man for a string of lower league clubs and joined Port Vale two years ago. The part-time writer also works as a private ­security guard.Most read in FootballTake That’s Robbie Williams, 50, Vale’s most famous fan, was made president earlier this year — but has no role in the club’s operation.Robbie Williams to buy Port Vale Carol has ownd the club with husband Kevin since 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

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      SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More

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      Cole Palmer launches bid to trademark shivering goal celebration in move which could make him millions

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      GOAL machine Cole Palmer is set to make an ice little earner — by trademarking his shivering celebration.The Chelsea and England scoring sensation, 22, has made moves to own the term “Cold Palmer”.Cole Palmer is set to cash in on his on-field success by trademarking his shivering celebrationCredit: GettyPalmer debuted the celebration last December in a 3-2 win at Luton Town, inspired by ex-Man City teammate Morgan Rogers, aboveCredit: GettyPalmer’s celebration sees him rub his hands over his arms to mimic shivering when he scores for club or country, aboveCredit: ReutersDocuments reveal he wants to use it to flog products including booze, diet drinks, food, clothes, toys, aftershave, cosmetics, razor blades and even cars.His application to the Government’s Intellectual Property Office even includes a video of his celebration.It sees him rub his hands over his arms to mimic shivering when he scores — which he does regularly, with 11 Premier League goals so far this season.Palmer, who also starred for England in Euro 2024, first did it last December during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town.READ MORE ON COLE PALMER He got the idea from former Manchester City academy teammate Morgan Rogers, who performed it after scoring for Middlesbrough.He told his pal, now at Aston Villa, that he would do it too — and now he’s set to be the latest footballer to get a trademark. Manchester United star Eric Cantona is regarded as being one of the first, registering the chant “Ooh, ahh Cantona” in 1997.Fellow Red Devils stars David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have since followed suit with a raft of registrations, including their shirt numbers. Most read in FootballBecks has trademarked his surname as well as DB07 and DB23, while Ronaldo’s intellectual property portfolio includes his name plus CR7.Palmer’s move is just his latest bit of business, after he was signed up to be one of the faces of Burberry’s new range of clobber. Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordHe features in a video in which he wears a £2,500 duffle coat for a solo fishing trip.Fans lapped up the poker-faced star’s performance, even though he just sits on the bank and does not say a word.Days after the new range was launched, the cashmere and wool coat was sold out.The campaign, called “It’s Always Burberry Weather”, also features Crystal Palace and England footballer Eberechi Eze, actor and Man United fan Barry Keoghan and Oscar-winning film star Olivia Colman.I’M A CELEBRATE-YOTHER trademarked celebrations include ex-Wales star Gareth Bale’s. He ringfenced his “heart” gesture and shirt number.Man United’s Marcus Rashford registered his “finger to head” move while France’s Kylian Mbappé did the same with his crossed arms.Over a decade ago, Gareth Bale trademarked his heart gesture and squad number with the ‘Eleven of Hearts’ brandCredit: AFPManchester United star Marcus Rashford registered his ‘head space’ celebration after hitting the net in January 2023Credit: GettyKylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, trademarked his arm-crossed goal celebration, securing global rights to its imagesCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Reynolds’ incredible impact on Wrexham’s tourism earnings revealed four years since taking over football club

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      FILM star Ryan Reynolds helped treble Wrexham’s tourism earnings in the four years since taking over the football team.Two million visitors — an increase of 21 per cent — spent around £179million in the Welsh city last year, supporting 1,758 hospitality jobs.Actor Ryan Reynolds helped treble Wrexham’s tourism earnings in the four years since taking over Wrexham AFCCredit: GettyThe Hollywood owner’s Welcome to Wrexham Disney+ documentary has been hailed as driving the boostCredit: GettyThe sum was £49million in 2020 when Deadpool actor Ryan 48, and business partner Rob McElhenney, 47, arrived.Their Welcome to Wrexham Disney+ documentary has been hailed as driving the boost, ­covering the side’s back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.Joe Bickerton, Wrexham County Borough Council destination manager, said: “The Welcome to Wrexham documentary has acted as a catalyst for many – and the city has stepped up to embrace visitors.He added: “People might come because they’ve seen certain aspects on the documentary or they might now be interested to see what Wrexham is all about.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe figures show that Wrexham’s tourism revenue is now around £90m higher than 2012.Joe said: “Last year we were the best-performing local authority in Wales for visitor growth. We see 21% as an anomaly, we usually see growth of 5 or 6 per cent.”They are also launching Wrexham Lager in the US. Reynolds and fellow funnyman Rob became co-owners of the Wrexham Lager brewery – and will sell cans of the beer to 29 states.Most read in FootballAnd they hope the historic 140-year-old beer will have better luck than when on its first US crossing – as the only lager to be sold on the doomed first voyage of the Titanic.The pair have spoken about building a stadium of 55,000-capacity – bigger than Manchester City’s – and have been praised for investing in not only the football club but the former industrial town as well.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA More

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      Artificial ‘intelligence’ reveals the sexiest male football pundit on TV according to ‘golden ratio’

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      ARTIFICIAL “intelligence” has named Peter Crouch the sexiest male football pundit on TV.The 6ft 7in ex-England forward, famed for his robot goal celebration, scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty tool.Pundit Peter Crouch scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty toolIt measured facial ­symmetry and structure, health, smile and eyes and social media feedback.Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist was second with a score of 16.12, ­followed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Michael Dawson on 14.63.BBC Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman was fourth on 14.42.Ex-Man United hardman Roy Keane was in last place with just 9.59.READ MORE ON PETER CROUCHGary Neville came twenty-fourth on 11.67 with Gary Lineker twenty-fifth on 11.21 and Rio Ferdinand twenty-seventh on 11.11.Betting tips and news site Footy Accumulators used the Golden Ratio Face app to measure the looks of 38 pundits.A spokesman said: “Crouch was the clear winner and is the most attractive male pundit on TV.”“As well as expert knowledge he brings sex appeal to punditry and gets female viewers hot under the collar.”Most read in FootballMy Premier League team-mate was catfishing fans… it really annoyed me and I can’t believe supporters fell for it’Peter Crouch – 17.39Ally McCoist – 16.12Michael Dawson – 14.63Mark Chapman – 14.42Shay Given – 14.41Dion Dublin – 13.94Don Hutchison – 13.45Glenn Hoddle – 13.1Joleon lescott – 13.06Ashley Williams – 13.04 More