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    Inside Gary Neville’s booming business empire including plush hotels and football team as star is set for Dragons’ Den

    GARY NEVILLE has swapped a glistening career in football with a booming business empire. Earlier today the Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit announced his latest gig after landing a role on hit BBC show Dragons’ Den.
    Gary Neville heads a booming business empireCredit: PA
    Among his investments are Hotel Football located next to Old TraffordCredit: PA
    He owns a string of luxury property developmentsCredit: Stock Exchange Hotel
    And his business acumen has landed him a role on Dragons’ Den
    But becoming a Dragon is simply the culmination of more than a decade of savvy decisions that have seen his business portfolio bring in tens of millions of pounds every year.
    Neville owns a chain of hotels and townhouses after first getting into property development in his early 20s.
    Among his prize assets are a string of hotels and development projects.
    His investments include Hotel Football, a luxury hotel overlooking Old Trafford, and the stunning Stock Exchange Hotel near Piccadilly Gardens.
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    He is also part of the £120million St Michael’s Project, which aims to build apartments, hotels, offices and a high-end restaurant in the city centre.
    However, the 48-year-old’s business stakes do not end there.
    League Two side Salford City are perhaps his most famous investment alongside fellow members of the Class of 92′.
    He founded “Relentless” – an investment company who specialise in ventures around the Manchester area – in 2015, while also running property and construction consultancy firm “Zerum”.
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    His use of the name “Relentless” has a particular affinity with Neville.
    Writing on his website, he said: “‘Relentless’ is my favourite word and sums up my approach to life, business, everything really.”
    He adds these vision and values “are embedded within the fabric of everything that we do”.
    Neville even has his fingers in show production, co-founding Buzz 16 in 2017.
    The firm’s work can be credited on programmes such as The Overlap, Soccerbox and Class of 92 Full Time.
    In February, he sold his controlling stake in the company for a reported fee of £200m.
    Before leaving the venture in 2019 he was also a senior investor in E3 Creative, a digital creative agency who specialise in online marketing and corporate strategy.
    GG Hospitality, a hospitality management company, are another of Neville’s ventures, along with a higher education institution named University Academy 92.
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    The academy, which opened in September 2019, has 400 students registered to it as of August last year.
    It offers “broader courses than traditional degrees”.
    He also owns luxury hotel ‘The Stock Exchange’Credit: Stock Exchange Hotel
    While he also co-owns League Two side Salford CityCredit: Getty More

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    Gary Neville lined up for major career move as ex-Man Utd star set to appear on huge BBC show

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has been lined up for a role on BBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den. Neville, 48, has become one of Sky Sports’ top football pundits since he retired in 2011 as an eight-time Premier League winner.
    Gary Neville has been lined up for a role on BBC’s hit show Dragons’ DenCredit: BBC
    And despite not making it in management, the former England international has moved into commentary.
    Off the field, Neville has also become a successful businessman, with a chain of hotels and townhouses.
    He owns the Hotel Football overlooking Old Trafford, an apartment block in Manchester with Ryan Giggs and League Two side Salford City.
    His £750-a-night Stock Exchange Hotel – also shared with Giggs – boasts of a luxury penthouse, roof terrace and kitchen run by Tom Kerridge.

    So it leaves him well positioned to judge wannabe entrepreneurs on BBC’s popular business programme.
    Neville said: “I am excited to join the Dragons, and to meet the entrepreneurs brave enough to face us in the Den.
    “I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success.
    “Business is all about managing people and managing yourself and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience to help the entrepreneurs we’ll meet in the Den reach their potential.”
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    Dragons’ Den gives business hopefuls the chance to pitch their product to the multi-millionaire panel, who have the choice to invest.
    The show’s most successful contestants have gone on to achieve net worths of £30-£70MILLION.

    Neville will join London-born and US-based fashion mogul Emma Grede as guests on the panel.
    They will sit alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett for series 21.
    The show returns on BBC One and iPlayer in 2024 with filming currently taking place in Manchester, where Neville made his name.
    Gary Neville moved into punditry after retiring from footballCredit: Getty More

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    Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling ‘put on GARDENING LEAVE’ by TV broadcaster after quitting iconic show Soccer Saturday

    SKY SPORTS legend Jeff Stelling has reportedly been placed on gardening leave after leaving the broadcaster.Stelling called time on his position as host of Soccer Saturday after 30 years.
    Jeff Stelling has been placed on gardening leave by Sky SportsCredit: Getty
    He announced he was leaving Soccer Saturday in AprilCredit: Getty
    Reports earlier this week suggested Stelling had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.
    However, this will now not be happening until at least NEXT YEAR.
    That is according to the Daily Mail, who report Stelling has been placed on gardening leave until December.
    The report adds the 68-year-old has no plans to retire.
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    Stelling revealed he would be leaving Sky in late April.
    He announced: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
    “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
    “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
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    Sky are yet to announce their replacement for the broadcasting icon.
    SunSport exclusively revealed in May how Sky presenter Adam Smith was in pole position to fill the void, while reports later on stated colleague Julian Warren was also being sounded out.
    The broadcaster has also been hit with budget cuts elsewhere, with beloved show Soccer AM also being axed.
    Host John Fendley announced his departure from Sky earlier this week following the show’s cancellation.
    Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has also departed, replaced by Peter Drury, along with six reporters. More

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    Jeff Stelling ‘in talks with two huge broadcasters about new role’ weeks after stepping down from Sky Sports

    JEFF STELLING is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBC – just weeks after his departure from Sky.The 68-year-old signed off his 30-year career with Sky Sports on the final day of the Premier League season last month.
    Jeff Stelling called time on his Sky Sports career at the end of the seasonCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Stelling is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBCCredit: GETTY
    Stelling, 68, had been with Sky for over 30 years before his summer departureCredit: SKY SPORTS
    And the veteran broadcaster has reportedly wasted no time in looking for a new gig.
    The Telegraph claim Stelling has been sounded out by both Amazon and the Beeb.
    It’s claimed Amazon chiefs are eager to have him head up their growing footie coverage.
    They will, however, have to wait a while to secure Stelling’s services as he must first see out a period of gardening leave before he can join one of Sky’s immediate rivals.
    Stelling emotionally announced his departure from Sky on air in late April.
    The beloved broadcaster received a thunderous applause from the in-studio pundits and the camera crew.
    He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
    “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
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    “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
    Sky paid a touching tribute to the now-departed Stelling after his departure was announced.
    Director of Football, Gary Hughes, said: “After a brilliant 30-plus year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.
    “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
    “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
    Jeff Stelling’s on-screen antics were beloved by footie fansCredit: SKY SPORTS
    “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades.
    “Exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
    “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
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    “He will be sorely missed.” More

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    BBC veteran broadcaster steps aside following ‘difficult’ health battle

    BBC Scottish football reporter Roddy Forsyth is to retire from live broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.The veteran Radio 5 Live broadcaster revealed Scotland’s win last night over Georgia would be his last match.
    Roddy Forsyth is retiring from broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’sCredit: SNS
    The BBC Scottish football reporter has worked with the broadcaster for more than four decadesCredit: SNS
    Forsyth worked for the BBC for more than 40 years and has covered four World Cups and three European Championship finals with Scotland.
    He also worked on five European finals featuring Scottish sides.
    The 69-year-old author and journalist said having Parkinson’s, combined with osteoarthritis, made it too difficult for him to continue in his role.
    Speaking after Scotland’s 2-0 win at Hampden, he said: “I’m afraid this is the last game I will cover as a Scotland reporter for BBC Sport and that’s 42 years after I made my first contribution.

    “Sadly for me it’s a combination of Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis that’s made it too difficult to continue lugging equipment and sitting outdoors at Scottish grounds in mid-winter for four or five hours.
    “At a full house like we had tonight with 50,000 people here, the odds are that 100 people in the crowd will have Parkinson’s. This is twice as many as it would have been five years ago.
    “Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder and it afflicts 145,000 people in the UK.
    “No cure has yet been found but recent research has uncovered exciting lines of enquiry so if you get the chance to contribute to a Parkinson’s charity please help.
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    “You will be investing in a healthy future for yourself and your loved ones.”
    He added: “Can I please say a massive thank you to BBC Sport, my terrific colleagues and its wonderful listeners for making this job such an exceptional experience. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
    Having started with the BBC in 1981, Forsyth began his current role in 1986. He also covered Scottish football for the Daily Telegraph.
    Tom Connor, BBC Scotland’s sports editor, said: “He’s a brilliant communicator who has led audiences through the twists and turns of the game in Scotland for decades with his memorable commentaries and analyses.
    “At BBC Scotland, we’re grateful for his many radio contributions and also the interviews he conducted so skilfully for the landmark television series, Only A Game. We wish him all the best.”
    In a statement, Parkinson’s UK Scotland said: “We’re sending best wishes to Roddy Forsyth who’s announced that he’s retiring as a broadcaster and has Parkinson’s.
    “Thank you for talking about your diagnosis Roddy – and for four decades as the voice of Scottish football.”
    We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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    BBC commentator known as ‘voice of F1’ sacked over allegations of inappropriate touching

    A BBC commentator among the most recognisable “voices of F1” has been sacked after alleged inappropriate touching. Jack Nicholls was dismissed by IMG – who produce BBC Radio 5 Live’s Formula One coverage – after recent complaints by three people.
    Jack Nicholls has been sacked from his commentary roleCredit: Splash
    He had already been fired by Formula E as their lead commentator ahead of last month’s Monaco Grand Prix following an internal investigation.
    And now a spokesperson said: “IMG has decided to part ways with Jack Nicholls in light of the incidents that led to his departure from Formula E.”
    Allegations first surfaced regarding Nicholls’ behaviour in March.
    Three individuals – all employees at Formula E – made complaints, including one junior colleague he was in a relationship with at the time and two witnesses.
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    The incidents were said to have taken place across the world including in Rome and Cape Town.
    Nicholls, who was regularly dubbed radio’s “voice of F1” by 5 Live listeners, said in his own statement when the allegations were made public: “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken.
    “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.”
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    Nicholls was a regular on the BBC since 2016.
    He often worked as part of a team that includes ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Jennie Gow. 
    The commentator, who has now deleted his social media accounts, was also part of the Netflix docu-series Drive To Survive in 2019.
    With Formula E, Nicholls had been a key fixture in the commentary booth from its launch in 2014.
    He became a well-known voice to fans of the sport with nearly a decade in the hot seat.
    However, Ben Edwards replaced Nicholls on the Formula E coverage for the Jakarta ePrix at the beginning of June.
    And Edwards will remain in the role for the rest of this season.
    Nicholls, centre, worked for Formula E for nine years since its launch in 2014Credit: Splash
    Nicholls faced complaints from three peopleCredit: Splash More

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    BBC star Alex Scott enjoys crazy night out with Lionesses Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh on stunning Ibiza holiday

    ALEX SCOTT enjoyed a crazy night out with England stars during their Ibiza holiday.The Soccer Aid TV presenter was seen alongside Lionesses Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh as they went for a night out.
    Alex Scott and Leah Williamson managed to grab a picture before party really started
    The group headed out to beachfront dance club Ushuaïa IbizaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Alex Scott’s story showing friends dancingCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    There was time to grab some photos with another camera
    While she also showed off their drinks for the nightCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Fellow Lioness Keira Walsh also joined the party
    Williamson captioned a post with Walsh ‘Family’Credit: Instagram / @lahwilliamsonn
    The popular holiday destination is accustomed to seeing celebs, including Manchester City’s Treble winners, Ben White and YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI.
    Scott and Co were the latest to join the party after a day of relaxing in the sun on a speedboat.
    Videos shared on Scott’s Instagram story gave fans an insight into her adventures.
    It began with videos of her friends dancing at beachfront dance club Ushuaïa Ibiza.
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    Before they really dove into the night, Scott managed to grab a picture alongside Arsenal star Williamson.
    The 26-year-old also posed for a picture on her Instagram alongside Walsh – who is currently the most expensive women’s football transfer of all time – captioning her post: “Family.”
    As the night progressed, Walsh was later seen wearing some pink LED glasses as the group sang their hearts out for Rihanna song We Found Love.
    Later on Scott, 38, was seen hitching a piggy back ride from Williamson as the party continued.
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    Scott later grabbed a piggyback off WilliamsonCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    While Walsh grabbed some LED glassesCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    The group were singing Rihanna hit We Found LoveCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    Williamson suffered an ACL injury back in April, meaning she will miss the Women’s World Cup which will kick start in July.
    The tournament recently agreed a broadcast deal with BBC and ITV to bring an end to a Fifa blackout risk.
    European Champions England will be taking on Haiti, Denmark and China in their group with the aim of dethroning 2019 holders USA.
    Scott, who was labelled as “brave” for wearing her “gorgeous” dress for Soccer Aid, is regularly seen presenting during sporting events.
    The party appeared to go well into the nightCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    The unwind came after Scott’s exploits on Soccer AidCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2 More

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    BBC and ITV seal Women’s World Cup broadcast deal with Fifa bringing an end to blackout risk

    BBC and ITV have confirmed they will air coverage of this year’s Women’s World Cup bringing an end to the row around a TV deal. The tournament’s 64 games in Australia and New Zealand will be shown live on either of the channels with the exception of the final. 
    BBC and ITV will share live coverage of games at this year’s Women’s World Cup including England’s group stage fixturesCredit: Alamy
    Both confirmed a deal has been reached for the rights to provide broadcast coverage of the tournament to UK audiencesCredit: Getty
    Televised coverage of the decider for this summer’s contest, which starts on July 20 in Auckland, New Zealand, will be shown live on both BBC1 and ITV1. 
    And both broadcasters will share coverage of the Lionesses’ Group D fixtures against Haiti, Denmark and China in Australia. 
    Today’s announcement comes weeks after broadcasters in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France came under pressure to announce a deal. 
    Fifa President Gianni Infantino had threatened the prospect of a TV blackout in Europe’s “Big Five” countries after describing bids as a “slap in the face for women’s football”. 
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    It is claimed some of the offers made for broadcast rights were as low as one to two per cent of the amount bid for the men’s contest.
    And Infantino’s remarks last month were followed by sports ministers in each nation flagging concerns that no broadcast agreement had been reached. 
    However yesterday Bloomberg claimed a deal was imminent with BBC and ITV reportedly paying an estimated £8million for the rights to air matches.
    BBC director of sport Barbara Slater, said: “The growth of the women’s game is extraordinary, demonstrated by the 28 million who watched BBC coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the huge audience of 17.4 million who watched our coverage of the Euro 2022 final on TV last summer. 
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    “In partnership with ITV we are delighted to make this World Cup available to the widest possible audience and free to air.”
    ITV Sport director Niall Sloane added: “England’s Lionesses are entering the World Cup Finals as European champions.
    “Fans have been able to follow their progress to qualification on ITV through our coverage of the World Cup qualifiers.
    England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup with a Group D clash with Haiti on July 22Credit: Getty
    “We hope they’ll join us to see all the action from Australia and New Zealand throughout the tournament.”
    The joint rights deal will also see live audio commentary of the World Cup aired on BBC Radio Five Live and Five Sports Extra.
    And ITV will broadcast half of the contest’s clashes across ITV1 and ITV4 with catch-up coverage on ITVX. More