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      in Boxing

      ‘I always believed even when people didn’t’ says Tyson Fury as he reveals major life lesson ahead of Usyk fight

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      TYSON FURY always knew he’d rake in the big bucks on his way to heavyweight glory – even when others doubted his chances.The Gypsy King has won the lot during his 16-year professional career and taken part in some of the biggest fights of his era.Tyson Fury became unified heavyweight champion in November 2015Credit: APThe Gypsy King has also held the WBC and Ring Magazine belts during his careerCredit: GETTYFury always knew he’d reach the pinnacle of the sport and make millionsCredit: PAFrom stunningly dethroning Wladimir Klitschko away from home in 2015 to a sensational trilogy with Deontay Wilder, Fury has nearly completed the fight game.His exploits have made him one of the wealthiest fighters in recent boxing history, a position he knew he’d find himself in back when he was a young whippersnapper.He told Sky Sports: “I always believed, even when other people didn’t, that I would be a star and make millions of dollars from fights.”I always believed I’d be heavyweight champion, I’m the best fighter in the world. READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK”First, you’ve got to believe, then you’ve got to achieve.”Fury, 35, wanted to mix it with the best in the world early into his career, but benefitted from not being thrown to the lions too quickly.He added: “You live and learn from your experiences – nothing happens overnight.”Back then, I wanted to fight [Wladimir] Klitschko and I did get to seven years after that.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT”Good things come to those who wait, nothing should be rushed, and take your time because you’ve only got one career and you’re only a young lad.”At that time, at 20 years old, I wanted everything yesterday.”Confused Tyson Fury asks ‘what does that even mean-‘ after Oleksandr Usyk sends him 12-word message before fightFury will look to cement his legacy and truly prove himself to be the best heavyweight of his era on May 18 when he faces Oleksandr Usyk for all the marbles in Saudi Arabia.And being draped in all the belts as fellow Brit Lennox Lewis was at Madison Square Garden nearly 25 years ago is something Fury has long dreamed of.The pride of Wythenshawe said: “From a little boy, I said that and achieved it.”So I’ve got to be one of the rare few people who dreamed something as a child and achieved it as an adult.”It’s been [an] amazing journey. “And here we are now, 16 years later, about to be [the] undisputed champion of the world.”The biggest fight, in the last 25 years, which is an amazing effort.”Tyson Fury will face Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles on May 18Credit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero, 30, blasts Stoke as ‘s*** place to work’ after seeing career fall apart

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      FORMER Premier League cult hero Saido Berahino has blasted Stoke as a “s*** place to work” as he opens up on his career.The former England U21 international appeared to have the world at his feet when he broke through at West Brom.Berahino slammed Stoke City as a ‘s*** place to work’Credit: Getty Images – Getty20 goals for the Baggies in the 2014-15 season had Spurs desperate to sign the striker, who was then aged 21.Tottenham had a £22million bid rejected by West Brom in August 2015 which ultimately saw them sign Son Heung-Min instead.Berahino’s career began to stall from there as he scored just seven goals the next season after failing to get a big move.He drew a complete blank the season after that as bids from Stoke and Crystal Palace were rejected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFinally, he secured his exit from the Hawthorns in January 2017 in a £15m transfer to Stoke but that turned into a nightmare.He failed to score for the Potters until August 2018 and netted just five goals for the club in his 56 games.The striker, who now plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol, has been opening up about his career on X today, allowing fans to ask him questions.He wrote: “Right shoot, what do you want me to answer??”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Stoke fan then asked: “Why were you so s*** at Stoke?”A brutally honest Berahino replied: “Was a s*** place to work honestly.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIn the same X Q&A, Berahinho revealed he would also be open to playing for League One Wrexham should he be offered the chance to move there.When asked whether he would consider moving to Wales when his contract in Cyprus expires, Berahino replied: “Why not.”Meanwhile one of Berahino’s former Stoke team-mates, Joselu, continued his surreal career last night when he scored both of Real Madrid’s goals last night as the club reached the Champions League final.Both players played for the Potters between 2016 and 2017 but struggled to make an impact. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna’s 4-star family hotel, featuring an AA Rosette restaurant and world class spa

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      THE last weekend of the Championship brought scores of Ipswich Town fans to the stunning 4-star Manor House Hotel in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.Not because they fancied pampering themselves, after one too many in celebrating the club’s epic promotion.Look inside the Manor House Country Hotel in Fermanagh Lakelands owned by Kieran McKenna’s familyCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelRooms can cost as much as £280-per-nightCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelStaff joked that Donald Trump had taken over the hotel on April Fools’ DayCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelMcKenna is a hero for Ipswich Town fans after achieving back-to-back promotionsCredit: GettyThe countryside venue, which boasts breathtaking views of Lough Erne’s lakes, put on a viewing party showing the Tractor Boys’ final game of the season against Huddersfield Town.Better still, anyone wearing a Town shirt gets a free pint in the hotel bar.But why is this first class establishment opening its doors to football fans, when usually first class weddings are its bread and butter?The explanation is simple. The Manor House Hotel has been in Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna’s family for 35 years.Read more football newsIt was bought by the highly-regarded coach’s mum and dad Mary and Liam in 1989.The pair turned it into a stunning destination, after overseeing a huge number of developments to the property.They built two extensions – one to turn eight rooms into 80; and the second to house a luxury leisure and spa suite.Now, they are reaping the rewards – with the hotel able to charge as much as £280-per-night and featuring an award-winning AA Rosette restaurant.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it has attracted celebrity clientele, including Gary Lineker, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Noel Edmonds.Keeping it in the familyWith Kieran McKenna dedicating his life to football, it was up to his siblings James and Rosemary to handle operations.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League footballThey took over the reins of the 18th Century Grade Two Listed building last year, despite joking Donald Trump was taking over on April Fools’ Day, that boasts breathtaking views of Lough Erne’s lakes.“We’re lucky to have such brilliant mentors in our parents,” James McKenna told The Impartial Reporter.“They built the hotel up from eight to 80 bedrooms, constantly making improvements and adding new strands to the business.“But they’ve also purposefully been quite hands-off, allowing us to figure things out for ourselves and encouraging us to put our own stamp on things.”The hotel employs more than 100 staff, and is winning awards just like Kieran McKenna’s side.At the end of 2023, the Manor House Hotel was crowned Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious Irish Hotel Awards.That accolades don’t stop there. Executive chef Stephen Greenwood and his team of chefs, who craft fine delicacy at the hotel’s Belleek Restaurant, were also awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.The hotel’s Belleek Restaurant, was awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellenceCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelGuests can enjoy a variety of breakfasts, including a Full IrishCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelAfternoon tea is catered for at the restaurantCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe Grand Ball Room is an award-winning venue for first class weddingsCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelWhile their wedding service has also been heralded as the best in Northern Ireland.Guests of up to 300 can enjoy the Grand Ball Room for a large wedding, while a more intimate setting can be catered for in the Burns Suite.Of course, the nuptials can take place lakeside on manicured lawns, with extensive gardens, and an elegant water fountain as a backdrop.Restaurants Back to dining options, and there are several to choose from.As mentioned, the Belleek Restaurant is the most exclusive.They serve breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as a roast on a Sunday.Breakfast staples include a full Irish, featuring pork sausage, grilled bacon, black and white pudding, roasted tomato, mushrooms, beans, potato Bread, toasted soda farl and egg. There’s certainly no skimping.While, lighter meals include a grilled ham benedict or fruit salad.For dinner, diners can indulge in pan fried seabass, lamb, Irish beef fillet, or monkfish.Prices are missing from the menu, but with four pound signs attributed to it on TripAdvisor – that suggests it’s pricey.However, the five-star reviews it gets from patrons suggests it’s worth it.The beautiful spa is the perfect place to unwindCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe spa boasts a spacious sauna for guests to enjoy with a £15 day passCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelA jacuzzi is also available for guests to enjoyCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelThe Manor House Country Hotel in Fermanagh Lakelands is as luxury as it getsCredit: Instagram @manorhousecountryhotelReviews for the restaurant are usually five starOn Sundays the restaurant offers a carveryFine Irish whiskeys are on offer at the The Watergate BarOn the ground floor, the Cellar Bar and Bistro offers is said to be a more reasonable spot for a bite to eat and enjoy live music at weekends.The Watergate Bar seems the perfect spot to sink an Irish whiskey.SpaIf you’re not a foodie, and prefer health and fitness, the Manor House Hotel has your back.Guests and members have a wealth of amenities to enjoy, including a state-of-the-art gym.For those looking to relax, the spa and sanctuary is just the ticket.Various treatments are available to soothe skin, body and mind.READ MORE SUN STORIESA reasonably priced £15 day pass gives you access to a full size swimming pool with massage jets, hot tub, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.Should Kieran McKenna need somewhere to eat, drink, sleep and recuperate – you can bet the Manor House Country Hotel would be the first on his lift. More

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      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe tipped for shock transfer to ‘different continent’ before joining Real Madrid after turning 26

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      MARCEL DESAILLY has suggested that Kylian Mbappe swerves his proposed move to Real Madrid… For now.The 1998 French World Cup winner has said Mbappe should move to the Saudi league for a year before joining Madrid in a mega-deal.Marcel Desailly has recommended that Mbappe join the Saudi leagueCredit: AFPMbappe turned down the chance to join a Saudi side last yearCredit: GettyThe opinion is based on a Saudi approach for Mbappe last summer when he looked nailed on to leave Paris.PSG accepted a £259million bid from the Saudi league but Mbappe ultimately turned down the offer.The deal would have seen him play in Saudi for a season before joining Madrid this summer.And it was reported that the Saudi league would have offered Mbappe £11.6m-a-week to essentially spend the year on loan there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite that deal looking dead in the water, and Mbappe pretty much nailed-on to join Madrid this summer, Desailly thinks he should still find a way to experience the Saudi League.Speaking to beIN Sports, Desailly said: “I’ve said it already, I would move to a different continent. For him, I’m not sure Madrid is the perfect place for him to be.“We have Vinicius on the left side, a player showing the quality like Bellingham so he’s not going to be the full number one that he wants.“He’s not announcing where he’s going and even though he wants to keep it and announce it like a star there must be something behind it, a surprise.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“If you think about the business of football, for £350million I would go to Saudi for a year, then come back next season – the year of the World Cup – aged 26 and a half, cash out and play football because what does Mbappe want? He wants to play football.”Asked about his prediction of Mbappe moving to Saudi Arabia, Desailly added: “This is what I feel and what I think as a businessman and looking at the business side of things.Mbappe laughs and brutally shuts down thought of joining Arsenal“It’s still competitive in Saudi… broadcasters are coming in to show the matches around the world.“They are doing what Qatar did in 2004 or 2005 and I went there to promote and expose the country.“It is a business on both sides and I do believe that this could be an opportunity for him to make more business and play more football after the Euros.”Desailly alluded to the fact that he was a trailblazer for today’s generation of footballers that now ply their trade in the Middle East.Following a successful career that saw him play for the likes of Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea, he left to join Qatari side Al Gharafa in 2005. He would go on to end his career at Qatar SC in 2006. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Ipswich’s multi-million pound Premier League plan with ‘non-negotiable changes’ and ‘hell of a lot to do’

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      IPSWICH TOWN are set to splash out “several million pounds” after earning Premier League promotion.The Suffolk side were automatically promoted to the top flight after securing 96 points in a remarkable 90-goal Championship campaign.Ipswich’s Kayden Jackson led the celebrations after his club earned back-to-back promotionsCredit: RexBut the club are set to spend millions in order to host Prem football next yearCredit: PAVAR will need to be installed at Portman Road ahead of it’s return to the PremCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt will be the first time in 22 years that the Tractor Boys will be in the top tier after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, who were relegated to League One.But chief executive Mark Ashton said there was “a hell of a lot of work to do” to ensure the club’s facilities met league standards.He said a planning application for a “big build” at the Playford Road training ground was to be submitted imminently.It followed Premier League officials visiting the club in January and handing over a list of work that would need to be done if Kieran McKenna’s side were promoted.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRegulations show all top-flight teams need to have installed goal-line technology in order to compete.They must also facilitate the installation of equipment that would enable the use of video assistant refereeing.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “There’s several million pounds worth of works to do.”That’s going to mean some quite big infrastructure changes at Portman Road over the summer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 52-year-old said builders had already been on site at Playford Road to plan the impending improvements.He added: It’s going to see some changes, it’s things we have to do that are non-negotiable from the Premier League.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League football”Once I’ve had time to breathe, I’ll talk to the fans so they know what’s going on.”But Ipswich’s promotion will bring millions to the area.Terry Baxter, who represents local businesses in Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, said the financial and emotional benefits will be “massive”.He told ITV: “We’re talking about somewhere between £500 and £600 million worth of economic benefit to the area and that’s huge for a town like Ipswich.”Similarly, Luton Town had to splash out similar amounts of cash after they were promoted to the Premier League following last season’s play-off final victory over Coventry.The Hatters were forced into paying out £10m on a new stand to meet the league’s broadcast requirements at Kenilworth Road.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of their historic home – particularly the away end that requires fans to walk over local residents’ back gardens.However, Ipswich will likely not have to fork out as much, given that their tier structures do meet the standards, after the Sir Alf Ramsey was rebuilt in 2001, and Sir Bobby Robson stand in 2009.Luton were forced into delaying home fixtures this seasonStairs lead up to the Oak Stand, running above residents’ gardens More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Brit F1 ace Lando Norris’ £80m life from stunning model girlfriend to the unlikely source of his need for speed

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      LANDO NORRIS has had a need for speed from a very young age – but his first Formula One win came after  109 previous attempts to take the chequered flag.Britain’s new race ace, who roared to victory in the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, made his F1 debut five years ago — whereas fellow British track star Lewis Hamilton took his first win in only his sixth Grand Prix, in Canada in 2007.Lando Norris is Britain’s latest F1 superstarCredit: GettyNorris celebrates after winning the Miami Grand Prix on SundayCredit: RexLando, 24, began racing aged seven and was competing in kart racing by the age of 13.He won the karting world championship the following year, 2014 — taking the title from Lewis — before he shifted to car racing the same year.In 2015 he started racing in the F4 championship, the usual route via F3 and F2 to F1, signing as a junior driver for McLaren in 2017.Lando, who dedicated Sunday’s superb win to his grandma, already made history as the youngest-ever British driver in F1 in 2019 aged 19.READ MORE F1 NEWSPublic schoolHe is now understood to have a four-year deal with McLaren worth £80million.Only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are paid more.Not that Lando was short of money before.He is the second child of businessman Adam Norris, who has a £205million fortune, and Belgian mum Cisca.Most read in MotorsportHe grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset, with his older brother Oliver and younger sisters Flo and Cisca, and went to nearby Millfield public school, where boarding fees are more than £40,000 a year.But he left before taking his GCSEs as his star began to rise — slowly but surely — in the motorsport world.Lando Norris spotted with Portugese supermodel who dated former Chelsea striker at Monte Carlo Masters finalAfter Sunday’s triumph his dad told Sky Sports: “It’s been a long time coming, I think everyone is saying it.“It’s been amazing, you’ve seen 110 [Grands Prix] but I was working it out, it’s probably about 900 races I’ve been to over the last 16 years. It’s been a long time, but it’s there — we got there.“I counted out 350 weekends away, and then all the other races on those weekends, but it’s brilliant, I love it. I’m so happy for him.”Lando’s parents were not in Miami for the race, but saw it on TV at home, like countless fans worldwide.But Adam was sent a text by Lewis’s dad acknowledging the win and the sacrifices the family had made to get Lando into the top spot.He had previously come second eight times, making Sunday’s victory seem even longer in coming after years of striving to make it.After growing up in Somerset he moved to a mansion near the McLaren headquarters in Woking, Surrey, but last year he moved to tax haven Monaco — like many of his fellow racing drivers.He said the move was so he could ensure he could “look after my things for my future”, and so that many of his friends and family can visit.However, it is believed he still owns a £20million pad in Surrey, should he ever need to be in the UK.He also owns a fleet of road-going supercars, including a £300,000 McLaren 765LT Spider and a £1million McLaren Senna, and he is understood to have a £350,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith and a £28,000 classic 1950s open-top Fiat Jolly.It seems Lando is having the last laugh on childhood bullies, who targeted him over his stature — he is 5ft 6in — which also led to mockery on the karting track as a youngster.Now he is one of the most loved stars on the F1 circuit for his down-to-earth attitude — such as his willingness to get his hands dirty.After the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix he was spotted sitting cross-legged, in his own world, unscrewing bolts from his car.McLaren boss Zak Brown has watched him bloom since he first signed with the company in 2017, and said: “He used to be extremely shy, and he still is to a certain extent. Now his manner is more extroverted, but not in a loud way. Although he was uber-fast from day one, his race craft and maturity is now at another level.”Despite all the privilege and adoring crowds that come with being a professional sportsman, Lando has not let it go to his head.The favourite thing about his job, ahead of the cars and money, is his young fan base.‘Lucky charm’He said: “For me, the coolest thing is always seeing the kids, that I can relate to the most.“I remember being there with my dad. We waited just outside the gates.“The world of F1 was so big and I was tiny. I didn’t even know what the gates were, we were waiting for Jenson Button to come out. I can relate to being a kid and seeing someone — me, Lewis or George [Russell] or any driver. Seeing them and thinking, ‘Wow, I want to be like that one day’.“It is weird that they think that of me. It’s a bit surreal but I can relate to that and I want to give back.”According to rumour, The F1 ace is currently dating model Margarida CorceiroCredit: instagramNorris previously dated Luisinha Oliveira, pictured in 2022Credit: GettyOne unlikely member of the Lando fan club appears to be Donald Trump, who congratulated him after his Miami win on Sunday.Lando said: “He said he was my lucky charm because it was my win, so I don’t know if he’s going to come to more races now.“But yeah, there’s a lot of special people, cool people, that have been here this weekend.”Lando dated Portuguese model Luisa Oliveira from August 2021 to September 2022, leading to abuse from trolls who took offence at the relationship.Luisa even suffered death threats, and Lando said: “Whether it’s about my personal life, me and my girlfriend, especially the amount of hate pages dedicated to Luisa now, it is pretty horrific.“They are on Instagram and Twitter, they are the main ones.”I don’t mind when people ask for a selfie. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner. But I feel like I can’t say noLandoLando also got targeted for any driving mistakes on the track and for being part of a British racing team.He has called on social media to do more to tackle the trolls, but insists he does not let it bother him.He said: “What I find the funniest in a way is people are actually spending their one life on Earth just sat behind a computer trying to ruin and bully someone.“When people are creating fake pages and fake chats, and fake Whats-App messages, then I am like, ‘You’re actually spending your life doing that?’ They’re wasting their life.“Not enough gets done. I report the things I see but there are so many, I don’t have time to go through them all.”Despite the abuse, Lando appreciates his fans and is happy to meet them when they approach him.He once said: “I don’t mind when people come and do it. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner and people come and say, ‘Can I get a quick picture please?’READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I feel like I can’t say no. I feel like they’d hate me and they wouldn’t be my fan any more.“Maybe I need to start saying no a bit more often. But I struggle to.”Norris had a need for speed from a very young age, pictured Lando at 8Lando steers his McLaren to victory in the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexLando with his parentsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      My dad’s a champion stone lifter famed for iconic photo, now I’m making my own way as a Premier League manager

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI grew up idolising his stone lifter dad who made headlines long before his son won over fans across the world.Jose Antonio Lopetegui, 94, reached fame in his craft and inspired Julen, 57, to carve his own path to greatness, but in a completely different sport.Julen Lopetegui’s father Jose Antonio was a famous stone lifterCredit: Paco MaríLopetegui learned a lot from his father and will be bringing his principles to West HamCredit: PAThere is also a famous photo showing the strongman hoisting both of his baby daughters, one on each hand, while his young son was standing next to them.The Spaniard, who seems set to take over at West Ham, was the only member of the family who ended up loving football but still absorbed his father’s values.Julen previously said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.”He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. Read More on Football”In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”Jose Antonio taught Julen the importance of hard work and dedication to one’s passion.Those were characteristics that the former goalkeeper needed after his acrimonious dismissals from Spain and Real Madrid.The Spaniard had his national team cruising to the 2018 World Cup with a 20-game unbeaten record that saw them winning a staggering 14 matches along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut higher-ups sacked Julen on the eve of the competition in Russia because he agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament and they didn’t take kindly to him negotiating ahead of the World Cup.And his return to Real, where he played before his retirement, didn’t work out as he was let go after just two months in charge because of a poor start to the campaign.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formHowever, Julen made the most out of the perseverance his father taught him and went on to succeed at Sevilla as well as Wolves.And now the ex-Porto boss is set to bring his same principles to West Ham with reports suggesting he has agreed terms with the club.The former Barcelona star is expected to replace outgoing manager David Moyes who will leave at the end of the season. More

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      in Soccer

      I’ve been banned by Man Utd seven times – latest media block reminds me of hotel spat I had with Sir Alex Ferguson

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      MUCH consternation recently at the news that three football writers were denied the chance to ask Erik ten Hag a question over three consecutive press conferences.The dismay did not stretch to myself despite being one of those placed briefly on the naughty step.Erik ten Hag recently banned three journalists from asking questions at his pre-match press conferenceCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson also used to place journos on the naughty stepCredit: GETTYI don’t agree with such ‘punishments’ for stories or opinions but Ten Hag has had to take a bucketload this season and has never been anything but polite and helpful.So if he wanted to do something to have a go back for once, no problem.It’s all sorted now and everyone is friends again.Having been brought up on Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and downright unfair bans of varying lengths, SEVEN in my case, you become immune to middle-aged men having a hissy fit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecent events reminded me of a lovely warm day at the Haydock Thistle Hotel some years back, where North-West based managers and writers were all invited to lunch.Sir Alex was there on the main table laughing, singing and generally holding court when simultaneously all the writers’ phones bleeped with a message from United’s “no communication department”.He had no doubt arranged for it to be sent bang in the middle of the lunch informing us all that relations would be suspended forthwith.Our crime was to use his words from a local radio interview he had done that week and the controversial comments he made within it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe were all fuming so, when he got up to leave I followed him out of the luncheon suite.As I ranted about how unfair his actions were, he ignored me and walked on ahead, entering another room.Erik ten Hag called out for ‘embarrassing’ Man Utd selection and admits ‘nothing could be worse’ than bold pickI followed, still ranting, but he kept his back to me and looked down silently.Was he having a rethink as his gaze remained concentrated, his head stooped?No, he was having a wee! We had entered the gents but, in my own hissy fit, I hadn’t quite realised.I’m not sure what the hotel guest two urinals down made of it but how absurd the whole scene must have appeared.Defeated and deflated, I returned to the luncheon where the free red wine got a hammering and I sulked.There would be more such incidents, told and retold to this day with laughter.I always say covering United when Sir Alex was boss was like a stay at Fawlty Towers — not particularly comfortable but certainly unforgettable.Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t afraid to ban journalistsCredit: GettyThirty years without SennaTHE anniversary never loses its sense of sadness.It was 30 years ago last week that three-time F1 champ Ayrton Senna lost his life at Imola, aged 34.The steering column on his Williams breaking is the most likely explanation as to what went wrong, as he entered the Tamburello corner and went straight into the wall.A piece of metal in the car pierced his helmet and skull above his eye. An inch either side and he walks away.There was a 2010 documentary called simply Senna, put together from footage you may never have seen. It’s like being there and bearing witness to his short life.It is the greatest thing I have seen in a cinema.Find it, watch it, and if you fail to shed a tear in the final ten minutes, you are not human.Ayrton Senna passed away 30 years agoCredit: AFPWorld Cup manager passes awaySAD to hear of the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, manager of the Argentina side that won the World Cup on home turf in 1978.It was the first World Cup I properly remember.The vagaries of a strange group system up to the final meant Argentina had to beat Peru in their last game by four goals to reach the final and deny Brazil their place against Holland. They won 6-0.Even at the age of ten, I found this strange, until I later learned representatives of Argentina’s military junta had been in the tunnel ahead of kick-off and unproven rumours of bribes followed.It was the first time I realised sport is not all that it should be.Former Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti recently passed awayCredit: PA:Empics SportCrucible memoriesTHESE past two weeks watching events unfold at the Crucible brought back great memories of when I covered the tournament in the mid-90s.Nothing to do with what happened on the perfectly ironed green baize but instead the sport’s own version of off-piste, or totally on the piste as it turned out.Sponsored by Embassy at the time, I have never covered an event with so much free ‘tabs and booze’, as we say in the North East.Each day would end in the early hours in a place called ‘The Woopsie room’ upstairs in The Crucible, which was really supposed to be where the WPBSA entertained guests.The best night was ‘judgment night’ when media representatives were brought before the association’s chairman and former world champion John Spencer and tournament director Ann Yates.Spencer would be dressed in swimwear, a towelling robe, snorkel and paddles and the accused would be placed on a high chair in a paddling pool.All would be found guilty of trumped-up charges and then, despite being dressed in a smart suit, would be blasted with a high-velocity water pistol to the delight of the assailant Spencer.One colleague, after a long day at the coal face, had a late-night altercation with a fellow scribe and awoke with no memory of what had happened that previous evening.Word got to Yates, who arranged for the make-up department to paint a black eye on the person he had argued with.Returning the next day he was aghast at the injury he had inflicted on a friend who was sat there waiting for him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings got worse when Spencer called him in to a meeting to say he would be banned forthwith from covering the tournament.He was nearly crying, as was everyone else, when the gag was revealed as Yates wiped the makeup off his giggling mate.John Spencer was quite the characterCredit: GETTY More