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      Biggest footballer broods – from Arsenal striker with 8 kids to four different mums to Brazil legend’s FOURTEEN heirs

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      NOT content with being part of a team on the pitch, many football players have chosen to create their own squad at home as well.Manchester City star Phil Foden is expecting his third child with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke at just 23 years old – meaning there’s plenty of time to build up to a full 11.Phil Foden is expecting his third child at the age of 23Credit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsKyle Walker has six kids – four with ex-wife Annie and two with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AFPThe midfielder and his childhood sweetheart celebrated the exciting announcement with a lavish baby shower this week as they prepare for their new arrival.Foden and Rebecca, 22, posed for a cute snap with their two kids Ronnie, four, and True, one, in hand.At this rate, Foden is likely to be following in the footsteps of Man City teammate Kyle Walker – who recently welcomed his sixth child.And it’s not unusual for footie stars to have a lot of children, as we reveal the players with the biggest broods…READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESKyle Walker – six kidsKyle Walker welcomed his fourth child with estranged wife Annie Kilner earlier this month – and was said to be over the moon about becoming a father again.The couple, who also share three sons Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, split in January after two years of marriage.It came after influencer Lauryn Goodman revealed her son Kairo, four, and eight-month-old daughter are both Walker’s children.Earlier this month, we revealed Lauryn is taking their two kids to the Euros — where the England ace’s ex-wife and four boys will also support him.Most read in FootballLauryn told a pal: “I am determined my children will get to see their daddy playing for the Three Lions this summer.”She told pals he invited them to Germany in June and she is determined to go.Kyle Walker risks explosive showdown between wife Annie and Lauryn Goodman after ‘inviting’ ex and two kids to EurosA source says Walker told Lauryn: “I want you there. And I want Kairo there to see me play.”But a source close to Walker insisted he had not invited her.Cristiano Ronaldo – six kidsCristiano Ronaldo – who named his CR7 fashion brand after his initials and his football shirt number – also confessed he wanted to have seven children because it is his “magic number” To date, the former Manchester United star has had six children – although, in April 2022, he tragically lost one of his sons shortly after he was born.Cristiano Ronaldo is father to six children – although one son tragically died after birthCredit: instagram/Cristiano RonaldoHis eldest son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 13, was born in the United States and brought up by Ronaldo.His mother has never been named.In June 2017, not long after he’d begun dating model Georgina Rodriguez,  it was revealed that Ronaldo had fathered twins, Eva and Matteo, now six, via a surrogate mother in the United States.The following month, Ronaldo confirmed he and Georgina were expecting a baby, who was born in November 2017, named Alana Martina.On April 18 2022, the couple sadly announced Georgina had given birth to twins but one had died, while daughter Bella survived.They said in a statement: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.”It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.”Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”Baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”Ian Wright – eight kidsIan Wright and Nancy Hallam with daughters Lola and RoxanneCredit: GettyIan Wright has eight kids by four different women, and was just 19 when he first became a dad,  adopting girlfriend Sharon Phillips’ son Shaun, 42, who went on to play football for Chelsea and Man City.”I didn’t have a job, and no means, but I took him on because it was the right thing to do,” he told The Mirror.Ian went on to have two more children with Sharon – Bradley, 39, and Brett, 38 – making Ian a father of three by the time he was 21.A year after welcoming Brett, Ian and Sharon broke up, as he reconnected with a childhood friend named Debbie, who grew up down the road from him.They had a luxury wedding in Mauritius in 1993, before welcoming their first son together, Stacey, the following year.Three years later, Debbie kicked Ian out of the house when she learned he’d been having an affair – but took him back soon after, and they had daughter Bobbi-Lee.But in 2008, Debbie revealed Ian had been unfaithful again, and had fathered another child during a fling, a daughter named Coco, born in 2006.“I support her but play no other part in her or her mother’s life,” Ian confessed in his autobiography, A Life In Football.Ian went on to marry his second wife Nancy Hallam – who he met in a pub – in 2011, and has called her his “perfect woman”.They have two daughters together, Lola and Roxanne, who he says he “can’t stand to be apart from”.In his book, Ian says: “I didn’t set out for it to be like that. I wanted to get married just once and never planned to have so many children in so many different circumstances.”Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha – 11 kidsRoberto Carlos has 11 children with seven different women, and is a grandfatherCredit: Getty Images – GettyFormer Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos, 51, has 11 children with seven different women – and has one grandchild, Pedro, seven, who’s older than some of his aunts and uncles.Pedro is the child of the former Real Madrid player’s second daughter, Giovanna, 27.Including Giovanna, Carlos has three children with his first wife Alexandra Pinheiro – the other two are Roberta and Roberto Carlos Jr, who’s adopted. He also has four children with his current wife, Mariana Luccon – Manuela, 14, Marina, seven, and two younger ones.He also has four sons – Carlos Eduardo, Christopher, Junior and Luca – all from other relationships. In 2018, Carlos told a Brazilian radio station he  was suffering because he was unable to see some of his children.According to BeSoccer, three of his former partners took legal action against him after this, accusing him of lying and not attending to the needs of their children.Brazilian Barbara Thurler filed for neglect after not receiving alimony for his two children.She even alleged he had attempted to put his two children on the streets despite their young age, adding: ”My son asks me if his father has died.” Barbara’s pleas encouraged Hungarian Alexandra Phaedra to come forward too.Then Dora Robles, from Mexico, also claimed not to have received the child support stipulated by the judge. The three claimed that Carlos neglected his children on more than one occasion.Carlos denied the accusations and reiterated that the lack of contact with his kids was due to the distance between countries and a bad relationship with their mothers.However he agreed to meet financial deadlines eventually. Pele – seven kidsBrazil’s soccer legend Pele had seven childrenCredit: ReutersPele’s family gathered at hospital to be beside Brazilian World Cup legendCredit: InstagramHe died at the end of 2022, at the age of 82, but Brazilian legend Pele had a lot of children in his lifetime.In his Netflix documentary,  the football icon – who was married three times – even confessed to not knowing how many children he fathered due to the number of affairs he had.Pele married his first wife, Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, in February 1996 and the pair had three children – Kelly, Edinho and Jennifer.However, after splitting up with Rosemeri, the goal-scoring machine had a fling with his housekeeper Anizia Machado which led to the birth of his daughter Sandra Machado in 1993.He refused to take a DNA test, leaving Sandra no choice but to file a lawsuit to be recognised as his daughter as well as publishing a book entitled The Daughter Pele Never Wanted.Pele lost the lawsuit as DNA evidence showed that Sandra was his biological daughter.Four years later, Pele had another daughter, Flavia Kurtz with journalist Lenita Kurtz.In 1994, Pele married his second wife, psychologist and gospel singer, Assaria Lemos Seixas and the couple had twins Joshua and Celeste.Pele never had children with his third wife, Marcia Cibele Aoki, who he married in 2016.Diego Maradona – Between five and 11 kidsDiego Maradona accepted five of his children as his but may have had up to 11Credit: EPANot long before Diego Maradona died in 2020, one of his daughters, Giannina, joked the Argentine could make up a full starting eleven with his brood.The football star accepted two sons and three daughters were his, but is alleged to have at least six other children from various flings and some have previously appealed for their dad’s love.Maradona accepted his two daughters with ex-wife Claudia Villafane – Dalma and Gianinna – along with his son Diego Fernando who he had with girlfriend Veronica Ojeda.He also had flings with bar worker Valeria Sablalin, who gave birth to daughter Jana Maradona, and Italian Cristinia Sinagra, with whom he had son Diego Sinagra.But Santiago Lara and Magali Gil also made appeals in the media to the football legend and both were said to have been trying to get a DNA test before he died.The star is also alleged to have fathered up to four children while he was living in Cuba, three of whom have been named as Joana, Lu and Javielito.Garrincha – At least 14 kidsGarrincha is believed to have fathered at least 14 children during his colourful lifeCredit: Getty – ContributorGarrincha was regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, before he tragically drank himself into an early grave in 1983, at the age of 49.But he had a very scandalous lifestyle off the pitch, and is believed to have fathered at least 14 children.He had eight daughters with his first wife Nair Marques who he was married to from 1952 to 1965.Garrincha then married samba singer Elza Soares, after a scandalous affair but they separated in 1977, after he hit her during an argument.With his colourful lifestyle, Garrincha had many more affairs, including one with showgirl Angelita Martinez and it’s thought he fathered at least six more children on top of his eight legitimate daughters.Antoine Greizman – three kids born on same dayAntoine Griezmann has three children all born on the same day over five yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM/EriKA ChoperenaWhile it’s not unusual to have three children, Barcelona football star Antoine Greizmann welcomed all of his on exactly the same date over five years.The World Cup winning striker’s daughter Alba was born on April 8, 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, his daughter Mia was born on the same date in 2016, and son Amaro, was born on April 8 2019.Now THAT’S a hat trick! 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      I scored the fastest goal in World Cup history but was exiled for being a traitor, now I drive for Uber

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      MENTION Hakan Sukur to Turkish football fans and their faces will light up.Revered for his goals and brilliance, he scored 295 times across three spells with Galatasaray.Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur lives in exile in CaliforniaSukur was forced to give up his life in his homeland after he was charged with being a member of a terrorist groupCentre forward Sukur celebrates scoring the fastest ever World Cup goal in 2002Credit: AP:Associated PressBetter still, he plundered 51 goals for the national team – so think Turkey’s answer to Gary Lineker.Hakan also held the accolade for netting the fastest ever goal in a World Cup finals – when he scored against South Korea in 2002 after just 11 seconds.However, despite the adulation in his homeland, if he was to step foot in his own country it’s likely he would would be sent to prison, or worse, face the death penalty.The former footballer now lives in exile in California in the wealthy area of Palo Alto, on the outskirts of San Francisco.Read more football newsBut don’t be fooled into thinking he works for one of those tech giants in Silicon Valley.For Hakan now makes ends meet as an Uber driver, as well as a football coach.He formerly ran a bakery in the area, but was forced to close it down after his identity became an issue.Serving coffee and cake”I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar,” the 52-year-old told German outlet, Welt am Sonntag.Most read in Football”Now I drive for Uber and I sell books.Fenerbahce WALK OFF pitch after two minutes and forefeit Turkish Super Cup final with bitter rivals Galatasaray”Nobody seems able to explain what my role in this coup was supposed to be.”I never did anything illegal, I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”He used to run a popular bakery called Tuts, where the house specials were dishes like Turkish sausage and eggs, and Greek-style pancakes.It received rave reviews on rating website Yelp, with comments such as: “Oh my gosh. This is the best place in the Bay Area to eat delicious food with your friends.”The staff is so kind and friendly.”But none of the customers mentioned that one of the men behind the cafe is the Turkish legend.In the 1990s, Hakan was one of the most prolific marksman in European football.Despite Ill-fated spells overseas in Italy with Torino, Inter Milan, Parma, and in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, it was at Galatasaray where the goals continued to flow.In 2008, Hakan hung up his boots for a different life.Sukur parked outside his former bakery, TutsCredit: Getty – ContributorTuts Bakery and Cafe in the Bay Area was a big hitHowever, Sukur quit the catering world because he felt he was being spied onCredit: Instagram @tutsbakeryPolitical careerIn 2011, he was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development Party, a conservative political group that has ruled over Turkey since 2002.The Bull of the Bosphorus was making strides and friends in government.He aligned himself with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as maintained a friendship with cleric Fethullah Gulen.In 2013 an alliance between Erdogan and Gulen, who was keen for Turkey to become an Islamic state, was destroyed when a government corruption scandal erupted.Erdogan blamed Gulen for the disruption, and given Hakan was seen as a disciple of the Gulen movement, it all started to go wrong.That same year, the government closed all schools run by Gulenists and Hakan resigned from the governing party in protest to run as an independent.Shortly after, Hakan gave a university speech where he told an audience of bemused students: “I am Albanian, as such I am not a Turk.”Given the political climate in a country that was aiming to regain its national identity, those comments weren’t well-received.Galatasaray legend Sukur scored 295 goals for the Turkish giantsCredit: Getty – ContributorAfter he hung up his boots, Sukur turned to politics and became an MPCredit: Getty Images – GettyIn 2016, Hakan was charged with insulting President Erdogan on Twitter.That summer, a trial began in absentia. Hakan claimed it wasn’t his intention to insult Erdogan, but prosecutors disagreed.Gulen coupIn July that year, hell broke loose when a coup, organised by Gulen with the aid of a small fraction of the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow Erdogan.The coup was defeated, but more than 300 people had lost their lives, 120,000 people lost their jobs and 50,000 were arrested.Anyone who had Gulen links was deemed a terrorist and labelled a member of FETO (Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation).A warrant was issued for Hakan’s arrest and he was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group.The charges carry a hefty jail sentence or the death penalty.Sukur was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group and threatened with the death penaltyCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur fled Turkey and moved to the US with wife BeydaCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Hakan was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs and love for the Gulen movement, but passed on the chance.His father Selmet wasn’t so lucky. The authorities arrested him at a mosque in Adapazar and he was charged with financial coup support.Somehow, Hakan managed to flee to America, but it was reported his father passed away in prison after battling cancer.Fled to the USAHakan moved to California, where he built a new life for himself.He had everything taken from him in Turkey, including his businesses, his houses and bank accounts, as well as his nationality.The ex-pro now lives in exile, unable to return home.Sadly, Hakan’s name is so sullied in Turkey that when a commentator working for state-ran broadcaster TRT at the 2022 World Cup mentioned him during a game they were sacked at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo make ends meet, Sukur drives for Uber and is a football coach in the USCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur hasn’t given up on his country just yet and hopes to return one dayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, he does hold hope for the future of a return to his country.”It’s my country. I love my people, even though their ideas about me are distorted by controlled media,” he told the New York Times back in 2018. More

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      How Liverpool would play under Ruben Amorim next season and three key changes the Sporting Lisbon manager will make

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      SPORTING Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in football today.  The former Portuguese international midfielder has, to this point, shown patience and self-belief in terms of building his career and making choices in terms of when to move clubs to give himself a greater platform. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is favourite to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon are dominant in PortugalNo wonder he is now the outright favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool when the German leaves the club at the end of the season.Now that Xabi Alonso has revealed he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season, it seems Amorim is Klopp’s heir apparent.Liverpool are known to use a data-generated model to rate and evaluate coaches from around the world.And Amorim is one of the top names on that model, along with Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and the current Bologna coach Thiago Motta.read more on footballAmorim has always shown real personality in terms of believing in himself and believing in his model of play. He has shown a clear history of being willing to back himself in terms of stepping up levels as he moves clubs but his style of play has remained largely consistent.Which means we have a good idea of what Amorim’s style of play and game model would mean for Liverpool next season if he lands the big job.Three at the back and building the attackOne of the biggest things changes Amorim would make at Liverpool will be that he favours a three-at-the-back system with three central defenders. Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is likely to stick to his tried and tested formula if he moves to AnfieldCredit: GettyRuben Amorim favours a 3-4-3 system at Sporting LisbonHow Amorim could play with Liverpool’s existing squadHe is likely to do the same at Liverpool and introduce the 3-4-3 that we have seen Amorin use almost exclusively at Sporting Lisbon.This does not mean in any way, however, that the Portuguese coach is defensive minded and the three central defenders for Liverpool would be expected to be brave and comfortable on the ball when looking to play out from the back.There are actually similarities in the way that Amorim likes his team to build with the way that we see Brighton build their attack under Roberto De Zerbi. The central defenders, and goalkeeper, at Sporting Lisbon almost pause at times in possession to force the opposition to come and press the ball.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classTwo wide centre backs for Sporting split and sit deep while the central of the three will step forward, almost like a midfielder to give more options to play through the press.The positive news in this regard for Liverpool fans is that they already have the makings of an interesting back three in the current squad. Virgil van Dijk is now 32 but his game intelligence and dominance would translate extremely well to playing as the central defender in a back three system. Equally, Ibrahima Konate has all of the traits needed to be an absolutely dominant player on the right of the back three system. They also have the youngster Jarrel Quansah who has broken through this season and who is showing promise. With that said, however, we would expect this to be an area where Amorim would want the squad to be strengthened in order to provide more depth and balance .The Reds have already been linked with taking the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. Both would represent sensible targets for Liverpool if they do appoint Amorim given that they already understand the system of play that Amorim favours.Centre half Ousmane Diomande often sees more possession than any other playerThe goalkeeper passes to Coates who then immediately pings it wider to Inacio. The ball then comes out to the left-sided wingback and Sporting are outIf Liverpool fans want to understand the coaching ability of Amorim then they have to look now further than the performances of the Uruguayan international central defender Sebastian Coates at centre back this season. Coates is, of course, a former Liverpool player and his emergence as a dominant and comfortable ball-playing defender will surprise fans of Liverpool who remember his disappointed spell at Anfield.Changing from a three man midfield to a twoIf Ruben Amorim does become the new Liverpool coach after this season then we will also see a change to the midfield unit at the club. Under Jurgen Klopp we have seen Liverpool consistently use a three-man midfield with one sitting No6 and then two midfielders who have more licence to push forward and play as No8’s in the opposition half of the pitch. Under Amorim we see Sporting Lisbon use a double pivot in the midfield with two players who are expected to be able to play either as the No6 or as the No8 from that position.For the most part this season we have seen Amorim favour the use of the Japanese international Hidemasa Morita and the Danish star Morten Hjulmand in these positions. Both players are comfortable when asked to play as the deepest of the two midfielders and both have the ability to sit and dictate the tempo or look to defend and break down opposition attacks. Both are also, however, capable of pushing forward and contributing to the play in the final third.Hjulmand plays as the deeper midfielder and hits a longer pass to access space. Trincao and Pedro Goncalves stay narrow with Morita pushing into space between them.The change to the midfield should Amorim take charge at Liverpool could well be bigger than the changes to the defensive line. Liverpool have been so used to having a No6 sitting in front of the midfield and the change to having two players who essentially take turns doing this would be an adjustment. The other question, of course, is which players Amorim would use in these roles from the current Liverpool squad.Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are capable of performing these roles from the current squad although the former is more comfortable in deeper areas than the latter. It would likely mean a reduced role though for the Japanese international midfielder Wataru Endo. It would also be interesting to see whether Amorim wanted to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central role.The England star’s passing range and ability on the ball would be interesting in the model of play that Amorim favours.This time Morita sits deeper in front of the defensive line and Hjulmand pushes up and splits the two attacking midfieldersLiverpool have options within their squad in terms of finding players to suit the midfield structure that is favoured by Amorim. Those players would, however, have to adjust to new roles within the squad.But according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, Amorim is keen to bring some of his key players with him to Merseyside.The top targets are Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, who could help bolster the Reds’ heavily injury-ridden defence.It is also said that Amorim wants to bring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham – to Liverpool.Inacio and Diomande have formed a sensational centre-back partnership, having lost just two games in the league this season.Amorim is reportedly keen to have them both involved at Anfield alongside captain Van Dijk.Narrow wide attackersWhen Klopp led Liverpool to win the Premier League in 2020, one of the main features was the way that his wide attackers came inside and attacked centrally. The attack of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the wide areas and Roberto Firmino centrally worked perfectly.The Brazilian international Firmino wanted to come deep to link with the midfield and the other two wanted to make diagonal movements from wide to attack in the channels or central areas.The front three of Sporting under Amorim works slightly differently.The central striker – the highly-rated Viktor Gyokeres for the most part – stays central and pushes the opposition central defenders deep.And the two attacking midfielders play more centrally or in the channels, almost acting like No10’s as opposed to playing as traditional wingers. As Sporting attack into the final third the movement of these two attacking midfielders is key as they drift deep or into space to create areas in which they can receive the ball.Trincao comes deep to get on the ball and then play the ball wide to combine with the right wingback. He then makes a quick forward run.At the moment Liverpool are playing with their wide attackers in more traditional wide positions as they build the attack. Mohamed Salah, on the right, and Luis Diaz, on the left, play as traditional wingers in the areas that they receive the ball – although they do still make movement from outside to in when in possession. This would change under Amorim and while we know that Salah would be comfortable receiving and playing in these pockets would the same be true of Luis Diaz? The new role for the wide attacking midfielders would require some adjustment for the Colombian international.Liverpool do also have the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in their squad, however, and these players would be comfortable playing as the narrow attacking midfielders and receiving in pockets of space in more central areas. Liverpool also have a striker in Darwin Nunez who would play the No9 role perfectly under a coach like Amorim.Marcus Edwards is the right-sided attacking midfielder but he comes back towards the ball in the channel to receive a pass that moves the ball quickly into attacking positions.The change to a more narrow role for the wide or attacking midfielders under Amorim would be an adjustment.Given the fact that Salah’s contract is expiring relatively soon could we see Liverpool decide to cash in on the Egyptian forward? ConclusionYou cannot help but be impressed when you watch a side coached by Ruben Amorim play. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim may decide to bring with him some stars from Sporting LisbonThere is a clear plan in everything that he wants his team to do and his players are well coached and put into roles that they are comfortable in. If the Portuguese coach is the man chosen to replace Klopp at Liverpool then the Premier League could well be gaining another great young coach. 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      Meet ‘no-nonsense’ hard man who was sent off TWELVE times – and got his big break thanks to legendary comedian

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      MARK DENNIS enjoyed a 12-year football career and won two England Under-21 caps along with two player-of-the-year awards at Birmingham and Southampton.The no-nonsense left-back was part of the Saints side who finished runners-up in the top flight in 1983-84 — finishing just three points behind champions Liverpool.Mark Dennis broke into the Birmingham first team in 1978 and spent four years thereCredit: GettyHe played three times for England’s U21s between 1979 and 1980Credit: AlamyNow 62, London-born Dennis is still based on the South Coast after his move to Southampton in 1983 — and is loving life again.He said: “I am retired but I still do a bit of freelance work whenever I can and I also thoroughly enjoy working on the after-dinner circuit.“It’s an opportunity for me to share the stories from my career with some wonderful football supporters.“It’s lovely to reflect and have a laugh with so many fans who still love the game as much today.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet his pathway into football may never have happened had it not been for a charity match on behalf of one of the great music-hall comedians, Tommy Trinder, at Fulham’s Craven Cottage in 1976.Dennis said: “I was 15 years old and had just been rejected by Chelsea, who had a load of talented kids breaking through. I thought that was it.“Then, out of the blue, I was asked if I’d play in this one-off charity game at Fulham for Tommy.“I jumped at the chance. I ended up being man of the match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Then a couple of days later I came home and my mum told me both Aston Villa and Birmingham had been on, wanting me to go up for trials.“I had relatives in Birmingham who were ‘Blue noses’, so it was the perfect move for me to join City.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Within the first few weeks of being at the club, Sir Alf Ramsey came in as caretaker manager.“He really took to me. For a start he liked left-sided players but I think he also enjoyed the fact I had a bit of attitude about me.“He didn’t want the job full-time and Jim Smith replaced him, a man who I owe everything for the career I had in the game.“I’ll never forget my debut against Norwich in 1978. I was part of the 13-man team going to Carrow Road but not for a second did I think I would play.“Then just before the game one of our defenders, Jimmy Calderwood, slipped over in the shower and I had to be drafted in.“I ended up being younger than Trevor Francis making my debut for Birmingham.“Norwich winger Jimmy Neighbour — sadly no longer with us — took me apart in the first 45 minutes. I thought I had a better second half. But we lost and conceded four goals.“I thought that perhaps the gaffer might have thought it was too soon for me and that would be it. But then I was back in the side two weeks later and stayed in the team for the rest of the season. Jim was just class.”Sadly for Mark, Smith was sacked in 1982 and replaced by Ron Saunders. The two never got on.Dennis finished second in the First Division with Southampton in 1984Credit: GettySaints exit and QPR frustrationDennis said: “Ron wanted me to play a completely different game. I had no intention of changing. I was banished to the reserves. So that was it!“Then Lawrie McMenemy got in touch from Southampton, another fantastic man and a huge influence in my career. We are still in touch regularly today.“When I turned up in the dressing room and saw the likes of Peter Shilton, Mick Mills, it was an incredible squad. We finished runners-up in the top flight in 1983-84.”He moved to Queens Park Rangers in 1987 to rejoin his old boss Smith.Dennis said: “Jim then switched to Newcastle in 1988 and I moved to Crystal Palace. The frustration for me is Trevor Francis took over at Rangers from Jim but never told me that Terry [Venables] at Tottenham wanted me.”A year after joining Palace Dennis quit football in 1990, first going to Spain.When he came back, he worked for the Post Office and played cricket for them, a period in his life he looks back on fondly.He added: “I have also loved my time working on local radio here in Southampton on Saints’ games.”Meeting ‘hero’ George BestDennis highlights one of the greatest moments in his career at St Andrew’s — after a City game.He said: “We played Fulham including a certain Mr George Best in their side. When the ref blew the final whistle I went over to George and shook his hand. I was in awe of the man.“Along with George, my other sporting heroes are Shane Warne — I was fortunate enough to share his company at Hampshire many times — and Ian Botham.”Dennis was sent off 12 times and admitted: “I have regrets that I should have achieved more in my football career.“My problem was I didn’t have any boundaries and I know now I should have been more disciplined.“I am hugely grateful for the life and career that football gave me. It was a wonderful adventure.”Dennis wanted to place on record his huge thanks to the many players who have become lifelong friends like Paul Walsh, Andy Townsend, Alan Curbishley, Keith Bertschin, Mike Fillery and Frank Sheridan.He said: “I have had lots of struggles and lows after quitting the game but I cannot begin to explain how these people have become my extended family and helped me.“I got divorced but now I am back with my ex, Nicky. She has been my absolute rock.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Life is good. I neglected my family for several years, which I regret.“But now I’m hopefully making up for lost time.” More

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      Three reasons defences find it so hard to stop Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer who could be England’s star at Euro 2024

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      THE performances of the 21-year-old Cole Palmer so far this season have been nothing short of sensational. The young attacking midfielder moved to Chelsea from Manchester City at the very end of last summer’s transfer window for £47m and he has not looked back.Mauricio Pochettino has found a gem in Cole PalmerCredit: ReutersPalmer has scored 20 goals, and created 52 chances for team-matesOften in transfers of this type there is not one clear winner from the deal but in this instance it is fair to say that Chelsea have struck gold. At the time of writing, Palmer has scored 20 goals with nine assists in 29 Premier League matches for his new side. A hat-trick in the 4-3 victory over Man Utd was followed a week later by a four-goal haul in the 6-0 win over Everton.Even accounting for the penalties he has scored, this is still an extremely impressive output. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile Chelsea have spent more than £1billion in recent seasons building their current squad it would be fair to say that Palmer has emerged this season as one of the key players and as a real leader in the squad. One of the most interesting aspects of his performances this season has actually been his versatility and ability to be outstanding in a range of different positions. He has played wide, as a 10 from the central positions, as an 8 from deeper midfield positions and actually as a central striker.In this article we will take a closer look at three important aspects of the way that Palmer plays and examine why he is so difficult for opposition defences to stop.Most read in FootballCole Palmer is fighting Erling Haaland for the Golden BootMovement around the penalty areaPalmer can play in numerous different positions or roles for Chelsea – but wherever he lines up his profile and traits as a player remain constant. This means that no matter where he is positioned on the pitch we can still expect to see the same kind of movements and runs from the young England star. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024This is especially true in the final third and around the opposition penalty box.  In these areas Palmer displays a real feel for space and he constantly looks to make runs and movements to find and occupy pockets of space in dangerous spaces.This is particularly effective for Palmer when he is able to make these runs from slightly deeper positions in order to arrive and attack space to receive passes from teammates.Palmer makes the first pass into a teammate from a deeper position. As he does so he then makes a secondary run to move forward and when he receives the ball back he can burst through the defensive line for a chance on goalCole Palmer has been Chelsea’s most potent playerPalmer was exceptional in the 6-0 win over EvertonChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has essentially come to the conclusion that Palmer has to be given freedom around the final third.The younster tends to be allowed to drift and move in and out of positions as he sees fit. Ironically in this regard he is very similar to his former Man City teammate Phil Foden. This means that Palmer will often make moves off the ball to occupy space to give his teammates passing options and help break down stubborn opposition defensive blocks.Palmer drifts forward to the edge of the opposition penalty area. He scans and sees the space in the opposition defence and the player in possession finds a pass to release Palmer into that spacePalmer has developed into an extremely dangerous goalscorer and the fact that he is able to score consistently regardless of his starting position in the Chelsea system is extremely impressive. Is this something that England coach Gareth Southgate can afford to ignore when picking his squad for the upcoming European Championships?Breaking the last lineWhile Palmer provides a significant threat for Chelsea with his goals he has also emerged as a significant creative talent.The fact that the midfielder has nine assists in 29 league matches is extremely impressive and he has emerged as one of the key link players for Chelsea in the final third.We have already touched upon his ability to find pockets of space and the fact that when he does this he provides a direct goal threat. He also, however, has the vision and creativity to find ways to play passes around the corners or through the lines to create chances for others. It is a mark of his quality on the ball that when he is in possession around the final third teammates will automatically look to trigger runs as they trust Palmer to find them.There’s more to Palmer’s game than just scoring goalsPalmer takes the ball as the wide player continues his run. Palmer is composed, holds on to the ball and allows the run to develop before playing a perfect through ballRead more sport featuresWhile we have already drawn some comparisons between Palmer and his former City teammate Phil Foden he also has some similarities to Kevin de Bruyne in terms of his ability on the ball and vision when passing the ball to create chances for teammates. Indeed, the similarities that Palmer has to these two key players for City must sting Pep Guardiola when he sees Palmer performing so well.While Palmer is excellent when looking to play short and intricate passes in the final third to release teammates and link the play, he also has the range and vision to play longer passes to find attacking runs from teammates.Palmer is in possession outside the opposition area and teammates make runs to provide options.Palmer spots the run from a deeper position into the area and plays a perfect pass to release this teammate into spaceWhile Palmer’s goal and assist output has been superb so far this season the reality is that it could have been so much better. He has provided chances for teammates consistently which have not been finished but as Chelsea continue to develop this should resolve itself.Helping his side to progress the ballWhile so far we have concentrated on the ways that Cole Palmer contributes for his team in the final third he has also emerged as a key player for Chelsea in terms of helping them to progress the ball through the thirds. While he does not necessarily play a large volume of progressive passes in his own right, mainly because he is typically in possession in the final third, he takes up positions and drops into space to receive progressive passes and to help his teammates to move the ball forward into dangerous spaces.Palmer is always looking for to receive the ball as Chelsea build from the back, through their double pivot of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.In order for these passes to be effective, however, there has to be a player positioning themselves to receive the ball and this is where Palmer thrives.Earlier this season Palmer was tried as a false nine, but was less effectivePalmer now generally plays on the right of the attacking midfield, with the freedom to get into dangerous areasPalmer drops from a higher position towards the ball to receive the ball and allow his team to progress the ballAs well as having the tactical awareness to recognise when his team need him to make these movements to occupy spaces Palmer also has the ability to receive cleanly when under pressure with his back to goal. He is extremely press resistant and opposition defenders find it difficult to get around him to challenge for the ball. For a technically gifted attacking midfielder Palmer also has the physical strength to receive in these positions effectively.Palmer sees his teammate in possession needs a passing option to allow him to progress the ball through the press. As he drops into his own half he receives facing his own goal but turns to attack the oppositionPalmer is extremely dangerous for opposition defences with his ability in the final third.But his ability to help Chelsea to break through into the final third while progressing the ball forward is also outstanding.ConclusionPalmer is now firmly established as one of the leaders of this Chelsea side and we expect him to continue to go from strength to strength as the team is built around him. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the short term there can be no doubt that his performances this season will make it very difficult for Gareth Southgate to leave him out of the England squad for the EurosThe problems he causes for Premier League defences means he is likely to be a real headache on the international stage too. More

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      The sky-high cost of an F1 car, from the £15million engine to a £2million hybrid system and £500,000 gearbox

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      TO own a F1 team, you have to be minted.So, it’s no surprise teams like Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Ferrari, Red Bull and more are owned by billionaires.Inside the amazing cost of an F1 carBuilding a F1 car is an expensive task costing millionsCredit: PAAn engine can cost as much as £15mCredit: GettyThe power unit is the most important part of the jigsaw of the building of an F1 carCredit: mercedesamgf1.comTo make a successful team, you need a great racing car. And that means having to spend millions assembling it.Figures for how much a Formula One car vary, with some saying a ballpark figure could be around the £16million mark.But with the budget cap set at around £106million-per-team each season, there’s plenty of wiggle room to spend even more money perfecting your car.With the help of experts at ALA Insurance, we look at the most expensive components of a F1 car, starting off with the most expensive.Read more F1 newsIt’s worth noting, though, these costs are estimates.Power unit (Engine) – £5m-£15mObviously, the engine is the most important piece of the jigsaw.Therefore, it’s no surprise they cost a pretty penny – and can set manufacturers back as much as £15million.The power unit consists of a combustion engine and the associated hybrid systems.Most read in MotorsportThey are tasked with recovering and deploying energy.Lewis Hamilton reveals why he turned down Top Gun 2 role despite begging Tom Cruise for a part in movie It is a highly advanced and meticulously engineered piece of machinery.The extensive research, development, and manufacturing processes, along with the utilisation of cutting-edge materials and technologies, contribute to its high cost.Carbon fiber monocoque – £200k- £500kA car’s frame is vitally important to its success.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 car, and it is usually constructed using carbon fibre composites.Carbon fibre is used because of its strength and is very light, meaning it won’t take away any speed.Again, complex manufacturing techniques, meticulous quality control, and high-grade carbon fibre materials mean it’s not a cheap process.Up to half a million pounds could be spent on the monocoque.The monocoque serves as the structural chassis of an F1 carCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresAerodynamic components – £50k – £200kWhen it comes to optimising performance and handling, aerodynamics play a vital role.This covers the design and development of intricate aerodynamic components, such as wings, diffusers, and bargeboards.It also involves extensive wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and continuous refinement.The complexity of these components, along with the costs associated with research and development, contribute to their higher price tags.The aerodynamic components of a race car are crucialCredit: GettyWings, diffusers, and bargeboards cost serious moneyCredit: APGearbox – £200k- £500kThe gearbox in an F1 car it’s an extremely complex component.Its job is to withstand immense force and transmit power efficiently for the best drive.F1 gearboxes are typically built to withstand rapid gear changes and extreme torque, requiring high-performance materials, precision machining, and stringent quality control.With a minimum figure of £200,000 spent, it’s a little pricier than fixing up your souped up Supra.The engine, gearbox and electronic system in the garage in all its gloryCredit: RexHybrid systems – £500k – £2mF1 cars employ advanced hybrid systems to capture and deploy energy for improved performance.Such systems include the Energy Recovery System (ERS) and associated electronics, incorporate cutting-edge technology and components.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe development and integration of these complex hybrid systems, along with the necessary research and testing, contribute to them costing as much as £2m.If you had the money, would you launch an F1 team and pay this much for a car?The Hybrid Energy System can cost up to £2mCredit: Formula1.comThe rough estimate for the cost of an F1 car is as much as £16mCredit: AFP More

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      Dele Alli’s ex Ruby Mae reveals her first thought as armed raiders stole £35k at England ace’s £2m London mansion

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      DELE Alli’s ex has revealed what first crossed her mind when armed raiders broke into their £2million London mansion. The thugs took off with £35,000 worth of the England ace’s watches and gems – including a Rolex.Traumatised Ruby Mae, right, speaks of the horrific experience of encountering armed robbers at ex Dele Alli’s homeCredit: Tom Horton / REXDele, who played for Spurs at the time of the crime, was badly shaken by the incidentCredit: Peter Byrne / PA WireWhile the attackers remain at large, Ruby says the police were very helpful when they turned upCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunA view of Dele’s gated property in North London where the incident took placeBut Dele’s ex Ruby Mae has now told all to The Sun about how the horror unfolded – and the fact the attackers are still at large. The 29-year-old said she had been up in the bedroom while the footballer and his pals were downstairs playing pool. Ruby said she had just taken their poodle Uno outside to go toilet before the two masked men broke in.They roughed up Dele, before trying to rip the models rings and bracelets off. Read more on footballTalking for the first time about her ordeal in London, she said: “I thought I was going to be killed.“It was terrifying. I was just hoping for it all to be over and for us to be safe.”Desperate Ruby said her instant reaction was to shield Uno at the £2million North London home. The model bravely said: “When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.Most read in Football“I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock and didn’t know, at this point, that there were two of them — and that one was already taking the jewellery with Dele.“I couldn’t get the jewellery off as I was panicking and holding the dog behind me.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports“I wasn’t answering his requests and I was terrified they were going to hurt Uno.“I didn’t know whether to tell them or not, and I didn’t even know where everything was. I wasn’t thinking straight.”The traumatised model was laying in the dark as the men with concealed weapons burst into the bedroom.She said that the thugs roughed up Dele and made him hand over three watches, including a Rolex.Ruby was in bed with the lights off and as the men grabbed her arms for her rings and bracelets.They failed to take them before panicking and fleeing with the goods.Ruby and Dele’s relationship
      Ruby and Dele split in 2021 — less than a year after the raid — with Ruby saying they “drifted” and lost their spark.
      They had met in a London bar in 2016 and for five years were one of the most photographed young couples in Britain.
      Ex-Tottenham midfielder Dele won PFA Young Player of the Year two years running, and made his Three Lions debut aged 19 in 2015.
      He scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Ruby, from Wigston, Leics, cheering him on with other Wags.
      But Dele lost his place in the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers and has yet to be recalled.
      He left Spurs for Everton in January 2022, but failed to impress and went on loan to Turkish side Besiktas.
      He returned early and has yet to play for Everton this season.
      Last year Dele revealed that one of his mum’s friends had abused him as a child.
      He also spent six weeks in rehab in the United States for an addiction to sleeping pills.
      Last Monday Dele appeared on Sky Sports as an analyst as his side were hammered 6-0 by Chelsea.
      He revealed his ambitions to play for England again saying: “You know you can set reminders on your phone. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now.
      “I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place, and I’m feeling good.”
      Ruby remains a successful model and said: “People think it’s a glamorous life but it’s quite cut-throat with a lot of pressure to look a certain way.
      “The good things are that you get to meet amazing people, work with different brands daily and travel.”

      Ruby recalled: “It was like a movie. I feared all sorts of things were going to happen.“I honestly didn’t know what was going to come next.”She had been watching Netflix thriller Dead To Me, and Dele and pals were playing pool downstairs when the burglars evaded security to get in through the back door.Ruby said: “They roughed up Dele and forced him upstairs with them into the wardrobe area, which is separated from the bedroom.“I couldn’t see the door from the bed but Dele’s friend came up first. “They came to me in a panic and I instantly realised something was wrong. His friend wouldn’t have usually come into the bedroom.When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.Ruby MaeDele Alli’s ex “Behind the friend, towards the door was what looked like a silhouette. I was confused and said, ‘Dele?’ and the guy didn’t answer.“I realised this guy was not the same height or body structure as Dele. He came over to me and was very intimidating.“He started asking me where everything was while trying to take off my bracelets and rings.”Ruby said the raiders began to panic when they realised how long they had been in the house.She added: “They jumped the fence out the front and ran away with whatever they had both managed to find. I don’t have a clue how they got past the security and into the house.“The police turned up a few minutes later. They were very helpful and made sure we were OK.”Met Police’s statement at the time
      Police were called at approximately 00:35hrs on Wednesday, May 13 to reports of a robbery at a residential address.
      Two males gained entry to the property and stole items of jewellery, including watches, before fleeing.
      Two male occupants at the property suffered minor facial injuries after being assaulted.
      They did not require hospital treatment. There have been no arrests. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

      Dele, 27, his adoptive brother Harry Hickford, 27, and the pal were badly shaken.Ruby added: “It affected all of us. To get burgled is one thing, but to get burgled when you’re in is so scary. All of us were speechless.“We were all just like, ‘What the hell has happened?’ We didn’t even know what to say to each other.“We were all very emotional and up and down. We were tired and had to do the police interviews. It was all very traumatic.“Psychologically, it has had an impact. Being home alone is scarier than it once was.“Every now and then I still think about it. I can’t believe it happened. It was awful.”A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.Ruby MaeDele Alli’s ex After the raid in May 2020’s Covid lockdown, police gave Dele and Ruby alarms to activate if they were in danger which signalled directly through to cops.Ruby said they randomly sounded weeks later and police turned up with a dog unit within moments.The alarms were on top of the 24-hour security they already had in place before the break-in.No arrests have been made and the attackers remain at large.Ruby said: “It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But they took stuff that can be replaced, so I’m just glad we all got through it without something really serious happening.“A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.”The pair a year after the 2020 incident, with Ruby saying that they ‘lost their spark’Credit: Getty More

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      Ex-footballer dubbed Mosquito, 42, had trial with Treble-winning Man Utd only to KO them from cup with Coventry goals

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      MICHAEL MIFSUD has a long history with Manchester United.The former striker went from being on trial at Old Trafford to scoring twice against them in a famous Coventry victory within eight years.Michael Mifsud celebrates the first of his memorable goals in Coventry’s 2-0 League Cup win at Old Trafford 17 years agoCredit: GettyMifsud trained with Paul Scholes and David BeckhamCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn 1999, as one of the hottest prospects in Maltese football, the teenager was invited to train alongside United’s Treble-winning stars at The Cliff — their old complex.And while he was unable to sign a permanent contract with Malta not in the European Union at the time, those two weeks helped shape his career.Mifsud, 42, told SunSport: “I trained with the first-team. Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane were all there, the legends.“Just entering the dressing room, seeing all the kits, you’re getting changed with Beckham’s boots next to you, it was surreal. It was a dream come true.READ MORE TOP STORIES“I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson a little bit, even though everyone was scared of him.“It showed me what real football was like and made me even hungrier. I wanted to be like Beckham and to be scoring goals like Andy Cole.”Mifsud, famously nicknamed The Mosquito by a rival, did eventually make his way to English football — via spells in Norway and Germany — when he joined Coventry in January 2007.And he could hardly believe his luck eight months later when the Sky Blues drew United away in the League Cup third round.Most read in FA CupAgainst a Red Devils team that included the likes of Gerard Pique, Anderson and Nani, he wrote his name into Coventry folklore.Having scored the opener, Mifsud sealed the tie 20 minutes from time with a memorable second.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking’In front of the 11,000 travelling Coventry fans, he left the great Pique on his backside before rifling home.He said: “I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it.“You never get sick of something nice. I was so grateful and lucky to achieve what I did. We were like a family, so it was a real team effort.“The game and my performance was fantastic. I could have scored a hat-trick with my backheel hitting the post, but my second goal was so nice.“I went to celebrate with our fans, they were behind the goal and it was a really special feeling.“All of Malta were behind me. Half of Malta supports United but on the day they were supporting me. I received so many messages, my phone was like ping, ping, ping.”Among those United fans were Mifsud’s mum, although she was not at the game.Early on in his career, he banned her from coming.The-then Coventry hero tangled with Man Utd’s Danny SimpsonCredit: Getty – ContributorMifsud is ‘buzzing’ along with the fans to see if the Sky Blues repeat his gloryCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe explained: “Sometimes as a striker you have to dive to win a foul and my mum would go nuts and say, ‘Is he hurt, is he hurt?’.“So, I said mum, ‘Please don’t come and watch, I do it on purpose’. So, she always watched games on TV.”Mifsud smiles when asked about making a mockery of Pique.At the time, the Spaniard was a rookie but he went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career — one the striker takes responsibility for.He said: “My friends sometimes joke about what I did to him, and I say to them, ‘I pushed his career up, he won the league, the Champions League and the World Cup after that’.”The ex-hitman has flown over for the semi-final at Wembley.But does he think the current Cov crop can replicate the Class of 2007? Mifsud said: “Yes, I believe they can.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is a good time to play them. Manchester United are not enjoying a good spell, so it’s a good time to achieve and win the game.“I’m buzzing to be there with the fans. I’m so grateful for them, it’s like going back in time.” More