Steve Bruce has passionately responded to Dwight Gayle after he claimed he ‘didn’t do tactics’ when in charge of Newcastle.
The striker joined the Magpies in 2016 and played under Bruce during his near one-and-a-half year managerial stint at St James’ Park.
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Gayle claimed that Bruce told his Newcastle players he didn’t do tactical workCredit: Getty
Gayle recently appeared on the Open Goal podcast and delivered a damning admission of his experience with the ex-Manchester United captain.
“He was okay. I felt that he didn’t perhaps spend enough time on working on a lot of things with us,” Gayle said on Bruce.
“I think he was trying to go game by game, rather than perhaps developing us as a team. I just feel like we could’ve improved with a lot of things.”
“I remember some of the boys got chucked into the Manchester City shift,” Gayle added. “We had like a three-game week.
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“I think the gaffer sort of chucked a few of the boys under the bus in terms of who had to play against Man City away. Me and Matt Ritchie were asking for tactical improvements for weeks or months.
“We came in at half time, I think we were like two or 3-0, or something down, and he’s like, ‘Boys, you keep asking for tactics, I don’t do tactics. Just put your boots on and work hard.’”
Gayle also claimed that Bruce could’ve done more himself in training sessions before the Saudi takeover of Newcastle was completed in 2021.
“He didn’t really do much on the training pitch,” Gayle added. But then, obviously, when the Saudi owners came in, he stuck his boots on and the whistle and was like, ‘If I’m going, then I’m going to run you into the ground’, or something like that.
“So, we’re doing some running drills and he’s just running us and he’s blowing his whistle and it’s just, like, making it into a little bit of a joke and stuff. He’s like, ‘They’re over there watching you’.
“[Training] was okay. I felt that he didn’t perhaps spend enough time on working on a lot of things with us.
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Bruce has since given a passionate response to the strikerCredit: BBC
“I think he was trying to go game by game rather than perhaps develop us as a team. I just felt like we could have improved with a lot of things.”
Bruce, who manages League One side Blackpool, was asked about the comments from Gayle and issued a strong response to him.
“Is that the legendary Dwight Gayle, who missed a chance in the quarter-final against Manchester City?” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“Is that the same Dwight Gayle? Interesting. I’ve been around the block a long, long time, I’ve only managed 1,050 games.
“But according to Dwight, I don’t know what I’m doing. So I’ll let other people make their mind up. I’m a bit more established than what Dwight ever was.”
After previously managing clubs including Hull City and Aston Villa, Bruce joined Newcastle at the beginning of the 2019/20 season.
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He sarcastically called him ‘legendary’ and seemingly dismissed his commentsCredit: Getty
He was in charge for 97 matches across all competitions but won just 27 of those before leaving in October 2021.
Bruce then joined West Brom before a surprise switch to Blackpool, who he has sitting tenth in the League One table.
Gayle made 45 appearances for Bruce at Newcastle, scoring five goals and assisting another three.
He left a year after his former boss for Stoke City, before joining Derby County and then Hibernian.
The 35-year-old has featured 21 times for the Scottish Premiership side this season and netted four goals.
Throwback to Steve Bruce being the victim of a cabbage attack after one Aston Villa fan’s frustrations got the better of them!
Ant and Dec have predicted the winner of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: instagram / @antanddec
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The pair laid out Newcastle and Liverpool balls for sausage dog RockyCredit: instagram / @antanddec
Eddie Howe’s side are competing in their second final in two years at Wembley Stadium.
However, fans will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in 2023.
Ant and Dec are amongst them, with the latter’s pet dachshund Rocky predicting the winner on social media.
In a video shared on their Instagram account, the duo could be seen attempting to film an intro to the prediction.
After several failed takes, Dec finally explained what they were doing as he held up Rocky and Ant presented two footballs in the colours of each club.
Dec stated: “It’s the big cup final on Sunday,” as Ant exclaimed: “I’m nervous Dec!”
The former continued: “It’s the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle United vs Liverpool. But who’s going to win? We’re about to find out with Rocky the predictor.”
Ant then urged the hound, “Come on Rocky. Choose this one,” as he held up the Newcastle ball.
Rocky responded by running straight to the Toon Army ball, prompting Ant and Dec to leap into the air cheering.
Ant added: “He’s licking it to death. It’s gonna be a triumph.”
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Rocky headed straight for the Newcastle ball in front of himCredit: instagram / @antanddec
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Ant and Dec were left celebrating the dog’s final predictionCredit: instagram / @antanddec
Meanwhile, the pair wrote in the caption: “You heard it here first! Howay The Lads.”
Newcastle are bidding to win their first major trophy for more than five decades this weekend.
The Magpies have not lifted significant silverware since their triumph in the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
It has been even longer since the club won a domestic trophy [FA Cup], with a win on Sunday ending a 70-year wait for such a feat.
Howe addressed the trophy drought during his pre-match press conference this week.
The Newcastle boss explained: “A lot is made of that – of course I understand why.
Jack Grealish responds directly to Ant and Dec over wild I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here rumour
“But, I think it’s a real motivation for us to try to break that long time and that long wait that everyone’s feeling.
“It should be inspiring for us – not a negative. It’s a chance to make history for us as a team – that’s very rare in football.”
The two sides have already met twice in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool winning 2-0 at Anfield after a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture.
Newcastle, however, have not beaten their cup final opponents since December 2015 – a run stretching to 17 matches.
Liverpool welcome Newcastle this week ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash next month, and it’s live on the talkSPORT network.
Arne Slot‘s men are now 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a great weekend for them.
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Liverpool are closing in on the titleCredit: Getty
The Reds claimed their first top-flight win at the Etihad since 2015 after beating Manchester City 2-0 without really breaking a sweat.
This followed Arsenal losing 1-0 at home to West Ham, meaning the title race is all but over.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are well in the hunt for Champions League football and are fifth at the moment, but the battle for European spots is very close, so any dropped points could be crucial.
Of course, these two will meet at Wembley very soon for the right to lift the first silverware of the season, so this match should be a good indication of where each side is at.
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Liverpool vs Newcastle: How to watch
This Premier League game is set to take place on Wednesday, February 26.
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 8:15pm.
The match will be shown on TNT Sports 1. Alternatively, it can also be watched through discovery+. More details here.
Liverpool vs Newcastle: talkSPORT coverage
talkSPORT will also have live commentary of this one across our network, with the full match available on talk, and the second half on talkSPORT. To tune into talk, click here.
Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former England defender Micky Gray.
talkSPORT.com will also have regular updates through our dedicated Premier League blog.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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Newcastle got back to winning ways at the weekendCredit: AFP
Since losing their first Premier League home game against Newcastle 2-0 in April 1994, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 28 against the Magpies at Anfield in the competition (W23 D5).
Newcastle are winless in their last 16 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L11) since a 2-0 win in December 2015 under Steve McClaren.
Newcastle have won just one of their last 27 Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table (D8 L18), beating Chelsea 2-1 in December 2014 under Alan Pardew. They’ve never won away from home against the team top of the Premier League table in 20 attempts (D5 L15).
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Isak vs Salah
This match will see two of the best Premier League forwards come head-to-head as Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah meet.
Both men have enjoyed sensational seasons for their clubs, helping them sit where they are in the table.
Of course, Salah is a right-sided forward, while Isak is a striker, but they are both their side’s main goal threat, with Newcastle and Liverpool often finding ways to get their respective talisman into the most dangerous positions possible.
When the two teams met earlier this season in a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park, Isak ended the game with a goal and an assist, while Salah bagged twice and set up another.
So, this duo are having incredible campaigns, and it will be fascinating to see who comes out on top when they meet here.
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Salah is having one of the best seasons ever, while Isak should get close to 30 goals
Since losing three in a row between January and March 2021, Liverpool have won each of their last 12 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League home games by an aggregate score of 35-6.
Liverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last 17 home games in all competitions. The last English top-flight side to have a longer run were Sunderland, who did so in 19 consecutive matches between February and December 1935.
Newcastle have lost 13 of their last 17 Premier League away games on a Wednesday (W2 D2), with their only wins in this run coming at Bournemouth in July 2020 (4-1) and West Ham in April 2023 (5-1).
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Team news
The Reds are without long-term absentee Joe Gomez, who underwent hamstring surgery last week.
The versatile defender is expected to be out for the majority of the season.
Conor Bradley has also now joined him on the sidelines with an unspecified problem.
Of course, with games coming thick and fast, Slot could elect to rotate some of his team.
Meanwhile, Newcastle could be set for a triple injury boost.
Sven Botman and Joelinton have been out in recent weeks but both are back in full training and in contention.
Sandro Tonali was only fit in enough for a place on the bench at the weekend, but Eddie Howe has revealed he is fine and should come back into the starting XI.
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Botman and Tonali are both fit for NewcastleCredit: Getty
Newcastle have won both of their last two evening (7pm or later) kick-offs in the Premier League (2-0 v Man Utd, 3-0 v Wolves), as many as they had in their previous 13 prior (D3 L8).
Mohamed Salah has scored four goals in last two Premier League games against Newcastle, netting a brace in both. The last player to score multiple goals in three consecutive appearances against an opponent in the competition was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Burnley (May 2019), while the only Liverpool player to do so was Michael Owen, who did so four times against Newcastle between August 1998 and May 2001.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is one home goal away from scoring 10+ home goals and 10+ away goals in three different Premier League campaigns (also 2017-18 and 2021-22). Before this season, only Harry Kane had ever done so in 3+ seasons (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21 and 2022-23).
Alexander Isak has scored 10 away goals in the Premier League this season – only Andrew Cole (12 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (11 in 2001-02) have netted more on the road in a single campaign for Newcastle.
Liverpool vs Newcastle: What has been said?
Slot has weighed in on the debate over Salah winning the Ballon d’Or.
The Egyptian is enjoying a ridiculous season that could end with him claiming three trophies and Slot thinks he has as good a chance as anyone.
He said: “It’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion because it means he does well and it means we are doing well. But for him to stay in that discussion, he should bring in the same performances as he’s done for seven or eight months now.
“I think in general, someone that wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well, so it is a great challenge in front of us but also in front of him.
“What I liked a lot is that he takes this challenge – not only by scoring a big goal and a great assist against [Manchester] City but he also wanted the team to win because his defensive work rate, especially in the second half, was outstanding.
“If we as a team win something he has a far better chance to win the Ballon d’Or.
“It would make his chance only bigger (if we win the Champions League) but the last one who won it, I think he only won the league and not the Champions League.
“It is not only about the amount of prizes you win but I think all of the ones that won it in the past probably – I am not 100 per cent sure – won either the league or the Champions League.
“But in football, it’s always like this: you need the team to win an individual prize, and that’s what Mo understands at the moment really well because his work-rate, especially in the second half but almost during the whole game, was very good and very helpful for us to have a chance to win the game against City.”
talkSPORT reacts to Liverpool’s huge win over Manchester City in the Premier League
Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.
Read more on Premier League
However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.
Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.
Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.
The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.
Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.
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It has been a season to forget for Guardiola
Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.
Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.
Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.
But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP
The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.
The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.
At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.
On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.
Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.
Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.
The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.
And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.
So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.
Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures
Tuesday, February 24
7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
Pep Guardiola’s decision to name Erling Haaland as Man City captain left former Premier League star Micky Gray baffled.
The Norwegian superstar was handed the armband for the clash with Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
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Haaland was named as captain for Man City against NewcastleCredit: AFP
City made a number of changes for the contest with their Champions League tie with Real Madrid in mind, but the line-up still consisted of plenty of experienced heads.
Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones and Phil Foden all started the game, as did experienced goalkeeper Ederson.
However it was Haaland who was given the honour, much to the ex-Sunderland and Blackburn star’s surprise.
Speaking on Gameday Live, Gray told talkSPORT: “It’s a bit of a surprise to me, I have to say.
“I don’t see Erling Haaland as a leader – I mean, he just drifts out of a game so much albeit it seems to be him who scores the goals every week.
“John Stones has the experience and with the players on the pitch, it’s really, really surprising.”
Despite not being deemed as captain-material by Gray, his tally of 27 goals in 34 games this season has certainly impressed.
Facing Newcastle, many sparked the debate of who was better between Haaland and Alexander Isak – the striker who has scored 19 goals in 28 games.
But despite the comparison, Gray says that there’s only one winner.
“There’s no comparison at the moment. That’s not to say that I don’t love watching Alexander Isak play, because I do. I think he’s an outstanding player.
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Micky Gray wasn’t keen on Haaland taking the armbandCredit: AFP
“He can certainly play for one of the top sides in the Premier League, there’s no doubt about that but if you’re looking at a man who has won it all, done it all, it has to be Erling Haaland.”
Despite Haaland captaining the side, it was his strike partner Omar Marmoush who stole the show with a hat-trick against the Magpies.
With James McAtee striking late on, it meant that City ran out as 4-0 winners and moved back into the top four in the Premier League.
Details of the dramatic fracas between Newcastle and Aston Villa have been released by the Football Association.
The Magpies’ 3-0 Premier League win at St. James’ Park descended into touchline chaos on Boxing Day.
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Duran’s red card sparked chaotic scenes between Newcastle and VillaCredit: Getty
Jhon Duran was shown a controversial red card for Villa for appearing to stamp on the back of defender Fabian Schar.
Tempers flared and there was a mass confrontation at half-time between players and staff of each team, both of whom were fined.
Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas were sent off by referee Anthony Taylor during the off-pitch drama.
The FA have now disclosed details of the 20-man tunnel scuffle that were heard by an Independent Regulatory Commission.
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Referee Taylor reported: “I have to report that I, as the Referee sent off Jason Tindall of Newcastle United FC Under Law 12 section: Physical or aggressive behaviour [including biting and spitting].
“At half time when arriving in my changing room I was advised by the 4th official, Leigh Doughty, that there had been a confrontation in the tunnel area which was caused by Victor Manas [Aston Villa head of analysis] who had been shouting aggressively towards Mr Tindall which subsequently caused an aggressive verbal altercation.
“This caused a further confrontation to take place of approx 20 players and staff. I was also advised that Mr Tindall had to be prevented from becoming involved further.
“Post match I have a civilised discussion with Mr Tindall and also advised him I would ask the FA to review any available footage of the incident as he alleged that the Aston Villa head coach, Unai Emery, had confronted him and should also have been sanctioned.”
Taylor added: “Following an altercation at half time in the tunnel area approx. 20 players and staff from both teams were involved in a confrontation which was witnessed by the 4th official Mr Doughty.
“I was informed that the head of analysis from Aston Villa, Mr Victor Manas had started this incident by shouting aggressively towards Newcastle’s assistant manager, Mr Tindall.
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Emery was frustrated with Tindall’s behaviour on the touchlineCredit: Getty
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The Newcastle assistant was seeing shushing as the drama unfoldedCredit: Getty
“Mr Manas also started to shout at myself as I moved through the tunnel area, disagreeing with the red card issued to an Aston Villa player, but was not abusive to me, however having asked him to move into the entrance of my changing room, Mr Manas was informed that he would be reported for his actions.
“At the conclusion of the match, I spoke to Mr Tindall who alleged the Aston Villa head coach, Mr Emery, had been involved and also deserved further sanction, therefore I suggest that any available footage from the incident be reviewed.”
Fourth official Leigh Doughty added further detail on the altercation: “On route back up the tunnel at the half time interval, I witnessed Mr Victor Manas, an analyst of Aston Villa, shout aggressively and act confrontationally in the direction of Mr Jason Tindall, Newcastle’s assistant manager.
“Mr Tindall was positioned at the top of the tunnel heading up the stairs and reacted confrontationally with verbals back to Mr Manas. Then at the top of the stairs I saw Mr Tindall come face to face with Mr Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s Head Coach, as a result of this verbal confrontation between Mr Manas and Mr Tindall.
“From that point the mass confrontation occurred at the top of the stairs and into the area outside the changing rooms. As I got to the top of the stairs there was approximately 20 men involved.
“I witnessed Mr Tindall being restrained back by some Newcastle colleagues, clearly acting in an aggressive and confrontational manner. The referee, Anthony Taylor, then got back up the stairs and everybody settled down and went back into their changing rooms.
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Referee Taylor explained why he showed red cards to Manas and TindallCredit: Getty
“Mr Manas remained and Anthony requested he came into the entrance of the officials changing rooms. Mr Manas was disputing the red card decision in the game.
“We acquired his full name and told him he would be reported for misconduct for instigating the entire mass confrontation with his initial verbal aggressive and confrontational actions.
“I also informed Anthony that Mr Tindall should be given a Stage 2 dismissal for his actions as the retaliator and not come out pitch side for the second half.”
As part of their evidence, Villa said Tindall waved his finger and shushed head coach Unai Emery ‘on three or four occasions’.
They also claimed that an opposition member of staff pushed their director of football operations Damian Vidagany in the back, which caused him to fall over.
However, Newcastle say Manas confronted Tindall in an ‘aggressive manner and started to shout at him’ in the tunnel’, with the latter verbally responding.
Aston Villa Fan SLAMS Jhon Duran for his reaction to being substituted by Unai Emery in the Champions League
The Magpies also claim Emery squared up to Tindall and shouted at him before Eddie Howe positioned himself between the two.
Manas was given a two-match stadium ban and a £4,000 fine, while Tindall did not face any further action after also being charged for acting in an improper manner.
Fanatics have announced they will be opening their first-ever global flagship store ahead of a stunning new Premier League deal.
The shop will be located on the iconic Regent Street, showcasing the brand to a footfall of around 70 million people when it opens in spring.
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Fanatics will be hosting more events with athletes like Dominic Solanke at their new Regent Street storeCredit: Topps
It marks a big step as Fanatics look to expand further into Europe having dominated America as a $25billion behemoth.
The store, which will showcase the brand’s collectibles which cover UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, Formula 1 and more.
Fanatics last year announced that they had beaten Panini to the rights for Premier League trading cards and stickers, which will be made under the Topps brand it bought in 2022.
That deal will begin in June, and their new store in London will allow fans from around the world to enjoy a new interactive community space.
The store will include an a state-of-the-art breaking studio, where creators can open packs and boxes for their audiences, interactive customer education touchpoints, and a personal card creation suite
There will also a central display of the rarest and most-desirable cards, all with a giant suspended circular screen above.
The space, as well as selling collectibles has hosted events, including a night with Tottenham star Dominic Solanke and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The pair known for their love of collectibles opened boxes of Topps products with fans and creators for an unforgettable experience.
And there will be more of the same to come at the Regent Street store.
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The new store will span 803 square meters (8,647 square feet)Credit: Fanatics
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The breakers studio will allow interactive events within the storeCredit: Fanatics
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The Fanatics store will take pride of place on Regent StreetCredit: Fanatics
“We are incredibly excited to cut the ribbon on this amazing community-building retail space, one that we hope will delight collectors and be a true home for the hobby in Europe,” said Topps President of Trading Cards, David Leiner.
“It’ll be a destination for millions of fans as well as our own internal partners – and team and club partners, the latter using our dedicated space to launch and showcase new products in a way that has never been done before.”
While the store will, in the most part target the enormous trading market, there is going to be plenty more to do and buy.
Apparel from Toppsand Fanatics-owned Mitchell & Ness, will be on sale as well as memorabilia, such as signed kits, jerseys, balls and other equipment.
There will also entertainment stock on sale after the recent success of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Garbage Pail Kids, Stranger Things products.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo left stunned after he packs himself in Topps cards
Southampton do not want to sell Tyler Dibling this month, talkSPORT understands.
Tottenham and Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs tracking the Southampton winger.
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Southampton do not plan to sell Dibling in JanuaryCredit: Getty
RB Leipzig have also registered an interest in the teenager, but Dibling is not pushing for a January departure despite stalling on signing a new deal.
The 18-year-old’s current deal, which he penned after turning 17 in February 2023, does not expire for another two years.
Dibling has made 24 appearances across all competitions for Saints this term.
Across those matches, the teenager has scored four goals and provided two assists.
The youngster also made his debut for England’s under-21 side in November, having previously featured from U16 to U19 level.
However, he is currently sidelined with an ankle injury which has ruled him out of Sunday’s defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Ivan Juric is expected to have Dibling back for this Saturday’s visit of Newcastle to St. Mary’s.
Southampton have already seen three players leave the club during the January transfer window.
Both Ben Brereton-Diaz and Ronnie Edwards have moved to the Championship on loan.
The pair have joined Sheffield United and QPR, respectively, until the end of the season.
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Tottenham, Newcastle and Leipzig are all interested in DiblingCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, Maxwel Cornet was recalled from his loan spell with the Saints by West Ham over the weekend in order to join Serie A side Genoa.
As for arrivals, Welington and Joachim Kayi Sanda have both joined the club but are yet to make their debuts.
Graham Potter believes Jarrod Bowen is ahead of schedule in his return from injury at West Ham.
The Hammers captain suffered a fractured foot in their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of 2024.
There were initial fears that Bowen could sidelined for a lengthy period of time, but there appears to be positivity over his recovery.
On Monday, Potter said: “I think if you speak to Jarrod, he will try to tell you he’s ahead of schedule, for sure.
“He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way and it’s [in] a good way for him, because we want to get him back and we want him to stay back.
“But you know Jarrod, he wants to be out there, he wants to play and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He’s fantastic to have around the place.”
Potter added: “He’s just champing at the bit and he wants to get out and help. But he just has to take his medicine at the moment and just do his rehab properly.
“He was out jogging today with the individual physio, so it’s positive. I think if I’m looking at it now, Jarrod will be ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule.
“It’s not a rocket scientist prediction, that is it really.”
