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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers HALVING payments to disabled supporters association in latest Man Utd cost-cutting measure

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    MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly consider HALVING the budget allocated to their disabled supporters’ association.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, set about trying to slash costs immediately after arriving earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could agree to a controversial new cost-cutting method that would affect Man Utd’s disabled supporters groupCredit: PAHe made 250 people redundant ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and axed several members of staff from United’s pre-season tour.Senior staff had their access to private cars withdrawn, while some workers had their meal plans drastically changed.In one of Ratcliffe’s most recent cost-cutting methods, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let go from his ambassadorial role.But the British billionaire could now agree to a hugely controversial move in a bid to lower spending even more.Read More on Man UtdThe Daily Mail claims United could HALVE the budget they allocate to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.As things stand, MUDSA is given £40,000-a-year by the club.It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd insidervia The MailFunds go towards a variety of areas including a yearly Christmas party which is attended by the first team squad.MUDSA also works with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver sporting events for people with mixed abilities.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould the Red Devils agree to go ahead with the cuts, it would likely generate a hostile response.An insider told the Mail: “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific. It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals the player who sent him into retirement after Sir Alex Ferguson ‘mistake’ “The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”Man Utd have declined to comment.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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

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

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd defender Brandon Williams slammed for leaving his £100k car in two disabled spaces on the same day

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      MANCHESTER United defender Brandon Williams has been slammed after he left his £100,000 car in two disabled bays on the same day.He parked his Land Rover Defender in a blue badge space at a supermarket.Brandon Williams parked his Land Rover Defender in a disabled bay at a supermarketCredit: mancpicss66 Later that day the footballer parked in another disabled bay in a multi-storey car parkCredit: mancpicss66 Williams played for Manchester United in pre-season before being sent out on loanCredit: Kenny RamsayWilliams, 23, and model Shanice Eastmond then drove around the corner on Wednesday to a multi-storey in Wilmslow, Cheshire, where they again parked in a disabled bay. Williams, who earns £65,000-a-week, is currently out injured on loan at Ipswich.An onlooker said: “I know he’s injured but someone in a wheelchair may need to park closer. “He’s either arrogant, ignorant or both.”READ MORE BRANDON WILLIAMSThe AA said: “Those misusing disabled bays can expect a fine.”Williams has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Ipswich Town this season, bouncing back from scoring an own goal in one of his first games for the club.But he has not played at all in 2024 due to injury, with his last appearance coming in December.Williams did play for Manchester United in pre-season, but played only one competitive game for the club under Erik ten Hag.Most read in FootballHis contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in June 2024.Solskjaer reveals Cristiano Ronaldo demanded to skip games… but then kicked off when he was benched More

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      in Soccer

      Heartwarming moment deaf choir wows Chelsea fans with incredible rendition of club anthem before Premier League game

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      A DEAF and signing choir has wowed Chelsea fans with a heart-warming rendition of club anthem ‘Blue is the Colour’ during the side’s home game against Brentford.Deaf performance group Unify and signing choir Hands 4 Voices, took to the pitch in front of thousands of spectators at Stamford Bridge to perform the song in British Sign Language (BSL) during half-time.
      The deaf choir roused Chelsea fans as they performed the club’s anthemCredit: James Pinniger/PinPep
      Led by head chorister, Carol Cook, and with partially deaf singer James Vickery supporting on vocals, the home fans were encouraged to sing and sign the famous lyrics of the club’s anthem of 51 years.
      The performance was a celebration of the long-term partnership between the club, Cadbury Fingers and the National Deaf Children’s Society encouraging adults to learn some BSL to help make more deaf people feel included in everyday moments like football.
      Chelsea stars Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja, Lauren James, and Hannah Hampton have also learnt a little BSL, and were taught football-inspired BSL phrases, including “what’s the score?’’ and “what a goal.”
      Susanne Nowak, from Cadbury Fingers, which has launched the Sign with Fingers website so fans can emulate their heroes by learning some BSL, said: “Our goal – excuse the pun – is to bring more people together over the nation’s favourite game.
      Read More on Chelsea
      “This is the second year of our ‘Sign with Fingers Big & Small’ campaign, and we know there is still a lot of work to be done to improve inclusivity.
      “We felt football was the perfect medium for driving better awareness and emotional connection over shared moments between deaf and hearing people given how integral it is to British culture.
      “By teaming up with Chelsea FC and our long-term partners the National Deaf Children’s Society, we are excited to enter a new era of inclusivity both on and off the pitch.
      “And we urge everyone to learn some British Sign Language they could use as a conversation starter to facilitate more shared moments of connection.”
      Most read in Football
      It comes after research, commissioned by the chocolate biscuit brand, found 58 per cent of deaf sports fans rate football as their favourite.
      But 55 per cent feel left out of the club culture on match days – due to lack of deaf awareness.
      The poll of 250 deaf sports fans also revealed 46 per cent feel the majority of sports and fan culture is only suitable for hearing people and not inclusive for all.
      And 34 per cent often wish more was done to help those with the disability feel more included within the stadium.
      More than a third (34 per cent) often feel lonely or left out as they find it hard to interact with other fans, with 30 per cent are regularly struggling during half time to understand the on-pitch activity.
      Despite this, 93 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, believe you can’t beat the thrill of watching a sporting event live in a stadium.
      It also emerged 52 per cent think hearing people find it difficult to start a conversation with a deaf person, and 54 per cent believe this due to a lack of confidence or knowledge.
      However, they would feel happier (43 per cent), more respected (37 per cent) and more included in everyday conversations (36 per cent) if a greater number of hearing people learned some BSL.
      Therefore, 47 per cent would like to see a more widespread use of British Sign Language within the sporting industry.
      And three in 10 want a better offering of inclusive experiences incorporating British Sign Language.
      This would leave 43 per cent feeling happier, 37 per cent feeling more respected and 36 per cent more included in everyday conversations.
      As part of the long-term partnership, Chelsea FC has introduced quarterly club tours with a BSL interpreter, while providing deaf awareness training and introducing BSL for beginners throughout the organisation.
      Susan Daniels, chief executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Cadbury and Chelsea FC on the ‘Sign with Fingers Big & Small’ campaign.
      “Together, we aim to raise awareness about the communication barriers deaf children and young people face and encourage more hearing people to learn some basic signs.
      “We want to see a more inclusive world so that every deaf person can be part of the conversation.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We were thrilled to see Chelsea fans joining in with the choirs to sign and sing their beloved anthem.
      “Occasions like this really bring home the message that, with a little bit of effort, everyone can become more deaf-aware.”
      Stamford Bridge joined in with the performanceCredit: James Pinniger/PinPep More

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      in Athletics

      Gold medal Paralympian Richard Whitehead hopes to inspire more disabled people to get involved in sport

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      FOUR in 10 people with disabilities don’t feel confident enough to participate in sporting events, according to research.Of the 700 disabled adults polled, 30 per cent believe the events do not cater for those with additional needs.
      Richard Whitehead hopes to inspire more disabled people to get involved in sportCredit: SWNS
      And 56 per cent felt they wouldn’t be seen as a priority when it came to participating.
      Almost one in five (17 per cent) also feel they lack the support network needed to take part, while 16 per cent were held back by the cost of entering events.
      But 12 per cent feel inadequate representation in sporting events is a barrier, with 54 believing access to trained volunteers would give them the confidence required to take part in mass participation sporting events.
      To help encourage participation, Nissan GB, the official partner of the Great Run Series which commissioned the research, is working with The Richard Whitehead Foundation to help make running events more inclusive by providing support and encouragement to disabled participants.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Gold-medal winning Paralympian, marathon runner and Nissan GB’s diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador, Richard Whitehead, said: “Disabled people feel they aren’t confident to enter sporting events.
      “As a Paralympic athlete and distance runner, I feel it’s something we should change.
      “Whatever the race, whatever the distance, it’s always a chance to give back to the running and disability community.”
      “Growing up and throughout my career I’ve witnessed the challenges that disabled people face in order to take part in sporting events, so I’m delighted to work with Nissan GB to help remove some of these barriers.”
      Most read in Athletics
      The study found the average disabled adult exercises for a total of just under 76 minutes each week, over four sessions.
      And 39 per cent consider exercise as something they are passionate about.
      When it comes to sports they’d most like to test themselves in, swimming topped the list (22 per cent) followed by a half marathon (18 per cent).
      Others would like to take part in a grassroots or local football tournament (17 per cent) or a CrossFit event (12 per cent).
      But the study, carried out via OnePoll, found two thirds of disabled people believe there aren’t enough televised disability sporting events.
      And 53 per cent want the government to do more to encourage sporting events for people with disabilities.
      Whitehead added: “Sport should be accessible to everyone, so It’s exciting that we can pilot the Supported Runner Project at the AJ Bell Great North Run this weekend and the AJ Bell Great South Run in October, ahead of our full launch in 2024.” More

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      in Soccer

      My son was an Arsenal academy star but now he’s severely disabled – I’m haunted by a regret that could’ve changed things

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      THE heartbroken mum of a tetraplegic ex-Arsenal academy star says she is haunted by one regret that could have changed things.Daniel Cain, 23, was a fit and healthy footballer until a night out with his friends took a devastating turn.
      Daniel was a fit and healthy footballer before he suffered life-changing injuries after allegedly having his drink spiked
      The now-23-year-old’s brain and spine were starved of oxygen and he spent 25 days in a comaCredit: Gofundme
      His mum Tracey has now revealed her one regretCredit: Gofundme
      The qualified electrician’s family claim his drink was spiked and despite medical professionals’ best efforts, he now requires 24-hour care.
      The horror for Daniel’s family unfolded during the depths of Covid lockdowns.
      His mum Tracey Cain told how she wasn’t allowed to be at her son’s bedside – and thinks should she have been able to, there could have been a different outcome.
      She told The Sun Online: “Sometimes I wonder if I was able to be by his side he would have been able to come round quicker.
      Read more on Football
      “His recovery peaked when I was in, with someone to be there for him in person, and I only wish that I could have been there from the beginning.
      “I believe being by his side and radiating that positive energy helped him.
      “It was so hard having to see my son through a screen.”
      It was June 9, 2020, when Daniel’s friends frantically called for an ambulance after noticing he looked a “funny colour” and was not responding.
      Most read in Football
      After working on the former Arsenal academy player for 24 minutes, paramedics finally got his heart beating again.
      But tragically his brain and spinal cord had been starved of oxygen.
      Doctors told the family to be prepared that even if Daniel did wake up he would be in a vegetative state.
      Then after 25 days in a coma he defied all odds and “woke up”.
      His cognitive function began to return, something mum Tracey describes as a “miracle”.
      However, she still wishes she could have been at his side.
      Tracey said: “I just knew he was in there. I knew all along, if anyone said he wouldn’t wake up I just said no.
      “Where there’s life there’s hope and we kept believing.
      “When I was able to see him when he came out of the coma he knew I was there, he stayed awake longer when I was there.”
      Tracey thanked friends, family and strangers who sent well wishes for Daniel.
      She continued: “All around the world there were people praying and sending out healing thoughts.
      ‘YOU’VE GOT THIS’
      “His father’s family are from Barbados and they were doing prayers which helped.
      “All that positive energy and focusing on good things helped me keep that faith.
      “Daniel didn’t know he was supposed to wake up but he did and I knew it all along.”
      Tracey said she set up a phone for Daniel that his friends and family could send messages on.
      She would play the recorded voice notes to him over Skype while he was in a coma.
      She said: “He’s always had good links with all his friends growing up, we were inundated with messages from people he played football with and people he grew up with.
      “It was so moving and heart-warming for everyone to come together for him.
      “He had a phone with him which was locked so we couldn’t see messages on there.
      “I had a spare phone which I used and asked people to contact that phone to call and text so he could listen to voicemail or the nurses could read out the texts.
      “We were telling him: ‘you’ve got this you can wake up’.”
      ‘TAKE EVERY DAY AS IT COMES’
      And Tracey believes that Daniel pulled through because of this.
      The mum said that her son heard his family and friends “in his dreams” while in the coma.
      She said: “We had to Skype him and I believe he was hearing that and fighting through as well.
      “We were talking about different things while he was not awake and when he woke up he recounted things that we talked about, it was astonishing.
      “When he woke up he said he had a dream of Barbados on holiday with everyone there and that’s what we had been talking about going on holiday together, it was amazing he remembered.”
      As for Daniel’s improved recovery Tracey said they were taking it slow and steady.
      She said: “Now we are just trying to go a bit further every day but not rush things.

      “We are going to take every day as it comes as a blessing.”  
      Daniel’s family are now raising money for his ongoing treatment through GoFundMe.
      Daniel now needs around-the-clock careCredit: Gofundme
      His family is now raising money for treatment in order to give him the best chance of being able to stand and walk againCredit: Gofundme More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 legend Sir Frank Williams left £14million in his will to his three children

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      F1 legend Sir Frank Williams left £14.4million in his will, records reveal.The 79-year-old, who died last November, was founder of the Williams team which he sold for £136million in 2020.
      F1 legend and founder of the Williams team Sir Frank left £14m to his three children
      Williams dominated F1 in the early 1980s and the 1990s with drivers including Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna.
      Sir Frank, from Ascot, Berks, was involved in a car crash in 1986 which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
      Sir Frank of Ascot, Surrey, became co-founder of Frank Williams Racing Cars in 1966, using money he made from selling car parts to other motor teams.
      But his team suffered after his brewing heir driver Piers Courage died in a crash in 1970, and he ended up borrowing money from Bernie Ecclestone.
      READ MORE ON F1
      Sir Frank’s success was said to be in the wheeling and dealing of running a team, hiring and firing of drivers, and nurturing engineering talent.
      He was a familiar sight at grand prix races in his wheelchair, but stepped back and handed over much of the day-to-day control of the Williams team to his daughter Claire.
      He was a made a CBE in 1987 and knighted in 1999.
      Probate records reveal £14,465,456 was left to his three children after debts and funeral expenses.
      Most read in The Sun
      His wife, Virginia, died of cancer in 2013.
      His will requested that he be buried near to his former team’s premises at Grove, Oxfordshire.
      Read More on The Sun More