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    Jack Grealish has gone from eye-catching showman and heartthrob to miserable bench warmer – and I know who’s to blame

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      in Soccer

      Inside David Beckham’s 10 year battle to bag a knighthood after hat-trick of setbacks including tax row & leaked emails

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      IT has been ten years of tears, toil and the one unfortunate tantrum, but FINALLY David Beckham has landed his knighthood.Never has a man grafted harder — or deserved the nod — more.David Beckham has landed his knighthoodCredit: GettyDavid and Victoria with his OBE in 2003Credit: Rex FeaturesA last-minute Beckham free kick sends England to the 2002 World Cup finalsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdQuite how Goldenballs has turned things around following a hat-trick of personal disasters — more on them later — is testament to both the man himself and his incredible work ethic.Last night, a friend said: “Quite simply, this is the ultimate accolade for David.“Forget the medals, the trophies, the global fame and the millions in the bank. As a genuine and devoted royalist this means more to him than anything. It is his lifetime’s work — and he’s still only 50.“People don’t seem to realise how hard David works. His determination and work ethic is second to none.Read More on BECKHAMS“Despite all the setbacks, he knew he could turn things around and prove people wrong. And he’s done it.“His family and friends are incredibly proud, and David himself is beyond happy.“After all these years, he’s still a bit of a mum’s boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clan.”For millions of fans, the knighthood is long overdue.Most read in FootballAnd certainly, within hours of The Sun breaking the news yesterday, social media was flooded with messages of congratulations.Only a cynic, or a republican, could deny David Robert Joseph Beckham this honour.David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower ShowA former England captain — a player whose last-gasp free kick against Greece in 2001 sent the nation through to the World Cup finals — his career on the pitch was Roy Of The Rovers stuff.But it is off the pitch where Becks has really come into his own, single-handedly revolutionising how players regard themselves.Rather than being seen as a fledgling commodity, Becks (ably assisted by a commercially driven team who recognised his poster boy looks, talent and genuine goodness) had the foresight to market himself as a brand.In short, he has transcended the sport.With more endorsement deals than you can shake a stick at, such canniness meant that by the age of 35, David knew he need never kick a ball or work again, if he so chose.Until Becks came along, retirement for top-flight players — many of whom leave school without so much as a GCSE to their name — meant a life of lost identity and panic.Now, inspired by Becks Inc, newer stars have secured their own marketing rights, ensuring a golden future away from the pitch.A generation of footballers’ kids and grandkids will have David to thank for their homes, cars and private school education.In short, David was, and continues to be, a trailblazer.While it is his wife — the soon-to- be Lady Beckham — who is the acclaimed fashion designer, ironically it is Beckham who created the defining aesthetic of the 21st Century: The tattoo sleeve.TrailblazerHis first inking came in 1999 — a dedication to his eldest son, Brooklyn.How sad, then, that the 26-year-old influencer, who hasn’t spoken to his dad meaningfully in seven months, only found out about the knighthood after being directed to The Sun’s exclusive story by pals.David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behaveA friendHowever, this could well be a decorum thing. After all, once the letter from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood comes in the post, recipients are politely asked to keep schtum.“It is, as David well knows, considered terribly poor etiquette to tell all and sundry in advance of the official publication.Yesterday, however, he excitedly took to Instagram to re-post reports, published in this newspaper, about the King’s latest Birthday Honours.A friend added: “Honestly, after all the speculation over the past few weeks, until he’s on bended knee in front of the King, David won’t quite believe it. Obviously he’s shared the news with his immediate family but he won’t be doing any formal celebrations until after the ceremony.“David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behave.Beckham with Charles last year as he is named an ambassador for the King’s FoundationCredit: PAPrince William and David visit the London Air Ambulance charity last yearCredit: GettyBeckham with Sandra and Ted at the premiere of his 2023 Netflix documentaryCredit: AP“He is still not in contact with Brooklyn and, frankly, it would have been weird for him to reach out and tell him, so he didn’t. It is up to Brooklyn now if he wishes to extend an olive branch and send on his congratulations.“It is so sad because family means everything to David and he would love his entire clan to be at the investiture. Only time will tell though, but at the moment it is looking unlikely. But for now, David wants to just focus on the positives and celebrate this incredible achievement.”One can only imagine how proud his loving parents, Sandra and Ted, must be.The whole family adores the monarchy, as David’s remarkable 12-hour vigil in line in 2022 to pay his respects to the late Queen proved.Over the past year he has also developed a touching relationship with King Charles — something a young Chingford-raised David could, surely, never have imagined.So much so that the monarch even sent over a birthday gift by courier to mark the star’s 50th last month.Human sideAgain, David has only shared with his inner circle what the gift was, although I am told it is, “Something personal to Charles and David, something special”.In return, of course, David has sent the King regular supplies of his homegrown honey.His friendship with Prince William, meanwhile, continues to flourish.The pair are on texting terms, and as William is an Aston Villa fan and Patron of the FA, much of their chat is football-related.But William also credits Becks with helping him navigate fame and the endless public scrutiny he faces each day.Despite David’s well-documented highs, the path to this coveted knighthood has not been smooth.After all these years, he’s still a bit of a mum’s boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clanA friendHis sporting and charity endeavours — he has been a devoted Unicef ambassador for 20 years and was recently on the front cover of Time magazine in recognition of his philanthropy — should, on paper, have seen him recognised years ago.But he has had some widely publicised, erm, hiccups. These include the leaking of private emails in 2017 in which, embarrassingly, he labelled the Honours Committee “unappreciative c***s”. Not very decorous. But to his credit, David refused to kowtow to Russian hackers and pay their £1million ransom to stop the hacked emails being made public.While initially there was some outrage, his genuine passion and frustration also showed his human side.‘Thoroughly decent’It only endeared him further to many of the public, me included, who have variously questioned the committee’s track record.Alongside a raft of other celebrities, including Ant and Dec, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and Bob Geldof, he was also famously caught up in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme.HMRC won a case against the film financing tax-avoidance scheme, which then saw those involved landed with a huge backdated tax bill. However, in 2021 David was cleared by tax chiefs after proving his financial affairs were all in order, giving him the green light for a knighthood.And earlier this month he appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List, worth a combined £500million alongside his Spice Girl wife.A £100million 2022 World Cup deal with Qatar, a state where it is illegal to be gay, did not sit well with many fans — especially as he had previously graced the cover of gay lifestyle magazine Attitude and has always been a proud LGBTQ ally.But again, he was vindicated following the World Cup, with Qatar welcoming all-comers and showing willingness to be more moderate in its views.Becks’ recent Netflix documentary — one of the streamer’s most watched shows in 2023 — was also a game-changer for the former Manchester United midfield ace.David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent manA friendIn it, he did not shy away from any topics and refused to make it dedicated solely to his do-gooding.Indeed, it even referenced his worst footballing moment — that 1998 sending-off against Argentina in the France World Cup that led to effigies of him being hanged across the country.Showing just how full circle he has come, the documentary featured Diego Simeone, the other player at the centre of the red card incident. The pair have long been pals. Says a friend: “David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent man. ‘Utterly extraordinary life”Every single day he is approached for selfies and autographs, and he does it all with such good grace. He knows he has a responsibility and does his utmost to use his platform for good.“He also does countless work behind the scenes that doesn’t get written about or publicised.Read More on The Sun“You would be hard-pressed to find someone with a bad word to say against him. It has been a long time coming but, finally, David has what he has always dreamed of.”Arise, Sir David.Brooklyn and dad DavidCredit: GettyThe Sun’s world exclusive revealed that Becks was in line for a knighthood More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Michael Schumacher’s tragic health battle in Majorca hideaway – as pal makes heartbreaking prediction for future

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      WITH fists pumping and arms aloft, racing great Michael Schumacher celebrated his many victories with the same energy as his driving.And that is how the Formula One team boss who helped turn the German legend into a champion three decades ago prefers to think of him.Michael Schumacher in his prime competing for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2004Credit: AP:Associated PressPictures show the helicopter rescue operation in 2013 following Michael’s skiing accident in the French resort of MeribelCredit: Nick HaleyMichael with wife Corinna and their children Gina-Maria and Mick in 2021 Netflix documentaryCredit: NetflixNot as the incapacitated survivor of a horrific skiing accident that Schumacher is said to have become.Italian businessman Flavio Briatore said this week: “If I close my eyes. I see him smiling after a victory.“I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed.”Flavio’s comments reveal the day-to-day struggles faced by the now-reclusive sporting hero, who once epitomised the swashbuckling spirit of adrenaline sport.Schumacher, 56, would go wheel-to-wheel with rivals at extreme speeds on the scariest of bends en route to a record-breaking seven Formula One world championships.Off the track he would party with pals, smoke big cigars, sky dive, scuba dive and fly helicopters.‘Michael communicates with his eyes’But nothing has been seen of Michael since his near-fatal crash on Alpine slopes in France on December 29, 2013.Rumours of some medical miracles, appearances, fresh photos and interviews frequently spread online.But a Formula One insider tells The Sun that like Flavio, the world needs to get used to not seeing Michael’s beaming smile any more.Craig Scarborough, who has been covering the sport for around 25 years and interviewed Michael many times, reveals: “I spoke to someone who is very, very close to him and they just explained we’re not going to hear any more from him.Emotional moment Michael Schumacher’s son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend “He’s in a comfortable position as far as he can be with his state of health.”It has also been reported that only three people see Michael at his secluded home on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca.Even Flavio, 75, who has been a close friend of Michael since they began working together at the Benetton racing team in 1991, has not seen him for a while.But the Italian says he “often” speaks to Michael’s wife Corinna, 56.Much of her time is said to be consumed by maintaining her husband’s care and keeping the exact details of his current health condition a secret.And Corinna has also had to cope with all the distress of dealing with a blackmail plot.Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Michael unless they were given £12million.Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men.Michael on the slopes in Italy in 2003Credit: Rex FeaturesCorinna and Gina accepting a German lifetime achievement award on Michael’s behalf in 2022 in CologneCredit: RexIn February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot.Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court.Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche.She said: “What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. “He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.”And last October stories emerged claiming that Michael had attended the wedding of his daughter Gina, 27, in Majorca.Guests and staff had to hand over their mobile phones, while security guards made sure no one could snoop on the ceremony or party.But Michael’s former Benetton teammate Johnny Herbert said: “From what I understand, that was all fake news.”We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. Corinna SchumacherWhile it remains possible that Schumacher did attend the wedding in a wheelchair, another story was definitely made up.Last year Corinna successfully sued German magazine Die Aktuelle for claiming on its cover “Michael Schumacher, the first interview!”In fact the quotes had been generated by artificial intelligence.What no outsider can be sure about is whether Michael could give an interview if he wanted to.There have been conflicting accounts of his health condition.When Michael’s head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two.The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma.The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness.There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Michael to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.Michael won a record-breaking seven Formula One world championshipsCredit: GettyFlavio Briatore, seen here at Monaco GP last month, spoke about his former Benetton driverCredit: GettyMost people in the know indicate that he is unable to talk, although it is possible he could use eye movements to send messages like the late scientist Stephen Hawking did.In 2020 Flavio’s former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.”Friends do visit and he still follows sports.Former Ferrari F1 chief Jean Todt said: “I can see him but of course, what I miss is what we used to do together. “I watch Grand Prix with Michael.”Corinna also indicated there was an attempt to maintain normality in difficult circumstances.She said in a 2021 Netflix documentary: “We’re together. “We live together at home. “We do therapy.“We’re trying to carry on as a family’“We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.“And no matter what, I will do everything I can. We all will.“We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does.”I hope they can find happiness in the situation they find themselves in.Craig ScarboroughIt was reported by German media, ahead of the ten-year anniversary of his skiing accident in 2023, that Schumacher receives 24-hour care from a team of up to 15 people.He has been driven in a Mercedes road car, and played sounds from the F1 track, to stimulate his brain with familiar noises.There has been some good family news to lift Michael’s spirits.Last month he became a grandfather for the first time when Gina gave birth to her daughter Millie.His son, 26-year-old Mick, who spent two years as a F1 driver, was only 14 when his dad suffered the debilitating head injury.In the Netflix documentary he admitted he would give “anything” to talk to him about the sport again.Mick said: “I think dad and I would understand each other in a different way now, simply because we speak a similar language, the language of motorsport, and we would have a lot to talk about.”That’s where my head is at most of the time, thinking that would be so cool. I’d give anything just for that.”Mick found love with Danish model Laila Hasanovic, 26, in 2023 — and although they have recently been rumoured to have split   up, she was reportedly trusted enough by the family to be one of the few people to have visited Michael.Craig reckons having close personal time with Mick and other family members is vital for the stricken motorsports star.Physical workloadHe says: “I think a lot of people demand stuff from him and I think that’s wrong.“He is himself, and his family have a lot to contend with.“Until you’ve cared for somebody, I don’t think anyone realises the emotion and the physical workload.”The fact that they have been bold enough to withdraw from public life and not be tempted to do exclusives out there to various people, I think, is noble, and I hope that continues.“I hope they can find happiness in the situation they find themselves in.”Like Flavio, Craig is more comfortable talking about the Michael people knew before the ski tragedy.He says: “He was a guy who enjoyed his personal time. “He loved his family.“He did lots of lovely things. “He clearly liked a drink and he loved a big cigar.“But he had lots of time to bring up his son.”While it is understandable that Michael’s army of fans want to hear from him again, they may have to make do with recalling his past glories.There were certainly more than enough of them for Flavio and others to remember. More

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      in Soccer

      From fiercely protective dad to mum’s sacrifice – how Jobe Bellingham is finally stepping out from brother Jude’s shadow

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      SIBLING rivalry is a rite of passage, but for the Bellingham brothers it has also formed the basis of their football careers.Jude, 21, has been hailed a generational talent — and now little brother Jobe is emerging from his 6ft 1in shadow.Jude Bellingham’s little brother Jobe, above, is finally stepping out from his brother’s shadow – and making a big name for himself on the pitchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJobe and Jude with mum Denise and dad MarkCredit: InstagramJobe, left, and Jude as young kidsCredit: Instagram/jobebellinghamAn exceptional talent in his own right, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is being pursued by three German clubs and was part of the Sunderland team which was promoted to the Premier League on Saturday night.It came less than a month after the North East Football Writers’ Association named him Young Player of the Year.Reacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: “SO F****** PROUD”.And chuffed Jobe told reporters: “I always believed — you have to believe.“When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”Celebrating Jobe’s win yesterday, Jude reposted a fan photo of the two brothers holding their respective trophies at Wembley, captioning it “WemBelli”.The England midfielder won the Champions League last year at the stadium with Real Madrid while his family watched.‘Demanding on the pitch’Given Jude’s huge success, it is no wonder Jobe likes to make sure that his sibling stays grounded — by teasing him for being dependent on their mum.Denise Bellingham has followed her eldest from the UK to Dortmund in Germany, and then on to Madrid.“Maybe if Jude could learn how to cook and drive, mum could come back and live with me — but nah, Jude is useless,” Jobe quipped in Out Of The Floodlights, a YouTube documentary about his brother’s life in Spain.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyJobe began his professional career at Birmingham City in 2021 — a year after his brother left the team.The 6ft 2in powerhouse was the team’s second-youngest player at 16 years and 107 days old when he made his first team debut — only Jude started younger.We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad. He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for usLee Bower, ex-Bristol City ManagerLee Bowyer, who snapped up both Bellinghams, saw Jobe as the “baby” when he arrived on the subs bench.The former manager said: “We’d play on a Tuesday and he’d turn up in his school uniform. It was mad.“He’d just played a game for his school, and then he was sitting on the bench for us. He was very respectful and wanted to learn. His feet were on the ground.“His parents are a big drive for him. He wanted to make his own name. The potential was there. The attitude was there.“He’s a nice, well-mannered boy but demanding on the pitch — he didn’t shy away from anything. He has confidence, but not arrogance.”Jobe chose to use just his first name on his Black Cats shirt instead of his surname to distinguish himself from his brother.His former team-mate Troy Deeney said it showed Jobe wanted to carve out his own identity, and constant comparisons to Jude were unfair.Troy told Sky Sports: “Whenever people talk about Jobe, it’s always ‘Is he as good as his brother?’ or ‘Jude was doing this and that at his age.’“Jobe is going to be successful — he already is successful.“I don’t think any of us could ever put ourselves in his shoes of being a young person trying to find himself in life, and then having a brother that’s a world-famous superstar.“No matter what you do, you’re always going to be compared to that.”Jobe, right, and Jude at the Louis Vitton show at Paris Fashion Week in 2023Credit: GettyReacting to Jobe’s part in Sunderland’s historic win, ecstatic Jude posted a photo of a video call they had together, captioning it: ‘SO F****** PROUD’Credit: InstagramStepping out from his brother’s shadow, Jobe signed to Sunderland for £1million on June 14, 2023.Unfortunately, his brother unintentionally stole the limelight as Jude’s move to Real Madrid was announced on the same day.For both Bellinghams, football has been a huge part of their life, as they grew up watching their father in non-league matches.Southend-born Mark, 49, scored 700 goals by the age of 40 at Midland League Division Two side Paget Rangers in 2016.The retired policeman is thought to have played in approximately 850 games but still describes himself as “not very good”.He is fiercely proud of both his children, often reminding journalists “I have two sons, you know” when they ask about just one.Mark lives with Jobe in the UK and does his best to keep the family unit tight despite the distance between them. The lads often fly to each other’s games when their schedules allow, and their parents rack up air miles to spend time with both.After a spectacular performance this season, it appears Jobe might be following in his brother’s footsteps yet again, as Jude’s old Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are eying up the youngster.‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’German newspaper Bild reported that Dortmund are offering £25million to get the footballer on their books this summer.Jobe has also caught the attention of RB Leipzig and yesterday met with Eintracht Frankfurt.The teen’s fancy footwork has even reached the ears of Real Madrid, thanks to his two goals in Sunderland’s victory against Rotherham in August 2023.JOBE AND JUDEJOBE AGE: 19CLUBS: Birmingham City, SunderlandENGLAND CAPS: 0WEEKLY PAY: £12,500PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 107 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas for Sports DirectLOVELIFE: Currently singleROOM-MATE: Dad MarkJUDE AGE: 21CLUBS: Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Real MadridENGLAND CAPS: 42WEEKLY PAY: £220,000PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AGE: 16 years and 38 daysBRAND DEALS: Adidas, SKIMS, Louis VuittonLOVELIFE: Dating influencer Ashlyn CastroROOM-MATE: Mum DeniseRecalling being taunted by his boss, Jude said: “I’m in shock that he’s scored twice and then as we’re coming out, (Carlo) Ancelotti goes to me, ‘F***ing hell, we bought the wrong one.’“And I’m like, ‘you’re joking’. He says, ‘No seriously, I’m going to bring him in.’“I said, ‘Well where are you going to play him?’ He says, ‘In your position.’ I was like, ‘F*** that!’.”Dad Mark will be keen to see Jobe stand on his own two feet and not just follow his brother’s footsteps.I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing. We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about footballJobe on JudeSpeaking in Out Of The Floodlights, he said: “I want Jobe to have his day — finally, for someone to say, ‘He’s not Jude’s brother’.“We’ve got the Sunderland fans — no connection to Jude now — who can say, ‘That’s Jobe, he’s ours’.”Mum Denise added: “I just want to see Jobe on the pitch, in a Jobe shirt — not a Bellingham shirt — starting and having his moment.“I want him to start and have his moment.”Off the pitch, the brothers don’t talk about the beautiful game.In the series, Jobe said: “I think every time I’m with my brother, I’m just laughing.“We’re just constantly making jokes. We barely really talk about football.”The brothers have been seen dining in Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay in County Durham and Italian eaterie Romano’s in Cleadon near Sunderland.They have also attended Louis Vuitton’s show in Paris together, while Jobe has modelled for Adidas and Jude topless for Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS.But Jobe has yet to emulate one aspect of his brother’s life — a string of stunning girlfriends.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and You-Tuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro.With Jobe’s star on the rise, he won’t struggle to get a stunning girl to have on his arm if he wants one.Jude has been linked to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk and YouTuber Azra Mian, and is now dating US catwalk star Ashlyn Castro (above)Credit: InstagramJobe and mum Denise in the stands during Euro 2024Credit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham’s posh new £100m stand is like none I’ve ever seen with a swimming pool and cocktail bar

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      IT’S half-time and I’d normally be setting off to tackle a tortuous queue for a pint and a pie, as is the norm after 45 minutes of Prem action. But what’s this — waiters hovering with champagne and fine wine? Dainty pastries, plush seating and cocktail terraces? Toilets fit for ­royalty? This is like no football ground I’ve ever seen. Fulham FC’s new ­Riverside stand will make matchday something more like a mini-break in DubaiCredit: SuppliedThe south-western corner overlooks what will soon be an infinity pool and hotelCredit: SuppliedThe pitchside view of the Riverside Stand at Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadiumCredit: RexThis is Fulham FC’s new ­Riverside stand, six years in the making at a cost of well over £100million, and about as far removed from the British football experience as you can get — with prices to match. The Sun was invited to see the new Sky Deck ­hospitality area, three floors of five-star lounges, bars and restaurants in the West London club’s historic Craven Cottage stadium — the capital’s oldest football ground. The club’s US billionaire owner Shahid Khan has reinvented match day as something more like a mini-break in Dubai. With many smaller Premier League clubs struggling to bring in the cash to keep up with transfer fees and wage bills, money-spinning sidelines like this could offer ­salvation. READ MORE FULHAM NEWSUnder profit and sustainability rules, tycoons cannot just keep pumping money into their clubs to keep them afloat. But they can expand to ­create new revenue streams and grow the business — and get more value from stadiums, which often sit idle when there is no game on. Fulham are unashamedly chasing after cash from locals in this well-heeled part of London. The hospitality facilities operate as a members’ club on non-match days, with fees of £780 to £1,200 a year — footie not included. Most read in FootballBut to enjoy the Sky Deck experience when Fulham play Manchester City on Sunday, May 25, the fans — and spend-happy tourists — will fork out £718 for ONE GAME. Sky Deck day prices vary, but a ­season ticket costs £9,300. Premier League club’s incredible new stand boasts ultra VIP experience with rooftop bar and POOLAnd with many Fulham supporters already seething at sky-high prices (regular season tickets cost up to £3,000), one wonders what message such an opulent project sends to the loyal, less loaded club followers.  We are greeted with a glass of fizz and, as soon as we sit, smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venison. There is no denying that the development is breathtaking. Guests enter hospitality via a grand spiral staircase from the stylish Riverside ­concourse, where fans with regular tickets can enjoy food and drink. But upstairs lies a different world. Three hours before kick-off, our ­lanyard gives access to three vast floors with different ­theming, going from cruise ship to Orient Express carriage to high-end hotel. A grand piano will be installed shortly. We are greeted with a glass of fizz and, as soon as we sit, smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venison. Footie fans will be able to swap their pint for cocktails with a view over the ThamesCredit: SuppliedNo pies at half-time for Fulham fans, as smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venisonCredit: SuppliedNo balti pies or Bovril here, this is a bream and bottomless ­bubbly joint. On the top floor are two open-air terraces, where margaritas are lined up on the bars. The south-western corner overlooks what will soon be an infinity pool and hotel. ‘Weep into our beer’ Panoramic views take in landmarks such as Wembley Stadium, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground. Craven Cottage opened as ­Fulham’s ground in 1896 — but the club’s new showpiece has little to remind you that you are in a ­football stadium at all. There is barely any reference to Fulham FC other than some subtle black and white details on the walls, a single tile in the unfinished pool and a club badge on a walkway from the directors’ lounge. This is a football stand for people who don’t necessarily like football. One of the pricier hospitality tiers gets you private dining for ten ­people, with a signed team shirt draped over each seat. But you won’t see pictures of ­Fulham legends like Jimmy Hill, Johnny Haynes or George Best. And fans in hospitality rarely glimpse the pitch, unless at their seats. The architecture focuses on the Thames — this is the stretch where Oxford and Cambridge battle it out in the Boat Race, an event that’s an extra cash bonanza for the club. This is a football stand for people who don’t necessarily like football. Of the 29,600 fans who can fit into Craven Cottage, 2,303 would now be using hospitality seats. Most clubs offer some level of luxury for sponsors, guests and VIPs. But for the posh rooms to seemingly hide the club’s football heritage feels like a new departure in the game. Fan forums are buzzing with debate. @Lighthouse, a fan since the 1960s, wrote on Friends Of Fulham: “Football has become a class thing now. The haves will always look down on the rest of us.” But many feel that Khan is merely doing what is necessary for the club to survive and thrive without moving from its old ground. @cookieg wrote: “If it brings in a few more quid for the club then good.” And @Logicalman chipped in: “We can all weep into our beer glasses for how it used to be. But it just means we are refusing to accept that life keeps moving on.” Read More on The SunAs we sit in the sunshine sipping cocktails, it’s easy to forget we’re there to watch a match — Fulham v Everton, with Fulham needing a win to keep their hopes of Europe alive. The Everton end is in full song throughout the game (which the Toffees win 3-1). In the Fulham hospitality seats, there’s not much noise other than the swishing of rowers passing behind us on the Thames. Craven Cottage in 1959, as Tosh Chamberlain thrills the fansCredit: GettyFulham ace WillianCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      My fiancé’s OnlyFans nude pics had huge impact on relationship, reveals Olympic boxer Nicola Adams after love split

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      BOXING champion and Strictly star Nicola Adams has opened up about her heartbreaking split from girlfriend Ella Baig.In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, the Olympic fighter has revealed that she struggled with ex-fianceé Ella’s work as an OnlyFans model during their seven-year relationship.Boxing champ Nicola Adams has split from her fiancee Ella BaigCredit: SplashNicola admits that Ella’s OnlyFans had a big impact on their relationshipCredit: ella.baig/InstagramElla posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fans.Nicola said: “I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella’s career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans.“She is an amazing woman, and I admire her confidence and ­independence.“However, as much as I respect what she does, I can’t deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.”READ MORE ON NICOLA ADAMSThe couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggs.The 42-year-old former flyweight, who is the first British woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, said: “I’ve always considered myself to be mentally strong, but I’ve found this situation challenging at times and have had to reflect on how ­sustainable it is — especially as we raise our son together.“Parenthood changes your perspective on so many things, and I’ve had to be really honest with myself about my emotions and what’s best for our family.‘Both been to therapy’“Ella and I have shared so much love and happiness and, no matter what happens, my respect and admiration will never change.Most read in Boxing“Right now, we’re navigating this as openly and honestly as possible, with the priority being our little boy.”Speaking from her home in Dubai, Nicola revealed that the couple tried several months of therapy before calling it quits.Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams on becoming a mum through IVFShe said: “The decision to split has been a gradual process.“We first discussed the notion of breaking up five months ago and came to the decision over a period of time.“We’ve both been to therapy, ­separately and together, to try to help heal our trauma, and we decided that it would be easier for us to split.“We need to be apart — it’s a lot easier to fix yourself.“It’s been hard because Ella has been my best friend for so long, so not having her there has been a big change for me and I’m still getting used to it. We’ve tried to keep it amicable and do things as a family for Taylor.”Nicola has been open in the past about her difficult childhood, ­growing up in poverty and pain in Leeds, throwing herself into boxing as protection from her violent father, named Innocent.A 2021 Prime Video documentary — named Lioness after her old nickname in the ring — also highlighted a rift with her mother and long-time supporter, Dee, who she is estranged from.Nicola believes she is still coming to terms with what she went through as a child.She said: “I have a lot of childhood trauma. I don’t want to pass any of it on to Taylor.“I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it. I can also see trauma in other people too.”Nicola is determined to give her son the best childhood possible. She said: “Our early years experiences are worlds apart.“I grew up on a council estate in Leeds in a single-parent household, I didn’t have anything to do.Ella posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fansCredit: instagram/ella.baigNicola on her way to beating Sarah Ourahmoune to retain Olympic flyweight title in Rio in 2016Credit: Getty“There were people in my neighbourhood drug dealing and stealing cars — it was very different to how he is living now.“Even as a two-year-old he has a full social life, going swimming, having golf lessons and listening to music.“Thanks to the career I have had, I don’t have to work as hard as my parents did. I never got to see them, whereas I can spend so much time with Taylor.“Taylor is super-happy and ­confident. He is really independent and I love the person he is evolving into. He is a bundle of joy.”In 2020, Nicola made TV history when she became the first same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing with Russian pro dancer Katya Jones.Unfortunately the pair had to pull out of the competition when Katya caught Covid, but Nicola thinks they could have won the Glitterball trophy.I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it [trauma]. I can also see trauma in other people too.Nicola AdamsShe said: “It was such a cool ­experience.“Learning how to open up and perform was awesome.“People still recognise me from the show and they have no idea about my sporting history.“I still talk to Katya. She really got the best out of me, and I liked the fact she had just as much energy as I did, so we were able to really get the dance moves right. It was a good partnership.“I definitely think we would have made the finals. I’m confident we’d have won. It was just unlucky that she got Covid.”Nicola admits that Ella struggled with the show as they were isolated during the height of the pandemic.The former couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggsCredit: Nicola Adams/InstagramNicola said: “It was lonely for Ella. We filmed during lockdown so we had to be in a bubble.“Ella wasn’t able to go see friends, so when I’d be out training from like 9am to 9pm, I think it was quite tough for Ella being alone for that amount of time.“Then the only people she’d get to see when we came back was either me or Katya.“I think it would have been a nicer experience if we’d have done Strictly now, where you can talk to everyone.“We couldn’t even interact with the other dancers or contestants — it wasn’t as social as the show normally is.”But she did not fall victim to the Strictly curse and enjoyed later ­teaching Ella the dance moves.Nicola said: “In some ways there are some good points as I was able to teach her all the dances.”Read More on The SunWhile Nicola is not currently ­dating, she is looking forward to new work projects this year, including ­acting in a movie and launching a podcast with the BBC.She said: “I don’t want a rebound relationship, I just want to focus on my work and being a good mum.” More

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      Prince William stuns TNT pundits with football knowledge as Villa-loving future King is branded ‘man of the people’

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      CLUTCHING his TNT Sports mic, Prince William casually dissected the tactics his beloved Aston Villa might employ against Paris Saint-Germain.“I think we all saw the Liverpool game and PSG’s intensity,” he told wide-eyed pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist in a live six-minute TV masterclass.Prince William speaking at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday nightCredit: TNT SPORTSWills talking tactics with pundits Rio Ferdinand, left, and Ally McCoist before Villa’s match with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: TNT SPORTS“They gave a lot of pressure, they pressed very high. And so I think for Unai tonight, and the team, it’s about managing that press.”For the uninitiated, the future King was warning that Villa’s manager Unai Emery needed a game plan to cope with PSG’s ploy of defending high up the pitch.Seasoned internationals Ferdinand and McCoist nodded in agreement.This was the house of Windsor as we’ve rarely seen it.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMA monarchy shedding its stuffy image for something more modern is a PR triumph.But make no mistake, Will’s deep love and knowledge of the ­people’s game is absolutely genuine.Shortly before Wednesday’s Champions League tie kicked off, William added: “Unai likes it when teams come on to them and play quite a high press but obviously there’s a limit. Can we get around the press? Can we beat it? So I’m thinking long ball a bit.”The punditry was fast turning into a public relations triumph as social media buzzed with approval.Most read in FootballRelaxed in a casual jacket, William then began analysing PSG’s new approach of targeting youngsters rather than big-name players.He said: “I think not having Mbappe there, I think the PSG guys have talked about that quite a bit in the media, around not having the superstars maybe makes it a bit more of a gel.Prince William on fatherhood & football | Royal Exclusive Special“Vitinha in the midfield, I’ve been really impressed by, bearing in mind he was at Wolves two, three years ago and he could hardly get a game, and now look at him.”For a man once known more for polo than the Premier League, it was impressive stuff.Ex-England and Manchester United star Ferdinand told him: “Do not go for a punditry job, please, because I could be out of the game.”Fans watching at home were equally impressed.‘Passion we all share’One said: “Better analysis than most pundits.” Another supporter added: “He knows his stuff, defo.”Others remarked on William’s accent which has lost the regal ­formality of his elders.Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil said: “Charles and Anne speak in the same mannered, old-fashioned, upper-class way as their parents. William is much more normal.”The Prince was also seen in the tunnel, greeting the Villa players with encouraging hugs after they had warmed up on the pitch.It’s difficult to imagine Prince Philip or King George VI greeting Tyrone Mings with the welcome “big man!” and an endearing embrace.William also hugged Marcus Rashford and was heard saying, “Marcus, nice to see you, I missed you earlier.”Welcoming Marcus Rashford, top, while wishing Aston Villa players luck before they took to the pitchCredit: ESPNOnline gossip among fans questions if William may have influenced the player joining Villa from Manchester United.To top it off William, 42, was later seen in the stands with son George, 11, celebrating wildly when Villa went 1-0 up (they later lost 3-1).Last month the Prince told Shaun Custis — The Sun’s Head of Sport — that he lurks on Villa fan internet forums under a random name.And in January the Prince enjoyed a cider with eight diehard Villa fans in a Birmingham Wetherspoon pub.Looking a little at odds in jacket and tie, he nonetheless impressed his fellow Villans.Student Daniel Jones, 18, from Burntwood, Staffs, said the Prince was a “lovely guy, proper down-to-earth” who “loves Villa and the passion we all share”.Unlike that other Villa fan, ex-PM David Cameron, the Prince won’t be muddling the team up with those other claret and blues, West Ham.While William undoubtedly enjoys relieving the stresses of life cheering on the Villa, the telly punditry and the immersion in the game is also a slick PR move.Wills celebrating Villa’s shock lead with Prince George in standsCredit: GettyPrince William looking down alongside Prince George during the game, which Will’s team lost 3-1Credit: SplashThe Prince’s aides will have thought carefully before sending him out live on air with Ferdinand and McCoist.Royals usually favour sport which involves a four-legged nag.Although the late Queen presented the World Cup to Bobby Moore at Wembley in her white gloves — and attended a clutch of FA Cup finals — horse racing was her great love.Prince Philip liked carriage racing, Princess Anne eventing and Prince Harry polo.William’s promotion of football compares with his brother’s love of the equestrian sport which isn’t generally known for having players brought up on council estates.This is what Prince Harry said on the Netflix website about his recent five-part documentary called Polo: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour.”Better analysis than most pundits.Football fanThe show was mauled by critics and questions were asked about ­viewing figures.Meanwhile, William’s away days with the Villa are dragging the ­monarchy into the modern world.It presents a youthful and less formal side to the Prince of Wales away from charity visits and royal tours.Appearances at Premier and Champions League games flash around the globe at a time when the Commonwealth is being stress-tested.When William accedes to the throne he will be head of state of — at least currently — 15 nations including Canada, Australia and Jamaica.A 2022 tour of the Caribbean by William and Kate has gone down in history as a misjudged howler.The poor optics included pictures of the royals shaking hands with Jamaican children through wire fences and a military parade in which the pair stood dressed in white in an open-top Land Rover.Local campaigners saw it as a throwback to colonialism.Seeing the future monarch and his son as down-to-earth footie fans won’t harm his global image.Zooming on e-scooterAnd don’t bet against William turning up at the USA World Cup in 2026, a land where image is everything and the rival Sussex brand vies for attention.The Prince will know American opinion pours into Britain via social media and the value of being well-regarded on the other side of the Atlantic.Villa have a Wembley FA Cup semi-final this month and could reach the Champions League semis.Broadcasters will be clamouring for Wills to take the mic to offer his words of footballing wisdom.The Villa punditry — and other recent nods to informality — provide clues to what a King William V monarchy will look like.On a trip last month to Estonia, William posed for dozens of pictures with well-wishers.Living in Adelaide Cottage without a live-in nanny, he was spotted zooming around nearby Windsor castle last year on an e-scooter.The Prince likes to arrange his formal day around the school run, and trips abroad as King are likely to be shorter and punchier.Formality and, perhaps, some of the pomp and pageantry will be out.There was no public investiture when he became Prince of Wales.William will now have to delicately balance the mystique of the monarchy and its age-old rituals with shifting its image into the 21st Century.Read More on The SunHis performance in Paris this week will have endeared him to many.As a footie pundit might say, the boy done good.Wills’ nerdy footballSUN readers were already well aware of how good Prince William’s football knowledge is after my interview with him last month.But, as if it needed confirmation, TNT pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist tested him out ahead of the clash between PSG and William’s team, Aston Villa, in the Champions League on Wednesday.Wills didn’t hesitate as he assessed the importance of Villa managing PSG’s high press and analysed the improvement in the French team since the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe.His nod to Vitinha, PSG’s Portuguese midfielder, and his development since his days at Wolves was proper nerdy football.But when it came to predictions, the Prince let his heart rule his head, going for a 2-1 Villa win.Ally, however, proved he is still king of the pundits as he correctly went for 3-1 to PSG. More

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      From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

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      ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

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      Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack Wilshere

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      HAVING been hailed as the new Paul Gascoigne after making his senior England debut at 18, Jack Wilshere got a reputation for a party lifestyle.The former Arsenal midfielder’s career, including a stunning double strike during the Three Lions’ European Championship qualifying match against Slovenia in 2015, was then hampered by a catalogue of injuries.Former footie ace Jack Wilshere with daughter Siena and wife Andriani last yearCredit: Eleven Miles.Family man Jack with Andriani and the kidsCredit: InstagramJack is helping to get fans learning lifesaving CPR skillsBut now aged 33 and a coach — currently with Championship side Norwich City, and previously Arsenal under-18s — he understands the pressures on young football stars.Like former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate, he knows how much these kids need role models.The dad of four will run next month’s London Marathon in aid of the British Heart Foundation and is backing a campaign inspiring the nation to learn lifesaving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.While at Arsenal, Jack helped coach now 18-year-old wonderkids Myles Lewis-Skelly — who last week scored on his full England debut in our World Cup qualifier win against Albania — and Ethan Nwaneri, now with the Three Lions under-21s.Read more on Jack WilshereBut he also believes players need to be allowed to let their hair down when not on club time.He made headlines in 2010 when he was arrested 18 days after making his full England debut in a friendly against Hungary at Wembley, coming on as a late substitute for Steven Gerrard.He was given a police caution following the late-night brawl — where it turned out he had played peacemaker.But Jack tells The Sun: “I always thought I was sensible enough to know the right times to go out and when not to — and it’s important that the players have some downtime.Most read in Football“Of course, the world has changed a little bit and there’s so many things young people, young players can do, but downtime is important, as are the people around you.”After England crashed out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in the group stage, Jack was pictured with a cigarette as he partied in a Las Vegas pool with goalkeeper Joe Hart.Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit But that was in downtime between duties with England and Arsenal.Plenty of footballers, such as England’s Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, have been haunted by shots of them partying.But Jack says: “I don’t ever really look back and think, ‘I should not have done that’.”During his career he won FA Cups with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, 34 England caps including six man-of-the-match awards, and scored two Premier League goals of the season.After ten years at Arsenal, until 2018, he was at West Ham for two years before spells at Bournemouth and Danish side Aarhus. But injuries — particularly ankle but also knee and back — forced him to retire in 2022 aged 30.Goals of the seasonHe then became head coach of Arsenal under-18s before leaving last October to become a first-team coach at Norwich.He has taken advice from former England pals Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who all moved into football management.Jack says of coaching: “It’s a comp-letely different skill set. You have to learn how to lead people.“You have to learn how to inspire people and keep them inspired and convince them to buy into something.”Gareth Southgate spoke last week about how such inspiration needs to be passed on to young men, throughout society, to stop them falling under the spell of toxic online influencers such as misogynist Andrew Tate.Jack has son Archie, 13, and 11-year-old daughter Delilah by former girlfriend Lauren Neal, as well as daughter Siena, seven, and six-year-old son Jack by his now wife Andriani Michael.He says: “We have to be careful about the messages we expose them to, which I try to do, and try and limit their access to social media, and try to give them opportunities to have role models.Jack, pictured in 2010, was a young talent at Premier League side ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics SportJack parties in Las Vegas back in 2013Credit: Splash News“Archie’s 13. As he gets older, things might change. But at the moment his role models are footballers, and he wants to be a footballer, and he’s driven to do that.”Jack — who has been married to Andriani, daughter of his barber, for almost eight years — believes that footballers are great role models for young men.His sons now worship the latest England sensations.He says: “I think about my son, and another son who’s five — they have role models, they love Jude Bellingham, they love Bukayo Saka.“When I grew up, I had David Beckham, I had Joe Cole, I had Frank Lampard.”Meanwhile, football is playing a role in saving lives by asking fans to learn CPR — the emergency procedure of chest presses and rescue breaths to restore breathing and circulation after the heart stops.Sky Bet and the English Football League’s Every Minute Matters cam-paign aim to get 270,000 football fans to learn this by next month — and 235,000 already have. The British Heart Foundation has its own 15-minute online course, RevivR.Jack learned CPR because his eldest child Archie has epilepsy, which causes seizures.Jack reveals: “The first time it happens you don’t know what’s going on, what it is. It was quite scary. So we wanted to learn CPR as a family.”I don’t ever really look back and think, ‘I should not have done that’.Jack GrealishBritish Heart Foundation ambass-ador Jack is now backing the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay — a 4,000km “jaunt” across the country starting today in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Plymouth, and ending four weeks later in London on Easter Monday.Fans of all 72 clubs in the English Football League will run, walk and cycle legs of various lengths.Fan favourites “Big Sam” Allardyce, Troy Deeney and Dion Dublin are also taking part.Jack, though, is also training for the London Marathon on April 27 — and the hard yards have been more difficult than he reckoned. He admits: “It’s tough. I never thought that I’d have to actually run that far.”Waiting for him at the finishing line will be daughter Siena, whose potentially fatal heart condition insp-ired Jack to help the British Heart Foundation.In February last year, Siena under-went an operation to fix a hole in her heart. Jack was so stressed by the fear of losing her that he lost almost a stone in weight.He adds: “People said to me, ‘Why are you doing the marathon? You’re crazy’. And, yes, it will be hard, it will be tough, there will be moments where I probably will doubt if I’ll get across the finish line.“But I will get across the finish line and Siena will be there waiting for me. That’s thanks to the British Heart Foundation, thanks to the doctors, and that’s something I’ll always be in debt for, grateful for.”Siena is now fit and well, getting back to a normal life, although Jack says: “We’re a little bit more careful with her, and probably give her a little bit more TLC than the others.”Daughter’s heart opThe marathon will see him pitted against former England teammate John Terry, and Jack says with a laugh: “If I was you, I’d put your money on him.”Chelsea centre-half John was the Three Lions captain when Jack broke into the side as a teenager. The hardman skipper was an inspirational leader who helped guide the young player on and off the pitch.Jack says: “It was something I’d never experienced before. He talked through the whole game — my positioning, how to do this, how to do that. He taught me a lot and showed me what a real leader was.”Jack now hopes to become a manager but is happy to take his time and learn. The success of Southgate taking England to two European Championship finals in a row, in 2021 and 2024, inspires him — like other English managers, such as Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Graham Potter at West Ham.But he has no beef with the Football Association having given the England manager’s job to German Thomas Tuchel, ex-boss of Chelsea.Jack says: “I love it, it’s a big step from the FA. Gareth’s done a fant-astic job, and as a young English coach to have someone like Gareth at the top of the tree gave us belief.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But with the players we’ve got now, it’s so important we maximise that, and we’ve got the best guy to do that. Thomas is a proven winner.”Sky Bet and the EFL have joined forces in support of the British Heart Foundation to host the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay. To learn CPR in just 15 minutes with the BHF’s free, online tool, search ‘RevivR’. More