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    Sven-Goran Eriksson dead: Ex-England manager passes away aged 76 after health battle

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    FORMER England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has tragically passed away aged 76 after revealing he had terminal pancreatic cancer.Eriksson spent five years as the Three Lions’ boss – taking England to the quarter-finals in two World Cups and a European Championship.Sven-Goran Eriksson has tragically died after battling pancreatic cancerCredit: GettyEriksson managed the England team from 2001 to 2006Credit: AP:Associated PressHe dated Nancy Dell’Olio and the pair were together for almost 10 yearsCredit: Thomas JohanssonSven Goran Eriksson shared a poignant goodbye message in a new documentary chronicling his lifeCredit: Amazon PrimeEriksson, who was in charge of the Three Lions’ Golden Generation, revealed in January he had “at best a year” to live after being diagnosed with cancer.The Swede’s family confirmed today he died in a heartbreaking statement.It read: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.”After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”Read more on footballHis devastated family have asked for their privacy to be respected so they can mourn in private.A statement from his children Lina and Johan Eriksson today read: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.”Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.”Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.Most read in Football”They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.”The children added: “We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.Inside Sven Eriksson’s cancer battle and how he’s found his final resting place”We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”The Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001.He managed superstars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.During his time with England Eriksson managed 67 matches, he won 40 and lost 10 – of his 67 games 40 were competitive.Eriksson left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and would later manage a host of clubs at domestic and international level.It comes as…Due to his health issues, he was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.He added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video where he gave a touching farewell.Sven gave a poignant final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”The film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Football Association patron Prince William today paid tribute to him as a “true gentleman of the game”.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001)The England fans’ group Free Lions also paid a touching tribute on X: “RIP Sven. For the night in Munich, amongst everything else, thank you for the memories.”This is honouring England’s glory after their 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifier in September 2001.Current FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added today: “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.”Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”On behalf of my colleagues at the FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”Despite coaching the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, Eriksson never saw a major title for the Three Lions.The team was pinned to bring football home but heartbreakingly crashed out of Germany at the 2006 World Cup in the quarter finals.Eriksson later said his biggest regret was deciding against bringing in a mental coach to work with the players after a penalty shootout stumped England’s chances of glory.Eriksson is pictured in January 2024 after revealing his diagnosisCredit: Filip BohmIn his time as manager Eriksson, pictured in 2002, took England from 17th in the world rankings to fifthCredit: AP:Associated PressIt was widely believed his golden generation team could win the 2006 World Cup but they tragically crashed out on penaltiesCredit: GettyThe manager pictured with Three Lions hero David BeckhamCredit: ReutersSven also coached Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions legend made a name for himselfCredit: PAAfter stepping down that year, he and went on to manage Manchester City for a year before trying for international glory again at Mexico and Ivory Coast.Following a spell at Leicester City, the Swede spent four years working in the emerging Chinese Super League.Eriksson’s final job as Philippines’ national boss ended 2019 – bringing an end to an illustrious managerial career.Born in Sweden on February 5, 1948, Erkisson also had a modest playing career in the lower echelons of local football. The young sportsman played most of his career as a right-back for Division 4 outfit Torsby.LIFE OUTSIDE FOOTBALLThen, after hanging up his boots at the age of 27, he became the assistant of his long-time collaborator Tord Grip at Degerfors, becoming manager in 1977.It was that same year that Eriksson married his first wife, Ann-Christine Pettersson, who he has two children with. The pair spilt in 1994, an in the years that followed, he went on to coach Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio.Away from the pitch, Eriksson’s love life was put under the spotlight when he met Italian lawyer and TV star Nancy Del’Ollio.Their romance suffered controversy when it emerged that he had a four-month romance with fellow Swedish celebrity Ulrika Jonsson in 2002.Two years later Eriksson strayed again, having an affair with Football Association secretary Faria Alam which prompted a FA scandal.Dell’Olio stayed with the manager, but left him in 2007. In an interview in 2018, Eriksson said the high-profile of his love life took its toll.”Sven was a good coach… better than he seems, says SunSport experts”SunSport’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discussed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England legacy following his death aged 76.Custis: “He was the most polite, civil manager I’ve ever dealt with in my life.”Lipton: “There are many managers who are prone to paroxysms of aggravation and screaming matches.”You can’t imagine Sven ever raising his voice, let alone having a row with someone. He was a gentle man and a gentleman throughout his dealings with us certainly. And I think that always came across from the very outset.”He was clearly a quite calm, unflappable character and he wasn’t going to let anything perturb him no matter what it was. No matter what questions were thrown at him, no matter what stick he got. He had this veneer of utter tranquillity.”Custis: “There was a lot of mystery to him. You weren’t reading things about him every two minutes online as you would do now but he came in and he got off to a great start with that 3-0 win over Spain.”Lipton: “He just loved being around football, didn’t he that was the thing.”He didn’t want to give it up… He actually, genuinely loved being around football players, being a manager and all the trappings of that and just being important. Because he enjoyed being Sven-Goran Eriksson – football manager.”Lipton: “He brought back a belief in the England team in that period, he gave us a night we’ll never forget and oversaw the real change in the culture of English football in that it became more celebrity in many ways.”The players became bigger than they’d ever been and he managed to keep that under a degree of wraps… He was a better manager than I thought he was at the time.”He said: “I thought I was prepared for England but I was not prepared for things outside football, my private life.”I am not very proud that fans could probably name three of my former girlfriends.”I don’t think it damaged my football results. But my image outside football it damaged, yes.”In his heartbreaking Amazon Prime documentary, the football legend hold how his relationship with his children had improved amid his diagnosis. He said: “When you get divorced, you feel bad – and I did. At that time I don’t think I was a great dad. But before that and after that I guess I was okay. “It’s good to see that the children found the right way and have a good life. I am proud of them. Extremely proud.”Lina also talked about reconnecting with her father and how difficult it was to see him go through cancer.She said: “He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t.”Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.””I think it has taken time to process and I think he has come a long way now than initially”, Lina added.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenager. “You realise the value of life and that what you thought was important is really not that important.”Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson applauds the crowd after an exhibition match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends at AnfieldCredit: APEriksson managed the likes of Steven GerrardThe manager was just as famous for his off-pitch actions More

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      The football team that’s about more than winning

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      “WINNING is fantastic but it’s not our goal – it’s supporting each other on the pitch that counts.”It’s not exactly your typical manager’s pre-match huddle talk, but then South London’s Saving Souls FC aren’t your typical football team.
      Kerry Phillips founded Saving Souls FC to help bring people together
      While winning is a bonus, the real focus of the team, who are supported by National Lottery funding, is scoring victories over issues men face with their mental health.
      “I’m an Arsenal season ticket holder – I go by myself, home and away, and end up talking to so many different people,” says Kerry Phillips, Saving Souls’ founder, manager and “head of laundry”.
      “During lockdown, I realised that for me football is about more than 22 men kicking a ball.
      “It’s a point of connection with other people that nurtures my soul.” 
      Kerry, 36, from Catford, felt isolated during lockdown and reached out to friends on the phone.
      He sensed they were experiencing loneliness too but he couldn’t broach the subject. 
      “It was frustrating. It’s that ‘Men don’t talk about their feelings’ thing.”
      Kerry did some research and realised there was a problem. According to mental health charity Mind, 43 per cent of men regularly feel low but 28 per cent say embarrassment stops them seeking help.
      Most read in Football
      Men from minority ethnic groups are even less likely to access help than their white counterparts.
      “In 2017, I had therapy and that helped me understand my own mental health issues,” Kerry says.
      “As a child and young man I was overweight and lacked self-esteem, masking it with an outgoing persona.
      “Even after I lost 14st in my mid-twenties, I lacked confidence. Finally, turning 30, I faced up to my issues. That gave me tools for dealing with things.”
      National Lottery funding helps pay for the pitch hire
      Lockdown knocked his sense of self all over again. He wondered if there was something he could do to improve the mental health of men in his community.
      A couple of years earlier he’d organised a charity football match for his church – over-thirties versus under-thirties.
      “It was an intergenerational bonding session,” he says. “Was there a way of replicating that on a regular basis?”
      Kerry contacted the London Football Association and enquired about setting up a club with the aim of encouraging men to talk.
      Next, he rang Bellingham Leisure Centre, close to his home, and asked about hiring a pitch.
      Within weeks he had bagged a spot in the South London Grassroots Football League. Now all he needed was a team.
      The team are all about encouraging men to talk
      TALKING A GOOD GAME
      “I came up with the name Saving Souls FC and set up an Instagram account and promoted the first training session in 2021,” he says.
      “Sitting there on my own, I was nervous people wouldn’t turn up. But ten showed. Now Saving Souls has 88 members in its WhatsApp group.”
      Training takes place every other Friday evening, matches mostly on weekdays. And on the last Thursday of every month, Saving Souls holds a men’s forum.
      If people have specific problems they want to discuss, Kerry can signpost them to organisations like Citizens Advice and StepChange, the debt charity. 
      “We’re very diverse, with different religions and cultures,” he says. “Ages too – our oldest member is 58 and his son is the youngest at 18.
      “Friendships form – two members went into business together, while another felt strong enough to come off antidepressants through the boost playing gave him.”
      The team are achieving on the pitch too, winning the Grassroots League in 2022 with a goal difference of 137 and being named London FA Grassroots Project of the Year.
      Last year, Kerry successfully applied for National Lottery funding.
      “The FA gave us funding but I was spending my own money too,” he says.
      “We pay to hire the pitch, for example, but people might be struggling so sessions are free. National Lottery support was a lifesaver.”
      National Lottery players support health and wellbeing projects near you, like Saving Souls FC – the club helping people to improve their wellbeing and mental health through free weekly football matches.
      The National Lottery is also the proud sponsor of The Sun’s Who Cares Win Awards 2023, celebrating people, like Kerry, who put caring into everyday action.
      This season, Saving Souls FC have taken a break from the Grassroots League. “To give other teams a chance,” Kerry jokes.
      Instead, they’re organising matches with community groups, including teams of asylum seekers and Forces veterans.
      The club are welcoming women too, with free self-defence classes and plans for a women’s team.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Saving souls through winning and, as importantly, cheerfully conceding goals: it’s a simple concept but it works.
      Back of the net, Kerry and team. More

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      Charlotte Duffy dead aged 37: Model and ex-Crystal Palace cheerleader passes away as she loses brave cancer battle

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are mourning the loss of cheerleader Charlotte Duffy, who died at the age of 37 following a brave battle with cancer.Duffy was one of the original Crystals who also made a name for herself as a model.
      Crystal Palace cheerleader Charlotte Duffy died at the age of 37Credit: TWITTER – Crystals_CPFC
      The Crystal Girls confirmed the sad news on social media where they also issued a picture of her in full uniform at Selhurst Park.
      The Crystals stated she was “beautiful inside and out” and will be missed by the entire Palace family.
      The Crystal Girls tweeted: “RIP Charlotte Duffy, one of the original Crystals who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
      “She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed by us all! Sending our love to her family.”
      Read More on Football
      The club followed it up with a tweet of their own sending condolences to Duffy’s loved ones.
      Crystal Palace tweeted: “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Charlotte’s friends, family and loved ones.”
      All sorts of football fans then flooded social media paying tribute to Duffy and reaching out to her family as well as friends.
      One fan posted: “This is so sad my heart and soul go out to Charlotte and her friends and family. Big part of Palace family, far too young RIP Charlotte.”
      Most read in Football
      Another commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts are with her family and friends.”
      A third tweeted: “We are so sorry to hear this awful news. Forever part of the #PalaceFamily.”
      This fan wrote: “How very sad, far too young and so difficult for her family and friends. RIP Charlotte.”
      And that one said: “Very sad to read. Met all the Crystals at a charity do years and years ago. Thoughts with friends and family.” More

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      Football fan, 8, with brain cancer has shirt torn off & burned by cruel rival supporters as club slams ‘unspeakable act’

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      AN EIGHT-year-old football fan with brain cancer was horrifically attacked by supporters of a rival club at a game in France. Little Kenzo had his beloved Marseille shirt ripped off him by the vile thugs who then set it alight at the Stade Francois Coty on Saturday.
      Kenzo, 8, was attacked by vile AC Ajaccio supporters who ripped his shirt from him
      The game against Marseille on Sunday was plagued by troubleCredit: AFP
      Hooligans supporting the relegated AC Ajaccio, based on the French island of Corsica, pounced on the boy and his dad at the weekend in the final game of the season in Ligue 1.
      The match was marred by trouble in the stands as rowdy supporters caused chaos, before ruining Kenzo’s special trip to the stadium.
      As his tumour is causing his eyesight to deteriorate, it had been his dream to see Marseille players on the pitch in person.
      He had been invited down by Ajaccio chiefs and proudly wore the colours of his team before the disgusting attack ensued.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The schoolboy’s shirt was sickeningly torn from his body and burnt by home fans, while his father was punched twice.
      Ajaccio has condemned the “unspeakable acts” while explaining supporters had infiltrated a private area where they had put Kenzo and his parents.
      The club said in a statement: “AC Ajaccio had the pleasure of hosting little Kenzo, who is suffering from cancer.
      “He had expressed his dream of meeting the players of Marseille, the club of his city and his heart.
      Most read in Football
      “Kenzo and his family were invited so that the child could realise his dream during the match this evening.
      “The dream quickly turned into a nightmare when Kenzo and his parents, who came in the colours of Marseille, were shamefully abused by individuals who broke into their dressing room.
      “Alerted (to the incident), the security of the club intervened. 
      “Kenzo and his family were taken care of by the club’s security and escorted to the changing room area so that the child could fulfil his dream. 
      “These individuals in no way represent the values ​​of our club and our island. Even the most extreme stupidity cannot excuse these behaviors!
      “The club strongly condemns these unspeakable acts! AC Ajaccio will shed full light on these shameful actions.
      “As soon as the individuals have been identified by our services, we will file a complaint against them. AC Ajaccio is in solidarity with little Kenzo and his parents.”
      Kenzo’s outraged mother Amandine told Corse-Matin her cancer-stricken son has been “traumatised” by the attack.
      She said around 10 Ajaccio supporters had burst into their box before chaos ensued.
      They pushed my son and his head hit the railing. They hit my husband in the face, ripped off the little one’s shirt and went to burn it.Mum Amandine
      The mum said: “Since we thought we were safe, I allowed Kenzo to put on his shirt, my husband took him by the hand to show him the players walking onto the field.
      “And everything went wrong. They pushed my son and his head hit the railing. They hit my husband in the face, ripped off the little one’s shirt and went to burn it.
      “Before leaving the dressing room, they even spat in the food that was on the floor at our disposal.
      “Kenzo is well aware that he is very seriously ill, he is losing his sight due to his tumour and he said to me: ‘Before I see nothing more, I want to see OM in Ajaccio’… These fools traumatised him.”
      The shaken father and son were then given security protection within the ground’s changing rooms – which had one silver lining.
      Kenzo incredibly ran into several Marseille players, including his idol midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, putting a smile on his face despite the horror attack from Ajaccio fans.
      Stephanie Freedman of Journal L’Alsace tweeted: “Thank you all from Kenzo and his family for your immense support and solidarity.
      “I showed your messages to Kenzo, who is very touched. He is recovering slowly. His exchange with his idol @MatteoGuendouzi gave him some comfort.”
      Supporters of the rival teams had already clashed in Corsica ahead of the game, reportedly launching objects at each other.
      A journalist for TV channel France 3 was also hit in the face and, in a state of shock, was taken to hospital by a fire engine. 

      Racist chants were also reportedly heard in the stadium, according to French outlet RMC Sport.
      Ajaccio won the game 1-0 after an 88th-minute goal from Clement Vidal. 
      The adorable schoolboy met his hero Matteo Guendouzi following the horror incidentCredit: Twitter
      Rival fans had already clashed in Corsica before kick offCredit: AFP More

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      Luton star Tom Lockyer set to be released from hospital after horror Wembley collapse

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      TOM LOCKYER has received a major boost after the Luton captain was told he will be discharged from hospital today – and be fit for pre-season training.Centre-back Lockyer, 28, collapsed and was carried off on a stretcher after just eight minutes of the Hatters’ Championship play-off final penalty shootout triumph over Coventry at Wembley last Saturday.
      Tom Lockyer is due to be discharged from hospital on ThursdayCredit:
      Luton’s captain is expected to be fit for pre-season training with the Premier League newboysCredit: Alamy
      The cause of his shock collapse has yet to be revealed.
      But Luton revealed Wales defender Lockyer has been given the green light to return home following tests at the Cavendish Clinic in London.
      Rob Edwards’ Premier League newsboys expect Lockyer – who was left out of Robert Page’s Wales squad on Tuesday for Euro 2024 qualifiers in June – will be available for pre-season training at Kenilworth Road next month (July).
      A Luton statement read: “We are so pleased that Tom will be allowed to leave hospital and return home on Thursday.
      Read More Football
      “He has been a frustrated patient, but has completed all the necessary medical tests and observations to be allowed home for a period of rest before the start of pre-season training, which he will be fit to take part in.
      “We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support for Locks, who has had a season to remember and proudly led the team out on Saturday, with his team-mates completing the job for him.
      “We can’t wait to see you back home at the Kenny with that trophy in your hands, Locks!”
      Luton’s public message hinted that Lockyer, who is out of contract this summer, is set to sign a new deal.
      Most read in Football
      Lockyer joined the club from Charlton on a free transfer in 2020. More

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      Wales wait on news of Luton star Tom Lockyer after horror collapse in Championship play-off final

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      WALES remain in the dark over the cause of Tom Lockyer’s shock collapse in the Championship play-off final.The Luton captain, 28, remains in hospital after he was carried off on a stretcher just eight minutes into the Wembley penalty shootout triumph over Coventry last Saturday to reach the Premier League.
      Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton’s promotion to the Premier League from a hospital bed after he collapsed on the Wembley pitch against Coventry last SaturdayCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Lockyer remains in hospital where he has been undergoing testsCredit:
      Dragons boss Robert Page had a 20-minute phone conversation on Monday but has opted not to select the 14-cap centre-back for the Euro 2024 double-header against Armenia and Turkey next month.
      Lockyer is expected to have further tests to determine the reason for the collapse and if he gets the green light then Page says he would ‘absolutely’ call him up to add to his 25-man squad.
      Page said: “Nobody has established what the problem is with Tom. I can’t speculate. He’s ok at the minute.
      “You don’t like to see any player go down injured and because of how he went down, you do wonder what the reasons were.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “It would be silly of me to even suggest what those reasons were. It’s for Luton to make a statement with regards to what they are doing.
      “We will just have to wait and see what they come up with. There will be further investigations to see what’s going on. Our medical team will be in contact with Luton.
      “You are always going to phone your players and show them support. We had a great conversation. He’s frustrated and disappointed.
      “As soon as he’s fit again he will be back involved. The most important thing is his health.”
      Most read in Championship
      Luton captain Lockyer was denied the chance of walking up the Wembley steps to lift the Championship play-off trophyCredit: PA
      Page says he was ‘gutted’ for Lockyer, who missed out on the chance of walking up the Wembley steps and lifting the play-off trophy.
      The Wales chief had the honour of leading Watford to the Prem through the play-offs during his playing days and added: “I was lucky to do it in 1999 with Watford – that was incredible.
      “I am gutted for him and his family. He more than anybody deserved to walk those steps and lift that trophy.
      “But I still believe there will be more moments like that for him in his career. Knowing Tom he will bounce back.
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      “He’s had an incredible season so he was going to be in my plans. Would they have got promoted without him? Probably not because he’s been that key to their performances.”
      Wales, who picked up four points from their opening two qualifiers in March, travel to Portugal for a warm weather training camp on June 8.
      Then the Dragons host Armenia in Cardiff on June 16 followed by a trip to Turkey three days later.
      David Brooks is back in the Wales squad after returning to football following a cancer diagnosis on international duty in October 2021Credit: Alamy
      Page has recalled Bournemouth’s David Brooks for the first time since his successful battle against cancer.
      The Wales boss said: “I wanted to pick him in March. He played some minutes before that camp and I wanted to get him involved as soon as possible.
      “I get that it was too quick, too soon and it was more beneficial for him to stay behind and play for Bournemouth Under-23s in a game that was organised for him.
      “Now it’s a different situation. He’s back fit and starting games in the Premier League. He’s the quality to be in our plans moving forward. I’ve touched base with him by text and he can’t wait to meet up.
      “He’s going to have to be patient. Is he going to start two games in June? Probably not. He might have some cameo roles.”
      Neco Williams is included despite fracturing his jaw for Nottingham Forest in April while captain Aaron Ramsey expects to be fit following a minor calf injury.
      Page added: “Aaron has played more football this season than he has done for the last few years. The little niggle, and that’s all it is, has probably come at a good time for him.
      “He’s at an age now where he knows his body and how to manage it. He’s got one eye on these two games and it is not an issue.
      “I know he’s enjoying his football in Nice. He’s played quite a few games and there are worse places in the world to live and life’s good for him.”
      Wales squad
      Hennessey, Ward, A Davies
      Rodon, Cabango, Mepham, Low, Roberts, Fox, Williams, B Davies, Ampadu
      Read More on The Sun
      Morrell, J James, Ramsey, Wilson, Broadhead, Cooper, Harris
      Johnson, Moore, Bradshaw, D James, Brooks, Cullen More

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      Emotional Chris Billam-Smith dedicates world title win to brave mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer for second time

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      CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH dedicated his hometown world title win to brave mum Carol who was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time just six weeks before his triumph.The 32-year-old took 15,000 fans to his boyhood Bournemouth stadium to dethrone former gym-mate and WBO cruiserweight champ Lawrence Okolie on Saturday.
      Chris Billam-Smith dethroned Lawrence Okolie after his massive triumphCredit: PA
      The Gentleman missed son Frank’s first birthday party on Friday so he could make the weight after a nasty stomach bug.
      And – after securing a majority decision thanks to three knockdowns and Okolie being deducted two points – he revealed a far sadder family tragedy had inspired him.
      Choking back tears he explained: “My mum is an amazing woman, my best mate, my rock.
      “We found out six weeks ago that she has a small lump. 
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      “She had breast cancer before, 25 years ago, and had a mastectomy and it looks like she’ll have another one now.
      “She has also had a stroke, she has beaten all of these things so it’s probably where I get my toughness from.”
      Okolie insisted after the defeat – that could have come inside the distance through disqualification – that he will activate an instant rematch clause and even return to the Cherries’ ground.
      The 2016 Olympian will need to drastically improve his hit-and-hold style that has bored fans before but never resulted in a pro defeat until Saturday.
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      But CBS warned him that he will face a far better version of himself in the rerun, after his fight week was wasted between his bedroom and bathroom and sapped him of his strength.
      “It was gruelling and physical,” he said about the all-English clash. “I was ill all week so I didn’t rehydrate as well or as much as usual.
      “I was never pulling out. I wasn’t letting 15,000 people down. 
      “I had sickness and diarrhoea on Tuesday morning, had a bug, fasted and it carried on until Thursday.
      Billam-Smith dedicated his title win to his mum, who was diagnosed with breast cancerCredit: Getty
      “I made weight easy but it wasn’t nice, I was really low on energy.
      “The doctor had a go at me because I had to lie to him a little bit. But it was worth it.
      “The camp had gone so well so I knew it was too good to be true. Loads of Dioralyte in the week got me through.”
      The newly crowned ace has already jetted out on holiday to celebrate and recover from the clash that left him with a nasty cut on his left eye.
      And the teetotal champ has plenty of grub and some Premier League football on the menu.
      At 1am on Sunday morning he said: “I’m going on holiday in eight hours, my nutritionist is getting married abroad, hopefully he’ll let me eat what I want over there.
      “Coming back here to watch football will be crazy. Hopefully I’ll be on the pitch for the first game of the season.
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      “The football club and the town have been brilliant with me, getting me on the pitch and helping grow my following. 
      “The town has been starved of boxing and now they have got me here, from selling out the arena twice and now here at the stadium with a world title.” More

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      Boxer Ludumo Lamati, 31, in hospital as promoter asks fans to ‘keep him in your prayers’ after collapsing in ring

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      BOXER Ludumo Lamati is in hospital after collapsing following his defeat to Nick Ball. The South African was brutally stopped in the 12th and final round but caused concern when he collapsed in the corner.
      Ludumo Lamati was hospitalised after collapsing following defeat to Nick BallCredit: BT SPORT
      Lamati, 31, was stretchered out of the ring and was later taken to hospital for checks, his promotional team revealed.
      A statement read: “On Sat 27th May Ludumo Lamati was taken tothe Belfast hospital. On arrival, numerous tests and scans were carried out.
      “He is currently under hospital care and the latest feedback from the medical team, this morning, is that his vital signs are stable.
      “We will provide further updates as soon as they become available. Please keep him in your prayers.”
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      Lamati, a former IBO super-bantamweight champion, came into the bout with a record of 20 wins and one draw.
      And he faced Liverpool’s Ball on Michael Conlan’s undercard in Belfast.
      Ball, 26, was relentless throughout and forced the stoppage in the final stages of the fight, to move to 18-0 with 11 knockouts.
      And after the win, the featherweight contender spoke out to wish Lamati well.
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      He said: “It was a fast paced fight. So the main thing is his health, because as I say, this boxing is no joke. So I hope he’s alright.”
      Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotion, who put on the fight, also tweeted out in support of Lamati.
      A post read: “All of our thoughts are with Ludumo Lamati.”
      Ludumo Lamati was beaten by Nick BallCredit: Getty More

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      Jubilant Luton hero sends hilarious message to Tom Lockyer after scary on-pitch collapse as stars prepare for wild party

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      LUTON hero Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu sent an incredible message to team-mate Tom Lockyer after the defender watched promotion glory in hospital following his scary collapse at Wembley.Lockyer was given oxygen early in the Championship-play-off final triumph over Coventry before being carried off.
      Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu wants Lockyer to join Luton’s huge promotion partyCredit: Alamy
      Tom Lockyer was well enough to celebrate Luton’s shootout joy over Coventry in the play-off final as they return to the Premier LeagueCredit: INSTAGRAM
      His parents were with him in the Wembley medical room – and his family later surrounded him in hospital to celebrate shootout joy.
      Lockyer’s recovery followed initial fears from fans and players a couple of hours earlier as medics from both teams treated him on the pitch.
      And the 28-year-old’s improvement sparked relief from his squad plus a cheeky demand from Mpanzu as Luton sealed a Premier League return.
      The midfielder joked: “Get off your hospital bed and join us at the party.”
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      Mpanzu, 29, arguably has more to celebrate than anyone as the Hatters launch a huge knees-up.
      Saturday’s triumph makes him the first player ever to go from non-League to the Prem with the same club – a feat achieved in 10 years.
      But his first thoughts were for his pal as he said: “100 per cent (this is) dedicated to (Lockyer). 
      “He’s been a warrior all season. For him to go down so early was tough. We won it for him, we all hope he’s well.”
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      Lockyer’s father offered reassurance over the Welshman’s condition.
      Along with a snap of the family rejoicing by his hospital bed, he posted: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok. Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team mates. Here is the moment…….”
      Supporters around their country were overjoyed to hear that.
      One wrote: “God to see that Tom is all good! Was a worrying moment. Get well soon.”
      An Aston Villa fan wrote: “Buzzing to see he is ok. All the best and I hope he is well soon. Look forward to seeing him play at Villa Park.”
      And amongst the flood of similar well-wishing was this: “Congratulations to Luton and to Tom.
      “Brilliant player for us at Charlton. So happy to see him get to the Premier League with Luton.
      “Hope he and your family is well. I wish him a speedy recovery.” More