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      Arsenal star Mikel Merino is lover of notorious bull run with La Liga cult hero dad and pro-basketball star mum

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      THE SPANISH city of Pamplona is famous for its Running of the Bulls festival.Every summer, daredevil locals volunteer to lead the bulls – often 10 or more – down narrow streets at high speed in an event that attracts hundreds of tourists from around the world.Mikel Merino is in contention to make his Premier League debut with ArsenalCredit: GettyArsenal ace Merino is a fan of the notorious Pamplona bull runCredit: AFPMerino is the son of Osasuna legend Miguel Angel Merino and basketball hero MaiteA regular face in the crowds is Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, 28 – a local Pamplona lad from the province of Navarre and an admirer of the power and unpredictability on show.There was a time during his upbringing at the famed Osasuna academy where Merino was viewed in a similar light: a midfield talent with an impressive physique – now standing at 6 foot 2 inches – but one who lacked control.Former Osasuna coach Jose Manuel Mateo told SunSport: “There was a period in which he was physically a very powerful player but was still not developed enough to move his body.“It was a bit difficult for him. He was very strong, really advanced for his age, something special that was above the others, but missing something muscularly.Read More on Arsenal“But by the end of his time with us, he was technically and physically a complete player. People could see he would reach the top immediately.“A great left foot, he had potential aerially, covered a lot of the pitch, stepped into both attacking and defensive areas with great ease and a lot of potential to score goals.”Merino arrived at the Osasuna academy at the age of 16 in the summer of 2012, already a minor celebrity thanks to his father Angel Miguel – a club legend of nearly 200 appearances turned youth coach.His towering stature for one so young however came from his mother Maite – a professional basketball player in her prime – while his brothers were also ready-born athletes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOsasuna’s most successful products include ex-Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and former Gunners full-back Nacho Monreal, yet would often have their great youth talents snatched by neighbouring rivals Athletic Bilbao, such as Javi Martinez – a nine-time Bundesliga champion and two-time Champions League winner with Bayern Munich.But there was never a chance of Merino deserting, such was his love for family-club Osasuna, a decision that turned out to be pivotal in the long run.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed In a tumultuous 2014/15 campaign that saw Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation from the Spanish second tier, Mateo was made interim coach in February 2015 and immediately promoted an 18-year-old Merino to the first team.Mateo explained: “What Osasuna gives young players is a charm, with demanding conditions that give them the necessary attributes to succeed.“The fact that players from here go on to play at big clubs, you can see they have been motivated by being in the lower leagues, showing their potential.“[Merino] Is proud to have become the type of player he is with us. It was special to see him arrive in the first team, like when you go to the salt and see the players from the quarry.“His debut came about in a very compromised situation, and from there he rose. It was an indisputable pillar of his famous rise to where we see him now.“To be thrown in and to do what he did, there was no doubt that he was no longer just a footballer, but one who was going to end up where he is now at Arsenal.”Becoming an ‘influential player’Merino played a starring role the following season, driving Osasuna to La Liga promotion via the play-offs with four goals in 34 league appearances.Mateo added: “Ever since, in every club he has been at, he has been an influential player.”From the outside, this perhaps did not look to be the case during underwhelming spells with Borussia Dortmund in 2016/17 and Newcastle in 2017/18.But Merino soon found a home at Real Sociedad before being highlighted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta this summer as a vital cog in the club’s Premier League title charge.No doubt Spaniard Arteta was impressed enough by compatriot Merino’s influence on Spain’s Euros triumph in July – including a quarter-final extra-time headed winner to knock out Germany – to bring him to the Emirates for £32million.Merino is in contention to make his Prem debut on Saturday against Southampton after finally making his first appearance in the mid-week Champions League 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain following a freak shoulder injury in his first training session back in August.But there are those at Osasuna who are already counting down the days until Merino ends his career back in Pamplona in a fairy tale return.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateo said: “Having had a father who has been a player and then to see the son, for those of us who are ‘Osasunistas’ it fills us with pride. That root continues to be maintained.“When a player touches the roof of football, at world or European level, to have them return would bring that pride back. It would be beautiful.” More

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      I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY is making his mark after breaking into the Arsenal first team.But while the 18-year-old midfielder is helping Mikel Arteta in his quest for Premier League and Champions League glory, his mum is helping other parents get to grips with their children making it as professional footballers.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mum has her own podcastCredit: Instagram @myleslewisskellyShe discusses what life is like as the parent of a footballerCredit: Instagram @no1fan.clubMarcia is a qualified Fifa agent after taking the examLewis-Skelly’s mum Marcia – who went viral with her reaction to her son’s European debut – launched her own podcast to give tips, advice and share her experiences of being a football parent. The Behind The Boots pod has also featured Alex Iwobi’s father Chuka and Georgia Stanway’s mother Joanne as guests.Arsenal academy boss and World Cup winner Per Mertesacker has also been on, too. The Gunners rising star told the club website: “My mum does a podcast to help parents in the industry who don’t have as much support from other clubs, just to help them through the journey.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”We’re the players but our parents have a big role to play as well.”They’re ultimately our number one fans so if they get help on their journey then they can support each other as well.”As well as the podcast, Marcia runs the No1 Fan Club.The online platform includes various resources, a community chat network, workshops and even a book club – all tailored towards providing wisdom, education and support for parents.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMarcia’s background is in investment banking where she led a technology training department.However, as her son rose through the ranks at Hale End, the attention of agents led to her wanting to find out more about the world of professional football.Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’So much so that she studied a master’s degree in football business and even took Fifa’s football agent exam, now representing her child. Speaking to The Athletic, Marcia said: “Football is a business. And, like any business, you have to understand it to be successful. “If we don’t understand it, we’re going to make the wrong decisions. We are expected to stay in our lane and let everyone else manage the limited flow of information for us.”At various points, I felt unprepared to make decisions that could impact Myles’ future.”There was no trusted advice, no network to consult, and no family connections in the football industry.“I wanted to understand the landscape of football.“There are plenty of great agents, but his dad and I needed more time to build those relationships — and to properly understand what agents do. It’s such a big decision that we wanted that extra time.“I took my exam, not really as a driver to represent Myles, but to gain that knowledge for us.”On the No1 Fan Club, she added: “There are over 3.5million kids playing organised football every week, and many of them want to be professional footballers.”We can give those parents and guardians a glimpse of the academy journey if they take it, and provide them with a range of insights from experts in areas such as getting scouted, nutrition, growth injuries, sleep, the impact of digital devices on performance, the overall wellbeing of our children — and ourselves! It’s a holistic approach.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Lewis-Skelly, he made his first-team debut away at Manchester City last month – a year on from signing his first professional contract at the Emirates. Incredibly, though, the teenager was booked BEFORE taking to the field for Arsenal for the first time. Lewis-Skelly came on against Manchester City for his Arsenal debutCredit: GettyThe youngster came through the Gunners academyCredit: AlamyMarcia was at the Emirates when her son played in the Champions League for the first timeCredit: X/ footballontnt More

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      How love rat Kyle Walker’s ‘clever’ wife is ‘no doormat & had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for FIVE YEARS’

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      KYLE Walker’s wife Annie Kilner had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals told The Sun.The despairing mum of four allegedly asked at least four footballer’s wives for advice before marrying the love rat to ensure financial “security” in case he strayed again.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie had been plotting to cash in on his cheating for years, pals saidCredit: XposureAnnie and the football star in 2018 before their public falloutAnnie, above watching Kyle during the Euros in June, was said to have been looking at her options as far back as 2019Credit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunInsiders claimed Annie was looking at her options as far back as 2019, when she first dumped Premier League footie ace Kyle, 34, over his affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown.It comes after we revealed yesterday that Annie, 31, has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defender to fix their relationship after he fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.In messages seen by The Sun from five years ago, before the couple tied the knot, Annie glumly conceded, “It’s the same old s**t, he’s been doing it for ten years”, before asking pals for their opinions on how to future-proof herself financially.Annie, who started dating Kyle aged 16, also seemed to predict that he would betray her again, writing to a friend at the time: “He’s going to have a lonely end . . . ”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe went on to marry the footballer in 2021, but kicked him out of their £4million Cheshire mansion in January this year as it emerged that he had fathered a second child with Lauryn, 33.‘Cut losses and run’Friends said they believed it was only a matter of time before Annie pulled the plug on the 17-year relationship for good.A source added: “Annie married Kyle for love, but she also knew in her heart of hearts she had to do it to secure a financial windfall for herself and their children.“She has been formulating a get-out plan for some time in terms of finances. Annie is actually very astute and is no one’s fool.Most read in Football“People may assume she is a doormat, but Annie is clever and she was aware that she’d need to marry Kyle to have access to his money.“When she first dumped Kyle in 2019, Annie sought advice from her married Wag friends about her options and what she should do.Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie ‘will only give their troubled marriage another go if he pays her HALF his fortune’Lauryn, 34, said the multi-millionaire footballer, 33, told “Some said she should leave him at the time, cut her losses and run. But others warned marrying him would be the only way she could really secure herself financially.”Friends told us that Annie herself later agreed, revealing to them: “Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it again.”Messages Annie sent to pals not long after she temporarily gave Kyle the boot in 2019 also reveal her despair at his wayward antics off the field. Soul-searching in the wake of the cheating scandal, Annie then wrote to a friend: “I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he is.”I have been his backbone all these years. I helped to make him what he isAnnieA pal said: “Annie was at her wits’ end and didn’t seem to be getting help from anyone, which is why she started to speak to her married friends about what they would do.Annie has demanded £15million cash from the Manchester City defenderCredit: AlamyKyle fathered two children with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: Splash“By this point she’d been with Kyle for well over a decade. In her eyes, she had given everything for their relationship and cheating is how he repaid her loyalty.”When Kyle and Annie were still apart in early 2020, he slept with Lauryn Goodman — a short-lived affair which resulted in the birth of their son, Kairo. Later that year, he held a sex party in lockdown and issued a grovelling apology.He said at the time: “I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.”Despite his infidelities, Annie took Kyle back and he secretly proposed that summer. Before they wed in a low-key ceremony in November 2021, Annie confided in friends that when Kyle had begged for another chance, he had promised they would marry.And friends said Annie walked down the aisle hoping they could work things through as a family. But she took some comfort in knowing that, if Kyle cheated again, she would be able to divorce him and get her share of his money.They added: “Annie had been with Kyle since she was a teenager. She felt they had true love and, by this point, they had children together.“Annie desperately wanted them to be a family, but she knew she had to think with her head rather than just with her heart.“She married him for love, but also to protect herself. She wanted to stake her claim for the money.”Just over two years after their wedding, Annie’s worst fears were confirmed when reality TV wannabe Lauryn messaged her around Christmas to reveal she had given birth to a second child with Kyle.Lauryn now has Kairo, four, and Kinara, one, with the footballer — who pays her huge sums of money for their two children.The humiliation at Kyle’s deceit was compounded for Annie by the fact that when Lauryn told her Kyle had cheated again, she was pregnant with their fourth child. Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it againAnnieAnnie has since allowed Kyle to move back into the Cheshire pad they share with their four boys on a “trial basis”.But friends told The Sun Annie’s motive was purely to let Kyle have time with their children while she weighed up her options — including the demand to be paid around £15million. A source said: “Annie’s worst fears came true when Kyle cheated again, but this time she has the security of being his wife.“It’s exactly what she was thinking about five years ago when Kyle was begging for her to take him back and promising to marry her.“Annie has spoken to solicitors with Kyle about getting the money into her account for her and the boys.“He has a fortune of almost £30million and she wants half of it. She has stuck with Kyle through thick and thin, through every humiliation and pounding from online trolls and forum gossips.’Thick and thin’“Kyle accepts what he has done and has been open to the conversations and has spoken with solicitors about Annie’s position. “He has desperately been trying to make amends, but knows Annie has been pushed to the limit with this.”Pals said that Kyle’s recent court case with Lauryn over child support had added to Annie’s uncertainty over whether she should take him back. Documents which were made public by a judge in July revealed how Lauryn was using Kyle like an “open-ended cheque book”, demanding an astroturf pitch and air conditioning for the £2.4million home Kyle bought for her and their children to live in.He also makes provisions for the kids, including helping with the cost of her nanny, transport and nursery fees.Those close to Annie told The Sun it smarted for her to see another woman cashing in.A source said: “Annie created this family unit with Kyle and has been by his side through thick and thin.“She’s been a loyal partner and a good mother to his children, and she wants what is rightfully hers.“She had no idea the extent Kyle had been paying Lauryn until the court case and she hit the roof. She hates the idea of her cashing in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Annie is trying to make it work with Kyle, but she doesn’t know what will happen.“But going forward she knows her future is secure, whatever they decide to do.”Kyle had an affair with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown in 2019Credit: laub212/InstagramAnnie out with baby in buggy earlier this monthCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Arteta asked about a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in his first week as Arsenal boss – five years later he must unleash him

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      MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since 2019Nwaneri signed his Arsenal contract alongside Jack WilshereCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriNwaneri made history when he featured in the Premier League at the age of 15Credit: GettyA video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.Most read in FootballNwaneri scored two against League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: RexNwaneri made his Prem debut in a 3-0 win over Brentford aged 15Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature. Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.Not that it has affected his school work. Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.Nwaneri joined Arsenal when he was eight years oldCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriHe now plays for Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: GettyEven current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      My dad is flying high as National League boss… but I’m making my own way in the Premier League and England’s Under-21s

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      JACK HINSHELWOOD is enjoying a “family feel-good factor” as an ever-present in his unbeaten Brighton side — while dad Adam is flying high in the National League as manager of York.The 19-year-old, who netted a thumping header in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest, represents the fourth generation of his clan to play professionally.Jack Hinshelwood’s header put Brighton 2-1 up in Sunday’s home Premier League clash but fellow unbeaten side Nottingham Forest nicked a 2-2 drawCredit: RexHinshelwood, seen celebrating his goal, has shown maturity this campaign by playing at left-back after previously mainly featuring on the rightCredit: PADad Adam Hinshelwood managed sixth-tier Worthing then took over York last season to keep them up and guide them to third place this termCredit: Ian WhittakerHe revealed: “It’s a good feeling in my family at the moment with my dad doing so well.“There was a point last season where I was injured and he’d just got the job and we were having a bit of a tough moment.“But we’ve come through it together as a family.“To see him flying now, I am really happy — and I hope it carries on because it brings that family feel-good factor.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAdd in Jack’s recent debut for the England Under-21 side that beat Austria 4-1 at Kenilworth Road and the Hinshelwoods — including his uncle Martin, a former Brighton boss — are on a roll.Jack said: “I had to get about 12, 13 tickets for them to come and watch — which is usual for most home games as well.“It’s always nice to have them in the crowd — especially when it’s a landmark moment and you get a good result.“Having them there to talk to is really helpful, I think — something other people might not have.Most read in FootballThis old Hinshelwood family picture includes Jack, far right, dad Adam, fourth right, and grandfather Paul, second rightFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But at the same time they let me just crack on.“They know I know what I need to do to be successful.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSeagulls’ manager Fabian Hurzeler rates Hinshelwood a future captainCredit: Reuters“And I have to listen to people at this club and not be satisfied with where I am at but keep working hard to improve.”Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has talked of the academy graduate as a “future leader” of the team and praised his “unbelievable” attitude and mindset.That has helped him adjust to playing at left-back this season after making most of his 17 Prem appearances on the right.He insisted: “To be honest, I’m not really bothered where I play. Whatever gets me in the team, I am happy.“I just want to be out there playing football, as simple as it sounds.”One of his most testing afternoons came against Bukayo Saka in last month’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.He admitted: “I can more than acknowledge that the first ten to 15 minutes was tough.“It was what I was expecting but to get through that and not concede early, which helped, enabled me to really grow into the game.“I am young and learning — it was a great experience for me.”“It’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life — to be in these moments.“I am just really enjoying the challenges that I am coming up against and I don’t fear anything, to be honest.”Sunday’s dramatic stalemate left Brighton both unbeaten on nine points from five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth managers saw red in an ugly flare-up after Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off for his second yellow card – a reckless lunge.But even that exchange couldn’t overshadow Danny Welbeck’s glorious free-kick goal for the Seagulls.Here’s another view of Hinshelwood’s brilliant goal vs ForestCredit: RexThe Sussex teenager has the world at his feetCredit: PA More

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      Phil Foden’s son, 5, set to become star by entertaining fans as a YouTuber

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      FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s five-year-old son is set to smash the net again — with his own YouTube channel.Ronnie already has five million Instagram followers after dancing on the pitch following his dad’s 2023 Champions League triumph with Manchester City.Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie is getting his own YouTube channelCredit: GettyRonnie was nicknamed ‘The Dude’ by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the teamCredit: GettyNow the cheeky chap could cash in on his fame by entertaining fans as a YouTuber after dad Phil, 23, and mum Rebecca, 22, set up a channel for him.A source said: “Ronnie loves being the centre of attention and is a big fan of some of the YouTubers so Phil and his mum have set up an account.“He could end up making loads of money from it.”Speaking about his son’s celebrations in Istanbul, Phil said: “His personality has made him who he is. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He just reminds me of myself when I was a kid and he’s very funny.”Ronnie was nicknamed “The Dude” by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the team.And after their latest Premier League title in May, he was seen trying to open a bottle of champagne to the amusement of fans.He has a modelling contract and is on a talent group’s books despite only just starting school.Most read in FootballPhil and Rebecca also share daughter TruePhil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke gives birth to boy with England star to fly back to Euro 2024 for Slovakia clash More

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      Ebanie Bridges reveals pregnancy to the world with beaming boxer showing off baby bump as she arrives at Misfits event

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      BOXER Ebanie Bridges has revealed to the world she’s expecting her first child.The Blonde Bomber hasn’t set foot inside the ring since her decision loss to Miyo Yoshida last December, which saw her lose the IBF female bantamweight title.Ebanie Bridges has kept a relatively low profile since losing the IBF women’s bantamweight titleCredit: REUTERSThe 37-year-old made an appearance at the latest Misfits Boxing event and was sporting a baby bumpCredit: YOUTUBE / BOXING KING MEDIAThe radiating Bridges was all smiles as she was congratulated on her pregnancyCredit: YOUTUBE / BOXING KING MEDIAThe Aussie, 37, has kept a relatively low profile since the crushing defeat, keeping public appearances to somewhat of a minimum.But she made the trip to Newcastle on Saturday to watch her pal Elle Brooke headline Misfits Boxing’s 18th X Series event.And she proudly showed a baby bump upon arrival at the Utilita Arena, much to the surprise of some of her acquaintances.YouTube channel Boxing King Media revealed Bridges’ pregnancy to the world, briefly catching up with her before she entered the arena for the fights.READ MORE BOXING NEWSMotherhood is something Bridges has longed for but put off in order to pursue her dream of becoming a world champion.In an exclusive interview with SunSport two years ago, she said: “It’s a battle I have all the time, and it’s very heartbreaking.”I want nothing more than to have a family and have kids. It’s very important to me.”It’s getting harder and it’s a tough decision to make.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEbanie Bridges put off motherhood in order to fulfil her dream of winning a world titleCredit: REUTERS”I am at the peak of my career, and to stop and have a kid.”Not only does that put me out for a year, but it makes it very hard to have a kid with my partner back home.Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing icon”My career is over here, it’s not in Australia.”I can’t have a baby, then disappear and ask someone else to look after the baby and head to the UK for weeks while I’m in a training camp.”It’s not possible, it’s hard for me, it’s hard for my partner.”But, I have to go with my heart and believe that everything happens for a reason.”I’m just praying in a couple of years I’ve achieved what I want to achieve and can go off and then have children.”Brooke had a front-row seat for Brooke’s unanimous decision victory over Jenny Savage, which saw her retain the Misfits Women’s middleweight title. More

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      Inside life of ‘special man’ Lee Carsley who raised son with Down’s Syndrome and continues second job alongside England

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      LEE CARSLEY does not intend to put his life on hold after becoming interim England manager.The Three Lions boss oversaw wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in his first two games in charge, and has received growing support to take the job on full-time.Lee Carsley has received growing support to be the next permanent England managerCredit: AlamyBut he admitted how he turned from being a ‘selfish’ player after the birth of his second sonCredit: GettyCarsley takes his son, who has Down’s Syndrome, to Solihull Moors Foundation on FridaysCredit: Instagram @solihullmoorsfoundationBut Carsley, described as a “special man” by SunSport columnist Troy Deeney, is far more than just an international coach.He is a loving father who takes his son, Connor, to training for the Solihull Moors Foundation’s Down’s Syndrome team regularly on Friday evenings.In an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Carsley opened up on how the birth of his second son in 1999 saw him turn the leaf from being a “selfish” Premier League player.Carsley has three children with wife Louisa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis second son, Connor, was born with Down’s Snydrome, a condition which increases the risk of health complications such as heart disorders, hearing problems, thyroid issues and recurrent infections.He said: “It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me. “I was quite sheltered in terms of if you went to hospital (for an injury), you went to a specialist. A car took you in, waited, you went straight in, back in the car and away. “We went from that to, ‘No, this is the real world, if you want a speech therapist you have to get in the queue with everyone else’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That probably doesn’t sound right but it was different from what we’d always done. “It made me a lot more aware of the bigger picture, the bigger world, more aware of how much support families need. Money is obviously important but it didn’t help us.”‘Good on him’ – Lee Carsley wins the praise of Roy Keane after very frank admission following first two England gamesCarsley also revealed how Connor, now 25, would take up around 80 per cent of his and his wife’s time when growing up compared to siblings Callum and Lois.His own fundraising efforts for the foundation led to extra support being made available for other families.When moving to Everton in 2002 he became vice-president of the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association, while his influence led to further donations to the Down’s Syndrome Association from team-mates.The late Sven-Goran Eriksson was said to be among those to contribute.Carsley, 50, also has the second job of coaching weekly sessions for young footballers aged between 16 and 21 at the Strachan Football Foundation in Warwick.It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me.Lee CarsleyOn his role at the team, he said: “I still find a way to coach which gives me the chance to practise what I’m going to do with any teams I’m working with.”I could potentially be practising for two months on what I’m going to try, rather than a day when you’ve got two games in an international window.”It gives me a chance to experiment and then hopefully deliver it when the (England) players are live.”I was there in Warwick last Friday (Aug 23). I’ve been doing that for maybe three years. It’s like an education and coaching centre.”The biggest thing you notice when you first come and work internationally is that you stop coaching and I was adamant that wasn’t going to happen to me.”My biggest strength is coaching so that is one of the things I didn’t want to stop.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have other priorities within the job as well. I have to be creative and make sure I have got a couple of hours every week on a Friday morning that I’m able to get out there and try things and get it wrong!”England’s next games will come in October against Greece and Finland.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More