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    West Ham 0 Newcastle 1: Bruno Guimaraes spoils Michail Antonio’s London Stadium return as Toon move 2 points off top 4

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    EDDIE HOWE has something to smile about at last.A win to lift the Newcastle spirits ahead of what could be a week for the ages on Tyneside.Michail Antonio returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his December car accidentCredit: AlamyBruno Guimaraes reacted quickest to give Toon a deserved second half leadCredit: AFPThe Brazilian’s goal was his first since January 18Credit: AFPThe win moves Newcastle to within just two points of Chelsea in fourthCredit: ReutersAfter losing a trio of stars to injury and suspension as well as being dumped out of the FA Cup, a little bit of confidence was returned to the Magpies as Bruno Guimaraes claimed three points at West Ham.The Toon were far from their best and will have to show far more to down Liverpool at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.But they controlled West Ham for the most part, rode out some rough patches and found their way through to move sixth – level on points with Manchester City in those precious Champions League places.All without the injured Sven Botman and Lewis Hall – and also lacking the pace and precision of Anthony Gordon, suspended for tonight and the final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowe, looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions and gain some confidence ahead of the weekend, took the risk of starting Alexander Isak up top.The Swede was quiet and looked a little off the pace – but he survived any injury scares ahead of the weekend. There has been natural concern on Tyneside about players’ minds drifting to Sunday over the past couple of weeks.The Toon have not quite looked themselves since reaching the final as Howe battles to correct patchy performances.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsIt is a well-worn cliché rolled out by players that they only focus on the next game. This side looks like they have been playing with Sunday’s showdown on their minds ever since the semi-final.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordPotter, the only other English coach in the Premier League, has had his own problems but was able to welcome Lucas Paqueta back to the squad earlier than expected after his ankle injury.The Brazilian, though, was only named on the bench as the Hammers boss stuck with the eleven which had won the last two games.Potter had challenged his side to get the home fans invested and fired up for a game under the lights.And they certainly raised the roof when welcoming back Michail Antonio to the London Stadium for the first time since his horrific car crash last year. They could have had the start which would have delivered just that had Tomas Soucek not fired well over the bar from Mohammed Kudus’ cross inside the first minute.The Hammers had the better chances but neither team looked dangerous across a fiddly first half.Jarrod Bowen managed to wriggle into the box but fired a tame low effort straight at Nick Pope, before Kudus also saw a pot-shot stopped from range.Even with Isak back, Newcastle looked out of sorts going forwards.Harvey Barnes, bidding to keep his place for the final, had a couple of half chances but could not convert.Harvey Barnes went closest for Toon in a tepid first halfCredit: PAPotter has improved West Ham’s defensive record since replacing Julen Lopetegui, but they were hardly being stretched to their limits by the visitors.Despite being solid, the hosts were struggling to apply pressure or create anything clear cut.Kudus passed up a golden chance on the break but struggled to control the ball and got in the way when Bowen had a crack with the loose ball.West Ham’s two forwards found more gaps after the break, with Kudus causing particular trouble.They looked dangerous but, with their two fit strikers on the bench, were lacking the support to be truly dangerous.Newcastle had hardly come flying out the box, but finally found something to get them going.Alphonse Areola had to make an acrobatic stop after Jacob Murphy’s cross was almost sent looping into the Hammers goal by Max Kilman – though it may not have survived an offside check.Two minutes later, there was a Newcastle shirt ready to meet the cross and put them ahead.Having seen an initial effort blocked, Barnes collected the rebound and clipped a smart cross into the six yard box where Guimaraes slipped his markers and prodded home.Potter responded with a triple change before, a few minutes later, also sending January signing Evan Ferguson on.Sub Paqueta lifted a ball over for Bowen, who was sent tumbling by goalscorer Guimaraes. There were cries for a Hammers penalty, but there was nowhere near enough contact.While they had shown a flash of attacking intent there, the Toon goal seemed to knock West Ham flat.They are not going down but nor are they in the mix for anything exciting further up, meaning this could be a rather meandering end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESSitting 16th but also 16 points clear of trouble, Potter has the time to experiment and find out which players are worth keeping hold of in the summer.Valuable time for a manager – not very exciting to watch if you are paying for a ticket. More

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      ‘He’s got to go’ – Danny Dyer reveals two clubs he’d let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for even if it broke his heart

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      DANNY DYER has revealed the two clubs he would let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for.The Hammers star has been a shining light for the club in a below-par season.Danny Dyer has admitted there are two teams he would let Jarrod Bowen joinCredit: GettyBowen is currently the club captain at West HamCredit: RexBowen is engaged to Dyer’s daughter DaniCredit: SplashBowen, 28, has netted seven times and provided four assists in his 23 Premier League appearances this season.It is also the first campaign in which he has been the club captain following the departure of defender Kurt Zouma.The forward’s good form has seen him touted as one of the best in England’s top-flight.But father-in-law to be Dyer believes that there are only two clubs he would let the former Hull City ace join.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe British actor and diehard West Ham fan has not hidden his admiration for Bowen since he started dating his daughter and Love Island star Dani.During an appearance on talkSPORT, he was asked how he would feel if the Conference League winner followed in the footsteps of Declan Rice.Host Andy Goldstein asked: “What about if he left to go to Arsenal, how would you feel?”To which Dyer replied: “Impossible… he’s never going to do that, is he?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Why would he, what’s in it for him?”Goldstein then changed track as he asked: “Actually, not Arsenal – let’s say Real Madrid came in for him?”Trolls say Dani Dyer isn’t in a ‘genuine’ relationship as she makes shock admission about home life with Jarrod BowenThe suggestion of the serial Champions League winners was enough for Dyer to admit that Bowen would “have to go”.He said: “Real Madrid? Well then he’s got to go, hasn’t he? Real Madrid, yeah, for sure.”Real Madrid was not the only team that Dyer admitted that he would accept.Darren Bent chipped in and suggested current Premier League champions Manchester City.To which Dyer admitted that he would be happy for Bowen to make the transfer, but insisted that it would “hurt”. He said: “City? Listen, it’s his career.”I wouldn’t mind City, I’d suffer that – it would hurt, I’m not going to lie it would hurt me, but he’s a grown man, he makes his own decisions.”Obviously it would hurt, but of course, I’d be over the moon for him.”Bowen’s future is currently cemented in East London having signed a contract extension in October 2023 that will run until 2030.This season has seen him hit his 50th Premier League goal for the Hammers since joining the club from Hull in January 2020.Dyer has previously suggested that he would not swap Bowen for anyone in world football.He told GOAL: “Father of my grandchildren, I can’t tell you how that makes me feel.”West Ham is my one true love and to have the captain part of my family, my blood now… He’s f***ing brilliant. He’s our man.”The fact he broke his foot the other week, was out for six weeks, comes back and scores against Chelsea. Gets the ball, slips it round, we were unlucky that game. Build a statue now for the man.”To score the winning goal in a European final, in the 92nd minute, when he’s one on one he scores.”He’s already a legend. He will be our all-time top scorer.”I wouldn’t swap Bowen for f*cking anyone. He’s very underrated. In my eyes he’s as good as [Bukayo] Saka, if not better. Does the same s***.”I know Arsenal fans will say ‘what are you talking about’. The geezer’s got it all.”And he can play No.9, you can’t put Saka No.9, he’ll get lost. Jarrod is a class above everybody.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s grassroots, came through, he’s done it all. The geezer never stops working.”Bowen and Dani started dating in October 2021 and they now have 22-month-old twin daughters Summer and Star.Bowen’s career so farHere is a look at Jarrod Bowen’s career so far…Club career:Hereford United, 2014Apps: 8Goals: 1Assists: 1Hull City, 2014-2020Apps: 131Goals: 54Assists: 14 West Ham United, 2020-presentApps: 227Goals: 68Assists: 43International career:England, 2022-presentCaps: 14Goals: 1Honours:Europa Conference League x1 More

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      West Ham 2 Leicester 0: Foxes 5 points off escaping relegation zone as birthday-boy Soucek helps down hopeless visitors

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      LEICESTER gifted Tomas Soucek a birthday to remember as the Foxes fell to a fifth straight loss.The Czech turned 30 and scored in his big day for the second time in his West Ham career.West Ham added to Leicester’s relegation woes at the London StadiumCredit: RexWest Ham added distance between them and the Premier League relegation zoneCredit: ReutersTomas Soucek opened the scoring for West HamCredit: RexLeicester ace Jannik Vestergaard scored an own goalCredit: AFPSoucek will have enjoyed few birthdays as simple as this, given just how poor Leicester were.Some diabolical defending allowed the Hammers midfielder to open the scoring before the hapless Jannick Vestergaard turned the second into his own net.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side sit five points from safety – but the gap feels a whole lot bigger than that when watching them.It was a much needed home win for Graham Potter.Read More on FootballThe new West Ham manager will have won plenty of credit with their superb victory at Arsenal.But winning over the fickle London Stadium will be vital if he is to succeed here.Keeping the ownership and fans happy is important at all clubs.But when the bosses at West Ham create more noise than most and the stadium can go deathly quiet at times, it is a significant task.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMore nights like this will be a big help.West Ham hardly rolled out the free-flowing football in the first half – but they did not need to.Graham Potter makes five-word comment the moment he entered press conference after West Ham clashA soft attempt from Wilfried Ndidi aside, the Foxes offered nothing up top but everything at the back.The Hammers twice benefited from some ropey defending to take a rare first-half lead at the London Stadium.First Soucek bagged from close range, pouncing after Mohammed Kudus’ effort from Aaron Cresswell’s cross had been palmed into the path of the midfielder.Leicester had already had a number of chances to clear before Cresswell’s ball, which accident addict Vestergaard let slip by him.Potter’s men should have gone for the jugular there and then, but were a touch too passive to quickly run away with it.Though facing Leicester can feel like pushing against an open door at times, and it proved the case before the break.Dodgy defence leads to Hammers’ secondAnother display of dodgy defensive work set up West Ham’s second.Jamie Vardy managed to just win the ball at the near post from a corner, but allowed Jarrod Bowen to pinch it away unchallenged.The Hammers captain was given time to turn and shoot, with his effort striking Vestergaard and finding the back of the net.It may be somewhat of a relief for the Foxes that there is a team as woeful as Southampton in the league this season – taking some of the focus away from just how much of a shambles this bunch are.Almost scored a thirdTheir travelling fans indulged in plenty of gallows humour – many of them must already be looking forward to August and the warm embrace of the Championship.Potter’s night looked to be ending in perfect fashion when Bowen played through January signing Evan Ferguson – on as a sub.The Irishman is still waiting for his first goal since moving from Brighton, but dithered on the ball and allowed his soft shot to be blocked by Wout Faes.West Ham should have made this win more convincing, something to really boost their confidence.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead they sat tight and allowed Leicester to swing in some harmless crosses.But Potter will know that you cannot have everything at once – and will be pleased enough to see the Hammers heading in the right direction, winning back-to-back games for the first time in nearly a year. More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

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      ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

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      Lucas Paqueta facing weeks out with ankle injury that could see him miss four crucial West Ham clashes

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      LUCAS PAQUETA is facing up to a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.The West Ham midfielder, 27, limped out of training at the London Stadium on Tuesday as Graham Potter’s side prepare to face Arsenal this weekend.Crocked Hammer Lucas Paqueta could miss four Prem gamesCredit: RexGraham Potter’s West Ham squad has been plagued by injuriesCredit: GettyPaqueta had only just returned from a groin injury which saw him miss the Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea.The Brazilian was assessed on Wednesday by club medics and is facing three to four weeks out.That could see Paqueta miss the next four West Ham games, with Potter’s side facing Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle and Everton before mid-March.Paqueta started up front against Brentford, with new man Evan Ferguson on the bench as he continues to recover from his own ankle injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPotter is having to deal with an ever-growing injury list.The ex-Chelsea boss has only been able to play Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus together once since replacing Julen Lopetegui last month.Bowen has returned from a broken foot, but Michail Antonio will not play again this season.Meanwhile, summer signings Crysensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVladimir Coufal also missed Saturday’s defeat to Brentford through injury.Antonio has been working on his recovery from his horror car crash in December, with a training camp in Dubai last week.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer The plague of fitness issues has sparked talk of the Hammers showing interest in Tammy Abraham.The ex-Chelsea forward, 27, is on loan at AC Milan from Roma.But it’s reckoned the 11-cap Englishman would ultimately prefer a return to the Prem.And a permanent summer switch back to Britain could be on the cards. More

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      Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer

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      DECLAN RICE may not want to look at his phone today as he could be bombarded by Valentine’s Day messages.But rather than loved-up posts, it may be friends poking fun of him in an old video.Declan Rice starred in a video saying cringeworthy pick-up linesRice looks very different to his 19-year-old selfCredit: GettyRice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren Fryer and they have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Back in 2018, Rice, recorded some cringeworthy chat up lines for a West Ham social media post.The first line from the then 19-year-old was: “Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.”The second was: “Do I know you? Because you look exactly like my next girlfriend.”The final cringeworthy line was: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice would go on play for the Hammers for another six years, playing 245 times and becoming a regular for the England national team in the process.His final appearance for the East London club saw him win the club’s first trophy since 1965 by winning the Europa Conference League while wearing the captain’s armband.Rice then joined Arsenal in 2023 in a transfer worth up to £105m.In all that time, Rice has found his Valentine by being in a relationship with childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer, whom he started dating in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice quietly confirmed the birth of his first child with Lauren after showing off a tattoo on his arm which read “Jude Rice” along with the astrology symbol for Leo and the date of his son’s birth, 7 August 2022.Unfortunately, Lauren has suffered disgusting abuse from trolls on social media, which saw her wipe her Instagram account clean of all of her pictures. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameDani Dyer, the partner of Rice’s former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, launched a passionate defence of Lauren in an interview with Fabulous Magazine in November last year.Ex-Love Island star Dyer said: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.”I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.”She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”So, attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.”Rice has once again starred on the pitch for Arsenal this season, playing 33 times in all competitions so far this season.He is likely to be in action for the Gunners next game as they travel to Leicester in the Premier League.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Meet Kaelen Casey, 20, West Ham’s old-school centre-half with a passion for defending like England legends

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      THERE is nothing more West Ham fans like to see than one of their own stepping up and shining from the academy.Since Declan Rice emerged in 2017 there have been glimpses of others coming through – and there are now high hopes for young defender Kaelan Casey, who could be close to starting in the Premier League under Graham Potter.Kaelan Casey replacing Angelo Ogbonna for his Premier League debut in May 2024Credit: GettyCasey (right) was on the bench for West Ham’s 2-0 defeat by Crystal PalaceCredit: RexCasey celebrating with the FA Youth Cup in 2023Credit: GettyCasey (right) with fellow West Ham academy graduate George Earthy at Upton Park tube station as kidsThe old-school defender has been compared to former England captain Terry ButcherCredit: RexHow do they play and who do they remind you of?Like all young defenders, Casey is confident on the ball and happy to play out of the back.However, those who watch the youngster closely often say there is a more old-school feel about the 20-year-old.Casey has a real passion for defending and has picked the brains of some of the best around West Ham.He has been compared to greats of the past such as Martin Keown or Terry Butcher given his more aggressive and safety-first approach to defending.READ MORE IN BOY WONDERSTell us about their rise…Casey was on the West Ham radar from the age of five and joined their famed academy aged eight.He has been guided through the ranks by some of the Hammers’ finest, leaning on advice from former captains Rice and Mark Noble at times.Academy coach Kevin Keen has also been a huge influence, while Angelo Ogbonna – who he replaced for his Premier League debut – also took a keen interest in Casey’s development before departing at the end of his contract last summer.Paul Nevin and Kevin Nolan, both first team coaches under David Moyes, have worked with Casey at both club and international level.Most read in FootballBefore making the step up to the senior team in East London – Casey had a huge moment with the Under-18s, scoring in their FA Youth Cup final win over Arsenal at the Emirates in April last year.Julen Lopetegui took a shine to the youngster, opting to include him in the first team rather than sign experienced defender John Egan on a free this summer.Boy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?The Spaniard has now been replaced by Potter and the crisis at the back means Casey might be thrust into the starting XIWhat are the experts saying?After promoting Casey to the senior ranks permanently, Lopetegui liked what he saw.The former Hammers boss said: “Casey is a good player, a good profile and academy profile.”He is working very well with us and we are happy with him.”He’s trained well, he conducts himself well, he wants to learn, he wants to improve… so he’s an option.GRAHAM POTTERPotter said: “He’s been training with us. He’s done well.”Obviously, we haven’t had too many full training sessions, so I can’t give you a full assessment of him.”But in the training sessions that we’ve had, he’s trained well, he’s done well.”It’s a big step, obviously, into the Premier League. But again, he’s someone that is well thought of.”He’s trained well, he conducts himself well, he wants to learn, he wants to improve. So he’s an option.”What does the next 12 months hold?Interest in Casey has already been knocked back, with German club Hoffenheim – playing in the Europa League this season – making an approach in the summer.But Casey is firmly focused on graduating from the Academy of Football and making his name in east London.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers’ early-season struggles meant Lopetegui was less likely to take a risk at the back.But West Ham’s limited pool of just three senior central defenders means that when injuries and suspensions bite, the big opportunity may come along.MORE BOY WONDERSHere are some more in our Boy Wonders series More

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      in Soccer

      West Ham ready to cut losses on £20m flop who has played just 43 minutes all season as Potter starts to clear decks

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      WEST HAM are in talks to sell Luis Guilherme to a Saudi Arabian side just six months after signing him for £20million.The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras to much fanfare but has played just 43 minutes across five sub appearances this season.West Ham could sell Luis Guilherme just six months after signing himCredit: RexCashing in on him would raise funds for new boss Graham PotterCredit: PAThe Hammers need to raise funds to make signings for new boss Graham Potter this month and may cut their losses on Guilherme.Saudi clubs were interested in the Brazilian during the summer and West Ham pushed hard to bring him to London over the Gulf, with the player saying a move to the Premier League was a “dream” come true.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah are both showing an interest in the versatile attacker.Former boss Julen Lopetegui backed Guilherme to make the step up to competing in the Premier League soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite being short on attacking talent, new boss Potter opted to start central midfielder Carlos Soler on the left in the 3-2 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Soler scored one and played a role in setting up Tomas Soucek’s goal too.West Ham are desperate to land a striker this month following injury to Niclas Fullkrug, who joins Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the injury list.Talks have been held over a move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, while RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also under consideration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey would like to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson but the Seagulls are yet to decide whether or not to loan him out.Potter has also identified the midfield as an area in need of improvement, and wants to add a ball-playing holding midfielder this month.Graham Potter is appointed the new manager of West Ham Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka have been linked with moves across the capital.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui. More