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    From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

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    A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More

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      How ‘seductive’ Man City boss Pep Guardiola wooed wife Cristina away from her TV career – and took her advice on tactics

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      MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola has been so stressed out in recent months he has sworn at autograph hunters and bled from scratching his head.He is suffering the worst run of results in an impeccable career.’Seductive’ Man City boss Pep Guardiola wooed wife Cristina away from her TV career – and took her advice on tacticsCredit: RexThe announcement of their break-up was preceded by his worst ever run as a managerCredit: GettyAfter winning six Premier League titles in seven years, his usually invincible team went seven games without a victory. And they’ve had just three victories in the last ten Prem matches.But now it seems his bizarre behaviour could also be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart Cristina Serra.It was revealed this week that the 53-year-old football legend has split from the mother of his three children after 30 years.READ MORE ON Pep Guardiola The couple were said to have called it a day FIVE YEARS ago but kept the news under wraps until officially parting ways last month.A well-informed source in Pep’s homeland of Spain said: “I can assure you they’re living apart and only a handful of people knew about this.”The announcement of the break-up was preceded by his worst ever run as a manager, with his once invincible side losing five games in a row before Christmas.‘Already seductive’There had been rumours that all was not been well with the relationship for a while.Most read in FootballIn 2019, Cristina, 52, moved back to Barcelona with the couple’s youngest daughter, Valentina, 17, while Pep stayed in Manchester.But in public, Pep’s love for Cristina, who he married in 2014, seemed to be as strong as ever.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainThey spent this Christmas together and were in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon last summer, after previously being spotted on idyllic holidays and sharing an emotional kiss after Man City won the Champions League for the first time in 2023.He has credited his wife with his great sense of fashion and for bringing up his children.Brazilian Cristina was so important to the Spaniard that he refused to join any team without her say-so.In a rare personal interview in 2018, he said: “Only at home I feel safe. I mean safe in terms of not being observed. I close the door and I feel safe.“My job is demanding a lot. Cristina is an incredible woman, not just an incredible mother.“If we were talking about moving to New York, Munich and here, if she decides not to come, I won’t come. I will not be here, I cannot be alone in this kind of job without my family.”The romance began when an 18-year-old Pep went to a fashion store in Barcelona owned by Cristina’s family to model some outfits by Spanish designer Antonio Miro. At the time, he was playing for Barcelona’s B team, while she was an actress who had appeared on Spanish TV.Pep’s sister Francesca once said: “He was very handsome, a good student, always getting good marks, the teachers drooled over him, he was already seductive when he was little.”I can assure you they’re living apart and only a handful of people knew about thisWell-informed source in Pep’s homeland of Spain Cristina gave up acting to concentrate on her successful clothing business and is now said to be worth over £30million.Meanwhile, Pep established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning multiple titles with Barcelona’s first team.But in 2001 he tested positive for the prohibited steroid nandrolone and was banned from playing for four months. Cristina is said to have been his rock during this time, and put out a statement defending her husband, who always denied doping. It took him another six years to clear his name on appeal.Pep was known as “Perfecto” due to his obsession with the game — and he did not approve of team-mates putting their social lives first.When he retired as a player in 2006 it did not lead to more time with Cristina as he jumped straight into management with Barcelona’s B team.As a result, Pep was even more consumed by tactics, to the point that he could not hold a conversation about other subjects for more than half an hour.His friend Manel Estiarte told The Times in 2016: “You invite him for a meal in a restaurant, but after 32 minutes you can see his mind is already wandering.There had been rumours that all was not been well with the couple’s relationship for a while (pictured after Pep’s Champions League victory in 2023)Credit: GettyFans were concerned when a cut appeared on his nose and there were scratch marks on his forehead“He starts staring at the ceiling and, although he’s nodding as if he’s listening to you, he’s not looking at you. In actual fact he’s probably thinking about the opposition left-back, the marking scheme for the midfielder, how much the wingers can support the inside forwards.”The manager has admitted that he can also drift off into a world of his own when he is at home with his wife and children.He said: “My family know that I am there but I am not there. Sometimes I’m at home but not at home.“They call ‘Pep, Pep’ but they know I am in my own world.”Pep’s dedication to his job has more than paid off. He became the youngest manager to win the Champions League in 2009, lifting the most sought-after trophy in his first season in charge of Barcelona’s first team.The demands of day-to-day management took their toll though, and in 2012 he quit as boss in order to take a year out. He admitted: “I’m drained and I need to fill up.”That gave the family a chance to enjoy a more relaxed life in New York, where they went around unrecognised as they visited art galleries and hung out in cafes.‘My wife is so elegant’But the Premier League’s top clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, were all chasing him. He turned them down in favour of German giants Bayern Munich in 2013, whose stars included Dutch winger Arjen Robben.While at the Bundesliga team he told the Press that Cristina gave her opinion about his starting line-up. Smiling, he said: “My wife is more complicated than Robben. Cristina sometimes complains about my tactical decisions.“She tells me to repeat the 11 with which I won the last match. To explain to her my system of rotation is more difficult than telling Robben, ‘Today you’re a substitute’.”Cristina also made her views known about the well-dressed Pep’s sartorial choices. He said: “My wife is so elegant, she helps me a lot. Before, I was a disaster. But now I am elegant thanks to her.”My wife is more complicated than Robben. Cristina sometimes complains about my tactical decisionsBut it took two decades before Pep made Cristina his wife, with the couple getting hitched at a civil ceremony in 2014 in Matadepera, Catalonia.That was followed by a move to Manchester two years later when he became City boss.The family lived a plush apartment in Salford, not far from the centre, with their children Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina.During the short breaks between the stressful football seasons they would take holidays in exclusive resorts in Mauritius and Barbados.But in 2019, Pep’s statement that he would only go where his wife did no longer appeared to stand.Cristina moved back to Barcelona to look after the fashion business while he remained in Manchester.The new living arrangements coincided with a string of defeats for City, and at the end of the 2019/20 season they lost the Premier League to Liverpool.The couple were said to have called it a day FIVE YEARS ago but kept the news under wraps until officially parting ways last monthCredit: RexMaria went to study in London and is now a social media influencer whose boyfriends have been rumoured to include former England player Dele Alli. Marius lives in Dubai, where he runs a marketing and publicity company.That appears to leave Pep alone in his £2.7million apartment in Deansgate CitySuites, central Manchester. Cristina remains the patron of their charitable foundation, Fundacion Guardiola Sala, and is expected to keep the £8million mansion they own in Barcelona.The break-up is said to be amicable and not due to any affairs.Tonight Pep was even seen still wearing his wedding ring at City’s match against Brentford.Spanish reporter Lorena Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.” Last summer he showed signs of irritation when he confronted young men asking for autographs near his flat. Pep told them: “Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again, I know your faces.”Fans were concerned when a cut appeared on his nose and there were scratch marks on his forehead.Following a draw in the Champions League in November, he addressed the marks by commenting: “I want to harm myself. It’s from my nail on my finger. I cut myself with my fingernail.”He later had to apologise following accusations that he was making light of self-harm.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the revelation that his marriage is now over, these actions take on a new light.And what was proving to be his toughest season on the pitch may well also be his hardest year off the field as well.Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City runPEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEATNov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEATNov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAWDec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATDec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WINDec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAWDec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEATTOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7 More

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      Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is SCRAPPING her £27m divorce bid as cheating Man City star eyes £400k-a-week move

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      JUST last year, Kyle Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie Kilner was preparing for war and telling pals she was considering divorce.But after a cosy Christmas with the Man City star and their children — and amid growing speculation he is being courted for a multi-million-pound move to play in Saudi Arabia — that could all change once again.Kyle Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie Kilner has put the brakes on talk of a split, and kept her ring finger covered on night out in DecemberCredit: BackGridThe City and England defender has moved back into their marital homeCredit: GettyKyle is being courted for a multi-million-pound move to play in Saudi Arabia, above arriving for court date with Lauryn in July last yearCredit: Darren FletcherKyle posed with Annie and their four children in matching pyjamas during ChristmasCredit: InstagramThose close to Annie, 33, tell The Sun she has put the brakes on talk of a split and instead moved the City and England defender back into the marital home.An insider said: “It was just a few months ago that Annie served Kyle with divorce papers, but she’s having second thoughts.“He’s a top target for the Saudi Arabia clubs and if he decides to take a deal it’ll be life-changing — and not just because of the massive amount of money he’ll be making.”Any move to the Arab state is still up in the air, but Kyle, 34, is a top target for big-hitting sides including Al Nassr, where Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo is captain.READ MORE IN SPORTDeals being mooted by clubs in the oil-rich nation are said to be worth upwards of £20million, with Kyle easily expected to bank £400,000 a week if he chooses to try his luck abroad.And friends close to Annie say the money will do the talking.They added: “Annie is no fool. She sought legal advice about the finances last year and knows that the deal in Saudi is worth a lot.“Annie says it’s not about the cash but keeping their family together, yet his earning potential is something she will have thought about.Most read in Football“She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long time.Posed in matching Christmas pyjamas“Annie always puts the children first but she has to think about herself too — and financially she wants to know she would be secure whatever happens between them.Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kids“Kyle has assured her that whatever happens, she would have the financial support.”The couple put on a united front at Christmas as they posed in matching pyjamas with their four children, Roman, 13, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.It was a picture-perfect scene compared to last December when their lives were turned upside down by the news that Kyle had fathered a secret daughter with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.Annie, who started dating Kyle when she was 16, was pregnant with their fourth child at the time.He already shares four-year-old son Kairo with Lauryn following a relationship with her during a brief split from Annie.Of the family’s cosy reunion at Christmas, a fellow Wag said: “It seems like Kyle is happy to be back home with his family and they are looking to the future.She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long timeFriends“Not sure if anything is set in stone about their relationship, but they are more together than they’ve looked before — as if the time spent together over Christmas helped them both to appreciate what they have.“Whatever their future holds, they will make it work for their lads who are everything to them.”Kyle made a grovelling apology to devastated Annie in The Sun in January last year.At the time he said he was desperate to save the marriage but admitted he would not blame Annie if she chose to divorce him.Last month, in a sign their relationship was back on track, Kyle smiled like the cat who got the cream as he showed off his wedding ring on a night out at the darts.Kairo and Kinara watch Kyle during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Lauryn Goodman takes Kyle to court to seek financial settlement for their childrenCredit: Darren FletcherHe was in high spirits at Alexandra Palace in London as he watched the World Championship, shortly after moving back home for the festive season.Annie also put her ring back on — but has attempted to discreetly cover her hand in public in recent weeks to avoid speculation.Our insider added: “Spending time with Kyle at Christmas has made Annie rethink everything.“She let him move back into the family home and it was amazing for her to see Kyle and how great he is with their kids.“Despite what has gone on between them, Kyle is a brilliant father.“She knows now isn’t the right time to start going down the legal route of separation and has taken the advice that timing is key when it comes to a divorce.Spending time with Kyle at Christmas has made Annie rethink everythingInsider“They’ve got the children to think about — they’re still young — and that’s been a major factor in Annie’s thinking.“She isn’t rushing into anything and is biding her time, especially with all the talk about Saudi and a possible move there.”The couple have only been married since November 2021, but met in his hometown of Sheffield when they were teenagers.Kyle was first accused of cheating in 2016 when he was caught messaging Playboy model Carla Howe while in France with the England squad for the Euro championships.Then in 2019, Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown messaged Annie to confess she and Kyle had enjoyed a string of romps, including one time in his £200,000 Bentley 4×4.Annie immediately dumped Kyle, who moved into a flat, where he ended up hosting a sex party with a friend and two call girls during the Covid lockdown.While single, he started a relationship with Lauryn, who quickly fell pregnant and gave birth in 2020.Annie took him back and they wed in an intimate ceremony at Mottram Hall in Cheshire 18 months later.But The Sun recently revealed that Annie’s friends claimed she was looking at her options as far back as 2019, with her insisting: “Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it again.”‘Some said she should cut her losses and run’She apparently asked at least four footballers’ wives for advice before marrying the love rat in case history repeated itself. One said: “Some said she should leave him at the time — just cut her losses and run. But others warned that marrying him would be the only way she could really secure herself financially.”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.Appearing to predict that he would betray her again, Annie wrote to a friend at the time: “He’s going to have a lonely end.”Annie turned out to be right about his repeat actions, as he briefly rekindled things with Lauryn weeks after Kairo was born and lived a lie for more than a year after discovering she was expecting his second child. She isn’t rushing into anything and is biding her time, especially with all the talk about Saudi and a possible move thereInsiderLauryn later took Kyle to court to seek a financial settlement for their kids.After Lauryn’s bombshell confession to Annie about daughter Kinara, he told The Sun in an emotional interview that he had lied to both womenHe added: “It was a double-edged sword between my conscience being clean and losing my family.“I’ve hurt someone I truly believe is my soulmate. Annie knows I’m sorry. I’m sorry because as a family this isn’t meant to happen. They are all I’ve got.”A Middle East move for the England ace would follow a tough current season at City. He still has 19 months left on his Etihad contract, but admitted he would “never say never” when rumours were flying last year. Now, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad from Saudi’s pro league are keen on securing his signature.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Kyle does take the plunge, he would follow in the footsteps of England teammate Ivan Toney, who landed a £20million-a-year deal with Al-Ahli last summer after transferring from Brentford.But whether he gets to enjoy that money with or without Annie is very much still in the balance.The ace and Annie posed in this throwback snapCredit: Instagram More

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      Inside MOTD’s ‘new signing’ Kelly Cates’ rise to top, from famous babysitter to brutal reason her footie career ended

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      LISTENING intently to her dad and his mates’ football chat as a youngster, Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The Day.For her father is Sir Kenny Dalglish — pride of Celtic and Liverpool’s Kop, with a record 102 Scottish caps, three European Cups and a clutch of league titles to his name as both a player and a manager.Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The DayCredit: GettySharing a light-hearted moment pitchside with her dad, Reds legend Kenny DalglishCredit: AlamyKelly aged four at Anfield in 1980 with mum, dad, brother Paul and the League Championship trophyCredit: GettyAnd those mates often included ­fellow medal-laden Reds Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen, both now top pundits themselves.Kelly’s one-time babysitter Graeme once said: “She is fantastic at this job because she has been in a football house all her life, listened to the daft chat on football from all of us since she was tiny.“I’d be in the living room, Alan Hansen would be in there, opinions going out all over. “She had a great insight into how this football world works.”Read More on SportWhile Kelly has absorbed the game from some of its greatest names, it’s her own deft skills behind the mic that have seen her rise to the very top in sports broadcasting.Now, alongside friends Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, the 49-year-old is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker.In a considerable coup for the BBC, reports suggest the corporation has managed to prise Kelly away from Sky Sports to present its flagship football programme.But she can still expect a text from her dad when she is on air if King Kenny is riled by the punditry from her guests.Most read in FootballShe revealed last month: “He texts [when she is on air], especially if my mum’s not there.Selleck ’tache“It’s if he doesn’t have anybody to sound off on. I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever made“He’ll hear a bit of our conversation, and then he will text me to chip in.“If it really bothers him, he’ll phone me on the way home.”Born the eldest of four children in Glasgow, Kelly was brought up in Southport, Merseyside, after her dad signed for Liverpool from Celtic in 1977.Her mum Marina once said: “Glasgow and Liverpool are very similar.“It’s the people — they are so friendly in both cities. “So it was very, very easy for us to settle here.”At the time Kelly was almost two years old and her brother Paul, who went on to play for Newcastle, ­Norwich and Wigan, was a baby.Two more siblings, Lynsey and Lauren, followed.Liverpool fan Kelly was always immersed in football, and said: “When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play.My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ childrenKelly Cates“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games.“My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”Kelly in 1979 with dad Kenny’s Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness, who used to babysit herDad Kenny with family friends Souness and Hansen celebrate Liverpool’s European Cup in 1978Credit: GettyKelly with fellow Sky presenters Clare Tomlinson and Carrie Frais in 1998Credit: RexGraeme — Kenny’s fellow Scotland international — was sometimes roped in for childcare duties. A black and white photo from 1979 shows four-year-old Kelly poking out her tongue at the hardman midfielder with the Tom Selleck ’tache and bushy hair.He recalled: “Kenny and I roomed together for ten years or more with Liverpool and Scotland and I was a regular at his place.“I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. “I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. “I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoons.I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoonsGraeme Souness“Without realising it, she was my introduction to some lovely young ladies. “I’d be walking along, and then, ‘What a gorgeous baby, you seen this baby?’ ”Despite her father’s elevated status as a Liverpool and Scotland legend, Kelly recalled: “When he was home he was just Dad.“I recall going to a Rod Stewart concert at Ibrox [stadium] once and him being stopped every ten metres walking around the pitch.“I was about seven and found it so weird — like, ‘What do they want with him?’“It was the same with his team-mates — to me they were always just Dad’s friends, sitting around arguing about football.”Her own efforts as a player were not a roaring success.Kelly with fiery pundit Roy KeaneCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedKelly is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker – pictured Gabby LoganCredit: PAKelly’s pal and MOTD co-host Mark ChapmanCredit: GettyKelly said: “When I was 11 I was playing football on some concrete. I ran down the wing thinking, ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out. “That was the end of my football career.”After A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry, she won a place to read maths at the University of Glasgow.Then when Sky Sports News was launched in 1998, she made the brave move to give up her studies and join the fledgling station.She said: “The channel was looking for young people who loved football.“It was new, and no one was watching, so they pretty much said to us,“There wasn’t a massive budget but Sky just wanted young, enthusiastic people and they didn’t want to take too much of a risk by putting their best people on it.‘Go and play at being on the telly!’“It was a huge decision to leave university, but I thought, ‘This isn’t an opportunity I’m going to get again’.”On her broadcasting inspirations, Kelly mentions Des Lynam — who fronted Match Of The Day through the 1990s with brilliant understatement — and Gabby Logan, another daughter of a football icon, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath.Kelly said: “Des was the gold ­standard. “He had that sense of being engaged with fans and got every ­single aspect of it right.“I loved that tone. “It’s the kind of tone that I like watching and ­listening to.“It kind of makes sense that I’d aim for, but not quite reach, that.“I always looked at Gabby’s career progress and watched her journey.“It was brilliant to see, and even though she’s not much older than me, it felt like she was always the next step.”It was undoubtedly a male-dominated profession, but Kelly insisted: “I wasn’t a trailblazer.“There were already people who put the groundwork in, like Gabby and Hazel Irvine. “I never have [encountered sexism] but I know other female reporters have.“Obviously you see a lot more women on screen now, but I’d like to see that backed up in the same numbers behind the cameras as well.“Now I’m older, I feel much more protective of younger women coming into the industry.”After Sky Sports News, Kelly worked as an interviewer and presenter for sports channels Setanta and ESPN. Then came work as a reporter for ITV at the 2010 World Cup, and for Channel 4 at the 2012 London Paralympics.She presented a Football League highlights show for Channel Five before being lured back to Sky Sports in 2016.At the helmOriginally at the helm for Football League matches, Kelly went on to become one of the most respected presenters on big Premier League fixtures.Working with Gary Neville, Jamie “Carra” Carragher and Roy Keane, she considers the current era to be a “golden age” for punditry.She said: “It’s not necessarily the players who play football naturally who talk about it in the best way.“It’s the ones who really worked at their game. “Carra, when he was playing, would go home and watch videos of Franco Baresi and other great defenders constantly, so he learnt.”Now Kelly — who also hosts a BBC Radio 5 show — is rated among the nation’s very foremost broadcasters by her peers and fans alike.Her friend and TV colleague Gabby, 51, says Kelly has an “effortless broadcast style and depth of knowledge that can pretty much rival anybody”.And she added that Kelly can also “disarm the likes of Roy Keane with a single eyebrow when she wants to shut him up”.Kelly’s formative years immersed in football mean she brings an understanding of the stresses that managers have to cope with daily.She continued: “I’ve had managers get a bit annoyed by a question but it’s often not me they are angry at. “They are under a lot of pressure.”In 2007 Kelly married TV ­producer Tom Cates and the couple had two daughters.They split in 2021, and Kelly said last month: “The girls are with their dad at weekends.“Although we’re not together, we get on fine and he’s really flexible with the girls, so we manage it mostly between us.I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. For me, that’s the best approachKelly Cates“The girls are getting a bit older now and they think they don’t need as much [from us] — that’s what they tell us, but they do.”In 2021 she revealed she was wary of dating, and added: “I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight, mother-of-two could possibly be attractive. “It’s not that I’m putting myself down, it’s not a lack of confidence or low self-esteem — it’s that I just don’t know what that would look like.“I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random.“Imagine going out with somebody and you sit there halfway through and think, ‘God, this guy’s an idiot’, you’ve just wasted a babysitter.”If Kelly has indeed landed sports broadcasting’s jewel in the crown, don’t expect this down-to-earth and seemingly unflappable presenter to start picking up airs and graces.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast month she said with characteristic modesty: “I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. “For me, that’s the best approach.”Gary Lineker is stepping down as MOTD hostCredit: BBCA HAT-TRICKOF QUALITY TV TALENTBy SHAUN CUSTIS, Head of SportYOU may not agree with the BBC’s decision to split presenting duties on Match Of The Day. But if that’s the way they have decided to go, they could not have picked three better people for the job.I’ve worked with Kelly Cates many times and she is the consummate professional.The fact many people didn’t realise she is the great Kenny Dalglish’s daughter speaks volumes for her talent on TV.She wasn’t handed her career.She had to prove herself to get the top jobs and did so by developing a relaxed but knowledgeable style which puts guests at ease and chimes well with viewers.Her fellow presenters, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, have also more than earned their stripes. Chapman is a brilliant all-rounder who, in my view, is the best sports presenter on radio and TV, while Logan rose up through the radio ranks to host the biggest shows on BBC Sport.They are a dynamic trio. More

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      in Soccer

      How football’s new power couple Marcus Rashford and wag Grace Jackson could rake in millions as the next Posh and Becks

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      SHE was the Love Island bombshell sent into the TV villa to shake up old flame Joey Essex and tipped to rake in millions, just like Molly-Mae Hague.And now Grace Rosa Jackson is the new beauty on the arm of England ace Marcus Rashford, 27, who she has been dating for several months.TV star Grace Rosa Jackson is dating England ace Marcus RashfordCredit: RexManchester United star Marcus has been on a series of dates with GraceCredit: GettyAn insider told The Sun the pair are “smitten” after the footballer “whisked her off on numerous dates around Cheshire” and they are said to “get on really well and have lots in common”.Marcus appears to have found the perfect blend of brains and beauty in Grace, 26, who is a savvy businesswoman as well as a fashion model and social media influencer.And brand expert Carla Speight thinks football’s latest power couple is a true “meeting of the minds” who could even become the new Posh and Becks.“Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham — she’s already aware of the industry and she will do Marcus a lot of good, too,” Carla says.READ MORE ON GRACE Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career.Carla Speight, brand expert“He had a taste of how far he could go with his successful school meals campaign during the pandemic, so he knows he can use his profile as a force for good.“It will be interesting to see what power move they will make together.“Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career. He’s signed up to Jay-Z’s management company, Roc Nation.“He could follow in the footsteps of David Beckham. Marcus has already done the sportswear stuff, but has been otherwise low-key, so it will be interesting to see where this Love Island ­influence takes him.”Most read in Football‘Born for Love Island’Mancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire from this year’s Love Island series — with brands queuing up to sign her, including retail giant PrettyLittleThing.In fact, immediately after leaving the villa in August, Grace signed a lucrative six-figure contract with fashion firm EGO, which her rep claimed was “a huge moment” because “no other islander has done anything like this for a first deal”.Love Island fans spot ‘clue’ that Grace’s head has already been turned by Casa hunkMany compared her to Molly-Mae Hague, the now ex-girlfriend of boxer Tommy Fury, who went from serving customers in Boots and working as a part-time lifeguard to raking in more than £6million as a model and ­influencer, with 8.3million followers.A source at the time told The Sun: “Grace is on course to be a millionaire already and a lot of brands are calling her the next Molly-Mae.”Even before heading into the Love Island villa, Grace had a blossoming career, having modelled for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line and online store Fashion Nova — as well as working alongside Conor McGregor to promote his Irish stout. She was also reported to have been a co-owner of Social Clubhouse, a social media management firm that launched in 2021, and events company Vamos, although she is no longer listed on the books of either at Companies House.This September, she set up her own media business, Grace Rosa Ltd. Grace’s Instagram page, which boasts 593,000 ­followers, showcases the sexiest, skimpiest and most ­stylish outfits of 2024 — which she seems to have cleverly monetised.The snaps, which she savvily signposts for fans to “shop the look”, are from enviable locations around the world and have led online ­commentators to say she was “born for Love Island”.She entertains fans with posts from stunning beaches in Marbella and Miami, Ibiza yacht parties, chic ­Parisian bars, red carpet premieres in ­London and, occasionally, from her home town of Manchester.To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.Grace Rosa JacksonWith such a hectic schedule, it’s no surprise the aspiring star ­previously struggled to find love, once complaining: “They can’t keep up with my lifestyle!“I like to go out and go abroad a lot . . . it’s the life that I want and it helps with business. “To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.”Grace hooked up with telly lothario Joey Essex in the Love Island villaCredit: ITVA brand expert says ‘Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham’Credit: instagram/gracexrosaMarcus was engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in 2023Credit: GettyIt’s that reason, and the chance of life-changing career opportunities from exposure, that led Grace to appear on Love Island in June.At the time, she said: “This is something that would push me out of my comfort zone — I don’t really date a lot. I get myself in situationships with people I know that I shouldn’t give my time to.”And producers were thrilled by the prospect of her entering as a bomb-shell, too. An insider dubbed Grace “the perfect contestant” due to her stunning looks and one other big ­ratings-puller — she was the ex of The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex. He was Love Island’s surprise contestant and the only islander this year who was already famous.As soon as Grace entered the villa on Day 12, the reality show veteran’s head was turned, despite him having already coupled up with Liverpudlian make-up artist Samantha Kenny.On the show, Grace revealed they’d “had a thing” after meeting in Ibiza the previous summer. The pair had also been pictured at a Halloween party in matching themed outfits as Batman villains Harley Quinn and The Joker.But she revealed their “intense” romance ended on “frosty terms”, which left her “hurt and confused”.Despite downplaying the relationship, the pair were soon making up for lost time. They had a series of steamy snogs, in spite of Samantha, before Grace chose to whisk Joey away for a night of passion in the separate Hideaway private villa.Footage of the couple’s antics was said to be so X-rated that sex-scene-loving Love Island bosses were “spoilt for choice” and had to leave footage on the cutting room floor.An insider explained at the time: “Because they knew each other before, their entire relationship is on fast forward and it’s steamy stuff — Joey can’t keep his hands off her.”They coupled up shortly after, with Grace believing they could go the distance outside the villa due to her being willing to move to Essex — said to be a hurdle during their previous fling. But within days, their romance had crumbled after new blonde bombshell Jessy Potts won over the reality hunk.While it didn’t work out for Joey and Grace, who also briefly dated fellow contestant Reuben Collins, she insisted there was no animosity and “no awkwardness” after they went “back to real life”. She also had plenty of distractions to keep her mind off the Towie star thanks to the raft of new opportunities boosting her career, as she continues to benefit from the ­exposure of such a high-profile reality romance.And now Grace’s star could be on the rise again since being linked to Three Lions wonderboy Marcus.The footie ace was previously engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in the summer of 2023.The striker is now Man United’s second highest-paid star on £325,000 a week — but he could earn considerably more if their romance lasts and they join forces for deals.I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.Carla Speight, brand expertBut unlike Wags without careers, who are forced to depend upon their sports star partners, Grace is a force to be reckoned with away from Marcus’s millions. With his football fandom and her fashion following, they could be a top-tier power couple to rival any of the Premier League couplings.“I’m sure every girl dreams of dating a footballer and Marcus is definitely an upgrade from Joey Essex,” says Carla. “I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.“With her skillset, she could be very useful to the Wags of these footballers. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She could guide Marcus as well with the brand deals and future opportunities, because she has done that for herself. With his profile and her business head, this is a real meeting of minds.“She has enough profile to ­survive without Marcus, but it will help her level up. It will be interesting to see where they go next.”Grace found fame on ITV dating show Love IslandCredit: instagram/gracexrosaThe beauty has a large social media followingCredit: ITVMancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire of this year’s Love Island seriesCredit: instagram/gracexrosaStriker Marcus is currently United’s second highest-paid player on £325,000-a-weekCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      My family hammered me after my first MOTD appearance but hosting TV’s best football show is an honour, says Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER has blown the final whistle on his Match Of The Day presenting career – and what a goal-den run it has been.Over a quarter of a century, his highlights reel includes hosting the programme in his undies and having toast thrown at him by footie hardman Vinnie Jones.Gary Lineker presented the first MOTD of the new season in his Leicester City emblazoned pants after his former club won the title in 2016Credit: BBCGary’s first appearance as the main presenter on MOTD in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Gary with pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson in 2000Credit: BBCYet the ex-England ace’s debut on the world’s longest-running TV football show left him squirming. “My first-ever appearance on Match Of The Day was probably my worst,” he told the BBC.“I was playing for Leicester in 1980 and, in those days, there was usually just one game shown. So it was incredibly exciting when I heard that our match against Aston Villa had been chosen.“Unfortunately, I missed an easy chance, knocking it over the bar from five yards out. I remember going home and being absolutely hammered by my family when they watched the show that night.”Gary, 63, who hails from a family of greengrocers, added: “My dad enjoyed a bet, but if you’d offered him odds that night back in 1980 that one day I’d present MOTD in my pants, as a result of Leicester winning the Premier League, then he would have laughed you out of town.”Read More on Sport‘I wanted Des’s job’Few have had more stellar England careers than Gary, whose final show will be at the end of this season.The former striker remains the Three Lions’ top scorer at World Cups, with ten goals to his name, and is England’s fourth-highest scorer of all time.He notched up four goals at Italia 90 when England reached the semi-final. He scored in that match before West Germany famously won on penalties.Later, showing an aptitude for a pithy phrase, he said: “Football is a simple game — 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans win.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England skipper always had his eye on a career in the media during his playing career.On retirement, he went into presenting and punditry with the BBC, initially for Radio 5 Live.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027He was also a witty team captain on TV sporting quiz show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.Dad-of-four Gary took over presenting Match Of The Day in 1999 from Des Lynam, who many at the time regarded as irreplaceable.And earlier this year, he told the BBC: “I didn’t do punditry for very long. I wanted Des’s job.”At the time he stepped up to the top hosting role, Gary said: “I’ve been watching Match Of The Day since I was a boy.“And just as captaining England was an honour, so too is hosting the best football show on TV.“It’s a job any sports broadcaster would be proud to do and I’m thrilled.” Gary would say of his first show in the hot seat in 1999: “You can’t really practise telly. I don’t get nervous, didn’t as a player, don’t as a presenter, but I remember that first show, there were a few butterflies.”At first, Gary says his presentation style was not as honed as he would have liked. He recalled: “I remember for a couple of years driving home and thinking, ‘I’m never going to be able to crack this’.“But, in the end, you get used to the environment and then it becomes natural — and then it really depends on whether you’ve got enough likeability, that more people like you than hate you.”Gary’s mix of assured authority and quick sense of humour won him legions of fans.Following Premier League rights returning to the BBC from ITV in 2004, Gary pushed for all the day’s matches to be screened.“It’s constantly evolved,” he told the BBC when celebrating Match Of The Day’s 60th anniversary in August this year. “I can remember when I grew up there was just one game shown. Then it went to two.“Then we lost the rights for three years to ITV. When we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we can show all the games?’.“We found a way of doing it, so I thought, ‘Right, we won’t get people moaning their team is never on Match Of The Day’.“But, of course, then it becomes where the team is in the running order. ‘We’re always last’, and this kind of stuff’.”Despite Gary and his pundits’ forthright criticism, he says few players have had a go at him, explaining: “Very, very rarely. Not with players.“Managers more so, managers are touchy. Footballers get it — they know when they’ve made a mistake.”The MOTD team, clockwise from top left: Jimmy Hill, Barry Davies, John Motson, Gary, Des Lynam and Alan at the 1998 World CupCredit: PA:Press AssociationGary, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright with the MOTD team behind the scenes in 2016Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesGary, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard amd Micah Richards go wild after England go through after beating Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2024Credit: Pixel8000Gary covering the match between Leicester City and Manchester United in 2000Credit: ColorsportA young Lineker at Leicester City in 1979Credit: AlamyOne player who did have a “pop” at him was former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie Jones. The player-turned actor told The Sun how Gary “said he’d rather watch Ceefax than watch Wimbledon”.Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Vinnie, who was not amused, said: “If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***hole.“So when I saw him in a hotel in Dublin, I threw me f***ing dinner at him and said, ‘Well, you want to say something now, big ears?’.”The 1995 set-to also involved Vinnie chucking slices of toast at Gary.Three years later, the pair appeared together in a Walkers crisps advert, the hatchet seemingly buried.If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***holeVinnie JonesNow Vinnie says: “He’s not on my Christmas card list. I’m sure I’m not on his.”In 2016, Gary promised to present Match Of The Day in his pants if his beloved Leicester City achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Premier League title.“I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league. But, of course, they did.“I kind of had to do it. It was the most surreal thing I’ve done on TV.”Gary also showed his cheeky side when then-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette let out a blood-curdling scream after being fouled, falling to the ground and clutching his leg, in 2021. Lacazette soon returned to his feet without needing treatment.‘Exceeded expectations’At the end of the show, Gary threw himself off his presenter’s chair with mocking screams.His prowess behind the mic has also seen him present coverage from the Olympics, major golf tournaments and the Sports Personality Of The Year awards.He has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for the past seven years and would work for other networks, including BT Sport.There is also a lucrative long-term sponsorship deal with Walkers crisps, and he jointly owns TV production company Goalhanger Films.It produced sports documentaries including Rooney: The Man Behind the Goals, about Manchester United icon Wayne.Goalhanger also has a podcast division, which has proved Gary’s Midas touch.I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league — but, of course, they didGary LinekerNow the largest British producer of podcasts, its shows include The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and his own podcast, The Rest Is Football, which he hosts with fellow goal-scoring great Alan Shearer and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards.With his Match Of The Day contract expiring next summer, Gary said in an August interview: “Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations.“But at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC.“I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliant.”Gary is not content to do what his critics demand and stick merely to football.Controversy over his political tweets reached boiling point in March 2023, with the resulting furore seeing the Match Of The Day host taken off air.He had written on X that the language used by the then-government to launch a policy on small boat crossings was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.Esquire magazine called the ex-Leceister, Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona striker “the voice of liberal Britain”.But BBC chiefs suspended Gary — who never received a yellow card, let alone a red, during his 16 years and 654 competitive matches.In a mark of Gary’s popularity among his peers, sport presenters from across BBC programming, including Shearer, Ian Wright, Alex Scott, Jermain Defoe and Dion Dublin, mutinied and came off air.Wright said he would quit Match Of The Day if the BBC “get rid of Lineker”. TV and radio shows including Football Focus, Final Score and Fighting Talk were pulled.Match Of The Day lasted just 20 minutes without presenters or analysts and only edited highlights screened.I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC. I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliantGary LinekerIt was a mark of the esteem Gary is held in by the public that the BBC backed down and reinstated him.An independent review of the corporation’s social media guidelines saw tougher new rules introduced. Then last month came rumours of a leaked email that hinted the BBC was drafting a statement on Gary’s departure from Match Of The Day.A BBC spokesman insisted: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”Gary characteristically treated the speculation over his future with a gag. He introduced Match Of The Day by saying: “Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show . . . ”READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, pausing with impeccable comic timing, he added: “Before the international break.”Now, one of football’s most cherished sons really is leaving — as perhaps the iconic programme’s greatest-ever presenter. More

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      in Boxing

      How Mike Tyson & Jake Paul’s $80m clash became ‘boxing’s biggest freak show’ with lie detector gaffes and $2m VIP seats

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      AS the dust settles on the US election, America is bracing itself for another epic and unpredictable showdown.And once again, it pits a controversial, motor-mouthed veteran against a far younger contender many predict is not cut out for the job.Boxing legend Mike Tyson famously won 44 of his 58 fights by knockoutsCredit: GettyIron Mike is set to take on 27-year-old YouTuber Jake PaulCredit: GettyCritics have dubbed Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s boxing match the biggest freak show in boxing historyCredit: GettyMore than 60,000 fans will pile into Texas’s AT&T arena on Saturday to watch the spectacle of former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, 58, take on 27-year-old YouTuber Jake Paul in what critics have dubbed the biggest freak show in boxing history.VIP ringside seats are being sold for a record £1.55million — and millions more will tune into the event which, in a groundbreaking move, is being streamed live on Netflix.But it remains to be seen whether Paul can solve the conundrum that has seen fighters with twice his class pummelled to the canvas by the self-styled Baddest Man On The Planet.In Tyson’s famous words: “Everyone has a plan ’til they get punched in the mouth.”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONThe stats behind Mike Tyson vs Jake PaulUntil his retirement in 2005, the human pitbull famously won 44 of his 58 fights by knockouts.Yet even Tyson — whose training regime includes microdosing magic mushrooms and smoking weed — can’t win against Old Father Time.The three-decade age gap between the men is the largest in professional boxing history.Gutsy Paul, rated a decent if inexperienced pugilist, may use his youth to give the ex-champ the runaround before delivering a knockout blow.Most read in BoxingSo is this simply a circus act or a legitimate contest in the spirit of the Marquess of Queensberry?What’s certain is that it will be box office gold.Jake Paul had vision of himself fighting Mike Tyson while high on psychedelics three years agoRather than the usual pay per view, the fighters have signed a deal said to be around £31million each for Saturday’s early hours bout.It is already predicted to be one of the most-viewed boxing matches of all time, and media analysts suggest it could usher in a new dawn for how live sports are consumed, with further plans to broadcast NFL and WWE events on Netflix.Tyson is characteristically bullish ahead of the fight in Arlington, Texas.Before Paul had his most recent and 11th fight, Iron Mike insisted: “Regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.“If I can fight ten per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that.”‘Weak and flawed person’Not everyone shares his optimism. Boxing great and promoter Barry McGuigan told a newspaper he fears Tyson will tarnish his legacy if he is remembered for “that sham of a fight with that YouTuber”.The former featherweight, who will appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity, added: “A 58-year-old man shouldn’t be fighting. He just shouldn’t.“At that age your punch resistance invariably disappears. And while we see all these clips of Tyson doing the pads, that’s not real. What’s real is sparring against good-quality opposition and seeing how you look then.”The younger man’s route to the Texas ring was as a celebrity You- Tuber whose maiden fight was a so-called white-collar boxing contest for office workers.He has won ten of his 11 professional bouts with seven knockouts.Nicknamed The Problem Child, Paul’s only loss was to Tommy Fury — but it was a split decision and he knocked the Love Island star down in the eighth round.Love Island’s Tommy Fury on the way to beating Jake Paul in Riyadh last yearCredit: GettyJake Paul’s skater girlfriend Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamIt is a record that lends him legitimacy, though his opponents included a YouTuber, a retired basketball star and four Mixed Martial Arts fighters.The opponents were well-picked — seven were 35 or older — and purses huge. Paul has earned tens of millions from his fights including almost £24million from the bout with Fury.Yet Tyson has fought genuine ring legends including Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno.In August at a press conference with Iron Mike, Paul bragged: “I’m here to make 40million dollars and knock out a legend.“I don’t give a f* about anything else. And he’s the one that wanted it to be a pro fight. “So he’s gonna get his ass knocked out for real on a real record.”One glamorous figure in Paul’s corner is his Dutch girlfriend Jutta Leerdam, an Olympic speed skating silver medallist who admits to more anxiety over the clash.She told the Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson: “I’m a little scared. “I think, ‘Hey, stay away from my boyfriend.’ But it’s also the sport, so I understand that.”And when hooked up to a lie detector machine on the endless social media promo trail, Paul’s trash talk bluster disappeared. Asked if he would beat the former undisputed champion, he answered: “Yeah.”Mike Tyson famously chewing Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: SkyMike Tyson being led away by cops after rape arrest in 1991Credit: RexBut the lie detector begged to differ, suggesting Paul’s cocky facade hid his real belief that he would lose.When a clip of the test went viral, Tyson shared it with his 30million Instagram followers with three laughing emojis emblazoned on it.The pair were originally scheduled to meet on July 20 but Tyson was taken ill two months earlier in an plane toilet after an ulcer flare-up.On the plane, I went to the bathroom, and I threw up blood,” he revealed. “Next thing I know I’m on the floor and I was defecating tar.” In his Eighties prime, Tyson was the most destructive heavyweight of his generation.Menacing in black trunks, black ankle-high boots and no socks, he would pace the ring before the first bell like a caged lion.Psyching out many before a punch was thrown, he won his first 19 professional fights by knockout, 12 of them in the first round.In 1992 he was convicted of raping 18-year-old Miss Black America contestant Desiree Washington and received a six-year prison sentence, serving less than half that time.I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity.Mike TysonOn his release, he fought two losing fights against Evander Holyfield. In the second, Tyson sank his teeth into Holyfield’s ear, biting the fleshy top off before spitting it out on to the canvas.Teddy Atlas, his former trainer, called Tyson “a very weak and flawed person”.His penultimate contest — against Brit Danny Williams in 2004 — saw him unable to beat the count after being knocked down in a bloodied heap in the fourth round.In his last professional fight in 2005, he threw in the towel against Irishman Kevin McBride before the seventh round.Announcing his retirement afterwards, a downbeat Tyson insisted: “I’m not going to disrespect the sport any more by losing to this calibre of fighter.”A 2020 exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr was judged a draw. Tyson admitted he was high on marijuana during the fight, revealing afterwards: “I smoke every day.” He credits weed for helping him beat a destructive cocaine and booze habit.‘I’m a glutton for pain’Asked by US TV host Jimmy Kimmel recently if he intends to be “high on marijuana” during his bout with Paul, Tyson replied: “That’s a possibility.”Also a magic mushroom user, Tyson says he takes the psychedelics during his workouts “because I feel beautiful”.Now he has been lured back to his beloved ring partly, at least, for the adulation. “I’m a glory junkie,” the fighter with a Maori-inspired face tattoo admitted. “I love people thinking about me all day.“I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity.“This is all I started fighting for — to get all this fing status.“I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that. “I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”The giant purse might help too, with punters paying through the roof to get close to the action.The arena’s most expensive ticket is a record $2million VIP package, which will seat two people less than six feet from the action in a private booth.If Mike lands one clean punch, and if he makes him miss, he will make him pay.Jeff FenechFurther perks include the chance to visit both fighters backstage before the fight, an open bar and gourmet all-inclusive food menu, plus a personal security escort to accompany guests across the venue.And even at 58, the allure of an Iron Mike knockout remains undimmed.Jeff Fenech, who trained Tyson to defeats against Williams and McBride, believes the fallen champ still has what it takes to dispatch upstart Paul.The cornerman said: “If Mike lands one clean punch, and if he makes him miss, he will make him pay. “If he doesn’t try and strike at the same time and is patient, the fight could be over in one minute.”Thankfully — perhaps for both fighters — the rounds will be two minutes long rather than the usual three for men’s bouts.Dad-of-seven Tyson explained: “I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action. “If we only have two minutes, we’ll fight more.”And the fighters will wear 14oz gloves rather than the usual 10oz to lend greater protection.Neither man will wear headguards.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prospect of a potentially stoned former heavy-hitting champ battling a rookie almost young enough to be his grandson may not warm the cockles of boxing purists.“People say it’s s*t,” Gypsy King Tyson Fury said. “But I bet they still watch it.” More

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      Banned for threatening ref & not eating when he loses – fiery new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will bring ‘hairdryer’ back

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives at Manchester United on Monday, the Premier League had better be ready for some hairdryer treatment.The Portuguese manager has gained a reputation for struggling to contain his temper both on and off the pitch during his career.New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has a fiery side, just like former boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: RexIt is the kind of rage that fans and players at Old Trafford got used to when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.Amorim, 39, who impressed United supporters by beating their rivals Man City 4-1 in his penultimate game in charge of Sporting Lisbon this week, is charged with bringing back the glory days achieved by Fergie in the 1990s and 2000s.The former midfielder has admitted letting anger get the better of him as a player, and he was banned from the touchline as a manager for three months after allegedly telling a referee: “I’ll smash your face in.”Amorim, who played 14 times for his country, also conceded that he struggled to hide his frustration when his team wasn’t doing well and got “impatient” with young stars.READ MORE RUBEN AMORIMHe has gained inspiration by reading about great leaders such as Barack Obama and the late Apple boss Steve Jobs.Different atmosphereHe is also said to be a fan of Peaky Blinders and has seen every episode of the BBC gangster drama starring Cillian Murphy, reportedly telling pals he was “addicted” to the show, which was mainly shot in Birmingham, but also in Manchester.And thanks to some anger management therapy, he is said to be calmer now.But Amorim, who gives few interviews, once admitted: “One problem I have is I can’t control my body language when something is, in my opinion, incredibly wrong.Most read in Football“Because there are things that should be known at a certain level and when I see players making certain mistakes I quickly get frustrated and can’t hide it.”Amorim is set to earn around £8million a year as boss at Manchester United.’Sporting fans will be upset with Ruben Amorim but he will be much better than Erik ten Hag’It is a huge change of fortunes for the man who was raised on the breadline in a household in Lisbon.His parents split up when he was a year old, and money was tight as he and older brother Mauro were raised by their mother Anabela.When Amorim was 13 they moved to the Corroios area of Almada, across the river Tagus from Lisbon, and matters got worse.Amorim’s father Virgilio said: “We were separated and it was an important change for our sons.“Ruben was used to a quiet school and I remember he was attacked once or twice in Corroios, it was a different atmosphere.”Amorim, who has a half-sister, Catia, is said to have been teased at his new school for preferring water to Coke.His friend Daniel Oliveira said: “We teased him a lot because at meals we nearly had to force him to drink something else.”But that healthy approach proved wise, as Amorim’s footballing talent was noticed by local side Belenenses, which signed him in 2003.Amorim is a hero at Sporting where he has won two league titles, and beat Manchester City this weekCredit: PAIn 2008 he joined Benfica, one of Portugal’s top sides, and for him, winning was everything.He said: “In my first derby, Sporting v Benfica, I lost, and I didn’t eat all weekend. “My week, if Benfica lost, I was depressed.”Unfortunately his career was blighted by injuries, such as a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee and tendonitis.Sitting on the sidelines deeply frustrated Amorim, who grew so annoyed he is said to have hurled his boots across the physio room.He said: “An injured player gets stressed and in a bad mood, and contrary to what one might think, you spend more time at the club recovering.”But Amorim was fit to play for his country in the 2014 World Cup. He said: “It was the only year I didn’t have injuries. I was so happy.”A year later he accepted that his physical state meant he could no longer play at the highest level, and he decided to sign for Al-Wakrah in Qatar on loan. It didn’t go well.He recalled: “I knew I wouldn’t have much success there. “Things went against me a lot.“I was sent off twice when I’d never been sent off before. “It must have been the frustration and it turned to anger. “I was stupid.”13-time title winner Sir Alex Ferguson became known for the ‘hairdryer’ treatment dealt out to his playersCredit: GettyAfter just 14 games in the Middle East he decided he would rather quit than accept a losing mentality, even though he could have earned a fortune at the wealthy side.Amorim said: “People said I could stay there five years and earn a lot of money, and that’s what I thought.“But when you go on the pitch I couldn’t think that way — you want to perform well.“I couldn’t stand players greeting me and chatting during the game when we were losing.”In 2017 he decided to retire from playing football at the age of 32.Four years earlier, in 2013, he had married interior designer Maria Joao Diogo in an impressive ceremony at a historic palace in the city of Coimbra.Unlike many footballing partnerships, the couple, who have sons Miguel and Manuel, do not advertise their romance on social media and prefer to keep a low profile.But Amorim did dance with Maria on the pitch when he won his first league title as manager of Sporting Lisbon in 2021.He had had some doubts about going into coaching because the demand of the job means you do not get to see much of your family.He revealed: “At first I wanted to look at doing other things because it’s not very easy for family life.“As I finished playing early, it’s a way of filling the gap. “I’ll try it. I don’t know if I’ll be good or bad.”His rise to the top has been meteoric, having started as a manager in 2018 with lowly third- division side Casa Pia in Lisbon.Amorim has been supported through his managerial career by wife Maria Joao DiogoCredit: D. RAmorim’s hot-headed nature got him into trouble the following year.During a match against Amora he put his head against that of referee Hugo Silva and was reported to have told him: “I’ll smash your face in.”Having been restrained by colleagues, he then took the dispute into the changing room, continuing to berate the ref.Amorim was banned for 90 days and fined 408 euros.According to Espresso, a Portuguese daily newspaper, he went to a psychologist for anger management sessions. Much of his success is down to a strict work ethic, which includes starting his day at 6am.And he has a reputation for looking after his players — including paying the rent for his Casa Pia central defender Deritson Lopes for a year after after he heard that the player was having to work nights at a fast food joint to support his three children.Lopes said: “He was an angel in my life.”Amorim left Casa Pia because he had been banned for coaching without the right level of qualifications and he went to Braga instead.His friend Tiago Ribeiro said: “When he went to Braga B, there were some months without work during which his assistants didn’t get paid, and he took it upon himself to make sure they weren’t lacking anything.” At Braga’s first team he won the league cup and took the unfashionable side into Europe.In 2020 Sporting Lisbon, the bitter rivals of the Benfica side he had supported as a child, paid a record fee to secure his services.It proved to be money well spent because he won the club’s first league title in 19 years.That is what Manchester United hope to be buying, having not finished top of the Premier League since 2013. He is a young coach who should be given the time to succeed, like Ferguson was.Amorim said: “I’ve grown with experience in every respect. “It’s normal to improve with experience.“I’ve made mistakes. “I’ve learnt, I keep learning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve come through difficulties, I have had great support and I’ve been lucky.”Additional reporting: VICTOR VAGOAmorim, 39, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the topCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Boyzone & Westlife stars’ bid to turn footie minnows into ‘new Wrexham’ as they declare ‘we’ll win the Prem’

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      BOYZONE and Westlife have sold out stadiums all over the world.But now three members of the famous Nineties pop bands have entered a new arena with a fresh challenge – to take a part-time football club all the way to the Premier League.Shane Lynch and Brian McFadden at Chorley this weekendCredit: Mark TattersallWrexham’s celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate the club’s promotion in April last yearCredit: GettySaturday’s clash with King’s LynnCredit: Mark TattersallJean Pedley, second left, with fansCredit: Mark TattersallKeith Duffy said: ‘Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of Chorley’Credit: GettyShane Lynch and Keith Duffy from Boyzone, with Brian McFadden of Westlife fame, are now shareholders of Chorley FC, who play in the ­National League North — SIX rungs below England’s top-flight squads.Chorley is just 25 miles from ­Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, but the clubs are light years apart in footballing terms.The smaller team, nicknamed The Magpies, averages gates of 1,400, compared to City’s 53,000. Their 80-year-old stand was originally built on an ash tip, and the club boasts such a ­community vibe, a fan once drove a crocked player to hospital because no ambulance was nearby.Read More on SportNow, with a potential documentary in the offing tracking their journey, Shane, Keith and Brian believe there is no reason why they can’t mirror Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham — whose story ­features in a Disney+ show — and Gary Neville at Salford City.Both have taken struggling teams towards the promised land.Brian, 44, said: “We have aspirations, just like Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds. “I wake up some nights thinking, ‘We’re going to win the Premier League in the next 30 years’.Most read in Football“You have to dream big, and we’ve got to aim for the top.‘Amazing support’“Teams like Salford and Wrexham, who have well-known owners, make us think, ‘Why not us?’.” Boyzone reuniting for Welcome to Wrexham-style TV docu-series after buying non-league Chorley FCAnd he joked: “Gary Neville and Ryan ­Reynolds may need to watch out!”Keith added of the locals’ pride in the team: “We’re from a working-class background in the north side of Dublin and it’s all about family.“It’s all about community — and coming here today, it’s like being home.“Hopefully we’re going to be the new adopted sons.”This week, The Sun was invited for the first ever access-all-areas tour of the ground with the lads, and to witness a 2-1 win for their team that took them joint top of their league.It is exactly a year since the trio signed on the dotted line as investors.Since then, the club has invested £250,000 in a new pitch, installed safer terracing at the 4,100-capacity ground and also created a brand new hospitality suite.But the pop stars insist they will not be meddling in the running of the team. Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of ChorleyKeith DuffyShane, 48, said: “What’s on the pitch stays on the pitch, and what’s off the pitch kind of stays off the pitch. “We try not to bleed into both. “We are here as investors.”Brian, who lives in neighbouring Rochdale, added: “When I was signed to big record companies, I hated it when they told me how to sing.“So, we’re definitely not going to tell them how to play football.”We arrive at the 105-year-old ­Victory Park stadium two hours before Saturday’s crunch home tie against King’s Lynn.The old-fashioned turnstiles creak as stewards warmly greet fans by their first names. One supporter sells pin badges while others chat to the players and give them high-fives as they head inside.Shane and Brian — both wearing club jerseys — guide us into the home dressing room, where the team’s black, white and red shirts bearing each player’s name are hung up neatly, with the rest of the kit folded below. We have aspirations, just like Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds. I wake up some nights thinking, ‘We’re going to win the Premier League in the next 30 yearsBrian McFaddenBut this is where the similarities with a Premier League changing room end. Instead of giant interactive screens similar to those you would see at the likes of City and Liverpool, a whiteboard displays hand-written notes on that day’s match rivals.Shane embraces Chorley manager Andy Preece and the pair share a joke.Brian, who scored a 1999 No1 with Westlife covering Abba’s I Have A Dream, said: “When I’ve got grandchildren, I want to be able to say I was a part of that.”However, not all fans were convinced when Shane’s friends, who bought the 141-year-old club last year, invited the lads to invest. Keith said: “Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of Chorley.“They’ve got this amazing community support. “It’s their club and I think there was a worry that we might come in and try to make it a bit Hollywood and throw money at it. “After speaking to everyone, we said we couldn’t do that. “We had to let this club grow naturally.”Shane added: “I’m not hugely into football, but Brian and Keith are.“It’s amazing to see how the fans bought into having two guys from Boyzone and a fella from Westlife on board.”And it’s not just the club that is in a different league. Most of Chorley’s players also have day jobs, such as school sports coach, personal trainer, plumber and electrician. One even works for the National Crime Agency.Outside, the ground has changed since the club was formed after switching from a rugby team in 1883.Fans can get in for just £14 if they buy tickets online, while under-12s go free — a snip compared to the £100 sometimes charged by Premier League sides in the area. Chorley — a town of just 120,000 people — is famed for its Chorley cake but, as well as being able to grab one with a cuppa for less than £3, the ground’s delicacy is its butter chicken, mushy peas and gravy for just over £5.‘Always felt like home’Since the lads took over a year ago, a revamp means state-of-the-art hospitality facilities offer fans a two-course meal, their own car parking space, a programme, signed ball and the best seats for less than £70 a head if bought in a group of six.Hospitality manager Sue Gautrey began working as a barmaid at the club in 2002, and said: “It has always felt like home. “My three daughters work here and I hope I’ll be here until I retire.“It’s quite surreal seeing Boyzone and Westlife wandering around, but they are lovely. “Everyone associated with the club is great.”In the summer, Shane, Keith and Brian saw £250,000 spent on a new pitch and drainage system, while the terracing got fresh Tarmac, a new perimeter fence was installed and improvements were made to the quaint main stand.Chairman Jamie Vermiglio, a former player who managed the club to the fourth round of the FA Cup in 2021, when they were beaten by Premier League side Wolves, said: “Having these guys here is brilliant for the club. “It’s exciting.“We have had some great times and achievements, and hopefully we will have many more.”I’m not hugely into football, but Brian and Keith are. It’s amazing to see how the fans bought into having two guys from Boyzone and a fella from Westlife on boardShane LynchShane said: “We’re on a ten-year project and we are coming into Year Two. “We’ve got lots of ideas for the ground, for the game and to grow Chorley as a town.“What we are doing is very much community based. “Just look at the queues outside. “This is why this club is alive, and the more people we can have walking through the turnstiles, is very important to us.”The trio said they are keen to bring in new sponsorship, boost attendance and generate funds to help climb the leagues.And watching their match with full-time squad King’s Lynn, it could be the start of something.Chorley win 2-1, sending them joint top with former league club Scunthorpe. Fans are jubilant and chant, “We are going up” as they leave.Chorley is a great community and the support they have is great. This is how it should be and it is a great day out for familiesKeith DuffyJean Pedley, 82, started watching the team aged 12 and lives next to the ground. She said: “My mother used to wash the kit. “My sister and I used to work in the refreshment bar and all you could buy was a pork pie and a cup of tea. “Now we have pop stars here. “It’s changed a lot.”John Vernon, 81, a supporter of 70 years, said: “The Premier League is another world, but this is the charm of it here. “At a game in Nottingham, one of our players suffered a nasty cut and there wasn’t an ambulance so I drove him to hospital.“I managed to get him back to the ground before the team coach left.“When we arrived back, everyone cheered. “If we’d missed the coach, I’d have happily driven him home. “Where else would that happen?”In the trophy room, Keith, 50, hailed fans’ post-match celebrations, which include a singer and a live band, revealing: “Chorley is a great community and the support they have is great. “This is how it should be and it is a great day out for families.”He added of their win over King’s Lynn: “It was good to see that today.”Shane added: “I was having a bit of banter with the fans, telling them that it’s not my fault if we lose.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I was nervous at the end of the game and it was a great buzz to winning. “There are real similarities with having a great gig.” More