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      in Soccer

      ‘We’re going to build something new’ – Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford Bridge

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      TODD BOEHLY has indicated Chelsea WILL leave Stamford Bridge and move into a new stadium.The Blues have touted a move away from their iconic home in SW6 for over two decades. Chelsea are planning a move away from their home at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAOwner Todd Boehly has confirmed the club is sounding out a new groundCredit: BloombergStamford Bridge has been home to the Blues since 1905Credit: GettyPlans for a £500million, 60,000-capacity redevelopment were initially confirmed in 2015 when Roman Abramovich was still owner, only to be scrapped three years later.SunSport revealed last month that ambitious chief Boehly has sounded out a new site in Earls Court.The American tycoon has now confirmed the club is eyeing a move away from the Bridge – which has been their home since 1905. Boehly told Bloomberg: “I think we have to think about long term, what we are trying to accomplish.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”We have a big stadium development opportunity that we have to flesh out.”He continued: “Stadium development is a theme [around the world].”Sporting infrastructure, we’re very much on the front end of the sporting wave.”We have 16-20 years to figure this out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Obviously, inside of London it’s really complex. It’s not as if we’re building something in the middle of a rural environment. “We have a lot of constituencies to make sure that we care about.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’s”Certainly the Chelsea fanbase is one. But long term, I think we’re going to be building something new.”And we’ll figure that out.”Manchester United announced ambitious plans earlier this month to build a new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium. The plans to regenerate the local area around Old Trafford have received government backing.And any move to Earls Court could see Chelsea benefit from a similar scheme. Stamford Bridge’s location makes it difficult to expand, with the stadium the ninth biggest in the Premier League. Any move away from the stadium would have to be agreed with The Chelsea Pitch Owners.The supporter group owns the freehold of the Stamford Bridge site.Hundreds of fans protested last month against Boehly’s ownership after a string of poor results since the New Year. The American led a 2022 takeover of Chelsea with investment group Clearlake Capital.He has since spent over £1.2billion on transfers – but the club has gone through three permanent managers and several interim bosses, while failing to mount a Prem challenge. The American claims the “status quo is just fine” in West London after a turbulent period on and off the field. Addressing any “tension” in the boardroom, he said: “We’re executing on a plan that ultimately will have Chelsea where they belong.Boehly has defended his strategy towards transfers since taking over in 2022Credit: PAChelsea ratings vs ArsenalCHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.They were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And which players will want to forget about their performance as soon as possible?See SunSport’s Andy Dillon’s verdict on the Chelsea players here”We’re sitting in the top four of the table right now.”I think the status quo is something that is just fine.”I think we’ve learned from each other and I think we’re really going to be able to work it out any which way.”Boehly struck a defiant tone as he responded to the fan backlash last month. Chelsea have dished out long-term contracts of up to TEN years to numerous stars, including Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.Speaking at the FT Business of Football Summit, Boehly said: “The criticism is just par for the course. Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store.Todd Boehly”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.”And defending the transfer policy, he added: “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 most misunderstood thing is that we’re thinking about it measured in years, not months. READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He wanted to get the truth’ Tributes pour in for Sun’s Mr Boxing Colin Hart after ‘greatest’ reporter’s death

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      LEGENDARY Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as “The Greatest” yesterday following his death at the age of 89.Colin had worked for The Sun since its launch in 1969 and was still passing on his unmatched sporting knowledge to readers until a few days before his passing.Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as ‘The Greatest’ yesterday following his death at the age of 89 (pictured with Lennox Lewis)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBarry McGuigan said: ‘Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism’Credit: GettyThe brilliant sports journalist covered eight Olympic Games, motor racing and even showjumping in a stellar career.But he will forever be remembered as one of the wisest and most authoritative ringside figures in the world of boxing, whose heroes led a stream of warm tributes yesterday.British great Frank Bruno called him “Mr Boxing” and told how Colin was his hero.He said: “When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed champion. read more on colin hart“No one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.”Fellow former world champion Lennox Lewis said: “He was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack. “I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and if he upset people along the way, so be it.”Another ex-world title holder, Ricky Hatton, added: “Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.Most read in Boxing“He had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that — he will be sadly missed.”Former middleweight hero Michael Watson — whose career was ended by a near-fatal injury in his fight with Chris Eubank — called The Sun writer “a boxing man through and through”.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightHe added: “Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.“I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.”Former super-middleweight world champ Joe Calzaghe added: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.”Boxing promoter Frank Warren described him as a “dear friend” and a “superb journalist”, adding: “Colin has been there since the start of my journey in this great sport. “It simply will not be the same without him.”Ring favourite Barry McGuigan said of Colin’s death — coming soon after that of US heavyweight hero George Foreman this weekend: “Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism. “We are losing all the good ones.”The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief ­Victoria Newton added: “Colin was a brilliant writer who was hugely admired by all of us.“It takes a special journalist to still be at the top of their game approaching the age of 90.“He was never afraid to take on the scariest of heavyweights with his sharp pen and was working in an industry he loved right until the end.Chris Eubank called Colin ‘a boxing man through and through’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin speaks to Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd“The number of warm and heartfelt tributes which have come in say everything about how he was revered and respected around the world.“Colin was the best of The Sun — The Greatest.”Cockney Colin grew up in London’s East End during the Second World War and recalled cowering in Tube stations from the German bombs.He was a life-long supporter of West Ham but fell in love with boxing when his gran took him to see his first professional bill at a local baths when he was ten.Colin’s career in newspapers began with the East London News Agency at 17 before work as a crime reporter and news editor following his national service.But he later switched from news to sport and joined the fledgling Sun newspaper where he quickly established himself as a star.Colleagues and rivals marvelled at his ability to compute every detail from fast-moving sporting events then talk them down a phone line to go directly into print.His talent was such that he stayed at the top of his game for decades, despite shunning modern communication methods which transformed the profession.He was — almost certainly — the only journalist still working up until recently who never owned a mobile phone and still preferred to bash out his reports on a clattering, old-school typewriter. After he gave up smoking, the gruff, white-haired newspaper great was known for chewing on an ever-present toothpick in one corner of his mouth while talking out of the other.Colin never pulled his punches as he covered every epic heavyweight clash involving Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier during the 1970s.He was also ringside at all the epic bouts involving British boxing greats, from Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.Colin ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the most memorable clash of the Sun man’s career was spent in Zaire covering the incredible Rumble in the Jungle classic between Ali and Foreman in October 1974.Foreman — then a terrifying 25-year-old brute — was expected to humble ageing icon Ali but was lured into an astonishing sucker-punch knockout in round eight.Colin described covering the fight as the “most bizarre ten days” after watching locals worship Ali like a god. He added: “At 25, Foreman wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter year. “He was surly, bad-tempered and far from lovable — his fists were like two wrecking balls.“But I had a gut feeling Big George lacked stamina, which is why in Sun Sport I picked Ali to beat him in nine rounds.”Ali would become a personal friend of Colin in his later life and trusted him to break the news of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s.Colin “retired” when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 years, and attend big fights.He also ran with the Olympic torch down South East London’s Old Kent Road in 2012.And he carried on passing on his knowledge to colleagues, combined with hawk-like analysis of fight game skills and weaknesses.In 2017, after Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic battle at Wembley, he said the bout ranked in the top ten he had ever witnessed. But he also said that he believed Fury — who had beaten Klitschko two years earlier — was a better fighter.Colin watched his last major heavyweight bout only last year in Riyadh where he saw Fury’s first pro defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.And yet again, he had correctly predicted the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESColin died after a short illness days short of what would have been his 90th birthday on April 6. He is survived by wife Cindy, and daughters Laura and Lisa.Colin with his family after he ran with the Olympic torch down Old Kent Road in 2012Credit: Peter Jordan – The SunColin with boxing promoter Frank Warren who described him as a ‘dear friend’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Boxing

      Sporting world pays emotional tribute to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing Colin Hart after his death aged 89

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      THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Colin Hart, who was a member of this newspaper’s original sports desk when The Sun was launched in 1969, died aged 89 on Saturday.The sporting world has paid emotional tribute to Colin HartCredit: The SunHart with Muhammad Ali Jnr, Michael Watson and John Conteh last yearCredit: RexLennox Lewis being asked questions by Hart in New York in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRicky “The Hitman” Hatton and heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno led tributes to a “master of his craft”.Ricky Hatton: ‘One of the last great boxing journalists’I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart.Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas.He would often ring me for a chat and we became genuine mates.Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, he had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that.We spoke for ages and he told me it was one of the highlights of his career and what to expectAnd, right at the end of the chat, he told me: ‘You’ll love it, Ricky. Just enjoy it like I did’.Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed.RIP old mate.Michael Buffer: ‘Among the best ever’Read more Sports NewsI was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport.His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.He will be forever remembered as a gentleman scribe and, to those of us who knew him by either casual acquaintance or deep personal friendship, he will be missed and never forgotten.Rest in peace, dear friend.Jeff Powell MBE: ‘Wise, wry and fearless’A privilege and a delight to share much of Colin Hart’s journey to legendary status as a sports writer who knew more about boxing than 99 per cent of all those involved in the game. Honest and loyal as an East End day is long. Wise, wry, fearless, generous, a treasure trove of tales to tell. Ultimate professional and much loved companion on our travels. May The Sun never set on his memoryJane Couch: ‘Knew the game inside out’Most read in BoxingMe and Colin go back a long way.Although Col was old fashioned and wasn’t keen on women boxing, he was always OK with me.We got on well.It’s a sad loss to boxing.Colin was one of the old school journalists who knew the game inside out.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightJoe Calzaghe: ‘Real giant of boxing writers’Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.Michael Watson: ‘I felt like he was in my corner’Colin Hart was a boxing man, through and through.We could tell it was more than a job for him.Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.The world has changed a lot since our glory days and I’m not sure there will ever be another Colin Hart.Lennox Lewis: ‘An icon in British boxing’I was only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Even in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.Because I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.When I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.I even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.It looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Anthony Crolla: ‘One of the most recognisable faces and voices’It’s heartbreaking that Colin has gone, especially so close to a milestone 90th birthday.But I know that his legacy on British boxing – the sport, not just the journalism – will never be surpassed or forgotten.You were one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the sport – more so than some of us fighters even!I’ll always remember we were sat together for the George Groves win over James DeGale and we had a pretty big difference of opinion!But that night, like all the others, it was just lovely to be in your company and listen to your opinions, because you were someone that I respected, massively.Rest in peace, Colin. We’re really going to miss you.Sun boxing writer Hart chats to Lewis in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin covered hundreds of world title fights and is pictured here with Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdColin reported on the iconic Rumble in the Jungle… and predicted Muhammad Ali’s win when the rest of Fleet Street tipped George ForemanCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSpencer Oliver: ‘The man you wanted to take notice of you’I’m not exaggerating to say that Colin was THE man you wanted to take notice of you, when you was boxing in my era.When we opened The Sun at the gym, we would rush straight through to his pages and hoped we would get a mention.Colin was always the boxing reporter of that generation that was the most respected in the gyms and at the shows, everyone wanted to get on his radar and get praise in his columns.It’s broken me a little bit, because he covered my entire career and he helped me when I was injured and in hospital and fighting dark times.He was always in my corner, when I felt very alone. And then again when I started working in the media and he helped me with so many TV and radio shows.It’s a real blow, it’s no exaggeration to say British boxing will not be the same again.Looking around a London ring, from Wembley stadium or York Hall, you almost always spot Colin with a paper under his arm.I’m gutted I’m never going to see that again.But I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and I hope I repaid him, somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohnny Nelson: ‘An absolutely proper boxing journalist’When Colin Hart wrote about you in The Sun it was a big deal.I remember it took him ages to write about me, I kept looking for an article an it never came and, when it did, I don’t thing it was even nice about me!But because fighters knew how much Colin had given to the sport, the amateur shows, not just world titles, they respected his opinion.I saw him have loads of arguments with fighters because, when he criticised them, it hurt, because he knew his stuff and it carried weight.And he wasn’t being critical for attention, he was doing his job and he had earned his right to an opinion.These days most boxing coverage is about views and clicks and content, people need to protect their access rather than ask the important questions.Colin was the opposite of that, he was an absolutely proper boxing journalist.I don’t think there will ever be another boxing reporter like Colin Hart, the world and the sport and the industry doesn’t make them like that anymore.Frank Bruno: ‘Undisputed Champion of boxing reporters’Sometimes in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust. Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people. I was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time. I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades. So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right. In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows. Recently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time. I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean. But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly. Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view. Back in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps. There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues. These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia. But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me. To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. I knew I could trust him too. I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend. Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice. I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour. Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could. In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles. But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well. Since retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas. If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days. I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been. As ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again. When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend. Frank Bruno More

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      in Soccer

      I lost both of my grandfathers to suicide, we must do more to help, says Championship star Will Vaulks

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      WILL VAULKS knows all about the devastation that follows suicide.The Oxford United star’s two grandfathers both took their lives within 18 months of each other while he was in his early teens.Will Vaulks says the deaths caused ‘enormous destruction’ in his familyCredit: GettyHywel Edwards took his life just a day after watching Vaulks play footballVaulks described paternal grandfather Tom as wonderful to be withVaulks, 31, was just 13 when he and his family were left heartbroken when paternal grandad Tom died aged 67,  six months after he had initially tried to kill himself.And then the Wales midfielder’s maternal grandfather Hywel took his life aged 78, a day after watching his then 15-year-old grandson playing youth football for Tranmere.Now Vaulks wants to raise awareness for one of the biggest — yet “most forgotten” — killers.The latest 12-month UK Government figures showed 4,377 people died by suicide, that is an average of 12 deaths every day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe U’s ace told SunSport: “Suicide is the biggest killer in men aged under 50 and women under 35.“So the biggest threat to your friend or family member’s life at that age isn’t a heart attack, cancer or a car crash . . . it’s from themselves.“We talk about cancer research and the need to learn CPR — which is important and great — but suicide gets forgotten.“So we must do everything to help get the numbers down.”Most read in FootballYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Both grandfathers were much loved and Tom was a larger-than-life  character who would take his grandson for a spin on the back of his red Kawasaki 500 motorbike.Vaulks recalled: “He used to look after me, my brother and sister when our parents were away.“And he would say, ‘When the cat’s away, the mice play!’“I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent so you can only  imagine the feelings I had when he chose to take his life. It was so  difficult for my dad and family.”At the time it was not understood why Tom had decided to end his life although with the benefit of hindsight years later the reason is perhaps less mysterious.His grandfather, who was divorced from Vaulks’ nan, was deeply depressed and complained about a stomach pain he could not get diagnosed.It is felt he feared getting old and not being able to continue doing the fun things he enjoyed.Then, in 2008, his other grandfather Hywel left home in circumstances out of character.Vaulks said: “My grandmother Brenda woke up to find he wasn’t in bed and had gone out.“He didn’t take a coat or get properly dressed so hadn’t gone out for a walk.”Police were called and a helicopter and search dogs sent out to comb the area.Loving grand-dad Hywel took his own life aged 78Tom, who died aged 67, is pictured with his son and grandchildrenBut eventually after a few hours it was Vaulk’s mum and Hywel’s daughter Ruth who discovered his body.Only the evening before he had been watching Vaulks playing football but he went home at the full-time whistle rather than stick around, as he normally did.That evening his mum went to check on him and Vaulks explained: “He told her, ‘You do know I love you, don’t you?’“It was a lovely thing to say to his daughter but it has been hard for my mum down the years because she has been left with many unanswered questions like was it a sign and should she have spotted it?“But he had made his decision at that  point and unfortunately we will  never know exactly why.”From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.Will VaulksPeople who take their lives are in the deepest of torment and often feel they are a burden to families and friends but, as Vaulks explains, the decision to die by suicide leaves a trail of devastation that is far worse for those loved ones left behind. He said: “The destruction the two suicides left for my family was enormous.“We had a normal family life which was happy, healthy and great.“The best way to describe it is it’s like a bomb going off within the family unit.“Suicide leaves a complex grieving process that some people do not  manage to get through. As a family, we fortunately did.“But I became a bit numb to normal passings because you feel bitterness in the way you lost your grandparents.“They both thought they were best out of the equation.“I’d say to anyone who is struggling, the burden you leave by taking your own life is 100 fold for those you leave behind.“From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.“I’ve spoken to suicide survivors who look back now and live happy, healthy fulfilled lives.”Championship side Oxford became the first club last month to sign up for a suicide prevention charity’s workplace pledge.United’s new partnership with Baton of Hope will see the U’s deliver in-house, personal  suicide prevention training to all its players and staff.Hywel was great to be around as a kid, saying Will VaulksTom became depressed in later life and worried about a stomach painIt coincided with the third anniversary of Oxford legend Joey Beauchamp taking his own life at the age of 50 after years of mental- health struggles.Vaulks, who also wants the EFL to get on board, says there are stereotypical myths  surrounding suicide.He said: “People always have one answer like he or she was a gambling addict, had an affair, took drugs — all hyper motive things.“Sometimes those issues are relevant but a lot of the time it’s not the case.“People have struggled silently for a long time and not had the help they need. At the moment, in the NHS, mental-health help is not there.“The charity’s founder is Mike McCarthy and his  son Ross was on a waiting list for six months and died two months into it. That sort of time frame for help isn’t acceptable.”Vaulks is sure prevention is better than cure and urges everyone to play an active part.He added: “People don’t wake up one day and decide to take their own life.A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder. There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.Will Vaulks“The thing we can all do is to check in  twice. We all know when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ that a person usually replies, ‘Good’.“If you notice a slight change in your friend or people you don’t speak to so often, just  ask again, ‘No, really, how are you — is everything fine?’“We don’t need to have deep conversations but we do need to delve more into how people are feeling.“It’s proven eight to nine minutes of talking can be enough to lift someone’s mood and prevent them spiralling downhill.“A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder.“There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.“But we must try to stop these things before they become major issues.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So if you feel happy and fulfilled, pass that on to people, even in the street.“We can live a competitive, fun and aggressive life — but still look out for others.” More

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      in Boxing

      How George Foreman went from teen mugger to earning $200m thanks to piledriver punches, wide smile & grilling machine

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      IN the boxing ring, George Foreman – who became world heavyweight champ twice, some 20 years apart – was a lean, mean fighting machine.With fists like wrecking balls and a piledriver punch, all bar eight of his 76 wins ended in a knockout.George Foreman posing for The Ring magazine in 1989Credit: GettyThe boxing legend with his loved ones in a picture released by his familyCredit: instagram/biggeorgeforemanGeorge suffers as Muhammad Ali hits back in probably the greatest fight of all timeCredit: AlamyThe heavyweight champ earned an astonishing $200million from his trademark cooking device – an electric barbecue that could be used indoorsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe fought in probably the most famous boxing bout in history, the 1974 Rumble In The Jungle against Muhammad Ali, who beat him using a strategy he coined “rope-a-dope”.But Big George, who died on Friday aged 76, was no dope.Incredibly, he made far more money outside the ring — selling “a lean, mean grilling machine”. He earned an astonishing $200million from the George Foreman Grill — an electric barbecue that could be used indoors.It massively overshadowed the $5million he won for his part in the Rumble In The Jungle, a 4am fight in sweltering heat beamed by a new-fangled TV satellite from Kinshasa in Zaire, central Africa.READ MORE IN SPORTBut thanks to his ­charismatic fame and famous smile, he went on to earn almost $5million every MONTH selling his grill and other household appliances on telly.Not bad for a teenage mugger brought up in Texas in a family so poor his mother sent her children to school with mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch.One of the top three heavyweights of all time, along with Ali and Joe Frazier, George, who only lost five fights in his career, was married five times.‘A force for good’He fathered ten children — five boys, all called George “so he would not forget their names”, and five girls, including ­Georgetta. George also adopted two more daughters.Most read in BoxingAnnouncing his death on Instagram yesterday, his family said he passed away surrounded by loved ones.Although they did not disclose his cause of death, they paid tribute to “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand and great- grandfather”, who “lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose”.George Foreman claims Bruce Lee could have been world champion boxer as he was so good he left him with ‘chills’George Snr was, they said, “a humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world”.They went on: “He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family.“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”George Edward Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949. In later life, he discovered his real father was a man called Leroy Moorehead.But he took the name of his stepdad, railway construction worker J B Foreman, who his mother, Nancy, married when George was very young.He grew to become a big, strong teenager, and was often in trouble with the law for street fighting.By the age of 15, he had dropped out of school and became a mugger.George once said: “I’ve always been motivated by food, because I was always hungry. There never was enough food to eat for me, for various reasons.”The following year, George had a change of heart and convinced his mother to sign him up for Jobs Corps, a US government scheme that trained him to be a carpenter and bricklayer. He moved to California and, with the help of a trainer, George, by then 6ft 3in and nearly 18st, took up boxing.By the age of 19, he had won Olympic Gold in Mexico City, knocking out Jonas Cepulis of the Soviet Union, who was ten years older and had already won many of his 200 bouts.If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as thatBBC boxing analyst Steve BunceBBC boxing analyst Steve Bunce said: “If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as that.”Days after African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos did a Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, George caused controversy among civil rights activists by waving a small US flag in the ring.He said: “I was just glad to be an American. Some people have tried to make something of it, calling me an Uncle Tom (a derogatory term for a black person considered overly submissive to white people), but I’m not. I just believe people should live together in peace.”George preaching in Atlantic City in 1991Credit: AP:Associated PressThe star posing in an African robe before his bout with AliCredit: GettyChamp Joe Frazier is rocked by a Foreman right during the title fight in JamaicaCredit: APThe legend waving the US flag after his heavyweight victory at the Mexico GamesGeorge regains his title, aged 45, in a fight against MoorerCredit: AFPHe later looked back with pride on how he turned his life around to ­triumph at those Games in Mexico City, adding: “Less than two years prior . . . I was under a house, hiding from the police. “I climbed from underneath that house, in mud and slop, and said to myself, ‘I’m going to do something in my life, I’m not a thief’.”Turning professional straight away, George was soon fighting a bout a month. By the time he competed in his first heavyweight title against ­Frazier at the “The Sunshine Showdown” in Kingston, Jamaica, in ­January 1973, he already had 39 wins under his belt — and no defeats. The 3-1 underdog, George knocked world champ Frazier down six times before ref Arthur Mercante stopped the one-sided fight in the second round.After defeating Ken Norton in the Caracas Caper in Venezuela, George’s next fight was the famous Rumble In The Jungle against Ali.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin Hart was ringside in Kinshasa — now in the Democratic Republic of Congo — as dawn broke on October 30, 1974.Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years. He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin HartHe wrote: “It’s a fair bet if you should mention the Rumble In The Jungle from Angola to Zanzibar, most people will know what you are talking about. “There couldn’t have been a greater contrast between Ali and Foreman — Beauty and the Beast perhaps sums them up best.”Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years.“He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.“Having won 37 of his 40 fights by knockout . . . menace seemed to ooze from every pore.‘Start at the bottom’“He made Sonny Liston (a ­powerhouse US boxer) look like a soft, cuddly teddy bear.”Backed up on the ropes for round after round, Ali took the sting out of George’s powerful punching with his “rope-a-dope” technique.But suddenly, in round eight, he sprung off the ropes for the first time and rocked his rival with a right hander. And with that, Ali was back in the fight. Almost in slow motion, George collapsed to the canvas and failed to beat the count. After losing the title he took a year off, but by then his first marriage, to Adrienne Calhoun, had ended.Over the years, he tied the knot four more times, finally marrying Mary Joan Martelly in 1985. She was with him until his death.In 2019, he explained that he named all of his sons George Edward Foreman “so they would always have something in common”.His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgottenMike TysonHe added: “I tell people, ‘If you’re going to get hit as many times as I’ve been hit by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, you’re not going to remember many names’.”The boys, however, have nicknames — George III goes by Monk, George IV is Big Wheel, George V is Red and George VI is known as Little Joey.Foreman returned to the ring and had five more victories, including another over old rival Frazier.But after losing to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977, he hung up his gloves aged 28, claiming it was because of his religious beliefs and his mother’s wishes.George had become a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister. For the next ten years, he preached to congregations at a church in Houston, Texas, but money worries later drove him back to the ring.Overweight and out of shape, he said: “I’ve got a three-year plan. I want to start at the bottom. Train harder than any man in the world. Fight once a month.” Foreman fought up to nine times in a year. He cranked out 24 straight wins, although most were against boxers of lesser ability.But in 1994, at the age of 45, he got another title shot in Las Vegas against Michael Moorer, 26, who threw twice as many punches.But in the tenth round, Foreman delivered the knockout blow that made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.George said: “Anything you desire, you can make happen. It’s like the song, ‘When you wish upon a star your dreams come true’. Well, look at me tonight.”Foreman returned to the church and a youth centre he had set up, and was never afraid to cash in on his fame. He was approached to endorse the George Foreman Grill in 1994, with a big smile and cheesy lines including: “It’s a knockout.”George went on to sell more than 100million units and earned a fortune, pocketing 40 per cent of the profits before selling out in 1999 for more than £100million.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-British cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew said yesterday: “RIP to one of the greatest human beings to ever put on boxing gloves. This man was truly ­amazing!”And in a fitting tribute to the icon, ring king Mike Tyson added: “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”George with fellow champs Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in 1989Credit: PAAll all bar eight of the champ’s 76 wins ended in a knockoutCredit: Rex More

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      Jadon Sancho has matured at Chelsea but shock return to Man Utd and new role under Ruben Amorim could save his career

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      JADON SANCHO’s former coach believes the struggling winger could still be a success at Old Trafford.The 24-year-old wide man, who is currently on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, was hauled off against Arsenal after an indifferent display.Jadon Sancho’s struggles continued the Emirates against ArsenalCredit: GettySancho was replaced in the 76th minute against the Gunners following an ineffectual performanceCredit: ReutersNow, Sancho is at a career crossroad with his future up in the airCredit: GettySancho’s form at Chelsea has tailed off this seasonThe Blues have an obligation to buy Sancho for around £25million, should they finish above 15th in the Premier League.However, recent reports suggest Sancho could find himself back at Old Trafford, if Chelsea pay a ‘penalty fee’ to back out of the deal.This season, after starting the campaign off well, he has managed just two goals in 28 games.Premier League player development lead coach Dan Micciche worked with Sancho at U15 and U16 level for England.He believes a return to Man Utd, who paid Borussia Dortmund £73million for his services in 2021, could benefit Sancho and get him out of his recent slump.Coach Ruben Amorim is desperate to find an option to play as a left-sided No10 in his preferred 3-4-3 formation, with Alejandro Garnacho struggling to get to grips with the position.But, in Sancho, the Portuguese boss could have someone suited to play the role.Micciche told SunSport: “Jadon would have to play as a left-sided No10, I couldn’t see him play as a wing-back.”Can he play there? Yeah, absolutely. I think he could play for Ruben Amorim in his system.”It might actually suit him more – in terms of freeing him up. “He wouldn’t be hugging the touchline as much, he would in middle of the pitch more and would have more options when he gets the ball.”Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham Sancho is at a career crossroads. After showing some early promise at Stamford Bridge, his Chelsea loan has since turned sour.The latest example of stalling came in his performance against Arsenal on Sunday, where he was hauled off after 76 minutes following an ineffectual performance.Should he sign for Chelsea in the summer, his game time could be further limited under boss Enzo Maresca as competition for places will be even more intense.Chelsea will welcome Brazil star Willian Estevao to Stamford Bridge in the summer, having signed him a year ago for £45m from Palmeiras.However, Micciche believes Sancho’s matured under the Italian manager.He said: “I’ve been to a few Chelsea games this season and Jadon has done some wonderful things in those games.”The way they play, he’s often left in one on one situations. “The way the game is going now, it can be hard for those types of players because they get doubled up on a lot.”The expectation on him is so high. When he gets the ball, we’re expecting a bit of magic.”I actually think he’s matured. When he was younger, he would be trying to beat the full-back and dribble his way through situation whenever he got the ball.”In Maresca’s system he plays with his teammates a lot more. I think what makes wingers more effective is the runs ahead of him because that unbalances the full-back.Sancho was ineffectual against ArsenalMan Utd paid £73m to sign Sancho in 2021 from Borussia DortmundCredit: AlamyChelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for around £25m in the summerCredit: RexHowever, recent reports suggest Chelsea could pay a penalty clause and send him back to Old TraffordCredit: Rex”Whereas when you get the ball and those forward runs aren’t made, and you are left one against one, opposition will double up.”Then, you’ve got two choices – try to beat two players or pass the ball.”I think Sancho might have had less ‘wow’ moments, but he’s played for the team a lot and showed maturity.”During his time at club level, Sancho’s professionalism has sometimes been questioned.At Borussia Dortmund, he was dropped for an important Champions League match against Barcelona after skipping a team meeting in the build-up.While at Manchester United, Sancho was banished to the reserves by former manager Erik ten Hag for claiming the manager lied about his exclusion from the squad in a match against Arsenal.Micciche believes Sancho is misunderstood and is a good person, at heart.He said: “What we’re talking about is different personalities.”There’s one thing about having a different type of personality, then there’s another thing of not being a very nice person.”Jadon is a good person. What we have to remember is players are all very different.Sancho earned a reputation as one of football’s most talented youngsters at Borussia DortmundCredit: AP:Associated PressDan Micciche believes Sancho is misunderstoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty”I always think the hardest players to coach are wingers. It’s very easy to point the finger at them and how they don’t track back.”But, if you look at the players the current generation looked up to – it’s the likes of Ronaldinho and Neymar, flamboyant players and personalities.”I think there’s a generalisation that players who have lots of flair are bad characters. It’s just their personality. They don’t do it deliberately. “They are a bit different, to even how they dress, or sticking to rules, but as long as it doesn’t get out of control you have to accept they’re a bit different.”They’re just creative individuals and think and act a bit differently, but that’s what makes them special. If you take out their individuality, then the game becomes very boring.”Micciche believes Sancho needs to add another string to his bow and continue his development.He divulged: “He’ll be judged on his goals and assists, so he’ll need to improve on those.”He also needs to develop his game and find different ways to be effective on the pitch.”That could be becoming a free-kick specialist. If he wanted to copy his idol, Ronaldinho who could score from set-pieces, then that would add another string to his bow.”Say a free-kick does come off during a game, then that would also give him the confidence to try something different during a match that he might not have tried if he hadn’t scored that free-kick.”There’s always things players can do to add to their game to solve different problems.”We know Jadon’s a good player, otherwise teams wouldn’t double up on him. Now, he has to overcome that.”Sancho needs to overcome his hurdles by working hard in trainingCredit: RexMicciche believes Sancho can get a smile back into his game if he adds a new skill to his gameCredit: AFPMicciche suggested Sancho became a free-kick specialistCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Becoming Match of the Day host was like finding out I was PREGNANT, says Kelly Cates as she reveals how she landed job

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      WHEN Kelly Cates was told she and Gabby Logan would become the first female Match Of The Day hosts in the show’s 60-year history, she wanted to shout it from the rooftops. But unfortunately for the new presenter, she was ordered by BBC bosses to keep quiet about her new role — a scenario which felt ­familiar to the mum of two. Kelly Cates wanted to shout with joy after making history as one of Match Of The Day’s first female hosts – but the BBC told her she’d need to keep it quietCredit: RexThe appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, above, was widely welcomed by the football worldCredit: AlamyKelly will be joining Mark ‘Chappers’ Chapman and Gaby Roslin as the lead MOTD presenter teamCredit: PABecause, for Kelly, sitting on the enormous secret felt just like ­hiding a pregnancy. Speaking in depth for the first time about taking over from Gary Lineker next season, Kelly, 49, said: “I’m not good at secrets — it killed me! Genuinely, once the news was announced I could have slept for two days. “I found the stress of ­keeping it a secret so hard and even though it is a nice secret, it was a little bit like the early stages of pregnancy where you feel terrible that you can’t tell anybody. “It was awful lying to genuinely good friends. I hated it.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKelly will be part of a new three-strong presenting team, alongside Gabby and Mark Chapman, both 51. And she is thrilled she can now share how she managed to land the biggest job in British sports broadcasting. An industry veteran of nearly 30 years, Kelly had been working for the BBC as part of 5 Live’s football coverage, as well as anchoring live games for Sky Sports, when she was called into a meeting by Beeb executives. ‘Ego-filled world’ It had been rumoured for some time that new BBC Director of Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted to shake up Match Of The Day, the world’s longest-running football highlights show. Most read in FootballBut Kelly had not bargained for being a part of his plans. Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, she explains: “I had the conversation early on but in very vague terms. ‘Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce’“I was already doing radio for the BBC, already working on 5 Live so it was natural for me to have meetings when a new boss came in, and everything was being changed so that was quite natural. “But in the course of one of those meetings it was, ‘Well, we’re rethinking how we’re going to do Match Of The Day and would you be interested to be in the mix?’ Inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’Kelly Cates“And I was trying really hard to keep a ‘not bothered’ face, saying, ‘Yeah, that would be great’. “But inside I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could shout ‘Oh my God! This is incredible’.” Kelly added: “And they were brilliant around the whole thing — trying to balance the two and the fact I can keep doing live football, which I think is really important because if you don’t do that you forget why you’re covering it, you forget about those big moments and what it is like.” It was only when Kelly’s new gig was officially unveiled in January that the enormity began to sink in. She added: “Suddenly friends of mine who don’t even like football were phoning me saying, ‘Oh my God, this is so exciting — congratulations’. I didn’t even think it would be on their radar. “They’re not in that sports world and then you realise something like Match Of The Day goes past all of that. It’s in people’s lives — it’s in the background.” The appointment of Kelly, who is the daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland great Kenny Dalglish, along with Gabby and Mark — aka Chappers — was widely welcomed by the football world. All three are hugely respected figures within the industry and there was a general consensus they had done their time, working up the ranks and honing their craft over several decades. Kelly believes landing the gig came at the perfect time for all of the new line-up. She explains: “That was the big draw for the three of us. Kenny with wife Marina, Kelly and brother Paul in 1980Credit: Getty“To be in the mix with Chappers and Gabby, who I really like as people, first of all, but really admire as broadcasters as well . . . it’s just a really lovely group to be in. “People have this perception that it is a massive ego-filled world, and it is at times and you need a certain sort of ego to feel like you can do the job because you need a certain amount of confidence. “But you don’t want to be in a position where we’re all trying to scramble over each other. “The fact we’re all the same age, we’re at the same stage of our careers, we’ve all got other things outside of Match Of The Day that we’re all passionate about and really invested in, it means none of us are treading on each other and preying on each other’s insecurities. “We’re all really comfortable about who we are and where we are in our careers, so it really works for all of us. “We’re all at a stage in our lives as well where we want to spend time with our families. “We have kids of different ages and different things going on in our home lives as well. “It’s really nice to be able to keep all that in the mix.” Kelly’s grounding in sports broadcasting came in the early days of Sky Sports News, a rolling news channel launched in 2010. ‘Kicked up a fuss’ The female-heavy list of anchors, including Kirsty Gallacher, who is godmother to one of Kelly’s daughters, became synonymous with the channel. However, the presenters were often sexualised by viewers and when that attitude seeped into the brand marketing, Kelly was the one who put a stop to it. Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should beKelly on sexualisation of female sports presentersThe star has always taken her position as a role model for women in sport seriously. She explained: “It was seen as ‘fruit on the barrow’, where you would put your juiciest fruit on the barrow — there was that attitude to it. “But we didn’t feel like that from the inside. That was very much an external thing. “Then I remember there was an ad put out with four female Sky Sports News presenters on, saying ‘There’s always something worth watching on Sky Sports News’. “I remember it happened on the Sunday and I think by the Tuesday or Wednesday I’d gone into the office and said, ‘No. I get that this comes from the outside but don’t do that to us from the inside’. “Don’t start undermining us from inside the organisation because we can take it from other people — we’re used to that — but we thought you had our backs here, that’s the way it should be’.” She added: “The reaction was they didn’t think I would be the person who came in and kicked up a fuss. “I was like, ‘That says something. If you think I’m easy-going and it upset me then you should probably read something into that’.” Kelly took an extended break from sports broadcasting to concentrate on bringing up her children. She returned to work in 2013 at Radio 5 Live where she hosted the station’s famous 606 football phone-in on Sundays alongside ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright. She later returned to Sky Sports to anchor live games and previously made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT. Glasgow-born Kelly, whose brother Paul was a professional footballer for Newcastle, is now separated from Tom Cates, the father of her two daughters. Like most working mums, Kelly admits taking care of her career and their teenage daughters can be challenging. She added: “It’s juggling lots of diaries, and I’ve got a really good relationship with my ex-husband. “He’s great with the girls in terms of being flexible because we have to be around my job. “You just make it work. I’m really lucky — I have a great job. “People do this and work three jobs and are stressed about putting food on the table and heating the house. “Although it’s tricky to do everything and all problems are relative, it’s manageable.” READ MORE SUN STORIESSaturday nights are about to get a whole lot busier for Kelly. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Kelly will be one of the team taking over when Gary Lineker leaves MOTD at the end of the current seasonCredit: BBC More

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      Inside the rise of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal pal reveals what England wonderkids are really like

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      WHILE Prem stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Levi Colwill are ready to do battle for England, two old team-mates are fighting the drop to League Two.Crawley midfielder Bradley Ibrahim, 20, was captain of the Arsenal team which got to the FA Youth Cup final two years ago and featured Lewis-Skelly as well as Ethan Nwaneri.Crawley ace Bradley Ibrahim played with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri at ArsenalArsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly is eyeing an England debutCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri has enjoyed quite the breakout season with ArsenalCredit: EPAMeanwhile, Burton midfielder Charlie Webster, 21, came through the ranks at Chelsea with 22-year-old Colwill and worked with England boss Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.Ibrahim, on loan from German club Hertha Berlin, believes this England call-up for Lewis-Skelly, 18, will be the first of many.The pair grew up together at Arsenal, and Ibrahim told SunSport: “I spoke to Myles on Friday after his selection was announced while on the way to Cambridge. He was buzzing.”Ibrahim says Lewis-Skelly’s aggression, strength, fearlessness, self-confidence and humility drove him to the top.Read More on ArsenalHe said: “Myles was always brave — he’ll never play with fear. No matter where he is or who he’s against, Myles has a belief in himself that he’s one of the best and is going to be the best.”But Ibrahim insists off the field the teenager is humble because of his family roots.He recalled how the Arsenal star’s mum, Marcia, always kept him on the straight and narrow. He said: “His progress has been helped by having great parents.“His mum is a strong character and always kept him well disciplined.“He was never one to go out. His mum sometimes didn’t let him.Most read in SportJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.”Lewis-Skelly, who could make his senior debut on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania, only made his Prem bow in September at Manchester City. He was red-carded against Wolves and West Ham this season.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had to sub him after 35 minutes at PSV Eindhoven this month to safeguard him after the teenager picked up an early booking. Although the dismissal against Wolves was rescinded, there have been concerns raised about his aggression.But Ibrahim said: “If you take a bit of his aggression away, you take a big thing out of his game.“If he was an older player, people wouldn’t talk about it but because he’s young, people spin it negatively. Even in training and mini-games he’d take it seriously.”He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.Bradley Ibrahim on Myles Lewis-SkellyIbrahim’s favourite memory of his pal was his last-gasp extra-time winner in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City in 2023.However, the Gunners lost 5-1 to West Ham in the final.Part of that team was Nwaneri, 18 today, who incredibly broke into the Under-18s side at 14.The Arsenal whizkid has already clocked up 21 top-flight appearances since making his debut two-and-a-half years ago, aged 15 years and 181 days, the youngest in Prem history.Ibrahim, whose third-from-bottom Crawley side host Bristol Rovers on Friday, said: “It’s not like he’s overhyped. He’s unbelievable and one of the best I’ve played with.”Ibrahim now turns out for Crawley in League OneCredit: RexHe has been shining for Crawley in a tough seasonWebster signed for Burton in the summer after 12 years at Chelsea.The midfielder first joined the Blues at Under-10 level and says he will be forever grateful for Tuchel naming him on the bench for a Carabao Cup game against Brentford in December 2021 when he was 17.He said: “Tuchel will be unbelievable for England. He’s intense in terms of how he focuses on key details, he never misses anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCentre-back Colwill, now a first-team regular, was a team-mate of Webster for the Blues’ youth teams.Webster, whose Brewers side are not in action due to international call-ups, added: “Every player’s journey is different but he has been given his chance and taken it. That’s all down to him. He’s a brilliant footballer.” More