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      in Soccer

      Coaches in tears, staff stacked & millions down drain…inside local hero Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘terrible’ first year at Man Utd

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      JULY is usually an exciting time at Manchester United’s famous academy.Hundreds of kids as young as seven return to the club’s Carrington training ground as they dream of following in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo by becoming the next protege to grace Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts at Man United have earned him the nickname ‘The Jim Reaper’Credit: PAManchester United academy has also been hit as the billionaire axed coachesCredit: GettyThe club confirmed this week up to 200 people will lose their jobsCredit: GettyBut this season it was different. Instead of coaches greeting the potential future stars with fist-bumps and hi-fives, some of them were in tears.The reason? New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos minions had set their cost-saving sights on the academy.So as kids and parents buzzed around downstairs, respected coaches were being told they were at risk of redundancy upstairs.Shock filled the building as confused children saw coaches they loved walking down the stairs with tears in their eyes.Some children also broke down, while others tried to comfort their coaches as bewildered parents looked on. A dad who witnessed the scenes told The Sun: “How the club acted was outrageous. “It was like waiting all summer and then sacking all the teachers on the first day of term — in front of the kids.“Some of the coaches were crying, some of the kids were then crying — and parents were wondering, ‘What on earth is going on?’”Academy Director Nick Cox later emailed parents to explain the job cuts were part of a club-wide review aimed at saving cash and becoming a “more lean and agile organisation”.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts That mantra has been a familiar message from United officials as billionaire Sir Jim slashes his way through every department of the football club, earning him the nickname “The Jim Reaper”.’He’s had a terrible year’Just this week, the club confirmed up to 200 more people will lose their jobs — on top of 250 loyal staff made redundant last year.Even United legend and ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million ambassador role was cut.He argues club staff become too comfortable while leaders have become too sentimental — leading to a decade of poor performance.The problem for Sir Jim — who is worth an estimated £23billion — is that on the pitch results have been disastrous.After spending £14million dispensing of manager Erik ten Hag and football director Dan Ashworth, he spent millions more installing Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout.The 72-year-old can regularly be seen gritting his teeth along with the rest of United fans as his team flounder on the pitch, winning just five of 16 Premier League games.Sir Jim has applied a similar approach to United as he has with his petrochemicals empire — where predictable costs and cost savings have reaped huge success.But so far in the football world, he has failed to discover the right formula for the sweet science of footie.And the man once billed as the saviour of the club from the hated Glazer family, who have loaded £1billion of debt and interest payments on the club following their 2005 takeover, is now regarded by some fans as just another businessman desecrating the club and all it stands for.On the pitch results have been disastrous this yearCredit: AlamySir Jim reacts during United’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: GettyRatcliffe spent millions installing Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugoutCredit: GettyIn Failsworth, the working-class district eight miles from Old Trafford where Ratcliffe started life, he was previously hailed as a local hero thanks to his business acumen.But after sacking hundreds of United staff, putting up some match tickets to £66 a game, cancelling the Christmas party, and ending free lunches for training ground staff in favour of soup and free fruit, he has lost some of his sheen.The Sun this week visited Dunkerley Avenue, where Ratcliffe lived until he was ten, and were offered views Roy Keane would be proud of about the Ineos boss’s stewardship of the club.Lifelong Man United fan John Fearnley said: “I can’t understand why he is doing this.“He knows what it is like to come from a working-class family but now that is exactly the people who he is targeting. “He’s already put match ticket prices up and no doubt season ticket prices will follow next season.“I think he would have put them up mid-season if he could have. Cutting hundreds of jobs is a mistake and will hurt those affected a lot.”The 70-year-old retired contracts manager added: “My Man City mates are having a right laugh about United getting rid of the canteen and handing out free fruit.“They keep sending me Marcus Rashford memes about how we need him back now the free meals have been stopped.”Sue and John Fearnley are not impressed with Ratcliffe’s approachCredit: Matthew PoverDunkerley Avenue in Failsworth, Manchester, where Ratcliffe lived until he was tenCredit: Matthew PoverRatcliffe’s childhood homeCredit: Matthew PoverHis wife Sue, 69, added: “I am United through and through but what he is doing is wrong.“It’s crazy that he is making all these people redundant. “They will be the lower-paid staff and money will already be tight. “I thought things would improve when he bought into the club. “It’s the players’ wages that need cutting. “They should rip the existing contracts up and if the team does well, give them bonuses.”Mike Robinson, 56, said: “What he is doing is a disgrace. “He is destroying the fabric of the club by sacking the very people who are the club.“When he became the richest man in the UK and you’d tell people where you were from, some would say, ‘That’s where Jim Ratcliffe is from!’.”“It was nice to have someone from Failsworth do so well for himself.“But not now he is sacking ordinary working-class people.”Rob Inkerman, 35, said: “He’s a local lad, a United fan and a billionaire. “I thought he would have known what the club stood for and how it is the ordinary people who make the club what it is.“But instead of improving the club, he’s making it worse. He’s had a terrible year. “When he arrived, I think a lot of people saw him as a hero, someone who could save the club. But not any more. “His reputation with the fans has gone and how must the staff be feeling?“But is sacking staff and stopping the freebies really going to make much difference? “I bet it would make more of a difference to those who used to receive the free lunches.“He’s worth a fortune and should be spending it on the club he supports.”‘Bespectacled bores’And while Ratcliffe remains steadfast in his belief his hardline approach will lead United back to the top of world football, others who have always been suspicious of his reasons for buying into the club remain unconvinced.John-Paul O’Neill, author of Red Rebels: The Glazers And The FC Revolution, said: “After all the hype and hope of Ineos’s takeover of Manchester United’s football operations, the club’s current travails can’t really come as that much of a surprise as little about Jim Ratcliffe’s buy-in makes any sense, least of all financially.“Unlike the Glazers, the most common refrain from United fans who’ve pinned their hopes on the Oldham oligarch is ‘at least Ratcliffe’s put some money into the club’. “But they seem to be confusing the cost of doing the deal — injecting cash that keeps the Glazers afloat — with being some sort of willing benefactor.“Everything Ratcliffe has done at Old Trafford smacks of a two-bob operator.12 months of turmoilDecember 2023: Club confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover vowing to invest £245million.January 2024: Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford meet manager Erik ten Hag on a tour of training ground. Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO.February 2024: Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover completed.March 2024: Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino”. Announces plans for “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford. Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 – down from $20.52 after takeover.April 2024: Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled.May 2024: Ratcliffe emails employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness of facilities. Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof. United finish eighth in Premier League ­­– their lowest ever. Ratcliffe gives employees a week to decide if they want redundancy. Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and given only one ticket each. Pre-final party and hotel for senior staff axed.June 2024: United announce £50million upgrade to Carrington. Ratcliffe introduces strict policy forcing staff to come into office.July 2024: United agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle. Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract until 2026. Staff on US pre-season tour cut to 125. Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including kitman Alex Wylie.August 2024: United splash £199million on players in summer transfer window. Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped.October 2024: Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassador salary is axed. Staff Christmas party cancelled. “Back to work” policy costs a fortune, converting hospitality suites into offices. Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing £15million.November 2024: Ruben Amorim appointed manager after the club stumps up £10million to trigger his release clause. Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by Amorim. Ratcliffe reportedly set to halve £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.December 2024: Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” United “still in last century”. Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66. Ashworth sacked as sporting director at a cost of £4.1million. Staff Christmas bonus of £100 ditched for £40 M&S voucher. Ceiling starts leaking during Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. With reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford, droppings are found in food kiosks and suites as food hygiene rating drops to two stars. SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cut £40,000 donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity.February 2025: Up to 200 more redundancies.“The farce of the millions wasted on Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth is well reported, but who authorised £200million to be spent on transfers last summer, under a manager who was a dead man walking and didn’t even make it to November, let alone Christmas?“Journalists were being briefed by United officials this month that the latest round of redundancies is necessary to prevent the club going bust.“If anyone is to actually believe this, just over a year after Ineos’s army of highly paid lawyers and accountants conducted due diligence on United’s accounts, it begs the question as to why Ratcliffe would have committed nearly £1.5billion to buying a quarter of it, rather than wait until the position became clear and the price crashed?“Why would any serious business operator pay such a fortune to become a minority shareholder in a failing business saddled with a billion pounds of debt? “It almost seems as if Ratcliffe has been brought in to be the Glazers’ lightning rod — a patsy to deflect attention — as he fronts all the decisions they wouldn’t, or couldn’t get away with making.“Ratcliffe can sack all the staff he wants, but the fact remains that in 2025 the biggest non-football-related drain resources remains the cost of the Glazers’ 2005 takeover — and those payments could double when the loans come up for refinancing in 2027.“Strangely, that’s one marginal gain Ineos’s bespectacled bores don’t seem willing to address.“But when their own ‘expertise’ has already seen around £230million spent since May on ‘improvements’ that have taken United to 14th place in the Premier League, it’s no wonder Ratcliffe and his gang are seeking out scapegoats anywhere else they can find them to save those precious pennies.”Former Manchester United’s manager Erik ten HagCredit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton admits Italian racists made him think twice about joining Ferrari after suffering sickening abuse in past

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      LEWIS HAMILTON admits Italian racists made him think twice about moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.Italian football has been plagued with racism problems, with ex-Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku suffering sick monkey taunts while playing for Inter Milan and Roma.Lewis Hamilton has admitted he thought twice about joining FerrariCredit: AlamyThe 40-year-old has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversityCredit: AFPAnd Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, confessed: “It definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision.”It’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”Hamilton, 40, was racially abused during his days in karting and also targeted by Spanish bigots in 2008.READ MORE ON F1But now he has been fired up by F1 pundits attacking his name, like former team owner Eddie Jordan, who branded Ferrari’s decision to axe 30-year-old Carlos Sainz for the Brit as “suicidal”.Hamilton told Time Magazine: “I never reply to any of the older, ultimately white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”But Hamilton has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversity.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 2020, he started the Hamilton Commission to increase black representation in UK motorsport.Mercedes launched their own diversity initiative and began hiring staff from under-represented groups.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleBut Hamilton said: “Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”Ferrari, along with every other F1 team,  signed a Diversity and Inclusion charter in November.Yet boss Fred Vasseur said: “It’s not politically correct but first is performance. “I’m keen to go into the  direction of diversity and so on but I want to build up the best team.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Can’t get a striker from grocery store’ – Boehly defends transfer strategy to angry Chelsea fans after £1.2bn spend

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      CHELSEA co-owner Todd Boehly has opened up about the club’s controversial transfer strategy – after spending over £1.2billion since 2022. The American businessman, 51, was targeted by fan protests ahead of the Blues’ 4-0 win over Southampton earlier this week. Todd Boehly has defended Chelsea’s transfer policy since he took over in 2022Credit: AlamyThe Blues have spent over £1billion on players in under three yearsCredit: GettyStars including Cole Palmer have been signed to deals over eight yearsCredit: GettyBoehly came out in defence of his leadership during an appearance at the FT Business of Football Summit on Thursday. The LA Dodgers owner directly addressed the protests, claiming: “Criticism is just par for the course.”The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.”Boehly’s reign has seen immense spending, with £1.2bn spent on over 40 players. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChelsea have also dished out contracts of up to TEN years to numerous stars, including Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.But they have still found themselves left without an out-and-out striker in recent weeks after injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.Defending the strategy, Boehly insisted: “Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store.”It’s an amazing skillset and you have to have a fantastic mentality.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The most misunderstood thing is that we’re thinking about it measured in years, not months. “You have to think both short and long-term. We’re focused on a combination of both and seeking the best possible way to execute that. It’s a balancing act to figure that out.Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to show trust after BlueCo protest “You have to have a plan and exercise it, accept that things are not linear and that the thing that matters is that the trend is in the right direction.”Boehly admits his first foray into English football has come with a “learning curve”.Chelsea have finished 12th and 6th in the Premier League over the past two seasons, failing to lift a trophy. They looked set to mount a title challenge before Christmas, only for their form to fall off in the past two months.Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store.Todd BoehlyHe continued: “We’ve been here for less than three years and that’s been a whirling dervish of activity. Nothing is a straight line, ever and sport is so humbling.”If you look at contracts in football, a seven-year contract is really a five-year contract.”The reality that 95 per cent of the time by then you have to make a decision or you’ll shoot yourself in the foot.”At that point, you either agree an extension with the player or that greener pastures are out there for both sides.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade”If you deny that you are kidding yourself.”We felt the longer contracts meant we could amortise but it was also about how we put together a team with the ability to stay together.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Teams that are dynasties over the years had superstar captains that were able to lead. But how do you find those superstar captains?”And in football, the market is obviously across multiple countries – so you’re thinking France, Germany, Brazil, Latin America – basically everywhere around the world.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Criticism is par for the course’ – Todd Boehly breaks silence with defiant statement after Chelsea fans’ protest

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      CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly vowed he cannot afford to be waylaid by fan protests at Stamford Bridge.Blues boss Boehly was in the firing line along with boss Enzo Maresca in a public show of supporter unrest before Tuesday’s win over Southampton.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has spoken out following protestsCredit: PAFans railed against the Americans’ ownership ahead of a win over SouthamptonCredit: EPABut American Boehly, who will celebrate three years in charge at SW6 in the summer, launched a strong defence of his reign as he insisted he still believes he can oversee a Chelsea “dynasty” of success.And if that means ignoring the complaint of the fans, then that is what he will have to do.Boehly said: “The fans are the lifeblood of any sports team. “You realise how important the team is to them and how important the fans are to the team. It’s hugely important. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But the fact is that people say different things, change their minds all the time.”The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.”So you don’t have to live with their words. You can’t turn left and then right every three minutes, which is some of the advice we get, if you boil it down.”Boehly, speaking at the FT Business of Football Summit, has come under pressure for the state of Maresca’s squad, with fans bemoaning the lack of a genuine striking option in the absence of injured Nicolas Jackson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the US businessman, who also owns the World Series champions LA Dodgers baseball side in California, dismissed those frustrations with a withering put-down – as he publicly explained the club’s controversial transfer strategy.Chelsea’s decision to offer new signings contracts of up to eight years saw Uefa and Prem chiefs forced to draw up new rules to ensure transfer deals for signings can now only be “amortised” over five years for FFP purposes.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sUkrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential £88m arrival on an eight and a half year deal looked a mistake even before he was left facing a lengthy drugs ban.While eyebrows were raised over the contracts for Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and others.He insisted: “Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store. “It’s an amazing skillset and you have to have a fantastic mentality.The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.Todd Boehly”The most misunderstood thing is that we’re thinking about it measured in years, not months. “You have to think both short and long-term. We’re focused on a combination of both and seeking the best possible way to execute that. It’s a balancing act to figure that out.”You have to have a plan and exercise it, accept that things are not linear and that the thing that matters is that the trend is in the right direction.”Yes, it’s been a steep learning curve. We’ve been here for less than three years and that’s been a whirling dervish of activity. Nothing is a straight line, ever and sport is so humbling.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade”If you look at contracts in football, a seven year contract is really a five-year contract. “The reality that 95 per cent of the time by then you have to make a decision or you’ll shoot yourself in the foot”At that point, you either agree an extension with the player or that greener pastures are out there for both sides.”If you deny that you are kidding yourself.”We felt the longer contracts meant we could amortoise but it was also about how we put together a team with the ability to stay together.”Teams that are dynasties over the years had superstar captains that were able to lead. But how do you find those superstar captains?”And in football, the market is obviously across multiple countries – so you’re thinking France, Germany, Brazil, Latin America – basically everywhere around the world.”Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store.Todd BoehlyBoehly declined to expand on his strained relationship with co-owner Behdad Eghbali other than saying: “We’ve agreed on a strategy and the way forward and stuff’s getting done.”That includes, longer term, “building a self-sustaining, very competitive club, figuring how to increase revenues” – in other words a likely new home away from the Bridge.But while he admits he is still coming to terms with a very different sports world from the one he grew up with in the US, Boehly suggested Prem club chiefs will have to be prepared to sacrifice some of their sacred cows to really monetise their product.Sky have been the Prem’s main broadcaster since its inception more than 30 years ago, with a new four-year deal – alongside a smaller one for TNT Sports – beginning next season.But Boehly claims the idea of selling TV broadcast rights territory by territory is out of date – and that Prem bosses should be looking for one mega-money global deal with a streaming giant like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Apple.He said: “The Premier League is one of the few truly global properties. “It has unbelievable content with more people engaged than anyone else in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not saying that bundling all the rights to package them globally is the direct answer at this minute but that’s where we are headed. “The owners have to be willing to take that risk.” More

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      in Soccer

      I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in Premier League and it was like no other – just ignore the football

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      IT’S the poshest, most exclusive and expensive stand in the Premier League.Bring your Speedos for a half-time dip in an open-air swimming pool, indulge your taste buds with a spot of lobster in a high-class restaurant, enjoy a drink on a roof-top bar overlooking the Thames.Dave Kidd visited Fulham’s new exclusive standThe Sun’s Chief Sports Writer paid £105 for his ticket with his son’s priced at £85 More

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      in Motorsport

      Brad Pitt ‘clawed at window’ in terror and ‘begged to get out’ of F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton

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      LEWIS Hamilton left Hollywood actor Brad Pitt fearing for his life while helping to produce a new F1 film. Pitt reportedly “clawed at the window” and “begged to get out of Hamilton’s vehicle” when the pair went for a drive around an LA track.Lewis Hamilton helped Hollywood actor Brad Pitt with his new F1 filmHamilton left Pitt frightened while driving around a track near LAHamilton has been working as a consultant to Pitt and his colleagues, who have been shooting a racing-themed movie – aptly called ‘F1’.The Brit has provided the directors and writers with all sorts of knowledge about what happens inside an F1 car, on the track, and in the pit lanes.The movie’s director, Joseph Kosinski, offered an insight into Hamilton’s influence in an interview with Time Magazine.He hilariously revealed that the seven-time world champion gave two-time Academy Award winner Pitt the fright of his life.READ MORE F1 NEWSKosinski said: “Lewis gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.” Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback for the film.Movie producer Joseph Bruckheimer said: “Hamilton’s notes were so detailed.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”‘When you’re going into that next turn, you have the car in second gear, it should be in third. I can hear it. I can hear the sound of it.'”The film, which comes out in June could deliver a jolt to the sport’s popularity, especially in the US.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Pitt plays the role of F1 driver Sonny Hayes and was spotted in Las Vegas filming a new scene at the track last year.The legendary actor will play a character who finds himself back in action when he returns to F1 to take on the sport’s top competition.Hamilton told Sports Illustrated last year: “We [Hamilton and Pitt] went to a track in LA.”I took him out and sat in the passenger seat, and he drove. I used to be a driving coach when I was younger.”It was a way of making some money part-time whilst I was racing. So I’ve sat with God knows how many non-racing drivers. “You can tell immediately the good ones, the bad ones. Straight away, he was on it. You could tell he has it—it’s in his DNA. “He’s just not been able to hone in on it like we have, but he’s got big potential.”Hamilton, 40, will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit will be working to end Ferrari’s agony, while breaking the individual title record he shares with Michael Schumacher.The 2025 F1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Meet Oscar de la Lawyer, UK’s first boxer and solicitor who’s named after ring icon and wows clients with his black eyes

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      OSCAR McCRACKEN is the country’s first solicitor by day and fighter by night – and the owner of arguably boxing’s greatest nickname.The 25-year-old’s uncle Rob used to train Anthony Joshua and still works as Team GB’s head amateur coach.Oscar McCracken is a solicitor by day and fighter by nightCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      He was actually named after boxing legend Oscar de la HoyaHis boxing nickname is amazingly Oscar de la LawyerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      His father Spencer was also a welterweight fighter – so it was only a matter of time till his son, Oscar, entered the family business. But Oscar tells us: “My dad never wanted me to box.” So instead he played football, captaining his county and even having trials with Birmingham City – his boyhood club.But Oscar was always in the boxing gym – from as far back as he can remember – sparring pro fighters by his teenage years.READ MORE SPORTBy his 18th birthday, Oscar decided he too wanted to be a boxer, like his uncle, dad and brother Spencer Jr before him.But his old man – who had 19 wins, four losses and one draw – had just one rule – study for another career at the same time. So Oscar enrolled into the University of Worcester and achieved a First Class LLB Law with Honours degree in 2022. He was also gearing up for his pro debut when his dad came up with quite possibly boxing’s most ingenious monikerMost read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt all started when Oscar travelled to the Cayman Islands to help corner Matt Windle – a former Commonwealth champion.An argument broke out with a promoter when a cocksure lawyer – who thought he could talk his way out of the dispute – chimed in. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4But he was not the only man of the law in the building that day. Oscar said: “An issue cropped up between the promoter and a couple of others. “Then a lawyer came in and thought he was going to just start telling everybody what was what. “But obviously he didn’t know that I’ve got a legal background as well, so we ended up in a bit of an argument – well, discussion.“And after it was fully rectified after quite an intense hour or so. My dad just said, ‘See, I told you Oscar de la Lawyer would sort it.’“The whole room just went up, all the fighters, all the managers, promoters everything, and I thought, ‘Oh, you’ve just thought of the name.’ It’s perfect.” Oscar was actually named after American great De La Hoya too – such was his dad’s love for the Golden Boy. He said: “My dad was a big fan of him back in the day, so that’s what I’m named after.’I didn’t expect any of this’“So it’s just mad how it’s come around now that it just fits perfectly off Oscar de la Hoya, but I can’t believe how much it’s picked.”I didn’t expect any of this.”His dad revealed the amazing nickname to millions on social media – and it also received an extra push thanks to the People’s Paper.Oscar revealed: “The Sun actually did an article! My phone was going, I was playing football because I still play football – I play Saturdays. “I got off the pitch and my phone was going insane. I was like, what’s going on there? ‘Have you seen in this? You’re in The Sun! “I didn’t know anything about this. And from then on it’s just been all about the name, yeah, people love it.” Oscar is a year away from becoming a fully-qualified solicitor and is currently working in the corporate and commercial sector.But Oscar wants to one day mix his two passions to protect young up-and-coming fighters from boxing’s shady, fame-hungry characters.McCracken is a trainee solicitorCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      And he is also 3-0 as a boxerCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken was named after American legend Oscar de la HoyaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “Would you want to go and get a manager who’s sticking his face on TV every five seconds, never boxed a day in his life? “But you know, he gets on with the big promoters because he’s got a big mouth, but he can’t guide you.“He’d put you in the wrong fights. That’s why so many prospects are getting beat now. “Or would you want to go with a manager who one had the balls to fight? “I don’t need to fight, but I’ve done it myself because I’ve got respect for fighters and I know how hard it is, and you can see that I’ve done that as well.”Oscar – who welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in November – lives next door to dad and coach Spencer. He is up by 6am for his runs, in the office by 9am, then back into the gym by the evening for more exhausting training. Oscar said: “Sometimes I get in there, my dad’s got like two lads from a different gym waiting to spar me. I didn’t even know I’d be sparring. I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect it’s boxing?“I’m walking into a gym, I could be absolutely knackered and then I’ve got two people waiting. They’re thinking, ‘I don’t care about the law thing.’ “They’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a McCracken here I can smash up and I can go and tell everybody I’ve battered one.’“So then it’s about you’ve got to find the dog in you then of getting through, getting through the session and seeing how much you want it.“If I didn’t want it, there’s no way I would have gotten to my third fight because of how hard it is.” Oscar only just begins winding down by 8.30pm when he eats dinner and puts his son to bed – but it’s now baby Arthur who inspires his long hard days. He said: “Before I had my son, it was all about history but now, I want to lead by example. “I want him to grow up and think, ‘Bloody hell, my dad became a lawyer, which was hard enough from being from a proper working class background anyway, and then being a pro boxer at the same time.’’Like any boxer, Oscar wears his battle scars as a badge of honour – and his clients are big fans.McCracken with brother and trainer Spencer JrCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      McCracken turned pro without amateur experienceCredit: Blanche Canvas Official
      Oscar’s uncle Rob formerly trained Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe said: “The firm that I’m with now are fully behind me and clients love it as well.“It’s a talking point, isn’t it? ‘Do you know your solicitor’s also a pro boxer? Then, they’re Googling you and you’re coming up and everything – they love it.“Obviously, I’ve had a couple of like little marks and black eyes and that and gone in the office and everyone’s had a look, but what do you expect, it’s boxing?”Oscar – like his family before him – does not want his son to be a boxer – but if history is anything to go by it will be hard to stop. He laughed: “I hope he don’t box. But listen, it’s like an illness in this family.“You just end up getting sucked into it somehow or the other, and people expect you to be able to fight as well.”Oscar has been rubbing shoulders with Britain’s best since he can remember with uncle Rob having coached Joshua and Carl Froch among others.Whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion, 100 per cent. He remembers heading up to Team GB’s Sheffield training HQ to watch Carl Froch spar Tony Bellew in 2011.It was there he met a hulking 6ft 6in super-heavyweight known as AJ – who was a year away from winning Olympic gold.Oscar said: “Robbie was like, ‘Mate, whatever you do today, make sure you get a picture with him because he’s gonna be a heavyweight world champion 100 per cent. “I was like, Really?’ He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was super friendly, put his arm around you, just so down to earth and humble.“Obviously he hadn’t achieved anything then in terms of what he’s done now, but I took a picture with Joshua and yeah, I’ve been to virtually all his fights.”Oscar is now 3-0 having most recently beat Shane Smith and now looks ahead to another year juggling life as a lawyer by day and being a boxer by night.He said: “Three fights in my first year, I think that’s quite good considering how much I’ve got going on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ll sit down with my dad and and see what he says and we’ll start putting a bit of a bit of a plan together. “There’s definitely scope to go and do something, but obviously it’s just about managing it correctly and not taking it on too much because obviously I’ve got a lot, a hell of a lot going on in my life, but I’m committed to boxing 100 per cent.” McCracken welcomed baby son Arthur into the world in NovemberCredit: @mccracken1 More