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    Martin Odegaard becomes a dad as wife Helene gives birth to baby boy after Arsenal’s win over West Ham

    MARTIN ODEGAARD has welcomed a baby boy with wife Helene Spilling.The Arsenal midfielder announced in August he was expecting his first child with the professional ballroom dancer.Odegaard’s wife Helene shared this touching imageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/helenespilling/It’s thought the couple secretly wed last monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/helenespilling/The pair shared a pregnancy pic in the summerCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98And Helene shared a picture of the couple holding the tot’s’s hand on social media.The 28-year-old added the words: “We love you so much, our little baby boy.” It’s understood the birth was last Sunday, following Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham.A source said: “Martin and Helene have welcomed a baby boy.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“They are both absolutely delighted and Martin could not be prouder.” Odegaard, 25, and Helene, 27, only went public with their relationship in the summer of 2023.She was seen on the pitch hugging Odegaard following the end of the 2022-23 season.Last month the pair were reported to have secretly wed.Most read in FootballGunners’ skipper Odegaard is on a high on and off the fieldCredit: GettyAccording to Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang, the Arsenal star has changed his status to married in the national register.Helene also updated her name to include Odegaard’s surname.Inside Leandro Trossard’s 30th birthday bash after Man Utd win as Arsenal star parties with huge cutouts of his faceShe previously starred on Skal vi Danse, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.She won the competition in 2021 and as a professional ballroom dancer has won 17 gold medals in the Norwegian national championships.Odegaard was in the squad for the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Arsenal are now seven points from the top of the table, with Liverpool dropping points following their 3-3 draw against Newcastle.Odegaard is expected to start for Arsenal when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday at 2pm.He was out of action for two months with an ankle injury but is now back on form.Odegaard said: “I feel good, I think every game it’s getting better.“Being out for eight or nine weeks, it takes a little bit of time to get that rhythm back and to get full match fitness, but I felt pretty good. I think I’ve done a good job being out and working hard, so I feel good now.“It was the longest I’ve been out. I can’t remember anything else that I’ve had that’s been so long, so it was something new to me.“I’m not used to watching the games from the stand and not training with the team, so it was hard but the only thing you can do is work hard every day to make sure you come back as soon as possible stronger and better.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a chance to work on some other things, be a bit more in the gym and work on other parts of the body.“Also to watch the team from the stands is a bit different but I think you can learn a lot from that and that’s what I did.” More

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    Shocking moment furious Pep Guardiola has to be held back from fan as he tries to confront him in street

    THIS is the shocking moment Pep Guardiola had to be held back from angrily confronting a fan.Footage has emerged of the under-pressure Manchester City manager being berated while walking through the street.Pep Guardiola was filmed confronting a fan in the streetCredit: GettyAnd the clip shows the 53-year-old SNAPPING after appearing to snub the man.Guardiola is seen walking along a street in Manchester city centre wearing a dark grey suit and black tie.He was accompanied by what appeared to be his son Marius and another man.The cameraman shouted at the former Barcelona gaffer: “F***ing hell mate, just because you lost.”READ MORE ON GUARDIOLAAn incensed Guardiola immediately turned around to confront the person but was restrained by his security guard.But the irate Catalan tried to make another beeline for the cameraman, saying as he was held back: “Do you know what is lost?”Do you want I sign? I’m gonna sign it?”The cameraman replied “No it’s fine” before Guardiola tried to confront him for the third time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGuardiola was eventually calmed down and walked away from the scene.The footage appears to have been shot in Chapel Street in Salford and fans have speculated it was filmed in the aftermath of last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyPep Guardiola’s troops were a whopping 11 points behind Liverpool following their 2-0 defeat at AnfieldCredit: REXPep pictured at the 2024 FA Cup final, after which its believed the footage was filmedCredit: GettyIn the footage, Guardiola appears to be wearing the same suit he wore when Man City lost 2-1 to Manchester United.City have denied claims the row happened after this month’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.Defeat at Anfield left the defending Premier League champions a whopping ELEVEN points behind the Merseysiders.But they reduced the gap between themselves and Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.The victory ended a seven-match winless run for City and relieved some of the pressure on Guardiola’s shoulders.He said: “We needed it. The club, the players, everyone needed to win.“But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult.“We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.”City will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to south London to take on Crystal Palace.But they reduced the gap to nine points on Wednesday night thanks to a 3-0 win over Nottingham ForestCredit: PA More

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    Championship fixtures POSTPONED by weather chaos including Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth with 90mph Storm Darragh set to hit

    TWO Championship fixtures have been postponed as Storm Darragh is set to batter Wales and the South West with winds up to 90mph. Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow while Cardiff vs Watford has also been called off. Under-fire Wayne Rooney has seen his Plymouth side’s Championship game get postoponedCredit: RexThe Football Association of Wales (FAW) had earlier announced that ALL matches scheduled in Wales would be postponed with flooding and travel chaos expected. Cardiff have now confirmed they will not face the Hornets “in the interest of supporter safety” after receiving advice from the Met Office.Plymouth’s home clash had already been axed earlier in the day, with under-fire Rooney handed a reprieve following a dismal run.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone. Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset. The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.”It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.Most read in Football”Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.”Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth. Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed. Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011. The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees. Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage. Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible. There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday. Cardiff City also announced their fixture has been postponedCredit: Alamy More

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    Annie Kilner puts wedding ring back ON despite filing for divorce from Kyle Walker

    WAG Annie Kilner has been spotted still wearing her wedding ring, despite her impending divorce.Annie, who has four children with Kyle Walker, has been seen attending a red carpet event whilst still wearing her wedding ring.Annie Kilner was spotted wearing her wedding ringCredit: SplashAnnie was seen with a ring onCredit: BackGridShe shares four children with KyleCredit: SplashAppearing at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, Annie posed up a storm with a gal pal as they attended a glitzy ladies lunch together.Dressed in a burgundy dress, one accessory Annie was unlikely to be wearing was her wedding ring but she’s kept it firmly on her ring finger despite being in the midst of a divorce to Kyle.The couple have been wed for three years and were childhood sweethearts who met in Sheffield as teenagers.Yet the couple only got married in November 2021 during an intimate ceremony at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.More on Annie KilnerTheir wedding came as a surprise after Kyle was involved in various sex scandals, including with Ex on the Beach TV reality star Laura Brown and then later Celebs Go Dating star Lauryn Goodman.He fathered two children with Goodman, Annie filed for divorce from footballer Kyle in October, seeking an end to their three year marriage.Divorce papers were served to Kyle, leaving the footballer ‘stunned’.Most read in FootballA source said: “Kyle was stunned when he got the papers.”He’s spoken to Annie about them and they are discussing the next steps.Lauryn Goodman reported Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner to the cops after disturbing WhatsApp messages”This doesn’t necessarily mean they will divorce.”This is as much Annie flexing her muscles as it is anything else.”She wants Kyle to know she’s not messing about. But if this is a bluff, it may well back-fire.”The couple separated at Christmas after Kyle was exposed for fathering a second child with Instagram influencer and mistress Lauryn Goodman.This is believed to be it for Annie with previously said in an exclusive interview with us: “What he has done to me and our children is obscene.”I can’t begin to put it into words.”In late March last year he was unfaithful with a reality TV star.”I found out a month later and was broken by it.”He begged me to take him back but by July he was at it again.”Not even three months later and someone was pregnant. My youngest was one. Who does that?READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again because of what he’s done.”I’ve tried to hate him but how can I hate the man my kids love so much?”Kyle Walker was said to be left ‘stunned’ by the divorce papersCredit: GettyAnnie Kilner and Kyle Walker wed in November 2021 despite his various sex scandalsCredit: GettyKyle and Annie’s relationship historyEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorce More

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    Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago

    RUBEN AMORIM has added his own tribute to long-term employee Kath Phipps who passed away this week.Messages flooded in from Manchester United greats following the news of Kath’s death on Thursday at the age of 85 after 56 years working for the club in a variety of roles.Ruben Amorim has paid tribute to former Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerNew United boss Amorim had met the former receptionist when he came to Carrington seven years ago on a coaching internship under Jose Mourinho.Amorim said: “Yeah, you feel it today, it’s a sad day.“Everybody talks about lady Kathy. I met her seven years ago during the internship, she was the lady behind the reception.“And you feel it, the love. The way Darren Fletcher speaks about her.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“She was a really important person here that represents everything about this club, friendly, professional, taking care of everybody, it’s a sad day.”David Beckham added his own heartfelt message late last night for the lady who looked after him after he arrived as a 15-year-old lad from London.Beckham posted a message on Instagram saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game, she was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.”I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry.’ Most read in Football”And from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did ❤.”Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you ❤.”Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary United’s club statement partially read: “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”The Red Devils paid tribute to Kath in 2023 with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.She featured throughout last year’s Netflix documentary on Beckham.In it she discusses his rise to fame – and all the letters he received from adoring supporters.Asked if she remembered when Becks got his first fanmail, Kathy revealed: “I can’t honestly remember. It just built up and built up. All these young ladies writing to him.”Asked what they said, as Beckham revealed he was sent underwear, she added, with a slight smile: “It’s not nice is it, sending underwear to a boy. I put them to one side and didn’t reply.”When she was then asked “did it get to his head”, she firmly replied: “No.”Kath also spoke about how it felt when the nation turned on Beckham after he was sent off in England’s last-16 defeat to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.Kath said: “I didn’t like it at all but I had no say in the matter. I’d loved to have said something but you just can’t. You just keep your (mouth shut) like I’ve always done.”The treasured employee later opened up about watching the historic 1999 2-1 Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich from home.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe said on watching the stunning climax to the Treble-winning season, when United equalised in the dying seconds with a goal following a Beckham corner: “I said to my husband at the time, before he passed away, ‘Oh dear, I’m going to make a cup of coffee’.”They scored, and he said, ‘They’re going to do extra time’. Then I said, ‘Oh, I’m going then’. I went out again.”David Beckham has paid tribute to Phipps on Instagram More

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    Top five Christmas gifts for a football fan from an immersive experience to much-loved novelty fashion

    CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and for football fans who have and know it all – it is hard to find something they will love.But we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of five sublime gifts that will leave your footie fanatic feeling like they have taken home all three points.Classic Football Shirts have shops in Manchester and LondonCredit: AlamyA fun footie experience could be something newWhether you’re looking for a memorable experience, a budget treat for your Sunday league strike partner, or need ideas for the work Secret Santa – we have got you covered. 5. FC25: £26.99 + Clothing rangeIf you’re buying for a die-hard supporter and they somehow haven’t got EAFC25, your mind should be made up already.The ultimate football game, available on whatever console you choose – it’s a no brainer to let them jump on Ultimate Team Rush and play the winter nights away with their mates. Buy it from just £26.99 here. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFC25 is guaranteed fun for any football fanCredit: Getty“But they’ve already got FC25, in fact, they never get off of it” Well, you can buy your gaming addict some clothing to match their hobby, such as these stunning numbers released by EA themselves, available until the 8th December.EA Sports’ FC 25 apparel collection has some hidden gems for gamers 4. ClubLegacyz Limited Edition Football Cards, £20Fans all over the world grew up collecting football cards as a kid. Whether they were Shoot Out specials, shiny Match Attax or magical Merlin stickers – there was something special about that feeling of pulling your favourite star. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo why not give a bit of nostalgia with a twist this Christmas?This is where ClubLegacyz comes in… forget flimsy cards with creased edges.Spending a fortune just to get some washed up players from a team you do not support is now a thing of the past too.Instead choose a premium quality card of your favourite player – limited to a small number of people in the world.Or even get a metal poster of the star of their choice to decorate any space.Club Legacyz cards have a brilliantly premium feelMetal posters offer a premium feel to decorate any roomA gift guaranteed to bring a smile to any fans’ face – shop the ultimate football cards here. 3. Football themed Christmas jumpers, £25-£45.A present perfect for the fans of any team, this will serve them perfectly for lounging around, going to Christmas parties and games over the festive season.The ultimate football Christmas jumpers can be found at Classic Football Shirts – where you can find a sublime variety of football knits.Some even feature a legendary player on the back. From Didier Drogba to Lionel Messi, CFS has it all.Their Arsenal number is invincible themedThis belter from the Man Utd treble season has a Christmas twistIf £40 is stretching your budget a bit far, we’ve got a budget option for you too…While you make a slight compromise on quality, you can make an exceptional gift from this choice of witty sweaters from GiftDelivery.Our personal favourite is this Cold Palmer “Baby it’s Cold Outside” number, but they also feature the perfect gift for fans of Bukayo Saka, Mo Salah, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. We love this brilliant Cole Palmer jumper2. Classic Football Shirt: Price variesFrom a football fan, here’s a tip, treat them to a shirt from Classic Football Shirts this Christmas.A virtual football shirt heaven, CFS offers something for everyone – whether it’s a retro kit with a legend on the back from their favourite team.A shirt they missed out on a few seasons back at a much cheaper price than a modern strip.Or an entirely random European number, which quite frankly just looks cool as a fashion piece as well as a piece of history.Classic Football Shirts are in style, just ask Snoop DoggCredit: PA:Press AssociationDua Lipa loves a classic tooCFS has truly got it all, and if you don’t know which one they’d like the most – just treat them to a gift card.They have stores in Manchester and London – they will be almost guaranteed to find something they want.1. Trip to Toca Social: £12.50 Per PersonSo you’re after an experience, but match tickets are seemingly impossible to get a hold of and they have already done the stadium tour. Well here it is, your final destination.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOCA Social is the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, offering heaps of fun for all. You can choose from a range of mini-games, enjoy some brilliant music, and have some great food in either Birmingham or London. Try your hand at interactive football challenges against your matesHarry Kane is a big TOCA Social supporterCredit: PA More

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    Tyler Dibling quit Southampton academy for Chelsea but left after two games… Saints nearly refused to welcome him back

    TYLER DIBLING left Southampton for Chelsea and was almost refused a return to the South Coast.The Saints winger, 18, has broken through into Russell Martin’s first-team this season and been a bright spark for the struggling Premier League side.Tyler Dibling is starting to make a name for himself at SouthamptonCredit: GettyHe spent a few months at Chelsea in 2022 but played just twice for their academyCredit: Instagram @TylerdiblingHe has started eight of their 14 matches, scoring in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich back in September.Dibling also assisted twice in a 5-3 win over Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.He has spent the last decade of his life as a Southampton academy prospect – but for a few months in 2022.Dibling, who was suspended for Saints’ 5-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, joined the Blues shortly after going viral for scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle in a Premier League 2 match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was offered around £3,000 a week to stay at St Mary’s but Chelsea offered more to snatch him away.However, the Exeter-born attacker struggled to fit in at the West London club as he suffered a lack of confidence in the more ruthless environment.And following just TWO appearances for Chelsea’s youth side, talks got underway to bring him back to Southampton.According to The Athletic, some Saints chiefs were concerned about the “message it would send to other academy players who leave Southampton and then decide they prefer their old surroundings” if they were to take him back.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Matt Hale, Southampton’s academy director at the time, wanted the best players at the club and could see Dibling was one of them.So they offered him a contract on much reduced wages from the offer they submitted prior to joining Chelsea – and he signed it.Southampton manager bust upAnd Dave Horseman, an academy coach at the club at the time of Dibling’s return, praised the teenager’s attitude.He said: “When I knew he was coming back, I sat all the U21s and U18s down and explained what was happening.”When he came back from Chelsea, he went to the U18s. He had to earn the right to come back.”He never moaned, at least not to us, and looking back, when you put the pieces together, he showed he is a strong character.”He had to suck it up and go again, and I am sure Tyler felt awkward as anything when he came back.”Dibling penned a new deal in February 2023 to keep him at the club until 2027.But SunSport has revealed Manchester United and Aston Villa have already sent scouts to watch his last three games.Clubs in Germany and Italy are also understood to be interested.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he will almost certainly leave if Southampton are relegated this season.Martin’s men sit bottom of the Premier League, seven points adrift of safety after winning just one of their opening 14 matches. More

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    Ex-Premier League ace Tommy Widdrington, 53, suffers two strokes as Strictly star son Kai thanks fans for support

    FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after suffering from two stokesWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for an ischaemic stroke at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA club statement, on behalf of his family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”Most read in FootballIt is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.Kai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with SouthamptonHis family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More