More stories

  • in

    I’m a football fan – I’ve spent £5,000 building a six-seater stand in my garden to watch my favourite team

    FOOTIE fan Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fence — even though tickets are £7.Ian, 64, launched the six-week project when he saw a grandson straining to get a better view of Barnoldswick Town in action.Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fenceCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunIan went viral during Barnoldswick Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury, pictured in front of his homemade standCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunHe said: “There’s a 12ft drop [over the fence] so I decided to build a structure where he could watch safely.”Ian has a bit of experience — he owns an architectural metalwork company whose customers have included Manchester United.He went on: “I started off by just building a platform but then I put my engineering head on. It’s got a steel sub-frame, wooden deck floor, panelled sides, a roof and toughened glass on the front.”And he and his family can now watch North West Counties League Premier Division games from seats he sourced from Burnley FC when the Championship club had an upgrade.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIan added: “Most people don’t see me sat there but some of the away supporters sometimes look at me in bewilderment. It’s a great position to watch football.”The fan, whose company until recently sponsored one Barnoldswick FC’s stands, asked the club’s chairman before building the stand.This week a photograph of Ian sitting in his stand during Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury went viral.Fan Mat Anderson posted: “Welcome to non-league football. Bloke with his own stand in his back garden at Barnoldswick.”Most read in FootballBarnoldswick Town currently sit 15th in the North West Counties League Premier Division, where admission to home games is £7 and a season ticket costs £90.Ian and his company Metalcraft Engineering have experience helping build football stadiums, with his firm previously working on Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and will soon begin installing architectural metalwork at Everton’s new £800m stadium.tunning apartment inside Arsenal’s former Highbury stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former gloryIan’s view of the pitchCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The Sun More

  • in

    Amateur footie team set unbelievable record after all ten outfield players scored in a 10-0 win

    AN amateur footie team believe they have set a world record after all ten outfield players hit the back of the net in one match.Sharp-shooters AFC Eastfield routed league strugglers Pocklington 10-0 in their biggest ever win, but they also achieved a unique feat when all players scored a goal.An amateur footie team believe they have set a world record after all ten outfield players hit the back of the net in one matchAFC Eastfield is based in North YorkshireThe club is now checking with Guinness World Records in a bid to get their historic win recognised.The team, from Scarborough, North Yorks, celebrated wildly at full-time — except for club secretary Stephen Crosby, who had promised to buy every player a pint if they could reach double figures and keep a clean sheet.At 9-0 I was offering our players £20 for an own goalClub secretary Stephen Crosby who had promised pints all round for a 10-0 winStephen, 64, told The Sun: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d do it.“We were 3-0 up at half-time which was a pretty nice cushion to have.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“The manager told the lads to put the pressure on them in the second half and to push on — and they did.“It’s not like our keeper had nothing to do. Pocklington broke forward a few times.“We kept rattling the goals in. By the time we were 9-0 up, I was offering our players £20 to score an own goal.”The first was scored by Ryan Herrington, with Chris Hannam and Brad Cawkwell also on the scoresheet before half time.Most read in FootballIn the second half, Martyn Kelly, Brad-Lee Craggs, Conor Fiddy and Cailum Webster took the score to 7-0 before Billy Lawson and Omer Issa Yousef helped the side reach 9-0.And in the 75th minute, striker Rio Scott headed the tenth goal into the net.Steam train bizarrely interrupts amateur football matchStephen, from Scarborough, said it was even more remarkable as the team lost all 18 league matches last season.He added: “We almost folded twice as we were so demoralised. In the end, the league collapsed and we were moved to the East Riding County League.”Of their win, he said: “I don’t think any side has had all ten outfield players score in one game. It’s unheard of.”Arbroath’s 36-0 demolition of Bon Accord in 1885 is the biggest win recognised by Guiness World Records — but only six different players scored.Nine scored as Liverpool thrashed Norwegian side Strømsgodset 11-0 in a European Cup Winners’ Cup match in 1974.And the Reds also had eight players hit on target in 1989 as the Anfield giants beat Crystal Palace 9-0.But AFC Eastfield reckon they are the first side to have all ten outfield players score.Ryan Herrington scored the opening goalChris Hannam scored the second goalRio Scott scored the record breaking goalOmer Issa Yousef was man of the match More

  • in

    New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

    NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

  • in

    Chelsea goal ace Cole Palmer signs megabucks deal with Amazon to star in Three Lions documentary

    GOAL ace Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a Three Lions documentary.The four-parter will chart England’s next generation — including the Chelsea star, 22.Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a documentaryCredit: GettyFilming has begun with the series, which follows the England squad, due for release in springFilming has begun, with the series due for release in the spring.A source said: “This is an exciting project for everyone.“Amazon were desperate to land Cole. He’s one of the hottest properties in the world. The series will lift the veil on his life so far, feature exclusive footage, and help him connect with fans on a new level.“But it won’t just be about Cole. Other England players of the future have also signed up.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEREngland are among the favourites to lift next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.New boss Thomas Tuchel took over at the start of the month from Gareth Southgate, who encouraged his young stars to speak about their hopes and dreams.Sources said the Football Association were consulted and approved the project.One source added: “They know how important players like Cole will be if England are to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.Most read in Football“It’s important they allow a relationship to form between the players and fans. The FA saw the fruits of that under Southgate and want it to continue.“Cole is intensely private but a balance has to be struck, given how special a talent he is. He’s excited and wants fans to get to know him. He’s just a normal kid.“He loves football and is a whizz on Fifa in his spare time.”Cole recently trademarked his shivering goal celebration and made moves to own the term “Cold Palmer” to use to sell products.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star More

  • in

    Man City boss Pep Guardiola held ‘tense’ crisis talks with wife before signing new contract blamed for marriage split

    MAN City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage split.Title-winning Pep, 54, flew to Barcelona for dinner with Cristina Serra in October, with onlookers saying the couple looked “tense”.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage splitCredit: GettyThe pair met as teensCredit: GettyPep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League championsCredit: GettyA waiter at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in the city, said: “He came in with his wife about three months ago.“They sat in the corner and things looked a little tense between them. He was talking animatedly.“We were all shocked to hear that they had split.”After returning to the UK, Pep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League champions — taking his stay to 2027.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe had been widely expected to quit the club after nine successful years.And influential Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorenza Vazquez claimed that his decision was behind the break-up.They said: “She takes the decision when he decides to extend his contract with Manchester City because in the previous months Pep had been preparing his departure from the club.“We know one of his objectives was to leave and move to the United Arab Emirates.Most read in Football“People around him were beginning to say goodbye to him because he wasn’t going to renew his contact.“That decision not to renew was helping bring him closer to his wife.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer“But when he decided to stay and extend his contract, Cristina decided enough was enough and it was her that decided to end the marriage.”Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.”Cristina, 52, had moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion business five years ago, while Pep stayed in Manchester to manage the City team.The couple met in 1994, married in 2014 and have three children together.The troubled pair met at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Darren FletcherThe couple snapped this yearCredit: RexThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

    SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney in talks for HUGE new TV job after axed by Plymouth

    OUT-of-work footie boss Wayne Rooney is said to be in negotiations to be a pundit on Match of the Day.The former England striker, 39, is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.From left to right, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan and are the new hosts of MOTDCredit: PAHe hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.He could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes. It comes after Man United great Rooney was sacked as manager of Plymouth Argyle at the end of last year, with the side rooted to the bottom of the Championship.Last night, a source said: “Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer, and was a huge hit with viewers.“He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.“Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming.“Wayne and the BBC are in early stage negotiations but it is looking promising and he is taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next”.Most read in FootballLast April, Rooney was forced to withdraw from his debut appearance on the show because of a back injury.Meanwhile, Rooney’s 38-year-old wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished runner-up.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDA source said: “This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne — they have so many options ahead of them.”The BBC want Wayne to be one of their MOTD punditsThe football legend is said to be in negotiations with the BeebCredit: BBCMicah in kit off for TV vowPUNDIT Micah Richards vowed to go naked on Match of the Day — one up on Gary Lineker who hosted in his pants.The ex-footie star, 36, said he will strip off if fourth-placed Newcastle win the league, having won nine games in a row.Lineker kept to a bet on Twitter and started the show in his boxers in 2016 after his former club Leicester won the Premier League.Richards, below, made the vow to Gary and pundit Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Alan joked: “We don’t want that idiot on TV with nowt on.”Lineker said: “Viewing figures won’t be the only thing that’s huge.” More

  • in

    Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giants

    LOVE cheat Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy — with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner due to join him in a bid to save their marriage.The Manchester City and England ace, 34, is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter Milan this month. Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy with long-suffering wife Annie in a bid to save their marriageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester City ace is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter MilanCredit: GettyWalker fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: GettyThe couple hope to leave behind the Manchester City captain’s tangled love life and focus on the future.Kyle has been linked to two top clubs in the trendy Italian city.A source said a loan agreement with Inter Milan had been reached in principle, despite huge rivals AC Milan also expressing an interest.Insiders said he shocked City bosses last week by saying he wanted a move, and 31-year-old Annie is likely to move with him, despite filing for divorce in August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.“It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.“They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.“Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.”Most read in FootballTheir four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.The news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked him out.Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the football ace ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferIn the summer, Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face 33-year-old Lauryn in court over financial arrangements for year-old daughter Kinara.Papers revealed he had in­c­reased Lauryn’s housing budget from £1.85million to £2.4million after she threatened to move within ten minutes of his family home.Walker’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City.Rumours persisted of a move to the lucrative Saudi league but the source said Walker, capped 93 times by England, still hopes to reach 100 — and fears that move would end his chances.Annie and Kyle’s four kids will also make the move to Italy from their home in Prestbury, CheshireCredit: Instagram More