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    Inside Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna’s 4-star family hotel, featuring an AA Rosette restaurant and world class spa

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    THE last weekend of the Championship brought scores of Ipswich Town fans to the stunning 4-star Manor House Hotel in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.Not because they fancied pampering themselves, after one too many in celebrating the club’s epic promotion.Look inside the Manor House Country Hotel in Fermanagh Lakelands owned by Kieran McKenna’s familyCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelRooms can cost as much as £280-per-nightCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelStaff joked that Donald Trump had taken over the hotel on April Fools’ DayCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelMcKenna is a hero for Ipswich Town fans after achieving back-to-back promotionsCredit: GettyThe countryside venue, which boasts breathtaking views of Lough Erne’s lakes, put on a viewing party showing the Tractor Boys’ final game of the season against Huddersfield Town.Better still, anyone wearing a Town shirt gets a free pint in the hotel bar.But why is this first class establishment opening its doors to football fans, when usually first class weddings are its bread and butter?The explanation is simple. The Manor House Hotel has been in Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna’s family for 35 years.Read more football newsIt was bought by the highly-regarded coach’s mum and dad Mary and Liam in 1989.The pair turned it into a stunning destination, after overseeing a huge number of developments to the property.They built two extensions – one to turn eight rooms into 80; and the second to house a luxury leisure and spa suite.Now, they are reaping the rewards – with the hotel able to charge as much as £280-per-night and featuring an award-winning AA Rosette restaurant.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it has attracted celebrity clientele, including Gary Lineker, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Noel Edmonds.Keeping it in the familyWith Kieran McKenna dedicating his life to football, it was up to his siblings James and Rosemary to handle operations.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League footballThey took over the reins of the 18th Century Grade Two Listed building last year, despite joking Donald Trump was taking over on April Fools’ Day, that boasts breathtaking views of Lough Erne’s lakes.“We’re lucky to have such brilliant mentors in our parents,” James McKenna told The Impartial Reporter.“They built the hotel up from eight to 80 bedrooms, constantly making improvements and adding new strands to the business.“But they’ve also purposefully been quite hands-off, allowing us to figure things out for ourselves and encouraging us to put our own stamp on things.”The hotel employs more than 100 staff, and is winning awards just like Kieran McKenna’s side.At the end of 2023, the Manor House Hotel was crowned Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious Irish Hotel Awards.That accolades don’t stop there. Executive chef Stephen Greenwood and his team of chefs, who craft fine delicacy at the hotel’s Belleek Restaurant, were also awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.The hotel’s Belleek Restaurant, was awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellenceCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelGuests can enjoy a variety of breakfasts, including a Full IrishCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelAfternoon tea is catered for at the restaurantCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe Grand Ball Room is an award-winning venue for first class weddingsCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelWhile their wedding service has also been heralded as the best in Northern Ireland.Guests of up to 300 can enjoy the Grand Ball Room for a large wedding, while a more intimate setting can be catered for in the Burns Suite.Of course, the nuptials can take place lakeside on manicured lawns, with extensive gardens, and an elegant water fountain as a backdrop.Restaurants Back to dining options, and there are several to choose from.As mentioned, the Belleek Restaurant is the most exclusive.They serve breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as a roast on a Sunday.Breakfast staples include a full Irish, featuring pork sausage, grilled bacon, black and white pudding, roasted tomato, mushrooms, beans, potato Bread, toasted soda farl and egg. There’s certainly no skimping.While, lighter meals include a grilled ham benedict or fruit salad.For dinner, diners can indulge in pan fried seabass, lamb, Irish beef fillet, or monkfish.Prices are missing from the menu, but with four pound signs attributed to it on TripAdvisor – that suggests it’s pricey.However, the five-star reviews it gets from patrons suggests it’s worth it.The beautiful spa is the perfect place to unwindCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe spa boasts a spacious sauna for guests to enjoy with a £15 day passCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelA jacuzzi is also available for guests to enjoyCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe Manor House Country Hotel in Fermanagh Lakelands is as luxury as it getsCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelReviews for the restaurant are usually five starOn Sundays the restaurant offers a carveryFine Irish whiskeys are on offer at the The Watergate BarOn the ground floor, the Cellar Bar and Bistro offers is said to be a more reasonable spot for a bite to eat and enjoy live music at weekends.The Watergate Bar seems the perfect spot to sink an Irish whiskey.SpaIf you’re not a foodie, and prefer health and fitness, the Manor House Hotel has your back.Guests and members have a wealth of amenities to enjoy, including a state-of-the-art gym.For those looking to relax, the spa and sanctuary is just the ticket.Various treatments are available to soothe skin, body and mind.READ MORE SUN STORIESA reasonably priced £15 day pass gives you access to a full size swimming pool with massage jets, hot tub, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.Should Kieran McKenna need somewhere to eat, drink, sleep and recuperate – you can bet the Manor House Country Hotel would be the first on his lift. 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      Kylian Mbappe tipped for shock transfer to ‘different continent’ before joining Real Madrid after turning 26

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      MARCEL DESAILLY has suggested that Kylian Mbappe swerves his proposed move to Real Madrid… For now.The 1998 French World Cup winner has said Mbappe should move to the Saudi league for a year before joining Madrid in a mega-deal.Marcel Desailly has recommended that Mbappe join the Saudi leagueCredit: AFPMbappe turned down the chance to join a Saudi side last yearCredit: GettyThe opinion is based on a Saudi approach for Mbappe last summer when he looked nailed on to leave Paris.PSG accepted a £259million bid from the Saudi league but Mbappe ultimately turned down the offer.The deal would have seen him play in Saudi for a season before joining Madrid this summer.And it was reported that the Saudi league would have offered Mbappe £11.6m-a-week to essentially spend the year on loan there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite that deal looking dead in the water, and Mbappe pretty much nailed-on to join Madrid this summer, Desailly thinks he should still find a way to experience the Saudi League.Speaking to beIN Sports, Desailly said: “I’ve said it already, I would move to a different continent. For him, I’m not sure Madrid is the perfect place for him to be.“We have Vinicius on the left side, a player showing the quality like Bellingham so he’s not going to be the full number one that he wants.“He’s not announcing where he’s going and even though he wants to keep it and announce it like a star there must be something behind it, a surprise.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“If you think about the business of football, for £350million I would go to Saudi for a year, then come back next season – the year of the World Cup – aged 26 and a half, cash out and play football because what does Mbappe want? He wants to play football.”Asked about his prediction of Mbappe moving to Saudi Arabia, Desailly added: “This is what I feel and what I think as a businessman and looking at the business side of things.Mbappe laughs and brutally shuts down thought of joining Arsenal“It’s still competitive in Saudi… broadcasters are coming in to show the matches around the world.“They are doing what Qatar did in 2004 or 2005 and I went there to promote and expose the country.“It is a business on both sides and I do believe that this could be an opportunity for him to make more business and play more football after the Euros.”Desailly alluded to the fact that he was a trailblazer for today’s generation of footballers that now ply their trade in the Middle East.Following a successful career that saw him play for the likes of Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea, he left to join Qatari side Al Gharafa in 2005. He would go on to end his career at Qatar SC in 2006. More

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      Inside Ipswich’s multi-million pound Premier League plan with ‘non-negotiable changes’ and ‘hell of a lot to do’

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      IPSWICH TOWN are set to splash out “several million pounds” after earning Premier League promotion.The Suffolk side were automatically promoted to the top flight after securing 96 points in a remarkable 90-goal Championship campaign.Ipswich’s Kayden Jackson led the celebrations after his club earned back-to-back promotionsCredit: RexBut the club are set to spend millions in order to host Prem football next yearCredit: PAVAR will need to be installed at Portman Road ahead of it’s return to the PremCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt will be the first time in 22 years that the Tractor Boys will be in the top tier after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, who were relegated to League One.But chief executive Mark Ashton said there was “a hell of a lot of work to do” to ensure the club’s facilities met league standards.He said a planning application for a “big build” at the Playford Road training ground was to be submitted imminently.It followed Premier League officials visiting the club in January and handing over a list of work that would need to be done if Kieran McKenna’s side were promoted.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRegulations show all top-flight teams need to have installed goal-line technology in order to compete.They must also facilitate the installation of equipment that would enable the use of video assistant refereeing.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “There’s several million pounds worth of works to do.”That’s going to mean some quite big infrastructure changes at Portman Road over the summer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 52-year-old said builders had already been on site at Playford Road to plan the impending improvements.He added: It’s going to see some changes, it’s things we have to do that are non-negotiable from the Premier League.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League football”Once I’ve had time to breathe, I’ll talk to the fans so they know what’s going on.”But Ipswich’s promotion will bring millions to the area.Terry Baxter, who represents local businesses in Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, said the financial and emotional benefits will be “massive”.He told ITV: “We’re talking about somewhere between £500 and £600 million worth of economic benefit to the area and that’s huge for a town like Ipswich.”Similarly, Luton Town had to splash out similar amounts of cash after they were promoted to the Premier League following last season’s play-off final victory over Coventry.The Hatters were forced into paying out £10m on a new stand to meet the league’s broadcast requirements at Kenilworth Road.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of their historic home – particularly the away end that requires fans to walk over local residents’ back gardens.However, Ipswich will likely not have to fork out as much, given that their tier structures do meet the standards, after the Sir Alf Ramsey was rebuilt in 2001, and Sir Bobby Robson stand in 2009.Luton were forced into delaying home fixtures this seasonStairs lead up to the Oak Stand, running above residents’ gardens More

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      Inside Brit F1 ace Lando Norris’ £80m life from stunning model girlfriend to the unlikely source of his need for speed

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      LANDO NORRIS has had a need for speed from a very young age – but his first Formula One win came after  109 previous attempts to take the chequered flag.Britain’s new race ace, who roared to victory in the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, made his F1 debut five years ago — whereas fellow British track star Lewis Hamilton took his first win in only his sixth Grand Prix, in Canada in 2007.Lando Norris is Britain’s latest F1 superstarCredit: GettyNorris celebrates after winning the Miami Grand Prix on SundayCredit: RexLando, 24, began racing aged seven and was competing in kart racing by the age of 13.He won the karting world championship the following year, 2014 — taking the title from Lewis — before he shifted to car racing the same year.In 2015 he started racing in the F4 championship, the usual route via F3 and F2 to F1, signing as a junior driver for McLaren in 2017.Lando, who dedicated Sunday’s superb win to his grandma, already made history as the youngest-ever British driver in F1 in 2019 aged 19.READ MORE F1 NEWSPublic schoolHe is now understood to have a four-year deal with McLaren worth £80million.Only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are paid more.Not that Lando was short of money before.He is the second child of businessman Adam Norris, who has a £205million fortune, and Belgian mum Cisca.Most read in MotorsportHe grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset, with his older brother Oliver and younger sisters Flo and Cisca, and went to nearby Millfield public school, where boarding fees are more than £40,000 a year.But he left before taking his GCSEs as his star began to rise — slowly but surely — in the motorsport world.Lando Norris spotted with Portugese supermodel who dated former Chelsea striker at Monte Carlo Masters finalAfter Sunday’s triumph his dad told Sky Sports: “It’s been a long time coming, I think everyone is saying it.“It’s been amazing, you’ve seen 110 [Grands Prix] but I was working it out, it’s probably about 900 races I’ve been to over the last 16 years. It’s been a long time, but it’s there — we got there.“I counted out 350 weekends away, and then all the other races on those weekends, but it’s brilliant, I love it. I’m so happy for him.”Lando’s parents were not in Miami for the race, but saw it on TV at home, like countless fans worldwide.But Adam was sent a text by Lewis’s dad acknowledging the win and the sacrifices the family had made to get Lando into the top spot.He had previously come second eight times, making Sunday’s victory seem even longer in coming after years of striving to make it.After growing up in Somerset he moved to a mansion near the McLaren headquarters in Woking, Surrey, but last year he moved to tax haven Monaco — like many of his fellow racing drivers.He said the move was so he could ensure he could “look after my things for my future”, and so that many of his friends and family can visit.However, it is believed he still owns a £20million pad in Surrey, should he ever need to be in the UK.He also owns a fleet of road-going supercars, including a £300,000 McLaren 765LT Spider and a £1million McLaren Senna, and he is understood to have a £350,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith and a £28,000 classic 1950s open-top Fiat Jolly.It seems Lando is having the last laugh on childhood bullies, who targeted him over his stature — he is 5ft 6in — which also led to mockery on the karting track as a youngster.Now he is one of the most loved stars on the F1 circuit for his down-to-earth attitude — such as his willingness to get his hands dirty.After the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix he was spotted sitting cross-legged, in his own world, unscrewing bolts from his car.McLaren boss Zak Brown has watched him bloom since he first signed with the company in 2017, and said: “He used to be extremely shy, and he still is to a certain extent. Now his manner is more extroverted, but not in a loud way. Although he was uber-fast from day one, his race craft and maturity is now at another level.”Despite all the privilege and adoring crowds that come with being a professional sportsman, Lando has not let it go to his head.The favourite thing about his job, ahead of the cars and money, is his young fan base.‘Lucky charm’He said: “For me, the coolest thing is always seeing the kids, that I can relate to the most.“I remember being there with my dad. We waited just outside the gates.“The world of F1 was so big and I was tiny. I didn’t even know what the gates were, we were waiting for Jenson Button to come out. I can relate to being a kid and seeing someone — me, Lewis or George [Russell] or any driver. Seeing them and thinking, ‘Wow, I want to be like that one day’.“It is weird that they think that of me. It’s a bit surreal but I can relate to that and I want to give back.”According to rumour, The F1 ace is currently dating model Margarida CorceiroCredit: instagramNorris previously dated Luisinha Oliveira, pictured in 2022Credit: GettyOne unlikely member of the Lando fan club appears to be Donald Trump, who congratulated him after his Miami win on Sunday.Lando said: “He said he was my lucky charm because it was my win, so I don’t know if he’s going to come to more races now.“But yeah, there’s a lot of special people, cool people, that have been here this weekend.”Lando dated Portuguese model Luisa Oliveira from August 2021 to September 2022, leading to abuse from trolls who took offence at the relationship.Luisa even suffered death threats, and Lando said: “Whether it’s about my personal life, me and my girlfriend, especially the amount of hate pages dedicated to Luisa now, it is pretty horrific.“They are on Instagram and Twitter, they are the main ones.”I don’t mind when people ask for a selfie. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner. But I feel like I can’t say noLandoLando also got targeted for any driving mistakes on the track and for being part of a British racing team.He has called on social media to do more to tackle the trolls, but insists he does not let it bother him.He said: “What I find the funniest in a way is people are actually spending their one life on Earth just sat behind a computer trying to ruin and bully someone.“When people are creating fake pages and fake chats, and fake Whats-App messages, then I am like, ‘You’re actually spending your life doing that?’ They’re wasting their life.“Not enough gets done. I report the things I see but there are so many, I don’t have time to go through them all.”Despite the abuse, Lando appreciates his fans and is happy to meet them when they approach him.He once said: “I don’t mind when people come and do it. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner and people come and say, ‘Can I get a quick picture please?’READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I feel like I can’t say no. I feel like they’d hate me and they wouldn’t be my fan any more.“Maybe I need to start saying no a bit more often. But I struggle to.”Norris had a need for speed from a very young age, pictured Lando at 8Lando steers his McLaren to victory in the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexLando with his parentsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      My dad’s a champion stone lifter famed for iconic photo, now I’m making my own way as a Premier League manager

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI grew up idolising his stone lifter dad who made headlines long before his son won over fans across the world.Jose Antonio Lopetegui, 94, reached fame in his craft and inspired Julen, 57, to carve his own path to greatness, but in a completely different sport.Julen Lopetegui’s father Jose Antonio was a famous stone lifterCredit: Paco MaríLopetegui learned a lot from his father and will be bringing his principles to West HamCredit: PAThere is also a famous photo showing the strongman hoisting both of his baby daughters, one on each hand, while his young son was standing next to them.The Spaniard, who seems set to take over at West Ham, was the only member of the family who ended up loving football but still absorbed his father’s values.Julen previously said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.”He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. Read More on Football”In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”Jose Antonio taught Julen the importance of hard work and dedication to one’s passion.Those were characteristics that the former goalkeeper needed after his acrimonious dismissals from Spain and Real Madrid.The Spaniard had his national team cruising to the 2018 World Cup with a 20-game unbeaten record that saw them winning a staggering 14 matches along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut higher-ups sacked Julen on the eve of the competition in Russia because he agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament and they didn’t take kindly to him negotiating ahead of the World Cup.And his return to Real, where he played before his retirement, didn’t work out as he was let go after just two months in charge because of a poor start to the campaign.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formHowever, Julen made the most out of the perseverance his father taught him and went on to succeed at Sevilla as well as Wolves.And now the ex-Porto boss is set to bring his same principles to West Ham with reports suggesting he has agreed terms with the club.The former Barcelona star is expected to replace outgoing manager David Moyes who will leave at the end of the season. More

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      I’ve been banned by Man Utd seven times – latest media block reminds me of hotel spat I had with Sir Alex Ferguson

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      MUCH consternation recently at the news that three football writers were denied the chance to ask Erik ten Hag a question over three consecutive press conferences.The dismay did not stretch to myself despite being one of those placed briefly on the naughty step.Erik ten Hag recently banned three journalists from asking questions at his pre-match press conferenceCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson also used to place journos on the naughty stepCredit: GETTYI don’t agree with such ‘punishments’ for stories or opinions but Ten Hag has had to take a bucketload this season and has never been anything but polite and helpful.So if he wanted to do something to have a go back for once, no problem.It’s all sorted now and everyone is friends again.Having been brought up on Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and downright unfair bans of varying lengths, SEVEN in my case, you become immune to middle-aged men having a hissy fit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecent events reminded me of a lovely warm day at the Haydock Thistle Hotel some years back, where North-West based managers and writers were all invited to lunch.Sir Alex was there on the main table laughing, singing and generally holding court when simultaneously all the writers’ phones bleeped with a message from United’s “no communication department”.He had no doubt arranged for it to be sent bang in the middle of the lunch informing us all that relations would be suspended forthwith.Our crime was to use his words from a local radio interview he had done that week and the controversial comments he made within it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe were all fuming so, when he got up to leave I followed him out of the luncheon suite.As I ranted about how unfair his actions were, he ignored me and walked on ahead, entering another room.Erik ten Hag called out for ‘embarrassing’ Man Utd selection and admits ‘nothing could be worse’ than bold pickI followed, still ranting, but he kept his back to me and looked down silently.Was he having a rethink as his gaze remained concentrated, his head stooped?No, he was having a wee! We had entered the gents but, in my own hissy fit, I hadn’t quite realised.I’m not sure what the hotel guest two urinals down made of it but how absurd the whole scene must have appeared.Defeated and deflated, I returned to the luncheon where the free red wine got a hammering and I sulked.There would be more such incidents, told and retold to this day with laughter.I always say covering United when Sir Alex was boss was like a stay at Fawlty Towers — not particularly comfortable but certainly unforgettable.Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t afraid to ban journalistsCredit: GettyThirty years without SennaTHE anniversary never loses its sense of sadness.It was 30 years ago last week that three-time F1 champ Ayrton Senna lost his life at Imola, aged 34.The steering column on his Williams breaking is the most likely explanation as to what went wrong, as he entered the Tamburello corner and went straight into the wall.A piece of metal in the car pierced his helmet and skull above his eye. An inch either side and he walks away.There was a 2010 documentary called simply Senna, put together from footage you may never have seen. It’s like being there and bearing witness to his short life.It is the greatest thing I have seen in a cinema.Find it, watch it, and if you fail to shed a tear in the final ten minutes, you are not human.Ayrton Senna passed away 30 years agoCredit: AFPWorld Cup manager passes awaySAD to hear of the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, manager of the Argentina side that won the World Cup on home turf in 1978.It was the first World Cup I properly remember.The vagaries of a strange group system up to the final meant Argentina had to beat Peru in their last game by four goals to reach the final and deny Brazil their place against Holland. They won 6-0.Even at the age of ten, I found this strange, until I later learned representatives of Argentina’s military junta had been in the tunnel ahead of kick-off and unproven rumours of bribes followed.It was the first time I realised sport is not all that it should be.Former Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti recently passed awayCredit: PA:Empics SportCrucible memoriesTHESE past two weeks watching events unfold at the Crucible brought back great memories of when I covered the tournament in the mid-90s.Nothing to do with what happened on the perfectly ironed green baize but instead the sport’s own version of off-piste, or totally on the piste as it turned out.Sponsored by Embassy at the time, I have never covered an event with so much free ‘tabs and booze’, as we say in the North East.Each day would end in the early hours in a place called ‘The Woopsie room’ upstairs in The Crucible, which was really supposed to be where the WPBSA entertained guests.The best night was ‘judgment night’ when media representatives were brought before the association’s chairman and former world champion John Spencer and tournament director Ann Yates.Spencer would be dressed in swimwear, a towelling robe, snorkel and paddles and the accused would be placed on a high chair in a paddling pool.All would be found guilty of trumped-up charges and then, despite being dressed in a smart suit, would be blasted with a high-velocity water pistol to the delight of the assailant Spencer.One colleague, after a long day at the coal face, had a late-night altercation with a fellow scribe and awoke with no memory of what had happened that previous evening.Word got to Yates, who arranged for the make-up department to paint a black eye on the person he had argued with.Returning the next day he was aghast at the injury he had inflicted on a friend who was sat there waiting for him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings got worse when Spencer called him in to a meeting to say he would be banned forthwith from covering the tournament.He was nearly crying, as was everyone else, when the gag was revealed as Yates wiped the makeup off his giggling mate.John Spencer was quite the characterCredit: GETTY More

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      Inside David Moyes’ West Ham exit as Hammers boss rowed with technical director and had contract offer withdraw

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      REGARDLESS of how it has ended, David Moyes leaves West Ham a club great and a history-maker.The Scot, 61, did not want to go like this, his departure confirmed before the end of the season with his squad in a spiral and rows with the technical director.David Moyes will leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Hammers brass have decided not to renew the Scot’s contract at the London StadiumCredit: ALAMYMoyes leaves West Ham having guided them to Europa Conference League glory last seasonCredit: PAMoyes has insisted all year long that he would wait until the summer to make a decision on his future on his own terms – but that option has been taken away from him.These final months and weeks have clouded a tenure at the London Stadium which no one saw coming – and could be quickly missed if the next steps are not carefully taken.Having been overlooked after keeping West Ham in the Premier League during his first spell in East London, Moyes returned in December 2019 to keep them afloat once more.The ex-Manchester United manager did just that and then took the Hammers to heights they could not have imagined.READ MORE ON DAVID MOYESTheir first European campaign ended in a Europa League semi-final, before their second brought the club’s first trophy since 1980 in the Europa Conference League.Moyes celebrated with a dressing room jig to the Proclaimers after not only ending West Ham’s wait for a trophy but his own – a first in a managerial career which began at Preston North End in 1998.That triumph filled the club with hope once more, which despite the departure of Declan Rice continued into this season with a fast start.A new contract was ready to be agreed at the turn of the year, but form took an alarming dip after injuries and a botched January window which saw too little investment.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWest Ham fans grew tired of David Moyes’ pragmatic style of playCredit: GETTYMoyes has not been able to arrest the slide since as fans and some players continued to tire of his more pragmatic style.Counter-attacking football can be thrilling when the defence works, when it does not it can be abysmal to watch.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formThe manager has been firmly in the firing line, with many outside the club baffled by his treatment by fans and the board – who started the process to find a successor weeks ago.Moyes has dug in against his critics, reminding them of his achievements and where he has hauled the club during his time.The former Everton boss is right, he has transformed the Hammers, but his manner has rubbed too many up the wrong way and it feels right to leave at this time.Though there should be a warning for the ownership. They have every right to pursue a new style, more excitement and new heights.However, for four-and-a-half years Moyes’ success and approach have shielded the owners from much scrutiny.That was commonplace before they brought Moyes back. As he leaves, they will be exposed once more if things do not seamlessly improve.But they are taking that risk.Julen Lopetegui is set to succeed David Moyes at the West Ham helmCredit: GettyWhat was a very promising season has ended too poorly to carry on together, while Moyes continues to butt heads with the new structure – in particular barring technical director, Tim Steidten, from entering the dressing room for the final three games.Brutally, bosses at the London Stadium see more value in Steidten than Moyes.While it is a shame to see his time end this way, with friction and fractures, Saturday’s send-off against Luton should be heartfelt.Moyes has put his all into dragging West Ham into Europe – one assistant coach even left the club because they could not see themselves keeping pace with the manager’s 12-hour days.He would work from 7am to 7pm, before returning to his East London apartment and watching football with a ready meal, his wife Pamela living hundreds of miles away in their North West home.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is the manager who, in time, should be remembered and honoured.He was ridiculed for describing himself as a “winner” on arrival, but few can argue with the record as he leaves. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid, 30, who lifted Champions League trophy wakes up unemployed days after winning League Two title

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      EX-CHELSEA whizkid Todd Kane has suffered another of football’s brutal twists of fortune.The full-back, 30, who once lifted the Champions League trophy, helped Stockport clinch the League Two title last month but has been released.Todd Kane was with Coventry from 2021-23 and has now left StockportCredit: PANathaniel Chalobah, Todd Kane and Jamal Blackman helped Chelsea celebrate beating Bayern in the 2012 Champions League FinalCredit: GettyIt’s the latest blow for a player who had EIGHT loan spells while at Stamford Bridge from 2012-2017.He was a non-playing squad member as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win Europe’s top club competition in his first year but never made a senior appearance for the Blues.Yet the London giants rejected bids from Premier League rivals plus Ajax and Borussia Dortmund during that crazy seven-season stint.And that lengthy period of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge left Kane advising youngsters regularly loaned out by Chelsea to quit the club.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe only joined Stockport in March – after spending most of the season with  Gibraltan club Manchester 62.County beat Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham to the L2 crown by four points.But Kane was one of seven Stockport players freed and rendered unemployed at the end of their contract.However, if anyone is used to the ups and downs of football, it’s Kane.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn his seven years with Chelsea, he was offloaded for temporary spells with Preston, Blackburn, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Nijmegen, Groningen, Oxford United and Hull.His career then seemed well set after his first permanent move to Championship side QPR in 2019 but he left for two years at Coventry in 2021.Chelsea icon’s daughter flashes underwear on camera before going braless in elegant black dress to leave fans speechlessAfter that, he’s even had a ninth loan time – at Charlton.And now he looking for a new club.Kane exclusively told the Sun three years ago how he wished he’d departed from Chelsea earlier.And he dished out astonishingly blunt advice for Stamford Bridge academy starlets who find themselves being constantly farmed out.He said: “Leave. I’ve had numerous bids from clubs coming in for me down the years but Chelsea would always just say ‘no’.“I’d tell any young lad now to move on if anyone is interested in you because if you’re good enough to play for someone else, you’re better off taking that opportunity.“When I was 19, I was rated as one of the best young right-backs in the country – and had I been at any other Premier League club back then I’d have been playing. Plenty of teams wanted to sign me.” More

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      Lando Norris’ rise to first Grand Prix win as son of millionaire earns £80m, dates string of models and lives in Monaco

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      LANDO NORRIS achieved his maiden Grand Prix win in Miami on Sunday to confirm the Brit’s rise to the top of Formula 1.It has been a long time coming, with Norris having finished in second place on EIGHT occasions.Lando Norris picked up his first F1 win in MiamiCredit: RexThe McLaren star finally managed to get over his second place hoodooCredit: GettyNorris is rumoured to be dating Margarida CorceiroCredit: instagramNorris lives in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskIn the 2021 Russian Grand Prix he slid off in the wet on the final few laps while leading. And he squandered the chance of victory in Qatar last year.Miami was his 110th race and he struck a little fortunate in the sunshine state as he was able to pit while a safety car was deployed, meaning he was able to hold onto his lead.Norris, 24, was still tasked with fending off the dangerous Max Verstappen, who was struggling with his car having hit a bollard earlier in the race.But Norris’ victory was well deserved and will be a popular one, with the McLaren star one of the most well-liked drivers in the sport.READ MORE LANDO NORRISIt is also a welcome return to the top step of the podium for his team, who last tasted victory in Monza in 2020 and presented Norris with a new deal earlier this season.Norris joined McLaren’s young driver programme in February 2017 after a successful junior career, and has now reached the pinnacle of motorsport.Here we take a look inside his amazing lifestyle and his rise to the pinnacle of F1.Driving careerNorris was a successful kart racer in his youth, winning three competitions alone in 2013 including CIK-FIA European Championship — KFJ.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Brit was a karting champion in his youthCredit: AlamyThe Brit is a keen traveller when he gets the chanceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHis main residence is in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHe made the move away from karting the following year and continued to impress with several first-place finishes.Norris first began to grab headlines with success in Formula 2, finishing second overall in 2018 when part of Carlin.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHe then joined McLaren and made his F1 debut in 2019, featuring in 21 races that year.The Bristol-born driver achieved his first podium a year later, before making pole for the first and only time in 2021.He is on course to record his best season to date, with the 2023 campaign his best so far after picking up 205 points to finish in sixth place overall.HomesLike his compatriot Lewis Hamilton and many other F1 drivers, Norris lives in Monaco after moving to the French Riveira last year.Explaining the decision to move to the tax haven, he said: “I’m moving to Monaco after [the final race in] Abu Dhabi for the reasons you probably expect.“It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do.“And especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill.”He previously lived in Surrey near McLaren’s base in Woking, and is understood to still own a stunning £20m mansion in the area.GirlfriendsAs well as fame and fortune, F1 offers its stars opportunities to meet glamorous girlfriends, and that is exactly what Norris has been able to do.He is rumoured to be dating Margarida Corceiro, having first been spotted with the Portuguese supermodel and actress in public last year.Norris and Margarida Corceiro went to watch some tennis togetherCredit: X/ @SkySportsTennisThe Portuguese is a model and actressCredit: instagramHe was previously in a relationship with Luisinha OliveiraCredit: GettyThe pair split in 2021 after being subject to abuse and death threatsThey were seen attending the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier this year.Neither have posted photos with one another on social media with their apparent relationship taking place in private.Norris previously dated model Luisinha Oliveira between August 2021 and September 2022.The couple announced their split on social media, with Norris writing at the time: “After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends.”I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness.”Salary Norris is one of the highest earners in the paddock after penning a deal to extend his stay at McLaren to 2026.The pay rise is believed to have increased his earnings to an eye-watering £20million a year, with the contract worth £80m in total.Only Verstappen, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are paid more.FamilyNorris’ father Adam, 51, is one of the wealthiest Brits with an estimated fortune of £200m.He is a retired pensions manager and is often seen in the paddock supporting his son.His mother Cisca is from the Flanders region of Belgium, and Norris has two younger sisters, one also named Cisca and the other Flo, as well as an older brother called Oliver.Norris’ father Adam is one of Britain’s wealthiest menCredit: GettyNorris is one of the most liked drivers in F1Credit: Not known, clear with picture deskSupercarsIt is no surprise a keen petrolhead has the garage to match his love for driving.Norris has plenty of cars in his collection and was gifted a £300,000 765LT Spider supercar when he signed his new McLaren contract.He was also seen at Silverstone last year in his £1million McLaren Senna, while he’s understood to have a £350,000 Rolls Royce Wraith and a £28,000 Fiat Jolly.He also owns a McLaren 720S which is capable of reaching 212mph and can reach 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.Norris owns a McLaren 720SCredit: GettyWatchesNorris also has a love for watches and boasts big brands like Rolex and Audemars.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also brand loyal and owns two Richard Mille McLaren timepieces, one of which was stolen from Norris when he attended the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July 2021.The £144,000 designer watch – a Richard Mille RM11-03 Automated Flyback – has been limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, so is something of a prized asset.Norris’ £144,000 designer watch was stolen at the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Alpha PressHe regularly travels by private jetCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More