More stories

  • in

    Arsenal legend REFUSES to go on Gary Neville’s podcast because it’s ‘too Man Utd driven’

    GARY NEVILLE was at the centre of many battles between Manchester United and Arsenal during his playing days.And it seems some of those rivalry feelings between the Red Devils and Gunners have not dissipated, after Martin Keown revealed why he refuses to go on Neville’s podcast.Martin Keown has revealed why he refuses to appear on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcastCredit: GettyKeown accused the podcast of being too ‘Man Utd driven’Credit: YouTube / The OverlapKeown, 58, won three Premier League titles with Arsenal including the Invincibles campaign.The defender was involved deeply in his own way in the era-defining rivalry.Arguably his most notable flashpoint being when he screamed in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face when his penalty hit the bar to ensure Arsenal remain undefeated in the league during the 2003/04 season.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Keown recounted the battles between the two sides, including the Patrick Vieira v Roy Keane debate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “It’s like ranking siblings. I think without Patrick, he was the link. It was like a ladder to the goal. “You’d have to go into Patrick and they talk about Roy Keane, I’d put him ahead of Roy Keane. That’s a massive debate and people can say what they want.”Listen, this guy had everything. People used to look at him in the tunnel and that 97/98 group were pioneers for how we were going to play. “They’d look at him in the tunnel and go ‘wow, he’s even bigger in real life than on the TV, we can’t kick him.’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think he reacted too much to a lot of that and then I had to become his minder and got sent off myself against [Paulo] Di Canio. We had lots of battles to keep Patrick there. “You had Patrick in midfield and Dennis Bergkamp, then you brought in Pires – what a talent.Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd”Ray Parlour was granite and interweaving in all these teams. Then Sol Campbell came and worked with me and Tony [Adams]. “On the left-hand side we had Marc Overmars and you didn’t see him travel. He was so quick it was like ‘where did he come from?'”Keown could not resist a dig towards Neville, 49, as he continued before making his declaration over why he won’t appear on his old enemy’s podcast.He continued: “He destroyed Gary Neville which was always a nice pleasure. Sorry Gary! I’m not on your podcast and I won’t be either, it’s too Man United driven sorry! “He did them a favour when he left – Marc Overmars – because he was incredible. A great lad off the pitch as well.”Red Nev’s Red guestsNeville is one of the mainstays on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast alongside the aforementioned Keane.The podcast has been accused in the past of being too focused on Man Utd, with many of the guests who have appeared on the show being stars who played at Old Trafford.Of the last 10 guest-driven podcasts featuring a former pro discussing their career, ex-United stars Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Patrice Evra, Peter Schmeichel, and former manager David Moyes have all featured.Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney was a frequent guest before he took over as manager of Championship side Plymouth.However, other core members of the podcast are ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher and Arsenal icon Ian Wright.Former Women’s Super League star Jill Scott is another ex-pro who appears often.READ MORE SUN STORIESRecent guests outside of the Man Utd gang include ex-stars Vieira, Glenn Hoddle and Les Ferdinand, while PGMOL chief Howard Webb, ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt.Regardless, Keown and Neville starred together for the England national team on 14 occasions. More

  • in

    Boxer Chris Billam-Smith breaks down in tears in Sky Sports interview at emotional messages before Ramirez fight

    CRUISERWEIGHT boxer Chris Billam-Smith broke down in tears while listening to messages from his nearest and dearest ahead of this weekend’s world title fight.The 34-year-old will face WBA title holder Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday in a bid to become unified champion.Chris Billam-Smith will compete for the unified cruiserweight title this weekendCredit: GettyCBS was left in tears while listening to messages ahead of the boutCredit: Sky SportsIn the build-up to the fight, CBS – the reigning WBO champion – sat down with Sky Sports to receive some voice notes from his closest friends and family.Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Barry McGuigan, who is the father of Billam-Smith’s trainer, was the first to deliver a message.He said: “Chris Billiam-Smith. What a phenomenal athlete. Incredibly determined, incredibly focused, incredibly driven. “Such a great human being in so many ways. Everybody looks to Chris for how to set the trend.Read More in Boxing”He’s just a great man and I cannot say enough good things about him.”Billam-Smith also received a message from Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who said: “Hello champ, it’s Rambo.”I just wanted to wish you all the best. I’m just hoping for a CBS win and then some time with the family. Get yourself back to watching me play football!”No, honestly, just go out there and do your stuff which we all know you’re capable of doing.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis wife, Mia, sent in a heartfelt messageCredit: GettyThe cruiserweight champ then began to tear up when listening to a note from his best friend, Mike.He said: “Billam, where do I even begin? It feels like yesterday we were boys messing about on our bikes and mopeds, trying to make our mark in the world.Eddie Hearn provides update on Anthony Joshua’s next fight with two names eyed “Well you’ve certainly done that, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become today.”Your resilience and determination inspire everyone around you.”They also say you should never meet your heroes, now I’ve been blessed because my hero is also my best mate.”You’ve lived up to every expectation and you’ve surpassed them in ways I’d never imagined.”Your courage, kindness and spirit make me strive to do better in my own life.”The tears continued when he listened to a heartfelt message from his mum, Carol, who said: “Chris, I’m so proud of you.”You’ve accomplished so much. You’re kind, generous, funny, respectful, and you’ve done so much for boxing. I love you so much. Let’s get to Saudi Arabia and get another win!”Finally, Billam-Smith heard from his wife, Mia, and young son, Frank, who said his dad is going to “bring home another belt” for Christmas.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to open up about how hard he has found it being away from his family for so long while training.CBS’ unified title clash with Ramirez is set to take place at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. More

  • in

    Sky Sports forced to get a stool for Sheff Utd star in live TV interview and he still can’t reach 6ft 7in team-mate

    SKY SPORTS were forced to use a STOOL to interview Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer alongside giant teammate Harry Souttar.The two aces played starring roles as the Blades beat rivals Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 on Sunday.Gustavo Hamer was spotted on a stool alongside Harry Souttar – who stands a foot tallerSheffield Utd won their derby against Wednesday 1-0 thanks to Tyrese Campbell’s goalCredit: AlamyTyrese Campbell scored the only goal of the game at Bramall Lane.And United’s latest win saw them go joint-top of the Championship with Sunderland.After midfielder Hamer and defender Souttar were both interviewed live on air by Sky Sports.But there was literally a huge problem for the cameraman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Hamer is just 5ft 7in tall.While team-mate Souttar stands an entire foot higher at 6ft 7in.The height discrepancy meant one player was always going to be out of shot.And to solve the problem, Sky Sports had Hamer stand on a white stool to considerably boost his height.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEven then, the ace was still not as tall as Leicester loanee Souttar.And fans found the whole situation hilarious as they reacted online.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersOne said: “Is this a perspective thing?”Another declared: “Who brought that stool to the ground?”One noted: “No way this is real.”Another added: “They lying about heights now.” More

  • in

    Gary Neville mocks himself with hilarious theory why Malo Gusto missed sitter for Chelsea against Arsenal

    GARY NEVILLE trolled himself with a hilarious quip as he tried to explain Chelsea ace Malo Gusto’s unbelievable miss against Arsenal.Gusto, 21, started at right-back for the Blues in the crunch Premier League clash against their London rivals at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea ace Malo Gusto missed a sitter against ArsenalCredit: APChelsea ace Gusto missed a header in front of Arsenal’s open goalCredit: GettyChelsea ace Gusto met a brilliant cross from Pedro NetoCredit: ReutersManchester United legend Gary Neville was baffled by Gusto’s missCredit: GettyAnd the France international came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after just 24 minutes.Chelsea ace Pedro Neto delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank towards the far post.Gusto met the cross and got the header in front of open goal as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya took too long to cover his left corner.However, the defender missed an unbelievable sitter as he sent the ball way over the bar with a poor header.Read More on FootballNeville, 49, was baffled by the Frenchman’s miss and couldn’t understand how he didn’t hit the target.But the legendary Manchester United right-back quickly figured it out and shared his theory on live TV.Neville told Sky Sports: “I don’t know how he’s missed that… “Actually I do, he’s a right-back, that’s what we do.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea and Arsenal shared an eventful first half in West London.The Gunners thought they broke the deadlock after 32 minutes with Kai Havertz.Gary Neville reveals he bought and sold a Bentley after three weeks as he ‘felt like a w*****’However, VAR deemed that ex-Chelsea star Havertz was offside before beating goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a fine finish.Gusto may look back at his miss as Arsenal broke the deadlock in the hour mark with Gabriel Martinelli.However, Pedro Neto equalised to share the spoils.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Gusto plays at right-back for Chelsea, like Neville used to at Man UtdCredit: GettyNeville jokingly claimed Gusto missed because he’s a right-back and ‘that’s what we do’Credit: PA More

  • in

    Awkward moment Sky Sports pundits drenched and forced to run for cover after sprinkler gaffe on live TV

    A SKY SPORTS presenter couldn’t resist joking as two pundits got a soaking – just as she had gleefully predicted.Caroline Barker’s pre-match analysis went beyond tactics when she took to the Etihad pitch with ex-Lionesses Steph Houghton and Izzy Christiansen.Houghton and Christiansen take evasive action after a belated Barker warningThe trio were discussing how Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City would fare against Tottenham on Friday night.But Barker suddenly spotted some ominous sprinklers springing into action behind the trio as they stood with their microphones.Pointing at the two ex-City stars, she smiled and told them: “You’re about to get soaked and I’m about to laugh.”Almost in the same breath, and just as the sprinklers took aim on their surprise new targets, Barker added: “There we go!”READ MORE TOP STORIESHoughton and Christiansen turned open-mouthed and moved as swiftly as they did at their peak of their playing careers – but this time to run for cover behind the Sky Sports table.Even the broadcaster joined in the fun at the duo’s expense.Sky noted on social media that the pair suffered “a surprise when one of the pitchside sprinklers attacked mid analysis!”Tottenham then faced an unwarranted torrent of their own – looking all over the place as City poured forward early on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKhadija Shaw bagged a double early on for Gareth Taylor’s team.Jill Roord’s thumping third goal in three games put City in command midway through the second half before Shaw completed her hat-trick in a 4-0 win.TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfitsFormer centre-back Houghton, 36, and ex-attacker Christiansen, 33, were each at the Etihad the last time City picked up the title.But that was way back in 2016.Chelsea have lifted every crown since then – bar Arsenal’ s 2018-19 triumph.But for Houghton such matters as titles are trivial compared to her husband’s battle with motor neurone disease.Former Liverpool, Bradford and Bolton defender Stephen Darby, 36, is now eating through a tube following a “life-changing” procedure.Steph told The Guardian it was the best thing for him during a “tough ride” and would allow him to relax a bit more. More

  • in

    Inside Gary Neville’s FIVE failed restaurants including joint ventures with Ryan Giggs and ‘space age’ menus

    GARY NEVILLE’S booming hospitality business empire has hit a rough patch.Not everything has gone to plan for the highly successful Manchester United legend after he was forced to close the doors on a FIFTH restaurant.Gary Neville has been forced to shut his restaurant with £1m debtsThe Man Behind the Curtain first opened in 2014Neville owned half of the Leeds dinerOne of the most unusual looking dishes was a denia red prawn served on a telephone – a play on the ‘Lobster Telephone’ object created by Salvador DaliThe Man Behind the Curtain had a reputation for artistic presentationThis comes after Neville’s Leeds restaurant went into liquidation last month with debts reported at £1million – including £519,000 owed in taxes.The Man Behind the Curtain was launched in 2014 and run by former Masterchef star Micheal O’Hare, with Neville owning half of it via Relentless Leisure.It received a Michelin star in 2015 along with three AA rosettes in 2016.The venue gained a reputation for its extravagant and highly priced dishes including denia red prawn served on a TELEPHONE – a play on Salvador Dali’s ‘Lobster Telephone’. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe filing also shows that Neville’s company Relentless Leisure is owed £366,848 by the restaurant.The accounts for 2023 are overdue but those for 2022 reported a £187,000 profit and reserves at £105,938.The closure of The Man Behind The Curtain isn’t the first time Neville has been forced to walk away from a restaurant.Here we take a look at his four other failed dining concepts…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rabbit in the MoonNeville, 49, and former team-mate Ryan Giggs, 50, invested in The Rabbit in the Moon before it ceased in 2017.The Old Trafford duo would link up with O’Hare again after naming him the Creative Director of GG Hospitality in 2016.Bizarre ad sees Man Utd team up with tractor company Yanmar The idea was to run a successful space-age Asian restaurant in Manchester – but it only lasted a year.Diners were treated to fried calf brains, crispy rabbit ears and an octopus hot dog.The fine-dining venue was on the top two floors of Urbis, a six-story building on Exchange Square in Manchester.When O’Hare launched the concept, he hoped it would win the first Michelin star for Manchester in decades.But the bizarre space-themed diner served it’s last meal in 2018 after GG Hospitality announced significant losses to shareholders.The Rabbit in the Moon restaurant in Manchester was closed after two yearsChef Hare came up with the space-age Asian conceptCafé FootballMeanwhile, GG Hospitality endured a miserable 2019 as well after they were forced to close TWO Café Football sites after six years.Opening in 2013, Café Football initially occupied a big, echoey space in the Westfield shopping centre at Stratford in East London.There was a section of Fans’ Favourites including Karren Brady’s Match Day Classic – pie, mash and liquor, chilli vinegar for £13.95 – or Kirsty Gallacher’s Terrace Winter Warmer – chilli with steamed rice and soured cream.And Neville and Giggs decided to open one in Manchester city centre, but that closed in March 2019.The venues were axed after GG Hospitality said: “We have decided to shift our focus to our hotel business.”At the time Neville said: “They were decisions made by me while Ryan has been coaching…but we all learn don’t we?”Gary and former teammate Ryan Giggs shut Café Football in Manchester a week after they axed the diner’s branch in Stratford, East LondonA third branch remains open in Singapore, operating through a different company, but both UK restaurants closed in early 2019.Singaporean businessman Peter Lim is also a shareholder at GG Hospitality and owns the majority stake in Salford City.Class of 92 stars David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane join Neville and Giggs in each owning 10 per cent of the League Two club.Lim also owns Valencia, the team Neville famously and miserably managed for 28 games in 2016.Nevertheless, a smaller version of Café Football has since opened inside Neville’s Hotel Football just metres away from Old Trafford.Valencia owner Peter Lim has been in business with Neville for many yearsThe Stock Market GrillThe swanky Stock Market Grill closed last July – after just four months of operation.It replaced Tom Kerridges’ The Bull & Bear restaurant at Neville’s and Giggs’ Stock Exchange Hotel, also co-owned by hotelier Winston Zahra.The British brasserie was the brainchild of brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, who already operate bars in the city.A statement released by the hotel read: “We have taken the decision to close the doors to Stock Market Grill, as of July 3.”We want to focus on the hotel’s premium cocktail bar, Sterling, in the Vault.”The restaurant will, however, continue to serve breakfast and in-room dining to all overnight guests.”The Stock Market Grill was inside the Stock Exchange Hotel in ManchesterThe hotel is one of Neville’s greatest business achievementsNeville retired from professional football in 2011 and has gone on to build up a £100million empire.He has been listed as a director of 56 businesses on Companies House.While he has interests in media, hotels, pubs, restaurants and education, his most impressive work has been in property development. Among the most high-profile interests are his two hotels, which between them hold £32million in property assets – almost a third of his corporate net wealth.The star owns a 40 per cent share in the Stock Exchange development, which is close to Piccadilly Gardens, in Manchester, alongside Giggs – and he also co-runs the luxurious Hotel Football, which overlooks Old Trafford.Earlier this year he joined Dragon’s Den as an investor, alongside Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davis, and Steven Bartlett.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville also runs Tiger Sports Management – the residual image rights and sponsorship firm that he set up in 1996 when he was just 21 years old.And he does all of this while presenting and offering commentary for Sky Sports each week.Neville joined the cast of Dragon’s Den earlier this year More

  • in

    Danny Murphy admits he’s ‘upset’ and ‘annoyed’ by TNT Sports’ decision to put Noel Gallagher on co-comms

    DANNY MURPHY has said he was left “upset” by TNT Sports’ decision to throw Noel Gallagher on co-commentary for Manchester City’s game against Sporting Lisbon.The Oasis star surprised fans by appearing on comms alongside Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist.Danny Murphy has been left unhappy at TNT Sports’ decision to place Noel Gallagher on co-commentaryCredit: BBCGallagher joined Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist during Man City’s loss to Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersAnd he soon proved to have the commentators curse as his club lost 4-1, with the first goal for the Portuguese side coming moments after Gallagher had remarked “how easy” the game had been for City.However, the decision to hand musician Gallagher the job over an ex-professional left him “annoyed”.Speaking on talkSport on Wednesday, Murphy said: “It would upset me. I wouldn’t want to hear that. “Partly from a selfish perspective. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because I know how much work I put in and how difficult it is to try and see things, engage things, spend years watching different techniques and games to try and analyse them.”So, yeah, that would annoy me. “I’ve got no problem with listening to different types of people watching football, pre [or] post [match], maybe even after.”As co-commentary, it’s neither here nor there. It doesn’t add much value for me. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s a very difficult job. I know from doing it. As a third one [like Gallagher], it’s fine. “But there’s not much there you’re going to learn.Danny Murphy says Ex-Rangers star El Hadji Diouf was strange and he once blanked him for weeks for no reason “I’d rather see him before or after the game, giving his little anecdotes about Pep [Guardiola] and the players. “He gives you something different. Some people will like it because of the novelty. “I wouldn’t want to hear it every week, put it that way.”Murphy has been a regular pundit on Match of the Day since retiring. More

  • in

    Roy Keane casts doubt over Sky Sports future as Man Utd legend reveals plans to leave UK for ‘beautiful’ country

    ROY KEANE has thrown his future as a pundit into question after revealing he wants to move abroad.And the Manchester United legend even specified which country he plans to emigrate to.Roy Keane has confirmed his plans to move abroad in the coming yearsCredit: Sky SportsIrish icon Keane, 53, has been a pundit since 2011 and been a fan-favourite on Sky Sports for a number of years.But viewers may not have too much longer to enjoy him as he prepares to leave the UK.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”When Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe comments come after he claimed at the beginning of this season he will get out of punditry within the next decade.Keane cited being assaulted by an Arsenal fan in September last year as one incident which contributed to his desire to want to leave the role.Talking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”Roy Keane ranks sporting icons on TikTok including Diego Maradona, Serena Williams, and Michael JordanAs well as his regular work for Sky Sports, Keane also appears on ITV for international games, major tournaments and FA Cup ties. More