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    Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football painting Paulo Di Canio, now he’s following in his footsteps

    IAN HOLLOWAY enjoyed four years out of football as he focussed on painting and travelling Britain in his motorhome.One of his proudest pieces of art was an acrylic painting of West Ham legend and former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio.Ian Holloway took up painting as a hobby while out of managementCredit: RexHolloway has painted some iconic figures of the game – including Paolo Di Canio and Steven GerrardSo it was ironic he followed in the Italian maverick’s footsteps by returning to the game in charge of the League Two Robins in October.He has also painted other sporting figures such as Jurgen Klopp and Ian Wright.Although Di Canio and Holloway have different personalities they are outstanding characters.The 61-year-old has a management career that has spanned 29 years, bossing Bristol Rovers, QPR (twice), Plymouth, Leicester, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall and Grimsby.Read More in FootballAnd Holloway told SunSport: “I went on the after-dinner circuit and got a motorhome with my wife Kim because I didn’t want to feel like a lorry driver.“I’d go up to wherever we were doing a gig, book on a campsite, get a cab to the job, come back, stay there for a couple of days then come home.“I learned to paint with acrylics — I do portraits – because I’ve always got to be doing something new.“I find painting frustrating because everything I do, I don’t see as good enough so I’m trying to be kinder to myself.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe League Two manager has also painted ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp“I’ve always drawn and used charcoal, pencil and even ink but with colour it’s the tonal value that can change everything.“I might be driving and will pull over because I’m seeing a sunset. It makes you see life, it makes you see shadows, it makes you see all sorts of things.Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground “Anybody can paint, anybody can draw. It makes you feel even more alive to the wonderful things around you.”Holloway loved painting Di Canio after being commissioned to do it for a mate.He said: “A friend saw one of mine that I gave to my son of the Joker and he said, ‘I’ll buy that’ and I said, ‘You can’t, it’s my son’s’.“So I said, ‘Give me a picture of your favourite player’, because he’s a West Ham geek, and I did Paolo Di Canio, who funnily enough is an ex-Swindon manager, and I gave it to him. He loves it.”Holloway believes the Premier League has created a selfish culture in English football — and players even in the lower leagues can lose touch with fans and each other.The Swindon boss — who famously took Blackpool into the top flight in 2010 — had to tough out a period of criticism from fans but last week won the SkyBet League Two manager of the month.At one point, he even claimed the training ground was haunted … and needed to get his wife Kim to banish the demons with sage!We can only conclude that if she did do that, it has worked because Swindon host Mansfield tomorrow aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games — having lost just once in their last 14 league matches.Holloway said: “Football has become selfish. It’s all about money and more like a business whereas at our level it shouldn’t be.“Everybody in the Premier League talks about how much they’re spending and how unreal it is.“It’s like travelling to the moon. We talk about how far it is, how many miles an hour we’ve got to be going and how much fuel we need.“Hang on a minute, this is football — but footballers have got so far away from your average person in the street it’s wrong.“In League Two we’ve got to be more caring and understanding — and it’s also about your attitude to going to work. There’s not enough encouragement or support in the world, there’s always criticism.“I’m creating an environment where you’re allowed to fail provided you’re working hard. And that has made the difference.”Holloway blames modern society for creating an uncaring culture.He said: “We don’t revere older people. We don’t look after them like the Chinese and Japanese.“I was brought up by good people in my early days as a Bristol Rovers player and that’s what I’m building here.”His painting of Ian Wright is one of his most impressiveThe highlight of Holloway’s managerial CV was managing Blackpool in the Premier League.And, although he enjoyed his time with the Seasiders, he disliked the top division because it was so removed from reality.He said: “Did I like the top of the game? Do I like it? No, I don’t.“Football needs to start relating to the real world. During Covid, we weren’t the vital source, it was people in hospitals helping us. We were just entertainment.“If you get away from that you’ve got it all wrong. Our priority must be to entertain and give our all for supporters.”During Holloway’s time out of the game, he watched on with interest as English football continued to pay homage to the Pep Guardiola way of playing before others decided to break ranks.He said: “Football was following one person’s lead but now I’m happy people are realising you haven’t got to have total possession to win.“You can win football in different ways. You haven’t all got to be Pep.”And there is something poetic about managing back in his beloved West Country after years moving around the country.The Bristolian said: “Geographically it’s perfect for me being a West Country boy. I like the fact I had no ties with Swindon – never played for them, never managed them. They were deep in the mire so it was a great challenge.“If I’d have failed that would’ve been me failing but I’m delighted we’re moving forward and I’m feeling good about my decision to come here.“My wife let me because we didn’t have to move. I’ve moved her FORTY-EIGHT times! She didn’t want to move again.“And this club is nicknamed the Robins … and you know my history with Bristol City, whose bitter rivals Rovers are the Robins!READ MORE SUN STORIES“Marina Dolman, the Bristol Rovers president, keeps teasing me by saying, ‘We’ll make a Robin of you yet!’“She’s got a road named after her in Bristol — Dolman Way. I don’t think I can get one named after me here … Holloway Way doesn’t sound right. And it’s the last thing we need in Swindon. We’ve got magnificent roundabouts and the Sat Nav explodes! We don’t need a street named after me!”Holloway was recently named EFL Manager of the MonthCredit: EFL More

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    ‘I was sacked as an art dealer because I was too obsessed with football, now I’m making history in the Premier League’

    FABIAN HURZELER is equally as comfortable discussing Picasso and pressing — although he has a clear preference.The Brighton boss was once sacked as an art dealer for being too obsessed with football, the sort of dedication which has turned him into a groundbreaking coach.Fabian Hurzeler was once sacked as an art dealer for being too fixated on footballCredit: GettyYou may have heard he is quite young, a fact he is constantly reminded of.But despite being 31, the decision to end his playing career and start coaching at 23 means he already possesses bags of experience.Hurzeler has been coaching as long as Mikel Arteta, 11 years his senior.Although the Arsenal manager never had to flog art on the side to keep things going as Hurzeler did when in charge of fifth-tier FC Pipinsried in his first role as a coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Life in Munich is expensive, like in London. When I sold one picture or one painting in a month, it was like I was done so I could focus more during this time and watch a lot of football games during this time during my work.“That was also the reason why I got fired. The owner, she was very polite but one day she recognised that I’m watching more football during work instead of really working because we weren’t selling any paintings any more. Then I got fired.”Hurzeler got the job in the first place through friend Roman Plesche, a sports-science student who worked in the gallery.Plesche, who would later be Hurzeler’s sporting director in his first post as a head coach, recalled: “I told the boss that my best friend speaks good English and can also sell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He had a very good feel for art, he knew how to inspire customers.”We sold an Andy Warhol together. But I think football is better for him than art.”Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs Hurzeler has already enjoyed more than the 15 minutes of fame that Warhol talked about.The German talks a lot about the work ethic his parents instilled in him. But those values also gave him the confidence to end a playing career which had seen him as a young talent in the Bayern Munich academy.His family were still taken aback at the decision, explaining: “Of course they were surprised. I always say, it’s my life and it’s a choice I make. I take responsibility for that.“No one else will take responsibility for my life. It’s something I always try to follow. I have to feel happy with the situation.“A lot of people don’t understand it and because they said I could easily play, maybe in second or third division.“But they will never understand the feeling inside of me, what I really want to achieve in life, my vision in life.”Born in TexasFamily values and vision is something Hurzeler comes back to a lot over an hour chatting at Brighton’s Sussex base.One of four siblings, born to two dentists in Texas before moving to Germany at the age of two, all of them have a fierce competitive streak.The Seagulls boss already has one yellow and one red card for his touchline antics this season and knows that competitive edge can get the better of him, in a football game or even playing Uno or Catan at Christmas. He said: “Honestly, when you talk to some guys who I played against, they would say, ‘What an a*******’.“When we were on the pitch, it was like winning, winning, winning. And that’s the same, honestly, with my family.“When I’m with my family, let’s say at Christmas and we played games and I lost the game, the night was over for me.“We are all made of the same blood, so my sisters and brothers and also my father, when they lose, they were the same. That’s how I grew up, it was a competition all the time.”Fabian Hurzeler has lifted the lid on his competitive sideCredit: GettyThe German was the Prem’s manager of the month in AugustCredit: InstagramThe desire to compete now extends to the padel court with Hurzeler — like almost everyone in football — having become a huge fan of the sport.He is now campaigning for a court to be built at the Brighton training ground. Those luxuries are a far cry from his start as a coach, with FC Pipinsried eight years ago.There was a fast start, promotion to the fourth tier in his first season but then the tests arrived. Losing the first seven games of the new term taught Hurzeler he must be able to adapt.He has always wanted to control a game through possession and with a high line but never just for the sake of it.Hurzeler added: “I had a good start in my career. We went from the fifth league to the fourth in the first year.“But we started by losing the first seven games. I was sitting in a  coffee shop and the media called and said, ‘Do you think if you lose the next game, then you’ll still be the coach or not?’ Then I was like, ‘OK, that’s the business’.”Premier League meetingThere has been adapting to do in the Premier League too.Not even a year ago, Hurzeler was touring English clubs, watching Brighton as well as visiting Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham to try to learn from their experiences.But that only went so far in preparing him for the Prem, admitting: “I didn’t expect it to be this intense and this demanding.“Every team in this league, also the teams who were promoted like Ipswich, they have individual quality in their team to win games.“Then during the game, it’s so fascinating for me… that’s what I learned, you have to work hard for the momentum.“When you have momentum, you have to use it, otherwise the other team will take it.”The final match before the international break was a perfect demonstration of this.Hurzeler said little at half-time, deciding not to go in all guns blazing and it paid off — coming from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 3-2.He said: “Football is crazy sometimes.”For all the questions over his age, that calm approach after a rotten first half showcased the benefit. Few other managers will have such a keen understanding of their squad’s mindset.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked what the biggest advantage of being a young manager is, he said: “Speaking the language of the players.“I’m their age, so we have the same needs. We are in the same situations. Maybe we lose a girlfriend. Maybe you experience the same things, you have a similar sense of humour.”Hurzeler sees his young age as a benefit, helping him connect with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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    Former England cricket star spotted in new job as ARTIST painting Premier League match from sidelines

    FORMER England cricketer Jack Russell MBE was spotted PAINTING next to the pitch at Craven Cottage during Fulham’s Premier League clash with Everton.The the wicket keeper-turned-artist was situated next to the photographers throughout the game.
    Ex-Cricketer Jack Russell painted a picture of Craven Cottage during the game

    Russell became an artist after retiring from cricketCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    He spent the 90 minutes painting a picture of Craven Cottage on a small wooden canvas.
    Fans were in disbelief after spotting the ex-cricketer pitchside, with one person tweeting: “This is peak Fulham stuff right here.”
    Another added: “Every time I fall out of love with this club I fall right back in it.”
    While a third joked: “Stick him up top, can’t do any worse!”
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    After making his England debut in 1987, Russell played in 94 international matches.
    In 1995 against South Africa he broke the world record for dismissals in a test match.
    He decided to take up art after becoming bored when rain stopped play during cricket matches and has been painting for over 30 years.
    After retiring from cricket in 2004 he became a goalkeeping coach at Forest Green Rovers.
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    He also continued coaching at Gloucestershire and Middlesex.
    Russell now has his own art gallery in Chipping Sodbury and some exhibits in London which showcase his portfolio of work.
    After Tuesday’s match he took to X to share his painting.
    He wrote: “My office tonight courtesy of @FulhamFC magic #football ground.”
    The points were shared at Craven Cottage following a 0-0 draw.
    Russell made 94 international appearances for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    I’m a former F1 star – now I’m an artist with a collection called ‘Friends, Heroes and W***ers’

    MANY sports stars have been known to venture down a new path once their sporting days are over. And former Formula One driver Stefan Johansson is among them.
    Stefan Johansson competed in F1 between 1983 and 1991Credit: Getty
    After his racing career finished he became became a painterCredit: stefanjohansson.art / Stefan Johansson
    Johansson, right, competed against F1 greats such as Alain Prost, middleCredit: AFP
    The Swede competed in F1 between 1983 and 1991, racing against titans of the sport such as Aryton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost to name a few.
    Johansson, 67, achieved 12 podiums throughout his career while racing with the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Tyrell.
    But during the 1986 season Johansson started to explore his artistic side, picking up a brush in honour of close friend Elio de Angelis, who died in testing at the start of the season.
    After his F1 career concluded, Johansson continued to have success in motorsport, notably winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in a Porsche in 1997 alongside Michele Alboreto and Tom Kristensen.
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    However, from the tragic embers which kickstarted his dive into painting, Johansson soon created an impressive portfolio of work.
    The name of one of his collections: “Friends, Heroes and W***ers,” feature famous faces on canvas with text over the top of them, including Senna and Enzo Ferrari among a host of well-known people.
    According to his website: “The paintings project the philosophy and attitudes of my various subjects, and the goal is to bring new perspectives to these individuals that have become known through their own intellect and accomplishments.
    “In this particular case it was the primary inspiration for me applying paint to canvas.
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    “The quotes painted on the portraits were chosen to reflect this inspiration but not necessarily as a means to communicate or convince others of their meaning.”
    His painting also draws on his F1 career, with a collection called “Urban Pointillism” displaying a number of drivers and their cars.
    Meanwhile his “Memories of a past life” collection bear a number of striking images and patterns and are suitably named after corner or a section of various race circuits around the world.
    These fine art pieces can be brought from anywhere between £102 to £265 on his website.
    Painting is not the only way Johansson has shown his artistic side, with scented candles, designer watches, skateboards and hats also among the ex-F1 driver’s range.
    Johansson scored 12 podiums throughout his careerCredit: Getty

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    Erling Haaland fan immortalises Man City striker in famous masterpieces and iconic film scenes

    ERLING Haaland’s masterpiece goals inspired an artist to immortalise him in scores of classic images.Self-taught Rory O’Keefe even portrayed the Manchester City striker as Johannes Vermeer’s famous Girl With A Pearl Earring.
    Erling Haaland as Johannes Vermeer’s famous Girl With A Pearl EarringCredit: Deadline
    The striker is painted like Vincent van GoghCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland in the style of Jack & Rose from the movie TitanicCredit: Deadline
    The City ace in the Obama-style posterCredit: Deadline
    Others are in the style of Van Gogh, Barack Obama’s Hope campaign poster and a church stained-glass window.
    The record-breaking Norwegian, 22, is also shown as both Jack and Rose in the bow scene from Titanic.
    Rory, from Cardiff, said: “Erling Haaland is my muse. I’ve painted him over 100 times in many different ways.”
    Asked why pick him, he added: “Why does anyone paint anything?
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    “Why did Monet paint water lilies? Why did da Vinci paint the Mona Lisa? Why did cavemen paint animals with faeces in caves?”
    He added the works were not for sale.
    Refusing to give more details, he said: “My reasons will remain a mystery”.
    Haaland, 22, has so far scored 48 goals in his first Premier League season.
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    Haaland as master complete with houndsCredit: Deadline
    The footie player as the iconic cherubCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland is painted in a church stained-glass windowCredit: © RoryPaints – http://www.redbubble.com/people/RoryPaint
    Haaland in the style of a religious paintingCredit: Deadline
    Haaland has so far scored 48 goals in his first Premier League seasonCredit: Getty
    Rory O’Keefe said: ‘Erling Haaland is my muse. I’ve painted him over 100 times in many different ways’Credit: Deadline More