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      I was a pro football star who won major trophy & qualified for Europa League – but I gave it all up to become a LAWYER

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      A PRO football star who won a major trophy and qualified for the Europa League has told how he gave it all up to become a lawyer.Scott Stevenson was a junior player for St Johnstone when the Perth side won the Scottish Cup in 2014.
      Scott Stevenson pictured in Linlithgow kit
      The former St Johnstone star is now a lawyerCredit: SWNS
      The Saints beat Tayside rivals Dundee United 2-0 at Celtic Park to win a place in qualifying for the 2014-2015 Europa League.
      St Johnstone beat Swiss side FC Luzern on penalties before losing out to Slovakia’s Spartak Trnava in the third qualifying round.
      Just months later, Scott gave up full-time professional football for a drastic career change.
      He said: “I played professionally for St Johnstone for two years until they won the Scottish Cup in 2014.
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      “I have since played part-time while pursuing my legal career for clubs such as Albion Rovers, Stirling Albion, East Kilbride, Linlithgow Rose and Gartcairn.”
      Scott is now urging young players to think of plan-B careers if their football dreams do not go to plan.
      He said: “These are tough decisions for a young person with a head full of stardust to make.
      “But they are decisions which could shape their future, for good or ill.
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      ”Footballing stardom is the ultimate prize. But there are things I wish I’d thought about before I signed my first professional contract.”
      Scott added: “The day a young footballer signs his first professional contract is an unforgettable occasion.
      “It vindicates the long car journeys to games, the cold hours on the touchline for parents and the relentless honing of the young hopeful’s unique skills.
      “But in the euphoria surrounding it, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that it is a binding document.
      “Great care should be taken to ensure that the terms and conditions within it are in the youngster’s best interests.
      “The ideal contract duration at this stage in a career would be two to three years.
      “It is enough time to create some job security and to develop within the team, but also short enough to allow for a different career path if things do not go according to plan.
      “The footballing life is notoriously short-term and young people may come round to the view that university or an apprenticeship might be better for their long-term prospects.”
      It comes after a Newcastle United cult hero who starred at the World Cup revealed why switched careers to become a greengrocer. More

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      Ex-Rangers star Ryan Kent to have contract Fenerbahce ‘FROZEN’ because he’s refusing to leave club

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      FENERBAHCE have reportedly frozen Ryan Kent’s contract after the winger rejected several transfer offers this month.The ex-Rangers star could now stay in Istanbul but with no wages in a shock twist, despite many reports linking him with several clubs.
      There’s been a huge update regarding Ryan Kent’s future in TurkeyCredit: Getty
      He could now stay in Europe for the rest of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Kent, 27, has been linked with English Championship clubs Cardiff City and Hull City, while there was also talk over a move to Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.
      It was also claimed that Kent had agreed terms with former boss Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq after a fee of £3.4million was tabled.
      However, those links have since led to nothing and Kent remains out-of-favour in Turkey after starting just one league game all season.
      He hasn’t featured since November after being frozen out of the squad – and now his wages have too.

      That’s according to TRT Sports – who claim Fenerbahce have taken action after Kent rejected several offers this month, despite the club accepting the bids.
      It’s a bizarre turn of events as it was suggested last month that the wideman had asked to leave the Turkish giants just days before the window opened.
      Kent has started eight games for Fenerbahce since his free transfer switch in June.
      He spent five years at Ibrox – one season on loan – and was a fan favourite in Govan, helping the Gers win the Premiership title in 2020/21 and reach the Europa League final the following year.
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      But Fenerbahce fans don’t rate him as highly in Turkey.
      And it all went from bad to worse when the Istanbul outfit crashed to a devastating 6-1 loss to FC Nordsjaelland in November, their heaviest defeat in 31 YEARS.
      Some branded him the worst footballer they have ever seen following his flop performance and that was his last outing in a yellow and blue shirt.
      He has been on the bench on a couple of occasions but he has well and truly fallen out of favour under manager İsmail Kartal.

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      Abandoned stadium that shares unique link to Rangers’ ex-chairman and a by-election is now home to Sainsbury’s

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      FOR a generation of modern day football fans, Douglas Park is a Rangers director and former chairman.A wealthy motor trade businessman with a fleet of luxury coaches used by clubs around the country, and various car dealerships selling the latest models on four wheels.
      Douglas Park, home of Hamilton Accies from 1888 until 1994Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      This is also Douglas Park – of Rangers and motor trade fameCredit: SNS
      This is NEW Douglas Park formerly known as Ballast Park – opened in 2001Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      But some of those very cars now park up on the Scottish football site that once shared the same name – right in the middle of Hamilton.
      New Douglas Park is home to Hamilton Accies, and has been since 2001.
      Before then, ‘old’ Douglas Park – the original – was where the Accies played, but it’s now a car park serving shoppers, right next door.
      Meet the new ground, same as the old ground? Just about in geography terms, but very different in reality. It was called Ballast Park in its’ infancy and only has two stands for a start.

      In 1994 the club sold off their ground for £6m to a retail park after 108 years there. Developers built Sainsbury’s, McDonalds and a bingo hall on the site.
      Via ground sharing agreements at Firhill in Glasgow and Cliftonhill, Coatbridge throughout the 90s, Hamilton eventually moved back to where it all began and made a VERY short move north.
      Their new ground – now named just like so – borders their old one at the back of the supermarket – and from the former pitch turned car park you can see the floodlights of the current stadium quite clearly from the penalty box of old one.
      You can hear the cheers, moans and groans of fans on a busy matchday too – although not legendary fan ‘Fergie’.
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      Real name Ian Russell, he honed an infamous reputation for his barracking from the stands – and everyone was a target.
      He became a figure of Scottish football folklore for his loud heckles and language known throughout the country amongst fans and players alike.
      Accies tried to silence him by banning him during their travelling time and Russell ended up in court on a breach of the peace charge and fined £100.
      He said: “When the team is doing badly I can’t control my mouth. If the Accies were doing better, I wouldn’t have to swear.”
      The notorious Accies fan died in 2009, aged 71, with his beloved team in the top flight.
      A huge council car park nearby used to serve the old ground and is still used by buses and supporters’ cars now, but with John Rankin’s team in League One packed Premiership-style attendances have been few and far between recently.
      But fans truly made a noise during the nomadic days with Hamilton re-located for seven years while the new base was built.
      It even became a political campaign in 1999 when an independent by-election candidate Stephen Mungall stood on the promise to bring the club back to town – and picked up more than 1,000 votes.
      The supermarket can be seen taking shape behind goalscorer Marc CorcoranCredit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow
      The Douglas Park pitch is now parking baysCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Famously outspoken Accies fan Fergie (real name Ian Russell)Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The primary school teacher picked up more votes than the club had ‘home’ supporters at the time.
      But now chasing promotion back to the Championship – though 11 points off League One leaders Falkirk, those bigger away crowds could soon be back in south Lanarkshire.
      But only if plastic pitches are allowed in at that stage. There is talk synthetic surfaces must be replaced by grass in the top division in future and Accies have used TigerTurf and various other plastic alternatives for the last 10 years at the 23-year-old ground.
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      To a generation of supporters its’ where Accies have always been, tucked behind Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, but the ghosts of the past are just a mishit shot at goal and a few parking bays away.
      Hamilton fans queue up for the first game at the new ground – a friendly vs Sunderland on July 28, 2001Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      Former Celtic star Stuart Gray dies aged 50 after agonising cancer fight as Hoops stars to pay tribute vs Ross County

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      FORMER Celtic star Stuart Gray has passed away at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, the club has confirmed. The son of Scotland and Leeds hero Eddie, Gray came through the ranks at Parkhead, spending six years at the Hoops in which he made 28 appearances.
      Stuart Gray made 28 appearances for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Stuart Gray in action for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The club paid tribute to their former midfielder – who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
      The Hoops wrote: “Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.
      “The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County. Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA”
      After loan spells at Bournemouth and Morton, the Scotland Under-21 cap then joined Tommy Burns at Reading.

      A talented left sided player, Gray’s career continued south of the border with spells at Rushden and Diamonds, Oxford Utd, Fleetwood Town and Guiseley.
      Former teammate Craig Burley wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts & condolences to Eddie Gray & family after the loss of his son and my former teammate Stuart Gray. RIP Stuart.”
      So too did Simon Donnelly, an old contemporary and pal from the Parkhead youth ranks, telling Celtic TV: “A really sad day. Terribly sad, Stuart was one of my first mates at the club, when I came here in 1992.
      “Fantastic player. It’s fantastic to see the fans to a man there standing to pay tribute to him.”
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      Gray was told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure – with the situation complicated by the fact he was also suffering from a chronic liver disease.
      Fans and well wishers had raised £50,000 to help with his treatment via a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick.
      While some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 
      How Celtic broke the news
      Gray in action for the Scotland Under-21s
      Stuart Gray had raised almost £50k for his own treatment
      Stuart Gray plays for Morton
      He said recently how thankful he was for all the support, writing: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”
      “Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.
      “Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 
      “My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 
      “Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 
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      Celtic legend Scott Brown ‘approached’ by English club amid Ayr Utd manager interest

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      CELTIC legend Scott Brown appears to be a man in demand as he looks to resume his managerial career.With Ayr United reportedly considering Broony as the man they want as their new boss, an English club have now entered the fray.
      Brown could reportedly be offered a route back to English footballCredit: Reuters
      Scottish Championship outfit Ayr sacked Lee Bullen last week, and Brown has emerged as one of several contenders for the job.
      The former Scotland skipper immediately became the bookmakers’ favourite for the Somerset Park gig while a report claimed Ayr were “keen” to make him their next manager.
      Brown, 38, was axed by Fleetwood Town back in September.
      It was his first managerial role, and the spell came to an end after 16 months in charge.

      But according to the Daily Record, the opportunity for Brown to return to English football could be on the horizon.
      They claim that Forest Green Rovers have “made an approach” to Brown as they look to replace Troy Deeney.
      Watford legend Deeney was sacked after just 29 days in charge and the EFL League Two outfit are looking for yet another manager.
      Including caretakers, they’ve had four different managers since sacking Ian Burchnall almost exactly a year ago.
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      One of those, of course, was ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson who’s now back in Scotland in charge of Inverness CT.
      Forest Green find themselves in trouble at the bottom end of League Two.
      They sit second bottom on 19 points, and are six points adrift of safety.

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      Scotland hero officially RETIRES with emotional post as ‘little lad from the East End’ hints at career change

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      ROBERT SNODGRASS has signed off on his 20-year playing career with an emotional post on social media.The 36-year-old former Scotland international has been out of the game since leaving Hearts at the end of last season.
      Robert Snodgrass leads the way at Scotland trainingCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Robert Snodgrass in actionCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      He’s previously graced massive clubs like Leeds United, West Ham, Aston Villa and West Brom – not to mention racking up 28 caps for Scotland.
      And in an emotional statement, he said he would be focusing on giving his knowledge and help to the next generation.
      Namechecking agents SMI World, it seems likely that his first steps will be in agency or coaching.
      “After 20 years of playing professional football I have officially retired and decided to call it day and hang the boots up.

      “A little lad from the east end of Glasgow got to live his childhood dream for 20 years playing at 10 great clubs, meeting amazing people and building relationships with staff and people around those clubs, getting to represent my country, playing over 600+ games scoring over 100+goals and 100+ assists is something I wouldn’t of never imagined doing, then getting told in 2014 I might never play football again after a career ending knee injury to then come back and play another 250+ games is something I am grateful for.
      “Big thank you to my family and friends and my agents @SMi_World for supporting me and being there, I wouldn’t have played for so long if I didn’t have the support of you all.
      “Thank you to my team mates and coaches.
      “Lastly a huge thank you to the supporters who drove me forward and supported me through good and bad times.
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      “I always tried to play for the badge and what that meant to the fans and the history and traditions of your football club, also knowing the money you paid to come and watch the least you deserved was a minimum of hard work and I hope I showed you that.
      “I will miss this beautiful game but after the last 6 months it’s time to give my knowledge and help to the next generation.”
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      Shock moment Rangers star chases after car being towed away as Wag says ‘how’s your day going?’

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      MANY Rangers players have been enjoying their winter break off by jetting away for a bit of relaxation.But one Ibrox hero found himself in a bit of a stressful situation, it seems!
      The Rangers ace jogged after the car being towedCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He caught up with the tow truckCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He had a look at what was going onCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The defender could be seen asking a questionCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Although he’s represented Nigeria at international level for the past decade, Rangers defender Leon Balogun was born in Germany.
      And the big defender made the most of his time off by heading back to his home city, Berlin.
      He’s been in the German capital with glamorous partner Mayara Zamboni, who’s been giving her Instagram followers a sneak peek into the couple’s travels.
      But having enjoyed lunch, things seemed to take a bit of an eventful turn!

      To her stories, Mayara posted a short clip captioned “how is your day going😬?”
      And the clip shows Gers ace Balogun chasing a tow truck down a Berlin street!
      The 35-year old can be seen gesturing to the driver with his arm outstrecthed as the short clip comes to an end.
      A black Mini Clubman can be seen being towed away on the back of the truck and while it can’t be confirmed who the car belongs to, Mayara certainly appears to be hinting it’s one of theirs.
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      Whether or not they managed to get the motor off of the truck remains to be seen!
      Despite the rather unfortunate turn of events, Leon and Mayara, who’s a Brazilian model, continued on their way.
      She posted a snap of them both smiling as they walked past the Berlin Wall, with Mayara joking she’d “turned a Berliner into a tourist today.”
      Balogun’s holiday won’t be lasting much longer.
      That’s because Rangers are heading-off to Spain this week for a warm-weather training camp at La Manga.
      There will be home comforts – of sorts – for Balogun over there, however, with the Gers taking on Hertha Berlin in a behind closed doors friendly on Saturday.
      Philippe Clement’s men will return to Glasgow to face FC Copenhagen at Ibrox next Tuesday before getting up and running again against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, January 20.
      Balogun is on holiday with partner MayaraCredit: INSTAGRAM
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      Former Rangers star fighting for his life in hospital after horror car crash

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      FORMER Rangers and Scotland starlet Dapo Mebude has been rushed to hospital after being involved in a horror car crash.Concerning reports coming out of Belgium say the 22-year old suffered ‘life-threatening injuries’ after the incident on Sunday morning.
      Mebude (right) got his Rangers debut under Steven GerrardCredit: The Sun
      Mebude played for the Rangers first team in the Scottish PremiershipCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      Mebude has been capped by Scotland’s under-21sCredit: Willie Vass
      Mebude joined the Rangers academy aged 11 and broke into the first team under Steven Gerrard.
      He made his debut in May 2019 as a 17-year old, coming on as a substitute in the Premiership against Kilmarnock.
      During his time at Ibrox, he also had a spell on loan at Queen of the South where he got his first regular taste of first team football.
      Born in London, Mebude has been capped at youth level by Scotland all the way up to the under-21s.

      He left Rangers in the summer of 2021 and was quickly snapped up by Watford, going on to spend time on loan back in hometown London with AFC Wimbledon.
      Last summer, Mebude moved to Belgium with KV Oostende in the top flight where he’s been featuring in the first team this season.
      Today’s highly worrying reports out of the country say that Mebude crashed his car into a tree this morning, and has been taken to hospital where he is in a very serious condition.
      Belgian outlet GVA say his Mercedes vehicle left the road and collided with the tree and subsequently had to be freed by the fire brigade.
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      They quote Belgian police as saying his condition is “critical” and that he was “urgently operated on.”
      No other vehicles were involved in the horror crash.
      The local prosecutors office is quoted as saying: “It is not clear how the accident could have happened.
      “The public prosecutor’s office has appointed a traffic expert to investigate the precise circumstances of the accident.”
      Oostende’s players were on their way to Knokke where they were due to play a friendly match.
      Several of Mebude’s teammates are understood to have witnessed the crash and the match was understandably cancelled.
      In a statement posted online, Oostende said: “The practice match between Knokke and KVO was canceled due to a car accident by player Dapo Mebude.
      “He was taken to hospital but there is no further information about his situation. Our thoughts are with Dapo and his family.”
      Mebude joined Oostende last summerCredit: Alamy
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More