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    Jordan Sinnott: Mum of footballer who was killed on night out dies from cancer as family say ‘give Jord a big cuddle’

    THE MUM of a footballer who was killed while on a night out has died after being diagnosed with cancer.Jordan Sinnott died in January 2020 aged 25 after being attacked by three drunk and violent thugs in Retford, Nottinghamshire.
    Melanie Tait was diagnosed with a rare cancer in August 2022
    Former Huddersfield player Jordan Sinnott died after being found unconscious
    Just a week after Sinnott’s funeral, his partner Kelly found out she was 12 weeks pregnant with their daughter Maisie.
    And now in another tragedy for the family, his mum Melanie Tait has died after a battle with cancer. She was just 54.
    Melanie had spent her final years setting up a charity in honour of her son – and did a sponsored sky dive in his memory earlier this year.
    In a post on Facebook on Sunday the trust said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts we would like to share the devastating news that yesterday after a long fight with cancer, our beautiful Melanie has gained her wings.
    “We are utterly heartbroken.
    “Give Jord a big cuddle from us Mel, we love you both unconditionally.”
    On July 31, 2020, Denovan, 22, and Matthews, 21, were jailed for 11 years and eight years and three months respectively after being convicted of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court.
    Jordan had proposed to Kelly at Christmas just four weeks before his death and had gone out with her and friends in the market town to celebrate.
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    In his last moments with Kelly, he performed his favourite song Sweet Caroline on the karaoke.
    Jordan and two friends later went drinking in nearby pubs as Kelly went home at about midnight.
    CCTV showed Denovan and Matthews following the pals into The Vine pub at about 1.40am, with prosecutors describing them as a “pack hunting down and exacting retribution”.
    The brute told Jordan he was a “good-looking lad” and would have no trouble “pulling girls” — unlike him, who was “fat and ginger”.
    Falsely believing he was engaging in jovial banter, Jordan replied: “Yes I can see that.”
    The court heard Denovan’s comment was a “deliberate honey trap” to spark a fight.
    Denovan then “flew immediately into a rage” and punched Jordan twice in the face before Jordan and his friends managed to leave the pub.
    The thugs then followed them to a nearby takeaway and restarted their attack.
    Denovan punched Jordan again and Matthews then hit him “two or three times” causing the footballer to hit his head on the pavement as he fell backwards to the ground.
    Jordan was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead with his family at his side at around 6pm on Saturday, January 25.
    Paying tribute at the time, Jordan’s parents, former Bradford City footballer Lee Sinnott and Mel said: “We’ve lost a son, a brother, a fiancé, a grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, a true friend to so many. 
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    “But more heartbreaking than anything, a father to his unborn child. 
    “And what a great daddy he would have been.”
    Kai Denovan, was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court
    Follow thug Cameron Matthews pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his part More

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    John Nuttall dead aged 56: Ex-Team GB Olympics star suffers heart attack as legend wife Liz McColgan reveals tragic news

    TEAM GB Olympic hero John Nuttall has passed away aged 56.His wife, former 10,000-metre world champion Liz McColgan, announced Nuttall suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning.
    John Nuttall passed away after suffering a heart attackCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Nuttall in action during the 5000 metres in the European Athletics Championships in 1994Credit: Getty
    She paid tribute to her late husband in a social media post, revealing her heartbreak.
    Liz wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
    “My husband John Nuttall died yesterday morning with a sudden heart attack.
    “A much loved dad, son, brother and husband. For those that loved John our hearts are breaking”.
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    Nuttall competed for Team GB in the 5,000 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games.
    He also raced in the 1993 and 1995 World Championships and won bronze at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
    After hanging up his boots Nuttall became an elite coach and supported Team GB long-distance runners at London 2012.
    His daughter Hannah Nuttall is an Olympic athlete who competes in middle-distance and cross-country running events.
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    And his son Luke Nuttall is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the 1500m in the T46 classification.
    Tributes have poured in for Nuttall, who was currently coaching Qatar, from across the sporting world following the news of his sudden passing.
    McColgan’s daughter Eilish wrote: “It’s hard to find the words right now… Our family suffered a huge loss yesterday with the sudden passing of my step-father John.
    “We’ve spent the last 6 weeks here in Doha, with my mum and John, and so his passing has been a huge shock. We are still trying to process it.
    “There is such a huge outpouring of love from both Doha & everyone back home. It just reinforces how many people thought so highly of him. He will be missed by us all 💔”
    Qatari athlete Abubaker Haydar Abdalla wrote: “My condolences to his family and all.
    “A mentor, coach and friend. RIP John Barry Nuttall.”
    Triathlete Islam Sallam added: “Very sad day for the sports community in Doha.
    “We lost, not just a friend, but a father figure that we always looked up to and went to for advice and support.
    “Rest in peace, John. We will miss you. Our hearts are with you Liz”.
    Glamour model Nell McAndrew said: “Oh my goodness Liz, this is heartbreaking. So sad. Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love”.
    Others who had worked with John over the years flocked to the comments of Liz’s post to share their condolences.
    One person posted: “We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Coach John will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for the job, and his understanding of how to motivate young athletes. What a loss”.
    Another commented: “Oh my. No. I am so saddened and heartbroken for you and your families.
    “John will always remain such a light and role model in my life. Sending hugs and thoughts Liz”.
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    Someone else shared: “We are so sorry for your family’s loss. What an amazing human he was. The community will surely miss his kindness and care”.
    While a close one said: “I’m shocked! So very sorry to hear this Liz, he was an amazing man. Thoughts with you at this difficult time”. More

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    Jose Antonio Reyes’ wife discovers heartbreaking 11-word message from Arsenal legend four years after tragic death

    ARSENAL legend Jose Antonio Reyes’ widow has discovered a heartbreaking letter four years on from his tragic death.Reyes, who was a part of Arsene Wenger’s Premier League Invincibles in 2003/04, passed away at the age of 35 following a car crash in 2019.
    Noelia Lopez found a lost note from Jose Antonio ReyesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    She shared an image of it on InstagramCredit: Instagram @noelopezv
    Noelia Lopez revealed that she found a love note from Reyes while organising.
    She shared the emotional discovery with her followers on social media.
    She posted a picture of the Valentine’s Day card and an accompanying message.
    Her message read: “I just received an order from Ikea that I had made to organise some things that I still had in boxes and I found this.”
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    The note was from Reyes and said: “Happy Valentine’s Day. I won’t forget you even from a distance.”
    Reflecting on the note, Noelia admitted to feeling “stronger” whenever she finds anything from Reyes.
    Noelia added: “I feel a caress every time I come across a sign.
    “Today, certain words gain more strength.
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    “Lately, I have had so many signs. One day I will tell you about them”.
    Reyes was killed alongside his cousin Juan Reyes in the road traffic accident.
    Reyes’ other cousin, Juan Manuel Calderon, survived the crash and spent eight weeks in hospital before being discharged.
    The Mercedes they were travelling in came off the road and burst into flames near his hometown.
    Noelia now lives near her own family with the two daughters she had with Reyes.
    Meanwhile, his son, Jose Antonio Reyes Junior, has since gone on to start his own footballing career.
    He signed his first professional contract with Real Madrid last month having impressed with the B team.
    He had been a part of the club’s academy since 2019.
    Reyes was part of Arsenal’s invincible teamCredit: Rex Features More

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    When is Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral?

    THE death of Sir Bobby Charlton left the football world devastated after the passing of the legendary former player was confirmed in October 2023.The star, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, played a major role in England’s World Cup triumph in 1966 and enjoyed a hugely successful career with former club Manchester United.
    Manchester United have confirmed plans for a funeral for former player Sir Bobby Charlton after his death in October 2023Credit: EPA/WILL OLIVER
    When is Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral?
    Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral will take place on November 13, it has been confirmed by his former team Manchester United.
    The service be held at Manchester Cathedral on at 2pm GMT.
    The procession will stop at Old Trafford en route to the cathedral.
    A private family funeral will follow the Manchester Cathedral service.
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    When did Sir Bobby Charlton die?
    Sir Bobby Charlton died on October 21, 2023, at the age of 86.
    News of his death was announced by his family, who confirmed that he “passed away peacefully” and surrounded by his loved ones.
    The family released a statement which read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
    “He was surrounded by his family.
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    “His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
    “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time”.
    On November 1 it was then reported that Charlton had died after an accidental fall at a care home.
    The star had been living at The Willows care home in Knutsford where he was battling dementia, and was pronounced dead at Macclesfield General Hospital five days after the fall.
    Tests carried out on Charlton after he arrived the hospital indicated that he had fractured his ribs and was likely to develop pneumonia, leading to him being put on end-of-life care.
    His full cause of death was given as trauma in the lungs, a fall and dementia.
    When is the memorial service at Old Trafford?
    Exact timings are still to be confirmed but fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute and say farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford on November 13.
    The legendary former player’s funeral procession will stop at his former grounds on the way to Manchester Cathedral.
    Thousands of flowers, balloons, photos, and cards have already been laid outside of the stadium since news of Sir Bobby’s death broke.
    Read More on The Sun
    Charlton played more than 750 games for Manchester United over his 17-year with the club.
    With Sir Bobby playing, the team won the European Cup and the FA Cup. More

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    Sir Bobby Charlton’s cause of death revealed after Man Utd legend died aged 86

    SIR Bobby Charlton tragically died after an accidental fall at a care home, an inquest has heard.The Man Utd legend, 86, was declared dead in Macclesfield General Hospital on October 21.
    Sir Bobby Charlton passed away last monthCredit: EPA
    Sir Bobby had been living at The Willows care home in Knutsford where he was battling dementia.
    Manager Tamara Simmons said the England World Cup hero “needed support with all aspects of daily living”.
    The inquest was told Sir Bobby, who was “unsteady on his feet”, lost his balance as he stood up from a chair in the care home and hit a windowsill.
    He also may have “possibly” struck a radiator during the fall.
    Read more on Sir Bobby
    The court heard staff performed a full body check and didn’t notice any visible injuries.
    But they later saw swelling on his back so called paramedics, who took him to hospital.
    Tests carried out on the ex-footballer established he had fractured his ribs and was likely to develop pneumonia.
    Sir Bobby was put on end-of-life care and sadly died five days later.
    Most read in Football
    A full cause of death was given as trauma in the lungs, a fall and dementia.
    The inquest was also told the midfielder had an extensive medical history – including an appendix removal, gout, a urine infection, chest infections and a Covid diagnosis in September.
    His bed had been placed as close to the floor as possible and was surrounded by crash mats and motion sensors as his restlessness made him likely to roll out.
    Senior coroner for Cheshire Jacqueline Devonish ruled Sir Bobby’s death was accidental.
    His family previously announced the heartbreaking news in a statement.
    They said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
    “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
    “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
    Manchester United also paid their respects to the legend and said the club is in mourning following the news.
    They said: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
    While Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Unfortunately, I have also suffered the painful loss of my beloved wife, Cathy, this month, and I want to thank the club, the fans, and everyone who has sent me their condolences.
    “The black armbands worn by the team against Brentford, and the flags at half-mast around Old Trafford were a wonderful tribute.
    “Cathy supported me every step of the way through my career, and she was the backbone of our family.
    “At such a sad time, there is tremendous comfort to be found in being part of the Manchester United community and we’ve all felt that spirit this week.
    “We’re continuing to mourn for Bobby’s loss, but as we look forward to the derby this afternoon.
    “Let’s also celebrate the many wonderful memories he has blessed us with and be inspired by the example he set.”
    Sir Bobby was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
    He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win Ballon d’Or later that year.
    He also scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
    Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
    He spent almost all of his playing career at Man Utd and was renowned for his passes and long-range shots.
    Read More on The Sun
    Sir Bobby survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 that killed eight of his teammates.
    His wife Lady Norma revealed the star’s battle with dementia in November 2020 in a bid to “help others”.
    Sir Bobby helped England win the 1966 World Cup
    He played for Man Utd for 17 years – winning three league titlesCredit: PA
    Fergie was among those paying tribute to the footballer
    Old Trafford was flooded with a sea of tributesCredit: PA More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson writes heartfelt eulogy after deaths of Man Utd legend Sir Bobby Charlton and beloved wife Cathy

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON has paid tribute to his late wife Cathy and long-time friend Sir Bobby Charlton.The Scot’s wife, who he was married to for over six decades, passed away earlier this month aged 84.
    Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his late wife CathyCredit: Reuters
    The Scot also paid tribute to Manchester United great Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: EPA
    Fergie laid his beloved Cathy to rest in Glasgow last week, with several Manchester United legends attending to pay their respects.
    And he paid a heartfelt tribute to the love of his life in the matchday programme ahead of the Red Devils’ derby clash with neighbours Manchester City, which also included a eulogy to the late Charlton.
    Ferguson, 81, wrote: “Unfortunately, I have also suffered the painful loss of my beloved wife, Cathy, this month, and I want to thank the club, the fans, and everyone who has sent me their condolences.
    “The black armbands worn by the team against Brentford, and the flags at half-mast around Old Trafford were a wonderful tribute.
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    “Cathy supported me every step of the way through my career, and she was the backbone of our family.
    “At such a sad time, there is tremendous comfort to be found in being part of the Manchester United community and we’ve all felt that spirit this week.
    “We’re continuing to mourn for Bobby’s loss, but as we look forward to the derby this afternoon.
    “Let’s also celebrate the many wonderful memories he has blessed us with and be inspired by the example he set.”
    Most read in Football
    Sir Alex Ferguson attributes all his success to the love and support of his late wife CathyCredit: GETTY
    Ferguson is the most successful manager in Manchester United’s history.
    And he attributes his success, and indeed that of the club, to the love and support Cathy gave him down the years.
    In his first autobiography, he said: “My wife Cathy is the mainstay of our family.
    “It is she who has carried the main burden of bringing up our three sons, Mark, Jason and Darren.
    “This is more than I could have asked for and they have turned out to be fantastic sons and fantastic people.
    “We have all got to thank her for being such a great wife and mother.
    “It has always been Cathy’s way to stay in the background, but now it is time for her to accept some limelight.
    “I gratefully acknowledge her role in any success I have had.
    “Without her down-to-earth attitude to life and her unstinting support none of it would have been possible.” More

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    Carlos Guerini dead aged 74: Tributes pour in for ex-Real Madrid & Argentina star after passing away in Spain

    FORMER Real Madrid and Argentina star Carlos Guerini has passed away aged 74.The former striker played for several high-profile clubs and won the league three times with Real.
    Tributes have been made to Carlos Guerini following his death aged 74
    He joined Los Blancos in 1975 and scored 11 goals in 85 games before leaving the club in 1979.
    Guerini earned his transfer to Europe after impressing in Argentina for Boca Juniors.
    He also scored 23 goals in 48 games for Belgrano, but it was his eight goals in 16 games for Boca which led Malaga to snap him up.
    Guerini, who is nicknamed Chupete, also scored the winning goal to send Argentina to the 1974 World Cup, though he was not selected for the final squad.
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    The forward returned to Argentina after his spell at Real Madrid ended, before he quit football in 1985.
    Real Madrid honoured Guerini following his death with a short statement.
    It read: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Alfredo Guerini, who played for our club between 1975 and 1979.
    “Real Madrid extends its condolences and affection to his relatives, clubs, teammates and loved ones.
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    “Carlos Alfredo Guerini has passed away at 74 years of age. May he rest in peace.”
    Belgrano also paid tribute in a statement: “Belgramo regrets the death of Carlos Guerini, one of the most notable forwards who wore our shirt.
    “We accompany his family and former colleagues in this moment of pain. Goodbye and thanks for your football, Chupete.”
    A fan honoured his memory saying: “A huge player. Left an indelible mark. Our institution must offer a tribute to a symbolic player who left a part of our history for our club. ‘Chupete’ will forever be great.”
    Another added: “What a great player. A killer with all the skills. May you rest in peace.” More

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    How Everton chairman Bill Kenwright rose from Corrie to chairman of hometown club via some of West End’s biggest hits

    IN a long and distinguished career, Bill Kenwright was many things to many people.To theatre-goers he was the impresario behind West End hits Blood Brothers and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
    Bill Kenwright lived with his long-term partner, actress Jenny SeagroveCredit: Rex
    Bill as Gordon, left, on Corrie in 1969Credit: Rex Features
    Bill directed West End hit Blood Brothers in 1983Credit: Donald Cooper
    To football fans he was chairman of his beloved Everton FC for 19 years — and to soap fans Coronation Street’s Gordon Clegg, who appeared from 1968 to 1969 then popped up again until 2012.
    But to all who knew him, his death on Monday, aged 78, from liver cancer was a bitter blow.
    Bill lived with his long-term partner, actress Jenny Seagrove, 66, and had a daughter, Lucy, from a previous relationship.
    Despite his fame he was an intensely private man and hated being interviewed.
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    He said: “People don’t understand this about me because I shout my productions to the rooftops and love talking about Everton.”
    He added: “I am very private, but can only talk in one way — though I don’t want to come across as a passionate buffoon.”
    Liverpool born and bred, Bill got the acting bug after childhood trips to the city’s cinemas with is gran.
    While he lived most of his adult life in London, he maintained a lifelong attachment to his home city and said “my past was what moulded me”.
    Most read in Football
    He added: “I don’t think I had an easy childhood. I was very shy, nervous and timid and we weren’t rich. In Everton player Dave Hickson I found a sort of guide — he taught me how to dare.
    “From my family I had protection and comfort and, in Mum, a spirit that said I could do anything I wanted. I wanted to be Errol Flynn and I loved Alan Ladd in (1953 Western) Shane. I didn’t just want to be an actor, I wanted to be a film star.”
    Already treading the boards at the Liverpool Playhouse at age 12, he left home at 17 to join a London youth theatre and in 1968 made his Corrie debut as teenager Gordon, who lived above the paper shop with his aunt and uncle.
    But Bill shocked producers by leaving after just a year. His time in the soapland spotlight had led to him wanting to work behind the scenes.
    Recalling the late Corrie veteran Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner, he said: “I remember Pat telling me on day one, ‘You’re a good-looking lad from Liverpool — and you’ve got no idea what will happen to you when you appear on that screen’.
    Everton chairman Bill and owner Farhad Moshir unveil boss Frank Lampard in January 2022Credit: Getty
    Bill as a star guest on pop show Lift Off, 1970Credit: Rex
    “I was shocked. My character was the first teenager written into a soap to attract teenage viewers. It was an extraordinary situation and I really didn’t like it. That’s one of the reasons I left.”
    Bill’s love of the West End drew him to producing and directing and his company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, is the world’s most prolific theatre production company in the world, bringing hundreds of productions to theatres across the planet.
    A close collaborator of West End kings Sir Tim Rice and Lord Lloyd- Webber, Bill directed their hits Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
    He was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for his work on West Side Story and a Tony Award for a Broadway run of Blood Brothers.
    He also produced numerous films.
    These included 2009 romcom Cheri, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, 2021 hit Heathers: The Musical, and this year’s comedy thriller The Kill Room, starring Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, plus Gemma Arterton crime drama The Critic.
    In 2001 he won a CBE for services to film and theatre.
    I was a timid child but I could go on my own to Goodison Park because I felt safe there. When Dave Hickson and that team ran out on to the pitch, I was in heaven with my gods.Bill Kenwright
    But it was perhaps his first love, football, that inspired him most.
    A director at Everton from 1989, he became club chairman in 2004 and remained so until his death.
    The club shone a light into his lonely childhood.
    He said: “I was more timid than shy but I could go on my own to Goodison as a kid because I felt safe there.
    “When Dave Hickson and that team ran out on to the pitch I was in heaven with my gods. It gave me a feeling of absolute safety.”
    He married Anouska Hempel, the actress turned society hotelier and interior designer, in 1978, only to divorce after less than a year.
    There followed a long relationship with actress Virginia Stride, now 87, which produced daughter Lucy, now 45 and a successful TV producer with two children.
    But his true love and partner for his last three decades was actress Jenny Seagrove who he met at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1993 when she was starring in Noel Coward play Present Laughter.
    She said in 2017: “Bill’s a force of nature, larger than life.
    “It’s a privilege to live with him. He’s got the biggest heart of anybody I’ve ever met. He’s made me a better person.”
    She added: “I’ve made him feel safe, given him the confidence to dive off that high board.”
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    A self-confessed workaholic, Bill was worth an estimated £33million — but lived for passion, rather than money and its trappings.
    He said: “I never see myself retiring, not at all.”
    Bill married and divorced Anouska Hempel – an actress turned society hotelierCredit: Rex
    Bill said: ‘I was a timid child but I could go on my own to Goodison Park because I felt safe there’Credit: Handout More