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      Gary Speed’s widow finds love again with millionaire property tycoon 2 years after second husband died from brain cancer

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      GARY Speed’s widow has found love again with a millionaire property tycoon – two years after her second husband died from brain cancer.Louise, 53, has moved in with Welsh businessman Andrew Dickens – opening a property firm together.Louise, 53, with her new partner Andrew DickensLouise’s childhood sweetheart Gary Speed took his own life in 2011Credit: PA:Press AssociationLouise’s second husband Quinton Bird died just six months after they marriedCredit: FacebookThe happy news comes after Louise’s second husband Quinton Bird died from a brain tumour just six months after they married in 2021.Quinton had helped Louise end years of loneliness after her childhood sweetheart Gary Speed took his own life in 2011.Louise and football star Gary first went out as teenagers in Flintshire, north Wales.Gary played for Leeds, Everton and Newcastle before he was appointed Wales manager in 2011.Read More UK NewsBut later that year Gary, 42, was found dead at the couple’s Cheshire home.Their sons Eddie and Tommy were just 14 and 13 when they lost their father.Louise and Andrew have set up home at his farmhouse near Wrexham in north Wales.The couple have jetted off for a romantic holiday together in the south of France.Most read in FootballAndrew, 45, told the Mail: “Funnily enough we are from the same small village in north Wales.”We only lived a few hundred yards from each other. It was only in recent years that we became good friends.”A relative said: “Louise and Andrew have been together a while now – they make a lovely couple.”Louise has moved in with Andrew two years after losing her second husband Quinton Bird to brain cancer.Quentin died from the aggressive disease only six months after tying the knot with Louise at a Cheshire castle in November 2021.Guests at the wedding in November 2021 included Gary’s former Newcastle teammate Alan Shearer. More

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      Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter reveals Italy legend apologised on his deathbed before tragic passing at 59

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      ITALY legend Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter revealed he apologised to her on his deathbed.The Italia ’90 World Cup hero passed away aged 59 on Wednesday following a battle with colon cancer.Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi apologised to his daughter on his deathbedCredit: EPAThe Italy legend passed away on WednesdayCredit: AFPThousands of fans gathered for his funeralHis funeral was held hin his home town of Palermo, SicilySchillachi’s coffin was draped in scarves and shirtsThousands of fans gathered in Palermo for his funeral and his coffin was draped in scarves and football shirts.Schillachi’s daughter Jessica described him as a “hero” and recalled the last few months they spent together, with the former striker diagnosed in 2022.Jessica also revealed her father apologised to her and her brother Mattia on his deathbed.She told Tuttosport: “Three days ago, as my brother Mattia and I were at his bedside, we told him that TV operators were already outside of the hospital..READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He told us: ‘I only care about you’. And he said he was sorry for not being present all the times he would’ve wished, and we would’ve wished.”Jessica also discussed the best memories she shared with her father and a trip she took with him in the summer.She continued: “We talked, we also joked until it was possible. We recalled the best moments in our lives, the ones you’ll never forget, that even death won’t be able to take away from me.“He was a hero in his own way, but he was just a father to me.Most read in Football“I took some days off in July to stay with my dad. We went to Isola delle Femmine; he would’ve wanted to take me on a boat trip, but he was already very tired.“We settled for a bath in the sea and a fish lunch; it was wonderful. You could see he was struggling when he took me back to the airport.“The situation got worse in the last days: my dad started to play a game he knew he would lose.“But he played it until the end, not thinking about him but about all the people he loved, and he’ll keep loving wherever he is now.”Italy legendSchillaci represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan throughout his career, but saw his most memorable moments happen in the famous blue of the Italian national team.The Palermo-born striker was the World Cup Golden Boot winner during the Italia 90 tournament.His six goals saw him beat footballing legend Diego Maradona to the trophy as Italy finished third in their home tournament.Schillaci, who was virtually unknown outside of Italy prior to the tournament, soon became a household name after netting against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he also denied England a third-place finish after helping Italy beat the Three Lions in the tournament’s third-place playoff match in Bari.Schillaci retired in 1997, hanging up his boots at Japanese club Jubilo Iwata. More

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      Tragedy as footballer Jack Badger, 24, dies with Oxford United leading heartbreaking tributes

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      NON-LEAGUE footballer Jack Badger has tragically passed away aged just 24.A statement from his club, Abingdon United, read: “Abingdon United are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of our first team Player and dear friend Jack Badger.Footballer Jack Badger has tragically diedCredit: X @Abutdfc”Our thoughts at this hardest of times are with all of Jack’s loved ones, his family, his friends & his team mates.””A character on and off the pitch, Jack will be missed by all of us at Abingdon United.”You are so loved Jack, Rest In Peace Our Badge.”Badger’s former club, Wantage Town, also released a statement on social media.Read More in FootballIt read: “Everyone at Wantage Town is devastated to learn of the passing of former player, Jack Badger.”On the pitch he wore his heart on his sleeve and off of it never had anything but a cheeky smile on his face.”Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest easy Badge.”A spokesperson from Shrivenham FC said: “With the heartbreaking news of an ex Shrivenham player has sadly passed away. Jack Badger, played with Shrivenham FC in 21-22 season and played 15 games.Most read in Football”We send our condolences to his loved ones and all those that were luckily enough to know him.”The Hellenic League also released a statement which read: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Jack Badger (2000-2024), a talented footballer and cherished member of Abingdon United.”His passion, dedication, and kindness will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates. Rest in peace Jack.”And Championship side Oxford United shared condolences with a heartfelt tribute.A social media post from the U’s read: “Everyone at Oxford United is devastated to learn of the passing of U’s fan Jack Badger.”We send our sincere condolences to Jack’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Who is Salvatore Toto Schillaci’s wife Barbara?

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      ITALIAN football legend Salvatore Schillaci has died at the age of 59.The Palermo-born striker leaves behind his wife Barbara and three children Jessica, Mattia and Nicole after losing a two-year battle to colon cancer, which he was diagnosed in 2022.Totò Schillaci and Barbara Lombardi attend the photocall for “Pechino Express – La via delle Indie” on March 06, 2023 in Milan, ItalyCredit: gettyItalian forward Salvatore Schillaci was a much loved football legendCredit: gettyWho is Salvatore Toto Schillaci’s wife Barbara?Barbara Lombardi is an Italian dentist, and widow to the former Italian football legend, Salvatore Schillaci, who died at the age of 59.Salvatore Schillaci, who is affectionately known as “Toto” was a famous striker who played for Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan over the course of his career.He scored 37 goals across 120 appearances in Serie A, while he also won the UEFA Cup twice.One of her husband’s most memorable moments was winning the World Cup Golden Boot during the Italia 90 tournament, as the leading goalscorer.READ MORE FROM FOOTBALLSchillaci retired in 1999, and returned to his native home of Palermo with his wife where they owned a youth football academy. Her husband had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and had undergone two operations. Fears about his health mounted in early September after Schillaci was admitted to the Civico hospital in Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His death was announced on September 18, 2024. Most read in SportBarbara married the World Cup legend in 2012, and he is survived by his three children who he shared with ex-wife, Rita Bonaccorso; Jessica Schillaci, Mattia Schillaci and Nicole Schillaci. Not much is reported on Barbara because she lived a life outside of the public eye as a devoted wife to her late husband.Salvatore Schillaci of the Azzurri Stars looks on during the training session at Acqua Acetosa sports center on August 31, 2015 in Rome, ItalyCredit: getty More

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      Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci dead at 59: Italy legend who beat Maradona to World Cup Golden Boot dies after cancer battle

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      ITALIAN football legend Salvatore Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59.The World Cup Golden Boot winner, affectionately known as “Toto”, had been battling colon cancer since 2022.Salvatore Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59Credit: GettySchillaci had been battling with colon cancerCredit: GettyThe Italian star previously played for JuventusCredit: GettySchillaci had undergone two operations for his cancer since his diagnosis two years ago.The 16-cap Italy international recently sparked concern for his health after he was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.Schillaci represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan throughout his career, but saw his most memorable moments happen in the famous blue of the Italian national team.The Palermo-born striker was the World Cup Golden Boot winner during the Italia 90 tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis six goals saw him beat footballing legend Diego Maradona to the trophy as Italy finished third in their home tournament.Schillaci, who was virtually unknown outside of Italy prior to the tournament, soon became a household name after netting against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina.While he also denied England a third-place finish after helping Italy beat the Three Lions in the tournament’s third-place playoff match in Bari.Schillaci retired in 1997, hanging up his boots at Japanese club Jubilo Iwata.Most read in FootballSchillaci’s superb careerA brief look at the career of an Italian hero…Club Career1982-1989 – Messina (219 apps, 61 goals)1989-1992 – Juventus (90 apps, 26 goals)1992-1994 – Inter Milan (30 apps, 11 goals)1994-1997 – Jubilo Iwata (86 apps, 58 goals)International CareerCaps: 16Goals: 7Assists: 1Honours 1 x World Cup Golden Boot2 x Uefa Cup winner1 x Italian Cup winner1 x J-League top scorer1 x Serie B top scorerThe Azzuir icon spent the bulk of his career at Sicilian side ACR Messina, where he made 219 appearances and scored 61 goals.Across all four of his clubs, Schillaci made a total of 417 appearances and found the back of the net an impressive 154 times.While he won the UEFA Cup twice, once with Juventus in 1990 and once with Inter in 1994.Schillaci also won the the Italian Cup with Juve in 1990, a year that saw him lift two trophies and win the World Cup Golden Boot.His incredible campaign saw him earn a second place finish in that year’s Ballon d’Or standings.Tributes have poured in for Schillaci given the incredible impact he had on Italian football.Former club Juve wrote: “We immediately fell in love with Totò.”His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played.”We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.”While Inter Milan posted on social media: “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia ’90.READ MORE SUN STORIES”FC Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”And the Italian national team simply posted: “Ciao Toto. Hero of the Magic Nights.”Schillaci won the World Cup Golden Boot in 1990Credit: Getty – ContributorHe beat Diego Maradona to the prestigious awardCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

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      THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

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      Gary Shaw was the golden boy of Aston Villa’s golden era – whose shirt Diego Maradona asked for but never got

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      ASTON VILLA called it perfectly in their tribute to club legend Gary Shaw, who sadly died yesterday, aged 63.”Shaw was the golden boy of Villa’s golden era,” the club said simply on its official website.Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63The former striker was part of the Villa side that won the 1982 European CupShaw suffered a head injury last week and was taken to hospitalWith his shock of golden locks and winning smile, the kid from Kingshurst, Solihull could easily have been a star of the big screen if he’d fancied it.Instead he became the local lad every kid kicking a ball in the streets of Brum wanted to be like – the only Brummie in that legendary line-up.Sharp and tenacious on the park, with an eye for goal, he was at the heart of all that was good about Villa in those heady, halcyon days of the early 80’s when they won the title, European Cup and UEFA Super Cup.He was one of their own – and remained that way until the end.READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWSBut his admirers stretched well beyond the borders of Birmingham ….including one Diego Maradona!When Villa beat Barcelona to win the European Super Cup, Shaw seemed to cover every blade of grass on the Nou Camp.He terrorised Barca’s defence and impressed perhaps the world’s greatest ever player at the other end of the pitch.Maradona was so impressed with Shaw’s performance he sent one of the club’s backroom staff to Villa’s dressing room with his shirt, with orders to bring back Shaw’s jersey as a swap.Most read in FootballHowever, Shaw later revealed the great man never got his wish – because Villa’s kitman argued shirts were far too expensive to hand out to opponents!It was shameful that while Maradona recognised and appreciated Shaw’s abundant talent – his nation never truly did.Although the baby-faced assassin won seven Under-21 caps and was voted England’s and Europe’s Young Footballer of the Year, he was never awarded a full cap.Despite scoring 79 goals in 213 appearances for Villa, including a quarter-final strike against Dynamo Kiev in the European Cup run – one of three he scored during that glorious Euro run – he never won a senior cap for England.Ron Greenwood named him in his preliminary squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain but axed him from his final selection.England exited the tournament following goalless draws with Germany and Spain.Shaw scored the equaliser against Barcelona in the 2nd leg of the Super Cup final at Villa ParkDiego Maradona asked for Shaw’s shirt after Villa’s Super Cup triumph over Barcelona“I’d just scored 24 goals, no penalties, no free-kicks, and I’m sitting on a beach in Ibiza having a San Miguel,” he said.But it was Villa Park which was his kingdom until a terrible knee injury suffered at Nottingham Forest shortened what should have been an even longer, even more glorious career.He tried to prolong his stellar career with moves to Copenhagen, Kilmarnock, Austria and Hong Kong before he retired in 1992. He later worked as a statistical analyst for the Press Association and OPTA and was a matchday ambassador for his beloved Villa.One kid he coached, during a spell as a Villa Youth coach, was fortunate that some of Shaw’s magic rubbed off on him.Gabby Agbonlahor went on to become Villa’s greatest ever Premier League goalscorer with 74 goals.Last night he paid tribute to the player he worshipped as a kid and respected as a mentor. “He used to take me, Luke and Stefan Moore, Darius Vassell off for shooting drills,” Agbonlahor said. “He took the strikers, practiced finishing with us, showed us the art of goalscoring.”He should have been the guy who told everyone what he had done and what a good player he was but he just concentrated on coaching.”He never mentioned what he achieved. He was so humble. He was a local lad like me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was a genuinely nice guy. It’s devastating news.”I hope the club gives him the send off that a true legend of the club deserves.” More

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      Gary Shaw dead at 63: Aston Villa legend and European Cup winner passes away days after suffering head injury at home

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      ASTON VILLA legend Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63.The former striker suffered a head injury after a fall at his home last week.Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63Credit: RexThe former striker was part of the Villa side that won the First Division and the European CupCredit: GettyShaw suffered a head injury last week and was taken to hospitalCredit: RexHe was rushed to hospital but died from the injury.A Villa club statement read: “Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s. “Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.”He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one saying: “Very sad news. My thoughts are with bereaved family and friends.”Another penned a touching tweet that read: “Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May Shaw’s soul rest in peace.”A third commented: “RIP Gary. The Villa family is in mourning. One of my heroes has gone. Never be forgotten.”Most read in FootballShaw was a part of the Aston Villa side that won the First Division, European Cup and European Super Cup between 1981 and 1982.He was named PFA Young Player of the Year following their title-winning season, in which he scored 20 times.The baby-faced assassin was regarded as one of Villa’s greatest-ever forwards, scoring 73 goals in 197 appearances for the club.Fans shared their concern for Shaw after he was admitted to hospital and now many have paid tribute to the club legend.Shaw spent 10 years playing for Villa’s first team after coming through their academy.He left in 1988 to play his football in Denmark ans then Austria before spells at Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury, before he hung up his boots in 1992.Shaw never earned a cap for England, but did play seven times for the U21s, scoring two goals. More