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      in Soccer

      Man Utd cult hero Phil Jones reveals next career path after ‘stripping everything back’ and finding his purpose

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      PHIL JONES has revealed his next career path after he had to “strip everything back”.The former Manchester United star retired from football in August.Phil Jones has opened up his next step after ‘stripping everything back’ to find his purposeCredit: GettyJones retired from football in AugustCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the latter half of his career, which saw him not play at all for more than two years before he announced he was hanging up his boots.The ex-defender has since opened up on the mental health struggles he faced and has now lifted the lid on how he reflected on himself and what he wanted to do as his next step.Writing in an emotional column for BBC Sport, Jones explained how this saw him find a renewed purpose in his career and family life.He said: “I only announced my retirement in August but I knew for a while before then that I would be finishing. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”To come to terms with that, I had to re-evaluate everything and unpick myself personally and professionally, with therapists and psychologists, to find myself.”I’ve talked quite a lot recently about how that worked for me and helped me deal with the issues I faced mentally, but it’s important for anyone reading this to know that the process is the same in every aspect of life, not just sport, if your circumstances change or things are not going well for you.”For me, that meant stripping everything back to understand who I was and where I wanted to get to next in life, and then thinking about the challenges I would face to get there.”Part of the purpose I have found is as a husband and a father, because I always wanted to be the best I could be at both for my family, but it applied to my future in football too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It meant going away and trying to almost rediscover what had got me to that point in my career in the first place, and thinking about what I had actually achieved, before I was able to take the next step.”I have had some difficult times, but I am ready for anything now.”‘He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagJones later explained in his column how he would hide his injuries from team-mates due to the shame he felt.He added: “Unfortunately there were times when I was at United when I did not look for help. “My coping mechanism when I had any problems was to stay silent, and that was probably my downfall.”I didn’t open up to anyone, and I would hide my injuries from other players and the staff. I put a shield up so no-one knew what was going on, apart from my close family.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.”I only spoke about this for the first time on a podcast last week, but one of my lowest moments was when I was trying to play through the pain of my knee injury, when it had got to a point where the doctor had to inject my knee before every game I played so I didn’t feel it.”I was on the bench for a game at Brighton but one of our centre-halves was struggling in the warm-up, so I thought I would be pro-active and get the injection before kick-off.”It was embarrassing for me because I didn’t want anyone to see that I was struggling, or in pain – I was meant to be a tough guy as a defender, remember – so I went into a cubicle in the changing room just as the manager started his pre-match talk, and got the doc to inject me in there.”He first tore his meniscus as an 18-year-old at Blackburn and, although Sir Alex Ferguson signed him for United, it was the beginning of his injury nightmare.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the injury absences became longer, Jones became the subject of horrific abuse and ridicule both online and face-to-face in the street, which he opened up about in an interview with SunSport.But Jones is now excited for his future in management, having spent last season working with United’s Under-18s and going through his various coaching badges.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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      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno health fears as boxing legend has hospital scans amid worries his brain is on a ‘slow decline’

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      BOXING great Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow decline”.The former world heavyweight champion’s doctors are trying to discover whether blows to the head during his 14-year career caused long-term damage.Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow declineCredit: GettyDoctors are examining how blows to the head during Bruno’s boxing career have impacted his healthCredit: AFPFrank’s daughter, Rachel, said: “We have learned recently that his brain might be on a slow decline.“They are just doing scans and tests at the moment. With the impact of his career and constant knocks to the head, it’s obviously probably not helped.“We don’t know how fast his brain is going to decline. “It’s sad but we’re a strong family and we want to cherish these moments.”READ MORE FRANK BRUNOSpeaking on Amazon documentary Four Kings, 62-year-old Frank added: “I fulfilled my dream. “I won the world championship. I’ve got some beautiful kids. What more do you need?”Last night a source close to Frank insisted: “Frank’s in a great place at the moment and feeling fitter and healthier than he has in years.Each week he will be at three or four events talking about his career and working.Most read in Boxing“All retired boxers have regular checks, and Frank is no different.”The four-part documentary details the careers of Frank, Lennox Lewis, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundationIt also looks at the sport’s dangers — including the extensive brain damage suffered by Michael Watson during a fight with Eubank, and life-changing injuries suffered by Gerald McClellan in a bout with Benn.Frank is no stranger to adversity, having been sectioned to Goodmayes Hospital, North East London, 20 years ago. He was readmitted in 2021 when he hit rock bottom during lockdown.His charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, campaigns on mental health issues. The source said: “It’s going from strength to strength.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to pressure of F1 racing

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      F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racing.The seven-times world champ has had mental health difficulties since he was 13.Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racingCredit: ReutersHe said: “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying.“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats. He has a 10km run to clear his mind.read more on lewis hamiltonHe added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”Asked if he saw a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful. I’d like to find someone today.” Lewis — sixth in the F1 standings — said he is single but wants a family “one day”.He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it with that.Most read in Motorsport“One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.“And my nieces and nephew are a handful.“There will be a time and a place for it and I can’t wait for that part.“But right now I have some work to do.” More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

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      GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      in Soccer

      Love cheat Kyle Walker ‘shows he’s a changed man’ after marriage scandal as he promotes Salvation Army event

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      LOVE cheat Kyle Walker is on his best behaviour off the pitch — as he flies the flag for The Salvation Army.The Man City star, 34, was joined by ex-Wales striker John Hartson, 49, at a football tournament staged by the charity.Kyle Walker promotes a Salvation Army event with fellow footballer John HartsonCredit: PP.Walker has recently been allowed back into his family home after it was revealed he was unfaithfulCredit: GettyThursday’s event in Manchester aimed to raise awareness of homelessness and mental health.It comes after Walker was allowed back home by wife Annie Kilner after he fathered two kids with Lauryn Goodman.He was allowed back just over three weeks ago and is said to be “working on his marriage”.A source said: “Walker’s really trying to give something back and show he’s a changed man.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“He’s been in the bad books for so long and wants to show he’s learned from his mistakes.“Walker was all smiles at the charity event and meeting the players meant so much to them.”Hartson, 49, presented the trophy to winning side The Orchard, from Bradford, and spoke to players about his career and own struggles battling cancer and a gambling addiction.He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed today. The standard of football has been great, they’ve played seven or eight games, and their fitness levels are so good.Most read in Football“The camaraderie is great, there’s a lot of respect for each other.“People have been sharing their stories with me, some who have lost their way at some stage in their life but are working really hard to get back on track.Kyle Walker moves back in with wife Annie Kilner after fathering second child with ex“It’s been great that The Salvation Army put this special day on. I think the guys really appreciate it.“For that one day everyone can forget what’s going on outside.”Hartson spoke to players about his career and own struggles battling cancer and gambling addictionCredit: Getty Images – GettyKyle and Annie Kilner have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Refer to CaptionThe England icon fathered two kids with Lauryn Goodman behind Annie’s back More

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      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough coach Grant Leadbitter hoping to save lives as he backs cause close to his heart on Sunderland return

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      GRANT LEADBITTER uniquely enjoys legendary status at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough – but he will be wearing much more important colours ahead of tomorrow’s derby.The 38-year-old came through the ranks at his boyhood Black Cats and played a huge role under Roy Keane in their 2007 promotion campaign.Grant Leadbitter captained Middlesbrough to promotion in 2016Credit: GettyThe star enjoys legendary status at both Boro and SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHaving followed the Irishman to Ipswich, he returned to the region in 2012 with Boro and captained them to the Premier League in 2016.Leadbitter headed back to his first love Sunderland two years later and became the first player since Bobby Kerr in 1973 to lift a trophy for the club at Wembley when they won the Football League Trophy.The much-loved midfielder hung up his boots in 2021 but is now back at Boro as Michael Carrick’s first-team coach.As he prepares to head to the Stadium of Light and to the spot where his late father’s ashes are buried under the pitch, Leadbitter is now backing something else very close to his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is a patron of the If U Care Share Inside Out campaign that encourages people to talk by ‘getting what’s on the inside out’.Fans will spot players from both teams wearing the If U Care Share Inside Out t-shirts in the warm-up before the lunchtime showdown in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.The idea is the brainchild of the Chester-le-Street based mental health and suicide prevention charity If U Care Share.The charity was founded by Matthew Smith and his family in 2005 after his brother Daniel O’Hare’s death by suicide and it has provided prevention advice and support to families affected by suicide. Most read in ChampionshipLeadbitter said: “It’s a very important cause to me and a lot of people from the North East. “Dan’s family started the charity in his memory and his younger brothers Matthew and Ben have dedicated themselves to raising awareness.“In memory of Daniel, we are hoping to help other people, and that is so important. It’s about making sure no one else takes their own life and trying to get the statistics down.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“Both ourselves and Sunderland promote the charity every year and it’s all about creating awareness.“On Saturday, there will be nearly 45,000 at the Stadium of Light with a lot more people watching at home, and if we can deliver a message, even if it’s to just one person, we could save another precious life.”Last month Matthew completed a 700 mile to every Premier League ground to raise vital funds for the charity, running from Bournemouth, across the south coast, through the seven London clubs, before a gruelling leg to Ipswich, followed by the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, before landing at St. James’ Park less than three weeks later.The aim is to raise £135,000 – with 135 being the number of people such as family, friends, work colleagues, health and emergency professionals – who are impacted when one person takes their own life.If U Care Share co-founder Matthew added: “We would like to thank Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs for their continued support for the Inside Out campaign and giving such prominent backing to a simple message which saves lives.”Visit ifucareshare.co.uk for more info.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Players from both teams will wear these t-shirts pre-matchCredit: MFC More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson sparks fresh health fears with concerning admission as controversial Jake Paul fight draws near

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      MIKE TYSON has sparked fresh concerns over his health ahead of his showdown with Jake Paul.The former undisputed heavyweight champion returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash with the YouTube sensation.Mike Tyson throws down with YouTube sensation Jake Paul on November 15Credit: GETTYIron Mike is hard at work in the ring ahead of the controversial crossover clashCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSONBut the 58-year-old has sparked fresh health fears with his latest training camp admissionCredit: AFPThe pair were initially slated to throw down on July 20 but the bout was rescheduled after Iron Mike suffered a medical emergency onboard a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.Tyson has recovered from the stomach ulcer flare-up that forced the postponement of the bout and is hard at work in the gym.But the boxing legend is feeling every bit of his 58 years, revealing to USA Today: “It’s hard to walk right now.”But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym.READ MORE ON TYSON VS PAUL”Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me.”I’m going to enjoy my time here tonight with all my childhood friends, and the hell with Jake Paul.”Fight fans couldn’t help but share their concerns after learning of Tyson’s training admission.One wrote on X: “Here we go again.”Most read in BoxingAnother said: “Somebody stop this fight.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And another said: “A 60-year-old vs. a 27-year-old? Enough, just stop.” One remarked: “I’m sorry but at this point…I’m boycotting this s**t . This is not right.”Jake Paul admits his mum is terrified of Mike Tyson fight after watching clips of boxing legend in actionAnother chimed in: “[I] feel bad for Tyson.”Tyson and Paul will duke it out in front of a packed crowd at Cowboy Boys Stadium in Dallas and millions of curious watchers on Netflix.Fan favourite Tyson will be paid handsomely for the Texas tussle but insists the huge purse on offers isn’t the reason why he’s decided to lace up his gloves again.The New Yorker recently admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for—to get all this f***ing status.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I didn’t know what to do’ says emotional John Stones as Man City star admits he considered quitting Prem champions

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      JOHN STONES has opened up about the challenging times he has faced at Manchester City.The defender revealed he even considered to quit playing for the reigning Premier League champions.John Stones has opened up about facing challenging times at Manchester CityAn emotional interview with BBC saw England icon Stones speak up on the dark times he has experienced during his senior career at City.In 2020, Stones faced several challenges that limited his playing time at the club. As he struggled with multiple injuries his form and confidence took a hit leading to a drop in the pecking order under Pep Guardiola as City signed new defenders, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.He said: “Maybe over a year period I wasn’t playing here [Man City]. Wasn’t playing for England.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A really low time. And I didn’t know what to do at the start. I was obviously struggling with not playing. Mentally tough – you start doubting yourself massively.”Stones managed only 16 starts in all competitions during the 2019-2020 season.He continued: “I thought you know I’ve got two roads to go down: accept that and move on or stay and fight.”You know I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough and deserved to be here.Most read in Football”Went back to the drawing board really and worked harder. I looked at every aspect in my life, down to my food, down to my gym, sleep.”You know I looked at everything I could to become a better player and a better version of myself. Fortunately it worked out.”And the 30-year-old was not wrong – it did work out. Since 2020 Stones has won four Premier Leagues, the Champions League and the FA Cup.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true’He was also a part of Pep Guardiola’s historic treble-winning squad in the 2022-23 season.And this summer Stones was a key man in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team who fell short of victory to Spain in the final.After he arrived in Manchester from Everton in 2016 the Englishman has made over 259 appearances for City and is one of Guardiola’s star players. More