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A FORMER footballer-turned-jockey helped a punter win a life-changing sum after scoring on a 33-1 outsider.

The two incredible bets – which featured the same four horses – left the bookies in tears.

PA

The punter landed a life-changing windfall thanks to winners at Ffos Las and Kempton – and a little help from an ex-footballer[/caption]

Shocked traders at William Hill admitted: “We just have to take our hats off to them.”

The in-shop punter landed just shy of £40,000 thanks to a £20 four-fold accumulator and a £10 Lucky 15 returned £23,551.

All in all it meant they walked out of the bookies in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, a whopping £39,021 better off.

The four horses were all relative shorties apart from the nerve-shredding last leg.

After Tony Carroll’s three-year-old gelding Son Of Astar went in by just a nose at 4-1 at in the 7.10 at Ffos Las, Kingdom Of Stars (9-4) won the 7.20 at Kempton.

It was back over to the Welsh track to see Spartan Times oblige at 2-5 before the final leg at Kempton.

Incredibly the punter had taken a chance on 33-1 roughie Capuchinero in a Class 6 handicap over a mile on the all-weather.

Trained by Alice Haynes, the six-year-old made smooth headway two from home and knuckled down inside the final furlong.

He bumped but dug deep to score under 3lb claimer Christian Howarth, who was a striker at Cambridge United’s academy.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve been hit by a couple of corking racing multiples.

“A smart punter walked away with nearly £40,000 after four selections did the business on Wednesday evening, having placed the bets in our Flamstead shop in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

“They’ve managed to not only land a £20 four-fold acca, but also a £10 Lucky 15, meaning they’ve walked away with £39,021.

“We just have to take our hats off to them.

“It’s not every day that you head to your local William Hill shop, place a four-fold acca and a Lucky 15 and walk away with a hefty five-figure sum.

“Credit where it’s due to this shrewd punter.”

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

DRUG “mule” Bella Culley’s silent cries for help have been revealed as she “was watched” by a drugs gang going through the airport, her lawyer has claimed.

Bella, 19, was told yesterday that her trial on drug smuggling charges has been postponed amid talks over a possible “plea bargain” deal.

Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress

Thai police have now released CCTV footage of the Brit going through the automated gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand[/caption]

Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress

Police confirmed she used a British passport to exit Thailand[/caption]

Supplied

Bella Culley seen in court at the beginning of July as her devastated family watched on[/caption]

The teenager appeared at Tbilisi City Court on Thursday after claiming she had been burned with a hot iron and shown a beheading video by a Thailand-based gang.

Bella was arrested on arrival at the airport at Georgian capital Tbilisi in May with £200,000 worth of cannabis in her hold baggage.

But she has since claimed the bag was checked in by a gang member and she never saw it before Georgian police stopped her at customs.

Bella’s attempt to escape a jail term has been complicated by the release of Thai CCTV footage said to contradict her claims that she tried to alert cops at Bangkok airport.

The next hearing was yesterday put back to July 24 while prosecutors and Bella’s Georgian lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia attempt to strike a deal.

He told The Sun how cops missed her silent cries for help.

Mr Salakaia said: “I fail to see how that’s substantial. Of course they are going to say that. 

“What hasn’t been said or shown is the fact that the people who brought and handed in this baggage were still nearby and she couldn’t communicate openly. 

“She tried to signal it to them, without being noticed herself, that it wasn’t her baggage but wasn’t paid any attention.”

Trainee nurse Bella, from Billingham, Teesside – who got pregnant on the Far East backpacking trip where she met British gang members – faces a life jail term.

The teenager – in a pink t-shirt showing her baby bump – was again supported in court on Thursday by her oil rig worker father Niel, 39, who urged her to “stay strong” as she fought to stay composed.

The next hearing was put back to July 24 while prosecutors and Bella’s lawyer Salakaia attempt to strike a deal.

Mr Salakaia told The Sun: “The sides have entered the phase of negotiation over the plea bargain, to see whether this could be an eventual option. 

“We haven’t reached agreement yet. Our position is the release of my client and paying the fine. We ll see where we end up after negotiations”.

Bella has been held for 61 days at Tbilisi’s Number Five Women’s Penitentiary accused of importing 31lbs of cannabis and hashish.

She flew from Bangkok via Sharjah in Abu Dhabi on May 10 and her lawyer revealed she was unsure where she was when she was arrested.

A Georgian police spokesman confirmed that, if found guilty, she could face between 20 years in jail and a life term.

Bella claimed baggage containing the cannabis was carried to the airport for her and put in the plane’s hold when she boarded a flight from Bangkok in May.

Unpixs

Cops said cannabis was found wrapped in air-tight bags in Bella’s luggage[/caption]

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The Brit told a court she was tortured into trafficking £200,000-worth of cannabis by evil crimelords[/caption]

Prime Time

She was caught at Tblisi International Airport with 30 pounds of marijuana and hashish in her luggage on May 10[/caption]

Her family launched a missing person hunt in Thailand after she vanished on holiday but she turned up under arrest 4,000 miles away in the European nation.

Then on her first court appearance she announced she was pregnant.

CCTV footage of Bella was released, which cops say rubbishes her claim she was coerced into transporting the £200,000 drug stash.

Police Major General Cherngron Rimphadee said a few weeks ago: “This matter is not complicated.

“Police have reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that she used a British passport to exit through the automatic passport control channel.

“As a result, she did not interact with or speak to any immigration officers and simply exited the country.”

Thai authorities say Bella’s claims of seeking help from customs staff are “absolutely baseless”.

Surveillance shows the teen, from Billingham, Teesside, apparently passing calmly through Suvarnabhumi Airport’s automated gates without raising any red flags.

“There is no evidence whatsoever that any immigration or police officers forced or threatened the suspect to smuggle drugs out of the country,” Lt. Gen. Choengron said.

“It was a deliberate departure.”

The footage had reportedly been shared with media outlets in an attempt to debunk Bella’s courtroom testimony in Tblisi, where she claimed she “didn’t want to do this” and was allegedly forced under torture.

Bella’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, claimed corrupt Thai police officers were in on the trafficking ring and that when Bella turned to one for help, she realised he was part of the gang.

NCJ

Bella May Culley claims she was coerced into transporting £200k worth of cannabis[/caption]

Facebook

Bella has said she never touched the drugs found in her suitcase[/caption]

Salakaia alleged she and her family were threatened with beheading if she didn’t comply.

He went on to claim that “They told her: we know the addresses of your parents, we know where your 16-year-old brother is”, before showing her a video of a person being beheaded.

The court was also shown a scar on her arm which Salakaia said was inflicted before the suitcase containing the drugs – which she allegedly never touched – was given to her.

But Thai police say it’s all an attempt to wriggle out of punishment.

Officials believe the teen’s high-stakes tale is part of a strategy to secure a lighter sentence in Georgia.

The Georgian prosecution has charged her with “illegally purchasing and storing a particularly large amount of narcotics” and “illegally importing them into the country”.

Thai cops said she would now be blacklisted for entering the country “to commit a drug offence”, citing a breach of Section 12 of the Immigration Act.

FILLING those long summer holiday days can seem like an overwhelming task – and that’s before you face into the costs.

But there are plenty of ways to plan fun activities for the whole family without breaking the bank, and being savvy with annual passes could mean mega savings.

Emerald Park

Alamy

Alamy

Admission prices to some of Ireland’s top attractions can prove eye-watering, but availing of annual passes for spots you will make use of frequently is among the simplest ways to cut costs.

Dublin Zoo and Emerald Park fans can bag big savings, while a €90 OPW family pass grants you unlimited access to 90 epic sites.

Here’s our ultimate guide to making the most out of the summer holidays without blowing the budget.

KILRUDDERY HOUSE, WICKLOW

Kilruddery House in Bray, Co Wicklow, offers visitors the chance to wander a magnificent 800-acre estate – with the added option of popping by the beach afterwards.

Kilruddery also offers a world-renowned 17th century garden, flowering woodland, cut flower gardens, a natural amphitheatre area, long ponds and a walled garden – so there’s plenty to explore across a fun day out.

During the garden’s open season, visitors can avail of a house tour of the 17th-century home, which was remodelled and extended in 1820 in the Elizabethan style.

The stunning estate back to 1534, when Sir William Brabazon of Leicestershire secured the ownership of the Abbey of St Thomas, whose lands included Kilruddery.

There’s loads of activities on offer for children at Kilruddery, including weekly craft workshops, a treetop adventure park and a guided walking tour of the estate plus there’s a farmers’ market every Saturday

There are three 12-month memberships on offer for families:

• Bronze €80 Killruddery membership – one guest allowed along with the member
• Silver €100 Killruddery membership – three guests allowed along with the member
• Gold €120 Killruddery membership – five guests allowed along with the member

Children under four-years-old go free when accompanied by an adult.

Members can also avail themselves of free and discounted events in the annual event programme.

DUBLIN ZOO

One of Ireland’s top family attractions is home to more than 400 animals – and it’s always a big hit with visitors.

Dublin Zoo offers activities for everyone in the family to enjoy with exciting science shows and interactive experiments happening daily.

Plus there’s always new additions to see – like the Zoorassic Trail, featuring over 40 types of animatronic dinosaurs, such as a Brachiosaurus that’s 65 feet high.

The zoo is home to animals from right across the world from Asia to America to Africa, plus a family farm and the popular Sea Lion Cove.

The Dublin Zoo annual pass pays for itself in three visits and offers unlimited adventures at the zoo for a year plus early-bird access to seasonal events.

But annual pass-holders also get free entry to the popular Fota Wildlife Park in Cork and one visit a year to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire and Paignton Zoo in Devon – all included in the price of their Dublin Zoo membership.

A family pass to Dublin Zoo costs €245 -working out at €4.70 per week – and allows you to visit the Zoo with one of the following combinations:

• Pass-holder + three adults
• Pass-holder + two adults + two children
• Pass-holder + one adult + four children
• Pass-holder + six children

Or you can get an individual pass for €175 that allows you to enter Dublin Zoo with one of the following combinations:

• Pass-holder + one adult
• Pass-holder + two children

OPW HERITAGE CARD

The OPW Heritage Card gives you unlimited access to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

And with over 90 places to visit, it’s perfect for family days out all year round.

Some of the top spots include Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Farmleigh, Iveagh Gardens and the Blasket Centre.

The Office of Public Works said: “From ancient monuments to monastic hideaways, imposing castles to revolutionary battlegrounds, Ireland’s heritage has something to offer everyone.

“Follow in the footsteps of thousands of voyagers on a journey into Ireland’s epic past.”

A family pass is priced at just €90, working out at just €1.70 per week.

You can also opt for an adult card which costs €40 or a child/student pass which is just €10.

AIRFIELD ESTATE

Airfield Estate is another brilliant day out for adults and kids of all ages.

The capital’s only working farm and gardens are located just minutes from Dundrum Town Centre.

And there are plenty of animals to see, with sheep, pigs, goats and chickens all living on the grounds.

Children will love watching cows being milked or helping to collect eggs during their visit.

And a family pass for €170 – €3.20 per week – allows unlimited visits throughout the year.

Airfield bosses said: “As an Airfield Estate Annual Membership, you’ll have the freedom to explore everything we have to offer – as often as you like!

“Whether it’s hands-on activities for the kids, peaceful walks through our stunning gardens, or seasonal events and workshops, there’s always something new to discover.

“We’re dedicated to making every visit special, and we’re constantly improving to ensure you and your family have the best experience every time you come back.”

EMERALD PARK

Thrillseekers will love Emerald Park in Ashbourne, Co Meath.

Visitors can ride two top-class rollercoasters, take a walk on the wild side at Lemur Woods or check out new land Tír na nÓg – an ancient ruin full of mythical adventures and secret passages.

The legendary Cú Chulainn Coaster, Ireland’s first and Europe’s biggest wooden roller coaster, will get your heart racing with big drops.

For young kids, there are also attractions such as Nissan Driving School, petting farms and Dino Dash that will keep them entertained.

There are also shows on the Emerald Park schedule every day, including The Show by Robert Fossett and a 5D Cinema experience, ideal for rainy days.

Yearly membership prices start from €130 – working out €2.50 per week – and are only valid during the advertised park opening times.

People can select one of the following passes:

• One person all access membership – €130
• Two person all access membership – €260
• Three person all access membership – €380
• Four person all access membership – €500
• Five person all access membership – €620
• Six person all access membership – €730

One recent visitor said: “I’ve been a frequent visitor here over the last six or seven years and I have to say, our most recent visit on Sunday May 4 was the best yet.

“There were minimal waiting times for rides, the longest we waited was 20 minutes.

“The kids had a great time, getting off the ride and going straight back on it again.

“They went on all rides they wanted numerous times.”

FINGAL HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP

This amazing membership grants you access to the top three attractions in North Dublin.

One of the attractions included is the popular Malahide Castle & Gardens – a magnificent medieval castle with an 800-year heritage, with landscaped grounds and botanical gardens.

Visitors can tour a castle and travel through 800 years of history or step into a world of wonder at the Butterfly House, surrounded by lush tropical plants and home to hundreds of exotic butterflies.

Families can wander into a world of enchantment on the magical fairy trail, uncover hidden fairy houses, and discover whimsical creatures and surprises you face at every turn.

Another attraction included in the membership is the wonderful Newbridge House & Farm in the heart of Donabate.

Visitors can step back in time and discover the captivating history of the house during the three centuries of Irish history while exploring the traditional and rare breeds of Irish animals at the farm.

And they will have the opportunity to feed and pet the stunning animals by booking the farm tour.

And the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide is also included in the membership, where visitors can step into a world of miniature railways and rich railway history.

There are fantastic guided tours where people can uncover the life and legacy of Cyril Fry and his meticulous craftsmanship for the train models.

The family membership is priced at €150 and grants access to three attractions for two adults and up to three children.

There’s also memberships for an adult for just €80, students and seniors for just €60 and joint seniors for €90.

DREAM POINT EXPERIENCE

Dream Point Experience at the Dublin Docklands is a brand new attraction, located near Dublin’s 3Arena, easily accessed via the Red Luas line.

From the moment visitors step through the doors, they’re transported into a magical world where imagination takes flight and joy is contagious.

There are five rooms to explore, including the ball pit where visitors can dive into a sea of 250,000 sparkling pearl-coloured balls or the inflatable room where they can touch giant 10-foot inflatables that light up with magical colours.

They offer an exclusive membership for frequent visitors, which offers special perks such as early access to new experiences and seasonal events.

There are three memberships for 12 months that any type of family can opt for:

• Dream Explorer Membership €177.45 – two standard entry tickets per month (weekday only)
• Dream Creator Membership €313.95 – four standard tickets (valid any day)
• Dream Weaver Membership €397.95 – unlimited weekday visits for up to six people (excludes weekends & public holidays)

Each member gets a free cookie and ice cream per visit, while parents are eligible for discounts for retail and cafe space.

A visitor said: “It was a wonderful experience! Our little one loved all of the interactive lights and sounds. There’s plenty of rooms and each one is so unique.

“The staff were so friendly and we could take the buggy around easily, which was a big help. We will certainly be returning for more fun!”

And if that’s not the whole summer covered, check out our guide to the best six days out for the whole family for under a tenner – plus where kids eat for free.

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Emerald Park

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BRIAN McFadden has left fans in tears after he shared a glimpse inside his beautiful wedding day.

The former Westlife singer and his long-term love Danielle Parkinson officially tied the knot this month in a picturesque seaside ceremony.

Alan Law Photography

Brian McFadden and Danielle Parkinson tied the knot in a beautiful seaside ceremony[/caption]

Alan Law Photography

They were surrounded by close friends and family on the day[/caption]

Alan Law Photography

The wedding took place in Cornwall[/caption]

Brian and Danielle met back in 2016 and the singer popped the question shortly after in December 2019.

The happy couple were surrounded by their close friends and family for the big day, which took place on Saturday, July 5, in Cornwall.

The couple exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony on the sands of Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, before continuing the celebrations at a nearby restaurant overlooking the ocean.

A series of stunning wedding snaps, taken by Alan Law Photography, beautifully captured the day in a natural style – focusing on real moments rather than posed shots.

And the pair have now released a sneak peek of their heart-melting wedding video.

Sharing the clip on social media, Danielle wrote: “I want to relive this day as many times as I can.

“The feeling of getting married surrounded by the people you hold dearest to you is so unique and something we’ll never forget. My heart is so full.”

The video, beautifully shot by filmmaker Noah Werth, captures many of the heartfelt moments from throughout the day.

It includes fabulous shots of the breathtaking location as well as the ceremony and celebration setup.

It also has a video of their adorable four-year-old daughter Ruby, who was flower girl, walking up the aisle.

Another emotional moment shows Danielle being walked up the aisle before sharing her first kiss as husband and wife with Brian.

The clip also shows the newlyweds arriving at the celebration, dancing together and enjoying the festivities alongside their friends and family.

On the day, the couple looked stunning in matching white outfits as they exchanged vows by the sea.

Danielle wore a stunning two-piece, with a lace crop top that had short sleeves and a high neckline, paired with a flowing full-length skirt.

She wore her hair styled in soft waves with subtle white floral and pearl accessories.

‘PERFECT’

Brian matched her beautifully in a beige linen suit jacket layered over a white tee and white suit trousers, paired with green trainers.

Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to congratulate the couple and share their love for the video.

Janelle said: “Congratulations to both of you. You both look amazing and so, so happy.”

Tracey wrote: “Looks like you had the most perfect day.”

Helen gushed: “Crying! This is beautiful and so are you two! Congratulations lovelies.”

Melanie commented: “This is beautiful.”

Another added: “Beautiful! You both look so happy! You’re perfect for each other! Wishing you a lifetime of joy and happiness.”

Alan Law Photography

The couple shared a beautiful wedding video[/caption]

VIRAL baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng celebrated her first birthday today.

The Thai national treasure was spoiled with a massive tropical fruit platter as fans packed in to celebrate her four-day birthday bash.

Getty

Moo Deng enjoys a fruit platter on her first birthday at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Pattaya, Thailand[/caption]

EPA

Thousands of people flocked to see her during her four-day birthday party[/caption]

EPA

Mum Jona (left) joined in on the fun[/caption]

Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncing pig” in Thai, rose to fame last year thanks to her playful, clumsy antics.

She quickly became a viral sensation, inspiring memes, fan art, merchandise and even songs.

Thousands of fans flocked to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo – about 62 miles south of Bangkok – to take part in the baby hippo’s four-day birthday celebrations.

Moo Deng’s caretaker Atthapon Nundee said: “Moo Deng has made more people know about the zoo and they travel here, generating so much income for us – which allows us to improve the zoo a lot.”

The zoo treated Moo Deng and her 26-year-old mum Jona to a 44-pound “birthday cake”, made of tropical fruit carved in Thai traditional style.

Zookeepers carried the platter into the enclosure, while camera crew captured the sweet moment the pair tucked in.

The four-day celebration included a photo exhibition, a charity auction and a parade.

A cast of her footprints sold for 700,000 baht (£15,800), while her old plastic bathtub also fetched 50,000 baht (£1,128).

Mucharim Chutimatipakorn, who won the bid for the footprint cast, said: “I intended to get this because I love Moo Deng so much.

“I also want to contribute to the development of this zoo.”

All proceeds from the auction will go towards a wildlife conservation fund.

Who is Moo Deng?

Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus.

Pygmy hippos are much smaller than common hippos, standing about half the height and weighing less than a quarter as much.

She is the seventh calf of 26-year-old Jona and 25-year-old Tony.

She became a viral sensation just weeks after she was born at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha.

Her zookeeper Atthapon Nundee began sharing her playful antics online.

She’s been featured on various platforms, including the official X account.

International sports teams like Germany’s FC Bayern Munich, the Phoenix Suns and the Washington Commanders have even shared memes of her.

What does Moo Deng mean?

“Moo Deng” is the name of a popular Thai dish that is often interpreted as “bouncy pork” because of the springy texture of the meat.

It’s a beloved ingredient in Thai soups, stir-fries and noodle dishes.

The name was chosen by fans through a social media poll.

The zoo has a tradition of naming its hippos after pork dishes.

Moo Deng’s siblings, who also live in the 2,000-acre open zoo, include:

• Moo Waan (sweet pork)
• Moo Toon (stewed pork)
• Kha Moo (stewed pork leg)

Getty

Moo Deng walks around her enclosure on her first birthday[/caption]

MANILA, Philippines – The Superlotto 6/49 and Lotto 6/42 draws did not produce instant millionaires after the Thursday evening draws.  No player picked the winning 6/49 Superlotto combination of 07-03-25-13-44-08 which had a jackpot prize of 19,613,687.20.  Likewise, there was no winner in the Lotto 6/42 draw with the winning combination of  15-23-07-22-08-21 and a

IN Christian Norgaard, Arsenal have landed themselves yet another “duel monster”.

The Brentford midfielder, 31, has completed his summer switch to the Gunners for £15million, including add-ons, on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Among other areas, the midfield is one that boss Mikel Arteta was desperate to bolster following the free-agent departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Arteta has done just that – complimenting the £51m signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad with the arrival of experienced anchor Norgaard from the Bees.

Not only does Norgaard provide guaranteed Prem quality, the 6ft1 Dane also adds height, power and aerial supremacy to a squad of physical giants who have dominated set-pieces in the top flight over the past few seasons.

When Arteta signed 6ft2 Mikel Merino from Sociedad last summer for £31.6m, the Spaniard came with the reputation of a “duel monster” – winning more duels than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

In his first game in charge in December 2019, more than half of Arteta’s starting XI were under six feet tall.

Now, with Norgaard, they could boast an XI with NINE players who are six feet or taller.

Upon signing, Merino joked that the Arsenal squad was more like a “basketball team” because of their sheer size, going on to score 21 goals from set-pieces, excluding penalties, last term.

Arteta said: “[Norgaard] Is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.”

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And the stats show just what Arsenal will be getting with another colossal in their midfield.

For Brentford last season, Norgaard averaged 2.7 aerial duels per 90 minutes. In comparison, Partey – who is 6ft1 – averaged just 1.8, and Jorginho only 1.

Norgaard averaged 1.6 successful tackles from 2.5 tackle attempts per game. Partey averaged 1.7 from 2.9 tackles per game, and Jorginho only 0.5 from 1.5 tackles.

And despite picking up eight yellow cards from 34 Prem appearances last term – compared to Partey’s four from 35 and Jorginho’s five from 15 – Norgaard conceded less fouls per 90 [1.4] than Partey [1.5] and Jorginho [1.9].

Ironically, two of those yellow cards came against Arsenal home and away – the second for a nasty tackle on Gabriel Martinelli that many believed was worthy of a red.

But it is in attack where Norgaard could prove to be a crucial weapon for Arteta and Arsenal, even if he is coming off the bench with the starting midfield three likely to be Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

In Brentford’s first ever game in the top flight in August 2021, Norgaard scored a header against Arteta’s side from a long throw in a 2-0 home win – a set-piece move that Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has worked to improve over the past few years.

And he will play a big role in Arsenal’s set-piece antics going forward. Last term, Norgaard notched five Prem goals and four assists – his best return in England – with three of them being headed goals.

One of the ‘best defensive midfielders’

Norgaard said: “I started as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder.

“It’s important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.  

“Then coming off a season where I’ve had a lot of goal involvements, it’s something I really hope I can take into this season as well.

“I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me, but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play.”

Ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank coached Norgaard as a 15-year-old at Danish side Lyngby, and claimed last season he was one of the “best defensive midfielders in the Prem”, despite being a “late bloomer”.

Late bloomer or not, Arsenal now have a player at the peak of his powers.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN will face Raymond van Barneveld in a clash of the Dutch darts titans at the Betfred World Matchplay in his first TV major since the announcement of his divorce.

Mighty Mike plays his fellow countryman in the first round of the prestigious PDC event, which starts on Saturday, July 1,9 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

GETTY

Michael van Gerwen will be back at the Oche at the Betfred World Matchplay next weekend[/caption]

GETTY

He’ll take on fellow Dutchman Raymond van Berneveld[/caption]

INSTAGRAM@MVG180

The tournament will be MVG’s first televised outing since separating from his wife, Daphne[/caption]

The three-time world champion shocked his fans by revealing on social media on May 24 that he is splitting from his wife, Daphne, after 11 years of marriage.

The 36-year-old – who has two children under the age of seven – pulled out of the Elten Safety Shoes Dutch Darts Championship in his homeland when the news broke.

And he did not appear for his country at last month’s PDC World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

In his next two competitive appearances, on the World Series of Darts circuit, Van Gerwen lost in the quarter-finals, first to Gerwyn Price in New York and then to Rob Cross in Poland.

This will be his first televised slot on Sky Sports since the family break-up went public, in a competition in which he has won on three occasions.

And the No.3 seed will battle legendary five-time world champion Van Barneveld, 58, in round one over the best of 19 legs.

Defending champion and No.1 seed Luke Humphries is up against Holland’s Gian van Veen on the opening night in front of more than 2,000 fans.

On day two, reigning world champion Luke Littler will tackle Ryan Searle in the seaside resort, looking to lift The Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time.

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Former world champion Michael Smith – who lost to Cross in the 2019 World Matchplay final – is not part of the 32-man field for the first time in 12 years after slumping to 21st spot on the PDC Order of Merit.

The winner of the World Matchplay will receive a £200,000 prize with £100,000 going to the runner-up – those figures rise by £25,000 respectively for the 2026 tournament.

There will also be a Women’s World Matchplay for the fourth successive time, with Beau Greaves as the defending champion.

OISIN McCONVILLE insisted the days of “box ticking” and moral victories are over after extending his spell as Wicklow football manager.

The All-Ireland winning Armagh legend will remain in the Garden County for another two years.

Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

McConville took over in 2022, with 2026 being his fourth season at the helm.

And he believes they are well placed to progress further after a campaign of near misses in 2025.

He told SunSport: “There was obviously a lot of work done the last three years. I think we are in a decent position and I think I probably know the landscape a bit better.

“This year, regardless of results, was probably a lot more positive in the fact that we have brought on a good group of players.

“I had to decide after the Limerick game whether I was a part of the solution or part of the problem.

“It weighed heavily on me that we had done so much and we can do a wee bit more. That is what went into the decision.”

2025 was a year in which Wicklow took one step forward and two steps back at times.

They narrowly missed out on promotion out of Division 4 by a single point after a costly opening day loss to London and draw with Limerick on March 16.

The Leinster SFC saw them beat Longford before a spirited 2-21 to 0-18 defeat to Dublin in the quarter-finals.

Wins over Laois and Waterford saw them top their Tailteann Cup group and set up a quarter-final against inaugural winners Westmeath.

And on a historic afternoon in Aughrim, a last second buzzer beater score from the evergreen Dean Healy set up a last four clash against Limerick.

A Malachy Stone goal had Wicklow seven points up on the Treaty County with less than 15 minutes left at Croke Park.

However, a rare error from goalscorer Mark Jackson allowed Rob Childs to put into the back of the net, while Oisin McGraynor was denied from the penalty spot by Josh Ryan.

Limerick goalie Ryan stepped up with 0-4 at the other end as Jimmy Lee’s men snatched the 2-18 to 1-17 win from the jaws of defeat.

Frustrated by his side coming oh so near to glory without anything to show for it, McConville wants to right those wrongs in 2026.

The Crossmaglen Rangers man added: “I was disappointed with the year if I am honest.

“The main thing for us last year was promotion. That didn’t work out.

“Leinster Championship we had a tough one with the Dubs and we did okay.

“The days of doing okay and ticking boxes are well and truly gone with this group.

“The Tailteann Cup was very positive for us. It was a horrible way to end the year but on reflection, we done really well to get ourselves in the position we were in and the more we put ourselves in those positions, the better chance we have of winning.

“For a team like this, we need to be operating in a higher division and that will be the main goal heading into next year.”

FAMILY CALL

After the loss to Limerick, McConville admitted to needing to mull over his future with his family.

Since taking charge in 2022, the Armagh man has been commuting to Ballinakill and back for trainings and was weary of the sacrifices made at home.

But he revealed that when the topic was discussed with his wife Darina, she backed him to go again.

He laughed: “I didn’t do much of the talking, I was just listening.

“The family know what to expect. Darina knows what to expect from the fact that we have been through it for the past three years and we have made it work.

“She said there is no reason why we can’t do that and make it work again.

“I suppose the fact that we know and everybody knows what it entails and the commitment it entails, everybody can get on board that little bit easier.

“I wouldn’t take it lightly the sacrifice that everybody else is making so I can go up and down to Wicklow.

“I have to be aware that there is massive sacrifice and that is why I said it after the game.

“It is quite a condensed season and when the season is on, it is all consuming so I have to try and make sure I don’t bring a lot of that home.

“I have been trying my hardest in the last couple of years to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

MANILA, Philippines — The senior high school (SHS) program must be reviewed and strengthened by the government to provide meaningful opportunities to students and meet labor market demands, instead of being scrapped as proposed by a lawmaker. This was the gist of the joint statement on Wednesday of he Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines