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      We live INSIDE famous football stadium & it’s like having a private box…but when club got promoted it caused big problem

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      WHEN Ikram Patel rented his two-bedroom flat in East London, he was mainly attracted by its location in an upcoming area that would suit his young family.But a year later the property manager has become such a big fan of Leyton Orient Football Club that he often finds himself jeering away fans on a Saturday afternoon.
      Ikram Patel’s balcony overlooks the Leyton Orient football pitchCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      There are blocks of flats on the corners of the historic, 9,271-capacity stadium which has been home to the O’s since 1937Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      His flat boasts an unrivalled view of the O’s Brisbane Road pitch, a vantage point so good it’s like having his own private box.  
      His living room balcony is close enough to rival supporters in the East Stand that he can respond to their taunts while his sons, aged three and one-and-a-half, look on from their tiny chairs.
      When The Sun visited as part of our Life’s a Pitch series, Ikram, 30, told us: “I’m a cricket and tennis fan and I was never interested in football until I moved here.
      “But this is an upcoming area – it’s beautiful around here – and when I saw the view it encouraged me to rent the flat. I thought it would give my sons something to look at.
      READ MORE LIFE’S A PITCH
      “Now my cousin is always messaging me asking if he can pop round to watch the games and the boys are fascinated by the crowd and the noise.  
      “They really look forward to the games and will sit out on the balcony in their little chairs, while we stand most of the time.
      “It’s fantastic on match days especially when the stadium is full.
      “My friends follow football and, being from the area, they tend to come round to watch the match because it’s like having our own private box.
      Most read in Football
      Ikram admits he wasn’t hugely into football until he moved to the flatCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He says his kids love watching the games from their balconyCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “We are very close to the away fans so we do hear a lot of colourful language.
      “They have a go at us sometimes, especially when we are all cheering on Leyton on the balcony – and I do give it back occasionally.”
      However, living in the corner of the historic, 9,271-capacity stadium which has been home to the O’s since 1937, does have its downsides for Ikram and his family.
      He added: “It does get a bit much for the kids, especially when they are trying to have their afternoon nap.
      “My wife sometimes complains. It can be annoying for her as she doesn’t follow sports.
      It does get a bit much for the kids, especially when they are trying to have their afternoon nap. My wife sometimes complainsIkram Patel
      “There are often big crowds outside that can make it difficult to get around on match days and the traffic can get really bad.
      “Also, the rent has shot up since Orient won promotion to League One last season.
      “It’s a bit pricey and has gone up to about £1,300 to £1,500 per month now, which is about £50 to £100 more than it was last season.
      “But there was a huge celebration when they got promoted and the atmosphere was lovely because we weren’t sure if they were going to make it.
      “I have to admit that I find myself checking the scores online all the time now when I’m not at home.”
      When Leyton Orient got promoted, Ikram says the rent shot upCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Some residents complain about the noise – especially from away fans – on match daysCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Supporters witnessed a sad tragedy last week when lifelong O’s fan Derek Reynolds, 74, collapsed and died while watching the match against Lincoln City.
      Leyton Orient were winning 1-0 at the time and Ikram’s wife Nosheen watched the aftermath of paramedics giving him CPR on the side of the pitch.
      Mum-of-two Nosheem, 30, said: “I was putting the kids to sleep when that guy died. 
      “One of the fans told my husband what happened and when I got to the living room I saw the police and the ambulance crew. It was really sad.
      “My husband loves football so you can see why he likes living here because the view is amazing. 
      “He’s always posting videos of the games on TikTok, but for me it’s a lot of noise.
      “All of our cousins and friends want to come round on match days. I think we had 10 people in here for one game. 
      “My husband’s first cousin comes here for every single game.
      Ali Barker is another resident who has had to get used to facing thousands of screaming football fansCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Some residents complained the noise from matches keeps their kids awakeCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “Sometimes there are fights in the stands and on the pitch, although that doesn’t happen often.
      “The away fans do swear a lot and they’re always putting their fingers up. 
      “It doesn’t bother me too much except when it keeps the kids awake.
      “Also, when the game is on it’s really hard to get out of the house because there are so many people milling around – you have to plan ahead.”
      Leyton, where the stadium is based, has been described as east London’s “hot new neighbourhood” by property experts.
      Despite its crime-blighted past and the fact it still holds significant pockets of deprivation, locals are bracing themselves for young professionals flocking here in the near future.
      Gentrification is expected to spill over from neighbouring Walthamstow, which the Sunday Times has described as one of London’s best places to live thanks to its “arty, crafty shops, street market and pretty houses”.
      The average house price there has already shot up to £500,000, forcing traders at Walthamstow market to move out.
      And a similar process seems to be taking place in Leyton, where the air around the O’s stadium vibrates with noise of trendy flats being built ready to welcome the new arrivals.
      Ali Barker is another resident who has had to get used to facing thousands of screaming football fans – despite not giving a hoot about the game.
      One year ago he moved into a one-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor of one of the modern block of flats built into the corners of the stadium by property developers.  
      The modern blocks of flats were built into the corners of the stadium by property developersCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Some of the apartments, which include service charges of around £2,400 a year, come with fake grass on the balconies to encourage football fans to snap them upCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Going for between £300,000 and £400,000 at the time, he considered this something of a deal given that the flats – which were constructed around 20 years ago – are within walking distance of Leyton Underground Station and the Central Line.
      Some of the apartments, which include service charges of around £2,400 a year, come with fake grass on the balconies to encourage football fans to snap them up.
      But unlike his downstairs neighbour, Ali has yet to be converted to become a fan of the O’s.
      The software engineer, 30, who hails from Hampshire, said: “This is one of the few places in London I could afford to buy. 
      “It was good value given its size and location. I don’t know if it’s more affordable or less because it’s attached to a football stadium.
      “I did spend a while thinking if I wanted a flat so close to a pitch before I bought it.
      It was good value given its size and location. I don’t know if it’s more affordable or less because it’s attached to a football stadiumAli Barker
      “But eventually I decided I wasn’t too worried about a bit of noise.
      “I do follow the team a little bit, but mainly out of curiosity. I’m not a huge fan.
      “You can see three quarters of the pitch from my balcony and only one of the goals so it’s not ideal for watching the game.
      “It can get really busy on match fans and some fans get really drunk. I’ve seen them urinating in the park.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Overall I would say moving here has worked out well for me. Once in a while, I have thousands of people outside my flat.
      “But that’s OK and I imagine that the area is going to change a great deal when the new flats are built opposite the stadium.”
      Ali Barker on his pitch-side balconyCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      There are more flats being built in the area surrounding Leyton Orient’s stadiumCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Inside Wayne Rooney’s £20m ‘Morrisons mansion’ that boasts full-size football pitch, two fishing lakes, cinema and pool

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      WAYNE ROONEY is returning home to England and his family – and will be living in his £20million “Morrisons mansion” that has a full-size football pitch, two fishing lakes, cinema and a pool.The Manchester United and England legend has just been named as the new manager of Birmingham City and replaces the axed John Eustace at St Andrews.
      Wayne, Coleen and the rest of the Rooney family moved into their dream home in 2021Credit: Instagram
      Their £20m Cheshire home was dubbed the ‘Morrisons mansion’ during constructionCredit: BackGrid
      The house sits on a whopping 40 acres of land and has two fishing lakes, a cinema and pool
      Rooney is believed to have paid over £4m to a Cheshire property developer to build the gated home
      He will be joined at Brum by Arsenal and Chelsea icon Ashley Cole and former United team-mate John O’Shea who will be working alongside him as coaches.
      Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend after they failed to make the play-offs.
      He had been living with his coaching staff in Washington while wife Coleen and their four sons, Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass remained in England.
      However, after joining the Tom Brady-backed Blues he will be getting all the support he needs from his family as he returns home to join them full-time at their lavish Cheshire mansion.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      Rooney, 37, and Coleen, also 37, boast a sizeable property portfolio, including homes in Florida, USA, the Caribbean and across the UK.
      But the jewel in the crown is their six-bedroom £20m palatial house which sits on a 40-acre piece of land.
      Built from scratch, the family moved in in December 2021.
      It is said to be located in Cheshire and is named High Lake Manor.
      Most read in Championship
      Rooney and his partner could even technically call themselves the lord and lady of the manor.
      We revealed back in its development how United’s all-time top scorer had a full-size football pitch installed at the property and it comes complete with a seating area.
      The five-a-side pitch even boasts changing rooms with showers for his mates – although he was blocked from installing floodlights because of his mansion’s rural location.
      He also boasts a garage for his collection of cars, a cinema, swimming pool, and even two man-made fishing lakes.
      Rooney is thought to be a keen angler.
      The house had been previously mocked for looking like a Morrisons supermarket by neighbours due to its size and architecture.
      But, unlike a Morrisons, it now boasts an orangery, bar, TV room, snooker room, cinema and wine cellar.
      And the luxury Rooney pad also has a huge indoor swimming pool surrounded by a glass pavilion, a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room and “his” and “hers” changing rooms.
      But that is not all – it boasts an extensive patio, landscaped gardens and a luxury car garage.
      Rooney is believed to have paid over £4m to a Cheshire property developer to build the mansion, which also has a guest toilet and separate lifts.
      That second lift also connects the main space to the basement floor, which sports a sprawling gym, pool, Jacuzzi and cinema room.
      The decision to build their dream pad came after raiders tried to break into Rooney’s Cheshire home in 2016 before cops pounced.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      The ex-striker grew up in a council house in Liverpool – but he has shown off his real estate skills with his sprawling Barbados villa, which he rents out for £25,000 a week.
      He snapped up a £320,000 waterfront apartment in the Sunshine State of Florida in 2007 and splashed out £450,000 on a detached home in Liverpool for his parents to live in.
      Now he and Coleen, who are believed to be worth around £115m, own properties across the globe after getting together aged 16.
      Rooney burst through the ranks at boyhood club Everton as a teenager and starred for England at Euro 2004 before a big-money move to Manchester United.
      Under Sir Alex Ferguson he went on to lift the Champions League and the Premier League title five times.
      Rooney surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for both United and England to become the record goalscorer for club and country – the latter now being overtaken by Harry Kane.
      He made an emotional return to Everton in 2017 and finished that season as their top scorer before moving to the MLS to sign for DC United.
      The then veteran bagged 23 goals in 48 matches for the American side but headed back to England to join Championship club Derby County in the 2020/21 season in a surprise move.
      The property has a full-size five-a-side pitch in it for the kids to play inCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Rooney had been living away from his family in America while managing DC UnitedCredit: Instagram / @waynerooney
      The mansion has a garage for his collection of cars, a cinema and a swimming pool
      Rooney then retired from playing to take over as manager when the Rams were rock bottom of the table.
      He guided them to safety but resigned at the end of the following campaign after Derby were relegated to League One following a huge points deduction and returned to become boss at DC United.
      Rooney was in charge for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats, before his departure but will now be tasked with guiding Birmingham back to the big time under their new American owners.
      After being announced as manager, Rooney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City football club at such an exciting time.
      “It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club. We are fully aligned on what is expected.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.
      “It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”
      The £20m mansion was dubbed a ‘Morrisons mansion’ when this snap emerged in constructionCredit: The Mega Agency
      Fans claimed it looked like the front of the supermarketCredit: Wikipedia
      The basement floor sports a sprawling gym, pool, Jacuzzi and cinema roomCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      I live next to a world famous stadium… people love it but there’s a big reason why I don’t

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      A HOMEOWNER living next to a world-famous football stadium has explained why match days are a nightmare.David Atkinson said that crowds coming to cheer on the Premier League team that calls the ground home cause disruption in the local area.
      David Atkinson says matchday at the nearby Premier League stadium are a nightmare for residentsCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      David lives in the shadow of Newcastle’s home ground St James’ ParkCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      David, who has lived next to Newcastle’s ground St James’ Park for over 60 years, cited parking chaos as one of the major issues with fans.
      He told Chronicle Live: “The biggest problem in my opinion is the parking, which is insane on match days, with cars pulling up and parking wherever they want, blocking drives and everything.
      “The parking thing is difficult as it is impossible to police all of it but I think that something has to be done to improve the situation for residents, as there is growing frustration.”
      He did, however, admit that his tolerance for match day crowds wasn’t helped by the fact that he has never been a football fan.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He also added that, much to his relief, the “hooliganism and violence” that plagued crowds years ago has since died out.
      It seems that David is in the minority, though, with fellow residents more than happy to sacrifice consistent parking for their local team.
      Fellow resident Kate Gee said: “I only just moved in here back in August but I haven’t seen any negatives of living next to the stadium yet.
      “It has been amazing so far, there is such a buzz and a positive atmosphere here, especially on match days, and it really is something special.
      Most read in Football
      “All the away fans just add to the atmosphere as well and we have had no bother or anything since moving in so I couldn’t be happier really.”
      And it was a good night for the magpies on Wednesday, when they thrashed 2020 Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in their first home game of this year’s tournament.
      The result comes as part of a stunning revival of the side’s fortunes since they were acquired by a consortium led by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund in 2021.
      Since then they have finished 11th in the league in 2022 and 4th in 2023, securing a spot in the prestigious European competition for the first time in 20 years.
      The cash injection has also allowed them to redevelop their home stadium, with St James’ Park set to become the second biggest ground in the Prem.
      It comes as footie stars Robbie Keane and Rory Delap have been forced to flee Israel after an incursion into the country by Hamas terrorists.
      Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that Spurs are closing in on star Norwich goalkeeper Dylan Thompson after the wonderkid rejected a new deal with the Canaries.
      He cited parking chaos as the key problem caused by away fansCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      Other locals say they love the atmosphere, especially after their team beat PSG 4-1 on WednesdayCredit: NCJ MEDIA More

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      Man Utd & Chelsea striker Falcao in burglary gang raid as he has family dinner… days after Ramos’ mansion ransacked

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      FORMER Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao has become the latest footballer to become the victim of a burglary gang.Last night it emerged that Colombian striker Falcao’s house in an upmarket suburb of Madrid had been targeted by criminals.
      Radmael’s home was the latest to be targeted as many other footy stars have been robbedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The father of five had been eating nearby when the burglars entered his homeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Falcao had scored a last-gasp penalty earlier in the day to secure his current side Rayo Vallecano a valuable point at home against LaLiga rivals Mallorca.
      As the footy legend enjoyed dinner nearby his home, intruders are said to have taken designer bags, watches and some jewellery before being surprised by an employee and fleeing the scene.
      Spanish police have begun an investigation to try to identify and catch those responsible.
      Last week, it was announced that former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos’ home was raided while his four children were inside and he was away on Champions League duty with Sevilla.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A gang of robbers had broken into the property while the 37-year-old was enjoying dinner with his wife at a nearby restaurant on Saturday night, El Mundo reports.
      They terrified Ramos’ kids, aged between three and eight, and the two nannies looking after them, but left them unharmed during the burglary on September 20.
      He shares the home near Seville with his model and TV presenter wife Pilar Rubio.
      The star couple celebrated their wedding at the country property in June 2019 after a religious ceremony at Seville Cathedral.
      Most read in Football
      Reports in Spain said the burglars only targeted their bedroom after accessing it via the roof and took watches, jewellery, designer clothes and shoes worth more than £300,000.
      They also stole five Louis Vuitton bags and four suitcases of the same brand valued at nearly £40,000 – though no one has been arrested in relation to the crime.
      Falcao initially struggled at Manchester United during 2014 before transferring to Chelsea and then finding his footing at Monaco.
      He signed for Rayo Vallecano in September 2021 after two injury-plagued years at Galatasaray.
      Other LaLiga players who have suffered break-ins at their homes include Real Madrid striker Rodrygo and former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique.
      In June 2019 former Chelsea frontman Alvaro Morata’s wife Alice Campello was confronted by armed intruders while she was alone at their home north of Madrid with a nanny and twins Alessandro and Leonardo.
      The Italian beauty admitted afterwards she would be “afraid for a long time to come.”
      She said in a social media message: “I think this is one of those things that are not easily forgotten, one of those things that makes you realize how much love and life is worth.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Knowing that you have your children at home and thinking they can touch them or do something to them is really an inexplicable emotion.
      “Fortunately we are all well and know it could have been much worse.”
      Real Madrid defender Ramos was targeted in a burglary as wellCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He and his family weren’t at home at the timeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The family were eating dinner nearbyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      A member of staff approached the burglars, and they fledCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      David & Victoria Beckham break silence on his 2003 ‘affair’ that rocked their marriage – and handle it perfectly

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      THERE’S a scene in the new Beckham documentary showing an old Sun article, featuring a shepherd living in Timbuktu besides the headline: “We find the only man on the planet who hasn’t heard of Becks!”David and Victoria Beckham are, without question, Britain’s biggest celebrity exports. Probably our biggest celebrities, full stop.
      David and Victoria at tonight’s premiere of the Netflix seriesCredit: Getty
      The couple have redefined what it is to be famous over the past quarter of a centuryCredit: Getty
      Sun columnist Clemmie with Victoria at tonight’s premiere
      Over the past 25 years, the couple has single-handedly redefined what it is to be famous.
      They have become part of the fabric of British culture. They were the Charles and Diana of Showbiz. Barely an inch of their life together has gone unreported. 
      200-plus million followers between them – more than three times the UK population! – means we, quite literally, now get to see what they have for breakfast. (Avocado, sometimes pancakes).
      If we we thought there was nothing left to know, we were wrong.
      read more on the beckhams
      A warts n’ all four-part documentary somehow manages to unearth some revelatory gems. 
      One of the biggest, which airs tomorrow, is the couple gamely speaking for the first time in the aftermath of David’s alleged affair in Madrid in 2003.
      Gamely – because this isn’t even her documentary to promote – Victoria describes the period as “the unhappiest in her life”.
      David, close to tears, describes his heartache at, well, breaking his wife’s heart as a result of the immediate media fall-out.
      Most read in Football
      They could have skimmed over this reported – but always denied – transgression in an otherwise Richard Curtis-esque love story. 
      The show is, after all, a Studio 99 one – David’s own production company. 
      But they didn’t.
      The elephant in the room is confronted. And handled, you will see, pitch-perfectly. 
      (A highlight is Posh FUMING when David casually informs her he wont be at the birth of youngest son Cruz, because he has a photoshoot with Beyoncé and J-Lo: “Posh was pissed off!”, she quips.)
      Less forgiving women, you might think, would file for divorce.
      Elsewhere, we get to snoop around the couple’s glorious Cotswolds mansions – we note where Becks has his morning coffee: “I can see Victoria naked up there if I’m lucky!” he quips, like a schoolboy who can’t believe his tuck box, pointing to an upstairs bedroom window.
      Becks shows off his meticulous, colour-coordinated wardrobes – “someone’s been in here”, he huffs, upon spotting a clothes hanger two millimetres out of place.
      For those who’ve doubted the strength of their love – I defy you to watch this series and not be convinced.
      Towards the end, the entire family are shown in a gazebo, enjoying a roast whipped up by keen home chef, David.
      Kenny Rogers’ Islands In The Stream belts out from a music player, Posh and Becks (the latter clutching a beer) Victoria dance, swaying semi-in-time.
      (After, we see David frantically cleaning the oven and scrubbing kitchen counters).
      Later, in a joint interview in the kitchen – David recorded in total almost 50 hours of interviews – they have their arms draped around one another.
      They discuss how cathartic the whole recording process has been, describing it as “therapy”.
      David gently teases Victoria, goading her that she’s become “more posh” throughout her career.
      “I’ve looked back and heard footage of [Victoria] on the phone to me, saying ‘hello babes!’”, he grins.
      “And she doesn’t talk much like she does now by the way… she was much more common then than she is now.
      “I don’t know what happened…she never had any form of elocution lessons…that’s how you say it, right?!”
      Victoria’s chips in, mocking his reputation for being “thick” (something he so evidently is not): “I’m so glad you know what that means….!”
      As we see son Cruz rowing on the lake outside, and Romeo kicking footballs on the outdoor pitch, David reflects: “Doing this has given me clarity on many things and one of the things which is the most important thing to me is what we’ve got.”
      If the five hours of this documentary are anything to go by, that’s a lot.
      So why are we all so collectively obsessed with this couple?
      By dint of bloody hard work, they are the ultimate in aspirational in working class heroes.
      Never has Goldenballs professed to be the planet’s greatest footballer, and not once has Victoria said she was the world’s best singer. Or, even, the best singer in the Spice Girls.
      Instead, through a series of ingenious, genuinely progressive branding decisions, determination and an innate likeability – something absolutely no-one can fake – they have clambered to the top of the fame tree, and resolutely stayed a-perch for over two decades.
      Only the cynical can knock them.
      Read More on The Sun
      In her autobiography, Victoria wrote she wanted to be “as famous as Persil Automatic.”
      She succeeded. And with her husband in tow, one suspects they will be here long after the Persil shine fades.
      Clemmie posing for a snap with David
      David and Victoria opened the doors to their lives in the personal Netflix seriesCredit: Getty
      The couple with their children, from left: Brooklyn, Harper, Romeo and CruzCredit: 3
      The couple have ridden through stormy waters and come out on topCredit: Getty More

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      We live by Premier League stadium – they want to spend £2bn making us homeless but we’ve taken huge step to fight it

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      CHELSEA’s £2billion stadium revamp has been put on hold after old soldiers declared war on the plan that could leave them homeless.Club bosses need to buy a £50million plot next to the stadium to develop and extend the Stamford Bridge site.
      Chelsea have seen their £2 billion stadium revamp face opposition from fuming localsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Residents in Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions say they’ll refuse to leave if given their marching ordersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Former army man Matthew Bignell, 36, told Sun Online he would refuse to leave if the deal goes aheadCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But the land includes the historic Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions where around 100 military veterans and war widows live – and many are battling to stay put.
      Fuming vets have now applied for an injunction to stop the Stoll charity trustees who run the block from selling it.
      Documents seen by The Sun state that the sale “will diminish the local community and harm residents, many of whom are vulnerable and all of whom have served their country.”
      Stoll resident Geoffrey Reed applied to Wandsworth County Court for an injunction to remain in place until the trustees have shown they have properly “discharged their duties.”
      Read More in Football
      The legal block is a major blow to American tycoon Todd Boehly’s ambitious plans to transform The Blues’ west London home.
      Military pensioners living at the 1.2-acre site in Fulham said they would refuse to leave if given their marching orders.
      One of the youngest army veterans, Matthew Bignell, 36, said: “People here won’t leave. They’ll have to be taken to court and get eviction notices.
      “I’m in a position where I can physically and financially afford to leave but I probably won’t to show support for the other tenants.”
      Most read in Football
      The two-acre site backs onto Stamford Bridge and the deal would pave the way for a full-scale rebuild of the ground, boosting capacity from 42,000 to 55,000.
      The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation, set up to support veterans returning from the First World War, provides ex-service men and women, and their spouses, with a home.
      Most of the tenants are over the age of 60, with some claiming they won’t be able to physically manage moving out.
      Colin Tiso, 57, suffers such severe PTSD from his time fighting in the first Gulf War he can’t leave his one-bed flat.
      He previously told The Sun: “Because of my PTSD I struggle to leave my flat and I’m getting treatment for that. My anxiety is overwhelming. Whenever I get the newsletters with information about the plans I completely shut down. For me as an army veteran I’m scared. 
      “Leaving the flat terrifies me. If I can’t leave the flat then moving is going to be traumatic.”
      The veterans’ planning block creates a new headache for the tycoon after moves to relocate the club’s stadium to Battersea were red carded by angry fans.
      The news comes after owner Todd Boehly submitted plans to the council to erect two giant lion sculptures outside Stamford Bridge.
      His proposal would cost around £2million, with the lions replicating those displayed on the club badge.
      It is understood that Chelsea would prefer to renovate Stamford Bridge, rather than relocating to a new site.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      On the pitch, Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa yesterday meant this has been their worst start to a league campaign since the 1978/79 season.
      The stuttering Blues have now failed to score in 13 Premier League games since 2023 began – a record for a calendar year.

      Colin Tiso, 57, suffers such severe PTSD from his time fighting in the first Gulf War he can’t leave his one-bed flatCredit: Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Scottish stadium hosted 1st TV game under floodlights & still has a football feel, 20 years after Morrisons moved in

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      FALKIRK’S old Brockville Park used to have a kitchen window looking straight out onto the terracing.Now it has a whole aisle full of kitchen essentials.
      The home came with a free view of the Brockville action
      The historic ground made history in the 1950sCredit: SNS
      Now though a supermarket sits on site
      The Bairns’ old home is no more and was replaced by a supermarket two decades ago.
      Where teams used to park the bus and defend their box, shoppers now park the car and fill their bags.
      But there is no forgetting just where they are with relics of the historic stadium of old still on show outside the town centre Morrisons superstore.
      A cast-iron turnstile is planted permanently outside the front door as testimony to the football folklore that went on before.

      On that town centre site was the first televised night-time game under floodlights when the Bairns hosted Newcastle in a friendly some 70 years ago.
      Their rickety old ground hosted the great and the good of the Scottish game before the club eventually moved out to the Falkirk Stadium.
      But from the Lisbon Lions to greats like Gazza, Laudrup and McCoist – plus Sir Alex Ferguson and many more in between, the hostile and claustrophobic Brockville welcomed them all.
      But Brockville, for all its historic significance, also worked against Falkirk.
      Most read in Football
      The Bairns were denied promotion to the SPL on account of their home not having the required 10,000 seats.
      A ground-sharing bid with Airdrie was denied which spared Aberdeen and Motherwell from relegation in 2000 and 2003 withj the Bairns barred from the top flight.
      That forced the club’s hand after financial troubles in the late 1990s and they moved to a purpose-built ground on the Grangemouth edge of town, spending a year at nearby Stenhousemuir in between.
      Fans were able to buy up various memorabilia at a club auction with the dugouts, turf, street signs and folding wooden seats from the stand all up for grabs.
      Fans grabbed memorabilia before the ground was shut down forever
      Bulldozers moved in around 2003
      The old turnstile stands as testament to a time passed
      And while they left a turnstile and team pic for the new supermarket, the club took their own memento – the ‘Brockville Gate’ is still on display at the mouth of the tunnel of their new ground pre-match before every home game – just as it was ‘back home’ at Brockville.
      The final game saw emotional scenes when current Dundee assistant Stuart Taylor scored the final goal against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
      The bulldozers moved in and so did the supermarket and changed the face of the site that had hosted football since the Victorian era.
      However with the old turnstile and various other nods to the games it hosted the legend of Falkirk lives on as visitors do their Saturday afternoon shopping.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Where Chelsea and Hibs came to buy club legend ‘Crunchie’ Kevin McAllister – the bars he’s nicknamed after are on sale at the tills.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a Newcastle United superfan – so I transformed my toilet into a mini St James Park

      by

      A NEWCASTLE United fan is so potty about the Toon he turned his loo into a mini St James’ Park.James Longworth, 40, created his very own bog on the Tyne while his wife Tarin was away on a spa weekend.
      Newcastle United fanatic James Longworth has decorated his downstairs toilet like St James ParkCredit: Glen Minikin
      The dad of three has kitted the room out with a Lego copy of the Newcastle United badge above his toilet rollCredit: Glen Minikin
      The dad of three said: “She asked if I could paint the bathroom while she was away so I said ‘sure, how do you want it?’
      “She replied, ‘It’s up to you — just nothing too loud’. I then had this spur-of-the-moment idea.”
      Touches include a £200 mural of stadium St James’ Park, black and white stripes on the other walls and artificial grass on the floor.
      And whenever the door opens, Local Hero plays — the music the team walks out to at home games.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Delivery driver James, who lives in Burnley, added: “We used to go to a lot of matches but it’s hard to get tickets now. So if I can’t go to St James’ Park I thought I would bring St James’ Park to me.”
      Tarin, 33, was shocked at first — especially at the artificial grass.
      She said: “We all know that boys don’t always hit the target. So how am I supposed to mop the floor when he has turned it into a football pitch with artificial grass?
      “I do like it now — it’s quirky and a real talking point.”
      Most read in Football
      James decorated the bathroom while his wife Tarin was awayCredit: Glen Minikin
      Despite his love for The Toon, James lives in Burnley and can’t get to many gamesCredit: Glen Minikin
      The bathroom features artificial turfCredit: Glen Minikin
      This is what James bathroom looked like before More