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      Inside Russell Martin’s emotional journey from living next to a bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League manager

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has spent his life proving people wrong.From growing up with an abusive dad to being told he was not good enough to make it as a pro.
      Russell Martin led Southampton to promotion on SundayCredit: Rex
      Ending up as a Premier League skipper and international footballer, Martin squeezed every last drop of talent out of his system.
      There were question marks when Saints appointed him on the back of relegation and being forced to sell £140million worth of players.
      So Sunday’s 1-0 win over Leeds — which sparked joyous celebrations on the south coast — was particularly sweet.
      It saw Martin get one over on Daniel Farke, the manager who banished him to Norwich’s Under-23s before terminating his contract.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      It also made Martin a Premier League manager at the age of 38.
      He has long been a trailblazer. He was Peterborough’s youngest captain at 21, took over as MK Dons’ boss at 33 and became manager at Swansea at 35.
      Last summer, he arrived at a club in turmoil after a wretched season in which Southampton went through three bosses — Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles.
      Some fans wanted him axed after four straight losses in September.
      Most read in Football
      Some fans wanted the manager axed back in SeptemberCredit: Rex
      Russell Martin’s managerial career
      MK Dons (2019-21): 80 games, 30 wins, 19 draws, 31 losses – 37.5 win %
      Swansea (2021 – 23): 99 games, 36 wins, 27 draws, 36 losses – 36 win %
      Southampton (2023-present): 54 games, 30 wins, 11 draws, 13 losses – 55.5 win %

      But Martin never deviated from his strong principles of possession-based football and his team went a club-record 25 games unbeaten.
      For much of this season, Southampton had the highest possession percentage of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.
      Inside Russell Martin’s amazing journey from living at bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League manager
      That is Martin’s way. In March 2021, his MK Dons team set a British record 56 passes for a move leading to a goal — scored by Will Grigg.
      He stubbornly demands improvement on his gameplans, rather than resorting to any Plan B, and says: “If it doesn’t work and I get sacked, at least I get sacked doing something I believe in.”
      The second youngest of four brothers, Martin grew up in the Hollingbury area of Brighton.
      Late father Dean was violent towards mum Kerry and had stints in prison.
      The family home was lost to his gambling debts — and he moved them next door to a bookies.
      Little wonder that Martin dislikes gambling sponsorship in football.
      Through his dad, Martin qualified to play for Scotland and he won 29 caps.
      But one of his nans was Italian and cooked pasta for the boys when food ran out at their dysfunctional home.
      Martin won 29 caps for ScotlandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Martin is proud of that heritage — his children have Napoli shirts and regularly go on holiday to southern Italy.
      He excelled at school where he was head boy and took A-levels in history, PE and drama.
      The Brighton fan, with a soft spot for Spurs, was turned down by a string of professional clubs.
      Starting at non-league Lewes, he cleaned windows and pub toilets in the mornings with his uncle and did shifts at a Spar supermarket across the road in the evenings.
      He got his break under Tony Adams at Wycombe before moving on to Peterborough and Norwich — whose manager at the time, Paul Lambert, has been a huge influence on his career.
      He was a Canaries stalwart, captaining them to a play-off final victory over Middlesbrough in 2015.
      But Farke brought about a bitter end to an eight-year spell in Norfolk. He was loaned to Rangers before being shown the door.
      After a brief spell coaching at Walsall, he managed MK Dons and Swansea — where he overcame a rocky spell that left him one game from the sack — before landing the job at Southampton.
      Martin captained Norwich to play off promotionCredit: Getty
      He got his breakthrough under Tony Adams at WycombeCredit: Getty
      He also became Peterborough’s youngest ever captainCredit: Getty
      Martin has remained very much his own man throughout.
      Now vegan as he suffers from ulcerative colitis — an inflamed bowel — Martin also meditates, has read up on Buddhism and was a member of the Green Party before becoming disillusioned with politics.
      Every day at Southampton he has an ice bath, uses a cryotherapy chamber near his home and swims in the sea at Hove — all year round.
      At the age of 30, he set up the Russell Martin Foundation to help youngsters in Sussex.
      What started out as a football academy now also helps kids struggling in mainstream school.
      Martin told SunSport: “Two of my brothers did not finish school and something like this would have made a huge difference.”
      Here is a man making a huge impact on and off the pitch.
      At his post-match Wembley press conference, a shattered-looking Martin said: “For them to give me the job in the first place, I felt like I had to do this to validate it.
      “I am so pleased for them because it wasn’t an exciting appointment for them.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s up to us to prove ourselves in the Premier League next season.
      “The style is something myself and my players believe in. I won’t change and I love what I do.” More

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      I was banned for ten years for alleged spot-fixing in the FA Cup, Lucas Paqueta should get a 40-year ban if he’s guilty

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      FORMER non-league star Kynan Isaac called on the FA to smash Lucas Paqueta with a 40-YEAR ban for alleged spot-fixing.Isaac was banned for ten years in October 2022 after being found guilty by football’s ruling body of deliberately getting himself booked in an FA Cup tie.Kynan Isaac reveals he got depressed after his ban ‘but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was’West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged in relation to four bookings but denies doing anything wrongCredit: RexIt was claimed full-back Isaac’s caution for Stratford Town in a 5-1 loss to Shrewsbury in November 2021 was part of a betting scheme with pals.West Ham and Brazil midfielder Paqueta, 26, has been charged with deliberately getting himself booked in FOUR separate Prem matches so that he and/or his friends could benefit by betting on that happening. He denies any wrongdoing.Isaac, 31, said: “It will be very interesting to see what they do to him, there’s no point in me sitting here and letting everyone else get away with it.“It’s basic maths — if I got done for ten years for doing it once, by the same book he should get 40 years for doing it four times.READ MORE ON LUCAS PAQUETA“I can’t wait to see what they give him — it will be something pathetic like about a year or two, because he’s got money and an expensive lawyer.“If that happens they won’t be able to ignore me and the ban they gave me.”Isaac was also hit with a further 18-month ban after being found guilty of placing, or enabling, almost 350 bets on matches over a five-year period. The combined rap ensured he could not play until after his 40th birthday.Most read in FootballOne allegation against Brazil international Paqueta concerns this booking for a foul on Boubakary SoumareCredit: PAThe FA stopped him from playing immediately after his charges were announced and referred the case to police. He added: “The police came to my house and told  me there was a  warrant out for my arrest for X, Y and Z. I had my kids with me,  so I asked if I could hand myself in at a certain time.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five“I went there the next day at about midday with my lawyer and the police threw it out. I got a ten-year ban, even though they threw it out.“It will be interesting if they do the same with Paqueta, will he get the police turning up at his door. If not, why not? Why should he be treated any differently to me?“Also, even though I don’t know the exact details about what bets we’re talking about, it’s bound to be in the thousands. With me it was pennies.”Isaac — who passed his test to be a driving instructor  — was tempted to speak out when Brentford and England star Ivan Toney escaped with an eight-month ban a year ago after admitting 232 breaches of betting rules.The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League. No-one worried about my mental health.He was also angered when Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo was given a suspended five-month ban in September for 375 breaches of betting rules.Toffolo claimed he made the wagers when his “mental health was at a very low ebb”.Isaac said: “It was mentally awful for me. “Non-league footballer gets a ten-year ban and then you see a big-name star Toney — who was putting thousands of pounds on — still being allowed to play when he had been charged  and getting an England call-up.“His ban was really only six months, because it included the off-season. And he’ll be at the Euros.“The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No-one worried about my mental health after getting such a huge ban.“I was depressed and it hit me hard but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was.”Paqueta was booked for a challenge on John McGinn in one incidentCredit: RexHe tripped Crysencio Summerville to receive another cautionCredit: Sky SportsThe fourth Paqueta yellow in question involved a handballCredit: Sly Sports More

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      Eintracht Frankfurt ‘fear sex-mad Wag Izabel Goulart is distracting Trapp with bizarre demands like how to exit a car’

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      EINTRACHT FRANKFURT are reportedly concerned that Kevin Trapp is being “distracted” by his sex-mad Wag.The German goalkeeper is in a relationship with Brazilian supermodel Izabel Goulart.Eintracht Frankfurt are concerned about Kevin Trapp’s relationship with Izabel GoulartCredit: SplashThe German’s Wag is sex madCredit: GettyShe has previously admitted they have sex four or five times a weekCredit: The Mega AgencyFrankfurt believe Trapp is ‘distracted’Credit: GettyTrapp, 33, has been with Izabel, 39, since they met during his stint at Paris Saint-German in 2015.German outlet Bild has claimed that their couple’s relationship is a regular topic of conversation in Frankfurt.The Bundesliga club are believed to be concerned that Trapp is being distracted from football by her demands.One of the mentioned demands includes how Trapp can “best get out of a car” for photographers.READ MORE ON WAGSThe report suggests that Trapp’s performances in training have dropped.It is said that he is no longer “throwing himself” to stop every shot from close range.Izobel is a fashion model and previously worked as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.The couple’s intimate sex life has often been publicised, as Trapp once had to ban sex after a loss.Most read in FootballIzobel has previously claimed that they are often close with each other.She said: “Kevin and I make love a lot – four or five times a week.Izabel Goulart is the super hot wag of German player Kevin Trapp “But if he has played in an important game and his team loses, I can make myself beautiful, have my nails done and wear my best lingerie – and there still won’t be any sex.”The couple got engaged in 2018 but are yet to tie the knot.Izobel regularly treats her 4.4million followers on Instagram to raunchy and glamorous snaps from photoshoots and holidays.Her fans were left in awe as she celebrated her 39th birthday back in October last year.Stripping down to a bikini for the celebrations, Izabel smiled and showed off her figure as she wowed in front of a balloon display.Trapp last played on Wednesday, but in a new position.The goalkeeper was used as a striker before the club’s summer break, and he netted twice against amateur side VfL Germania 2894.Izabel is a Brazilian supermodelCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: instagram @izabelgoulartShe has 4.4million followers on InstagramCredit: GettyThe couple started dating in 2015Credit: SplashThey got engaged in 2018Credit: @izabelgoulart More

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      What awaits Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood in Munich, from living in the ‘Bavarian Beverly Hills’ to Oktoberfest beers

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      JACK GREALISH and Sasha Attwood may just be ready for a new chapter in their lives in beautiful Bavaria.The Man City ace, 28, is reportedly contemplating leaving the Premier League champions, with first team starts harder to come by at the Etihad.Jack Grealish has been linked with a move to Bayern MunichShould Jack move, he would most likely take his partner Sasha Attwood with himCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaWhat would Grealish and Sasha’s life look like in Munich?That has alerted Bayern Munich, who SunSport revealed are desperate to bring the England playmaker to the club.They are in the process of hiring a new manager – with Vincent Kompany expected to take over from Thomas Tuchel.And the Burnley boss is said to have told bosses at the German club that he wants Grealish to join him, alongside ex-Premier League exports Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.A move to the Bundesliga giants would present Jack and his stunning missus Sasha Attwood with the opportunity to go on a luxury adventure.Read more Jack Grealish newsBefore beginning house-hunting in Grünwald – known as ‘Bavaria’s Beverly Hills’ – he could stay at the same hotel Kane initially called home, the five-star Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski.Sasha would be able to drop in to boutiques, including Dior and Louis Vuitton on the expensive Maximilian Strasse.While Grealish, who likes a bevvie, will probably love to join in the festivities at Oktoberfest and sink a few steins.Here’s how their lives could look like, should they make the move to Munich.Most read in FootballGermany’s answer to HollywoodIf you’re rich and famous and live in Munich, you will most likely call the stunning Grünwald your home.It’s the German equivalent to Beverly Hills, where lavish mansions can cost up to £20million.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichTranslating to Green Forest, Grünwald boasts amazing forest walks, an exclusive golf course and plenty of lush restaurants nearby which offer caviar for £450 a pop.The nearby Isar river also offers plenty of leisure activities, as well as an opportunity to top up your tan in the summer.Bayern stars Sane, Alphonso Davies, and Grealish’s international teammate Kane live in amazing hilltop homes there.Properties costing that much will most likely feature a jacuzzi, pool, and sauna – surely more appealing than a life in Cheshire?Grünwald is referred to as Munich’s answer to Beverly HillsCredit: AlamyThe super-affluent area of Grünwald is home to celebs including Bayern Munich starsCredit: Chris EadesDesigner shops aplentyWhile playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs will appeal to Jack, as well as the lifestyle that affords, his fashionable partner Sasha will certainly enjoy a wander down Maximilian Strasse.It is Munich’s most expensive street – with designer boutiques aplenty to keep the stunning brunette in fashion.From Dior to Louis Vuitton and Gucci, they’re all there.Lucky for Jack, as brand ambassador for Gucci, he’s sure to pick up a discount.Jewellers including Bulgari have stores there too, so if Jack is thinking of popping the question and needs a pricey diamond ring, he’s covered.Sasha has travelled all around the globe, with her Instagram showing off shopping trips in Dubai, Marbella, Madrid, Mykonos, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.A seasoned pro of a shopper, you can imagine she will know all the assistants at all the shops.Maximilian Strasse is Munich’s most expensive shopping streetCredit: GettyLuxury boutiques including Dior and Chanel can be found on Maximilian StrasseCredit: AlamyHotel stayBefore the dust has settled on any move to Munich, Jack would have to check himself into a hotel with Sasha.Kane based himself at the exclusive five-star Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski for almost four months – so you can imagine he would recommend it to his fellow Three Lion.Located in Maximillian Strasse, it is popular with celebrities and footballers and costs £10,000 per night to stay in one of their suites.The hotel has a luxury spa, three award-winning restaurants and a rooftop pool that boasts views of Munich.The suite Kane reportedly stayed in has a separate living room, two bathrooms kitted out with plush Carrara marble, silk curtains, six televisions and a range of designer furniture.Expect Jack to want the same.The Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotel is likely to be Grealish’s first port of callCredit: Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotelStunning suites at the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski cost up to £10,000-per-nightCredit: Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski hotelread more sport featuresSurrounded by pals & nightlifeOne thing Jack and Sasha won’t be short of are familiar faces.Lucky for them former Premier League stars and fellow Brits Kane and Dier will be there to help him settle in.Not only will they be able to help with the language barrier, they will also be able to wine and dine them with their Wags.Kane’s married to Kate Goodland, who Sasha will already know from supporting the Three Lions at the Euros.While Dier is married to stunning South African model Anna Modler, who Sasha will have lots in common in with.Grünwald, a likely home for Jack and Sasha, has a wealth of trendy restaurants that are loved by current and former Bayern stars.Brits Harry Kane and Eric Dier are already in Munich and can help Grealish settleCredit: RexSasha will know Kate Goodland, Kane’s wife, from being following England at the EurosCredit: The SunDier’s missus Anna Modler could also be a pal for Sasha being a fellow modelThey include Chang, a Michelin guide-listed Asian restaurant, which offers pick ‘n’ mix style sushi for £100, caviar for £450 and ribeye steak for £40.Another Bayern star hotspot is H’ugo’s, which specialises in truffle pizza and pasta.But should they fancy more traditional Bavarian meals – including pork knuckle and schnitzel – it can be found at Alter Wirt and Forsthaus Wornbrunn.TraditionIt’s no secret that Jack loves a bevvie, recently seen drinking from a bottle of beer held by Kyle Walker during Man City’s title celebrations.So, it’s lucky for him that Munich boasts Oktoberfest – the biggest beer festival in the world.And even luckier that Bayern’s brilliant stars are regular visitors – snapped sinking steins in traditional lederhosen outfits.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir partners are also welcome, which will give Jack and Sasha plenty of reason to glam up.They’re sure to make a fetching pair in their leather breeches.Every year Bayern’s stars enjoy a bevvie at OktoberfestCredit: GettyKane attended the 2023 event, which will most likely appeal to beer drinking GrealishCredit: EPA More

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      ‘You’re only here because of your t**s’ – Newcastle Wag and sports presenter Diletta Leotta opens up on sexist abuse

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      LORIS KARIUS’ partner Diletta Leotta has opened up on the sexist abuse she receives as a TV presenter. Diletta – a regular on DAZN in Italy – revealed the hate she got right from the start of her career.Diletta Leotta has opened up on the sexist abuse she receives as a TV presenterCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe is the partner of goalkeeper Loris KariusCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe couple have been together since 2022Credit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe told F Magazine: “The worst thing was: ‘You’re only here because of your t**s.’ “A colleague from Sky Sport told me how people were talking about me.”I had just arrived, I was twenty years old: it hurt like crazy. At home that evening I let out a liberating cry. “That brought out the lion in me, I learned a lot. I got my degree [in law] so that no one could ever say something like that to me again.” READ MORE IN football Keeper Karius – who has had a string of glam girlfriends in the past – is believed to have met Diletta in Paris.They then began dating in 2022 and welcomed their baby daughter Aria in August 2023.Karius – formerly of Liverpool – has been at Newcastle since 2022 but looks set to leave in the summer. And it comes after Diletta – who he proposed to in February – called for him to LEAVE as she lives back home in Italy with their daughter. Most read in FootballShe told Tuttosport: “Loris has people at his side who work for him. I live in Milan, so let’s say being close to Milan would be ideal for us.“I always tell him, players who come to Serie A then fall in love with Italy and often stay there forever. I think that could happen to him too.“[He should join] Monza or any other team in Italy. I would be happy if he came to Italy to play near his family. “Newcastle is very inconvenient because there are no direct flights. Neither about Paris nor about Amsterdam.”The couple are now engagedDiletta is a regular on DAZN in ItalyCredit: InstagramShe publicly called on Karius to leave NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood star

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, expected to sign for Real Madrid after confirming his exit from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, is said to have finalised the purchase on Tuesday afternoon.Kylian Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in MadridCredit: RexIt’s where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capitalCredit: GettyRichard Gere would become Mbappe’s neighbourCredit: GettyAs would Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and wife Pilar RubioCredit: Alamy Live NewsRespected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe, who has yet to officially announce where he will play football next season, said the striker had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower on Monday night, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”READ MORE IN football The mansion he is said to have bought reportedly forms a ‘golden triangle’ with the homes of Ramos and Gere.Ramos’ place is close to the property Mbappe has purchased and the home the US actor shares with his wife is also near, according to La Razon.Spanish news website El Confidencial said the French footballer’s property purchase had been sealed following a “war between real estate companies that had lasted months.”La Moraleja has long been one of the favourites of LaLiga’s leading footballers and other household names in Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was a private estate belonging to a widowed marchioness until the middle of the 20th century before the construction of the first family homes.Some of its famous residents, including Spanish actress Ana Obregon who was once linked to Beckham during his time in Madrid, live on gated private estates with 27/4 security within the main La Moraleja estate.Watch Kylian Mbappe ‘fall in love in three seconds’ as he is caught out ogling glamorous influencerThe former England captain and his designer wife bought their old home there in June 2005 from a French couple for £3million.They sold it to a wealthy Spanish entrepreneur who headed a plastic waste disposal firm for £4.2million nearly ten years later and eight years after they moved out.Posh and Becks lived in rental properties before finding their dream home, which boasted an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, a small football pitch and a children’s play area.They spent £350,000 refurbishing the five-bed house, set in two acres of land, after consulting a Feng Shui expert.Police were called twice while they lived there – once after complaints from neighbours about noise when Becks celebrated his 31st birthday with a May 2006 party and six months later when three Japanese journalists mistaken for armed raiders sneaked into the grounds.Victoria and youngest son Cruz, then just 19 months, were inside the mansion at the time.READ MORE SUN STORIESA uniformed security guard pulled his revolver on the three men fearing they were a gang of hardened criminals and six police cars raced to the house before the intruders were released after proving their identities.Beckham offered to rent the property to ex-Real Madrid star Kaka when the Brazilian joined the Spanish club, but the striker and now-estranged wife Caroline Celico eventually decided to move to VIP bunker La Finca.La Moraleja is an affluent residential district of AlcobendasCredit: Alamy More

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      Move over Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham the real England champ is a 15 yr old SUBBUTEO star

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      WHEN Cayn Matthews dusted off his old Subbuteo set eight years ago, he expected to play “two or three times a year”.Little did the 56-year-old dad know but his daughter Ruby, then seven, would “fall in love” with the game and go on to become one of its most promising stars.Ruby Matthews is the under 16s captain of the English Subbuteo Association and one of the game’s most promising starsCredit: PARuby, 15, will represent England at the Subbuteo World Cup this SeptemberCredit: Damien McFaddenNow 15 and soon to sit GCSEs, she will represent England at the flick-to-kick game’s World Cup this September.She is among a squad of 36 Three Lions, sponsored by Weetabix, to battle it out in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where the event is being held for the first time.Ruby, ranked fourth in the world in the under-16s category, has travelled across Europe to play and reached the quarter-finals of the European Championships in Gibraltar last year.She is hotly tipped for victory in the Eland Cables FISTF World Cup after claiming her first win in the Majors — the third biggest type of Subbuteo event — in Paris in February.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRuby, from Flintshire, tells us: “It felt amazing, I never expected to win. “I thought I would do OK but was in utter shock, it didn’t hit me when I won. “I immediately took to the game when my dad got out his Subbuteo set. “If it wasn’t for him helping me to play I wouldn’t be where I am now.Most read in Football“Most of my friends don’t know what Subbuteo is, and I think it confuses them but they think it’s cool I play something so different.”There are believed to be around five million Subbuteo players worldwide and in recent years the UK has seen a resurgence in the table-top game.Robert Lewandowski names THREE teams that could win the EurosAlan Lee, 54, chairman of the English Subbuteo Association, believes Covid and the “enthusiasm” of former players are the driving force.He says: “Membership is up about 600 per cent now compared with pre-Covid, when there were about 20 members of the national association. “We have around 200 full members now and our social media groups have about 10,000 people combined.”Alan, who started playing at 11, says for Tunbridge Wells, where the game was invented, to host the World Cup is “a boyhood dream come true”.He has high hopes for England’s chances in the tournament.Alan says: “We’re just like the England men’s football team — we have always had that potential, and good individuals, but never quite done it at the big tournament, the World Cup.“We have won a silver medal and a few bronze medals but we’ve never got a gold, so this year is the one. It has to be. “Football is coming home!”A replica of England’s real-life 1966 World Cup winnersCredit: RexMore than 300 competitors from 26 countries will travel to Tunbridge Wells to participate in two world cups, which will take place over the same weekend in September.England will be sending six teams — Under-12s, Under-16s, Under-20s, Open, Veterans and Women’s — to battle it out in 30-minute matches split into two halves.Alan says as many as 64 games can take place simultaneously during the early stages of the World Cup and he anticipates “thousands of spectators at any one time” will be there to watch.It will be a special moment for Tunbridge Wells, which remains proud of the success story of Subbuteo and its Brit creator Peter Adolph, who died in 1994.He created the game in 1947 after being demobbed from the Royal Air Force at the end of World War Two and soon it became a hit among children in the UK and across the globe.The first Subbuteo World Cup was held in 1987 — the same year that 16-year-old player Justin Finch, then ranked No5 in the world, insured his right hand for a reported £160,000.Celebrity fansAmong the game’s celebrity fans are footie bosses Sir Alex Ferguson and Sven-Goran Eriksson, comic Frank Skinner, former Conservative leader Michael Howard and punk band The Undertones, who mentioned Subbuteo in their 1980 song My Perfect Cousin.The game’s popularity began to fall in the Nineties as video games took over.By 2003, annual sales had dropped to 500 per year, down from 3,000 the year before.But now an increasing number of younger people are playing — including Elliott Dieu De Bellefontaine, 27, of Elstow, Beds.He has represented England at “around ten World Cups”, including leading the Under-19s to a bronze medal in 2017, and has travelled “most of Europe” thanks to the game.Border Force officer Elliott, who trains eight hours a week to perfect his art, tells us: “My mates all take the mick out of me.“I was brought up playing on PlayStations and gaming consoles, so there is a bit of shock when I tell people that I play Subbuteo — until I speak to the older generations, who love it.”With just four months to go until the World Cup, England’s Subbuteo stars are hoping to at long last bring home a gold — and know victory is within flicking distance.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Weetabix’s new competition, Brits can nominate themselves or someone they know who is facing an upcoming challenge or goal they’d like a boost with, and Weetabix will step in to give them the Weetabix Advantage to help reach their goal.If you, or someone you know – an individual or a group of people – deserve the Weetabix Advantage, tell us why and share your or their story via the https://weetabix.co.uk/bix-by-bix before 5th June 2024 to be in with a chance. Ruby, second from right, with fellow playersCredit: Damien McFaddenSubbuteo inventor Peter Adolph died in 1994Credit: TwitterEngland international football kits on Subbuteo figuresCredit: Alamy More

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      Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and vandalised years after hosting Olympics, Six Nations and TWO euro giants

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      A SPORTS STADIUM that once hosted an Olympic Games, several Six Nations matches and two Serie A giants has been left completely abandoned.The Stadio Flaminio in Rome was once the home of Italy’s national rugby union team, but it has also been used for football.The Stadio Flamino is now in a state of disrepairCredit: RexThe stands of the stadium are crumblingCredit: RexThe stadium has been abandoned and the pitch has become overgrownCredit: RexBuilt on the site of the demolished Stadio Nazionale PNF – which hosted the 1934 World Cup final – it opened in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Olympic Games.It became a hugely popular venue during the 1980s when some of the world’s biggest music artists performed there.Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2 took to the stage in the late 80s in front of 45,000 to 65,000 fans.Following the music season, Lazio and Roma temporarily moved there while the Stadio Olimpico was being refurbished.Read More on FootballLower league side Atletico Roma later called it home.Between 2010 and 2011 the Stadio Flaminio hosted Italy’s Six Nations matches.It was due to be redeveloped before the 2012 Six Nations with a 42,000 capacity planned.However, the proposed renovations fell through and the Italian Rugby Federation moved to a new home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the years that followed, Stadio Flaminio became neglected.It is now in a state of disrepair with an overgrown pitch and crumbling stands.However, there is hope that given the adequate funding it can become a fully-functioning, multi-purpose venue once again.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe stadium previously hosted an Olympic games and Six Nations matchesCredit: RexMusic artists such as Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen have also performed thereCredit: RexThe pitch has become severely overgrownCredit: Rex More