Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England candidate Thomas Tuchel is confrontational ex-Chelsea boss who once made player crawl on all fours as punishment

      by

      THOMAS Tuchel is the combustible figure who has managed to fall out with the hierarchy at EVERY job he has been in.The German football manager, 51, is now the hot favourite take over the vacant England job.Fiery Thomas Tuchel is the favourite to take the reins of the Three LionsCredit: GettyTuchel has a reputation for falling out with players and club hierarchyTalks are ongoing with the ex-Chelsea boss’s representatives over taking the reins of the Three Lions and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.They add Tuchel could quickly be confirmed in the role if negotiations progress well.However, exact terms for his contract are yet to be agreed.But be warned, it could be a bumpy ride with Tuchel in charge who has a habit of epic rows with senior figures, his players, and even rival coaches.Read more football news That escalated quickly…Serial winner, yes. But at what cost?Tuchel had already made a name for himself at Mainz as being a difficult personality, when he took on the Borussia Dortmund job.He reportedly demanded more investment in team, and when he didn’t get what he wanted he walked away from his job.Dortmund hired him in 2015 to replace club favourite, Jurgen Klopp. Most read in FootballSoon, though, players were unhappy with his man-management skills.The five possible contenders to take over England manager job from Pep to PotterAnd although he won the German Cup, his time there is best-remembered for the bust-ups he had.There were disagreements with senior players, including Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Roman Weidenfeller.With Hummels he criticised his performance after a game. “Mats can do better,” Tuchel explained on why he substituted him in the 78th minute of their DFB Pokal final in May 2016 against Bayern.But the best was yet to come. A disagreement with forward Emre Mor resulted in one of the most extraordinary punishments a manager could have dished out.Miffed that Mor would question his methods, Tuchel employed his fitness coach to make the Turkish forward crawl across the pitch on his hands and knees as a punishment for not working hard enough.When the youngster complained, Tuchel barked: “Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth!”Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Michael Zorc also had their issues with Tuchel during his two-year tenure.The coach was unhappy when the club signed Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, claiming in a press conference he knew nothing about the deal.Then, when a Champions League fixture against Monaco had to be rearranged because of a bombing on the team bus, Watzke rearranged the game 24-hours later, ensuring the players were fine with this arrangement.Tuchel wasn’t. He moaned publicly and said the decision for the match to be played was made for them, and wasn’t his decision. Watzke later revealed that Tuchel had an opportunity to say he didn’t want the clash to happen but kept quiet.At Dortmund Tuchel was seen as a hard taskmasterTuchel didn’t want Alexander Isak, left, at the club, and punished Turkish forward Emre Mor, rightJust days after he won the German cup for the club, Tuchel was sacked with Watzke saying he was “worn out” dealing with the manager.Leaving Germany behindAfter leaving his homeland, PSG decided Tuchel was the top man to replace the successful and harmonious Unai Emery.Largely, there were few disagreements – given he inherited a squad chock-a-block of the game’s biggest superstars.He got on well with Neymar, and there was just once spat with Kylian Mbappe who he confronted after the France forward showed his dismay at being subbed off.Tuchel’s problem at PSG was sporting director, Leonardo. In an interview, he compared his job to being a sports politician and not a coach.The former AC Milan star didn’t like that, and when Leonardo insisted the club signed midfielder Danilo Pereira – Tuchel played the Brazilian in defence in protest because he wanted a centre half instead.Despite winning the treble, he was dismissed in 2021.Surprisingly, Tuchel had a good relationship with maverick NeymarKylian Mbappe and Thomas Tuchel had a brief fallout when the France star was subbedPSG’s sport director Leonardo did not see eye-to-eye with Tuchelread more sport featuresLondon callingIn 2021, Tuchel was hired by Chelsea to replace Frank Lampard.He inherited a team that had a healthy mix of experienced players, leaders and young fledgling talents.The team got to the FA Cup final, losing to Leicester City 1-0.However, they would land a bigger trophy – winning the Champions League a month later beating Man City thanks to a Kai Havertz goal.Trouble began to brew when Chelsea were taken over by Todd Boehly.He was already reportedly tetchy during their preseason tour of the US – blasting his players for their performances in Chelsea’s friendlies.According to the Telegraph, Tuchel was unhappy with being given extra responsibilities in terms of buying, selling and negotiating for players.Then, on another occasion when Boehly was insistent Chelsea should move for Cristiano Ronaldo, the tactician was said to be exasperated having to explain his decisions why they shouldn’t buy him.Tuchel was reportedly dismayed that former technical and performance advisor Petr Cech left the club after the takeover.Tuchel’s role at Chelsea lasted just 20 monthsIn his first season Tuchel delivered the Champions League trophy for the BluesHowever, he soon began to get tetchy in his role at Stamford Bridge – famously arguing with Antonio ConteTuchel’s romance with Brazilian beauty Natalie Max reportedly became dressing room gossip among Chelsea’s starsCredit: RexThe German also publicly revealed he had no involvement in the appointment of a new Sporting Director at the club, which revealed a distance between him and the new ownership.A separate report in The Independent claimed Tuchel’s romance with Brazilian girlfriend Natalie Max, 13-years his junior, was a hot topic in the dressing room.It was claimed some players changed their perception of Tuchel around the time he split with Sissi after 13 years of marriage.If it wasn’t his players, or bosses, Tuchel was also having fallouts with rival managers – infamously squaring off with Antonio Conte after refusing to let go his hand following a handshake.It happened again…He lasted just 20 months in his role at Chelsea, but beat that by six months at Bayern Munich.Again, his man-management style seemed to irk the superstars at the club dubbed ‘Hollywood FC’.BILD were the first to report of a division between the manager and his playing staff.Bayern stalwarts Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich were the loudest to voice their discontent.Forward Muller was believed to be frustrated by his lack of playing behind-the-scenes under Tuchel – who didn’t feel the Germany legend could fit into his tactical plans.Tuchel’s Bayern Munich experience ended in unrest amongst the senior playersCredit: ReutersJoshua Kimmich had an epic fallout with Tuchel over his positionCredit: GettyWith Kimmich, it was a little different – and, perhaps, more personal.The relationship began to unravel when Tuchel wanted to bring in a midfielder to play in Kimmich’s role.The 29-year-old was fuming, and told to play in the right-back position.Then, in a match against Bochum last season, he unravelled. After being subbed off in the 63rd minute, he sat on the bench frothing at the mouth.Post-match, Kimmich then got into a huge row with Tuchel’s trusted assistant Zsolt Low as they made their way back to the dressing room. The ill-feeling was spreading throughout the club.Things got worse when Tuchel reportedly told his players: “You’re not as good as I thought, then I just have to adapt to your level,” according to Sky Germany following a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.Unimpressed by his negativity, Bayern’s board members decided enough was enough and gave him his marching orders.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%In his last few months as Bayern Munich manager, Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the sidelinesCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Thomas Tuchel could be reunited if England hire the GermanWith his reputation preceding him, Tuchel might just be the most divisive manager England could get.Imagine Harry Kane having to crawl on all fours as a punishment? More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      She lived with us for 9 wonderful years – Luis Enrique opens up on death of his daughter in heartbreaking interview

      by

      LUIS ENRIQUE has opened up about the heartbreaking death of his daughter Xana.The Paris Saint-Germain manager’s beloved daughter tragically passed away at the age of nine in 2019.Luis Enrique has spoken beautifully about keeping daughter Xana’s ‘memory alive’Less than a year after taking over as Spain manager, Enrique would step away from the role in June 2019 for personal reasons.Two months later, Enrique shared the news of Xana’s death after her five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder has again paid a heartfelt tribute to his youngest daughter.Enrique opened up about her passing in a profoundly moving segment in the third episode of his documentary You Haven’t Got a Clue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “Can I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate? I consider myself fortunate, very fortunate.”My daughter Xana came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have a thousand memories of her, videos, incredible things.”My mother couldn’t keep photos of Xana. “Until I came home and asked, ‘Why are there no photos of Xana, Mom?’ ‘I can’t, I can’t, she used to say. Most read in Football”‘Mom, you have to put up photos of Xana, Xana is alive,’ I replied.”Enrique added: “Physically, she may not be here, but spiritually she is. Barcelona legend, 32, breaks down in tears as he leaves after 18 years and 25 trophies with Spanish giants”Because every day we talk about her, we laugh, and we remember because I think Xana still sees us.”The images of Xana that accompanied his words reflect the happiness she radiated, which Enrique vowed to keep alive in his memory.The Champions League winning manager with Barca returned to his Spain job to replace interim coach Robert Moreno ahead of Euro 2020.He lost on penalties to eventual champs Italy in the semi-finals and stepped down after Spain lost another shootout to Morocco in the Round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup. Back in November 2022, after his Spain side drew 1-1 with Germany in the group stage in Qatar, Enrique paid tribute to Xana ahead of what would have been her 13th birthday.He said: “It was a special day for me and my family.”Obviously we don’t have our daughter with us physically anymore, but she is still present every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We remember her a lot, we laugh and think about how she would act in each situation that we experience.”Enrique also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment”.Xana Enrique passed away following a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in 2019 More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Inside ‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt’s jet-setting summer after amazing trips to Italy, Thailand and Maldives

      by

      ALICA SCHMIDT had fans longing for the beach as she shared pics from her glamorous sunny holidays.Schmidt, 25, is a German runner who competed in the Paris Olympics last summer but failed to qualify for the women’s 4x400m relay final.Alica Schmidt shared pics of her glamorous sunny holidayCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt went to Italy, Thailand and the MaldivesCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of bikini snaps for her fansCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt enjoyed the crystal waters with some jet-skiingCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of glam pics for her followersCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdThe athlete has amassed a huge following on social media with her glamorous persona seeing her dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete”.And she took Instagram by storm as she shared pictures of her recent trips to Italy, Thailand and the Maldives.The German posted photos and videos of her in a bikini enjoying the sun and crystal waters. She also showcased her jet-skiing skills for her fans during her time off.Read More on SportSchmidt posted: “Life is worth living.”The former Olympics competitor’s 5.8million followers were left gobsmacked as they took to the comments section.One fan wrote: “Beautiful caption & video.”Another commented: “I cannot get enough views of that gorgeous water!!!”Most read in AthleticsA third posted: “Life is beautiful and worth living – live it.”This one said: “Absolutely amazing.”Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony And that one gushed: “Strong and beautiful.”SEE MORE OF ALICA SCHMIDT’S GLAMOROUS LIFE…Schmidt is one of Germany’s top athletesCredit: GettyShe competes in track and field for her countryCredit: GettySchmidt was part of the relay squad for the Tokyo Olympic Games but didn’t competeCredit: ReutersSchmidt has acquired a cult following onlineShe has five million Instagram followersCredit: alicasmd/InstagramThe German is very particular about working with brands More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Football here is like religion’ – Inside Jamal Lewis’ amazing life in Brazil after ‘whirlwind’ transfer from Newcastle

      by

      JAMAL LEWIS is commuting 6,000 miles between Belfast and Brazil with an amazing new life at Sao Paulo.The Northern Ireland defender — on loan there from Newcastle — jets in from the other side of the world for internationals.Jamal Lewis is currently on loan at Sao Paulo FC from NewcastleCredit: Instagram / saopaulofcHe says he is ‘proud’ to be a Northern Irishman playing in BrazilCredit: PacemakerLeft-back Lewis, 26, becomes the first Brit to play for the Brazilian giants and hopes the Samba-style football can help his countrymen.Ahead of facing Belarus on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.”Jamal Lewis“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”Northern Ireland held Belarus to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in their C3 Nations League clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManager Michael O’Neill’s side next host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.Former Norwich defender Lewis confessed: “Belfast will feel a lot colder than Brazil but I love Windsor Park.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“The atmosphere created by a relatively small crowd when it’s full is so close to my heart.“I came into the senior squad just after the great run at Euro 2016 and there’s another major tournament in this squad for sure. We just need to gel.”Lewis may well have also ruined one of Northern Ireland’s most famous football anthems — but it is all the same to him.Every international is accompanied by the Green and White Army’s lusty rendition of We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland.But in the defender’s case, he is both.Opportunity of a lifetimeThe chance to make history as the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams, and make a fresh start was too good to turn down.Lewis said: “I knew  my time at Newcastle would be limited so I was looking for an option — loan or permanent.“Once my agent told me, it sparked my interest and it is definitely something different. It’s a chance I wanted to seize with both hands and see where it takes me.I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.”Jamal Lewis“It went from zero to a hundred quickly and I flew to Brazil the next day.“We got all the documents done and  it’s been a whirlwind. I’m still in the adjustment phase but I’m really enjoying it — the people, the culture, the club.“In the same way that the English love their football, and we love the Premier League, the Brazilians are renowned worldwide for their football.“It’s such a huge thing, it goes hand  in hand with religion for the Brazilians. The fans, the clubs, the history that it comes with  is amazing.The left-back has fallen out of favour at NewcastleCredit: Getty“You can see it with Sao Paulo — the history of the place. The championships they have won and the pride of the people that support the club is immense.“So, to represent them is amazing and hopefully this is the start of a long journey with them.”Every home international for Lewis is now a minimum 6,000-mile trek from the country of Neymar and Co to Belfast.He continued: “Sometimes I feel far away from home, especially when I am messaging and it’s already dark in the UK and I am enjoying the sun.“The four-hour time difference has an effect. But it comes with the job. It doesn’t feel much further than being in Newcastle, really.“Football is a learning profession. My wife’s coming over after this international break so we’ll get to experience it together, which will be great.“I made my full debut in the last match before the international break.“I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.“I’m proud to represent myself, my family and Northern Ireland in Brazil.“Challenging myself each and every day to communicate with people is a little bit difficult but I am embracing the new culture, the weather, the people.”New homeSao Paulo have never been relegated from Brazil’s top division.Lewis’ loan is slightly different, given the split season in the country that  has blessed the world with so many superstars of the game.Home games for his new club are at the 72,000-capacity MorumBIS stadium.One recognisable team-mate is former Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, 32.And Lewis had a full-on taste of what to expect in last month’s Copa Libertadores — a rough equivalent of our Champions League — as an unused sub against Botafogo in the quarter-finals.He said: “The stadiums in Brazil are immense. Ours holds 70-plus thousand, it’s just amazing.“I got to see the best of it against Botafogo. It was a packed house, the fans were amazing and the atmosphere was great. I just hope I get to make some starts before the season finishes.Lewis is loving life in BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jamal_lewis1/“It ends in December. So not many games left. There is then a month off before a small pre-season. Then we go into the Paulista Cup where you play more local teams through to March and then in April, the season starts again.“It’s a one-season loan as far as Newcastle are concerned — but two half-season loans for me. My loan ends in June but there is an option to make it permanent once that finishes.“Sao Paulo’s densely packed but I live in London back home so it’s nothing I am not used to. It feels like a home away from home but with better weather.“I am adjusting to the team and they are adjusting to me. We have only played a handful of games.It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.”Jamal Lewis“I am getting up to pace with the style of play. It’s a hotter climate so that brings a different kind of intensity of football with it.“I have taken a big step out of my own environment of being able to communicate easily to now having to immerse myself and learn to get by day to day.“I have played with many foreign players and now I empathise with the process they go through to integrate into British culture. I am making sure I can do that in Brazilian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The beauty of me being in Sao Paulo is exposing myself to so many different things, growing as a person, learning as an individual.“It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.” More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Jurgen Klopp’s incredible lifestyle with wife Ulla at their £3.4m paradise in Mallorca after leaving Liverpool

      by

      LIFE after retirement IS meant to be this good, Jurgen.The legendary Liverpool manager, who waved goodbye to Anfield last season after a nine-year tenure, is now living his best life – away from the stresses of the Premier League.Jurgen Klopp and wife Ulla are living a life of luxuryKlopp’s retirement villa cost £3.4m and was bought in 2022Recently, Klopp’s fortune has been estimated at around £42mInstead of locking horns with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Klopp, 57, is looking healthier than ever with a glowing tan.He has settled in his stunning Mallorca home he splashed £3.4million on and is enjoying time with wife, Ulla.Klopp, who joined Instagram back in May, has been sharing his lifestyle with his fans.His plans for his lavish villa create “an ecological family paradise” there. Read more football newsThat’s certainly more relaxing for the man who gave his all to the Reds and walked away because he was “running out of energy”.Revealing why Mallorca caught his eye, he told the podcast Willipedia via Bild: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life. I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends. I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”However, he made it clear he wasn’t going to stay in Mallorca all year round.Most read in Football”I don’t want to emigrate. We go on holiday here every now and then,” Klopp added.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills'”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Klopp has even found himself a new hobby – playing padel tennis while on the Balearic Island.In the meantime, after recharging his batteries, Klopp has accepted a return to football with the Red Bull group.He will take on an advisory role, worth a reported £10million-per-year, offering his insight into teams including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.SunSport takes a look at his epic Spanish existence.Inside his eco-villaKlopp earned a packet from football.It’s believed his fortune stands at around the £42million mark, with Liverpool paying him handsomely and endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, Puma and Adidas adding to his bank balance.Back in 2022, the German icon paid £3.4million for his Mallorcan villa – buying it off Swiss businessmen and artist Rolf Knie.Ex-Liverpool boss Klopp’s retirement home is eco-friendlyKlopp completely renovated the property to ensure it uses less electricityHere’s one of the bedrooms of the property, which boasts high ceilingsAll electrical devices in the home are controlled via an appread more sport featuresHis first job was to completely renovate the 5,000-square metre property property.As reported by German outlet Bild, Klopp turned the villa into a low-energy house with a unique interconnected heating and air conditioning system.The systems work with a computer to make sure the temperature in the house stays the same, regardless of the weather conditions outside.Futuristically, all electrical devices and appliances are controlled by using an app.The idea behind the changes is to use less electricity, and the transformation is believed to reduce consumption by up to 75 per cent.Not skimping on the property’s grounds, Klopp hired a company who designed the garden of the five-star Son Bunyola hotel owned by Virgin supremo Sir Richard Branson to tend to his.Spending his time wiselyBeing a former footballer who thrives on competition, Jurgen wasn’t going to completely give up on sport.In his later years at Liverpool, he insisted on installing a padel court at the club’s Melwood training ground.And it’s a sport that’s close to his heart.Klopp and wife Ulla have become members of the Mallorca Country ClubMembership for the Mallorca Country Club costs around £2,345 per yearHe once said: “Besides football, padel is the best game I’ve ever played.”The love of the fast-paced racket sport, which is a cross between tennis and squash, encouraged Klopp and his wife to become members of the exclusive Mallorca Country Club.Other members include Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Birgitta of Sweden, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.He regularly visits the £2,345 a year club to play padel – filming his exploits on social media.At the end of May, in a clip on Instagram he said: “Now what I’m doing, I try – no, no, I follow – my other big passion. I try to improve my padel game.“Started two days ago, today’s my third session and I started on an extremely low level. Didn’t play for a while and felt it immediately but step by step I will get there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKlopp practices his padel game at the exclusive members only Mallorca Country ClubSince retiring, Klopp has a healthy glow about him and appears stress freeBrilliantly, Klopp also has his own range of padel bats with tennis giants Wilson sport.Retirement has clearly never looked this good. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside the life of Frank Warren’s wife Susan – what we know about the former Vogue model

      by

      SUSAN Warren is the wife of boxing promoter Frank – but she has been a star in her own right.Once a celebrated Vogue model, Susan met Frank in the early 1970s.Susan was a model before meeting FrankCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSusan and legendary boxing promoter Frank have been married for over 40 yearsCredit: Enterprise News and PicturesAt the time Frank was beginning to make waves in the boxing world.They have now been married for over 40 years.During that time Frank has become a household name by promoting some of the biggest British fighters in recent history including Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Joe Calzaghe, Prince Naseem Hamed, Amir Khan and Tyson Fury.Susan prefers to stay away from the limelight, focusing on their family and personal life.read more on frank warrenFamily lifeSusan and Frank have two sons, George and Francis.George is involved in the family business, Queensberry Promotions, where he works as a boxing promoter and manager. He has been increasingly visible in the fight game and is following in his father’s footsteps, helping to manage boxers and promote events.Like his brother George, Francis had been working for Queensberry.Most read in BoxingHe left the company in 2022 to focus on starting his own company, Champion Sports Management.My dad was questioned over Frank Warren’s assassination attempt… now we’ve joined forces to make boxing’s best fightsFrank said in an interview with Seconds Out about his son leaving: “I’m pleased for him, he has got a fantastic roster of fighters that he is managing and looking after.“So he, quite rightly said, ‘Look Dad, I don’t think that I can do it justice and I want to focus on my management company’.”So, God bless him and good luck to him, and that’s what he is doing. We’ve got quite a few of his fighters on our roster and we continue to promote them and work very closely with them, he’s doing his own thing and that, for me as a Dad, is a real joy.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

      by

      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Brazil stars including Vinicius Jr and Raphinha face ban from national team in bizarre proposal

      by

      BRAZIL’S Europe-based heroes  would be banned from international football under a radical idea from the country’s president.Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims “there are no stars” abroad – which might surprise fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr would be among a string or Europe-based superstars affected by the type of ban Brazil president Lula wantsCredit: GettyMan Utd duo Casemiro and Antony are others that would be shut outCredit: GettyThe Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.And if such a proposal was ever activated it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a host of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.Arsenal have three leading Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro and Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as their struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE TOP STORIESMeanwhile, a couple of the world’s best goalkeepers are with the Prem’s top two sides.Alisson is currently out injured for leaders Liverpool, while fellow stopper Ederson has won six titles in seven seasons with champs Manchester City, who now also have compatriot Savinho in their bulging squad.Spain offer arguably Brazil’s hottest talent in Vinicius Jr, as well as the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real Madrid team-mate Endrick.And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.Most read in FootballArsenal have three top Brazilians in their squad, including attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel JesusCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLula was emboldened to speak out on his hopes after Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique netted in Friday’s vital 2-1 comeback win in a World Cup qualifier away to Chile.It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.Vinicius Jr breaks down in tears in emotional moment during press conference after three questions about racismLula argued Brazil lack overseas players as good as legends like “Garrincha or Romario”.He insisted their contingent abroad instead contains just “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars”.Lula added: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad). So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”However, even if his proposal gained any traction in Brazil, it would almost certainly get nowhere thanks to Fifa rules.Football’s global chiefs ban political interference in team matters.Lula has reportedly mentioned his beliefs to Brazilian Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez.But any political attempts to formally stop overseas stars from playing for the country could even lead to Dominguez being suspended.And other possible sanctions include what would surely be the greatest one for the country’s football supporters – being banned from the World Cup.However, Lula’s leap into the country’s main sport did lead to an equally bizarre but more light-hearted suggestion.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan on X reckons the 78-year-old is a dead ringer for one of Britain’s most famous businessmen, a former Tottenham co-owner of The Apprentice fame, who is 18 months younger.He posted: “Sir Alan Sugar needs to leave the Brazilians to it.”Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been compared to Sir Alan SugarCredit: ReutersLondon entrepreneur Alan Sugar has a famous Brazilian look-alikeCredit: BBCWho are these famous footballers? More