Karim Benzema has likened his new team, Al-Hilal, to his former employers, Real Madrid, saying the Saudi Pro League side reminds him of Los Blancos in terms of rich history.
The Frenchman on Monday completed a shock deadline day move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal on a free transfer. Benzema’s contract with Al-Ittihad was due to run out in June, but negotiations over renewal collapsed, and Al-Hilal took full advantage of the situation, signing the 38-year-old on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
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Speaking to Al-Hilal media after his first training session in the blue jersey, Benzema was asked what he knows about the club.
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“It’s a great team with a great history,” he said. “They won a lot of trophies. It’s like similar, like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, and they have a good mentality, they have a good process. So I liked this team before, I used to play against them with Madrid, it was not an easy game, it was a good game, so I have good memories, and today I’m happy because now I’m playing for Al-Hilal.”
Al-Hilal and Real Madrid share the same history as the most successful team in their respective division. The Blue Waves are Saudi Arabia’s most successful team, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. Similarly, Los Blancos have won the most league titles in the Spanish division, winning it a record 36 times.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner guided Al-Ittihad to the league and King’s Cup glory last season. With Al-Hilal sitting atop the league table, they will be keen to leverage the forward’s experience to guide them to their 22nd league title.
Karim Benzema hungry for more silverware after Al-Hilal switch
Amid the controversy surrounding his move to Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema expressed his desire to win more trophies with the Riyadh-based club. Joining Al-Ittihad in 2023, Benzema went trophyless in his debut season but responded with a domestic double in his second campaign.
Regarding his ambitions at Al-Hilal, the 38-year-old stated:
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“Clear message, you know, my mentality. I have a lot of ambition. I will work, I will give everything in the pitch, I will help this team, and Inshallah bring trophies, because for me it’s more important to bring trophies, and we have, what I said before, good team, good fans, so together, Inshallah, we will do it.”
The striker has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season and is expected to make his Al-Hilal debut on Thursday against Al Okhdood.
The Kiwi filly Belle Cheval engaged in a dead-heat scenario for the second race running, prevailing narrowly this time by dipping her nose in to grab the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
Previously pipped at the post by Well Written in the NZB Kiwi (1500m) over Ellerslie on March 7, the three-year-old’s trainer Mark Walker admitted misreading both finishes but welcomed Saturday’s success.
“I actually thought we got beaten today, but I thought we’d won the NZB Kiwi, so I’m not a very good judge,” Walker said.
Success in the Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m marked Walker’s second Group 1 of the day across the ditch, with Seize The Day, partnered with Sam Bergerson in NZ, winning the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) prior.
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He trusted her local references for Sydney challenge, her toughness suiting the new distance test.
“The formline at home is really strong,” Walker said.
No change to plans for one Sydney hit despite the win for Belle Cheval’s owners.
Straight to spell now, then Victorian spring prep, Walker stated.
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After last Saturday’s $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) success on Guest House, jockey Zac Lloyd notched another Group 1 with Belle Cheval, beating a steward’s inquiry from Billy Egan on After Summer.
Brushing ensued as Lloyd swung wide for the drive, but blame went to the second horse converging.
Belle Cheval ($2.60 fav) idled a touch end-on without affecting After Summer’s ($61) charge, objection thrown out.
“Normally, she’s known for her dazzling turn of foot, whereas today she built and showed a bit of fight,” Lloyd said.
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“She’s a good mare, and it was a tenacious win.”
The favourite Belle Cheval ($2.60) nicked it by nose over After Summer ($61), Salty Pearl ($4.20) neck away third.
Fourth fell to New Zealand Oaks champ Ohope Wins ($2.70), three-quarters length short.
Discover betting sites offering racing odds on features such as the Vinery Stud Stakes.
Dominic Smith was playing with a heavy heart when he made his Atlanta Braves debut on Saturday night – his sixth team in four years.
Smith’s mother, Yvette LaFleuer, died of cancer earlier this month. When Smith stepped up to the plate against the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, he said he could feel her presence with him.
The Atlanta Braves celebrate at home plate after a walk-off grand slam from Dominic Smith, center, in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
The slugger hit a walk-off grand slam to win the game for the Braves, 6-2.
“It’s just amazing,” he told reporters. “Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun.”
Smith said that his teammates had been very supporting of him during spring training when his mother was ill. She was diagnosed with cancer in September and nearly died at the start of camp.
He left the team to be with her for over a week when she had a “scare” and when he returned, he was fighting for a roster spot.
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Atlanta Braves’ Dominic Smith reacts after hitting a walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
“This team is just so awesome,” Smith said. “I’m so blessed because of the love they showed me, the support every day. They’re asking about her, asking about her well-being, my well-being, and that’s all they really cared about. They didn’t care about baseball.”
Smith’s walk-off grand slam made him the first player in MLB history to achieve the moment in his debut with a new team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Smith has been trying to find a permanent home after spending his first six years with the New York Mets. He played for the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants since leaving New York.
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Atlanta Braves’ Dominic Smith (8) hits a walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Lahore Qalandars were penalised for ball tampering during their Pakistan Super League defeat by Karachi Kings.
Prior to the final over, Kings, who needed 14 to win, were awarded five penalty runs after the umpires deemed a Qalandars player had broken rules by “unfairly changing the condition of the ball”.
It is understood the offence was initially seen by the TV umpire before the on-field umpires gave the punishment. The ball was also changed at the request of the batting side.
Kings, now needing only nine from six balls, completed victory with three balls to spare.
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Asked afterwards about incident, Qalandars captain and Pakistan international Shaheen Afridi said: “I don’t know about this.
“We will see if it is that in the camera. We will discuss.”
Cricket’s laws do not allow players to alter the condition of the ball, other than when shining it.
Law 41.3.2 states “it is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball”.
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The PSL’s playing conditions say the umpires will then report the matter to match referee who will take “action as is considered appropriate against the players concerned”.
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Don’t be surprised if the “Ballad of Chase DeLauter” hits the airwaves by next weekend.
It’s happened in Cleveland before, after all.
DeLauter etched his name in the history books, hitting a two-run homer in the 10th inning Saturday in a 6-5 victory against the host Seattle Mariners.
It gave him four homers over his first three career regular-season games, matching the MLB record set by Colorado’s Trevor Story in 2016. The season-opening series concludes Sunday.
DeLauter, who made his debut in the 2025 playoffs, went deep to left field off Mariners closer Andres Munoz to give the Guardians a 6-3 lead. It was needed insurance as Seattle’s Luke Raley hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning.
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DeLauter, who went deep twice on Opening Day and again in the first inning Friday, was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts when he stepped to the plate in the 10th.
“That shows the maturity right there,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “He had a tough night up until that point and obviously facing one of the best closers in the league, if not best closer in the league, and to hit a ball (opposite field) in Seattle at night when it’s cold, that takes some kind of power. … He’s just showing his poison. That was pretty special.”
DeLauter’s start undoubtedly has reminded old-timers in Cleveland of Joe Charboneau, the 1980 American League Rookie of the Year.
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Two musicians attended the team’s home opener that season, in which Charboneau doubled and homered, and later that day wrote the song “Go Joe Charboneau.” They released a single under the name Section 36, where they were sitting at Cleveland’s old Municipal Stadium.
While the song perhaps wasn’t worthy of the nearby Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland it lives on in franchise lore. The New York Times described it as a “rock opus — its sound is somewhere between a tribal chant and the groan of someone with a stubbed toe.”
DeLauter said before the Saturday game that he hasn’t had much time to take a step back and appreciate his record start.
“It’s something that’s hard to focus on right now,” DeLauter said. “I’m just focused on (Sunday), making sure I’m available (Sunday) night. It’s definitely something I’ll look back on. But man, it’s a cool start.”
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Speaking of cool — or cold — starts, the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez got their first hits of the season.
After striking out in each of his first eight at-bats of the campaign, Raleigh singled to center in the third inning. Rodriguez busted out of an 0-for-10 slump with a run-scoring single with two outs in the ninth to force extra innings.
“Tough one tonight,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said after the game. “A one-run loss is always tough. Extra innings makes it a little more difficult. But you’ve got to give it to our guys. They came back there in the ninth inning and battled to get the tie, and then making it exciting there in the bottom of the 10th as well. We kept coming back and that’s what this team is all about. But just a little bit too late and a little bit short.”
The series finale is set to feature a pair of right-handers who were first-round draft picks in 2020 in the Guardians’ Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA in 2025) and Seattle’s Emerson Hancock (4-5, 4.90).
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Cecconi is 0-1 with a 1.50 ERA in one previous start against the Mariners; Hancock is 2-0 with a 2.19 in two career starts versus Cleveland.
Terence Crawford hung up the gloves definitively, stating that no amount of money could bring him out of retirement. However, newly-crowned WBC welterweight ruler Ryan Garcia believes he can lure ‘Bud’ into one more fight.
Following a legacy-defining win against Canelo Alvarez, Crawford retired from the sport, content with an astonishing career that has him positioned amongst the all-time greats of boxing history.
Although, another opponent that Garcia is eyeing up is down at super-lightweight, with pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson welcoming the opportunity to defend his WBO 140lb title against Garcia.
In an interview with Jon-Bernard Kairouz, Garcia believes that victory over Stevenson, a stablemate and good friend of Crawford’s, could be enough to bring about a clash with the undefeated 38-year-old.
“I think that he just knows that it’s his time to call it. I will say though, his competitive nature, that might bring him back.
“If he sees me running this up, he might try to challenge the young bull, I ain’t going to lie – and we are waiting for you [Crawford] too.
“After I take out Shakur, that might get him out of retirement.”
A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sideline during game action against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the scene unfolding on Nov. 3, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, as the shot captures equipment detail and atmosphere during a matchup between two long-standing NFL franchises. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports.
NFL free agency is largely in the Minnesota Vikings’ rearview, with the draft just 3.5 weeks away. The offseason is humming along, and if you hadn’t noticed, the club has some advantageous secrets.
A few subtle offseason developments have quietly strengthened Minnesota.
We used that term loosely because hardcore fans will be privvy, but let’s review the secrets so everyone is in the know.
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The Quiet Advantages Fueling Minnesota’s Spring
The unsung stuff from Minnesota’s offseason.
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt steps to the podium to announce the team’s third-round selection, Apr. 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, delivering the 102nd overall pick as fans react and the franchise continues building its draft class during the multi-day NFL Draft event. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-Imagn Images.
Finally — a 2nd-Round Pick
A 2nd-Round draft pick shouldn’t be an overly big deal for an NFL team, but it is for the 2026 Vikings.
In 2023, Minnesota shipped its 2nd-Rounder to Detroit in the package that landed tight end T.J. Hockenson. In the last two years, the Vikings used them to get outside linebacker Dallas Turner. It’s been four years — insert the Titanic meme here — since Minnesota selected a rookie from Round 2.
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Barring a trade, Minnesota will pick a 2nd-Rounder for the first time since Andrew Booth and Ed Ingram.
The Sam Darnold Compensatory Pick
Was it a scourage and a gaffe that the Vikings got rid of Sam Darnold? Absolutely. He won a Super Bowl in Seattle. Advantage: Seattle.
Yet, as a small consolation, Minnesota will get the 97th pick in April’s draft, a compensatory selection for Darnold’s 2024 free-agent absence. The Vikings had the same arrangement in 2025 because of Kirk Cousins’ free-agent departure and spent the pick on wide receiver Tai Felton, who barely played as a rookie.
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Perhaps interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will strike gold this time. It’s the last shoe to drop on the Darnold debacle.
Ensuring 2027 Financial Flexibility
The Vikings could’ve signed about 3-6 more notable players in free agency and wiggled money around. The problem with that strategy? Well, do you know how Minnesota began this offseason underwater by about $40 million under the salary cap? That would’ve happened all over again if Brzezinski went on a spending spree in 2026.
Instead, the purple team has about $67 million in available cap space on tap for 2027. When January, February, and March roll around next year, the Vikings won’t be labeled as one of those “cap hell” organizations. They were fiscally responsible in the last few weeks.
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Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski sits down for an interview with Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson, Feb. 17, 2022, discussing front-office philosophy, roster strategy, and organizational direction while outlining Minnesota’s long-term football operations structure during a detailed digital feature segment released by the team. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness recently noted on Brzezinski’s cap magic, explaining how new teams will foot the bill of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave’s contracts next offseason.
He wrote, “The contract details for Allen are in on Over The Cap on his two-year deal worth $25 million, and the key was going to be him getting at least $8 million in cash to offset the guarantees the Vikings owed him. Luckily, that is going to be the case, as he will be getting $13.5 million in cash this year from the Bengals.”
“That will give the Vikings a much-needed salary cap credit in 2027, while also voiding out the cash the Vikings have to pay. They are also getting $4 million in salary cap credits from Hargrave signing with the Green Bay Packers. Getting those credits will offset the $11.2 million in dead salary cap that Allen will carry in 2027. Brzezinski is playing chess, not checkers, and it’s going to pay off in 2027.”
James Pierre
Minnesota did, though, onboard a few new players, and Pierre was the cornerback addition.
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He tabulated a luscious 86.8 Pro Football Focus grade last season while playing just under 400 defensive snaps. Pierre has been trusted on Mike Tomlin’s roster for the last six years. He’s now on the menu to serve as Minnesota’s CB3 in 2026.
PFF’s Mason Cameron recently called Pierre the second-best cornerback in football last year and explained, “Despite logging fewer than 1,000 snaps across his first five NFL seasons, Pierre was called upon to play an increased role in 2025, to which he answered with a career year.”
“Exceptional coverage instincts landed Pierre atop the NFL in numerous key categories, including yards allowed per coverage target (4.7, tied) and forced incompletion rate (28.6%). As a result, he produced the top PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback (88.7).”
Pierre played so damn well in 2026 that if Byron Murphy Jr. or Isaiah Rogers get hurt this autumn, you don’t need to panic one bit.
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Frank Smith in the House to Help Fix the Rushing Offense
Down in Miami, Mike McDaniel ran the show for four years, with Frank Smith as his close lieutenant and offensive coordinator. Together, they coordinated an efficient Dolphins rushing offense, sparked by newcomer De’Von Achane in 2023.
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith stands alongside head coach Mike McDaniel during practice, Nov. 2, 2023, at PSD Bank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany, as the staff prepares players for an international matchup and reviews drills during an on-field session ahead of the team’s overseas game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Now, in Minnesota, the Vikings need the same juice — Smith’s help to identify the best running back from the upcoming rookie class to accompany Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones this autumn.
Smith’s rushing offense ranked 11th in 2025 per DVOA. That’s what the Vikings need — on top of a firm commitment to run the ball.
The trainer Matthew Smith is confident that greater achievements await talented mare Idle Flyer post her dominant display in the Group 2 $300,000 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.
“Idel Flyer is a big mare and was only second-up today,” Smith said.
“She had a little setback earlier in his preparation which just held us up a bit but she is fine now.”There’s more improvement come from her and she will be at her peak in two weeks.”
Idle Flyer has been entered by Smith into the Group 1 $1 million Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick during Day Two of The Championships on April 11, and her Rosehill run positions her as a leading mare for the prestigious contest.
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Backed in to $1.90 favourite status, Idle Flyer prolonged Zac Lloyd’s hot streak in the Golden Slipper carnival with a explosive finishing burst that reeled in Blindedbythelight ($26) by three-quarters of a length, while Firestorm ($19) was a further length adrift in third.
Lloyd, who claimed a treble the week before encompassing the Golden Slipper victory on Guest House, rode three winners at Rosehill on Saturday, notably the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes on Belle Cheval. He was at his peak aboard Idle Flyer.
“I was worried at the 500m, she just dropped the bit,” Lloyd said.”But she was in a very tight position the whole race, horses aren’t the happiest in that position.
“I knew had a lapful of horse and she was just starting to go through her gears. I just needed the horse in front of me to quicken another 25 metres and just allow that horse on the outside to drop off.
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“For her to still quicken through there, find a gap and be strong late is a real credit to her.”
On Idle Flyer, Lloyd again left Billy Egan, Blindedbythelight’s jockey, in the runner-up position for consecutive races.
In the race immediately before, Lloyd withstood a protest to secure the Vinery Stakes on Belle Cheval from Egan on After Summer.
“When I got outside Billy I said ‘you must hate me today,’” Lloyd said after his win on Idle Flyer.
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Bred from Arrowfield Stud’s premier sire Dundeel, Idle Flyer fetched $70,000 when acquired by Smith at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. The Emancipation Stakes provided her seventh career win in 14 attempts, elevating her earnings above $570,000.
“It’s great to have a good horse like her in the stable,” Smith said. “She’s an outstanding mare, you just don’t get them like this very often.
Visit top betting sites to view betting markets for the race in the Queen of the Turf Stakes.
Joey Browner, a former NFL star defensive back who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, has died, the team announced on Sunday. He was 65.
The Vikings selected Browner in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of USC. He worked his way up the depth chart to become a starter in his second season. By his third year with the Vikings, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner smiles as he was honored before the game with the Green Bay Packers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome on Oct. 27, 2013.(Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today Sports)
Browner was a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First Team All-Pro selection. He was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-1980s Team.
“We’ve lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates,” former Vikings star Steve Jordan said, via the Vikings’ website. “God blessed Joey with phenomenal talent and a big heart to love people and be a beacon of positivity. Truly, he will be missed.”
Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner on the field against the Phoenix Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium on Oct. 27, 1991.(USA Today Sports)
Browner played nine years with the Vikings. He had 37 interceptions and 9.5 sacks in 138 games with the Vikings. Minnesota honored Browner by putting him into their Ring of Honor in 2013.
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One of his best seasons came in 1990. He played all 16 games for the Vikings that year and had a career-high seven interceptions.
He appeared in six playoff games for the Vikings, but was never able to make it to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas leaps over Minnesota Vikings defensive end William Gay (78) and Joey Browner (47) at Rich Stadium in the Sept. 4, 1988, season opener.(Tony Tomsic/USA Today Network)
Chelsea secure a vital three points as they beat Aston Villa 4-3 to go second in the league table and get back on track for Champions League qualification.
Tottenham Hotspur‘s hierarchy have finally addressed the mistake they made with the outlandish appointment of Igor Tudor as interim head coach – but the stakes are now so high they cannot afford another.
Tudor’s departure after only 44 days concludes a bizarre and potentially hugely expensive episode that leaves fingers pointing firmly in the direction of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.
If Venkatesham and Lange get the next big decision wrong it could conceivably end with Spurs in the Championship, leaving a scar on their record that would be impossible to recover from.
If there is merit in the argument that it is better to correct a mistake as quickly as possible, the counter argument is that appointing Tudor was a mistake that should never have been made in the first place.
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Time will tell, but Tudor’s spell in charge may yet end up as the 44 days that sealed Spurs’ Premier League fate.
Tottenham fans, who carefully note Venkatesham’s links to Arsenal from his previous job, will be waiting to see what he can pull off now. The ominous spectre of relegation is even more of a possibility after Tudor’s seven games in charge, which brought one pyrrhic victory, while exiting the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, and none in the Premier League.
They were behind the decision to bring in Tudor, the combustible Croatian with a chequered coaching career and no Premier League experience, to succeed the sacked Thomas Frank.
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Having delayed dismissing Frank, seemingly hoping for a revival that was never coming and a change in the toxic mood among fans that was too far gone to be rescued, turning to Tudor was left-field at best.
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