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      in Soccer

      Roy Keane’s daughter ‘mourned what life might be’ after being diagnosed with incurable illness but dad ‘lightened mood’

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      ROY KEANE’S daughter Caragh revealed she was left in tears after an incurable illness forced her to turn down her dream job.The 29-year-old was diagnosed with lupus in 2021 when she was only 25.Roy Keane’s daughter Caragh revealed her struggle with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe opened up on how her dad helped her through the darkest timesCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16It came after a prolonged spell of debilitating symptoms including joint pain, alopecia and painful blisters on her face and body.Such was the degree of it that Keane – who had qualified to be a teacher – was left bed-bound by the condition.It meant turning down the chance at her “dream job” at her old school in Manchester.She admitted to the Irish Independent: “I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ “I wanted to be the best teacher I could be.”After undergoing some tests, she was diagnosed with lupus: a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.Now that she knew what was going on, Caragh could go about addressing it and no longer living in mystery.Keane added: “Being so poorly ended up being a blessing in disguise because I was able to get the diagnosis really quickly.Most read in Football“There was a bit of a mourning period for me, when you start to think about how your life might turn out.“I suppose there was a sense of relief because, with that information, I could start looking into the next steps. Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia “At the age of 25, you’re sat there being told everything and you’re thinking, ‘I’m never going to have a boyfriend. I’ve not had children yet.’ “That was the sort of thing that was going through my head.”Fortunately, she was surrounded by a loving and caring support network.She is one of five kids – alongside sisters Alanna, Shannon and Leah, and brother Aidan – raised by Man Utd and Ireland legend Roy Keane and wife Theresa Doyle.And while the Keane kids were often kept out of the limelight in their formative years, Roy was never shy of giving them his full attention.This proved particularly useful when Caragh was diagnosed with lupus, as she revealed how his sense of humour helped lighten the load.She revealed: “My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive. “My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCaragh Keane has parlayed her own healthcare experience into founding her own company – Superkeen Foods.With the brand’s award-winning cereal and products, which are gluten-free, nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, 100% natural and autoimmune protocol-friendly, Caragh hopes to help others with lupus on their healing journeys. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate was close to Man Utd job but now England’s most successful manager in decades looks done with football

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      HE was England’s most successful manager in half a century and was only a couple of penalty kicks away from being regarded as the greatest of all time.He has represented the Three Lions, as a player and manager, more often than any other man.Sir Gareth Southgate appears unlikely to return as a manager, nor become a consultant, despite the wishes of the FACredit: GettySouthgate has major interests, such as the challenges facing young men in the social media age, which he addressed in his Dimbleby lectureCredit: BBCHe is a knight of the realm, who is respected in wider society to such a degree that he delivered the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture at the BBC last week.Yet, at the age of 54, Sir Gareth Southgate may be finished with football.The former defender was closer than many would believe to becoming Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United.Dan Ashworth, United’s short-lived sporting director, pushed his candidacy strongly and left the club soon after he failed to persuade United’s ownership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Southgate’s advisor Jimmy Worrall also has close links to Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.But the United job was an outlier.If Southgate did look to return to club management, he would be unlikely to land a job at a higher level than his previous club role at Middlesbrough almost two decades ago.Despite leading England to successive Euros finals, as well as a World Cup semi and quarter-final — and despite transforming the once-rotten culture around the national team — Southgate’s stock as a manager has not risen  significantly.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile the FA are keen to employ Southgate as a consultant, that doesn’t appeal to the former manager, who believes his presence on the payroll would not be beneficial to Thomas Tuchel nor any future Three Lions boss.The idea of returning to media punditry is regarded similarly.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ New England chief Tuchel may have criticised the performance of Southgate’s team at last summer’s Euros — although he only really echoed Southgate’s own public comments during that tournament.But Sir Gareth will not be responding in kind. He is too classy and decent to give it back to Tuchel.There is also a feeling that international management, rather than the club game, suited Southgate perfectly.Most great club managers are single-minded football obsessives.Southgate has a more curious mind and the England role allowed him a wider remit, which he relished. The themes he expressed in his Dimbleby Lecture — on the challenges facing young men in the social media age — are dear to him.He helped many England players greatly, as people as well as footballers.And if Southgate headed back into football management any time soon, he would do so without his hugely-trusted No 2 Steve Holland — who is keen to make it as a manager in his own right and is currently the boss of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.Southgate always regarded his England role as a partnership with Holland, believing the pair counteracted each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He may feel isolated in management without Holland’s presence.Southgate’s old sidekick Steve Holland now bosses Yokohama F MarinosCredit: GettyA boardroom job in football isn’t on the agenda either.He may have looked good in a  waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup but, professionally speaking, a tracksuit is more Southgate’s style.So what next, if there is no return  to football?The Dimbleby Lecture — given on  the personal request of BBC director-general Tim Davie — wasn’t his first weighty speech since his exit.Southgate showed during his England reign he is a more effective politician than most politicians. His ‘Dear England’ letter before the Euros in 2021 spoke to the nation better than anyone in the House of Commons could.But there is apparently no chance of a bid for Parliament.Despite being branded as ‘woke’ — an insult which shouldn’t even be an insult — Southgate isn’t party political. He’d probably have more in common with Sir John Major than Jeremy Corbyn.That Dimbleby Lecture championed traditional family values as well as Southgate’s deep respect for the military.He is a quiet patriot, not a raving lefty and not even close friends could tell you which way he votes.As for a  job in business, Southgate is said to be equally uninterested.Unlike many in football he isn’t  an obsessive chaser of the next five-pound note.He doesn’t need to work but equally recognises that even a senior job in industry would only pay a fraction of that on offer in managing a lowly Premier League club. And anyway Southgate is patriotic and old-school enough to have regarded the England job as the pinnacle of his profession.Should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Fighting relegation, as he did unsuccessfully at Middlesbrough in 2009, isn’t currently on his wish-list either.Had Southgate landed the United job he wouldn’t have been a popular appointment among supporters — despite doing the kind of transformative job with England that they are crying out for at Old Trafford.And the sad truth is he wouldn’t be welcomed with widespread jubilation at any top-flight club.His image as an overly-cautious manager is overstated but not entirely untrue.He never played for nor managed clubs which expected to win  silverware and never quite shook off that mindset as expectations rose with England.So what next for a man who is significantly younger than most who have just departed England’s ‘impossible job’?Having succeeded the likes of Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and King Charles in giving that Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth is yet to find his calling, post-England.But should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Flair’s fair for AngeTHERE was much online merriment when a Tottenham legends team — featuring Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon — hammered  AC Milan’s old boys 6-2.The obvious joke, that the veterans could still beat Ange Postecoglou’s first team, was barely even funny because it is possibly true.Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick as Spurs legends beat Milan 6-2Credit: GettyYet the flair of some of those Spurs players of the not-too-distant past also showed that Postecoglou’s devil-may-care style was more in tune with the club’s ethos than most of his recent predecessors.The expectation is that Spurs will wilt in a hostile atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s Europa League quarter-final and that will spell the end for Big Ange.If so, that would be a shame. Spurs might not be very good under Postecoglou but at least they are recognisably Spurs.IT was so sad  to see Scotland relegated from the top tier of the Nations League by virtue of a 3-0 loss at home to Greece.And the poor old  Tartan Army couldn’t even get a drink at Hampden Park.Despite their great national thirst, booze is still banned inside grounds north of the border, as it has been since 1981 — just about the last time the Scots were any good at football.Lennox all HartTHE warm tributes to The Sun’s legendary ‘Voice of Boxing’ Colin Hart — who died on Saturday aged 89 — were rich, poignant and greatly appreciated by his family.Lennox Lewis says he was inspired by Colin Hart’s viewsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIt was especially interesting to read the words of Lennox Lewis and  how he felt driven to win over a sceptical Harty on his journey to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.The media landscape has changed hugely since Lewis and Colin enjoyed their verbal sparring en route to an immense mutual respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are now often too many obstructive PR people between elite  athletes and journalists.As Lewis agrees, that is to the detriment of sportsmen and women, as well as to the media and the public. More

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      in Boxing

      I slept in the A&E waiting room after being sacked by KFC for eating too much – now I’m training with world champions

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      MICHAEL KING has gone from being homeless and sleeping in A&E waiting rooms to training with two Brit world champions.The welterweight is currently perfecting his trade under the watchful eye of the much-respected Shane McGuigan.Michael King used to sleep in A&E waiting rooms when he didn’t have a roof over his headCredit: BOXXERBut now the former KFC employee trains with Brit world champs Caroline Dubois and Ellie ScotneyCredit: BOXXERKing regularly trains with world champions Caroline Dubois and Ellie Scotney, as well as surging contender Adim Azim.But his life was very different just a few years ago when he was left homeless after being sacked for “eating too much” at KFC, where he worked to fund his dream of becoming a world champion.In an interview with the BBC, he recalled: “I sometimes went back when I didn’t have money and they’d give me free food.”Maybe I wanted to get fired because I was boxing and working. I couldn’t find a balance.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”When I got told to leave, I thought it was a sign.”He added: “I couldn’t afford a place and so I stayed in my car.”Despite his trials and tribulations, King – who grew up in war-torn Congo before moving to London as a teenager – was determined not to give up on his dream.He’d eventually turn pro in 2019, although he’d lose his first two fights.Most read in BoxingMichael King hopes to change his family’s life with his exploits inside the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM@YOURHIGHNESS_LIKALUThose defeats, however, didn’t deter the 27-year-old, who was eventually forced to take numerous bouts in Russia just to remain active.”I had to go because nobody wanted to face me but I learned a lot,” King said. “It was taking around 30 hours to get there.Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”[I was] taking three different flights, and I’d arrive 48 hours before getting in the ring sometimes.”But again, it taught me to always be ready, always in shape and always in top condition.”I’m looking to kick on now and get some really big fights. Who knows?”We might eventually even be able to get one back in Congo, which would be something else.”Before he’d even set foot in the ring, King’s father was against the idea of him making a living by punching people’s heads in.But he’s since changed his stance and is immensely proud of his son’s achievements so far.King said: “I want to change my family’s financial situation.”Sometimes, we were just eating rice or bread and butter. Being [a] world champion didn’t cross my mind.”I just saw an opportunity to bring hope to the people who care about me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My dad is proud of what I’ve achieved so far.”When he goes back to Congo, he takes pictures of me to show people and tells them about my story.” More

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      in Soccer

      My life has been ruined working for ex-Premier League owner millionaire & legendary horse gambler – he owes me THOUSANDS

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      A FORMER employee of millionaire ex-Premier League owner and horse racing kingpin Terry Ramsden says he has ruined her life.Scarlet Hewett, 29, is thousands of pounds in debt after a company fronted by the mulleted entrepreneur failed to pay her for months – and is now at risk of becoming homeless.Scarlet Hewett is owed thousands of pounds by SBS Group LtdCredit: David DysonFormer Premier League investor Terry Ramsden is thought to be in DubaiCredit: YouTube/Star SportsRamsden, pictured in 1986, previously invested in Premier League club Chelsea and owned Walsall FCCredit: AlamyShe worked in admin for SBS Group Ltd, which lists Ramsden, 72, as director on Companies House, for around 12 months before successfully taking the firm to court over unpaid wages.But it has never paid a penny of the £6,500 ordered by a tribunal in June 2023, with Ramsden understood to be now living in Dubai.The businessman – who previously had a 30% stake in Chelsea FC and fully owned Walsall FC – told staff to call him “the extra terrestrial”, according to Scarlet.Meanwhile, she has fallen into rent arrears and has been diagnosed with painful fibromyalgia, which she believes was brought about by the stress of chasing down her money, and is having ongoing therapy for her mental health.“He needs to be brought to justice, it’s just disgusting – he’s ruined my life,” she told The Sun.Scarlet began working for SBS in Liverpool Street, London, in May 2022, mostly to answer the phones.But the chaotic nature of the job – including organising baffling boxfuls of paperwork and online files – “nearly gave me a nervous breakdown”, she said.Scarlet added: “I was hired to answer the phones, initially, but the phones would never ring.”Most read in FootballThe salary was £28,000 but after around eight months, she says the company suddenly stopped paying her at all – and she only continued working there in the hope of getting the money owed to her.Scarlet said by the end, she had refused to do any more filing and often worked from home – though continuously messaged and rang Ramsden asking for her pay.Dark underbelly of UK’s ‘unemployment capital’ as brazen shoplifting gangs stop traffic to flog ‘stolen to order’ goods… while junkies claim they’re ‘too ill to work’“It just didn’t seem like any job I’d ever had,” she explained.“I then felt scared to leave the job, even though I wasn’t getting paid. Eventually I had to put a stop to it and said ‘I’m taking you to court’.”She continued: “I’d sit and tremble and want to cry, and I’d just think ‘this man…but I need my wages and need to pay my rent’.”She said there was only a handful of other staff, with the company initially based at an office above The Ivy restaurant before moving across the street soon after she started.Scarlet said she had no idea who Ramsden was when she went for the interview, describing him as a “bit showy and talking a lot about himself”.“I’ve worked in other corporate places and you do get that sometimes… I thought ‘it’s fine, I need a job and it’s close to where I live.“‘What’s the worst that can happen in a professional setting?’ If only I’d known.”She said Ramsden still had his famous mullet but it looked “dishevelled”.“He used to call himself the extra terrestrial. He’d want to be called that. ‘I’m out of this world, baby, I’m extra terrestrial’.”Scarlet represented herself at the tribunal hearing on June 20 2023, which was held online, and SBS failed to send any representation.In a judgement document seen by The Sun, it is stated Scarlet “suffered unlawful deductions from her wages in the sum of £6,574.99”, and she had not been paid for the months of February through to May 2023.The respondent was subsequently ordered to pay the sum, which took into account tax deductions.It also stated the company “failed to respond” to the “tribunal’s communications or to the claimant”.Who is Terry Ramsden?Terry Ramsden, from Enfield, North London, is an investor and gambler who became a millionaire in the 1980s through horse betting and the Japanese stock market.Born into a working class family and leaving school at 16, he grew his initial fortune with lower stakes betting. He struck big in 1984 when he paid £500,000 for a horse named Katies days before the Irish 1,000 Guineas at Curragh.Despite being at odds of 20 to 1, the horse won and Ramsden pocketed around £2.5million.In the same year he purchased Edinburgh-based firm Glen International and within three years it was making a turnover of £3.5billion.Ramsden, 72, was during this period the UK’s 57th richest man, with an alleged peak net worth of approximately £150million.In the mid to late 80s he used horse racing and the Japanese stock market to grow his wealth substantially.At one point he owned over 100 horses and started a record company called Influx Records.He also had a 30% stake in now-Premier League football club Chelsea and owned Walsall FC.The 1987 stock market crash and Japanese asset price bubble burst coincided with big losses on the racetrack and Ramsden’s fortune was dented to the tune of around £100million.In 1991 he was jailed in LA for six months while awaiting extradition to the UK for fraud, and declared bankruptcy in 1993. The same year he pleaded guilty to recklessly inducing fresh investments into Glen International and was given a two-year suspended sentence.In 1997 Ramsden breached the Insolvency Act after hiding £300,000 worth of assets and served 10 months in prison. After his release he created a equities trading system, which grew to be worth £250million.In 2003 he was cleared by the Jockey Club to own and race horses again and in the same year his horse Jake The Snake won a maiden stakes race at Lingfield.Ramsden has a son named Jake and an ex-wife Lisa.In his heyday, the businessman was the quintessential self-made man of the Thatcherite era.Standing at just 5’4″ tall and with his trademark mullet, he became something of an icon of Britain in the 1980s.He’s quoted as once saying: “I’m a stockbroker from Enfield. I’ve got long hair and I like a bet.”  However, it added that 15 minutes before the start of the hearing, SBS sent an email “saying it would not be attending” and gave the reason “it was only a small company without an HR team”.The document goes on to say, in the same email the company stated it had “repeatedly told” Scarlet and two other named employees “that the only reason they had not been paid was that there was no funds and that as soon as there were funds, expected soon, they would be paid in full up to date”.The judgement goes on to describe how Scarlet had been in “severe financial anxiety since February 2023, in overdraft and at risk of losing her rented accommodation”.It adds: “She has repeatedly tried to contact the Respondent in every way possible but without success.”And: “The Respondent has repeatedly promised payment ‘next week’ but this has never materialised.”The document said the tribunal was “satisfied” with the evidence seen, including the SBS email “which appears to admit liability” over the unpaid wages, adding: “Judgement is given accordingly.”Scarlet has also since had to go to another court hearing in a bid to not be left homeless.“I nearly lost my flat, I had to go to court to save my flat and pay my bills. I’m in so much debt now,” she explained.“What he’s done, if you could see me, I am a shell of the person I was.“Working for him has shaken me, like a domino effect.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “For a young girl, to ruin my life this much, and I’m really struggling to get back on my feet because of the trauma of this man.”The Sun has attempted to contact Ramsden for comment.Scarlet represented herself in courtCredit: David DysonRamsden in his heyday was one of Britain’s richest peopleCredit: Rex More

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      I lost both of my grandfathers to suicide, we must do more to help, says Championship star Will Vaulks

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      WILL VAULKS knows all about the devastation that follows suicide.The Oxford United star’s two grandfathers both took their lives within 18 months of each other while he was in his early teens.Will Vaulks says the deaths caused ‘enormous destruction’ in his familyCredit: GettyHywel Edwards took his life just a day after watching Vaulks play footballVaulks described paternal grandfather Tom as wonderful to be withVaulks, 31, was just 13 when he and his family were left heartbroken when paternal grandad Tom died aged 67,  six months after he had initially tried to kill himself.And then the Wales midfielder’s maternal grandfather Hywel took his life aged 78, a day after watching his then 15-year-old grandson playing youth football for Tranmere.Now Vaulks wants to raise awareness for one of the biggest — yet “most forgotten” — killers.The latest 12-month UK Government figures showed 4,377 people died by suicide, that is an average of 12 deaths every day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe U’s ace told SunSport: “Suicide is the biggest killer in men aged under 50 and women under 35.“So the biggest threat to your friend or family member’s life at that age isn’t a heart attack, cancer or a car crash . . . it’s from themselves.“We talk about cancer research and the need to learn CPR — which is important and great — but suicide gets forgotten.“So we must do everything to help get the numbers down.”Most read in FootballYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Both grandfathers were much loved and Tom was a larger-than-life  character who would take his grandson for a spin on the back of his red Kawasaki 500 motorbike.Vaulks recalled: “He used to look after me, my brother and sister when our parents were away.“And he would say, ‘When the cat’s away, the mice play!’“I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent so you can only  imagine the feelings I had when he chose to take his life. It was so  difficult for my dad and family.”At the time it was not understood why Tom had decided to end his life although with the benefit of hindsight years later the reason is perhaps less mysterious.His grandfather, who was divorced from Vaulks’ nan, was deeply depressed and complained about a stomach pain he could not get diagnosed.It is felt he feared getting old and not being able to continue doing the fun things he enjoyed.Then, in 2008, his other grandfather Hywel left home in circumstances out of character.Vaulks said: “My grandmother Brenda woke up to find he wasn’t in bed and had gone out.“He didn’t take a coat or get properly dressed so hadn’t gone out for a walk.”Police were called and a helicopter and search dogs sent out to comb the area.Loving grand-dad Hywel took his own life aged 78Tom, who died aged 67, is pictured with his son and grandchildrenBut eventually after a few hours it was Vaulk’s mum and Hywel’s daughter Ruth who discovered his body.Only the evening before he had been watching Vaulks playing football but he went home at the full-time whistle rather than stick around, as he normally did.That evening his mum went to check on him and Vaulks explained: “He told her, ‘You do know I love you, don’t you?’“It was a lovely thing to say to his daughter but it has been hard for my mum down the years because she has been left with many unanswered questions like was it a sign and should she have spotted it?“But he had made his decision at that  point and unfortunately we will  never know exactly why.”From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.Will VaulksPeople who take their lives are in the deepest of torment and often feel they are a burden to families and friends but, as Vaulks explains, the decision to die by suicide leaves a trail of devastation that is far worse for those loved ones left behind. He said: “The destruction the two suicides left for my family was enormous.“We had a normal family life which was happy, healthy and great.“The best way to describe it is it’s like a bomb going off within the family unit.“Suicide leaves a complex grieving process that some people do not  manage to get through. As a family, we fortunately did.“But I became a bit numb to normal passings because you feel bitterness in the way you lost your grandparents.“They both thought they were best out of the equation.“I’d say to anyone who is struggling, the burden you leave by taking your own life is 100 fold for those you leave behind.“From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.“I’ve spoken to suicide survivors who look back now and live happy, healthy fulfilled lives.”Championship side Oxford became the first club last month to sign up for a suicide prevention charity’s workplace pledge.United’s new partnership with Baton of Hope will see the U’s deliver in-house, personal  suicide prevention training to all its players and staff.Hywel was great to be around as a kid, saying Will VaulksTom became depressed in later life and worried about a stomach painIt coincided with the third anniversary of Oxford legend Joey Beauchamp taking his own life at the age of 50 after years of mental- health struggles.Vaulks, who also wants the EFL to get on board, says there are stereotypical myths  surrounding suicide.He said: “People always have one answer like he or she was a gambling addict, had an affair, took drugs — all hyper motive things.“Sometimes those issues are relevant but a lot of the time it’s not the case.“People have struggled silently for a long time and not had the help they need. At the moment, in the NHS, mental-health help is not there.“The charity’s founder is Mike McCarthy and his  son Ross was on a waiting list for six months and died two months into it. That sort of time frame for help isn’t acceptable.”Vaulks is sure prevention is better than cure and urges everyone to play an active part.He added: “People don’t wake up one day and decide to take their own life.A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder. There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.Will Vaulks“The thing we can all do is to check in  twice. We all know when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ that a person usually replies, ‘Good’.“If you notice a slight change in your friend or people you don’t speak to so often, just  ask again, ‘No, really, how are you — is everything fine?’“We don’t need to have deep conversations but we do need to delve more into how people are feeling.“It’s proven eight to nine minutes of talking can be enough to lift someone’s mood and prevent them spiralling downhill.“A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder.“There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.“But we must try to stop these things before they become major issues.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So if you feel happy and fulfilled, pass that on to people, even in the street.“We can live a competitive, fun and aggressive life — but still look out for others.” More

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      in Soccer

      Becoming Match of the Day host was like finding out I was PREGNANT, says Kelly Cates as she reveals how she landed job

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      WHEN Kelly Cates was told she and Gabby Logan would become the first female Match Of The Day hosts in the show’s 60-year history, she wanted to shout it from the rooftops. But unfortunately for the new presenter, she was ordered by BBC bosses to keep quiet about her new role — a scenario which felt ­familiar to the mum of two. Kelly Cates wanted to shout with joy after making history as one of Match Of The Day’s first female hosts – but the BBC told her she’d need to keep it quietCredit: RexThe appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, above, was widely welcomed by the football worldCredit: AlamyKelly will be joining Mark ‘Chappers’ Chapman and Gaby Roslin as the lead MOTD presenter teamCredit: PABecause, for Kelly, sitting on the enormous secret felt just like ­hiding a pregnancy. Speaking in depth for the first time about taking over from Gary Lineker next season, Kelly, 49, said: “I’m not good at secrets — it killed me! Genuinely, once the news was announced I could have slept for two days. “I found the stress of ­keeping it a secret so hard and even though it is a nice secret, it was a little bit like the early stages of pregnancy where you feel terrible that you can’t tell anybody. “It was awful lying to genuinely good friends. I hated it.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKelly will be part of a new three-strong presenting team, alongside Gabby and Mark Chapman, both 51. And she is thrilled she can now share how she managed to land the biggest job in British sports broadcasting. An industry veteran of nearly 30 years, Kelly had been working for the BBC as part of 5 Live’s football coverage, as well as anchoring live games for Sky Sports, when she was called into a meeting by Beeb executives. ‘Ego-filled world’ It had been rumoured for some time that new BBC Director of Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted to shake up Match Of The Day, the world’s longest-running football highlights show. Most read in FootballBut Kelly had not bargained for being a part of his plans. Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, she explains: “I had the conversation early on but in very vague terms. ‘Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce’“I was already doing radio for the BBC, already working on 5 Live so it was natural for me to have meetings when a new boss came in, and everything was being changed so that was quite natural. “But in the course of one of those meetings it was, ‘Well, we’re rethinking how we’re going to do Match Of The Day and would you be interested to be in the mix?’ Inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’Kelly Cates“And I was trying really hard to keep a ‘not bothered’ face, saying, ‘Yeah, that would be great’. “But inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’.” Kelly added: “And they were brilliant around the whole thing — trying to balance the two and the fact I can keep doing live football, which I think is really important because if you don’t do that you forget why you’re covering it, you forget about those big moments and what it is like.” It was only when Kelly’s new gig was officially unveiled in January that the enormity began to sink in. She added: “Suddenly friends of mine who don’t even like football were phoning me saying, ‘Oh my God, this is so exciting — congratulations’. I didn’t even think it would be on their radar. “They’re not in that sports world and then you realise something like Match Of The Day goes past all of that. It’s in people’s lives — it’s in the background.” The appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, along with Gabby and Mark — aka Chappers — was widely welcomed by the football world. All three are hugely respected figures within the industry and there was a general consensus they had done their time, working up the ranks and honing their craft over several decades. Kelly believes landing the gig came at the perfect time for all of the new line-up. She explains: “That was the big draw for the three of us. Kenny with wife Marina, Kelly and brother Paul in 1980Credit: Getty“To be in the mix with Chappers and Gabby, who I really like as people, first of all, but really admire as broadcasters as well . . . it’s just a really lovely group to be in. “People have this perception that it is a massive ego-filled world, and it is at times and you need a certain sort of ego to feel like you can do the job because you need a certain amount of confidence. “But you don’t want to be in a position where we’re all trying to scramble over each other. “The fact we’re all the same age, we’re at the same stage of our careers, we’ve all got other things outside of Match Of The Day that we’re all passionate about and really invested in, it means none of us are treading on each other and preying on each other’s insecurities. “We’re all really comfortable about who we are and where we are in our careers, so it really works for all of us. “We’re all at a stage in our lives as well where we want to spend time with our families. “We have kids of different ages and different things going on in our home lives as well. “It’s really nice to be able to keep all that in the mix.” Kelly’s grounding in sports broadcasting came in the early days of Sky Sports News, a rolling news channel launched in 2010. ‘Kicked up a fuss’ The female-heavy list of anchors, including Kirsty Gallacher, who is godmother to one of Kelly’s daughters, became synonymous with the channel. However, the presenters were often sexualised by viewers and when that attitude seeped into the brand marketing, Kelly was the one who put a stop to it. Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should beKelly on sexualisation of female sports presentersThe star has always taken her position as a role model for women in sport seriously. She explained: “It was seen as ‘fruit on the barrow’, where you would put your juiciest fruit on the barrow — there was that attitude to it. “But we didn’t feel like that from the inside. That was very much an external thing. “Then I remember there was an ad put out with four female Sky Sports News presenters on, saying ‘There’s always something worth watching on Sky Sports News’. “I remember it happened on the Sunday and I think by the Tuesday or Wednesday I’d gone into the office and said, ‘No. I get that this comes from the outside but don’t do that to us from the inside’. “Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should be’.” She added: “The reaction was they didn’t think I would be the person who came in and kicked up a fuss. “I was like, ‘That says something. If you think I’m easy-going and it upset me then you should probably read something into that’.” Kelly took an extended break from sports broadcasting to concentrate on bringing up her children. She returned to work in 2013 at Radio 5 Live where she hosted the station’s famous 606 football phone-in on Sundays alongside ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright. She later returned to Sky Sports to anchor live games and previously made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT. Glasgow-born Kelly, whose brother Paul was a professional footballer for Newcastle, is now separated from Tom Cates, the father of her two daughters. Like most working mums, Kelly admits taking care of her career and their teenage daughters can be challenging. She added: “It’s juggling lots of diaries, and I’ve got a really good relationship with my ex-husband. “He’s great with the girls in terms of being flexible because we have to be around my job. “You just make it work. I’m really lucky — I have a great job. “People do this and work three jobs and are stressed about putting food on the table and heating the house. “Although it’s tricky to do everything and all problems are relative, it’s manageable.” READ MORE SUN STORIESSaturday nights are about to get a whole lot busier for Kelly. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Kelly will be one of the team taking over when Gary Lineker leaves MOTD at the end of the current seasonCredit: BBC More

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      ‘Like I’ve never seen before’ – Thomas Tuchel’s ‘aura’ blowing England stars away as new era begins

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has an “aura” unlike anything Morgan Rogers has seen in a manager.Aston Villa star Rogers revealed England’s new boss has laid down “some serious ideas” in his bid to win the 2026 World Cup.England boss Thomas Tuchel has an “aura” unlike anything Morgan Rogers has seen in a managerCredit: PAEngland manager Tuchel is determined to win the 2026 World CupCredit: PAAston Villa star Morgan Rogers praised new England boss TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel will kick off the Three Lions’ new era on Friday with a World Cup qualifier against Albania at a sold-out Wembley.Rogers is managed by Unai Emery at Villa and worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.But he said of Tuchel: “His aura is one I’ve not experienced before. Certain managers have different ways about them. It is hard to describe but he has such a level of confidence.“He has been so chilled and calm. But when it is time to work, it is time to work. That is the vibe I have got off him.Read More on Football“You know what he has done in the game and the respect he has got from managers and players he has worked with. You know he is coming in with some ­serious ideas.”Ex-Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel, 51, laid out his plans to win next year’s World Cup at his first team meeting at St George’s Park.Rogers, who won two England caps under interim boss Lee Carsley, added: “That’s the only goal. He was very clear and transparent with what we need to improve. It was very straight-up, no cutting corners.“It’s definitely been taken on board and a first message to carry us on and lead us on through the camps.”Most read in FootballRogers and the Three Lions squad will prepare at Tottenham’s training ground on Thursday ahead of the Albania game, with a clash at home to Latvia following on Monday.The attacking midfielder, 22, discovered he was in the squad when waking up to a text early on Friday before training with Villa.Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for upcoming match with Albania The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.And he is fully prepared for Tuchel’s standards due to the high bar Emery sets.He said: “There’s never a moment’s rest. When you least expect it, Unai will catch you out, telling you about yourself.“I can think of the best games I’ve had and he’ll batter me for one little thing I did in the 20th minute. But once you understand why he’s doing it, you take it on board.”Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

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      Premier League chief and former Man Utd target quits club ‘with immediate effect’ to take over second-tier Saudi side

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      DOUGIE FREEDMAN has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting director to join a second-tier side in Saudi Arabia. Palace announced that Freedman would be leaving with immediate effect “to take up a role overseas”. Dougie Freedman has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting directorCredit: RexIt is understood that he is poised to become sporting director of Al-Diriyah – who have just become champions of Saudi’s second division.Freedman almost left last year for Newcastle – who are part-owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.But he was persuaded to stay at Selhurst Park by the club’s chairman Steve Parish. Freedman was also a target for Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to add the Scot as his head of recruitment. READ MORE IN football The former forward spent eight years as a player at Palace after signing from Nottingham Forest in 2000. He made 320 appearances for the Eagles and returned to the club as manager for a season in 2011. Freedman also had managerial stints with Bolton and former club Forest before moving into boardroom roles. He returned to Palace as sporting director in 2017 and was credited for the signings of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFreedman was also heavily involved in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner last year. But the 50-year-old is believed to have been frustrated with having a limited budget to work with during the January transfer window. How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricksPalace sit 12th in the Premier League – above United – and confirmed Freedman’s exit in a statement online. Parish said: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. “I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future. “Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”Freedman said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.”It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.”To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.”Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”Palace chairman Steve Parish with FreedmanCredit: RexFreedman spent eight years as a player at PalaceCredit: Getty More