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    Savage sackings that prove F1 is world’s most cut-throat sport – including star axed by email from PA… on his birthday

    WITHIN days of smashing his car at the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, Logan Sargeant’s career was up in flames too.The Williams driver crashed and burned during practice for the race at Zandvoort, and was swiftly removed from his seat in the team for the rest of the season.Logan Sargeant was axed after crashing out of the Dutch Grand Prix last weekendCredit: GettySargeant’s car was badly damaged at the Circuit Park ZandvoortCredit: GettyMagnussen, with his wife Louise Gjorup, was fired by emailCredit: AlamyMick Schumacher, pictured with girlfriend Laila Hasanovic, was reportedly told he was being released from Haas while standing in a hotel lobbyCredit: InstagramOf course, in the savage world of motor racing, Sargeant, 23, is just the latest in a long line of drivers to be brutally axed without warning.Here, we explore the scandalous sackings that prove Formula One is the world’s most cut-throat business – including the racer unfortunate enough to be let go by email on his birthday.Sacked by PA on his birthdayDanish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.”It was a short paragraph explaining that there would be nothing for me in the future,” recalled Magnussen, now 31. “It arrived on my birthday actually.”A year earlier his predecessor Sergio Perez, 34, had been offered a contract, signed the documents and sent them back to McLaren – only to learn he was being dropped in favour of Magnussen.Most read in Motorsport’Crashgate’ scandalWhen Renault decided to axe Nelson Piquet Junior in 2009 it led to one of the biggest scandals to ever engulf the sport.After Piquet, the son a of a three-time F1 World Champion, failed to score any points at all in the first half of the season, team boss Flavio Briatore fired him.Formula One’s Highest EarnersBut Piquet shot back – alleging that Briatore and other members of the management team had ordered him to deliberately crash out of the Singapore Grand Prix to help teammate Fernando Alonso secure a victory.Renault and Briatore launched criminal proceedings, claiming that Piquet was blackmailing them so he could finish the season.Investigations eventually revealed that Piquet’s claims were true, in what became known as the ‘Crashgate’ scandal.Renault were slapped with a two-year suspended ban by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for conspiring to cause a crash.The aftermath of Nelson Piquet’s crash into a wall at the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2008.Credit: Sutton ImagesNelson Piquet leaves FIA headquarters in Paris after hearing at the World Motor Sports Council as part of the “Crashgate” affair in 2009.Credit: AFPItalian Flavio Briatore in October 2008, shortly before firing Piquet from the Renault team.Credit: EPA”The conditions I had to deal with have been very strange to say the least,” said Piquet later. “There are incidents that I can hardly believe occurred myself.”A manager is supposed to encourage you, support you, and provide you with opportunities. “In my case it was the opposite – Flavio Briatore was my executioner.”‘Dumped by text’Red Bull picked up a reputation for being ruthless right from the start.They were said to be tough on all their drivers, even four-time ChampCar winner Sebastien Bourdais, who signed up to partner with Sebastian Vettel at their team Toro Rosso in 2008.Bourdais car flew as he crashed with team mate Sebastien Buemi, Force India’s Adrian Sutil and Renault’s Nelson Piquet the start of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix in 2009.Credit: ReutersSebastien Bourdais and his wife Claire in the pits after the qualifying session of the French Grand Prix in June 2008.Credit: AFPWhen the Frenchman struggled to make progress, he was swiftly dropped in favour of young Spanish driver Jaime Alguersuari.And he later revealed he had been dumped by a brisk TEXT from team boss Franz Tost.”The way they got rid of me was very disappointing,” said Bourdais. “He did not speak with me. He did not call me. “Everything was done by SMS, which to me has no style.”Tost denied the allegations, saying: “I told Monsieur Bourdais personally that he is not going drive anymore and did not write any SMS.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconDitched for last race over rantAlthough he almost triumphed in the 1990 World Championship for Ferrari, the following year was a disaster for Alain Prost.He finished in fifth place but openly criticised his car at the Japanese Grand Prix.”After a few laps, the shock absorbers no longer worked and the steering was incredibly hard,” said Prost, now 69.”At the end of the race, I said it was like driving a horrible truck, no pleasure.”Prost with Ferrari’s Sporting Director Cesare Fiorio in Portugal back in 1990Credit: GettyProst retired from the 1990 Hungarian Grand Prix after his clutch seized and he spun off the trackCredit: GettyBoss Claudio Lombardi was furious and fired him ahead of the season closer in Australia.Lombardi said later: “The behaviour of Alain Prost during this season has not been at the level that Ferrari would like from a top driver.”His behaviour insider and outside the team meant that Ferrari had to stop the relationship.”Read of sacking on AutosportJolyon Palmer smashed into Romain Grosjean of Haas F1 Team at the Russian Grand Prix in 2017.Credit: EPAPalmer in the pit lane at Silverstone in July 2017.Credit: EPAWhen he was a member of the Renault team in 2017, British commentator Jolyon Palmer, now 33, was replaced by Carlos Sainz.The problem was that nobody had told him and Palmer only realised what was happening when he logged on and saw the news online. “I knew when I read it on Autosport,” he explained.”And then I knew it was true as well, I spoke to some people. “That was it.”Axed by faxHeinz-Harald was supported by wife TanjaCredit: GettyHeinz-Harald crashed into the guard rail during the Monaco time trials in May 1997.Credit: ReutersJordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen was axed by the Irish team midway through 2001 – by fax.His contract was unceremoniously torn up following an exchange of views at Silverstone, which resulted in Frentzen taking Jordan to court.The contract dispute was resolved ‘amicably’ at the end of 2002.Mick SchumacherLast year Mick Schumacher was reportedly told he was being released from Haas while standing in a hotel lobby with team boss Guenther Steiner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe German driver, 25, had failed to secure his seat, and with Haas bringing in veteran Nico Hulkenberg for 2003, he was sacked ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.Steiner told Bild+: “He was certainly suspecting something, he doesn’t live under a rock.”Mick and his partner Laila Hasonovic during the Spanish Grand Prix in June.Credit: GettySchumacher with Haas F1 team’s Italian team principal Guenther SteinerCredit: AFP More

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    How Sven Goran Eriksson’s tragic cancer battle helped him heal relationship with kids…as he admits he’s ‘scared to die’

    WITH a legendary career as a football manager and famously colourful love life behind him, Sven Goran Eriksson was looking forward to a long and settled retirement.But England’s first foreign coach was left reeling when he was been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer – after waking up and feeling dizzy.In a new documentary, Sven gave football players, coaches and fans one final goodbyeCredit: PAThroughout his illustrious career, he has won the admiration of his peers and football criticsCredit: GettyIn the film, he talks about how he had a good life and where his final resting place could beCredit: Amazon PrimeHe made history when he became England’s first-ever foreign managerCredit: PA:Press AssociationAs he was rushed to intensive care, his daughter Lina called her brother Johan to tell him: “Dad is in the emergency room. And he’s not in a good way.”The family went into “panic mode” when they discovered that Sven had suffered five strokes. His situation was so dire that it left doctors in tears when delivering the news. In January, he stunned the world by revealing that he had “about a year to live”.And in a new heart-wrenching Amazon Prime documentary, set to premiere today, Sven opens up about his incredible life and career and coming to terms with having months to live.READ MORE FEATURES Reflecting on receiving the agonising diagnosis from his home in Sunne, Sweden, Sven says: “It was a shock. It’s one of those which will not go away. “But you can slow them down hopefully. I have no pain but I know it’s there. One day it will take you. Before that day, live instead of sitting down thinking about what and when it will happen.”Now, Sven is determined to take life one day at a time and tries not to think too much about what lies ahead. “I always feel bad to plan the future”, he says.”Most read in Football”I take it as it comes. I know what I have and I know life will not last forever. Far away from that but I’m okay.”Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, reveals he has cancer and has ‘at best a year to live’In the film, Sven bravely opens up about his cancer battles and reveals his fearsCredit: Amazon PrimeHe talks about how scared he is but also reveals how he has come to terms with cancerCredit: Amazon PrimeIn the film, Sven revealed that he was still undergoing treatment that will help slow down the progress of the cancer. He solemnly says: “The medicine… we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m sort of scared. It takes a little bit of time before we can accept it. I’m still here.”According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 9,600 pancreatic cancer deaths every year, which comes to 26 deaths a day.Researchers also say only five per cent of people diagnosed with the disease survive for ten years or more. Confronted with the horrific reality that the disease will eventually take his life, Sven explains how he has been able to process the harrowing situation. He says: “I had a good life, yes. I think we are all scared of the day it will finish – when you die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”The manager, who has won 18 cups also says: “I had a good life, maybe too good, you have to pay for it.”His positive outlook has been evident ever since he was diagnosed with the disease.In an emotional interview with Channel 4 in March, he said: “You appreciate waking up in the morning and feeling well and normally you don’t do that. “You take it for granted. In the beginning, when you get the diagnosis coming from nowhere, it’s like a shock, but after a while, you learn to live with it.”I had a good life, yes. I think we are all scared of the day it will finish – when you die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”Sven Goran ErikssonOne of the documentary’s most gut-wrenching moments is when Sven offers his last goodbye and thanks players, coaches, and fans.He says: “Today I have a normal life and I am not thinking about what’s going to happen tomorrow or the day after. Otherwise, you sit, do not, and think pity of yourself. No. Leave it. “I don’t talk about it very much. It is what it is. I can’t beat it, probably. Anyhow, life is beautiful.”Hopefully at the end people will say he was a good man but everyone will not say that. I hope you will remember me as [a] positive, getting to do everything he could.”Don’t be sorry. Smile. Thank you for everything. Coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life and live it. Bye.”Sven has even identified Fryken Lake, near his Swedish home, as a possible final resting place.Explaining his decision, he says: “I always thought it’s a great place to sleep,” he said. “The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”Reconnection with childrenLina with her dad and his partner YanisethCredit: RexLina and Johan Eriksson appear in the documentary to speak about their dad’s devastating diagnosisCredit: Andrew TimmsSven and his kids have now reconnected after his cancer diagnosisCredit: YouTube / Amazon Prime Video SportSven with his ex-wife and son Johan in 1988Credit: AlamyBefore Sven’s highly publicised relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio and his affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and Farria Alam, he was married to Ann-Christine Pettersson. The pair were married between 1977 and 1994. According to him, the relationship ended because he cheated on her with Graziella Mancinelli. They had two children together – son Johan, 45, who now works as a football agent and Lina, 37. They have both rallied behind him during his difficult times and appear in the documentary. But it wasn’t always a smooth ride for the family. In the film, Sven opens up about questioning his parenting during the breakdown of his marriage. He says: “When you get divorced, you feel bad – and I did. At that time I don’t think I was a great dad. But before that and after that I guess I was okay. “It’s good to see that the children found the right way and have a good life. I am proud of them. Extremely proud.”Lina also talks about reconnecting with her father and how difficult it has been to see him go through cancer. She says: “He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t. “Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.””I think it has taken time to process and I think he has come a long way now than initially”, Lina adds. “It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenager. “You realise the value of life and that what you thought was important is really not that important.”He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t. Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.”Lina ErikssonLina also spoke about her father’s fears of his treatment being stopped if he shows signs of the side effects he’s suffering. “He really wants to continue with the treatment to try and stop the growth of the cancer as much as possible”, she says. “So for him, any kind of side effect or challenge or anything like that, he just tries to fight it because he’s so scared that they will stop the treatment for him.”In a touching and emotional moment, she adds: “It’s hard to imagine life without him.”Partner’s ‘hope’Sven has been with his partner Yaniseth for the past 16 yearsCredit: RexIn his autobiography, Sven revealed how they met on a night out in Mexico CityCredit: AlamyThe happy couple with friends and family, including Yaniseth’s sonCredit: AlamyFollowing his divorce Sven has a nine-year relationship with lawyer and Strictly star Nancy Dell-Olio and well documented affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Allam, who appears in the documentary.Talking candidly in the documentary, he says “sex is one of the good things in life for all of us” and Nancy, 62, reveals how much she loved being “the first lady of football.”But for the last 15 years, Sven has been in a relationship with Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, a former exotic dancer he met in a nightclub in Mexico City.Yaniseth mainly speaks Spanish. Thankfully, Sven is bilingual and had no problem communicating with her when they first met.In his autobiography he revealed that she approached him and “said her name was Yaniseth and that she worked as a dancer a a restaurant and nightclub not far away.”She invited me to come and watch her when she danced.”Sven’s ex Nancy appears in the documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe pair had a stormy nine year romanceCredit: GettySymptoms of pancreatic cancerPANCREATIC cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages.As the cancer grows and you do begin to show signs, these may come and go and be unspecific, making it hard to diagnose, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.Common symptoms include:Indigestion – a painful, burning feeling in your chest with an unpleasant taste in your mouthTummy or back pain – it may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back, which get worse lying down and feel better is you sit forwardDiarrhoea and constipation – see a GP if you have runny poos for more than seven days, especially if you’ve lost weight as wellSteatorrhoea – pale, oily poo that’s bulky, smells horrible and floats, making it hard to flushLosing a lot of weight without meaning toJaundice – yellow skin and eyes, as well as dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin After chatting and swapping numbers, he invited her to dinner in his apartment the next day.The following year, Yaniseth, who had a five-year-old son then, visited Sweden for the first time and spent Christmas with him and his children.Friends describe his devotion to the 54-year-old as “second to none” and say his two children are “fond of her”.In the film, she tearfully speaks about how hopeful she is that Sven can still beat the disease. “I’m trying to be calm for his sake because he’s making such a huge effort”, she says. “We’ve been together fifteen years and I’m hoping that we’ll be together for many years to come. I’ll never lose this hope. I can’t.”Yaniseth has been a source of support for Sven and continues to stand by his side in his last days. We’ve been together fifteen years and I’m hoping that we’ll be together for many years to come. I’ll never lose this hope. I can’t.Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo MendozaEarlier this year, she was pictured next to him at a Swedish sports awards ceremony as he received a standing ovation from the audience.Afterwards, she gave a brief interview to Swedish media and gushed about her man. She said: “It feels good to be by Sven’s side. There are so many people who come forward and say nice things. Now I understand how big he is.”Sven appears to share Yaniseth’s hope. In January, he spoke about his determination to “fight as long as I can”. Wooed by yoga talkFARIA Alam has revealed that she fell for Sven-Goran Eriksson because he had charmed her by talking about art, poetry and yoga.She had a fling with the Swede after joining the FA as a secretary in 2003.Speaking about it in the Amazon Prime documentary Sven, Faria, now 58, said: “He didn’t have the mindset of a super-rich man. He talked to me about poetry, he talked to me about art.“He was saying how he did yoga and things like that.“And I just fell in love with him, I guess. And that lit the fuse for all this to explode.” But the lovers were found out. At first, the FA denied it but emails not only proved it but confirmed that she also had a relationship with the FA chief Mark Palios.Sven, 76, says: “I felt very sorry for her. She lost the job and two members of the FA lost the job.”Faria signed two deals to sell her story for £300,000 after she had resigned — on the advice of Sven.But she was hurt by being portrayed as a “disgusting gold digger person”. She says on the show: “I’m the person that’s the bad person, and I was the scapegoat for them to be relieved of any responsibility.”Incredible careerSven has had the life and career most football coaches can only dream ofCredit: GettySven has had a successful career as a manager with 18 trophies to his nameCredit: RexSven is one of the most respected coaches in all of the sport and has won the admiration of players such as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. His management career began in Sweden, but his rise to prominence came when he found success with Benfica in Portugal.He then moved to Italy, where he managed multiple clubs. But his biggest success there came when he led Lazio to win several trophies. In 2001, he made history by becoming England’s first-ever foreign coach. He took the team to three major tournaments – the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, and the World Cup in 2006. He reached the quarterfinals in all three competitions. The penalties defeat at the hands of Portugal in the 2006 World Cup was his last game with England. Since then, he has managed other teams, including Premier League side Manchester City and the Mexican and Ivory Coast national teams. In his documentary, David Beckham said: “I loved him from day one. He made me captain. The confidence he had in me was so important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The way he protected the players, the way he treated the players, it was a breath of fresh air.” SVEN is on Prime Video in the UK, Ireland and Nordics on August 23.Players such as David Beckham have sang the praises of Sven-Goran ErikssonCredit: ReutersHe has won 18 trophies in an incredible career that has spanned decadesCredit: Reuters More

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    Mafia handed me £100k in Sainsbury’s bag to fix football matches…I’m haunted by chilling warning to players who refused

    SPEEDING through London with £100,000 in cash in the footwell of his car, footballer Moses Swaibu knew he had just crossed over into the dark side of the beautiful game.Moses had been paid by a foreign organised crime group to fix the match between his Conference side Bromley and Eastbourne.Moses Swaibu, a talented footballer, got engaged in match-fixing after getting paid thousands of poundsCredit: RexHe previously played for teams such as Crystal Palace, Lincoln City, and BromleyCredit: GettyHis Lincoln City teammate Delroy Facey was also involved in the schemeCredit: Newsteam – SWNSBusinessmen Chann Sankaran and Krishna Ganeshan were also convicted for match fixingAnd instead of feeling guilty, Moses was hungry for more. He was no longer a professional footballer, he was a professional match fixer.He had the power to control score lines and make millions for overseas betting cartels.Somehow he had gone from being named Crystal Palace’s Young Player of the year, to trusted lieutenant in an organised crime group rigging football matches and making vast sums of money by betting on the results.But his actions were going to send shockwaves through the English football league – and land Moses and other players in prison.READ MORE FEATURESSwaibu was jailed for 16 months in 2015 following an undercover newspaper investigation into match fixing.He and another player, Delroy Facey were convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery following a trial in Birmingham.Two businessmen – Chann Sankaran and Krisna Ganeshan – along with footballer Michael Boateng, were also convicted of attempting to fix football games at an earlier trial.Moses, 35, now works to help prevent young players getting involved in illegal betting and has shared his story for a new BBC Sounds podcast, Confessions of a Match Fixer.Most read in Football“I drove across London with piles of cash in my car and learned how to identify which footballers could be made to throw a match,” he says. “I betrayed the game I loved.”Experts say match-fixing is not a victimless crime. The organised crime gangs behind the scams are often involved in drugs, prostitution and other criminal activities which the money feeds into.Ex footballer Delroy Facey arrives in court on match-fixing chargesMoses Swaibu had a promising career as a footballer but got involved with dangerous people, he saysCredit: GettyMoses says he only realised the scale of what he had done when he went to prisonCredit: EyevineMoses adds: “I went from promising youth player to working with some pretty dangerous people. I got in deep not realising how dangerous this world could be.“The thing is. It was only when I was in prison when I realised what I had done.”Moses grew up in Croydon after his Ugandan refugee parents split and he moved in with his dad.But his super-strict dad would lock the door of the house if Moses wasn’t back from school at a certain time each day, which meant Moses would spend his nights riding night buses or sleeping on a neighbour’s sofa.€60,000 in duffel bagDelroy Facey was Moses’ teammate and best friend at Lincoln CityCredit: EmpicsMoses says he was shown €60,000 in Delroy’s room when he was first given an opportunity to fix a matchCredit: AlamyFootball saved him when he joined a local youth team and was scouted by Crystal Palace and offered a two year contract.But instead of fulfilling his early potential, changes of management and his slight physique meant Moses slipped down the leagues and ended up at Lincoln City.Delroy Facey was his teammate at Lincoln and best friend. But strange things started to happen. Moses explains: “People were turning up to the training ground wanting to know where he was. And there was another thing too. Delroy would go around asking players for loans.”The players were staying in a hotel for an away match against Northampton when Delroy called Moses and a couple of others down to his room.“There was a white guy standing up, tall well-built,” says Moses. Delroy was sitting on the bed. Then Del opened the duffle bag and there was 60k in Euros. I was thinking in that moment, what the hell is going on? €60,000 if we lose tomorrow we can split it.“In my eye line I was looking at this guy. He looked like something stereotypical you see in a film. He is like a scary Russian bad guy from a film. “He was like, don’t worry, no pressure. If you guys get the score right tomorrow everybody is happy and you can go away. Does anyone want to take it? Sleep with it and let me know how you feel.“I am looking at this guy and he is like who wants to sleep with the money? I’ve never seen that type of money in my life let alone in that moment.”But Moses and the others decided not to get involved and the money was returned to the Russian.However that was not going to be Moses’ last experience of match-fixing.’Any means necessary’ Moses says he became keen on match-fixing and was willing to take the money by ‘any means necessary’Credit: AlamyAt one point, Moses was driving around London with £100,000 in his possessionCredit: RexHe made another move to conference side Bromley. After an initial great start, the team started to struggle, Moses had disagreements with the manager and his girlfriend was pregnant. Money suddenly mattered much, much more to him.In August 2012, he was approached by a team-mate inviting him to a meeting with match fixers. Moses knew there could be £60k in it for him and he needed five players – and he knew he had to approach the vulnerable ones.He says: “I knew going into that meeting there could be £60k that I would be willing to take by any means necessary.”They met at the Mayfair Hotel – Moses, his team-mates, a recently retired player from another team and the foreign match fixer with a translator.“The translator was very specific with what he wanted,” he recalls. “We need you guys to lose 2-0 in the first half only. So whenever those goals come, just make sure it is 2-0 in the first half. After that, go and play normal. Whilst we were given instructions, he gave us the bag. “I remember at that time we were already getting brown paper bags from Bromley with our wages. I felt the weight and I was like ‘sh**.’ The translator said keep the money, if you don’t want to fix the game, keep the money. Thank you for coming to the meeting. We all took the bag and he was like tomorrow let us know whether you guys want to do it.”The guys had been given £5k each. And they were set to make much more – the players were set to pocket £100k between the five of them if they got the result.“For the fix to be successful we had to be 2-0 down by half time. I remember that game like it was yesterday. You know when you play some away games there is something in the air, floodlights are lit, pitch is flat, but all I can think about was that if this is actually true, there is still an element of this is too good to be true.”The team got the result the match fixers wanted and, after the match, Moses got a call from the syndicate’s middleman to go and get their money.“He looked like a student, and the money came in Sainsbury’s bags,” he says. “I remember as he handed it over the car windows, he just put it in the footwell. I’m driving through London with £100,000 in the footwell.“When I am driving back, obviously I have never had that amount of money in my possession ever. It wasn’t until I got back to the hotel and I saw the glint in everyone’s eyes. Remember they are thinking they are getting £20k, and I am like nah, I am taking a third of it.“I quickly realised these lot ain’t really my friends. So why am I treating them like an equal. So I gave them some money and they were pissed off, like nah man you are ripping us off. “I was like this is the way it is man. I asked them one question, I said if you want in, you have got to be 100, if not, this is going to happen with or without you.”Soon Moses and the syndicate had cut out the middleman and he was dealing directly with the bosses.They wanted to avoid the big higher league matches and concentrate on the lower leagues to avoid scrutiny, with high stakes bets being placed across Asia on matches between little-known English clubs.I remember as he handed it over the car windows, he just put it in the footwell. I’m driving through London with £100,000 in the footwell.Moses SwaibuThe syndicate recruited Moses to identify which players to approach to fix matches across the conference, and then to make payments to those players after they had done what they said they were going to do.And Moses was good at it. He estimates he was helping his criminal bosses earn up to £1m a match – and Moses was loving it, not just the money, but the power too.“It wasn’t a thrill, it was an addiction,” he says. “I was getting money fast and quick.”DownfallWhile Moses was riding high, he had no idea that cops were closing in on himCredit: AlamyFootballer Michael Boateng contacted Moses about a discussion about match-fixingCredit: PABut if Moses was in denial about the criminality of his actions, he was soon to get a stark reminder.In a chilling warning, some players who didn’t fix a game they were meant to were each given a bullet to take home.“It didn’t cross my mind once whether someone’s livelihood or life is going to be jeopardised because this is what I am doing, this is how I am going to execute, why am I going to care about anybody else? I just didn’t care,” he says.Moses was so focused on himself that he wasn’t paying attention to the fact that the authorities were closing in and scrutinising suspicious betting activity in his league.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.And it is hardly surprising, seeing as one lowly Conference South match, played in front of a handful of supporters, between Welling and Billericay, attracted more bets than Barcelona.He moved to Whitehawk before retiring from football in 2013. It was around this time he was caught up in the undercover investigation which led to his downfall. He got a phone call from Delroy Facey who said some “Singaporean guys” were new investors and were offering £60,000.He was also contacted by a player he knew from his days at Crystal Palace, Michael Boateng, whom Swaibu put in touch with Facey.Swaibu was suspicious when Boateng told him a “white guy” wanted to meet them to discuss the fix. They went to an Indian restaurant and the men handed over cash to Swaibu. He left the restaurant  only to be arrested by waiting police.On leaving prison Swaibu contacted the FA to provide information about the fixing syndicate and has visited clubs to talk about the dangers.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe now works with players to ensure that they can speak up if they are approached, saying: “The last thing you want to do is end up in the position I was in.”Confessions of a Match Fixer is available on BBC Sounds.Moses has now turned his life around and speaks about the impact of match-fixingCredit: APMoses, who refused to show his face while arriving at court, was sentenced to 16 months behind barsCredit: AlamyDelroy Facey was jailed for two and a half years for his role in match-fixingCredit: AlamyIn 2015, Michael was given a lifetime ban from football after admitting chargesCredit: PA More

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    How daughter’s sad words saved Kellie Maloney from suicide – as she calls out ‘shameful’ Olympic bosses over gender row

    SHE turned the boxing world upside down when she revealed she was transgender and spoke out about the inner turmoil her gender battle had caused her.Now, a decade on, Kellie Maloney has slammed Olympic bosses over the current gender row – saying they should “hang their head in shame.”Kellie Maloney managed British boxing champion Lennox Lewis at the height of his careerCredit: AP:Associated PressKellie speaks out in biographical docu-film Knock Out Blonde, which is out nowCredit: IconAlgeria’s Imane Khelif celebrates after defeating Hungary’s Anna HamoriCredit: APAlgeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting have been allowed in the ring in the women’s boxing, despite both being disqualified from the World Championships last year after failing the International Boxing Association gender eligibility tests.The IBA declared they both had “XY chromosomes” – which indicated a person is biologically male – although Imane has fiercely denied claims of cheating, insisting she is a woman.Ahead of a new documentary, Knock Out Blonde, former boxing manager Kellie – born Frank – tells The Sun: “I think the Olympic committee should hang its head in shame for allowing this fight to happen… What were they playing at?“This will only bring boxing into more disrepute and may get it banned from the Olympics in the future or may see more women refuse to take part.READ MORE FROM FEATURES“Under no circumstances should a transgender woman or women with high-level testosterone be allowed to compete in female boxing. “Boxing is too dangerous as a sport to give anyone such an advantage and eventually could cause serious health and damage to the opponent.” Kellie – who has had gender reassignment surgery – say the subject of transwomen participating in women’s sport is “a toxic issue”. However, there’s no doubt in her mind when it comes to boxing. She adds: “Definitely no to any form of combat sport, like the world I come from. Most read in Boxing”There are certain sports where it’s not a problem – darts, snooker, show-jumping or horse-rising – but I refer to the sporting bodies for guidance.”Kellie, now 71, also opens up about the heartbreaking moment in 2010 when she broke down and told wife Tracey, “I’m a woman” as well as the multiple suicide attempts and the poignant plea from daughter Emma that turned her around. ‘Jack the Lad’Knock Out Blonde: The Kellie Maloney Story TrailerThe boxing manager told everything to ex-wife Tracey in 2010, who offered to ‘live a lie’ to keep their family togetherCredit: Daily MirrorIt was a shock for many when Frank, who led Lennox Lewis to become the first British undisputed heavyweight champion in a century, told the world that she had been born in the wrong body back in 2014 – a decade ago this month – and would be known as Kellie.Throughout her career, she had carved a reputation as a fierce force to be reckoned and a ‘Jack the Lad’ character with a penchant for flashy and flamboyant suits. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, ahead of her biographical documentary Knock Out Blonde which is available to stream today, Kellie says living two lives nearly killed her.Now 71, she tells us: “It felt like these two sides of me were pulling me apart. I had fought so hard all of my life not to give in. Living two lives was killing me. “It was this constant battle. Frank would say, ‘You’re the manager of the world heavyweight champion, you’ve got a family, children, and responsibilities. You can’t do this.’“Then Kellie would say, ‘You are a female. You’ve got to be true to yourself because you’re destroying everything.’”The promoter spent more than £100,000 altering her appearance including multiple facial feminising ops, a nose job, and having 400g breast implants to give her B or C-cup breasts. But it wasn’t until having gender reassignment surgery in March 2015, that she finally felt like the woman she always knew she was.Kellie said: “The most important part was the actual vagina” adding that when she looked at herself in a mirror “I cried tears of happiness.  I was finally seeing the real me in the mirror. It felt amazing. “I always said, ‘Managing Lennox Lewis was like winning the lottery’ but this was like winning three lotteries.”Kellie, who was raised in an Irish Catholic family in Peckham, was three years old when she recognised she was “very different from all the other boys” around her.She preferred female company, longed to go shopping instead of playing sports and noticed her dreams were very different from her two brothers. Kellie told the documentary: “When my parents asked, ‘What did you dream about?’ I would go, ‘I’ve not really dreamt anything’. How could I tell my parents that in all of my dreams I was a girl?”Kellie after one facial feminising operation in 2014Credit: Sunday MirrorShe gave the impression that she was a ‘womaniser’ while living as FrankCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut Kellie, seen with her dad above, knew from the age of three that she was differentCredit: IconShe came out to the world as transgender in 2014 and soon after went on Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: Rex FeaturesRaised by a ‘tough’ traditional father, she buried her feelings to fit in and married young, tying the knot with first wife Jackie at 21 and having a daughter, Emma, soon after. She “fell in love” with boxing after seeing Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s 1971 Madison Square Garden clash – and starting fighting classmates when she was picked on due to her small stature.At 5ft 2in tall, Kellie knew her chances of going professional were slim, so opted to become a trainer to get as close to the ring as possible.In 1989, Kellie signed Lennox Lewis, then a promising young British-Canadian, who had already scooped a gold medal at the Olympics and won 85 bouts as an amateur.She said: “That’s when it all changed for me. I would have been totally bankrupt and that’s the truth, to the tune of £80,000 in debt.“I wanted to be a big player in boxing and succeed because I failed as an actual boxer and to walk down that same walk that Joe Frazier and Mohamed Ali did.“I wanted to climb into the ring and walk away with three belts and with the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. It was every boy’s dream.”Olympic committe should ‘hang its head in shame’ over gender row, says Kellie MaloneyA ROW over two fighters being eligible to partake in women’s boxing has overshadowed the Paris 2024 Olympics.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting are guaranteed to get medals despite questions being raised about their participation.It follows them both being disqualified from the World Championships last year due to the International Boxing Association declaring both boxers failed gender eligibility tests. The IBA, which was stripped of its status as the sports in 2023, declared they both had “XY chromosomes” – which indicated a person is biologically male. There are rare instances where women can have a Y chromosome, such as when they are ‘intersex’ , medically known as DSDs – differences in sexual development. This means a person could have female genitalia but a male chromosome. Others have claimed it could be a sign of a transgender woman entering the women’s category.Imane has fiercely fought back against claims of cheating, insisting she is a woman, and refuted complaints about her being ineligible to participate.But many in the sporting field have criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Khelif and Yu-ting to participate. KellieMaloney, a former boxing manager who is transgender, tells The Sun: “I think the Olympic committee should hang its head in shame for allowing this fight to happen… What were they playing at?“This will only bring boxing into more disrepute and may get it banned from the Olympics in the future or may see more women refuse to take part.“Under no circumstances should a transgender woman or women with high-level testosterone be allowed to compete in female boxing. “Boxing is too dangerous as a sport to give anyone such an advantage and eventually could cause serious health and damage to the opponent.” Kellie says the subject of transwomen participating in women’s sport is “a toxic issue”. However, there’s no doubt in her mind when it comes to boxing. She adds: “Definitely no to any form of combat sport, like the world I come from. “There are certain sports where it’s not a problem – darts, snooker, show-jumping or horse-rising – but I refer to the sporting bodies for guidance.”Kellie, who believes Khelif and Yu-ting should be banned, adds: “Women should boycott the rest of the games. That would make the Olympic committee sit up and act wisely and sensibly.”’Womaniser’ guiseDuring her career, Kellie had become a master of disguise. She buried her longing to be a woman behind copious amounts of booze, work and two marriages. Two years after signing Lennox, Kellie and Jackie had split up. By 1997, she married Tracey, with whom she had two more daughters, Sophie and Libby. Kellie hid her true self from everyone as she forged a career in boxing – a sport known for it’s hypermasculinity.She tells us: “The guys would pay for me to have lap dances but whenever I got inside I would just say to the woman, ‘You don’t have to dance, just chat with me for five minutes. The counsellors told me, the day you take off the lid of Pandora’s box and let Kellie out, you will never be able to put that lid back onKellie Maloney“I gave the impression of being a man about town and a bit of ladies’ man but I never really was like that. I just found it easy to talk to women.”In secret, Kellie was researching more about being transgender and bought ‘fetish magazines’ about people who were transitioning.She didn’t speak to anyone about her gender dysphoria, fearing she would never be accepted as a woman – especially by her peers. During a boxing convention in Thailand, Kellie recalls: “We were chatting about the beautiful woman an American promoter had taken home.“But he said, ‘I put my hand down her knickers and she had a bigger pair than me… so I kicked the f*** out of her.’Kellie recalls being ‘stressed’ constantly while living as FrankCredit: Les Gallagher – The Sun GlasgowLennox became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world under Kellie’s tutelageCredit: IconHer ex-wife Tracey says she was willing to ‘live a lie’ to protect Kellie’s secret in the docCredit: Icon“I realised how could I ever tell these people how I felt inside when this was what they thought of transgender people?”  By 1999, Kellie had consulted gender doctors and was beginning to experiment. In New York, she attended a trans-friendly bar where she could dress as a woman away from prying eyes. She said: “I went there and a couple of gay guys dressed me and did my make-up and took me upstairs, where these guys were sat. “It was quite seedy. One started touching me, saying ‘You’re very beautiful, do you want to get to know me? There are plenty of rooms.’ I freaked out and left.”I don’t understand what you are going through but I would prefer to have my dad in a dress than in a wooden boxEmma, Kellie’s daughterOn her way home, she realised she had forgotten her wife’s birthday and a commitment to host a press dinner for Lennox ahead of his first of two fights against Evander Holyfield, the second of which led him to be crowned world champion.Opening Pandora’s boxKellie resigned from Lennox’s team in 2001 shortly after the boxer’s defeat to Hasim Rahman. She went on to manage others, including Darren Sutherland, who took his own life in 2009. The trauma of finding the Irish boxer’s body at his home after a concerning phone call, caused Kellie to have a heart attack. That year, she continued to struggle. She found herself drinking heavily, battling insomnia and speaking to numerous counsellors.  She explained: “The counsellors told me, the day you take off the lid of Pandora’s box and let Kellie out, you will never be able to put that lid back on.”Kellie recalls the heartbreaking moment in 2010 when broke down and confessed all to her wife, Tracey, who was deeply concerned that “nothing seemed to make him happy”.Kellie with daughters Emma (left), Libby (middle) and SophieCredit: IconThe boxing manager was married to Tracey from 1997 until 2012Credit: Dan Charity – The SunNow Kellie lives a quieter life, split between Portugal and the UKCredit: IconKellie recalls: “She put her arms around me. I looked at her and went, ‘I don’t know how to say this, I’m like you. I’m a woman.’ I saw the change in her eyes and from that moment onwards, I knew my marriage was over.” Despite the admission, Tracey says she was “willing to live a lie” and “keep the secret forever” to keep their family together, but Kellie knew that wasn’t an option and started to live as a woman in private. In 2014, Kellie came out to the world and that same year entered Celebrity Big Brother, for which she was reportedly paid £400,000 – the highest fee offered at the time. “It was the wrong decision, I wasn’t ready but I was very hot property at the time. Everybody wanted me and I was being offered quite a bit of money,” she says. “I wish I’d waited a year. I was a very weak person when I first transitioned, I was so afraid of rejection, failure and ridicule. “Frank helped me get through all of that. Now I’m much stronger. If I went on Celebrity Big Brother today I’d probably win it.”I remember exact words to me, she said, ‘This is some f***ing joke, isn’t it?’ It was frightening and horribleKellieHousemates inside the Big Brother house are cut-off from the outside world but Kellie says she was allowed to telephone her counsellors and had “a session most days”. Suicide attemptsReaching the point where she came out was no easy journey, with Kellie admitting she attempted to end her life four times – before and after transitioning. She says: “I tried to end my life multiple times, I felt that I had lost everything and really wanted to die at first.”After one suicide attempt, daughter Emma told her: “I don’t understand what you are going through but I would prefer to have my dad in a dress than in a wooden box.” The last suicide attempt followed getting “mixed up with the wrong people” when she started seeing a woman, whose family wanted her to be Frank.“This person said to me if only I could bring back Frank we could have a really lovely relationship and it really freaked me out… it got to the point where my head was so confused and mixed up,” Kellie says. Kellie hasn’t spoken to Lennox since parting company in 2001Credit: GettyThe boxing promoter with her dogs shortly after coming out in 2014Credit: Kevin Dunnett – The SunKellie with daughters Libby and SophieCredit: WENNShe was drinking heavily and, on the night of the attempt, recorded messages for each of her children before taking “every pill that I could find”.Thankfully, Kellie – who was staying in Portugal – was found by her friend and counsellor Jan, who quickly rushed her to hospital.Later, when she tried to take her life again, Emma pleaded: “What are you doing dad? We need you in our life?” Emma gave her a note to read in hard times about focusing on the future instead of present-day struggles. Kellie still reads it regularly. ‘Frank’s not dead’Kellie admits telling her youngest daughter Libby was “the hardest” thing for her because “she was 11 years old and I was destroying her life”.She recalls: “I remember exact words to me, she said, ‘This is some f***ing joke, isn’t it?’ It was frightening and horrible.”I learned a lot from Frank, I never died, I just changed my outside covering.KellieSimilarly, Kellie’s brother Eugene didn’t initially approve, telling the documentary: “When it first came out, if I had seen Kellie I’d have killed her.” But over time, their opinions shifted as they realised she was still the person they knew and loved, just with a “changed outside covering” as Kellie says.She’s bonded with her daughters over choosing outfits and learning make-up skills and Eugene eventually said: “She’s a lot happier as Kellie than she was as Frank. I just wish she hadn’t taken 60 f***ing years to do it.”Kellie, who splits her time between the UK and Portugal, says she enjoys a quieter life and is the happiest she has been in many years.“I’m not hiding from anybody now. I don’t have to put on this persona,” she tells us. “I don’t have to be this Jack the Lad or this tough, little South London Cockney character that drank champagne and said what he wanted without even thinking. Kellie at a boxing match in 2016Credit: GettyKellie believes having lived as Frank and a woman has helped her to become a better personCredit: Dan Charity – The SunShe says her daughters Libby (left) and Sophie initially struggled to accept her transition but now they are extremely closeCredit: RexWhile Kellie likes to help others, she insists she is “no trans activist” as she believes the “transgender umbrella is far too big” She says: “We know we are not biological women and accept we are medically constructed women, our bodies have been modified to match our brains. “The term transgender covers about 71 or more types of people. You can’t pull us all under the same thing, for example gender neutral will never have an operation or go what we went through.”She also believes women’s spaces “must be protected” and only transgender women, who have undergone gender reassignment should be able to use them“Let’s put it bluntly, if you have a penis, you should not be able to go in and strip off,” Kellie says. “Once you have had surgery you are not a threat to any other woman.”Despite having publicly lived as a woman for 10 years now, Kellie says there are occasions when she’s referred to “as Frank” – but it doesn’t bother her. She says: “I don’t find that disrespectful because to me he is not dead. Frank is a part of Kellie, as much as Kellie is a part of Frank. “People have known me by that name for 60 years and life’s too short to worry about things like that so long as it’s not malicious or nasty.“Some transgender people believe their male side no longer exists after transitioning but that’s not true for me I believe combining the two made me a much better person.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I learned a lot from Frank, I never died, I just changed my outside covering.”Knock Out Blonde: The Kellie Maloney Story is available on the Icon Film Channel today and airs in select cinemas from September 9. More

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    Lucy Pinder’s glam life from lads mags cover girl and topless modelling to dating Captain America and now a top manager

    SHE was the lads’ mag pin-up that defined the noughties, and now she’s dating a Premier League manager.With her voluptuous curves and girl-next door charm, stunning Lucy Pinder, 40, made her name as a cover star for FHM, Loaded, and Nuts.Lucy Pinder is the former lads’ mag pin-up who has stolen a Prem manager’s heartCredit: PA:Press AssociationStunning Pinder was a staple of men’s lifestyle titles in the early 2000’sCredit: AlamyPinder has gone public with Saints boss Russell MartinAustralian men’s lifestyle title Ralph once declared that she had the “Best Breasts in the World’.Now, she has gone public with Southampton boss Russell Martin.Martin, 38, has grown close to Lucy in recent months and the “besotted” pair were recently turning heads at a Sky Sports function.The Premier League manager received an honorary degree from the University of Brighton yesterday for his charity work after setting up the Russell Martin Foundation to help young people’s lives in Sussex.Read more football newsLucy, 40, was with him as he was presented with his award and the duo posed for a snap on the seafront.The Saints supporting beauty posted the picture on her Instagram story to make their relationship public.Pinder knows a thing or two about celebrity romances having reportedly dated Captain America star in the past.Aside from her glam photoshoots, the brunette stunner also appeared in Hollywood movie Sharknado 5.Most read in FootballRepresenting Southampton on the Sky’s Soccer AM as a Soccerette was another career high.But away from her showbiz lifestyle, Pinder has also been known to do her bit for charity.England’s WAGs: The Real Stars of Euro 2024 Cover starMen of a certain vintage will remember Pinder as one of the defining lads’ mags cover girls.She frequently appeared in FHM, Nuts and Loaded – often topless – helping those titles sell hundreds of thousands of copies.Her amazing looks coupled with her relatability made her the ideal woman to date.Pinder’s modelling career began in 2003, when she was discovered by a photographer on Bournemouth beach.After that, she graced the pages of the Daily Star where she got her big break.In 2005, as the magazine shoots began to take off, she showed her love for the Saints – wearing their jersey for the famous Soccerettes sketch alongside regular host Tim Lovejoy.That TV appearance paved the way for more opportunities on the small screen.Pinder’s curves were well known to readers of Nuts, FHM and LoadedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlongside pal Michelle Marsh, the buxom pair were readers’ favouritesPinder’s modelling career began in 2003Pinder’s often topless shoots helped shift hundreds of thousands of magazinesCredit: PA:Press AssociationTV and film workLads’ mags died a death – with Nuts closing in 2014 and featuring a tearful Pinder on their final cover.But the gorgeous Hampshire-born football fan had the foresight to explore other opportunities before their demise.The explosion of reality TV on our shores benefitted Pinder, who found new audience.In 2007, she appeared on The Weakest Link and didn’t wilt under Anne Robinson’s barbs.Then, she starred on Celebrity Big Brother where she was the first contestant to leave the houseHighlights included her revealing she hated “thick” people and her annoyance at Coolio’s constant rapping in the house, which amusingly forced her out.Her film career began in 2012, when she played her first supporting role in the comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves.Pinder pictured leaving the Big Brother house in 2009In 2017, Pinder starred in Sharnado 5: Global SwarmingSouthampton fan Pinder also appeared as a Soccerette on Sky’s Soccer AMread more sport featuresShe then became a Bollywood star in action flick Waarrior Savitri, while a TV movie role came calling in 2017 with a cameo in Sharknado 5: Global Swarming as a Swedish ambassador.Celebrity romanceIt was around this time Pinder began dabbling with living in Los Angeles.Her counterparts, including Leilani and Keeley Hazell have all made a living there.But she reportedly found romance with a Hollywood A-lister instead.In 2015, Pinder was spotted with Captain America star Chris Evans enjoying a date at Disneyworld.They were all smiles as they on the Grizzly Rapids ride at the Californian theme park.It was believed they were smitten with each other, however the relationship soon fizzled out.Pinder’s charms soon attracted a Hollywood film starIn 2015 it was reported Pinder was dating Captain America star Chris EvansCredit: SplashGiving something backAs busy as Pinder is, she has always made time for charity.She has a passion for animals, which has seen her work with a variety of wildlife charities.Those include getting involved in fundraising for TigerTime, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, International Animal Rescue, and Cats Protection.Pinder also got involved with Help for Heroes – a charity that aids the British Armed Forces community with their physical and mental health, as well as their financial, social and welfare needs.Famously, she shot the Hot Shots Calendar in 2011 and 2014 with  fifty-percent of the money made from sales going towards UK and US military charities.READ MORE SUN STORIESPinder has been known to support several military charitiesGlam Pinder also supports various charities for wildlife and animalsPinder is ready to dazzle in the PremCredit: PA:Press AssociationFurthermore, she supported Male Cancer Awareness Campaign by taking part in a five-mile run with fellow glamour girl Rhian Sugden.So, she’s beautiful, talented, and an all-round good egg. Lucky Russell Martin. More

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    Inside Laura Woods and Adam Collard’s whirlwind romance as sports presenter and Love Island hunk expect first baby

    LAURA WOODS and Adam Collard have enjoyed a whirlwind romance – and are now expecting their first child together.The sports presenter and former Love Island hunk went public with their relationship in October.Laura Woods and Adam Collard have been going strong for nearly a yearCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThe former Love Island hunk wooed Laura with a string of texts before an undercover date in OctoberCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBut Laura’s ‘stability’ has also left Adam feeling the loveCredit: InstagramAnd they announced the wonderful news they are expecting a baby togetherThey are often seen on holiday togetherCredit: Instagram / @adamcollardThey’re not shy in sharing loved-up picsCredit: InstagramSince then they have been seen in scores of loved-up posts and been through their share of challenges.However, everything came to a head recently as they announced the wonderful news that Laura, 37, is expecting a baby.The TV presenter and award-winning journalist shared a picture of an ultrasound on Instagram, complete with her French bulldog peeking over the top.They have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye, which for notorious ladies’ man Adam, 28, seems to suggest he has turned a corner in his romantic life.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSAdam spilled the beans on how he pulled Laura following a string of dates including at the Black Bull pub in Trimdon, Co Durham, and heading off for a weekend away in St Ives in early October before going public later that month.Speaking exclusively to The Sun in October, he revealed he had wooed her with a series of flirty social media messages before wining and dining her on an “undercover date”.He said: “The first time we met – I’ll hold my hands up – I did DM her first and got a reply but then nothing ever happened. Then she called us out for basically leaving her on read.”It’s hard to meet people, isn’t it? I’m from Newcastle and eventually we met up, and then went on a very undercover date, and obviously what comes out in the press, comes out in the press, but it’s not always the full story.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLaura is a regular sight on Adam’s InstagramCredit: instagramThey make the most of their free time togetherCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy”I’m kind of glad in a way as well, as I feel like there’s an element of having to hide too much now.”Laura’s charm seemed to rub off on Adam almost instantly, as he also suggested he felt he might have found “The One”.How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppyBy Christmas, Laura’s parents had also given the seal of approval for their relationship as he spent the holidays with her, joking that “luckily they don’t read many papers”.Yet even before that, Laura and Adam enjoyed a romantic getaway to Amsterdam, Holland, which saw them checking out a rude restaurant, enjoying a trip down the city canal’s and relaxing in a spa.Adam claims to have had 25 girlfriends in the past, yet the “influence of stability” – as relationship expert Jo Hemmings puts it – Laura gives off has been the cornerstone of their blossoming romance.While the pair have continued to be front and centre in their respective careers, with Laura a fan favourite on ITV and TNT Sports, they have also made time for each other.When they aren’t grafting, they have often been seen enjoying one another’s company on holiday.Following their trip to Amsterdam, their next getaway in February saw them skiiing on the famous French Alps, though Laura revealed it resulted in a few “near-death experiences”.In March, during the international break, the pair changed lanes by jetting off together for some sun and sea at Tulum Beach in Mexico.Adam and Laura shared a number of snaps from the holiday, including one of Laura planting a kiss on Adam’s cheek while they were at a restaurant before also revealing what their favourite food was following a date night at Checkpoint Ciao.How Laura Woods tamed Love Island bad boy Adam CollardHE was one of Love Island’s most notorious bad boys – but one woman seems to have changed all that.Personal trainer Adam Collard, 28, has been dating Euro 2024 presenter Laura Woods, 36, since 2023.The former loverat has called her “The One,” spent Christmas with her – the first time he’s done so with a girlfriend since he was 21 – and kept their relationship relatively out of the limelight, seemingly on Laura’s wishes.It’s a far cry from the man who admits himself he’s been “ruthless” in the past, claims to have had 25 girlfriends, and spent many years partying and juggling flings with girls including Zara McDermott and Lottie Moss.Relationship expert Jo Hemmings says: “He’s now 28, he’s a professional with a job, and I think he just went off the whole idea of ever realistically meeting somebody on a TV show.“He’s now met somebody who is also a professional, and is only on TV as a byproduct of what she does in sport.“He’s got himself in a comfortable place. Financially, he’s older, he’s more mature, he’s more settled.“He once played into this roguish character that people saw him as, and became a parody of himself. But look who’s laughing now.“He’s got a fabulous girlfriend, they’re in a long term relationship, he’s well off, he’s still in the public eye, and he’s getting on with his life in the way that I think he always wanted.”Read the full article hereThe following month, Laura shared a selfie from the Tulum trip featuring Adam with the caption: “Things I love.”However, in May as the hectic English football season drew to a close, Laura suffered an horrorendous facial injury.Laura had been due to present TNT Sports’ coverage of Tyson Fury’s undisputed heavyweight title fight with Oleksandry Usyk before she was forced to pull out after revealing she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade while on holiday with Adam.She explained how the smash had caused it to shatter before it cut her face and arm, leaving her with some nasty injuries around her eye.Unfortunately, the freak accident was used by vile trolls as a way to bash Adam by suggesting he was involved, before he snapped back: “Shut up you stupid c*** and read her Instagram post.”Laura described Adam as her “hero” that day as she hailed him for “acting so quickly and not leaving my side since and to his family for taking care of me in a time when I was petrified”.After some time being seen with a bandage around the effected area, Laura was back on TV in time for ITV’s coverage of the Euros.In early July, Adam posted a loved-up pic of the pair to celebrate Laura’s birthday, captioning the post: “Happy birthday you rockstar x.”Laura had a nasty accident in May when she shattered a lampshadeCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura described Adam as a ‘hero’ for all his helpAnd fast forward a couple of weeks and they have shared the news that they are expecting a baby.The post was simply captioned: “Hey, baby,” followed by some love heart emojis.However, some eagled-eyed fans had noticed some telltale signs that gave away the news days prior.Recent social media posts by Laura had not showed her stomach, while a post from Adam saw a note reading: “Just remember 5 years ago, you dreamed about where you are now”, which may have been another clue.Fans also noticed a brief social media hiatus from them in the days prior to the announcement.Adam has made no secret of his desire to have kids, but declared he would not be plastering them all over social media.He previously said: “I’m protective, whether it’s Laura, or my family, my friends. I want to get married. I want to have kids as well. “I’ve always thought, what type of person will I be? How can I protect my kids?”Obviously I’ve never had a kid, but I don’t think I’ll be plastering it all over [social media]. “I want them to have a fair fight and a chance not to be judged straight away.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As long as my really close circle knows exactly who I am, I don’t care. I think you have to take everything with a pinch of salt.”Laura will carry on working over the next few weeks as TNT Sports broadcast the Paris Olympics.They went public with their relationship last OctoberCredit: InstagramRomantic getaways have been a regular occurrence with their first being a trip to AmsterdamCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyTwo months later they were hitting the ski slopes at the French AlpsCredit: laurawoodsy/InstagramThen in March they enjoyed a holiday to Tulum Beach in MexicoCredit: laurawoodsy/Instagram.. More

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    Inside Gareth Southgate’s marriage to wife Alison who he wooed in Tesco car park… before she gave him a bold ultimatum

    GARETH Southgate’s career has been marked by incredible highs and disappointing lows. However, one thing that has remained constant is his wife Alison’s unwavering support.Gareth Southgate has been married to his wife for over 30 yearsCredit: RexThe loved-up pair first met in the 90s when he was a trainee player with Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPThey have three kids together and live in a mansion near HarrogateCredit: Tim StewartThe couple, who have two kids together, have been together for 30 years and are still going strong. She was no doubt in his corner when he decided to quit as England’s manager after eight years in the role.In a statement, he said the position meant “everything” to him and spoke about how he joined the FA to make a change. He also thanked fans for their support.Before making his next move, Gareth, 53, is now settling back into a quiet life with Alison and their kids, who have been by his side throughout his triumphs and tribulations.READ MORE FEATURES She has been credited with helping him relax after intense matches, offering a shoulder to lean on when times get too tough.Here, we look at how their love story developed thanks to a Tesco car park – and a bold ultimatum that could have ended the relationship before it had even blossomed.An awkward startWhen Gareth first met Alson in his early 20s, he played with Crystal Palace as a trainee. She was working in a clothes shop in nearby Croydon.Although he knew he wanted to pursue a relationship with her, he couldn’t pluck up the courage to talk to her at the time as he was not confident about his looks. Most read in Euro 2024In 2020, he explained his struggles in an interview with The Guardian. He said: “It felt like a disaster before I’d even started.”All my peers seemed to so much more streetwise and I was just this kid from the suburbs with goofy teeth. Nothing about me was cool, and I felt like I’d never fit in.”When Gareth first met Alison, he was not confident enough to approach her as he was insecure about his looksCredit: ReutersFor years, Gareth was teased over his appearance, which affected his confidenceThey had to have their first dates in a Tesco car park to ensure her ex wouldn’t find outCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe had also been teased about his nose for years, contributing to his low confidence.In Gareth’s book Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship, he detailed how he would hang around the shop Alison was working in, pretending to look for clothes. He even enlisted the help of the owner of an Italian restaurant he and Alison both frequented. He acted as the middle man between the pair.After two years, Gareth finally plucked the courage to ask her out. To his disappointment, she was in a relationship and was living with her boyfriend at the time.But when he heard that Alison had broken up with her partner, Gareth swooped in and gave her his number. Fortunately for him, she called that night.During the early stages of their romance, the pair had their dates in the car park of their local Tesco supermarket.This was reporetedly to ensure Alison’s ex wouldn’t catch wind of her blossoming relationship.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Dramatic ultimatumThey married in a low-key ceremony at his parents’ church in Crawley, West SussexCredit: GettyBefore they wed, Alison issued an ultimatum when he was transferred to Aston VillaCredit: RexWhen Gareth was transferred to Aston Villa, Alison supported the move but was not thrilled about the idea of a long-distance relationship.As a result, she issued an ultimatum that could have altered the course of their relationship. She insisted that she move to Birmingham with him or the relationship ends.He agreed, but not everyone was thrilled with the idea. His parents were skeptical about it since they had only met Alison once.Gareth explained: “[They] found it hard to believe that a son who had been so methodical, logical, and weighed up everything would behave so capriciously.”But she was able to prove to them that she was invested in the relationship for the long haul.The pair tied the knot in a small ceremony in Crawley, West Sussex. They married at Gareth’s parents’ local church, a ceremony devoid of the usual hype surrounding high-profile footballers’ weddings.The wedding had to be planned carefully as it was scheduled between the World Cup and the European Championship.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Plush £3.7m padGareth says his family help him deal with the disappointing results on the pitchCredit: instagram/miasouthgateGareth and Alison have two kids – Mia, 24, and Flynn, 20. Their family home is Swinsty Hall, a huge Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion in Middlesbrough that cost £3.75million. The family have been a huge hit with neighbours who have praised their down-to-earth and relatable demeanour. Alison has consistently supported Gareth’s football career. She has been seen in the stands cheering on his team – despite the fact that she’s not even particularly a football fan.In an interview with the Mail, Gareth’s father said: “Actually, I don’t think Alison likes football very much. Obviously, she has to take an interest because it’s Gareth’s job, and she is always very supportive.”She will sometimes go to Wembley for an international game – but not during the school term because she always puts the children first.”Gareth also credits his family for helping him overcome disappointments on the pitch. He said: “On Saturday evening, our children are not too bothered whether Dad’s team have won or lost. “Neither does Alison fret too much about football, and this is how I like it. Regardless of the result, it is up to me to ensure that no one’s evening is ruined because of things that happened on a football field. “The agonising waits until Alison and the kids are asleep.”Odds on next England bossHere are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Here are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Graham Potter – 11/10Eddie Howe – 2/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 14/1Ange Postecoglou – 16/1Michael Carrick – 20/1Steven Gerrard – 20/1Thomas Tuchel – 20/1In an with the Evening Standard, he spoke about how his family’s support keeps him grounded.”Over the last couple of weeks I’ve just had a nice time spending it with the family though, and for me that’s important because my kids are 18 and 14, and their development is as important for me as anything else in my life”, he said. “You do have to try to find a balance because my focus inevitably gets drawn towards making this team as successful as we can and driving them to be the best team in the world, but I’m also a dad and a husband.”Rebekah Vardy, who is married to England player Jamie Vardy, praised Gareth for promoting family values within the England squad. She said: “He’s got the right idea of the team mentality. He’s really relaxed with the players and he makes an effort with all of the families. “He really encourages family days after games, which relaxes the players. It brings a bit of normality in.”And it appears that when Alison does not have her hands full with her family and campaigning for human rights, she doubles as Gareth’s stylist.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn May, while talking to GQ about his hair, he said: “I’ll have one more hair cut before we go [to Germany for the Euros], I think, because my hair gets a little bit curly, which I don’t like.”Plus my wife says I haven’t got the features to have it really short.”He has been praised for encouraging the England team to spend more time with their familiesCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunAlison has often been seen in an embrace with Gareth after intense gamesCredit: Rex Features More

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    Inside Ralf Schumacher’s remarkable life – from biggest regret over F1 rival brother Michael to fling with Katie Price

    HIS older brother Michael is considered by many to be the greatest F1 driver of all time.But Ralf Schumacher, who is himself a six-time Grand Prix winner, was never one to live in the shadows of success – instead forging a remarkable life of his own, on and off the grid.Ralf Schumacher, then of Williams, is hugged by his brother Michael after winning the Canadian Grand Prix in 2001Credit: AFPRalf announced he was in a gay relationship in a moving post this weekCredit: instagram.com/ralfschumacher_rsc/He was previously married to Cora Schumacher, a former racing driver and Playboy modelCredit: AP:Associated PressThis week, the 49-year old announced that he is in a same-sex relationship, becoming just the second male F1 driver to publicly come out as a member of the LGTBQ+ community.On Sunday, he posted a touching photo of himself gazing at the sunset alongside another man on Instagram, with the caption: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.”His new love is Frenchman Etienne, who was working as Ralf’s business manager when the pair fell in love.After the former Williams driver’s brave post, he was immediately greeted with an outpouring of love online, as many rushed to congratulate the pair. Read More on F1His close pal, actress Carmen Geiss, replied:  “After two years you can finally show your love to the world. I have known Ralf for more than 25 years and he has always been a great joy to me.”Married for 14 years to Cora Schumacher, a former racing driver and Playboy model, Ralf previously hit the headlines when his notorious fling with Katie Price allegedly sparked the breakdown of her engagement.Meanwhile, his close relationship with Michael, 55, was reportedly tested by tension between their wives, and rocked further by the German legend’s tragic skiing accident.Last year, Ralf lamented the 2013 incident, which has left his brother with severe brain injuries, with news of his health remaining a closely-guarded secret over the past decade.Most read in MotorsportRalf told German publication Bunte: “Unfortunately, sometimes life isn’t fair. We have to accept it.”When I see his children Gina-Maria and Mick, my heart smiles. If someone in the family is looking for my advice, I’m there. They go their own way.”Blackmail Plot Against Schumacher’s FamilyRalf’s car is launched in the air over Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello of Brazil in 2002Credit: EPARalf regrets never working on the same team as his brotherCredit: AP:Associated PressBetween 1997 and 2007, Ralf raced for Jordan, Williams and Toyota, winning six F1 races.However, his trophy cabinet paled in comparison to Michael, who won seven world titles during his time with Benetton (1994-1995) and Ferrari (2000-2004).While many might assume competing on the same grid led to tensions, Ralf – who retired in 2007 and now works as a pundit – insists their relationship was “very open”.He explained: “I knew what he was doing and he knew what I was doing. It was always good to be able to talk to somebody that you could trust.”In fact, earlier this year, Ralf admitted his one big regret was that he never got to share a Formula 1 team with his brother. “It would have been amazing, but on the other hand the problem was always… first of all there was never really an opportunity,” Ralf told the Formula for Success podcast.”And second, one of us would have always lost. I don’t know whether that would have been good from a marketing point of view or a relationship point of view between brothers.”Going back, it would have been amazing to share a season together.”Marriage to Playboy modelRalf and Cora were married for 14 yearsCredit: RexThe couple had an acrimonious divorce but are now on better termsCredit: AP:Associated PressAway from the paddock, Ralf was married to Cora-Caroline Brinkmann, a German model and TV personality, for 14 years. Cora has also competed in racing herself, including in two rounds of the 2018 GT4 Central European Cup. The pair tied the knot in 2001 and have a son, David, now 22, who has followed his father into a career in motorsports.When Ralf announced the news on Sunday, David commented: “I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure…I am 100% behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations.”At the height of their fame, Ralf and Cora were considered one of the most high-profile couples in the motorsport world. But their marriage deteriorated in 2014, leading to disputes over the driver’s £84million fortune, their homes in Germany, Austria, and France, and their then 13-year-old son.I am a sincere, cosmopolitan woman. Not the sort who puts on an act or parades the fact that she is Mother TeresaCoraIn November that year, police were called to their house in Cologne after a neighbour said they heard “screams coming from inside the house”.Police superintendent Anton Hamchder confirmed the incident, adding: “The couple both accused each other of assaults.”There is an ongoing investigation in the context of domestic violence.”It was reported that Ralf put a block on Cora’s credit cards, which were paid for by him, and gave her an allowance of less than £8,000 a month.The bitter divorce was finally resolved with Cora receiving a £5million settlement and the family home at Bergheim.But the pair, who were once estranged, seem to have patched things up since then, with Ralf congratulating his ex-wife on joining the cast of the German version of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in January this year. Katie Price and Warren Furman, better known as Gladiators star AceCredit: PA:EntertainmentRalf has gone on to work as an F1 punditCredit: GettyHis son, David, pictured, has followed in his father’s stepsCredit: GettyCora was eventually dumped from the jungle after three days, however, because TV bosses were concerned she might reveal secrets about Michael’s health during a live show, German media reported.The stunning model is no stranger to controversy. In 2015, she caused a stir when she posed nude for the German Playboy magazine. Last July, the 47-year-old year old launched an OnlyFans account where she shares nude photos.Her celebrity lifestyle was also reported to have driven a wedge between the two brothers, due to her frosty relationship with Michael’s wife, Corrina. “Corinna and I have little contact,” she told a German magazine in the early Noughties.“We holiday in different places, we hardly phone, we live somewhere else. A pity really, as we both have children. But Corinna’s nature and mine are totally different.“I am a sincere, cosmopolitan woman. Not the sort who puts on an act or parades the fact that she is Mother Teresa. My sister-in-law is stuck with the label of being the ‘perfect’ wife in the ‘perfect’ world and that sort of thing.Katie Price flingBefore his marriage to Cora, Ralf’s flirty relationship with former glamour model Katie Price made headlines in 1998, reportedly leading to the end of her engagement to Warren Furman, better known as Gladiators star Ace. Warren, 51, was said to have become jealous when Katie, 46, began hanging out with the F1 ace and the couple called it quits.Katie – who used to go by the stage name Jordan – met Ralf at a shoot for Esquire, before he invited her to Germany.It is thought that things fell apart due to the language barrier, with their relationship only lasting a matter of weeks.Following Ralf’s announcement this week, pal Carmen revealed he has been in a relationship with French business partner, Etienne, for two years.She told Bild:  “The two are often together…never argue and are sensationally happy.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 According to the German news outlet, Ralf continues to live in Salzburg while Etienne lives in Nice.Etienne is said to divide his time between Cape Town in South Africa and the French Riviera, which is just 30 minutes from the F1 Mecca of Monaco.Ralf is only the second male F1 driver known to be in a same-sex relationship.The first was Mike Beuttler, who raced in 29 Grand Prixs from 1971 to 1973, before disappearing from the public eye for over a decade.In 1998, he died of complications from AIDS in Los Angeles in 1988, aged just 48.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is really interesting to look at Beuttler’s story now – it shows LGBT+ people have always been part of motorsport and they have been really successful,” Richard Morris, co-founder of Racing Pride, told the BBC.”It also reminds us of the challenges faced.” More