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    My pal said ‘sorry about your dad’s dementia’… that was news to me, reveals Dean Windass’ son Josh

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    JOSH WINDASS revealed he only found out about his dad’s dementia from a Sheffield Wednesday team-mate while they were in a coffee shop.The attacking midfielder, 31, was oblivious that Hull and Bradford legend Dean Windass had been diagnosed with the condition until Owls defender Max Lowe unwittingly broke the news.Josh Windass reckons his dad being ‘a bit of a nutter’ make him popularCredit: GettyDean Windass, a cult hero with fans, has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: GettyAnd Windass told SunSport: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s news to me!’”His dad’s diagnosis at the age of 55 was publicly revealed by former Manchester United and Blackburn star David May during a TV interview, with Windass’ blessing.It sparked an outpouring of love and support for one of the biggest English football characters of the 1990s and 2000s, who has more recently been a Sky Sports pundit.Windass Jr said: “He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound.“When news like this comes out people always think the worst. But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems.“The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”Windass Jr is chasing a second promotion with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyHis dad did a national TV interview this week where he raised concerns about the perils of heading a football, which has been proven to increase the risk of developing the disease, and fears for his own son’s safety.Most read in ChampionshipWindass Jr scored the winning goal at Wembley with his head to clinch Wednesday’s promotion from League One in the play-off final against Barnsley in May 2023.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC And the Owls ace himself is passionate about raising awareness on how to prevent suffering from such conditions in later life.Research shows adopting a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of dementia.Windass has a strict diet plan and last season enlisted the help of Tyson Fury’s nutritionist, Sheffield-based Greg Marriott, to help his recovery from an injury.And he said: “You don’t want anyone getting dementia or any other illness.“You want everyone on the planet to be healthy in an ideal world so it’s important to raise awareness to help people prevent it.“Even things like eating healthily. It’s not just for making you look good at the beach, it’s great for your lifestyle and health.“It’s something me and my missus speak a lot about — curriculums in schools, people don’t get taught enough about diet or illness and stuff like that. There needs to be more focus.“A lot of the stuff that gets people excited are the things you probably shouldn’t do such as drinking alcohol and eating bad food.“There’s a time and a place for that but it’s important to raise your kids especially to drink water, eat fruit and vegetables.“When you’re 50, I’ve seen people who go on all these diets and things — but by that point it’s a bit late.“I’m on the side of the fence that you can have a good time but our bodies are more important. People don’t take care of themselves as much as they should.”Windass even believes that a good diet could help stem the increase of mental illness cases that have been highlighted in recent years. He said: “If you’re eating and drinking things that are going to damage your brain then you’re not going to be the happiest person in the world.“If you can do little things that can help make you feel a bit better, you’re going to be happier and healthier.”Windass certainly would have been feeling more jubilant after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day by snatching the all-important equaliser at Norwich on Tuesday as Wednesday roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.It was a crucial three points, hauling Danny Rohl’s men back into the play-off picture — and moving them to within just five points of the top six.Windass is set to feature in Sunday’s Steel City derby when bitter rivals Sheffield United make the three-and-half-mile trek across town to Hillsborough.That Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much as it’s not such a big achievement.”Josh WindassHe has always thought the Owls needed to still be in the mix by the final whistle of the derby clash to stand a chance.Windass has scored 11 goals this season with nine games left — and he said: “I felt at the start I needed to score 15 from midfield for the team to have a successful season.”One of those strikes was a 60-yard worldie against Derby — which will surely win the goal of the season gong at the EFL awards.It was so good that pundits Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison rated it better than the famous one David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.It sparked a January bid from Brazilian club Santos — which was rejected.But Windass said: “I scored a better one last year against Blackburn!”He has been at Hillsborough for five years and is firmly established as a cult hero for his play-off winner — but he would dearly love to see the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESWindass said: “I guess that Wembley goal was nice — but a League One promotion isn’t something I talk about too much because it’s not such a big achievement.”A play-off final winner this year certainly would be. More

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      in Boxing

      Johnny Fisher says Chinese takeaway will be his secret ingredient for Dave Allen rematch… and reveals famous order

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      JOHNNY FISHER hopes reintroducing Chinese takeaway into his fight diet will be the special ingredient for his rematch against Dave Allen. Fisher abstained from his favourite fast food for six months before beating Allen via controversial decision in Saudi Arabia in December.Johnny Fisher is bringing a Chinese takeaway back into his fight dietCredit: Instagram @johnnyfisher1Fisher with his TikTok famous dad Big JohnCredit: Instagram @johnnyfisher1But he is going back to his roots ahead of the May 17 rematch by bringing back his trademark weekend treat. Fisher, 26, told SunSport: “I love a Chinese. Sometimes it ain’t a bad thing on a Saturday night to have a big fuel up.”Because yeah, it’s nice to stick to it all the time like I did on my last fight, but sometimes you need a bit of c**p in your system and a bit of a bit of hair on your chest, you know.”A bit of egg fried rice ain’t a problem. Last time I didn’t have a Chinese in six months before that fight, but I don’t even think that’s a good thing.READ MORE IN BOXING”Bit of Chinese ain’t gonna hurt you, do you know what I mean? Bit of chunk on you, it’s not a problem.”Fisher’s dad Big John has become a viral TikTok sensation for his love of Chinese food and loyalty to his favourite takeaway restaurant. The Fisher family sit down for a meal every Saturday and Johnny has the order memorised. But whether he is victorious against Allen again or not, the 13-0 heavyweight will have to wait to enjoy his celebratory feast. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJohnny Fisher’s Chinese takeaway order Egg fried riceSpecial fried riceHouse special Chow MeinSweet and sour chicken Hong Kong styleCrispy pork,Beef Cantonese styleChicken ballsPork ballsChicken and sweetcorn salt soupFisher said: “After a good night’s work, Chinese is when it’s best felt.”On the night of the fight though, I don’t actually feel like eating after the fight, it’s just the adrenaline’s pumping.John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan “So Sunday night’s normally the Chinese night after a fight.”Fisher was down in round five against Allen and deemed fortunate to have walked away with his unbeaten record intact.But the Romford Bull looks to silence any doubters by heading right into a rematch to settle the score once and for all. Fisher, who had a brain scan after the win, said: “It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it again because it was a close fight. “But then I watched it back and thought I won by one round. There’s always other opportunities – my life don’t revolve around this rematch. “But something in the back of my mind wanted to do it again – so let’s do it.” Fisher rematches Dave Allen on May 17Credit: PAFisher won the first fight on pointsCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich

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      FOOTIE fans were left in hysterics after hearing Cole Palmer’s go-to meal deal sandwich.Palmer revealed that he’s NEVER had a meal deal and his next answer perhaps proved it.Cole Palmer’s ideal meal deal sandwich has left fans in hystericsPalmer revealed that he’s never had a meal deal before choosing a bizarre sandwichThe midfielder posted a video with crisp brand Pringles called ‘Hot vs Cole’ to his 6.3million Instagram followers on Thursday.One of his answers in particular has sparked a social media frenzy as he was asked what his favourite meal deal was.Palmer replied: “I don’t think I have ever had a meal deal.Slightly taken aback, the interviewer then asked what his sandwich of choice would be.READ MORE ON CHELSEAShouts of chicken and bacon could be heard behind the camera, however, the world’s sexist footballer surprisingly said: “Jam”.The clip has had hundreds of responses on social media from supporters who found his answer hilarious.One X user wrote: “Cole Palmer is the gift that keeps on giving.”While another said: “Hahaha a Jam sandwich meal deal sums him up.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Someone needs to start a petition to get jam sandwiches as part of the Tesco meal deal. I want this debated in parliament.” It comes moments after Palmer went viral after being asked whether he would fight a giant chicken wing or eat spicy crisps.Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wing And the ice-cold forward, 22, had a sweat on and couldn’t hide his sheer confusion as he faced the tricky options.Palmer said: “Would you rather fend off a giant chicken wing or 100 spicy Pringles?”Then laughing he simply added: “What…?”Palmer continued: “If you were to do a Pringles-inspired celebration, how would it look?”I would probably do something to do with a duck because you know when you put the two Pringles in your mouth…”The advert ends by Palmer munching on a crisp and confirming: “It’s nice, you know. It’s alright, that,” in his trademark style.In response to the jam sandwich fiasco, another fan said: “A footballing icon.”Another wrote: “Cole Palmer, we love you.”A third commented: “National treasures should be protected at all costs.”Palmer has not been so hot on the pitch of late, failing to score in his last six Premier League matches for Chelsea.The bizarre Pringles ad is not the first time the Chelsea ace has been left shocked in front of the cameras recently.He could barely believe it when he was told his great-uncle had a No1 hit all the way back in 1974.St. Clair Palmer was a singer in band Sweet Sensation, who topped the charts with Sad Sweet Dreamer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the footballer has struggled to hit the right notes himself in recent times.Despite a stunning start to the season, he has gone off the boil with no goals or assists since January 14 – a drought of seven matches.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      in Soccer

      Scottish Premiership club’s ‘astoundingly good-looking’ matchday food divides fans – ‘It’s not a kids’ tea party’

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      GONE are the days of spearmint chewing gum and macaroon bars served from trays around the terraces.Instead there’s scalding hot Bovril and a steak or scoth pie that’s stuck to the foil – food at the football can get a bad rap sometimes.Bovril is the traditional drink for Scottish football fansKillie Pies are also highly regarded in the football snack worldCredit: Willie VassThe 25th world pie championships were launched at Hampden earlier this year with Sunsport’s Killie legend Kris BoydCredit: John Kirkby – Commissioned by The SunNot the famous Killie pie though.The Ayrshire delight is renowned as one of the best in the SPFL – and is held in such high regard it’s sold in shops far away from Rugby Park.But the Killie Pie appears to have a rival as clubs come up with alternative culinary delights to replace the staple diet of Saturday afternoons at Scottish football.An internal rival no less. And one that has been hailed a sweet success.Well, with some fans at least.To others, what’s being served up in Kilmarnock’s family stand simply isn’t to their taste.The dish has been profiled by popular social media account ‘Footy Scran’.Most read in FootballIt highlights the best – and worst – of stadium snacks.And 70 percent – more than 1500 X.com users – dubbed the dish of donuts, marshmallows and cream topped with Nutella ‘Scran’.PIzza boss dedicated pie to famous Tartan Army duo in ItalyIt featured on the site hours after Derek McInnes’ side faced Rangers on Wednesday night and costs £5.50.It’s certainly different from a pie and bovril and one fan admitted: “I’m tempted to sit in the Killie end just for this.”Another said: “Astoundingly good looking; scran and pass the insulin pen.”A third joked: “Needs to be paired with the doner kebab pie.”Kilmarnock’s dish of donuts and sweet treats was popular with online fansCredit: X.COM/FOOTYSCRANBut it was maybe not one for the football purists who seemed to prefer a more traditional snack.One replied: “It’s supposed to be a football match, not a kids tea party!”Another cried: “Get in the bin. What is this – a hen night in Benidorm?”And one Killie fan was on hand to explain: “Should be noted for context that this dish is only available in the Family stand – which is home fans only. “None of the other three stands have anything just as sweet as this. It’s served from a food truck which is sited within the kids fun zone below the rake of the Moffat stand.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football pageREAD MORE SUN STORIES More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘I won’t fit in the car anymore!’ – Lewis Hamilton admits to eating THREE pizzas a week at Ferrari and reveals fave dish

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      LEWIS Hamilton fears not being able to fit into his Ferrari now that he’s eating THREE pizzas a week.The Brit, 40, has opened up on his diet since joining Ferrari and his love for Italian food.Hamilton joked that he has concerns about fitting in his car for the 2025 seasonHamilton attended a F1 event in London with Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur last weekHamilton is beginning a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1.The move ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he became a seven-time world champion, clinching most of his 103 race victories and amassing his 104 pole positions.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.And the Brit has highlighted his excitement at the new chapter of his F1 career.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe said: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.'”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton has a deep-rooted connection with Italy that dates back to his karting days. He first cut his teeth in motorsport at the age of 13, racing in Italy with his first mechanic, Luca del Fante.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia This included his time with the MBM team in the Open Italian Championship in 2000 and 2001 alongside Nico Rosberg, who later became his team-mate at Mercedes.Hamilton added: “I still remember going into town with Nico every evening to buy pizza and ice cream. We ate so much pizza.”Luca, my first mechanic, and his mother always made me an incredible lasagne. “I have never forgotten that lasagne to this day.”Ferrari’s hopes are pinned on Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who has confirmed his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024.The pair will look to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 crown.The driver market has been shaken by Hamilton’s move, leading to changes like Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari to Williams. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      Duncan Ferguson gets public apology from non-league club after he’s caught on camera throwing cup of tea away

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      A NON-LEAGUE club has apologised to Duncan Ferguson after he was spotted throwing away a bad brew from the stadium canteen.Cymru Premier side Flint Town United caught the former Everton star quite literally ‘spilling the tea’ during a recent match at the Essity Stadium.Duncan Ferguson was caught on camera trying a cup of tea from Flint Town UnitedCredit: X @FlintTownFCThe Scot didn’t seem to like it and quickly poured it onto the floorCredit: X @FlintTownFCDuring the game, a camera zoomed in on Ferguson just as he was taking a sip of the beverage.The Scot pulled a face before looking back down at his cup.He then looked around before flinging his entire drink on the floor and walking away.The video was shared on social media by Flint Town with a comment that read: “We would like to apologise to Big Dunc, and hope his next brew at the Essity Stadium is far more enjoyable!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA canteen assistant from the club was then quick to write: “As a level 1 catering assistant in said canteen I like to make the following statement: 1) We use Tetley tea bags. 2) The individual is in charge of making his own brew. 3) Our prices are the best in the town.”Big Dunc come back for a famous Keith burger next time.”Football fans loved the social media exchange, with one person writing: “That is absolutely fantastic 🤣.”Another commented: “This is amazing!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a third joked: “He should’ve gone with the Bovril instead!”Ferguson retired from professional football in 2006 following a six-year spell with Everton.Ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson spotted shovelling snow off Inverness pitch as he leads ‘army’ of helpers-The 53-year-old has since been placed in charge of the Toffees twice on an interim basis.He last took charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2024.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Liverpool stars’ night out in London’s West End as players celebrate extending title advantage at swanky venue

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      WHAT better way to celebrate ripping up the Prem than getting your teeth into a meal at the Pirana?Liverpool celebrated their nine-point title lead with a night-out at one of the trendiest restaurants in London’s West End.The Prem leaders chose the Pirana restaurant in LondonCredit: w8mediaTrent Alexander-Arnold looked particularly relaxedCredit: w8mediaWataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai were two of the more casually dressed players, with back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher in the backgroundCredit: w8mediaMo Salah’s huge smile gave away the fact he was the two-goal heroCredit: w8mediaMo Salah had pipped the Cherries with both goals in a 2-0 win on the South Coast.And hours after that victory at high-flying Bournemouth, Arne Slot’s men wore smiles as wide as their Prem advantage as they strolled into the Mayfair eatery.Salah, not surprisingly, had the biggest grin.And as the Reds arrived, most of them casually addressed, it was noticeable how relaxed they look.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDominik Szoboszlai rocked a flowery blue jacket, but Wataru Endo gave the midfielder a run for his money fashion-wise in a multi-zip green number.But many stars were happy in simple stuff like jeans and T-shirt at avenue that boasts “entertainment and a live DJ every night”.Curtis Jones added a denim top to that laidback look, and despite the wintry weather Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t even wear a jacket.Pirana boasts a “delightful fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours” – with prices from £8 for an Edamame beans starter to £440 for Beluga Caviar.Most read in FootballCurtis Jones cut a cool figure as he entered the eateryCredit: w8mediaAlexis Mac Allister shone in the 2-0 win at Bournemouth but was taken off soon after escaping a second bookingCredit: w8mediaLuis Diaz gave a slight nod to the club’s colours with this look, while Mac Allister peers out behind himCredit: w8mediaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYou could also pay £40 for Tuna Tartare or £50 for the “Premium Sushi” dishes of lobster and Wagyu beef.And if you really don’t mind getting hammered with the bill for wagyu, then you could go for the “Australian Tomahawk”… at £495.Bournemouth star Julian Araujo celebrates with fans in pub holding a pool cue after Southampton win despite not playingSome of those prices might not be down to earth.But the togetherness in the Liverpool squad, as well as the attitude of boss Slot, appears to be just that.After seeing off Bournemouth, the Dutchman said: “We had to play at the top of our abilities and needed luck to win this game. “They hit the bar or the post two times and they were constantly trying to force things. “They had other chances as well and I don’t think we actually controlled the game.”You could buy a salad at Pirana for £16, but you can’t put a price on Salah.He’s now the Prem’s sixth highest scorer ever on 178 goals, although Alan Shearer remains well clear at the top of the list on 260.And although the Egyptian’s future beyond this season is in doubt, Slot has no doubts over his value on the pitch.He argued: “The second goal was the difference between the two teams. It wasn’t an easy or a simple chance, the way Salah scores is so calm.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It shows you how much quality he has to win a game like this. The rest of the team and him worked so hard to keep the clean sheet.”Maybe all that concentration was why keeper Alisson appeared to have the most serious expression when he walked into the Pirana!Alisson had the most serious lookCredit: Credit: w8mediaVirgil van Dijk was smartly dressed, albeit with a yellow phoneCredit: Credit: w8media More

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      in Soccer

      Fans say Sheffield Wednesday ‘should be shut down’ after serving £5 Philly cheesesteak as MLS side ask ‘what is this?’

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      FANS demanded Sheffield Wednesday “be shut down” for their attempt at serving a £5 Philly cheesesteak.And the experts in America could not believe what they had witnessed from Hillsborough.The Philly cheesesteak on offer at Sheffield Wednesday was blasted onlineCredit: Jam PressPopular X account Footy Scran posted the shocking photo online on Wednesday night before the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.The caption simply read: “Philly cheesesteak at Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) – £5.”But it was the accompanying picture that did the damage – and left users aghast.The so-called Philly cheesesteak included two almost-grey dry slabs of questionable meat, some crusty unmelted cheese, a couple of stray peppers and an unappetising bread roll. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFooty Scran put out a poll asking if the food counted as “scran” or “no scran”.Unsurprisingly from more than 23,000 votes, a whopping 88 per cent voted “no scran”.And it led to a wave of hilarious responses – including some who did not even know what or who Sheffield Wednesday are. One said: “Proof that whatever Sheffield Wednesday is, it should be shut down. Or at least get a visit from Gordon Ramsay!”Most read in ChampionshipBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother wrote: “That’s a hate crime.”A third added: “Bro I’ve had prison food that looks better than this.”Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession A fourth typed: “Can you not share photos like this when I’m eating. Ruining my dinner.”A fifth joked: “Looks like a lung transplant.”A sixth replied: “I would not let my dog eat that.”A seventh quipped: “Is that tree bark?”An eighth commented: “Looks like it came out of a time capsule…”And even MLS club Philadelphia Union got involved – clearly defensive about their local cuisine.They simply asked: “What is this lol.”Sheffield Wednesday are not the only English football team to come under fire for their far-from-Michelin-star stadium catering. Alfreton Town’s chips, mushy peas and gravy left plenty to be desired.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Northampton Town’s pathetic excuse of a hot dog left some fans suggesting the tin foil it came in looked more appealing.Doncaster Rovers, however, got it spot on with their sumptuous Chippy Tea Butty complete with a fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce. Northampton’s hot dogs did not go down wellCredit: X @FootyScranDoncaster impressed with their stunning fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce buttyCredit: @drfc_official More

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      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney: Being a footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life – it’s torture

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      BEING a pro footballer around Christmas might be the most depressing time of your life.I’m not asking for huge amounts of sympathy.Footballers do not get time off during ChristmasCredit: AlamyBrighton and Hove Albion were visited by the GrinchCredit: Instagram @officialbhafcWe are very privileged people who get paid extremely well, so I don’t expect the tiny violins to be coming out.But it is not an easy time. Your whole family is buzzing — the Pringles are out, the wine, the beers.So many things that you would normally enjoy but just know you cannot do it.I remember as a footballer having Christmas dinner and knowing we were playing a game the next day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLI would have to ask for a third of what I would normally stuff on my plate.Now I am retired — my first Christmas away from the game for nearly 20 years — I asked my family to give me a third more than I can even stomach.I was so excited and loved it.But as a professional player, you would be counting how many potatoes you have eaten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen the club nutritionists would be on to you.I used to have to jump in the gym straight after my turkey dinner. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconCody Gakpo was one of the scorers on Boxing DayCredit: AFPWho are these famous footballers?Usually, if we had an away game on Boxing Day, we would have to train in the late afternoon or early evening on Christmas Day — and then it was straight to wherever the hotel was.I’d get up in the morning on Christmas Day, do stuff with the kids, have a light breakfast, probably run a 5k on the treadmill, then the family came over to have dinner but you are always watching the time.Let’s say we had dinner at 1:30pm.I would then get on the scales at 2:45pm and I am two kilos over. So, I have to jump in the sauna for 20 minutes.Then it is in the car, down to training, weigh yourself again and into a hotel with 20 other lads who also don’t want to be there.You’re looking on your social media and everyone is posting videos of themselves enjoying some drinks, opening presents, spending time with their kids. It really hits you.By the time Boxing Day comes around, everyone is in the mindset of, ‘Thank God that’s over’.I always tried to have a bigger dinner that day to make up for what I missed.For me and my family, our Christmas Day would be on the 27th, so you could enjoy yourself and have a few days resting before the New Year games.As players, we were generally well behaved during those periods.Sometimes at Watford, depending on the manager we had, we would have to come in for training at 8am on Christmas Day, so everyone would be home by midday.Get in, get out.There used to be a rule whereby you then did not have to report until Boxing Day morning.But that was stopped after a few players would turn up with red eyes after staying out until 2am.Those Christmas Day morning sessions were the worst, because my kids would wake up all excited wanting to open their presents and I would have to say: “No, wait until dad gets home!”It’s torture.And even when I got home, I would have to eat, shower, have a little nap and then drive back to the hotel for 7pm.When I first met my wife, she thought I would only train a couple of times a week and then play on a Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe then got the biggest shock of her life. My life was so regimented, even at Christmas.Look, it’s part of the gig. You’re paid to put up with it but it was a mental strain at times, especially with kids and those who were really family-orientated. More