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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

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      Ultimate football managers rich list as Pep Guardiola’s net worth is revealed but he’s not the wealthiest coach

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      IN today’s modern football world, coaches are getting paid absolute fortunes.Many are earning much more than their star players, and have done throughout their careers.
      Pep Guardiola is football’s most revered tactician, but he’s not the richestCredit: Getty
      Arsene Wenger earned £38m during his coaching careerCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola is regarded as the leading manager of his generation.
      The Man City boss has dominated the Premier league scene since arriving on our shores in 2016, and finally won the Champions League for the club last season.
      But, despite all the accolades and trophies, Pep isn’t the wealthiest manager around.
      In fact, he trails miles behind a Man Utd legend, according to online estimates, and it isn’t Sir Alex…
      Read more football news
      10. Arsene Wenger, £38million
      The Arsenal legend may have left his Emirates post in 2018, but he’s still worth a huge whack.
      Towards the end of his tenure, Wenger was said to have pocketed around £8million-per-year.
      But, if he had accepted jobs at other clubs including Real Madrid and PSG when he was offered them during his 22 years, his bank balance may have swelled.
      God bless loyalty.
      Most read in Football
      9.Jurgen Klopp, £39million
      Klopp is a three-club man, having managed Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
      It’s with the Premier League giants he has scored the most success – winning the Champions League in 2019.
      According to reports, his current contract is worth around £15million-per-year.
      It has also been reported in 2021 Klopp earned £6.7million from advertising deals.
      Jurgen Klopp reportedly earns £15m per year at Anfield
      8. Carlo Ancelotti, £40million
      According to reports, it cost Chelsea £28million to pay off Ancelotti and his staff after sacking the Italian in 2011.
      At Real Madrid he is said to earn around £9.5million-per-annum.
      And recent reports suggest the LaLiga club are keen to extend his contract further.
      Brazil’s national team are said to be monitoring his situation too.
      Carlo Ancelotti is set to extend his Real Madrid dealCredit: Getty
      7. Sir Alex Ferguson, £56million
      The greatest manager the Premier League has ever seen, Fergie earned his fortune over time through football and his love of horses.
      In his final years in the Old Trafford hot seat, Sir Alex revealed in his book Leading he was paid more than any player in the Utd squad.

      While last year, it was revealed the 13-time Premier League winner is still on the Red Devils payroll – earning £2million-per-year.
      Fergie still has an eye for business, and is planning on setting up his own Upperwood Farm Stud in Hemel Hempstead that could net him millions.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is still reportedly paid £2m-per-year at Old Trafford as an ambassadorCredit: Getty
      6. Steven Gerrard, £71million
      Gerrard has already had three jobs as a coach – with Rangers, then Aston Villa and now Al-Ettifaq.
      It’s with the Saudi side he’s earning a huge salary of around £15million-per-year.
      But it was during an illustrious playing career Gerrard made the most money of his fortune.
      In his final season at Anfield, he was said to have earned £240,000-per-week.
      Steven Gerrard is enjoying a mega pay day in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      5. Zinedine Zidane, £99million
      France Ballon d’Or winner Zidane is another who was a huge earner as a player.
      Spells at Juventus and Real Madrid, as well as a variety of sponsorship deals made him very rich.
      He returned to the Bernabeu twice as boss – from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021.
      Second time around he commanded a wage of £10.5million-per-year.
      Read more sport features
      Zinedine Zidane managed Real Madrid across two spellsCredit: AP
      3. Pep Guardiola, £100million
      The most successful manager in the modern game, Pep is famous for reinventing the wheel – coming up with tactical decisions that at first baffle, but then become pioneering for the rest of the world to follow.
      So it’s only fair he is well compensated by his club Man City, now earning a monstrous £20million-per-annum.
      It’s enough to make him the Premier League’s highest paid coach.
      But not enough to put him top of the tree.
      Pep Guardiola has accrued a wealth of £100m
      3. Jose Mourinho, £100million
      The Special One’s salaries have been boosted by some astonishing pay offs.
      When he was last on our shores, it cost Tottenham a reported £15million to sack Mourinho in 2021.
      Man Utd also had to pay the same figure, while in 2015 Chelsea parted with £12.5million to relieve the Portuguese of his duties.
      At Roma he is said to earn around £10million annually.
      Jose Mourinho currently earns around £10m-per-year at RomaCredit: Getty
      2. Diego Simeone, £102million
      The Atletico Madrid boss is the highest paid manager in world football.
      Simeone, a master tactician at building a team resolute in defending, is paid a staggering £30million-per-year with the Spanish side.
      And he takes football management very seriously because of his wage.
      “Football is 24 hours a day. That’s how it is,” he once said. “When you’re sleeping there’s someone else who’s awake. And the one who is awake is thinking and if you are sleeping….
      “So, there is an advantage for the one who is awake. That’s why you have to be careful,”
      Diego Simeone is currently the highest paid manager in world footballCredit: Getty
      1. Wayne Rooney, £125million
      Birmingham City boss Rooney refuted claims he was the Championship’s highest earner at £1.5million a season.
      However, he can’t dispute the huge wealth he has accrued throughout his playing career.
      At one point Man Utd made him the highest paid player in the Premier League, supplementing his income to the tune of £250,000 a week.
      That rose to £300,000 a week when the value of his commercial rights was accounted for.
      He lost payments as manager of Derby County, after the club were hit with financial woes.
      But, as DC United boss, he was said to earn around £800,000 per year.
      All in all, Rooney is worth around £125million thanks to football.
      With a wealth of £125m, Wayne Rooney is currently the richest manager in the gameCredit: Reuters More

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      Meet Tara Mae Kirk, the viral Peterborough Women’s star who lives jet-setting life and has very different day job

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      WHENEVER Tara Mae Kirk scores for Peterborough United, which is seemingly every week, she goes viral online.The former Leicester striker, 20, bagged a brace at the weekend for the Posh in a 10-0 rout of Long Buckby in the Northants County Cup.
      Glam Tara Mae Kirk is a hotshot striker for Peterborough United
      Tara scores goals for fun at semi-pro level for the Posh
      Trending Tara’s goal announcements get viewed millions of times on X
      But, regardless of the tidy finish, there was something even more impressive with her first goal – and it came in the form of the club’s goal announcement.
      Astonishingly, a post addressing the minute of the strike, while sharing a glam photo of the pretty brunette, has now attracted over 5 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter.
      And this is a regular occurrence, with millions turning Tara into a cult figure in the women’s football world.
      She recently appeared on YouTuber Joe Weller’s channel, where she challenged the social media star’s football skills.
      Read more football news
      Away from the pitch, she lives a very different life.
      Tara loves travelling and spent her summer trekking around Asia.
      Football
      Goalscorer Tara began her football dream at girlhood club Leicester City when she was just seven.
      She would later make her debut for The Foxes against Reading in 2019.
      Most read in Football
      Around the same time, Ireland gave her an international call-up when she was just 16.
      But last season she began a new chapter in her career.
      Peterborough United snapped her up ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
      She would go on to become the club’s topscorer in the FA Women’s National League in her first year.
      The goals have continued to flow for the prolific forward.
      Speaking about her own game, Kirk revealed: “I’m quick off the mark, quite sneaky inside the box and unpredictable, but my main aim when I’m on the pitch is to find the back of the net.”
      And she has become a viral sensation online, thanks to the club’s goal announcements.
      Her two goal announcements revealed on X have drawn over five million for her first, 2.6 for her second at current time of writing.
      Previously, fans called for her to receive a nomination for the Puskas Award following a wonder strike against Lincoln City.
      Tara signed for Peterborugh in 2022Credit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      Tara, first from the left, immediately hit the ground running with the clubCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      Posh legend Barry Fry meet goalscoring extraordinaire TaraCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk

      Fun
      Her new found fame online has made Tara a catch for YouTubers.
      Most recently, Joe Weller – who boasts a social media channel with 5.3 million followers – invited her on to showcase her skills.
      They challenged each other to a variety of skills.
      Tara, wearing a Brazil strip, took on Joe in a one-on-one challenge, free kicks and penalties.
      Uploaded eight days ago, it has been watched 290,000 times.
      The 10-minute clip gave Tara the chance to show off her amazing football ability.
      She also gave Joe a run for his money, beating him in the penalty shootout game.
      Joe Weller recently challenged Tara to a skills challengeCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      On Instagram Tara boasts 22,000 followersCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      Outside of the game, Tara is a rising influencerCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      Day job
      Playing for semi-pro Peterborough is a part-time gig for Tara.
      Outside of football, she works in event management – gaining her qualification at Champions UK plc.
      She recently graduated from Loughborough University with a BTEC in business, management, marketing and retailed support services.
      Before that, she worked as a hostess at her beloved Leicester City.
      While one of her first jobs was as a waitress at the Crown Inn pub in Leicestershire.
      Jet-set life
      Regardless of her part-time status, when it comes to holidays Tara certainly enjoys herself.
      This summer, she went exploring Asia.
      She took in Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka – soaking up the sun on her travels.
      For her day job Tara is an events managerCredit: Instagram @taramaekirk
      Snorkelling fun was had in Thailand
      Sigiriya in Sri Lanka was ticked off as one of the sights Tara visited
      Tara also enjoyed the sights of Istanbul
      Tara looks likely to continue to gain fame as an influencer
      She took in sights including the Sigiriya Rock and Phi Phi islands for some diving fun.
      Earlier in the summer, Tara also visited Istanbul and enjoyed seeing the stunning architecture of the Old City.
      As she continues to gain more fame as an influencer, expect those troops to become even more glam. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside world of cigar-smoking drug cheat Jarrell Miller who raps, is heavier than Thor and left Eddie Hearn ‘disgusted’

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      DEONTAY WILDER once revealed he wanted a body on his record, but Jarrell Miller has made a more vicious vow to decapitate his rivals.The two behemoths feature on the same card in the Day of Reckoning, boxing’s most outrageous fight night, put on by the Saudis during Riyadh season.
      Standing at 6ft4 tall and weighing 325 pounds, Jarrell Miller is a beast of a fighter
      Miller is the cigar-puffing villain of the boxing world
      Daniel Dubois and Jarrell Miller square off on December 23Credit: Getty
      While Wilder faces off against Joseph Parker, Miller’s got the more intriguing battle – squaring off against the brawn of Daniel Dubois.
      It’s not the first time the Brooklyn native was lined up to face a Brit.
      Back in 2019, Miller was due to fight Anthony Joshua (who is also involved in the December 23 extravaganza where he will face Otto Wallin) in a clash for AJ’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
      However, the fight was called off at the eleventh hour after the 35-year-old failed TWO drug tests.
      Read more boxing news
      Since then, former kickboxer Miller has rebuilt his career and is still unbeaten in his 27 fights.
      Nasty piece of work
      Hatred for your opponent in boxing is nothing new.
      Ahead of their trilogy fight, Deontay Wilder promised to “legally murder” Tyson Fury.
      Fellow American Miller is, it seems, cut from the same cloth.
      Most read in Boxing
      Back in September, he shared a clip of a training montage that saw him knock his sparring partners down on the canvas.
      Impressive as it looked, it was the cigar-chomping star’s words in the caption for the horror video that offered a bigger chill.
      He wrote: “I’m going to decapitate every man that stands before me.
      “This is not a threat, this is a promise.
      “I said it and so it shall be written.
      “No mercy. No retreat. War.”
      He’s a rapper
      Rappers and boxers are often connected.
      Some use hip-hop stars for their ring walk-ins, think when Stormzy rapped out AJ in his 2015 fight with Dillian Whyte.
      Miller shows off his rapping skills
      50 Cent and Jarrell Miller are friendsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      Heavyweight Miller shows off his hulking physiqueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      But Miller takes it to a whole new level.
      The man nicknamed Big Baby, who is pals with 50 Cent, rapped himself into the ring in a recent fight this year.
      Miller took part in an exhibition bout against Antonio Zepeda, which went the distance.
      However, before he took to the ring the 6ft4in orthodox slugger treated a Miami audience to a glimpse of his rap skills.
      Fans online laughed at the amount of time it took Miller to get to the ring.
      But, you imagine he will tone it down in Saudi Arabia.
      Don’t mention drugs
      Although he’s partial to chuffing on a cigar or two, that can hardly be frowned upon
      But in 2019, Miller tested Eddie Hearn’s patience after failing TWO separate drug tests.
      Two months before he was to step in the ring with Joshua, he tested positive for the performance-enhancing Cardarine.
      Anthony Joshua were due to fight one another in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The fight was cancelled after Miller failed two drug testsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eddie Hearn was fuming with MillerCredit: Getty
      Then, just a few days later, he tested positive when a human growth hormone was found in his system.
      The latter killed any chance of a fight happening, and Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn was livid.
      He told the Daily Mail: “I can confirm we have been notified of another failed test. I am disgusted.
      “You want to give someone the benefit of the doubt and that was very hard after the first one. To have a second one is disgusting. The sport can have no room for this. 
      “In a way I am happy – it shows the VADA testing works and we have kept him out of the ring.
      “AJ will face any clean fighter and beat him.”
      Miller was slapped with a two-year ban from boxing, and removed from the rankings.
      The likely reunion between Miller and Hearn, who will be in Saudi as AJ’s promoter, could be box office.
      He’s a big lad
      Standing at 6ft4in, Miller is slightly smaller than Dubois – who will have an inch on his foe.
      But, the weigh-in will certainly make interesting viewing.
      When Miller made his comeback last year he topped the scales at a whopping 341 poundsCredit: @juanemorenook
      Miller made short work of Ariel Esteban Bracamonte last year
      While Dubois clocked in at around 233lbs in his last fight against Oleksandr Usyk, Miller will most certainly dwarf that number.
      Last year, ahead of his comeback fight against Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, he cut a completely different figure.
      Miller tipped the scales at an astonishing 341lbs, some two stone heavier than when he was in his prime in 2018.
      He was even heavier than the 335lbs which Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson came in at for his bout with Eddie Hall last year.
      Miller’s continued to remain heavy in the defeats of Derek Cardenas and Lucas Browne – both disposed by knockout.
      Against Zepeda, in that exhibition fight, he came in at a whopping 325lbs.
      Watch out Jake Paul
      Although Miller isn’t afraid to call out British boxers – he’s tried to lure Fury, Whyte and AJ into the ring previously – it’s YouTuber Jake Paul who he is focused on.
      They have beef, after Paul teased him in the run-up to his brother Logan Paul’s match-up against Floyd Mayweather in 2021, however they have sparred together.
      Jake thought he was Money Mayweather’s bodyguard, before asking him repeatedly: “Do you lift?”
      A bemused Miller laughed off the encounter. However, he has since began a campaign to fight Paul.
      On Instagram, he has tagged the social media star on training videos as he chases that fight.
      All we can say is take cover, Jake.
      Miller, who has sparred with Jake Paul, wants to fight the Problem ChildCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/
      Following a two-year suspension, Miller sparred with Tyson Fury ahead of his fight with Dillian WhyteCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Gargantuan Miller is nicknamed Big BabyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bigbabymiller/ More

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      Where the Premier League’s youngest-ever players ended up, from England star to non-league strugglers

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      MOST SCHOOLBOYS dream of lining up for their favourite clubs in the Premier League – but not many do it inbetween completing their homework.But every now and then a young gun bursts on to the scene to grace the top-flight.
      Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal holds the record for the Premier League’s youngest playerCredit: Getty
      Jack Robinson was just 16 years and 260 days old when he made his Liverpool bowCredit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri made history last season when he became the youngest ever player in the Premier League era.
      But what happened to the rest of those that were given their first taste of the big time while still a kid? Here Sun Sport takes a look at the top ten youngest stars to debut in the Prem.
      10. JACK ROBINSON (16 yrs 260 days)
      The defender became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in the Premier League when he came off the bench against Hull City in Rafa Benitez’s final match in charge on May 9, 2010.
      A number of loan spells followed at Wolves and Blackpool as did international recognition with England from under-16 to U21 level.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      But he departed Anfield after making just two more Prem appearances for QPR in 2014.
      He stayed there for four years, with a loan to Huddersfield included, prior to joining Nottingham Forest.
      Now Robinson is back in the Premier League with Sheffield United after helping them to promotion from the Championship last term having moved to Bramall Lane in 2020.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      9. REECE OXFORD (16 yrs 236 days)
      The now 24-year-old was tipped for major things after captaining England at various youth levels – and he announced his arrival on the big stage in some style.
      Most read in Football
      Back in August 2015 he shone on his senior debut as West Ham won 2-0 at Arsenal, but things soon turned sour.
      Despite penning a long-term contract on his 18th birthday, he was shipped out on loan to Reading before two spells with Gladbach in the Bundesliga followed by another with Augsburg.
      The defender then left the Hammers permanently in 2019 for Augsburg after making just a further seven top-flight appearances, and he remains with the Bundesliga outfit today.
      Reece Oxford hit the headlines after his stunning debut for West Ham at ArsenalCredit: AFP
      8. RUSHIAN HEPBURN-MURPHY (16 yrs 198 days)
      Swindon Town’s 25-year-old forward made his Prem bow from the bench for Aston Villa in a 4-0 win at Sunderland on March 14 2015.
      Having graduated through their academy, he played 13 times more in the league for them inbetween loans at Cambridge United, Tranmere and Derby.
      But the ex-England U20 ace left Villa Park for Cypriot side Paphos in 2020 and scored SEVEN on his debut in a pre-season friendly.
      After five goals in his first campaign, his missed the entirety of the second through injury and was ultimately released last year, resulting in a free transfer to Swindon which has led to eight goals in 32 League Two appearances.
      Rushian Hepburn-Murphy came through the ranks at Aston Villa but is now at SwindonCredit: Getty
      7. GARY MCSHEFFREY (16 yrs 198 days)
      The now 41-year-old has now had a taste of management himself following a one-season spell at Doncaster.
      But way back in February 1999 he made his Coventry debut against local rivals Aston Villa and helped them to a 4-1 win.
      The former left-winger, is a Coventry legend after two spells with the Sky Blues, which were sandwiched between four years at Birmingham.
      He also played for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds before finishing his career in non-league after a spell playing for Doncaster.
      Gary McSheffrey became a legend during his two stints at Coventry CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. JOSE BAXTER (16 yrs 191 days)
      The attacking midfielder was tipped to potentially be the next Wayne Rooney when he burst on to the scene for Everton and made his debut on the opening day of the 2008/09 season.
      But after just seven top-flight appearances and a loan at Tranmere he headed to Oldham.
      His displays there earned him a move to Sheffield United, and he produced the best form of his career with the Blades in League One before he was suspended after testing positive for ecstasy in 2016.
      Everton offered him a lifeline and a one-year deal after that ban but he was released at the end of the season after not making a first-team appearance.
      Baxter went on to play for Oldham again and then Plymouth before moving to Memphis 901 FC for a year, then he retired aged 29 in 2021.
      Jose Baxter was just 16 when David Moyes gave him his Everton debutCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      5. AARON LENNON (16 yrs 129 days)
      The winger came through the ranks at Leeds and came off the away to Tottenham in a 2–1 loss in August 2003 for his bow.
      Spurs soon recognised his potential and headed to White Hart Lane two years later, where he went on to spend a decade at the North London club.
      Lennon also became an England regular, winning 21 caps, and then signed for Everton after a loan spell there.
      Three years at Goodison was followed by two at Burnley before 12 months in Turkey at Kayseri, but he returned to the Clarets to finish his career and hung up his boots last year.
      Aaron Lennon enjoyed a great career after coming through at LeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
      4. IZZY BROWN (16 yrs 117 days)
      The former England youth ace tragically had his career cut-short through injury and retired in April 2023.
      He made his Prem debut for West Brom 4 May 2013 in a 3–2 home defeat to Wigan.
      Just months later he controversially moved to Chelsea before the forward embarked on a number of loans to Dutch side Vitesse, Rotherham, Huddersfield, Brighton, Leeds, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday.
      After just one top-flight appearance for the Blues, he eventually left permanently in 2021 to join Preston, but he failed to play a single game for them due to injury and he eventually retired.
      Izzy Brown was forced to retire this year due to his injury issuesCredit: Getty
      3. MATTHEW BRIGGS (16 yrs 68 days)
      Briggs was just 16 when he was thrown into Lawrie Sanchez’s Fulham first team away to Middlesbrough in May 2007 and he told Sun Sport how he headed back into school on the crest of a wave.
      But his career at Craven Cottage never really took off and he ventured to Millwall, Colchester, Chesterfield and Barnet before, aged 28, he dropped to non-league with Maldon & Tiptree.
      That led to a brief spell in Denmark as well as playing internationally for Guyana, having turned out for England at various levels up to Under-21, but these days he is lining-up at 32 for Horsham.
      Ex-Fulham starlet Matthew Briggs is now playing non-leagueCredit: Getty
      2. HARVEY ELLIOTT (16 yrs 30 days)
      The now 20-year-old is a first-team regular these days for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and England’s U21s.
      But it was for Fulham in 2019 that Elliott made his Premier League debut after replacing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in a 1–0 away defeat to Wolves.
      He left the Cottagers that summer for Anfield, and after shining on loan at Blackburn in the 2020/21 season, he has collected a League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup medal with the Reds.
      Harvey Elliott is a regular for Liverpool now after leaving FulhamCredit: AFP
      READ MORE FROM SUNSPORT
      1. ETHAN NWANERI (15 yrs 181 days)
      The Gunners starlet 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, revealed his former schoolteacher to Sun Sport.
      The Arsenal sensation replaced Fabio Vieira in the 92nd minute of the 3-0 win away at Brentford on September 18, 2022 and, at 15 years and 181 days, he smashed the previous record held by Harvey Elliott. 
      He penned a long-term deal with the club over the summer and Mikel Arteta has high hopes for the youngster.
      Here is the top ten in fullCredit: . More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin lifestyles compared with AJ worth £200m while rival fosters dogs with banker girlfriend

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      IT is the boxing event of the year.Riyadh Season has thrown up a fight card to remember – with Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder on the same bill for December 23 and the Day of Reckoning.
      Anthony Joshua has amassed a wealth of £200millionCredit: PA
      In comparison, Otto Wallin’s biggest pay day was £300kCredit: Getty
      AJ and Wallin face off in the Day of Reckoning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 23
      Sadly, they won’t be fighting each other. AJ has instead been paired up against Otto Wallin.
      Infamously, the Swede gave Tyson Fury a run for his money – taking him all 12 rounds before judges called a tight fight in the Gypsy King’s favour – despite the Brit suffering an awful cut.
      Outside the ring, Joshua, 34, and Wallin, 32, live very different lives.
      The British boxer is estimated to be worth over £200million, while Wallin’s estimated to have made around £1million over the course of his career.
      Read more boxing news
      Joshua boasts an enviable lifestyle, while Wallin’s is paired down.
      Cars
      Thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.
      His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”.
      He has come a long way since buying his first car aged 17 – a second-hand Vauxhall Astra that cost £1,500.
      Most read in Boxing
      That said, he loved it – calling the motor a “stable, sturdy car.”
      But AJ isn’t that flash in comparison to other boxers.
      There’s no Ferraris or Lamborghinis in sight with his car collection.
      In any case, he was happy to buy his old gym in North London a new minibus.
      Still, his motors dwarf anything Wallin seems to have in his garage.
      A look through his Instagram reveals very little other than a sponsorship with Volvo.
      He has been spotted driving their stunning S90 model, that starts at £63,000.
      While Otto also posed in front of a XC60 priced from £52,000.
      Both big lads, both prefer roomy SUV’s.
      Joshua is sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover
      He once bought a minibus for his old gymCredit: Social Media refer to Source
      Wallin is sponsored by Volvo
      Wallin hops into a £63k S90
      Generous souls
      Underneath the tough guy exteriors, both AJ and Wallin are incredibly generous.
      For Wallin dogs are well and truly his best friend.
      He takes great pride in offering his time to foster K9’s, alongside girlfriend Leilah Diong.
      Most recently he took to Instagram to celebrate the adoption of a pitbull terrier who was in his care.
      With playful video of the pooch’s adorable moments, he wrote: “After fostering King for almost 4 months he’s found his forever home and has been adopted!! It’s the best feeling ever to know @leilahnoelle and I saved him from being euthanized. We’re so happy and excited that he’ll get to live his best life now after going through some very tough times.
      “If you’re ever considering fostering – DO IT. This was our 3rd foster and they all have got happy homes now. Nothing beats the feeling of helping an animal in need. Big thanks to @nycacc and everybody that’s ever shared King! We’re so grateful.”
      AJ’s biggest soft spot is for his mum, Yeta and after his Olympic heroics in 2012, he generously bought his mum a home in North London.
      He credits Yeta for his success, after she got him on the straight and narrow following a rebellious period in his youth.
      In his spare time, Wallin fosters dogs before they are adopted
      Recently, Wallin took a shine to pitbull King
      Anthony Joshua dotes on mum YetaCredit: INSTAGRAM/ANTHONY JOSHUA
      AJ bought his mum a home in North London

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
      His parents split when he was 12 but he’s still close to his dad, Robert, too.
      AJ also bought a £500,000 penthouse in North London, for his ex-girlfriend and son JJ’s mum, Nicole Osbourne, despite them splitting up.
      Girlfriends
      AJ has always remained tight-lipped about his romances, insisting he would rather concentrate on his career.
      However, he did claim that presenter Laura Woods was once his dream date.
      In a recent interview with Louis Theroux, the heavyweight boxer revealed he was single and that any prospective date should be warned he still lives with his mum.
      Wallin is more lucky in love.
      He met JP Morgan banker Leilah Diong in 2020, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
      They keep their relationship to themselves, with Wallin sharing a glimpse of his love life on Instagram.
      Leilah’s Instagram account though is kept to private.
      Wallin is reportedly engaged to banker Leilah Diong
      Diong and Wallin began dating in 2020
      Anthony Joshua is happy to remain singleCredit: Splash
      The couple attended a pal’s wedding earlier this year and celebrated an anniversary at a steakhouse in New York City.
      Otto and Leilah are believed to be engaged.
      When it comes to holidays…
      With such a vast wealth at his disposal, AJ is well-travelled.
      When he isn’t training, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him in Dubai, Jamaica, Miami, Paris and plenty more glam trips.
      However, he is quite frugal with how he travels.
      AJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.
      Often, trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.
      It helps that he reaches 16 million followers on Instagram, so is one of sport’s biggest influencers.
      On the other hand, Wallin squeezed a summer holiday to the Turkish Riviera.
      He shared a video on social media on board a private yacht, where he could be spotted shadow boxing.
      Should Wallin win in Riyadh, expect that yacht to become a lot bigger.
      AJ and his entourage have use of a private jet thanks to his Under Armour sponsorship
      Anthony Josua enjoys jet-set holidaysCredit: Mega
      Boxer Joshua spent time in Ibiza topping up his tanCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshua
      Otto Wallin shared a holiday he took to Turkey where he hired a yacht
      Wallin lives a more low-key live than his rival Joshua More

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

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

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      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