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      We live by a football ground – but we’re furious at huge new change by the club… it’ll ruin our area

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      LOCALS living by a football ground say they’re fuming about a looming change – and they say it will ruin the area. Kassam Stadium has been the home of Oxford United for more than two decades, but that’s set to soon change.
      Locals living near Kassam Stadium say they’re fuming about a big, looming changeCredit: Alamy
      Sharon Ashby and son Cieran say they’re disappointed the stadium will no longer be Oxford United’s home groundCredit: Ross Slater
      Sally-Ann Berry, 46, said ‘it’s a shame’ the team has to goCredit: Ross Slater
      Those who live around the 12,500-seat stadium say they thought the club had no option other than to move on after its rent shot up in price.
      But Oxford United say that’s not the case – their licence to stay there is almost up, and can’t be renewed.
      Residents said they now fear their neighbourhood is going to lose its spark, and businesses will slow, without the club using the stadium.
      Sharon Ashby, 55, said having football fans around brings life to the area.
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      The support worker told The Sun: “I think it is a great shame. It has given people jobs and a purpose and has lifted up the whole area.”
      Son Cieran, 25, echoed his mum’s thoughts.
      He added: “It is just a great place to have a football ground.
      “There are so many fans on the estate who can walk to matches and it gives a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
      Most read in Football
      Locals say former Oxford United owner Firoz Kassam is increasing the club’s rent. He sold the club in 2006, but still owns the land.
      But the club is now looking to get a new stadium built – an idea which has been rejected by the people of Oxford.
      BBC reported of 3,000 ballots, more than 2,000 voted against the club building an 18,000-capacity stadium nearby.
      Cleaner Sally-Ann Berry, 46, also shared her disappointment that the club would be moving away.
      She said: “It is a shame it has to go.
      “It is good for the area and what is going to replace it? More flats or housing I imagine.”
      Sally-Ann said a lot of businesses “rely on match days” to keep them afloat.
      She continued: “There’s no problems here. Some fans park on the estate but they mostly knock on and ask for permission if they are next to your house. 
      “My 13-year-old goes down there with my partner but I can’t see them going to Kidlington. It is too far and if you haven’t got a car it is two bus rides and a long walk. It’s too much expense.”
      ‘IT’S A SHAME’
      For disabled fan and season ticket holder Brian Flitter, 69, the move is bad news.
      He said: “I can go on my mobility scooter and I can be in the ground within five minutes of leaving the house. 
      “I cannot take my mobility scooter in the car so it is a big blow for me and for all of us who live around here. 
      “I’m told they cannot afford the rent. It’s a shame, all of the businesses round here will suffer.”
      A worker at the local Blackbird Pub said they would be one of those.
      They said: “This pub is going to miss the football massively when it moves. It’s the same for all the businesses around here.  
      “The place is rammed on match days and they make up for the quiet times and keep us going.”
      Pub regular Alan Goodall, 70, added: “The club don’t want to go but they have to get away from Kassam.
      “He is charging them a massive rent and taking a percentage of everything else from the advertising to the beverages sold. 
      “It’s such a shame.”
      Oxford United said it was happy to hear it had a positive impression on the neighbourhood, but that it had to find a new home.
      ‘HAVE TO FIND A NEW HOME’
      The club told The Sun: “Oxford United work closely with our local community and are pleased that we have made such apositive impression on our neighbours since we moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001.
      “Our licence to use the Kassam Stadium terminates on 30 June 2026 and does not include any renewal rights or renewal requirements within it.
      “The position is that after 30th June 2026 Oxford United will have no legal right to use or occupy the Kassam Stadium. Quite simply, we have to find a new home or the club will cease to exist.
      “We are currently negotiating with Oxfordshire County Council for a possible site in Kidlington, but this absolutely does not mean we are ending our involvement in the area around our current stadium.
      “Plans are in place to ensure we maintain strong connections with Blackbird Leys and surrounding areas of the city and we will continue to work with the local community to make sure that our positive impact continues.
      “We have developed a Community Pledge, which is available on our new stadium website and sets out our strong commitments to our current, and possible future, neighbours.
      “Our aim is to build a community-focused stadium that the whole of Oxford and Oxfordshire can be proud of while enhancing all that we currently do for local communities.
      “Oxfordshire County council is currently consulting on the potential land deal with OUFC. We hope everyone will visit Lets Talk and add their support.”
      It’s not unusual for people living near stadiums to share what it’s like to live nearby.
      Residents who live by a major stadium in Norfolk have said they are sickened by the council “declaring war” on fans.
      Read More On The Sun
      Elsewhere other local have slammed new plans to redevelop a top stadium claiming it will make their lives hell.
      Others living in the shadow of a football stadium say it’s super loud and parking can be hell – but they love it.
      Locals say stadium owner Firoz Kassam is hiking the rent – but the club claim that’s not the caseCredit: Alamy
      Disabled fan Brian Flitter says he won’t be able to go to matches when the club moves homesCredit: Ross Slater More

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      We live on the site of an iconic old Premier League ground – it’s full of history but we hate it… here’s why

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      RESIDENTS living on the site of an iconic former football stadium have revealed why they hate it despite its history.Locals claim their lives have been made hell by rampant drug use and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood.
      Residents around Coventry City’s old ground say their neighbourhood has been ruined by drugged-up yobsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      They claim that thugs gather on the green space opposite their homes to take drugsCredit: YOUTUBE/MATT SB
      People living in Highfield Road, where Coventry City’s beloved former ground once stood, complain that drugged-up yobs gather around the green space and children’s playground opposite their homes.
      They are now demanding that the council build more properties on the space to prevent this.
      Dad-of-four Sibghat Ullah, whose three-storey home is located where the East Stand once was, told The Sun Online: “There are groups of druggies making the square hell and they don’t even live here.
      “But they come here in the evening and sometimes hang out until 2am because it is a nice place – shouting, swearing and peeing in our front gardens.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “They’re as bad as football hooligans.”
      Sibghat, 38, added that the thugs have defaced a memorial for the old ground.
      The stadium was demolished in 2005, when the Sky Blues relocated to the CBS Arena further out of the city.
      A plaque in the middle of the green area remained the only hint of the 23,500-seater venue, that hosted Coventry from their rise up the ranks to the Premier League and back down again over 106 years.
      Most read in Football
      But not even that was safe, according to Sibghat.
      He fumed: “There was a plaque and it’s been ripped off the plinth, which now remains empty, and has not been replaced.”
      It comes after a group of residents by another major stadium claimed that their local council was “declaring war” on fans with new parking restrictions.
      Meanwhile, one lucky woman doesn’t have to buy a ticket to watch her team play as her flat overlooks the former Prem ground, but she did reveal the big issue she has to put up with.
      Even the plaque memorialising the old ground has been stolen, according to one residentCredit: YOUTUBE/MATT SB More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
      Read more on F1
      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
      “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
      Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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      Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
      He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
      Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
      A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
      And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
      You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
      Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
      However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
      When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
      Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
      A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
      And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
      Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
      The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
      Miniature donkeys live in the stables
      The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The duck pond on the property has its own boat
      Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
      And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
      Read More On The Sun
      The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
      Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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      Work on Aaron Cresswell’s new £4million home drags on after endangered red squirrels spotted

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      FOOTIE star Aaron Cresswell was forced into extra time while building a new £4million home — by endangered red squirrels.Work was delayed for a year after the protected critters were spotted in his garden.
      Work has been delayed on Aaron Cresswell’s £4million home after red squirrels were spotted in his gardenCredit: Rex Features
      It is illegal to disturb the protected creatures under the Wildlife and Countryside ActCredit: Getty
      West Ham defender Cresswell — compared to a squirrel by former teammate Mark Noble — got permission in February last year to demolish an existing property and build a six-bed pad with cinema, garden pavilion and playground.
      But the rural plot in Formby, Merseyside, is next to a National Trust red squirrel refuge.
      And it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to disturb them.
      Cameras caught squirrels near a potential nest, halting work until after the breeding season.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Red squirrel populations have declined massively in recent decades as they have been replaced by larger grey squirrels.
      The species can only now be found in parts of northern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
      Cresswell, 33, plans a sedum plants roof to boost biodiversity and a hedgehog home in his garden.
      Documents filed at the local council reveal Cresswell originally bought the property for £1.1million three years ago but it remained vacant while he lived in London.
      Most read in Football
      Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lives nearby and ex Reds and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole used to live in the same road.
      His planning agent said they had worked to ensure the design “supports local species, habitats and wildlife”. More

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      West Ham star to agree new contract despite being linked with Merseyside move where he is building a house

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      AARON CRESSWELL is ready to sign a new West Ham contract.The left-back has been linked with a return to his native Merseyside, where he is building a house, but the Hammers are keen to hold on to him.
      West Ham ace Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a move to MerseysideCredit: Getty
      Cresswell is set to sign a new West Ham contract during the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
      Cresswell, 33, has played 331 Irons games since a £4million move from  Ipswich in 2014.
      But the three-cap Englishman will face stiff competition next season from Emerson Palmieri.
      Emerson got the nod ahead of Cresswell for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph.
      West Ham are set for a significant revamp at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window.
      Read More on Football
      The Hammers are prepared to lose Declan Rice with owner David Sullivan confirming he has played his last match for the club.
      Arsenal appear to be in pole position for Rice’s signature despite having a £90million bid turned down.
      The Gunners are now ready to splash out a whopping £100m for the midfielder.
      The East Londoners want the guaranteed part of the offer for the England international to be paid in two instalments before 2025.
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      And the North Londoners’ new proposal is expected to guarantee West Ham a fee in the region of £90m plus extra payments worth an additional £10m.
      West Ham are currently looking for possible replacements to fill in for Rice.
      Reports suggest David Moyes is keen on Fulham star Joao Palhinha as well as Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe. More

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      My flat looks into a former Premier League football stadium – you don’t need a ticket but have to put up with big issue

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      LIVING next to a high-rise building overlooking a football stadium can go two ways – you’d either love watching free games or get driven mad by the noise on match days. That’s the case for residents in the Valiant House apartment building, just a few metres from The Valley, the home of League One side Charlton Athletic F.C.
      The Valley with Valiant House, where residents are able to watch football matches from their flats, in the distanceCredit: Getty
      The stadium has been home to Charlton Athletic F.C. for the past 104 yearsCredit: Stewart Williams
      Those on the top floors of the building get an incredible view of the pitch and are able to watch games live from the comfort of their living rooms and balconies.
      Just five minutes away from Charlton rail station, the 27,111-capacity stadium in south-east London, which has been the club’s home since the 1920s, is surrounded by several houses and apartments.
      Some of the most memorable and iconic matches at The Valley include the team’s 4-2 victory against Chelsea in 2003, the first season since the Premier League club had been taken over by Roman Abramovich.
      The Sun headed down to the south-east London club for our summer series, Life’s a Pitch, which celebrates the weird and wonderful stadiums across Britain… and the communities built around them.
      MORE FOOTBALL FEATURES
      Philippa Banse says she gets a good view of the pitch and is able to watch games from her balconyCredit: Stewart Williams
      Philipa’s high-rise block is just a few metres away from the stadiumCredit: Stewart Williams
      Full-time mum Philipa Banse, 31, who has lived in the building for the past two years, enjoys match days standing on her balcony.
      She told The Sun: “Living so close to the stadium is actually good because you don’t have to pay for a ticket.
      “From where I live, I can see the whole pitch – I just can’t see the goal. Apart from that, I can watch the whole game.
      “Some of the games I watch, but not all of them. If I hear shouting, or I hear “goal”, I may have a look to see who’s scored.
      Most read in Football
      “At first, the noise was a problem for me but I’m now used to it. The issue now is parking. When they’re playing, it’s not fair to the residents, especially when we want to get out.
      “One time we got told we’ve got to wait two hours before we can go out. But other than that, there’s no problem living near the stadium.”
      Not so lucky
      The 16-storey building was built in the 1970s and has two sections. Some living on the top three floors have a near-perfect view of the pitch – but others aren’t so lucky.
      One of the unfortunate ones is hospital worker Sophia Crowl – the only thing she can see are the fans in the stand.
      Sophia, who doesn’t have a view of the pitch, insists fans who attend games are normally ‘polite’Credit: Stewart Williams
      Some residents living on the top three floors of the 16-storey building have a near-perfect view of the pitchCredit: Getty
      “I can’t see the pitch itself but to be honest the fans can tell you what is going on. If they are quiet, it means the team is not doing well but if they are loud, and out of their seats, it means they’re playing well,” she says.
      The 34-year-old mother adds: “It makes me feel happy [living here]. I like hearing the fans chant and my daughter, she’s like ‘look Mummy, they’re screaming.’
      “On matchdays, there are police that come and make sure that everyone is behaving themselves. You don’t really see people hanging around here and misbehaving. They’re really just trying to get in and get to their seats.”
      While other stadiums may have an issue with rowdy supporters causing havoc on their streets, Sophia insists that has never been a problem here.
      She explains: “In terms of safety, it’s absolutely fine. The people that come to watch the games are polite. No one is ever rude and if anything should ever happen, there are enough police staff to help with that. It’s not a nuisance or anything like that – not to me anyway.”
      But another resident – who lives on Floyd Road, the same as the stadium, and wanted to remain anonymous – didn’t share Sophia’s positive outlook.
      She told us: “Let’s just say it’s very chaotic and extremely difficult.”
      ‘Busy and loud’
      Despite some people’s complaints, houses on the street are still well above the average house price in the UK at £550,000, according to Rightmove.
      Although circus performer Lilly Carrolle, 18, who lives nearby agrees that the street can be rowdy during match days, she insists she enjoys living in the area.
      “When there’s a game, it gets very busy and loud around here, she says. “Sometimes the roads are closed and you have people walking from all areas. When you’re driving it’s really hard coming in and out. It’s okay if you’re walking.
      Although it can get chaotic, Lilly Carolle says she enjoys living just a stone’s throw away from the stadiumCredit: Stewart Williams
      The stadium is surrounded by numerous houses and apartment buildingsCredit: Getty
      “I like living close to the stadium because I think it’s quite fun to see what’s going on and you can hear the cheering in the stadium.
      “But I suppose other people who aren’t fans of football may not like that kind of vibe. But I enjoy it.”
      Sean Hanley, who lives in Valiant House, appears nonchalant about the stadium being so close.
      Read more on The Sun
      He says: “I’m a bit of a Charlton fan but it doesn’t bother me. I’ve watched the games from my apartment a few times.
      “[The noise] doesn’t bother me too much either. I turn the TV up if I need to. I don’t mind living here.”
      Sean Hanley says if ever the noise gets too much, he drowns it out by turning up the volume of his TVCredit: Stewart Williams
      While some residents were pleased to be in close proximity to the stadium, others were not so enthusedCredit: Stewart Williams
      From the ground floor of the building, residents are able to see the fans in the standCredit: Stewart Williams
      Most residents we spoke to at Valiant House said they enjoy living so close to the stadiumCredit: Stewart Williams More

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      We live at famous entrance to iconic football stadium – you can see pitch from our garden but there’s even crazier perks

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      ITS iconic mock Tudor facade is one of the most recognisable stadium entrances in British football.And for residents near Fratton Park, the home of Portsmouth F.C., living next to the historic ground has thrown up plenty of famous moments over the years.
      Wendy Waltho lives by Fratton Park Stadium, home of Portsmouth Football ClubCredit: Solent
      Local Diana Hill says she can watch the game from her daughter’s roomCredit: Solent
      Some homeowners say their home shakes when the team scores, or claim there’s no need to buy match tickets as they can hear – and even see – all the action from their garden.
      Our new summer series, Life’s a Pitch, celebrates the weird and wonderful stadiums across Britain… and the communities built around them.
      Kicking it off, die-hard Pompey fans who reside a stone’s throw from Fratton Park tell us of their joy at feeling the ‘electric’ atmosphere created by fans every week.
      They recall seeing the 1980s squad being put through their paces by manager Alan Ball in fitness runs to the old training ground – and even boast of being able to enjoy free music concerts from their back yard.
      READ MORE FEATURES
      Garden party
      Some claim Fratton Park is unique as it is the only professional English football ground not found on the mainland of Great Britain – due to its location on Portsea Island.
      Built in 1899, it has been Portsmouth’s home ever since and seen the highs and lows throughout the club’s 125-year history.
      During that time the club has won two first division titles and two FA Cups – most recently under Harry Redknapp in 2008 – but Pompey are currently enduring a more difficult period in League One.
      Kieran Hogan, a resident living by Fratton Park, says he loves it and can hear the cheers when a goal is scoredCredit: Solent
      Lifelong Pompey fan Kieran Hogan has lived for nine years on Frogmore Road, which leads up to the South Stand entrance.
      Most read in Football
      “We love living this close to the stadium,” the 40-year-old said.
      “I don’t have a season ticket but I like to go whenever I can, round some mates up, or sometimes go by myself.
      “If I don’t go, I can hear the stadium announcer say who scores the goal when I’m sat in my living room – no need to check BBC Sport.
      “You can hear the cheer sometimes seconds before the goal goes in on the telly.”
      I can hear the stadium announcer say who scores the goal when I’m sat in my living room – no need to check BBC SportKieran Hogan, lifelong Pompey fan
      Recounting his experience of the Covid-hit play-off semi final, Kieran says he was disturbed by controversial Portsmouth super-fan John Westwood trying to get as close to the action as he could.
      “I was sat in the garden watching it, as I’d taken the TV out,” the father-of-one said.
      “And I could hear this bell ringing and I looked down the gardens and John Westwood was there at the neighbours’.”
      Kieran’s next wish is to get his newborn eight-week-old son to a game “as soon as I can”.
      Training day
      Derek Stevens, 65, who has lived on a road that runs parallel to the south stand of the stadium for 39 years, said the ‘only issue’ is matchday parking – when parking is only permitted on one side of the street, meaning cars have to be moved.
      The civil servant recounts seeing England’s World Cup winner Alan Ball whipping the the Portsmouth squad into shape during his five-year tenure in the 1980s, which saw them earn promotion back to the First Division.
      Derek Stevens admits the parking can be an issue on match daysCredit: Solent
      “Alan Ball used to make them run to the training ground which was at Moneyfields then, about 1.5 miles,” he said.
      “He got them into shape – it was funny to see the players on our road being put through the paces, but he did well here.
      “They were out of shape when he got here but he made them fit.”
      Kenneth Clarke, who lives on the same road, loves being a part of the club he played for as a boy in the 1960s.
      The retired milkman, 78, said: “We’ve been here 35 years and love it.
      “I go to about half the games. The parking is fine, it’s for emergency vehicles to get through, don’t moan about the club. If you don’t like it – move.”
      Family affair
      For Wendy Waltho, attending the matches at Portsmouth is a family affair, with husband Paul, son Harvey and grandson Franklyn all season ticket holders.
      “It’s manic on a matchday,” the 56-year-old said. “Sometimes I do go if it’s an exciting game, but I can hear it from the garden where it’s free. Why would I go?
      “It’s great, my husband and son love going – they’d never stop.
      “The front wall of my garden is used as a meeting spot by fans every week. Every Saturday or Tuesday there are the usual suspects who lean up against the wall as they wait for their mates to come.”
      The front wall of my garden is used as a meeting spot by fans every week. Every Saturday or Tuesday there are the usual suspects who lean up against the wall as they wait for their mates to comeWendy Waltho, local resident
      Wendy, who has lived in her property just 50ft from the South Stand entrance for 19 years, added: “For a 3pm kick off, they leave at about midday.
      “It doesn’t take three hours to get there – I think the pub might be involved.
      “But, when it’s not matchday, it’s dead quiet.”
      The street’s quietness on days other than when Portsmouth play is the main reason David Young bought his home home 20 years ago.
      The 39-year-old said: “During matchday it can be a bit hectic, but on days off, kids play in the street.
      “You can’t get that anywhere else in Fratton, we love it here.”
      The restaurant manager admitted he ‘hated’ football, but used to enjoy going to games when tickets were reduced for residents in close proximity to the stadium – a perk which stopped about eight years ago.
      “In a derby game against Southampton, I had a brick thrown my front window during a riot – that made them separate the fans in the future,” he added.
      Pitch view
      Diana heard a Madness concert taking place at the stadium from her gardenCredit: Solent
      Diana Hill moved into the neighbouring road in 2015 and can even see a portion of the pitch from her son’s bedroom.
      The 41-year-old said: “The atmosphere is absolutely electric on game day.
      “You can feel the electricity amongst the fans and when Pompey score, the house literally shakes.
      “We love it, we can see a little section of goalpost, but they’re redeveloping it at the minute.”
      The mother-of-three admitted she and her family received the perfect welcome when Madness played a gig at the stadium in the summer of 2015.
      Read more on The Sun
      “We didn’t have to go, we just sat in the garden and got a free Madness concert,” she said.
      “The club have been great recently as well in providing equipment for street parties over the Jubilee and Coronation.” More

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      Premier League legend Robbie Keane and his wife win fight to kick OAP out of their £3.8m mansion as she owes £300k rent

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      PREMIER League legend Robbie Keane and his wife have won a £300,000 fight to kick an OAP out of their £3.8m mansion.The former Spurs and Ireland striker, 42, and his TV star spouse Claudine have been locked in an emotional three-year court battle.
      Robbie Keane and his wife Claudine have been locked in a three-year court battleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sandi St Paul and Stewart Lawrence have been renting out their family homeCredit: Champion News Service Ltd
      The gated five-bedroom mansion is situated in HertfordshireCredit: Champion News
      Fashion boss Sandi St Paul, 74, and her musician friend Stewart Lawrence have been renting out their family home in Hertfordshire since December 2019.
      This week the Keanes told Central London County Court the pair owe them nearly £300,000 in back rent.
      Mrs Keane, 42, a former Miss Ireland contestant, claimed she had been reduced to tears and was left ‘begging’ for access to her home during the row.
      The ex-footballer and his wife let their house after Mr Keane secured coaching jobs in Middlesbrough and Ireland.
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      They became more and more at odds with Ms St Paul and Mr Lawrence, who was a drummer for sixties icon Donovan, after rent payments stopped in April 2020.
      Ms St Paul, who as well as being a property developer has run a string of fashion boutiques, told Judge Heather Baucher that she and Mr Lawrence had withheld rent on the £8,000-a-month house.
      She alleged they had been left with ‘no heating or hot water for two winters’ by their famous landlords, adding that she felt the stress of the situation had led to her having a stroke.
      But the judge has now ordered her out of the house – on pain of being evicted by High Court sheriffs.
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      Ms St Paul and Mr Lawrence were also handed a bill for £292,192 rent arrears, plus £70,000 towards Mr and Mrs Keane’s legal fees.
      The gated five-bedroom mansion boasts extensive gardens and a cinema room.
      Mr Lawrence moved out of the property around a year ago, leaving Ms St Paul, who was his guarantor for the rent, in occupation of the house, although she was not named on the tenancy.
      Ms St Paul, who attended court in a wheelchair and without a lawyer, accused Mrs Keane of ignoring ‘heartfelt emails’ which she and Mr Lawrence sent pleading for an out-of-court ‘resolution’.
      Mrs Keane explained tensions had been ramped up to fever pitch when there was a serious leak at the property and workmen were refused access to fix it.
      “When there was a leak I begged you to let workers in and you refused. I cried on that phonecall and begged you ‘please don’t destroy my property’,” she said.
      Of Mr Lawrence, she added: “We were told because he was a famous person we were not allowed to have his telephone number. We have never seen him. I’ve never been offered any money.”
      Ms St Paul, in reply, said that if she didn’t answer the door to tradesmen it was because of her health problems.
      “I was hospitalised twice and had to take bed rest,” she said. “If somebody were to knock on the door I wouldn’t hear them from my window.
      “Nobody was ever refused entry to that house. We’ve never been anything less than pleasant to anybody who came round even after my second stroke.”
      The court heard that Mr Lawrence had countersued the Keanes in a bid to offset the rent arrears against alleged failures to make repairs to the property, including a faulty entrance buzzer and to the underfloor heating system which Ms St Paul slammed as ‘absolute rubbish’.
      But the judge dismissed the counterclaim due to lack of evidence supporting it.
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      Striking out the bid to offset the back rent, Judge Baucher said both defendants had failed to engage with the owners of the house to ‘allow access to assess disrepair’.
      Speaking outside court after the hearing, Ms St Paul said: “Somebody said he was in football. I hate football.”
      Mr Lawrence moved out of the property around a year ago
      The ex-footballer and his wife let their house after Mr Keane secured coaching jobsCredit: Rex More