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      Wayne Rooney at centre of tug-of-war as Sky and TNT battle to make him pundit but Man Utd legend in two minds on future

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      WAYNE ROONEY is at the centre of a “tug of war” over his future in football management, SunSport can reveal.The retired England and Manchester United ace is wanted by Sky Sports and TNT for a “top pundit’s” job next season.Both Sky Sports and TNT want to sign Wayne Rooney up to punditry workCredit: GettyIt comes after he was announced as a new host for Overlap, which will see him work alongside Gary Neville.But SunSport can reveal the former Derby County and Birmingham City manager is in two minds about his growing broadcasting career.Our source said: “Sky and TNT are desperate to sign up Wayne as one of their main pundits. Big money will be on the table. He’s very, very highly respected among TV producers and every time he appears on TV the feedback from viewers is very good. That’s why he and been snapped up by the Overlap.“He’s able to give good insight on the Premier League and on the Champions League as well because he’s been there and done that.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Sky is particularly keen to sign him because they think he presents well with Jamie Carragher and is regarded as a natural replacement for when Gary Neville is commentating.“But as much as Wayne loves working in the studio, he is desperate for a return to the dugout.“Despite everything that’s happened at Birmingham he still believes he has a lot to offer, and harbours ambitions to one day manage in the Premier League. It means he is in a bit of a tug of war over what to do.”Wayne is also likely to feature as part of the broadcasting teams this Summer when England compete in the Euros.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoth ITV and BBC are interested in him, and the channels are busy finalising their presenting teams for a tournament which many think the Three Lions can win.“Wayne is an England legend and is therefore seen by the channels as a really fantastic name to have as part of the line-up,” our source added.Watch Wayne Rooney go full Roy Keane live on Sky Sports in angry rant that would make Man Utd hardman proud“Wayne is a bit underestimated as a pundit. His knowledge and insight on the game is second to none. And he watches football pretty much 24/7. He’s still as obsessed with the game now as he was when he was playing.”Fergie banned me from Man Utd press conferences SEVEN TIMES – I once rowed with him in the toiletsBy SunSport’s Manchester United correspondent Neil Custis.
      MUCH consternation recently at the news that three football writers were denied the chance to ask Erik ten Hag a question over three consecutive press conferences.
      The dismay did not stretch to myself despite being one of those placed briefly on the naughty step.
      I don’t agree with such ‘punishments’ for stories or opinions but Ten Hag has had to take a bucketload this season and has never been anything but polite and helpful.
      So if he wanted to do something to have a go back for once, no problem.It’s all sorted now and everyone is friends again.
      Having been brought up on Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and downright unfair bans of varying lengths, seven in my case, you become immune to middle-aged men having a hissy fit.
      Recent events reminded me of a lovely warm day at the Haydock Thistle Hotel some years back, where North-West based managers and writers were all invited to a lunch.
      Sir Alex was there on the main table laughing, singing and generally holding court when simultaneously all the writers’ phones bleeped with a message from United’s “no communication department”.
      He had no doubt arranged for it to be sent bang in the middle of the lunch informing us all that relations would be suspended forthwith.
      Our crime was to use his words from a local radio interview he had done that week and the controversial comments he made within it.
      We were all fuming so, when he got up to leave I followed him out of the luncheon suite.
      As I ranted about how unfair his actions were, he ignored me and walked on ahead, entering another room.
      I followed, still ranting, but he kept his back to me and looked down silently.
      Was he having a rethink as his gaze remained concentrated, his head stooped?
      No, he was having a wee! We had entered the gents but, in my own hissy fit, I hadn’t quite realised.
      I’m not sure what the hotel guest two urinals down made of it but how absurd the whole scene must have appeared.
      Defeated and deflated, I returned to the luncheon where the free red wine got a hammering and I sulked.
      There would be more such incidents, told and retold to this day with laughter.
      I always say covering United when Sir Alex was boss was like a stay at Fawlty Towers — not particularly comfortable but certainly unforgettable. More

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      Joe Cole apologises to Arsenal fans live on TV as host reveals Chelsea legend ‘resigning from celebration police’

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      CHELSEA legend Joe Cole apologised to Arsenal supporters on live TV ahead of today’s win over Bournemouth.The Gunners restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.Joe Cole apologised to Arsenal fans live on-air todayCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all got on the scoresheet to pile the pressure on second-placed Man City ahead of their 5:30pm clash with Wolves.Arsenal, who blew a lengthy lead at the top last season, are chasing a first title triumph since 2004.However, after they beat Chelsea 5-0 on April 23, Cole claimed that the team’s post-match celebrations at the Emirates were “a bit too much”.But he had a huge change of tune today as he returned to North London to work as a pundit again on TNT Sports.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd after a stern talking to from his fellow pundit and Arsenal’s legendary former defender Martin Keown, he took his opportunity to say sorry in front of the cameras.Ex-England international Cole said: “I didn’t realise. I’ve got to apologise.“Martin gave me a bit of stick when they came and beat Chelsea, and I was a bit sore. That’s not me.“I don’t want to be The Grinch. I was hearing fireworks, Arsenal fans celebrating, and I don’t want to be that guy that stops the party.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So bring your fireworks, bring your party poppers, enjoy it, take selfies, celebrate as much as you want. I’m sorry.”He was then asked by host Lynsey Hipgrave if that apology meant that he was “resigning from the celebration police”, Cole replied laughing: “Yeah!”Arsenal icon told ‘you’re live on the radio.. you shouldn’t be doing that’ by fuming Tottenham fan in North London derbyCole had initially said after the London derby win last month: “I heard fireworks from the Arsenal fans.“I think [celebrations] are a bit early with five games to go. It’s a bit too much.”Following the win over the Cherries, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “With what is at stake and the stage of the season we are in, to perform the way we have done today, especially in the first half, I thought it was one of the best that we played all season.“It was really positive, a lot of energy, players making decisions to impact the game and make things happen – I loved it.Martin Keown helped persuade Joe Cole after his celebration blastCredit: TNT Sports“We were very unlucky not to score four or five, and then when you don’t do that, you have to navigate for certain difficult moments, and we did.“Obviously we have to be more ruthless in front of goal, with a lot of chances and situations we generated. The scoreline should have been very, very different.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sometimes when you don’t finish the game, it can get a bit different and the momentum of the game can shift, and you have to be prepared for that and I think the team did really well to handle it.“I think the moment is driven by energy, enthusiasm and finding joy in this journey, and being in the title race at this stage of the season. We have to continue to do the same.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant
      Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
      Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
      They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
      Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
      A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
      Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
      Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
      Milly White – partner of Ben White
      The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
      Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
      The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
      They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
      Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
      Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
      She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
      Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
      Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
      The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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      Iconic ex-Premier League stadium unrecognisable as luxury flats as trophy is shown there on TNT Sports

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      AN ICONIC former Premier League stadium looks completely unrecognisable as the site of £500million worth of luxury flats.Highbury Stadium was the old home of Arsenal and was the setting TNT Sports’ pre-match build-up for the Gunners’ clash against Bournemouth.The Premier League trophy was at the site of an old stadiumCredit: TNT SPORTSIt was at Arsenal’s old ground HighburyCredit: TNT SPORTSThe abandoned stadium looks unrecognisableCredit: TNT SPORTSIt has been converted into a luxury flatsCredit: TNT SPORTSThe clash with the Cherries in a must-win game as Mikel Arteta’s side aims to win their first league title since 2004.The last time the club won the Premier League, they were playing at Highbury, compared to their new home of the Emirates.The former ground has been demolished and replaced with 650 luxury flats worth.There are still some nods to the famous past of the ground as the exteriors of the East and West Stands remain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA bust of former Gunners manager Herbert Chapman remains in the same marble corridors, while the players’ tunnel is also intact.The pitch is long gone but has been replaced by gardens.However, some fans questioned the positioning of the trophy with many backing Manchester City to retain the title.One fan posted: “What is our trophy doing there?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second asked: “Why’s our trophy at Arsenal’s former end.”A third commented: “The blue ribbons lol.”How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerA fourth wrote: “Our trophy with light blue ribbons at the Highbury hahaha.”A fifth said: “Just in case they don’t win it, they’ll have had a chance to see it once more 20 years is a long time without a glance at it.”Another added: “If that isn’t tempting fate, I don’t know what is!”Arsenal left the 38,419-capacity Highbury in 2006 as they moved to the Emirates, which is capable of holding 60,704 people.For the Premier League trophy to remain in North London, Arsenal need to win their remaining three games and for Manchester City to slip up.The site has 650 flatsCredit: GettyFans can still walk past the entrance to the old West StandCredit: GettyBalconies look out onto where the pitch used to beCredit: GettyFlats vary in price between around £400k and £800kCredit: GettyGardens now lie where the Highbury pitch used to beCredit: Getty – ContributorArsenal moved to the Emirates in 2006Credit: Getty More

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      TNT Sports troll Jurgen Klopp with cheeky post after Liverpool boss slams broadcaster over ‘criminal’ fixtures

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      TNT Sports have hit back at Jurgen Klopp after he suggested he would never watch the broadcaster again after leaving Liverpool.Klopp jokingly took a swipe at the channel during his press conference yesterday and blamed them for fixture congestion.Jurgen Klopp criticised TNT Sports for fixture congestionCredit: TNT SportsDespite playing Spurs this Sunday at 4:30pm, he mentioned that the broadcaster often pick Liverpool for the early kick-off on Saturday and said he won’t miss that when he leaves at the end of this season.He took aim at TNT among other broadcasters for the “criminal” fixture congestion affecting English clubs, suggesting that it played a role in the Premier League’s under performance in European competitions.Klopp said: “The Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you.”You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”He continued by joking: “They dare to give us (a schedule of) Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 — it’s a crime!Most read in Football”I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them [TNT]. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter].The club hit back at him on X with a jokey postCredit: TNT SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy.Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”TNT’s social media team were quick to snap back at Klopp with a jokey comeback.Referring to the fact that Klopp will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of this season, the broadcaster suggested he would be applying to join them as a pundit.They posted to X with the caption “One new applicant” and showed a mock-up of Klopp’s CV.The image listed Klopp’s achievements with Liverpool, saying he was a Champions League and Premier League winner.But the image also showed that he was unwilling to work on Saturday’s at 12:30pm – their designated TV slot from the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan replied by saying: “Would be quite funny having him as a pundit tbh..”While another wrote: “This could have been funny if Klopp wasn’t 100% right.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has jokingly claimed that he will never watch TNT Sports again after he leaves Liverpool.The German coach, 56, dropped the bombshell in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.Jurgen Klopp has joked he’ll never watch TNT Sports againCredit: GettyThe Liverpool boss has hit out at his side regularly being scheduled for the Saturday lunchtime slotCredit: GettyThe ex-Dortmund manager has transformed Liverpool back into one of the game’s top sides since taking charge in October 2015.He achieved legendary status when ending their 30-year title drought in 2020 while he also led the Reds to three Champions League finals – tasting success in 2019.Despite Liverpool’s title aspirations and Europa League hopes going up in smoke over the past fortnight, Klopp is departing Anfield with a Carabao Cup triumph.He was in good spirits this morning at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he could not resist another rant of fixture scheduling and pile-ups as he took a swipe at TNT Sports again for the broadcaster regularly putting his side in the Saturday lunchtime spot after they had been in midweek European action.And he also said English football’s congested calendar is hindering our sides from enjoying more success against the continent’s top teams.Klopp began his tongue-in-cheek rant by saying: “The boys had a few days off this week which was super important and we could have proper training sessions again, which we are not used to.“We stumble from one -1 into the next. I said it from the first day, training helps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“In general it’s a really interesting subject, seeing that Aston Villa lost 4-2 last night. If they go out it would mean no English team is in a European final.“You will all stay here, you will all talk about it. If you don’t decrease the intensity for the players…Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “If you think that all English teams underperformed, there were definitely moments – us against Atalanta and things like this. “But the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”Klopp continued: “You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you. “You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”Klopp was not finished as he added: “I will watch a lot of football but not all – people can survive without matches from time to time. “Manchester City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it’s just not a reflection of quality. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into laughter. I would like to be thereJurgen Klopp”We are out in the quarter-finals. Yes other countries have good teams, it’s not about that – it’s a sign.“We have to change our approach. That’s how it is. When I speak about it they think it’s because of our situation, if we lost the last game. “But it’s a general problem. Nothing to do with our schedule now. They dare to give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime!Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      “I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter]. “I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy. “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”Klopp and Liverpool talisman Mo Salah were spotted rowing on the touchline in last week’s draw at West Ham.And talk of a rift between them escalated after the forward’s post-match remarks.However, the departing boss has rubbished any talk of a fall-out, saying: “Completely resolved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not a problem. We have known each other for (a long time) and respect each other. “We have a right to deal with these things completely independently. It’s a non-story.”Klopp says English football’s schedule is killing our sides in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      Laura Woods gives glimpse into life behind the scenes as adoring fans say ‘so much slay on display’

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      LAURA WOODS collared herself in glory yet again – dazzling fans with varied snapshots of her life.A black choker round the presenter’s neck was a recurring theme in her Instagram pics, narrowly appearing more often than her French bulldog!Laura Woods’ fans loved her array of snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura didn’t explain this expressionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The presenter had a giggle over her hairCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s companion was in mischievous moodCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Of course she included a Euro night shotCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woodsy neglected to include any pics with partner Adam Collard, such as this cosy snap, nor even a single photo of her beloved ArsenalCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFootball fans’ favourite broadcaster showcased her recent activities – with and without her TNT Sports’ Champions League hat on.”So much slay on display,” was one verdict, while another admirer posted: “Killing it Laura! COYG!”That’s a reference to her love for Arsenal, even though the Gunners and boyfriend Adam Collard were glaring omissions from a photo dump she labelled “Lately x”.Three photos showed Woodsy in the same neckwear – a classy number fastened at the front by a silver-coloured buckle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThat pipped the two-pic total for Lu, her pet Frenchie who she is often seen out in the wild with.She also shared a glamorous shot from a spot-lit event – and a snap of what appeared to come from behind the scenes at work.In that image, 36-year-old Laura wore an off-the-shoulder black outfit  – a bodycon dress.But a gadgety-looking khaki bag and a bottle of water in the background gave the game away – suggesting she had a date with a microphone.Most read in FootballAgain in her fave choker, Woodsy switched to a glam eventCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s dog took pride of place in two photosCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Lu had a muddy great time in this picCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/”Scrumptious,” claimed one of her 754,000 Instagram followers.”Love this girl” and “Lovely smile” were similar opinions.Laura Woods can’t keep her hands off boyfriend Adam Collard as loved-up couple snog on the beach in Mexico”Gorgeous” was also on the list of compliments.Laura also revealed a clip of herself having her hair done as she laughed around in a car with a female backseat companion.And apart from pics at famous football venues, there was a mini-mystery over one snap.She shared a screenshot of her in a black gown with a huge frown – with no clue as to what changed her usual happy expression.Maybe it’s a sign of her humour – as the choker in the pack!Laura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram More

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      Major broadcasting change with Champions League to be shown on new channel in UK for first time in nine years

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      FOOTBALL fans will only just be realising a huge change to next season’s Champions League coverage in the UK.TNT Sports have had the rights to Europe’s premier competition since 2015 – with the tournament having previously been shown on ITV and Sky Sports.Two new broadcasters will show Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyThe Champions League schedule for the 2024/25 seasonThey have held exclusive rights to all live fixtures and highlights since 2018, but that is set to change next season after a pair of deals were struck back in 2022.Amazon Prime will broadcast 17 Champions League matches on Tuesday nights.And there will also be a free-to-air option for UK viewers for the first time in nearly a decade.That is because the BBC will show a Match of the Day-style highlights programme on Wednesdays as part of a three-year deal with Uefa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means the Champions League, which is changing format from the 2024/25 campaign onwards, will be broadcast on the BBC for the first time since 1994.Europa League and Europa Conference League coverage will remain exclusively on TNT Sports.The Champions League will expand from 32 to 36 teams next season, with eight group-stage matches rather than six.One league consisting of all 36 teams will result in the top eight automatically reaching the knockout stages.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThose who place between ninth and 24th will then play a two-legged showdown to fill the remaining positions.But clashes with domestic fixtures threaten to create a chaotic schedule.Major broadcasting change as Kate Abdo reveals Jamie Carragher’s CBS Sports Champions League replacementTeams face the potential of THREE midweek clashes between Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures. More

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      ‘Gutted’ Rio Ferdinand reveals he’ll MISS Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in major change to TNT Sports coverage

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed that he is “gutted” to be missing Bayern Munich’s clash with Real Madrid.The Manchester United legend may still watch the game but will not be featured on TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand will not be on TNT Sports tonightCredit: PAFerdinand, 45, is a regular on the broadcaster’s coverage of the Champions League.The retired defender often appears alongside the likes of Jules Breach, Laura Woods and Peter Crouch, so there will be a lineup change tonight.He confirmed that he will not be on the screen tonight as Real Madrid travel to Germany to take on Bayern due to illness.However, he admitted that he is aiming to be back on punditry duties on Wednesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFerdinand wrote: “Gutted to be missing out tonight… hopefully be back on screen tomorrow!”Big ❤️ to the @footballontnt team.”He also pulled out of filming for his Vibe with Five podcast on Monday with the same illness.Fans commented on the post wishing the former Premier League star well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne wrote: “We will miss you.”A second posted: “Bruno Fernandes will assist you to get back.”Laura Woods threatens to walk out of live TV interview with Bukayo Saka after reaction to Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown A third added: “Might not watch the game now.”The match will see Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane face off as they aim to guide their clubs to the Champions League final.Kane and Bayern reached the semi-finals by beating Arsenal in the previous round.Bellingham and co defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City via a penalty shootout.The first leg of the other semi-final will take place tomorrow as Paris Saint-Germain face Borussia Dortmund.Ferdinand missed a thrilling match as Bayern and Madrid battled to a 2-2 draw, setting up a mouth-watering second leg. More