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      in Boxing

      I swapped £60k hotel rooms and training A-list celebs to reignite British title bid and coach influencer boxers

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      DAN MORLEY is aiming to win titles as he prepares to make his return to boxing after two years out of the ring.The Epsom-based fighter has had a rollercoaster career which saw him defeat Louis Isaacs in a fight of the year contender in 2021.Dan Morley is preparing to return to professional boxing after quitting two years agoCredit: RexHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereThe Epsom-based fighter boasts an 8-0 recordCredit: PROVIDED BY DANIEL MORLEYMorley called a halt to his pro career to teach boxing in the MaldivesFast forward a few more months and Morley faced Ivan Njegac, which proved to be his last fight after the 27-year-old quit amid growing pressures and rising costs.Morley suffered a broken nose and broken hand which derailed his progress while fights that earned him £500 did little to cover the £1500 medical tests needed for each fight.He told SunSport: “I was looking at the next five years of my life when I was 25-26 thinking ‘how quickly can I get through these?’ Which is not a way to live your life.”So the Chelsea fan hung up his gloves and set off around the world for coaching opportunities which saw him train clients in Switzerland and the Maldives.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast.Most read in BoxingAnthony Joshua gets grilled by a nine year old in interviewMorley is hopeful his new-found following will boost his profile when he makes his return to the ring, which he anticipates could be in the summer.The 8-0 boxer aims to fight at British level but is happy to have discovered balance in his life, which has rid him of the pressures that pro boxing put on him previously.He added: “I’m very optimistic and excited. Before I took the break I was looking at those five years with dread. Now in the ring I’m excited to get back, I can see myself winning titles, going up to British level and beyond.”I’m looking at stuff outside too. Continue training abroad and I can get more opportunities like that. I would love to break through as a pundit, have a book published, travel the world with boxing. And build experiences in and out of the ring.”It’s been a much better balance. Before I was obsessive about it to the point where its being fuelled by fear and paranoia. Just like the pressure of having to do it because it was my identity.”Whereas taking a step away from it has given me the clarity to say ‘you know what, there are so many other things I can do – I do this simply because I love it’ and that’s the thing that always drove me, the love, but the pressure was killing me.”Book plansAlong with his return to the ring, Morley wants to publish a book and is still keen to continue coaching.He trained TikTok sensation and world champion football freestyler Andrew Henderson, who boasts two million followers, for a few months and is open to training other influencers – or even fighting one himself.Morley said: “I’m more than willing to help people within the influencer scene. I’m not massively fussed about fighting in it myself unless they offered me a load of money to beat one of them up.”These influencer guys are going in with no experience and earning 50,60 times – even the lower level ones – the amount pro boxers will be earning in hard fights.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is frustrating to a certain degree but I looked at it and thought ‘how can I learn from what they’ve done?’ And do that in my own way without selling my soul.”Morley is yet to decide on his next opponent but is hopeful of having a fight lined up for July – so watch this space.Morley’s clash with Louis Isaacs was nominated for 2021 fight of the yearMorley has amassed 400,000 followers across his social media platforms More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend, 67, who grew up on council estate now financial advisor after getting sick of watching pals go bankrupt

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      WHEN Bryan Robson was the elder statesman of the Manchester United squad in the early 1990s, Sir Alex Ferguson set him a task with the Class of ’92.The England legend was asked by the iconic boss to help the incredible youngsters coming through at Old Trafford with their financial matters.Man Utd ambassador Bryan Robson has co-founded a business offering financial adviceRobson played 465 times for the Red Devils during a storied careerSir Alex Ferguson leaned on Bryan Robson to help the Class of ’92 with their contractsHe told SunSport: “Sir Alex always wanted to protect the Class of ’92 when they were coming through.”On occasions, he would pull me in his office and just say, ‘I can’t keep up with all these young lads. Try and give them good advice, because they may be getting new contracts with the club’.”The boss didn’t want them tying themselves up with agents who were going to take big fees.”I went in and negotiated for a few of the boys, which they were really happy with.”Read more on Man UtdFast forward 30-plus years, Robson, now 67, is embarking on a new business venture that could be crucial in today’s world, and echoes back to that experience.He has co-founded High-Performance Individuals alongside former Manchester United apprentice Simon Andrews – with the aim to give high earning sports, media, music and entertainment stars financial and investment advice.You get fed up of seeing teammates going bankrupt or losing a lot of money in investments.”In recent times, footballers Wes Brown and Chris Smalling have spoken about being badly advised with their money.While TV personality Katie Price is bankrupt again, after reportedly blowing a £45million fortune.Most read in FootballRobson admitted it’s heartbreaking seeing former teammates suffering, which prompted him and friend Andrews into action.He explained: “Simon Andrews, who was in the financial world and a former apprentice at Manchester United, approached me with the idea.Robbo talks about Man Utd’s current woes and situation”You get fed up of seeing teammates going bankrupt or losing a lot of money in investments.”I just thought someone’s got to do something about it because it’s just not right that the education system doesn’t get to some of the lads.”That’s why we have set this company up. We don’t want to be an agent. All we want to do is do reports for people who are in financial difficulties or people who might just want a report to see if everything’s in place.”We have professional people in every walk of the financial system, so really it’s like a financial plan.”We aren’t telling them what they have got to do. It’s up to the individual person what they want in life, and whether they want to invest in anything.”And it’s also about educating people about knowing about tax, are they getting the right mortgage, or the right lease for their car – all these sort of things we want to cover.”HPI won’t take commission, nor will they take money from their clients in the future.They provide a report, work alongside agents or mum’s and dad’s of the talent, depending on who works as the advisor.”They have to be educated as well to make sure they are doing the right thing for the individual,” Robson added.Alongside his incredible football career, Captain Marvel launched several business interests.In the past Robson has been successful in businessSimon Andrews has co-founded High Performance Individuals alongside RobsonAndrews is a former Man Utd apprentice and now works in financeHe scored success with greeting cards, but lost money investing in schemes which aimed to take advantage of tax breaks for film productions.Today he manages various properties with his wife, Denise.He continued: “When I got into the England team, then I signed for Manchester United everybody wants to chat to you.”Everybody is a millionaire and tells you this is how they made their money… you’ve got to be wary of that person.”I’m not saying I was perfect. I came from a council estate, went to a decent school, my mum and dad were good parents, but I lost money on the film schemes, like many other footballers did in the 1980s and 1990s.”My advice is, if you are going to invest in something make sure you can afford to. If it goes pear-shaped, you’re not then missing that money and it’s not affecting your life.”I was lucky with another business which I went into with my best mate for greeting cards when I was with Manchester United.”What it did was take me away from other things, I just wanted to concentrate on the business doing really well. Fortunately for me it was successful.”The pitfalls were definitely there when I was playing, the players have just got to be aware of that.”Explaining how the reports work, Robson admitted “trust” was a key part of the process.All we want to do is try to help and advise, what to stay away from, what is a good investment.”Robson admitted there are plenty of pitfalls footballers have to be wary ofCredit: GettyFootball legend Robson revealed he was sick of seeing former teammates struggles financiallyread more sport features”All we want to do is try to help and advise, what to stay away from, what is a good investment,” he told us.”When we do this report, we ask the individuals if they want to stay in football, if they want to be a coach or work in the media world.”It’s really just a matter of finding out what the individual wants to achieve when they wrap up their playing days.”Even in my days there was a lot of players that went bankrupt, and their financial situation caused divorce. You just don’t want to see that, and if you can help them that’s what myself and the company want to do.”Wes Brown breaks silence on bankruptcyBy Dylan Terry
      FORMER Manchester United defender Wes Brown has opened up about going bankrupt.
      The ex-Red Devils defender, 44, was earning £50,000 a week at one stage during his 15-year stay at Old Trafford.
      He also once had a property in Cheshire up for sale for £4.5million.
      Yet the five-time Premier League winner still managed to lose all his money, with the HMRC filing a bankruptcy petition in February 2023, before it was signed off at the High Court two months later.
      It came after he split from Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne in 2022 following 20 years of marriage.
      Now the father-of-three has spoken about how his financial crisis occurred.
      He told the Ben Heath podcast: “I think the main thing is when you are making a lot of money, you need the right people, don’t you? And I would say that’s one of the things I didn’t have.
      “It was a little bit different. It wasn’t lots of people you go and speak to and you maybe meet people and do this do that. I wasn’t interested in any of that. You said yes and got on with it.
      “It’s a long story and I won’t go into the detail, but it’s stuff that happened a long time ago with certain investments and getting into stuff that as a young kid, a lot of people go into, [but] don’t really understand it.
      “It’s what a lot of people are doing and then it came to a head last year, and that’s how it went.
      “It’s happened and I’m just getting on with it but it’s one of those things where you hope people, especially this generation, don’t get involved in.”
      Brown’s ex-wife Leanne spoke about their financial situation a few years ago when they were still together.
      She said: “Yes we’ve got a lovely life and all this money and I’m not saying the money isn’t great but when you’re in it you’re living in this bubble.
      “Although the fans can be amazing they can also be very cruel.
      “It must be hard [for footballers] to deal with to be on top one minute and hated the next for a bad kick or missing the goal.
      “We are the ones that are left to pick up the pieces and bear the brunt of whatever is left at the end of their careers.”
      Brown, who won the Champions League with Man Utd in 1999 and 2008, earned 23 England caps.
      He also had spells with Sunderland, Blackburn and Kerala Blasters.

      But, despite many suffering with financial woes, plenty are also switched on when it comes to their finances. Robson explained: “Recently, we did a report for one player who was very honest with us and told us everything about his family and what he’s got in place.”To be fair, we went away, we spoke about it, and there wasn’t really anything we could do.”We told the player, ‘you’ve done really well, you’ve got everything in place and it looks good.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”He said, ‘this is fantastic, all players should have this because it’s like an audit.”They might have something wrong, but it’s great to hear everything is in place too.”Former Man Utd star West Brown recently revealed all about his spiralling debtsCredit: PAKatie Price has also declared bankruptcy More

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      in Soccer

      Spare a thought for long-suffering Coventry fans like ‘Simon’ who should have whole country backing them against Man Utd

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      THE NEXT time Simon from ­Surrey pours out his heart to talkSPORT about the woes of supporting Manchester United, spare a thought for ‘Steven’ from Coventry.‘Steven’ is not his real name. We are keeping his identity secret to spare the shame and indignity of being outed as a Coventry City supporter.Long-suffering Coventry fans should have the majority of other clubs backing them at WembleyCredit: PABecause unlike United in recent years who may have been a bit crap, the Sky Blues really have been to s***ville and back.Which is why there should be no debate about who I and the rest of the country should be rooting for on Sunday when the two teams meet at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final.Being ‘sent to Coventry’ is a metaphorical punishment. But being temporarily ghosted by pals is nowhere near as extreme as having to stay there and support the city’s football team.‘Steven’ is just one of hundreds if not thousands of helpless victims unable to escape this miserable addiction — like eating toilet paper (yes, people do do it).READ MORE ON FOOTBALL‘Steven’ moved away and found a new life with a successful career but still couldn’t shake the drug of watching the Sky Blues.One day in 2016 he took a mate with him to see City play at Cambridge, appropriately in the FA Cup.‘Steven’ was hoping to turn his pal into a fan like him and imagined them enjoying memorable boy time together on road trips to and from games. Firming up their friendship by celebrating famous victories in the pub and on long car journeys with a mix tape blaring away.But things went wrong when League Two Cambridge stuck four goals past League One Cov, with Luke Berry scoring them all.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS‘Steven’ noticed a change in his mate, who seemed more distant, ­different somehow. Finally the ‘friend’ came clean and confessed that he would prefer to support Cambridge instead — and he still does.‘Steven’ also got done for speeding on the way home (three points is still three points, son) and Coventry were relegated to League Two at the end of the season.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking’Still the nightmare went on. The ­following season ‘Steven’ went with his dad to see City play Yeovil in League Two.He told me (in a disguised voice): “We were outclassed and outplayed. I had now seen City lose in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.  I made a point of going to the home game later that ­season as we had finally picked up form — we lost 6-2.”Coventry went 51 years without a promotion season between 1967 and 2018.Since winning the 1987 FA Cup courtesy of Gary Mabbutt’s knee, there have been three relegations, one administration, countless humiliations and years of frustration.Home games played in entirely ­different cities, ownership strife, fan ­protests and being forced to groundshare with London rugby club Wasps.After plummeting out of the Premier League in 2001, there have been 13 different full-time managers — but even Sky Blue diehards lose count when you ask.Coventry lifted the FA Cup at Wembley back in 1987Credit: GettyIn that same period Manchester United have won six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.But they haven’t won the league for 11 years and have American owners they don’t particularly like. Heartbreaking.There are more like ‘Steven’. ‘Mark’ drove from home to Oldham one night and broke down on the M6 en route. He arrived at half-time with City 1-0 up. They lost 2-1.One of ‘David’s’ first dates with his new girlfriend was to see Coventry at home to non-league Worcester City in the FA Cup first round. What a way to impress a girl.City were knocked out by the Conference North side 2-1. ‘David’ and his new beau were two lovebirds among 8,000 devotees on a blustery Sunday in November 2014.There is at least a happy ending. ‘David’ is soon to wed that loyal lady who can see beyond his obvious weakness and will dedicate her life to ­caring for the man of her dreams.‘David’ tells me he will be at ­Wembley on Sunday cheering on the love of his life in full kit.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      THE END OF THE MAGICTHE dear old FA Cup is being forced to make room for boring group stage European matches.Sorry, that should read, boring ‘Swiss-style format’ European matches.There’s a difference apparently.I love the third-round replays because I am a bit of a dinosaur and watching the big clubs cock it up at home then lose away is cracking entertainment. But that’s not the issue.Bringing forward the FA Cup final to the penultimate weekend of the domestic season means the oldest cup competition in the world is now robbed of its grand finale place in the calendar.Yes, it has happened before but that doesn’t mean it’s OK.Even though the Cup is normally dominated by the elite teams, the likes of Crystal Palace and Hull can enjoy a huge day out and a puncher’s chance of victory.The Premier League is scrapping games the night before to allow build-up to the big occasion next season. But there might be some the day after.Thus making the FA Cup final merely a bridging tournament as the title race hots up.RIP FA CUP.Gabriel Jesus is shown a yellow card by referee Danny Makkelie against Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersCLOCK UPWATCHING Gabriel Jesus petulantly toss the ball away and mouth off to the referee in the final, frantic few minutes of Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, something struck me.Instead of booking tetchy footballers for such unsportsmanlike acts, why don’t refs just knock 30 seconds off whatever stoppage time is left?The Gunners were desperate for an equaliser on Wednesday night and every second was precious.If the losing team knows that any outburst like that will cost them on the clock, it will soon put an end to it.ALL DUN?THE goalless draw for Rangers at Dundee means they are now without a win in three games.It has blown the Scottish title race wide open.READ MORE SUN STORIESSuch drama north of the border.Who on earth do you think might win the Premiership instead of them? More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Jack Fincham’s stunning THREE STONE body transformation as Love Island star reveals healthy boxing diet

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      JACK FINCHAM has shed a stunning THREE STONE after ditching junk food for a healthy boxing diet. The 2018 Love Island winner returns to the ring on Friday in Dubai against trader and martial artist Ahmed Mousa at Crypto Fight Night. Jack Fincham has lost a stunning three stone ahead of his boxing returnCredit: @cryptofightweekFincham returns to the boxing ring in DubaiCredit: @cryptofightweekThe Love Islander ditched junk food for a healthy boxing dietFincham has whipped himself into sensational shape for the bout with the help of nutritionist David Stache. He told SunSport: “My Uber Eats account, I must’ve spent all my money on it!”I was eating anything and everything, even when I wasn’t hungry just eating out of boredom sometimes. “Obviously working and being around mates that don’t eat how I eat now.READ MORE IN BOXING”My nutritionist now is David Stache and he’s worked with 20+ world champions so you ain’t getting better than that.”The pair met through Anthony Joshua’s coach Ben Davison – who Fincham trained with in the past. And Stache has Fincham on a diet of four eggs in the morning, chicken and salmon for lunch and a steak dinner. And when all is said and done the reality TV star is looking at the equivalent of a three stone weight loss. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFincham said: “I would’ve lost nearly 20kilos. “It’s hard work, hard work and applying yourself and dedication and consistency. No like, ‘Oh, I could just do this today.'”It’s hard work and consistency, always.”Fincham, 31, boxed as an amateur before walking away from the sport as a teenager to enjoy a party lifestyle. But after returning for an exhibition on Floyd Mayweather’s undercard in November 2022, he is ready to give it his all in boxing. Fincham said: “I’m 31 now, I’m in my last roll of the dice in boxing. “So I’m giving my all this year, I’m going to fight a few times this year and probably for the next couple of years.”I’m going to make this a massive, huge part of my life and keep it going, see how far I can take it.”Fincham has a wishlist of opponents, including Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers and pro boxers-turned Love Island pair Tommy Fury and Idris Virgo. He said: “I know the route I wanna go. I do wanna fight Aaron Chalmers, me and Aaron are friends.”Idris Virgo keeps calling me out but look, I’m not ready for him yet he’s a great pro and I’d never sit here and slag him off.”But Aaron Chalmers, I’m hoping for early next year and Tommy Fury, maybe in the next couple of years.”And for me, I think they are very beatable.”Joey Essex – famed for his run on The Only Way is Essex – is also teasing a boxing debut. And despite being the nephew to esteemed British trainer Tony Sims, Fincham warned his friend of ever fighting him. He said: “Listen, I’ve seen little bits of Joey Essex. If he ever wants to do it I’d beat him without a shadow of a doubt, hands down.”Look, Joey’s got a boxing family but he’s never had a fight. He might have had a couple of amateurs, a couple of spars.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But there’d be no point in fighting me. And, by the way, me and Joey are friends, I love Joey, but boxing-wise it would be a pointless fight, I’d beat him.”
      Crypto Fight Night 4 takes place on 19th April at Al Habtoor City, Dubai and will be streaming live on Triller TV and Myco More

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      in Soccer

      Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans admit ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’

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      CRYSTAL PALACE star Eberechi Eze revealed SIX clubs rejected the chance to sign him before his Selhurst Park heroics.Eze, 25, has shone bright in the Premier League with Palace in the last four years and has amassed a total of seven goals and four assists in 26 appearances this season.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was rejected by six clubs, including ArsenalCredit: GettyEze now commands an asking price in the region of £70mCredit: GettyEze was also turned down by Fulham, Sunderland, Bristol City, Reading and MillwallThe versatile forward’s impressive appearances have attracted interest from some of the Prem’s biggest clubs, such as Manchester City and Tottenham, ahead of the summer transfer window.And he could go for as much as £70million.However, the two-cap England star wasn’t so spoiled for choice earlier in his career.When starting out as a kid, Eze dealt with a series of rejections from various different teams, including Arsenal.Read More on FootballThe Gunners scouted the attacking midfielder in 2006, when he was playing for Sunday League outfit Bruin at the age of eight.The North Londoners signed the youngster, only to release him as a teenager.And that wasn’t the end of the rejection for Eze.Speaking to the Second Tier Podcast, Eze recalled: “So I started at Bruin, that’s a Sunday League team.Most read in FootballGobsmacked Jurgen Klopp appears to mouth three-letter response as Eze scores Crystal Palace winner at Liverpool”Was there for maybe half a year before getting scouted by a few teams like Arsenal, Chelsea – more London-based teams.”I decided to go to Arsenal, was there for maybe five years, played there then got released.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Went to Fulham for two-and-a-half years or so, got released from there.”Went to Reading for half a year, got released from there. The went to Millwall for my scholar, was there for two years then got released from there.”Went on trial to a few teams afterwards. Went to Sunderland, went to Bristol City, got released from there – well not released, but didn’t get in.”Then, thankfully to God, I got signed by QPR. They gave me a year contract.”Worked for maybe three or four months, got offered a new contract and from there started to grow, started to get better and improve, play first-team football and from there I got a move to Palace.”Fans couldn’t believe how their favourite clubs missed out on such a talent like Eze, who is poised to make a big money move soon with his Palace contract running until 2027.Eze’s asking priceReports suggest the Eagles won’t let their star man go for less than £70m, especially after he dealt a crushing blow to Liverpool’s title chances by scoring the winner on Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Anfield.One supporter tweeted: “It is MAD how many teams rejected Eberechi Eze.”Another commented: “Can’t forgive Sunderland for this one, absolute stinker in hindsight.”A third wrote: “The thought of Eze and [Palace team-mate Michael] Olise in the same #ReadingFC side is frightening.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “@SunderlandAFC f**k sake lads, dropped a right b*****k there.”And that one pleaded: “Come home to Arsenal.”Eze has stood out in the Premier League these past four years More

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      in Soccer

      I cried after conceding 31 goals in heaviest ever Fifa defeat but now I’ve had film made about me by Rita Ora’s husband

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      GOALKEEPER Nicky Salapu has swapped the pain of a 31-0 defeat for the fame of a cult movie – 23 years later.The American Samoa player, 43, was in tears when Australia racked up a record international win in 2001.Nicky Salapu shows the agony as yet another goal flies past the keeper in American Samoa’s record 31-0 loss vs Australia in 2001Credit: AP:Associated PressMovie director Taika Waititi, seen with wife Rita Ora, made Next Goal Wins, a fictional film about the American Samoa teamCredit: GettySalapu looks back on his career with dignity now, having also made the American Samoa squad for the 2023 Pacific Games last DecemberCredit: GettyBut he cried with redemption a decade later when the “world’s worst team” finally registered a victory.Now he’s one of the central figures portrayed in Next Goal Wins – a fictional film from Hollywood A-list director Michael Fassbender, the husband of singer Rita Ora.Looking trim and fit, Salapu still gets stopped in the streets and asked about a loss that was unique for much more than just the scoreline.His international team were forced into a frenzied search for players ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when Fifa ruled that squad members must have an American passport.READ MORE TOP STORIESThree 15-year-olds were among the youngsters hastily called up, meaning an average age of 18 and Salapu being a wise old head at 20.He told the BBC’S Sporting Witness podcast: “We had to find anyone in two weeks. We ended up selecting kids from high school.”And after his side opened with three heavy defeats – 13-0 to Fifi, 8-0 vs Samoa and 5-0 to Tonga – Salapu was upset Australia went full out.He even claimed, had he been the Socceroos’ coach, he would have told his players to score 20 times then “keep possession until the game is over”.Most read in FootballYet that miserable mauling is no longer the main reason the story of American Samoa football is now so well-known.Dutchman Thomas Rongen became coach in 2011, sparking incredible progress that was shared to a wider audience in a 2014 documentary, Next Goal Wins, and retold in a movie of the same name last year.Rita Ora ditches her underwear in racy see-through Met Gala dress with husband Taika WaititiThe peak arrived when American Samoa followed 38 loses in a row by launching their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Tonga.Salapu said: “That was the first time I ever cried in soccer since 2001 against Australia.” But his footballing story is not yet over – as he made the American Samoa squad for the Pacific Games last DecemberAnd son Dylan plays for their Under-17s team in midfield.A far cry from 2001 when such a pedigree would have made him a veteran of their senior side…Team-mate Young Im Min consoles Salapu during the 31-0 maulingCredit: GettySalapu suffered the low point of his playing career vs AustraliaCredit: GettyWaititi and Ora are a well-known glam couple in the entertainment worldCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside controversial football team who have won every game in their history but are still denied Guinness World Record

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      A FOOTBALL team have been denied the Guinness World Record for successive top-flight victories.Welsh minnows The New Saints clocked up 27 straight wins back in 2016 but recently saw that stunning feat eclipsed.Big-spending Al-Hilal got their name in the book of Guinness World RecordsCredit: ReutersArkadag FC have won every competitive game in their entire historyCredit: AFPSaudi side Al-Hilal, who have former Premier League stars Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ruben Neves in their ranks as well as the injured Neymar, extended that to 34 last month.However, in Turkmenistan in central Asia, Arkadag FC have won every competitive game in their entire history since they were created a year ago.They lifted the Turkmenistan title in December after recording a whopping 72 points from 24 games.They also had seven cup wins too and have six already this term, taking their tally to 37.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut despite that incredible run, the official record still remains over a thousand miles away in the Saudi Pro League.And a spokesperson for Guinness World Records explained the reason why to the Guardian. They said: “There’s relatively little detail available for the Turkmenistan league, less than we want for the kind of due diligence we carry out in our research for this and similar records.“This may also be indicative of a level of governance and competition under what we’d ordinarily look for as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“All this being considered, we have confirmed Al-Hilal as the record holder.”Despite having a 6.5m population, the isolated Turkmenistan is one of the most secretive countries on the planet.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowAnd the way that Arkadag were created could also be a hurdle.Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the president of Turkmenistan from 2006 to 2022, loved his ‘Arkadag’ nickname, which translated means ‘hero protector’.Prior to handing over power to his son, Serdar, he ordered a city to be built at the cost of $5bn which was named Arkadag.That has a population of 70,000 and in 2023 the football team was created with the best players in the country all signing for them.The league’s transfer window was extended in order to help them secure the influx of stars.They ended their maiden campaign with +66 goal difference – and it is already at +30 after just six games of this term.This fresh report states that Berdymukhamedov is desperate to somehow get his new city into the Guinness World Records somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he allegedly believes that once they start competing in Asian competitions then it will be impossible for them to continue to be ignored.And, of course, that could also see them eventually go head-to-head with rivals Al-Hilal in a match that could equate to someone’s 0 having to go. More

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      in Soccer

      I was a Premier League star who played more than 500 games – but now I’m a COP armed with gun & driving fast cars

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      A PREMIER League star who has more than 500 games under his belt is now an armed cop who enforces the law.The 54-year-old made a half-century of appearances for five different English clubs across his career from 1995 to 2008.A former Premier League star has left football behind for a life as a copCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Dutch former star now spends his days solving crimes and catching crooksCredit: YouTubeThe defender competing for the ball against Thierry Henry back in 2004Credit: GettyBut the Dutch footballer has since returned back to his native country as a police officer specialising in forensics.The ex-Prem defender now spends his time catching crooks instead of chasing down strikers.Arjan de Zeeuw, who is best known in England for his spell at Wigan Athletic, has even claimed that his new job is filled with “fast cars and guns”.In a 2020 podcast hosted by his former Latics team-mate Emmerson Boyce, De Zeeuw revealed that he is now living a “boys’ dream”. Read More in FootballHe said: “I still work with the Dutch police force, believe it not as an inspector, or detective as you call it.”Having a medical degree, my first idea was to become a doctor, but at the time the Dutch police were looking for people with higher education to do a fast-track course into the police force.”It sounded a little bit like a boys’ dream – being in fast cars and having a gun and all that stuff and I realised it was still going to take me a long time to become a doctor, whereas it was a much quicker route into the police force.”He continued: “I realised that I loved playing football so much that I didn’t not want to play it and be on the side of the pitch all the time.Most read in Football”I realised I didn’t want to be on the football pitch not playing football, so I thought no, I’m not going to do all the badges and go into management.”I’m just going to get completely out of football altogether.”De Zeeuw hung up his boots in 2009 with ADO ’20 after making a mere 12 appearances. I’m a former Premier League striker but now I’m a COP – I spend my days solving crimes & catching crooksHis stint at Coventry City the year before didn’t quite pan out due to nagging injuries preventing him from securing a regular spot in the Championship side.De Zeeuw is also still into football and manages Vitesse 22 in the Dutch non-league.Back in 2005 he earned a stunning tribute from the then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.Newcastle fan Blair went on the BBC’s Football Focus to pick out three Prem players – England striker Teddy Sheringham, Fulham stylist Steed Malbranque and De Zeeuw.Blair lasted another two years as PM while the Dutchman carried on playing until 2009, bowing out after a season with Dutch side ADO’20.And Blair said of him: “He’s really strong, never gives up. I could do with him at the whips’ office!”However, before starting his playing career, he completed a degree in medical science, which he is now putting to use in his investigative work.Police work is like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”Arjan De Zeuuw, 54In 2014, he told BBC Sport: “I was looking at something else other than football.”I’ve been in football that long and I thought I just need to look at the world a bit more.”So I tried to get back into my medical studies and I bumped into a friend of mine who was a detective in Alkmaar, where we are now.”Arjan continued: “It’s challenging. The good thing is it’s like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”You’ll hardly ever solve a crime on your own.”However, despite leaving the beautiful game behind as a career, he’s still joined up with the force’s team, who he generously described as “energetic”.He joked: “You have to be careful for your legs with these.”On top of that, he plays for the police’s national team, who qualified for the European final that year.Discussing how his footie skills have kept up, he chuckled: “I’m lacking a bit of speed and a little bit of touch, but the competitive edge is still there.”It’s possible he was just being modest though as he also recalled how his training came in handy when chasing down a suspect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-Prem defender outlasted him for stamina and made the arrest.He laughed: “I had enough pace to keep up.”Former football stars with interesting jobs
      Mathieu Flamini
      Arsenal’s combative midfielder Flamini, 40, went from pro footballer to environmental entrepreneur as co-founder of GF Biochemicals.
      The company is estimated to be worth £21billion thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid, which is a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics.
      Asamoah Gyan
      Better known for his stunning 51-goal haul for Ghana than his two-year spell at Sunderland, the World Cup semi-finalist is on course for a very comfortable retirement.
      Gyan’s business ventures in airlines, real estate, bottled water, boxing promotion, petrol stations and rice and noodles means his net worth is about £17million.
      Robbie Fowler
      Liverpool’s goalscoring legend hung up his shooting boots seven years ago but had already been building a sustainable income away from football long before then.
      He is involved in horse-racing and has owned a sports promotion company since the 1990s.
      But real estate is where Fowler shines as he reportedly owns more than 100 properties and has a net worth of more than £30m.
      Thomas Gravesen
      The Danish hardman delighted Everton fans with his take-no-prisoners approach on the pitch but stopped playing at the age of 32.
      He went on to amass a tidy fortune through clever investments and then boosted his pot up to £100m through poker winnings in Las Vegas. 
      Gravesen, 48, now works back in Denmark as a TV pundit.

      De Zeuuw says he still enjoys playing football from time to timeCredit: BBCDe Zeuuw made over 500 appearances for five different English clubs between 1995 and 2008Credit: Getty More