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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

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      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

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      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

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      Former football star given two to six years to live amid devastating health battle as he takes legal action against FA

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      BRISTOL ROVERS legend Ian Alexander has been given just “two to six years to live” after being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).The Scot, 61, played nearly 400 games during his professional career, representing Rovers between 1986 and 1994.Ian Alexander starred for Bristol Rovers during his playing daysCredit: AlamyThe Scot has suffered with health issues post-retirementCredit: X/jockalexander63Despite keeping himself fit in retirement, Alexander has suffered a sharp decline in his health this year.The former defender suffered at least four significant concussions during his player career, which is said to have contributed to his CTE.Following an email from the Bristol Rovers Former Players Association earlier this year, Alexander put himself forward for medical examinations.And he has since opened up on his condition to The Guardian.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “The doctors gave me two to six years, but they say I’m quite fit. I’m not going to give in. I’m going to fight it till the end.”I’ve got a good team around me with my wife and kids. And once the word gets out to Rovers fans I’ll have them behind me too.”Chronic headaches and tremors have led to Alexander struggling for sleep, with wife Janet believing that her husband could be diagnosed with dementia.Such a diagnosis would enable Alexander to receive further medication, with his pain-relief currently limited to paracetamol.Most read in FootballIn addition to his headaches, the Scot has also been forced to follow a soft-foods diet, due to the risk of swallowing his tongue.He has also been unable to attend some matches at his beloved Bristol Rovers because of the potential of an anxiety attack.Bristol Rovers players celebrate an incredible last-day promotion from League Two Following former Aston Villa European Cup winner Colin Gibson’s lead, Alexander has revealed that he is one of around 20 former players taking legal action against the FA.Each player sustained significant brain injuries during their playing careers, which they believe have contributed to further health issues in later life.Alexander insists that he is not interested in financial gain from the matter, and that raising awareness is more important for him.Beyond his playing career, he worked as a painter and decorator.When he began having issues with his memory, however, he had to quit.And despite relaying his symptoms to doctors, he was told that he was merely feeling the effects of “old age” – despite being just in his 50s.On how head injuries were dealt with during his career, Alexander shockingly revealed: “I nearly died on the pitch once. Right from the kick-off the ball was played up to me, and a centre-half came out of nowhere and smashed me.”There was a clash of heads and the next thing I remember is being in hospital. I’d swallowed my tongue and half my denture plate. They told me I was about 20 or 30 seconds away from death.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That happened on a Saturday and I was training again by Wednesday. I was supposed to play the next Saturday, but Gerry (Francis) said he’d give me another week off so it was a fortnight before I came back.”I didn’t think about the risks. It was my job, wasn’t it? You took the knocks, got on with it, and went again. Now it’s all coming to light.” More

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      Mike Tyson, 58, reveals what caused health scare that axed Jake Paul fight amid fresh fears

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      MIKE TYSON has revealed what caused the health scare that prompted the rescheduling of his clash with Jake Paul.The pair’s controversial Texas tussle was initially set to take place in July but was rescheduled for November 15 after he suffered a medical emergency onboard a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.Mike Tyson’s clash with Jake Paul was postponed to November 15 after he suffered a medical emergency on board a flightCredit: APDebilitating stomach ulcers hit the boxing legend for sixCredit: GETTYTyson has revealed a poor diet was the cause of the ulcer flareCredit: EPATyson, 58, was forced to postpone the bout due to severe stomach ulcers, which he claims were the result of a poor diet.The former undisputed heavyweight champion told the Daily Mail: “I was doing too much bad food and stuff, and I got sick.”Iron Mike insists he’s now “ulcer-free”, although he sparked fresh fears for his safety last month.When asked how his training camp is going, he told USA Today: “It’s hard to walk right now.READ MORE ON TYSON VS PAUL”But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym.”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.”Boxing fans around the world are wondering why the near-pensioner-aged Tyson has agreed to trade heavy leather with Paul.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Hall of Famer has admitted the fight has nothing to do with adding to his already cemented legacy.He said: “I didn’t take this fight for legacy. I think legacy really, to my perspective, legacy is ego.Watch Mike Tyson, 58, PUNCH Jake Paul before YouTuber, 27, pushes him away in face-off ahead of boxing fight”Who gives a f*** how people think about them when they are gone? I’m dead.”I can’t value off what somebody might think about me when I’m dead, so it means nothing to me.”The New Yorker, however, is also adamant the massive payday he’ll receive for the Dallas dust-up didn’t played a role in his decision to take the bout.“I’m a glory junkie,” he admitted in an interview with Esquire. “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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      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      Tommy Fury reveals moment his ‘whole world fell apart’ that stopped him leaving the house

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      BRITISH boxer Tommy Fury has opened up about the abuse he suffered after withdrawing from his fight with YouTuber Jake Paul.The 25-year-old was forced to postpone the bout in 2021 due to a severe chest infection and broken rib.Tommy Fury has opened up about the aftermath of his postponed fight with Jake PaulCredit: GettyThe two eventually fought in 2023 and Fury wonCredit: EPAHe subsequently received a barrage of abuse on social media, with some people accusing him of being a “fake” fighter.In his new memoir released this week, Fury opened up about what his life was like following the postponement.He wrote: “My whole world felt apart. I was this kid from Salford with no money and a big dream.”I may have done well financially after Love Island, but the fee I would have earned from this fight was something else.”Read More in BoxingFury added: “I didn’t think it could get much worse, but once the news of the fight cancellation hit the press, everything kicked off.”I received a torrent of online abuse, my accusers saying I was ‘scared of a YouTuber,’ ‘not a Fury’, ‘a fake fighter’, ’embarrassing my family’, and much worse.”The Love Island star went on to reveal that he limited his time on social media and was reluctant to leave the house in the wake of the drama.He continued: “I came off social media and I rarely went out in public because I would get heckled in the street.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When I did leave the house, all those things were said in person, to my face.”I’m not sure how people would have the audacity to do this, but they do. While it was a red rag to a bull, there was nothing I could do about it.”Tommy Fury in first TV interview since Molly Mae split as he releases bombshell bookFury and Paul finally went toe-to-toe in February 2023.The Brit won the fight by split-decision in Saudi Arabia.Fury conducted his first TV interview today since splitting with Molly-Mae Hague.The shamed boxer and Molly-Mae split in August after five years together, and share a daughter.Influencer Molly-Mae dumped her fiancé hours after he returned home from a holiday to North Macedonia where he met a Danish woman on his lads’ holiday.Tommy today appeared on ITV show This Morning to discuss his new book, Lightening Strikes Twice, and was faced with the accusations he had been unfaithful to his Love Island star ex.He also left presenter Cat Deeley stunned when he showed her the size of his fists. More

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      Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

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      FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Former England star, 43, made guest of honour for Greece clash and will finally get long-awaited cap after mix-up

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      A ONE-CAP England star has been made the guest of honour for England’s clash with Greece on Thursday.The now 43-year-old made his one and only cap for the Three Lions at the age of 25 as a second half substitute in a 4-0 friendly win against Greece in August 2006.Ex-Prem star Chris Kirkland has been made the guest of honour for England’s match against GreeceCredit: PA:Empics SportKirkland made his one and only England appearance against Greece in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the former Liverpool star never received his commemorative capCredit: GettyHowever, Chris Kirkland – once the most expensive goalkeeper in Britain after a £6million transfer to Liverpool – oddly never received the traditional cap commemorating his appearance.This oversight was only brought to the attention of the FA in recent months, who, following a flurry of apologies, promised to rectify the situation.And 18 years after Kirkland’s debut, he will now receive that cap as England once again play Greece.That appearance made good on a famous bet made by his father, Eddie, and some family friends for him to play for the national team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 100/1 bet of £98.10 bagged the group £10,000 each.Reflecting on that bet, Kirkland told The Athletic: “If I’d gone into the bookies’ with my dad, and they’d seen me, I’m sure he would have got a lot better odds than 100/1.”I was very gangly. I wasn’t in the best shape. I must have done OK.”My dad must have seen something. I went from playing my first game in goal at nearly 14 to making my Premier League debut (for Coventry City) at 18. It was a rapid rise.”Most read in FootballKirkland starred in the top flight of English football from 2000 to 2011, starring for Coventry, Liverpool, West Brom and Wigan, before later turning out for Leicester, Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston in the Championship.However, Kirkland was plagued with injuries throughout his career, with a back problem proving the most detrimental.Premier League fathers and sonsAfter signing for The Owls in 2012, a back spasm two days before their opening game of the season prompted him to desperately rely on painkilling tablet Tramadol as anxiety over his past knocks haunted him.He said: “I started leaving at 5:45am and getting to the training ground hours before everyone else.”I got really anxious about it, so I started taking more tablets for the anxiety. I was on a slippery slope.”Tramadol is meant to be a maximum of 400mg a day. I got to the point where I was taking 2,500mg a day. “I was taking them out onto the pitch in my goalie bag. It wasn’t for the pain. It was because I was addicted. “They were the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing I thought about at night.”Tramadol was placed on the banned substance list of the World Anti-Doping Agency nine months ago.Kirkland opened up on his struggles with addiction to the substance, which went so far to making him not want to play football.He said: “I was well into the addiction. I couldn’t reverse my mindset, couldn’t reverse my addiction. GETTING HELP:If you think that you have a drug addiction then please contact your GP.You can also visit FRANK for honest information about drugs and to find local treatment services.If you are having trouble finding the right help, call the FRANK drugs helpline on 03001236600Or click here to visit the NHS website for more advice and support”I got worse and worse. I didn’t want to do anything when I got home, didn’t want to socialise, didn’t want to go out. Eventually, I didn’t want to play football.”The Covid-19 pandemic set Kirkland back on his road to kicking his addiction before he went to rehab in early 2022.Kirkland, who has proudly been clean for two and a half years, has revealed that players have privately contacted him asking for help to wean themselves off painkillers.He added: “I’m not saying it’s every other player, but it’s more than you would think.”It’s on the banned list now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone gets caught with them.”They’re not performance-enhancing. They’re not going to turn you into Superman or make you save every shot that comes in. “They’re dangerous. That’s the issue. I was fainting, heart palpitations, hallucinations, violently ill. They can kill you. They should have killed me. They nearly did.”Since hanging up his gloves, Kirkland moved into coaching.He started out at Port Vale in 2017, before moving to Liverpool as a women’s team coach before becoming caretaker manager.Kirkland reverted back to goalkeeper coach and assistant manager before leaving the club in 2019 to focus on the Chris Kirkland goalkeeper academy which he had founded in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn June 2020 he was appointed goalkeeping coach at Colne.He has also embarked on charitable work by going on a series of fundraising walks alongside the LFC Foundation, PFA and various other bodies.Kirkland was once the most expensive goalkeeper in BritainCredit: RexHe opened up on his mental health struggles and addiction to painkillersCredit: GettyIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More