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      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy’s name set to be erased by hard-up non-league club where Golden Boot winner launched his career

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      GOLDEN BOOT winner Jamie Vardy is about to be booted out of the club that launched his career.
      Hard-up Stocksbridge Park Steels plan to take the Premier League striker’s name off their main stand in a desperate bid to raise funds.

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      Jamie Vardy won the Premier League Golden Boot this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Vardy’s name is currently on the stand at Stocksbridge Park SteelsCredit: STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS
      SunSport can reveal the Northern Premier League minnows are upset the multi-millionaire superstar has so far ignored their financial plight.
      And the South Yorkshire club are now actively seeking a sponsor to replace the name of their most famous player to make ends meet.
      The tiny metal structure was named in recognition of Vardy scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games in 2015, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous record.
      Vardy, 33, is the oldest winner of the Golden Boot having bagged 23 Prem goals in Leicester’s failed bid to qualify for the Champions League.

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      Vardy spent seven seasons at Bracken Moor LaneCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Park Steels chairman Graham Furness said: “If we can get a sponsor for the stand we will take his name off it – needs must, to be fair.
      “At the moment we need to raise as much income as we can because since the pandemic started most of our income streams have stopped.
      “We are looking at £16,000 sponsorship for two seasons and we’re talking to someone at the moment – but if Vardy wants to pay it to keep his name there he can.”
      Ex-England star Vardy is the Foxes’ highest-paid player, believed to be on £140,000 per week and said to be worth £12million.

      In comparison, Park Steels’ annual playing budget is £37,000.
      Yet Furness confessed he and other board members were a little hurt and surprised that the club’s prodigal son had not come to their rescue.

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      The non-league club may have to remove the name of their star former playerCredit: STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS
      He said: “Jamie Vardy has gone off the radar a bit with his old connections, which is sad if I’m being honest.
      “We haven’t asked for any help from Jamie but we are aware he knew about our plight but hasn’t done anything.
      “When you think of the money he’s earned you would like to think he might do something to help.
      “Harry Kane did something for Leyton Orient and you would like to think that would spur him on but obviously not.”
      Vardy spent seven seasons at Bracken Moor Lane, scoring 66 goals in 107 league games after being released by Sheffield Wednesday at 16 for being too small.
      Park Steels even stood by the player when, at 20, he was convicted for a criminal assault and had to wear an electronic tag on an ankle.

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      Vardy is a legend at the club where it all beganCredit: Peter Revitt – STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS
      The striker was allowed to leave games early or be excused from playing in extra-time so that he could be home by the 6pm curfew.
      Stocksbridge banked £15,000 from Halifax for Vardy in 2010 and received a further £25,000 sell-on fee when the Shaymen sold him to Fleetwood for £150,000.
      Vardy’s 31 goals in 36 appearances not only helped Fleetwood win promotion to the Football League but it earned him a £1million transfer to Leicester.
      Furness said: “Selling him to Halifax helped us out and we were thankful for the sell-on clause which we were more than happy with at the time.
      “But lately we’ve had a horrendous couple of months just after lockdown because the tractor engine blew up and vandals broke into our training ground and broke the mobile goal.
      “Then our sponsors decided not to renew their deals because of the uncertainty — and there was a real danger we wouldn’t be able to start the season at this level.”

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      The club are disappointed Vardy has not stepped in to donate himself
      The club used crowdfunding to fix the tractor that trims the pitch and recently secured a new sponsor, Eco Power Environment, to safeguard their future until 2022.
      Furness added: “I didn’t expect anything from Jamie and he’s not obliged to give anything.
      “We’re not going to force the lad. If he donates, fantastic — if he doesn’t, people will make up their own minds about that.”

      A spokesperson for Vardy said:  “Jamie is disappointed to hear these comments, especially as he has had no formal approach from anybody at Stocksbridge.
      “Jamie is a huge supporter of non-league football and he has helped many players fulfil their dreams in the game through his V9 Academy, which he funds himself.
      “Jamie will continue to champion non-league football and invest in helping players follow in his footsteps.”

      Leicester’s top scorer Jamie Vardy wins the Premier League’s Golden Boot More

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      in Motorsport

      Silverstone chiefs vow to stage ‘record-breaking’ British GP next year as 350,000 fans miss out due to coronavirus

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      SILVERSTONE chiefs are planning a “record-breaking” bumper British Grand Prix for 2021 to make up for this year’s behind-closed-doors race.
      Last year, over 350,000 fans attended over the four days whereas this year the grandstands will be empty as part of the coronavirus measures.

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      Lewis Hamilton hopes to soon be reunited with the Silverstone faithfulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Circuit bosses have warned fans not to waste their time trying to get close to the track to sneak a glimpse of Lewis Hamilton or even hear his Mercedes on track.
      However, next year, Silverstone MD Stuart Pringle wants to recapture the atmosphere from 1992 – when Nigel Mansell won the world title – a period dubbed “Mansell Mania” when British F1 fans flocked to the circuit.
      He said: “I am certain we will all feel the lack of fans but we want to focus on next year.
      “We don’t know what the world will be like but I sincerely hope we are operating as normal by July next year.

      “Providing it is safe to do so, I think we need to have a look and see if we can break some records next year because there is unquestionably a pent-up demand.
      “I have my sights on topping Mansell Mania. That’s what I want to go for – ’92 particularly because that was absolutely massive.

      “What’s interesting now is that it is all coming in to focus, even for the less casual viewer.
      “Lewis Hamilton is now recognised as one of the greatest ever and then you have Lando Norris, who is fourth in the championship for McLaren.

      “Then, if you are a fan of the sport, you will be aware of what a great job George Russell is doing.
      “We are about to enter a golden period for British Formula One interest.
      “We have arguably the greatest ever and then the other two British lads, who are the heirs to his throne.”
      Pringle says that the Northamptonshire circuit is now fully prepared for this weekend’s race – followed by a GP to mark the sport’s 70th anniversary next week in a unique doubled-header.
      He added: “I am happy. I don’t have any concerns.
      “I think we are lucky we are the fourth and fifth races of the year and we are benefiting greatly from F1 and the FIA’s experiences from the first three rounds. All the testing procedures are up and running.”

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      McLaren ace Norris says the British GP without fans will not feel “as special” as his F1 debut last year.
      He said: “It is going to feel weird going to the home GP and not having any of the fans there.
      “It would have been nice to see even more flags with my name on. When you don’t have the fans it doesn’t mean as much, it’s not as cool, it’s not as special.
      “But at least we’re racing, back on track, and heading in the right direction. Hopefully, next year we can get the fans back and they can enjoy the racing again.”

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua insists he’s ‘waiting’ for Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder as he looks to cement heavyweight legacy

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is pleased Tyson Fury gatecrashed the heavyweight championship party — but now wants to hunt him down.
      The Gypsy King spent almost 1,000 days out of the ring after unifying the division by dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.

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      Anthony Joshua is ready and waiting for Tyson Fury and Deontay WilderCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Fellow British heavyweight Fury is WBC heavyweight champCredit: Richard Pelham
      Fury’s thrilling return and February demolition of Deontay Wilder should strike fear into potential opponents — but Joshua has his fellow Brit top of his guest list.
      Watford’s WBA, IBF and WBO king told Apple Music: “I’m happy Fury won — it changed the whole dimension of the heavyweight division.
      “We’re fighting for legacy. I need Wilder. I need Fury. I’m ready for them. I’m waiting for them.”
      As well as enjoying the depth of quality in the division, AJ remembers being impressed with a different type of talent at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won gold.

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      Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in FebruaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 30-year-old said: “A good memory for me was just all the different countries being in one place.
      “I wanted to throw a party with those Jamaican girls, Swedish girls, all those different countries! I was like ‘Wow, this is amazing’.
      “The annoying thing about being in the athletes’ village was that I boxed on the last day of the whole two weeks.
      “So I knew people who had won a gold medal on the third day and were then walking around loving life while I was still doing running and physio.”

      AJ could have had a very different view of the 2012 Games after he was arrested in the build-up with 8oz of cannabis, while dressed in a Team GB tracksuit.
      He said: “I was boxing for Team GB a year before the Olympics and at that stage I was on about £500 a month, so it could not keep me away from opportunities that came my way.
      “I was on a notorious estate in north-west London. I was a young boxer in my Team GB tracksuit. I was driving a Mercedes,  cruising through the estate and three undercover police stopped and said that my car smelt a bit.

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      “I told them my uncle was a Rasta, they smoke weed and I had just dropped him off at the station. I told them I hated it because I was just trying to focus on the Olympics.
      “They said they understood and told me to stay focused but then one of them picked my big bag and asked ‘What is this?’.
      “I got charged and I got community service. I also got banned from the Olympic team for a while. That was a tough time.”

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer target Jack Grealish worried Aston Villa’s £80m demands will price him out of summer move

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      JACK GREALISH faces being priced out of a major summer move.
      Aston Villa want a huge £80million for their star man after his goal at West Ham helped keep them in the Premier League.

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      Jack Grealish faces being priced out of a major summer moveCredit: Rex Features
      But top clubs are unlikely to pay that for Grealish, 24, and Villa will play hardball. 
      They are desperate to keep hold of the midfield ace, who earns around £100,000 a week. 
      He came close to joining Tottenham in 2018 but Villa’s owners blocked the move.
      Grealish has expressed a desire to play European football but his employers are confident he will pledge his long-term future to his boyhood team.

      Manager Dean Smith took his Villa squad for celebratory drinks after the 1-1 draw at West Ham secured top-flight status.
      Asked about Grealish on talkSPORT, Smith joked: “I gave him a few shots last night and got him to sign a new five-year contract.
      “It’s not been done yet . . . it was written in sambuca, I’m not sure if it was mine or his!
      “Jack’s a wonderful lad and I’ve got all the time in the world for him and I’m so pleased that he scored the goal that kept us in the Premier League.”

      The Villa boss was so sozzled after the boozy celebration he slept over in his office.
      And despite Roy Keane criticising the team’s jubilant celebrations in the London Stadium changing room, Smith said: “What time did I get to bed? I am not sure. 
      “But I am not great as it was a heavy night.
      “I slept in my office at the training ground. I slipped off so the lads didn’t see me go.
      “They were right to go and celebrate. Some had written us off and had us relegated ten games ago but what a turnaround.
      “We have given the lads three weeks off and I will sit down with the chief executive, sporting director and the owners. 

      “We need to be smart in the market. There has been such a big turnaround of players.
      “I am really proud of the players and how they adapted to the Premier League. It has taken time. 
      “I said to the players in the dressing room after the game, this feels better than getting promoted.”

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City will challenge Liverpool in four-horse Prem race… but Arsenal are still off the pace

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      LIVERPOOL have won the title by 18 points but it won’t be a one-horse race again next season.
      Manchester United and Chelsea will join second-placed Manchester City in making sure Jurgen Klopp doesn’t find it another cruise at the top.

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      Liverpool are champions this year, but next season it will be closerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Big Four are all back in the Champions League following the final fixtures yesterday.
      United have been on an unbelievable run of 14 games unbeaten in the league and once again, in their 2-0 victory at Leicester, the brilliant Bruno Fernandes was key to their success.
      His pass to Anthony Martial was sublime and, after the Frenchman was fouled, he stuck away the penalty for the opening goal.
      Whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team can get back to where their fans believe they belong depends on who they get in.

      They obviously need strengthening. They need three or four if they want to challenge for the league.
      Certainly going forward is not going to be an issue — Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford are only going to get better.
      But defensively and in goal, with David De Gea, is an issue. How you solve a problem like De Gea is the big question Ole has to tackle over the next few weeks.
      The Spaniard looked shaky again yesterday. There were one or two incidents where he didn’t fill his back four with any confidence.

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      David De Gea’s form for Manchester United has put a question mark over his futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It will be a massive decision for Ole whether to replace him — and I don’t see the point of bringing back Dean Henderson from Sheffield United unless he is going to make him his NO1.
      That said, at least De Gea kept a clean sheet, they got the job done and now have the chance to win the Europa League.
      On top of Champions League football, that would be an unbelievable season for them if they can do that.
      It is the same with Chelsea. They had a great result yesterday against Wolves and can win the FA Cup on Saturday against Arsenal. What a great first season for Frank Lampard that would be.
      That is without being able to spend and losing their best player in Eden Hazard. Lampard has rotated their youngsters very well.

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      Winning the FA Cup would cap off a glorious first season as Chelsea manager for Frank LampardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tammy Abraham had a great start and Mason Mount (left) has enjoyed an impressive season.
      It could be a brilliant campaign for Chelsea and in the next one, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already signed, they will surely accumulate far more than just two thirds of the points Liverpool amass, like they have this time.
      It will be a lot closer. I don’t think anyone will dominate like Liverpool have done this season.

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      in Soccer

      Wolves ace Adama Traore is using BABY OIL to give opponents the slip and avoid another dislocated shoulder

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      ADAMA TRAORE is feared throughout Europe for his blistering pace.
      However, Chelsea defenders beware – the speedy Spaniard literally is greased lightning these days after Wolves tweaked his pre-match preparations.

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      Adama Traore is using BABY OIL to give defenders the slip
      The 24-year-old winger, already one of the slipperiest customers in the Premier League, will be even harder to get to grips with at Stamford Bridge today.
      Wolves medics came up with a cunning new ploy to protect their star forward.
      They smother his arms in baby oil before games!
      Eagle-eyed fans spotted Wolves backroom staff plastering Traore’s muscular arms with the slippery stuff before and during breaks in last week’s 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace.

      It’s their smart solution to prevent beaten defenders tugging at Traore’s arms when he goes past him to try and slow him down.
      The underhand tactic was playing havoc with the winger’s troublesome shoulder which he dislocated at home to Spurs in December.

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      The Wolves winger is using the trick to protect his shoulder from defenders

      “Defenders are so worried about him getting away from them with his pace they were reaching out and tugging at his arm.
      Wolves insider on Adama Traore

      Since then it’s popped out a further four times, most recently against Sheffield United earlier this month.
      Traore has been bravely soldiering on with the help of a bespoke brace which Wolves had specially made to help protect their burly forward – now they have come up with their oily solution.

      “It’s something we’ve had to do to protect Adama,” a Wolves insider confirmed.
      “Defenders are so worried about him getting away from them with his pace they were reaching out and tugging at his arm.
      “That was causing the shoulder to pop out during games.
      “Lubricating his arms makes it harder for opponents to grab him and helps prevent further damage.”

      Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping that bit of slick thinking could give his side a valuable edge over Chelsea in a match which is crucial to both side’s European aspirations.
      Wolves haven’t won at Stamford Bridge for 41 years but three points today will seal sixth position, regardless of what Tottenham do at Crystal Palace
      Chelsea, meanwhile need a solitary point to book their Champions’ League berth.

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr has David Haye bursting with excitement despite controversy over exhibition

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      DAVID HAYE is not masking his excitement over the controversial fantasy fight between Mike Tyson and his idol Roy Jones Jr.
      The ring legends — with a combined age of 105 — will clash in an eight-round exhibition bout on September 12 with larger-than-usual 12oz gloves.

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      Mike Tyson, 54, will fight for the first time in 15 years when he faces Roy Jones Jr, 51

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      Jones Jr and Tyson are boxing in an eight-round exhibition
      The pay-per-view spectacle has divided opinion but Haye, who reigned as world champion at both cruiser and heavyweight, is in the pro camp.
      He said: “Roy Jones Jr is probably the most physically gifted boxer I have ever seen.
      “He was so fast and such a massive idol and inspiration for me growing up as a teenager.
      “I even used to watch some of his fights in the dressing room, just moments before my own, in the crazy hope that a little bit of that magic would somehow rub off on me.

      “So I really am looking forward to this match because I love Tyson too.
      “Neither man is in their prime but they are then equally out of their prime, so it is a fair contest between two legends at the same level.”
      But the Hayemaker, 39, who retired in 2018, will not be returning to the ring himself.

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      He added: “It wouldn’t be an option for me right now.

      “Training for a serious fight takes you into such a dark and miserable comfort zone.
      “The thought of going through that process again does not appeal.”
      “David Haye’s face mask line ‘Black Mask Company’ is now available for purchase starting from £9.50 from www.theblackmaskcompany.com”

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      in Soccer

      Man City close to signing teenage Gremio star Diego Rosa in £21.5m transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on a deal for Gremio’s midfield starlet Diego Rosa.
      Reports in Brazil say an agreement is in place and could be worth more than £21.5million if he is a success.

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      Brazilian starlet Diego Rosa is thought to be close to a Man City deal, although might not actually move until JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They will only pay around £4.5m up front for the 17-year-old with the biggest chunk coming if he appears for City in the Premier League.
      Rosa only turns 18 in October so his move to Europe is unlikely until the January transfer window.
      City are likely to loan him out initially to give him some experience of playing at a high level.
      Rosa has never played for Gremio’s senior side.

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      Man City are also tipped to win the race for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who has also been linked with neighbours UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut it is thought the Brazilian top-flight club also want a sell-on clause.
      City have been just as busy attempting to strengthen their current side, rather than simply planning for the future.
      And the talk in Italy is that Etihad chiefs are close to completing a £68m deal for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

      The Italians need the cash to fund a £55m move for Lille striker Victor Osimhen, 21.
      It is also understood City are keen on Valencia winger Ferran Torres as they look to replace Bayern Munich new boy Leroy Sane.
      The 20-year-old Spaniard is in the final year of his contract but still with a buy-out clause approaching £40m.

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