The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are set to go head-to-head in an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night. The Mavs will host the Pelicans as Dallas looks to win a third consecutive game. However, Luka Doncic is dealing with an injury concern. Doncic missed Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavericks […]
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Steven Spielberg’s net worth in 2024 is $5.3 billion. Spielberg is one of the most famous directors in the world. He has helmed timeless hits, record-breaking box office successes and iconic movies that are beloved by generations, including Jaws, ET, the Indiana Jones franchise, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and so many more. Spielberg also is […]
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KRIS BOYD has it hit out at Rangers’ decision to hand director Nils Koppen a promotion – insisting he has done NOTHING to earn it.
The Belgian has been appointed to the new role of technical director at Ibrox.
Koppen, 39, was appointed Rangers‘ director of football recruitment back in December 2023.
But the club confirmed this morning that he’d been bumped up to the role of technical director.
In simple terms, it will see Koppen perform a wider role that more closely resembles the duties performed by Ross Wilson during his time as the Gers’ sporting director.
As well as heading up Rangers’ transfer activity, Koppen will now take responsibility over the wider football department, including the academy, medical and performance areas.
He has highlighted a focus on bringing through more academy players and young Scottish talent as part of his new remit.
Koppen has been in place now for two transfer windows, with a major overhaul of the Rangers squad taking place across the past year.
Many of the club’s big signings have, so far at least, not quite hit the heights that may have been expected, with Rangers languishing nine points behind Celtic and Aberdeen in the Premiership.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport’s Roger Hannah on this week’s Go Ballistic programme, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd blasted the club’s decision to give Koppen a promotion.
SunSport columnist Boyd has been left asking who has made the decision – given the fact the Gers are currently running without a chief executive or a permanent chairman.
Boyd also reckons Koppen has done NOTHING to deserve the new role – and has questioned why the club isn’t ALREADY focusing on the areas he has now promised to put attention on.
He said: “I don’t know where to start. Who made the decision?
“There’s no CEO. I just don’t know – who’s making the decisions? There’s nobody above him.
“Why would you give someone a promotion when you don’t have someone above them?
“What happens if you appoint a CEO and there are problems with Koppen and the CEO? I’m not saying that’ll happen, but what if it does?”
“They are important (bringing through more academy players and Scottish players). The other thing he touched on as well was getting more ex-players involved as well.
“I’ve got to be honest, I just feel as if it’s what the fans are saying. I just feel it’s what the fans are saying and it seems the right thing to say for Koppen.
“You only need to look on social media, this is not an appointment the fans are enamoured with. They’re not looking at it saying ‘we’re absolutely delighted.
“You’ve got to earn the right to that promotion. There’s nothing to suggest that Nils Koppen has earned this.
“He might be a good guy, you’re telling me he’s highly thought of behind the scenes. Right now the fans only see what has come through the door and its not been good enough. It’s not been good enough.
“The recruitment is a million miles away from where it should be.
“You’ve got to remember as well, the things that were said in the remit back in the summer or even when Nils Koppen came in, they should be a guarantee.
“There should be a guarantee there are more Scots in that team, there should be players coming through the academy.
“That’s not something that’s new, because you’re now in this role, you need to be seen saying the right things?
“That should just be a remit right from the football club. You’re spending absolute bombs, fortunes on the youth academy. “
Boyd pointed to a general lack of youngsters coming through, particularly at Glasgow’s big two clubs.
And he pointed to an example of Lennon Miller’s current rise to stardom at Motherwell – and one of his former youth team-mates who made the move to Rangers.
Boyd also reckons the route being blocked to the first team is NOT what it was previously many years ago.
Boyd added: “There might only be a chance of one or two, especially at Rangers or Celtic, make it into a first team. you need to move them on up.
“Look at Lennon Miller right now, if he’s at Rangers… look at Bailey Rice. There wasn’t much between them at Motherwell.
“Rangers decided to take Rice and the pathway has been blocked for him.
“Whether hes good enough remains to be seen because he’s never really been in that first team environment.
“Lennon Miller now has more than a handful of first team games.
“He’s in that environment, he’s tested, he’s not the best player every week, but guess what, you’ve got opposition that need to stop you, because they’ve got mortgages to pay, they need their bonuses, they need to be in the team.
“You don’t get that with youth team football, you need to move them up.
“It’s maybe a revamp of the youth department that’s needed because something needs to change.
“There might be talented kids in there but as soon as they get to an age, its stifled. they cant make that breakthrough.
“They might be good kids but making that next step isn’t easy.
“if you look at history, you have to be exceptional.”
He continued: “Going back to Rangers thinking about Dobie, MacLean, McCormack – young strikers that came through.
“They went on to have a very good career elsewhere. they were trying to nudge five or six international players out of that starting XI, it was virtually impossible.
“That’s not the case anymore. If I’m a youngster right now, especially as a striker at the training centre, I’m looking at it thinking I’ve got an opportunity there, go and give every single thing to your game.
“I go back to it, Nils Koppen in terms of the whole youth thing, that should’ve been a given anyway.
“Not because you’ve got a job now. He’s looking at it saying I want to give youth a chance, I want to sign more Scottish players.
“The best managers in Rangers’ history – that’s what they’ve done. You’re not reinventing the wheel.
“Get ex-players in? Because the fans are saying they want ex-players in the building with the DNA, who know what it takes to be successful, it looks to me as if you’re appeasing the fans.
“To sum it up right now, you just look at it and think to yourself, potentially, you’re just moving the deckchairs on a sinking ship. That’s what it looks like to me.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
THIS is the harrowing moment a stepdad begged “come on Charlie” in a 999 call after shaking a baby to death, a court heard.
Charlie Roberts was allegedly attacked with such “devastating” force that his brain moved in his skull – causing “irreparable damage”.
The one-year-old was in the sole care of stepdad Christopher Stockton at the time of the horror, Teesside Crown Court heard.
But in the seven months leading to his death, little Charlie was allegedly subjected to a campaign of abuse at the hands of Stockton and his mum Paula Roberts.
In audio footage released by prosecutors today, Stockton was heard begging the baby to wake up in a haunting 999 call.
The stepdad tells the operator Charlie is “barely” breathing and is “really floppy”.
He then pleads “come on” three times to the injured baby, before adding one final time: “Ok come on, Charlie”.
Jurors heard Stockton was so “incredibly calm” during the call that a senior medic at first thought it was a false alarm.
Air ambulance doctor Michael Davison said: “Normally when a call comes through like that there’s almost an element of anguish… primeval.
“There’s just this kind of power that comes out of the voice and it just wasn’t like that.”
On January 12, a “sleep-deprived” Stockton, 38, was left to look after Charlie by Roberts at their home in Darlington.
This was despite the mum being so “concerned” about her baby and partner that she installed a spy camera in a plant pot above his cot, it was said.
Shortly after the pair were left alone, Stockton called 999 to report Charlie claiming the youngster had choked on a chocolate biscuit – although nothing was found in his airways.
Nicholas Lumley KC, prosecuting, said: “Christopher Stockton was alone in the house with Charlie.
“In a very short time – for that is all it takes to lose one’s temper – he must have assaulted Charlie by shaking or throwing him with considerable force.
“What happened to Charlie once his mother had closed the door on him was no accident. Much as it may have been quickly and bitterly regretted, it was no accident.”
The court was told Charlie’s horrific injuries were so “devastating” he likely would have collapsed “almost immediately”.
He tragically couldn’t be saved and died in hospital the following day.
Medics could find no underlying health conditions, which led them to believe his cause of death was the “application of severe force” that caused “his head to rotate or be thrown about”, it was said.
Jurors heard previously that staff at his nursery had raised concerns when they noticed bruising on the tot.
Social services were called after Charlie was rushed to hospital with marks to his ear, eye and head but no action was taken, it was said.
Jurors heard the baby had injuries to his genitals that were likely to have been caused by a “violent pulling force”.
Roberts’ brother also noticed marks on both of his ears but Roberts, 41, claimed he had been sleep-walking.
Mr Lumley said: “The prosecution case is that there are simply too many incidents of bruising for it not to have been the result of neglect.
“Anyone living with Charlie and caring for Charlie in those circumstances bears responsibility for that neglect.”
Stockton denies murder and child neglect, while Roberts has pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglect.
DUNNES Stores fans are in for a festive treat as the retailer drops more vouchers – and launches its €150,000 Christmas Stars Giveaway.
Shoppers have been raving over the Dunnes Stores €5 off €25 and €10 off €50 vouchers all year long.
As the festive season nears, the supermarket giant continues to issue the money saving vouchers to frequent shoppers.
Customers can also save further with their free two delivery promotion when you spend over €50.
On top of that, Dunnes Stores bosses have also launched an exciting giveaway which runs until December 18.
The competition will also give shoppers five chances to win in weekly prize draws.
Customers can take part by spending €50 or more in-store or online across grocery, fashion, or home departments.
For every €50 spent, shoppers will earn a “Christmas Star,” and more stars mean bigger prizes.
Prizes include a mix of cash rewards, shopping vouchers, and exciting hampers filled with goodies.
Stars can be collected on the Dunnes VALUEclub app, with new ones appearing the day after each qualifying purchase.
Shoppers will need to ensure their purchases are registered using their VALUEclub account to qualify.
For those aiming to maximise their entries, it’s worth noting that multiple transactions adding up to €50 within the same week will also count.
But that’s not all Dunnes Stores has to offer this festive season.
The retailer has also announced the arrival of Christmas VALUEclub Reward vouchers.
Points earned up to November 2 have been converted into vouchers, which are now available to use in the app.
However, shoppers should note that once these points are converted, their balance will reset to zero.
But only if shopper have earned over 200 points will the total on the app be switched back to zero after the points have been converted.
In a statement, Dunnes Stores said: “VALUEclub points earned up to 2nd November are being converted into Christmas VALUEclub Reward vouchers.”
They continued: “New points earned will accrue in the app for purchases made from the 3rd of November onwards.”
The vouchers can be redeemed across different departments, helping families make the most of their Christmas budgets.
The giveaway and vouchers are part of Dunnes Stores’ efforts to reward loyal customers.
And their efforts to spread some Christmas cheer during the holidays.
With fantastic prizes, extra savings, and the chance to win big, Dunnes Stores is making it easier than ever to shop and save this holiday season.
For more details, shoppers are encouraged to check the “My VALUEclub Rewards” section of the app.
And shoppers are reminded to always keep an eye on notifications for updates.
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
LOOSE Women favourite Nadia Sawalha stripped topless to celebrate her 60th birthday.
The actress and TV personality proudly showed off her “real body” as she flashed the flesh in some lacy lingerie.
Nadia put her figure on display in a candyfloss pink bra and matching underwear set, before slipping into a neon co-ord.
She then showed off her fiery side in a sexy leopard print set.
The ITV star also ditched her bra as she went topless in some sheer burgundy underwear.
She was seen dancing around her house and doing household chores in the stunning range.
Nadia said she has teamed up with lingerie brand Understatement Underwear as it aligns with her values on being “free and happy”.
She captioned the post: “Happy Birthday to me 60 today! What’s your favourite one?
“I love that every piece of Understatement Underwear lingerie is so damn beautiful soft and comfy. so comfy in fact I sometimes worry if I’ve actually got it on.
“As I say I love everything about Understatement Underwear.”
Nadia also shared their slogan which reads: “We are run by women for women in a world where women can be whoever they want to be – liberated and unrestricted. One butt at a time.”
Nadia’s fans flocked to comment on the star’s post and praise her for showing unedited snaps on social media.
One wrote: “Absolutely stunning, beautiful woman! Keeping it real! Happy Birthday Nadia.”
A second posted: “Aw I love you Nadia what a free spirit you are. You’re amazing in every way. Happy 60th birthday.”
“You look great for 60 (I know we aren’t supposed to say that) Happy Birthday,” a third said.
Another added: “You look bloody fabulous! Happy birthday.”
It comes after the star bravely stripped off in front of Westminster for a breast cancer drug campaign, warning “time is running out”.
She and 30 others took the bold move to “introduce themselves” to the new Government, urging the new secretary for health, Wes Streeting to take action.
Each woman had their naked chest painted to represent the number of lives that are lost to metastatic breast cancer each day in the UK.
Nadia told The Sun she had never done something like this before but felt it had “come to this”.
She said: “[When] the election was called, absolutely nothing could be done, no decisions could be made, which is heartbreaking for everybody because it’s just stalling again when women are looking at weeks or months.
“That’s why we want to get in quick and introduce ourselves to the new Government and make them understand that we aren’t going to be quiet.
“Time is running out for some women, and this is a minuscule amount of money in the big scheme of things.
“These women are feeling worthless.
“We’re not going away, so they might as well say ‘yes’ now.”
Katie Piper – Former Strictly Come Dancing star, activist, model and author
Sunetra Sarker – Also a former Strictly Come Dancing star, and known for acting in Casualty
Kaye Adams – Scottish journalist and one of the original Loose Women
Christine Lampard – ITV presenter
Ruth Langsford – Presented Loose Women on and off since 1999
Jane Moore – Former columnist for The Sun
Coleen Nolan – Became known for her family girl band called The Nolans and went on to compete on Celeb Big Brother
Nadia Sawalha – Former EastEnders star and Celebrity MasterChef winner
Stacey Solomon – Known for her reality show Sort Your Life Out and winning series 10 of I’m a Celeb
Janet Street-Porter – A journalist and president of the Ramblers’ Association
Brenda Edwards – Came fourth on the X Factor and went on to become a pop star and act in hit musicals such as Hairspray
Charlene White – Lead presenter at ITV News London
Kelly Bryan – Former EastEnders star and was in a girl group called Eternal alongside her sisters. Currently part of the cast of Hollyoaks
Frankie Bridge – Participated in Strictly Come Dancing and came third place on I’m A Celeb in 2021
Judi Love – A stand up comedian and radio presenter, who has also made a variety of TV appearances in shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, and Taskmaster
Linda Robson – Played iconic character Tracey Stubbs in Birds of a Feather
Denise Welch – A soap queen, she starred in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks. Also the mother of Matty Healy, the lead singer of pop rock group the 1975.
CHRISTMAS fanatics have been going wild for an oversized decoration in Home Bargains this year.
The £39.99 plush Nutcracker comes in pink and burgundy, and is completely sold out online.
So shoppers across the country have been racing to their nearest store to get their hands on it.
Describing it, Home Bargains bosses said: “Add a touch of festive charm to your holiday décor with the Elegance Large Nutcracker Plush Decoration!
“Standing at a cosy 100cm, this oversized plush nutcracker is the perfect eye-catching centerpiece for your celebrations.”
But lucky festive fans who have bagged the cute Nutcracker have now been left stunned after discovering a secret detail on it.
The hidden feature comes after a shopper was convinced her daughter had doodled on the sought-after decoration when she lifted up the beard to see shaky black lines outlining teeth.
Taking to social media, Charlotte asked: “Just wondering does everbody’s nutcracker have these teeth or has my daughter done it?
“Because what is that? Actually hoping she’s done it.”
The mum’s post, shared on the popular Bargain Lovers Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range Facebook group which boasts 400,000 members, has since racked up more than 350 likes and hundreds of comments.
And it turns out the teeth detail is indeed an intentional part of the Christmas Nutcracker’s design.
“Mine has teeth too lol didn’t notice till you said”, gasped another social media user.
Someone else wrote: “Me running over to check mine then franticly pushing his beard back down because WHAT ARE THOSE?”
A third said: “Think mine went to Turkey least they are straight but it’s a no from me.
“Imagine seeing them in the dark with just the lights from the Christmas tree on them.”
Meanwhile, a fourth claimed: “I will never be able to look at mine in the same way now.”
And others were quick to joke that the Nutcracker’s toothy grin reminded them of Turkey Teeth.
“Nutcracker’s been to Turkey”, one said.
A second echoed: “More like Nutcracker needs to go to Turkey. You’d think they’d at least make them look nice not just as a child has scribbled it.”
“Turkey teeth for turkey nuts”, echoed a third person.
It comes after shoppers were left fuming over a mistake on a Christmas decoration that “takes 20 tries to spot”.
The fun Winter Charm Metal Standing Street Sign gives directions to Santa’s workshop, elf village and reindeer stables, and would look perfect indoors or outdoors.
The free-standing decoration was originally priced at £6.99 in Home Bargains but was slashed to just £2.99 over the error.
Mumbai, Nov 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The state election machinery is fully prepared to hold polling on Wednesday for the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly with the deployment of 15 lakh personnel across the state. The polling will...
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