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      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker claims Bryan Robson once punched Peter Shilton unconscious

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      GARY Lineker says former England captain Bryan Robson once punched Peter Shilton unconscious in a row.
      The Match Of The Day presenter recalls the legendary goalkeeper “went down like a tree”.

      Gary Lineker recalls the time ex-England captain Bryan Robson knocked out Peter ShiltonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Match of the Day host, right, says legendary goalkeeper Shilton, left, ‘went down like a tree’Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Lineker, 59, revealed Shilts had been criticising his teammates following a disastrous European Championships in West Germany in 1988.
      He said: “I remember Bryan knocking Pete Shilton out in a bar.
      “He went down like a tree because he was having a pop at everyone, like he used to do.
      “No one ever knew about it.”

      Lineker, who hit 48 goals in 80 games for England, added: “Can you imagine if that happened now?
      “Everyone would have a picture.”

      Robson captained boss Bobby Robson’s side for the 1988 Euros Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Lineker said: ‘I remember Bryan knocking Pete Shilton out in a bar’Credit: Reuters

      He told Eddie Hearn’s podcast that today’s big names in sport are more aware of bad publicity.
      Robson captained boss Bobby Robson’s side for the 1988 Euros alongside Lineker and Shilton, who became England’s most capped player with 125.

      LINEKER — known for forthright views on social media — claims new BBC boss Tim Davie is “perfectly happy” with his online conduct.

      Gary Lineker reveals ‘brilliant’ refugee has already stayed at his Surrey mansion and vows: ‘I’ll do it again’
      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

      Solskjaer backs Man Utd starlet Mason Greenwood landing second England call-up a month after raging at Southgate

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has given the thumbs-up to Mason Greenwood getting a second England call — a month after it left him raging.
      Greenwood is hoping to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming clashes with Ireland, Belgium and Iceland.

      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no problems if Mason Greenwood is called up by England

      Greenwood made his Three Lions debut against Iceland on September 5

      And this time Solskjaer will have no problem if the Three Lions chief picks his teenage striker, despite his earlier run-in with Southgate.

      When the Manchester United rookie was called up in September, his club boss was fuming as he insisted Greenwood, 19, needed a break.
      But he has a different view now.
      Solskjaer said: “It’s Gareth’s decision who he wants in his team and I had a very good conversation with him before the last get-together.

      “I don’t want to interfere. It’s his choice who he picks and if he wants to pick any of my  players, they are available, of course.”
      Greenwood came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Iceland but then he and Manchester City’s Phil Foden were sent home for breaking lockdown rules.
      It meant they were snubbed for England’s last squad — yet Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho were recalled for the Wales clash despite their own Covid-rule breaches.
      United insiders say Solskjaer was unhappy at what he saw as harsher treatment for his own player but, publicly at least, he was not about to start another spat with Southgate.

      The Red Devils manager added: “You’re not getting me into this  discussion!
      “I’m full of admiration for the way Gareth is managing the England squad and think he has done a fantastic job.
      “I’ll leave him to focus on his job — and me on mine.”

      Solskjaer slams ex-Man Utd stars for attacking Mason Greenwood More

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      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn claims Kell Brook and Dominic Ingle dropped him over money as Matchroom boss hits back

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      EDDIE HEARN has accused Kell Brook of axing him and trainer Dominic Ingle for financial reasons.
      The Sheffield welterweight, 32, cut his long-time promoter and coach out of a £2million deal to fight WBO champion Terence Crawford on November 14.

      Kell Brook’s social media followers have been taking potshots at Eddie Hearn following the spat between the pairCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Brook blamed Hearn for Sky Sports turning their back on him and accused the Matchroom boss of being too busy promoting his new book to work on his fight.
      Hearn tried to bite his tongue but Brook’s fans piled in on social media — and now the Essex matchmaker has hit back.
      He said: “I’ve done a lot with Kell and I thought I was going to rise above it.
      “But then I started getting people on Twitter saying, ‘It’s bang out of order what you’ve done to Kell Brook’.

      “I have so many problems on my plate right now getting fights for people who are with me and I thought, you know what, I’m going to let you know the truth.
      “It wasn’t like they came to me and said, ‘Let’s work a deal’.
      “They were whoring themselves to everyone else first. They tried BT, ITV, Channel 5, DAZN . . . I think they tried everybody and got turned down.
      “And then they came to me asking for money!”

      Kell Brook (right) was one of Eddie Hearn’s earliest signings and has consistently boxed on Sky in the pastCredit: PA:Press Association
      Brook, along with Darren Barker and Carl Froch, was one of Hearn’s earliest signings.
       The promoter always defended his former charge over the ill- discipline that regularly left him struggling to make the 10st 7lb welterweight limit.

      People are accusing me of hanging him out to dry — but he’s making £2m to fight Crawford and just didn’t want to pay me
      Eddie Hearn

      He said: “What was so  disheartening for me was when he questioned my loyalty. I went way above and beyond trying to help Kell.
      “I flew to Fuerteventura when he was in hospital after getting stabbed (right), sorting out all his  medical insurance, lots of things.
      “We’ve had some good times and it’s sad really.
      “I feel really sorry for Dominic Ingle also because he has done everything for him from day one and they have got a big cash fight and got rid of him for it.

      Eddie Hearn says he is ‘gutted’ his relationship with Kell Brook has deteriorated Credit: LAWRENCE LUSTIG
      “I don’t think he wasted too much time chasing the Amir Khan fight, I think he wasted too much time away from the gym.
      “Lots of times I had to drive up to Sheffield to help keep him on track.
      “But now people are accusing me of hanging him out to dry — but he’s making £2m to fight Crawford and just didn’t want to pay me. That’s all.”
      Hearn seems genuinely gutted his relationship with Brook has gone down the pan.
      But he wished him the best against Crawford, despite worries about lack of a proper game-plan.

      Hearn added: “What I will say is, he is on weight. He’s trained hard and he’s fit, but you can’t just be fit to fight Crawford.
      “You have to have a game-plan.
      “Kell saying, ‘I’ve got one, I’ve been watching Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder’ isn’t going to cut it”.

      Angry Eddie Hearn tells old pal Kell Brook to stop talking ‘b******s’ amid row over Crawford fight being on Sky Sports More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale using experience gained at Real Madrid to mentor Tottenham stars, reveals Tanguy Ndombele

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      TANGUY NDOMBELE has revealed the impact Gareth Bale is having as Tottenham tap into his Champions League-winning mentality.
      Bale has returned on loan to the club where he made his name before the £86million world transfer record move to Real Madrid in 2013.

      Tanguy Ndombele reckons Gareth Bale’s return has had a positive impact on Tottenham Credit: EPA

      On the pitch, Bale’s performances have not replicated the captivating form that saw him win several European honours, mainly because he is building up fitness after a knee injury.
      Yet it is behind-the-scenes where he is having the most effect.
      Ndombele said: “You can see he’s a really great guy and he’s certainly trying to speak with everybody.

      Ndombele (left) believes Bale’s Real Madrid ‘experience’ is benefitting his new team-matesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “It has really helped for the team to have someone with his experience having played at Real Madrid and won four Champions Leagues like he has.”

      Ndombele skipped the Europa League defeat to Royal Antwerp on Thursday as he was struggling with fatigue.
      The Frenchman’s absence was keenly felt by boss Jose Mourinho who said the ex-Lyon midfielder “gives speed to the team” and can move the ball “quick and fast”.
      No doubt he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for today’s clash at home to Brighton.
      It completes a remarkable turnaround in fortune for the 23-year-old, whose future looked bleak after a difficult season following a record £55m transfer.

      Bale, 31, has become a popular figure in Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham squadCredit: Reuters

      Ndombele said: “I’ve got a good relationship with the coach.
      “And the more difficult moments last season we’ve left behind us. We’re now both trying our hardest to help the team.
      “I’m working a bit differently now. I find myself working harder in training and in the matches.
      “But above all I think I’ve just settled in better.

      Tanguy Ndombele’s recent performances have led to an improvement in his relationship with boss Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP or licensors
      “It’s true that the last season was difficult for me — to change championships like that, it isn’t easy.”
      The incredible double act of hotshot Harry Kane and Son Heung-min combined to score the winner at Burnley on Monday — the South Korean headed home the partnership’s 29th Prem goal.

      We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
      Tanguy Ndombele

      Ndombele said: “That understanding comes naturally. And  as long as it’s good for the team, then that’s great for us.”
      Last month’s 6-1 battering of Manchester United was such an emphatic result that many have started quietly backing Tottenham for a Premier League title charge.
      Of course, it is too early to say for sure — Spurs have a history of underachievement — but Ndombele has spelt out his lofty ambitions.

      How Lingard and Bale have compared in the past two seasons
      He said: “We’re Tottenham so we want to be in the top four. We want to be playing Champions League football.
      “We seem to be on the right track and so everybody’s happy. Right now, things are going fine.”
        TOTTENHAM (likely): Lloris, Doherty, Dier, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Moura, Kane, Son.

      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho admits Gareth Bale isn’t the star he once was but says neither are Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi More

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      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace set to ring changes with 13 players out of contract including Batshuayi, McCarthy and Benteke

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are heading for a king-sized change of the guard — with THIRTEEN players coming out of contract.
      The Eagles have monumental decisions to make with so many of their squad in the last six months of their deals.

      Striker Michy Batshuayi is set to return to Chelsea in May after his loan from Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex Features

      Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa frontman Christian Benteke could be exiting the Eagles when he is contract ends next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It could lead to the biggest turn-around seen at Selhurst Park in years, with several new players also needed to replace them.
      Palace have keepers Vicente Guaita, Wayne Hennessey, both 33, and Stephen Henderson, 32, out of contract.
      They have a one-year option to keep Guaita but Wales international Hennessey could be on his way.
      PREM RIVALS EYE DANN
      Midfielder James McCarthy, 29, could also have his deal extended by a year.But the rest will have to haggle over fresh contracts.

      Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt, 30, is looking for new terms but that might be an issue as Tyrick Mitchell, 21, has done so well in the position since stepping up.
      Centre-halves Gary Cahill, 34, and Mamadou Sakho, 30, are two that Palace want to keep.
      But defender Scott Dann, 33, could be off, with some Prem clubs even looking at him as a capture in the next window.
      Strikers Christian Benteke, 29, and Connor Wickham, 27, were given deals for this season but could then move on.

      Winger Andros Townsend, 28, was wanted by West Brom but they were rebuffed last summer.
      He will want his deal sorted soon or could leave in the January window.

      Out-of-favour midfielder Max Meyer, 25, sees his contract up next summer. He could go back to Germany.
      Striker Michy Batshuayi, 27, returns to Chelsea at the end of his loan in May.Palace would save around £1MILLION a week if they left.
      Boss Roy Hodgson, 73, will be watching the situation anxiously — but his own deal is up and it may be that a new-look squad could coincide with the arrival of a new manager.

      Crystal Palace star Andros Townsend wants the Premier League to scrap VAR now More

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      in Soccer

      Southampton kept faith in Ralph Hasenhuttl after 9-0 drubbing – it should serve as a lesson for other clubs

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      YOU know I like a flutter now and then but even I would have thought twice if you’d given me odds on this a year ago.
      The suggestion that Ralph Hasenhuttl would still be manager of Southampton, never mind the fact they could be in the top five at the end of this weekend.

      Harry Redknapp has praised Southampton for sticking with Ralph Hasenhuttl after a 9-0 defeat last year

      Hasenhuttl’s Saints side currently sit in tenth spot in the Premier League table

      I don’t think anyone would have stuck a penny on the first part, let alone anything else. I know I wouldn’t.
      A year ago, Southampton had just been whacked 9-0 at home by Leicester and dropped into the bottom three.
      The board could have taken the easy option and sacked Hasenhuttl, so give them credit for sticking with him.
      And you’ve certainly got to give plenty to the manager for how he’s steadied the ship ever since. That faith has definitely been rewarded.

      I must be honest, I didn’t know a lot about him when he arrived — but you can’t knock the fact he’s done a good job.
      They beat Everton last week and fully deserved it, too.
      No one gets an easy game against Southampton and you’d have to fancy them for a top-half finish at least. Probably more, the way they’re going.
      It’d be nice to think a few other clubs would show the same sort of patience Saints did when they hit a rocky patch — because not too many do.

      Southampton beat Everton 2-0 last week at St Mary’s thanks to goals from James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams

      You have all these billionaire owners who are massively successful in what they do, and don’t understand why it isn’t the same in football.
      If a manager is good enough to get the job in the first place, he doesn’t become a bad one on the back of a bad result or two.
      They should be asking things like: What has he to work with? What’s he been given?
      Would it make a difference if Pep Guardiola came in, if you were a Burnley, Fulham or whoever?
      Unfortunately not too many are keen to do that, any more than they are to stick with the manager if things are going badly.
      Imagine if Manchester United had thought like that 30 years ago.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is maybe the greatest manager ever but he was anything but a  success in those early years.

      Southampton fought back against Chelsea to draw 3-3 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight agoCredit: Simon Dael – The Times
      I remember we played them in the FA Cup at Bournemouth and should have had a penalty in the last minute when Steve Bruce went through Luther Blissett when it was 1-1.
      There was the goal Mark Robins scored at Nottingham Forest which everyone says kept Fergie in a job. He didn’t do too badly in the end, did he?
      I’m not saying Southampton will do the same by any stretch but you see what I mean.
      Then again, maybe we should not be that surprised about how well Hasenhuttl and his team are doing, because it really is turning into a strange season — and not all in a good way.
      Of course you love the fact there have been loads of goals, it’s great the league is so open and fantastic to see different sides up there.
      But I have to say we’re watching a totally different game now. One which lacks the real intensity of a normal year.
      A lot of them have been like practice matches, like the first team versus reserve games I’ve stood and watched all my life.

      Players are not closing down or getting tight, they’re standing a yard off and I’m seeing more and more rolling it out from the back and passing it about, going nowhere.
      From one centre-back to another, to the full-back, to the keeper, to the other full-back… you just couldn’t do that if there was a crowd.
      I’m not against playing out of defence — but if there were punters in, they’d be on to them and demanding a  forward pass.
      Instead you’ve got goalkeepers thinking they can do Cruyff Turns and centre-backs thinking they’re Bobby Moore or Franz Beckenbauer.
      I do like the fact we are  getting some odd results though — and we probably should have had a few more, to be honest.
      Sheffield United were excellent at Liverpool and probably deserved a point, while Burnley were unlucky not to get anything against Tottenham.

      Then I look at Brighton and think they’re really good but they can’t win a game at the minute.
      It’s going to be tight at both ends this time.
      So when they say it’s a strange old season, they’re not kidding — although surreal would probably be a better description.

      Premier League WILL continue despite second lockdown but fans now unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021 More

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      Wolves powerhouse Adama Traore used to get roughed up as a skinny kid, admits ex-Barcelona youth boss

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      HE has the speed of an Olympic sprinter, the build of a middleweight boxing champion  and strikes fear into every team he faces.
      Yet there was a time when the only thing scary about Adama Traore was the rough-house approach opponents used to stop him.

      Adama Traore has developed into one of the most feared attacking players in the Premier League Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Back in his young years, Traore did not pose the same physical threat, according to his former coach at BarcelonaCredit: Supplied

      Back then he was still a flier, yet a waif of a player with a body more like a butcher’s pencil than powerhouse Prem star.
      And Andres Carrasco, the man who coached Traore in those early days at Barcelona, remembers how he would wince at the punishment handed out.
      Time and again he feared the kid would throw in the towel.
      Carrasco, recently named Kuwait coach, was in charge of Barcelona’s Under-12s through to Under-14s and the spindly lad scorching up and down the wing stood out a mile.

      Not just for the afterburners in his feet but the fire in his belly — and Traore had only just turned ten at the time.
      Carrasco revealed: “There were a lot of 11-year-old boys at Barcelona who gave the impression they were three or four years older. Adama wasn’t like that. He was very small — one of the smallest in the team — but really caught our attention.
      ““When we defended a corner, we’d put him on the edge of box to take advantage of the rebounds. With his speed we’d go straight up to the other end — he scored a lot like that.
      “When Adama had the ball in a one against one, the defenders didn’t even smell him. He created total panic among them.”

      Traore developed under Andres Carrasco in the Under-12s through to Under-14sCredit: Supplied

      Some at Barca doubted his ability to reach the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He created a fair bit for his coach too, as teams gradually realised the only way to halt the gangly ace was to stop him running — however they could.At the time, he was a world away from the man who is now a cult hero to Wolves fans.
      Carrasco said: “When he was a little boy I’ve never seen so many brutal and dirty tackles against a player in grassroots football.“The incredible thing is Adama kept getting kicked and we’d have our hands over our faces that he’d be badly injured — but he always got up as if nothing had happened.”In fact, the bigger threat to him making it was his tendency to turn up just before kick-off. Carrasco explained: “He was a really nice kid, always smiling away — but a very forgetful boy.
      “He would forget his passport when we played international tournaments and would have to call his mum or dad to bring it.“Adama was also well known because sometimes he used to arrive late to  the games.

      Traore left Spain in search of making it in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      “Everybody was stressed, looking at their watches and asking, ‘Where is he’? But he’d come in cool as a cucumber.
      “When we kicked off he transformed to the Adama we know.”
      Yet for all his speed and talent, many at Barca doubted whether he had the ‘footballing nous’ to go right to the top.
      With the first-team door locked, Traore tried his luck at Aston Villa, then Middlesbrough, until the 24-year-old found his spiritual home at Molineux.

      Carrasco added: “English football is made for him and obviously he has silenced any who doubted him.“Look at the international market, there are no players of his ability to destroy defenders in a one v one.“He is the best — Adama can change a game.”

      Wolves star Adama Traore shows off incredible ripped physique as he works out at home More

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      in Soccer

      Shearer pays tribute to Nobby Stiles and says great’s family wait for answers over possible football-related dementia

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      HEARTBROKEN Alan Shearer paid tribute to ‘giant’ Nobby Stiles — but said his family are still waiting for answers on possible football-related dementia.
      Stiles died on Friday at the age of 78 — the seventh member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning starting XI to pass away.

      England stars past and present have been paying tribute to Nobby Stiles, who sadly passed away on FridayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson have all died since 2018 after living with dementia.
      Former England striker Shearer made a powerful BBC documentary in 2017 investigating whether there is a link between heading footballs and the brain syndrome.
      Stiles’ family featured on the programme after the Manchester United icon was revealed to be suffering from advanced dementia in 2016.
      Shearer believes serious questions need to be answered, especially as footballs were heavier in the past.

      And he added that funding for ground-breaking research is due to run out next year.
      Shearer, 50, said: “We had spoken to the family when we did the documentary.
      “As you can imagine, they were pretty angry in terms of the lack of answers — and the research has started.
      “There are about six months left of the funding and then there are serious questions about where it goes from there.

      Alan Shearer says Stiles family are waiting on answers on whether the World Cup winner (right) suffered from football-related dementiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “That needs to be answered because there is no way it can be stopped. There are too many families who need those answers.
      “There are too many families that are being left alone and are unable to fund what they need to.
      “So there is still work to be done and hopefully that will continue to happen.
      “It’s unbelievably sad news. Obviously, I was aware of him and the struggles with him and his family.
      “It’s terrible news that another one of our giants has sadly passed away — his record, winning the World Cup and helping England, was incredible. Such a sad day for football again.”

      Manchester United fans have been laying flowers outside Old Trafford in honour of Red Devils hero Stiles Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Manchester United fans left touching tributes to Stiles outside Old Trafford, while the players will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence at today’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
      Stiles won two league titles and the 1968 European Cup during an 11-year career with the Red Devils.

      He was someone who the fans saw as a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy
      Rio Ferdinand

      But he will be most remembered for that glorious summer 54 years ago which culminated in a 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final.
      The sight of Stiles dancing around the Wembley pitch while holding aloft the trophy remains one of the defining images of English football. In 2000, he was awarded an MBE.
      Members of United’s famous Class of 92 paid their respects over the weekend.

      Manchester United’s old rivals Liverpool are among the clubs who observed a minute’s silence in honour of Stiles following his deathCredit: Getty – Pool
      Former midfielder Stiles helped the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers while working as a youth team coach between 1989 and 1993.
      Former  Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand said: “He was someone who the fans saw as a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy.

      His contribution to that World Cup success was enormous. Everyone who knows football understands and respects that
      Roy Hodgson

      “He was always charismatic and a lovely person to be around.
      “The impact he had on football I don’t think is valued as highly as it could have been.
      “He was a fantastic competitor — very modest and down to earth.”
      Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, 73, said: “Like all football lovers and being very much a keen spectator of that wonderful final, my image will forever be of Nobby at the end of the game.

      “He had given his heart, his soul around the field, putting so much effort into protecting the England lead.
      “His contribution to that World Cup success was enormous. Everyone who knows football understands and respects that.
      “I do know other members of the team and they’ve spoken to me about how highly they valued his contributions. What a wonderful job he did.” 

      England World Cup-winner Nobby Stiles has died aged 78 after long illness More