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      in Soccer

      I’m a retro shirt collector – these three common kits from the 80s and 90s could be worth as much as £1,000

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      DOUG Bierton collects vintage football kits that are worth a packet.His company Classic Football Shirts, co-founded with pal Matthew Dale in their student digs at Manchester University in 2006, boasts a warehouse crammed with over 500,000 items, a stones throwaway from the Etihad Stadium.
      Doug Bierton collects vintage shirts and sells them with Classic ShirtsCredit: Matthew Pover
      Classic Football Shirts famously reunited Ian Wright with his old memorabiliaCredit: PA
      The Classic Football Shirts warehouse houses over 500,000 itemsCredit: Matthew Pover
      In recent years, they have grown from strength to strength – launching pop up shops around the globe and selling over 1,000 shirts a day.
      Earlier this month, they visited LA, Miami and New York, where they met David Beckham and Giorgio Chiellini.
      While back in 2021, they successfully reunited Ian Wright with his old memorabilia.
      The shirts, themselves, provide talking points and long-lasting memories that makes them even more valuable.
      Read more football news
      Some ark back to the great players that wore them, while others are groundbreaking designs that have been repeated in kits of today.
      In good nick, they can net you a fortune.
      However, there is one kit that could be worth as much as £1,000.
      What makes a kit valuable?
      The Euros and World Cup are huge triggers for nostalgia.
      Most read in Football
      That’s why the most valuable shirts are linked to those tournaments.
      “The World Cup sends everything crazy because football shirts evoke memories,” Bierton told SunSport.
      “You remember where you were when you watched your first World Cup match. You clips and reruns of old tournaments on the TV in the build-up to the tournament.
      “Then, you see the shirts the players are wearing and you think, ‘I wouldn’t mind being like the Brazilian Ronaldo, scoring loads of goals and having that shirt he wore.”
      He continued: “I was obsessed with the 1990 World Cup.
      “I was five, and I don’t really remember watching the games that much.
      “But I had the highlights on VHS and me and my brother watched it so many times, we burnt the video out in the end.
      “Moments like England taking on Cameroon and Lineker scoring the penalties, (Sergio) Goycochea becoming a hero against Italy with a gold chain hanging out his shirt.
      “(Frank) Rijkaard spitting at (Rudi) Voller, Paul Gascoigne tears… it was the time before football was really commercialised.”
      Retro shirts are popular because of the memories associated with themCredit: PA:Press Association
      Diego Maradona’s Argentina shirt from 1994 is a collector’s itemCredit: PA
      Three Lions on a shirt
      For that reason, his favourite top is England’s Umbro kit of that era, as worn by David Platt, Gary Lineker, Terry Butcher and Paul Gascoigne.
      But it’s the Admiral number from the 1982 World Cup that was the most commerical.
      Today, in mint condition, that sells for £350.
      “The one that’s voted for as the most popular is normally the 1982 shirt, with the design across the shoulders as worn by Kevin Keegan.
      “If you think back to 1966 and before and beyond, it was just a plain white shirt for England.
      “But Admiral were the ones who did something a bit more bold, which makes it cool.”
      How they get their hands on shirts
      Finding the shirts can prove tricky for Doug and Matthew, although somehow they have become well-stocked.
      “I can’t tell you all the trade secrets, but sometimes sourcing shirts comes with great difficulty,” Doug revealed.
      In mint condition England’s 1982 World Cup shirt could cost as much as £350
      Germany’s famous 1990 kit and Holland’s iconic 1988 shirt are collector’s items – but what’s the most expensive?
      “We’ve been going for 15-years now, so we’ve got a lot of contacts in place to be able to find the items.
      “We look in the clearance section, where you can get shirts from £9.99 that you can’t get on the high street, or we get them from clubs and manufacturers around the world.
      “We also work with players to get very rare match-worn shirts and people get in touch with us and offer us their old shirts, which we do trades and valuations for.”
      So, what’s the valuable?
      There are honourable mentions for Germany’s 1990 World Cup kit as one of the most sought after, as well as USA’s 1994 shirt they wore when they hosted the tournament.
      Doug explained: “The flag pattern across the chest of the Germany shirt was so different for the time. It really revolutionised football shirts from that moment on.
      “Graphics and bold designs became much more prominent, which makes it a very important piece.
      The German shirt is worth around £200, depending on the condition. I’d say the USA shirt could go for around £500.”
      But, according to Classic Football Shirts it’s these three that are the most valuable.
      The Netherlands 1988 Euros shirt, as worn by Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit, is the most expensive at £1,000.
      Ruud Gullit models Holland’s shirt which is the most valuableCredit: Getty
      Germany’s green away shirt could fetch up to £600Credit: Getty
      Classic Football Shirts boast a huge warehouse that houses all their kits
      That’s followed by Germany’s 1990 green away shirt that could cost £600.
      Read More on The Sun
      Finally, Argentina’s blue away from the 1994 World Cup, modelled by a demonic Diego Maradona, would fetch you £500.
      Word to the wise, check your wardrobes now. More

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      Inside Leah Williamson’s glam lifestyle, from sponsorships with Gucci and Nike to friendship with Alex Scott

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      Elegant on the pitch, stylish off it – Leah Williamson is one of football’s leading players and fashionistas.The Arsenal defender became a pop culture icon when she captained the Lionesses to Euros glory in 2022.
      Leah Williamson has become a fashion icon outside of footballCredit: Getty
      England captain Leah famously won the Euros with England in 2022Credit: Rex
      Leah is also a regular in fashion magazines and poses in stylish shootsCredit: PA
      However, a cruel ruptured ACL injury back in April robbed her of the opportunity to lead her country out at the World Cup.
      But now Leah has returned to training and is eyeing a comeback in the new year to spearhead the Gunners’ title challenge in the WSL.
      Since her heroics with the Three Lions, she has become a hot commodity reportedly raking in £4million.
      Her bank balance boosted by deals with Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.
      Read more football news
      While the 26-year-old is also a regular feature on the red carpet, and recently attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards with pals Alex Scott, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps.

      She’s kind of a big deal
      Although Arsenal and WSL fans would have known her stock, Williamson’s grew during the Lionesses Euro 2022 campaign..
      With the North London giants, she is said to earn around £150,000-per-year.
      But it’s in sponsorships where she has well and truly prospered.
      Most read in Football
      Since her coming of age moment two summers ago, fashion house Gucci have signed her up as an ambassador, Pepsi made her front and centre of their ad campaigns, while Nike utilised her athletic frame to model their fashionable garments and Dyson have utilise her too.
      Alongside the likes of KSI, Anthony Joshua, Jude Bellingham, and Trent Alexander-Arnold she has also appeared in JD Sports photoshoots – showing off their streetwear collections.
      Arsenal also ensure she’s front and centre of any new clothing and kit launches they have.
      Because of this, Leah has well and truly become a figure of fashion.
      Magazines like Vogue, GQ and Elle have featured her in fancy fashion shoots.
      Experts have commented on her outfits as combining femininity with masculinity.
      She told Elle: “In the industry I work in, women have had a lot of oppression. So, I don’t like to stick to the status quo or the norm with my clothes. I like to step out of that, and that’s where embracing that masculine side of dress comes from.
      “I just think it’s a good way to kind of stick your fingers up at everybody else, and say this is what I want to wear and I’m going to wear it.”
      Leah features in an ad campaign for ArsenalCredit: Instagram
      Glam fashion shoots are the norm for LeahCredit: Instagram
      Leah has been credited with mixing masculinity with femininity with her styleCredit: PA
      Stylish Leah always cuts a dazzling figure on the red carpetCredit: Getty
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Music drives her agenda
      For every game she plays, music fan Leah makes a playlist.
      Whether it’s for Arsenal or England, she makes sure the kit man has it and the music she chooses features in the dressing room.
      It’s the perfect way to connect with her teammates and remember moments in her career.
      “I love how music makes people feel, and how you can connect with people – most conversations I have with the girls come off the back of music,” she told GQ.
      “I like it because when you think back to key moments, you always remember the music that was playing.”
      ABBA’s Does Your Mother Know was a particular favourite during the Euros.
      “It’s become a massive song for us,” she recalled.
      Music is an important aspect of Leah’s life
      Leah regularly draws up playlists for her teammates and has a sponsorship with Dyson – sporting their headphones in this ad

      “We played it before one of the warm-up games and Ella Toone, for whatever reason, went a bit crazy for it. She went out and scored, and then afterwards she was like, ‘Can we have that before every game?’ I went, ‘Yeah! You continue to score, I’ll play what you want.'”
      Comparing them both, she said: “Nothing makes me feel the way football or music do. But you choose which song you want to put on… football is out of your control.”
      On her travels
      When she can, Leah makes the best time of the off season by going on swanky holidays.
      Back in June, she was joined by fellow Lionesses star Keira Walsh for a trip to Ibiza.
      The pair wore matching black bikinis in snaps shared on Instagram, as they showed off their bronzed bodies.
      They also hired a yacht and partied at a luxury beach club.
      The Balearic island seems to be Leah’s favourite place to visit.
      She was also there a year earlier with teammate Beth Mead, where they enjoyed posh dinner at STK – chowing down on steak and truffle fries.
      The next night, Leah was seen at club Ushuaia where she was spotted dancing wearing a bucket hat and jeans.
      Leah shows off her amazing bikini body on board a yacht in IbizaCredit: Instagram
      Keira Walsh and Leah enjoyed the trip to the Balearic island together
      Leah enjoyed a meal at STK Ibiza in 2022Credit: Splash
      Leah speaking at the UN General Assembly
      In August, she visited Za’atari in Jordan, the world’s largest Syrian refugee camp.
      A month later, she addressed the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York and made a plea to challenge gender stereotypes and level the playing field for girls around the world.
      ‘You’re my best friend’
      Although she holds many friends in the game, it’s BBC Sport presenter Alex Scott who seems to be her closest pal.
      The pair are inseparable, whether it’s going on holidays together or attending the same events and posing for the cameras.
      It is believed they have been friends for around three years, after meeting on the women’s football circuit.
      Together they attended the Brit Awards, GQ Men of the Year Awards, and the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, where they were joined by Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne.
      And Alex isn’t afraid of making fun of her pal, in a light-hearted moment that showed how close the pair are.
      At half-time during Arsenal’s WSL match against Aston Villa, she interviewed Leah and cheekily encouraged her to share a funny story about a visit to receive her OBE at Windsor Castle.
      Alex began: “Is this where I can tell everyone at home? Actually, you can actually. What went on with the outfit?”
      Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Chloe Kelly attend the GQ Men of the Year Awards earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      Leah and Alex Scott are firm friends off the pitchCredit: Rex
      Alex revealed of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction Leah suffered collecting her OBE at Windsor CastleCredit: Getty
      Initially, Leah admitted to being able to cover up a split in her trousers. However, she soon went further with the truth.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The outfit, yeah, my trousers split,” she said, adding: “I received my OBE not in my best form, but no one knew about it until you just told the whole world, so thanks.”
      A laughing Scott replied: “I had to tell everyone, I had to tell everyone!” More

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      in Soccer

      Ultimate footballers’ Wags rich list as Georgina Rodriguez’s net worth is revealed – but she’s not the wealthiest beauty

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      LONG gone was the time when footballers’ Wags were happy to let their partners bask in all the glory.These 10 stunners are making it all on their own.
      Wags that feature on the ultimate rich list include Antonella Roccuzzo, the partner of Lionel MessiCredit: instagram/antonelaroccuzzo
      Model Ann Kathrin Gotze also makes the top 10Credit: Instagram @annkathrinvida
      Propping up the top 10 is Rebekah VardyCredit: Instagram
      Rebekah appears on red carpet at the National Television AwardsCredit: Getty
      They feature on the ultimate footballers’ Wags rich list with staggering personal fortunes.
      But, according to research by Gambling Zone, who is the richest?
      Let SunSport reveal all…
      10. Rebekah Vardy, £3million
      The Wagatha Christie court case may have harmed her street cred, but it didn’t damage her net worth too much.
      read more football
      Leicester City’s striker Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah, 41, branched out to appear on reality TV shows including I’m A Celebrity in 2017 and Dancing on Ice in 2021.
      She went into hiding when the Disney documentary Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story was released.
      However, she soon showed she was living a lavish lifestyle, on holidays in UAE and Las Vegas.
      9. Perrie Edwards, £7million
      Perrie, 30, is a super-successful pop star and member of Little Mix.
      Most read in Football
      She famously came through X Factor before the group was formed by Simon Cowell on the show.
      They have amassed over 15 billion streams across all streaming platforms and rank as one of the world’s best-selling girl groups.
      The blonde stunner is engaged to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
      Perrie Edwards has made a £7m fortune from her pop careerCredit: Instagram @perrieedwards
      Blonde Perrie is in the group Little MixCredit: Getty
      8. Georgina Rodriguez, £9million
      Gorgeous Georgina, 29, is the most followed Wag on social media – boasting 53 million fans.
      However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s other half is way down the list in the rich stakes.
      Her wealth is bumped up by Netflix documentary I Am Georgina, as well as ad campaigns for Prada, Gucci, and Chanel.
      Admirably, Georgina is also an ambassador for the Save the Children organisation.
      Georgina Rodriguez boast 53 million followers on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Travelling on private jets, Georgina is the most glam Wag aroundCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      7. Ana Ivanovic, £13million
      36-year-old Ana is one half of a famous sporting couple – she is married to German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger who had a stint at Manchester United.
      The Serbian beauty famously played tennis, and was world No1 in 2008.
      She won the French Open that year, and held on to the top spot for 12 weeks.
      Ana retired in 2016 after revealing she wasn’t performing to the standard she held herself in.
      Ana Ivanovic cuts an elegant figure in a designer dressCredit: Getty
      Ana with husband Bastian SchweinsteigerCredit: Instagram @anaivanovic
      6. Coleen Rooney, £15million
      Coleen, 37, capitalised brilliantly on her husband Wayne Rooney’s success.
      Most recently, she told her side of the story in Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story on Disney.
      But well before that, savvy Coleen wrote magazine columns, inked deals with Asda and Littlewoods, and sold an exercise DVD.
      The mum of four also published several books, including an autobiography.
      Coleen Rooney has capitalised brilliantly on her husband Wayne’s successCredit: The Mega Agency
      Coleen was recently the star of Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha StoryCredit: Getty
      5. Antonella Roccuzzo, £16million
      Being the wife of the best footballer in the world brings home the readies for Antonella.
      The Argentine beauty, 35, is the longterm Wag of Lionel Messi.
      However, in her own right she has scored modelling contracts with the likes of Adidas, Alo Yoga and Ricky Sarkany.
      Better still, she worked with fashion designer Stella McCartney and is another who has given her time for charity as an ambassador for UNICEF.
      Argie beauty Antonella Roccuzzo has scored modelling contractsCredit: Getty
      Antonella helps Lionel Messi celebrate winning the World CupCredit: Getty
      4. Ann-Kathrin Gotze, £28million
      Ann-Kathrin, 33, was a contestant on Germany’s Next Top Model, where she made it into the top 50.
      From there she appeared in covershoots for the likes of GQ and FHM in her homeland, before she modelled for swimwear brand Lascana.
      She appeared on another reality TV show called Let’s Dance, while her Instagram blew up.
      Now with two million followers, Ann-Kathrin is an influencer and advertises beauty products.
      German stunner Ann-Kathrin Gotze appeared on Germany’s Next Top ModelCredit: Instagram @annkathrinvida
      Ann-Kathrin is now an influencer in her homelandCredit: Getty
      3. Anna Lewandowska, £36million
      Stunning Anna, 35, is making a packet thanks to her entrepreneurial skills and penchant for all things diet and fitness.
      Before all of that the other half of Robert Lewandowski was a karate expert and multi-medalist at world and national level.
      She became a nutritionist in 2013, and has provided dietary advice and exercise plans through a blog and book
      Forward-thinking Anna also has a healthy snack and dietary needs brand, Foods by Ann.
      Nutritionist and fitness expert Anna Lewandowska has made a fortune
      Anna boast her own healthy snack company and a popular blogCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2. Pilar Rubio, £47million
      Pilar, 45, is a Spanish TV presenter and wife of Sergio Ramos.
      Before she got her big break on TV, the brunette beauty was a model in Spain for lingerie and bikini brands.
      Pilar tried her hand at acting in Piratas Telecinco, but that was cancelled after just eight episodes.
      She has four sons with the Real Madrid legend.
      Pilar Rubio poses for lingerie brand SelmarkCredit: Selmark
      Pilar Rubio shows off her amazing bikini bodyCredit: Selmark
      1. Victoria Beckham, £55million
      Possibly the most famous of all Wags, and the reason we call them Wags today, Victoria made most of her money as a Spice Girl.
      The all-girl group slayed the 90s, thanks to hits Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life.
      Read More on The Sun
      But, she has refused advances to rejoin the girls on recent tours.
      Instead, Victoria is a reputable fashion designer – styling the Hollywood glitterati.
      Victoria Beckham, seen in 2008 here, was one of the original WagsCredit: Getty
      Victoria has snubbed calls for a Spice Girls reunion to concentrate on her fashion lineCredit: Alamy More

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      Inside Chloe Kelly’s glam lifestyle, from bold red-carpet outfits to romance with boyfriend Scott Moore

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      EVER since Chloe Kelly became immortal after scoring a winning goal in the Euros final against the Germans, the Lionesses star’s lifestyle has gone up a notch.The Manchester City Women’s forward, 25, has even transcended the WSL – appearing on red carpets at glam events.
      Chloe Kelly cuts a glam figure away from the football pitchCredit: Rex
      Euros winner Chloe became iconic after her winning goal in the Euros finalCredit: Getty
      Women’s football star Chloe poses with boyfriend ScottCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
      We recently saw her dazzle at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
      While back in October, Chloe wore a spectacular risqué dress at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.
      Helping her juggle her life as a professional footballer and a showbiz star is longterm boyfriend Scott Moore.
      They have been dating for four years, and share a cute pooch together.
      Read more football
      And she regularly shares their luxurious trips abroad together on social media…
      Famous face
      Since becoming a national hero after her exploits with Sarina Wiegman’s side, Chloe is now a regular on the red carpet.
      She often appears with pals Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo, who are also now seen on the celebrity circuit.
      Back in October, fashion bible Glamour invited Kelly to their inaugural awards show.
      Most read in Football
      And she certainly turned heads with her outfit choice.
      The little black number she wore showed off her amazing athletic figure.
      It was no surprise that Geri Horner, ‘Ginger Spice’ of Spice Girl fame, took an opportunity to pose with Chloe and team-mates Jess Carter, Bethany England, and Alessia Russo.
      A month later, Chloe stunned at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in another elegant black dress and was snapped alongside Alex Scott, Mary Earps and Leah Williamson.
      At the Pride of Britain Awards, Chloe looked incredible once more.
      Her daring ensemble showed off her cleavage and toned long legs.
      At the Glamour Women of the Year Awards Chloe showed off a stylish lookCredit: Rex
      Chloe Kelly, Bethany England, Geri Horner aka Ginger Spice, Jess Carter and Alessia Russo buddy up together for a photo opCredit: Getty
      Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Chloe at the GQ Men of the Year AwardsCredit: Getty
      Chloe shows off her cleavage and toned legs on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain AwardsCredit: Alamy
      In her Calvins
      With her status and enviable physique, it was inevitable Chloe would be fodder for fashion campaigns.
      Before the World Cup, the blonde beauty stripped down for an artsy black and white Cavlin Klein photoshoot.
      USA star Alex Morgan was also chosen for the ads that aimed to celebrate women footballers’ ‘athleticism and strength’.
      The fashion house also released a video for the shoot, again in black and white, with the title ‘icons seen naturally’.
      Chloe modelled Calvin Kleins’ famous cotton underwear, as well as their essential baggy jeans style.
      She shared the results on her Instagram with a video amusingly captioned: “CK by CK.”
      read more sport features
      Calvin Klein asked Chloe to pose up for an ad campaign before the World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      Beauty Chloe stunned in the ad campaignCredit: The Mega Agency
      Chloe shared a video online of the fashion shootCredit: The Mega Agency

      Life with Scott Moore
      For four years Chloe has been in a romance with Scott.
      It is not known how they first met.
      He is reportedly a greenkeeper at a golf club, although he keeps his relationship away from social media with his Instagram set to private.
      That said, he is his partner’s greatest supporter.
      Following England’s Euros triumph, Scott was pictured wearing an England shirt with his girlfriend’s name emblazoned on the back.
      It is Chloe who does the most sharing on Insta, often uploading snaps of her and Scott with their cute cockapoo called Otis.
      They share a minimalist-style home together in Manchester.
      Scott Moore and Chloe have been together for four yearsCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
      Chloe and Scott live in Manchester and have a cockapoo called OtisCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
      Amazing trips abroad
      Chloe has enjoyed basking in her glory, taking in enviable holidays with Scott.
      On Instagram she often chronicles her travels.
      There are plenty of pictures in bikinis, sunning her athletic body while keeping in fashion with designer sunglasses from brands including Prada.
      This summer she washed away her World Cup blues by raving in Ibiza.
      She was seen wearing a Burberry flannel top alongside a friend in the first snap in the collection.
      She then shared a video of a party at popular beachfront dance club Ushuaïa, which was visited by team-mate Keira Walsh, injured Lioness Leah Williamson and BBC host Alex Scott earlier that summer.
      Chloe kept with the Burberry theme when she met Ibiza party guru Wayne Lineker.
      Chloe loves a glam holiday
      Sand and sea makes Chloe happy in the off seasonCredit: Instagram / @chloekelly
      Chloe boasts an amazing bikini bodyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      Wayne Lineker invited Chloe to his O Beach Club in Ibiza
      Lineker shared a picture of himself and Kelly on Instagram at his infamous O Beach Club.
      Not forgetting what she’s paid for…
      Of course, a wonderful lifestyle aside, Chloe is a hell of a player for club and country.
      This season she’s added goals to her game – scoring five times in 10 matches for Manchester City in all competitions.
      While for her country, she has netted seven times in 37 games.
      Honours won, apart from that fabulous Euros triumph, include the Women’s FA Cup in 2020, and the Women’s League Cup in 2022.
      And she’s certainly not afraid of a bit of cheek on the pitch.
      In the recent Manchester derby she brutally trolled United fans by cupping her ear when her side scored and then put her finger to her lips to emphasise silencing them.
      But nothing tops her most famous goal celebration of all time, when she tore off her shirt in front of a sell-out crowd against Germany in the final.
      Chloe stars for Man City WomenCredit: Reuters
      In the recent Manchester derby Chloe enjoyed taunting the Old Trafford crowdCredit: Getty
      Chloe silenced the crowd with her assist for City’s equaliserCredit: Getty
      She certainly enjoys being herself on the ptich.
      She told Women’s Health: “It is really important to have that personality that I try to bring on the pitch.
      “I try to just be creative, free and just play with a smile.
      “That little girl is still inside me, the one that loves playing football.” More

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      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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      Laura Woods’ most daring outfits, from wearing lycra shorts and crop top at Glastonbury to Baywatch-style swimsuit shoot

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      LAURA Woods continues to dazzle and amaze.The TNT Sports host, 36, is already dominating the media landscape, when it comes to football and boxing.
      TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods has dazzled fans with her bold looksCredit: Getty
      Glamorous Laura always cuts a fashionable figureCredit: News group Newspapers Limited
      At Glastonbury Laura wore one of her most daring outfitsCredit: Instagram/@laurawoodsy
      While her trendy outfits make her the talk of the fashion mags.
      When it comes to her look, Laura isn’t afraid to push the boundaries.
      And often, she will rock something daring.
      SunSport waded through the presenter’s Instagram and recalled a risqué photoshoot she did with our very own Fabulous for her boldest ensemble.
      Read more Laura Woods news
      Glastonbury-ready
      Back in June, Laura was one of the 200,000 partygoers who descended upon Worthy Farm.
      Anything goes at the Glastonbury Festival, from fancy dress to sexy styles.
      So it was no surprise to see Woodsy adapt to her surroundings.
      She looked divine as she posed in matching spandex shorts and a crop top before heading to watch the bands.
      Most read in Football
      The outfit also had a unique pink and green geometric pattern.
      She captioned the picture: “Day 3, Glastonbury. Off we go then.”
      Channelling Pamela Anderson
      When Laura appeared in Fabulous in the summer, she revealed the greatest challenges she’s had to overcome in her career.
      And that includes breaking into a male-dominated industry to fly the flag for women in sport on TV.
      The interview came soon after she quit her talkSPORT breakfast show to focus on her broadcast career.
      But, as the chat and photoshoot proved, she was full of confidence.
      Laura stunned in a red high-cut swimsuit, looking every inch a Baywatch babe.
      Laura channelled Baywatch for her shoot with FabulousCredit: News group Newspapers Limited
      Stylish Laura revealed the challenges faced in her careerCredit: News group Newspapers Limited
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Give her an award
      Regularly, and rightly, Laura is championed for her work.
      Earlier this month, she scooped the Presenter of the Year award by Broadcast Sport.
      She was recognised for an excellent job covering the Women’s World Cup over the summer.
      Again, it was her outfit that got fans online commenting.
      She wore a black cut off top that showed off her amazing abs and a black dress – looking stunning.
      Laura Woods was named Presenter of the Year at the Broadcast Sport awardsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      TV presenter Laura flashed her abs with her outfit choiceCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      Lady of leather
      When it has come to work, Laura has always cut a sophisticated figure.
      However, on one particular Champions League night she went rogue with a biker look.
      Woods was broadcasting live from Manchester ahead of Manchester City’s match against BSC Young Boys.
      Standing outside the Etihad, the 36-year-old wowed in her fitted black leather jacket and eye-catching jewellery.
      She also shared a behind-the-scenes snap of her stunning ensemble while holding a blue umbrella on Instagram.
      For a recent Champions League show Laura wore leatherCredit: Getty
      There was nothing glum about Laura’s look who looked aceCredit: Reuters
      Yacht life
      Now that she is a staple of sports broadcasting, Laura can enjoy the jet-set.
      But, back in 2019 she was already priming herself for a glam lifestyle.
      On a holiday to Marbella with some pals, she hired a yacht.
      Of course, there was an obligatory shot with all her mates on board.
      And when she posed for a single shot, she offered a glimpse of her leopard-print bikini bottoms, accessorised with a black see-through sarong, as well as a matching bust-hugging animal-print top.
      Laura shows off her bikini body on board a yacht on holiday
      You can’t touch this
      On duty for DAZN, Laura shows she’s a dab hand at presenting boxing coverage.
      And she makes sure she’s dressed up for the occasion.
      This time, back in 2022, she thought she would channel a 90s pop icon.
      Woodsy even addressed in the caption for a snap showing her on set wearing baggy leather trousers.
      She asked: “MC Hammer is it?”
      Is it MC Hammer or Laura Woods?
      Summer vibes
      Wherever she goes, Laura always brings the sunshine.
      Her smiley demeanour lights up the screen and her positivity knows no bounds.
      If ever an outfit mirrored her outlook, it has to be a white vest and shorts combo.
      Casual but smart. Glam but classy.
      It’s the Laura we all love and know.
      Sunshine follows Laura wherever she goes and reflects in this summer outfitCredit: Instagram/@laurawoodsy More

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      Alex Scott’s exotic holidays around the world, from relaxing on private yachts to her love for daredevil sports

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      WELL-travelled Alex Scott is a real globetrotter.The BBC Sport host, 39, often chronicles her travels on Instagram.
      BBC Sport host Alex Scott loves globetrottingCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Some of the holiday spots Alex Scott has visited
      And she enjoys a variety of holidays, from relaxing on private yachts to climbing mountains, and snorkelling.
      Scott was raised by her mum in east London, where she dreamed of going abroad.
      Her eyes were opened when a family friend took her to the Dominican Republic.
      When she became a professional footballer with Arsenal, that allowed her to travel around Europe.
      Read more Alex Scott news
      While with England she played in a World Cup in Canada and games in China.
      Now, with more time on her hands and money, Scott is able to go on more adventures.
      Working abroad helped feed her curiosity seeing the rest of the world.
      US years
      In 2009, after winning countless trophies with Arsenal Women, Scott moved to the US permanently with the American Pro League side, Boston Breakers.
      Most read in Football
      It gave her the opportunity to explore the States.
      “I fell in love with Boston’s vibrancy and diversity,” she told The Times.
      “I lived in Cambridge and I would cycle along the river to our base at Harvard. At weekends we’d go to cities including New York, Washington DC or over to the west coast.
      “I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles with friends during the off-season. There are beautiful mountain hikes, especially around the Topanga area.”
      Solo traveller
      Last year, Scott embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru.
      She is a keen solo traveller, who loves the opportunity to go on adventurous treks.
      That includes climbing mountains and seeing the world’s most incredible sights.
      “As soon as the off-season starts, I like to take myself off on an epic solo adventure,” she said.
      Last year, Alex went on a one in a lifetime trip to PeruCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Alex is a keen solo travellerCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Alex scaled the famous Rainbow MountainCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      “Travelling alone takes you out of your comfort zone and I wouldn’t have connected with so many wonderful people if I were with friends.
      “Last year I went to Machu Picchu. I met an amazing group of women in Peru who took me under their wing and invited me to join them climbing the colourful, banded layers of Rainbow Mountain.”
      Scott has embarked on plenty of solo trips during her lifetime.
      All ticked off the bucket list are Cambodia, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Brazil and the Caribbean including Jamaica, which she did when filming Who Do You Think You Are?
      And there’s more solo trips in the pipeline.
      She revealed: “During lockdown, I had Spanish lessons three times a week. I’m keen to explore South America, including Argentina, the W Trek in Patagonia and the Galapagos islands.
      “It’s not been easy to schedule, but I’m planning to go to Spanish school for an intensive course in Guatemala for three weeks.”
      Scuba-diving breaks
      Watersports and scuba-diving appeal to Scott’s adventurous nature.
      A snapshot of her Instagram shows she is all-action – jet-skiing and hoverboarding in the sea.
      When it comes to activities, Alex loves adventure sports like paraglidingCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Alex has a scuba diving certificate and tries to find holidays where she can diveCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Paddle boarding appeals to Alex’s natureCredit: instagram @alexscott2
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      She revealed she also earned her diving certificates, which encourages the football pundit to seek out holidays where she can go under the water.
      But, she had to overcome her fears first.
      “I only learnt how to swim properly a couple of years ago because I was scared of water,” she revealed.
      “On a two-week holiday in the Maldives I decided to be brave and took diving lessons.
      “It’s probably my competitive nature, but by the end of the trip I had certificates in open water and advanced scuba diving.
      “Now, wherever I go in the world, I try to get in some diving, which I find really meditative.”
      European vacays
      Scott doesn’t need to travel half way around the globe to enjoy herself.
      In recent years she has enjoyed going on short trips to Europe.
      Alex has discovered European breaks in recent yearsCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Alex shows off her bikini body on one of her amazing tripsCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      It’s a yacht life for AlexCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Expect more fancy trips to feature on Alex’s Instagram pageCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      Croatia, she admitted, “completely took me by surprise” when she visited Hvar, Split, Bol and other islands.
      She also fell in love with the culture and history of Rome.
      It was a mother/daughter vacation in Ibiza that recently gave her lots of happiness.
      She said: “My mother and I went to Ibiza and she told me her cheeks were hurting so much because she couldn’t stop smiling.
      “That filled my heart with happiness. I feel so lucky that I’m now in a position where I can take my mum away.”
      Usually, it’s not always glam. However, Scott couldn’t help but take up former Arsenal co-chairman David Dein’s kind offer of using his boat in Greece.
      “I don’t usually stay in high-end places, but I hold my hands up and admit I did Greece in a fancy way,” she said.
      “David Dein, Arsenal FC’s former co-owner, who is a father figure to me, invited me to join him on his boat. We would island hop each day and I got off at Santorini for a couple of nights.”
      With adventures like these, it would seemingly be criminal not to give Scott her own travel programme today. More

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      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