More stories

  • in

    Arne Slot will ‘move into Jurgen Klopp’s £4million house’ when Feyenoord manager takes the Liverpool job

    ARNE SLOT is allegedly set to move into Jurgen Klopp’s house after taking over his job.Liverpool were rocked in January when the German announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool next week after nine years in chargeCredit: RexArne Slot is set to replace him and move into the German’s club houseCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are all-but over as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow the Daily Mirror has claimed that Slot will move into Klopp’s seven-bedroom house.They report that removal vans have been seen at Klopp’s home, which is worth around £4million and “in the exclusive village” of Formby in Merseyside.The mansion boasts three lounges, a home cinema, an indoor swimming pool plus a landscaped garden and is owned by the Premier League club.Liverpool bought it from their former manager Brendan Rodgers after he had previously purchased it from legendary ex captain Steven Gerrard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp is said to have become a popular figure in Formby and “is often spotted in local pubs and restaurants” in the area.But now locals will be waiting to welcome Dutchman Slot to the area with him preparing to move in to the property.Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot snaps at reporters in press conference and threatens ‘this will be unpleasant’Klopp is now believed to be planning to spend time in Majorca once he departs Anfield.He bought a £3.4m house in Santa Ponsa two years ago and is set to enjoy some time off on the Spanish island.However, he can expect a call from his successor.Slot recently revealed that he planned to phone Klopp once he officially takes charge.He said: “It’s normal if you go to a new club that you contact the coach.“I did this at Feyenoord as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All the knowledge a person has from working a few years at the club, or nine in this case.”Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on Monday before finishing the campaign at home to Wolves, which will be Klopp’s last match in charge after nine years.What they have said about Arne Slot
    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

  • in

    Inside new Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘secret’ life in the UK – as he rows with ‘jealous’ neighbours over BEES

    NEIGHBOURS of Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have told of his secret life in an isolated corner of England – and lifted the lid on a row over his “bee factory”.Sir Jim, who in 2023 bought a 25 percent stake in United for £1 billion, is Britain’s second richest man, with a net worth of £29.6 billion.Neighbours of Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have told of his secret life in an isolated corner of EnglandCredit: PAThe businessman was accused of constructing an ‘industrial site’ after he built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consentHe also owns Nice FC, Team Sky cycling and his firm Ineos is the main partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.The 71-year-old, who grew up on a council estate a stonesthrow from Old Trafford, spends much of his time in Monaco.While not in the millionaires playground, he leads a quieter life in Hampshire’s New Forest, enjoying sailing and adventure sports.Since snapping up a ramshackle beachfront home in 2006, the businessman has carried out an extensive redevelopment of the site.Read More on Sir Jim RatcliffeBut the work behind his CCTV and spike-riddled eight foot high walls has attracted fury over the years, with Sir Jim forced to see off four planning refusals on his home.This week, the billionaire won his latest battle – an 18 month row over a honey factory on his land.Do YOU have a story about United or Sir Jim? We PAY for stories! Get in touch: tom.hussey@thesun.co.ukThe businessman, who has spoken of his love of homemade produce, was accused of constructing an “industrial site” after he built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.Most read in FootballSir Jim applied for retrospective planning permission from the planning authority in 2022 as one neighbour accused of doing “what he wants with impunity”.Objecting to the plans in November 2022, they livid local said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.“And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”He urged the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) to “stand up” to wealthy owners who “seem intent on buying small houses and then by hook or by crook massively overdeveloping them”.According to plans, one of the two sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn-mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.BEE-ING SERIOUSSir Jim’s latest planning row centres around a “bee factory
    The row rumbled for 18-months after he built after he built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.
    He applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.
    According to plans one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn-mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.
    Sir Jim has previously spoken of his love of homemade produce.
    The other stores a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.
    One furious neighbour said Sir Jim was turning his home into an “industrial site” and acting with “impunity”.
    After a long battle, the petrochemicals titan successfully argued his case and will not be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility.

    The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.Sir Jim was granted retrospective planning permission to keep the two barns this week.Following the victory, to neighbours spoke fondly of the billionaire but told The Sun he is rarely seen in the area.One lady, who said she worked with him over 20 years ago “before he blew up”, described a “nice” man who was kind and “humble”.She added: “I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about him.”Another man, who has also worked for Sir Jim, said those who opposed the bee factory are “jealous”.He said: “It’s just one of his many investments, he owns property in Lyndhurst, Hampshire cattle breeders, rows and rows of properties in Brockenhurst, just investments.RAGS TO RICHESSIR Jim Ratcliffe went from growing up in poverty on a council estate in the shadow of Old Trafford – to buying Man United years later.
    His rags to riches story was thanks to extraordinary business intellect which allowed him to amass untold wealth in just a matter of years.
    Sir Jim is the founder, chairman and majority owner of British petrochemicals empire Ineos, which he started in May 1998 to lead the buyout of a BP chemicals business.
    The site in Antwerp was bought for £84m and employed 400 people.
    Today, Sir Jim’s Ineos operates 194 sites across 29 countries and employs more than 26,000 people.
    The firm says it generates £52.6bn of revenue every year.
    He was listed 2nd on The Sunday Times Rich List in 2023 – worth £29.7bn.
    His worth has fluctuated massively in recent years, ranked 27th in the 2022 Rich List boasting an estimated wealth of £6.075bn.
    Sir Jim was the UK’s third highest individual taxpayer and forked out £110million in 2017-18, according to the Sunday Times tax list.

    “I think he ferries people about in his helicopter. “He’s always in the South of France. I don’t think he’s ever down here.”I think he was down here at Christmas time.”Sir Jim’s property empire across the New Forest have one couple concerned.The wife, who did not want to be identified, said she “worries” about his plans for the “rows and rows” of homes Sir Jim allegedly owns.She said: “What if he takes over? What is his plan?”The businessman’s presence has also attracted bad characters.One source said the billionaire was allegedly the target of burglars who ransacked his home several years ago.The thieves are said to have made off with builders tools and equipment.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim’s Ineos operates 194 sites across 29 countries and employs more than 26,000 people.He was approached for comment.The billionaire was facing the prospect of having to demolish the shedsSir Jim, who in 2023 bought a 25 percent stake in United for £1 billion, is Britain’s second richest man, with a net worth of £29.6 billionCredit: PASince snapping up a ramshackle beachfront home in 2006, the businessman has carried out an extensive redevelopment of the siteCredit: GettySir Jim watched his team take on Spurs alongside ex-Man U manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford on January 14 this yearCredit: GettyA billboard with Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the front appeared in Manchester shortly after he bought a stake in UnitedCredit: GettySir Jim is the founder, chairman and majority owner of British petrochemicals empire Ineos, which he started in May 1998Credit: PA More

  • in

    Man City’s Kyle Walker welcomed back into Annie Kilner’s £3.5million home after Lauryn Goodman scandal

    KYLE Walker has reportedly been welcomed back home by Annie Kilner after they split following the Lauryn Goodman scandal.The couple, who now have four sons, took time apart in January after it was revealed Walker had a second child with model Lauryn Goodman, 33.Kyle Walker recently become a father for the sixth time after his wife Annie ­Kilner gave birth to a boyCredit: BackGridThe Man City defender has reportedly been welcomed back into the family homeKyle and Annie with three of their four kids after a matchCredit: AFP-GettyThe Manchester City defender, 33, relocated to a home close by, paying £20,000 per month rent as the couple’s marriage hit the rocks.But the Prem ace has since returned to live in the £3.5million family home in Cheshire four months later, according to one source.And it is claimed that the pair are trying to “get their marriage back on track” after Kyle’s infidelity.A source told MailOnline: “Kyle is now living back with the Annie and the kids as they try and put their difficulties behind them and get their marriage back on track.Read More in Football”She needs a lot of help around the house and a lot of emotional support. Kyle’s very happy that he’s back in the family home but things are still very strained between them.”The source added that Man City and England star Walker has been doing more household chores than previously, such as the school run and also tidying upThe Sun revealed in January that Annie had kicked Kyle out of the family’s £3.5million home in Cheshire.But Annie, 30, gave birth last month with the England footballer right by her side.Most read in FootballSince her latest childbirth, Annie who’s already mum to Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, is said to be “doing well”.The source added: “It would be an understatement to say that he needs to get back into Annie’s good books and he’s doing his best by making himself more useful around the house. Kyle Walker eyes up mega-money move away from Man City in wake of frenzied speculation about his turbulent love life”But there are people within her circle who feel that she’s taken him back too quickly.”But her hormones are all over the place and she’s decided that its worth putting in the effort to save their marriage. A lot of women wouldn’t have done this but at the end of the day, it’s her choice.”Their split came after Lauryn revealed Kyle was the father of her young son and daughter.In a bombshell interview with The Sun, Kyle said he bitterly regretted hurting “soulmate” Annie.The footballer said: “What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.“I made idiot choices and idiot decisions.”A lot of women wouldn’t have done this but at the end of the day, it’s her choice.Anonymous sourceHowever, more recently pals said Annie was keen for Kyle to remain a stable fixture in their young family’s life.Friends of the England and City ace said he “couldn’t be happier” after Annie gave birth to their fourth son together last month.It comes after speculation that Walker could change clubs and move abroad with his family in the future.FUTURE PLANSKyle, who is expected to play for England in the Euros in Germany this summer, is said to be “very happy” at title-challengers City.But pals say he is “exploring all options further down the line” in the wake of the frenzied media speculation about his turbulent love life.Wife Annie Kilner — mother to four of his kids — is also open to a move when the time is right.A source told The Sun: “Kyle has been thinking about his future after the Premier League and thinks a move to Saudi could be perfect for him, Annie, and their kids when he is done here.“He has been speaking to Riyad about the football clubs out there and what life is like for people who move there. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously, the lifestyle is vastly different.”Obviously, the lifestyle is vastly different.“Kyle loves playing for Man City and is devoted to the club but he has his head screwed on and has been thinking about what the future holds for him when his time in the Prem and for England is done.”Inside Kyle & Annie’s RelationshipAnnie Kilner and Kyle Walker started dating in their teens.
    The brunette beauty said: “When we started going out it was love at first sight.”
    They were together for over nine years before splitting in May 2019.
    Walker then became a dad for the fourth time after a short-term relationship with Lauryn Goodman.
    Despite the challenges in their relationship, Walker and Kilner put their troubles behind them and got married at the beginning of 2022 after the England star proposed with a £250,000 engagement ring.
    In March 2023, the pair were spotted kissing in public, with life seemingly back to normal.
    The couple then split in January 2024 after Goodman revealed the footballer was the father of her two children. More

  • in

    Former Premier League star, 63, once worth millions now has £2 in bank account and lives on benefits

    FORMER Manchester City star Eike Immel is living off benefits in a council flat with just £2 left in his bank account.The German keeper was a millionaire during his successful career with Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Eike Immel has been declared bankruptCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former West Germany star is now living off benefitsCredit: GETTHe won 19 caps for West Germany and was part of their squad at five major finals.Immel, 63, spent two years in the Premier League and old First Division with City, making 50 appearances before hanging up his gloves in 1997.But he was declared bankrupt in 2008 and his wife and kids left him amid a series of financial concerns.Immel now lives off state benefits in a small flat in his home town of Stadtallendorf.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Stat 1: “Money wasn’t a concern for me in the past.  I used to live the life of Riley.”Sometimes my mobile phone bill came to 10,000 euros [£9,000] a month.”One Christmas I spent £25,000 on clothes for my new girlfriend.”I paid £1m for my home, but at one point the bailiffs were at my door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho are these famous footballers?
    “The tax office said I owed them £800,000, and I was unable to pay it.”I did things that any normal person would say can’t be true.Pep Guardiola launched an astonishing attack on football bosses after Manchester City stumbled into the FA Cup Final-“I hadn’t given enough thought to the future.  Dealing with money is not one of my strengths.”I now live on £972 a month in benefits.  £491 of that goes on rent, leaving me with just £481 for other expenses.”It is a real battle to make ends meet.  Sometimes I just have £2 left.Immel regrets his excess splurges, which have left him relying on the help of loved ones to get by.He said: “The furnishings in the flat have all been given to me, and a friend who runs a local restaurant lets me eat for free.”I am thankful for the help.  But I wish it didn’t have to be this way.” More

  • in

    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe locked in neighbour row over BEEHIVES and tennis court at his £6million mansion

    MANCHESTER United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has won an 18 month planning battle after a neighbour row over beehives and a tennis court.The 71-year-old billionaire had faced accusations he was turning his seven acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into an “industrial site”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in an 18-month planning battleCredit: AFPHe applied for retrospective planning permission for his property in Hampshire’s New ForestCredit: SolentSir Jim recently became co-owner at Prem giants Manchester UnitedSir Jim, 71, who owns chemical giant Ineos and recently bought 25 per cent of shares in Manchester United, built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.The British businessman, who recently ran the London Marathon, applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.And the Red Devils supremo has now been granted planning permission for developments at his £6million holiday home which included a honey-making factory.Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion, the petrochemicals magnate has now successfully argued his case after a protracted process.Read More in FootballIt means he won’t be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility at the estate near Beaulieu.Sir Jim’s passion for apiary is spelt out in planning documents submitted by his agent.”The applicant places very great value on home produced garden produce and as part of this he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives in order to supply himself and his family with honey,” it says.”Whilst beehives are distributed within the surrounding grounds the beekeeping activities also necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.Most read in Football”The applicant respectfully suggests that the outbuildings will not result in any adverse harm to the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and that the development should therefore be accepted as sustainable development.”According to the document, one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.”It is acknowledged that the additional proposed storage buildings are larger and provide more storage accommodation than a standard domestic shed within a standard domestic property,” the agent said.”Effectively, this is a 7- acre garden and the sheer size of the garden means that there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent and significant need for substantial amounts of storage accommodation to house this equipment and the materials used by garden staff.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordThe report said the application ‘seeks consent to regularise’ works that had already taken place at the site, including: a tennis court, pergola, works to walled garden, associated landscaping and external lighting.Objecting to the plans in November 2022, Mr J Harrow of nearby Lymington made a dig at Brexiteer Sir Jim’s 2020 relocation to Monaco, a move that was said to have saved him an estimated £4 billion in tax.Mr Harrow said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.”And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”Despite the objection, the plan were approved last week by the NFNPA subject to a number of conditions.Of the external work, a planning officer for New Forest National Park Authority stated: “Whilst these works perhaps appear somewhat incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the overall site, in a location where they are not visible in the wider landscape and are not uncommon features in some of the other larger properties in the vicinity.”The paths along the shore frontage are grassed over and although there is a helicopter landing area, this is de-marked by a spiral of small rocks set into the ground, ensuring that the extent of hard surfacing that would be visible from the Solent, which is the most public viewpoint available of the site, would be minimal.”Despite the two outbuilding sheds being “substantial” in size, they were also granted permission because they “occupy a relatively minor area” of the site.”The outbuildings therefore have little impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area,” the officer continued.”In terms of impact on neighbours, as set out above, the majority of the works are well contained within the site and have little impact on the surrounding area.”Whilst ‘concerns’ about ecology were raised, the proposed levels of lighting had been amended to alleviate them.The report continued: “There are a number of other measures that have been installed, including bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes integrated into the buildings, bee bricks and hives and insect blocks.”These enhancement features and the amendments that have been made ensure that the impact of the works are appropriately mitigated and biodiversity enhanced in accordance with the local plan.”In conclusion, despite the works resulting in ‘considerable alteration to the character of the site, it added: “The works are, however, contained within the site and do not adversely affect the character and appearance of the wider surrounding area, neighbour amenity or ecology.”This latest application is the most recent of a catalogue of bids to make changes to his luxury pad, after he won a six year battle to build a luxury summer building on stilts in 2020.’BRITAIN’S RICHEST MAN’Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992, renaming it Inspec and later Ineos.The entrepreneur increased his wealth by more than £15billion in 2017, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday times Rich List. He was knighted in 2018.Ineos sells 60m tons of petrochemicals a year, used in industries from food packaging to car manufacture, with 17,000 employees in 16 countries.In 2019, he rode to the rescue of British cycling, buying Team Sky and promising £40m a year investment in the team which then won the Tour de France with Colombian rider Egan Bernal.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim, a keen triathlete and sailor, bought Swiss football team Lausanne in 2017 and invested £110million in a British challenge for the America’s Cup with Sir Ben Ainslie in 2018.Last December it was announced he had bought 25 per cent of shares of Prem giants Man United, from the Glazer family, which was completed in February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe finishes the 2024 London MarathonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Inside Muhammad Ali’s stunning former LA mansion on sale for $13.5million which includes priceless antique architecture

    A STUNNING mansion formerly owned by Muhammad Ali has gone on the market for $13.5million. The boxing great owned the sensational seven-bedroom Los Angeles home from 1979 to 1984, according to Top Ten Real Estate Deals.The mansion formerly owned by Muhammad Ali has gone on the market for $13.5mCredit: GettyAli owned the sensational Los Angeles home from 1979 to 1984Credit: Concierge AuctionsThe LA mansion includes seven bedroomsCredit: Concierge AuctionsFamous guests such as Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood and former US president Barack ObamaCredit: Concierge AuctionsA stained glass personally designed by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany tops a collection of priceless architectural features. They include antique fireplaces, French Empire chandeliers, and imported Italian marble.The mansion’s lower floor features a grand entry hall, a sun room with a glass roof, a salon, dining and living rooms as well as a wet bar. Famous guests such as Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood and former US president Barack Obama are all said to have stayed in the pad before. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Ali’s neighbours in the past included performer Mae West, actor Clark Gable, and singer Nat King Cole. Upstairs has bedrooms and offices, including a massive primary suite with its own fireplace. The suite opens onto a columned deck that overlooks two landscaped gardens. Outside includes a swimming pool, a huge lawn, a pergola terrace, stone fountains, and patios.Most read in BoxingAli’s neighbours in the past included performersCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe outside is the perfect place to relaxCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe suite overlooks two landscaped gardensCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe mansion is 10,500-square-footCredit: Concierge AuctionsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAli’s fighting family The boxing icon left the sport in 1981 and sadly passed away in 2016.
    But his legacy in sport was carried on with daughter Laila becoming an undefeated world champion.
    Ali’s brother Rahaman was also a heavyweight boxer, amassing a 14–3–1 record and even facing his iconic sibling in a 1972 exhibition.
    Laila’s sister and one of Ali’s seven daughters Rasheda has two boys, Biaggio and Nico, who are both fighters.
    Biaggio Ali Walsh is a 1-0 MMA star while brother Nico is 10–1 as a boxer.

    It sits on a 1.5-acre corner lot, the 10,500-square-foot mansion and 1,000-square-foot guesthouse are surrounded by privacy hedges.Previously listed for $13.5m (£10.7m), the estate will be auctioned with a reserve and bidding closes on May 15.There are both dining and living roomsCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe estate will be auctioned with a reserve and bidding closes on May 15Credit: Concierge AuctionsThe upstairs has bedrooms and officesCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe mansion’s lower floor features a grand entry hallCredit: Concierge AuctionsThe wild behind-the-scenes story of Rumble in the Jungle, when Ali and Foreman were BLOCKED from leaving Zaire More

  • in

    We live in The Archers village but it’s ruined by football club & it’s ‘loutish’ fans – it’s Premier League-worthy chaos

    PEOPLE living in The Archers village have told their area has been ruined by football club and its “loutish” fans.The picturesque village of Inkberrow, Worcestershire is now the field of a heated brawl.Locals living in the town that inspired The Archers are up in arms over a football clubCredit: SWNSInkberrow’s The Old Bull Inn is thought to have inspired the BBC hitCredit: SWNSIt comes after the club went for planning permission over two news standsCredit: SWNSThey say their usually quiet town turns to chaos on the weekendsCredit: SWNSResidents in the countryside, immortalised in the radio drama The Archers, are up in arms with the local football club. The Old Bull Inn pub is thought to have inspired BBC Radio 4’s long-running series.But locals are blowing the whistle on rowdy match days that they say ruin the tranquil vibe of their pricey £500,000-average homes.They claimed their once-peaceful streets are now filled with the noisy echoes of fans – who they say are almost as loud as Premier League lovers.Read more on footballThe non-league Inkberrow FC boasts 30 teams spanning across all ages – from under-7s to the over-50s. Where once stood natural fields, now rises the bustling Sands Pavilion ground hosting weekly matches and training sessions.And now, in an effort to fit all its teams and supporters, the club has applied to its local council to build new stands.But the application has been met with opposition – with some locals slamming it. Most read in FootballMany claim their village is being “swamped” by the team’s expansion and ruined by “loutish” supporters. Affordable Tiny Living Dream: The Hideaway Village TourLynn Moseley, who lives opposite the Midlands club, claimed it would be “like having Birmingham City FC’s ground in the middle of a little village”. The mother-of-two added: “At first it was a little annoying on a Sunday because it’s a very tranquil place but now the noise even comes down my chimney because I have a coal fire.”You think ‘blimey, this wasn’t like this before’ – it was a nice, quiet dark village.”Even her own home is not spared, she said. She fumed: “The floodlights don’t affect me but for the people who live up the road, they’re right into their bedrooms.”You’ve got the shouting and the swearing from the pitch, which I understand. I used to play netball so I know how excited you become.”Busy traffic after during the games are also causing a nightmare for nearby residents. They claimed there are no paths for cares to park down so they end up onto the grass. You think ‘blimey, this wasn’t like this before’ – it was a nice, quiet dark village. Lynn MoseleyUnhappy resident Ms Moseley said: “When I’m walking my dogs you have your life in your hands.”The retired bank worker is now “begging” for the club to stop the expansion as more traffic could put a toll on the small village. Ms Moseley continued: “I don’t disagree that it’s bad for the kids to play football, but it’s not nice having it on your doorstep.”Neighbours say they don’t agree with it but they’re too scared to say anything. They said they were worried they would be alienated.”Other residents also complained about how late fans stay out in their area as the club has an alcohol license. Another, who did not want to be named, added: “I’m glad the team are doing so well but it does attract a certain loutish atmosphere on matchdays.”The traffic can get quite bad too. You can hear the players and supporters effing and jeffing and what not. It does completely shatter the peace and quiet.”Exactly how far you can extend home WITHOUT planning permission under new plans
    By Jonathan Rose
    MILLIONS of homeowners will be able to build bigger extensions and loft conversions without needing permission under new plans.
    Michael Gove announced a raft of policy measures in February including changes to permitted development rights to allow people to extend their homes outwards and upward.
    A consultation on the proposed changes sets out how homeowners could build wider and taller extensions without planning permission.
    The plans include L-shaped wraparounds, loft conversions and kitchen extensions.
    The document also proposes to scrap rules which mean extensions and other buildings must not exceed 50 per cent of the land surrounding it, known as the “curtilage”.
    Homeowners will also be able to convert as much loft space as they want without permission.
    It is part of a broader effort by the Conservatives to support a “gentle densification” of towns and cities across the country.
    The Levelling Up Secretary also wants to pile pressure on local councils to build new homes in a bid to solve Britain’s housing crisis.
    But the planning reforms sparked fears of a surge in neighbours feuding.
    Gove was accused of creating “civil war” as disputes over kitchen extensions encroaching on garden fences and loft conversions blocking light are likely to increase.

    Rosie Lee added: “This club is growing way too fast for the size of the small rural village we live in.”The applications being put in are for a town-sized club’s amenities.”But it’s not all yellow cards and fouls, some locals praised the club’s role in bringing the community together.Local Gloria Dale told The Daily Mail: “As far as I’m concerned sports is good for the village. It brings more people together. “Some people just moan about anything in the village because it hasn’t happened before.”There’s more children here than ever before. Anything to do with sports and to get children playing is good with me.”Supporter Gareth Cornwell added: “The club is fantastic meeting place for everyone. Safe and secure for our little ones to run around.”Local mum Natalie said the club is a vital play for community spirit and it “keeps the children busy”. Inkberrow’s first team currently plays in the Midland Football League Division 2. And Sporting Club Inkberrow compete in Division One of the Hellenic League.A spokesman for Wychavon District Council said: “Consultation is currently being carried out on this application until 17 May and anyone interested can view the application and submit a comment on our website in the usual way.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As this is a planning application we have yet to make a decision on, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”The Sun has approached Inkberrow Football Club for comment.Locals are up in arms over the plans to build more standsCredit: SWNSThey say their village used to be ‘tranquil’Credit: SWNS More

  • in

    Dingaan Thobela dead at 57: Former three-time boxing world champion dies as police find his body at his home

    FORMER boxing champion Dingaan Thobela has been found dead at his home in Johannesburg after battling with a short illness.Thobela, 57, united both black and white supporters during his career which stretched from before and after apartheid and he was known as the “Rose of Soweto”.Ex-boxing world champion Dingaan Thobela has died aged 57Credit: GettyThobela won belts in two weight classesThe icon who grew up in the townships won the WBO lightweight title in 1990 and the WBA lightweight title in 1993 and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.His career stretched from 1990 to 2006 and the boxer from Chiawelo, Soweto, was still cheered on the streets and continued to do charity work to help those in poverty.When he failed to answer his mobile phone for several days friends went to his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on Monday night and forced the door and found him dead.A close friend said: “It was not like him to not answer his mobile phone and his family worried about him accompanied police to his home and found he had passed on”.READ MORE IN BOXINGHis poor health prevented him from attending Boxing SA’s symposium as a star guest at the Arena Holdings offices in Parktown last Friday and he often joked about a “comeback”.Thobela held 3 world titles in two-weight divisions — the first two being the WBO and WBA lightweight belts in the lightweight divisions early in his career – then went up a weight.The “Rose” finally bloomed when he won the most prestigious WBC super-middleweight belt in 2000 via a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley.The victory at Carnival City in Brakpan under trainer Elias Tshabalala in his corner sealed Thobela’s place in South African history as one of their nation’s finest ever athletes.Most read in BoxingLegend Thobela was separated from his common law wife Sandra with whom they had two children together Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior who he was still close to.He enjoyed SA support beyond colour lines as his victories outside SA brought traffic to a standstill with wild celebrations in townships and white areas when he became champ.Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post More