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    Ex-Premier League ace and dad of Strictly star Kai Widdrington suffers two strokes as shocked family rallies round

    FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly Come Dancing star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after having two stokesWiddrington’s son Kai is a pro dancer on Strictly Come DancingHelen Skelton and Kai Widdrington pose during Strictly Come DancingCredit: GettyHis wife Sharon has been at his bedside as she spoke via a club statementWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for two ischaemic strokes at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite his dad’s ongoing health battle, Kai was strong enough to bag himself a Guinness World Records certificate following an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge this week.He beat Neil Jones to the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps executed in half a minute.Meanwhile, Widdrington’s family have promised to “rally around” the patriarch. An Aldershot club statement, on behalf of the family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.Most read in FootballKai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with Southampton”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”It is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.His family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Kai finished eighth in Strictly last yearMeanwhile, son Kai was not paired with a celebrity contestant for the current 2024 series of Strictly and has only appeared in group performances. Speaking to the Daily Star, Kai shared: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series.“Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.”He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”He was partnered up with Angela Rippon in 2023The Strictly curse struck again when Kai and ex-girlfriend and fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova called time on their relationship in July.The ex-couple are being plagued by rumours that things are frosty after reportedly refusing to stand next to each other on screen.A source told The Sun: ‘It’s painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another.”When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they’re always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it’s been very tense between them.”Following Nadiya and Kai’s split it was reported bosses at Strictly were considering banning workplace romances due the tension backstage between the exes.Strictly dancers Nadiya and Kai called it quits in JulyMeanwhile, dad Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful game as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More

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    Dele Alli is ‘peed off’ as former England and Tottenham star suffers setback in bid to end two-year football exile

    DELE ALLI is said to be “peed off” after suffering another injury setback.The midfielder last played competitively in February 2023 while on loan at Besiktas.Dele Alli is ‘peed off’ after another training setbackCredit: Instagram @deleHis last game came in February 2023Credit: GettyThe 28-year-old is officially without a club after his Everton contract expired last summer, though he has been training with the squad since then in the hopes of landing a new deal.However, Dele has picked up a muscle injury which has impacted his ability to train.And now manager Sean Dyche has lifted the lid on the Englishman’s state of mind following his latest setback.He said: “Dele has had a minor thing but he’s just taking a time out because obviously he’s had a few now and he’s just peed off with it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So, we’re just monitoring that at the minute. He’s abroad at the minute but working.”It’s just a break from coming in, you know what it’s like, it grips you then, so we said: ‘Yeah, yeah, of course’.”Dele was previously seen as a rising star of the England national team, having starred at Euro 2016 and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but fell out of form.He previously revealed he had set a target of returning to the Three Lions for the 2026 World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Tottenham star said: “You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’.”That’s my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘he hasn’t played in a year’ but I don’t care, I know my level.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports”The only target I have is the World Cup right now. “Obviously I’m injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I’m in the best possible condition after the summer.”It’s annoying because I’ll be just fully training as the season ends so it means that I won’t have to rush it.”Dele has played just 13 times for Everton, having originally joined them from Tottenham in 2022. He previously opened up on his mental health struggles, including his childhood trauma and a sleeping pill addiction which he went to rehab for. More

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    Man Utd star Luke Shaw posts heartbreaking injury update with defender set for ANOTHER spell on the sidelines

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setback that has left him “absolutely devastated”.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a lengthy spell in the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setbackCredit: GettyShaw issued a heartbreaking message to Man Utd fans regarding his latest injury blowCredit: Instagram @lukeshaw23Shaw had just returned to action for Man Utd after a previous bout with injuryCredit: PAThe full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.However, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend.Shaw issued a heartbreaking message to fans outlining the painful impact this devastating setback has had on him.The defender vowed to come back stronger as soon as possible to help United.Read More on Man UtdShaw posted on Instagram: “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAccording to Manchester Evening News, Shaw suffered a muscle injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.That means new Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim will be without the left-back against Arsenal.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The Red Devils face the Gunners on Wednesday at the Emirates in a crunch Premier League clash.Under Amorim, the Manchester giants are undefeated with two wins in his first three matches in charge.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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    Man Utd star Marcus Rashford dating Love Island beauty Grace Rosa Jackson following her split from Joey Essex

    MAN United star Marcus Rashford has been on dates with a former Love Island beauty who used to go out with Joey Essex, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.The England forward, 27, has been seeing model and influencer Grace Rosà Jackson, 25, for months.Marcus Rashford is dating former Love Island beauty Grace JacksonCredit: SplashRashford has been seeing the model for monthsCredit: GettyGrace appeared in the Love Island villa during the summer — where she hooked up with Towie star JoeyCredit: RexA pal said: “Marcus and Grace have been quietly spending time together and he has whisked her on numerous dates around Cheshire.“They get on really well and have lots in common.”Grace appeared in the Love Island villa during the summer — where she hooked up with Towie star Joey, 34.It later emerged that she and Joey had enjoyed a holiday romance together the year before they had appeared on the ITV show.Read More on SportGrace went on to date fellow contestant Reuben Collins. But she called time on that in early September.Grace, from Walkden, Manchester, has since hooked up with Marcus and the pair are said to be “smitten”.Meanwhile, Rashford has been single since splitting with childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballBut Marcus, who is set to line up today for United against Everton at Old Trafford, now seems loved-up with Grace.In August, former shop worker Grace, who has amassed 594,000 followers on Instagram since leaving the villa, landed a six-figure deal with fashion and shoe brand EGO.Marcus Rashford has started dating stunning catwalk model Erica Correa, The Sun can reveal More

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    Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight

    HEAVYWEIGHT stars Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou teased a potential bout after bumping into each other at Old Trafford on Thursday.The two boxers were in attendance for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt.Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou bumped into each other at Old TraffordCredit: Instagram / derekwarchisoraChisora teased a potential boutCredit: Instagram @derekwarchisoraChisora took to Instagram to share some photos of the evening before including Ngannou in a video. Panning to the MMA icon, he said: “Look who I bumped into people.”He then appeared to hint at a potential fight, adding: “Can’t say much. We can’t say much.”Chisora this week admitted that he wants to face Ngannou in his 50th and final fight in Africa next year.Read More in BoxingHe told talkSPORT: “Another push I’m trying to get through is a fight with Ngannou – in Africa.”I want to push that. If I can get Francis Ngannou in Africa for our own African people to see us perform, instead of us performing in European countries and Saudi, it will give just a little bit of a taste to our young and upcoming talent in Africa to see African warriors go at it.”Chisora and Ngannou posed for pictures together in the stands at Old Trafford before the Europa League match.They held up United shirts that were gifted to them by the club.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd went on to win 3-2 against Bodo/Glimt thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.Before his proposed fight with Ngannou, Chisora is set to face Otto Wallin in February.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first He was originally expected to fight Jarrell Miller on the night, but talks collapsed following a contractual dispute. More

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    TikTok star HSTikkyTokky hunted by cops after dodging court for Misfits boxing fight in Qatar

    TIKTOK star HSTikkyTokky is being hunted by cops after swerving court for a Misfits boxing match.The controversial influencer – real name Harrison Sullivan – was due to face magistrates after allegedly crashing his £220k McLaren but has fled the country.HSTikkyTokky is on the run after dodging courtCredit: InstagramPolice have issued a warrant for his arrestCredit: Surrey PoliceSurrey Police have issued an arrest warrant for Sullivan, 23, and confirmed he is on the run.A spokesperson said: “Sullivan has links to Essex but is believed to have left the country.”While we request the public’s help to locate him, we are making a direct appeal to Sullivan to return to the UK and cooperate with authorities.”It comes after the Misfits boxer was due to get in the ring with opponent Masai Warrior at a show in Qatar last night.But Sullivan pulled out of the fight after claiming he had injured himself while romping with partner Lillie May.He had earlier shared a video of them enjoying dinner together in Qatar.Sullivan was meant to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court charged with a string of driving offences – including failing to stop when his £200,000 McLaren was smashed in a horror crash.Pictures of the car showed the driver side’s door caved in as oil and petrol pour out and smoke fills the air.Most read in BoxingHe is also charged with using a phone while driving and driving without third party insurance.The warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to show up for the hearing.Sullivan gained enormous popularity on TikTok thanks to his fitness videos and rows with other influencers.He has since become a Misfits boxer after making his debut against George Fenson in August.Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call Surrey Police on 101 quoting PR/45240033550.Sullivan was posting pictures with girlfriend Lillie May from QatarCredit: @hsdubaitokkyThe fitness influencer has been charged with a string of offencesCredit: Instagram/hstikkytokky More

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    Who is Misfits boxing star and Youtuber Lil CraCra and when is he fighting YuddyGangTV?

    MISFITS Boxing star Lil CraCra is backed to win his upcoming bout by many fans. With over 700k followers across social media, YouTuber Lil CraCra has earned his spot on the Gib vs Slim undercard at Misfits Boxing 19.Lil CraCra squares up with opponent YuddyGangTV ahead of their trilogy clashCredit: @reemoo702The clash, taking place in Qatar on Thursday, November 28, marks a trilogy of fights between YuddyGangTV and Lil CraCra.With a no-contest result followed by a victory for YuddyGangTV, Lil CraCra is still chasing a victory over his rival.At the press conference, both fighters displayed a calm demeanour and refused to raise hands or get into debate. Lil CraCra weighed in at 132.3 pounds, two pounds lighter than YuddyGangTV at 134.6 pounds.Read more about Misfits BoxingThe face off at the weigh-in reflected the presser and neither fighter lost their temper. Who is Lil CraCra?Ree Der Moo AKA Lil CraCra is fighting out of Syracuse, New York, with Philippine nationality but very little is known about his personal life.The YouTuber began his boxing journey posting street fights online and collaborating with smaller channels and leagues. Lil CraCra fighting in the streets for one of his early YouTube videosNow, joining Misfits Lil CraCra has fought his way up the influencer boxing ladder and boasts a huge online following. Most read in BoxingWhat is Lil CraCra’s boxing record?With four professional fights to his name, Lil CraCra is very much a newcomer in boxing but is fairly experienced in the influencer/crossover world.The Youtube boxer’s first fight came in March 2024, in a no contest result against his upcoming opponent YuddyGangTV.The rematch, two months later, saw YuddyGangTV come out on top – leaving CraCra with a 0-1-1 record. For his third bout, Lil CraCra took on Ace Musa and collected his long-awaited first victory.The YouTuber won after five full rounds and earned himself a spot on the Elle Brooke vs. Jenny Savage card.Lil CraCra’s fourth and most recent fight was against Joey Knight and saw him push through another five rounds for his second victory. Now, CraCra has setup a trilogy clash against YuddyGangTV taking on the Misfits Boxing 19 Gib vs. Slim fight card.What is Misfits Boxing?Misfits Boxing is a boxing promotional company formed through the partnership of YouTuber KSI and Wasserman Boxing in June 2021.The “MF & DAZN: X Series” have been produced in collaboration with DAZN, leading to a new 5-year deal signed between the pair in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe deal will continue the promotion and broadcasting of influencer/crossover boxing fights, with two pay-per-views each year.As the promoter keeps growing, opportunities for newcomers like Lil CraCra should keep coming. More

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    Who is YuddyGangTV aka Elijah Smith and when will he be fighting Ree Moo aka Lil CraCra on Misfits 19 Qatar Supercard?

    ELIJAH Smith is an American boxer and influencer who is also known as YuddyGangTV.The star will be taking on his boxing nemesis Ree Moo, also known as Lil CraCra, on the Misfits 19 Qatar Supercard.Elijah Smith became famous for videos where he would eat massive amounts of foodCredit: YouTubeElijah is one of the highest ranked lightweight boxers at MisfitsCredit: YouTubeElijah will be taking on Ree Moo AKA Lil CraCraCredit: YouTubeOnline superstardomElijah is a lightweight boxer who was born on July 22, 1992.The star has made a name for himself on TikTok when he began sharing skits and hilarious videos on the platform. Most social media users will recognise him from videos where he takes part in gargantuan mukbangs.Mukbangs originated in South Korean and are events where YouTubers eat massive amounts of food. Read More on BoxersOn YouTube, Elijah also takes fans behind the scenes of his boxing career and often shares videos of himself training.His work ethic has clearly paid off, as he now has 6.3 million followers on TikTok and 232,000 subscribers on YouTube (as of November 2024).On the Misfits cardElijah will appear on the Misfits 19 Qatar Supercard.He is the second highest ranked lightweight boxer on the ticket, just after the raining champion Deen the Great. Most read in BoxingHis rival, Lil CraCra, is the third highest ranked lightweight boxer at Misfits. Misfits is a boxing promotion company founded in August 2022, which became famous in sporting circles for holding influencer boxing events.The brand’s CEO is the YouTuber KSI, who is also a successful boxer.Long-running feud Elijah will take on Lil CraCra AKA Ree Moo on November 28, 2024. Ree Moo is a Filipino-American boxer who has had a similar career to Elijah.He also made a name for himself online, though his online content is more fitness-focused than Elijah’s comedic videos.Despite their similarities, the pair have very different boxing styles. Ree Moo favours the Southpaw stance, a left-handed position which is the complete reverse of Elijah’s right-handed Orthodox stance.The pair have clashed previously but neither one has been able to get an advantage over the other. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were meant to clash on March 23, 2023, but the fight was cancelled and their second match on May 25, 2024, ended in a split decision.Fans can watch the tie-breaking match between Elijah and Ree Moo when it streams on DAZN. More