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      I suffered a life-changing accident that convinced me to buy my beloved club, now I’m trying to take them to the EFL

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      GEORGE DOWELL’S life changed forever when a terrible car accident left him paralysed from the chest down.But after telling his mum “I want to die”, he answered his beloved local football club’s plea to rescue its future.George Dowell is the inspirational owner of Worthing FCCredit: Instagram @gdowellHis life changed aged 17 after a horrific car accidentCredit: Instagram @gdowellDowell features in a new TNT documentary tracking his and the club’s journeyCredit: Instagram @gdowellAnd now he wants to take them into the EFL for the first time in their history – with the incredible journey now documented by a TNT Sports film.Right-back Dowell – nicknamed “Shin Crusher” thanks to his combative defending – was on the brink of breaking into the Worthing FC first team at the age of 17.But in April 2010, he was involved in the terrible crash on his way from training to McDonald’s that saw his friend’s car flip off the road and into a field.He suffered spinal cord injuries that left him paralysed from the chest down with limited use of his arms and was told he would never walk again, prompting his tragic and bleak comment to mum Linda.Most read in FootballBut while his hopes of playing for Worthing and making a career on the pitch were over, he found purpose in his life again when he answered the cash-strapped Mackerel Men’s desperate SOS call – using some of his insurance pay-out to purchase the club in 2015, wipe their mounting debt and save them from potentially folding.Wheelchair-bound Dowell, 32, told SunSport: “I don’t have a lot of memory of the accident other than a few flashes. “The aftermath, being told you’re not going to walk again let alone kick a ball, all that is still very raw.“I didn’t really know what that meant for my life and didn’t hold out a great deal of hope.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I insured my care for the rest of my life. “Their last resort was putting out in the local paper to try and get someone to come in and help because they were in hundreds of thousands of pounds of debt and the playing budget had been completely cut at Christmas of that season. “So there was no money left at Worthing.Worthing FC owner George Dowell describes club’s ambition to reach EFL for first time“If something didn’t change very quickly, they were going to be gone by before the end of the season probably. It was a genuine concern.“When the club was struggling financially, that was the perfect opportunity for me to find purpose in my life.”At the age of 22, Dowell found himself as the owner of a football club, a far cry from his days playing Football Manager, and was in charge of a boardroom of execs making big decisions.One of his first big calls was to fund the new 3G pitch and renovate the bar at their Woodside Road stadium, both helping Worthing become more financially sustainable but also, crucially, a club for the community once more. But those lofty ambitions of two promotions in five seasons came to pass – delayed by Covid which denied it happening even earlier – and a new leg tattoo is a constant reminder of the success.Now the West Sussex outfit play their football in the National League South, roared on by an average 1,500 fans at each home game, a ten-fold increase from when he first rescued Worthing.Their third-placed finish last season was the best result in the club’s history and saw them qualify for the play-offs.A staggering 30,000 people tried to get tickets for the final against Braintree, selling out their 3,500-capacity ground, as they agonisingly missed out on promotion following a dramatic 4-3 defeat.But while the short-term goal is to get into the National League for the first time, there is no ceiling on Dowell’s ambitions for Worthing – whose supporters chant his name and adore their hero. Dowell added: “When we came in, we set a very ambitious plan of trying to get two promotions in five years, which is a crazy thing to do when you’re 22 with no experience.Dowell was a promising young footballer with aspirations to go proCredit: Instagram @gdowellThe film delves into the drive to get Worthing up the divisionsCredit: TNT SPORTSGeorge and Jessikah welcomed baby Bonnie in 2023Credit: Instagram @gdowellHe got this tattoo to mark two promotions in five seasonsCredit: Instagram @gdowell“Now we are in the National League South, the highest the club’s ever been. It took seven years but only five complete seasons so I’ll take that as a win.”We definitely want to get to the National League as soon as we can. We were very, very close last year.“In the long-term, we don’t see a ceiling. We don’t see why a town as big as Worthing can’t sustain a club in the Football League. I don’t see why it can’t do that.“We’re going to try and make that happen at some point.“I’ll always be a fan and I want to be involved as long as I possibly can be but I’ll never overstay my welcome. “I’m sure that at some point the club will get to a point whereby it needs a lot more investment and it will need a lot more money to climb the league. I’d never ever stand in the club’s way of progressing.”Dowell’s impact has not gone unnoticed.As well as the recognition from Worthing’s passionate fans and now the TNT Sports cameras, he was also invited on to TV show The Undateables and even received an MBE for his services to football and disability awareness. He said: “The MBE, I never thought in my wildest dreams that would happen in my lifetime. That was very weird. I thought it was a scam when I first got the email about it.“When The Undateables first got in touch, I wasn’t really interested in going on or looking for love but they thought that mine would be a really good story to tell.“I’m really glad I did it. I was in a rut, it gave me confidence I could find love and that I don’t have to be as scared.”At the time of my injury, I thought I’m never going to be a dad, never going to achieve much in my life.George DowellIt was through his appearance on telly that he inadvertently met girlfriend Jessikah, who added him on social media after watching the programme.The documentary candidly details their relationship including the various challenges of being an inter-able couple from the daily practicalities to the impact on sex and conceiving. But thanks to IVF, George and Jessikah welcomed their baby daughter Bonnie into the world last November – and the new parents give an insight into parenthood on their YouTube channel, The Wheel Life.Dowell explained: “If Jessikah had never seen that show, we wouldn’t have started chatting and wouldn’t be as happy as we are now with baby Bonnie who’s ten months old.“I really loved being a dad and really love our little family.“At the time of my injury, I thought I’m never going to be a dad, never going to achieve much in my life. “It goes to show you there is still plenty you can achieve post-injury and there’s no reason why, if you’re passionate about something, you can’t make it happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is fair to say George saved Worthing – but Dowell himself will be the first to admit that Worthing also saved George. The Club That George Built premieres on TNT Sports 1 at 22:30 on 1st October 2024 and will be available to watch on-demand via discovery+George reluctantly appeared on The Undateables but it helped build his confidenceCredit: Channel 4Dowell is wheelchair bound after being paralysed from the chest downCredit: Instagram @gdowellWorthing play their football in the National League SouthCredit: RexDowell has limited use of his armsCredit: Instagram @gdowellDowell wrote off Worthing’s debts when he bought the clubCredit: Instagram @gdowellHe received his MBE from Princess AnneCredit: TNT Sports More

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      Ex-Blackburn star shares joy at his two missing children ‘saved’ as they return after 616 DAYS

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      FORMER Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been found. In January 2023, Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L., went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five).Former Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been foundCredit: GettyIn January 2023 Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L. went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five)Credit: AlamyAn international search began in August for Pricilla and on Friday she finally turned herself in.According to BILD the police revealed: “Ms. L. turned herself into the Monchengladbach district court on Friday, September 20. “The arrest warrant against her was announced and suspended under conditions.”The whereabouts of the abducted children are known. Both are well.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn Instagram, the retired German goalkeeper Reitmaier, 60, expressed his joy, writing, “Hello, it’s done. All wanted ads can be deleted. “Please take them all out, the children are safe. Fortunately. Thank you very much for your support!”Reitmaier told the German news outlet BILD on Friday evening: “I am overjoyed that I was able to see my children again today after 616 days.” His former partner had not returned the children to him on January 15, 2023, as per the custody agreement. Most read in ChampionshipDespite extensive investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for months.At the request of the public prosecutor’s office, the Monchengladbach District Court issued national and European arrest warrants and ordered a public search for the accused. These were withdrawn after the 35-year-old woman turned herself in.According to BILD, Ms. L. reported to the police on Friday in consultation with her lawyer. She had spent time in northern Germany and Austria while the children were with their grandmother.Reitmaier began his professional career in 1986 with Bavarian club Viktoria Aschaffenburg. In 1990, he signed with Blackburn Rovers but never got the chance to be their No1 goalkeeper and left after a year after making zero caps.His most notable period was with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where he made 163 appearances from 1998 to 2003.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a distinguished 27-year career, Reitmaier retired at SV Halstenbek-Rellingen. In his final years, he started coaching goalkeepers and since retiring in 2013 he has been the goalkeeping coach at German second-tier side SC Paderborn. More

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      My dad is flying high as National League boss… but I’m making my own way in the Premier League and England’s Under-21s

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      JACK HINSHELWOOD is enjoying a “family feel-good factor” as an ever-present in his unbeaten Brighton side — while dad Adam is flying high in the National League as manager of York.The 19-year-old, who netted a thumping header in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest, represents the fourth generation of his clan to play professionally.Jack Hinshelwood’s header put Brighton 2-1 up in Sunday’s home Premier League clash but fellow unbeaten side Nottingham Forest nicked a 2-2 drawCredit: RexHinshelwood, seen celebrating his goal, has shown maturity this campaign by playing at left-back after previously mainly featuring on the rightCredit: PADad Adam Hinshelwood managed sixth-tier Worthing then took over York last season to keep them up and guide them to third place this termCredit: Ian WhittakerHe revealed: “It’s a good feeling in my family at the moment with my dad doing so well.“There was a point last season where I was injured and he’d just got the job and we were having a bit of a tough moment.“But we’ve come through it together as a family.“To see him flying now, I am really happy — and I hope it carries on because it brings that family feel-good factor.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAdd in Jack’s recent debut for the England Under-21 side that beat Austria 4-1 at Kenilworth Road and the Hinshelwoods — including his uncle Martin, a former Brighton boss — are on a roll.Jack said: “I had to get about 12, 13 tickets for them to come and watch — which is usual for most home games as well.“It’s always nice to have them in the crowd — especially when it’s a landmark moment and you get a good result.“Having them there to talk to is really helpful, I think — something other people might not have.Most read in FootballThis old Hinshelwood family picture includes Jack, far right, dad Adam, fourth right, and grandfather Paul, second rightFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But at the same time they let me just crack on.“They know I know what I need to do to be successful.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSeagulls’ manager Fabian Hurzeler rates Hinshelwood a future captainCredit: Reuters“And I have to listen to people at this club and not be satisfied with where I am at but keep working hard to improve.”Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has talked of the academy graduate as a “future leader” of the team and praised his “unbelievable” attitude and mindset.That has helped him adjust to playing at left-back this season after making most of his 17 Prem appearances on the right.He insisted: “To be honest, I’m not really bothered where I play. Whatever gets me in the team, I am happy.“I just want to be out there playing football, as simple as it sounds.”One of his most testing afternoons came against Bukayo Saka in last month’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.He admitted: “I can more than acknowledge that the first ten to 15 minutes was tough.“It was what I was expecting but to get through that and not concede early, which helped, enabled me to really grow into the game.“I am young and learning — it was a great experience for me.”“It’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life — to be in these moments.“I am just really enjoying the challenges that I am coming up against and I don’t fear anything, to be honest.”Sunday’s dramatic stalemate left Brighton both unbeaten on nine points from five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth managers saw red in an ugly flare-up after Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off for his second yellow card – a reckless lunge.But even that exchange couldn’t overshadow Danny Welbeck’s glorious free-kick goal for the Seagulls.Here’s another view of Hinshelwood’s brilliant goal vs ForestCredit: RexThe Sussex teenager has the world at his feetCredit: PA More

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      Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte ditches wedding ring and moves into new mansion with kids as couple live separate lives

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      THE wife of Premier League footie ace Kieran Trippier has moved 200 miles across the country to start a new life with their kids, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.Mum-of-three Charlotte, 35, has also ditched her wedding ring just days after the ­Newcastle United defender was spotted without his.Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte has ditched her wedding ringCharlotte has also enrolled the couple’s children at an exclusive private school 200 miles across the countryCredit: SplashCharlotte, pictured with Trippier, moved into a huge, £3.85million mansion in Hale, Cheshire, over the summerCredit: GettyIt comes after Trippier, 34, wrapped his arms around a mystery woman at a karaoke bar before scooping her up by the bottom during a night out with teammates.We told last week how the blonde beauty caught up in the marriage riddle was call centre worker Frankie Carmichael, 27.Now, it has emerged Charlotte has enrolled their children at an exclusive private school after moving into a huge, £3.85million mansion in Hale, Cheshire, over the summer.Now, it has emerged Charlotte has moved into a £3.85million mansion in Hale, Cheshire, over the summer.Read More on SportMeanwhile, Trippier, who earns £130,000-a-week, has not been seen at the property and has been at training in ­Newcastle.He featured in Eddie Howe’s starting XI for the squad’s Premier League away clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday, which the Magpies lost 3-1.But he is looking for a move away from Newcastle, which signed him in a £12million deal from Atletico Madrid in 2022.The couple’s £3.8million, six-bed mansion in leafy Morpeth, Northumberland, is also up for sale as they live increasingly separate lives.Most read in FootballA source said: “Charlotte’s starting afresh and is looking forward to the future. “She’s a strong woman and has made the move from the North East to the North West.Stunning party girl caught up in Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle revealed as tattooed call centre worker“It’s not been an easy task, but she’s got the support of her family and friends.”Charlotte was in Madrid when Trippier was pictured lifting a blonde reveller at Newcastle’s Cosy Joe’s bar in May last year.The couple have not commented publicly on rumours they have split.But speculation intensified after Charlotte snubbed the Euros this summer, including the final, which England lost 2-1 to Spain.In a message posted online before a group game, she wrote: “Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”The couple holidayed separately after the tournament ended.Trippier headed for Turkey while his wife sunned herself in Santorini.Glamorous snapsShe posted a series of glamorous snaps from the Greek island.Trippier announced his retirement from international football last month after winning 54 caps, and has put in a transfer request at Newcastle.The couple have recently reduced the asking price on their family home in Morpeth by £350,000 in a bid to offload it. And last week, Trippier was pictured looking glum at a train station without his wedding ring.As the couple spend time apart, Charlotte recently enjoyed a family break at Center Parcs.She posted pictures of her swimming and cycling with the children, but there was no sign of her husband in the snaps.We told last week how the blonde beauty caught up in Trippier’s marriage riddle was call centre worker Frankie CarmichaelTrippier played against Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday, a match the Magpies lost 3-1Credit: ReutersOn Instagram, she said of last month’s getaway: “Refreshed and recharged after celebrating my bday at Centre Parcs with the famalam.” Her parents and sister joined her on the break — and she was flooded with support from fans. One told her: “Sending so much love and strength.”Three Lions star Trippier has had a turbulent time on and off the pitch.He delayed linking up with ­Gareth Southgate’s England lads for their Nations League match against Italy in September 2022 for “personal” reasons.He then pulled out of November’s squad ahead of a Euro qualifier against North Macedonia, again over a “personal matter”.Frankie, a regular around Newcastle’s hotspots, was previously named online as the siren at the centre of Trippier’s marriage riddle. Turbulent timeShe regularly posts sexy pictures in revealing outfits on social media and is said to be pally with one of the footballer’s friends.The party girl has a large tattoo on her left arm.Footage taken on a mobile phone showed a woman with an inking on her left arm with Trippier at Cosy Joes in May 2023.She was seen with her legs wrapped around him while he held her bottom.On the pitch, Trippier became a Newcastle fan favourite as manager Eddie Howe’s first signing.His match-winning performances helped drag the Magpies out of the relegation zone and into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.The star even earned a spot in the 2022/23 PFA Premier League Team Of The Year.But he has since played back-up to Tino Livramento after struggling for form.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis dip in performance ­levels last season seemed to coincide with his off-pitch struggles as the Trippiers apparently battled to keep their family life together.The ex-Spurs ace admitted he had faced a challenging time, and was the first to admit his “standards have dropped” following Newcastle’s 3-1 home loss to Nottingham Forest in December. More

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      Phil Foden’s son, 5, set to become star by entertaining fans as a YouTuber

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      FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s five-year-old son is set to smash the net again — with his own YouTube channel.Ronnie already has five million Instagram followers after dancing on the pitch following his dad’s 2023 Champions League triumph with Manchester City.Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie is getting his own YouTube channelCredit: GettyRonnie was nicknamed ‘The Dude’ by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the teamCredit: GettyNow the cheeky chap could cash in on his fame by entertaining fans as a YouTuber after dad Phil, 23, and mum Rebecca, 22, set up a channel for him.A source said: “Ronnie loves being the centre of attention and is a big fan of some of the YouTubers so Phil and his mum have set up an account.“He could end up making loads of money from it.”Speaking about his son’s celebrations in Istanbul, Phil said: “His personality has made him who he is. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He just reminds me of myself when I was a kid and he’s very funny.”Ronnie was nicknamed “The Dude” by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the team.And after their latest Premier League title in May, he was seen trying to open a bottle of champagne to the amusement of fans.He has a modelling contract and is on a talent group’s books despite only just starting school.Most read in FootballPhil and Rebecca also share daughter TruePhil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke gives birth to boy with England star to fly back to Euro 2024 for Slovakia clash More

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      Ebanie Bridges reveals pregnancy to the world with beaming boxer showing off baby bump as she arrives at Misfits event

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      BOXER Ebanie Bridges has revealed to the world she’s expecting her first child.The Blonde Bomber hasn’t set foot inside the ring since her decision loss to Miyo Yoshida last December, which saw her lose the IBF female bantamweight title.Ebanie Bridges has kept a relatively low profile since losing the IBF women’s bantamweight titleCredit: REUTERSThe 37-year-old made an appearance at the latest Misfits Boxing event and was sporting a baby bumpCredit: YOUTUBE / BOXING KING MEDIAThe radiating Bridges was all smiles as she was congratulated on her pregnancyCredit: YOUTUBE / BOXING KING MEDIAThe Aussie, 37, has kept a relatively low profile since the crushing defeat, keeping public appearances to somewhat of a minimum.But she made the trip to Newcastle on Saturday to watch her pal Elle Brooke headline Misfits Boxing’s 18th X Series event.And she proudly showed a baby bump upon arrival at the Utilita Arena, much to the surprise of some of her acquaintances.YouTube channel Boxing King Media revealed Bridges’ pregnancy to the world, briefly catching up with her before she entered the arena for the fights.READ MORE BOXING NEWSMotherhood is something Bridges has longed for but put off in order to pursue her dream of becoming a world champion.In an exclusive interview with SunSport two years ago, she said: “It’s a battle I have all the time, and it’s very heartbreaking.”I want nothing more than to have a family and have kids. It’s very important to me.”It’s getting harder and it’s a tough decision to make.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEbanie Bridges put off motherhood in order to fulfil her dream of winning a world titleCredit: REUTERS”I am at the peak of my career, and to stop and have a kid.”Not only does that put me out for a year, but it makes it very hard to have a kid with my partner back home.Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing icon”My career is over here, it’s not in Australia.”I can’t have a baby, then disappear and ask someone else to look after the baby and head to the UK for weeks while I’m in a training camp.”It’s not possible, it’s hard for me, it’s hard for my partner.”But, I have to go with my heart and believe that everything happens for a reason.”I’m just praying in a couple of years I’ve achieved what I want to achieve and can go off and then have children.”Brooke had a front-row seat for Brooke’s unanimous decision victory over Jenny Savage, which saw her retain the Misfits Women’s middleweight title. More

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      Inside life of ‘special man’ Lee Carsley who raised son with Down’s Syndrome and continues second job alongside England

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      LEE CARSLEY does not intend to put his life on hold after becoming interim England manager.The Three Lions boss oversaw wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in his first two games in charge, and has received growing support to take the job on full-time.Lee Carsley has received growing support to be the next permanent England managerCredit: AlamyBut he admitted how he turned from being a ‘selfish’ player after the birth of his second sonCredit: GettyCarsley takes his son, who has Down’s Syndrome, to Solihull Moors Foundation on FridaysCredit: Instagram @solihullmoorsfoundationBut Carsley, described as a “special man” by SunSport columnist Troy Deeney, is far more than just an international coach.He is a loving father who takes his son, Connor, to training for the Solihull Moors Foundation’s Down’s Syndrome team regularly on Friday evenings.In an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Carsley opened up on how the birth of his second son in 1999 saw him turn the leaf from being a “selfish” Premier League player.Carsley has three children with wife Louisa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis second son, Connor, was born with Down’s Snydrome, a condition which increases the risk of health complications such as heart disorders, hearing problems, thyroid issues and recurrent infections.He said: “It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me. “I was quite sheltered in terms of if you went to hospital (for an injury), you went to a specialist. A car took you in, waited, you went straight in, back in the car and away. “We went from that to, ‘No, this is the real world, if you want a speech therapist you have to get in the queue with everyone else’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That probably doesn’t sound right but it was different from what we’d always done. “It made me a lot more aware of the bigger picture, the bigger world, more aware of how much support families need. Money is obviously important but it didn’t help us.”‘Good on him’ – Lee Carsley wins the praise of Roy Keane after very frank admission following first two England gamesCarsley also revealed how Connor, now 25, would take up around 80 per cent of his and his wife’s time when growing up compared to siblings Callum and Lois.His own fundraising efforts for the foundation led to extra support being made available for other families.When moving to Everton in 2002 he became vice-president of the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association, while his influence led to further donations to the Down’s Syndrome Association from team-mates.The late Sven-Goran Eriksson was said to be among those to contribute.Carsley, 50, also has the second job of coaching weekly sessions for young footballers aged between 16 and 21 at the Strachan Football Foundation in Warwick.It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me.Lee CarsleyOn his role at the team, he said: “I still find a way to coach which gives me the chance to practise what I’m going to do with any teams I’m working with.”I could potentially be practising for two months on what I’m going to try, rather than a day when you’ve got two games in an international window.”It gives me a chance to experiment and then hopefully deliver it when the (England) players are live.”I was there in Warwick last Friday (Aug 23). I’ve been doing that for maybe three years. It’s like an education and coaching centre.”The biggest thing you notice when you first come and work internationally is that you stop coaching and I was adamant that wasn’t going to happen to me.”My biggest strength is coaching so that is one of the things I didn’t want to stop.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have other priorities within the job as well. I have to be creative and make sure I have got a couple of hours every week on a Friday morning that I’m able to get out there and try things and get it wrong!”England’s next games will come in October against Greece and Finland.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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      Former Premier League captain cuts all ties with his father as he says ‘he did horrible things to people I love’

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED star Anel Ahmedhodzic has cut all ties with his father – claiming he has done “horrible things to people I love”.The defender’s allegations are the latest twist in a sad saga which also saw him withdraw from duty with Bosnia and quit international football.Anel Ahmedhodzic’s exit from Bosnia duty spilled into allegationsCredit: RexAhmedhodzic has won 24 Bosnia caps but suggested he’s had enoughCredit: GettyAhmedhodzic says he has reluctantly gone public after dad Mirsad alleged he was “under the influence of his wife and mother-in-law”.His father had earlier revealed he “did not consider” the 25-year-old his son “anymore” – suggesting he had been turned off his country by “bad people”.The former Blades’ skipper, whose club lost their Premier League spot last season, responded by accusing his dad of “manipulation, lies, scams and almost daily bullying”.The ex-Nottingham Forest man was “insulted” too by a claim his wife had “cast black magic” on him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAhmedhodzic explained he’d received hundreds of messages abusing him and his family after he pulled out of Nations League action.He blamed an injury, poor medical treatment and misinformation for his latest problems on international duty.Now Ahmedhodzic has spoken out on issues with his dad as “things can no longer be ignored”.In a statement shared by Balkan cable TV station N1, he said: “The only thing anyone wants from their father as a son is support and pride. Unfortunately, I got very little of that.Most read in Football”What I got most of the time was manipulation, lies, scams and almost daily bullying. “This is the type of man who shows his ‘power’ over women, but has never had the guts to stand up to another man.”Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starAhmedhodzic added he had a “very good relationship with my mother” and supports her “financially”.He continued: “So when he [his father] says that I don’t care about my parents, it’s a complete lie. That’s not a man. “He goes after people I care about every time there’s a problem.  “He did horrible things to people I love but I don’t want to talk about that here. “There are so many reasons why I cut off contact with him. You will say ‘but he is your father, life is short’.”Trust me, I’ve tried many times to fix things, to forget what he did and every time I fix things, we end up back at the beginning and he doesn’t change at all, not even a little bit.”There have been many occasions when he has publicly insulted me since I married my wife, which he only does to make me angry and get a reaction from me.”Ahmedhodzic also reckoned his dad had “spoiled my reputation in England” with “completely untrue” statements that he “wanted to leave” the Blades. He insisted: “This is the city and the club that gave me the best memories of my life, including the birth of my son.”The Sweden-born ace, who joined United from Malmo two years later, also fiercely defended his partner.He said: “Saying my wife cast black magic on me is very insulting to me and especially to my wife because she is awesome.”It is very hard to find a woman who will take care of you like she does and I am very lucky that my son has such an amazing mother. Ahmedhodzic saw the Blades drop to the Championship this seasonCredit: Alamy”And then say that he doesn’t let me go to national team matches? It’s ridiculous.””She never missed a match, even when she was nine months’ pregnant… She is my biggest supporter and to say she won’t let me go is stupid, but what do you expect from a narcissist?”I am very disappointed, but not surprised that it has come to this. “I never wanted it to be public, but when you have a father who is actively trying to control you, push you down, and hurt your reputation, I had to do it.”Ahmedhodzic’s dad had earlier said: “No one is a better friend to my son than his parents, but when he listens to the wrong people, what happens to him happens.”That’s not my son anymore, I don’t consider him my son anymore. I wish him well. The best. “I fought the whole war, I was wounded three times. I wanted my son to play for the country that I created with my own blood, but he was turned away by bad people who think only of self-interest.” Ahmedhodzic Senior also suggested his son’s wife and her family had tried to separate Anel from his parents.He added: “I hid my feelings when they asked me how Anela was doing, I hid everything inside me.”It was difficult for me to answer the truth, I always said ‘he’s doing well, we talk to each other, etc.. I defended him. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I thought he would understand, forgive himself, but nothing works. They have it under control.”Ahmedhodzic Junior won a single cap for Sweden in 2020 before switching his allegiance the same year to Bosnia, for whom he played 24 times until apparently now having enough. More