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      Forgotten Premier League cult hero unrecognisable as famous flowing locks go grey and ex-team-mate calls him ‘best ever’

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      THIS former Premier League cult hero looks totally unrecognisable after going grey and trimming his famous flowing locks.The ex-star spent eight years in England with one club having joined from Rangers in 2001.
      This man graced the Premier League for eight years from 2001Credit: Instagram @tugay
      He looks very different in his retirementCredit: Instagram @tugay
      He racked up an impressive 293 appearances and chipped in with 13 goals.
      The ace was distinctive as he ran around the middle of the park always followed by a long train of hair.
      However, these days he cuts a very different look.
      The hair has been cut a lot shorter and he is now a silver fox.
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      Recent Instagram posts show him looking rather suave in a black suit and tie.
      And former Blackburn team-mate Robbie Savage – another midfielder who loved his flowing locks – commented on one from August: “Happy birthday mate, best ever.”
      The mystery footballer is of course Tugay.
      Yes, Tugay Kerimoglu – the former Turkey star who was a regular fixture at Ewood Park after initially coming through at Galatasaray before his stint at Ibrox.
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      Tugay – who reportedly “smoked 20 a day” – was part of the side that won the 2001-02 League Cup under Graeme Souness and was crowned Rovers’ player of the season in 2003-04.
      He won 94 international caps – including representing the Crescent Stars at Euro 1996, Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, where they finished third.
      Tugay, now 52, retired in 2009 aged 38 after his final season with Blackburn and was given a standing ovation when substituted off in the closing minutes against West Brom.
      He dipped into management, working in the Manchester City academy under former boss Mark Hughes before spells as Galatasaray assistant and then as Sanliurfaspor gaffer for five months until April 2016.
      Tugay was a popular figure during his time at BlackburnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He retired aged 38 in 2009 after eight years at Ewood ParkCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Meet the Luton and Coventry Wags who’ll be cheering on their boys at Wembley as they aim to reach Premier League

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      LUTON and Coventry Wags are heading to Wembley.The Hatters saw off Sunderland in their semi-final, while the Sky Blues edged out Middlesbrough.
      Alex Wrigley will be cheering on Coventry CityCredit: Instagram
      Wrigley is the fiancee of Coventry’s Liam KellyCredit: Instagram
      Both teams expect to sell over 36,000 tickets for football’s most valuable game.
      Amongst them will be the glam wives and girlfriends of the teams who are just a game away from the Premier League.
      Alex Wrigley
      Alex is the wife-to-be of Coventry’s Liam Kelly.
      A fan of selling and buying vintage clothing, she uses Vinted to scored herself some bargains.
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      The housewife is a mother-of-three, as well as an advocate for autism.
      Shantel Redmond
      As her Instagram says, Shantel is “Scottish living in London!!”
      The pretty brunette regularly shares photos enjoying life in the capital, including coffee dates with partner and Luton Town midfielder Alan Campbell.
      The pair also enjoyed a romantic break away in Paris back in November, where they dined at the trendy Ober Mamma restaurant.
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      Shantel Redmond hails from ScotlandCredit: Instagram
      Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell poses with ShantelCredit: Instagram
      Shannon Nicole
      Most recently, Shannon took a trip to California where she enjoyed the Coachella music festival and watched Burna Boy perform.
      When she’s not partying with her girls, the stunner is the wife of Coventry’s Kasey Palmer and mother to their three children.
      Shannon uses her Instagram for paid partnerships with beauty companies, and is an ambassador for teeth whitening specialists Denthub.
      Shannon Nicole is a mother of threeCredit: Instagram
      Coventry star Kasey Palmer and Shannon Nicole enjoy a glam holidayCredit: Instagram
      Elise Dean
      Luton star Cauley Woodrow popped the question to Wag Elise in December 2021.
      And this summer, the pair are planning on walking down the aisle.
      The loved-up beauty is a regular at Kenilworth Road, and loves travelling – hitting New York with her beau.
      Elise Dean is a regular at Kenilworth RoadCredit: Instagram
      Elise is due to marry Cauley Woodrow in the summerCredit: Instagram
      Christie-Mae Savage
      Make-up expert Christie-Mae can’t help but share her love for boyfriend Josh Eccles, Coventry’s dynamic midfield star.
      Although her Instagram account is private, he was happy to share a cute snap of them looking stunning together in Mykonos.
      She wrote a comment: “You’re the best there is.”
      To which he replied: “My Girl.”
      Coventry’s Josh Eccles and his Wag Christie-Mae Savage cut a fine coupleCredit: Instagram
      Leoni Waghorn
      Leoni describes herself as a, ‘Proud mother, wife, personal trainer, EBAT foundation mentor and all round lover of life!’ on social media.
      She became PT after a career as a professional freestyle dancer.
      Leoni met Coventry star hubby Martyn when they were youngsters in South Shields, and have been together ever since.
      Her charity work includes helping to rebuild homes and schools in Sri Lanka that were destroyed by the Tsunami disaster.
      Leoni is a personal trainer and does a lot of work for charity
      Coventry star Martyn Waghorn and wife Leoni are both from South ShieldsCredit: Instagram
      Megan Bidwell
      Coventry defender Jake Bidwell’s wife Megan announced this month the hot couple were expecting their second child.
      With first child Rui, born in 2021 holding the baby scan in a photo, she captioned the snap: “Baby number 2.”
      The pair enjoy amazing trips abroad, including a winter holiday in Dubai for some much needed sun.
      Glam Megan and Jake Bidwell recently announced they were going to be parents againCredit: Instagram
      Megan enjoyed a winter holiday in Dubai last yearCredit: Instagram
      Amy Silvester
      Blonde beauty Amy keeps her personal life to herself, so her Instagram is private.
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley gave us a brief glimpse into their life on his social media, though, as the pair posed for selfies at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai.
      Last year they welcomed their first son together, Ruben.
      Bradley is set to leave Luton at the end of this campaign.
      Amy keeps her personal life privateCredit: Instagram
      Luton’s Sonny Bradley is leaving the club at the end of the campaignCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Butler
      If ever there was a Wag ready for the big time, it’s Charlotte Butler.
      Her beau, on-loan Man City youngster Callum Doyle, has been an important first-teamer – making 45 appearances in all competitions for Coventry.
      Meanwhile, Charlotte loves showing off her designer outfits on Instagram to her 14,000 plus followers.
      The gorgeous brunette even sells some of her threads online.
      Charlotte boasts a whopping 14,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Butler dates Man City’s on-loan youngster Liam DoyleCredit: Instagram
      Charlotte Duggan
      Mum of two Charlotte Duggan is the wife of Luton keeper James Shea.
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      She works as a psychotherapist for individuals, businesses, and takes on healthcare referrals.
      They have two daughters, Amelia and Sophia.
      Mum of two Charlotte is a psychotherapistCredit: Instagram More

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      Luton release incredible design pictures for new-look 23,000-seater stadium so they can compete in Premier League

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      LUTON have unveiled stunning design plans for their new-look stadium fit for the Premier League. The Hatters are on the verge of returning to the top flight for the first time since 1992, and the first time since the creation of the Premier League.
      Luton have released their concept design for their stunning new stadiumCredit: LUTON TOWN
      The new ground will be located at Power CourtCredit: LUTON TOWN
      It will hold 23,000 fans when completedCredit: LUTON TOWN
      The club estimate it will take 24-30 months to completeCredit: LUTON TOWN
      It comes with Kenilworth Road receiving criticism as a potential Premier League facilityCredit: Reuters
      And ahead of the Championship play-off final against Coventry on May 27, the club have released the pictures of their final design for their new 23,000-seater stadium at Power Court.
      The new ground will be located just over a mile down the road from their current home at Kenilworth Road – which has drawn criticism ahead of potentially becoming a Prem ground as it sees fans enter the stadium THROUGH neighbours’ gardens.
      The new stadium would be situated in the heart of Luton town centre and act as the centrepeice for a regeneration programme on a 20-acre site by Luton Railway Station.
      Luton also revealed on their club website that the groundworks for the new stadium should begin by the turn of the year.
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      This is due to the progress being made with the relocation of the existing primary sub-station in the middle of the site, along with plans to open up the River Lea.
      They estimate the construction period to take 24-30 months.
      Luton chief executive Gary Sweet, who told Prem stars such as Erling Haaland to embrace Kenilworth in an interview with SunSport, spoke of his excitement on the project.
      He said: “We’re delighted the infrastructure element is underway allowing us to develop the detail of the stadium’s design and, in particular, work hard to capture the core characteristics that makes Kenilworth Road so atmospheric, so intimate and so special to us.
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      “This season, perhaps more than any other, has demonstrated the incredible relationship we all have with The Kenny and that has been the driving force behind our design work…
      “We know everyone is desperate for the new stadium to open – as are we!
      “It’s clearly a hugely complicated project but the main aim has always been to maintain the architectural quality and to deliver a stadium that replicates an essential, unique character we are all so familiar with but also fit and ready to grace the Premier League stage.”
      The designs shared by the club represent the first phase of the build, yielding a 19,500 strong capacity with a third as safe-standing.
      This will be followed by a second phase which can see an expansion of 4,000, which can be developed depending on demand.
      Michael Moran, Luton’s chief operating officer, added: “The next phase now is an engagement with Luton Council and key stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and Historic England as we take them all through our detailed design process.
      “We are also engaging with contractors as we finalise certain construction features but our target for completion is 2026, regardless of the Club’s league position.
      “We also mustn’t lose sight of the fact the stadium is to be accompanied by a whole new town quarter for Luton with 1,200 homes, leisure, restaurants, bars, retail and community space.
      “It is incredibly exciting to be at the forefront of the Borough’s wider regeneration plans.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star once described as ‘best young player’ lined up for transfer to Championship side

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are keen on a move for forgotten Manchester United youngster Ethan Galbraith, according to reports.Galbraith will leave Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires and the midfielder is starting to attract interest from the likes of Newcastle, Stoke City, Derby County and Sunderland.
      Galbraith will leave Manchester United at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      The 22 year old spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers before joining Salford City on a season loan last summer.
      The United loanee featured 32 times for Salford scoring three times and providing four assists as the Ammies qualified for the play-offs.
      But, Salford suffered penalty heartache as they lost to Stockport on penalties, ending their season and seemingly Galbraith’s time with the club.
      According to The Real EFL, Middlesbrough, managed by ex United midfielder Michael Carrick are now keen on the midfielder.
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      The report adds that Boro are just one of a number of clubs interested and it could be a tricky move for them to pull off.
      Carrick’s men remain in the Championship next season after losing 1-0 to Coventry City in the play-off semi finals.
      Boro will be hoping that Carrick’s links to United could help them secure Galbraith’s signature as they aim to bolster their squad for another promotion push next season.
      The midfielder took to Instagram to announce his departure from Old Trafford.
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      He said: “After six years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club, Manchester United. I want to thank the club, coaching staff & players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home.
      “My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I’m forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfil that dream.
      “It’s been a privilege and I feel very fortune to have been able to represent the club.
      “I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature, round-rounded person and I’m excited for what’s next.” More

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      Russell Martin agrees to become new Southampton manager on three-year deal after Ruben Selles exit

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has agreed a three-year deal to become Southampton’s new manager.The Saints are set to announce the 37-year-old in the coming days following their confirmation that current boss Ruben Selles will leave after Sunday’s game against Liverpool.
      Swansea boss Russell Martin has agreed to take over as Southampton bossCredit: PA
      It is not clear whether Martin will be in attendance at St Mary’s for Southampton’s final Premier League game as he prepares to take them in the Championship next season.
      The Saints turned to Martin, who led Swansea to a 10th-placed finish this term, after Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca turned the role down.
      Martin had already verbally agreed to take the role earlier this week, leaving Southampton to agree a £400,000 compensation package with Swansea.
      The Saints are expected to have to pay further compensation to bring Martin’s coaching staff to the south coast.
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      The club confirmed that Selles would not be continuing in his role, with the Spaniard having made clear he only wanted to stay on as manager.
      A statement read: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men’s First Team Manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
      “The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.
      “Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary’s. We wish him all the best for his future career.”
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      Martin’s managerial career kicked off in 2019 as he took over MK Dons just after retiring from football at the age of 33 while playing at Stadium MK.

      The Scotsman spent two years with the Dons and won 31 out of 80 matches, of which he lost 32.
      The former centre-back joined Swansea in 2021 where he has won 36 out 99 games, of which he has lost 37. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid slams ‘draining’ loans after FIFTH move in three years with future in doubt

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Tyreece John-Jules has pleaded with the club to end his “draining” loan odyssey as he wants to “settle down”.John-Jules, 22, has been with the Gunners since the tender age of eight years old but has never broken into the senior squad.
      Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules urged the club to end his loan odysseyCredit: Getty
      Ipswich ace John-Jules wants to either stay at Arsenal or join another club permanentlyCredit: Getty
      The striker has instead been sent out on loan five times in the last three years as he has played for Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and now Ipswich.
      The England Under-21 international has only one year left in his contract with the North Londoners and has pleaded with them to either give him a chance or let him try his luck elsewhere.
      The Ipswich ace is “all ears” regarding a potential offer from Arsenal or another club as he appears tired of constantly moving around the country on loan.
      John-Jules told The Beautiful Game: “I’ve got one year left on my contract at Arsenal.
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      “I’ve had five loans now and each one feels like you’re getting further from the first team.
      “That said, my boy [Folarin] Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment [at Reims] and I’d say he’s getting closer.
      “I guess everyone has their own path. Right now I’m just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
      “Talks will have to happen at some point – whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent.
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      “I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
      “I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.
      “Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
      “I’m all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me.” More

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      I managed Luton in the National League, I never cry but I’ll shed a tear if they get to the Prem

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      JOHN STILL is not a man who gets emotional but admits he may shed a tear at Wembley if Luton win promotion to the Premier League.For the legendary lower-league boss set the Hatters on a journey from non-league to within 90 minutes of the top flight in NINE years.
      John Still was the man who put Luton back on the upward curve
      When Still took charge at Kenilworth Road in 2013, the club was not a happy place. They were about to start their fifth season in the National League.
      But the East Londoner — who has managed Leytonstone, Dartford, Maidstone, Redbridge Forest, Dagenham, Peterborough and Barnet — led them to the title and promotion back into the EFL.
      Still said: “The club was on its knees. They felt wronged by the football authorities after having all those points deductions that saw them slide from the Championship.
      “The National League is a hard division to get out of and everyone was losing heart.
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      “It was clear after a few games the fans were not with us. There was no unity at the club. That was the first thing I had to rectify.
      “People told me when I took over if Luton were not 1-0 up after 15 minutes, the crowd would turn.
      “And we had a few episodes where I had to speak out about that. I asked the supporters, ‘What would happen if the crowd didn’t turn on us?’
      “The opposition were always waiting for supporters to go against us. It hadn’t helped the team. We only won two of our opening eight games.
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      “We gradually changed that and the fans kept with us.
      “After a game, I’d get the players around the centre circle and have a fan out there with us to listen in. These sort of things helped unite everyone.”
      Still points to the fact Wrexham have just managed to escape from the National League after 15 years — and Luton had to overcome the trauma of no longer being an EFL club to stand a chance of becoming one again.
      He said: “You must accept you’re no longer a League club, embrace the division and play a different way than what you’ve been used to.
      “Otherwise you’ll struggle like teams such as Scunthorpe and Oldham!”
      Still spent almost two-and-a-half seasons at Kenilworth Road and not only did he put them on their upwards trajectory but also midfielder Pelly Ruddock and defender Dan Potts too.
      Ruddock, 29, was just 19 when he played for the club in the National League, on loan from West Ham before the move was made permanent.
      And Still said: “We paid just £25,000 for him. It’s amazing he’s gone from non-league to within a play-off final away from the Premier League with one club. That’s unique.
      “Sometimes when you change managers — from me to Nathan Jones then to Mick Harford, back to Nathan and now Rob Edwards — they will have different ideas. 
      John Still is surrounded by jubilant Hatters fans after their promotion in 2014
      ”So to be there through various managers, to have to take on their ideas which might be different is a fantastic testimony for him.
      “I’ve always had this thing for young, hungry players and Pelly fits that bill and was maybe someone who wouldn’t get an opportunity in the Premier League. I thought he might do well for us.
      “He was ambitious and has fallen into the category of being the right player at the right club at the right time. He’s grown with the club.
      “Pelly has developed his skills as well as his mentality. Having a good attitude, working hard, listening, taking information, you can’t be taught that. That’s down to you and takes zero skills. You must have those ingredients and, in Pelly’s case, he did.”
      Potts, meanwhile, was 21 when he made the move from the Hammers when Luton were in League Two eight years ago.
      John Still wearing his Conference winners medal in 2014
      He said: “I knew Dan’s dad, former West Ham defender Steve Potts. I lived close to Chadwell Heath where they trained. I knew Dan. He had to overcome leukaemia when he was a kid and got himself going again.
      “I thought he was an ideal person to come to us and rebuild his career. I knew he had the same mentality as his dad so thought it was no gamble.”
      Still will be at Wembley as a club guest on Saturday.
      I ask the legendary boss if he will shed a tear if the Hatters win promotion?
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      He said: “I’m not that sort of person but I think there will be because when I look back at where the club was when I went there to where it is now it’s extraordinary.
      “At Wembley I will be watching alongside wonderful Luton legends such as David Pleat and Mick Harford — and if I am seen as having played just a fraction of a part of their history then I’m delighted to have been that fraction.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Tottenham and England star now unemployed aged 33 after he is released from Championship club

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      FORMER Tottenham and England star Jake Livermore is now unemployed after being released by his club. Livermore, 33, has seen his exit from Championship side West Brom confirmed following the release of the club’s retained and released lists.
      West Brom have confirmed the release of club captain Jake LivermoreCredit: PA
      Livermore was named on England’s standby list for the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He won seven England capsCredit: REUTERS
      His departure ends his six-and-a-half stay at The Hawthorns, having joined from Hull in January 2017.
      Livermore was called up for England selection during his time with the Baggies, earning seven caps while also being named on Gareth Southgate’s standby list for the 2018 World Cup.
      On top of his 68 Premier League apperances for West Brom, he also played 92 times for Hull and 36 times for Tottenham in England’s top flight.
      In the division he scored seven goals and added nine assists.
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      Club captain Livermore said goodbye to the Baggies faithful in an open letter in April.
      He said it was: “an honour and privilege to represent this great football club.
      “I have called The Hawthorns my home for the last six-and-a-half years, and such is my love for this club, it’s fans and, especially, its incredible, hardworking staff, that it will remain my football home forever – but now the time for me to say goodbye as a player is approaching.
      “There have been some unforgettable highs on the pitch that I will always cherish.
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      “The emotion of my late goal against Tottenham, representing the club at international level for England, my winner against Birmingham City and, of course, captaining the side to promotion in 2020…
      “This will always be my football club, if you will accept me as an honorary Baggie.
      “My kids have been brought up as Albion fans and, no matter what happens next, I’ll be a regular visitor to The Hawthorns – which will always hold a special place in my heart – long into the future.”
      Livermore’s time as a Three Lion marked a remarkable turnaround for his career.
      He had tested positive for cocaine in April 2015 after revealing he had struggled to come to terms with the tragic death of his baby boy.
      Staff claimed the baby was not born alive in May 2014 but heartbroken Livermore said: “I heard him cry faintly.”
      Livermore has made 216 appearances for West BromCredit: Getty
      Livermore struggled with depression following the harrowing events.
      His drug use did not result in a ban after the FA ruled the death was an overwhelming mitigating factor.
      He said of the positive test: “It was like getting out of prison, people finally knew there was something not right in my head.
      “It was completely out of character for anything that I have ever been about.
      “Finally I could be myself instead of putting on a brave face 24/7.
      “At home, at work, getting a coffee, at the shops, you’re constantly trying to be someone you’re not and show emotions you’re not really feeling, because as soon as you shut your front door you become the broken man you actually are.
      “So for me, it was a relief. The drugs were irrelevant. It could have been drugs, a gun, a car crash or whatever, the self-destruct button was the problem.
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      “The way in which [his death] happened made it difficult to fight my own demons.
      “If you lose a child in God’s hands it is completely different. To find out why he had died, that was too much for my head and my heart to take.” More