Homes

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s family ‘feared they were being held HOSTAGE’ by gang of thugs who stole ‘£1m jewellery’ in 10 min ordeal

      by

      JACK Grealish’s family “feared they were being held hostage” by a gang of thugs who raided their home.The Prem ace was in action for Man City against Everton in a league clash on Wednesday night when thieves snuck into his £5.6million mansion.
      Grealish was in action against Everton when the horror raid happenedCredit: Reuters
      Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was at the propertyCredit: Instagram
      Around ten of the 28-year-old England star’s family had gathered round the TV to watch Grealish help City put Everton to the sword.
      The Sun understands that some of Jack’s closest family were at his 24-acre Cheshire bolthole including fiancée Sasha Attwood, his parents, gran, two sisters and brother.
      But when Jack’s dogs began barking frantically and his relatives heard noises upstairs, they instantly hit panic buttons to alert cops.
      Despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around Jack’s   lavish home, the crooks got in and fled with £1million of watches and jewellery.
      Read More in Football
      Cops responded to a call at 9.50pm before shaken residents saw five police patrol cars at 10pm.
      A police helicopter scoured the area overhead with locals warned to stay indoors, before the gang were confirmed to have fled.
      And Jack’s “terrified” loved ones were said to have been “fearing a hostage situation”.
      A source exclusively told The Sun: “The family are really shaken. The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      Most read in Football
      “Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      The source added: “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all of his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic – everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no-one heard anything at first. It was also the first time the family had visited, and so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency crack unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed.”
      It is the latest raid to target multi million Premier League stars with West Ham skipper Kurt Zouma’s property in Essex targeted shortly   before Christmas.
      The raiders broke into his swanky £3million home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
      Grealish and 27-year-old model and influencer Sasha bought the “exceptional modern” seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres last year but have only just moved in.
      Their home boasts a helipad, boating and fishing lake, wine cellar, tennis court, golf tee and full-sized football and cricket pitches.
      On Christmas Day Grealish and Sasha posed with their dog Skye and wrote on Instagram: “Merry Christmas everyone, beautiful day with the family.”
      Jack also posted an image of a dinner table set for eight guests and a menu titled “Sasha and Jack Christmas Day 2023”.
      In October The Sun told how Jack had won a planning battle to build a leisure suite at the ­mansion — complete with his own treatment room.
      He enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family and has described sister Hollie, 20, as his best friend.
      Confirming their investigation, Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      Read more on The Sun
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Cheshire Police cops made house to house inquiries after the break-inCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Sasha Atwood shared a heartwarming snap with Jack over the Christmas holidaysCredit: Instagram More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England boss Gareth Southgate makes £2.5million in one YEAR with lucrative side hustle

      by

      ENGLAND gaffer Gareth Southgate has also shown great management off the pitch — with his property company adding £2.5million of assets in a year.His firm MAS Investment Holdings deals in the “buying and selling of real estate”.
      Shrewd England manager Gareth Southgate has added to his property portfolio this year
      Its holdings grew from £1.2million to £3.7million in the year ending April 30, accounts filed yesterday reveal.
      Gareth, 53, now owns 11 buy-to-let properties via the firm, which he runs alongside wife Alison.
      The company snapped up a £305,000 apartment in June — one of four flats it owns in Birmingham.
      Ex-England player Gareth — who earns £3million a year as the Three Lions’ boss — owns half of the firm, Alison has a ten per cent stake and their two grown-up children each have a 20 per cent stake.
      READ MORE GARETH SOUTHGATE
      A source said: “Gareth is very astute. He is a meticulous planner and has a keen eye for business.”
      The firm returned a profit of £65,962 in its property dealings in the past year.
      Southgate also has an image rights firm, FHS Promotions.
      He has managed England at two World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and quarter-finals in 2022.
      Most read in Football
      Southgate’s England also made the Euro 2020 final, losing to Italy at Wembley on penalties.
      His contract with the FA runs until the end of 2024. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars paying fortunes on ex-SAS security and panic rooms as foreign crime gangs fly in to raid mansions

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE players are paying hundreds of thousands of pounds to install panic rooms in their houses amid reports of gangs flying into the UK to burgle their homes.Injured Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne had his 70-acre mansion raided over the weekend while he was in Saudi Arabia.
      Kevin and Michelle de Bruyne’s house was broken into on SaturdayCredit: .instagram/lacroixmichele
      Raheem Sterling’s house was raided last year while he was at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Cancelo shares pics of his injuries after raid on his house
      England forward Raheem Sterling suffered a similar incident last year while he was at the World Cup in Qatar.
      A number of other players have also been targeted including Jesse Lingard, Joao Cancelo, Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba.
      Security services are said to be working with footballers and clubs to combat the issue.
      According to The Mail, organised groups, many of which reside in Albania, are targeting wealthy individuals – including top-flight footballers – to rob before they flee the country, often wearing the stolen goods while going through airport security.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They are also known to be watching high-end jewellers to identify people to target.
      And there are a number of other concerns regarding player safety.
      The increased popularity of women’s football has led to worries over the presence of stalkers, while male players have reported they were followed home after games.
      But now the problems are leading to players taking extreme measures.
      Most read in Football
      Premier League stars are taking measures to prevent gangs breaking into their homesCredit: Getty
      Individuals are investing huge sums of money in steel-enforced panic rooms at their homes.
      This enables them to swiftly enter a safe space which contains secure lines and panic alarms.
      Virtual perimeters, known as geofencing, are also thought to have been installed – which are made up of an invisible wall monitored by CCTV and sensors.
      Other provisions include bodyguards, house sitters and guard dogs.
      Clubs have also given their players lectures on ways to avoid being targeted.
      These include not posting on social media about holidays or events until after they have returned home, as well as not going to jewellers and instead making them come to their homes. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Kevin De Bruyne’s 70-acre mansion ransacked by burglars as Manchester City star was training in Saudi Arabia

      by

      MANCHESTER City star Kevin De Bruyne’s home in Belgium was reportedly ransacked by robbers during a break-in on Saturday.The footballing ace, his wife Michèle and their three children were not at the property during the burglary at his 70-acre mansion.
      The robbers took various items from De Bruyne’s luxury estateCredit: Sky Sports
      None of the football star’s family were home at the time of the break-in
      Belgian news outlet HLN said that various items had been taken from the secluded property in Bolderberg, but no further details were released.
      The robbers allegedly used a stepladder to reach the first floor and get inside.
      De Bruyne, 32, bought the sprawling estate in 2015, which now has a pool, jacuzzi and basketball court.
      HLN reported that De Bruyne and his family rarely use the property as they spend most of their time at their pad in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
      read more on de bruyne
      The Belgian midfielder had flown to Saudi Arabia with his City teammates ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday evening after a 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace.
      He missed the match due to a hamstring injury but still departed as part of Pep Guardiola’s 23-man squad to the Middle East.
      The injury required surgery but hopes are growing that the City legend will return to action soon.
      Over the weekend, he said: “It’s going really well. I had surgery – it was a big injury. But we’re getting closer – closer to the new year.”
      Most read in Football
      City are gearing up to play Japan’s Urawa Reds in their semi-final clash on Tuesday.
      De Bruyne and his wife, Michèle, 30, have been together since 2014 and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Italy in 2017.
      In a 2019 interview with The Players’ Tribune, Kevin explained that his wife was the most important person in his life. wife.
      “[She] changed my life in so many ways. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without her,” he said.
      The couple have three young children together – Mason, 7, Rome, 5, and Suri, 3.
      Last year, De Bruyne called Michèle the “best mommy” in a touching Instagram post.
      The 30-year-old stunner doesn’t seem to miss a game and the whole family are frequently snapped on the pitch after City’s big wins.
      After her husband won his fifth Premier League championship, Michèle wrote: “No words”, along with pictures of them embracing on the field.
      The glamorous couple first got together in 2014
      The pair tied the knot in 2017 and now have three kids
      De Bruyne is still out of action with a thigh injuryCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Mega-rich Premier League club ‘wants to make us homeless’ to build huge stadium – we won’t be swayed by their millions

      by

      RESIDENTS say a Premier League club “want to make us homeless” so a huge stadium can be built, but they won’t be swayed by their millions.The Grade-I listed Leazes Terrace, which dates back to the 19th century, in Newcastle sits just metres away from the East Stand of St James’ Park, where the Magpies play their home matches next to the city centre.
      Leazes terrace, left, is next door to Newcastle’s East StandCredit: NNP
      Resident Philip Griffiths is ‘concerned’ what may happen to the flatsCredit: NNP
      Just a road separates St James’ Park and the terrace propertiesCredit: NNP
      Residents in the flats are worried the historical building could be demolished to make way for a bigger football stadium.
      But locals say they’re no further forward about the future of their homes after rumours circulated they could make way in order for Newcastle United to expand the 52,000-seater ground.
      Earlier this month, the club sent out a survey to its fans asking for their take on how to enhance the stadium itself.
      The Newcastle faithful were asked to give their thoughts on a number of issues, including stadium expansion, a new stadium being built, hospitality and club suites, ticket pricing, matchday offerings and other aspects such as if they would be willing to attend concerts at the ground in the future.
      Read More on Newcastle United
      The move comes after the club brought experts in to conduct a feasibility study to look into every possibility of stadium expansion and enhance the matchday experience.
      The flats, which were built in the 1830s, are made up of a rectangular shape with student accommodation on the side closest to the stadium and private residencies at the other end.
      Rumours suggested the football club could pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the flats, or alternatively the residents could be “bought out” if they agree to accept a sum of cash.
      Semi-retired doctor Philip Griffiths, 66, said: “I know potentially that we can be bought out but I don’t think that would be easy.
      Most read in Football
      “We are aware there are plans to extend the stadium here, or to move it somewhere else.
      “There are lots of crazy rumours swirling around including knocking down the student side and bringing the football stand closer to our door.
      “I also heard about the potential for a Compulsory Purchase Order to be made but I think there are precedents for listed buildings being purchased and I think they would have to keep the facade.
      “I have no complaints to the football club and they have been better neighbours since they were taken over but it does make you concerned.
      “The worst-case scenario for us is them keeping our side as it is, but demolishing the student flats next to the stand to make the ground bigger.
      “That would mean the ground would almost be in our back garden.”
      One resident, who has lived in the stone terrace for over a decade, said nobody knows what the future holds.
      Wishing to remain anonymous, he said: “Nobody has told us anything about what might happen to Leazes Terrace.
      “People have asked about what we think of the new proposed development but no one has informed us as residents which isn’t helpful.
      “The building has been here longer than the football club and it’s a listed building.
      “Even if the company bought us out, I don’t know if they could demolish the building.”
      The section of student accommodation was sold to a Middle Eastern group which sparked rumours among some Newcastle supporters that the residents could be bought out given the club’s ownership links to Saudi Arabia.
      The homeowner added: “The whole thing makes you wonder if discussions are going on behind your back because we haven’t heard anything from the club or the council.
      “Most people like living here and I think it’s a lovely terrace.
      “Newcastle hasn’t got many buildings like this so as a resident of the city it would be a huge shame if something happened to it.
      “I believe the football club have got some sort of investment in the student side of the building but we just don’t know.
      “It’s a lovely place to live and we don’t get any trouble with the football matches so we don’t want to be moved.”
      Andy Cliff, 32, who works in IT, said: “The only plan I was aware of was a bridge going across from the stadium to another building.
      “I have no idea about plans to affect Leazes Terrace but it would be concerning if the building was at risk.
      “But I would be surprised if that was be possible due to the nature of the building and its historic value.
      “I don’t take any notice of when the football is on so I’m not in the loop with their plans but as a resident I’ve not heard anything.
      “It’s a great location to live and it’s so close to the city centre and it would be slightly worrying but I don’t think it will get to that point.”
      Another woman, who’s lived on the row for over 20 years, said: “As far as I’m aware the building is a Grade-I listed building so I don’t think they can do anything.
      “They tried many years ago but an elderly woman fought it and she won.
      “I love living here so if someone wanted to offer me zillions of pounds over the asking price then brilliant, but I think that is very unlikely.
      “I’m a Newcastle United supporter myself so I’m not against extending the stadium but I’m not worried about the future of these homes.
      “I would be concerned if expanding the stadium blocked out our natural light but deep down I don’t think they can really move us.”
      A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “The debate about the future of St James Park has gone on for many years – all the way back to the days of Sir John Hall when there was talk about it moving to the protected Leazes Park.
      “The club own the Strawberry Place site, but we have not been formally approached by them about any plans for expansion.
      “They have said publicly they are committed to St James Park, and without doubt its location in the heart of the city centre is one of its greatest strengths, close to hotels, public transport and easy to access.
      “In planning terms, it is a challenging site – close to a conservation area and listed buildings on one side and a Metro station and tunnels on the other.
      Read more on The Sun
      “That said, the city council would like to see the club remain where it is because culturally and socially it is the beating heart of the city, and we will support the club as much as we can.”
      The Sun Online has contacted Newcastle United for comment.
      Leazes Terrace is a Grade-I listed buildingCredit: NNP
      The club is hoping to expand the ground, which has left residents worried about the futureCredit: NNP More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ligue 1 title winner’s home ransacked for SECOND TIME while playing match as burglars steal pair of expensive watches

      by

      FRENCH title winner Yusuf Yazici has had his home ransacked by burglars – while on European duty.The Turkey international converted a penalty as Lille beat Klaksvik 3-0 in the Conference League on Thursday.
      Yusuf Yazici’s house was burgled while he was playing for Lille on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
      Yusuf Yazici lives with his partnerCredit: Instagram @yusufyazici
      But raiders broke into the 26-year-old’s home during the game and stole two high-value watches, clothes and leather goods.
      It was the second burglary suffered by Yazici since joining the northern French club in 2019.
      The striker helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021. He has seven goals from 21 games this season.
      Manchester United watched him play for Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor on 2019.
      Read More on Football
      Meanwhile Nottingham Forest and Fulham weighed up bids for Yazici two summers ago.
      He is back at Lille following loan spells with CSKA Moscow and hometown club Trabzonspor.
      But the latest setback could prompt him to quit Les Dogues – opening the way to a Premier League move.
      Yazici has won 41 senior caps for Turkey, scoring three goals.
      Most read in Football
      So far this season the midfielder has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances for his club.
      Lille next face Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. More

    • 300 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      We live in the shadow of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium… we have to move cars every match day & only get a day’s notice

      by

      A RESIDENT living in the shadows of one of the most sacred football stadiums has shared her agonising parking experience, saying it is “really hard on match days”. For the past eight years, Caroline has been living opposite the towering main stand of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium, and the inconvenience she faces on match days is incomparable.
      A resident of Holmesdale Road has shared her painful parking experience during match days in Crystal Palace FC’s stadiumCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Locals say they have to remove their cars on very short notice to accommodate large crowdsCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Selhurst Park Stadium is the home ground for Crystal Palace FCCredit: Rex
      She says the street where she lives – Holmesdale Road – sees the most footfall on match days with thousands of fans lining up on the road to get in and out of the ground.
      And to make things smooth, Croydon Council requires residents at the top of the road to move their cars for the duration of the matches – or face a parking ticket.
      But this has turned out to become a huge nightmare for the residents of the street.
      Caroline says it gets really difficult to park on match days – and she even gets parking tickets on top of it.
      crystal palace fc news
      After removing her car from the busy street on a match day, she says she has to find a new spot to park her car – and it gets really inconvenient.
      And what is usually a 15-minute routine apparently becomes a two-hour nightmare.
      Caroline told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s really hard to park on match days. I get annoyed that I get parking tickets.
      “They tell us there’s a game coming up with two days’ notice.
      Most read in Football
      “Six months ago I got a ticket once despite asking if it was okay to leave the car there for half an hour, and they said it was fine.
      “But I got a ticket for £65. the council said they wouldn’t help me.
      “They washed their hands of it.”
      Another resident of the area, Osama, said: “They make you move the cars, and around the corner, you used to be able to park on both sides.
      “For some reason, they have just stopped that. Now it’s only on certain parts of the road and if you park in the wrong area you get a ticket, which I think is just silly.”
      Most of the residents living on the street complain about the short notices that are given to them before they need to remove their cars – and it is generally just a day before a big match.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development of the main stand is set, with works likely to begin next year.
      The expansion will see the stadium’s capacity increase from 26,000 to 34,000.
      This will further increase the problems of overcrowding in the area, especially on Holmesdale Road.
      A spokesperson from Crystal Palace told MyLondon: “The Club consulted local residents extensively on its proposals for the Main Stand with more than 400 people coming to view the plans and hundreds more engaging through the website, fan forums and on social media.
      “More than 85 per cent of the local community supported the principle of the redevelopment of the stand, which will bring enormous economic benefits to the surrounding area, and the Club is committed to an ongoing dialogue with residents about all aspects of the project.”
      Read more on The Sun
      While residents have been really annoyed because of the consequences of such big crowds entering and exiting the arena, most of them have a positive outlook on the stadium – and unsurprisingly support Crystal FC.
      The Sun has approached Selhurst Park Stadium for a comment on the matter.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development that will increase the stadium’s capacity from 26,000 to 34,000Credit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League and World Cup star who sparked manhunt after retiring loses fight over £6million loss in housing empire

      by

      EX-LIVERPOOL right-back Steve Finnan who once triggered a bizarre manhunt has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensation.The 47-year-old – briefly untraceable in 2015 – blamed lawyers for the collapse of the housing empire he built with brother, Sean.
      Ex-Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensationCredit: PA:Press Association
      It turned out to be a disaster and the pair fell out leaving Mr Finnan, who is Irish, alleging to be more than £6 million out of pocket.
      Representing himself in court he sued former lawyers Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
      But this week the case was kicked out by High Court judge Master Katherine McQuail.
      She said the ex-footballer couldn’t prove he was any worse off after seeking legal advice than he would have been otherwise.
      Read More football stories
      The Irishman was in the Reds lineup which clawed back the legendary 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan in Istanbul.
      Finnan is the only footballer to play in the World Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, all four levels of English league football and the conference.
      But in June 2005 he was arrested after running over an 81-year-old man from Liverpool who later died from his injuries.
      After retiring in 2010, his decision to keep a low profile saw fans launch a bizarre campaign to find him.
      Most read in Football
      It came as organisers failed to track him down for a 2015 reunion of the Champions League winning team – he was found “safe and well” a short time later.
      Unlike former teammates such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Finnan had gone into property not punditry.
      He bankrolled a south west London-based property business, run through two companies which he owned with Sean, who managed the firm.
      Among the portfolio was a massive house near Wimbledon Common, properties in nearby Ridgeway Place, and several flats elsewhere.
      Master McQuail said the “first expression of the claimant’s concerns” about the business had come in an email from Mr Finnan to the companies’ solicitor in 2016.
      She said he complained that despite “significant funding from the claimant by way of loans, the companies appeared to have no money, at least in part because Sean had spent it personally.”
      He said money had been wasted on legal issues which were “down to Sean”, that his brother’s dealings with a contractor had been “needlessly expensive” and that there was a risk the companies would default on loans.
      Mr Finnan instructed Charles Russell Speechlys to file “unfair prejudice” petitions against Sean who denied misconduct but admitted their relationship had broken down.
      He changed lawyers but the case did not go to trial and the brothers settled outside court, with Sean agreeing to transfer his shares to Mr Finnan and to pay him £4 million.
      That sum was not paid and in 2019 Mr Finnan had his brother made bankrupt claiming he only got £187,570 from the sale of the company and £89,345 following the sale of another property.
      Amid the ordeal he auctioned off his Champions League winners’ medal.
      Mr Finnan went on to sue his former solicitors, claiming that he should have been advised to request repayment of director’s loans rather than file the “unfair prejudice” petitions.
      He claimed he lost £3.3m in loans to the companies, £2.6m in shares, about £400,000 in lawyers’ bills, as well as other money, totalling more than £6m.
      But the solicitors said Mr Finnan was determined to pursue legal proceedings against his brother.
      And they said Mr Finnan failed to show how he could have got out from the ordeal in any better position than he in fact did because companies had no money to repay the loans anyway.
      Master McQuail said Mr Finnan had in fact made demands for repayment of the directors’ loans – and got nothing.
      She added: “Neither Sean nor the companies responded by meeting the demands with payment at any stage after Charles Russell Speechlys were instructed.”
      She said Mr Finnan’s claims were “contradicted” by his own evidence and his correspondence showed this.
      Master McQuail added how there was “no reasonable ground” for bringing the claim and struck it out.
      Read more on The Sun
      Limerick-born Mr Finnan began his career with non-league Welling United, rising through the football pyramid to play for Liverpool between 2003 and 2008.
      He played for Ireland 52 times. More