NEWCASTLE have offered an olive branch to former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

The Toon invited their former chiefs to Wembley on Sunday.

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Newcastle have invited former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi to their Carabao Cup final[/caption]

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Staveley and hubby Ghodoussi left St James’ Park last summer[/caption]

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Staveley is still highly regarded for her work in brokering the £305million takeover[/caption]

The pair left St James’ Park last summer after three years in the boardroom, amid claims they were forced out.

Staveley and hubby Ghodoussi also sold their six per cent stake in Newcastle to majority owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Reuben family.

Jamie Reuben is understood to have invited the couple to the Carabao Cup final as his guests in a sign they remain on good terms with the Toon hierarchy.

The club have also secured tickets for other members of the family.

Businesswoman Staveley, 51, described her departure from Newcastle last summer as “painful”.

But club sources emphasised she is still highly regarded there for her work in brokering the £305million takeover from hated owner Mike Ashley in late 2021.

The couple were also there when Newcastle made the Carabao Cup final in 2023, before losing 2-0 to Manchester United.

Since leaving Newcastle, Staveley has been working with Qatari investors looking at buying a stake in Tottenham.

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She also helped broker the £210m sale of Manchester City in 2008 to Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour.

Newcastle are looking to win their first piece of silverware in 70 years against Arne Slot’s side on Sunday.

Eddie Howe’s side head Wembley with six days rest after edging West Ham 1-0 in the Prem on Monday.

Meanwhile, their hopes might be boosted by Liverpool’s Champions League exit on Tuesday.

Liverpool were forced to play 120 minutes of intense football before losing 4-1 on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain, following a 1-1 aggregate draw.

LUIS ENRIQUE could be in for a few sleepless nights as the PSG boss faces up to his worst nightmare.

Aston Villa are heading to Paris for a Champions League showdown and Marco Asensio – the man he allowed to leave on loan – is in the form of his life!

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Asensio cracks the first of his quickfire double[/caption]

The 29-year-old Spaniard will head back to his old club next month with a point to prove.

And he warmed up with a deadly double here to put 10-man Club Brugge to the sword, like a Matador slaying a bull.

The three-times Champions League winner has been an absolute steal after joining in the January window.

Last night he took this game by the scruff of the neck and delivered his sixth and seventh goals to ease Villa’s nerves – six of which have come in front of an adoring Holte End.

Throw in the fact Unai Emery will also have a grudge to bear against the club who binned him after he delivered a domestic quadruple in 2018, and Enrique might discover beating Liverpool was the easy part!

Yet until Asensio came on, with Leon Bailey in a double substitution at half-time Villa looked listless.

In truth they did most of the heavy lifting when they won 3-1 in Bruges last week.

That left Emery and his side with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – his task here was to firmly plant his remaining foot there.

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But there were a few early stumbles along the way as Villa made a nervous start.

Brugge knew they had nothing to lose and dominated the first half.

Kyriani Sabbe fired a first-time shot over after Matty Cash gifted him the ball with a sloppy pass.

Then skipper Jan Vanaken flashed a flashing header inches wide after he burst in front of Tyrone Mings.

When Raphael Onyedika blasted in a shot which Ezri Konsa did well to head clear, the Villa fans started to grumble and Emery called for calm on the touchline.

But suddenly the pressure valve was eased as Brugge were reduced to 10-men.

Emi Martinez deserves credit for doing what none of his teammates could – pierce Brugge’s defence – with a raking 60-yard delivery which picked out Marcus Rashford on the run.

The winger sprinted off like a greyhound chasing a hare and although poor Kyriani Sabbe did his best to halt him, he could only grapple with Rashford before sending him toppling with a clip of his heels.

German ref Daniel Siebert reached for his red card and suddenly Villa’s task looked a whole lot simpler with Brugge reduced to 10 men.

Youri Tielemans beat the wall from the resultant free kick but Simon Mignolet got down low to push the ball out.

Then Ollie Watkins spotted Mignolet off his line but his audacious attempt from 45 yards lacked the height to clear the keeper.

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Ian Maatsen rejoices after doubling Villa’s lead on the night[/caption]

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Maatsen helped put Villa in command[/caption]

And Villa ended the half looking more likely as Rashford slammed a shot into the side netting.

But it was Asensio’s arrival at half-time which made all the difference.

He finally broke Brugge with a move he started and finished, five minutes after his arrival.

His positive burst saw Morgan Rogers feed John McGinn who played in Bailey.

The Jamaican’s clever flicked pass was pounced on by Asensio who took the ball off the bounce and fired beyond Mignolet.

He almost added a second when he broke clear onto a Tielemans chip, only to hit the post with Mignolet beaten.

And Villa doubled their lead before the hour when Rashford’s sublime touch set up Rogers who cut back for Ian Maatsen to score with a deflection off Brandon Mechele.

But Asensio wasn’t finished and he made it 3-0 with his second four minutes later.

Rashford played a 1-2 with Rogers and cut back for Asensio to beat Mignolet with a simple finish.

Next stop – Paris in springtime.

I’ll bet Asensio and Emery can’t wait!

ARSENAL are back amongst the European big boys – and so is Raheem Sterling.

After knocking nine goals past a hapless PSV over two legs, the Gunners have secured back-to-back Champions League quarter finals for the first time in 15 years.

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Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSV[/caption]

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The Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the night[/caption]

Their Prem title hopes may be dashed and injuries continue to cripple them this term, but boss Mikel Arteta has the North Londoners back where they feel they belong on the grandest stage in football.

That’s despite Arsenal’s injury crisis forcing the Spaniard to field SIX left-backs during Wednesday’s game.

The last time that was the case was under Arsene Wenger, reaching the last eight in 2008 and 2010 – with a semi-final appearance wedged in between in 2009.

And there is a growing belief they can go one better than their quarter final defeat to Bayern Munich last term, meeting Atletico Madrid this time around.

Miracles can happen – just look at Sterling.

The 30-year-old has spent the majority of this campaign sat on the bench, withering away, crying out for minutes and momentum after failing to make an impression on loan from Chelsea.

With accusations his legs had gone, he finally got his chance here – and took it. In just his THIRD 90-minute outing of the season, two first-half assists teed up Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.

He now has 45 goal involvements in the Champions League (27 goals and 18 assists). Only England legends David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47) have more.

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The irony is that, after picking up a booking in second half injury time, Sterling will now miss their quarter final first leg. 

Boy do they need Bukayo Saka back from injury sooner rather than later.

Arsenal were never in any danger of failing to progress last night after a record-breaking 7-1 score line out in Eindhoven last week.

The visitors earned a second leg draw at the Emirates through goals from Ivan Perisic and Couhaib Driouech, but this was a rare game without any sort of jeopardy or tension.

With PSV making five changes, it is why Arteta also opted to experiment with his line-up.

A front three of Sterling, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino starting a Champions League last 16 clash will be giving Arsenal fans nightmares for weeks.

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How many Championship clubs would swap their attacking trio for that? It is certainly a world away from first-choice starters Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.

Tierney was one of THREE left-backs starting, alongside Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

There was method to the madness. Martinelli has only just returned from injury and, alongside right back Jurrien Timber, is a booking away from missing next month’s quarter final.

There was good news at the back. A first start for Ben White since November 10 after his knee operation to complete a muddled-looking outfield that had shades of Hackney Marshes about it.

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The Emirates atmosphere was being fuelled solely by the away end, packed and bouncing over an hour before kick-off dreaming of one of the most improbable comebacks in football history.

That lasted all of six minutes. Sterling won the ball and a nice pivot pass sent Zinchenko driving goal wards, darting left and curling a beauty into the far corner.

The Ukrainian refused to celebrate, holding his hands up apologetically, paying homage to the 17 appearances he made on loan at PSV back in 2016/17.

His teammates barely jumped with joy either – another unnecessary nail in the already-sealed coffin.

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Yet the visitors were still keen to play a minor role in this North London exhibition, and who else but an old Tottenham foe in Ivan Perisic – the man whose taunts before last week’s first leg backfired spectacularly.

Gabriel switched off as Guus Til slipped Perisic in behind before a cute chipped finish over David Raya in the 19^th minute. The Dutch travellers erupted ironically in the corner.

The Arsenal No.1 was called into more action, tipping a shot from winger Couhaib Driouech around his post. Arteta was irritable, demanding more than the six-goal advantage his team already had.

Merino’s back-heeled flick sent Lewis-Skelly through with a jabbed effort that bobbled onto the post.

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And then, Sterling rolled back the years with another assist, doubling his entire tally for the season, dinking a 37^th minute delivery onto the head of an onrushing Rice.

Remarkable what a bit of confidence does, even if he later fluffed two chances to find the net.

Arsenal continued to cruise after the break – perhaps why PSV were gifted another goal as Driouech lobbing Raya in the 70^th minute.

Not that the home crowd cared one jot. They have the Madrid sunshine on their minds.

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A FRANTIC hunt is underway for a missing woman who vanished from her home two weeks ago.

Christine Fish, 55, went missing from her home in Market Drayton, Shropshire, on Wednesday, February 26.

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Christine Fish disappeared from her home in Market Drayton on Wednesday, February 26[/caption]

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A new CCTV still has shown her at Shrewsbury train station at around 10am on Friday, February 28[/caption]

Police have now released CCTV footage showing her final moments as she walked through Shrewsbury town centre and its train station on February 28.

West Mercia Police has said that Christine wears glasses and was last seen wearing a rainbow-coloured scarf, a Lilo and Stitch jumper, a purple/black coloured Regatta coat, black jeans and trainers.

She was captured walking out of a Blacks store on Shoplatch in the Shropshire town at around 9.15am.

The 55-year-old, described as a white female who is 5ft 7in tall, of a slim build, and with grey shoulder length hair, bought a new black jacket which she may now be wearing.

At around 9.40am, she was seen on CCTV walking into a WH Smith on Castle Street in the town.

Christine was then seen on CCTV at Shrewsbury train station at 10am on the Friday.

Police also believe her phone was used three days later on March 3 in Sutton Hill, Telford, at around 4pm, 14 miles south-east of Shrewsbury.

Cops added that they are increasingly concerned for Christine’s welfare.

They explained she had also purchased a tent whilst in Blacks, indicating that she may be “camping somewhere rural”.

Christine has been described as a “keen walker” and capable of “travelling some distance”.

Police have asked people from across Shropshire to report any sightings of her.

Detective Inspector Richard Davies said: “Today marks two weeks since Christine was last seen by her family and as more time goes on the more concern we have for her welfare.

“Christine is a keen walker, and she would be capable of travelling some distance, so I ask people from across Shropshire to report any sightings of her.

“We also know she purchased a tent whilst in Blacks and she could well be camping somewhere rural.”

DI Davies added: “Following our enquiries we do not believe there to be any third-party involvement in her disappearance and ask you to contact us with any information, however small you may feel it may be, as it could well be the vital piece that we need to locate her”.

If you see Christine or have any information that could help find her, call 01743 264 807 and quote incident 00573_i of February 28.

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Christine has been missing for two weeks[/caption]

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She was previously seen on CCTV walking out of a store in Shrewsbury[/caption]

MAFS Australia fans have been left disgusted after discovering a groom’s ‘unhygienic’ habit, as he moved in with his new wife.

Fans of the show have taken to social media to express their disbelief over Jacqui Burfoot, 29, and Ryan Donnelly, 36, claiming their relationship seems too over-the-top to be real.

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MAFS Australia fans have been left disgusted after discovering a groom’s ‘unhygienic’ habit, as he moved in with his new wife[/caption]

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Ryan could be seen leaving dirty shoes on the bed[/caption]

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Jacqui and Ryan got married in the experiment[/caption]

And as they took the next step in their relationship and moved in together, Ryan’s at home habit left fans in disbelief.

He was seen putting his shoes on the bed, after walking about in them all day.

Jacqui couldn’t hide her disgust as she confronted her husband over putting his shoes on the bed, as she came back to find them on the white sheets.

He also put his shoes on the couch, leaving Jacqui even more frustrated.

And MAFS fans shared in Jacqui’s disgust, as one wrote: “Ewww, shoes on the bed is so disgusting.”

Another penned: “Ewww no I’m with Jacqui on this one, dirty shoes on the bed is disgusting.”

A third person echoed: “OK Ryan you’re just being an idiot now leaving shoes on the bed.”

Someone else said: “I am so with Jacqui with Ryan putting his shoes on the couch. So fair.”

It comes as a lot of viewers believe Jacqui and Ryan’s marriage could be staged, with one tweet stating: “I am not buying Jacqui & Ryan’s relationship and feel they are pure plants in the experiment. Also #SuperIntelligent F**K OFF!!! You are both single because you are misfits and deserve each other even if you are faking it.”

During a recent instalment, fans branded Jacqui the “worst ever” bride as they slammed her insane wedding day vows.

Jacqui admitted she was an overachiever and had high expectations that she was hoping her groom would meet.

In her VT, she said: “It’s impossible to find someone on my level.

“I think most guys date me because I’m hot, but I do have a brain.”

She then listed her academic achievements before saying “I’m not a boring girl”, as she revealed she was a model and a former Miss New Zealand.

Jacqui boasted: “I grew up doing ballet, jazz and tap. I also did a lot of sport netball, tennis, volleyball, I was also in the cricket team.

So I usually 10 to 13km a day. I’ve read 2000 books,” as she went on and on.

She confessed: “I love perfecting myself to a diamond.”

But she didn’t stop there.

At the wedding ceremony, Jacqui was keen to show off her personal achievements in front of her new husband and his family.

Her vows read: “Congratulations, Ryan, as my friends would say, you’ve hit the jackpot!

“And yes, you can call me ‘Jackpot, ‘Jackaroo’, ‘Jack-in-the-box’, ‘Jacks’, ‘Jack Jack’, ‘Babe’ or whatever you like.

“In fact, I’m going to give you a nickname right now, RyRy!

“A bit about me, I’m highly educated, intelligent, hardworking, I’m a corporate professional, I’m sporty, I love tennis, hiking, running. I can surf, ski, mountain bike, run around a netball court, I’m also a former model, dancer and certified yoga instructor and an ex-cheerleader.

“I will literally ask you a million questions to get to know you, be brutally honest when I feel like there’s something that can make you a better man.

“You’ll be required to take me on dates, give me your jacket when I’m cold, buy me flowers at least once a month, bring me coffee in the morning, tell me I’m gorgeous. I’m hoping you’ll surprise me with romantic trips to the Hunter Valley, and together maybe we can afford an Eastern Suburbs mortgage, buy a beach house, adopt a cocker spaniel puppy, and I’d love to have a double his and hers vanity bathroom one day.

“But hey, we’re all going to die and know one’s going to remember us so let’s just make the most of what we’ve been handed and shoot for the sun together.”

Jacqui had been paired with project manager Ryan, who claimed he was going to “live to 110-years-old”.

He admitted he was a “warrior” and was ready to find his dream girl after disaster relationships.

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Fans were shocked that he’d left his dirty shoes on the bed[/caption]

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During a recent instalment, fans branded Jacqui the ‘worst ever’ after her wedding day vows[/caption]

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Badly timed!

Trouble lies ahead.