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    Former England and Tottenham star Andy Sinton, 59, is recovering in hospital after suffering heart attack

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    Tom Lockyer admits pain at not being offered a new Luton contract as he targets return to football after horror collapse

    TOM LOCKYER has revealed he was hurt when Luton did not offer him a new contract this month.But he told SunSport he is hoping to make a miraculous return next season following two collapses due to a heart condition.Tom Lockyer is looking for a new club after being let go by Luton TownCredit: GettyThe 30-year-old hasn’t played since a cardiac arrest on the field in December 2023Credit: GettyLockyer was Luton’s captain and played over 100 times for the HattersCredit: AlamyThe centre-half, 30, has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest in Luton’s Premier League game at Bournemouth in December 2023, where he was technically dead for 2min 40sec before medics resuscitated him.That came seven months after he was taken to hospital when he collapsed during the Hatters’ Championship play-off final win against Coventry at Wembley.He has since had a defibrillator fitted like Manchester United star Christian Eriksen and former Red Devil Daley Blind.But after returning to training this season, he suffered further setbacks due to ankle injuries that needed surgery.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet the Wales international is confident he WILL play next term.Lockyer said: “I’d love to have stayed at Luton and felt hurt when I got news I wasn’t getting a new contract after what I’d done for the club.”But it’s a business and I haven’t played for 18 months.”I love Luton. I’ve enjoyed so many great memories there.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”The last year has been frustrating. I have to get through two reserve games to get my heart signed off as fit to play but then two days before the first one I rolled my ankle and needed surgery.”Then I was pushing to get back before the end of January and I pushed too hard, too soon and needed to redo the operation.Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I will get fit with my ankle, get my two ‘heart games’ ticked off and see where the land lies.”“If Luton like the shape I come back in then brilliant, maybe we could continue something.”Since Lockyer last played for the club they have suffered back-to-back relegations to League One.And he believes had he been fit, then both may have been avoided.Lockyer was club captain and played 102 league games for the Hatters before his cardiac arrest.If I was fit, especially this season, there’s no way on earth we’d have been relegated.Tom LockyerHe said: “If I was fit, especially this season, there’s no way on earth we’d have been relegated.”That’s not me being big-headed. I’ve been in that changing room, I know what I can bring, so that’s the sad reality.”Lockyer’s one huge regret from his Luton career is not celebrating his goal against Sunderland at Kenilworth Road that sealed their place in the 2023 play-off final.He added: “I was straight down the tunnel saying, ‘The job isn’t done’, whereas a few other lads just celebrated that moment.”Then I go to Wembley, end up missing all the celebrations there, the trip after, the bus tour, everything that goes with it, so that out of everything cuts me deep.”I watched the rest of the play-off final on my phone in the ambulance then on the hospital TV, extra-time and penalties.If I don’t get back to professional level, I’ll find a local team somewhere, that’s for sure. If anyone needs a centre-back, hit me up!Tom Lockyer”If I do get back playing I’ll be celebrating the little wins.”This weekend’s play-off finals will kick off one minute later than normal, starting today at 3.01pm with Sheffield United and Sunderland’s Championship showdown.The times are designed to raise awareness of the Every Minute Matters campaign – a collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation – which aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.Lockyer said: “If someone can see me playing safely, then surely that will give hope to other people.Read More on The Sun”If I don’t get back to professional level, I’ll find a local team somewhere, that’s for sure. If anyone needs a centre-back, hit me up!”TOM LOCKYER is part of Sky Bet’s Every Minute Matters campaign that is encouraging everyone to learn CPR online in just 15 minutes by visiting bhf.org More

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    Ex-Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in League Two clash

    AFC Wimbledon star Sam Hutchinson had heart surgery after suffering complications following a League Two clash against Grimsby.The ex-Chelsea man was taken to hospital after scoring the goal that clinched the Wombles’ place in the play-offs on May 3.Sam Hutchinson had a tight chest during AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win over GrimsbyCredit: RexFormer Chelsea star had heart surgery after suffering complicationsThe 35-year-old defensive midfielder played the full 90 minutes of AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win at fellow play-off chasers Grimsby.And his close range effort in the 52nd minute secured fifth in the table and a first round promotion play-off clash with Notts County.But Hutchinson was forced to miss the Dons’ first leg 1-0 win on Saturday at Meadow Lane after having heart surgery in London.The former Cobham star complained of chest problems in his post-match interview at Blundell Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason. I had a really tight chest.”I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”Hutchinson was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed in Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham.A club statement read: “Sam then had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place. Most read in FootballHutchinson and Ryan Bertrand on the way to the Chelsea victory parade following their UEFA Champions League and FA Cup victories in May 2012Credit: Getty”Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family. “Hutchinson has played a key part of the team’s success this season.”Whilst he is recovering, Sam continues to have an impact on the squad and we are hopeful we can end the season positively for Sam. “The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for the support and care provided at Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, as well as Cleveland Hospital in London.”After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Hutchinson made just five appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2014.He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem during that time before permanently joining Sheffield Wednesday. Hutchinson has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled his formative years.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.Read More on The SunBut some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to Stamford Bridge following extensive rehab.After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he spent the last two seasons. More

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    Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

    FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    ‘I didn’t think I’d make it – Stuart Pearce recalls harrowing brush with death as partner thought ‘he’d pegged it’

    STUART PEARCE didn’t think he would “make it” and his partner believed “he’d pegged it” during his horrendous aeroplane health scare. The ex-England defender, 62, needed his heart restarting after his horror scare at 30,000ft. Stuart Pearce appeared on This Morning to discuss his health scareCredit: RexPearce told his wife he ‘didn’t think he would make it’ to HeathrowCredit: ITVVirgin cabin crew hero Zoe Anderson joined them in the ITV studioCredit: ITVSunSport revealed the football legend fell ill during a flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.Pearce needed emergency medical treatment on the plane from first aiders and the flight was diverted to Newfoundland, Canada so he could be taken to hospital, where he was kept in for eight days.He has made a full recovery from the virus that affected his heart and returned to talkSPORT commentary duties for England’s win over Albania last Friday.And now he has appeared on This Morning to relive his ordeal – and be reunited with the woman who helped save his life. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPearce said: “At the airport my chest felt a little bit tight, a little heavy. “It felt like someone was sat on my chest and tried to sleep it off.”But after a couple of hours, and I should have picked my wording better, I said to Carol, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make Heathrow.'”I meant without telling the cabin crew. Carol thought, ‘He’s pegged it. He’s done.’Most read in Football”I was in and out of consciousness. I can’t speak highly enough of the crew. I thought an aeroplane was the worst place in the world to fall ill. “We can only as a pair say thank you very much. The professionalism was brilliant.” Football legend Stuart Pearce gives update after health scare on flight Pearce started wincing in pain in the economy section on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamline during the Virgin Atlantic Flight VS156 after attending the rugby league clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors in Vegas.His wife Carol was alongside him during the worrying scenes as staff checked on him, gave him oxygen and hooked him up to an ECG machine.The cabin crew was in constant contact with a doctor, who monitored the readings on the ground.His resting heart rate was 155bpm and before flying for hours over sea, it was decided to land the plane in Newfoundland so he could receive specialist treatment.Pearce watched Forest’s 1-0 win over Manchester City from the hospital, including the fans’ tribute for him at the City Ground.The remaining 225 passengers arrived at Heathrow six hours later than scheduled – but Carol was scared her man would never make it back home. Sat alongside Pearce in the ITV studio, she said: “It was very unusual [for him to make a fuss about his health].”Other than man flu which is clearly a huge deal, for him to say he was in pain, that immediately made my blood run cold because you think this is serious.”Stuart doesn’t do being ill, doesn’t do pain. “He once played with a broken leg.”Zoe Anderson was leading the cabin crew on the Virgin flight and kept her composure to ensure Pearce got the help he needed.That even included giving them a care package with blankets as they got off the plane as the temperature in Canada was -11C – compared to 23C in Las Vegas. Stuart and Carol were joined by Anderson live on ITV as the Virgin staff member recalled the decision-making process in the air. Anderson said: “We are trained to deal with these situations – we are prepared. I did an initial assessment.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He said his pain was an eight out of ten so that rang some alarm bells. “We took a few different readings and they were all abnormal so we didn’t want to be over the Atlantic.”Pearce showed his appreciation to the staff memberCredit: ITVThe trio recalled the events on the flight from Las VegasCredit: RexPearce was in good spirits despite the recent ordealCredit: RexPearce said the diagnosis was a virus that affected his heartCredit: ITVPearce and Anderson pose together after being reunitedCredit: RexFans paid tribute to ‘Psycho’ during the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City matchCredit: Getty More

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    Maradona’s full horror list of health woes revealed as he died in 12hr agony with double-sized heart & engorged belly

    MORBID details of Diego Maradona’s health problems have been revealed – including widespread swelling which doubled the size of his “freakishly deformed” heart.The legendary Argentina star suffered in agony for 12 hours due to brain clots and breathing difficulties, according to his shocking autopsy.Diego Maradona’s autopsy revealed his heart swelled to double its normal sizeCredit: GettyA trial over Maradona’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAAutopsy expert Mauricio Cassinelli said in court that the 1986 World Cup winner had “a heart that weighed more than twice its normal size.”He said Maradona suffered bodily swelling “from head to toe,” and had “four and a half litres of water in his body”.Seven medical professionals are currently on trial for culpable homicide, which is similar to involuntary manslaughter, after the player and manager’s death in 2020. He died in a dark room aged 60, lying in agony for half a day before suffering a heart attack.READ MORE WORLD NEWSThe tragic star experienced dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart chambers to enlarge and stretch.And he suffered from cirrhosis which damaged his liver, as well as myocarditis which occurs when the heart becomes inflamed.Local paper Clarin revealed the horrific details which emerged during the trial.Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari previously said the footballer died in a “house of horror”, and described his care as “reckless and deficient”.Most read in FootballCassinelli said that his torturous suffering would have been easy to spot for a number of days.The expert said: “The heart was completely covered in fat and blood clots, which indicate agony.”This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute.”This was something that was foreseeable. “Any doctor examining a patient would find this.At the time of his tragic passing, Maradona was at home recovering from a brain blood clot surgery in November 2020.He died two weeks later on November 25 in Dique Lujan, Argentina.Neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who served as Diego Maradona’s doctor, stands in court on the first day of the trialCredit: APThe player and manager’s life was marred by substance and alcohol issuesCredit: GettyCassinelli added: “It was a dark, partitioned room, with a bed in the middle of the room and a portable toilet.”It didn’t seem like a suitable place for what we later learned was home hospitalisation.”Forensic doc Federico Corasaniti also backed up Cassinelli’s claim that the Argentina midfielder suffered a slow and gradual death.He said: “The difficulty he must have had breathing and exchanging gases, and the sounds in his lungs that are audible just by bringing his face close.””In my opinion as a doctor, it wasn’t a sudden event.” Diego Maradona’s legacy By Harvey GehDiego Maradona, born in 1960, was an Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, famously scoring the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England.Maradona’s club career included stints at Barcelona and Napoli, where he became a legend, winning two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup.His incredible dribbling, vision, and flair made him a global icon, inspiring generations of footballers, including Lionel Messi.Off the pitch, Maradona battled drug addiction and health problems, which often overshadowed his footballing brilliance.He was banned from the 1994 World Cup after testing positive for ephedrine, marking a dramatic fall from grace.Despite controversies, he remained beloved in Argentina, with Napoli even renaming their stadium in his honour after his 2020 death.Maradona had a turbulent career in management, coaching Argentina at the 2010 World Cup but failing to replicate his playing success.Following his tragic death Maradona’s legacy endures as a flawed genius whose footballing magic will never be forgotten.Maradona’s family have alleged negligence, a cover-up, and derogatory comments from the medical staff who were in charge of his care.They called the medical team and cover-up a “mafia”.The player had previously struggled with drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism for decades, and reportedly came close to death in both 2000 and 2004.But prosecutors now suspect that his death could have been avoided.Seven of the eight medical professionals who have been charged in the case include Maradona’s brain surgeon, psychiatrist and nurses.They are now standing trial for a charge similar to involuntary manslaughter.The group deny wrongdoing but could face up to 25 years in prison.1986 Football World Cup winner Diego Maradona scores goal with his Hand of God in the Quarter FinalCredit: GettyDalma Maradona (L) and Gianinna Maradona (R), daughters of the late Argentinian football legendCredit: GettyDiego Maradona’s eldest daughter Dalma shared a video containing audio clips which she says proves serious irregularities in her father’s care. She also revealed that her mother is in fear of the “mafia” who “control everything”.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has previously said that a “mafia of assassins” caused her dad’s death, and that audio recordings prove a lack of medical attention and talks about cover-ups, according to Diario Registrado.Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”. A model of the house where the late player died was taken in for the trialCredit: AFPMaradona supporters demonstrate outside court as the trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in his death beginsCredit: Getty More

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    Stuart Pearce reveals cause of terrifying health scare at 30,000ft which led to his heart being ‘restarted’

    ENGLAND icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergency.The Sun revealed how the football legend’s health scare this month led to his London-bound flight being diverted to Canada.England icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergencyCredit: The SunPearce made a full recovery and was commentating for TalkSport for England’s 2-0 win over AlbaniaThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe 62-year-old, nicknamed Psycho, said yesterday: “My heart was racing a little bit.“The medical staff on the plane were magnificent and they made the decision after three hours to drop me off in St John’s in Newfoundland.“The hospital staff there basically stopped my heart and restarted it again to put it back into a normal rhythm.”He told The Sunday Times: “I had five days there and another five days in a hotel waiting for the medical care, so an extra ten day’s holiday.READ MORE ON STUART PEARCE“They think it was caused by a virus.”The Three Lions ace had been travelling back from Las Vegas on March 2 after watching his beloved rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors.After finally returning to the UK, the TalkSport pundit told the station: “I went to meet my maker last week . . . but he said your time’s not up big fella and sent me away.“But in all seriousness, I’m in good form.Most read in Football“On the flight I had chest pains but I was looked after fantastically.”The former left-back has made a full recovery and was commentating for England’s 2-0 win over Albania last Friday.Football legend Stuart Pearce gives update after health scare on flight More

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

    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