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Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 24: Latest on Cody Gakpo, Anthony Gordon and others

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 24 in one convenient location.

Anthony Gordon is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of today’s 6:30pm deadline but Eddie Howe told journalists that Newcastle’s No10 “should be fine” to face Manchester City on Saturday.

The England winger skipped the Magpies’ FA Cup fourth round tie with Birmingham with a thigh issue but has since trained alongside his team-mates.

Scan results for Sven Botman and Dan Burn were warmly received by Howe this week with both defenders avoiding long-term injuries but this weekend certainly comes too for the former – the latter has a chance of making the trip.

Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrating a goal.
Getty
Gordon “should be fine” to play at the Etihad this weekend[/caption]

Arne Slot named Cody Gakpo as a doubt ahead of Liverpool’s home game against Wolves.

The Dutch forward, who features in 21.6% of teams at the time of writing, had to be replaced at Goodison Park on Wednesday night because of a knock.

Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are sidelined while Curtis Jones is suspended following his full-time sending off against Everton.

Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season having suffered a hamstring tear while in Dubai.

The German forward joins Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus on the injured list.

In more positive news for Arsenal fans, Ben White is available for selection ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Leicester this weekend.

Cody Gakpo saluting in a Liverpool jersey.
Dream Team
Gakpo is a doubt for this weekend[/caption]

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manuel Akanji is set to undergo surgery following his half-time withdrawal against Real Madrid in midweek.

The Swiss defender is expected to be sidelined for “eight to ten weeks”.

Jack Grealish was also replaced prematurely against Los Blancos and while his injury is not as severe as Akanji’s, the England international is unlikely to feature against Newcastle this weekend.

New signing Nico Gonzalez is a doubt having been forced off at Leyton Orient on debut.

Elsewhere, Iliman Ndiaye is set for a spell on the sidelines having incurred a knee injury against Liverpool.

David Moyes told reporters: “Iliman has got a medial ligament injury. It’s not looking great at the moment.”

Like Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure is suspended having been shown a red card amid the full-time chaos on Wednesday night.

Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Everton players clashing after a soccer match.
Reuters
Doucoure and Jones are both suspended[/caption]

Nicolas Jackson won’t return for Chelsea until April because of a hamstring injury.

On Thursday, Enzo Maresca explained: “We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was. Unfortunately, he had the scan and it is an important one. He will be out for six to eight weeks.”

Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez resumed training this week and should be available for West Ham – Jean-Clair Todibo should also make the matchday squad.

A setback for Crysencio Summerville means the ex-Leeds winger will be out for several more weeks.

Tottenham may be boosted by the returns of James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario to the matchday squad ahead of Manchester United’s visit to North London on Sunday, although the former is still considered a doubt.

As for the Red Devils, Ruben Amorim hinted at some fresh concerns but offered no names.

Unai Emery declared Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings available to face Ipswich but Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Matty Cash remain sidelined.

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ARSENAL

Injuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz

Suspensions: None

ASTON VILLA

Injuries: Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa

Suspensions: None

BOURNEMOUTH

Injuries: Luis Sinisterra (doubt), Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James Hill

Suspensions: None

BRENTFORD

Injuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry

Suspensions: None

BRIGHTON

Injuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Igor Julio, Solly March, Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk (doubt)

Suspensions: None

CHELSEA

Injuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu

Suspensions: Mykhailo Mudryk

CRYSTAL PALACE

Injuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad

Suspensions: None

EVERTON

Injuries: Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, Nathan Patterson

Suspensions: Abdoulaye Doucoure

FULHAM

Injuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson

Suspensions: None

IPSWICH

Injuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Christian Walton, Wes Burns

Suspensions: None

LEICESTER

Injuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu

Suspensions: None

LIVERPOOL

Injuries: Joe Gomez, Cody Gakpo (doubt), Tyler Morton

Suspensions: Curtis Jones

MANCHESTER CITY

Injuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, Nico Gonzalez (doubt)

Suspensions: None

MANCHESTER UNITED

Injuries: Altay Bayindir, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez

Suspensions: None

NEWCASTLE

Injuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Dan Burn (doubt), Anthony Gordon (doubt)

Suspensions: None

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Injuries: Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt), Carlos Miguel, Taiwo Awoniyi (doubt)

Suspensions: None

SOUTHAMPTON

Injuries: Ross Stewart, Jack Stephens, Ryan Fraser, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Adam Lallana

Suspensions: None

TOTTENHAM

Injuries: Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson (doubt), Radu Dragusin, Richarlison (doubt), Micky van de Ven, James Maddison (doubt)

Suspensions: None

WEST HAM

Injuries: Michail Antonio, Jean-Clair Todibo (doubt), Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville

Suspensions: None

WOLVES

Injuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt), Leon Chiwone, Hwang Hee-chan (doubt)

Suspensions: None


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Forget the hairdryer – Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s ferocious reputation masks a heart of gold, say his ex-players

SIR Alex Ferguson ruled Manchester United with an iron first, or at least that’s the myth.

Fergie, now 83, is widely regarded as the most successful manager of all-time.

Sir Alex Ferguson arguing with a referee.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a reputation of having a fiery temper
Rex
Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo at a Manchester United training session.
Getty
But behind the scenes, Fergie was also kind-hearted claim many of his players[/caption]

During his Red Devils reign he won 13 Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League twice.

Often, it was perceived he struck fear into his teams to perform to the best of their abilities.

Roy Keane and David Beckham have admitted to slanging matches with their old boss that resulted in the former leaving Old Trafford and the latter having a loose boot kicked in his face.

But, plenty of others have also spoken about how kind-hearted the gaffer was.

From former players to even a rival manager, SunSport debunks the hairdryer myth.

‘Nothing but positives’

The great man said it himself.

When he was asked if his players were scared of him and his fiery temper, he replied: “I hope not.”

“There’s a lot of myth attached to that. In training there’s nothing but praise for every player. Nothing but positives.”

Sir Alex added: “The hairdryer is part of the myth and the circus. It’s completely exaggerated, like throwing the tea cups.

“But I’m a confrontational character. I don’t like people arguing back to me. I think that’s where the hairdryer treatment came from.”

‘He was a football father for me’

Sir Alex’s relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo has been well-documented.

It can’t be argued that the Scot was the making of the Portuguese superstar.

And it was Ronaldo who revealed his former manager had an extremely compassionate side.

Speaking on the BBC documentary, Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success, Ronaldo revealed how Fergie showed great understanding before his father’s death in 2005.

“When my dad was sick in London and was in hospital — very bad, in a coma — I had a conversation with [Ferguson],” Ronaldo said. “I said, ‘Boss, I don’t feel good.’

“We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say, ‘Boss, I don’t feel good. I want to see my dad.’

“[He said] ‘Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go. I’m going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first.’

“When he told me that, I thought, ‘This guy’s unbelievable.'”

Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo shares a special bond with Sir Alex Ferguson
Getty
Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo at a Manchester United training session.
AFP
Fergie gave Ronaldo compassionate leave before his dad’s death[/caption]
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating with medals after a soccer game.
Ronaldo has referred to Fergie as his ‘Football father’
Getty
Sir Alex Ferguson shaking hands with Cristiano Ronaldo at a Manchester United signing.
Getty
Ronaldo also believes Fergie was the making of him[/caption]

Ronaldo also revealed Ferguson’s success on the pitch was aided by the family atmosphere he created at United.

“He invites everyone to come for lunch, come for tea… an English cup of tea!” Ronaldo added.

“It was a family with him. He was a football father for me.”

Ronaldo repeated that sentiment again – reiterating he got to the top thanks to his former coach.

“Sir Alex is like a father in football for me,” he said.

“He was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, he’s an unbelievable person.”

‘He treats me like Ronaldo’

Giuseppe Rossi didn’t quite have the career at Old Trafford many of expected of him.

But that hasn’t stopped Fergie from reportedly helping the former Italy international out for the striker’s farewell match.

Rossi has organised a ceremonial one-off game in Florence on March 22, where Sir Alex could return to the dugout.

Giuseppe Rossi signing a Manchester United contract with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Getty - Contributor
Ex-United starlet Giuseppe Rossi and Fergie will reportedly reunite for the Italian’s farewell match[/caption]
Sir Alex Ferguson and Giuseppe Rossi of Manchester United at a training session.
Getty
Rossi revealed even though he didn’t have a stellar career at Old Trafford, his old boss treats him like Ronaldo[/caption]

Rossi revealed that Ferguson showed his eternal class by immediately agreeing to help out.

The 38-year-old said: “I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.

Ferguson will be there (at his farewell match) as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17.

“I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.”

Helping out his rivals

It’s almost unthinkable to think of Mikel Arteta picking up the phone to check on Pep Guardiola’s well-being after Man City’s recent woes.

But, Sir Alex was a different breed, according to former rival David Moyes.

“Sir Alex was great at phoning managers when things weren’t good and wanting to help,” Moyes once revealed.

“He was competitive but also someone who thought about others.”

Of course, Moyes would be Fergie’s successor at Old Trafford, upon the legend’s recommendation.

Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes shaking hands on a football pitch.
David Moyes revealed when the chips were down Fergie would reach out to rival managers to offer help
Action Images - Reuters
Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes checking their watches.
Moyes would later be recommended by Fergie as his successor at United
EPA

Fergie turned a blind eye to fun

Astonishingly, Nani – who played under Fergie from 2007-2013 – revealed that his former manager would, on occasion, turn a blind eye to players turning up drunk at training.

“If I had the next day off, for example, then I could have some fun…on special days like Christmas or New Year – no one in England cares about that,” the ex-winger told Tribuna Expresso.

“On New Year, we could even go to training drunk and the coach didn’t care about it. That’s the side of [Sir Alex] that knew how to deal with the players and had the perception to say: this day is special, I can’t make demands.

“We had been playing non-stop all year long. It was a joy, a moment of relaxation, a different kind of training – clowning around. I won’t lie, I liked nights out.”

Sir Alex Ferguson and Nani of Manchester United.
Getty
Free spirit Nani also revealed he had a positive relationship with Sir Alex[/caption]
Alex Ferguson speaking with Nani during a Manchester United training session.
Reuters
Nani claimed that Sir Alex would turn a blind eye to players turning up drunk at training[/caption]

The Portuguese added, “It was amazing. He knows how to deal with the player, whether they are older or younger. He knows how to manage their professional career and the human being.

“With him I can say that I gained a unique experience and maturity because they were very important phases of my life. I needed to grow up really fast, to learn and deal with that culture and the club culture.”

Read More »

Baffled Google Maps users spot UFO-like object and believe aliens may have crashed on Earth

A MYSTERIOUS structure in a mountainous region of New Mexico has caught the attention of hawk-eyed Google Maps users.

At the coordinates 34°24’21.6″N 107°05’44.5″W, users have spotted a large, white disk poking out the ground.

Speculated UFO crash site in New Mexico.
Google Earth
The object is located near a steep cliff in the mountains[/caption]
Aerial view of a desert landscape with a highlighted area.
Metabunk
Images dating back to 1975 show a an empty site where the disk now lays, and a path leading to it from a clear[/caption]

The object is in a remote location in the Sierra Ladrones, with no clear roads or homes nearby, and at an elevation of about 7,400 feet.

According to historical Google Maps images, the large disk first appeared in 2003.

Snaps taken in 2013 show the disk has not yet been overgrown by vegetation, but has suffered some damage.

Though an image from 2017 shows that part of the disk has been hidden by plant overgrowth.

Google Maps users have speculated the disk may be a crash-landed UFO – or even a hatch entrance to a subterranean hangar.

Others suggested it could be an observatory, or an old water reservoir.

YouTuber MrMBB333 shared a video in August while investigating the site on Google Maps.

“This is a very remote location, nothing going on up here,” he said in the clip, suggesting the object “crash landed” in the area.

“This looks very much like a disc that is stuck in the top of this mountain.”

He claimed he was able to measure the disk from the images, making it around 30 feet wide.

Internet sleuths can be quick to point to aliens when confronted with mysterious sightings in rural areas.

Area 51, a highly classified airbase in the Nevada desert, has been at the centre of numerous theories about aliens landing on Earth for decades.

However, a user of Metabunk, Mick West’s website aimed at investigating ‘unusual claims’, said the object had been identified as a rainwater catchment.

Images dating back to 1975 show an empty site where the disk now lies, and a path leading to it from a clearing.

“From a quick search there appears to have been a structure built on that exact spot from at least the 1975 so it seems unlikely anything coincidentally ‘crashed’ there,” the MetaBunk user said. 

Aerial view of a suspected UFO crash site in New Mexico.
Google maps
Others suggested it could be an observatory, or an old water reservoir[/caption]
Illustration of a UFO in the sky.
Getty
Google Maps users have speculated the disk may be a crash-landed UFO – or even a hatch entrance to a subterranean hangar[/caption]

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‘Amazing’ pub suddenly closes its doors after 119 years as punters mourn loss of ‘great’ venue

Shot of a an open sign on the door of a store
Shot of a an open sign on the door of a store

AN AMAZING pub has suddenly closed its doors after 119 years as punters mourn the loss of such a “great” venue.

The once bustling pub also featured an Indian restaurant, but now it’s plastered in tape and listed as “permanently closed” online.

The King's Head is located on the Hagley Road
The King’s Head in Birmingham is set to close

The Kings Head is located on the junction between Hagley Road and Bearwood Road in Harborne, Birmingham.

Its origins date back to the 19th century.

Still boasting authentic features, it flaunts exposed brick walls and original tiles that were installed by Owen and Ward Architects in 1906.

Over the years it has undergone refurbishments transforming it into a “functional, stylish gastro-pub”.

Maharaja’s Spice Express opened in 2019, transforming the pub with new life and giving customers a taste of Indian cuisine.

However, three years later, pub bosses decided to close it on Mondays and Tuesdays due to gas and electricity costs.

Although the company hasn’t taken to social media to share details of the shock closure, Google has updated the pub’s status to closed.

And tape blocks off access to the front door.

The King’s Head offered classic gastro meals such as Roast Lamb Rump with Chorizo and Sweet Potato Dauphinoise, or the Seared Seabass with Nicoise Salad.

It also dubbed itself as “perfect for a ‘boogie’ on a Saturday night or a chilled out coffee on a Sunday morning”.

The King’s Head has a 3.5 trip advisor rating and hundreds of reviews – many of which described their experience at the pub as pleasant.

One person said: “Visited on Tuesday evening when the restaurant was quite busy.

“Greeted warmly and given several different menus and suggestions as to which starters we should choose. Decided not to have starters, just the poppadum’s and ordered two main courses.

“These were served after a reasonable time and they were both of the highest quality with delicately spiced meat and rice.

“I was really pleased that we decided to eat here as the previous night we had visited a well known chain restaurant and paid double the price for a meal that was much inferior to this one.

“Although I had selected the most expensive option on the menu, closely followed by my partner, together with drinks the bill was, in my opinion, very very reasonable.

“Excellent food, very good service and excellent value for money.”

Followed by a second person: “Came for a meal with some friends and we were met by the hostess, she was so nice and made us laugh.

“The food was really good and the guy at the bar was so good at making cocktails. Overall a really nice restaurant I would definitely go back again.”

Meanwhile a third said: “Top food, pleasant staff! Especially the guy who brought our food out.

“What more could you ask for? Price was really good, and we all really enjoyed the food! 100% will be back – thank you.”

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I’m having hot sex with married lover on Valentine’s Day while his wife cares for sick mum – but it’s ME who’s suffering

STEPH Watson never thought she’d be “the other woman” – until she fell unexpectedly in love with her personal trainer. 

But being a mistress is no bed of roses – especially when she has to “share him” this Valentine’s Day.

Portrait of Simone Frankie Heywood wearing a white ruffled top and pink pants.
Richard Walker
Steph found herself being the ‘other woman’ when she fell for her married personal trainer[/caption]
Portrait of a woman wearing a beige shirt dress.
Richard Walker
The beautician is now sharing the perils of dating a married man[/caption]
Woman in floral dress at night.
Supplied
Steph has held on to promises from her lover since they started dating[/caption]

Here, the 29-year-old beautician from Manchester shares her cautionary tale…

PEOPLE believe some women go looking for affairs – as if we see a wedding ring and hone in like hungry hyenas.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m not a bad person, I never planned for this to happen. Ever.

It all began after Christmas 2022.

I had overindulged – mince pies, mulled wine, the lot – and by the time January rolled around, I barely recognised myself in the mirror.

Determined to get back in shape for summer, I signed up for my local gym in April.

But if I’m being honest? For the first month, my membership was nothing more than a direct debit draining my bank account. That was until I met him.

Mark*, one of the personal trainers, turned out to be the motivation I never knew I needed.

He wasn’t my usual type but with a body like his, who cared? Every time I saw him in the gym, he gave me butterflies.

After two weeks of crossing paths and exchanging shy smiles, I took the plunge.

“Hi, I’m Steph, I’m looking for a personal trainer,” I said, approaching him at the water cooler.

“Oh hi Steph,” he replied, with his disarming smile which made me melt. “You look great, but I’m happy to help.”

Was he flirting with me? I hoped so.

I signed up for one-on-one training with him. Twice a week, Mark pushed me harder than I’d ever pushed myself and it wasn’t just my body that was transforming.

We clicked instantly, bantering between sets, exchanging flirty remarks, and lingering eye contact that made my mind go into meltdown.

There was just one problem.

Mark was married.

Consolation prize

Woman in red blazer and light blue jeans.
Richard Walker
Steph says this Valentine’s Day, she feels like she’s getting the consolation prize[/caption]
Portrait of a woman in light blue jeans and a light blue shirt.
Supplied
She is now ‘hopelessly in love’ with Mark, although he is married[/caption]

At first, it was innocent – just a bit of fun, right? A little flirtation to make the gruelling workouts more enjoyable.

But the connection between us was undeniable. I found myself thinking about him outside of the gym, replaying our conversations, wondering if he was thinking about me too.

Then, a year ago, we crossed the line. One heated moment after a particularly intense session turned into a full-blown affair. And now I’m hopelessly in love with him.

For the past twelve months, we’ve been sneaking around, grabbing stolen moments whenever we can. In the beginning, I told myself it was just a fling – a bit of fun.

But the more time we spent together, the deeper I fell. He’s told me over and over again that he’s going to leave his wife, that our love is real, that we are real. And I believe him.

Or at least, I want to.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, reality is hitting hard. While most couples are busy planning romantic dinners and surprise gifts, I’m stuck playing second best.

Mark is spending Friday evening – the BEST part of Valentine’s Day – with her.

I get lunchtime. The consolation prize.

He’s promised me a fancy restaurant in a posh hotel, lots of sexy lingerie and hot sex. But I only get him for a few hours before he has to rush back to his wife and spend the whole evening with her.

He’s told me over and over again that he’s going to leave his wife, that our love is real, that we are real. And I believe him. Or at least, I want to

Steph Watson

He says I can invite a friend to stay in the room with me when he’s gone but I can’t help feeling it all seems a bit depressing.

As much as I try to convince myself it’s enough, deep down, I know the truth.

If he really loved me, wouldn’t he be with me the whole of Valentine’s Day? Wouldn’t he have already left her?

He tells me the timing isn’t right. That her mum is sick, and he doesn’t want to leave while she’s going through such a tough time.

And I get it – I do. But how long do I wait?

How long until another excuse comes up? It’s already been a year. This is my second V-Day alone and I’m dreading next year will be the third.

How to save money on Valentine's Day

ADELE Cooke, a senior consumer reporter at The Sun, explains how to save money on Valentine’s Day.

If you’re not careful Valentine’s Day can end up hitting your wallet.

I explain how to avoid the traps.

AVOID THE SET MENU

As February 14 falls on a Friday this year, consider going out for a meal on Saturday instead.

This is because many restaurants insist that you must order a set menu on Valentine’s Day, which can be very expensive.

Usually this is not the case on other days.

Some of the set menu items may also be on the regular dinner menu, so you can still order them without paying a premium.

LOVE IS…FINDING A DISCOUNT CODE

If you do want to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day then look for restaurant deals on The Fork.

This website shows you all the restaurants with special offers and deals in your area.

If you’re eating in this year, you could save money with one of the dine-in-for-two options above.

Check the individual cost of each item in the deal to ensure you’re making the biggest saving.

Keep an eye out for discounts and vouchers in the run up to February 14.

Some companies run special promotions in the lead up to the big day.

Check websites such as Groupon, which offers special dining options or experiences.

DON’T OVERSPEND

It can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending when it comes to spoiling a loved one.

But if you do, you’ll be causing yourself long term financial pain.

I’m sure if you have a chat with your partner and explain what your budget is before February 14th then you can both be on the same page and you’ll avoid disappointing them.

My head is screaming that I’m being played. That I’m nothing more than a side chick, a thrill he doesn’t want to lose but isn’t willing to risk everything for.

But my heart is already his.

So, I’ll take the crumbs of his time and pretend it doesn’t bother me when it eats me up inside.

I’ll hold onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, this time next year, it’ll be me he’s spending Valentine’s Day with.

Even though, deep down, I already know the answer.

*Name has been changed

Portrait of a woman wearing a beige shirt dress.
Supplied
Steph’s lover has promised her he will leave his wife for her[/caption]
Woman in white ruffled top and light blue jeans.
Supplied
She is now holding out hope that he will spend Valentine’s Day with her next year[/caption]

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Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football painting Paulo Di Canio, now he’s following in his footsteps

IAN HOLLOWAY enjoyed four years out of football as he focussed on painting and travelling Britain in his motorhome.

One of his proudest pieces of art was an acrylic painting of West Ham legend and former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio.

Ian Holloway, Swindon Town manager.
Rex
Ian Holloway took up painting as a hobby while out of management[/caption]
Diptych of paintings depicting Ian Holloway.
Holloway has painted some iconic figures of the game – including Paolo Di Canio and Steven Gerrard

So it was ironic he followed in the Italian maverick’s footsteps by returning to the game in charge of the League Two Robins in October.

He has also painted other sporting figures such as Jurgen Klopp and Ian Wright.

Although Di Canio and Holloway have different personalities they are outstanding characters.

The 61-year-old has a management career that has spanned 29 years, bossing Bristol Rovers, QPR (twice), Plymouth, Leicester, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall and Grimsby.

And Holloway told SunSport: “I went on the after-dinner circuit and got a motorhome with my wife Kim because I didn’t want to feel like a lorry driver.

“I’d go up to wherever we were doing a gig, book on a campsite, get a cab to the job, come back, stay there for a couple of days then come home.

“I learned to paint with acrylics — I do portraits – because I’ve always got to be doing something new.

“I find painting frustrating because everything I do, I don’t see as good enough so I’m trying to be kinder to myself.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Painting of Ian Holloway.
The League Two manager has also painted ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

“I’ve always drawn and used charcoal, pencil and even ink but with colour it’s the tonal value that can change everything.

“I might be driving and will pull over because I’m seeing a sunset. It makes you see life, it makes you see shadows, it makes you see all sorts of things.

“Anybody can paint, anybody can draw. It makes you feel even more alive to the wonderful things around you.”

Holloway loved painting Di Canio after being commissioned to do it for a mate.

He said: “A friend saw one of mine that I gave to my son of the Joker and he said, ‘I’ll buy that’ and I said, ‘You can’t, it’s my son’s’.

“So I said, ‘Give me a picture of your favourite player’, because he’s a West Ham geek, and I did Paolo Di Canio, who funnily enough is an ex-Swindon manager, and I gave it to him. He loves it.”

Holloway believes the Premier League has created a selfish culture in English football — and players even in the lower leagues can lose touch with fans and each other.

The Swindon boss — who famously took Blackpool into the top flight in 2010 — had to tough out a period of criticism from fans but last week won the SkyBet League Two manager of the month.

At one point, he even claimed the training ground was haunted … and needed to get his wife Kim to banish the demons with sage!

We can only conclude that if she did do that, it has worked because Swindon host Mansfield tomorrow aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games — having lost just once in their last 14 league games.

Holloway said: “Football has become selfish. It’s all about money and more like a business whereas at our level it shouldn’t be.

“Everybody in the Premier League talks about how much they’re spending and how unreal it is.

“It’s like travelling to the moon. We talk about how far it is, how many miles an hour we’ve got to be going and how much fuel we need.

“Hang on a minute, this is football — but footballers have got so far away from your average person in the street it’s wrong.

“In League Two we’ve got to be more caring and understanding — and it’s also about your attitude to going to work. There’s not enough encouragement or support in the world, there’s always criticism.

“I’m creating an environment where you’re allowed to fail provided you’re working hard. And that has made the difference.”

Holloway blames modern society for creating an uncaring culture.

He said: “We don’t revere older people. We don’t look after them like the Chinese and Japanese.

“I was brought up by good people in my early days as a Bristol Rovers player and that’s what I’m building here.”

Painting of Ian, aged 59 3/4, from Bristol.
His painting of Ian Wright is one of his most impressive

The highlight of Holloway’s managerial CV was managing Blackpool in the Premier League.

And, although he enjoyed his time with the Seasiders, he disliked the top division because it was so removed from reality.

He said: “Did I like the top of the game? Do I like it? No, I don’t.

“Football needs to start relating to the real world. During Covid, we weren’t the vital source, it was people in hospitals helping us. We were just entertainment.

“If you get away from that you’ve got it all wrong. Our priority must be to entertain and give our all for supporters.”

During Holloway’s time out of the game, he watched on with interest as English football continued to pay homage to the Pep Guardiola way of playing before others decided to break ranks.

He said: “Football was following one person’s lead but now I’m happy people are realising you haven’t got to have total possession to win.

“You can win football in different ways. You haven’t all got to be Pep.”

And there is something poetic about managing back in his beloved west country after years moving around the country.

The Bristolian said: “Geographically it’s perfect for me being a West Country boy. I like the fact I had no ties with Swindon – never played for them, never managed them. They were deep in the mire so it was a great challenge.

“If I’d have failed that would’ve been me failing but I’m delighted we’re moving forward and I’m feeling good about my decision to come here.

“My wife let me because we didn’t have to move. I’ve moved her FORTY-EIGHT times! She didn’t want to move again.

“And this club is nicknamed the Robins … and you know my history with Bristol City, whose bitter rivals Rovers are the Robins!

“Marina Dolman, the Bristol Rovers president, keeps teasing me by saying, ‘We’ll make a Robin of you yet!’

“She’s got a road named after her in Bristol — Dolman Way. I don’t think I can get one named after me here … Holloway Way doesn’t sound right. And it’s the last thing we need in Swindon. We’ve got magnificent roundabouts and the Sat Nav explodes! We don’t need a street named after me!”

Ian Holloway holding the EFL League Two Manager of the Month award.
EFL
Holloway was recently named EFL Manager of the Month[/caption]

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Ruben Amorim sends message to Chido Obi-Martin amid calls to promote ex-Arsenal goal machine

Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Cody Froggatt/Every Second Media/Shutterstock (15139576ap) Manchester United forward Chido Obi-Martin during the Manchester United U21's v Tottenham Hotspur U21's English Premier League 2 match at Leigh Sports Village, Manchester, England, United Kingdom on 7 February 2025 Credit: Cody Froggatt/Every Second Media Manchester United U21's v Tottenham Hotspur U21's - 07 Feb 2025
Chido Obi-Martin scored a hat-trick in midweek as Man Utd beat Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup (Credits: Cody Froggatt/Every Second Media)

Ruben Amorim has warned Manchester United fans they must be ‘careful’ amid calls for Chido Obi-Martin to be promoted to the first team.

The 17-year-old joined the Red Devils in the summer having rejected the opportunity to remain at Arsenal.

Obi-Martin shot to prominence last season on the back of his astonishing goalscoring feats for the Gunners and has continued to enhance his burgeoning reputation since his move to Old Trafford.

The Denmark youth international scored a hat-trick in midweek as United crushed Chelsea 5-1 to set up an FA Youth Cup quarter final against Obi-Martin’s former club.

With Amorim’s first team struggling for goals at present and both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to convince, the clamour for Obi-Martin to included in United’s first team plans has reached fever pitch.

On the prospect of the teenager being involved against Spurs this weekend, Amorim said: ‘I don’t want to say names.

‘We have to be careful on that. We have problems this week, we called some young players to be in our training. We have some data evaluation. He is one of them.’

Manchester United U18 v Chelsea U18: FA Youth Cup 5th Round
Chido Obi-Martin scored a hat-trick in Manchester United’s Youth Cup win over Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Amorim, meanwhile warnedUnited will have to sell before they can buy this summer due to financial constraints that are impacting different areas of the club.

Next Thursday marks a year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his deal to become minority owner of United and he has overseen some controversial, wide-ranging changes during that time.

Ticket price hikes have infuriated United fans, and the PA news agency understands those views were put to the British billionaire at a Fan Advisory Board meeting held at Carrington on Thursday.

The club shed a quarter of its staff over the summer and more redundancies are planned as the club continues to cut costs in a bid to reduce losses and aid investment in the team.

Amorim is attempting to oversee that challenging rebuild on the field and leads misfiring United to Tottenham on Sunday, ahead of which he nodded to the issues at hand.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jon Super/Shutterstock (15145121cb) Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim makes his way from the funeral of former Manchester United footballing legend Denis Law at Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, England, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. One third of the "United Trinity", alongside fellow greats George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, Law?s goalscoring and 404 appearances saw him earn the nickname of "The King" amongst fans and he remains the only Scotsman to have won the Ballon d'Or. (Photo/Jon Super) Funeral of Denis Law at Manchester Cathedral, UK - 11 Feb 2025
Ruben Amorim must sell before he can buy in the summer (Source: Rex Features)

‘Our biggest problem now is Tottenham,’ the head coach said. ‘We know the moment of the club. Of course I have to understand all of these problems but that problem of our club is not new. You already knew the rules of fair play.

‘We have a problem at the moment, but that cannot influence the way I coach the team and prepare the next game, so my focus is on that and not the other things.’

Pushed on the longer-term impact after restrictions hampered their winter transfer business, Amorim said: “Here is simple – to do something we need to sell players.

‘My focus is to prepare the game. We cannot do (signings) now. The window is closed.

‘We need to focus on the games that we have, especially the next one, and then in the summer we will see.’

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