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      in Soccer

      I’m schoolteacher to Arsenal star who made Premier League history… he handed in his homework the next day without a word

      by

      ETHAN NWANERI rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest player aged just 15.And less than 24 hours later, he still handed in his English homework on time.
      Ethan Nwaneri made his Premier League debut aged just 15Credit: Getty
      The footballer was a pupil at St John’s Senior School in Enfield, North LondonCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Elle Bewley taught Nwaneri for GCSE EnglishCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The Arsenal sensation replaced Fabio Vieira in the 92nd minute of the 3-0 win away at Brentford on September 18, 2022.
      At 15 years and 181 days, he smashed the previous record held by Harvey Elliott. 
      Nwaneri stepped on to the Gtech Community Stadium pitch just before 2pm on that memorable Sunday.
      By 9am on Monday, though, he gave his weekend work to Elle Bewley at St John’s Senior School in Enfield without a mention of his record-breaking exploits the day before.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Bewley told SunSport: “It was a surprise. The head of English messaged me to say Ethan is on telly and just made his debut. 
      “I am quite ignorant when it comes to football but my husband was really impressed! 
      “I’m not joking, he just walked into school on the Monday, gave me his homework, sat down and got on with it. No discussion, no distraction. Nothing.”
      St John’s Head of PE Jason Hodgson, who picked Nwaneri for the school’s football scholarship programme, remembers the big moment vividly. 
      Most read in Football
      He said: “It was crazy. I’m mad on fishing and I was at a lake listening on talkSPORT. 
      “I was shouting, ‘Get him on!’ The older fishing guys were asking what was going on. I said, ‘My boy’s on the bench for Arsenal, I want him to get on.’ 
      “I was buzzing. Playing for Arsenal at 15… mental isn’t it? 
      “Obviously, the whole school loved it. He was in as normal on Monday, straight back to lessons with no special treatment. Football is secondary here.
      “We set out to be a safety net for boys who are trying to be pro footballers but we know that only 0.01 per cent make it and the rest don’t.”
      Nwaneri’s behaviour on that whirlwind Monday came as no surprise to his teachers.
      Ms Bewley taught him for GCSE English, with Macbeth, Jekyll and Hide, An Inspector Calls and a poetry anthology all on the syllabus. 
      She continued: “What stands out about Ethan is that he was never boastful. I never heard him speaking about football. 
      He donated a signed shirt and boots to his old schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager excelled on the pitch and in the classroom (bottom row, right)Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      The teenager came on for Fabio Vieira in the 3-0 win at BrentfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Nwaneri signed his first professional contract in 2023Credit: Getty
      “For our GCSE spoken language endorsement, I even urged him to do it on football because they choose a topic they’re really passionate about. 
      “He could have taken an easy way out but chose not to and did it on conspiracy theories. He went off and did the research.
      “Ethan was very much an all-round student, very intelligent. He’s a really responsible young man. 
      “Quite often Ethan chased us for extra revision and did extra papers at home.”
      Nwaneri was clearly as committed to performing in the classroom as he was on the pitch before finishing Year 11 in the summer.
      Alexander Tardios, headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective school, said: “The boy scored 98 per cent in the school entrance exam, his speciality is mathematics.
      “He is a very academic boy. He could easily end up at King’s College or UCL.
      “Once Ethan was at London Colney training with the Arsenal first team. There was meant to be a second training session but it didn’t take place. 
      “He booked himself an Uber to St John’s, sat his mini-tests then went back to London Colney. I’ve never seen a boy that would do that but Ethan Nwaneri is special.”
      TESTING CONDITIONS
      It was not just Nwaneri taking his education seriously, but his parents too.
      Tardios claimed Ethan’s dad said that if his son didn’t perform in his end-of-year exams, he was going to stop him from playing for England.
      Ironically, Nwaneri ended up sitting some of his GCSEs in Hungary while away representing the Young Lions at the Under-17 Euros. 
      Playmaker Nwaneri scored the winner in England’s opener against Croatia, setting them on their way to topping Group D before a quarter-final defeat to France.
      An England coach even helped with revision in between training and matches, with the pupil taking one maths test the morning after a game. 
      Science teacher and Arsenal fan Theo Vrionides said: “I didn’t contribute anything to him being a star. Maybe I can say some of the physics could come into it! 
      “He’s obviously determined to succeed and I think he will. Expectations are high. 
      Nwaneri represented his school football teamCredit: St John’s Senior School
      Jason Hodgson is the Head of PE and selected Nwaneri for a scholarship at the schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Theo Vrionides taught Nwaneri for physics in Year 11Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Alexander Tardios is headteacher at the £16,500-a-year selective schoolCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      “It would be great to see him line up with Bukayo Saka. It is a nice feeling to actually know Ethan and say we’ve had some contribution as teachers.”
      Now with his school education behind him and full-time focus on football, Nwaneri will be gunning for more success after signing a professional contract under Jack Wilshere at Arsenal and starring for England at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. 
      Hodgson has seen his fair share of quality young footballers, including 11-year-old goalkeeper Sammy Thompson, who is already training with Tottenham’s U21s. 
      The Head of PE, though, insists “animal” Nwaneri stands out above the rest after witnessing him tear countless opponents to shreds.
      That included an outrageous piece of skill for one of his five goals as St John’s were crowned Enfield Borough champions.
      And Hodgson believes Nwaneri can team up with Jude Bellingham to lead England to glory.
      I honestly believe Ethan will play for England… we’ve got to win something in the next ten yearsJason Hodgson, Head of PE at St John’s Senior School
      He added: “I’ve been teaching 25 years and coaching a lot longer than that, Ethan is the best kid I’ve ever seen by a country mile. 
      “He was ridiculous. We went to a school in East London: kick-off, Ethan got the ball, scored, repeat. Their manager asked me to take him off so I did at 8-0.
      “His year group wasn’t that good but he played with the year above to win the cup. 
      “There is literally no point playing at his age, he was too good even at Arsenal. You can’t get the ball off him. The kid’s amazing. 
      “This must be what Bellingham was like. I think he’s got that potential. It is awesome. 
      “I honestly believe he will play for England, he is going to be the next Saka and Bellingham. I’m hoping to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m so excited for England, we’ve got to win something in the next ten years surely.
      “Ethan, work hard, play hard. You’re going to have a lot of money! Keep yourself grounded.”
      He is now fully focused on football after finishing schoolCredit: Getty
      The rising star is part of the Young Lions England set-upCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri is being mentored and coached by Jack WilshereCredit: Getty
      He took some of his GCSEs while at the U17 Euros with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Nwaneri in action at the U17 World Cup in IndonesiaCredit: AP
      The playmaker scoring against PSV in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside incredible journey of former Welsh lifeguard who is now aiming to manage 170th-ranked Fiji at first World Cup

      by

      ROB SHERMAN knows a thing or two about the beach after his time as a champion lifeguard on the Welsh west coast.But he is certainly not taking things easy in his new role as the national football team manager of Fiji – 10,000 miles from home.
      Rob Sherman is the new national team manager of FijiCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The ex-footballer, left, with his brother Stuart on the Welsh surf lifesaving tour of Australia in 1982Credit: Rob Sherman
      Fiji have never played at a World Cup but could benefit from the extra qualifying spot for OceaniaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      The 63-year-old took over as head coach in July.
      As well as his remit to develop the beautiful game in the beautiful South Pacific country, Sherman has strong ambitions of leading the nation ranked 170th out of 207 in the Fifa rankings to their first World Cup.
      Those chances were boosted by Oceania now getting 1.5 qualifying spots, up from 0.5 for Qatar 2022, which will see one country from the federation guaranteed a place at the 2026 tournament and another entering an inter-continental play-off.
      New Zealand are the dominant team, reaching South Africa 2010 before losing play-offs for the last three World Cups.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      But Sherman, who will get a first proper chance to assess his squad in their Pacific Games opener against Northern Marianas Islands in the Solomon Islands on Saturday, believes Fiji can spring a surprise when qualifying gets underway in September 2024.
      Asked whether the Bula Boys can book a spot at United States, Canada and Mexico 2026, Sherman told SunSport: “The extra qualifying spot raises the ambition of all the nations but in particular Fiji. 
      “The ideal is to win the one slot, that’s not beyond the realms if I’m honest. But at the very least an inter-continental play-off raises the profile of football in the region and if you do make the World Cup then happy days. 
      “Personally, qualifying would be a real moment of actualisation. I’ve coached since I was 17.
      Most read in Football
      “Because I didn’t make it as a player, being a decent coach has been my way of compensating – so getting Fiji to the World Cup would be a moment of great satisfaction.
      “Getting to the world’s biggest sporting event would be huge for all Fijians across the world.
      “Fiji are very competitive within Oceania. 
      “New Zealand are the top-ranked country with lots of professional players. Then it’s the likes of the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Papa New Guinea, Vanuatu and ourselves.”
      Sherman, whose son Drew was the youngest international manager when he took charge of the Cook Islands aged 28, is based in Christchurch, doing his job remotely before flying the three-and-a-half hours to Fiji for camps. 
      However, he is unable to select some players due to strict Fijian government laws regarding passports. 
      Anyone applying for a Fijian passport for the first time after turning 18 needs to spend five years living in the country, thus ruling out a host of talent abroad with a Fijian grandparent, for example, who would be eligible under Fifa legislation.
      Many of the stars in the Fiji team play in the amateur national league and have regular jobs, from police and army to labouring. 
      FIJI’S FITNESS FIX
      Therefore improving fitness levels is a key priority for Sherman and his backroom team including ex-Premier League goalkeeper Les Cleevely, especially after the “jaded” Under-23s team lost 9-0 to New Zealand in September’s Olympic qualifying final.
      And he sets a high standard having completed an Ironman in 2000, the year after running the New York Marathon. 
      Born and bred in Aberystwyth, Sherman has always prided himself on his ridiculous fitness levels and even represented his country at THREE different sports – plus played off a single-figure golf handicap.
      Football was his primary sport, playing for the Wales Under-18s after being scouted to join Cardiff City as a teenager. 
      He was also an accomplished athlete, holding the national junior 400m hurdles record, as well as competing for his country at the surf lifesaving championships, too.
      But his football career spiralled downwards thanks to a rotten stroke of bad timing at Cardiff.
      On a Tuesday in November 1978, Jimmy Andrews told Sherman he would get his debut on the Saturday – but the manager lost his job on the Thursday.
      Sherman never played for the first team.
      Sherman, far left, representing his country in the beach sprintCredit: Rob Sherman
      The former footballer played for Wales Under-18sCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman, bottom row second right, lines up with his Red Ravens team-matesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman held the 400m hurdles junior national recordCredit: Rob Sherman
      The ultra-fit athlete has also completed a triathlon, marathon and IronmanCredit: Rob Sherman
      The national team is unable to select certain players who live abroad due to strict Fijian passport rulesCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      A brief stint under John Toshack at Swansea followed but his playing days “faded out” and he turned to coaching full-time, migrating with his wife to New Zealand in 2007 when he was headhunted to be technical director of the football federation.
      Sherman, who has coached at three Women’s World Cups and helped Canada win Olympic bronze in 2012, was also technical director of Australia and Wales, training many of the Dragons’ ‘Golden Generation’ that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals. 
      The Welshman said: “There was a series of things at Cardiff, I was asked to do something and refused, a legal matter, and I never had a look in after that.
      “I was lucky enough to go to Swansea but a little bump in the journey became a mountain. I was damaged goods from a mental perspective. 
      “Ironically I coached my son’s team when he was about seven and realised how little I knew. That was the catalyst and I re-did my coaching awards. I’m in it for the player, not for me. 
      “I patrolled the beaches as a lifeguard in my hometown. I was British beach sprint champion. It’s essentially a 100m sprint, the idea being you get to patients quickly to improve rescue efficiency. 
      The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous… Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geographyRob Sherman
      “I did it until I was 16, then had four years without it then the Welsh Championships were in Swansea. We didn’t have a game so I went and won. The following year I was out of football so it was a nice diversion.”
      But super-fit Sherman knows the journey for Fiji to the World Cup is a marathon not a sprint, especially when rugby is the country’s beloved No1 sport.
      Fiji beat England at Twickenham in August then stunned Australia at the Rugby World Cup before losing a tight quarter-final to the Red Rose in France. 
      Sherman is determined to use the Flying Fijians’ success as inspiration for his Bula Boys and believes that can unlock a huge new scouting market for top clubs.
      The head coach added: “The athletic potential of Fijian players is enormous.
      “In terms of inspiration, the rugby performances have shown there are no limitations and there is massive opportunity. 
      “Obviously, rugby is their favoured sport, regularly playing against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. That illustrates the difference, they are professional players and many play in Europe. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “This is the long-term objective for football. South America and Africa have a traditional yield for scouting whereas Oceania is untapped for its talent due to the geography.
      “Through a World Cup or exposure of a good qualifying campaign, some very talented players could get opportunities in professional football, maybe in Australia or directly to Europe.”
      The U23s reached the Olympic qualifying final while the U20s went to the 2023 World Cup in ArgentinaCredit: www.phototek.nz / Fiji Football Federation
      Fiji’s rugby team stunned Australia at the World CupCredit: AFP
      Sherman coached a number of players in Wales’ team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sherman led Llantwit Major FC to the Corinthian Cup in his first coaching roleCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman did not make a first-team appearance for CardiffCredit: Rob Sherman
      Bad timing meant Jimmy Andrews never gave Sherman his Cardiff debutCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman represented Wales in three different sportsCredit: Rob Sherman
      Sherman in action on his debut for hometown club Aberystwyth Town as a 16-year-oldCredit: Rob Sherman
      The Welshman has been director of football for three different countriesCredit: Rob Sherman
      Taking Fiji to the World Cup would be a ‘moment of great personal satisfaction’Credit: Fiji Football Association 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

      by

      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

      Chelsea wonderkids who never made the grade and what happened to them including Charly Musonda and Josh McEachran

      by

      CHELSEA have developed a reputation for bringing through top-quality youngsters over the years.Since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in the early 2000s, a host of superstars have been brought through their ranks.
      Chelsea have brought through some world class talent but also some forgotten starsCredit: Getty
      They have included the likes of John Terry, Reece James, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and many more.
      But what about those that are forgotten about after just a short stint in the first team?
      Many Blues hopefuls promise a great deal but are barely given a sniff of action before being moved on.
      Here are some of the Chelsea wonderkids that failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      GAEL KAKUTA
      Gael Kakuta eventually exited Stamford Bridge back in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      The name will remain synonymous with off-field controversy at Stamford Bridge, but Kakuta was once the brightest young thing at the club.
      Chelsea were hit with a 16-month transfer ban by Fifa in 2009 for allegedly inducing Kakuta to break his contract with French club Lens in 2007.
      The move appeared to be worth it as Kakuta won Academy Player of the Year, finished top scorer for the youth side and won the U19 European Championship with France.
      When he made his first-team debut in 2009 after a four-month ban from Fifa, a Mail on Sunday article was headlined: “Chelsea’s new wonder boy worth all the fuss.”
      Most read in Football
      A decade later, Kakuta signed with French club Amiens in what is the 13th professional club of his career and he returned to Lens after impressing on loan there.
      He went out on loan to six clubs during six years with Chelsea’s first-team before eventually moving on to Sevilla.
      There were a couple of years in China and a return to Spain before he switched to France.
      Embarrassingly, Kakuta was embroiled in a court case in 2014 when a broke former footballer masqueraded as him to fund a luxury lifestyle.
      Medi Abalimba was jailed after racking up huge bills in hotels and nightclubs pretending to be the ex-Chelsea star.
      JOSH MCEACHRAN
      Josh McEachran did not live up to the hype at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Back in 2010, a 17-year-old McEachran emerged as the brightest young talent in the Chelsea academy.
      The Blues fought off the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United to sign the teenager.
      McEachran was expected to evolve from starlet to star at Chelsea and, in turn, be the successor to Frank Lampard’s crown in midfield.
      Then England U21s boss Stuart Pearce said: “He’s got a really outstanding talent, similar to Jack Wilshere, and it bodes well for England.
      “If Josh and Jack were wearing Spanish shirts, you would revere them.”
      The arrival of Andre Villas-Boas to Stamford Bridge in 2011 brought an end to McEachran’s progression and he sought opportunities on loan.
      He was sent out to five clubs in three years, from Watford to Wigan, but struggled to settle at any.
      In 2015, he broke free of Chelsea’s loan army and joined Brentford on a permanent deal, a move which had highs and lows until his release in the summer of 2019.
      McEachran went on to join Birmingham City but only played eight Championship matches before he signed for MK Dons and then Oxford.
      BERTRAND TRAORE
      Bertrand Traore left Chelsea for LyonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The repercussions of Traore’s move to Chelsea in 2013 were felt at Stamford Bridge during Lampard’s reign.
      Lampard’s inability to make any signings upon taking over was due to the Blues being slapped with a transfer ban linked to Traore’s arrival back in 2013.
      His move to Chelsea was one of the key components in Fifa’s evidence as part of an investigation into the club’s signing of foreign players under the age of 18.
      Fifa said it found breaches in 29 cases out of the 92 investigated.
      In the end, Traore played just 16 times for Chelsea and departed for Lyon in an £8.8m move in 2017.
      And in France, he impressed scoring 21 goals in 87 games for the club.
      His return to form earned Traore a move back to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2020.
      SLOBODAN RAJKOVIC
      Slobodan Rajkovic departed Chelsea back in 2011Credit: Getty
      When a 16-year-old Rajkovic signed for Chelsea in 2005, it was seen as a giant coup.
      The centre-back, tipped to succeed John Terry in defence, had spent the previous summer at Arsenal’s youth camp.
      The majority of Europe’s big beasts were looking to sign the talented defender, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and Monaco.
      A work permit stalled Rajkovic’s progression at Chelsea so he was sent to Holland on loan, to PSV, Twente and then Vitesse Arnhem.
      Villas-Boas gave the Serbian centre-back his first start for Chelsea, in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers in 2011.
      The same year Rajkovic was sold to Hamburg in a £1.8m deal.
      His career never really ignited, making just 42 appearances for the German side in four years.
      Rajkovic spent three years with Italian club Palermo but was released after they finished bottom of Serie B.
      The boy once wanted by all briefly plied his trade in Russia with FC Lokomotiv Moscow but his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
      He then returned to his homeland to play for TSC Backa Topola, before he joined Hungarian side MTK Budapest.
      DOMINIC SOLANKE
      Dominic Solanke ended up finding success at BournemouthCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Jose Mourinho made it clear how much potential Solanke had at Chelsea.
      Back in 2014, in his second stint as Stamford Bridge boss, Mourinho named Solanke in a list of players who would be representing their countries in a few years.
      The now-Roma boss said: “In this moment, we have players who will be Chelsea players. And when they become Chelsea players, they will become England players, almost for sure.”
      Quite understandable given Solanke’s success in the youth ranks.
      He was England’s Youth Player of the Year in 2014, Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year the following season and earned his first-team debut aged just 17.
      Solanke was the prolific goalscorer who helped Chelsea to successive FA Youth Cups in 2014 and 2015, as well as a Uefa Youth League.
      But, at the age of 19, Solanke opted for a new beginning having not seen first-team opportunities come his way.
      He headed for Merseyside with Liverpool where he made 21 appearances in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team but only scored on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
      Bournemouth forked out a whopping £19m for him in 2019.
      READ MORE SPORT FEATUREs
      ISLAM FERUZ
      Islam Feruz left Chelsea in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Liverpool star Andrew Robertson once described Feruz, his then team-mate at Celtic, as the ‘golden boy’ of Scottish youth football.
      Feruz was plucked away by Chelsea in 2011, aged 15, to be another star at the club’s Cobham academy.
      But such promise didn’t translate into success for the striker as he was sent out on loan to Crete, Blackpool, Hibernian, Royal Excel Mouscron and Swindon Town.
      And when his contract at Chelsea came to an end in 2017 he was released.
      Over five years as a Blues player, having been sent on as many loans, Feruz made just 20 professional appearances and scored no goals.
      Chelsea deemed the striker, once the darling of Scottish youth football, to have lost his potential.
      He joined Radnicki earlier this year after a six-year hiatus from the game.
      KENEDY
      Kenedy is now back in Brazil having failed to make it at Chelsea
      The winger arrived in West London as a teen from Fluminense in August 2015 and soon scored his first goal for the club in the League Cup at Walsall in a 4-1 win.
      Later that season in March he needed just 39 seconds to break the deadlock in another win at Norwich and ended up making 15 Premier League appearances for the club.
      Hopes were high that his development would continue with a loan spell at Watford but he only managed to make one league appearance in a dismal stint at Vicarage Road.
      Kenedy then headed to Newcastle in what turned out to be an 18-month loan in January 2018 and he did gain some top-flight experience with 38 Prem appearances.
      Unfortunately for him that spell also led to him making history during a poor display against Cardiff.
      He became the first player since 2010 to play a full Prem first half without completing a single pass before his stoppage time penalty was saved by Neil Etheridge.
      Toon failed to make that move permanent and he then spent two seasons in Spain on loan at Getafe and then Granada.
      The Brazilian returned to his homeland on loan at Flamengo, before he signed for Real Vallodolid in 2022.
      CHARLY MUSONDA
      Charly Musonda played just seven games for ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Charly Musonda spent five years at Chelsea before he broke through and made his debut under Antonio Conte in the 2017 Community Shield against Arsenal – which the Gunners won on penalties.
      He went on to play seven times for the Blues – all of which came in the 2017/18 campaign.
      But Musonda departed Stamford Bridge in 2022 when he signed for Levante where he spent one season.
      He then joined Greek outfit Anorthosis on a three-year deal after Levante terminated his contract.
      BILLY GILMOUR
      Billy Gilmour won the Champions League at ChelseaCredit: PA
      Billy Gilmour was once tipped to be a star of the future in West London.
      He featured 22 times across the Blues’ two seasons between 2019 and 2021.
      And at the end of that spell he became a Champions League winner under Thomas Tuchel.
      However, he was then farmed out on loan the following season as he made 28 appearances for fellow Premier League side Norwich.
      Read More on The Sun
      And he departed Chelsea on a permanent basis in 2022 when Brighton signed him on a four-year deal.
      Gilmour went on to help Roberto De Zerbi’s men clinch European football for the first time in the club’s history. More

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

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      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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      I was one of the Premier League’s original 13 foreign players in 1992 – I ‘discovered’ Cristiano Ronaldo in new career

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      TOTTENHAM’S history could have been vastly different – and possibly much more successful – had they listened to one of their former players. Ronny Rosenthal played for Spurs between 1994 and 1997 making just shy of a 100 appearances for the North London outfit.
      Ronny Rosenthal has said he discovered some outstanding talents during his time as a football consultantCredit: Getty
      Rosenthal spent three years with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      He joined the club from Liverpool where he had enjoyed success helping the Reds win the league in 1990, the Community Shield in 1991 and the FA Cup in 1992.
      And perhaps you could say he lived up to his price tag as he had arrived on Merseyside from Standard Liege in 1990 as the first foreign player to move to England in a deal worth more than £1million.
      The Israel born star cost £1.1million which in today’s inflated market would be worth somewhere a lot closer to £40m.
      Rosenthal was an unusual case when he arrived in England not least because of his value, but also his nationality.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When the Premier League began in 1992 he was one of just 13 non-UK players who were part of the inaugural season.
      Joining the likes of Eric Cantona, Anders Limpar and Peter Schmeichel he was part of an exclusive club.
      Some way away from the exceptional number of foreign players that call England’s top flight their home today.
      And it could be Rosenthal’s background and outsider view of the Premier League that helped him succeed in his new career.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Rosenthal spent four seasons with Liverpool before moving to TottenhamCredit: Getty
      After hanging up his boots at Watford in 1999, Rocket Ronny turned to life as a football consultant.
      Travelling around the world to identify young talent and contacting huge clubs to recommend the gems that he had unearthed.
      But the thing about a career of recommending talent is that the clubs you’re talking to have to listen to you too.
      In Rosenthal’s case that didn’t always happen and in an interview with The Athletic he revealed how different things could have been if they did.
      He said: “I could have been very rich… very rich! Where do I start There are hundreds of players that if the clubs had listened… [things would be different]”
      He has laid claim to discovering a number of hugely talented players before they made their big moves.
      Rosenthal claims to have tipped the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Gilberto Silva, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic for greatness.
      But perhaps the one he remembers the most is Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The former Spurs man recalled offering a young Ronaldo to both the white and red sides of North London.
      Rosenthal claims to have recommended a young Cristiano Ronaldo to Arsenal and TottenhamCredit: PA
      Ronaldo ultimately signed for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United sideCredit: Getty
      He said: “One of the ones I’ll never forget is Cristiano Ronaldo, who I saw because I was going a lot to Portugal at that time.
      “Ronaldo made his debut for Sporting Lisbon in August 2002, and I started watching him a month or so after that.
      “I recommended him to Arsenal, Tottenham and others. But they didn’t follow it up.”
      The Portuguese powerhouse of course went on to have an outrageous career after he signed for Manchester United in 2003.
      The global superstar won the Ballon d’Or while with the Red Devils and left the club as a three time Premier League champion and a Champions League winner.
      The addition of a player like Ronaldo could have flipped the trajectory of Tottenham Hotspur on its head back in 2003 when they finished 14th in the league.
      Now Rosenthal still works as a consultant, but lets his son Dean do most of the travelling for him so he can stay back in the UK.
      And although he may look back on what could have been if certain clubs had entertained his phone calls, he is confident there’s more stars down the road.
      He told The Athletic: “There are always exciting players. They are like flowers, they’re always coming. They never end.”
      The ex-Maccabi Haifa star will also be able to look back on his time with Liverpool racking up three trophies with a team that contained the likes of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.
      Although despite contributing with an astounding seven goals and two assists in eight appearances for the 1990 league title winners, he didn’t get a medal.
      Unfortunately for Rosenthal he didn’t reach the required number of games to be dished out an official medal.
      But speaking to The Telegraph he explained that it doesn’t bother him and he knows how much he contributed to The Reds’ success.
      He said: “I did not get a medal, I did not play enough games as there were only eight left when I made my debut.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It is not a problem. The performances stay in history. When you finish your career you do not need to look at a medal to know what you have achieved.
      “I did something important for Liverpool. I did not need a medal to tell me that.”
      Ronny Rosenthal didn’t get a winners medal for his role in Liverpool’s league success in 1990Credit: Getty More

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      Inside Alex Scott and Jess Glynne’s growing romance, from early secret dates to first public appearance and kiss

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      THEY have suitably become the hot celebrity couple of the moment.Alex Scott, 39, is a TV favourite for BBC Sport, and a pioneer for women offering football punditry.
      Alex Scott is a TV favourite and BBC Sport presenter
      Jess Glynne is a Brit Award-nominated pop star who has scored No1 hits
      Hot new couple Jess Glynne and Alex Scott spotted at Wimbledon together back in JulyCredit: Getty
      While Jess Glynne, 34, is Brit Award-nominated pop star who has scored multiple No1 records and played Glastonbury.
      Together, they are successful role models who preach strong feminine morals.
      It’s little wonder they are attracted to one another.
      But initially, they kept their romance private – enjoying secret dates, away from scrutiny and the public glare.
      Read more football news
      However, this week they were happy to share a kiss while out in London, confirming their fledgling relationship.
      It began on the Q.T.
      Early courtship
      It’s hard to pinpoint when Alex and Jess decided to get serious.
      It was said they began a courtship before and after the Women’s World Cup which ran from July to August.
      Most read in Football
      However, there have been a variety of clues that they were dating one another.
      As far back as May, they were snapped at an event called Advertising Week Europe.
      A few months later, the pair were spotted side-by-side watching Wimbledon.
      They wore matching white ensembles as they cheered on England’s Katie Boulter against Daria Saville. Their outfit choice suggested they were already in sync.
      Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
      Alex and Jess enjoyed pints at the time and appeared in high spirits as they drank and chatted.
      That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
      Alex looked stunning as she donned a black top and her hair slicked back at the collection launch.
      Jess was also in attendance and oozed glam in a black leather top, with the songstress posing next to Alex for photos at the event hosted by Helena Christensen and Charli Howard. Matching dress code once again.
      Alex Scott, Charli Howard and Jess Glynne attend the Coco de Mer 2023 Icons collection launch event hosted by Helena Christensen and Charli Howard
      At Netflix’s Beckham documentary event Scott was pictured separately
      Glynne poses for the pictures on the red carpet at the same Netflix event
      Then, most recently, Jess and Alex partied alongside David and Victoria Beckham at their exclusive Netflix documentary premiere after-party at The Twenty Two in West London.
      ‘Slow burn’
      Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
      A friend told The Sun: “Alex and Jess have been a slow burn and they didn’t want to rush things or go public too soon.
      “But they’re officially an item now and seem really happy. They are both strong, independent women with a shared passion and respect of their respective careers, supporting one another from the sidelines.
      “It’s still early days for them, but they’ve met one another’s mates and everyone is super-happy for them.”
      Both have been coy on their sexuality
      Admittedly, Scott, who was once linked with Scottish actor Sam Robertson, has kept her relationships private.
      In her memoir How (Not) To Be Strong, she wrote about a long term romance with former Arsenal team-mate Kelly Smith, who she was “madly in love with”.
      Speaking about writing about their love for the first time during a FANE talk in East London, Alex said: “I went back and forth on whether I’d actually be writing the chapter.
      “But then it was one of those moments, I’m writing this book and I want to tell everything. I thought I’d be cheating you all if I didn’t put that in there. And for me, it’s like that first love story, I fell madly and deeply in love.
      “And yes, there’s that heartbreak and those things, but it’s a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t go back and change that.
      “Because that feeling of love and that excitement and what it gives you, it needed to be in there.”
      Glam Alex Scott, pictured at the Haunted House of Friends Halloween party presented by Casamigos Tequila, has kept her sexuality privateCredit: Getty
      Singer Jess revealed her first album was about a romance with a womanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Glynne has also refused to put a label on her sexuality in the past. She said: “I’ve only ever been with one girl and that’s the girl from my album [2015’s I Cry When I Laugh]. I’m never going to put a label on my sexuality.
      “People should never feel uncomfortable about who they love.”
      In an interview with The Independent, she also revealed her first album was about a woman.
      She said: “The songs on this album are about a girl. I would never lie about a situation I’ve been in. I feel like with the album I’m putting my cards out on the table. 
      “I wouldn’t want it to be misconstrued and the fact of the matter is those songs are about a girl. I was heartbroken about a girl, it wasn’t a guy.”
      Sealed with a kiss
      Just a month after they were pictured sitting next to each other at the 2023 Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden, and less than a few weeks after they attended The Haunted House of Friends Halloween party presented by Casamigos Tequila in London, we had confirmation.
      Last week, photographers pictured them walking arm-in-arm with each other.
      Every so often, they would stop for a loving kiss.
      Eventually, they parted ways at Great Portland Street Station.
      Read More on The Sun
      Their smooch put an end to the months of speculation about the pair.
      They appeared comfortable and ready to show off their love. More importantly, their happiness was plain to see.
      Alex and Jess sat next to one another at the Attitude Awards last monhtCredit: Rex
      Last week, Scott and Glynne were spotted taking a romantic stroll in LondonCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      The couple confirmed their relationship with a kiss More