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    UK’s ‘strictest’ pub where you get told off for checking footy scores & swearing is banned…but is it worth the £2 pints?

    PINTS are £2 but swearing and phone use is banned – welcome to the ‘strictest’ boozer in the UK. The Commercial Hotel in Huddersfield enforces a “digital detox” on punters, while popping in with your own food is also strictly prohibited.Commercial Hotel in Huddersfield has a strict digital detox ruleCredit: MEN MediaJake Smith, landlord at the Commercial HotelCredit: MEN MediaDrinkers are barred from using their devicesCredit: MEN MediaBut the pub has attracted drinkers in their droves for its cheap asking price for booze, YorkshireLive reported.Tight-fisted visitors can have a pint of Alpine lager pulled for just £2.20.Landlord Jake Smith recently reopened the Samuel Smith’s pub following a lengthy period of closure.”A guy paid £4.40 for two pints and thought I’d under-charged him”, he admitted.read more in footballJake recalled how one customer recently fell foul of the establishment’s firm no-phone rule.”He was talking on his mobile phone. I just pointed at one of the beer mats (which has a printed warning) and he said it was fine, not a problem.”In another incident, he gave one scrolling customer a slap on the wrist for checking the footy scores.”You shouldn’t be doing that,” he fumed. “Digital detox.”Most read in FootballThe landlord explained how Samuel Smith’s Brewery boss Humphrey Smith has urged punters to put their devices down and chat and socialise with each other instead.Boss Jake says that locals who come through the pub’s doors appreciate the disconnect from the digital world.Chaotic moment Scots pub is left filled with foam after fire extinguisher set off by DOG sparking panic from puntersHe continued: “A woman came in last night and said she was glad that we had re-opened. “She said she hated background music, watching TV and karaoke. She just likes to sit and talk to people.”Customers Jack and Joan said they were elated to be back in the boozer, but questioned some of the imposed rules.”It wouldn’t be so bad if you could bring a sandwich in,” said Joan.”I think they could do with a TV in the games room,” added Jack.OTHER BIZARRE BOOZER RULES
    BITTER AND TWISTED
    One pub shocked punters with eight rules including a ban on kids, muddy shoes and iPhones.
    The Boot & Shoe Inn in Tockwith, Yorkshire, went viral on social media after unveiling its list of rules which have been stuck to the front window of the pub.
    The pub is owned by the Samuel Smith Brewery which is known for its zero tolerance on electronic devices being used at its pubs.
    Eight notices in the Boot & Shoe Inn window clearly state the list of banned items with children, muddy boots, dogs, swearing, phones, iPads and laptops all prohibited.
    One of the requests that has left pub-goers particularly frustrated is the banning of electronic items such as mobile phones and iPads.
    The notice says receiving and sending texts, taking photos, emailing and playing on games or apps, as well as the use of social media platforms are included within the ban.
    SWIFT BACKLASH
    NEIGHBOURS have complained about what has been dubbed Britain’s strictest pub after it announced a raft of new rules.
    Bosses of a historic village pub have revealed a ban on mobile phones, swearing and workwear while visiting.
    They also insisted on only “well-behaved children” and none at all after 8pm, prompting fury from potential punters.
    The Swan Inn in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire – the childhood home village of chart-topping pop star Harry Styles – reopened after five years of closure on Wednesday.
    Managers of the pub, which dates back to the 1800s, wrote: “Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome this week.
    “We are a bed and breakfast and restaurant – for the enjoyment of all our guests this is a digital detox environment, so no mobile devices are allowed inside.
    “We also have a strict no swearing and no workwear policy.
    “Well-behaved children are welcome in the restaurant rooms for meals and outside in our beer garden until 8pm. Dogs are also welcome in our beer garden.
    “If this is not the environment for you we completely understand. We look forward to meeting you soon.”
    But there was a swift and angry backlash online, especially to the stipulation about “well-behaved children”.
    Hannah Gibson posted: “What a shame. These rules are going to put a lot of the local people off.
    “Also the ‘well behaved children welcome’ is pretty rude.”
    Laura Davison commented: “What do you do with children that aren’t ‘well behaved’? Totally ridiculous rule in my opinion.”

    Elsewhere, an English pub dating back hundreds of years has revealed it’s £4million renovation.The White Horse, in Dorking, dates back to the 13th century, although a large part of it was rebuilt in the 1700s.Being more than 400 years old it has also had some very famous guests in the past, including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.It is thought that the White Hart pub mentioned in Jane Austen’s The Watsons novel was inspired by the White Horse.Similarly, Dickens not only is said to have often visited, but used it as inspiration for his novel The Pickwick Papers.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pub also serves classic British food, as well as having a “stick library” for dogs to pick out snacks from.And the pub has recently reopened following a £4million renovation, with 56 rooms ranging from Snug to Really Fancy.Punters will need to mind their language if they’re popping in for a sharpenerCredit: MEN MediaThe Commercial Hotel in Huddersfield town centre during a quiet afternoonCredit: MEN Media More

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    ‘Pointless advice’ is slammed as football fans going to Euro 2024 told to take it easy because German beer is STRONGER

    NANNYING civil servants have warned footie fans heading to Euro24 to go easy on the beer – because the German stuff is stronger.The “killjoy” officials were last night slammed for the “pointless advice” telling Brits to watch how much they drink.
    England skipper Harry Kane attends the 188th edition of the traditional OktoberfestCredit: Getty
    The average strength of beers and lagers in the UK is 4.4%, while in Germany the figure is 4.7%Credit: Getty
    Up to 800,000 British fans are expected to head to games in Germany for the Euros, but the Foreign Office has warned them about strong beer they may encounter thereCredit: NNP
    Foreign Office diplomats even said supporters risked being banned from matches for turning up at the stadium too sloshed.
    England, Scotland and maybe Wales if they qualify will play in the European tournament that kicks off this summer.
    Up to half a million British fans are expected to head to games in Germany, which could even rise to 800,000. 
    But they have been warned by the Foreign Office: “Beer can be stronger than in the UK, so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws. You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    The average percentage of alcohol in UK beer is around 4.4 per cent according to Drinkaware.
    Whereas in Germany that figure rises to between 4.7 and 5.4 per cent.
    Critics went studs tonight on the official government guidance for the throngs of travelling supporters. 
    Tory MP Kevin Foster told The Sun: “At a time when there are so many serious issues for the FCDO to be tackling in terms of global peace, passing comment on German Beer should be the least of their worries.
    Most read in Football
    “Fans travelling to Germany should respect our hosts and their laws, as we expect those visiting the UK to do, but they don’t need nanny state advice to do so.”
    Benjamin Elks of the TaxPayers’ Alliance piled in: “Brits enjoying a beer in Berlin need no lectures from kill-joy civil servants.
    “Taxpayers have had enough of pointless advice from pen pushers who think they know best.
    “Ministers should show a red card to these nannying diplomats”
    England captain Harry Kane was recently pictured holding a beer and wearing lederhosen following his move to Bayern Munich last year – albeit though he is teetotal.
    Munich is widely considered the beer capital of the world for the amount of breweries.
    England fans do not make a secret of enjoying the odd beer, with 17million pints thought to have been sunk across the UK during the 2022 World Cup. 
    Gareth Soutgahte’s England kick off their campaign on June 16 in a clash against Serbia, before then facing Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
    Wales host Finland in the semi-finals of the qualification playoffs on March 21 in Cardiff. 
    An England football fan with a pint of beerCredit: EPA More

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    Ex-Celtic & Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson downed pints of high-strength VENOM before mowing down teen at 70mph

    A FORMER Celtic and Rangers starlet downed pints of high-strength VENOM on a boozy pub crawl before mowing down a teenager in a horror hit-and-run.Ciaran Dickson, 22, fatally hit Aidan Pilkington, 18, in the Anniesland area of Glasgow before fleeing the scene on foot on September 11, 2021.
    Ciaran Dickson pled guilty to causing death by dangerous drivingCredit: Spindrift
    The footie starlet killed teenager Aidan PilkingtonCredit: PA
    Map of Dickson’s locations before fatal crash
    Dickson pled guilty today at the High Court in Glasgow to causing death by dangerous driving after Aidan suffered significant head injuries which he succumbed to later in hospital.
    The ex-Celtic B team player raced down the road at a speed between 64 and 71mph while three times over the limit when he struck Aidan.
    In court it emerged the footie youngster consumed several drinks – including the potent cocktail called Venom – before getting behind the wheel and killing his teenage victim.
    The former Rangers youth player was on a boozy night out with a friend and drank a pint of lager and a bottle of Corona at the Duck Bay Marina in Loch Lomond.

    He then got behind the wheel and drove to a pool club in Glasgow city centre.
    CCTV showed that Dickson then consumed a further two pints of lager before driving to The Black Horse bar.
    While he was there, he downed three pints of the strong cocktail venom – which was topped up with an extra measure of vodka.
    The Venom cocktail is popular with young party-goers and pub revellers due to its high alcohol content. It is made by mixing vodka, Southern Comfort and orange juice, before adding in a blue WKD to create a bright green colour.
    Most read in Football
    Aidan was on a night out with school friends at the time and left the bar at around 11.30pm.
    He was heading to a friend’s house when Dickson hit him on Crow Raod at around midnight.
    Dickson, now of Erskine, Renfrewshire, then dragged Aidan along the ground, causing significant head injuries.
    Dickson, who was employed by Celtic’s B team at the time of the offence, then fled the scene at around 50 to 70 miles per hour.
    He then abandoned his rented Mercedes car and ran 178 metres back to his home – which was discovered by police who seized his fitness watch.
    Aidan’s friend Ben Smith recalled seeing a vehicle a “distance away” and believed there was enough time to cross the road. Aidan followed behind him.
    Prosecutor John Keenan KC said: “Mr Smith was walking within the two lanes when he realised the car was getting closer, faster than he expected.
    “He could not estimate the speed of the vehicle, but it caused him to ‘quicken up’.
    “He was halfway into the lane when he turned around to see if Aidan was following.
    “He observed that Aidan was halfway into the nearside lane of the road.”
    Mr Smith stated that a white car struck Aidan, who was about to start university, when he was positioned between the two lanes.
    He added that he did not remember Aidan being run over by the car but to “have travelled for around 10 to 15 metres with the car.”
    Other witnesses described hearing a loud bang and a thud as well as seeing Aidan on the ground.
    He was noted to be unconscious with blood coming from his mouth and ears.
    Aidan was also found to have an exposed fractured skull, very shallow breathing and CPR was carried out at the scene by medics.
    Aidan was taken to hospital where he remained unresponsive and was tragically pronounced dead at 1.55am.
    Police noticed the damage that was done to the Mercedes – including a missing badge.
    Dickson handed himself into police the next day and he was released pending and investigation.
    He gave a no comment interview to officers in February 2022 and on June he was finally arrested.
    A post-mortem examination was carried out which revealed major external injuries to Aidan’s head and trunk.
    Aidan suffered bruising and wounds to his forehead, scalp, eye and cheek.
    There was also a full-thickness wound to the back of his head surrounded by bruising.
    Mr Keenan added: “Pathologists considered that the injuries to the front and back of the head were consistent with a run over or dragging type scenario.”
    Further injuries included to the abdomen and pelvis as well as a number of rib fractures.
    An internal examination revealed a large skull fracture which was associated with a small amount of bleeding on the surface of the brain.
    Pathologists considered that a brain injury might be responsible for the “very rapid death.”
    Mr Keenan said: “The major cause of death is considered to be severe head injury which is consistent with being sustained as a result of road traffic collision.”
    It was also suggested that Aidan was not standing at the time of the collision. It is not known if he slipped or fell.
    Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends.
    “He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”
    Dickson’s previous convictions include careless driving from December 2020 when he was hit with three penalty points.
    He was also convicted of a domestic pattern in April 2023 when he was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Dickson – who was tipped for first-team football – was released by Celtic having scored two goals in his first two appearances for the B team.
    Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Colbeck who remanded Dickson in custody meantime.
    He played for Celtic’s B team at the time of the offenceCredit: SNS
    He played for Rangers before joining CelticCredit: The Sun More

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    I was part of Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ – now I own a boutique hotel and you’ll find me pulling pints behind the bar

    IF you happen to be  passing through the quaint town of Dronfield on the edge of the Peak District, you might want to stop off at the Manor House Hotel, owned by Kevin Gage.On a busy night at the boutique hotel, chances are you will probably find the former defender behind the bar helping out the staff with his typical hospitality with the locals.
    Kevin Gage has found a new passion after a long career as a pro footballer in the 80s an 90sCredit: PA
    Gage was part of the ‘Crazy Gang’ at WimbledonCredit: AFCWIMBLEDON.CO.UK
    For Gage, who hits his landmark 60th birthday next April, it is a world away from the early 80s when he was part of Dave Bassett’s ‘Crazy Gang’ at Wimbledon and helped them climb from the fourth tier to the top flight in 1987.
    A player who went on to play under Graham Taylor at Aston Villa, before linking up again with Bassett at Sheffield United.
    Gage said: “I always had ambitions of going into business when I quit playing.
    “While I was at Sheffield United we opened a health and fitness centre which we ran for nearly 20 years.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “It opened my eyes to the intricacies of running a business successfully.
    “After that we went into leasing free houses. It sounds a cliche, ex-footballer leases a pub and all that. But these places we leased were much more than that.
    “They were gastro pubs where food and hospitality is as important as the drink.
    “That led me into now owning the Manor House – an 11-bedroom boutique hotel with bar and cafe lounge in the High Street in Dronfield, a beautiful town which lies in the valley of the River Drone between Chesterfield and Sheffield.
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    Gage now owns his own boutique hotelCredit: https://manorhouse-hotel.co.uk/
    The former Wimbledon and Aston Villa star can often be seen pulling pints behind the barCredit: https://manorhouse-hotel.co.uk/
    “I’m very grateful that I have such a great staff that allows the place to almost run itself.
    “It’s important to me that the staff are in charge, but you’ll still find me occasionally behind the bar for a couple of hours helping out.
    “When Howard Kendall replaced Dave at Bramall Lane in 1995, he made it clear that I wasn’t one of the players as part of the team he was building.
    “To be fair, I wasn’t getting younger so I understood Howard’s thinking.
    “I moved to Preston and everything was going fine until the first game of my second season I suffered a serious knee injury with my cartilage that put me out of the game for six months.
    “The travelling was becoming difficult and the switch to Hull in 1997 was more convenient than  anything else.
    “Hull’s old Boothferry Park ground by that stage was dilapidated and the facilities were like returning to the old days at Wimbledon and Plough Lane!”
    As an adopted Blade, Gage has been the club’s VIP match-day compere for many years but has voluntarily stepped aside — while agreeing to jump in for any emergencies.
    He also loves the involvement as a pundit and co-commentator on Sheffield United TV.
    He said: “For a kid who didn’t have a ‘club’, I have never been more passionate about a team than Sheffield United.
    “You get a bond when you join as a player but I have fully embraced the Blades since retiring.
    “I now live and breathe Sheffield United and while it’s been so hard this season, our win against Brentford last Saturday was a massive step forward.
    “Yesterday was always going to be a big ask at Chelsea — but hopefully our form can turn.
    Read more on The Sun
    “It would be wonderful if bringing back Chris Wilder as manager will see a change of fortune for the rest of the season.
    “For me, 17th place at the end of this season would be like winning a trophy or getting a Champions League place!”
    Gage now follows his old team Sheffield United who currently sit bottom of the pile in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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    Pubs could stay open till 1am if any home nations make it up to Euros semis

    PUBS could be allowed to stay open until 1am if any of the home nations make it to the semis or final of next summer’s Euros.Ministers will consult on extending licensing hours for boozers in England and Wales if UK teams get through.
    Ministers are looking at extending licensing hours for pubs to make sure footie fans can come together to cheer their nation on in the EurosCredit: AP
    The Scottish government will make its own decision.
    But with host nation Germany one hour ahead of UK time, it will mean fans can watch evening kick-offs over a pint without the fear of having to exit the pub if a game goes to extra-time or penalties.
    England — runners-up to Italy two years ago at Covid-delayed Euro 2020 — will be at next summer’s finals after topping their group with captain Harry Kane banging in eight goals.
    Scotland also qualified, while Wales are in the play-offs.
    READ MORE ON EUROS 2024
    Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There are few things that bring a country together more than the prospect of winning an international tournament.
    “That is why we are looking at helping pubs and bars stay open longer if we reach the semi-finals or final, and ensure families, friends and communities can come together to cheer their nation on.”
    England are one of the favourites to win the competition.
    If Gareth Southgate’s squad manage to storm to victory it will be England’s first major trophy since 1966.
    Most read in Football More

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    A quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of game as Newcastle legends stage pub takeover

    A QUARTER of football fans reckon they have an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the game.And can reel off facts about their club’s history, stadiums around the world and former pundits of footy shows.
    A quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of the gameCredit: Reuters
    A poll of 2,000 fans of the beautiful game found 26 per cent could list the players who wore the armband for their team, and 24 per cent could discuss random managers from back in the day.
    Nostalgia plays a big part in the knowledge of football fans – as 23 per cent are in their element chatting about players from the ‘90s.
    And 16 per cent love reminiscing about retro kits from their childhood. 
    It also emerged that 54 per cent think football conversations are the best way to break the ice – and 52 per cent have found themselves nattering to a stranger in a pub about it.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group, who alongside TNT Sport set up a pub takeover in Newcastle.
    It was hosted by former stars Nolberto Solano and Andrew Cole, and presenter Will Brazier – ahead of the Magpies clash against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.
    The research went on to find that 65 per cent have learnt their knowledge about football by sitting through hours and hours of matches over the years.
    While 41 per cent have learnt from talking with other fans, and 37 per cent attribute it to reading articles online.
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    Whereas 24 per cent believe they have gathered their know-how because of the time they have spent in the pub watching games with other fans.
    When it comes to catching a game at the local, 53 per cent love the lively atmosphere it generates, and 42 per cent enjoy the big screen experience.
    Nearly one in three (31 per cent) of pubgoers enjoy being able to watch the action unfold with their favourite pint, and the same percentage love being able to celebrate with other fans.
    More often than not, 38 per cent always try to catch the really big games at the pub, as 56 per cent agree it is the next best place to watch football after being in the stadium itself.
    On average, viewers arrive nearly 25 minutes before kick-off – with 58 per cent of those polled via OnePoll wanting to get there early to grab a drink before the game gets underway.
    Jean David Thumelaire from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “We know that for football fans, pubs are among their favourite places to enjoy the beautiful game.
    “And we can only imagine the excitement for Newcastle fans, seeing their club back playing European football.
    “To celebrate our partnership with TNT Sport, helping pubs create memorable experiences for their customers, we can’t wait to open the doors for a night to remember – no matter the outcome.”
    Budweiser is inviting fans to watch the Champions League clash on Tuesday, November 28th at The Grove and take part in a Q&A with the former St James’ Park favourites.
    Top 25 football trivia fans know all aboutThe research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group who surveyed 2000 footy fans
    1. The history of the club they support
    2. Former captains of the club they support
    3. Who used to present and be pundits on football shows (e.g., Match of the Day)
    4. Random managers from back in the day
    5.  Stadium names from around the world
    6. Past winners of certain competitions
    7.  Random players from the 1990s
    8.  Nicknames of certain players
    9. Wondergoals scored throughout the years
    10. Club chants
    11. Retro kits from back in the day
    12. Football games they played when growing up (e.g., FIFA or Football Manager)
    13. Former club shirt sponsors
    14. Record transfer fees
    15. How much certain players cost
    16. Terrible refereeing decisions from games over the years
    17. Player’s hairstyles from when they were growing up
    18. Different competitions which no longer exist (e.g., UEFA Intertoto Cup)
    19. Seemingly meaningless matches from when they were growing up
    20. The hometowns of football players
    21. The next big player coming through their club’s academy
    22. How many goals certain players scored in their careers
    23. Capacities of stadiums across the country
    24. How certain players wore their kits (long-sleeved shirts, socks down low, etc)
    25.  How many international caps do certain players have More

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    Jermain Defoe takes two different women home just days apart months after splitting from wife

    FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe looks equally at home with two women just days apart.The retired star, 41, enjoyed a pub dinner with wedding planner Paige Mallabourn-Edmondson, 29.
    Jermain Defoe enjoyed a pub dinner date with Paige Mallabourn-Edmondson, 29Credit: Splash
    They then went back to his Essex mansion, where he lived earlier this year with wife Donna Tierney, 40, before they split.
    Paige, who met the ex-Spurs ace when he was on a coaching course in Burnley, is said to have recently moved to London to spend more time with him.
    But days after their Essex date, Defoe was pictured with influencer Alisha LeMay, 31, who he started seeing this year.
    Online snaps show the pair taking selfies at another of his homes, in Hertfordshire.
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    A source said: “Jermain likes to keep busy now he’s retired but it must be exhausting going from one mansion to another to spend time with Paige and then Alisha.
    “Maybe he’s having a hard time trying to choose which one he wants to be with.
    “Both must know about each other and seem to be very understanding towards Jermain.
    “But it’s a very unusual arrangement.”
    Most read in Football
    In October, we told how Defoe visited Paige at a £1,200-a-night hotel in London just days before being pictured with Alisha.
    Defoe married beautician Donna in 2022.
    But we revealed a month later he pestered a nurse for sex.
    The ex-England striker posed for a selfie at his home in HertfordshireCredit: Instagram
    And influencer Alisha LeMay, 31, also posted a photo online at Defoe’s homeCredit: Instagram More

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    I’m a former Premier League star – now I pull pints at my local pub… I haven’t called time on my football career yet

    A FORGOTTEN Premier League ace pulls pints in his local boozer – but hasn’t called time on his football career.Defender Ryan Shotton, 35, scored in Europe and landed an FA Cup runner’s up medal during his top-flight career with Stoke City.
    Ryan Shotton was a stalwart in Tony Pulis’ iconic Stoke City sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Shotton co-owns the Black Lion pub with his father-in-law
    The ex-Prem star is still playing
    He was a regular starter for the Potters under their iconic boss Tony Pulis and racked up more than 300 appearances across England’s top two divisions.
    Now aged 35, the former star is still plying his trade with non-league minnows Hanley Town – which he couples with running a village pub.
    Shotton is currently player-manager of the Staffordshire-based club who compete in the Northern Premier League West, English football’s eighth tier.
    He scored in The Blues’ 2-0 home win over Clitheroe on Saturday in front of just 111 fans – 12 years after netting in Stoke’s 3-0 Europe League win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
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    Posting a picture of Shotton celebrating his goal, Hanley Town wrote on X: “Played at the highest level of football in the Premier League.
    “Scored in the Europa League.
    “Look at what scoring for little Hanley Town means.
    “We building.”
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    Shotton, who clocked up 48 Premier League appearances for Stoke, has plenty to keep him occupied off the pitch.
    He is the co-owner of the Black Lion pub near his home in the Staffordshire village of Cheddleton.
    Shotton teamed up with his dad-in-law Dave Goodwin to buy the boozer in 2017, while playing for Middlesbrough under former Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
    Speaking in 2018, Shotton said: “Deliveries come in at half six and I’m up then
    “Lads drop the barrels off and one will have a Carling, because he does’t need to drive, and the other will have a coffee.
    “Carling at half 6 in the morning!? I was like, ‘Nah, I’ll just stick to my cup of tea’. I’ve always seen myself as grounded as possible. My mum made sure of that when I was growing up.
    “I just think getting back into reality, the people in the pub care you’re doing well but really, I’m just seen as a normal person, which I love.
    “The father-in-law used to go there from when he was 18, he was a big fan and it got refurbished. A guy bought it and said to us, ‘I can’t manage it, I’ll sell it to you two (me and David) and I said, ‘Why not?’ It’s a brilliant little boozer, proper little country pub, two fires, brilliant.”
    Shotton is not the only ex-Premier League star gracing the Northern Premier League West, whose clubs include City of Liverpool, Runcorn Linnets and Kidsgrove Athletic.
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    We revealed this month how former Burney stalwart Matt Lowton, 34, has signed for lowly Witton Albion.
    The Cheshire club are managed ex-Republic of Ireland international Jon Macken, who played for the likes of Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Derby.
    Shotton is player-manager at Hanley TownCredit: X @HanleyTown66 More