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      I’ve loved Carlisle for 50 years… I was hooked when we replaced Man Utd in the old first division, says boss Simpson

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      PAUL SIMPSON’S love affair with Carlisle goes back to when the club replaced Manchester United in the top flight.The Cumbrians were promoted from the old second division in 1974 for the only time in their history while the Red Devils got relegated.
      Paul Simpson speaks to Justin Allen at Brunton Park about his love affair with Carlisle
      Simpson celebrated promotion with his Carlisle team at Wembley in May
      Carlisle spent one season rubbing shoulders with football royalty and an eight-year-old Simpson got inspired by his Brunton Park heroes.
      The Cumbrians boss, now 57, told SunSport: “My dad first took me during the promotion-winning season of 1973-74. We had players such as John Gorman, Bill Green, Ray Train, Joe Laidlaw and later the likes of George McVitie.
      “The team didn’t have any standout star players until Peter Beardsley joined in 1979 when he was starting out.
      “It was at that moment you thought, ‘Wow, if I can just be like him’ — but we did well with a group of players that had a real togetherness.”
      Although Simpson went on to have an illustrious playing career for Manchester City, Oxford, Derby, Wolves Blackpool and Rochdale, his heart has always been in Cumbria.
      So it was apt he finished his playing career with the club before managing them.
      And there was something poetic about Simpson returning to the club last year for a second spell in charge. During his first stint, he took the club from the National League to League One in back-to-back seasons before leaving to take charge of Preston.
      This time around he saved the club from dropping back into non-league before winning promotion to League One … again in consecutive seasons.
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      So does Simpson have unfinished business having left the club in the third tier last time around.
      He said: “I don’t feel that way. Football is constantly changing and evolving. Players, coaches and managers all make decisions they believe are right for themselves and I made one to leave in 2006 because it was right for me and my family to do that. 
      “I love Carlisle United and people questioned that, thinking I was telling lies when I left. Back then I was at the start of my coaching managerial career. I’ve no regrets about doing it.
      “It was the right thing to leave then and it was the right decision to return last year.
      “I’m no longer chasing to be the best manager in the world, which you do as a young coach. 
      “My life is happy. I love living back in Carlisle. I’ve got a really good family here. My first granddaughter was born last year so we’re enjoying it.”
      Simpson went on to boss Preston, Shrewsbury, Stockport, Northwich Victoria before working as an assistant at Derby and Newcastle under Steve McClaren.
      He also managed England Under-20, where he won the World Cup in South Korea in 2020 before a short spell as assistant at Bristol City then his homecoming to Cumbria.
      And Simpson questioned whether he should return to frontline club management after a decade out of it — having only had a short stint at Northwich in non-league after leaving Stockport.
      He said: “I regret taking the Stockport job. I was lied to about what setup there was and how it was all going to be and that six months was the worst decision I made. 
      Paul Simpson lifts the play-off trophy with keeper Tomas Holy
      “I went into a club different to what it is now. It was in turmoil and there was back stabbing going on between the directors and stuff like that.
      “I needed time away to go and try to educate myself and learn from other people so I went to Portugal and headed up an academy there. I came back and did some work for the Premier League and some media stuff. Then I got the chance to go to Derby with Steve McClaren, then to Newcastle and four years at the FA so I had a long time out of it.
      “You get to a point where you think, ‘I can still be a club manager but I don’t know if I want it to take over my life again’ so getting the opportunity to come here was good. 
      “What I’ve discovered is I’m calmer and clearer about what I want. I’m also better at delegating because I was one of those fellas who used to do everything.
      “I’ve realised you can’t do everything, you need to have good staff around you and that’s something that Steve McClaren taught me. We never spoke about it but what he did was get good people around him, he trusted them and that’s what I’ve learned to do as well.”
      Paul Simpson during his Carlisle playing days
      Paul Simpson has learned to delegate in his older years
      But with him every step of the way has been his wife and rock Jacqui, through his ups and downs in football and his fight against kidney cancer two years ago.
      He said: “We’ve been married 35 years and lived in 27 different places so it’s crazy but she’s supported me along with our three boys.
      “I remember when I was at Oxford and living there, I left home one Wednesday morning to have talks with Derby and never stepped foot in the house again. Jacqui sold it, moved us out and found our place in Derby. She’s brilliant. 
      “In a career like this, you’ve got to have someone alongside you who’s going to support you and Jac’s certainly done that job.”
      Simpson is philosophical about his cancer scare — and never felt “lucky” to beat that awful disease.
      He said: “Because I’m lucky to still be involved in football, I don’t wake up thinking ‘You’re really lucky now because you’ve survived cancer.’ 
      “From the minute I was told I had it, the surgeon was brilliant, and he was so positive that at no point did I think I was going to be a negative story.
      “I convinced myself this was going to be a good story because unfortunately you hear bad ones. Everybody wants to tell you about horrible stories and you rarely hear the good ones. 
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      “People would say ‘I’m really sorry’ and I was like ‘No, it’s fine. This is going to be a good story. This is fine, I’m going to be OK.’ 
      “I had that philosophy on it, so it hasn’t changed my view on life. I know I’m lucky to still be involved in football from starting in 1982 at Man City to still being here now in 2023. I crack on and get on with it.” More

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      How Man City and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire selling toilet paper

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      A LEGENDARY footballer and England star went from playing in the World Cup to becoming a millionaire toilet paper tycoon.Iconic former Manchester City striker, Francis Lee, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club.
      The iconic footballer went from playing in the World Cup to a millionaire selling toilet paperCredit: Getty
      Tragic news of the England legend’s death at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer was announced yesterday.
      The iconic player was a legend in his native Lancashire and had become a household name across a successful 17-year career.
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.
      The player stared his career at Bolton in 1959, and went on to earn 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.

      “Franny” Lee was awarded with Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 as well as the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.
      Lee won the second First Division title of his career when he joined Derby in 1974.
      Two years later year he hung up his boots. However, he returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.
      After his retirement from playing, Francis went on to continue his successful career as a businessman.
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      The entrepreneur had set up a company manufacturing toilet and kitchen roll made from recycled paper when he was still a footballer.
      Based in his hometown of Westhoughton, Bolton, F.H Lee eventually expanded to selling handkerchiefs, kitchen foil, and cling film.
      It went on to become a major UK supplier to several huge firms.
      Comedy legend Peter Kay even worked for the company as a young man.
      Speaking to The Bolton News, Francis once said: “I was in business all the time I was playing football.
      “It was part of the condition set by my father that if I wanted to try and become a footballer I had to plan for when the game had finished.”
      He also added racehorse training to his list of profitable ventures after his final match.
      In 1984, the toilet roll company sold for a whopping £8.35million.
      Following his death, Man City released a statement yesterday  saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
      “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
      “More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
      The England star is survived by his wife, Gill, and their three children, Charlotte, Jonny and Nik.
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      Francis Lee scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Manchester CityCredit: PA
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA More

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      Jermain Defoe blasts ‘appalling’ Bradley Lowery yob who used pic of tragic six-year-old to taunt rival fans

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      JERMAIN Defoe has slammed an “appalling” yob who used a picture of his brave pal Bradley Lowery to taunt rival football fans.The ex-Sunderland star struck up a close friendship with Bradley, six, before his death from cancer in 2017.
      Defoe became close friends with Bradley
      Houghton sparked fury over the vile act
      He said he was “appalled and saddened” after Dale Houghton, 31, was snapped using a picture of the youngster to mock Sunderland fans during Friday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
      Defoe told Mail Online: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Jermain’s comments come after Houghton today admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
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      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      She also told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
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      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged six
      Jermain with Bradley before an England match at Wembley in 2017Credit: Reuters
      Houghton will be sentenced next month More

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      Man City and England legend Francis Lee dies aged 79 after battle with cancer as club pay tribute to former chairman

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      MANCHESTER CITY and England legend Francis Lee has passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.The former striker scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for Man City.
      Francis Lee is a Manchester City and England legendCredit: Getty
      Lee played more than 300 games for Man CityCredit: Alamy
      Lee received 27 caps for EnglandCredit: Getty
      He won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during his seven years at Maine Road between 1967 and 1974.
      Affectionately known as “Frannie”, Lee, who started his career at Bolton in 1959, also earned 27 caps for England between 1968 and 1972, scoring 10 goals.
      He returned to Man City in 1994 where he held the job of chairman for four years.
      The club released a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee, aged 79.
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      “A Club legend in every sense, Francis made 330 appearances for City, scoring 148 goals.”
      It continued: “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
      “As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast.
      “More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days.”
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      Lee took over as Man City chairman in 1994Credit: Getty
      He goes down as an icon of Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lee received a host of individual awards during his career including Man City’s Player of the Year award in 1970 and the First Division Golden Boot in 1972.
      After leaving City, Lee went on to win a second First Division title of his career with Derby in 1975.
      He hung up his boots in 1976 when his two-year spell at Derby came to an end.
      Bolton also posted a tribute saying: “All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis’ family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
      Former City star Paul Dickov joined in the tributes, writing: “Such sad news to hear of the passing Francis Lee.
      “A gentleman, proper football man with a great sense of humourThe main reason I signed for @ManCity with his sheer love for the club & will be forever grateful. Love & condolences to all his family & friends. RIP Mr Chairman.”
      And fans also paid their respects to a legend of the game, including Man City supporter Liam Gallagher.
      He wrote: “Frannie Lee, RIP LG x.”
      Another said: “RIP Francis Lee. England international! Title winner with @dcfcofficial and Man City. Talented footballer.
      “Scored a few belters when Rams won the title! Thanks for the memories! ⚽️”
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      Another added: “Sad to hear Francis Lee has passed away. Superb striker with Manchester City and Derby County. Condolences to his family.”
      While a third replied: “RIP Francis Lee. An old school legend of the game 😔.”
      Lee was a prolific striker throughout his 17-year playing careerCredit: Getty More

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      Dale Houghton faces jail for mocking football fans with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’ as mum slams ‘unforgivable’ act

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      A “DEPLORABLE” football fan is facing jail for using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was one of two men seen smiling as they held up the image of Bradley, who died from cancer aged six, during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday.
      Dale Houghton has been charged after the picture was used to mock fans
      Houghton is now facing jailCredit: Facebook
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
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      She told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
      Houghton is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty today, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Houghton hid his face as he left court todayCredit: Ben Lack
      Jermain Defoe struck up a close friendship with BradleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A charity set up by mum Gemma slammed the fan on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with pic of Bradley Lowery are brothers – as mum slams ‘low lifes’ and cops open probe

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      THE vile football yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery are brothers, it has been revealed.Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically died aged just six in 2017.
      Vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      His mum has now shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
      The two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured)Credit: Facebook
      He was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
      It has now emerged the two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
      Dale’s former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actions and claimed he “has not been employed” there for “some time”.
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      A full statement read: “JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people.
      “We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time.”
      In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      A statement from the family read: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
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      “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
      “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
      “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m enternaly [sic] grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
      “I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown.
      “Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
      “Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
      A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” on X, while South Yorkshire Police said it was working with the club to identify the men.
      A spokesman for the force said: “We are working to investigate public order offences following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture yesterday.
      “We will be working with the club to identity those responsible.
      “Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
      Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
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      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JRI claimed he ‘has not been employed’ there for ‘some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopaedics
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Vile football fans laugh as they taunt Sunderland supporters with tragic Bradley Lowery pic – as cops launch probe

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      SHEFFIELD Wednesday has slammed fans for vile Bradley Lowery taunts at last night’s game against Sunderland. Shocking photos have surfaced of two men laughing as one holds up a photo of the youngster, who tragically died of cancer in 2017.
      Sheffield Wednesday is investigating after vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery at last night’s matchCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      Bradley tragically died in 2017 after battling cancer his whole lifeCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      The youngster struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The club today said it was probing the incident, and apologised to Sunderland fans and Bradley’s loved ones.
      The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club. 
      The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before losing the fight six years ago.
      The photos circulating of the men online have today been slammed by dozens, calling for the vile pair to be banned from matches.
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      In response, Sheffield Wednesday said it was looking into the “outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour”.
      The club said on social media: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
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      The Sun has approached South Yorkshire Police for comment.
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      The Bradley Lowery Foundation was also set up to support other families going though a similar ordeal.
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      Sheffield Wednesdays apologised to Bradley’s friends and family – including mum GemmaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal, 72, snubs offer to return to management and says ‘my health comes first’

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      FORMER Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he has no intention of becoming Ajax boss.The Eredivisie giants currently sit 14th in the league table with five points from four games.
      Louis van Gaal has turned down the chance to return to managementCredit: Alamy
      Fans have become increasingly frustrated as a result of the club’s poor form, with many reaching a boiling point at the weekend.
      Thousands of supporters expressed their fury during Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Feyenoord on Sunday.
      With the visitors leading 3-0 in the 55th minute, Ajax fans began to throw flares onto the pitch.
      The referee subsequently abandoned the match for safety reasons, but fans continued to protest outside the Johan Cruyff Arena.
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      Riot police were called and tear gas was used to disperse the crowds.
      The socking events prompted change within the club, with Sven Mislintat losing his job as Director of Football.
      Manager Maurice Steijn is also understood to be at risk of leaving.
      Van Gaal has been heavily linked with the job, but he recently admitted: “My health comes first.”
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      Earlier this month, the Dutchman also revealed that he has no intention of returning to club management.
      The ex-Man Utd manager is currently battling prostate cancer.
      He announced his diagnosis ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      And in a recent TV interview, Van Gaal gave fans an update on his condition.
      He said: “How am I doing? Well, I had surgery two or three weeks ago.
      “They have tried to put everything in order, details of which I won’t tire you with further, but now we have to wait and see.
      “On September 19, I have to go back again and then everything will be decided – and then a miracle could take place that I am able to go the toilet by myself again.” More