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    Emotional Guy Mowbray says ‘it’ll never not seem strange not having you by my side’ after BBC staff member’s death

    COMMENTATOR Guy Mowbray emotionally lead the tributes after BBC staff member Mat Wayne passed away. Wayne had over 25 years of TV experience and worked as a floor manager for the broadcasters.
    BBC commentator Guy Mowbray led tributes to friend Mat WayneCredit: PA
    The BBC paying tribute to staff member Mat Wayne
    He worked on the Olympic Games, World Cups, Six Nations and more.
    His sad death was revealed during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and United.
    Lineker said: “Before we hand back to the second half, everyone at BBC Sport would like to pay tribute to our much-loved friend and colleague Mat Wayne, who sadly passed away this week. 
    “Mat was a real force of nature, a true professional and someone you always enjoyed spending time with. 
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    “We’ll all miss him terribly and send our condolences to his family and his friends, to which he had many.” 
    And Mowbray added: “It will never not seem strange to me not having Mat by my side during commentary. 
    “All our thoughts are there with Sarah, Oscar and Anna.” 
    After the match, an emotional Mowbray tweeted: “I missed my mate today. I will everyday.”
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    City won the game 2-1 thanks to a double from Ilkay Gundogan.
    He said after the win: “To win a final is always special. Every trophy is special. This group deserves it.
    “We played really well, second half was amazing and we deserved to lift another trophy.
    “Obviously we know how we want to play the kick off and we aim to do that, to go long for Erling and try to get a second ball.
    “It just placed amazingly for me and I just had to hit it. Obviously it was a quite good strike.”
    Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan lifts the FA CupCredit: AP More

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    Fans all switch from BBC to ITV for FA Cup final after realising who is presenting

    FOOTBALL fans have switched their viewing pattern from the BBC to ITV after seeing who was presenting on the channels. The two channels are going head-to-head for viewers ahead of the all-Manchester FA Cup final.
    Laura Woods pictured alongside Ally McCoistCredit: Twitter / @laura_woodsy
    Fans declared they would be switching viewing allegiancesCredit: Rex

    FA Cup final – Man City vs Man Utd: Everything you need to know, including kick-off time and TV details
    But upon seeing a Woods tweet revealing she was presenting ITV’s coverage alongside Ally McCoist, fans declared their intention to switch over.
    One fan said: “Time to switch over to ITV.”
    A second reacted: “Now that’s a pair of pundits.”
    “Going to switch from BBC to ITV now 😮‍💨,” declared a third.
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    A fourth typed: “Was watching BBC now I gotta switch.”

    Another added: “Defo switching from BBC.”
    Fans were also quick to lavish praise on her outfit.
    ITV’s team consists of Mark Pougatch presenting with Roy Keane, Joleon Lescott, and Ian Wright performing studio punditry.
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    Meanwhile, Woods will be pitchside with Karen Carney, while Sam Matterface, Ally McCoist and Lee Dixon are in the commentary box.
    Meanwhile, BBC’s coverage is headed up by Gary Lineker.
    The Match of the Day host has been joined by Alan Shearer, Peter Schmeichel and Micah Richards in the studio. More

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    BBC F1 commentator ‘sacked by Formula E for alleged inappropriate touching as inquiry is launched’

    A LEADING voice on BBC’s Formula One coverage has been dismissed from his commentary role on Formula E for alleged inappropriate touching.Jack Nicholls has deleted his social media accounts and stood down from Radio 5 Live’s coverage of last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix following the allegations.
    Jack Nicholls has been axed by Formula ECredit: Twitter
    The BBC F1 commentator has been accused of inappropriate touchingCredit: Getty
    Now an inquiry has been launched after he was accused of inappropriate touching.
    One of the three allegations is understood to relate to a younger member of staff who was in a relationship with Nicholls, according to The Telegraph.
    That was a breach of Formula E guidelines.
    All of the allegations, which emerged as he was preparing to broadcast on Radio 5 Live, were raised within Formula E, the all-electric motor racing series, and caught BBC’s F1 team unaware.
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    Rather than the individual believed to have been affected, two of the complaints were said to have been made by witnesses instead.
    A Formula E statement read: “Formula E can confirm that an investigation was carried out in response to complaints of inappropriate behaviour received about Jack Nicholls.
    “Following this investigation, Jack Nicholls’s contract to provide race commentary was terminated.”
    Nicholls has now released his own statement, saying: “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologise unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable.
    “I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behaviour in future.”
    Nicholls currently still remains at the BBC as a freelancer.
    The Beeb have not received any complaints of Nicholls’ conduct.
    Nicholls has been a regular on BBC since 2016 and often works as part of a team that includes ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Jennie Gow.  More

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    BBC Sport F1 presenter Jennie Gow breaks down in tears on TV after husband recalls her terrifying stroke

    FORMULA ONE reporter Jennie Gow broke down in tears as she shared an emotional update baout her traumatic stroke. The BBC broadcaster, 46, revealed in January she had suffered a “serious stroke”.
    Jennie Gow broke down to tears while recounting her terrifying stroke ordealCredit: BBC
    Gow said she would not be here without her husband, Jamie
    Having posted an update a couple of weeks after her frightening ordeal, she has now appeared in a short film to recount the experience.
    The film, which aired on BBC’s The One Show, saw Gow reveal how her “extremely rare” stroke was caused by a cough she developed.
    In the short film, she began by recounting her career as an F1 reporter before saying: “But then my life changed dramatically.
    “At 45, I suffered a serious stroke. And I’ve spent the last few months learning to walk, and more significantly, to talk again.
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    “Just after Christmas I got sick, it wasn’t Covid, but I had a terrible cough and then my husband Jamie found me collapsed in the bathroom.”
    Jamie then revealed the panic which set over him at the time.
    He said: “I was trying to call your name and get you to speak to me and I was just getting nothing back from you. It was the worst moment of my life.”
    Upon hearing his response, Gow could not hold back her emotions and broke down into tears.
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    Their daughter, Isabel, was described as a “superstar” by Jamie, with the six-year-old rushing to grab some pillows and put them under her mothers head before passing the phone to Jamie.
    After being rushed to Frimley Park hospital and receiving “very prompt” treatment, Gow later posted a message on social media.
    She wrote: “Hi everyone, been quiet the last few weeks, this is because I suffered a serious stroke two weeks ago.
    “My husband is helping me type this, as I’m finding it hard to write and my speech is most affected.
    “I’m desperate to make a full recovery and return to work but it might take some time.
    “Thank you to the medical teams at Frimley and St George’s and my family and friends who’ve got me through the last fortnight X.”
    Gow broke into the world of F1 in 2010Credit: Getty
    Dr Thomas Pain, one of Gow’s consultants, appeared in the video to explain how her stroke was caused.
    He said: “The majority of strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel which supplies the brain.
    “Your stroke was caused by a clot from the carotid artery, in the neck, a tear in the blood vessel due to coughing and a viral infection you had at the time.
    “That clot flew up the vessel, causing the stroke on the left side of the brain.”
    After being transferred to a specialist unit at St Georges’ in London, Gow had her clot successfully removed before any significant damage was caused.
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    Gow vowed to continue down her road of recovery, despite admitting she still feels numb down her right side and is suffering with no sense of taste.
    She declared: “I’m determined to come back as strong as ever and I want to share my experiences to try and shine a light on stroke survivors – and if this can help just one person that will be enough.” More

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    Shaun Pickering dead at 61: Brit Olympian and son of BBC commentator dies as Greg Rutherford leads tributes

    WELSH Olympian Shaun Pickering has died at the age of 61. Pickering was a shot put bronze medallist for Wales during the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
    Shaun Pickering has passed away aged 61Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Pickering won bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth GamesCredit: Allsport
    He was also an Olympian at the 1996 Atlanta games, where he finished 27th.
    Pickering’s best shot of 20.45 metres in 1997 still stands as a Welsh record and places him as sixth best in the across the UK.
    He also held the Welsh record for hammer throw, with a best distance of 68.84m
    Pickering later became UK Athletic’s national event coach for heavy throws.
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    He was the son of the late BBC commentator Ron Pickering and former British Olympian Jean.
    Team GB long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford led the tributes online.
    Taking to Instagram, Rutherford said: “Incredibly sad news to wake up to.
    “Shaun was a really good man and a pillar of the athletics community.
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    “He will be deeply missed.”
    In tribute, Welsh Athletics said: “Everyone at Welsh Athletics is sad to hear the news that ‘Hall of Fame’ inductee, multiple Welsh Champion and record holder Shaun Pickering has passed away.
    “Our thoughts are with Shaun’s friends and family at this sad time.”
    The Ron Pickering memorial fund, a charity aimed at helping aspiring British athletes which Pickering helped to build following his retirement, also paid a heartfelt tribute.
    They said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing today of our beloved Shaun Pickering.
    “Shaun did so much for athletics and to carry on the amazing legacy of his parents Ron and Jean.
    “All our hearts go out to Shaun’s family and friends at this dreadfully sad time 💔.”
    British Athletics also added: ” Everyone at @BritAthletics is so saddened to hear this news today.
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    “Shaun loved the sport passionately and cared deeply for athletes and his many friends across the sport.
    “His work to continue the success of @RunforRon Fund supported so many athletes. RIP Shaun 🖤.” More

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    BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones shares clip just moments before awkward wardrobe malfunction at Leicester training

    BBC SPORT host Emma Louise Jones shared a clip of her visit to Leicester City’s training ground, filmed just moments before she suffered a wardrobe malfunction.The latest clip shared to her Instagram story teased a segment of a video shoot with Leicester stars Wout Faes and Harry Souttar for MOTDx.
    Emma Louise Jones shared a clip of her shoot at Leicester’s training ground
    In which she had to explain what Coriander was
    Emma shared the story of her awkward malfunction earlier this monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/eljonesuk/3080042995684076550/
    She feared she could ‘flash’ passers-byCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/eljonesuk/3080042995684076550/
    In the teaser, the Leicester defenders played a game of ‘red card yellow card’, with them needing to show a colour card to represent their opinion.
    Emma asked the duo their thoughts on coriander, with Faes putting a yellow card up.
    But Souttar hilariously admitted he did not know what coriander was – leaving Faes in stitches – though Emma was on hand to explain.
    Earlier this month Emma shared an awkward story where she revealed her jumpsuit had ripped immediately after the shoot.
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    In the clip, she explained how she had just concluded her visit at the Foxes training ground, with disaster striking moments later as she made her way back to her car.
    She said: “I’ve just finished a shoot at Leicester City’s training ground and my bloody jumpsuit’s broken.

    “No word of a lie, from the top all the way down. I’ve had to walk through the training ground all the way to my car clinging on for dear life.
    “And, I wouldn’t mind, but it’s the first bloody time that I’ve worn it. I’ll be sending that right back thank you very much New Look. And me left hand is in absolute agony from clinging on so hard.
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    “Also, I’ve now got to get home without making any service stops because I can’t be flashing in any services can I? I’ve had a nightmare here.”
    After a little while, Emma added: “Right, I’m feeling a little more optimistic about my journey home. 
    “The only thing that is bringing me a little bit of anxiety is if a lorry or a bus or something drives past me or pulls up next to me, will they be able to see right the way in as I’m exposed below the belly button.
    “So, if you drive something big or tall, can you let me know how much you can see in so I know please.
    “Do you ever feel like things just happen to you as I feel like things just happen to me.
    “It was always going to be me whose jumpsuit broke the first time I wore it at Leicester City’s training ground.
    “I should really learn from this to take a second outfit, which I should do anyway as I spill stuff down myself all the time.
    “So that’s the take away from this – in the future I will pack a second outfit.”
    But she took advice from fans to cover up with a plastic bagCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
    Emma has 387,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
    Emma, who has admitted her breasts are so big they BEEP her car horn, then kept her 387,000 followers updated after taking in some advice some received.
    Holding an orange Sainsbury’s bag over her chest, she said: “Shootout to the people in my DMs suggesting that I put a bag there.
    “I had my lunch in this. You’d never know would ya? Look at that. I’m free again. This is liberating.”
    The BBC presenter, 30, has amassed an army of fans for her work on Leeds TV since 2017.

    She shot onto the national scene during England’s 2018 World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica.
    The Cheshire native, who now works for MOTDx and Premier Sports, began her broadcasting career in local radio but is now a star on the big screen More

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    I’m an ex-Premier League star who went on Dragons’ Den for a laugh… then I got £150,000 from Duncan Bannatyne

    AN ex-Premier League star went on Dragons’ Den for a laugh was stunned to receive £150,000 from Duncan Bannatyne.Richard Lee, 40, played in goal for a number of clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Watford and Fulham over a 14 year career.
    Richard Lee is an ex-Premier League star
    Lee battling for the ball against Micah Richards in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
    Despite playing against Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final, it was a surprise appearance on the hit TV show that really saw him start to rake in the big bucks.
    Back in 2006, Lee – who was turning out for Brentford at the time – appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
    He offered the five investors a stake in his business, Dr Cap, a company specialising in selling sports headwear, in exchange for some investment and expertise.
    Lee told EFL news: “My business partner applied [for Dragons’ Den] for a bit of fun without telling me a few years ago.
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    “We were asked to go to Manchester to meet their production team and explain our concept. A month later we were told we’d made the show and were invited to London.
    “I remember it well. At the time I was playing for Blackburn Rovers and we had a big game the night before we were due in London. I travelled down after the match and got there at about 4am. I had to be up three hours later for filming of the show, I was shattered.
    “It was great, though, and because it wasn’t my main source of income there was no pressure.”
    And he recalls the moment one of the investors made the leap to splash the cash.
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    Lee continued: “We prepared as well as we could and although we got caught out on one or two small bits, we gave a good presentation and one of the Dragons, Duncan Bannatyne, invested.
    “It was crazy. As soon as it happened we all shook hands and went downstairs for the interview afterwards. When the show eventually came out it coincided with a big match for me, so it was a really good time in my life.
    “In the end, the investment didn’t actually go through, but it certainly gave us a bit of a boost at the time. It taught me a lot of lessons.”
    He was capped by England at U18 and U20 level but never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions.
    In more recent years, Lee has also been making a name for himself as the go-to agent for goalkeepers.
    The former Prem ace spotted the gap in the football-agent market from his experience as a player.
    Few clubs have specialist goalkeeper recruitment teams, meaning Lee can offer advice as well as players to solve issues between the sticks. 
    And he cited his business experience on Dragons’ Den as a huge help into his rewarding new career move.
    Lee said: “I just wanted it to be done a bit more professionally when it came to goalkeepers, because it’s not like other departments.
    “I’ve got Google alerts set up on over 300 goalkeepers in the UK and around the world.
    “I’m in contact with every single goalkeeper coach to understand their needs and keep spreadsheets so that I know where the gaps are — and where they may appear.”
    Speaking to The Athletic in 2022 he said: “Probably the last four years, I made the decision to focus solely on one thing and blend various skills from what I’ve done before.
    “Becoming a master practitioner in neurolinguistic programming, writing a book on goalkeeping, playing a few hundred times in the Premier League and Championship, having a business background — including appearing on Dragons’ Den — it all feeds into being a goalkeeping agent and mentor.
    “As an agent, you get a real buzz when things like this come together.”
    Given the niche he’s found for himself, it’s no exaggeration when Lee says: “I do believe I’m the best in the world at what I do now.”
    Former Watford and England goalkeeper turned YouTuber Ben Foster has backed up his claims and described Lee as a “super goalkeeper agent”.
    Lee divides his time between London and Dubai, and being abroad can sometimes enable him to watch more live games than when he is in England.
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    “I’ve got six iPads so I can watch all the 3pm kick-offs at once — and I’m only watching the goalies. I’m really a geek when it comes to this stuff.
    “Your regular agent, who also has to cover outfield players, can’t compete, because I know just to be on top of everything to do with goalkeepers takes me 18 hours a day.”
    Lee appeared on Dragons’ Den with his business partner and investor Duncan Bannatyne liked his product More

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    BBC and ITV pundits including Roy Keane and Ian Wright warned they will NOT be getting pay rise next season

    FOOTBALL pundits across BBC Sport and ITV Sport have been warned they will not be getting a pay rise next season.Manchester United icon Roy Keane works for ITV across domestic and international football.
    Roy Keane works for both Sky Sports and ITVCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright works for both BBC and ITV across various competitionsCredit: BBC
    And Arsenal legend Ian Wright spreads himself across more than one outlet, turning up on BBC’s Match of the Day and ITV’s coverage of England games and cup competitions.
    But no pay increases will be handed out across both terrestrial channels next season.
    The cap comes after reports of Sky Sports axing broadcasters from their coverage.
    Soccer AM’s 30-year stint was brought to an end last month… and they may not stop there.
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    There have been reports of long-time reporter Geoff Shreeves getting the boot.
    A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
    “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.”
    Long-serving studio analysts Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were axed in 2020 as Sky looked to go in a new direction.
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    This led to presenter Jeff Stelling announcing his intention to leave at the end of the 2022 season, before reversing the decision later on.
    Meanwhile, BT Sport will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery.
    WBD also own Eurosport, and under the merger both BT Sport and Eurosport are set to disappear from TV screens.
    BT is scrapping its popular Score football show on Saturday afternoons, which is presented by Jules Breach and Darrell Currie.
    TNT Sports will incorporate the live offerings from both BT Sport and Eurosport.
    WBD acquired BT Sport last year in a deal reportedly worth £633million.
    That means Premier League games will be shown under a new channel from next season, as BT Sport’s deal to show games runs until 2025. More