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      Nicky Hunt stopped breathing TWICE after horror head injury but Darlington star to play just three weeks later in FA Cup

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      HE MAY not remember a thing but Nicky Hunt feels simply lucky to be alive.
      On November 10, the Darlington defender fell backwards during a game against Boston and was out cold.

      Darlington star Nicky Hunt will play just three weeks after a horror head injury saw him stop breathing TWICECredit: ANDYFUTERSPHOTOGRAPHY 2020

      The night game at Blackwell Meadows was abandoned and Hunt, 37, drifted in and out of consciousness during a 69-minute wait for an ambulance.
      He was eventually taken to hospital at 11pm before being released at 5am.
      But if it was not for the quick reactions of physios from both sides, the ex-Bolton favourite knows how it could have ended.
      Speaking to SunSport, Hunt said: “I spoke to our physio, Danny, the day after and he was like, ‘Your pulse was always there but you stopped breathing twice’. It was a scary time.

      “Because the ambulance took so long, if the medics weren’t there then I would have been in a whole heap of trouble.
      “The first week was bad. I was on tablets, painkillers, everything. I had swelling on my neck so I had to get that down.
      “I’ve just got to thank them from the bottom of my heart and I see myself as lucky to be ready to play today.”
      Hunt trained for the first time again on Thursday and has been passed fit to face Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup second round.

      Hunt, 37, was asked by his dad whether it was time to retireCredit: Steve Halliday
      Quakers officials had feared they were losing him overnight — and his dad asked whether now was the time to retire.
      But Hunt said: “I am itching to get back. I know myself, I know my own body and I know my mental state.”
      Back-pedalling to meet a header, Hunt did not see Darlo team-mate Tony McMahon’s challenge with an opponent.
      He went over, with all of the impact on his neck.
      Ex-Middlesbrough defender McMahon said: “We had both ended up on the floor and it looked as if it was nothing.
      “But it became clear it was and I didn’t leave his side until the ambulance came. It was really scary.”
      Hunt has no recollection of the match and has only recently started to feel normal again.
      He added: “I remember driving to the game and then I remember waking up in hospital with shining lights in my face.
      “It puts a lot of things into perspective. Enjoy things in life and enjoy football as long as you can because you don’t know when it’s going to be taken away.”
      “The video of the incident is so innocuous, it was next to nothing.
      “I go up for a header, pull back awkwardly and yeah, you wonder how I ended up in such a state.

      Ex-Bolton defender Nicky Hunt in action against Cristiano Ronaldo Credit: AFP
      Before the incident, Hunt was loving life with the Quakers in the National League North.
      A semi-pro for the first time, the veteran is eyeing up life after football – which he hopes is a year or two off yet.
      Coaching is an option, with just his Pro Licence to complete.
      But a life in property or as a football agent appeals to the former England U21 international who reached the FA Cup quarters with Bolton in 2005 under Sam Allardyce.
      Adam Campbell’s brace against League One Swindon put sixth-tier Darlington in the third round for the first time since 2003.
      And Hunt, who won promotion from League Two with Crewe last season, reckons Alun Armstron’s side have it in them to cause another shock at the Memorial Stadium.

      He added: “I thought that non-league was nowhere near league standard, but it’s a very fine line now. A lot of non-league clubs would do well in League Two.
      “They will be out to impress new manager Paul Tisdale but we are under no pressure and it’s a free hit. The onus is on them.
      “A lot of the lads are from the North East so want Newcastle away if we win.
      “I’ll take anyone. I’ve been lucky enough to play at all the Premier League grounds, but I’d love to have another crack at the whip against world-class players.
      “I supported Bolton as a kid but I was in a school in Manchester so all my friends tried to convert me to Manchester United.
      “I caved into them but in my heart I’ve always been a Bolton fan.
      “They were beaten by Crewe so that fairy tale has gone – though possibly only until next season!”

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo shred on the guitar in Christmas-themed advert for Portugese telecom company MEO More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho is a classic wind-up merchant but row with Frank Lampard will not rumble on as Spurs take on Chelsea

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      JOSE MOURINHO isn’t just one of the best managers in the business, he’s also a classic wind-up merchant.
      He loves all that and has been at it for years, as Frank Lampard found out when they had a bit of a spat as Chelsea played Tottenham a couple of months ago.

      Tottenham chief Jose Mourinho’s’ attempts at winding up Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will mean little in the end, says Harry RedknappCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Harry Redknapp says no rival benches took liberties with him as he had big Joe Jordan as his assistant at Portsmouth, Spurs and QPRCredit: PA:Press Association

      Funnily enough, though, I never had any run-ins with him. Mind you, I didn’t have much trouble with anyone really and I’ve an idea why — I had Joe Jordan on the touchline!
      Let’s face it, you’re not going to start on me when he’s there, even with his teeth in! If anyone was at it, he’d just look across and say, “Hey you, sit down”.
      It was like he was telling his dog to get off the chair, but they’d always sit back down on their side of the dugout.
      I couldn’t tell you how many opposition people he told over the years and sometimes I’d have to apologise for him after the game.

      Joe is very quiet, an absolutely lovely man, but like a lot of the quiet ones, you wouldn’t take liberties with him. If he said something you listened, believe me.
      He kept himself in such great shape as well. He’d be in the gym at 7am every single day, an hour before anyone else got in. I took Joe with me to Portsmouth, then Tottenham and QPR too and you could bet your life on him.
      It amazes me no young boss has taken him because he’d be a great asset.
      Going back to Frank and Jose, some people have built up that row at the Carabao Cup game into something it’s not ahead of Chelsea playing Spurs again today.

      I speak to Frank a lot and know he got a bit of the hump after Jose said he didn’t get off the bench when he was losing 3-0 at West Brom, but it was something and nothing.

      Frank Lampard was irked when Jose Mourinho accused him of failing to get off the bench when Chelsea trailed 3-0 in a 3-3 draw at WBA in SeptemberCredit: Reuters

      When Mourinho first went to Chelsea, he called Frank into the office and said he was going to make him the best goalscoring midfielder in the world.
      He gave him so much belief and confidence and has always admitted he owes Jose so much. There’s a lot of respect there.
      You’ll often get a bit aggy on the touchline. Frank had a bit of a row with Jurgen Klopp as well, but there’s no problem there either.
      After the game it’s all forgotten, you’ll have a cup of tea or a drink and you just get on with it — although it’s so different these days.
      Back then you’d go in the manager’s office for a glass of wine, then your trainer or whoever would come in and say, “The lads are on the coach and we’re waiting for go”.

      Stamford Bridge chief Frank Lampard also had something of a row with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp but there was no problem afterwardsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jose Mourinho has a better chance of getting a result at old club Chelsea on Sunday with no fans there, Harry Redknapp believesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The fish and chips would have been ordered and he’d be standing there shouting out the orders, with the salt and vinegar and the sauce.
      There were also times the trainer would be sent back to tell the team they’d have to wait because they were f***ing useless — even though you’d be starving yourself!
      That’s not something Frank or Jose will be doing because there’s so much a manager has to do after a game these days.
      The one certainty is it should be a cracking game because both Chelsea and Spurs have got a serious chance of being right up there this season.
      I’ve said all along that Mourinho has a fantastic squad with cover in every position — and most of them are established internationals as well.

      But Frank is building a great squad too, he’s getting backing from the owner and I’ve no doubt he will be a massive success.
      If the fans were allowed in I’d have fancied that to give Chelsea a little edge, but as it is I really can’t split the two teams.
      It should be a really good battle with all those stars, but if I had to put my house on it I’d go for the draw.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea vs Tottenham – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona was unplayable in his day… but he would have been absolutely untouchable now

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      IT ALWAYS amazed me when anyone said of Diego Maradona: “Yes, he was a great player but what would he be like in the modern game?”
      I’ll tell you what he’d have been like… if he was unplayable back then, he’d have been absolutely untouchable now.

      Diego Maradona wowed football fans with his feats at the 1986 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Maradona (pictured with Pele) would have been formidable if he was playing todayCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Anyone who questions if Diego — or Pele, George Best, any of the greats from back then — could cut it these days really has no idea.
      This wasn’t a time when the slightest touch meant a foul and probably a yellow card as well. It was a time of anything goes.
      To any younger ones who didn’t see him play, I’d tell them to get their hands on as many videos of Maradona as they can and then ask themselves the same question.
      Look at the amazing things he could do with a ball, of course. But as much as anything, look at the tackles he had to put up with, too.

      I say tackles, but some of them would have made you wince if they’d been in a wrestling ring.
      Waist high, scything, studs-up challenges, defenders putting the boot in every time Diego came close. It was X-rated, scary stuff.
      And it was every game he played.
      But Diego would just get on with it, he’d ride the tackles and could give as good as he got.

      He wasn’t just brilliant, he was tough as well.

      The Napoli icon was on the receiving end of some brutal tackles during his playing careerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      For me, there’s never been the slightest doubt whether Diego or Pele would cut it now — more whether the likes of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo could have done it back then.
      As far as who’s the greatest, I’ll always be split between Maradona or Pele.
      And just so thankful we got to see them both play.

      Watch legendary Diego Maradona’s incredible pre-match warm-up More

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      in Soccer

      Former footballer and CBB star Jermaine Pennant banned from driving for fourth time

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      FORMER footie star Jermaine Pennant has been banned from driving for 56 days — his fourth disqualification.
      The ex-Liverpool and Arsenal player, 37, must also pay a £525 fine after exceeding a 70mph motorway limit.

      Jermaine Pennant has been banned from driving for 56 daysCredit: PA

      He was handed his latest ban after exceeding a 70mph motorway limitCredit: Ray Bradbury – The Sun

      His latest ban came last week after he failed to appear at Cannock magistrates’ court, Staffs.
      An insider said: “Being banned from driving on four occasions is quite something.
      “He’s lucky to not land a longer disqualification.

      “Jermaine was a no-show in court and they slapped him with an order to keep away from the wheel.”

      In 2005, Pennant was jailed for three months for drink-driving while banned from the road.
      He then got an eight-week suspended prison term in 2012 — while at Stoke City — after drink-driving while banned in Sale, Gtr Manchester.

      The former Liverpool and Arsenal player previously landed a jail term for driving offencesCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Jermaine Pennant hauled off air by Sky Sports News as fans accuse ex-Liverpool star of being drunk on live TV
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Troubled ace Ryan Giggs loses £180,000 from investments during pandemic

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      TROUBLED former ­football ace Ryan Giggs has lost £180,000 from his business interests during the pandemic.
      The Wales manager, who is on bail for alleged assault, outlined his financial woes in accounts filed at Companies House.

      Ryan Giggs has been dealt a financial blow by the pandemicCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      The report says the value of Ryan Giggs Limited, the firm he uses to manage his investments, has fallen two per cent after rising from £12million last year to £13.2million this March when lockdown began.
      It adds: “In terms of the financial effect (Covid), based on a valuation of the company’s listed investments as at 26 October 2020, it is known there has been a diminution in value of approximately two per cent and amounting to an estimated £180,000 reduction compared to the valuation carried out…at 31 December 2019.”
      It is not specified if Manchester’s Hotel Football is included.

      Wales international boss Ryan Giggs was recently arrestedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ryan Giggs had been dating PR executive Kate GrevilleCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun

      Ryan Giggs began dating Kate Greville after his divorceCredit:

      Kate recently moved out of the home she shared with Ryan GiggsCredit:

      Giggs was arrested for allegedly assaulting Kate earlier this monthCredit:
      Giggs co-owns it with fellow ex-Old Trafford stars.

      The accounts also show that former winger Giggs, 46 — who has investments in property, products and firms — paid himself £71,883 and had a £264,000 corporation tax bill.

      Giggs was arrested on November 1 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend Kate Greville, 36, and another woman at his £1.7million pad in Worsley, Gtr Manchester. He denies it.

      Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs denies all charges against himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Kate Greville moves out of mansion after his arrest for allegedly assaulting her
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard’s Derby days show just how Chelsea can cause Spurs serious problems

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      TO UNDERSTAND the importance of Chelsea’s new-look attack, you must go back to Frank Lampard’s time at Derby.
      What Lampard did not get enough credit for during his spell with the Rams was how organised their collective press was.

      Frank Lampard has impressed since taking charge of Chelsea in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      With the likes of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson, they pressed from the front and were able to spring their attacks from high up the pitch.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      This is now exactly what the likes of Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Hakim Ziyech are doing consistently and effectively for Chelsea.
      When you bring in the amount of players Chelsea did this summer, it will always take time to adjust.

      Frank did well not to just throw them all in together at the same time.
      And he is now seeing the benefits, firstly on his defence.
      Yes, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva have had their impacts, but the collective press, starting from that front three, is where it all starts.
      It is why in the last eight games in all competitions, they have kept six clean sheets. That is a good base to work off of.

      And when they do win the ball back, the embarrassment of riches they have up top is finally showing.
      The beauty of the players Frank has brought in is they can attack in a number of ways.
      With the 4-3-3 that Frank seems to be settled with, Ziyech can sit deep and pick that pass over the top, while Werner uses his pace to get in behind or drag full-backs out.
      Mount can capitalise on the latter, darting into the corridors created by Werner in between the full-back and the centre back.
      And with Tammy, he showed just what he can do with Chelsea’s first goal away to Rennes in the Champions League, dragging centre backs away from goal to create space in behind.
      And to make it even harder for defences, now that they are all on the same wavelength, they constantly interchange and intertwine to pick holes.
      It is similar to what Manchester City did in the first few seasons under Pep Guardiola, and it is working just as effectively right now too.
      This Chelsea team has incredibly intelligent players, and against a side like Tottenham under Jose Mourinho who are likely to sit back, they have options to rip you apart.

      Chelsea’s Premier League squad

      Full squad, in number order…

      Kepa ArrizabalagaAntonio RudigerMarcos AlonsoAndreas Christensen – homegrownJorginhoThiago SilvaN’Golo KanteTammy Abraham – homegrownChristian PulisicTimo WernerWilly CaballeroFikayo Tomori – homegrownKurt ZoumaEdouard MendyMateo KovacicOlivier GiroudMason Mount – under-21Callum Hudson-Odoi – under-21Ben Chilwell – homegrownHakim ZiyechBilly Gilmour – under-21Reece James – under-21Cesar AzpilicuetaKai Havertz – under-21Emerson PalmieriPetr Cech

      In particular with Werner and Ziyech, expect them to cut inside inbetween the back four and the midfield if Mourinho sticks with the low block that has been successful for him.
      But on the flip side, arguably one of the most important players on the pitch will be that sitter in the midfield three, which is likely to be N’Golo Kante.
      He has to remain attached to his two central defenders to stop Harry Kane dropping off and dictating the game from deep.
      Nullify him, and Chelsea’s front three can cause serious problems up the other end.

      Chelsea vs Tottenham – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Football pundit Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson suspended by BBC after describing players’ scuffle as ‘handbags’

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      A FOOTBALL pundit has been suspended by the BBC — for describing a scuffle between two players as “handbags”.
      Steve “Tommo” Thompson was relieved of his duties for using the familiar matchday phrase after ­listeners complained.

      Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson was relieved of his duties after describing a scuffle between players as ‘handbags’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 0-0 draw away at Accrington Stanley in the Sky Bet League One last Saturday.
      It is so common it appears in the Collins Dictionary as “an incident in which people, ­especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm”.
      Freelancer Steve, 65, who played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be “devastated” by the BBC’s decision.

      Steve made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 1-0 win at Swindon Town in the Sky Bet League One on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lincoln fan Bernard ­O’Mahoney is campaigning for his reinstatement. He said: “As any football fan knows, ‘handbags’ is an incredibly well-known saying.

      “I can’t begin to think who’d be offended by it. The BBC has lost touch with the public.”

      ‘Handbags’ appears in the Collins Dictionary as ‘an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm’

      Fan Marcus Greatorex added: “It’s just an old term. The BBC should pay more attention to songs on their stations promoting knife crime and drug use.”
      The BBC said: “After listeners raised concerns, Steve acknowledged some of his comments on air didn’t meet the standards we expect. He is taking a break but will be back in the New Year.”

      Freelancer Steve, 65, who has played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be ‘devastated’ by the BBC’s decisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      THE SUN SAYS

      THE BBC has been in the grip of “woke” madness longer than almost anyone.

      But dropping a footy pundit for calling an ineffectual on-pitch scuffle “handbags” is a new level of foolishness.
      Who exactly is offended by this term, so common it’s in the dictionary?
      No one outside the imagination of hyper-sensitive producers.
      The BBC is growing more distant by the day from the public whose licence fees it needs.
      It’s one own-goal after another.

      U23Malaysia and UAE friendly marred by shocking violence as players throw punches and trade blows
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      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois ready to fly flag for British boxing like legends Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno

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      DANIEL DUBOIS is ready to hold the weight and expectation of the nation on his giant shoulders.
      Ahead of the British and Commonwealth champion’s defence against Joe Joyce on Saturday night, SunSport draped the wonderkid in an iconic Union Jack flag.

      SunSport draped Dubois in the British flag after home heroes Bruno, Lewis and Haye did the same before world title winsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Frank Bruno celebrated his WBC title win with the Union FlagCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Lennox Lewis also celebrated with the Union Flag after a title win

      British heavyweight heroes Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis and David Haye all wore the same national colours before their world title wins.
      And the Peacock Gym prodigy believes he is ready to burst on to the mainstream scene as a major force – just like the three home stars before him.
      Dubois, 23, said: “It’s a proper heavy flag and I appreciate the meaning behind it.
      “But I understand and appreciate the magnitude it brings and the responsibility it brings.

      “The heavyweight division remains almost separate from the rest of the sport of boxing.
      “If it’s thriving, then the sport is healthy. When there is a heavyweight dip then everyone suffers.
      “Britain has had some legends and also had some quiet periods.
      “Lennox, Frank and David did amazing things and the sport thrived on the back of them in this country.

      The Peacock Gym prodigy believes he is ready to burst on to the mainstream scene as a major forceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “I want to continue that, I want to carry the sport forward and be the face of British boxing, starting on Saturday night.
      “I feel like the country is starting to warm to me. I’m going to try to entertain them and make sure at this time, which the whole world is going through, that a great fight can happen.
      “Everyone can sit back and watch… don’t blink, it’s going to be amazing.”
      Dubois is one of 11 siblings and sister Caroline, 19, who won Olympic youth gold, is expected to become one of the UK’s finest ever fighters – of any sex.
      Little brothers Prince, 16, and Solomon, eight, are also in training, making the most of the gyms they have just built inside and in the garden of their new Essex home.
      The fresh start is a far cry from the days Daniel and his dad shared racing around London markets like fictional Trotter icons Derek and Rodney.

      Dubois and Joyce weighed-in for their big fight on FridayCredit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensbury
      “I loved those days,” the retired fly pitcher said. “They were probably the best days of my life.
      “It was exciting, we were never sure how the day would go.
      “Dad had a way of making people come and buy, it was like magic. He was a master at his stuff and I’m trying to do the same with boxing.
      “We probably were a bit like Del and Rodney actually – or maybe I was just like any other labourer. But I loved going along and seeing how it worked.”
      Joyce, 35, and a teenage Dubois were once GB team-mates in Sheffield, helping Anthony Joshua prepare for London 2012.
      And the 2016 Olympic silver medallist also gave fellow Londoner Dubois career advice in his early days.
      But the healthy rivalry went out the window in February at the launch of this delayed bout.
      Dubois snapped at Joyce’s mum Marvel at the press conference and said the fact she had 93 per cent blindness would spare her from seeing him beat up her son.
      Softly-spoken Dubois has refused to apologise ahead of tonight’s showdown at London’s Church House, where the European crown is also up for grabs.
      He insisted: “Why would you bring your mum to a press conference? It’s not personal but they are enemies until after the fight.”

      Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce weigh in ahead of their big fight More