jobs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Virgil van Dijk issues fierce warning to Liverpool team-mates to avoid the ‘world sinking’ after disastrous week

      by

      VIRGIL VAN DIJK warned Liverpool must “work our a**es” off to stop the “world sinking”.Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle ended a miserable week in which Arne Slot’s side were also dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.Virgil van Dijk sent a rallying call out to his Liverpool team-matesCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak struck for Newcastle in the finalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele helped knock Liverpool out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySkipper Van Dijk wants the Reds to react with five straight wins that would likely see them secure the Prem title by beating Tottenham on April 27.He said: “We have to turn this around. If you lose twice in five days it feels like the world is sinking. Two weeks before, everything was sunshine and rainbows.“In the Champions League, we couldn’t get it done, we lost this final and we got knocked out of the FA Cup.“We have nine games to go and I don’t think there’s any motivation needed to try to get the job done. We have to work our a**es off.READ MORE IN football“But now everyone goes to their respective countries and will all play and hopefully stay fit.“We then have a couple of days to settle down and be ready for Everton at home.“If we win five games — obviously a very difficult job — we’ll be champions of England.“If you keep these things in your mind it also can benefit you to make sure you’re working hard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I can guarantee you right now there will be so many difficult moments in all of those games.”Liverpool are 12 points clear of Arsenal. The Reds need 16 points to be sure but five wins should be enough due to their better goal difference.Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupYet inconsistent Arsenal are likely to drop points in their next few games, meaning Arne Slot’s team — who last won the Premier League in 2020 — could wrap up the title even sooner.Van Dijk, whose team face rivals Everton on April 2, revealed how Slot tried to pick up his stars.Dutchman VVD added: “He said everyone should be disappointed by not winning the cup — but that there is a title to win and, when we come back, we have a big game.”The centre-back insisted that the Euro loss to PSG on penalties had nothing to do with Liverpool’s lacklustre Wembley display.He said: “No, I don’t think there was any impact from that. We gave it all, I don’t think PSG had anything to do with it.” More

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a barmaid at a Premier League club where staff romp in store room at half-time – here’s why I’d never date a player

      by

      OUR barmaid has worked for a top Premier League football club for seven years – and in that time she’s seen it all. She’s met countless footballers, broken up fights, seen colleagues have sex in a storeroom mid-game and been snubbed by stuck-up Wags.Our barmaid has been pulling pints at a Premiership ground for seven years (stock photo)Some football fans can be great fun at the bar… but not all of them (stock photo)But the 31-year-old loves the job and says the club workers are like a family.Here, she reveals the best place to work and the easiest way to bag yourself a football star lover… if you really want one.’Terrible’ sex with starI wouldn’t touch a footballer with a barge pole. They’re so arrogant and rude and seem to think they’re better than anyone else – I’m yet to meet a nice one.Mind you, I should have known that from the start.Before I worked here I met a footballer in a bar and ended up having sex with him down an alleyway.It was not an impressive experience…..it was terrible sex, as if he was doing me a favour.The Wags are even ruder than their boyfriends.They sit there with their handbags and perfectly manicured nails and treat everyone who works at the club as if they’re something disgusting that they’ve trodden in.But it’s weird because as soon as footballers have retired they turn back into decent people.Football player gets ‘smacked by wife’ during warm up ‘after cheating on her’The ex-footballers often come to the bar where I work – the posh one – and they’re really friendly to all the fans.They never mind doing selfies and having a chat – I think they come for a bit of an ego boost as they’re still hero-worshipped by the supporters.And though I rarely saw a current player drinking, the retired ones often drink like fish!One of them gave me a Christmas card with £100 worth of vouchers.He wasn’t after sex – he was just being generous.But some of the bar staff working here are still desperate to bag a footballer and spend hours getting ready before work.I’ve known a couple of girls get with players but it never lasts… and honestly if that’s what you really want to do, you’re better off in a city centre night club.Bagging a Premier League star is the dream for someOur barmaid says some stuck-up Wags can treat staff appallingly (stock photo)Looking to score When I saw the job advertised for match day staff I leapt at the chance – firstly because I’m a huge football fan and also because I thought it would be the perfect place to find a man.It’s easy to give favoured customers a free pint – you’re serving so many customers, it’s really hard for anyone to keep track.I ended up having a year-long relationship with one man and several flings both with customers and other bar staff.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!A lot of bar staff end up having relationships with each other, after all it’s mostly young people working here – at 31, I’m one of the oldest.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!I’m married now so there’s none of that any more. I actually met my husband on Plenty of Fish, but he’s a huge football fan and enjoys coming along to matches and propping up the bar while I sneak him a few free pints.Staff often sneak off to the store room for a romp during games (stock photo)Home or away?I’d advise anyone looking for a job at a football stadium to firmly state you’d rather work in the “home stands”.You get to know people as they’re often season ticket holders and come to every match.But in the “away” team side people are mostly there for a “day out” in a different city, so they will start drinking on the journey to the stadium and are rowdier.In general, facilities for away team fans are poor and the stewards and police are more heavy-handed.I think it’s a mistake, it sets up an aggressive atmosphere – if they feel they aren’t being treated well then they’re more likely to behave badly.I think being nice and appreciating all the fans would lead to better behaviour.I have noticed recently that clubs are doing more, like giving away fans free cakes and coffee – it’s a good idea.Red card for rude customersI don’t get riled by much. When I was at university in Glasgow I worked in a pub and I’d get men refusing to be served by an English woman. It didn’t annoy me, I’d just think they were the ones losing out as it would take longer to get served.I’m local to the football club, so my accent here isn’t an issue – but I have had men refusing to be served by a woman.I find it crazy that men are so chauvinistic, but if they want to wait it’s no skin off my nose.It does get incredibly busy at half time and people get really impatient, particularly if you need to change the barrel.The one thing that bothers me above all else is when someone starts clicking their fingers at you.If someone does then I completely ignore them – it’s the worst way to try to get served quickly.At the end of the day I’ve got what they want, so they should be polite. If someone is I remember them and “notice” them waiting in line and serve them quickly.If I’m honest, if the bloke is good looking I’m quick to serve them too, even though I’m a happily-married woman with a three-year-old daughter!Stewards are quick to step in if there’s any tension (stock image)Full time at the barI’ve refused to serve people on a regular basis – you can always tell when you need to call time on someone.I’ve grown up around football so I don’t get very intimidated by the men I see and I’m more than happy to tell them they’ve had enough.As soon as someone’s slurring heavily, aggressive or struggling to stay standing I stop serving.I’ve also been known to quietly give someone alcohol-free beer – they never notice!We’re lucky that our stewards are very co-operative and will always defend the bar staff, they’re very protective of us female staff. And I always smile – it’s much harder to be rude to someone who’s being polite to you.Football fans love throwing beer at each other – with no booze allowed in stands now (file image)Cocaine is rife at the club where our barmaid works (stock image)Drug cheatsHaving said I’m not intimidated, there has been a noticeable increase in young men – under 25 – taking cocaine at the football.It’s rife at our club, and worrying. It makes them far more aggressive and out of control. You can tell by their eyes if they’ve been indulging.It worries me as it makes them more unpredictable than just being drunk – they get worked up very quickly.I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the standsThey seem to be looking for fights and people to pick on – it’s a shame, it makes it a different atmosphere. I’ve seen fights break out between them, on occasion I’ve just spoken sharply and told them to pack it in, but other times the stewards have had to step in.We do have the odd drink when we’re serving – it’s thirsty work – but I’ve never seen any of the bar staff get actually drunk or take drugs.Here for the beerThere’s a ban on drinking at your seats which has been in place for years and I agree with, because people used to chuck beer at each other and no one wants to leave a match soaking wet.Generally speaking you have a steady trickle of customers at the beginning of the match, then at half time it goes absolutely bonkers.What I find weird is when people come to the football and then spend the whole time by the bar, watching it on the screens.It’s not as though the beer is cheap or it’s particularly comfortable. I guess they’re soaking up the atmosphere, but it seems like such a waste of money.Some men seem to prefer spending the whole match at the bar (stock image)Football and beer can be a great combo…. up to a point (stock image)Family gamesGenerally speaking, the bar staff get on really well with each other and we go out partying after some of the matches.There’s three generations of one family all working at our club – the granny works in catering – pies are the fan’s favourite – the mum is a bar supervisor and her son works in the bar.You get to know each other and some of the fans really well and it’s friendly – like being in your local pub and enjoying seeing the regulars.But I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the stands!Staff at the huge northern club our barmaid works at love to go out and party together (stock image) More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m an ex-Man Utd star now working in construction… a decision I made during the Treble season still haunts me

      by

      FORMER Manchester United starlet Michael Twiss is now happily working in construction – but it’s a case of what might have been.Twiss was Man Utd Reserve Team Player of the Year in 1998 and was close to breaking into the first team before the club’s historic Treble in 1999.Former midfielder Michael Twiss is now enjoying a second career in constructionAnd Twiss regrets joining Sheffield United on loan during the 1998-1999 record-breaking season.He had made his first team Man Utd debut in February 1998 after coming on as a substitute in the club’s 3-2 defeat to Barnsley in their FA Cup fifth round replay.The former midfielder was highly rated coming through the academy at Carrington – a couple of years after the famed Class of 92.But in the summer of 1998, Twiss was in demand.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA former Man Utd captain then made a call that set the wheels of fate in motion.Twiss told the Manchester Evening News: “Steve Bruce was at Sheffield United and was looking for someone to go across.”Eric Harrison put my name forward and I went and I shouldn’t have gone. “Even though loans are sometimes quite good and can work out, I was probably at a point where I was breaking in at United. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”First and foremost I missed the Treble season!”I was unlucky that I went to Sheffield United, did pre-season, played in the League Cup in the second game of the season, which was my first start. I was pro footballer & club captain but I’ve given up at 28 for a new job”And then one of the younger lads injured me in training and my ankle went up like a balloon and I was out for eight weeks.”I was trying to forge my way back into an established team which was difficult.” I perhaps could have progressed at United if I had stayed there.”The Salford-born star had already been involved in European nights with United prior to his loan move across the PenninesHe was in the matchday squad against FC Kosice in 1997-98 as well as in two top flight games. I missed the Treble season!Michael TwissTwiss added: “I had played a couple of games for United already and with doing that.”I should have taken advantage of being in and around it but I was out of sight out of mind at Sheffield United.”It wasn’t like now when there is loads of stats and loan managers. “I am sure there was dialogue and stuff but you just kind of disappeared for a year.”Twiss returned to Old Trafford after the Treble glory, but was released at the end of the 1999-2000 season.Spells at Port Vale and then Conference clubs Leigh RMI, Chester City and Morecambe followed.The now 47-year-old took up construction after retiring from football with non-league outfit Altrincham in 2012.He now works for Kier Group, a provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments.Twiss said: “I have started again and learnt something new. I like the site management side.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You could be out on site and mixing with the banter and also coming into the office. I didn’t want to be sat at my desk all day.”He studied for a Diploma at Salford University and set about seeking work experience, at Coronation Street Studios among other places.Twiss was in demand before joining Sheffield United during the Treble season More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Damon Hill lands new job in F1 just hours after Sky Sports confirmed his replacement in huge broadcasting shake-up

      by

      DAMON HILL has landed a new job just hours after Sky Sports F1 announced his replacement.Hill, 64, had worked as a pundit for Sky Sports on their Formula One coverage since 2012.Damon Hill has landed a new job in F1 after leaving Sky SportsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former world champion left the broadcaster last yearCredit: GettySky announced three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick would replace him this seasonCredit: Sky Sports F1But last November it was announced the 1996 F1 world champion was leaving the broadcaster. Johnny Herbert, who was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022, claimed Hill was pushed after accusing world champion Max Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” during the Mexico Grand Prix.Tributes from Hill’s colleagues poured in at the time, before Sky announced earlier this week that three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, 26, would join the broadcaster for 2025.However, Hill has not wasted any time in landing a new job of his own.READ MORE IN F1But instead of being in front of the camera, Hill will be working as a radio pundit with BBC Sport.The Beeb announced Hill would join their radio coverage for the 2025 season starting with this weekend’s season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.It came alongside an announcement that BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds had secured the exclusive Formula 1 UK radio rights for the next three seasons.Jennie Gow, who has bravely battled back to the pitlane after suffering a stroke in 2022, and Rosanna Tennant will be on the presenting team.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, Harry Benjamin and Ben Edwards will serve as the commentators.Hill will also be joined on punditry by Formula E driver Sam Bird,  former W Series driver Alice Powell and former McLaren race mechanic Marc Priestley.F1 racing returns with the first event of the season the Australian Grand Prix On the upcoming season, Gow said: “With Lewis Hamilton moving stables to Ferrari, Max Verstappen going for a fifth consecutive title, and Lando Norris hoping to win his first drivers’ championship, it’s got all the elements to be the best season in history.”The first practice sessions of the 2025 season got off to a chaotic start as Ollie Bearman crashed out in the first practice session to mark a horror start to the rookie’s season.Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton was outshone by Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, while McLaren duo Lando Norris and home-favourite Oscar Piastri looked sharp Down Under. On the end of his time at Sky Sports, Hill previously said: “I think I felt like the end was coming anyway, because I was kind of pushed back all last year.Who is Jamie Chadwick?Jamie Chadwick is one of the world’s most decorated female racing drivers.She has broken barriers and made history at every level of the sport she has taken part in. Chadwick is a three-time W-Series Champion, MRF Series Champion, the only female racer to ever win an INDY NXT road course and British Formula 3 race and the first ever female and youngest ever driver to win a British GT Championship. A Williams F1 Racing Academy driver since 2019, she is regarded by many as a strong candidate to become the first ever woman to race in Formula One in the modern era. She is a figurehead for women in the sport and is hugely passionate about supporting the next generation of girls on their journey into racing and increasing the participation of young girls in karting.Jamie is currently racing in ELMS and will compete in the Le Mans 24hr this season. She is also continuing her development role for Williams Racing F1. In 2025 she will drive for IDEC Sport in the 2025 European Le Mans Series.She recently launched the Jamie Chadwick Series, an initiative encouraging more young girls to enter racing at the grassroots level, aiming to balance the gender gap in participation. In its first year, the series has reached over 450 girls and seen a dramatic 1900% increase in competitive participation.”I was doing the less attractive races. And they’ve got younger, fresher names. They’ve got Jenson [Button], they’ve got Nico [Rosberg]. And that’s fair enough – I completely get it.”They’re closer to the front line than I am. And it’s TV. There’s got to be a bit of eye-candy factor to it.”On replacing Hill, Chadwick told the Daily Mail: “I hope that anyone who switches on the TV screen and sees female pundits – they see female mechanics, engineers, and drivers hopefully in the future.”I think now the key is going to be trying to transition that female fan base into actual female participation – actually being involved in the sport across the board.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I really don’t think that’s going to take too long, given how quickly we’ve seen the fan base change.”But it’s fantastic for the sport. You turn up to races now and you see so many different people watching and enjoying our sport.” More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      I cried after announcing my MMA retirement and got job on railway tracks… now I’ve got a second chance through boxing

      by

      WITH his eyes full of tears and admittedly harbouring regret, Darren Stewart announced his retirement from MMA. And after getting a job on the railway tracks to support his family – the father-of-two might have thought his fighting days were over. Darren Stewart retired from MMACredit: GettyBut an opportunity Stewart had been waiting for finally arised – offering his career a second chance. Stewart had fought professionally in MMA since 2014 – spending five years in the UFC until a losing streak saw him demoted to the domestic scene. And after six Cage Warriors bouts – the Londoner’s fight offers had dried up – prompting him to announce a heartbreaking retirement. Stewart, 34, told SunSport: “That day I was asking like, ‘What’s happening any more fights?’ READ MORE IN BOXING”And I was getting told that there might not be no more fights until the end of the year.”And I fought at the beginning of the year, so how am I gonna survive? “Remember, I got no job, how am I gonna survive from the beginning of the year to end of the year? No sponsorships, I mean, nothing”And then when I got that message, I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”My missus came and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’ I think she said something like, ‘Yeah, but you always say this.’ “I was like, ‘I’m done now.’ That’s a hard thing to do and I had to do it.” Chris Eubank Jr reveals relationship with dad has broken down completely Stewart was fighting full-time, relying only on his purses to get by and the cost of his fight camp expenses also piled up. He said: “I was getting loads of messages and saying, why, why, why? “I said, ‘What do you mean why?’ I’m not getting no help as a fighter, people just see us fight – it’s more than that.”What happens after the fight? What happens after three, five minutes (rounds). You gotta pay this, you pay that.”I didn’t have no sponsorship either, so you gotta pay this and pay that. It’s just too much, man.”And then what you’re left with that’s gotta cover your rent until so and so and when’s the next fight? You don’t know.” Stewart got a job working on a railway tracks and clocked in every evening as a retired fighter. I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Darren Stewart on retiring But everything changed when he got the call from Misfits Boxing – an avenue he had his eyes on for a while. Misfits – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI – homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Stewart will fight ex-UFC star Darren Till, 32, in Manchester on March 29 having never lost faith in a getting another break. He said: “It was a struggle, man.”I started working on the railway, so going to work every night when everyone’s sleeping. Working on the tracks, lifting heavy stuff. It’s not me.”I mean, my body wasn’t recovering, it was a big struggle, I just kept praying and saying, ‘You know what, something will come around, something will come around.'”I had good people around me and my coach I was still training with, not only do I box with him, I do rehab with him. ‘It’s sad that I’m saying it'”So I do my rehab, get my mobility back for all the years and trauma that my body took from MMA.” Stewart admits to regretting putting all his chips into the MMA basket without having a back-up plan to turn to. And he would advise his eldest so Tyler – who has just started judo – against doing the same. Stewart said in rare honesty: “I will support him, but I’ll say to him, ‘Do something else, just learn it for self defence.'”And depending what he goes into as well. If he’s really good at it, I can’t say nothing I’ve gotta support him, but if you’re just doing it for fun, no, it’s not a fun game.”Fighting’s a real thing, just do it for self defence and go do something else. It’s sad that I’m saying it. “I know people don’t wanna hear this, but I’m the only guy I tell you the truth.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I should write a book after this, honestly. A lot of people ain’t telling you this. When I speak to people, they’re like, ‘Wow, really?’ Yeah, really.”I’ll tell my son, ‘You know what, if you really want to, I’ll support you, but honestly, just learn their self defence and just keep it moving’.”Stewart with his eldest son TylerCredit: @darren_mma More