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    Man Utd staff heartbroken as ‘mum to everyone’ and ‘oil in the machine’ part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest shocking cuts

    MANCHESTER UNITED staff have been left heartbroken after the “mum of everyone” Jackie Kay was dismissed.Jackie has been a part of the furniture at the club since 1995 and was widely considered as “oil in the machine” by many staff members.Jackie Kay has been axed from her job at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is set to sack up to 200 employees from the clubCredit: PASunSport exclusively revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to sack up to 200 more United employees.This follows the 250 redundancies out of the 1,150 workforce that were made last July.The Times have now claimed that Jackie is one of the victims of the latest round of cost-cutting.Her exit from the club has been described as “brutal” as she left her role as the head of team operations.READ MORE ON SPORTShe has also worked as an executive assistant to the former United CEO David Gill.Jackie also worked at United’s Carrington training ground for a time in charge of the first-team logistics.The report has also suggested that she was well-liked by managers and players alike at the club.She was also labelled as the “oil in the machine” at the Red Devils.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is believed that she was informed of the club’s decision last week.Her exit is a part of the overhaul by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsAshley Young has previously spoken highly of Jackie KayCredit: Alan Walter – The TimesHowever, it is not thought to be linked to the latest spate of redundancies.It is also claimed that her fellow staff members were “upset” as the news of Jackie’s exit.Many had claimed that she had “given her life to the club”.Former Manchester United star Ashley Young has previously highlighted her efforts at the club.He said: “She’s just brilliant.”She’s like the mum to everyone.”If there are any problems or there is anything we need sorting out it’s a case of ‘Jackie can you do this’, ‘Jackie can you help with this’.”I’m sure there are times when she looks at her phone when it’s ringing and she must think ‘no, I’m not answering’.”But she’s always there for you.”Meanwhile, Ratcliffe has suffered a fresh blow as he is being sued by the All Blacks rugby team for “failing to pay sponsorship fees”.Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreed a six-year deal as an All Blacks’ shirt sponsor in 2021, with the move worth £3.65million each year.However, New Zealand rugby chiefs have now accused the petrochemical company of attempting to end their sponsorship three years early.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey claim Ineos are yet to pay out any of this year’s fee.And legal proceedings have now been launched as the All Blacks look for a new sponsor.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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    Tyson Fury reveals new ‘full time’ job after shock retirement threw Anthony Joshua mega fight plans into chaos

    TYSON Fury has revealed his new “full-time” job after quitting boxing.The Gypsy King retired from the ring for a second time last month – which threw hopes of a Battle of Britain fight against AJ out of the window.Tyson Fury has revealed his new ‘full-time’ job after retiring from boxingCredit: ReutersTyson Fury revealed that he’s now training wife Paris full-timeCredit: InstagramFury announced the news in a bombshell Instagram post, saying: “Hey everybody, I am going to make it short and sweet. “I would like to announce my retirement from boxing. “It has been a blast and I have loved every single minute of it.”The 36-year-old hung up his gloves after a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December.Fury’s announcement has been met by scepticism in some quarters, given that he has hung up his gloves before, only to later return.READ MORE BOXINGBut Fury has seemingly doubled down on his exit after confirming his new role as wife Paris’ private personal trainer. He posted a picture of him and Paris on his Instagram story with the caption: “@Parisfury1 training her up now full-time”.Paris was happy enough to see her husband quit in 2022, with the couple raising seven kids together.And the news of her husband’s second retirement is said to have come as a “relief” to Paris, as she gets to spend more time with him.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Fury has also been tipped to become a boxing promoter at some time in the future, too.His former promoter Frank Warren, 72, told Sky Sports: “I’d have no problem with him getting involved with us. We’d have a good run together!Tyson Fury and Paris enjoy romantic weekend away at luxury Trump hotel in Scotland as boxer enjoys retirement “He’s got a great brain and he’s very astute.I hope it’s not [goodbye] because he’s got a lot to give boxing outside the ring.”Giving his immediate reaction to SunSport, Warren revealed that he had not been expecting the retirement announcement.He said: “This is the first I’ve heard of it. I haven’t spoken to him today but God bless him.Fury had been tipped for an all-British fight against AJ.And the Watford-boxer’s promoter Eddie Hearn still believes that the fight could happen.He told iFL TV: “I saw that coming. I think, if you ever want to come back and get the max you’ve gotta retire first, ain’t you?READ MORE SUN STORIES”Someone’s gotta bring you out of retirement. So listen, if that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury, good luck to him.”I doubt it, personally, but whatever he chooses to do much respect to him.” More

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    Wayne Rooney tipped for return to management with British giants after Man Utd legend ‘puts himself out there’

    WAYNE ROONEY has been tipped for a return to management. The Manchester United legend was sacked by Plymouth in December after just seven months in charge. Wayne Rooney has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: GettyRooney – who retired in 2021 – has also had coaching stints with Derby, DC United and Birmingham previously. And despite losing his fourth coaching job in two years, the ex-England captain has not ruled out a return to management. It comes as former Scotland midfielder Derek Ferguson backed Rooney as an outsider to replace under-fire Rangers boss Philippe Clement. And the Scottish Premiership winner even claimed Rooney could sensationally team up with Steven Gerrard in the Rangers dugout. READ MORE IN football Ferguson, 57, told Ibrox News: “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him. “Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?“The likes of Gerrard and Rooney, they’re football men. The one thing they have instantly is respect with the players.“Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So who knows? Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It would be surreal, but nothing surprises you in football. I quite like the sound of that.”Gerrard’s first job as manager was with Rangers – from 2018-2021 – winning the league title in his final season. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonHe then went to Aston Villa and most recently Al-Ettifaq in 2023 – since leaving the Saudi side in January. Rangers manager Clement is under pressure as the club sit second in the table – 13 points behind leaders Celtic.Rooney meanwhile told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a managerial return – with the right club. And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager. He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach. “I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Rangers manager is under pressureCredit: GettyDerek Ferguson suggested Rooney as a contender for the Rangers job More

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    Ange Postecoglou will AVOID sack even if Spurs are dumped out of FA Cup but admits he has TWO WEEKS to save job

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU looks set to avoid the sack even if Tottenham crash out of the FA Cup on Sunday.Only a crushing defeat at Aston Villa would put pressure on chairman Daniel Levy to wield the axe.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will avoid the sack even if he suffers FA Cup eliminationCredit: ReutersPostecoglou admits Tottenham’s next two games against Manchester United and Ipswich could cost himCredit: GettyBut Spurs’ beleaguered boss admits that their next two Premier League games — against Manchester United and Ipswich — could decide his fate.Postecoglou called the United game in seven days a chance “to relaunch our campaign”.And he will also have two rare weeks with no midweek matches to work with the squad and ease injured players back to fitness.The calf problem that led to Richarlison going off at Liverpool in midweek is yet another setback following Radu Dragusin’s season-ending ACL injury.Read More on FootballAnd Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven is also rumoured to have suffered a setback in his return from a hamstring problem.But Postecoglou said: “There’s a number of our players scheduled to come back during that time, so we’ll use it wisely to rest the guys who need rest.“Certainly, there’s a fair few that need some rest and also hopefully get some work into the guys who have been out for quite a while to be ready for the challenge ahead.“Because I think these two weeks we’ve got now will be really valuable for the finish of our season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDefeat at Villa would eliminate another opportunity for Spurs to finally end their 17-year trophy drought.Yet next Sunday’s home game against United and a trip to Ipswich the following Saturday may prove crucial in deciding if the Aussie gets the chance to chase glory in the Europa League.Inside Tottenham’s horror performance as season worst stats expose disasterclass from Ange Postecoglou’s flopsFormer Tottenham stars Jamie Redknapp and Michael Dawson were among the pundits who laid into Postecoglou’s flops following Thursday night’s 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final thrashing by Liverpool.But Postecoglou hit back:  “I don’t have any obligation to listen to any of it. It’s irrelevant what people’s opinions are.“I don’t even know them. Why would I care where they think we’re at? They are a million miles away from us.” More

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    Restaurant owned by Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs suddenly closes down as customers given update on bookings & vouchers

    A RESTAURANT co-owned by Premier League legend Ryan Giggs which closed down suddenly has given an update.Staff of George’s Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, Manchester, were reportedly told by text they’d been sacked last Friday.Ryan Giggs at George’s with his two fellow co-ownersCredit: MEN MediaGeorge’s Dining Room in Worsley, ManchesterCredit: www.georgesworsley.co.ukThe note left at the restaurant last Friday nightCredit: MEN MediaIn the days since, customers have made a string of complaints in online comments asking what will happen with their gift vouchers purchased.A spokesperson for the restaurant told the Manchester Evening News: “We are currently in the process of refunding all vouchers purchased which haven’t been redeemed. “The majority of these have been refunded and we will be in touch within the coming days with those outstanding.”If you don’t hear from us please get in touch with the restaurant directly.” The contact for the restaurant is being given as the email address info@georgesworsley.co.uk.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSHowever, there has been no further information from the restaurant about the closure – with local rumours claiming the site has already been taken over.SUDDEN CLOSUREEx-Reds midfielder Giggs, 51, opened the venue on Barton Road in 2014 with two old school pals.Signs on the door on January 31 said it was closed for the weekend “due to unforeseen circumstances”.However, texts sent to staff by bosses said the restaurant had closed for good, reported the MEN.Most read in FootballThe messages stated they “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.They added: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”Ryan Giggs helps with training session for Salford CityStaff are said to have also been told they will be paid any outstanding wages in “due course”, as well as notice payment, as well as redundancy pay for “those to whom it applies”.One staff member told the news outlet: “It came totally out of the blue, we were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.”When George’s opened over a decade ago, Giggs said it had been a lifelong dream of his to own a restaurant alongside childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor.He had described it as a “really different offering for the area”, with a launch event attended by former Manchester United teammates Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville.In 2015, a new terrace was added to the restaurant.Giggs has also since teamed up with Sky Sports pundit Neville on the GG Hospitality Group, which launched Hotel Football at Old Trafford and the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.The Sun has approached George’s and Giggs’ reps for comment.RETURN TO DUGOUTElsewhere, Giggs has helped to transform Salford City FC after returning to the dugout for the League Two outfit almost three years after stepping down as Wales head coach.He has taken a more hands-on role with the first team in recent months and has been spotted in the dugout alongside manager Karl Robinson during games.The Wales and Manchester United legend is a co-owner of the Ammies alongside his former Red Devils teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and investor David Beckham.Giggs also began working as the club’s director of football last year.However, the former Welsh national team manager now seems to be lending his experience of coaching to the staff at Moor Lane too as he takes up a match day role on the touchline.The star became manager of his country in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiggs, who has always denied any wrongdoing, stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Giggs in the dugout for Salford City last monthCredit: RexGiggs playing for Manchester United in 1991Credit: GettyGiggs with Manchester United’s Class of 92 who went on to dominate the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Four-way tug of war for Wayne Rooney with Man Utd legend set for new job just weeks after Plymouth sacking

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has been receiving a lot of job offers just two months after his dismissal as Plymouth boss.However, Rooney, 39, is not being courted for a return to the dugout after also being sacked by Birmingham on the same year as his Pilgrims axing.Wayne Roooney has been approached by four major broadcastersCredit: PAInstead, the Man Utd record goalscorer is being chased by four major broadcasters, making him the most sought-after name in football punditry.SunSport exclusively revealed the England legend is wanted by Match of the Day.The former striker is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.Rooney hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.Read More on FootballThe ex-Derby boss could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes.According to GB News, Amazon, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are also keeping tabs on the Everton hero.Amazon have emerged as a frontrunner for his signature, with discussions already underway.The same source claims the streaming service wants Rooney in time for the crunch Champions League play-off clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid – the first leg of which will be played next Tuesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The legendary forward would be joining the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Alan Shearer as well as presenter Gabby Logan if he signed with Amazon.The broadcaster hosts select Champions League matches and a few rounds of Premier League games over the course of a season.’Are you alright-‘ – Gary Neville stunned as Wayne Rooney admits he STILL wants to manage and reveals unusual next stepBut Rooney has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports after impressing in recent appearances.Those two are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League and would be able to offer a busier role to Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer.Meanwhile, Rooney’s wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished as a runner-up.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Emile Heskey lands new job at security firm as England cult hero, 47, vows to make ‘huge impact’

    EMILE Heskey has landed a shock new job as a security firm director.The move is the culmination of a lifelong friendship between the former England forward and Nottingham-based Octavian founder Sukhi Ghuman.Emile Heskey has landed a new job as a director at a security firmCredit: GettyHeskey won multiple trophies with Liverpool and LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – GettyHeskey, 47, said: “The company is a real route for progression for me. “I first met Sukhi at school and we’ve really worked on this relationship for the last 15 years.  “It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”Octavian Security works alongside blue chip and public sector organisations to manage risk, provide manpower resource and protect their operations and interests.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 62-cap England striker will juggle his new job with his role as the Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women.Ghuman said: “This is a move that has been long in the making.“Emile understands from his days at the top of football that you need inner strength and determination to succeed.“I can’t wait to watch him make a huge impact on Octavian.”Most read in FootballHeskey enjoyed a professional football career spanning more than two decades. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaking his debut as a 17-year-old, Heskey won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup with Liverpool.He also lifted four League Cups across spells with Leicester and the Reds and played 633 club career games, scoring 130 goals. Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxmanHe also scored seven goals for England, including in the memorable 5-1 win away in Germany in 2001.He has two sons Jaden, 19, and Reigan, 17, who both play as forwards for Man City’s under-21s.Heskey Snr also enjoyed spells with Birmingham City and Aston Villa in his club career.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Confessions of a ring girl: You get covered in blood, sweat & tears – and the way my boxer lover two-timed me was brutal

    GEMMA Jones has wowed fight fans as a ring girl for seven years and worked at around 700 events – but she has revealed it is far from the glamorous life people might think it is.From cheating boxers to wardrobe malfunctions and insane pre-fight diets, Gemma tells The Sun the truth about life in the ring. Gemma has worked as a ring girl for seven yearsShe has performed at over 700 fights and still loves it at the age of 37The stunning 37-year-old can perform at up to two events every weekend, sometimes working from 1pm until midnight.She earns up to £500 every time, covering mainly MMA, cage fighting and bare knuckle bouts – and juggles her work with being a mum-of-three and another job as a skin treatment expert.Here she lifts the lid on why the life of a ring girl is definitely not all superstars and stilettos….Why I’ll never date another boxerI’ve got a lovely boyfriend, he works in fashion and we were friends for five years before we started going out last year.But four years ago I did date a boxer for a few months until I found out in the worst way possible that he was a cheat.I love boxing and was in the audience for a fight when my friendtold me not to look behind me.I did and right behind me was my boyfriend and anotherwoman who it transpired was actually his girlfriend of years.It all kicked off and he even blamed me and tried to accuse me of causing problems – and it turned out I wasn’t the only woman he’d cheated with.While some of the boxers are lovely, others think they’re God’s gift to women and are very arrogant. I’m never going to risk getting one of the bad ones again.We’re a knockoutPart of the job description is looking great. I’m not one for make-up most of the time, but I’ll spend a good hour or more doing my hair and make-up before I go into the ring. I get my nails done regularly too and go on sunbeds.I carry a huge bag full of everything I need with me – including spare tights as they often get laddered getting into the ring.But it’s not glamorous, the big changing rooms are rightly reserved for the fighters, so sometimes we have a small dressing room, but others we’re doing it in the loos.Conor McGregor parties with his army of ring girls in club just weeks before comeback at UFC 303 vs Michael ChandleThere have been times when other girls have been sent away as they don’t look as good as their photographs.I have to look smiley even when I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottomIt might sound awful, but I think it’s fine – the bottom line is it is about looking gorgeous in the ring. It would be like someone wanting to be an accountant who can’t do maths.I used to be a model before my best friend asked me to join her doing this. I love my job and don’t think it’s exploitative at all.There are boxers who for religious reasons don’t want us in the ring with them and that’s fine.And if there are going to be children at the show we cover up more and wear leggings rather than skimpy shorts and long sleeves.Gemma admits it’s ‘all about looking gorgeous in the ring’Suffer to be beautifulThere are days when I don’t feel my best. When I first started I used to only drink water for two days before a fight.I can’t do that any more but I’m fairly careful with what I eat. I start my day with a cup of tea, but then I drink lemon water for the rest of the day.I have a meal replacement shake and then a healthy supper. And I work out in the gym too.If I do have a day when I feel bloated, I’ll wear not one but two pairs of shapewear pants.I have to be up there looking smiley, while it feels like I’ve got a huge wedgie up my bottom.I’m just grateful we aren’t allowed to wear stilettos – there’s a worry they’d pierce the floor of the ring so we either wear block heels or trainers.Crowd pleasing… or notWe aren’t only there to announce the round they’re on. We lead in the boxers and get into the ring with them.And we get the crowd enthused, so we might blow kisses back to men who blow them at us, or go in and mingle with people who want to take selfies with us.We are often in front of an audience of over a thousand – the smallest venue I do is around 700.I’ve held the wrong number up or held it upside down, even though I never drink on the jobGenerally, they are pretty good. If women are there they are much more likely to shout abuse like calling us s**gs. I can only remember one occasion when a man shouted abuse at me, and then his girlfriend came and sat down next to him and I realised why.If that happens though, I can talk to one of the promoters and people will get removed – there’s no reason why we should put up with abuse for doing our job.Gemma has worked in most types of combat sports including MMAShe has also worked at bareknuckle bouts and cagefighting eventsBut it’s often far from glamorous, with the girls having to get ready in the toilets sometimesDanger zoneYou have to be prepared to be covered in blood, particularly at a bare knuckle fight – and then at the end you often get hugged by the fighters, and covered in sweat, and the loser sometimes ends up crying so you get soggy from their tears.I always feel sorry for the loser, they’ll have trained for months and it’s such a blow to their pride.The crowd can kick off in a fight and I’ve nearly been hit by a beer bottle.But my worst injury was during a cage fight. I was in there while they warmed up and one of the fighters accidentally pushed me and I ended up with my face pressed against the bar.The outfits are extremely revealing and risk wardrobe malfunctionsMishaps and mayhemI’ve made so many mistakes in my years. I’ve fallen down the stairs leading boxers in and got stuck getting into the ring.The first time I did it, I was so nervous. The other girl waslovely and very experienced and told me just to copy her walk. I looked like Bambi on ice skates, but I soon got used to it and now sashay like a pro.I’ve also held up the wrong number for the round, or held it upside down or even the wrong way round – despite the fact that I never drink on the job, though some girls can, it’s notgenerally forbidden.I live in fear of my boobs popping out when I bend over to get in the ring, so though I wear push up bras, I make sure they’re sturdy ones that will hold me in whatever.My other nightmare is when I’m on my period – our bottoms are so skimpy we cut the strings off our Tampax so they can’t accidentally be seen.For the love of itUnless you’re an absolute top ring girl, there isn’t a lot of money in it.I top up my income by being an aesthetics practitioner, though I don’t do my own Botox and lip fillers.Some ring girls are with agents, but my best friend and I have got great contacts so we sort our own bookings and I could work every weekend if I wanted to.If you use an agency, you might get to the bigger fights, but there’s loads of competition.And of course your agent takes a big slice of your money and you don’t get much unless it’s a massive fight.I usually get paid between £120 and £500. And the vast majority of ring girls are on the same as me.But I love doing the job, so don’t have any plans to give up.And though I’m 37, I’m by no means the oldest ring girl – some do it well into their 40s.It’s a huge buzz standing in the ring with everyone cheering and clapping and the atmosphere is great.And I’ve been doing it for so long that I’m friends with some of thepromoters and even the boxers. One of them I know really well and he finds it funny to lick my face after he’s won. And I love boxing too.Gemma juggles her ring girl work with another job and raising three girls, including Kacy, who is disabledFriends of daughter Caitlan, left, tease her about her ‘foxy’ mumGemma, with youngest daughter Olivia, says her kids are her ‘everything’Kid glovesLike any working single mum it’s a constant juggling act. But I’m incredibly lucky with their fathers.Caitlan, 18, and Kacy, 16, have the same father and Olivia, 10, has another one, but both dads are brilliant.And their mums have always been happy to help too – they have “nan fun” weekends. I’ve been estranged from my own mum though since I was 11 so she’s not part of their lives.I find it funny that my daughter’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxySome promoters are happy for your kids to come along, but I’ve never done that.The crowds can get unruly and I don’t want to risk their safety, however unlikely it is that they’d be hurt.But I have always made quality time for them, they are my everything and when I’m there, I’m 100 per cent present for them.I have them all through the week and try to have one weekend amonth with them. And if they are ever ill or need me, I’ll cancel my work to be with them.Kacy is disabled. She was 10 weeks premature and at six weeks old she got septicaemia and meningitis.So we have carers that help with her as she needs someone with her 24 hours a day.I don’t know whether Caitlan or Olivia will follow in my footsteps and be ring girls – at the moment neither of them are keen, but they think it’s a “cool” job.I find it funny that Caitlan’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxy.She isn’t embarrassed though, she’s good at banter and gives as good as she gets.Party timeI’m friendly with some of the boxers and know their ways.For example some of them hate being spoken to before a fight – they’re getting in the zone and focusing only on the fight. Others are nervous and want to chat.I’m actually really boring – I barely drink and have got three daughters, so I’m not up for partying after a fight. I’m usually knackered from all the adrenaline and often have a three-hour drive home to Wrexham from the fight.You do hear about wild parties and girls targeting boxers. But I don’t really experience that scene, the most I’ve done is go for a couple of drinks afterwards.And generally speaking, these men are athletes who don’t want to undo all their hard training by getting legless.At the end of the day we’ve all worked hard and want to get home to our beds… alone!Gemma doesn’t use an agent but still earns up to £500 a showGemma, on the right, said she is friends with some of the fighters but would never date one again More