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      in Soccer

      Olly Murs hails The Sun’s £150k grants to grassroots football, saying ‘now no kids gets left behind’

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      OLLY MURS has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign – as we help grassroots clubs net a share of a new £150,000 cashpot.In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative, we have a further 150 grants of £1,000 each to hand out to youth clubs across the UK.Olly Murs has hailed The Sun’s Footie For All campaign, which funds grassroots clubs across the countryCredit: Paul EdwardsPopstar Murs, who played semi-professionally before hitting the big time, represented England at Soccer Aid 2012 in aid of Unicef at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – ContributorThe bumper fund matches our first round of grants dished out last year.Visiting the Crown & Manor club in Hackney, East London — one of the recipients of our initial awards — Olly, 39, said: “In 2024 the cost of ­living is so high for so many families.“For the kids to suffer and not be able to come and play football because their ­parents cannot afford it would be such a tragedy.“So the fact The Sun and Tesco are doing this will help families to get their children playing football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“That’s the good thing about this campaign. The grants are there to ensure no kid gets left behind.”We launched our Footie For All campaign last year to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing children to give up football.A safe spaceFigures from charity Sported showed 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were worried about the impact soaring costs were having on membership.Our first batch of grants saw £150,000 given out thanks to support from Tesco Stronger Starts, which funds healthy food and activities for kids across the UK.Most read in FootballWe were inundated with applications for help, along with stories of local teams making a huge difference in their communities.So we wanted to offer clubs more assistance.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralFrom starting up new teams and providing free places for kids of low-income families, to replacing old and out-of-date equipment, the cash has gone to good use.So today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic new Footie For All grants.They can be used in any way that encourages kids to take up the sport or aids access to the game.Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on.Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Before shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009, Olly played semi-professionally for Witham Town in Essex until 2008, when injury ended his career.It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kidsOlly MursThe singer — soon to become a dad for the first time with bodybuilder wife Amelia Tank — was delighted to see kids benefit from our campaign.The chart-topper and Soccer Aid regular said: “It’s an honour to be at Crown & Manor and to see where the money is going that The Sun and Tesco have put together.“I’m sure playing here helps them with communication as they interact across different age groups and it brings them together. There are ­different ages, cultures, ­languages, and they all just love ­playing football.“It doesn’t matter who you are off the pitch. It all comes down to who is going to win that ball first.“It’s great to see the impact this grant is having on the kids at Crown & Manor.”The club’s youngsters come mainly from low income families.Organisers aim to provide a safe space and positive role models for every child.For just £1, kids have access to sport, homework help and a chance to socialise with their peers.Olly started his playing career with Valley Green, near his home in Witton, Essex, where his dad coached.Life changing opportunity He says it gave him confidence and taught him how to chat with anyone.“For me, at 13 years of age, playing grassroots football was where my social network began,” he said.“It’s where I got all my friends. It was my escapism from all my other worries, like school or experiences as a teenager. It gave me the confidence to chat with people and I had team-mates I could lean on if I ever got in any trouble.“When I get back to Essex, I still see the people I used to play with. That friendship has never been forgotten. Grassroots was a big part of my life and I think every kid should get involved in something team related. I know my life would have been different without it.”During his visit to the 100-year-old Crown & Manor club, Olly had a kickaround with the 13, 14 and 15-year-olds, who had no problem trying to steal the ball from him.Olly enjoyed a kickabout with young players from Crown and Manor football club in HackneyCredit: Paul EdwardsReality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to useCredit: Olivia WestAs well as posing for selfies, he even took a turn in goal.But thanks to his squad’s defenders, he didn’t have to make any saves.Former West Ham Academy player and team coach Jason Mason, 39, was impressed with Olly’s skills on the pitch.And he is glad The Sun has been able to provide each of Crown & Manor’s teams with a new strip.“The £1,000 grant means our four teams have a new kit,” he said.“Some of them were getting very old. It’s helped us a lot with making that possible.”Having Olly down to play some games also really boosted the boys.‘Sense of community’Jason said: “It’s great for them to see that Olly is just a normal person like them. They’ve really enjoyed the ­session, and how many people can say they’ve played football with Olly Murs?”Mum Tyler, whose son Artie, 12, plays football at Crown & Manor, said of her lad: “He’s been coming to the club since he was about six.“It’s amazing what they do for the kids. Everyone is so lovely and it’s a really nice place for him to be. It’s built his confidence 100 per cent. He started secondary school and knowing the older kids from football made it so much easier.“I’d never let my son out on the streets, so if he wasn’t here he’d be in his bedroom on a PlayStation or something. Every youth worker, regardless of their age, helps our children in different ways.”Meanwhile, reality star and mum-of-two Nicola McLean, 42, visited Flackwell Heath Minors girls’ team to see how the money we awarded is being put to use.On her trip to the Bucks club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome as the boys’ teams. They’re all amazing.”Nicola is used to ferrying her boys — Rocky, 18, and 13-year-old Striker — to training sessions as both played football at this level.The star, married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, 43, said: “My eldest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both my boys have done it. It’s given them a sense of ­community and it’s been a great way to make friends.“Kids also learn how to win and lose. They need to be taught both of those. It’s a great thing and as many people as possible should be involved in grassroots football.All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­footballDeclan Breen “It shouldn’t come down to finances whether a kid can play or not. That is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola was told by coaches at Flackwell Heath Minors that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender.Thanks to our Footie For All grant, the club has been able to rent and buy more of the things it needs to open up the game to as many girls as possible.Club chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions.“We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us.“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing ­football.”Olly, soon to become a father with wife Amelia Tank, was delighted to see kids benefit from The Sun’s football campaignCredit: GettyCurzon Ashton FC Community FoundationDESPITE there being a high number of low-income families locally, this club is ensuring that money is not a barrier to kids joining its ranks.Ashton-under-Lyme is a deprived part of Greater Manchester, but Curzon Ashton FC charges just £3 a session and has players aged six to 80, some with disabilities.Curzon Ashton FC has many projects including weekly after-school girls’ football sessionsFoundation manager Mike Smith, 54, from Gateshead, says: “Everything we do is virtually free or for a small subscription. Football is a powerful tool for engaging with the community and keeping people socialised, fit and active.” Their many projects include weekly after-school girls’ football sessions, with 21 youngsters participating so far. Mike says: “It gives parents the chance to let the children do something free.”Our £1,000 grant has helped pay for this, plus new equipment.Mike adds: “Thanks to the funding from The Sun and Tesco we’re able to give girls the opportunity to play and learn new skills.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FCTHIS busy club has a mighty 22 teams, with players starting as young as six, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to access football.“That’s our ethos,” says chairman Robert Walsh, 50, who has worked at the Cheshire club for a decade, starting as a coach. Football is an amazing way for young kids to make friends and gives confidence as well as being a great way of keeping fit and active.”Northwich Victoria Juniors FC has 22 teams to joinThe club used its £1,000 Sun grant to buy new equipment, including goals, corner flags and “respect barriers” to ensure players are kept safe.Like other clubs, Northwich has seen a huge rise in the numbers of girls wanting to play, and the grant is helping to launch two new female teams.Robert adds: “We have enough demand to create even more teams than that, but our problem is finding volunteers to coach as we’re not paid.”Cheadle And Gatley JFCFORMER club member Holly Deering, 18, recently broke into the Manchester United ladies’ first team, alongside England stars Ella Toone and Mary Earps.So there is much to be proud of for this Stockport side, marking its 50th birthday, which has 750 members and 15 girls’ teams.Cheadle And Gatley JFC has a whopping 750 membersIt has put a lot of cash, including its £1,000 grant, into a Girls’ Development Centre, and seen huge results.For the past seven years the club has been producing one or two new girls’ teams a year.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut demand has rocketed since the Lionesses’ success and there are plans for four or five new teams for girls aged seven to ten.Club treasurer Richard Hubbard, 52, says almost half a dozen members have turned pro in the last couple of years, adding: “The club is open-access sports for all. If there are parents who are financially challenged, we offer discounted membership.”How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      To apply and for full terms and conditions, see tescostronger starts.org.uk/footiefund

      Entries close at midnight, April 30. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      I had to give up digging holes in roads around Kent to secure stunning first-round KO on Joshua vs Ngannou undercard

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      LOUIS GREENE went from digging holes and fitting water pipes to knocking out a highly-touted prospect on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Saudi Arabia.The 31-year-old locked horns with undefeated Liverpudlian Jack McGann in the preliminary fights on the mega-money Joshua vs Ngannou card.Louis Greene knocked out Jack McGann on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercardCredit: GETTYGreene was digging holes in Kent roads just weeks before the biggest win of his careerCredit: GETTYGreene entered the contest as a huge underdog, with many seeing him as a lamb to the slaughter.But he bagged the biggest win of his career with a vicious right hook in the first round that left McGann out for the count.Dad of two Greene was overcome with emotion after the fight and revealed he quit his day job in a bid to make one last run at rising up the super-welterweight ranks.’The Medway Mauler’ said: “I gave up work for this. READ MORE IN BOXING”I jumped from job to job that fit around [my training], provided for my kids, and being able to fight for a living.”For this one, I gave up work completely to come here and put on a show.”I knew I was going to do it. I was confident all week.”I’m not a betting man, my brother just won a couple of grand on me because he bet this round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”I was digging holes, fitting water mains with my pal George, who is sitting there, in the slum we live in.”Greene was quick to pay a heartfelt tribute to his dad, who he credits for saving him from a stint behind bars.Louis Greene SHOCKS boxing world with first round TKO win over Jack McGannHe added: “Me and my dad come from nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing!”Just a working class background and I was a bad kid. I was on my way to prison and my dad saved me, stuck by me, and my dad is a Postman.”My dad is here with me now sharing all of this.”I can’t even put into words how it feels.”I had a son when I was 16 years old and I feel like I owe my life to him.”Greene plans to celebrate with a good old-fashioned boozy knees-up when he gets back to the UK.He said: “It’s going to be rammed with the beers when I get back, boys.” More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Athletics

      I’m a porn icon dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’ – I give my athletics ace son tips on how to beat performance anxiety

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      LEONARDO TANO’S porn-icon parents have helped him get his legs over – as a rising star of hurdles.Dad Rocco – dubbed the “Italian Stallion” – claims he gave the athletic all-rounder the heads-up on “how to fight performance anxiety”.Leonardo Tano is a bright young name in Hungarian sportCredit: Instagram @leonardotanoLeonardo and his brother Lorenzo flank parents Rocco and Rosa at a screening of new Netflix show Supersex at a Berlin film festivalCredit: ReutersDad Rocco, shown at his porn peak, has passed on tips such as self-belief to son LeonardoCredit: FacebookNow Leonardo, 24, is in pole position to exploit his versatile talents – as he has all the mental and physical attributes needed.Sports-wise, the part-time model eagerly plays the field – and the track.The social media influencer rode dirt bikes, was a karting champion and also ran before focusing on his main gift – hurdling.And thanks to some fatherly advice, he takes on all-comers with confidence as one of Hungary’s hottest prospects.Tano Senior, 59, who calls himself a sex addict, and wife Rozsa Tassi, 51, found fame via their screen names of Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo.Rocco has appeared in more than 1,300 adult “movies” and features on Netflix show Supersex, which was released on Wednesday.But he is most proud of keeping his son on the straight and narrow in sport.The Daily Star report Rocco as having said: “I taught him how to fight performance anxiety.Most read in Athletics”Leonardo took all of my stubbornness. But in another area he uses his head much more, so to speak.”Tano Junior was a karting whizkid – until he grew too big.Five celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyLuckily, however, his 6ft4ins frame has proved ideal for the hurdles.And his dad loves the dedication Leonardo has shown in recent years, starting when he was a mechanical engineering student. He told Crush Fanzine at the time: “I try to play as many sports as I can. “My principal focus is track and field, which I do six times a week, resting on Sunday.”I would say I am sports addicted, as for me it is an important ingredient to my general health and happiness.”Instagram star Leonardo has branched out from his family’s fameCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Exiled footie star Mason Greenwood believes a return to Man Utd could save his parents’ strained marriage

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      FOOTBALL star Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problems.His dad Andrew, who is also his agent, has joined him in exile in Spain while his mum Melanie has remained at the star’s mansion in Cheshire.Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problemsCredit: RexHis dad Andrew joined him in exile in Spain while his mum Melanie has remained at the star’s mansion in CheshireCredit: AFPGrenwood lives with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer in MadridCredit: FacebookThe forced separation has put strains on the marriage and Mason now realises he may need to return to the Premiership next season.He has been on loan at La Liga club Getafe since Old Trafford bosses ruled last September that his future lay elsewhere, after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.Mason lives with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer in Madrid. Dad Andrew has also set up a base nearby to help his son cope with life in Spain.Read More on FootballBut mum Melanie has remained at the couple’s home in Bowdon, placing a strain on their relationship.United have repeatedly insisted Greenwood’s most likely future is a permanent move away from the club.He thinks a lot of their problems could be solved if he went back to United. He’s very close to his parents, so it’s one of the reasons why a move back home could happenSun sourceBut new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy last week by suggesting the club could change its mind and bring the 22-year-old striker back to Old Trafford.The Sun understands Greenwood has expected to remain in Spain, with a move to Barcelona under discussion.Most read in FootballBut helping ease the stresses on his family’s life could be a factor in favour of any potential move back.A source said: “Mason has been very happy in Spain and knows a lot of top clubs including Barcelona are interested in him.Mason Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped“He was annoyed with United about how they handled the situation following his charges, so has always been reluctant to return.“But his mum and dad have spent long periods apart since Mason moved to Spain and everyone knows long­distance relationships can be hard, especially given the pressures they were under ever since Mason was first arrested in January 2022.“It’s been a very difficult two years for the Greenwood family.“He thinks a lot of their problems could be solved if he went back to United. He’s very close to his parents, so it’s one of the reasons why a move back home could happen.”Greenwood has scored seven goals in 25 league games for Getafe. He remains contracted to United until 2025.Greenwood announced the birth of baby Summer with this snapCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceSir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy by suggesting the club could change its mind and bring the 22-year-old striker back to Old TraffordCredit: AFP More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I grew up in paradise until volcano forced family to evacuate.. I may not have been footballer if not for scary eruption

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      DONERVON DANIELS knows a thing or two about beating the odds.And this time the Walsall skipper, 30, is only talking about a surge towards the play-offs, having lived through a true life-or-death drama.
      Walsall defender Donervon Daniels won the League Two’s goal of the month award with a solo stunner against Sutton on January 27
      The Soufriere Hills volcano spewed ash long after the 1995 eruptionCredit: AFP
      As a toddler, Daniels was part of a mass evacuation when a once-dormant volcano suddenly exploded back into life on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat, forcing thousands to flee.
      The Saddlers can draw level on points with seventh–placed Harrogate if they win at the EnviroVent Stadium today — and centre-back Daniels knows he can handle the pressure.
      January’s Sky Bet goal of the month winner said: “We are a young side and we were in a stalemate for a while back there but now we’re going places.
      “Two games ago we beat Mansfield, who are second and, remember, had just scored nine against Harrogate.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      “Look at our league position and we’re actually below mid–table but we’re one of nine teams within three points of a play–off position.
      “Make no mistake, there’s a growing belief that we can be the ones who can break through because we are developing real momentum.
      “This is a club that was a mainstay of League One — it is just where we belong, at least, and I’m convinced that we can get back there this season.”
      Daniels often heads back to the scene of that terrifying volcanic eruption as part of Montserrat’s international squad, now managed by former Birmingham and Charlton boss Lee Bowyer.
      Most read in EFL
      Daniels claims play-off hopefuls Walsall deserve to return to League OneCredit: Alamy
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      There is nothing Daniels loves more than exploring the island he had to leave so quickly in 1995, when the Soufriere Hills volcano became active and left half of Montserrat uninhabitable.
      He left with mum Helen and five siblings for Hackney in London’s East End but paradise was not lost to him.
      Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta shows off toned midriff while presenting huge clash as fans call her ‘marvellous’
      Daniels, who has three caps, explained: “My mum was born in the UK but she moved out to Montserrat when she was young because she still had a lot of family there.
      “After the eruption, a lot went to America. She came back here but she always pleaded with me to one day try to play for Montserrat.
      “She would go there every summer to see relatives and it was down to her that I did get capped.
      “Everybody knows everybody over there and she got to know the person who ran the Montserrat FA and I started playing for my adopted country in 2021.
      “It’s strange to think that had it not been for the volcano, I might never have become a footballer or played for Montserrat.Donervon Daniels
      “Sadly, mum passed away five years ago and so never got the chance to see that — but I know she’s looking down and proud.”
      Daniels, who began his career at West Brom and joined Walsall from Crewe in 2022, added: “It’s sad, too, that my first home is no longer there.
      “We lived in the island’s capital of Plymouth but it was wiped out.
      “But I still have her family there when I go over. I love to explore the place and it’s beautiful.
      “It’s not far from Antigua and the habitable part of the island is just like paradise.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s strange to think that had it not been for the volcano, I might never have become a footballer or played for Montserrat.
      “Now I’m proud to do so thanks to my mum and, hopefully, there will be more pride here at Walsall come the end of the season.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton ‘ran me over’ in go kart aged 7 – neighbours love him but one of his remarks went down like lead balloon

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      FORMER neighbours of Sir Lewis Hamilton have fondly remembered his time in their town but said one of his remarks went down “like a lead balloon”.Locals said they knew the Formula One ace was destined for greatness when he hurtled round their council estate on a go-kart at the age of seven.
      Lewis Hamilton’s first home in StevenageCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Trevor Lugmayer pointing to where a Blue Plaque use to hang saying ‘Lewis Hamilton Racing Driver lived here 1997-2001’Credit: Andrew Styczynski
      Trevor has bought the house next door where Hamilton’s mother Carmen livedCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Lewis Hamilton is joining Ferrari from next yearCredit: Alamy
      And the local postman revealed exclusively how Lewis had his first crash, when he ran slap-bang into his legs as he delivered mail in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
      “I shouted ‘Hey, look out, you little bugger’,” said the postie, who asked not to be named. 
      “Then he whacked into me, going like the clappers on his little cart.
      “But Lewis did say ‘sorry’. He was a lovely lad and his family were very nice people too. I often used to chat to his dad.
      Read More in F1
      “I’m not at all surprised he ended up as world champion.
      “And there’s not many postmen can say they were once run over by Lewis Hamilton!”
      Former engineer Peter Fuller, 80, who lived just down the road from the Hamilton family, told how he would often “straighten out” Lewis’s go-kart after he’d had “a bump”.
      “He used to play with my kids,” said Peter.
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      “He could be a bit mischievous, but he was a nice lad. Everybody liked him.
      “I’m not at all surprised he became the world champion – even as a kid he was very competitive and never frightened to have a go.”
      Shopworker Tia Brown, 25, whose parents moved into the Hamilton family’s old house after they left, told how he occasionally popped back to look at his childhood home.
      “Once he came round on my birthday and brought me some cake,” she said.
      “Another time when I was in secondary school he visited with his girlfriend.
      “I think Lewis is great. Despite his wealth, he is a really lovely down-to-earth lad.”
      ‘LOVELY LAD’
      The house in Stevenage, where the youngster started racing model cars and go-karts, has since changed hands several times.
      When the Hamilton family left the home, they moved into two detached houses just a couple of miles away.
      Lewis lived in one with his father and stepmother, while his mum lived in the one next door.
      Both are reckoned to be worth well over a million pounds.
      Lewis Hamilton, 39, recently signed a £100million mega deal to join Ferrari in a switch that has shocked F1.
      The seven-time world champion has agreed to drive for F1’s most famous team in 2025 and 2026.
      But the multi-millionaire upset many locals a few years ago during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year contest when he slagged off Stevenage.
      He told host Gabby Logan: “It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different;  for us to get out of the slums.”
      The then leader of Stevenage Council described his comment as “disappointing” and said local people felt “very offended”.
      Kerry Gray lives near to Lewis Hamilton’s first homeCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Peter Fuller used to fix Hamilton’s broken go kartsCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Hamilton’s former home down a leafy Hertfordshire laneCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Retired businessman Trevor Lugmayer and his wife Valerie now live in one, while their daughter Sherry and her family are next door.
      “This is certainly no slum,” said grandfather Trevor, 78, who was once a professional DJ.
      “I don’t think Lewis could have been serious when he made that remark.
      “On the contrary, it’s an extremely desirable area. One house down the road sold the other year for more than a million.
      “And at one time there was a covenant which meant the houses could only be sold to professional people like doctors, lawyers and accountants.”
      There used to be a blue and white plaque on the side of Trevor’s house saying that Lewis Hamilton once lived there.
      But light-fingered souvenir-hunters unscrewed it in the middle of the night .
      Trevor added: “We still get fans coming round from time to time. But they’re not much of a problem
      “Lewis’s brother also pops back occasionally in his yellow Lamborghini car.
      “But he doesn’t hang about afterwards – when he’s ready to go, he just puts his foot down and ‘whoosh’ his car has vanished.”
      Once this Formula One season is over, six-times world champion Hamilton plans to leave his Mercedes team and join rivals Ferrari in a multi-million pound deal.
      “Who can blame him for that?” asked Mr Fuller. 
      “Who wouldn’t switch teams with that sort of money being offered?
      “His slum remark the other year did go down like a lead balloon but if was off-the-cuff  and I don’t think he meant it the way it came across.
      “Although compared to where he now lives in Monaco, virtually anywhere else in the world would be considered a slum!”
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES?Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      Grandmother Kerry Gray, 51, who lives a couple of doors away, moved into the street after the Hamilton family had left.
      But she said: “No way is this a slum. I came here from Harlow and it’s much better than there. I love Stevenage and we have some really good neighbours.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another neighbour Enrique Camilleri, a 20-year-old support worker, said: “I think Lewis was exaggerating to call this a slum. I really like living here, there’s never any trouble.”
      Lewis Hamilton’s reps have been contacted for comment.
      The seven-time Drivers Championship winner will join Ferrari in 2025 More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska throws baby shower for third child with Molly-Mae Hague among guests

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      LUKE SHAW and girlfriend Anouska Santos threw a lavish baby shower – with guest Molly-May Hague calling the event “adorable”.Anouska is expecting her third child with Manchester United left-back Shaw.
      Luke Shaw and Anouska Santos are pictured with son Reign and daughter StorieCredit: INSTAGRAM @anouskasantos
      A lengthy menu was on offer at the baby showerCredit: Instagram
      Guest Molly-Mae Hague called it a ‘special day’Credit: Instagram
      Molly-Mae Hague clearly enjoyed the occasionCredit: Getty
      This impressive table presentation took centre stageCredit: Instagram
      She gave her 72,000 Instagram followers a tantalising insight into the occasion.
      And Anouska’s friend Molly-Mae was equally enthusiastic about it all.
      The ex-Love Island star and fiancee of Tyson Fury’s half-brother Tommy shared shots from what she called the “special day”.
      Molly-Mae posted a clip of singer Jade Leigh Parr performing and added the words: “Gorgeous Gorgeous vibes… Hurry along little baby, you’ve no idea of the life you’re about to have.”
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      Anouska, 31, and 28-year-old Luke also posed for beaming pics with their two kids – son Reign, four and daughter Storie, who will be two in May.
      On the long menu, next to an exotic list of cocktails, were some flamboyant versions of familiar favourites.
      These included lemon butter and sea salt edamame, guacamole with home-made nachos, prawns, fondue and yellowfin tuna sashimi ribbons.
      And arguably even more plush – beef tataki, seared beef with truffle chilli dressing, paprika-dusted calamari and habanero matchstick chicken.
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      Anouska was delighted with the floral displayCredit: Instagram
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      The couple have been together for several years.
      But although Anouska has more than 72,000 followers on Instagram, she is regarded as more private than many WAGs.
      Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire models
      She does, however, post holiday snaps as well as marking major family events, such as announcing the birth of Storie two years ago.
      And she is known too for owning accessories brand Treats Studios.
      The baby shower came after Shaw had a mixed time in United’s 2-1 Premier League win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
      The late smash-and-grab victory, earned by substitute Scott McTominay, lifted the Red Devils to fifth.
      But England ace Shaw went off at half-time, albeit manager Erik ten Hag calling it a “precaution”.
      The Dutchman added: “He had some complaints and we can’t take any risks with him because he’s had many injuries in the past.”
      Anouska has been called ‘gorgeous’ and the ‘cutest ever’ on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantos
      She has more than 72k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @anouskasantos
      The couple have been together for several yearsCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantos More

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      Annie Kilner’s sister accuses Lauryn Goodman of ‘antagonising the family’ by sharing pics of her kids with Kyle Walker

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      ANNIE Kilner’s sister has accused Lauryn Goodman of “antagonising” their family by sharing pictures of her kids with Kyle Walker.The ex-WAG, 30, dumped the Man City footballer after learning he’d fathered a second child with Lauryn last month.
      Annie Kilner kicked husband Kyle out over ChristmasCredit: Splash
      England star Kyle Walker with AnnieCredit: Tim Stewart
      Sian Kilner, Annie’s sister, has been vocal in her support onlineCredit: Instagram/@siankilner
      Her sister Sian has been vocal in her support on social media since and has now taken to Instagram to slam Lauryn’s alleged “online taunts”.
      It comes after Lauryn shared a picture and brief video of one of her and Kyle’s two children appearing to speak Spanish.
      Sian wrote: “Once again we have been inundated with people sending content you’ve uploaded in an attempt to torment my heavily pregnant sister and her family.
      “The selected video clip you shared of your little ‘miracle boy’ (quote taken from your interview on the Victoria Derbyshire show) naming his half brothers is obviously meant to antagonise Annie.
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      “However it only show how low you will stoop to get attention. Notably he misses out the name of his full sibling, his sister, but presumably that is because you are saving for another ‘exclusive’?”
      her Instagram story continued: “Did you conveniently forget that you were given the chance for him to meet these half brothers but you refused?
      “This isn’t about showing how he is ‘fluent in Spanish’. This isn’t in the best interests of any of the children. This is, and always has been, about you.
      “I have already been forced to publicly ask you to leave my sister alone and now I’m having to do the same for my nephews!! We aren’t taking the online taunts any longer.
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      “You asked ‘When will this end’ in your interview that came out over the weekend. We have been wondering the same.”
      Annie, who is has three kids with Kyle and is currently is seven months pregnant with their fourth, is said to be at “breaking point” due to the spotlight and stress of their split.
      Her friends told The Sun this week: “She is in the final stages of her pregnancy and is terrified about going into labour early.
      “Annie is wrestling with her emotions because of her separation from Kyle and is deeply concerned about the impact of all the children involved.”
      Lauryn told Annie she had given birth to a second child with Kyle over the Christmas period.
      Kyle was subsequently kicked out the family’s £2.5million home on Boxing Day.
      In a statement, she later revealed: “Sadly, after many years of marriage and three wonderful children together; I have decided to take some time away from Kyle.”
      Meanwhile, Kyle told The Sun he bitterly regrets betraying his “soulmate”.
      He also admitted to making  “idiot choices and idiot decisions” after sleeping with reality TV star Lauryn.
      Sian took to Instagram to slam Lauryn’s “online taunts”Credit: Instagram/siankilner
      Kyle Walker in action against Brentford on Monday nightCredit: Rex More