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    Kalvin Phillips reveals why having a dad in and out of prison drove him on to Premier League glory with Man City

    FOOTBALLER KALVIN Phillips has just had the most important year of his career, with a £46million move to Manchester City, playing for England in the World Cup and a treble-winning season.But he knows the odds were stacked against him becoming a superstar due to a poverty-stricken childhood with his dad in prison.
    Kalvin Phillips tells how his upbringing has driven him to strive for successCredit: Getty
    Kalvin’s dad Mark has been in and out of prison throughout his life and is currently serving a 12-year sentenceCredit: Prime Video / NEO Studios
    A new Amazon Prime documentary will see Kalvin talk about growing up on a deprived council estateCredit: Instagram
    Mark Phillips, who has been in and out of jail throughout Kalvin’s life for offences involving violence and drugs, is currently serving a 12-year sentence.
    He has missed his son’s meteoric rise from teen academy player to Premier League and England glory.
    Now the former Leeds midfielder has revealed in new Amazon Prime documentary Kalvin Phillips: The Road To City how life on a deprived estate as the eldest of four kids made him determined to succeed.
    Kalvin, 27, says: “My drive is probably from not having a father figure there.
    READ MORE ON MAN CITY
    “I’ve always wanted to make my mum proud.
    “Dad was in and out of prison.
    “It affected our relationship because we didn’t see him all the time.
    ‘I want to have a better relationship with him’
    “When he went away we knew he wasn’t coming back for a while, which was the worst thing.”
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    Kalvin was born a triplet, although one of the two girls died.
    A 40ft mural of Kalvin appeared in Leeds city centre in 2020Credit: PA
    After his transfer to Man City, Kalvin moved into a plush penthouse apartment with childhood sweetheart Ashleigh BehanCredit: Instagram
    Kalvin speaks about how his dad missed his meteoric rise to Premier League and England gloryCredit: Getty
    Mum Lindsay Crosby, who went on to have another daughter and a younger son, held down two jobs to make ends meet.
    She worked in a cash-and-carry from 9am to 3pm, going home to cook dinner for the four children, then putting in a shift at a pizza takeaway from 7pm to midnight.
    Lindsay also did her best to protect the children from the truth about their dad.
    In the documentary, she explains: “I tried to hide a lot of things from the kids because I didn’t want them to think that this was OK.
    “I used to say he’d gone to work because I didn’t want them to think it was normal to behave like that.”
    The footballer visits the house in Armley, Leeds, where he lived until he was 21, and the pitch where he played for his first team, Wortley, from the age of eight until he was signed to Leeds Academy at 14.
    Best pal Liam Duggan recalls Kalvin’s dad supporting his team between stretches inside.
    He says: “He’d be on the touchline, smoking weed and shouting different things.
    “Kalvin respected his dad a lot.
    “He was the alpha figure and when he wasn’t there, Kalvin took that kind of role.”
    Kalvin rose through the academy ranks and was signed to Leeds United at 19, making his professional debut in 2015 and going on to become one of the club’s most accomplished players.
    In 2020, a 40ft mural of the player, painted by street artist Akse P19, appeared in Leeds city centre.
    “It’s emotional seeing that big mural of his face as you drive through town,” says sister Jade Charlton.
    “It’s crazy. It fills me with pride.”
    While in jail, Mark followed his son’s career with pride and the pair spoke over the phone every couple of weeks.
    Kalvin recalled in an interview with The Times in 2020: “He rang me a couple of weeks after we’d been promoted and said, ‘Listen to this’.
    “All the people who were waiting for a phone call in prison were there, all singing (Leeds anthem) Marching On Together, banging on the walls. It was mad.”
    But as Kalvin honed his footballing skills, he did not reveal to his team-mates that his dad was locked up in Wealstun Prison, just yards from the Leeds training ground.
    Revealing he hasn’t seen his father for seven years, he said: “It was strange, because every time I drove past it I would think about him.
    “When I was young I didn’t want to talk about it but now it’s like, ‘Yeah, my dad’s in prison’. It’s not that big a deal.”
    After his transfer to Manchester City, Kalvin moved in to a plush penthouse apartment overlooking the club’s Etihad Stadium with childhood sweetheart Ashleigh Behan.
    He says in the documentary: “I never thought I’d be so lucky as to live in a house like this, especially if you compare them to where I lived when I was younger.”
    But the programme shows how he dislocates his shoulder 30 minutes into his first game for City — and during his seven-week recovery, thoughts turn to his dad.
    He says: “He’s been in for so long.
    “I don’t want him to think he’s got nowt when he comes out, when obviously we’ve done so well and I’ve done so well.
    “When my dad comes out I just want to try and have a better relationship with him so he doesn’t feel like he’s missed out.”
    Kalvin reveals his guilt at not visiting Mark in prison for seven years.
    He says: “I could have done more to see my dad but I’m very busy and, to be fair, he has said he doesn’t like us to visit him because he doesn’t like us to see him in prison and he doesn’t want us to be in the environment.
    ‘My nan is the only reason why I’m here’
    “Obviously he’s made some wrong decisions but I don’t judge him for them because I’ve heard about the upbringing he had, and it was tough.
    “When he was younger my dad was racially abused all the time — he’s told me that himself.”
    Kalvin also talks about his beloved ‘Granny Val’ who helped raise him and his three siblingsCredit: Instagram
    The £8million-a-year Manchester City star also visits the grave of his beloved “Granny Val”, who helped raise him and his three siblings.
    She died two years ago from Covid and the family were not allowed to visit her in hospital in person because of lockdown, though they made video calls.
    Kalvin says: “I miss my nan every day.
    “I owe Granny Val probably everything that I’ve got right now.
    “I remember her being in hospital and struggling to breathe and we were saying, ‘we love you’.
    “Everyone was very emotional on that call.
    “We knew that was the last time we’d see our gran’s face.
    “If I could give away all my money to spend another hour with her, I would do that.
    “She’s the only reason why I’m here.”
    Throughout the hour-long special, filmed over a year, Kalvin comes across as down-to-earth as he chats to fans and poses with them for selfies outside the Etihad Stadium.
    He says: “I was a very shy kid but if I asked anyone for an autograph, even if they said no, I was starstruck.
    “So if anyone asks me I will go out of my way to sign an autograph or pose for a photo because I remember what it was like to be that kid.”
    In a telling moment, Kalvin returns to his home turf of Elland Road in Leeds, shortly after being labelled “overweight” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and left out of December’s Carabao Cup game against Liverpool.
    He is taunted by fans chanting: “You’re too fat to play for Leeds.”
    But while many Premier League players might have reacted badly to the slur, cheeky Kalvin smiles and applauds the crowd for their jibes.
    Childhood friend Liam insists fame and fortune have not turned his head.
    He says: “Kalvin’s got amazing talent and he’s come from nothing.
    “He’s worked for what he’s got and he’s never changed.
    “That’s a great example for kids that are wanting to follow in his footsteps.”
    After a rocky start at City, rumours are rife that he could be moving on again before next season, possibly to replace Declan Rice following his move from West Ham to Arsenal.
    Yet wherever he is playing in two years’ time, he’ll be looking out for a very special spectator in the crowd.
    The documentary culminates with Kalvin visiting his dad in prison for the first time in seven years — and he is keen to make up for lost time when Mark is released.
    Kalvin says: “He’s only got two more years in the prison and he’s told me exactly what he wants to do when he gets out, which is to come and watch football, and that’s one thing I can help him do.
    Read More on The Sun
    “It will be nice because I’ve not had him there for such a long time.”

    Kalvin Phillips: The Road To City is available on Amazon Prime from tomorrow More

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    Prosecutors reveal why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have been dropped – and ex-footballer WON’T face second trial

    PROSECUTORS have revealed why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have today been dropped. It was this morning revealed that the ex-footballer, 49, won’t face a second trial for allegedly attacking his former partner Kate Greville.
    A prosecutor has revealed why charges against Ryan Giggs have today been droppedCredit: Reuters
    The former Man Utd ace was accused of assaulting the 36-year-old at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
    He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
    The Crown Prosecution Service today revealed it had abandoned the charges ahead of a retrial set to kick off in coming weeks.
    Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
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    The barrister said Kate had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma.
    Mr Wright told the court: “This is not a decision taken lightly.”
    He explained there was no realistic prospect of a conviction on the count of coercive control, telling the court it was no longer in the public interest to proceed to prosecute on the other charges of assault.
    The prosecutor added: “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three.”
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    Judge Hilary Manley then told the court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts.”
    Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
    Chris Daw KC said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.
    “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man.”
    Last August jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial, with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
    In the wake of the allegations last year Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team.
    The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
    Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
    He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
    Kate met Giggs when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture, opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
    In April 2018 she was appointed head of PR and communications for GG Hospitality, the hospitality management firm co-owned by Giggs and former United team-mate Gary Neville.
    She was involved in the launch of their Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre before she took up a new PR consultancy post last July with a former employer.
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    Giggs denied causing her actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
    He also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville. More

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    Benjamin Mendy turns up at local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Man City’s sky blue colours

    BENJAMIN Mendy has turned up to a local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Manchester City’s sky blue colours. The French World Cup winner has wasted no time getting back on the pitch after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape by a jury at Chester crown court on Friday. 
    Benjamin Mendy has been spotted joining a kickaboutCredit: Twitter
    He was wearing Manchester City sky blueCredit: Twitter
    Mendy last played for City in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association
    Mendy, 28, celebrated with pals on Friday evening by going out. 
    And on Sunday he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, for a kickabout with strangers. 
    An onlooker said: “Mendy turned up and asked some lads if he could join in.
    “They couldn’t believe it – getting to play against a Premier League star and a World Cup winner. 
    Read More Football
    “He had a laugh and just enjoyed himself and was happy to shake everyone’s hand at the end and sign autographs.”
    City signed Mendy for £52 million from Monaco in 2017 on a £100,000-a-week six-year deal. 
    But they released him at the end of June, leaving him without a club. 
    The defender is hoping to restart his career in Europe but could move to Saudi Arabia to rebuild his finances. 
    Most read in Football
    He was forced to close down his company BM Sport Consulting after being chased by the taxman for unpaid debts and is fighting off bankruptcy. 
    On Friday he celebrated his freedom after a jury cleared him of being an alleged sexual predator by partying with pals in a nightclub. 
    He smiled for the camera just hours after a jury cleared him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018. 
    He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in his bedroom at his £4.8m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, two years later. 
    A pal of Mendy’s posted video of the French World Cup winner wearing a traditional thobe at his home before posting another video which showed the defender in a black T-shirt smiling as dance music played in the background. 
    Mendy – who kept fit at a gym in Wilmslow, Cheshire, during his trial – broke down in tears in the dock at Chester crown court as he was cleared and later said he was “delighted” with the not guilty verdicts. 
    He last played for City in August 2021.
    The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
    Read More on The Sun
    He had already pocketed £5million but his fast-spending lifestyle quickly caught up with him.
    He also lost heavily in sales of six-bed mansion The Spinney in Prestbury, Cheshire, motors including a Lamborghini and expensive watches.
    Mendy has been cleared of rape More

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    England star Kalvin Phillips reveals how he plans to keep dad out of jail as he serves 12 year sentence behind bars

    KALVIN Phillips has revealed how he plans to keep his dad out of jail as he serves a 12 year sentence behind bars.The Man City star’s dad, Mark, is based at HM Prison Wealstun, which is only a short drive away from Phillips’ previous home in Leeds.
    Kalvin Phillips has spoken of how he wants to help his father once he is out of jailCredit: Getty
    The star won the treble but had a stop-start season at Man CityCredit: Getty
    As a teen, Phillips would often go and see his dad, but those visits to the prison started to become less frequent over the past few years.
    The England ace, 27, said he had driven past the Category C prison every day while at Leeds United.
    He would never visit Mark, incarcerated for a series of crimes, although the pair would speak on the phone.
    But the Prem star recently went in a couple of months ago for around an hour and a half with Phillips describing the meeting “like I’d never been away”.
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    Speaking to MailOnline Phillips said: “I think it was six years since I’d last seen him.
    “It was literally like I’d never been away from him to be honest. He looked a bit older and stuff like that but it was like the last time I saw him. We had a laugh, talked about football, saying how proud he was.”
    Phillips’s father was in and out of prison for much of his son’s childhood.
    He and his three siblings were raised by his hard-working mum Lindsay Crosby and beloved late grandmother Val.
    Most read in Football
    But despite his challenging upbringing, Phillips spoke about how he wanted to “look after” and help his dad be “secure” when he is released from prison.
    The Man City ace said: “Obviously I mentioned about looking after him.
    “To make sure he is secure, so he doesn’t go straight back into prison like he has in the past. He could’ve asked me for anything: for a car, a house, anything.
    “He said all he wants is to be able to travel around the world and watch me play football. That’s obviously something I can help with.”
    And Phillips gave a little more insight into the complex relationship between him and his father saying he “doesn’t have a problem with it”.
    The England international said: “He feels like he’s intruding, because he hasn’t been there through our childhood. He doesn’t want to take up our time, but I always say if he needs to ring, just call.
    “My dad’s one of those people who gets something in his head, like if he’s interrupting, or life gets a little bit too much, he’ll back away as if he’s doing something wrong.”
    The Man City star then spoke of how he is longing for the day his dad will be released in two years so he can come and watch him play.
    He continued: “We’d speak and he wouldn’t call for another two or three months. After I visited him, obviously I said to make sure he rings me. He hasn’t called since.
    “That’s just how he feels, that’s what he is like. I’ve never had a problem with the relationship we’ve had. I’d love him to be out and be in a secure house and be able to come and watch. I’ll have to wait.”
    Phillips joined City for over £40million last summer but injuries and fitness issues limited him to just two league starts.
    Although Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble, Phillips played just 21 times across all competitions for a combined 593 minutes.
    He has largely been on the sidelines for City having been unable to dislodge Rodri from a starting spot.
    Read More on The Sun
    Phillips will hope to build on what has been a inconsistent season after an initial struggle to understand Pep Guardiola’s tactics and a number of injuries.
    In December, Guardiola left Phillips out of the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool because he was “overweight” after a post-World Cup holiday with his girlfriend. More

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    Football star, 20, found dead at home as tributes pour in for ‘amazing’ player who ‘had a bright future’

    A STAR football player has been found dead in her home with tributes pouring in for the “amazing” player.Thalia Chaverria was a junior at New Mexico State University when she was found in her Bakersfield, California home on Monday.
    She helped lead her team to their first conference win in historyCredit: nmstatewsoc instagram
    She had just turned 20 when she diedCredit: nmstatewsoc instagram
    The Las Cruces Police Department have said the death is not thought to be suspicious at this time.
    Tributes have poured in for the gifted young woman.
    Mario Moccia, the director of athletics at NMS, said: “Yesterday, we lost an amazing young woman, and we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a member of our Aggie family.
    “Thalia had a vibrant personality and those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her knew she had a bright future ahead of her.”
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    Thalia helped the football team earn its first conference title in history, friends said.
    She starred in 20 games and was entering her third season as a defender for the Aggies.
    Head coach Rob Baarts said: “The sudden loss of Thalia has completely rocked our Aggie soccer families’ world.
    “She was an inspiration and rock to this team. She will be missed but not forgotten.
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    “Her spirit will be with us everyday, on and off the pitch. I will always love you T!”
    The star football player was found in her homeCredit: nmstatewsoc instagram More

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    Benjamin Mendy’s ‘appetite for sex meant the word ‘No’ doesn’t feature in his dictionary’

    FOOTBALLER Benjamin Mendy’s appetite for sex and control meant “the word ‘No’ does not feature in his dictionary”, his rape trial heard yesterday.Prosecutor Benjamin Aina also claimed of the ex-Man City star, 28: “What he wants, he gets.”
    Footballer Benjamin Mendy’s appetite for sex and control meant ‘the word ‘No’ does not feature in his dictionary’, his rape trial heard yesterdayCredit: Mirrorpix
    Mr Aina added: “Benjamin Mendy had wealth, position in society and access to women who wanted to be in his company and, as he said, he had slept with thousands.
    “He was used to women saying ‘Yes’ but this case is all about what he did when women said ‘No’.
    “How does his ego handle ‘No’?”
    Mr Aina also said: “He does not care about the feelings or views of the women unless they ­coincided with how he feels.”
    READ MORE ON BEN MENDY
    Earlier trial judge Steven Everett, the Recorder of Chester, told the jury that the trial was ” not a court of morals.”
    He told the six men and six women:” You have heard about Mr Mendy’s approach to women in general. Please remember this is a court of law and not a court of morals.
    “If you conclude that you do not approve of Mr Mendy’s lifestyle, it is not a reason for reaching an adverse verdict.”
    The £52million French World Cup winner denies rape and attempted rape.
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    The trial continues at Chester crown court. More

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    Manchester City executive who stole £100,000 from club to pay for gifts and her wedding only has to pay back £2,500

    A FORMER Manchester City executive who stole more than £104,000 from the club to pay for her wedding only has to pay back £2,550.Fiona Barclay, 34, worked as a business development manager within the Premier League champions’ hospitality department, earning up to £30,000 a year.
    Football exec Fiona Barclay was jailed following a trial at Manchester crown courtCredit: MEN Media
    The mum-of-one was jailed in November last year for fraud after swindling huge sums from Manchester City to fund her big day and buy lavish gifts for her husband and family.
    Yet she has now been ordered to pay back just £2,500 at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.
    She was told the news when appearing via video-link from her native Falkirk in Scotland.
    The hearing began with Barclay being asked whether she was alone, before telling the judge she had her seven-week-old baby beside her.
    Read More On Manchester City
    Judge Timothy Smith ruled: “In light of everything uploaded, the benefit figure is £104,934.16, arising out of general criminal conduct. The available amount is £2,550.
    “This must be paid back by October 6.”
    When she was jailed, Manchester crown court heard how Barclay was first rumbled in March last year after accountants flagged a suspicious £25,000 refund.
    When questioned by bosses she claimed she’d transferred £15,000 of the sum into her own bank account “in error”.
    Most read in Football
    But following an investigation, the club discovered Barclay had been stealing from them since June 2019 – more than £104,000 overall.
    She pleaded guilty to an offence of fraud by abuse of position and was sacked by the Etihad Stadium side in March 2021.
    Her barrister Patrick Buckley described Barclay as “utterly disgusted with herself”, adding: “There is nothing in terms of reason or logical reason why she did what she did.”
    She spent less than half of her 18-month sentence in prison, with the rest to be served on licence.
    The latest court hearing was told she had found a new job with a travel firm and informed them about her conviction, while also trying in vain to arrange with City for repayment of the money owed.
    When jailing her for 18 months, Manchester crown court recorder Ciaran Rankin had said: “This is a tragedy – you have thrown so much away because of your dishonesty and, I’m afraid, pure greed.”
    On the pitch, City won an historic treble this past season – claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.
    Mum-of-one Barclay was sentenced tp 18 months in prisonCredit: MEN Media
    Barclay was condemned by the trial judge for her ‘dishonesty’ and ‘pure greed’Credit: MEN Media More

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    Bristol Rovers star Jevani Brown spat at and slapped woman outside nightclub after she tried to stop row with bouncer

    A FOOTBALLER spat at and slapped a woman outside a nightclub after she tried to stop a drunken row with a bouncer.Bristol Rovers striker Jevani Brown left Cara Hutchings with bruises on both sides of her face in the attack.
    Jevani Brown slapped a woman outside a clubCredit: BPM
    The footballer, who was playing for Exeter City at the time, also left another woman terrified he would assault her.
    Brown, 28, has now been fined £5,000 after he admitted assault and criminal behaviour at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
    He was also ordered to pay £350 compensation to both victims and £2,135 in costs and victim surcharge fees.
    The court heard Brown got into an argument with Ms Hutchings and Sophie Davey outside the Vaults nightclub in Exeter in February.
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    The footballer, who did not know either women, had got into a row with a bouncer before turning on Ms Hutchings as she stepped in.
    Brown then spat at the woman, causing her to pull his dreadlocks, before he slapped her twice in the face.
    Ms Davey had rushed over to help her pal when Brown took a step towards her and told her not to get involved.
    She then called police in tears to report the attack and the star was detained.
    Most read in Football
    Torell Hector, defending, read a letter from Brown saying he was “truly sorry” and that alcohol had been a huge factor in his life.
    He also confirmed he is receiving support from the PFA’s Sporting Chance clinic.
    The letter added: “If I had not been under the influence of alcohol the outcome would have been different and I have taken steps since to address my behaviour.”
    Brown began his career at MK Dons before joining Peterborough United.
    He also had stints at Cambridge United and Colchester United before he was signed by Exeter in 2021.
    England-born Brown, who represents Jamaica at an international level, was Exeter City’s top scorer this season with 14 goals and nine assists.
    Brown was playing for Exeter at the timeCredit: Rex More