Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      We live by a major UK stadium – here’s why it’s the best place in the city to have a home

      by

      FOOTBALL fans who live in the shadow of one of Britain’s best-known stadiums say it’s the best place in the city to have a home.The homes on Wesley Street, which leads down to Leeds United’s Elland Road ground, are pretty much all owned by fans of the club and there’s hardly ever a for sale sign outside any of them.
      Wesley Street lies in the shadow of the famous Elland Road stadiumCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Gran Joyce Brown has lived in the street since 1963 when the properties were first builtCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Simon Dyson has lived on the road since he was three and loves itCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Even the telephone junction boxes in the street are daubed with Leeds United badges, celebrations of by-gone players and famous chants.
      Joyce Brown, an 85-year-old grandmother, has been a season ticket holder at Elland Road for 65 years and moved into her red-brick semi in 1963 when the houses were built so she could be close to her club.
      Joyce even admitted that she and her now late husband Alan cut their honeymoon short so they could watch a game.
      She said: “Me and Alan even cut our honeymoon to Blackpool short so that we could watch a game. This is the best place to live in Leeds.”
      Read More on Leeds United
      Alan, who died I 1995, has his ashes interned in the Elland Road pitch.
      “Our love of Leeds United was the reason we bought this house,” said Joyce.
      “I have seen some ups and downs at the club since I watched my first game as a 12-year-old girl.”
      Joyce used to go to Leeds United games with her grandad. “But their situation, now, is upsetting me more than ever.”
      Most read in Football
      She is not happy with the players who want to leave since relegation.
      “Alan is at the ground behind the goalposts now. We are there together at the home games still,” she said.
      Joyce can barely remember missing a game at Elland Road, other than the Covid gap, when no spectators were allowed in the ground.
      “I find it hard to think of a home game that I’ve missed. I have missed some, but not many,” she said.
      “It’s awful to say, but I have lived my life around Leeds United.”
      Joyce gave birth to her youngest son Simon at home in 1966.
      She said: “I was here and gave birth over the Friday and Saturday night to Simon. I wanted to go and watch the game against Arsenal on the Saturday afternoon, but the midwife wouldn’t let me go. We won 2-1.”
      Simon Dyson, 31, has lived on the street since he was three years old and loves it.
      The aluminium fabricator said: “I was near enough born and bred here and I’m a massive Leeds fan – you’ve got to be really.
      “It’s a beautiful view waking up to the sight of the stadium.
      “Supporting Leeds has its ups and down and it is a hard task sometimes, but I’ll never get tired of living here.
      “There is never any trouble. You can hear the crowd and can tell when they’ve scored when I’m at home. I wouldn’t move.
      “Parking isn’t a problem either because I have my permit. It’s all good.”
      Dawn Oates, 55, lives right at the bottom of Wesley Street and her house boasts a Leeds United mural on the gable end facing the ground.
      Dawn was born within a stone’s throw of the stadium in a back-to-back terrace house, which has since been demolished to make way for one of the club’s car parks.
      She has also worked as the bar supervision of the unofficial club pub The Old Peacock – which stands opposite the ground – for the last 36 years.
      Dawn said: “I have lived in the shadow of the Elland Road stadium for all of my life. I was born here.
      “I’m a season ticket holder. I work, then go and see the match – it’s great.
      “There’s no trouble now. Years ago, there would be away coaches turning up around here, but not now.
      “I’m very proud to live around here. I leave for work and it takes me just five minutes and then I can pop to the game.”
      Next door neighbour Julie Ridings, 62, doesn’t care for football, but her husband Tony is a season ticket holder.
      “I’m not a Leeds fan, but my husband is. He’s a season ticket holder,” said Julie.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The crowds don’t bother me. We’ve lived here for that long that it is just part and parcel of it.
      “We moved here 39 years ago. It keeps him happy and quiet and so I don’t mind it. I don’t like football, but I like living here.”
      Another superfan who lives in the road, Julie Ridings has a mural painted on her home dedicated to the clubCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Leeds United’s Elland Road and the famous statue of footballing legend Billy BremnerCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Dawn Oates lives at the bottom of Wesley StreetCredit: NB PRESS LTD More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ace Kyle Walker gets told off for speeding on a jet ski by marine patrol

      by

      ENGLAND ace Kyle Walker was given a ticking off by a marine patrol for speeding — on a jet ski.The Man City star, 33, was pulled over by a safety officer who allowed him to continue after issuing “advice”.
      Man City and England star Kyle Walker was given a ticking off by a marine patrol for speeding — on a jet skiCredit: Alamy
      Walker was understood to have been in Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula when he was stopped by the patrol, who also use jet skisCredit: Nigel Iskander
      After the incident, the star retired to the bar in Abersoch on the ‘Welsh Riviera’Credit: Nigel Iskander
      Lightning fast right-back Walker curbed his speed for the remainder of his water bike sea jaunt off West Wales before hitting the bar at an exclusive holiday park.
      A friend said: “Kyle was visiting the day after playing for City and just wanted to have some fun.
      “Problem was he went too far and was ragging the jet ski around in the sea.
      “A safety patrol spotted him and went over to him.
      READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
      “They were pretty surprised when they saw who it was but lost no time in telling him to cool it
      “Kyle can go as fast as he wants up and down the wing — but he needs to be slower on the sea.”
      Walker was understood to have been in Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula when he was stopped by the patrol, who also use jet skis.
      A local marine patrol member confirmed the dad of three was spoken to over his antics.
      Most read in Football
      He said: “He got told off.
      “We’ll tell them all off.
      “We don’t care who they are or what they are.
      “Bear Grylls came in here at a fair speed once so I said, ‘Oi, there’s a speed limit here’.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford’s car collection as he buys his THIRD Rolls-Royce – worth an eye-watering £560k

      by

      MARCUS Rashford netted another hat-trick by buying his third Rolls-Royce.The ace has added a £560,000 Cullinan Blue Shadow to his set.
      Marcus Rashford netted another hat-trick by buying his third Rolls-RoyceCredit: Getty
      The ace has added a £560,000 Cullinan Blue Shadow to his set
      Marcus in his Black Badge CullinanCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The bespoke limited edition motor is one of only 62 made.
      Each one is sprayed “Stardust Blue” to mimic the halo of the Earth’s upper atmosphere — 62 miles from the planet’s surface.
      The 6.75-litre, twin-turbo charged V12 SUV has a luxury interior and an audio system that features 18 speakers.
      Man United striker Marcus, 25, also has a £390,000 Black Badge Cullinan and a 700,000 Black Badge Wraith.
      Read More on Marcus Rashford
      Rolls-Royce released the Cullinan — named after the famed diamond — in 2018.
      Car fan Marcus’ Man United team-mate Luke Shaw, 28, and Man City’s Erling Haaland, 23, are other stars to have Cullinans.
      Rashford also recently bought a £280,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail and a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante.
      The star gets into his Black Badge WraithCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Devastated’ Mason Greenwood ‘doesn’t know which way to turn’ after being dumped by Man Utd

      by

      MASON Greenwood has been left “devastated” by Manchester United’s decision to dump him – which has left him mulling over an offer from a club in Albania.The forward, 21, and his family had expected to return to the Red Devils after club officials indicated they were willing to give him a second chance.
      Mason Greenwood has been left ‘devastated’ by Manchester United’s decision he will never play for the club againCredit: Getty
      But following a public backlash the club announced on Monday he would not play for United again.
      His hopes of re-starting his career at a high level club have also been dealt a blow after officials from Italian Serie A side Roma and the Saudi Premier League indicated they were no longer interested in signing the Prem star.
      Following his suspension by United after charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive controlling behaviour were dropped in February, at least two Premier League clubs made enquiries about signing him on loan.
      But those clubs are now re-thinking their plans as they consider whether any public backlash they are likely to receive if they sign him is worth it.
      READ MORE MASON GREENWOOD
      Championship clubs are also believed to be monitoring the situation, but are worried they too would be unable to handle the PR situation.
      So at the moment, the only side who are reportedly interested is an unnamed team in Albania.
      The Sun understands the backlash has been so severe that Greenwood – who became a dad in July – has been left “devastated” and fearing for the future of his career.
      A source said: “Mason always wanted to re-start his career at the highest level possible.
      Most read in Football
      “He hoped and believed it would be with United.
      “The strength of feeling has now left him worried if he will ever play in the top leagues again.
      “Playing in somewhere like Albania was never part of his plans, ever.”
      Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after disturbing images were placed on social media.
      But his court case was halted after key witnesses withdrew their evidence.
      United CEO Richard Arnold said this week that a five month club investigation had concluded that Greenwood did not commit any criminal offences, but that he needed to leave Old Trafford for the good of his career.
      Greenwood does not know which way to turn to resurrect his football career
      The only offer Greenwood has currently is from an unnamed club in Albania More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood’s career dealt another blow by Ronaldo who could stop his move to Saudi Arabia over long running feud

      by

      MASON Greenwood fears he has blown any chance of making a fresh start in Saudi Arabia after describing the career of former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as “dead”.Greenwood, 21, used the term while discussing the superstar’s form while he was playing at Real Madrid.
      Mason Greenwood described former Man Utd teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s career as ‘dead’Credit: Getty
      Greenwood now fears he has blown any chance of rebuilding his career in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      When Ronaldo learned about the comment he was furious — and urged bosses not to consider making a move for his former teammateCredit: Getty
      He later moved to Juventus and returned to Old Trafford in September 2021.
      The comment emerged in March, three months after Ronaldo, 38, signed for Saudi team Al-Nassr in a two-year £350million deal.
      When Ronaldo learned about it he was furious — and urged league bosses not to consider making a move for his former teammate.
      A source said: “Ronaldo isn’t known for his thick skin.
      Read More on Mason Greenwood
      “He was really annoyed at what Greenwood said — but he has good reason to be when you consider what Ronaldo has achieved in his career and where Greenwood finds himself.
      “Greenwood had his nose put out of joint when Ronaldo signed for United because he ended up playing a lot less than he had hoped for, so their relationship was difficult.”
      Ronaldo was the first superstar to move to the Saudi league and he has a lot of influence.
      The source added: “Ronaldo is treated as royalty in Saudi and what he says goes.
      Most read in Football
      “He would have enough influence there to kibosh clubs from signing Greenwood if he wanted to.”
      The Sun understands Saudi league bosses are also wary of making a move for Greenwood given the country already suffers from bad PR.
      A senior figure within the Saudi Premier League said it would be “very surprising” if attempts were made to sign Greenwood given the huge push for women’s football in the past year, which saw an 86 per cent rise in registered female players in the country.
      A source said: “If Greenwood is too toxic for football in Saudi Arabia, you do wonder where on earth he could rebuild his career.”
      The second season of the Saudi women’s league kicks off on October 11 with women playing without head coverings and male fans watching in the stands.
      Clubs from Turkey and Italy have previously registered their interest in Greenwood but yesterday Serie A club Roma, managed by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho, distanced itself from the player.
      Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard, now manager at Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, also dismissed claims he was interested as “fake news”.
      Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson have reunited at Al-EttifaqCredit: Reuters More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England goalkeeper Mary Earps sells out T-shirt line after being snubbed by Nike

      by

      T-SHIRTS launched by England goalkeeper Mary Earps after her Nike kit snub have sold out.The World Cup Golden Glove winner came up with two designs featuring the slogans Girls Know the Offside Rule Too and Be Unapologetically Yourself.
      T-shirts launched by England goalkeeper Mary Earps after her Nike kit snub have sold outCredit: Getty
      Yesterday both of the black £26.50 tops had sold out on her Mae27 site.
      The phrases come from a speech Earps, 30, made in February when accepting a Fifa best women’s goalkeeper award.
      Nike was slammed for refusing to sell replica shirts with the Man Utd star’s name on.
      Earps, dubbed Mary, Queen of Stops, called it disappointing and very hurtful.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      She said: “For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes.
      “I know there’s a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put ‘1 Earps’ on the back, which doesn’t sit well with me either. It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important’.
      “It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors. I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.”
      After England’s loss, Nike said it was “working towards solutions for future tournaments”.
      Most read in Football More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd future in further doubt after MPs urge club to ‘do what’s right’

      by

      MASON Greenwood’s Man United future has been placed in further doubt after politicians voiced their opposition to an Old Trafford return.Yesterday local Labour MP Andrew Western urged the club to “do what’s right”.
      Mason Greenwood’s Man United future has been placed in further doubt after politicians voiced their opposition to an Old Trafford returnCredit: AP
      Greenwood has been suspended since he was arrested in January 2022.
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped last February.
      We revealed yesterday United are on the brink of a U-turn which could block his comeback.
      Bosses had been ready to announce the star, 21, was returning after a club probe into his conduct.
      read more on mason greenwood
      Mr Western’s comments were echoed by Trafford Labour councillor Fianna Hornby, who tweeted: “I always stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence.”
      A United spokesman said: “Manchester United has planned for various potential scenarios in relation to the future of Mason Greenwood.
      “This is a difficult and sensitive case.
      “It is entirely proper that we have taken a careful and thorough approach to planning for the various potential outcomes, including how we would engage with stakeholders and explain the decision after it is made.”
      Most read in Football More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-West Ham footballer faces jail for trying to help flog £1.9million antique vase stolen from museum

      by

      A FOOTBALLER faces jail for trying to help flog a £1.9million antique vase stolen from a museum.Ex-West Ham youth star Kaine Wright, 26, was snared in a cop sting with Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
      Kaine Wright was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of conspiracy to sell a stolen Chinese Ming dynasty vaseCredit: PA
      A court heard the 14th century Chinese vase was snatched in a raid at the Swiss Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in 2019.
      In 2020, Brit cops set a trap after gang members tried to get it valued.
      Southwark crown court heard they agreed to sell the vase for £450,000.
      Nkhwa was arrested at London’s Marriott Hotel.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Wright, who drove him there, and Lamming were picked up later.
      Wright, of Plumstead, and Nkhwa, of Charlton, South East London, were convicted of conspiracy.
      Lamming, of Lewisham, admitted it.
      They are due for sentencing in October.
      Most read in Football More