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      in Soccer

      I was West Ham captain & had a Ferrari on the drive… now I live in rented flat and almost went to jail over bankruptcy

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      A FORMER West Ham captain who once had a Ferrari on his drive now lives in a rented flat – and almost went to jail over his bankruptcy.Lucas Neill used to earn £40,000 a week as the Hammers’ skipper between 2007 and 2009.
      Lucas Neill captained West Ham from 2007 and 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Aussie in action for the Irons in 2008Credit: Getty
      Neill played for Australia at the World CupCredit: AFP
      The Australian defender starred for the Socceroos at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
      At the height of his success he splashed out on a Ferrari and luxury holidays in the Maldives.
      But last week Neill appeared at Preston Crown Court charged with failing to declare money he never knew he had.
      The trial came after seven years of bankruptcy, with Neill facing three years in prison if convicted.
      Read More Football
      Neill has opened up about his financial ruin after a jury acquitted him in just 26 minutes.
      He told The Times: “Behind my chair in the dock were stairs going to the cells.
      “I’ve won my freedom, but I feel like I’ve lost in life.
      “I feel like I didn’t protect my family. And that hurts. I let my family down.”
      Most read in Football
      Neill was accused of hiding more than £2million from his creditors as his money problems spiralled out of control.
      The star ploughed huge sums into a scheme which he thought would see him get big tax breaks in return for investing in British films.
      But HMRC ordered him to pay back £400,000 after probing the dodgy scheme – which had been touted to footballers by financial advisers.
      Neill was forced to sell over seven properties, losing money on each one.
      He then defaulted on a NatWest loan he had taken out to pay for a barn near Newcastle, which was held in an offshore fund.
      Neill was left owing the bank £737,000 – and was declared bankrupt in 2016.
      He said: “People couldn’t believe it, but I had nothing left. That was my rock bottom.
      “After 20 years of a football career and all this hard work, I’ve got nothing to show for it.”
      Neill forgot to mention 144 acres of land he had bought around the barn when listing his assets for repossession.
      The Insolvency Service probed Neill for seven years, leaving him unable to own a house or even buy a mobile phone contract.
      One morning his kids answered the door to bailiffs demanding a £400 council tax bill.
      But Neill has now been found not guilty of hiding the offshore money.
      He is now coaching women and girls at a football club while working for a tech firm.
      His lawyer Joseph Kotrie Monson said: “Now it’s time for him to enjoy his restored reputation and get back into the world of sport and broadcasting.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Idiot football fans have no respect’ for our homes near stadium – rubbish is thrown in our gardens & streets are a dump

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      RESIDENTS living by a 170-year-old Premier League stadium say they are annoyed by its loud fans and the area has “turned into a dump”.Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, ranked top in a poll of Prem grounds based on cost of a pint, food quality and atmosphere.
      Bramall Lane (pictured) has been voted the best Premier League groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Retired rig worker James Wilde says litter plagues the areaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Segun Adewusi, 40, who has lived opposite the stadium for two years, with his daughter, six-year-old FaithCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But neighbours of the historic 32,000-seater stadium have revealed how the area is plagued by litter, parking issues and chaotic traffic.
      Retired rig worker James Wilde, 73, said: “It’s turned into a bit of a s***hole. People go to the football once a week to chill out and most of them are well-behaved.
      “The problem I’ve got is with the area. There used to be a proper community. It’s been knackered over the past 20 years.
      “Most of the pubs have shut down and the houses around the stadium are all rented out to students. They buy takeaways and sling them everywhere. There’s cans of booze and bottles all over the place.
      Read more football
      “I just think they’ve just got no respect for the place. On match days, you’ll get the occasional idiot who’s had too much to drink and wants to start a fight.
      “If I’ve got the windows open and they score, you can hear thousands of people enjoy themselves. It’s only annoying when I’m trying to watch the rugby on the telly.”
      On match days, there is a traffic exclusion zone in force on several residential streets surrounding the stadium.
      But James, a rugby league fan, said he has to battle for a space outside his terraced home – despite a residents’ permit scheme.
      Most read in Football
      He added: “The parking can be annoying but that’s something that happens even when the football isn’t on. You’ll get people parking up and walking into town because it’s cheaper.”
      Another local, who asked not to be named, slammed the amount of litter in the area.
      He said: “The litter can be terrible and it doesn’t get cleared up for days.
      “For the money that Sheffield United pay their footballers, it baffles me that they can’t pay for someone to come out with a stick to pick it up.
      “Now and again you’ll see a council guy in his high-vis but you’ll be lucky if he collects half of it.”
      Sarah, 30, who lives opposite the stadium’s John Street stand, shared the litter annoyance.
      She added: “I make a note when a game is on so I’m not caught up in it.
      “I’ve had kids playing knock-a-door run and it can be noisy but the stewards do a good job of getting people in and out of the stadium quickly.
      “The litter is annoying afterwards – the council is okay but they don’t come and clear it straight away.”
      Bramall Lane ranked ahead of the 63,000-seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in second, and Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in third.
      But Segun Adewusi, 40, loves living opposite the ground with daughter, Faith, six.
      He said: “We love living around here. Sometimes it can be dirty with litter but most fans are respectful of the area and clean up after themselves.
      “The place is buzzing on a matchday and everyone wants to have a good time.
      “It’s a good club and they are part of our community.”
      Also thankful for Sheffield United are Grace Li and husband Kevin He, 51, whose Man Friday chip shop does a roaring trade on game days.
      They fried their way through 200kg of chips when Manchester United visited Bramall Lane last week.
      Grace, 40, said: “We have fans queuing down the street for our fish and chips.
      “There’s a huge economic benefit to Sheffield from having a team in the Premier League and we’re definitely very grateful for that.”
      Bottom of the league in Betting.com’s poll was West Ham’s 80,000-capacity London Stadium.
      fans bemoaned its £6.30 price for a pint and scored 2.4 for atmosphere — as fans are so far from the pitch.
      Luton’s Kenilworth Road and Arsenal’s Emirates were also in the bottom three.
      Visitors to the ground Edward Appah (left), 48, and his brother Seth, 40Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Grace Li and her husband Kevin, whose chip shop does a roaring trade on match daysCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton ‘views stunning £12million Los Angeles mansion’ with infinity pool, putting green and motorised windows

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has viewed a stunning £12MILLION mansion in LA.The property comes complete with an infinity pool and its own putting green.
      Lewis Hamilton is reportedly in the market for a property in LACredit: Rex
      He is claimed to have toured this mansionCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The property is worth £12millionCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The seven-time World Champion, 38, is looking at adding to his global property portfolio, according to the New York Post.
      The report claims that the Mercedes star has now toured a six-bedroom.
      The property sits on a 0.38-acre site in the Hollywood Hills near the Sunset Strip.
      Hamilton’s potential new pad has a flat back garden which is rare in its location and views of the city.
      READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
      The building is described as “industrial-style and modern”.
      It features vaulted ceilings, wood-panel details and motorised floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
      There is also an open living and dining area as well as a cinema room.
      The main bedroom comes with a stunning double-sided fireplace and a wrap balcony.
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The house has stunning views of LACredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The house is in the Hollywood HillsCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has an industrial designCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      There are six bedroomsCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has its own putting green in the gardenCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It also has a walk-in closet and a spa bath for the F1 star.
      Outside there are even more stunning features.
      The garden includes an infinity pool and an outdoor kitchen.
      There is also a fire pit and a putting green for the owner to keep up their golfing skills.
      The property is being listed by brokers Carl Gambino and John Bercsi of Compass.
      Hamilton already has properties in London, Monte Carlo and New York.
      There is an infinity pool to cool off in complete with sun loungersCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      There is an open living spaceCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has a lovely kitchenCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The kitchen has its own islandCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson’s £3.5M mansion with games room, country views & carpets unique to Man Utd legend revealed in pictures

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      SIR Alex Ferguson has put his £3.5m home up for sale following the death of his wife Cathy.The legend’s five-bedroom, 7,000 square foot property in Wilmslow,Cheshire comes complete with a stylish open plan kitchen and games room.
      Sie Alex Ferguson’s luxurious 7.000 square foot property in Wilmslow, CheshireCredit: Andy Kelvin
      The eye-catching home has a chandelier dangling in the hallwayCredit: LY Property, Cheshire
      Photos of the property also reveal a dazzling hallway chandelier, en-suite bathrooms and perfectly manicured lawns.
      The former Manchester United gaffer likely left off steam in his charming game room – decorated with art work, oak bookcases and a snooker table.
      The property also has a unique ‘Ferguson clan’ tartan carpet adorned on the staircase.
      Estate agents say: “This impressive, deceptively spacious detached is…positioned within a very private, gated and secure plot.
      read more football news
      “It boasts approximately 7,000 sq ft.”
      Sir Alex decided to sell the property following the death of his wife, the Mirror reported.
      Lady Cathy Ferguson passed away in October aged 84, and is survived by her husband, their three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
      He was among the mourners at Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral earlier this month. Sir Alex has said his wife, who he met in 1964, was a “bedrock” in his life.
      Most read in Football
      Fergie’s time living at the luxurious gaff wasn’t without its share of controversy.
      In 2020, Sir Alex lost a planning battle after he objected strongly to next door’s application to demolish a two-storey house and build a three-storey mansion.
      Fergie’s lawyers sent a five-page opposition letter to planners.
      He claimed his privacy would be affected by removal of trees which would also impact the character of the area.
      He said the removal of trees was “likely to have a significant impact on the character of the area and the existing privacy standards afforded”.
      But planners decided to allow the scheme to ahead.
      Sir Alex will sell the property following the death of his wife CathyCredit: Reuters
      The legend’s games roomCredit: LY Property, Cheshire
      Sir Alex’s ensuite bedroomCredit: LY Property, Cheshire
      The ‘Ferguson clan’ tartan carpet staircaseCredit: LY Property, Cheshire
      The property boasts a plush bathroomCredit: LY Property, Cheshire
      The former Manchester United manager has decided to sell the propertyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s dream £4million mansion plans knocked out again after bats drama

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      WORLD boxing champ Tyson Fury’s £4million mansion plans have been floored again — this time by birds.The heavyweight king has been told that featherweight flappers flocking to ponds or fruit trees on his land may be a hazard to nearby jets.
      World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury’s plans to expand his home have been dealt a blowCredit: Getty
      He has already given up on hopes of demolishing a house on the site after bats were found roosting in a loft.
      Instead, he hoped to extend the existing eight-bedroom home and install a basement music room, games area, breakfast and garden rooms and a cinema.
      But the safeguarding authority at nearby Manchester airport has told him birds could be attracted to the Cheshire site if planned cherry trees are planted or if there is any open water — including swimming pools.
      Only sterile or rarely-fruiting trees must be used, it said.
      READ MORE TYSON FURY
      In its planning consultation response, the authority gives its reasons as “flight safety” and “bird strike avoidance”.
      Birds being sucked into jets or hitting aircraft windscreens can cause major accidents.
      The experts said: “Robust measures are to be taken to prevent species of birds hazardous to aircraft being attracted to the site.”
      The WBC champ also cannot use exterior uplighting in case it distracts pilots.
      Most read in Boxing
      The home needs a big overhaul. Aerial images show it looking like a dumping ground for used cars and strewn with litter.
      Fury and Paris currently live with their six children in a £1.7million home in ­Morecambe, Lancs.
      His move will take him closer to boxer brother Tommy and Love Island girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague, both 23, who have a £3.5million mansion nearby.
      Tyson and wife Paris plan to renovate the basement, add on two side extensions and an eight-metre rear extension More

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      in Soccer

      We live in shadow of ‘beautiful’ Premier League stadium… but it’s ruined by eyesore village being built just yards away

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      RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a “beautiful” Premier League stadium say it’s being ruined by an eyesore block of flats.Two tower blocks containing 555 bedrooms are set to be built on a disused car park just yards from Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium.
      The disused car park that will be replaced by student accommodationCredit: Brighton Pictures
      An artist’s impression of the student accommodation next to the stadiumCredit: Brighton Pictures
      The disused car park would be redeveloped into more than 500 flatsCredit: Brighton Pictures
      The 31,000-seater stadium, praised for its sweeping roof line, sits in a dip on the outskirts of the city and has been praised for blending in with the surrounding countryside.
      But Lewes District Council initially refused planning permission or the two six-storey blocks to be built at a former match day car park.
      Councillors concluded the substantial height of the buildings, along with their bulk and unsympathetic design, would be unacceptable and be an “incongruous feature” on the landscape.
      The council also said the buildings would “compromise the transition urban environment of Brighton to the South Downs”.
      Read more football
      However, developers Downing Students subsequently appealed the decision.
      It has now been given the green light by the Planning Inspectorate to build the student accommodation blocks on the former Bennett’s Field.
      Locals have slammed the planning inspector’s decision as “short-sighted”.
      They argue that having a large development so close to stadium will ruin the design and spoil the aesthetic.
      Most read in Football
      Local resident Deena Reid said: “The Amex was beautifully designed while the plans I’ve seen for the flats are ugly. Once built they would be an eyesore would ruin the whole area.
      Gillian Burt, a resident in nearby Falmer, lodged a formal objection to the plans with the council.
      She said: “I was amazed to learn that the developers had not approached either Brighton or Sussex Universities to establish whether they were even interested in further student accommodation.
      “We already have a plethora of accommodation in this city from the actual university sites.”
      She said “light pollution” from the two blocks would be a “further blight” on the area with the nearby village being consumed by “urban sprawl”.
      Another Falmer resident, who would not be named, said: “It seems bizarre to place two student blocks right next to the football stadium – though it’s not far from the university.
      “I’m sure it would have been better if the car park was used by the club to help with traffic congestion in the area on match days. There is little enough parking as it is.’
      However, planning inspector Graham Wyatt concluded: “There is no escaping the fact that the proposed building is large and would be at odds with the bowl-shaped Amex Community Stadium (ACS) building.
      “I am not persuaded that its design would detract from the wider area and moreover, it responds positively to the context of its built-up surroundings as a previously developed site that sits closely to a very large football stadium.”
      “I think the planners have been short-sighted, especially given the effort that went into making sure the stadium looked good.”
      Downing Students (Brighton) LPI – owned by Matthew Bennet and Richard Bennett – bought the site in August 2021.
      The accommodation will be split into 130 studio rooms, 397 student “cluster” rooms, 18 accessible studios and 10 accessible “cluster” rooms.
      Downing Students has been contacted for comment.
      But Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing Students, told Brighton & Hove News: “Like many parts of the UK, there is significant demand for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in Brighton.
      “We are delighted that planning has been granted for this new development, that will see the delivery of 555 beds across two interlocking linear buildings with a central social hub.
      “This will not only relieve pressure on the existing stock of student accommodation but housing provision in the surrounding areas.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We intend to work closely with the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, to ensure the new accommodation will meet the long-term needs of its student population, whilst also benefitting the wider community.
      “In line with our commitment to sustainability, the scheme will be delivered to a BREEAM Excellent standard.”
      The car next to the stadium is no longer in useCredit: Brighton Pictures
      Local residents are furious about the plansCredit: Brighton Pictures
      Lewes District Council refused planning permission, but it was granted by the Planning InspectorateCredit: Brighton Pictures More

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      in Soccer

      We live by Wrexham’s stadium – but we’re trapped in our homes and overrun with tourists after ‘Hollywood’ takeover

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      LOCALS living by Wrexham’s stadium say they are trapped in their homes and overrun with tourists since the club’s “Hollywood” takeover.Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest clubs in the world, was unexpectedly bought by film stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
      Residents living opposite Wrexham AFC’s ground say parking is a ‘nightmare’Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      The club has been taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds (pictured) and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      Pat and Frank Harry are lifelong fans of the Red DragonsCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      The Welsh side stormed to National League title glory in their second season under the Hollywood duo’s leadership and are now playing in League Two.
      Locals can’t get enough of the Red Dragons’ newfound success – but say there are still downsides to it.
      Jeremy Kent, 37, said: “It’s got busier for sure. But it’s great what the owners have done for the club and the town.
      “We even get lots of tourists. The only downside is the roads are closed around match days so you have to watch not to get caught out.
      Read More Sport
      “Some fans were worried it was going to a flash in the pan, but I don’t think these owners will up and leave.”
      The town is due to get even busier with plans for a new 5,500 seat Kop stand at the Stok Racecourse ground.
      Dad-of-two Richard Hughes, 57, said: “It’s a bit of a nightmare on match days with the traffic and parking.
      “You become a prisoner in your own home.
      Most read in Football
      “But some fans park where they shouldn’t and block you drives or take your parking spot.
      “I’ve seen one fight over parking. There was a lot of shouting and pushing and shouting and a few punches thrown.
      “It was crazy.”
      Lifelong fan Frank Harry, 84, said: “I love living close to the ground and the club is in a great position.
      “It’s very exciting. There is a problem with the traffic, mind.
      “I have seen people rowing over parking spots on match days with some fans parking right by people’s houses where they shouldn’t.
      “But I love it here. I go home and away.”
      His wife Pat, 84, said: “Frank loves the club – he even brought me to a game just after we have got engaged.
      “It is noisy when they score but exciting.”
      Sam Rosser, 35, said: “I think it’s brilliant living near the football club.
      “It’s a great atmosphere and very exciting with all the fans and especially with the American owners.
      “We’ve even started getting foreign tourists taking pictures of the club.”
      His mum Juliet, 60, said: “It’s great living so close.
      “People do complain that some fans park by their drives and in front of their houses.
      “And many don’t like the fact that they are trapped at home on match days.
      “But I don’t have a car, so I don’t mind.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Wrexham AFC has been contacted for comment.
      Ryan Reynolds is making house prices soar in Wrexham after spending millions on its team’s football success.
      Juliet Rosser and her son Sam love living next to the clubCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      Jeremy Kent says road closures on match days are the ‘only downside’Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5m mansion as he is forced to slash price as it languishes on the market

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has slashed a whopping £750,000 off the asking price of his £5million mansion as he battles bankruptcy following his rape trial. The former Manchester City footballer, 29, must sell the sprawling Cheshire property to avoid financial ruin. 
      Benjamin Mendy’s mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Savills
      The ex-City defender now plays for Lorient in FranceCredit: Getty
      As he chases up to £10m of back pay from his old club and while rebuilding his career at French Ligue 1 club Lorient, Mendy has now reduced the asking price to £4.25million.
      It comes as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is seeking a bankruptcy order against the footballer over a nearly £800,000 tax debt. 
      The house is described by estate agents as “one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire”. 
      The 11,000sq-ft residence is set in over 1.75 acres of grounds and boasts six bedroom suites, an open plan living area, games room, home cinema, swimming pool, steam room, gym and spa. 
      Read More in Football
      It was bought by Mendy from cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff in 2018 for £4.8million. 
      Flintoff, who never lived at the house, bought it for £1.8million in 2008 and spent two years rebuilding the property – before renting it out. 
      His tenants included former footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancy. 
      The former Man City star was already a millionaire when he joined from Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
      Most read in Football
      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      But instead of pocketing £31.2million, he ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rape.
      He was cleared of raping a woman following a retrial in July.
      Jurors unanimously cleared him of both charges after three hours of deliberation.
      But despite going free, he was forced to close his image rights company after being chased for unpaid tax.
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
      The sprawling property boasts a luxurious interiorCredit: Savills
      Peter Crouch was a former tenant at the mansionCredit: Savills
      The property is worth millionsCredit: Savills
      There is even a home cinema at the swanky padCredit: Savills More