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      in Soccer

      We live by a stadium – we can’t use our gardens on matchdays and have to buy litter pickers to clean streets ourselves

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      FUMING residents who live next to a major stadium have complained that they can’t use their gardens on matchdays and have to buy litter pickers to clean streets themselves.Disgruntled locals living near to Coventry’s 40,000 capacity CBS Arena have said that living next to a venue used for football and concerts can be challenging.
      Residents living near Coventry Football Club have complained about a number of problemsCredit: Roland Leon
      Locals said matchdays and concerts were particularly problematicCredit: Roland Leon
      Dave Evans, 57, said he even had to buy a litter picker to sort the mess out himselfCredit: Roland Leon
      Homeowners claim they are battling thoughtless parking, piles of rubbish, late night horn honking and street brawls.  
      Truck driver Dave Evans, 57, who lives on Hen Lane within a couple of kicks of the Arena, said he’d bought himself a litter picker off Amazon because he just couldn’t stand the mess.
      He said: “Honestly, it really does affect your life and not in a good way.
      “I had to turn my front garden into parking because on match days I couldn’t park anywhere near to my house.  
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      “And the litter is something else. The Council have two little bins between our house and the stadium and they are overflowing very quickly.  
      “The joke is that the Council are quick to empty an empty bin but after events you might not see them for two weeks. I ended up buying a litter picker off Amazon and doing it myself. ”
      Dave continued: “We leave our own bins open and push them to the front when there’s a match or a concert in the hope that people will use them. It can be a pain.
      “The concerts are a lot worse than the matches. People are milling around from 9am and they end much later.”
      Most read in Football
      Tracy Greenhill, 56, who lives with severe osteoporosis, is on the same street and said visitors were “oblivious” to locals’ pain.
      She said: “Before any match, thousands of them walk down this road and they are in their own zone, totally oblivious to the fact people actually live here.
      “I have tried to walk my dog up the road to the shops and found myself being pushed against garden walls because none of them step aside.  
      “And you get a lot of goading of opposition fans which always involves obscene language. It is not something you want kids hearing.
      ” I have had people parking in my disabled bay and get away with it because there is not proper enforcement.”
      Since its opening in 2005, the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS), which includes a hotel, shopping centre, exhibition hall and casino, has had a mixed existence.  
      Built as a replacement home ground for Coventry City, a rental dispute in 2013 led to the club having a succession of temporary homes and Wasps Rugby Club moving in.  
      Now, both clubs use it as their home venue and the concerts have never stopped.  
      There are two little bins between the houses and stadiums which overflow quickly. I bought a litter picker off Amazon and did it myself.”Dave Evans, 57
      And those off for a good time can often be at their most thoughtless, especially when time is running out and they haven’t booked a parking spot.  
      Aman Mundian, 32, a father of two who works in retail, said: “It can be a problem if you need to get somewhere and there’s a match on or concert because there is traffic everywhere.
      “I have had people park right in front of the house, blocking us in, and pointing at a tiny piece of curb as though that gives them the right to park there. Some people just don’t think.”
      Clare Jones, 56, who has lived in the area all her life bemoaned how it had taken away the open space.
      She said: “I must say I don’t see so many traffic wardens down here as I used to. It seems the Council take what they can and give back as little as possible.”
      However, some residents enjoy being a short walk from their local team’s ground.
      And they occasionally get to hear some of music’s biggest names for free.
      John Jinks, 72, a Coventry City season ticket holder, said: “This is the perfect place to live.
      “A 10 minute walk to the ground . I absolutely love it.”
      Steve, 57, a former hotel manager, said: “I like living here because you get free music. You don’t even have to sit outside, the noise travels in.
      “I never imagined sitting at home hearing a Springsteen concert live but now I have.”
      And Kramchand Luchman, 63, said: “The only downside for me is the extreme traffic that comes to the area and as far as I know there are no restrictions on this particular Glaisdale Avenue.
      “But I like to see people enjoying themselves. I feel happy for them. They are having a drink, enjoying themselves, watching football, listening to music, and that is the culture of this country. It is great to see it happening outside your door.”
      Caretaker Daniel Sabin, 43, added: “It is what it is. If you live near a football ground, get your shopping done early on a Saturday and either go to the game or stay in your house.
      “For me, the concerts are much worse than the matches – more mess by far.”
      David Green, 40, said he rented out the two parking spaces outside his semi-detached home for £15 a-time.  
      ‘NIGHTMARE’
      Sam Bowen, 35, said: “I was ticketed twice parked outside my own house. I didn’t know about having to phone up and register your car with them.  
      “In general I think it has boosted the area and I do like to hear the crowd roar for a goal or open the door and listen to the concerts.”
      But a 49-year-old a mother-of one who can remember the days before the stadium arrived, strongly disagrees.  
      “It has turned this quiet road into a nightmare. When they built it, orange dust covered everything and no-one took any notice and that was a sign of things to come.
      “The concerts are ridiculous for the noise and mess. When Harry Styles was here I saw girls fighting on the streets and Bon Jovi were a nightmare too with loads of bikers turning up.
      “But the football fighting is the worst. It can be savage. I’ve seen grown men out with their children punching one another on the nose.  
      Read More on The Sun
      “I have been here 20 years and there is no policing. You don’t see a warden and we who live here are just forgotten about.”
      Coventry City F.C and Coventry Council have been contacted for comment.
      Clare Jones said that the space had been taken away and bemoaned the lack of wardensCredit: Roland Leon
      Many living near the 40,000 capacity stadium have slammed the noiseCredit: Roland Leon
      Amen Mundian said parking and traffic can be a problemCredit: Roland Leon
      John Jinks 72 is a Coventry season ticket holder and loves living nearbyCredit: Roland Leon
      Kramchand Luchman said he enjoyed the atmosphere and the only problem is trafficCredit: Roland Leon More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s property empire, from £550k Morecambe home to Vegas mansion he let coach live in rent free

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      TYSON FURY has worked his way to the top of the boxing world. The Gypsy King has fame, glory and heavyweight championship belts to his name thanks to his exploits in the ring.
      Tyson Fury owns a number of stunning propertiesCredit: @tysonfury
      Some estimates place Fury’s net worth at £130millionCredit: PA
      His properties range from Morecambe to VegasCredit: Netflix
      With those accolades has also come a vast sum of wealth.
      He is estimated to have a net worth of around £50million.
      However, following his fight against Dillian Whyte in April 2023, some estimates put that figure as high as £130m.
      Fury has put this wealth to good use, investing in a number of luxury assets.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Cars are one of the main items Fury’s money has gone towards, with his garage featuring a pair of Rolls Royce, a Porsche Taycan and a Ferrari to name but a few.
      But chief among his assets are his houses.
      Fury is said to own a number of properties, including the £1.7m pad featured in his Netflix documentary At Home With The Furys and a Las Vegas home where he is said to have let his coach stay cost free.
      Below we will take a look at some of the stunning properties.
      Most read in Boxing
      £550k family home
      The Fury family lived in a £550k home for yearsCredit: ITV
      The home featured five bedrooms
      For years Fury and his family lived in a beautiful five-bed home in Morecambe.
      Tyson has remained adamant he would never uproot his home from Morecambe telling ITV doc Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King in 2020: “Why would I abandon my own country for a bit of money and some fame?
      “I love it… It’s true beauty. If the weather was better, every house here would be a million quid.”
      And considering the Fury’s former house, it’s clear to see why he would not want to leave.
      In 2021, the five-bed, four-bathroom Lancashire home of Fury that overlooked Morecambe Bay was estimated to be worth £550,000.
      Fury’s wife Paris often gave fans a sneak peek into their home
      The home was suitably decked out inside as well, as shown thanks to the snaps Fury’s wife Paris often shared to her social media pages.
      Oil paintings, large photos of Fury in action and a trophy cabinet were all present in the property.
      There were even gold curtains and a huge gold-framed Versace mirror.
      A walk in wardrobe was also a frequent sight on Paris’ stories, featuring designer handbags and glamorous outfits to rival the Kardashian’s of the world.
      £1.7million Morecambe mansion
      Fury brought a £1.7m home in 2020Credit: Netflix
      The home includes Paris’ £50,000 collection of shoesCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      True to his word, Fury snubbed a move elsewhere in order to remain by his beloved Morecambe.
      In December 2020, Fury brought a new seaside mansion which, according to Land Registry documents obtained by The Mirror, set Tyson Fury Ltd. back a cool £1,695,000, and is mortage-free.
      With seven children in tow – after welcoming their seventh in September 2023 – the new property gave the Furys a new lease of Morecambe life.
      Paris was given free reign on the interior design of the stunning property, which features gold chandeliers, marble-topped counters and a grand piano.
      The home featured heavily in the Netflix show At Home With The Furys, which offered fans a glimpse inside the chaotic and full-on life of Britian’s top heavyweight boxer.
      There is a castellated front wall and wrought-iron black and gold fence and CCTV warning signs for security as well as lion motifs and four eagle sculptures to keep up appearances.
      A water fountain can also be seen at the front of the property, while there is also a mini-playground with the “Gypsy King” logo painted on the floor outside.
      The Gypsy King logo is plastered on the floor outsideCredit: @tysonfury
      It featured heavily in the Netflix series At Home With The FurysCredit: Instagram @parisfury1
      Fortunately, Paris has upgraded her walk-in wardrobe for her amazing shoe collection – estimated to be worth a cool £50,000.
      Speaking to loose women in 2020, Paris – who tied the knot with Fury in 2009 – explained the move came from them deciding to prioritise their children’s safety.
      She said: “We get people around the house. It’s not good, we actually have to because of that.
      “We’re in the process of moving house because we’ve had too many people at the door – too many strangers knocking.
      “And we have five children here, it’s not like me and Tyson’s here, two adults who can sort of deal with situations.
      “We have people coming to the house and the kids are opening the door and we don’t know who they’re opening the door to. It’s not what we need. It’s not the ideal situation.”
      Caravan and gypsy wagon
      Fury used to live in a caravanCredit: ITV
      Fury’s dad John still lives by the traveller lifestyleCredit: ITV
      But it hasn’t always been fancy digs for Fury, as once upon a time, he lived in a caravan on his father’s land.
      Fury was raised as a traveller and left school at 11, but never lost touch with his roots despite his fame and fortune.
      Indeed, dad John still retains that way of life as shown in the Netflix doc.
      On his ITV documentary, Fury was seen wheeling his wagon around outside his Morecambe home.
      Marbella home
      Fury is also said to own a stunning white-cobbled mansion in Marbella, Spain reportedly worth up to £6m.
      Pictures from 2018 have shown Fury in front of the property which features columns, large windows and an array of palm trees.
      After revealing the pad on his story he said: ““New house had to treat myself.
      “Been a long time coming. But the Mack in back [sic]. MTV Cribs blessed by God.”
      Fury shared a snap in front of a stunning Marbella mansion
      Sin City digs
      Fury’s property empire is not limited to this side of the Atlantic either.
      Over in Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, Fury is said to own a stunning mansion as well as one other property.
      Fury explained that he uses the pad when he fights in the United States, such as in his epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder.
      And his coach SugarHill Steward has been allowed to stay at the property rent free until he is called upon to help Fury with his fight preparation.
      Read More on The Sun
      Fury previously said ahead of his fight with Derek Chisora: “I have bought a big beautiful house out there and never really used it, one camp.
      “My trainer SugarHill is living in the house rent-free right now, sending me photos of all the fun he is having. I love it over there.”
      He is also said to own a home in Las VegasCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea could LEAVE Stamford Bridge despite £70m boost, as renovated ground would be smaller than ALL London rivals

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      AS with most things involving Chelsea, even the plan to develop their Stamford Bridge stadium has been a soap opera.Former chairman Ken Bates first mooted the idea back in the 1980s, when he famously dubbed his club ‘The Manchester United of the South’ to much derision.
      Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly faces a dilemma over whether to splash out on a huge revamp of Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
      The Bridge capacity has plunged from its original 100,000 to 40kCredit: Rex
      Back then Stamford Bridge was infamous for its vast open terracing, concrete bench seats and the Shed End – a much-loved but dilapidated slab of sloping concrete almost in a different postcode to the pitch as it was so far away.
      There has been a slow and steady makeover of the club’s ancestral home in West London in tune with their rise in status.
      But politics and in-fighting have got the better of a succession of owners wanting to turn it into a truly global stadium.
      Deposed Russian Roman Abramovich even got as far as releasing drawings of his vision to transform Chelsea’s home ground before his reign was hit by the wrecking ball of the Ukraine war last year.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      In its original form Stamford Bridge had a capacity of 100,000. Today’s ground is barely 40,000. It is smaller than Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham’s grounds in the capital alone.
      And that is why securing the rights to a sliver of land behind the West Stand is a key moment in a saga that has been running almost as long as EastEnders.
      Even so, Chelsea’s new ownership led by American chairman Todd Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital cannot make up their minds what to do.
      The 1.2 acres of land due to come into their possession early next year was advertised for sale so the board of directors decided to snap it up because somebody else would.
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      But that doesn’t mean the bulldozers will be moving in next week to demolish the outdated Stoll Building and pave the way for Chelsea to eventually live in a state-of-the-art 65,000-plus seater arena worthy of world class football.
      An option to move away completely to nearby Earls Court remains on the table as much as expanding ‘The Bridge’. Both plans are being studied with equal consideration.
      Any plan to build on site requires permission from the Chelsea Pitch Owners. A group of 13,000 fans plus a few connected celebrities who own the freehold to the ground.
      Chelsea are engaged in consultation with them and are mindful of the constraints of building on their existing home.
      Even with full renovation, experts estimate that Stamford Bridge could only accommodate 60,000 when full to the brim.
      There is much more room just 1.5 miles up the road at Earl’s Court where a much bigger stadium could be built while Chelsea see out their time at Stamford Bridge – their home since 1905.
      The current ownership is mindful that their rivals’ grounds are getting bigger and bigger.
      It’s no coincidence that Spurs’ stunning new 61,000 ground has been picked for games at Euro 2028.
      Arsenal’s Emirates hosts concerts, even West Ham’s vacuous London Stadium puts on baseball in the summer.
      Liverpool are expanding capacity to 61,000, Aston Villa’s atmospheric Villa Park is to undergo expansion. The Etihad – home to Treble winners Manchester City – is being redone.
      Read More on The Sun
      Chelsea’s imminent acquisition of the piece of land between them and Fulham Broadway Tube station is just the first stage of what will still be a lengthy process.
      Boehly has tried to build a new team at his club in just over a year but building a stadium is a much slower process.
      Boehly’s Bridge revolution has struggled on the pitch but arguably faces even bigger problems off itCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      We live in the shadow of Stamford Bridge… we’re being made homeless in £80m Chelsea FC deal – we’re disgusted

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      VETERANS have slammed the sale of their homes to Chelsea FC’s home Stamford Bridge.Those living in Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in Fulham, London, have said they’ll refuse to leave when given their marching orders.

      Veterans live in the shadow of Stamford BridgeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Those living in Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in Fulham, London, previously said they’d refuse to leave if given their marching ordersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      One of the youngest veterans, former army man Matthew Bignell, 36, told Sun Online he would refuse to leaveCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Now, the sale of their homes to the football club has been confirmed.
      The Premier League giants have purchased the majority of a 1.2 acre site next to Stamford Bridge from the Stoll Foundation.
      One of the youngest veterans, former army man Matthew Bignell, 36, told Sun Online he was “deeply disappointed” by the move.
      He added: “It’s a huge shame. There’s too much emphasis on the money they’ll gain and not enough on the homes they’re losing.
      Read More on Chelsea fc
      “They’ve made dozens of veterans homeless. It’s not good enough.”
      He previously told how veterans would refuse to leave their homes after the sale.
      He added: “We have to look into what we can do to fight back against this decision. We’re not sure making that many veterans homeless in the short term will really help in the long-term.”
      The military pensioners are furious over a deal that has seen Chelsea purchase the 1.2-acre area of land for £80m.
      Most read in Football
      It comes amid its £2billion planned expansion.
      But it means the 100 veterans and war widows living inside the 1915 block will have to be rehoused – something many are fighting.
      Veteran Sean Kennedy, 51, has lived in his flat since 2013.
      He added: “It’s disappointing but not unexpected this has happened. The charity’s quality of care has never been very strong.
      “Now I have to find somewhere else to live and I’m overwhelmed. I’m too stressed to fight back, there’s nothing I can do.
      “It’s not surprising, we live next to Chelsea FC. They have the power and the money to do this.”
      Most of the tenants are over the age of 60, with some claiming they won’t be able to physically manage moving out.
      Alan Parmenter, 67, who served in the army between 1971 and 2004, is “absolutely disgusted” by the plans.
      He previously said: “We’ve done nothing wrong. There’s a lady across the way who is 94. It’ll kill them.
      “I can’t physically move out. The lift doesn’t work. I’m not going to be able to move anything.”
      He added that he just wants “a peaceful life” and is too old to move.
      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 added: ” 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.”
      Another tenant, Neil Ingram, 62, said it felt “like a tsunami coming our way”.
      He added that the £7,800 the tenants will get in statutory home loss payment is “not a lot of money”.
      He added: “I’m concerned. It feels like a tsunami coming our way. It’s not a lot of money but some people are happy with that.”
      Mark McFadden, who spent 17 years in the army, said residents “don’t know when we’re leaving” and “don’t know where to go”.
      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.
      The Fulham mansions is the original site Sir Oswald, a successful theatre magnate, donated to house veterans in 1916.
      Since then the charity has expanded to sites in Acton, Hounslow, Chiswick and Aldershot, Surrey.
      The charity, which listed its “comprehensive income” at £597,000 in 2022, now claims it doesn’t have enough funds to refurbish the Fulham site “to necessary Government housing standards”.
      It would cost “a minimum of £10million, funds the charity simply does not currently have”, according to consultation documentation.
      It added: “The overall thermal efficiency and insulation of properties in Fulham is often very poor, many tenants complain of their homes being cold and say they are unable to afford their heating bills.”
      Meanwhile, Will Campbell-Wroe, the charity’s CEO, is paid between £80,000 and £90,000, according to its latest accounts.
      Three other members of staff at the charity earn between £60,000 and £70,000.
      The club has promised not to take possession of it until 2025 at the earliest.
      Stoll Chief Executive, Will Campbell-Wroe, says: “The veterans are the heart of this organisation and we continue, as we have always done, to act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries. The Chelsea FC ownership group’s offer enables us to limit uncertainty for residents and offer support over a longer period of time.
      “The site at Fulham is just not fit for purpose for the long term and while this is a difficult time for our residents, it is something we must do, to enable us to support veterans now and in the future.
      “We are enhancing our robust support programme for our residents during this process and our commitment to them will continue to be at the forefront of all we do at Stoll.” 
      Residents will not have to leave their homes straight away; the offer includes a leaseback period, meaning that the land would be temporarily given back to Stoll after completion of the sale, according to the charity.
      This will allow the charity to support residents to move to alternative, suitable accommodation, it said.
      Stoll’s Board of Trustees expects completion to take place in early 2024. 
      The Sun revealed previously that the Blues have committed to a massive redevelopment of their current home that ended fears they would relocate to a new stadium.
      American owner Boehly, who bought the Premier League outfit last year for £4.25billion, made promises to the stadium freeholder to expand the ground rather than move the club to a new location.
      Now Chelsea want to build a new 60,000-capacity ground to keep up with their rivals commercially with the new owners hoping for a staged rebuild of the Bridge, with the stands replaced and upgraded one by one.
      Read More on The Sun
      Chelsea FC refused to comment when approached by Sun Online.
      Sean Kennedy, 51, moved into the block of flats in 2013. He’s a Royal Air Force veteran after three years of service in the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Will Campbell-Wroe, the charity’s CEO, is paid between £80,000 and £90,000, according to its latest accountsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      We live by a stadium – now we’re being made homeless right before Christmas just because the club wants more seats

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      FURIOUS residents living right next to a football stadium have been left worrying that they will be forced out of their homes before Christmas.Disgruntled locals have blasted Blackpool football club for the “outrageous” move and said families with young children are “terrified” of being made homeless due to club expansion.
      Locals living next to Blackpool FC Stadium have been left stunned by the club’s plans to demolish houses for a 4,600 seat East StandCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Residents living next to Bloomfield Road have voiced their concernsCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Danielle Caton said residents are scared of getting turfed out before ChristmasCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Robert Parkinson has blasted the proposed plansCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Bosses at the club want to demolish their houses before the festive period so they can build a 4,600-seat East Stand at their Bloomfield Road ground.
      And Blackpool Council plan to issue compulsory purchase orders if landlords or homeowners do not agree to sell the terrace houses in Henry Street next door to the ground.
      It is thought the council are offering up to £90,000 for a house and £130,000 for a car garage.
      Mum-of-two Danielle Caton, 39, said: “I’m petrified about being made homeless just before Christmas.
      Read More in Football
      “My landlord has accepted the offer so there’s not much I can do as it’s not my house.
      “But I’m terrified about the effect, its going to have on my son who has learning difficulties.”
      She continued: “We could end up in a hotel as a short-term measure as I want a council house.
      “There’s no way I could afford a house as nice as this as rents have gone up so much.”
      Most read in Football
      Homeowner Robert Parkinson, 52, said: “One half of the street is definitely going in the first phase and then it looks like the other half will go after that but we’ve all been kept in the dark.
      “I have done a lot of work on our house but I’m worried we will lose money.
      “But more than that, I’m scared we’ll be forced out of our home.
      “We love it here with the football ground so close. We have residents parking permits so match days aren’t really a problem.
      “Plus my daughter has caught the football bug. She plays herself and has posters of Blackpool players on her bedroom wall.
      “We don’t want to move.”
      Mum-of-four Michaela Howard, 30, said: “The council and football club are behaving outrageously.
      “We could be forced from our homes.
      “I like it round here. We only really get problems when Preston North End fans come here as it’s a local derby.”
      Several houses have been boarded-up after being sold.
      Jonmac Tyres garage owner Jon McLoughlin’s business is at the back of Henry Street .
      Jon, 63, said: “It’s been a nightmare. The council have offered us money but are now dragging their feet and I don’t know why.
      “The football club opened a door for away fans to come out in the alley right by my garage so I have to close on a Saturday.
      “So it’s all become a big headache so I’m ready to go.
      “I have sorted out another premises but it’s all taking so long.
      “I would go tomorrow but I know some people really don’t want to go.”
      A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “The Revoe Community Sports Village will help regenerate the local area around Henry Street by building sports pitches for Blackpool Football Club and its Community Trust, as well as development of a new East Stand.
      “We are liaising with the property owners on Henry Street around purchasing their properties through negotiation on a voluntary basis at this stage.
      “We would only explore other options if we cannot buy the houses within a reasonable timescale.
      “Some owners have chosen to sell already, and advice is available for residents or tenants who need additional support. Nobody will be asked to move out without reasonable warning and it is not our intention for that to happen before Christmas.
      “We are very aware that we are buying people’s homes and have written to all residents to offer advice and support, to make sure that nobody is made homeless by the scheme.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Blackpool – nicknamed The Seasiders – currently play in League One after they were relegated from the Championship last season.
      Blackpool FC have been contacted for comment.
      Michaela Howard is another fearing that she will be forced from her homeCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Jon McLoughlin has called the move a “nightmare”Credit: STEVE ALLEN More

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      in Soccer

      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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      in Soccer

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

      by

      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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      in Soccer

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

      by

      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