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    ‘People are scared to death’ – David May admits he knows of ‘four or five’ ex-Man Utd stars who are battling dementia

    MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero David May has admitted that football players are “scared to death of getting dementia” – himself included.Ex-defender May revealed that he personally knows of around “four or five” former United stars from the 70s and 80s with the disease.David May has admitted that professional football players are ‘scared to death of dementia’Credit: PAMay told The Telegraph: “Dementia is an industrial injury. “I speak to players now and they say, ‘Have you been tested?’ They say, ‘No I don’t want to find out’. “People are absolutely scared to death of finding out.”Former team-mate David Beckham was among those who sent a message of support at the group launch of Football Families for Justice last month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe organisation is demanding urgent action to tackle the beautiful game’s dementia crisis.May added: “Three or four nights before the launch all I could think of is, ‘Oh my God, this will happen to me’. “All I can think if I go in the kitchen and forget something is, ‘Have I got dementia?’ Once that’s passed, I’m fine again. But just those thoughts go through your mind.“I’m 55 this year. I don’t want my kids in 10 years’ time having to look after me, not being able to speak to them and understand them. Most read in Football“I would wish they could come once a week, twice a week, see their dad, know that I’m well cared for.”May decided to become involved after speaking with John Stiles, the son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.England and Man Utd legend Stiles died from a neurodegenerative disease associated with head impacts that leads to dementia in October 2020.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. David MayDefenders are FIVE times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, than someone who is not a professional player, according to research commissioned by the FA in 2017.The landmark study by the University of Glasgow also found no decline in that ratio through the eras.Professor Willie Stewart isolated the link last year to heading and head impacts, rather than any outside lifestyle factor.May said that players would take aerial blows “all the time” whether from heading, elbows or clashes of heads.Denis Law and Bobby Charlton both passed away after long battles with dementiaHe revealed: “There’s quite a few players involved in the group who played in the 1980s who talk about their ex team-mates – I’m not going to name names – who are struggling with dementia.“I remember playing for Burnley against Stoke – I got a bang on the head and I can’t even remember who did it.“You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. It’s like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.David May“You’d probably get two or three free hits before you got spoken to and you would pass it to your other centre-half. And they would do it back to you. It would be a free-for-all.“When I look at the amount of times I must have headed a ball in training, before a game, during a game, as a kid, you are talking thousands and thousands.“I would do 30-40 headers on a Friday – corners and free-kicks. They say that each heading of a ball whether from a goalkeeper or long free-kick is like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.”May won seven major honours with Man Utd during the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMay, who started in Man Utd’s FA Cup final-winning teams of 1996 and 1999, has not called for a ban on heading.But the Treble winner wants current players to be fully informed of the risks and for sport to collectively step forward for its former heroes.May revealed that ex-Hull star Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage-two dementia at the age of 55 last month.With permission from Windass, May said: “I asked Deano how he is. “He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”An application to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to prescribe neurodegenerative disease in professional football as an industry-related disease has also just passed its fifth anniversary without resolution.Man Utd and Scotland icon Denis Law sadly lost his brave battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last month.While Old Trafford and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton had dementia when he died from a fall at his care home, a 2023 inquest heard.The FA did introduce guidance in 2021 that recommended no more than 10 “high-force” headers in training per week. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe PFA is currently working with more than 200 families of former players with dementia.Tony Parkes and Allan Gilliver are two former stars currently suffering with it, while legends Chris Nicholl and Stan Bowles tragically passed away on the same day last year – February 24.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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    ‘We asked several times’ Man Utd refused to budge on £29million Patrick Dorgu transfer stance despite Lecce pleas

    LECCE have claimed Manchester United gave them a “now or never ultimatum” when they moved for Patrick Dorgu last month.The Italian club had vowed to keep hold of their Danish full-back, 20, until the summer at least.Manchester United acquired the services of Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer windowCredit: GETTYThe Red Devils signed the defender for £29millionCredit: GETTYLecce claim the Red Devils gave them an ultimatum over the 20-year-oldCredit: REXUnited were told that when they made their approach in January – but would not take no for an answer.And when the Red Devils threatened to pull the plug permanently on their interest, Lecce felt they had no choice but to sell.An initial fee of £29.4 million was agreed for the defender who was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd on Sunday.But Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani did not like how United went about their business.READ MORE MAN UTDHe said: “We said several times that Dorgu would not leave in January.“Then Manchester United arrived, who made themselves heard with us and with the boy’s entourage.“They received an official response from us that I leave here, in which we said that we had no intention of letting Dorgu leave in January.“And not talking about figures, not asking for increases.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“This, instead of stopping United, had the opposite effect.”Damiani says United turned up the pressure by telling them and the player they would walk away if a deal could not be done in the winter window.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceHe said: “We asked several times to postpone everything until the summer, also promising the young man that he would not miss the opportunity.“For us too it was a historic step, we just wanted to do it in July.“The English communicated to us their desire, the club and its coach, to be immediate.“There was an ultimatum, now or never, also giving this message to the player himself.“You cannot judge Dorgu, you are 20 years old and Manchester United comes to you with an offer like that.“The combination of these factors led us to think that we would have gone from being consistent to being stupidly obstinate.” More

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    ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

    MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Mercedes sign wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall, 16, who achieved feat not even seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton managed

    MERCEDES have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall for their junior team.Jeff-Hall turned heads after dramatically securing the CIK-FIA World Championship title on the last lap of the final race in 2024.Mercedes have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-HallCredit: AlamyNot even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton achieved such a feat.Hamilton – who won six world titles with Mercedes – didn’t get his hands on a world karting crown before bursting on to the motorsport scene in 2007 at 22 years old.Jeff-Hall is bidding to follow in Lando Norris’ footsteps, after the McLaren star took the karting title in 2014 before joining F1.Fellow Brit Jeff-Hall is now gearing up for his maiden outing in single-seaters after being confirmed as Mercedes’ latest prodigy.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe rising star out of Trent Valley Kart Club is set to burn rubber for Argenti Motorsport in the British Formula 4 championship this season.Mercedes are connected to Argenti through founder and team manager Michael Meadows, who has family ties to the Silver Arrows. When news of his step-up was confirmed, Jeff-Hall said: “I’m excited and ready to face the challenge. “Winning championships like Ginetta Juniors and the FIA World Karting title has taught me a lot about consistency, adaptability and handling pressure at the highest level.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”Jeff-Hall joins a star-studded cast in the Mercedes junior programme. Kenzo Craigie, 14, clinched the junior world karting crown in 2024 and remains in the academy, as does runner-up James Anagnostiadis.Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Female prodigy Luna Fluxa is also in the team’s line-up for 2025. While Chinese prospect Yuanpu Cui remains with the Brackley-based unit after representing Argenti Motorsport last term.For Jeff-Hall, there’s hope he could one day represent the Silver Arrows on the F1 grid one day.Mercedes have a proven commitment to nurturing their junior drivers.Former whizz-kids Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will represent the team on the F1 grid this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonelli’s career path in particular will be one that every talented youngster within their ranks will want to emulate. Aged just 18, he was the once chosen by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to be fast-tracked into F1 to fill the sizeable void left by Hamilton after the 41-year-old’s decision to leave for rivals Ferrari.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Uefa plot major change to Champions League format after revamping group stages and scrapping away goals

    UEFA are considering another major change to the Champions League after introducing a brand new format this season.European football’s premier competition has already scrapped away goals and the traditional group stages in recent years.Uefa are considering scrapping extra time in the Champions League knockout phaseCredit: ReutersNow execs at Uefa are discussing the idea of getting rid of extra time in the Champions League knockout stages.According to the Guardian, discussions are gathering speed over ditching extra time to help reduce the number of minutes played at top clubs.The change would see tied up Champions League knockout games head straight to penalties at full time.However, any changes are said to be unlikely midway through the current television rights cycle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat would mean the proposed changes wouldn’t be enforced until at least 2027.Managers and players have voiced concerns in recent years about the inflating number of matches and minutes played by the top clubs across Europe.Stars such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne have all been vocal about heavy fixture congestion.A change from Uefa would be the first step from European competition in reducing the hectic schedule.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUntil now, domestic competitions have taken the brunt of the changes with the FA Cup controversially ditching replays. Whereas in Europe there has been the expansion of the Champions League with the new league phase meaning all teams now play a minimum of eight matches.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign While the new expanded Fifa Club World Cup means 12 top teams from around Europe will have even more fixtures this summer.Removing extra time could offer a small amount of respite to teams with busy schedules.However, only three Champions League ties from the last 16 went to extra time last season.And the season before (2022/23) saw no games go past the regulation 90 minutes.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 23: Target FA Cup mismatches and midweek bonuses

    GAMEWEEK 23 is a tricky one for Dream Team managers to navigate.The bulk of the action comes in the form of the FA Cup fourth round which looks inviting on paper but the likelihood of rotation means many of the game’s most popular players will have their minutes slashed.The magic of the cupCredit: RexThe Champions League play-offs and a rearranged Merseyside derby have resulted in bonus midweek fixtures for Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton – the only three teams set to pull double duty.In contrast, Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham have ZERO fixtures in Gameweek 23 having been dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round, hence why Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m) and Gabriel (£5m) are among the most transferred-out players this week.Allow us to put forward some transfer recommendations ahead of Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.Daniel Munoz (£4.6m)A smart optionCredit: Dream TeamThe fact Oliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong line-ups in the domestic cups should make him a popular man among Dream Team bosses.While others don’t need a second invitation to rotate, Crystal Palace’s head coach has not shied away from giving his best players plenty of minutes no matter the competition since he arrived on English shores.And so there’s a decent chance Munoz starts against Doncaster on Monday night – he played the full 90 minutes against Stockport in the third round.The Colombian wing-back ranks third among Dream Team defenders right now having amassed 73 points in eight outings since Boxing Day.Most read in FootballThe 28-year-old has registered five clean sheets and two assists in that time.He’s also one of just two players to have made over 100 tackles this season – Noussair Mazraoui (£3m) is the other.Iliman Ndiaye (£4.4m)A man in formCredit: GettyMan City and Liverpool are likely to name second-string teams to face Leyton Orient and Plymouth respectively so that their first-team stars are raring to go in midweek.David Moyes may follow a similar path but with Everton up against Bournemouth in the cup this weekend, he doesn’t have the same license to play the kids.It’s not unthinkable that Ndiaye, the Toffees’ main man of late, plays 150+ minutes in Gameweek 23, making him a tempting option.Granted, a double header of the Cherries and Arne Slot’s league leaders is far from favourable but Everton’s No10 is one of Dream Team’s most in-form players right now having banked 33 points from his last three games.The Senegalese winger has scored five goals in his last eight appearances and is partial to a bonus point or three.We tipped him in last week’s transfer recommendations and he instantly returned 11 points!Conor Bradley (£2.6m)Rise up, understudies!Credit: PAMany gaffers will be backing Liverpool’s familiar favourites to come good in Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby – Virgil van Dijk (£4.8m) and Cody Gakpo (£5m) are popular recruits this week.But there’s another way of targeting the Reds’ double Gameweek.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) has been ruled out of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham and it seems highly unlikely he’ll be risked at Plymouth on Saturday, meaning Bradley is virtually guaranteed to start at right-back.The Northern Irish defender usually impresses when called upon and given the Pilgrims are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, he has to considered a strong clean sheet prospect.Bradley offers a threat going forward too, a useful trait ahead of a meeting with a team that have conceded the most goals in the second tier this season.Dream Team bosses keen on this ploy should acknowledge it is very much a one-week punt in search of short-terms gains.Assuming Alexander-Arnold makes a quick recovery, Bradley’s backers will have to find a replacement for Gameweek 24.Taiwo Awoniyi (£1.9m)FA Cup special?Credit: GettyAnother short-term option here.Chris Wood (£4m) is Nottingham Forest’s talismanic striker fresh off a hat-trick at Brighton’s expense but the big New Zealander will surely be rested against Exeter on Tuesday night.That would leave the door open for Awoniyi to the lead the line against a League One side in freefall.The Grecians have conceded 13 goals in their last three games and should be easy pickings for Forest’s No9.READ MORE SUN STORIESOnce again, gaffers who opt for this route will need to ditch Awoniyi next week as Wood will reclaim his place when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Fulham in Gameweek 24.Don’t get caught out by the early deadline, confirm your transfers for Gameweek 23 by 6:30pm on Friday!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    LaLiga star Kirian Rodriguez confirms cancer has relapsed as he steps away from football to undergo chemotherapy

    A LALIGA footballer has been forced to step away from the game indefinitely after his cancer returned.The relapse comes two-and-a-half years after he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Las Palmas star Kirian Rodriguez’s cancer has relapsedCredit: GettyThe captain will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes chemotherapyCredit: RexKirian Rodriguez missed the first eight months of the 2022-23 season as he received treatment, returning to action in April 2023.Now, though, he faces another extended spell out after confirming his cancer is back.The Las Palmas captain, 28, revealed at a press conference on Thursday morning that he will now undergo chemotherapy and miss the rest of the season.But his return date is unknown as he focuses on his health. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRodriguez said: “Thank the club and all the executives who are here, they have been very important to me. “Thank the coaching staff and my teammates for their decision not to accompany me here, I think they need to be focused on the game.”Yesterday they told me I have relapsed with cancer. “I will have to stop again and go through another round of chemotherapy to fight the disease.Most read in Football”I hope to see you all again in 2025-26, because I am 100 per cent convinced that the club, the players, and the coaching staff will see each other again in the First Division.”Rodriguez has been a key member of the Las Palmas starting XI once again this season, with the skipper missing just one LaLiga fixture in early October with a muscle injury. Charlie Watson discusses impact skin Cancer has on football careerWhat are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain But the Las Palmas medical team grew concerned as the midfielder’s physical conditioning dipped in recent weeks. And the academy graduate – who has played all of his 134 professional matches for his boyhood club – was withdrawn midway through the second half against Girona on Monday as he struggled.That was the earliest he had been substituted all season – except for when he suffered the injury. Playmaker Rodriguez was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday before the announcement on Thursday. He received various messages of support following the press conference.Barcelona replied on X: “Much strength, Kirian.”We wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge… we hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shownReal MadridMalaga wrote: “All the strength in the world. The spirit of Malaga is with you, Kirian.”A fan added: “Lots of encouragement, Kirian. You’re going to win this match, and by a landslide. Fans from all the teams in the league are eager to see you play as soon as possible.”Another typed: “Wishing Kirian a strong recovery and a swift return.”And Real Madrid shared this classy post: “Dear Kirian Rodríguez, we wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge. “We hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Real Madrid and all the Madridistas will be supporting you in this challenge.”Las Palmas sit 15th in the LaLiga table after 22 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rodriguez was subbed off early on Monday night against GironaCredit: RexHe has been a key player for the club since returning from his eight months out when he first had cancerCredit: Getty More

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    David Beckham meets ‘long-lost twin brother’ Hollywood star in Super Bowl advert for Stella Artois

    DAVID BECKHAM has teamed up with Hollywood royalty for a new Super Bowl ad. The football icon, 49, appears alongside A-lister Matt Damon in a feature-length advert for Stella Artois. David Beckham reunites with his secret twin brother in a new Super Bowl adCredit: The Mega AgencyMatt Damon stars as Becks’ long-lost sibling in the Stella Artois commercialCredit: The Mega AgencyBeckham and Damon’s ad was directed by Ben AffleckCredit: The Mega AgencyBeckham goes on a whirlwind journey in the 60-second advert, which will air in full during Super Bowl LIX’s half-time show on Sunday. The Manchester United legend joins his parents in a pub, where he is told he has a long-lost brother in America – known simply as “Other David”..Becks jets across the Atlantic in search of his sibling – played by 54-year-old Good Will Hunting star Damon.The pair share a beer and eat some buffalo wings in the minute-long short, before Damon shows off his own kicking prowess with an American football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDirected by Ben Affleck, who is cheekily referenced in the promo, the ad will help drive revenue for Damon’s non-profit organisation Water.org.Damon said in a press release: “I’ve been partnering with Stella Artois for a decade now and get more excited with each year.”I can’t wait to keep telling the story of ‘David and Dave’ all year and shedding light on those moments in life worth more, where meaningful connection means more than anything. “The Beckham brothers are here to stay, and Stella Artois will be there with us at every moment.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis year’s Super Bowl is being contested by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City are attempting to make NFL history, with no team ever winning three consecutive titles. Everything you need to know about Super Bowl 59 along with Chiefs-Eagles predictions Super Bowl halftime advertising is big business, with brands desperate for a prime slot and the chance to reach over 100 million viewers in real-time.A slot can cost up to £6.4million, with a vast portion of the audience tuning in for the entertainment factor.A 2020 survey revealed that 79 per cent of viewers see the half-time ad break as entertainment, according to Statista. While almost 71 per cent stated that they enjoyed watching the commercials. Beckham famously played Stateside in the MLS for Los Angeles Galaxy and is the co-founder of Inter Miami in Florida. The full advert is set to be broadcast at half-time of Super Bowl LIX on SundayCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Kansas City Chiefs have won the previous two Super Bowls – and can threepeat this weekendCredit: APThe ex-England midfielder’s kids grew up in the USA – and he’s got the Super Bowl bug from them. Speaking to Forbes, Becks revealed: “I won’t be making the game this year.”Traditionally, I love watching the Super Bowl. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s something that we always do as a family, same as everyone else across America and most of the world. “Everyone sits there and watches it, and eats and drinks, and it’s all about the family. So, I’ll be doing that in London.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More