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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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      in Soccer

      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

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      Inside Man City’s wild title celebrations as Jack Grealish gets back on the beer and loses fight with confetti cannon

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      MANCHESTER CITY celebrated their latest Premier League title triumph in style.The Sky Blues continued their reign of dominance in the English top flight thanks to a final-day victory over West Ham.Manchester City retained the Premier League title on the final day of the seasonCredit: REXPep Guardiola’s troops have now won four league titles on the bounceCredit: REXJack Grealish, unsurprisingly, was the life and soul of the celebrationsCredit: REUTERSThe England international had a beer poured down his throat by team-mate Kyle WalkerCredit: REUTERSGrealish had no issue downing the amber nectarCredit: REUTERSA 3-1 win over the Hammers saw Pep Guardiola’s troops pip rivals Arsenal to the trophy by two points.Arsenal fans flocked to the Emirates for their clash with Everton more in hope than expectation.And City needed just 79 SECONDS to all-but put the title to bed as Phil Foden’s stunner had the Etihad stadium rocking.The newly-crowned Premier League player of the year promptly netted a second.READ MORE ON MAN CITYAnd, despite Mohammed Kudus’ incredible overhead kick, City’s title party was never really under threat as they ran out 3-1 winners.The triumph was an unprecedented fourth domestic title success on the bounce for City and pandemonium ensued after the final whistle, with hundreds of over-the-moon supporters INVADING the pitch at the Etihad Stadium to celebrate.Fans young and old streamed onto the turf and ended up delaying the trophy presentation, which eventually went off without a hitch after security and police got fans back into their seats and restored order.And front and centre of the wild celebrations, unsurprisingly, was England international Jack Grealish, who was an unused substitute on the day.Most read in FootballGrealish went on an infamous month-long bender after City won a historic Treble last season.And the 28-year-old was back on the booze shortly after the hoisting of the Prem trophy, with a little help from team-mate Kyle Walker.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish struggled to use a confetti gunCredit: X@MANCITYHe gave himself a fright after accidentally letting it offCredit: X@MANCITYMan City’s six key moments this season UPDATEDWalker seemingly set the tone for the night ahead by pouring a bottle of beer into Grealish’s mouth.Grealish, of course, was all too happy to gobble up the amber nectar.The England man did, however, have a bit more difficulty working a confetti gun.The winger was given one to shoot into the air but failed spectacularly, making himself jump as he eventually managed to accidentally set it off.Grealish didn’t fail in getting the party started in the dressing room.The former Aston Villa man led the chants of “Campiones, campiones” with a beer in his hand as the rest of his team got in on the act.Booze and water were being sprayed from every angle as the Citizens drank in the magnitude of their latest title triumph.My standards are high and I feel I could’ve played more in some games, but we have so many good players here, so it is difficult at times.Jack GrealishGrealish said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling for us to be history makers.“I’ve only been here three years and every year I’ve won the Premier League.”And to do it in the Premier League, which some say is the hardest league in the world, to win four in a row is unbelievable.”He added: “I said it last year, I’ve never been in a team where we have what we have here, we have everything.“The young players, the older players, the talent, we’ve established a togetherness that means so much, it’s unbelievable and surely everyone can see that now we’ve won four in a row.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My standards are high and I feel I could’ve played more in some games, but we have so many good players here, so it is difficult at times.“I don’t think there’s any team in the world that rotates as much as City do, but I think that’s the beauty of it.”Jack Grealish was at the heart of the celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: X@MANCITYPhil Foden hid for cover as booze and water were sprayed in the airCredit: X@MANCITYMan City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

      Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
      Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
      Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
      Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
      Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury eases pain of first boxing defeat by flying home from Saudi Arabia aboard £34million private jet

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      DEFEATED Gipsy King Tyson Fury put on a ­brave face last night after his first ever boxing defeat — joking he is off to walk the dog and go to the tip.The heavyweight fighter earned an estimated £80million from the showdown in Saudi Arabia, but lost his title to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury narrowly lost his title to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi ArabiaCredit: PAHolding his bruised opponent’s head in his hands, humble Fury said: ‘Very good, my brother in Christ’Credit: GettyNormally cocky Fury admitted: “We punched f*** out of each other for 12 rounds. I’m going to go home, eat some food, drink some beers, have some family time, walk the dog, go to the tip.“Me and Frank Warren will discuss the future. If there’s going to be another fight — I think they’re talking about October — then we’ll rock and roll.”Bruised and battered Fury, 35, was whisked to Riyadh airport for the flight home to Manchester.And he eased his pain by flying home aboard a £34million private jet — a state-of-the art Embraer Lineage 1000E, described as “the pinnacle” of private plane glitz.READ MORE ON TYSON FURYThe flying palace is equipped with a huge living area, queen-size bed, white leather seating, two bathrooms with a shower and “wine cellar”.The chartered flight will have cost around £12,000-an-hour to hire, including transit time and hours spent on the ground awaiting its VIP passenger and his entourage.Fury is expected to take up his mega-bucks option of an October rematch with Usyk, 37, after he claimed judges were swayed by war sympathies for his Ukrainian opponent.But he was later revealed to have congratulated Usyk after Saturday’s epic battle — and even pledged to join him on “holiday” in his war-torn nation.Most read in BoxingThe 6ft 9in British giant was humbled after taunting his 6ft 3in opponent early in the fight.He was left reeling by a barrage of blows which nearly KO’d him in Round Nine.Tyson Fury incredible ring walk at Usyk fightBut Fury clearly believed he had done enough to claim a points win and pulled Usyk in for a hug and kissed him on the head as they awaited the judges’ decision.Audio recordings revealed Fury told Usyk: “I’d like to come to Ukraine with my family and have a holiday with your family and you can come to my house and have a holiday with me.”And Usyk replied: “No problem, my friend.”Fury went on to tell him: “Good work Oleksandr. You’re a strong man and a very good boxer.”Holding his bruised opponent’s head in his hands, Fury added: “Very good, my brother in Christ.”Usyk replied: “Listen, I started preparing for you when you were boxing in 2008, European champion.” That likely referred to Fury’s time as EU Junior Champ in 2007.Fury said: “Thank you, my brother. You’re a very good boxer. I love it, I love it. Good moves.“My brother, we’ll have a beer after this — alcohol-free!”The beaten Briton also exchanged fist bumps and warm words with members of Usyk’s team, telling them: “Thank you guys — appreciate you all.”Fury eased his pain by flying home aboard a £34million private jetThis was Tyson’s first ever ring defeatCredit: GettyBut the two boxers missed out on their post-fight alcohol-free beer after Usyk was taken to hospital for treatment for a suspected broken jaw.Fury also thanked Prince Turki bin Salman Al Saud — brother of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman — who is set to stage any re-run of the classic encounter.He said: “Turki, thank you my brother for putting this on. Look how many people couldn’t put us together, but you made this happen for the world. We gave them a precious fight.I’m going to go home, drink beer, walk the dogFury“Yeah, we’ll have it again. Show me the money baby! Show Oleksandr the money!”The judges’ official scorecard sparked controversy among boxing fans, many of who believed the Ukrainian was the clear winner.Judge Manuel Oliver Palermo, of Spain, awarded Fury the victory, leading one fan to post on X: “To think one judge had Fury winning is ridiculous. But even the disgusting corrupted judges couldn’t deny Usyk smashed Fury.”The two fighters split a £115million purse for Saturday’s showdown and could earn even more from another showdown this autumn.But Fury may opt for another big-money Battle of Britain bout against Anthony Joshua, who watched the fight ringside with football great Cristiano Ronaldo.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk is now the first undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World since Lennox Lewis in 1999, and the first boxer to achieve the feat this century.But Tyson may not be able to resist the chance to grab back all four championship belts, despite the huge toll each fight takes on his body.Proud Usyk with his beltCredit: https://x.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1792116449420480692/photo/1Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo were snapped with Turki Al-Sheikh on the ringsideCredit: PAAn action shot from the boutCredit: EPA More

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      Tyson Fury is a dad-of-seven, has £300m in bank and has earned the right to surrender – so why didn’t he against Usyk?

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      OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.Tyson Fury is rocked by a vicious Oleksandr Usyk punchCredit: PATyson Fury is dazed after a barrage of punches by Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyTyson Fury is saved from being knocked out by the refereeCredit: TNT SportsTyson Fury is a dad-of-seven with wife ParisCredit: Instagram/@parisfury1Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent. He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?Why is a father-of-seven with £300million in the bank, three best selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like this?READ MORE IN BOXINGBritain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.His dad’s pantomime rubbish at the start of the week got us talking, his solemn silence and face-off refusal on Thursday got us worried and his Friday flip into thug-mode whet the appetite.Most read in BoxingBut the sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.The three ringside judges called it: 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury and 114-113 split decision.Oleksandr Usyk DETHRONES Tyson Fury with huge split decision victory at Ring of FireFury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.The rematch will be superb.Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – for the 18 months Filip Hrgovic has been IBF mandatory challenger and for all the potential Daniel Dubois might possess, these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.Their entrances, like their personalities and sizes, could not have been more opposite.Usyk marched into the ring dressed like his favourite 16th century Cossack warrior Ivan Sirko, with a fox fur hat and eagle feathers.Fury disco danced his way to the ring to Bonnie Tyler’s ‘I need a hero’ complete with a Superman run with his arm aimed at the ring and his dad wiggling around alongside him.Inside the ropes, while Usyk stuck tight to his blue corner and took on the final instructions, Fury barged past the Ukraine team and tried to goad his foe.Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
      HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
      ROUND 1
      Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
      Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
      The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
      Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
      Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
      Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
      Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
      Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
      ROUND 2
      Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
      Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
      Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
      A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
      Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
      Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
      But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
      Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
      ROUND 3
      Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
      Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
      A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
      Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
      Round 4
      Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
      He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
      But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
      Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
      Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
      Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
      Round 5
      Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
      Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
      A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
      Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
      Round 6
      Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
      A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
      Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
      But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
      Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
      A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
      Round 7
      Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
      And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
      Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
      Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
      Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
      But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
      Round 8
      Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
      But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
      Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
      Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 9
      Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
      But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
      Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
      Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
      Round 10
      Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
      Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
      Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
      Round 11
      A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
      Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
      Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
      Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
      The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 12
      The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
      Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
      And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
      A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
      Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
      But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
      TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114

      Usyk barely moved from the moment he slipped through the ropes. Fury bounced endlessly and pumped his first to the crowd.Usyk’s straight lefts to the body were the first meaningful shots and then Fury went full theatre, backed into his corner he grabbed the ropes with his giant wingspan, gave his enemy an open goal and – when he backed off and didn’t shoot – he made an x-rated hand shaking sign.Moments later, Usyk tagged him with a whack right on the hooter, but he battered his own head and stuck his tongue out for fun.Fury showed his serious side in the second – barring the moment he pinned both hands behind his own backside – by stiffening up his previously flicked jab and driving in right hands and the odd uppercut.Usyk felt them but he never ever stopped moving, forwards, sideways, every which way.For all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua, these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.Wally DownesUsyk seemed to be wobbled by a shot in the third, his footballer’s legs stiffened for a moment but perhaps it was just a stumble.The right hand Fury whipped down and up onto his ribcage was unmistakable though, the gut is thought to be Usyk’s weak spot.Usyk slapped the sweat off Fury’s bald head in the fourth but the 6ft 9in Brit wasn’t hurt, he only showboated and teased even more.But Usyk was relentless, always racing forward, wave after wave of pressure. And the whole Kingdom Arena gasped when the pair accidentally clashed heads and had to use their gloves to check for blood.Fury raced away with the fifth thanks to dozens of body blows at Usyk’s infamously tender torso.Left and right hooks were slashed into his flanks, he complained twice of them being too low, Fury mocked him and the ref let them slide.Usyk was hurt in the sixth when a right uppercut from the Morecambe master stiffened his body for a nanosecond. He regained his senses and got on his bike, Fury chased him with poise and slashed in more body punches and landed another uppercut. It was the clearest Fury round so far.Seven looked like being another runaway Fury success but he got complacent or casual and shipped left hands in the final 40 seconds which could have swayed the judges back in his rival’s favour.Usyk smashed a bloody nose onto Fury in the eighth when he got sloppy and careless.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLERThe Traveller tried one too many uppercuts and ate a combination counter.And then a huge Usyk left hook landed right on the button and his hooter looked to have been shattered as he blew more and more red snot out of it.Nine was trotting along nicely until Fury was demolished by a left hand and needed to be saved by the bell, he was pinged so perfectly that every inch of his 19st frame bounced around the ring like a toddler.He was given a count in the corner but bravely continued just as the ding saved him.Fury’s superhuman recovery skills got him through the tenth, with Gypsy blood rushing up his nostrils and filling his lungs with belief, Usyk chased him around the ring and landed a couple of left hands.But Fury – for all his theatrics – is a warrior of the highest order.The penultimate stanza was a breather for the crowd, Usyk hastled and hurried while Fury played the preservation game. It felt like the final three minutes could now settle the last 25 years.They touched gloves on the bell.They played cat and mouse and Usyk landed another – perhaps life-changing left hand – Fury coped with it and for the final 10 seconds they slung their hands at each other to little avail.When the bell rung, Usyk marched back to his corner the same stoic way he stalked in. Fury held his hand aloft to signify another victory. But they still touched gloves and their warring teams even embraced.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was sporting perfection, boxing brilliance. With all due respect; get to the back of the queue everyone else.These two great men must go again.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury went the distance in their battleCredit: ReutersOleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury embrace after their epic fightCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury says ‘his country’s at war so people are siding with him’ moments after defeat to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk

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      TYSON FURY claimed “his country’s at war so people are siding with him” after his split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.The world tuned in to watch the Gypsy King and Ukrainian fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk is the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: GettyHe produced a brilliant display to outclass Tyson Fury in RiyadhCredit: ReutersThe two fighters shared a warm embrace after Usyk got the split decisionCredit: GettyFury then claimed that Usyk won as ‘his country’s at war’Credit: Sky SportsAnd it was Usyk who became the new king of the division courtesy of a split decision victory – despite later being rushed to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.However, despite the majority agreeing that the result was right, Fury claimed that the war in Ukraine had an impact on their battle in the ring.Fury said: “I believe I won that fight. He won a few of those rounds but I won the majority.“What can you do, one of them daft decisions in boxing.READ MORE IN BOXING“We’ve all put on a good fight, the best we can do.“His country is at war so people are siding with a country at war but make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”Fury added: “I’ve thanked Jesus for all the victories that he has given me, I’ve had a split decision loss to a good little man, and I thank him again.“In the mighty name of Jesus, we go back home to our families and we run it back in October.Most read in BoxingTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLER“Good luck to Oleksandr, well done and happy new year.”His promoter Frank Warren was then asked about the rematch, to which he replied: “That’s what the contract says and that’s what he wants.Tyson Fury answers HOW he managed to get up from Usyk blows that seemed to have him knocked out“It’s Tyson’s clause so whatever he wants to do it’s up to him. And the clause in the contract says immediate rematch.”Fury then added: “For sure. We’ll go back, have a little rest up, spend some time with our families and we get it back on in October.“Like I said, I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit here, cry and make excuses. It was a good fight.”Usyk then confirmed his desire for a rematch, saying: “Yes, of course. I’m ready for the rematch. One more time we’ll do it.”Fury stunned fans as he walked out to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler for the fight.He showboated in the very first round while he was on the ropes in the opening stanza against his Ukrainian opponent.Despite being under some slight pressure from Usyk, Fury showed he still felt very comfortable and, to prove it, he hilariously played up to the crowd.Fury danced with his arms up on the top rope and then he turned his face away from Usyk and opened his mouth wide while looking out into the audience inside the Kingdom Arena.Later on, he also did his usual trick of dropping his arms down by his side and behind his back before shimmying his body and he then lifted his arms high in the air mid-way through the fourth round as well as wagging his tongue towards the spectators.But the crowd was slammed pre-fight as viewers fumed that there was “more atmosphere in Greggs” than in the Kingdom Arena.Fury, whose nose was busted open, looked to be in control but he was saved by the bell in dramatic fashion against Usyk.Usyk peppered his opponent with a flurry of massive shots to send his rival stumbling around the ring seemingly totally dazed.Tyson Fury was up to his usual antics inside the first roundCredit: ReutersThe Gypsy King survived a big scare when he was saved by the bell in the ninthCredit: TNT SportsThe ref jumped in to save the Brit as the bell rang for the end of the roundCredit: TNT SportsFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else

      OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
      A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
      Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
      He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
      But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
      Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
      Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
      So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
      He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
      The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
      Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
      The rematch will be superb.
      Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
      There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
      Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

      But just as Usyk was tightening the screw and looking to close in on a historic win, the referee pulled the pair apart before the klaxon sounded followed by the bell as Fury escaped.But it was Usyk who got his arm raised to become undisputed champ as two judges scored in his favour – 115-113 and 114-113 – with the other giving it to Fury at 114-113.The stars were out at ringside for the bout – with Cristiano Ronaldo seated alongside Anthony Joshua on the front row.The 39-year-old Ronaldo stole the show though with his cream Gucci outfit and £1.2m watch after arriving in his a £400k Ferrari.The blingy Franck Muller watch, which is finished with 424 glistening white diamonds, sparkled on CR7’s wrist as he took in the action. Tyson Fury instantly confirmed that he wants a rematch in OctoberCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk announced that he is ready for a rematchCredit: PAMeanwhile, UK fans had three choices on how to watch the drama unfold between Fury and Usyk, who arrived carrying a CUDDLY TOY.But fans were all switching to Sky Sports’ coverage after realising who was back on their punditry panel.Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse was hailed as being “absolutely smashing” as she fronted the show in the studio in London.Meanwhile, Becky Ives stunned on the TNT Sports screens after her late call-up for boxing duty.Those that purchased the fight on TNT Sports will have quickly noticed that Laura Woods was not on hosting duties as expected.The fan favourite host dropped out after suffering a freak accident this week.Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from ringsideCredit: GettyThe two legends were sat alongside Turki Al-Sheikh on the front rowCredit: PAWoods posted a heartfelt note on Friday evening revealing she is unable to attend the clash after a horror injury while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.She explained that she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was soon announced that Becky would be stepping into the shoes of Woods on fight night.And she was certainly ready to rumble in a bold green dress in Riyadh as she got to work alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the action.Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
      HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
      ROUND 1
      Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
      Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
      The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
      Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
      Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
      Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
      Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
      Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
      ROUND 2
      Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
      Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
      Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
      A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
      Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
      Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
      But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
      Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
      ROUND 3
      Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
      Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
      A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
      Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
      Round 4
      Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
      He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
      But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
      Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
      Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
      Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
      Round 5
      Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
      Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
      A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
      Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
      Round 6
      Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
      A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
      Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
      But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
      Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
      A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
      Round 7
      Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
      And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
      Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
      Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
      Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
      But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
      Round 8
      Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
      But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
      Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
      Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 9
      Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
      But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
      Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
      Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
      Round 10
      Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
      Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
      Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
      Round 11
      A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
      Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
      Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
      Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
      The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 12
      The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
      Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
      And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
      A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
      Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
      But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
      TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114 More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligans

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      HIGH-definition screens flash constant streams of data as British intelligence researchers work around the clock in a vast security nerve centre bigger than a football pitch.Crack police teams from nations across Europe sit side-by-side at workstations in a constant vigil to snuff out potentially deadly threats.Policing teams from across Europe will be working together at Euro 2024 to combat disorder and potential terror threatsCredit: AFPGerman police have been taking part in operational drills at stadiums ahead of Euro 2024Credit: EPABut this is not Britain’s GCHQ listening post or a Pentagon war room — it is the hub of the biggest soccer security operation in history at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.It is expected that 300,000 fans of England and Scotland will head from the UK for the month-long tournament, which kicks off on June 14.German authorities admit that, as well as soccer hooligans, they are trying to counter unprecedented terror threats from IS and rogue factions spilling out of the war to the east in Ukraine.And growing tensions in the Middle East are only adding to their security concerns.READ MORE EURO 2024Germany’s answer has been to pull together 300 of Europe’s top police brains to oversee the daunting security challenge from the purpose-built International Police Cooperation Centre at Neuss in western Germany.And the man in charge of the British presence spoke for the first time last night of the vital role that will be played by three specialist officers spearheading the intelligence operation.Former Met officer Mick Johnson, director of the UK Football Policing Unit, told The Sun on Sunday: “I’ve no doubt it’ll be a well-run machine.“We’ll have three staff working shifts. That’s one more than most nations, because English fans tend to start early and finish late.Most read in Football“They’ll work in three-day stints starting one day before games, match day itself and the day after.“We have a team of plain-clothed operational football officers — once called spotters — on the ground watching fans who will report to our team based in the IPCC.Euro 2024 Controversy: Spying Suspicions in Scotland Fans’ Lodging“If they spot anyone causing trouble, or identify anyone who’s been banned from matches, they will tell the IPCC team who’ll relay it to the Germans who will step in to take action as they see fit.“There will be three or four games a day so each hub will feed into the central IPCC coordinating centre at the same time.“It’s a good system. We’ve used it many times and I have to say the Germans are up with the best in the world at organising it.”Security forces face the task of protecting 2.7million fans, 24 team base camps, and ten stadiums where 51 matches will be played between June 14 and July 14. Top officials in Germany have been visiting the policing HQ as they prepare for an influx of fans next monthCredit: GettyPolice officers will have direct contact with the nerve centre as they keep control of fans around the groundsCredit: GettyPolice leave has been banned as fan zones nationwide are expected to attract 12million visitors and have been identified as the most likely terror targets.In an unprecedented move, Germany has invited 300 security experts from competing nations to the state-of-the-art Neuss HQ.UK experts will work in shifts alongside officials from Germany, Europol and European football body Uefa sifting data from live CCTV streams and the undercover spotters mingling with fans. The hub of the operation is a hangar-like 500  sq  metre conference room equipped with 129 computers and a giant 40  sq  metre screen.Tournament director Philipp Lahm said: “From the outset, security has been our top priority.”Oliver Strudthoff, director of the IPCC, said: “Each country knows its troublemakers better than any other and the foreign experts present in Neuss will be able to identify them more quickly.“A delegation’s size will depend on number of fans and how potentially dangerous they are. “England, for example, will have more representatives than Switzerland.”Among the visitors to the HQ was Herbert Reul, minister of the interior of North Rhine-Westphalia.The country’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed in March that an Islamist attack in Moscow had raised “dangers to a new level”.Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.Among the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans will be a plan to close borders temporarily and to ramp up frontier checks. A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, who will be staying with their families at the five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain.More than 1,600 known England yobs have been banned from travel to Germany during the tournament.Between 800 and 1,300 police will be deployed around the stadiums at each match guarding three separate security perimeters.Cars will be checked at the first, bags searched at the second and tickets scanned at the third.Fan zones are feared to be softer terror targets as they welcome tens of thousands for every match.The German Army will scan the skies around matches for drone attacks and will feed data into the IPCC central command.Mr Johnson, whose nerve centre team will be led by his deputy Paul Foley, expects a minority of England fans to cause trouble but shares the hope it will be kept to a minimum.He said: “With England there are always going to be those who drink too much and engage in anti-social behaviour. “They might sing songs that they shouldn’t and are generally a pain in the arse.“But, by and large, they don’t get involved in premeditated violent outbursts and we’ve no major concerns with any of the teams we’ll be playing in the group stages.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re hopeful that it’s going to be really pleasant and enjoyable for all and let’s hope England fans get voted best fans in the tournament. “We’ve got to win something.”English police are hoping the nation’s supporters are the best behaved at the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Heartbreaking story of Crawley boss who lost mum, dad, brother and wife before football turned his entire life around

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      SCOTT LINDSEY carefully pulls out a photo at his home in Kent.It is a snap from the early 1970s of the Crawley boss as a toddler with his brother Matt, dad Keith and mum Jean.Scott Lindsey will manage Crawley Town during their Wembley bowCredit: Jim BennettHe is the last surviving member of his family as dad Kieth, mum Jean and brother Matt have all passed awayCredit: SCOTT LINDSEYLindsey’s wife Hayley also died in 2019 from cancerCredit: SCOTT LINDSEYSadly Lindsey, 52, is the only person alive today.The Red Devils boss has suffered so much tragedy he could write a book that would make tough men cry.Even his beloved wife of 16 years, Hayley, mother of his three daughters, passed away almost five years ago after suffering liver cancer aged 44.He will have all four of them in his heart as he leads Crawley out at Wembley in the League Two play-off final against Crewe on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 1995, Lindsey’s brother Matt, aged 25, and house-mate and highly-promising England Under-21 keeper Alan Nicholls, 22, died in a motorcycle accident. It was the first news story I reported on as a 19-year-old journalist at the East Kent Mercury.Nicholls – who famously lit and smoked an entire packet of cigarettes in one go in front of stunned England team-mates such as Robbie Fowler, Sol Campbell and Trevor Sinclair – was so good he was voted Plymouth’s second-greatest keeper of all time.Lindsey was a hard-as-nails defender playing for Dover against Stalybridge in the Conference while pal Nicholls, who was at Gillingham, played in the game for the opponents on an emergency loan.He said: “The Gillingham manager Tony Pulis told Alan there was a northern team that had come down that day without a keeper and asked if he’d help them? They’d chuck him a couple of hundred quid.Most read in Football“The game was on my dad’s 49th birthday. My family lived in Scunthorpe, where I grew up, but he travelled to all my games. But dad told me the night before he was having car issues.“Next morning, I heard this motorbike revving up outside and it’s my brother and dad. Matt had the world’s fastest bike. I couldn’t believe dad had come down on the back of it.I was Gareth Southgate’s best man and walked out on Arsenal – now I’m managing EFL’s newest club after Wembley promotion“I drove Alan, my brother and dad to Dover. I got sent off for two yellow cards and we lost 3-1 – but Alan was brilliant.”Lindsey decided he would drive his dad home – to spare him another 250 miles on the bike. And he invited Nicholls to make the car trip with them. His brother followed behind.During the journey, Nicholls remarked he “would never ride on the back of a motorbike again” after a friend scared him while riding through Birmingham.After a couple of hours they stopped at a petrol station near Peterborough on the A1.Lindsey has worked wonders at Crawley TownCredit: RexHe has earned a lot of support from the fan baseCredit: RexA 1995 East Kent Mercury clipping which reported the tragedyCredit: EAST KENT MERCURY/KM GROUPAnd what happened there and during the next few hours will haunt Lindsey forever.He said: “After Matt fuelled up, he complained he was bored doing 70mph behind my Peugeot.“And Alan said, ‘I’ll get on with you!’. I was stunned after what he’d told us in the car – but he said, ‘Yeah, but we’re only going to be doing 70mph.’“Then while he got kitted up and Matt was smoking, I made the worst mistake of my life. I decided to get going with my dad, thinking they’d catch us.“That was the last time I saw them alive.”After 40 minutes, Lindsey was concerned they had not caught up and U-turned – and not far from where they last saw each other there were blue lights everywhere.The motorcycle had come off the road, which ended up killing both men, and Lindsey and his dad had to identify both bodies in a morgue hours later before driving to Scunthorpe to break the news to the family.Lindsey turned up at Farnborough three days later to play for Dover but got sent home by then boss Peter Taylor.He said: “It was my way of dealing with it. I used football as a release.“There were no psychologists to speak to – you had to deal with it.”But if that tragedy was not bad enough, his dad died in 2003 aged 56 after suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage – being found dead at home by Lindsey’s mum.And then heartbreakingly his wife Hayley was diagnosed with kidney cancer – which she bravely battled until she passed away in November 2019.Lindsey gave up his coaching role at Forest Green to care for his sick beloved and three girls.But his wife persuaded him to take up a part-time manager’s job with Chatham.He said: “Hayley was in a hospital bed in our living room. We had carers coming in three times a day and my mum was living with us at that point.“It was tough and Hayley told me, ‘Go and coach Chatham. It’ll be good for you. I want you to do it.“You’ll only coach Tuesday and Thursday for two hours and then manage 90 minutes on Saturday. And you’ll never have to leave Kent.’”After Hayley succumbed, like he did when his brother passed, Lindsey threw himself at football – managing Chatham two days later. His team did a whip round to register a star in honour of his wife for his three daughters.He said: “I suddenly was mum and dad at that moment. I had gone from being in a macho League Two dressing room to platting my girls’ hair and taking them to school.”Mum Jean passed away in 2022 aged 73 – having battled health problems for many years. He said: “She was a wonderful woman. My three girls adored her.”Lindsey’s biggest football role model was his dad Keith, who had a vast EFL career playing for Gillingham, Scunthorpe, Port Vale, Doncaster, Southend and Cambridge.He said: “Dad was everything to me. It was through him I got into football. He took me and my brother to watch Scunthorpe against Liverpool in a cup game.“Afterwards he took us to meet Ray Clemence and Kevin Keegan. It was only then I knew my dad was an ex-player. He said, ‘I used to play with them at Scunthorpe!’ From that moment I wanted to be a footballer.”When I was playing at Stafford Rangers in the Conference, we had some words on Friday night – I showed some disrespect to him.”Dad said to me, ‘How are you getting to Colchester United tomorrow?’”I said, ‘You’re taking me.’ He said, ‘No I’m not, you’re going to find your own way. See, you need me, I don’t need you and you’re going to start respecting me more than you’re doing.’“My mum worked out all the train times of where I had to change to make the journey from Scunthorpe to Colchester. She told me I had 15 minutes to shower before the cab turned up to take me to the station.“I asked my mum, ‘Why’s he being such a d**k?’ She said, ‘You disrespected him!’Scott Lindsey enjoying time with his dad KeithCredit: SCOTT LINDSEYOur man Justin Allen catches up with Scott Lindsey, who he used to watch play for Dover back in the mid-1990s as a teenage sports journalistCredit: JIM BENNETT”So I headed from Scunthorpe and changed at Doncaster. Then down to London and back out to Essex and got to Layer Road just about on time. I was knackered.”As I went to warm up, who do I see in the stands? My dad!“I went on to have an unbelievable game. It was one of my best.“Afterwards I walk into the clubhouse and my dad is there having a pint and he asked how I thought I had played? I told him I thought I’d done well.”He said, ‘It’s the best I’ve seen you play.’ It was rare for him to praise me like that.“Then he picked his pint up, finished it then said, ‘Right, see you later.’ He got into his car and made me get the train home. I got in at 10pm that night, he was sitting watching Match of the Day! I never disrespected him again.”Despite all the tragedy in Lindsey’s life, there is also a lot of happiness.His managerial career has taken off after doing a superb job with Swindon before transforming Crawley from a team fighting relegation to one competing for promotion at the national stadium.His three daughters Millie, Maisie and Mollie will be at Wembley – as will Scott’s niece Kayleigh, daughter of his late brother.And he now has a new partner Kelly who, along with her three kids, will be there to cheer on Crawley.However, Lindsey believes all his absent loved ones and friends will be there through him.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I always feel mum, dad and Matt’s presence at football games – and Hayley is always in my heart. “I’ll be proud to walk Crawley out at Wembley – and then we must get to work and win.” More