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      Champions League star’s four-year-old son suddenly dies with footballer ‘on floor destroyed’ by tragic news

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Meschack Elia had to pull out of a key game after the tragic death of his four-year-old son.The DR Congo striker has won four league titles with Swiss club Young Boys.Meschack Elia has suffered a tragic lossCredit: AlamyLukasz Lakomy holds up Elia’s shirt in tribute last nightCredit: GettyElia played in their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in September, and scored a stunning goal against Manchester City last season.The 27-year-old was due to figure in the Berne club’s Champions League clash with Stuttgart on Wednesday.But he instead flew back to the Congo after learning one of his twin boys had passed away after a short illness.Elia’s partner Sarah was in the central African country with their sons and one-year-old daughter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoung Boys striker Lukasz Lakomy held Elia’s shirt aloft after scoring in the 5-1 loss at Stuttgart.The club announced: “Meschack Elia and Young Boys received incredibly sad news on Tuesday.”To everyone’s surprise, one of Meschack’s sons has died after a brief illness.”Elia’s partner had travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with their sons, where the tragic event took place.”Most read in FootballClub spokesman Albert Staudenmann said: “Meschack was on the floor when he heard the news – he was destroyed.”He went to his team-mates, who tried to support him with words and embraces.”We spoke to the players before the Stuttgart game, and nobody said they didn’t want to take part.”They all wanted to be in it together, and to give their all.”Young Boys are bottom of the 36-team Champions League table after losing all six of their games so far.They are due to visit Celtic on January 22.Both teams observed a moment of silence ahead of last night’s gameCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Leicester manager who played key role in club’s Prem title win left staggering amount in his will after death aged 60

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      FORMER Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare left an estate worth £350,000, probate documents reveal.The football legend, who died in August aged 60, bequeathed the huge sum to his wife Karen.The Leicester legend died following a battle with cancerCredit: ReutersShakespeare, left, was assistant manager of the Leicester side that won the Premier League in 2016Credit: GETTYEx-Foxes Craig played a pivotal role in Leicester’s miraculous title-winning campaign in 2016 as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant.Documents seen by The Sun show Shakespeare signed his will in 2018, passing everything to his longtime wife Karen.The will was signed off by a court last month.Former England coach Craig died after a battle with cancer, with heartbroken pal Jamie Vardy leading tributes to his old pal.Read more about LeicesterHe wrote: “I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey.”Man City winger Jack Grealish added: “One of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life.“Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad while he was ill. It shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey.”Ex-Leicester defender Harry Maguire wrote: “The man who signed me for Leicester, the man who gave me so much belief, the man I learnt so much from.Most read in Football“I will be forever grateful. Football will miss you, life will miss you. An incredible man.”Shakespeare’s coaching career spanned 24 years with jobs at top-flight clubs like Leicester, Norwich, Aston Villa and Everton.The father-of-two made more than 500 appearances as a player for Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Grimsby.He was also an England coach under Sam Allardyce but left when Big Sam quit in disgrace after just one game.The respected tactician was most notably assistant manager at Leicester City from 2011 until 2017 – helping the club pull off the impossible when they won the Premier League in 2015/16.He took the reigns in 2017 but left after only 24 games, having guided Leicester to the Champions League quarter-final.After spells with Watford, Villa and Norwich, he returned to the King Power Stadium in 2023 as an assistant – staying for just eight games as Dean Smith’s right-hand man before his illness forced him to retire.Shakespeare was also Sam Allardyce’s assistant at EvertonCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

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      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

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      David Beckham secretly visited beloved Man Utd receptionist in ‘incredibly emotional moment’ before she died

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      DAVID Beckham paid a secret visit to Man United’s beloved receptionist Kath Phipps before she died.He was among a host of club legends to pay heartfelt tribute to Kath, 85 — an Old Trafford employee for 56 years.David Beckham made a personal visit to see beloved Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: Beckham/NetflixAfter her death was announced, Beckham shared a picture holding Kath Phipps’ hand as a tributeCredit: InstagramKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersAlongside a photo of them holding hands, Becks, 49, wrote: “I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad, ‘I’ll look after your boy for you, don’t you worry’.“And from that first day till the last day I spent with her, that’s exactly what she did.”Becks added on Instagram: “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you.”Becks travelled to her home two weeks before she passed away. READ MORE DAVID BECKHAMA source told The Sun: “David made it his mission to go to see Kath at home.“It was an incredibly emotional moment.”In Netflix series Beckham, she said she found bullets in letters sent to him after his 1998 World Cup red card.After Kath’s death was announced on Thursday, ex-Old Trafford star Wayne Rooney called her the club’s “heart and soul” while his team-mate Rio Ferdinand said she was “incredibly selfless”.Most read in FootballUnited fan Kath started out as a switchboard operator for the club in the 1960s. Latterly, she was receptionist at the Carrington training complex.Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’She said last year: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. “I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day.”David Beckham posted an emotional farewell to Kath on social mediaCredit: InstagramKath was pictured welcoming billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Manchester United earlier this year More

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      Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago

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      RUBEN AMORIM has added his own tribute to long-term employee Kath Phipps who passed away this week.Messages flooded in from Manchester United greats following the news of Kath’s death on Thursday at the age of 85 after 56 years working for the club in a variety of roles.Ruben Amorim has paid tribute to former Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerNew United boss Amorim had met the former receptionist when he came to Carrington seven years ago on a coaching internship under Jose Mourinho.Amorim said: “Yeah, you feel it today, it’s a sad day.“Everybody talks about lady Kathy. I met her seven years ago during the internship, she was the lady behind the reception.“And you feel it, the love. The way Darren Fletcher speaks about her.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“She was a really important person here that represents everything about this club, friendly, professional, taking care of everybody, it’s a sad day.”David Beckham added his own heartfelt message late last night for the lady who looked after him after he arrived as a 15-year-old lad from London.Beckham posted a message on Instagram saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game, she was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.”I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry.’ Most read in Football”And from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did ❤.”Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you ❤.”Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary United’s club statement partially read: “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”The Red Devils paid tribute to Kath in 2023 with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.She featured throughout last year’s Netflix documentary on Beckham.In it she discusses his rise to fame – and all the letters he received from adoring supporters.Asked if she remembered when Becks got his first fanmail, Kathy revealed: “I can’t honestly remember. It just built up and built up. All these young ladies writing to him.”Asked what they said, as Beckham revealed he was sent underwear, she added, with a slight smile: “It’s not nice is it, sending underwear to a boy. I put them to one side and didn’t reply.”When she was then asked “did it get to his head”, she firmly replied: “No.”Kath also spoke about how it felt when the nation turned on Beckham after he was sent off in England’s last-16 defeat to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.Kath said: “I didn’t like it at all but I had no say in the matter. I’d loved to have said something but you just can’t. You just keep your (mouth shut) like I’ve always done.”The treasured employee later opened up about watching the historic 1999 2-1 Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich from home.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe said on watching the stunning climax to the Treble-winning season, when United equalised in the dying seconds with a goal following a Beckham corner: “I said to my husband at the time, before he passed away, ‘Oh dear, I’m going to make a cup of coffee’.”They scored, and he said, ‘They’re going to do extra time’. Then I said, ‘Oh, I’m going then’. I went out again.”David Beckham has paid tribute to Phipps on Instagram More

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      Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw ‘died after banging his head while getting out of taxi on night out with pals’

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      ASTON Villa legend Gary Shaw died after banging his head while getting out of a taxi following a night out drinking with pals, an inquest has heard.Birmingham Coroner’s Court heard how the 63-year-old former footballer was found collapsed in the street by a neighbour after he had fallen and hit his head on a kerb.An inquest heard how Gary died after hitting his head when getting out of a taxiCredit: GettyThe Aston Villa legend (left) won the 1982 European Cup with the teamCredit: PAHe scored 79 times for Villa across 213 gamesCredit: RexAfter the accident on September 6 this year, he passed away surrounded by his family 10 days afterwards.The inquest was told Shaw had been for a night out at the Jam House in the centre of Birmingham and was put in a taxi by friends at around 1.30am.However, as he exited the cab, he fell and hit his head on a kerb before being found by a neighbour in the early hours.They then phoned an ambulance and the 1982 European Cup winner was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.Read More on Footballer DeathsHowever, his condition deteriorated and he died ten days later on September 16 after suffering the “severe head injury”.Birmingham Coroner Louise Hunt recorded that Shaw died as a result of an accident.She said: “Mr Shaw had been out for the night drinking with friends on September 5.”In the early hours of September 6 and made his way home in a taxi.Most read in Football”He was found collapsed on the pavement outside his home address having fallen and hit his head.”He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was found to have a severe head injury as a result of the fall which resulted in his death on September 16.”Meet Aston Villa wonderkid Lamare Bogarde who has a famous unclePhilip Cutler, his brother-in-law, said in a statement how Gary had been out for the evening at the club.He confirmed that Gary was put into a taxi by friends at 1.30am and after getting out of the taxi, fell and hit his head on the kerb, rendering him unconscious.Philip said it was then sometime between 2am and 3am he was found and an ambulance called.A doctor said in a statement Gary had suffered an extensive and diffused head injury and that no surgical intervention was possible.He was then stabilised and put on the critical care unit. The doctor added Gary had a CT scan on September 9 which showed a deterioration in the brain, and his death was a result of a severe head injury caused by the fall.He also said that hypertension was a contributory factor, and a toxicological report showed that the ex-player had an alcohol reading of 221 milligrams per 100 millilitres.Gary, an academy graduate, who scored three goals on the way to the final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam, also netted 18 times for Villa during their march to the first division title in 1981.He was named PFA Young Player of the Year following their title-winning season, in which he scored 20 times.The talented striker scored 79 times in 213 games for his boyhood club, and is regarded as one of Villa’s best forwards in their 150-year history.He also played for Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock, and Shrewsbury Town.While he never earned a cap for England, he did play seven times for the U21s, scoring two goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn recent years, Gary, idolised by many on the terraces, had been a regular match day attendee at Villa Park and often held Q&A sessions with corporate guests.The club ambassador had also worked as a statistician, having formerly helped coach the youth team.Gary had worked as a club ambassador for Villa in later lifeCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Kath Phipps has passed away aged 85.Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including as a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator, and was a hugely popular figure.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps has passed awayKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersShe featured in David Beckham’s Netflix documentaryUnited expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.A statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”Most read in FootballLast year the club paid tribute to Kath with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.Ferguson said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.Wayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”United defender Diogo Dalot wrote: “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything Man Utd is about.”Rest in peace Kath, we love you.”Former Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire said: “A legend that will never be forgotten.”I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited legend Paul Scholes also spoke fondly of Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace…RIP Kath.”Jonny Evans shared a photo of himself with Kath alongside the caption: “A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps.” More

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      Tony Young dead at 71: Former Man Utd star passes away as tributes paid to ‘proper Manchester lad’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Terrence “Tony” Young has died aged 71.The former defender also starred for Charlton and York.Tony Young has passed away aged 71Credit: AlamyUnited legend McIlroy has paid tribute to his former team-mateCredit: GettyBorn in Urmston, just a few miles from Old Trafford, Young played for Man Utd between 1969 and 1976, making 97 appearances.He broke into the team at 17 years old after catching the eye with Manchester and Lancashire Schools.Young was a vital part of manager Tommy Docherty’s 1973/74 squad that won promotion back to the top division.His old team-mate Sammy McIlroy penned a touching tribute that read: “It’s terribly sad to hear of his passing. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I remember Tony had a massive reputation as a winger when he first joined the club, and unlike some, he seemed to thrive under the pressure. “He was a proper Manchester lad – hard! He trained the way he played as well.“Tony was a quiet personality, really. He broke in as a right-winger but showed his versatility and team ethic when he played a few games at right-back. “Tony was the sort of character every group of players need, and the sort of willing player every manager loves.”Most read in FootballUnited added: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Fans wrote: “RIP legend.”How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalAnother commented: “Tony, you were a true great.”A third said: “Deeply saddened, rest in peace Tony Young.” More