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    I’ve been relegated and promoted from the Premier League – here’s how Leeds and Burnley can escape ‘yo-yo’ curse

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    SO now we know four  of the six clubs who will be promoted to or relegated from the Premier League.And we need to make sure this magnificent competition remains a meritocracy.Burnley have bounced back to the Prem under Scott ParkerCredit: RexLeeds are also returning to the top flight with two games to spareCredit: RexKarren Brady has seen relegation and promotion during her time as West Ham vice-chairmanCredit: GettyI’ve heard some supporters say: “It’s the same clubs going up and down” — but that’s  just not true. While this season the ‘three-up, three down’ did happen — or is about to — over the years that has not been a regular trend.There have been some yo-yo clubs, but remember in 2021-22 all the promoted clubs stayed in the Premier League and flourished.Just look where they are now. Fulham, Bournemouth and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest are all in the top half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, it can be done and we want to make sure that remains the case, in order to uphold the Prem as world football’s most vibrant and exciting domestic competition.Heck, we must be doing something right as the average top-flight  attendance this season is more than 40,000 and the full-house signs are up everywhere. A decade ago that figure was 36,000 and 20 years ago it was 33,000.If you analyse the stats, relegated clubs from the Prem finish on average ninth in their first  season in the Championship, then 12th in their second season.Most read in FootballThriving Nottingham Forest are fourth in the Prem after beating SpursCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat does not suggest there is a long-term trend for teams  bouncing between the two leagues but it does mean we must keep a very close eye on the situation as the Prem should reward success, as well as punish failure.What we have to ensure is that on any given day any side can beat anyone else in the Prem.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordForest won at Liverpool in  September, just as Fulham beat the champions-elect this month.Ditto Arsenal, who lost at home to West Ham in February.Also, Forest, Bournemouth,  Fulham and Brighton are all in the top half, with Brentford 11th and Crystal Palace 12th. That suggests merit is alive and kicking.To those clubs chasing the Prem dream . . . good luck.So far Sheffield United and Sunderland have booked themselves two of the four play-off  places and both clubs will know that promotion to the top flight will bring unbridled joy to fans.It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket and the financial windfall can change the future.You are then in the big league, performing in front of a global audience of billions.There is increased revenue from TV money, sponsorships, attendances and countless other commercial opportunities which come knocking, whereas for those clubs who get relegated from the Prem it is a tough world out there.Cost-cutting is the name of the game as revenue drops by millions in one hit. I know, I’ve been there.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is ArmageddonI’ve lived with the pain of relegation and  joy of promotion and, believe me, you never forget either.The challenge for whichever club joins Burnley and Leeds in the Prem next season is sustainability.Spend wisely and don’t go overboard in the transfer market.There are examples of clubs who have managed the leap into the Prem after showing resilience and building strong foundations.They have spent on the right players, appointed the right manager and have treated survival as a starting point, not the finishing line.Promotion to the Prem can make or break you and if the powers-that-be abolish parachute payments — which they have threatened to — I predict a very bleak future for some clubs.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is Armageddon.Read More on The SunAs we near the last few hurdles in the campaign, some will dream and some will turn to despair.And that’s why it remains the game we all love. More

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      in Motorsport

      Watch pimped-out white van break THREE speed records to become world’s fastest front-wheel drive Ford

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      A TRADESMAN’S van has made history by smashing three speed records to become the fastest front wheel drive Ford on the planet.The souped up 2001 Escort sped down a quarter mile drag strip in just 8.72 seconds at Santa Pod Raceway in Podington, Beds.Terry and his fizzingly fast FordCredit: Callum PudgeCheeky tweaks to the engine made it the fastest front-wheel drive Ford on the planetCredit: Callum PudgeTerry’s Ford Escort during its record-breaking runCredit: Youtube/santapodtvDriver and owner Terry Newton, 41, hit a top speed of 168.4mph during his second qualifying pass at last weekend’s Festival of Power event.It beat the previous fastest FWD Ford driven in 8.76 seconds at 152mph by a Focus over 20 years ago – and became the fastest FWD Zetec and Zetec stock block.After obliterating the record on Good Friday, Terry said: “I never dreamed of getting it to go that fast. I didn’t think it was possible.“I hadn’t driven since October and we were only going out to check if the van still worked.Most read in Motors“You set off and you just change gears before pulling a parachute but I knew it must have been a decent time as I could feel it dragging the van into the other lane.“When I found out we’d beaten the record, I instantly cried remembering my seven-year-old daughter Elektra said to go win it when I saw her on Wednesday.“We matched the record last year but to beat it is unbelievable as it takes so much work just to shave off those milliseconds when you reach these high speeds.”Terry, of Fat Pig Racing, swapped the van with a mate for a Mk4 Escort six years ago – and didn’t have high hopes after blowing the head gasket driving it home to Preston, Lancs.Most read in MotorsThe mechanic reckons he’s spent more than £100,000 on modifications to make it reach 60mph in just 1.8 seconds, 100mph in 3.9 seconds and 135mph in 5.9 seconds.The two-litre turbo engine, which makes it quicker than a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, burns seven litres of methanol per quarter mile.It provides around 1,100 brake horsepower and could do 230mph but is too powerful to accurately measure without wheel spinning.Terry, who usually drives a Volkswagen Touareg, credits sponsors and mechanics Chris Eade, dubbed the Turbo Doctor, and Graeme Cook for turning the tradie’s van into a world beater.He added: “There’s still work to do. I’m hoping to win an event next month against racers from all across Europe with a £100,000 prize pot.“I got a phone call from world-famous DJ Carl Cox congratulating me as he’s a lovely guy who also races in our class with his own team.“To be the proud owner of the world’s fastest FWD Ford is a really special moment. The sky’s the limit for this old van.”Sun readers wanting to watch Terry in the Doorslammers event at Santa Pod Raceway on May 16-18 can save 20 per cent on tickets by using code SUN20 at checkout.The tradesmen hit a whopping 168.4mph, beating the previous Ford record of 152mph over twenty years agoCredit: Callum Pudge More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr’s torment over painful 6-year rift with idol dad… and how legend’s ‘crazy’ demands ‘cost his son £3m’

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      AS Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr face up in the ring tomorrow at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, not even the screaming crowds and bright lights will be able to hide a very conspicuous absence.While Benn will have his dad Nigel backing him up in his corner, Chris Eubank Sr will be nowhere to be seen – despite this fight opening another chapter in a more than three-decade-old Eubank-Benn rivalry.Chris Eubank Jr and his father have been caught up in an ever-deepening rift since 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe legendary boxer has called Saturday’s fight, between his son and Conor Benn, a “disgrace”Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdTheir relationship has been damaged by the passing of Chris Eubank Jr’s brother, Sebastian, in 2021Credit: Instagram @chriseubankjrChris Eubank Sr has branded the fight a “disgrace” and accused his son of “making a mockery” of the family legacy – even calling for his boxing licence to be revoked after the younger Eubank cracked an egg over Benn’s face in a February press conference.But while the build-up to Saturday’s fight has exacerbated the rift, the fallout is nothing new – dating back to 2019.In recent years their fractured relationship has been overshadowed by the tragic death of two members of the family, while promoter Eddie Hearn even claimed Eubank Sr cost his son millions.Ahead of the showdown, 35-year-old Eubank Jr has faced an uphill battle to shed enough weight, with Benn poking fun at the “pain” his rival had been experiencing at a press conference on Thursday.Read More Boxing“What is pain, though?” Eubank Jr hit back.“I have a 31-year old brother who is buried in the desert in Dubai, that is pain. I have a son, three years old, he asks why can’t I see my daddy? Why can’t he take me to school? That is pain.“My own father, a man I idolised for my entire life, and he doesn’t speak to me. We haven’t spoken in years and he thinks I’m a disgrace. “These things are what pain is to me.” Most read in BoxingFor years, Chris Eubank Jr. could count on his dad’s support as he rose up to establish himself as a fighter in his own right. The father and son pair would often be sat side by side at press conferences, with Eubank Sr. helping to coach and manage his son’s career, and providing Eubank Jr. with critical feedback in between rounds.Driven by Rejection, Defined by Greatness | Behind the Gloves: Chris Eubank SnBut this close relationship would eventually come to an end, with a professional – and personal – break-up that left the younger Eubank heartbroken.“We don’t talk, he has shown no interest in my career for a long period of time now. He’s shown no interest in me in a long period of time,” he said in October.“As somebody who’s lost a son, I think that’s a pretty insane thing [for my dad] to be doing, an insane way to be acting – to kind of not be speaking to your remaining kids.”Fighting demonsEubank Jr added that he still wishes his father will have a change of heart and be there the night of the fight.“I would love for him to be involved. The fact that I even have to say that is insane. How is that even a thing?” he says.“His son is gonna fight the son of his arch-nemesis, [from] all those years ago when he was a world champion. How is it a thing that he may not be there?”The build-up to Eubank Jr vs Benn has reheated the rivalry between the boxing familiesCredit: GettyChris Eubank Jr’s dad was constantly by his side as he established himself as a boxerCredit: GettyEubank Jr says their rift began when he chose to forge his own careerCredit: GettyDoubling down on these feelings in March, he told Piers Morgan: “I still hope he’s there on the night, just like [Benn’s] old man will be. I honestly don’t know. I hope and I pray that he is, and I will do things to try and get him there.“He needs to be able to get over whatever demons he’s fighting. Now, this fight is either gonna enable him to get over those demons or unfortunately it’s gonna make those demons grow. I don’t know.”Conor’s father Nigel also urged Eubank Sr to attend, telling the BBC: “I don’t want him having a disagreement with his son.”We all want you there, so we can see each other after the fight and hug each other and say it is all over – so be there my friend.”Eubank Sr. hasn’t been seen in his son’s corner since 2019, and given their recent comments, it doesn’t seem like their relationship will be healing any time soon.By this time, Eubank Jr felt ready to start taking more control over his career – rather than simply becoming another version of his dad. But his father did not take this move well.“My old man was always next to me, and it got to a stage where I decided that I needed to walk my own path. He was not happy with that decision. That’s the start of it,” Eubank Jr told Morgan.I think it’s going to take me being out of boxing for him to come back into my lifeEubank Jr“I had to step out of that cycle because I felt it wasn’t working, and as my own man, I had learned enough and had done enough in the game to do my own thing, to walk my own path and not follow someone else,” he told the Mirror.Tragically, Eubank Jr added that he’d have to ditch his love of boxing to rebuild any relationship with the man who had given him so much.“At this moment in time, he’s having trouble separating the business and the boxing and the coaching from being just my dad.“I think it’s going to take me being out of boxing for him to come back into my life. I hope that’s not the case, but that’s how I see it.”I’m very appreciative of everything he did and everything he taught me throughout my life and my career, but I want to be my own man, and that’s what I’m doing now.”Family painHowever, their gap only widened after a pair of tragic deaths within the family. Much of Eubank Sr’s fury has been directed at the fact that his son is having to shed so much weight, fearing that boiling down to the 160lb needed will risk needless damage – akin to what left Eubank Sr’s own brother paying the ultimate price.Eubank Sr still mourns the death of his brother Simon, who faced a debilitating battle with dementia caused by boxing injuriesCredit: Instagram @harlemeubankThe older Eubank and his nephew Harlem lost Simon in 2023Credit: Louis WoodEubank Jr has had to drastically cut down his weight in order to make the cut for SaturdayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chriseubankjr/“I don’t want my son getting down to 160lb. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157lb,” Eubank Sr told The Sun while choking back tears.“Trying to boil my son down to 157lb a few years ago, would have killed him. You might think the word ‘killed’ is a bit strong but my brother is dead from boxing. He lost his life from boxing, with frontal lobe dementia. “In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father. I didn’t have the strength to go and see my brother in the last six months of his life because he was locked in spasm all of the time he was awake,” he added.“That is boxing and 20 losses at the hands of the promoters. It’s a business and a racket and when you keep bringing the same guy in to lose, he ends up being killed.“He was my brother. It is real for us.”Chris Eubank Jr hasn’t made one decision, he doesn’t breathe without his dad’s say soEddie HearnEubank Sr’s brother, Simon, passed away aged 61 in September 2023 after a harrowing battle with dementia, believed to have been brought on by injuries sustained in the ring.In response, Eubank Jr’s promoter Ben Shalon agreed that trying to reach 157lb was “crazy”.“It was irresponsible for everyone involved that we asked Chris Eubank Jr to get 157. [It was] absolutely crazy that that was ever agreed to but we’re here now. He’ll make the weight and he’ll be ready to go,” he added, in reference to Saturday’s fight.Tragically, Eubank Jr also lost his brother, Sebastian, after the 29-year old passed away from a heart attack in Dubai in 2021.“That affected [my dad] in a deep way – it affected all of us,” he told Piers Morgan.“Mental health is a real thing. “That incident, coupled with the fact that we were already not seeing eye to eye, destroyed a large part of the relationship.”‘Crazy’ demandsBut the cost of the animosity has been financial as well as emotion, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, which may have driven the younger Eubank’s decision to step out of his dad’s shadow.In 2016, Eubank Jr was being lined up for a £3million bout against WBC, IBF, and WBA belt-holder Gennady Golovkin. Promoter Eddie Hearn blames Eubank Sr’s “crazy” demands for Eubank Jr missing out on a £3million bout in 2016Credit: GettyEubank Sr and his lawyers never ended up signing the contract for the fight against Gennady GolovkinCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Boxing

      Heartbreaking story behind Chris Eubank Sr’s journey to world champion as he admits ‘my brothers despised me’

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      CHRIS EUBANK SR has opened up on the heartbreaking reason behind his rise to the very top of boxing.Senior, 58, is vehemently against son Chris Junior’s showdown with Conor Benn on Saturday night.Chris Eubank Sr outlined his heartbreaking journey to becoming world championEubank Sr wanted to become world champion to gain his elder brothers’ respectEubank Jr and Benn face off at the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s fightCredit: GettyEubank’s brother Simon, with his boxer son Harlem as a toddlerEubank started boxing to get the respect of his brothersThe British boxing legend maintains the fight should not happen, insisting his son dropping down to 160lbs is “dangerous”.The former two-weight world champion fears his 35-year-old lad’s weight drop risks the same damage that left his older brother Simon paying the ultimate price for a career in boxing.Simon lost 20 brutal fights, 11 of them by stoppage, before his tragic death in September 2023.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Senior has now told the heartbreaking story behind his own journey into boxing.Read More on BoxingHe reveals the sole reason he took up the sport in the first place was to gain respect from his elder brothers Peter and Simon.He says: “Boxing became important to me because it was the way in which I was going to win the respect of my brothers.”That’s the reason why it was important to me. Because I could do everything else.”My brothers used to give me a really hard time, beyond what I can actually express to you. And they were doing this because I was intelligent.Most read in Boxing”And this is why I got my bottom roasted by them all the time.”He added: “I loved my brothers, and they despised me. I couldn’t work it out then. Why?Chris Eubank Sr astonishingly says his son’s boxing licence should be ‘REVOKED’ after slapping Conor Benn with an egg”To one I was a fool, to the other I was an idiot, and to one, he didn’t even speak to me.”That was the most brutal of psychological beatings, when someone ignores you.”I’m talking about you’re in the room and never spoke to me. Never spoke to me.”One day I’m going to cry about that, because I’m getting close to that.”Both Peter and Simon were boxers, and it was aged 14 that Senior decided he would follow suit.He had endured a tough upbringing, and was suspended 18 times in one year from his secondary school in Peckham, claiming he was trying to protect his classmates from bullies.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoEarning respectAt 14, Senior decided he would step into the ring and give boxing his best shot – whether he was any good or not.He recalls: “At 14, I’m saying to myself, even if I’m no good at boxing, they’re going to respect me because it takes so much courage to get into the ring and box.”I was standing on a table in a home in North Wales in a place called Llangollen, and I was dancing in the mirror.”At 14 years old, you know, you’ve got all that energy, and I was looking in the mirror like, you know what, I’m going to be a fighter.”He decided he would be world champion. And he stuck to his word.Ten years later, 24-year-old Senior beat Nigel Benn to win the WBO Middleweight Championship.Reaching the topSenior continues: “When I fought Benn on the 18th of November, 1990, I won their respect that particular night.”He admits his brothers were “never” kind to him, but ultimately it acted as the driving force behind his rise to boxing royalty.He recalls: “Brother, you are a really serious tosspot. That’s what I got from them.”But all of this has done nothing but drive me to be better and better and better.”Despite the complex relationship he had with the pair, Senior still holds an enormous place in his heart for his two brothers.Speaking at the time of Simon’s death, Senior told SunSport: “Simon saved my life once. He is the one who truly loved me and that is why I recited Corinthians 1:13 at his funeral.’Love is most powerful’“It talks about how love is the most powerful of all things, and I recited that for him and for what he did for me.“In many respects, it is mercy that he has left us. He is truly at rest now.”Senior blames boxing for Simon’s tragic death, choking back tears as he reveals his brother battled frontal lobe dementia, and had son Harlem feeding him with a baby bottle in his final days.He tells SunSport: “My son probably walks around at around 180lbs and he has to boil himself down to 160lbs.“People don’t understand what it means for Junior to get down to 160lbs, at his age. They don’t understand the drying out.“Junior is now 35 and trying to get down to 160lbs and I know what that feels like. I know about the dehydration and the damage it does to fighters.’It will be a car crash'”I am more concerned about that than anything else. I don’t want my son getting down to 160lbs. And that is why I have spoken about people trying to murder my boy by boiling him down to 157 lbs.”He adds: “I would be in my son’s corner if he was fighting at the right weight. But it mocks everything I stand for and fought for.”I am his dad and the fact he has chosen not to listen means all I can do is step back and watch the car crash – because it will be a car crash.“He doesn’t understand that this is boxing and you lose your faculties, this is dangerous.”Eubank Jr’s promoter Ben Shalom also reiterated to SunSport that the original fight scheduled for 2022 “should never” have been at 157, though he maintains his fighter will make weight at 160lbs on Friday’s weigh-in.Read More on The SunCourtesy of a rehydration clause in the fight deal, Eubank Jr can only weigh in at a maximum of 170lbs at a 10am weigh-in on Saturday morning, hours before he takes to the ring in one of the most fiercely anticipated British fights in years.Watch Sun Sport’s full preview of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn – with former world champion George Groves, Chris Eubank Sr and Harlem Eubank – on our YouTube channel. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Conor Benn’s glitzy life, from influencer wife to incredible car collection featuring £110k ‘weekend car’ Porsche

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      CONOR BENN is on the brink of a career-high payday against Chris Eubank Jr – in a fight sure to boost his already glitzy life. The born rivals renew their family drama at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 35 year after their dads’ first showdown.Chris Eubank Jr facing off with Conor BennCredit: GettyBenn will go to middleweight for the first timeCredit: PABenn with his wife VictoriaThe unbeaten boxer has a love for fast carsThe bruising showdown will be contested at the 160lb middleweight limit – three years after their initial bout was dramatically axed just days before the opening bell.Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene – a substance known to boost levels of testosterone.The son of legendary Nigel Benn vowed to fight his innocence and even headed Stateside – where he racked up two wins at the light-middleweight limit.Benn’s UK Anti-Doping case was later dropped – which allowed him to box in Britain once more while Eubank Jr waited in the wings.READ MORE IN boxing With his own dad being boxing royalty, Benn is no stranger to a luxurious lifestyle,And here, SunSport takes a look at Benn’s charmed life…Living in the fast lane Over the years, he has splashed his cash on an amazing set of motors, including his pride and joy – a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000.After beating knocking out Chris Algieri in 2021, he was spotted with a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Most read in BoxingThe same year, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – just like his dad who had a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn boasts how it’s his “weekend car.”A gold-wrapped Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth £125k is part of Benn’s fleetBenn also splashed the cash on a beautiful Porsche 911Family Guy Benn is married to wife Victoria and they share two children, son Eli and daughter Idony Susanna. The pair began dating in 2017, before tying the knot year later in a private ceremony.She is an author, having written the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with emotions.Victoria also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page – where she has over 27,000 followers and has her own YouTube channel. In her videos, she take viewers behind the scenes of her boxing star husband’s career.Victoria and Conor welcomed their first child together in 2021, son Eli and daughter Idony Susanna followed last year. Victoria has been married to Benn since 2018Victoria is an influencer and authorThey share a son and daughter togetherFlying privateNot only does Benn travel in style on the road – he does so in the air too. The son of legend Nigel showed off a private jet that took him and a crew to Philadelphia for a DAZN fight night.They then headed to Miami on the US trip and captioned the snap: “PHILLY nights with the team, now on to MIA.”The snaps of his trip left a sour tase in wife Victoria’s mouth who was left at home with the kids.Read More on The SunAmusingly, she commented on the snap: “Meanwhile, Idony just threw up on me 🤣”.Benn completed his training camp to fight Eubank in Majorca – and travelled back to London in a private jet with his team and family. Benn enjoys the use of a private jet when he’s workingCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn was joined by Eddie Hearn on board flights to Philadelphia and MiamiCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn travelled from Majorca to London via private jetBenn enjoyed a sunny training camp in Majorca More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr’s lifestyles compared from £4million beachfront villa to growing up in Majorcan mansion

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR and Conor Benn might have differing personalties and fight styles – but they’ve walked very similar paths. The born rivals renew their family war at Tottenham’s stadium – 35 year after their dads first fought.Chris Eubank Jr ahead of his fight with Conor BennCredit: GettyBenn fights Eubank Jr up at middleweightCredit: GettyIt will be contested at the 160lb middleweight limit – three years after their initial bout was dramatically axed with just days to go. Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene – a substance known to boost testosterone. He vowed to fight his innocence and took his career to America for two wins up at the light-middleweight limit. Benn’s UK Anti-Doping case was later dropped – allowing him to box in Britain again as Eubank Jr waited patiently.READ MORE IN BOXINGBoth are stars in their own rights but growing up the sons of British boxing royalty afforded them quite the luxurious lifestyles. And here, SunSport takes a look at the lives Saturday night’s headliners lead. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRich kids Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn’s classic two-fight series was just chapter in a their career of big-money bouts.So their children were raised rich. Most read in BoxingEubank Jr and his three siblings, sister Emily and brothers Sebastian and Joseph, lived in a mansion in Brighton worth £4million. Benn meanwhile grew up in an eight-bedroom property in Majorca with a pool and even a jacuzzi in his room. But he still had to earn his own money as a painter and decorator in Spain making just €20 a day.The Benns later moved to Sydney – where Conor would first start boxing as an amateur – before he returned to the UK to turn professional. Eubank’s dad meanwhile filed for bankruptcy in 2009 – selling his mansion with the family instead relocating to a flat above a nursery. At 16, Eubank Jr and his late brother Sebastian, who sadly passed away in 2021, moved to Las Vegas to further their training. He returned to turn professional in 2011 – with Benn following five years later.Benn likes to wear designer clothesCredit: InstagramAs does Eubank, posing in a similar Gucci jacketCredit: InstagramTravelling in style While Eubank Jr and Benn may not see eye to eye – one thing they do share in common is a love for fancy cars.Eubank Jr’s prized possession has long been his custom McLaren 720S – worth around £210,000. Modified by German brand Mansory, it’s the ultimate petrol head’s car and better still he custom-plated it ‘EU13ANK’.Eubank Jr has also been known to drive a black £215,000 Lamborghini Huracan, reaching a top speed of over 200mph and 0-60mph in just 2.3 seconds.Others previously on the driveway include a £116,000 BMWi8, a £178,000 red Ferrari 458, a £164,000 Mercedes-Benz G63, a £115,000 Range Rover Urban SVR and a £240,000 Bentley Mansory GT Race.Eubank Jr poses with his Mclaren 720s on Brighton Palace PierCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CifO8Z9rQ3r/?hl=enEubank Jr shows off a stunning Ferrari 458 worth £178,000 on InstagramCredit: InstagramThe Mercedes G Wagon is Eubank Jr’s dream carCredit: InstagramOne of Eubank Jr’s early cars was a top-of-the range Range RoverCredit: InstagramIn 2018, Eubank Jr shared a stunning Bentley to his followersCredit: InstagramBut, it’s not clear whether Eubank Jr rented or bought the motors outright and how many he still keeps to this day. Benn meanwhile has driven a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000 and a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Also in 2022, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – copying his dad who bought a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn calls it his “weekend car.”And both boxers are also known to jet set in style, often flying private when they go abroad. Both also enjoy luxury designer clothes – posing in similar Gucci jackets – and showing off their fancy watches. Eubank posing next to a private jetCredit: InstagramBenn is also known to fly privateCredit: InstagramBenn sits on the bonnet of his stunning £258k Rolls-RoyceCredit: InstagramAfter beating Chris Algieri, Benn treated himself to a S63 AMGCredit: InstagramLike his dad, Benn owns a stunning Porsche 911 CarreraCredit: InstagramLiving in luxury Both men grew up in mansions – and they’re keeping it that way. Eubank Jr has a stunning four-bed mansion in Hove – with a pool outside – that is currently on the market for just under £2m.But his home away from home is in Dubai, where his nephew Raheem lives. Eubank Jr has taken on a father role since the tragic passing of younger brother Seb – who welcomed Raheem into the world in 2021.He bought a stunning five-bedroom Indigo Ocean Villa on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali Island worth £4m.Eubank Jr put this stunning Hove home up for saleCredit: FINEANDCOUNRTY.CO.UKHe lives in an incredible detached four-bedroom houseCredit: FINEANDCOUNRTY.CO.UKThe pool is undoubtedly the main selling point of the houseCredit: FINEANDCOUNRTY.CO.UKAs well as five bedrooms and four bathrooms, the 7,882 square-foot home has multiple private balconies and a spacious roof terrace.The bedrooms and bathrooms are spaced out over three floors, the top of which features a stunning terrace.Benn meanwhile has a beautiful Essex home which he shares with his wife Victoria and their two children, son Eli and daughter Idony Susanna. The couple are also believed to have an apartment in Spain. Eubank Jr purchased a stunning new home in DubaiCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIHe dropped a cool £4million on the stunning abodeCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIEubank Jr’s new UAE pad has five bedrooms and four bathroomsCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIFamily affair Benn is very close with his dad Nigel, who spent the whole training camp in Majorca besides his son. The unbeaten welterweight also had a surprise visit from his wife and two children. Partner Victoria has a following of her own as a social media influencer and author.She wrote the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with their emotions and also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page, where she has over 26,000 followers.Conor Benn with wife VictoriaCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNVictoria is a social media influencer and authorThe couple share a son and a daughter togetherNigel Benn with his son ConorCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe pair began dating in 2017, before walking down the aisle a year later in a private ceremony.They welcomed son Eli into the world in 2021 and daughter Idony Susanna in 2024. Eubank Jr meanwhile keeps a more private life, not giving away whether he is in a relationship or not. But he has opened the door to having children of his own after taking on the role of carer alongside nephew Raheem’s mum. Read More on The SunEubank Jr has also sadly fallen out with his dad over the past few years – leading to public back and forths between them. And interestingly, Eubank Jr’s sister Emily is in a long-term relationship with Frank Smith, who promotes Benn alongside Eddie Hearn.Chris Eubank Jr is sadly estranged from his dadCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEubank Jr with his nephew RaheemCredit: X/ ChrisEubankJrRaheem’s dad Sebastian sadly passed away in 2021Credit: X/ ChrisEubankJrEddie Hearn and Frank Smith promote BennBut Smith is with Eubank’s sister EmilyCredit: Instagram @franksmithEmily pictured with brother ChrisCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Tottenham are just famous for being famous, like Gemma Collins – they should not be part of Premier League’s Big Six

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      SHOULD Son Heung-min end up lifting the Europa League trophy for Tottenham, it will only start the argument —  not finish it.Win their first silverware since 2008 and some will claim Spurs are back among the Big Six, others may say English football’s ultimate fancy Dans never went away.Tottenham’s place in the Big Six comes with question marks that won’t go even if they win the Europa LeagueTottenham are famous for being famous — like Gemma CollinsAll while it’s a reasonable shout to suggest they should never have been in it in the first place.Spurs did well to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight. A cracking achievement, given how hopeless they are on the home front this season.Monday night’s soulless surrender to Nottingham Forest came just four days after a stirring victory in Germany.The European quest is impressive of late and hopefully they’ll go all the way and bring the trophy back next month.Read More on FootballIf they do, it will finally end an agonising wait for glory stretching back 17 years — about the same time as it takes to walk from the ground to Seven Sisters Tube.The 2008 League Cup final success over Chelsea is a fast-fading and flimsy claim to historical fame.Because that came almost a decade after they had bagged the same trophy. North London’s original football club have never been serial winners.Tottenham try to play aesthetically. They have employed a few skilful  players — David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne. But, ultimately, they are famous for being famous — like Gemma Collins.Most read in FootballSo what exactly is it that makes so many people within the game class them as members of the so-called Big Six?And in an age of fluid wealth, when clubs can be transformed overnight with foreign investment, maybe it’s time to dismiss the  idea of an elite enclave.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleDefining the size of a football club has no universal measure.It’s genuinely surprising that as football lurches towards total automation, some smart-arse has not conjured up a Stephen Hawking-style algorithm to calculate it to ten decimal places.Capacity of ground multiplied by number of honours, then dividing that by length of time between trophies is one possibility.Money in the bank, times international players, minus number of losses squared, all over position in the league table?Football today bears no resemblance to the 1980s. Back then it was easier to work it out as money didn’t muddy the equation so much. Life was simpler.Along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, Tottenham were in a league of their own. It’s not so clear-cut now.Behind the competitionThey have a lovely, big ground.  Stamford Bridge is tiny by comparison — but Chelsea are now by far the most successful club in London.Newcastle are awash with Saudi cash and winning this season’s Carabao Cup means they have won as much as Tottenham since 2008. Aston Villa are waking up from a decades-long coma.They entertained us in the Champions League this season and are fighting hard to get back in it.Manchester City were poor neighbours of United for donkey’s years. Eddie Large was their most famous fan.Yet this season is a write-off, even though they may yet win the FA Cup and qualify for a 14th successive campaign in the Champions League.They have billions locked away in their Arab owners’ vaults  and have amassed four Premier League titles on the trot. The Etihad isn’t the biggest mind.ResentmentThere’s been just two seasons since 2010 when Spurs finished outside the top six. Yet they are 16th and every match at their enviable new ground is tainted by resentment towards the ownership.They will lose more league games this season than they will win.Even if Son does get his hands on that Europa League trophy, three cups in 26 years is hardly massive. Relegated Leicester have won bigger things — the title and FA Cup — in the past decade.It’s mind-bogglingly complex working out  who is the biggest and the best.Maybe it’s easier switching the sums around and instead of going mad deciding who is in the Big Six, work out who isn’t. The Tottenham conundrum is much simpler then.MARESCA CAN’T WINENZO MARESCA copped it from some fans for not joining in the post-match celebrations of Chelsea’s win at Fulham.Even though he had just been booked for overdoing it on the touchline when Pedro Neto smashed home the winner moments earlier.There is a palpable distance between the Chelsea supporters and the reserved Italian.I’ve yet to hear them sing his name and there is a feeling that whatever he does, they will never completely warm to him.With Chelsea trailing at half-time on Sunday, Maresca was forced to take the long walk past the away end at Craven Cottage and was roundly labelled a “w*****” by a noisy minority.I don’t blame him for not wanting to attend the post-match party and salute those who, 45 minutes earlier, were giving him such stick. It seems he cannot win, despite having just won.Meanwhile, over at all-but-relegated Ipswich, boss Kieran McKenna’s name was lustily cheered when read out before they were thumped 4-0 by Arsenal. It seems he cannot lose, despite losing a lot.ROCKET’S LAUNCHEDLEAST surprising result of the week is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s demolition of arch-adversary Ali Carter at snooker’s World Championship.The Rocket rocked up to the Crucible, typically out of form and playing the wounded animal, claiming he would be lucky to  pot even one red ball.A crushing 10-4 triumph later — having won five frames in   succession — and O’Sullivan is in the balls, as they say. And into the last 16.He is someone who changes his mind on a daily basis whether or not he wants to pick up a cue. But he has seven world titles dating back to 2001.O’Sullivan  turns 50 in December — and  there is a serious belief that he will be enjoying his eighth world crown, having surpassed the haul of his other great baize nemesis, Stephen Hendry.ENI’S WRIGHT JIBE IS JUST WRONGTHE BEST broadcasters choose their words carefully.Eni Aluko has not with her surprising attack on Ian Wright for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.Ex-Chelsea star Aluko says:  “If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game  but that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game.”No, she can’t but maybe that’s for individual reasons rather than sexism. Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will be sharing the biggest presenting gig in football with Mark Chapman on Match of the Day from next season.Read More on The SunThat’s two women and one man hosting the country’s flagship highlights show  covering the biggest men’s league in the world, with a vast audience.Genuine question . . . am I missing something here? More

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      Jamie Vardy’s incredible career saw him win Golden Boot in non-league AND Prem as magical 13-year Leicester spell ends

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      JAMIE VARDY is the glittering success story of the English football pyramid, a star that went from non-league to Premier League and captured fans’ hearts along the way.Vardy, 38, has announced that he is calling it quits on his 13-year spell with Leicester City in an emotional video following the Foxes’ relegation from the top flight.Jamie Vardy has announced he is leaving Leicester CityCredit: GettyThe venomous bagsman has graced the Champions League, won the Premier League, lifted the FA Cup and played 26 times for the England national team.But even he wouldn’t have expected to hit those heights when he was kicking about with Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood in his early days.OWL ASPIRATIONSSome kids grow up wanting to be Lionel Messi, David Beckham or Thierry Henry – playing at the top level and winning trophies and individual accolades.But Vardy’s idol growing up was someone much closer to home, Sheffield Wednesday striker David Hirst.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy, a boyhood Owls fan, revealed in his autobiography: “I didn’t want to be anybody else. Once I had a ball at my feet, which was every spare moment of the day, I became the legend that played upfront for the club I loved.”I idolised David Hirst because he did exactly what I wanted to do – score goals for Sheffield Wednesday.”Vardy was a huge Sheffield Wednesday fan as a kidFOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPSVardy’s dream to be a Wednesday star almost came true when he signed for the club as a youngster.The striker impressed former Owls academy director Clive Baker in a trial at Middlewood, the club’s training ground in Hillsborough, and earned himself a place in their youth set-up.Most read in FootballBut those dreams were then snatched away from him at age 15, when the academy coaches at Wednesday axed him – a decision that almost saw him hang up his boots.He revealed: “It was 2002 when I was fired from the Sheffield Wednesday Academy at the age of 15.”At a meeting at the end of the season with my coaches, I was told that I was not kept because I was too small… it was terrible.“From there, I stopped playing football for almost a year. At the weekend, I did everything and anything but not football. I said to myself: ‘There’s no point in continuing, I’m not made for that.”Vardy during his days with the Sheffield Wednesday academy Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadA NON-LEAGUE RETURNAfter a year away from the game, Vardy returned to the pitch with his ambition reinstated and his eyes on achieving something.This time he joined local team Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he played U18s football before making the step up to the first team in 2006.At 19 years old – the age most future stars are making their Premier League debuts – Vardy was playing in the eighth tier of English football.And he was doing it while balancing a job at a carbon fibre factory, supplementing his £30-per-week wages with the football club.His time with Stocksbridge was a far cry from the top flight, and Vardy even found his career being hampered by police intervention following an altercation outside a nightclub in 2007.Despite pleading his innocence claiming he was defending a friend who was deaf, he was found guilty and was forced to play in an ankle tag.In some games he could only play 60 minutes as he had to get home to ensure he didn’t miss his 6pm curfew.A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONVardy spent four years in the Steels first team, scoring 66 times in 107 games.Naturally, he was attracting the interest of teams in the leagues above him as a result.Crewe Alexandra took him on trial, but turned him down after just one week.Closer to home, Rotherham presented a contract to him but Vardy chose not to accept it.Finally he landed on a switch to Halifax Town, who signed him for just £15,000 in 2010.Vardy spent just one year with Halifax, netting 26 goals in 37 games and winning the club’s Player of the Year.He helped fire the Shaymen to the title, earning himself a switch to Conference Premier club Fleetwood Town for the following campaign.Jamie Vardy scoring a goal for Halifax TownCredit: Halifax CourierWHO VAR YA?It was the biggest step in Vardy’s career so far, he was climbing up the divisions and earning a reputation as an establishes goalscorer.But just because some people were starting to talk about him, didn’t mean everyone knew his name – including his team-mates.Vardy’s former Fleetwood strike partner Gareth Seddon told The Guardian: “I’d never heard of him. At first some of the lads were like: ‘Why have we signed this lad? From a few leagues below?’”Then, in his first game, he was unbelievable. And we were just: ‘That’s the reason he signed!’”I’ve never played with anyone as quick, I’ve been a professional for 18 years – he kind of glides across the pitch.”He’s got nothing to him, yet he was aggressive, and has energy. We did the bleep test and he just went and went and went. We were like: ‘Frigging hell!’”It was at Fleetwood where Vardy earned his first Golden Boot award, scoring 31 goals in 36 matches in his first season for The Fishermen.After playing Blackpool in the FA Cup, Tangerines manager Ian Holloway offered Fleetwood Town £750,000 for his services, which they turned down because they wanted £1million.Vardy was signed for Fleetwood Town after his success with HalifaxCredit: AlamyHis immediately impressive form had bigger clubs knockingCredit: GettyFOR FOX SAKEFleetwood finally got that £1m when a Championship Leicester City came knocking to try to freshen up their front line in 2012.But even after his sensational form in the lower leagues, fans still weren’t convinced.One supporter took to social media to write: “Leicester have signed non-league striker Jamie Vardy for £1m. What has football come to. Jesus Christ!!” How silly he would be made to look.Although, the angry fan did appear correct for a brief period as Vardy struggled to adapt to life in England’s second tier, scoring just five goals in 29 games in his first season.He revealed: “When you step up the leagues, the defenders are better at reading the game, better positioned, not as slow as everyone thinks a centre-half should be and that’s when I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.“I was realising that certain stuff I was doing the year before at Fleetwood wasn’t working. For myself and probably for people that were watching as well, it wasn’t good enough.”Vardy struggled in his first season as a Leicester playerCredit: Getty Images – GettyTHE 5000/1 SEASONVardy was determined to succeed despite a shaky start to life with the Foxes.His second campaign at Leicester saw him score 16 league goals as the club were promoted into the Prem, sealing Vardy’s gritty rise from the depths of the football pyramid to the top.Leicester narrowly avoided relegation during their first season back in the big-time, 2014/15, as Vardy managed just five league goals.Little did he know that he and his team-mates were about to embark on one of the greatest achievements in English football history when Leicester overcame 5000/1 odds to lift the Premier League the following season.Vardy scored an astonishing 24 league goals in the 2015/16 season as Leicester pulled off a miracle to become champions – while he set the record for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games.That title meant Vardy would play Champions League football less than ten years after he had been balancing a factory job with his £30-per-week non-league contract.In the seasons that followed Vardy turned down an offer to sign for Arsenal in order to stay with Leicester after building a legacy with the club that had taken a risk on him all those years ago.Staying put also saw him win the Premier League golden boot in the 2019/20 season after scoring 23 goals as Leicester finished in the European places again.As well as winning the FA Cup with the Foxes in 2021.Vardy helped Leicester win the Premier League in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe won the FA Cup with the Foxes in 2021 tooCredit: APThe striker was the Premier League top goalscorer during the 2019/20 seasonCredit: GettyCAUGHT LION?It was no surprise that England would come knocking at some point and Vardy was just as impressive on the international stage as he was at club level. Aged 28, Vardy wore the Three Lions on his chest during a friendly against Ireland.He would go on to earn 26 caps and score seven goals, representing England at both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.However, there was trouble in paradise when his involvement in the national team sparked the ‘Wagatha Chrstie’ drama between his wife Rebekah and England team-mate Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen.Rebekah Vardy was accused of leaking stories about Coleen Rooney’s life to the media, something that ultimately ended in a high-profile libel trial.The trial swept the nation with Vardy and Rooney both supporting their wives at court.Vardy’s time with England led to drama involving teammate Wayne RooneyCredit: Getty Images – GettyRebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney were entangled in a libel trial at High CourtCredit: PAVardy supported his wife during the trialCredit: PAEND OF AN ERAVardy never turned away from Leicester as he cemented his legacy as a club legend.That included sticking with them after their relegation from the Premier League in 2023, helping them bounce straight back up from the Championship with 18 goals during the 2023/24 season.But after the Foxes fell back down to Championship this season – in a dire record-breaking relegation campaign – Vardy has finally decided to call it quits on his 13-year spell with Leicester.The striker is on the brink of 500 appearances for the club, scoring 198 times and registering 69 assists.In an emotional video Vardy announced that he will be leaving Leicester at the end of the season.He said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go.”If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.Read More on The Sun”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”Vardy leaves Leicester with a stunning haul of achievementsCredit: GettyThe striker will go down as a club legendCredit: AP More

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      Ian Wright’s touching £1,700 gesture to injured women’s football star revealed after Eni Aluko criticised Arsenal legend

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Ian Wright continues to prove that he is just as much of a legend off the pitch as he was on it.The 61-year-old has been a huge advocate for women’s football over the years.Ian Wright is paying £1,700 out of his own pocket for a player’s ACL injury rehabCredit: GettyKayleigh McDonald has thanked Wright for his generosityCredit: GettyAnd last April, he showed just how much he cared with an incredible gesture to a player who had suffered a potentially career-jeopardising injury.After Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald suffered a ruptured ACL during a match against Burnley, she was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed.The Telegraph has revealed that he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender has revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.McDonald has insisted that Wright deserves more recognition for his kind gesture.She told Telegraph Sport: “I wouldn’t be in a great place mentally if it wasn’t for Ian Wright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEni Aluko has criticised Wright for ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football broadcastingCredit: Getty”I would probably still be waiting for my surgery if it wasn’t for him.”For him to do this for me, someone he didn’t know, I think there should be more of a spotlight shone on him.”Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview News of the Arsenal legend’s incredible generosity comes after he was criticised by former England Lioness Eni Aluko for “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour earlier this week, she said: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”When asked to clarify if she thought it was wrong for Wright to be at the forefront of women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.”Men need to be aware that, you know, you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Wright has continued to back the growth of women’s football in recent years.In 2023, he teamed up with Barclays to help create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund – an initiative created to increase the number of female coaches at grass-roots level.He made a £15,000 donation and paid for 664 female coaches to attend their Level One training course.And in 2022, following England’s European Championship semi-final win over Sweden, he insisted that all girls should have the opportunity to play football at school.Wright said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?Read More on The Sun”We have to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.”The former Arsenal striker started a women’s football podcast with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton last year and regularly features on ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses.McDonald was forced to set up a GoFundMe page when Stoke initially refused to pay for surgeryCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWright is now paying £1,700 a month for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the sport both on and off our TV screens.So I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko had criticised him earlier this week for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money in building up the game.And he is not just doing the bare minimum.From supporting a semi-pro player throughout her recovery from a severe ACL injury to helping hundreds of women earn their Level One coaching qualification, he cares.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women as it is.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.It’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.We’re lucky to have him. 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