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      in Soccer

      Inside the four-star hotel owned by Man Utd legends that cost £24million to build and features a rooftop football pitch

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      IT has become the ultimate place for Manchester United fans from overseas to stay.In 2015, the four-star Hotel Football opened its doors to much fanfare.
      Hotel Football is a four-star hotel owned by Man Utd legends
      Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are co-owners of Hotel FootballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rooms are football themed
      It helped that its owners are all Red Devils legends.
      Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt all put their hand in their pockets, with the help of the GG Hospitality Management Company.
      Boasting 133 rooms, the Cafe Football restaurant, and a five-a-side pitch on the roof, it cost a whopping £24million.
      And, of course, it’s next to Old Trafford.
      Read more football news
      Rooms start at £89, but on match days can rise to £299.
      Finally, it’s beginning to make a profit – with a turnover of around £6.4million.
      Early formation
      Initially, it was Gary Neville who bought land off a group of Manchester United fans, who had intended to build a club house by the stadium.
      By 2011, plans for the design and build of a football-themed park were in place, with the help of former Stafford Hotel in London general manager Stuart Proctor providing that particular expertise.
      Most read in Football
      The Class of ’92 wanted the hotel to pay homage to the golden era of football pre-1990’s, when ticket prices were more affordable.
      In November 2014, the group won planning permission to install an astroturf five-a-side pitch on the roof.
      It can be hired throughout the year, except on a game day, when it’s turned into a bar and BBQ area for fans.
      How comfortable
      A hotel is measured by the comfortability of its rooms.
      No expense was spared in ensuring guests, who are certainly football fans, will enjoy themselves.
      Aside form the king-sized Hypnos beds, there are walk-in rainforest showers, as well as a complimentary mini-bar filled with retro sweets.
      Each room is a suitable reminder of the beautiful game, with football artwork adorning the walls, toiletries shaped like football shirts and aspirational phrases including ‘Dream big’ and ‘Dream of victory’ embroidered on pillows.
      Die-hard United fans will request a room with a stadium view.
      Prices for Rooms cost up to £299 on a match day
      Inspirational quotes from United’s greats are scribbled on the wall
      The Class of ’92 artwork features in one of the rooms
      A five-a-side pitch can be found on the hotel’s roof
      On a match day the five-a-side pitch is turned into a bar
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      As with any hotel, there’s a gym on site that looks over Salford.
      Food for a King
      Foodies will be impressed by the hotel’s Cafe Football restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
      The 185-seat eaterie’s menu was overseen by the two-Michelin-star chef Michael Wignall of the country inn boutique b&b The Angel at Hetton.
      A couple of the mains are named after two of the owners.
      The Scholesy is a hearty steak suet pudding, chips, mushy peas and gravy.
      While the Giggsy is a grilled Cumberland sausage, mash potato and gravy.
      Pizzas and burgers are also recommended, and look amazing when you scroll through a social media and catch a glimpse of a plate of someone’s delicious meal, as desirable as it is Instagrammable.
      Cafe Football brings in punters on match days
      Fan can enjoy the extensive bar menu
      Tasty burgers can be ordered
      Healthy lunchtime meals are also available
      It’s making a profit
      Hotel Football is set for a record year financially in 2023.
      For the first time since it opens its doors in 2015, the hotel is set to make a profit.
      Gary Neville, in a statement included in newly-filed documents with Companies House, said that “all key performance indicators suggest” that the hotel’s revenue will exceed pre-Covid levels by the end of 2023 due to “increasing demand, especially with non-match day revenue streams increasing through accommodation, conference and events and food and beverage sales within the outlets of the hotel”.
      Incredibly, its revenue increased from £3.5m to £6.4m in 2022.
      While pre-tax losses were cut from £1.1m to £630,158.
      Hotel Football was opened in 2015
      Some eight years since opening, Hotel Football is finally turning over a profit
      The reviews are kind
      TripAdvisor can make and break hotels.
      Lucky for Hotel Football, the reviews on there are glowing.
      Over 2,472 visitors have left their thoughts about the Class of ’92’s establishment.
      And they have rated it at 4.5 out of five.
      One punter wrote: “We had the most wonderful stay at Hotel Football. The rooms were modern and clean, the restaurant was great for breakfast, and the hotel staff went above and beyond to make our stay special.
      “A big thank you to Catherine who made our day by making sure we were able to meet Manchester United legend Wes Brown when he stopped by the hotel for a Q&A as part of the hotel’s excellent game-day hospitality suite.”
      Another commented: “Outstanding hotel, clean warm and very comfortable. The bed and pillows were exceptionally comfy along with the staff who are all outstanding.
      Punters are delighted with Hotel Football
      Five star reviews are the norm for Hotel Football
      “Evening meal was very good, as was the breakfast. Great views of Old Trafford Stadium, Trafford Park and Salford Quays, depending on which side of the hotel your room is on.
      “I would highly recommend this hotel whether you are a football fan or not. Great all round facilities and a very enjoyable stay.” More

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      in Soccer

      I starred for Man City but I now make millions selling Lamborghinis and Ferraris to the rich and famous

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      FANS of Manchester City will remember Dutch international Nigel de Jong for his combative nature on the pitch.The midfielder famously committed one of the worst fouls in a World Cup final ever to go unpunished when he launched a karate kick into the chest of Xabi Alonso.
      Nigel De Jong launched Continental Cars in 2007Credit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      The former City star studied for an economics degree while in the Ajax academyCredit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      His business focuses on selling luxury vehiclesCredit: Instagram
      De Jong counts Premier League players and shakes as clientsCredit: Instagram
      De Jong racked up 137 appearances for City after arriving from AC Milan in 2012, winning a Premier League and an FA Cup during his time in Manchester.
      With opposition midfielders letting out a shared sigh of relief when he retired from the game last year, it was interesting to see what his next move in the game would be.
      The Dutchman has made sporadic appearances as a pundit for ITV, often during major international tournaments such as the Euros and World Cup.
      And while he now works as the technical director of the Dutch national team, he still has a very nice side hustle which has been earning him money dating back to his early playing days.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      De Jong studied for an economics degree during his time in the youth set up at Ajax and has put it to good use ever since.
      While playing for Hamburg in Germany, De Jong founded a luxury car business called Continental Cars in 2007.
      De Jong made it his mission to only sell the finest cars in the world and stocks Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Aston Martins, and Rolls Royces.
      During his playing days, he made the most of having access to a clientele of professional footballers and sourced cars for the likes of Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski.
      Most read in Football
      De Jong became accustomed to success at CityCredit: Getty
      He was part of the first City team to win the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      He’s sold cars to Mesut OzilCredit: Instagram
      And Lukas PodolskiCredit: Instagram
      De Jong credits his business acumen to his grandfather, who was a managing director of Ford in Holland.
      De Jong said: “My grandfather was one of the CEOs of Ford in Holland and I saw closely how he developed himself as a businessman.
      “He was always on time, making sure payments were never late, paying attention to service and giving customers extra, always making sure the company and his family was stable.
      “I looked up to him, and off the pitch, I wanted to be like him. I also think his professionalism is something I carried with me as a footballer too.”
      He emphasised the importance of footballers investing in their education outside of football when he spoke to Joe, saying: “My mother always said ‘football is only part of your life, you have to develop yourself beyond that’ and I felt it was vital for me to do something for myself that wasn’t related to it.
      “Besides being a professional player, I had the dream of owning a company and when I had the money and the expertise, I made it happen.
      “God gave me the talent and the strength to become a football player, which gave me the financial resources and empowerment to improve in other areas.
      “I think it’s so important for football players to be smart with what they do with their salaries, because it can become an investment or be gone before you know it.
      The Dutch FA were so impressed with his business chops that they sought him out to be a technical director for the national sideCredit: Instagram @nigeldejong
      The footballer made millions from his venture alongside footballCredit: Instagram
      He’s encouraged other players to get the same education he did so they can do the sameCredit: Instagram
      He admits there is a temptation for young players to waste their moneyCredit: Instagram
      A sample of some of the brands De Jong has to choose fromCredit: Instagram
      “It is very tempting in our industry to live for now – to buy the expensive cars and live a flashy lifestyle – but you have to plan so you’re able to do that in future too.
      “This is an education players should get from a very early age to help them deal with the money they’ll make.”
      De Jong said not only does he deal with footballers wanting the most luxurious cars, but he has dealt with Middle Eastern Sheikhs that need motors sourced too.
      He said to Voetbal International: “Of course many footballers know where to find us,” he said.
      “But also business people, collectors, and we just have to work hard for it, it’s not that we’ve had success for ten years.
      De Jong forms a business power couple with wife Winonah, 41.

      De Jong at the launch of one of his wife’s collectionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      De Jong’s collection would be the envy of any petrolheadCredit: Instagram
      Winonah runs her own fashion label named WINONAH which launched in 2015.
      The former midfielder now invests in other businesses with high potential.
      Speaking to Bundesliga.com he said: “Some people say footballers are thick and not bright enough to be entrepreneurs.
      “But when I see that a company has potential, I move the borders and go all the way for it.”
      De Jong now works as the Dutch national team’s technical directorCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Jenson Button’s life married to ex-Playboy model Brittny Ward, driving two £2m cars and splashing £123m fortune

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      AS one of the voices of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage, Jenson Button is still earning a pretty penny in retirement.But it was as a driver where he earned an astonishing net worth, believed to be in the region of £123million.
      Jenson Button lives a life to envyCredit: Instagram
      Over the years Button has amassed a fortune worth £123mCredit: Instagram
      Button is married to the stunning ex-Playboy model Brittny WardCredit: brittny/Instagram
      His most famous moment on the track came during the 2009 season, when he raced for the Brawn GP team.
      That incredible year is the subject of new Disney documentary Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story which is narrated by Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves.
      Button was crowned word champion, cementing his name in the annals of motorsport.
      Away from sport, Button knows how to live a life of luxury and spend his vast fortune.
      Read sports lifestyle news
      After a failed first marriage, he is now settled down with the stunning American Brittny Ward who posed for Playboy.
      They live in Los Angeles in a home he reportedly splashed £5million on.
      That’s after he flipped another property in the City of Angels for £4.7million, as well as a Palm Springs mansion for £2million.
      And did we mention he drives TWO cars worth £2million…
      Most read in Motorsport
      Property tycoon
      Button has made a pastime out of buying homes over the years.
      At the turn of 2023, he purchased a stunning Santa Monica pad costing around £5million.
      The Spanish Revival bungalow boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is the perfect spot for Brittny and their two children, Hendrix and Lenny.
      That came 12 months after he bought a fixer-upper in California’s mountainous region between Calabasas and Malibu for £4million.
      In 2020, they reportedly sold a massive six-bedroom home in Bel Air for around £9million.
      The ex-Brentwood mansion Button sold for £4.7mCredit: refer to caption
      Brittny and Jenson have made money flipping housesCredit: refer to caption
      Brittny and Jenson live in a Spanish Revival bungalow
      Happy family – Button and Brittny show off son Hendrix and laughter Lenny
      Showing their love of flipping homes, his incredible Brentwood home, which featured five bedrooms, a pool and spa was also flogged for £4.7million.
      The couple also listed their four-bedroomed Palm Springs house for £2million, while Button’s wife Brittny said they have another home in the Californian desert.
      Brittney, who has now turned her hand to interior design, said: “Between my design career and Jenson’s busy work schedule, on top of our family life, we don’t have time to manage two homes in Palm Springs. We are so sad to say goodbye, but we know whoever is lucky enough to purchase the property will be very happy there.”
      Cars
      It’s no surprise Button is a car enthusiast, after his career as professional race car driver.
      He is believed to have a car collection to die for – from modern supercars to classic motors.
      The most expensive are his Lotus Evija hypercar and McLaren P1 GTR, that both cost a cool £2million.
      Button also invested in a Bugatti Veyron – but recalled having to sell it when it became a problem.
      He told GQ magazine: “I had a problem on a circuit with it once.
      “Then on Kensington High Street it just got stuck in neutral and I was stranded.
      “Quite embarrassing, but then again I owned a Bugatti and the people laughing at me didn’t. There are two ways of looking at it.”
      Button has a £2m McLaren motorCredit: Instagram
      The Ferrari F40 was Button’s dream car growing upCredit: Alamy
      Button also has a £2m Lotus EvijaCredit: Getty
      Button revealed problems he had with a Bugatti VeyronCredit: Getty
      In his garage, there’s also an iconic 1950’s Jaguar C-Type, 19780 Pontiac Trans-Am and a number of classic Ferrari models including his favourite car growing up, the F40.
      He said: “The car that meant so much to me as a child was the F40, because I had three things on my bedroom wall: Bart Simpson, Pamela Anderson and the Ferrari F40.
      “I looked for a year and found a few low mileage cars, but they were all in bad condition.
      “I eventually found one that was completely original with more miles on it. The thing to look out for on an F40 is the roof – if you can see the weave, it’s the original paint.”
      Model wife
      Last year, Button and Ward said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy ceremony in California.
      They finally got to walk down the aisle after two weddings were postponed, once due to Covid and another time when Brittny fell pregnant.
      The nuptials were held at the exclusive Kempa Villa in Palm Desert.
      Guests included Hollywood actress Renee Zellwegger and Brit racing driver Chris Buncombe.
      The pair got together in 2016, a year after Button split from first wife, model Jessica Michibata.
      They have two kids together – a boy called Hendrix and girl they named Lenny.
      Jenson and Brittny met in LA through mutual pals, but she confessed she had no clue who he was.
      “I had no idea what he did for a living or even what Formula 1 was; I think it was kind of refreshing, the fact I had no idea who he was made it different for him,” she added. “He could just be himself and not have to worry.”
      Button is married to stunning model Brittny WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has posed for Playboy magazineCredit: Girls On Swim
      Button and Ward married last year in Palm Dessert
      Button has spoken about his pride in Ward’s interior design career
      Brittny was once an Octagon girl in the UFC, before starring in Playboy magazine in 2015 as Miss January in a 10-page spread.
      She then set up a swimwear brand called Girls on Swim.
      Read More on The Sun
      But most recently, she has been focused on interior design and architecture.
      Speaking about her new chapter, he said: “So proud of my wife @brittnybutton, her architecture and interior design career is still in it’s infancy but you wouldn’t think so looking at the quality of her work. Absolutely beautiful design and as she says it’s all about the fine details!” More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star – now I own a luxury hotel where guests experience one of nature’s most amazing sights

      by

      WHEN Hermann Hreidarsson thought about a retirement plan, there was only one thing he wanted to do.The former Portsmouth FA Cup winner and Iceland legend, now 49, wanted to break into hotels.
      Ex-Premier League ace Hermann Hreidarsson set up the Stracta Hotel in 2014Credit: www.stractahotels.is
      The stunning retreat in Iceland boasts views of the famous Northern Lights
      For his first foray, he teamed up with ex-Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen to launch a hostel in Reykjavik in 2011.
      Then in 2014, the same year he hung up his boots after a stint at Fylkir in his homeland, came a bigger project.
      He launched the four-star Stracta Hotel, some 60 miles from the capital as a retreat for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
      Nearly 10 years later, it is still going strong and is seemingly the perfect spot to witness the Northern Lights, with punters rating it four of five on TripAdvisor.
      Read more football news
      Accommodation
      Hreidarsson was born in the remote Vestmannaey Islands, so his sense of adventure for the great outdoors knows no bounds.
      He and his father plan on building even more hotels in Iceland’s most scenic regions for guests to explore the country’s vast natural sights in the future.
      But it’s the Stracta Hotel that is currently drawing all the plaudits.
      It boasts a total of 148 rooms, including standard double/twin rooms and superior double/twin rooms.
      Most read in Football
      They also have studio rooms with their own kitchenette, two bedroom apartments with cooking facilities and a private hot tub, as well as deluxe suites that also come with their own private jacuzzis.
      Rooms start at around £127-per-night and can be as much as £500-per-night for the superior accommodations.
      On site, there are plenty of relaxing spa options as you would expect from a winter destination.
      Wander into the hotel gardens and you will discover the hotel saunas and communal hot tubs.
      On the ground floor, you’ll discover the reception desk imprinted with a reminder you are “Next Door to Nature”.
      A bar, as well as the Bistro restaurant which offers lunch and dinner is also conveniently close by.
      You can chow down on burgers costing around £20 or a hearty steak of the day that will set you back about £42.
      Ice cream, chocolate brownies, and traditional Icelandic skyr cake are also available for roughly £12 for dessert.
      Three-course meals are prepared at the Gardur restaurant, which are a reasonable £50-per-head and can feature lamb fillet.
      Rooms at the Stracta Hotel start at around £127-per-nightCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      In the gardens you will find saunasCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      The Stracta Hotel has plenty of dining spaceCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Punters can enjoy excellent food at the Stracta HotelCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Visitors can enjoy some gym time at the Stracta HotelCredit: www.stractahotels.is
      Guests are greeted at reception with a sign ‘Next Door to Nature’
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      But, although you can be well fed and rested, there’s just so much more to do and see.
      Looking for adventure
      The Stracta is perfectly placed to see the world’s greatest wonders.
      There’s the incredible Eyjafjallajökull ice cap, which you’ll get perfect views of..
      While it may be the volcano that no one can pronounce properly, it’s famous for bringing Europe to a standstill when it erupted in 2010 – sending ash cloud hurtling across the continent.
      In terms of activities, the hotels provides plenty to keep the most active happy.
      You can visit the man-made Caves of Hella, which are said to date back over a thousand years – with some believing they came before the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.
      The phenomenon that is the Northern Lights, which are best seen between the winter months of September- April, can also be seen from the gardens while relaxing in a hot tub.
      For those wanting to channel their inner Sir Ranulph Fiennes, there are glacier and ice cave tours to venture on, as well as buggy/ATV trips across the black sand beaches and over the sand dunes of south Iceland.
      Visiting the Caves of Hella is a must
      Activities including kayaking are available
      Nature’s beauty is close by to the Stracta Hotel
      Guests will be captivated by the sights, including the Skógafoss waterfall
      The Northern Lights are best seen between September to April
      Kayak tours are operated from nearby Stokkseyri, some 24 miles away which offer spectacular surroundings.
      Horseback riding is available, while helicopter tours are also a must.
      Football legend
      Before he became a hotelier, Hreidarsson starred in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth.
      The defender, who earned 89 international caps, played for 15 seasons in English football and managed 332 Premier League appearances.
      It was at Portsmouth where he became a cult hero in their 2006 FA Cup run.
      In recent years, Hreidarsson has turned to coaching. He teamed up with former team-mate David James as his assistant at Indian Premier League side Kerala Blasters in 2018.

      Hermann Hreidarsson became a cult hero for Portsmouth in their 2006 FA Cup runCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hreidarsson lifts the FA CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Then he joined up with another ex-team-mate Sol Campbell at Southend, but was relieved from his duties at the end of the 2019/20 season after the side’s relegation from League One.
      Since 2021, Hreidarsson has been head coach of top-tier side IBV Vestmannaeyjar. More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Man Utd star – now I own a dog-themed B+B and won Channel 4’s Four in a Bed

      by

      JIM McCalliog achieved his dream of playing for Man Utd, after he became a Wolves legend.Southampton fans will remember his defence-splitting pass that set up Bobby Stokes to score the only goal in the 1976 FA Cup final win.
      Jim McCalliog and his wife Debbie run a successful B&B in Scotland
      The Langside Bed and Breakfast in Ayrshire earns five-star reviews
      Comfortable rooms, including the Cameron Suite are available to book
      While McCalliog, who released his autobiography Wembley Wins Wembley Woes in 2021, is also famous for a winning goal for Scotland against England in a 3-2 win at the Twin Towers.
      But, it could be argued his greatest accolade came after he retired from the game in 1991, following a stint as manager of Halifax Town.
      The Scottish midfielder, now 77, featured alongside his wife Debbie on Channel 4’s long-serving show, Four in a Bed.
      They were showing off their beautiful dog-themed B&B in Ayrshire to the viewing public in a competition against three other hopefuls.
      Read more football news
      Lo and behold, McCalliog’s Langside Bed and Breakfast was declared the best and won.
      Incredibly, that appearance on national TV got the ex-Red Devils star recognised by one of Scotland most famous celebrities.
      His missus Debbie revealed: “We were invited to a Scotland against England game and when we arrived, Sir Rod Stewart was in the room.
      “Jim went over to speak to him and Sir Rod said: ‘You’re the couple who have the B&B’.”
      Most read in Football
      Comfortable lodgings
      While Rod revealed himself as a Four in a Bed fan, he also would approve of the Langside which saw Hollywood actor Dougray Scott pay a visit once too.
      Originally an arable farm in the 18th century, Jim and Debbie have been running the lodgings since 2006.
      It boasts four charming rooms, including the Cameron Suite, McKellar Suite, Fulton Family Suite, and Woodhouse Room.
      Prices start at a very reasonable £110-per-night, which includes breakfast.
      McCalliog described the decor as “quirky”.
      They have opted for a canine theme with a giant dog statue outside the front door, pooch-printed wallpaper and other ornaments.
      McCalliog said: “Our key strengths are making sure the customer is okay.”
      Nearby attractions include the beaches at Troon, Dean Castle and Dundonald Castle which are a short drive away.
      And you can get your fashion fix at the Silverburn indoor shopping centre, which has shops including Zara, JD Sports, H&M and more.
      McCalliog appeared on Four in a Bed on Channel 4 and won in 2017
      The B&B boasts a dog theme throughout
      A first class breakfast is provided by the hosts, according to reviewers
      Actor Dougray Scott paid Jim a visit at the Langside
      McCalliog began running the B&B in 2006
      Debbie revealed that the couple never applied to be on the show.
      She told the Daily Record: “They kept phoning us asking if we could block a fortnight off to do it.
      “So I eventually made sure we were free for two weeks last September and we took part.”
      Their three groups of guests were pleased with their hosts, apart from one who described McCalliog as “wooden”.
      And feedback on TripAdvisor is equally as impressive.
      The reviews are in
      The travel advice website gives the Langside five stars from 150 reviews.
      One customer wrote: “Stayed here for two nights attending a local funeral. Very friendly hosts, Debbie & Jim, welcomed us on arrival. We had a great natter and they showed us to our well appointed room with en-suite. We took their recommendation for a local restaurant which was very good.
      “Breakfasts were excellent, Continental on Day 1 and cooked on Day 2. Ample parking and good free WiFi. Our second time staying here and we’ll definitely return.”
      A second posted: “One of the best places we’ve stayed. Lovely situation with plenty parking, Easy access to the M77. We’ve stayed in two different rooms ; the Cameron suite is our favourite.
      Rooms start at around £110-per-night
      There are four rooms available to book at the Langside in Kilmarnock
      The McKellar Suite comes with its own shower and bathroom
      Guests have given the B&B huge praise on TripAdvisor
      “Super hosts who are very helpful with luggage etc and cook a great breakfast!”
      Grateful Debbie and Jim happily respond and thank their customers for the kind words.
      Former life
      Although he’s now reinvented himself as a B&B owner, McCalliog enjoyed a stellar career in the game.
      The creative star scored one of the goals when Scotland beat World Cup winners England 3-2 at Wembley in 1967.
      A year earlier he netted in the FA Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday in their 3-2 defeat against Everton.
      McCalliog spent the longest spell of his career at Wolves, where he was a runner-up in the Uefa Cup, and had a season under Tommy Docherty at Man Utd in 1974-75.
      He added: “It was an ambition realised to play at Old Trafford.
      “I should have gone to Man Utd earlier in my career but for reasons out of my control it never happened.
      Read More on The Sun
      “In those days a lot of the time you were just told you were staying put even if you wanted a move.
      “There were no agents. But at least I had a season with United.”
      Scotland’s Jim McCalliog crushes England hopes by putting the ball past goalkeeper Gordon Banks (No1) and England captain Bobby Moore
      Jim McCalliog, second in line, helped Southampton win the 1976 FA Cup
      Today, McCalliog and his wife are happy running their B&B More

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      in Soccer

      I played for Man Utd but was one day away from death when a tick in my beard infected me with Lyme disease

      by

      IN 2016, fomer Manchester United star Karel Poborsky was settling into retirement.Some ten years after he had laced his boots for the final time for Czech side České Budějovice, he had grown a big bushy beard, travelled around the world and was seemingly loving life.
      Former Manchester United and Czech Republic footballer Karel Poborsky was loving retirement until he caught Lyme disease
      Poborsky starred for Man Utd between 1996-1998Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But a serious health scare left the Euro 96 hero fighting for his life.
      Poborsky was hospitalised after catching Lyme disease in the most unfortunate manner possible.
      According to the Express, it was discovered the winger who famously sported long curls had a tick living in his beard.
      The nasty parasite bit and infected him, and that was the beginning of his horror ordeal.
      Read more Man Utd news
      Hospitalised and put in a coma
      Poborsky needed immediate medical care.
      He was rushed to hospital after contracting a brain infection that left his cheek paralysed and his eyes hypersensitive to light.
      Doctors put him in an induced coma to allow his body to recover.
      For three weeks he was placed in quarantine on an emergency ward before making a full recovery.
      Most read in Football
      The 118-cap footballer, who played 48 times under Sir Alex Ferguson, later reassured fans on Facebook that he was out of the worst.
      A photo he shared showed one half of face his clean shaven, the other still covered in bristles.
      Poborsky addressed his nightmare in an interview with The Guardian in 2019.
      He revealed that had he been seen one day later, he would have died.
      “If I arrived at the hospital one day later than I did, this interview would not happen,” he said.
      “I arrived at the hospital too late to find out the root of the infection; they put me straight into a coma. After I woke up, they asked me what my name was and the seven times table.
      “All of my face muscles were paralysed – it was an infection of the brain. I spent three weeks quarantined in hospital on powerful antibiotics, directly to the veins.
      “I couldn’t eat, I had to keep my eyes covered because I was so sensitive to light. I was very scared.”
      Czech Euro 96 hero Poborsky reportedly caught Lyme disease after he was bitten by a tick living in his beardCredit: Youtube – UEFA
      Poborsky was placed in an induced coma and given strong antibiotics
      Full recovery
      Thankfully, Poborsky made a full recovery from Lyme disease.
      In recent years, the midfielder has returned to Old Trafford to play in several charity games.
      Back in 2022, he turned out for Man Utd Legends against Liverpool Legends.
      Before that in 2019, he appeared alongside David Beckham for Man Utd Legends against Bayern Munich and Andy Cole in a match against Barcelona Legends.
      He even caught up with his old boss, Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Capturing the moment with a photo on Instagram, Poborsky captioned the snap: “My boss. Thanks a lot for this match!”
      However, he’ll always be remembered for starring for the Czech Republic in the 1996 European Championships in England.
      In recent years, Poborsky has strapped his boots on for Man Utd legendsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Andy Cole appeared alongside PoborskyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sir Alex Ferguson paid £3.6m for Poborsky after his Euro 96 exploits
      David Beckham and Karel Poborsky pose for a snap
      His infamous lob goal in the quarter finals against Portugal was one of the best of that tournament.
      It encouraged Sir Alex Ferguson to splash £3.6m on Poborsky, who despite playing second fiddle to David Beckham, managed to become a fan favourite from 1996-98.
      Not the only sports star to catch Lyme disease
      High-profile Hollywood stars including Ben Stiller and Richard Gere have been struck down with the devastating condition over the years.
      But for England rugby legend Matt Dawson, it was also nearly as devastating as when Poborsky had it.
      He had to undergo multiple heart operations and endured 18 months of treatment after being bitten by an infected tick.
      Dawson said: “I still have regular check-ups, I seem to be a lot better after my surgeries, but I still have an irregular heartbeat that I have to monitor.
      Read More on The Sun
      Karel Poborsky rose to prominence with his performances for Czech Republic at Euro 96Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Poborsky is a regular visitor to Old Trafford
      “My lifestyle has changed, I can’t do as much exercise, I can’t socialise as much as I would like to, and you just have to adapt accordingly.
      “It’s absolutely on the increase. It is incredibly scary because a lot of people will have it and they don’t realise they have it. It manifests itself in lots of different ways.” More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s 6,000 calorie-a-day diet before Ngannou fight – including roast potatoes for breakfast

      by

      THERE is no doubt that Tyson Fury is one of the greatest heavyweights the art of boxing has ever seen.But how does the Gypsy King perform to the incredible degree that he does in his fights? 
      Tyson Fury is preparing to take on Francis NgannouCredit: Reuters
      The heavyweight boxer is eating 6,000 calories a day in the week before the fightCredit: instagram
      As he prepares to face off the formidable ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, Fury will be taking every measure to optimise his performance and solidify his legendary title as the undisputed world champion. 
      The two most important factors? His diet and workout regime. 
      Here, we take a look at Fury’s pre-fight rituals – including a whopping 6,000 calories a day and roast potatoes for breakfast.
      According to the 35-year-old’s nutritionist George Lockhart, the 6ft 9in athlete’s favourite foods are black pudding, fish and anything spicy. 
      READ MORE ON TYSON FURY
      He’s not a fan of vegetables, and would chow down exclusively on chicken nuggets if he could. 
      In the week before a fight, he typically scoffs his breakfast at 10am, then eats again at 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm and midnight.
      This works out at about 6,000 calories a day – almost triple that of the maintenance calories for the average man. 
      Lockhart said this huge intake helps maximise energy output on the day of the fight and helps keep fatigue at bay. 
      Most read in Boxing

      TYSON FURY VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER CLASH
      “Tyson is like clockwork,” he added. “It’s the exact same way every single time. It’s almost like you press play, and repeat. 
      “We’ve found the formula he likes, and the weight that he wants to be at.”
      Fury’s standard brekkie includes several scrambled eggs, which the nutritionist claims are one of the “best digestive proteins” the body can absorb with ease.
      This provides optimal muscle growth and recovery to accompany Fury’s twice-a-day, seven-day-a-week rigorous training program, he added. 
      The boxer, who weighs 19st 1lb, also gets a serving of black pudding, which is “really high in iron”, as well as lean pork or chicken.
      Lunch is one of the more variable aspects of Fury’s usually rigid diet plan, as the components are altered to fit his unique nutritional requirements throughout the seven-day lead-up. 
      However, Lockhart always tries to squeeze in a helping of salmon due to its high omega-3 content, which reportedly improves his brain function and boosts his ‘fight IQ’. 
      Salmon is also full of proteins and essential fatty acids, which are needed for muscle growth and the healthy maintenance of bone density and cartilage health that provide support for the muscles, which house the bursting power of Fury’s explosive punches. 
      Tyson Fury’s diet the week before facing Francis Ngannou
      MONDAY

      10am: 5 eggs, spinach, turkey bacon omelette, 2 large roast potatoes, 1/2 avocado
      1pm: 2 bananas, 1 cup of Greek yoghurt, smoothie
      3pm: : lemon pepper salmon, 230g roasted sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp hummus and 1/2 avocado
      6pm: 230g BBQ chicken breast, 1 cup of rice with broccoli and tomatoes cooked in chicken broth
      9pm: 1 cup Greek yoghurt, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of strawberries and 1/4 cup of granola
      12am: 2 smoothies, 2 bananas, 1 cup of Greek yogurt

      TUESDAY

      10am: rosemary roasted potatoes, 2 turkey sausages, 2 scrambled eggs with cheese, 1 cup pineapple
      1pm: protein shake, 1 banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 cup Greek yoghurt
      3pm: 230g chicken curry, peas, carrots, 2 cups basmati rice
      6pm: lamb kebabs with tzatziki sauce, hummus, basmati rice, sliced cucumber
      9pm: 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup Greek yoghurt
      12am: shake, 1 banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 cup Greek yoghurt, dark chocolate

      WEDNESDAY

      10am: 3 eggs scrambled with cheese, roasted rosemary potatoes, shake, Greek yoghurt, 2 cups blueberries, 2 chicken sausages
      1pm: sliced apples, sliced oranges, 1 cup mixed nuts, 1 cup Greek yoghurt, 1tbsp honey
      3pm: 2 chicken thighs, 1 cup garbanzo beans cooked with spinach in chicken broth with chicken gravy
      6pm: 1 chicken breast, 1 large baked potato, sliced melon and pineapple, asparagus with lemon salt and pepper
      9pm 1 cup Greek yoghurt, 1 cup sliced banana, 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup dark chocolate 
      12am: 1 banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup Greek yoghurt

      THURSDAY

      10am: 3 eggs scrambled with cheese, 2 chicken sausages, roasted rosemary potatoes, 1 cup pineapple 
      1pm: shake, 1/2 banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 cup Greek yoghurt
      3pm: BBQ chicken breast, 1 cup peas and carrots, 1 large baked potato
      6pm: 230g lemon pepper salmon, 1 cup basmati rice with tomatoes, spinach, and basil cooked in chicken broth, 1/2 avocado, lemon pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
      9pm: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup blackberries, dark chocolate, 1 cup of Greek yoghurt
      12am: shake, 1 banana, 1 cup strawberries

      FRIDAY

      10am: 3 eggs scrambled with cheese and spinach, 3 turkey sausages, rosemary roasted potatoes, 2 cups of mixed fruit
      2pm : 230g blackened salmon, 2 cups rice cooked with spinach chickpeas, tomatoes, in chicken broth with hummus and avocado
      6pm: 2 chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, 2 cups mixed berries, nuts
      9pm: 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup Greek yoghurt, 1/2 cup granola

      Where Lockhart has changed his tune regarding Fury’s programme is on the subject of red meat. 
      Before his fight with Dillian Whyte, the health expert was insistent on adding a helping of red meat to at least one meal every day as “chicken isn’t as nutrient dense”.
      However, he has since revised his opinions so as not to hinder Fury’s physical fitness. 
      “I’ll only do red meat on days that he’s off, to give his body the time to digest it,” he told Betway.
      “Red meat is the most nutrient-dense meat out there, but it also takes time to digest, so I don’t want to be giving it to him every day.”
      Read More on The Sun
      And throughout the day, Lockhart has to ensure his client is getting his five-a-day, which he claims he has to sneak into Fury’s meals because he hates vegetables with a passion.

      Fury takes on Ngannou in Saudi Arabia at 10.45pm on October 28.

      Tyson out for dinner at a sushi restaurant with wife Paris and three of their seven kidsCredit: Twitter
      The World Heavyweight Title – Fury v Derek ChisoraCredit: Reuters
      Fury making a kebabCredit: YouTube
      Fury picking up 150kg of Yorkshire-bred meat
      The boxer visiting a burger bar in BradfordCredit: SWNS:South West News Service More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star and now I own a five-star hotel with spectacular ocean views of the Mediterranean

      by

      SASA Ilic is best remembered by Charlton fans for a match-winning penalty shootout save against Sunderland in the 1998 Playoff final.But today the 51-year-old is a hotelier, owning a breathtaking five-star boutique hotel in Montenegro.
      Charlton legend Sasa Ilic is now a hotelier
      Ilic owns the stunning Monte Bay Retreat in Perast, Montenegro
      The boutique hotel offers six unique bedrooms
      Ilic was inspired to open the luxurious Monte Bay Retreat in 2013, after a series of unfortunate events led him heading towards a downward spiral.
      In the space of a year, his father passed away, his first marriage crumbled, and a house he owned burned down.
      A visit to a detox retreat gave him the idea to open up his own boutique hotel.
      He sold his South East London pad, hopped on his motorbike and rode it all the way to the Balkans.
      Read more football news
      Ilic then converted a home he had in the beautiful old town of Perast into the stunning resort that is perched on the Mediterranean ocean.
      “Due to certain circumstances in my life, between 2009-12 I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with myself after football,” he told SunSport.
      “The Monte Bay Retreat was a bit of a lifesaver. In 2009, I went through a divorce, my business collapsed because of the credit crunch in London, my father passed away and a house I had in Montenegro burn down.
      “For three years I was a lost soul. But I went to a detox retreat and that cleansed my mind, my body and soul.
      Most read in Football
      “I already had another property in Montenegro, and I came up with the idea just after I finished my final day of detoxing.
      “I was very unhappy in London. I wasn’t doing anything at all, I didn’t have an occupation and getting back into football was difficult.
      “I sold my place in Blackheath, jumped on my motorbike and rode all the way to Montenegro to start this new journey of mine.
      “I followed my gut instinct. I was living with plenty of  a sorrow because of my father’s passing and getting used to being single again.
      “I didn’t have a focus in my life. I was cruising through life and didn’t have anything that would get me out of bed in the morning.
      “If I didn’t make a change, I think I would have been another statistic. I would’ve had nothing and been bankrupt.
      “I would’ve spent all the earnings I made in football, I’m sure of that, so I needed to make that life-altering decision.”
      Original plan
      Australian-born Ilic was keen on initially launching Monte Bay Retreat as a detox centre.
      However, he scrapped those plans later on because he wanted it to be open to anyone looking for a quiet home away from home.
      Prices at Monte Bay Retreat start at around £170-per-night
      Facilities include an infinity pool
      Prices start at around £170-per-night, with access to an infinity pool, sauna, and jacuzzi.
      “Because the detox route was a niche market, that would’ve taken me another three or four years to get the word out,” Ilic said.
      “So I converted it to a boutique hotel. It now has an intimate feel with just six bedrooms and it’s completely closed off.
      “All the guests that come, they have sole usage of the bar, restaurant, infinity pool… the difference is its hands on deck, me as the host and people don’t feel like they’re in a hotel.
      “We provide a five star service that you would see in one of the bigger hotels, but with a more intimate feel.
      “I greet everybody, see them off. I usually will welcome them with the local drink, rakija and then we see them off with a big hug and a kiss.
      “When they come to Monte Bay, that’s the service we try and provide for all our clients.
      All the hotels I’ve been in, all around the world, you tend to know what people like.
      “And the basic concept of not allowing anyone else from the outside to come in, and make it completely exclusive for the people staying in the six room. I think that adds to the flavour.
      “It’s a very happy, relaxed mood and people enjoy that atmosphere. I’m also really lucky to have wonderful staff.”
      Healthy food is available for guests to chow down on
      The hotel boasts incredible views of the Mediterranean ocean
      The luxury Monte Bay Retreat has become the social media influencers resort of choice
      Celeb haven
      With its luxurious rooms, glorious views and secluded setting – it’s the perfect setting for any celebrity or social media influencer looking for peace and quiet in private.
      Over the years, Ilic has had a few footballer pals come and visit him, including Dutch legend Ronald de Boer and ex-Charlton teammate Gary Nelson.
      He revealed: “I’ve had a couple of footballers visit.
      “Gary Nelson, who used to play for Charlton. And I had Ronald de Boer, who is a friend of mine too, who came as well.
      “But I’ve not really tapped into my contacts. I just want people to come because they want to come, rather than seeing big-name superstars and all that kind of stuff.
      “Ronald is a friend of mine, and he was in Montenegro so he popped down to see me. And with Gary, he saw pictures on the website when I was down at Charlton for an event, so he came with his wife.
      Monte Bay Retreat offers peace and tranquility for its guests
      Activities including yoga and pilates can be enjoyed at Monte Bay Retreat
      Sasa, pictured with son Sava, now enjoys a blissful life
      Ilic was a hero for Charlton in the 1998 Play Off final – saving a penalty in a shootoutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “It’s one of those places that if you were a superstar, nobody will see you. So you get that intimacy that you wouldn’t necessarily get anywhere else.”
      Next year, the ex Addicks shotstopper is opening up his own football school, Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy.
      The aim is to provide a top notch education, thanks to partnerships with the University of Donja Gorica and Arizona State University Prep, alongside first class coaching, with facilities including a FIFA certified pitch and state-of-the-art gym.
      For now, though, life as a hotel owner is bliss.
      It’s a beautiful lifestyle, we eat fresh food practically every day. We go out in speedboats or I’ll go out with the clients.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m living the dream on the Mediterranean coast and we’re only open for seven months of the year.
      “I purposefully lock it up for 5 months and go away on holiday with my wife and kids.” More