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    League One star reveals he stopped a stranger from ending his life in chance meeting by train tracks

    JAMES BROPHY knows better than most that people can become so desperate they think life is no longer worth living.If the truth of that was ever brought home to him, it was on Easter Sunday morning this year — when he stopped a stranger from ending it all.James Brophy has opened up about the emotional moment with the strangerCredit: RexAnd while the Cambridge winger did not exactly start this season full of joy himself after a nightmare start, he declared: “One point from your first nine games? That’s just football.“What that man was going through that morning, that’s something very different all together.“People can find themselves in some very dark places and I’m afraid mental health issues are something I’m all too familiar with.“My grandfather suffered from depression and one of my brothers suffers from it too — so I know how really tough that can be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So if I would ever see someone considering what that man was considering, I would always stop.“I was speaking to him probably for about 20 to 30 minutes, just trying to talk to him about life, really.“I said to him: ‘Look, I can’t feel your pain, or I can’t compare what you’re feeling’.“But I told him about stuff that’s happened in my family and friends and shared stories with him.Most read in EFLMacauley Bonne also spoke to the stranger after arriving at the sceneCredit: Rex“Then the police arrived and about 30 minutes later, a police counsellor came and she was really good.“She took over the conversation from me and got him to a place where he was able to sit on the kerb.“When I got to him he was on the bridge with a railway track on it that takes you into Cambridge. He was on the other side of the barrier on the railway side, ready to jump.“In fairness to the policewoman, I couldn’t talk him into getting over the other side of the barrier.“My team-mate Macauley Bonne turned up too — he had seen my car and thought it had broken down. He was a big help through it all, talking to the bloke.“I’m just glad the police were able to get him safe and away — I just did what I thought needed to be done.“You can say what you like about that morning and my role in it.“But what else could I have done but stop? In my mind it was just the right thing do and I’d do it again.”The 30-year-old and Bonne, 29, later got a visit from Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson in praise of their actions — while the club called the pair “inspirational”.And things have lightened up on the pitch too after that terrible start.The U’s have won three games in a row without conceding a goal going into Saturday’s clash at Peterborough.Brophy even scored his first goal in three years to see off Woking in last week’s 1–0 FA Cup first-round win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “In football just like in life, you’ve got to just keep on going no matter the challenges — a bit like me not scoring for so long!“Garry Monk’s a top manager, we’ve got good players here — sometimes things can come down to the finest of margins. It’s how you deal with tough times and we’ve shown we can do that.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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    I had two choices – either pick up the phone and ask for help or die, admits ex-Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley

    JEFF WHITLEY has bravely opened up about his battle with addiction and recovery from the depths of despair.The 45-year-old starred for Manchester City and Sunderland and earned 20 caps for Northern Ireland between 1997-2005.Jeff Whitley has shared details about his recoveryCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunWhitley’s cocaine use began during his addiction to alcoholBut behind the scenes, battles with alcohol and drugs led to problems off the pitch, including bankruptcy and a spell in rehab.Now in a position to help others, Whitley, who is the PFA’S player welfare executive, wants to raise awareness of the dangers behind addiction.He told the BBC: “Nearly every club had moved me on because of the off the pitch antics. Not being able to keep it together or say no to some of the times I went out.”I didn’t know how to keep it under control or even understand what the problem was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Eventually the drink and the drugs really started to escalate.”I had two choices. I either keep doing what I’m doing and maybe die, or I pick up the phone and ask for help.”After getting to the point of where he was “sick of feeling this way”, Whitley knew he had to make a change.He phoned the Professional Footballers’ Association for help and, in a time frame that left him “amazed”, he was assessed by Sporting Chance before going through treatment and rehab for 26 days.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe exclusively revealed to The Sun in 2019: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”When you’re young and you’ve got a few quid in your pocket, it can be quite exciting and highly addictive.”But you go from being super confident and chatty to wanting to be on your own in complete isolation.”Whitley has been sober since entering rehab, but still continues to attend AA meetings and therapy.Former Man City midfielder Whitley now devotes his time to helping othersAnd after years of drug taking drove one of his brothers, Jack, to suicide in 2017, Whitley knows just how brutal substance abuse can be.In 2019, he backed The Sun’s End of The Line campaign to help raise awareness of the devastating dangers of cocaine and its impact on mental health.He explained: “You’re almost chasing that high from when you first took it, thinking that next line is going to be like the first one you took.”The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtan-twitching- any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be. “Whitley was shipped out on loan to Wrexham and Notts County during the final three years of his City contract, before joining Sunderland in 2003.He explained that the Black Cats, and later Cardiff, then “moved him on” for his off-field antics.His growing addictions ultimately led to his international career coming to a premature end after scoring two goals.Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over England at Windsor Park in 2005 is one of the most famous nights in the country’s history.However, Whitley had to watch it from home after being sent away from the camp by manager Lawrie Sanchez for going out with team-mate Philip Mulryne.I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.Whitley was still playing at a high level for Cardiff, but the damage was done. He would never play for Northern Ireland again.After being left jobless at the end his football career, he briefly worked in car sales before turning his attentions to using his experiences to help others.Jeff Whitley’s PFA WorkJEFF WHITLEY is part of the PFA’s Wellbeing department which provides support to more than 50,000 members.They offer a 24/7 helpline, a national network of counsellors, and a residential rehab at Sporting Chance Clinic.Fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are available as well with 12-step sponsored programme.The programme provides a solution and 12 steps of how to live life and implement those principles into daily life.The PFA Wellbeing team provide individual action plans for members on issues ranging from anxiety, depression, alcohol, drug use and gambling.They also go into all 92 clubs to assess players and educate Under-18s, U23s, first-team, women’s teams and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.Any current and former PFA members can contact the Wellbeing team with emotional issues on its email address: wellbeing@thepfa.co.ukWhitley added that he understands that some players may not want to pick up the phone or ask for help.”I know how difficult it was for me to reach out. I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you are abusing your body with alcohol and drugs, and stuff like that, then you are going to go one of two ways.”Some of the people are not at that point. Just don’t hesitate to reach out, that’s what I would say.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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    Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues dead at 66: Boxing world title contender who fought Evander Holyfield and Foreman dies

    BRAZILIAN boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died aged 66.The former heavyweight contender passed away in Sao Paulo after suffering from multiple health complications. Adilson Rodrigues, left, during his fight with George ForemanCredit: GettyRodrigues passed away aged 66Credit: TwitterIn 85 fights, Rodrigues won 77, lost seven, drew once and scored 61 career knockouts. He held various Brazilian and South American titles, facing some of boxing’s best during his time. In 1989, he was beaten by American great Evander Holyfield and George Foreman a year later, losing both in round two. But Rodrigues also beat former cruiserweight world champion and now Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson in 1995. READ MORE IN BOXINGHis last fight came in 2000, losing to countryman Daniel Frank. After retiring – 13 years later – Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former fighters after years of head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss and confusion, which intensifies over time. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?By Jennifer Roback and Penelope MinCTE refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas.Other elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and boxers.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.In 2018, with his family’s consent, Rodrigues decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. It will allow researchers at the University of Sao Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain.Rodrigues spent his last days at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu receiving specialised care. Netflix unveil official promotional trailer for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 More

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    I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

    MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? 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    Aaron Ramsey says ‘he’s not going to be happy with me’ as he reveals he is gunning for Premier League icon’s manager job

    AARON RAMSEY wants to succeed Craig Bellamy as Wales manager.The Dragons captain, 33, completed his Uefa A licence last month and is set to enrol on the pro licence course.Aaron Ramsey has revealed he is one day aiming to take the Wales jobCredit: X @SkySportsPLHe joked current Dragons boss Craig Bellamy will not be happy with himCredit: RexStar midfielder Ramsey, who has won 86 Welsh caps, has set his sights on becoming a boss one day and fancies taking charge of his country.The ex-Arsenal and Juventus ace said: “It would be a very proud moment for me one day. Hopefully that is a few years away yet but it would definitely interest me one day.”I’ve done my A licence now so I will be starting my pro soon. It’s definitely something I am interested in.”Ramsey is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury so the Cardiff star has been helping out on the coaching side and picking up tips along the way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “It’s addictive. I’ve been around the u18s at Cardiff. I’ve been lucky enough to coach them.”I watch games differently now. You do get addicted and you want to try something new. Hopefully one day I will have the opportunity to do that.”Ramsey was a guest on Sky’s Monday Night Football and did not pick boss Bellamy in his all-time team, selecting close pal Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo as his wideman.The Welsh great joked his national manager may not like the snub or his comments on eyeing up his job in the future despite planning to play on for many more years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey said: “He’s not going to be happy with me, is he?”However, Ramsey says he remains troubled by the horrific double leg break he suffered at Stoke 14 years ago that sidelined the then teenager for an initial nine months.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe still has the metal rod and screws in his right leg following the sickening challenge from Ryan Shawcross which snapped him in half and fractured both his tibia and fibula.Ramsey has rarely spoken about the horror tackle, but concedes one of the Premier League’s most shocking incidents has had a major impact on his career with feelings of what might have been.He said: “The injury was a massive setback because of the way I was going at the time. I was in the team, playing regularly and feeling good. I was really asserting myself at that level.”Then the injury happened. All kinds of things went through my mind. Was I going to play again? Was I going to walk again? It wasn’t a nice time.”I did have some really good people around me. I had a lot of messages from people who had suffered similar injuries.”Ramsey was a £5million signing from Cardiff back in 2008 after he rejected Prem giants Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.Following the brutal injury, he went on loan at Nottingham Forest and then boyhood club Cardiff to boost his fitness before returning to the Emirates.Then the injury happened. All kinds of things went through my mind. Was I going to play again? Was I going to walk again? It wasn’t a nice time.Aaron RamseySky SportsYet Ramsey reckons the mental trauma of the injury and the lengthy layoff stayed with him as he recalled the rough house treatment dished out to the Gunners.Ramsey added: “The way that Stoke played back then was to try and be aggressive against Arsenal (who were seen as) being soft. They tried to play on that a little bit more.”That was probably driven by the manager at the time. I don’t think anybody goes out there to break someone’s leg, no, but there was definitely a feeling that they wanted to leave a bit on the players.”I have suffered a load of injuries and maybe it has had an impact on me on the way I move differently and my body has had to adapt to certain things.”Beforehand I never really got injured. I was still pretty young but I could play all day, every day. Definitely, after the injury, it has had a bit of an impact. I still have the metal in my leg as well. That can have an effect on the body as well.”Anything can happen throughout your career. But, of course, from an injury point of view, I wish that never happened and I could have seen how I would have been injury-free throughout my career and what that would have looked like.”Ramsey returned from the injury but admitted he had to overcome psychological battles to tackle again. He scored Arsenal’s winner against United at the Emirates in May 2011 as he took a big step on the road to recovery.Ramsey was sidelined for nine months after a horror leg break against StokeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “That was a huge moment. Psychologically to go into tackles again, it has an effect. “You do go into them half-hearted or thinking, ‘Am I going to be alright doing this?’ It took time after the injury to overcome that.”Ramsey won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal, win Serie A at Juventus and represented Wales at two Euros and the 2022 World Cup before returning to his homeland.He told Sky’s Monday Night Football: “I’m proud of what I have done in my career. To come back from that and still get to the level and play is something I’m proud of.”But he was most disappointed at his Arsenal exit in 2019 when his 11-year association ended as the club made a U-turn on a contract. He then joined Juventus as a free agent on a lucrative £400,000-a-week deal.Ramsey, who scored two FA Cup final match-winning goals at Wembley, added: “It was a weird time. I wanted to commit my future to Arsenal. They had just gone through a change of manager. “I said I’m happy, let’s go and sign it but then it all went quiet. I imagine it went quiet because of the new manager coming in and maybe he wanted to see the squad before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was disappointing because I didn’t see anything beyond it. I was Arsenal through and through until I hung up my boots and went back to Cardiff eventually. “I had to make a decision. You can start talking to foreign clubs in January so a few discussions went on.”Ramsey admits the injury had a long-term impact on himCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Ex-Premier League star, 56, ordered to stop exercising after ‘shock’ heart diagnosis that requires triple bypass surgery

    PREMIER LEAGUE great Marco Gabbiadini revealed he had to stop exercising and watching football due to his heart condition.Gabbiadini, 56, announced in May that he needs to undergo triple bypass surgery after discovering that his heart was “working at about 20 per cent” following a “slight issue” in his chest.Marco Gabbiadini revealed he needs to avoid exercising as he awaits triple bypass surgeryCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunSunderland legend Gabbiadini has also been ordered to not watch live footballCredit: GettyThe Sunderland legend noticed the issue after feeling “heartburn” while exercising in the gym and found out his coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, had an 80 per cent blockage.The Derby great is still waiting for the operation and the doctors ordered him to avoid any type of exercise – from high-tempo sports like tennis to mundane chores like gardening.The former striker also needs to avoid any situation that could cause him stress, which means no more live football on the telly.Gabbiadini told The Mail: “I have had to stop exercising, so I am probably in the worst shape I have ever been in my life. Read More on Football”Before May, I was still playing tennis a couple of times a week, cycling, gardening, helping the kids with their house renovations.”But the surgeon said, ‘Stop tennis, no gardening and don’t watch any football on the telly’. “So I have been watching Sunderland games this season in full on YouTube after they have finished, so I know the score and there is no stress involved.”Having to have that mentality when you are only in your mid-50s has been a bit of a shock. But at the same time, you have got to count your lucky stars.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Reporting it early meant I was put on tablets. I am on blood thinners, statins – eight different tablets to give me the best chance of getting to the surgery. “To anyone reading this story, if you do have any issues, report is as soon as you can.”Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’After hanging up his boots at the age of 35, Gabbiadini turned to hospitality and now runs a B&B in York.The ex-England Under-21 international’s Bishops guest house, which he opened in 2003, is now recognised as one of the best B&Bs in the Yorkshire city.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    ‘It’s bulls**t, we’re not cool’: Chris Eubank Jr reveals he no longer speaks to his dad ahead of Conor Benn grudge clash

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has laid bare the heartbreaking state of his relationship with his father, who he’s claimed has shown “no interest” in him or his career for “a long time.”Eubank Sr, 58, was a driving force in the early stages of his son’s boxing career and a charismatic ever-present at his fights.Chris Eubank Sr was an initial driving force in the boxing career of his son, Chris Eubank JrCredit: GETTYThe middle and super-middleweight champ was once an ever-present in his son’s cornerCredit: GETTYBut the pair have become distant in recent yearsCredit: GETTYEubank Jr has claimed his father hasn’t taken in an interest in him for a ‘long period of time’Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDBut the former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion’s relationship with his namesake has become strained in recent years.The pair’s relationship, or lack thereof, will come further under the microscope whenever Eubank Jr finally shares the ring with Conor Benn, the son of his old man’s bitter rival Nigel Benn.Having his father in his corner for the historic domestic dust-up would be a dream for Jr, who said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show: “I would love for him to be involved.”The fact that I even have to say that is insane, how is that even a thing?READ MORE ON EUBANK JR”That his son is going to fight the son of his arch nemesis all those years ago when he was a world champion.”How was it a thing that he may not be there? But, it’s a thing, we don’t talk.”He has shown no interest in my career for a long period of time now, he’s shown no interest in me in a long period of time.”Eubank Jr, 35, reaches out to his father “every once in a while” but claims to receive nothing but blunt responses.Most read in BoxingHe said: “Sometimes he, you know, it’ll be a one-word answer or an Instagram post but there’s no real conversation there.”It’s sad but, I’m my own man and I’ve got massive things on my plate, in my path that I have to complete, I have to succeed in.I was gang enforcer that lived in £1m mansion before becoming boxer “So I can’t let anything like that affect me spiritually, mentally, emotionally, I have to be strong, I have to be focused.”Once my career is done, then I can try, you know, spend time worrying about other people’s feelings but for right now, it’s all systems go man. I’ve gotta be me.”Jr is still trying to come to terms with why his father has opted to distance himself from himself and the rest of his siblings.He said: “As somebody who’s lost a son, I think that that’s a pretty insane thing to be doing.”An insane way to be acting, to kind of not be speaking to, you know, your remaining kids.”But, he’s his own man, he’s dealing with his situation how he thinks he should and all I can do is sit and wait and hope that he comes around at some point.”But I can’t tell you if that will happen any time soon.”The fractured nature of his relationship with his dad is something Jr initially played down in a bid to avoid any further friction.But the IBO middleweight champion is DONE holding his tongue for the sake of keeping up appearances.He said: “For a long time, I kind of tried to act like it was cool,” he added. “People would ask me, ‘How’s your Dad?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”‘Yeah, we’re good.’ But I got sick of that s**t, man. It’s bulls**t, we’re not cool, we’re not okay and people need to know.”Eubank battered Kamil Szeremeta last time out in Saudi on the Bivol vs Beterbiev undercard, stopping the Pole in the seventh round after four knockdowns.Chris Eubank Jr would love to have his dad in the corner for his eventual grudge match against Conor BennCredit: GETTY More

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    Former Man Utd star Darron Gibson ‘bit chunks out of his tongue’ in terrifying seizure that almost killed him

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson bit chunks out of his tongue during a terrifying seizure that almost killed him.But the shocking ordeal prompted him to open up on his mental health struggles – and ultimately save his life. Danielle Gibson thought her footballer husband Darron had died after a seizure at homeCredit: GettyThe ex-Ireland international, 36, was watching the Manchester derby at home three years ago.But things took a horrifying twist which left Gibson’s wife Danielle thinking he was dead.She told The Sunday Times: “He had gone so stiff and the sweat was dripping from him and he was biting chunks out of his tongue.“I was trying to stop him doing that, but I couldn’t lift him. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”His body was so wet and his eyes were like a roulette machine, they were whirring around so fast.“It lasted about three minutes and then there was a stillness.”His lips turned blue and I thought he had died.”I just thought, in a really sad way, that whatever demons he has been living with, he is at peace now.”Most read in FootballGibson was rushed to hospital in Manchester.He had two days under careful watch from doctors and underwent various tests. Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ But Gibson was well aware of what had caused the seizure after getting addicted to sleeping pills.The reliance on the prescription medication Zopiclone was triggered following a leg break.The injury in October 2020 during his stint with Salford City ultimately ended his playing career after 245 club appearances for United, Royal Antwerp, Wolves, Everton, Sunderland, Wigan and Salford. The 2010-11 Premier League winner – whose other struggles included childhood bullying and twice being banned from driving following crashes while over the alcohol limit – said: “They were doing brain scans and epilepsy scans.“I knew deep down what happened but I was too embarrassed to tell them.”Finally I said, ‘Listen, it’s not that.’ I had taken 12 sleeping tablets the night before and about six more before I sat down to watch the match.“If you have got the money and the connections you can get whatever [medication] you want.”How to get help with alcohol and drug abuseAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)0800 9177 650help@aamail.orgalcoholics-anonymous.org.ukHelp and support for anyone with alcohol problems.Club Drug Clinic020 3317 3000clubdrugclinic.cnwl.nhs.ukInformation and support for people worried about their use of recreational drugs.The brave confessions to Danielle led to a strict ultimatum – either he handed over the pills or he would lose his wife and children.Danielle added: “I was expecting him to give me a packet of sleeping tablets.“He brought out a plastic carrier bag and just said, ‘There you go.’”In the short term, the sacrifice took its toll on his sleep.But Gibson knows now it was definitely the right decision – because he believes he would no longer be here otherwise. He continued: “I didn’t sleep for a month. Literally I could not get to sleep. “I was going to bed, just lying there thinking ‘F***,’ but I knew I had to do it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was grey. I looked horrific.”I would be dead. If I hadn’t had the seizure, I possibly would not be here now, I was taking that many of them.”Gibson came through at Manchester United and played 60 times for the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport More