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    ITV FA Cup final presenter Laura Woods defied online trolls and stood up to Jose Mourinho on her journey to TV stardom

    ENGAGING, insightful, entertaining, professional, feisty… Laura Woods has become the definitive radio and TV sports presenter.The award-winning host regularly brightens up talkSPORT listeners’ mornings with her personality, knowledge of the sporting world and ability to mix it up in the banter stakes with Ally McCoist, Jamie O’Hara and Co.
    Brilliant Laura Woods is your host for the FA Cup final on ITVCredit: Insatgram @layurawoodsy
    Woods also hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast showCredit: talkSPORT
    Woodsy, as she is affectionately called by her colleagues, has also become ITV’s go-to for their football coverage – meaning this Saturday’s FA Cup final couldn’t be in better hands.
    The 35-year-old has come a long way from scoring a job as a runner on Sky Sports in 2009.
    And the confident Dagenham-born Arsenal fan has shown courage through the years in dealing with sexist trolls determined to bring her down on social media.
    First job
    Laura graduated from Kingston University in 2009 after studying print journalism.
    Read more on Laura Woods
    Following work experience at the Croydon Advertiser, she scored her first job at Sky Sports, reporting to their Isleworth studios as a runner.
    Putting in the time, she would graft her way up to editorial assistant, assistant producer, associate and producer.
    A flair for presenting showed when Laura began working in front of the camera doing behind-the-scenes interviews for Sky Sports’ darts coverage on their YouTube channel.
    Wanting to do more than produce, she took a camera out with her, recorded footage, edited it together, and impressed TV chiefs with her natural talent. Online, it proved to be a big hit too.
    Most read in Football
    Laura was then chosen to front Saturday morning kids’ show Game Changers, where she was the guinea pig for all sorts of daft experiments, including rollerskiing and smoothie biking.
    Her love for the NFL started at Sky Sports, before she scored a pitch-side reporter role on Super Sunday.
    It was interviewing football’s elite where she encountered her most difficult customer, Jose Mourinho.
    Ambitious Woods caught the attention of Sky TV chiefs interviewing darts stars
    A role on Soccer AM gave her a taste for interviewing footballers
    Woods began working for Soccer Sunday in 2018
    ‘Looked into my soul’
    Laura was tasked with questioning the ex-Tottenham manager, after Harry Kane saw a goal disallowed for Spurs. The Portuguese wasn’t happy about the decision, and let her know about it.
    Recalling the incident to Ian Wright on Wingmen, she said: “Harry Kane had just a scored a goal that was ruled out or something like that. Wrighty, he was looking into my soul! He was looking into my soul and he didn’t like what he saw. That’s how I felt.
    “Anyway, I started the interview, asking him questions and he immediately flipped it back on me and went, ‘Well, what did you think?’ And I was like, ‘Right, I have to put my big-girl pants on here’.
    “And I was like, ‘It’s not about me, it’s about you. No one cares about my opinion’. [Mourinho replied] ‘Well I care, what did you think?’ And I agreed with him but I just thought I had to hold my own.”
    Woods was adamant it was a test of her mettle – something that has stood her well as her career has progressed.
    She continued: “I think he was testing me but I like him as well. I miss him when he’s not around, like I miss that personality. That job, for any football fan looking in, it looks like a really simple job but it’s not.”
    talkSPORT
    In 2020, Laura became the main presenter for talkSPORT’s breakfast show, splitting duties with Alan Brazil.
    She was the perfect choice, combining a deep knowledge of all sports with an unparalleled wit, and has the perfect foil in McCoist – with the pair proving to be a ratings winner.
    But, not everyone thought she was a good choice at first. She was the target of online trolls who claimed she only got the job because of her good looks. Amusing considering it was radio.
    “I accept that as presenters we are putting ourselves out there; we’re essentially targets,” she told i.
    In 2020, Woods became talkSPORT’s breakfast presenter – sharing duties with Alan BrazilCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
    Online trolls targeted Woods claiming she only got the job because of her looksCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsy
    Woods admits she takes all the criticism with a pinch of saltCredit: The Sun
    “I’m learning to live with it because that’s part of our job. You’re never going to please everybody.
    “It would hurt me a lot more if I took it all to heart, so I take it with a pinch of salt now as much as I can. The people with something bad to say will always shout the loudest, so I have learnt to care less about the reaction.”
    Goodbye Sky, hello ITV
    In 2022, Woods finally said goodbye to Sky Sports.
    Following her departure, it was announced she would join former American football stars Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell to present ITV’s Friday night NFL highlights show.
    A few months later, she was named as one of ITV’s World Cup presenters in Qatar, alongside seasoned hand Mark Pougatch.
    Grumpy Des Lynam moaned in an opinion piece for the Telegraph about her familiarity with pundit Ian Wright, when she called him Wrighty during the coverage of Senegal v Netherlands and how it made him “wince”.
    Laura bit back on Twitter: “Jeez, of all the things covered this is what made Des wince?”
    Wright, himself, leapt to her defence. Not that she needed it. “How’s Des vexed that Laura called me ‘Wrighty’!!! Looking for something negative to write,” he wrote on social media.
    Today, she balances her ITV role alongside work with DAZN, where she reports on boxing and the Women’s Champions League for the streaming service, as well as Amazon Prime Video where she presents their Premier League output.
    Read More on The Sun
    Since last year, Woods has presented ITV’s football coverageCredit: Getty
    Woods has been tipped to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday and Jake Humphrey on BT Sport
    There is talk of a return to Sky, replacing Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday. While industry rumours suggest she is the frontrunner to take over from Jake Humphrey at BT Sport, which is soon to become TNT Sports. You feel she could ace both jobs.
    Ever ambitious, talented and a consummate pro, Saturday’s Cup final won’t be served better than with Woods at the helm introducing the coverage. More

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    Meet the Luton and Coventry Wags who’ll be cheering on their boys at Wembley as they aim to reach Premier League

    LUTON and Coventry Wags are heading to Wembley.The Hatters saw off Sunderland in their semi-final, while the Sky Blues edged out Middlesbrough.
    Alex Wrigley will be cheering on Coventry CityCredit: Instagram
    Wrigley is the fiancee of Coventry’s Liam KellyCredit: Instagram
    Both teams expect to sell over 36,000 tickets for football’s most valuable game.
    Amongst them will be the glam wives and girlfriends of the teams who are just a game away from the Premier League.
    Alex Wrigley
    Alex is the wife-to-be of Coventry’s Liam Kelly.
    A fan of selling and buying vintage clothing, she uses Vinted to scored herself some bargains.
    Read more football news
    The housewife is a mother-of-three, as well as an advocate for autism.
    Shantel Redmond
    As her Instagram says, Shantel is “Scottish living in London!!”
    The pretty brunette regularly shares photos enjoying life in the capital, including coffee dates with partner and Luton Town midfielder Alan Campbell.
    The pair also enjoyed a romantic break away in Paris back in November, where they dined at the trendy Ober Mamma restaurant.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Shantel Redmond hails from ScotlandCredit: Instagram
    Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell poses with ShantelCredit: Instagram
    Shannon Nicole
    Most recently, Shannon took a trip to California where she enjoyed the Coachella music festival and watched Burna Boy perform.
    When she’s not partying with her girls, the stunner is the wife of Coventry’s Kasey Palmer and mother to their three children.
    Shannon uses her Instagram for paid partnerships with beauty companies, and is an ambassador for teeth whitening specialists Denthub.
    Shannon Nicole is a mother of threeCredit: Instagram
    Coventry star Kasey Palmer and Shannon Nicole enjoy a glam holidayCredit: Instagram
    Elise Dean
    Luton star Cauley Woodrow popped the question to Wag Elise in December 2021.
    And this summer, the pair are planning on walking down the aisle.
    The loved-up beauty is a regular at Kenilworth Road, and loves travelling – hitting New York with her beau.
    Elise Dean is a regular at Kenilworth RoadCredit: Instagram
    Elise is due to marry Cauley Woodrow in the summerCredit: Instagram
    Christie-Mae Savage
    Make-up expert Christie-Mae can’t help but share her love for boyfriend Josh Eccles, Coventry’s dynamic midfield star.
    Although her Instagram account is private, he was happy to share a cute snap of them looking stunning together in Mykonos.
    She wrote a comment: “You’re the best there is.”
    To which he replied: “My Girl.”
    Coventry’s Josh Eccles and his Wag Christie-Mae Savage cut a fine coupleCredit: Instagram
    Leoni Waghorn
    Leoni describes herself as a, ‘Proud mother, wife, personal trainer, EBAT foundation mentor and all round lover of life!’ on social media.
    She became PT after a career as a professional freestyle dancer.
    Leoni met Coventry star hubby Martyn when they were youngsters in South Shields, and have been together ever since.
    Her charity work includes helping to rebuild homes and schools in Sri Lanka that were destroyed by the Tsunami disaster.
    Leoni is a personal trainer and does a lot of work for charity
    Coventry star Martyn Waghorn and wife Leoni are both from South ShieldsCredit: Instagram
    Megan Bidwell
    Coventry defender Jake Bidwell’s wife Megan announced this month the hot couple were expecting their second child.
    With first child Rui, born in 2021 holding the baby scan in a photo, she captioned the snap: “Baby number 2.”
    The pair enjoy amazing trips abroad, including a winter holiday in Dubai for some much needed sun.
    Glam Megan and Jake Bidwell recently announced they were going to be parents againCredit: Instagram
    Megan enjoyed a winter holiday in Dubai last yearCredit: Instagram
    Amy Silvester
    Blonde beauty Amy keeps her personal life to herself, so her Instagram is private.
    Luton’s Sonny Bradley gave us a brief glimpse into their life on his social media, though, as the pair posed for selfies at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai.
    Last year they welcomed their first son together, Ruben.
    Bradley is set to leave Luton at the end of this campaign.
    Amy keeps her personal life privateCredit: Instagram
    Luton’s Sonny Bradley is leaving the club at the end of the campaignCredit: Instagram
    Charlotte Butler
    If ever there was a Wag ready for the big time, it’s Charlotte Butler.
    Her beau, on-loan Man City youngster Callum Doyle, has been an important first-teamer – making 45 appearances in all competitions for Coventry.
    Meanwhile, Charlotte loves showing off her designer outfits on Instagram to her 14,000 plus followers.
    The gorgeous brunette even sells some of her threads online.
    Charlotte boasts a whopping 14,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
    Butler dates Man City’s on-loan youngster Liam DoyleCredit: Instagram
    Charlotte Duggan
    Mum of two Charlotte Duggan is the wife of Luton keeper James Shea.
    Read More on The Sun
    She works as a psychotherapist for individuals, businesses, and takes on healthcare referrals.
    They have two daughters, Amelia and Sophia.
    Mum of two Charlotte is a psychotherapistCredit: Instagram More

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    Inside Georgina Rodriguez’s stunning £4m jewellery collection, including a £2.7m diamond set and a £600k Cartier ring

    DIAMONDS are Georgina Rodriguez’s best friend.The Spanish beauty, 29, better known as the partner of Cristiano Ronaldo, has amassed a jewellery collection that would make her the envy of Wags all over the world.
    Georgina Rodriguez dazzles wearing a £1million Chopard necklace at CannesCredit: Rex
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wag Rodriguez boasts a jewellery collection worth around £4mCredit: Getty
    On Thursday, the former Gucci shop assistant arrived at the Cannes Film Festival, where she showed off an incredible £1million Chopard necklace.
    Rodriguez beamed with elegance as she wore the piece with a stunning black dress on the red carpet.
    Sadly, the item was only loaned to her for the event. But still, her extensive collection features a £600,000 Cartier engagement ring gifted by the Portugal football legend, as well as an amazing diamond suite worn on her Netflix show I Am Georgina.
    All in all, SunSport estimates it is worth somewhere in the region of £4million.
    Read more on Georgina Rodriguez
    Netflix and spill
    On her documentary series, we were given a glimpse into her life and her sparkly accessories.
    In the I Am Georgina promo, she shows off an astonishing £2,700,000 diamond suite – with a a stunning necklace, drop earrings, and ring.
    Another scene, where Georgina is enjoying a photo shoot, the Instagram beauty is wearing a bracelet that jewellery expert Zak Stone believes to be worth around £1m.
    Later on, an enormous sapphire ring said to be valued at £750,000 is seen adorning Georgina’s finger.
    Most read in Football
    Back in 2021, Ronaldo gifted his beloved an engagement ring said to cost £600,000 from Cartier.
    In the promo add for Rodriguez’s Netflix TV show she wears a £2.7m diamond suite
    Rodriguez shows off one of her many array of rings
    A £750,000 sapphire ring adorns Rodriguez’s fingerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl53TuQvDrI/?hl=en
    No expense is spared when it comes to Rodriguez’s jewellery collection
    Cannes regular
    It’s at the glitzy Cannes Film Festival, surrounded by Hollywood A-listers, where Georgina has consistently outshone the stars.
    As a regular in the South of France, she knows how to cause a stir.
    She was spotted wearing hooped earrings that were worth £25,000 last year.
    Alongside the earrings, she wore a a 10ct marquise diamond ring on her index finger that Stone says she could have splashed up to £200,000 on, completing a very lavish look.
    A few months later, Georgina turned heads at the Venice Film Festival – wearing a chunky statement choker.
    Rodriguez stunned fans at the Venice Film Festival in a Pasquale Bruni chokerCredit: Getty
    A-list stars can’t compete with Rodriguez’s glam look on the red carpetCredit: Getty
    Currently Rodriguez is starring at the Cannes Film FestivalCredit: Rex
    Made by Pasquale Bruni, their chokers cost as much as £80,000.
    While in 2021, again at the Venice Film Festival, she wore a £78,000 floral Giardini Segreti diamond necklace and earrings.
    It is not known if some of these are owned or loaned.
    World Cup ready
    And it’s just when she’s surrounded by movie stars that Georgina decides to glam up.
    At the World Cup in Qatar, she was seen wearing a 40mm Rolex GMT-Master II set in 18k white gold with baguette cut factory diamonds – believed to carry a £400,000 price tag.
    She also sported the £600,000 engagement ring while cheering on Ronaldo, and a 10ct diamond ring valued at £300,000, claimed the Mirror.
    Georgina was practically dripping in bling with a sparkling necklace, bracelet and a selection of rings estimated to cost £450,000.
    Rodriguez’s jewellery ensemble at the World Cup was believed to be worth around £450kCredit: PA
    Al-Nassr signing
    Making sure she’s dressed to the nines for Ronaldo’s big moments in his career, Georgina dazzled when the family moved to Saudi Arabia in
    As Al-Nassr announced their new signing, Georgina looked on in pride as he signed his £175million-per-year contract and settled into her new surroundings.
    Again, Italian luxury brand Pasquale Bruni was her go-to. She sported a set of earrings worth more than £40,000 and rings believed to cost £20,000 each.
    Then when it came to his unveiling at Al-Nassr’s home stadium Mrsool Park in Riyadh, she added some ornate Pasquale Bruni earrings to that ensemble.
    At Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr unveiling, Rodriguez sported Pasquale Bruni earrings
    Housed suitably
    With such an extensive collection, it has to be suitably stored.
    Lucky for Georgina, Ronaldo thought ahead.
    He bought her an amazing jewellery box from Louis Vuitton worth a staggering £108,000.
    The 4ft 6in Louis Vuitton Malle Vendome boasts eight drawers and a mannequin to store her jewels.
    Read More on The Sun
    Georgina showed off her gift on Instagram.
    Georgina wrote alongside a photo of two of their four children getting their first glimpse of the gift: ‘I’m speechless, Cristiano.’
    A £105k jewellery box from Louis Vuitton houses Rodriguez’s collectionCredit: Instagram @georginagio More

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    England new-boy Eberechi Eze considered taking a job at Tesco before hitting stardom with Crystal Palace

    EBERECHI Eze has been called up by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.The Crystal Palace midfielder, 24, has enjoyed a standout campaign for the Eagles – scoring ten times in the Premier League – just two years after making a move across London from QPR.
    Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has earned his first England call-up
    But at one time it didn’t look like the fans’ favourite was going to make it in the game, nevermind getting Three Lions acknowledgement.
    Released by Arsenal and Millwall, the exciting talent could have been forgiven that a life in professional football wasn’t for him.
    And at his lowest, he considered taking a job working part-time at supermarket chain Tesco.
    While it all began for Eze on a council estate in a rough part of Greenwich, where he developed his close control and quick feet playing cage football.
    Read more England news
    GUN WRONG
    At QPR and Crystal Palace, Eze has had the opportunity to flourish, playing for teams that let him showcase his skills.
    But it wasn’t always that easy, and rejection was a big part of his early teens.
    He began at boyhood club Arsenal – who he has expressed his dream to play for one day.
    However, in 2011 the Gunners released Eze on the count of him being “too small”. It left the then 13-year-old distraught.
    Most read in Football
    “It started at Arsenal. I was 13 [when I was released]. That was the worst one,” he told the Independent.
    Eze was rejected by Arsenal and played for QPRCredit: Rex Features
    “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”
    TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
    A stint at Fulham, followed by four months at Reading and Eze still couldn’t find any takers.
    In 2014, he joined Millwall, but wasn’t suited to their brand of route one football that left little room for a creative playmaker.
    Surprisingly, to Eze at least, he was called into the office of former manager Neil Harris, who told the youngster he wasn’t needed two years later.
    “When I got released by Millwall, I understood the decision. I get why Neil made that call,” he told talkSPORT.
    “You could see in training and in matches that I wasn’t their typical type of player.
    “I didn’t think I would get released at the time I did though – that came as a big shock to me.
    “I thought I’d probably get another year there, even though it didn’t look like there was much chance of me getting near the first team.
    “It took me by surprise, but ultimately it was a blessing in disguise.”
    After Eze was released by Millwall he feared for his football careerCredit: Instagram ebere_10
    Eze considered a job at Tesco before signing a deal with QPR in 2016Credit: Instagram ebere_10
    STACKING SHELVES
    With a career in football looking unlikely, Eze had to think about a making a life in something else.
    He enrolled at a college, and was on the verge of accepting a job part-time at a local Tesco.
    “When I initially got released [by Millwall] I wasn’t too down, as there were plenty of clubs interested in me,” he said.
    “But after being turned down by a few of them that’s when it really started hitting me. I was getting a bit worried – all I’ve ever wanted to do is to be a professional footballer.”
    He told the Independent: “I honestly have no idea what I would have done.
    “I didn’t like anything at school. Even P.E was a drag. When my agent told me I had a trial at QPR I just thought: ‘I have to get in’. There was no other option.”
    His saving grace was QPR’s technical director Chris Ramsey, who not only invited him for a trial but saw his potential.
    In 2019 Eze showcased his skills for England’s U20 teamCredit: Rex Features
    Eze signed a contract with the West London side in 2016, and became one of the most talked about players outside the Premier League.
    CAGE FOOTBALL
    Eze’s unique set of ball skills, able to dribble himself out of tight spots, was developed playing a brand of cage football – like ‘ballers’ Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.
    He grew up in the flats opposite Greenwich Hospital, where football was his escape.
    “There are the nice parts [of Greenwich] and the not so nice parts,” he revealed.
    “I grew up in a not so nice part. It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.
    Eze was raised in Greenwich and honed his skills playing cage footballCredit: Instagram ebere_10
    Midfielder Eze has risen to the top despite setbacks in his careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    “The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.
    Read More on The Sun
    “There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. [At the time], you don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”
    A trade that could see Eze representing his country in the near future. More

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    Meet Wrexham’s Wags, from a psychologist to a nail technician and the wife who stopped Ben Tozer from quitting football

    AS teams go, none are more fashionable than Wrexham AFC.The Welsh sleeping giants were promoted to the EFL after clinching the National League title last month with a 3-1 won over Boreham Wood.
    Wrexham’s Wags include Kelsey Edwards, who has cheered on the side this season
    Edwards is the partner of midfielder Jordan Davies
    It caps a remarkable two years for the club, who have gone from strength-to-strength under the ownership of Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McIlhenney.
    Not only have they been a success on the field, off it they have gained a huge following in the US thanks to the brilliant documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham”.
    Throughout the journey, the players have had the support of their incredible Wags.
    They include a trained psychologist, nail technician and a caring wife who urged her husband to seek counselling when he considered quitting the game.
    Read more on Wrexham
    Kelsey Edwards
    Law student Kelsey is the partner of Jordan Davies.
    They welcomed their first child together in May, a girl called Harlow.
    When she’s not enjoying city breaks in places like New York City, she enjoys music festivals like Creamfields.
    However, they were hit with tragedy when they lost their stillborn son in 2021, which saw the local community rally for the couple to help them raise over £16,000 for charity.
    Most read in Football
    Chloe Jones
    Chloe and her partner James also had their own medical scare.
    When son Jude was born 15-weeks premature late last year, he and Chloe were left fighting for their lives in hospital.
    After four months at Wrexham Maelor and Royal Bolton Hospital, they were finally able to come home healthy.
    James and Chloe tied the knot in 2022.
    James and Chloe Jones toast the future
    Chloe had a difficult pregnancy and spent four months in hospital
    Christie McFadzean
    Occupational therapist Christie is the wife of left-back Callum McFadzean.
    With her Instagram set to private, she prefers to keep her personal life to herself.
    They have two children together, Milo and Lorri.
    Back in 2019, Callum shared a pic on Instagram of their wedding day on her birthday and wrote a loving caption: “Happy Birthday to my beautiful Wife.”
    Christie McFadzean is an occupational therapist
    Christie and Callum McFadzean like to keep their personal life private
    Mollie O’Brien
    Super Paul Mullin has been the darling of Wrexham’s faithful all season.
    But for him, his darling Mollie and their son Albi are the apple of his eye.
    On one Instagram post he shared of her on a night out, he wrote: “Night well spent 😁 #Milf 🤣”.
    At Christmas, the family are partial to wearing matching pyjamas.
    Paul Mullin cheekily called his Wag a MILF
    The Mullin family dress up for Christmas in matching pyjamas
    Caitlin Palmer
    Ollie Palmer’s Wag Caitlin is a bridal specialist in hair and make-up.
    She graduated with a degree from the London College of Fashion.
    Caitlin and Ollie are childhood sweethearts.
    The loved-up couple have two children together, who he proudly shows off on Instagram.
    Ollie and Caitlin Palmer are childhood sweethearts
    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pose with the Palmer family
    Sophie Tozer
    Nail technician and gin lover Sophie has played a huge role in husband Ben’s life as a footballer.
    Back in 2017, the-then Newport County player was on the brink of giving up his football career, after becoming disillusioned with the game.
    But with his wife’s help and guidance, he sought counselling and pulled through.
    “I’m just glad I listened to Sophie and sought help after a few months of going downhill mentally,” he told BBC Sport.
    Ben Tozer has wife Sophie to thank for his football career
    When Ben was suffering with his mental health, Sophie urged him to seek counselling
    Kate Foster
    Ben Foster’s Wrexham career is up in the air, after only signing on for the short-term.
    Although, he could stay on for a second season as the club tackle League Two.
    Should he have any wobbles, the ex-England goalie could always turn to wife Kate for advice.
    A trained psychologist, the mother-of-two would be perfect to lean on.
    Ben and Kate Foster pose for a selfie
    The Fosters have two children
    Iona McLeod
    Iona is the missus of centre-back Aaron Hayden.
    According to her Instagram, she is a personal trainer and property manager.
    Read More on The Sun
    They have two children, Izzy and Izaak.
    Their family affairs are dedicated to their own ‘Hayden Family’ Instagram page, and they even have their own YouTube channel.
    Iona McLeod is a personal trainer and property manager
    Aaron Hayden and Iona pose with the National League title trophy More

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    Inside the love life of Rory McIlroy and the whirlwind romance and story behind meeting wife Erica Stoll

    ROCHESTER, New York has been good to Rory McIlroy.His first trip came in 2013, one year after winning the PGA Championship, where he was given a hero’s reception.
    Rory McIlroy celebrates winning the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship alongside wife Erica Stoll and their daughter PoppyCredit: Getty
    Stoll and McIlroy’s whirlwind romance began in Rochester, New York in 2015Credit: Getty
    His second in 2015 set tongues wagging in the local community, as he began dating local, Erica Stoll.
    The world No3 had just split from a high-profile romance with former tennis No1 Caroline Wozniacki.
    That break-up became a tabloid fodder for a man who didn’t feel comfortable in a celebrity couple.
    But this was a more intimate and quiet affair.
    Read more on golf
    They took in 2Vine, now known as Redd, for a dinner date. The new couple were also spotted at the Magpie Irish Pub grabbing a drink, as onlookers spotted them looking loved up.
    Within eight months, McIlroy and Stoll got engaged in Paris. The City of Love.
    In 2017, the pair walked down the aisle at the five-star Ashford Castle found on Ireland’s west coast.
    Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran provided the entertainment, according to E!
    Most read in Football
    Three years later, McIlroy and Stoll welcomed daughter Poppy into the world at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida.
    SunSport goes inside their whirlwind romance, starting with how they met.
    She worked for the PGA
    Stoll was a keen tennis player at high school, and graduated with a marketing degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008.
    She soon scored a job as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations, and often interacted with players and told them where they needed to be.
    It was her awareness that saved McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup, after some confusion over the time zone.
    She alerted officials and a police escort was organised to make sure he got there on time.
    He was forever grateful and from firm friends they soon became much more.
    McIlroy’s romance with Stoll began as a friendship in 2012, when she saved him from missing tee time at the 2012 World CupCredit: Getty
    Two years after they met McIlroy and Stoll walked down the aisle togetherCredit: Getty
    ‘Down-to-earth’
    The buzz around town on their first date made it hard for McIlroy and Stoll to be discreet.
    A waitress told the Democrat and Chronicle as they left 2Vine: “Everybody in the restaurant was shouting, ‘Oh my God, that’s Rory McIlroy! That’s Rory McIlroy!’”
    But, what McIlroy loved about Stoll and their relationship was she was unaffected by that and was down-to-earth.
    He told the Irish Independent in 2017: “I can be myself around her.
    “I love that (she) knows everything about me, and there was no judgment there. There was no judgment from day one, which is huge, because that’s very hard to find for someone in my position.”
    McIlroy has revealed he feels at ease with StollCredit: Getty
    Stoll and McIlroy keep their relationship privateCredit: Getty
    Privacy is key
    All the while, as their romance blossomed, the two kept their relationship to themselves.
    To this day, Stoll’s Instagram is set to private.
    And there were plenty of stipulations producers had to agree to when filming McIlroy for Netflix documentary series Full Swing.
    He told the Golf Channel: “I made sure that the parameters were very much like, look, you can film me at — you’re not coming to my house, you’re not coming in my car, you’re not coming anywhere near my family, but you want to do some stuff with me at golf tournaments, totally fine.”
    When it came to announcing they were expectant parents, McIlroy made the big reveal just two days before Poppy arrived in the world.
    Speaking at the BMW Championship, he said: “We’re about to be parents very soon, so we’re obviously super excited. Yeah, we’ve been sharing the news with friends and family, obviously, but I didn’t think it was something that I really particularly needed to share out here.
    “It’s a private matter, but we’re really excited and can’t wait for her to get here.”
    Read More on The Sun
    McIlroy has got a lot to be thankful for when it comes to Rochester, New York.
    Maybe with the PGA Championship taking place there at Oak Hill, a tournament win would give him something else to be grateful for.
    McIlroy was keen to protect his family’s privacy during Netflix’s filming of Full SwingCredit: Getty
    McIlroy revealed he and Stoll were soon to become parents just two days before daughter Poppy was bornCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner’s amazing life since retiring, from dating glam Wag to launching a reality TV show

    IT’S been a life less ordinary for Nicklas Bendtner since retiring.The Arsenal cult icon, now 35, hung up his boots in 2021, following a spell with his boyhood club FC Copenhagen.
    Nicklas Bendtner is living a glam life after quitting football

    But he will always be synonymous with the Gunners – and was even spotted heading towards the turnstiles at the Emirates for Sunday’s game against Brighton wearing a retro top.
    During his playing days, things were not always so straight-forward.
    First, he admitted nearly becoming bankrupt after gambling away almost £5.4million in poker, including blowing £400,000 in 90 minutes at a London casino.
    Then, he was placed under house-arrest in 2020 and had to wear an electronic tag for assaulting a taxi driver.
    Read more on Arsenal
    Since he said farewell to the game though, ‘Lord Bendtner’ is enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
    From once-in-a-lifetime trips accompanied by his Swedish girlfriend Clara Wahlqvist to kickboxing retreats in Thailand, wine-tasting with pals, and scuba diving in the Philippines – jet set doesn’t cover it.
    While back in his homeland, Bendtner has become a reality TV star fronting his own prank show.
    SunSport delves into the Denmark legend’s existence – with a hint of envy.
    Most read in Football
    High-life
    Bendtner’s instagram offers a window into how he spends his £7million fortune.
    He loves designer clothes, and is a particular fan of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Supreme and Gucci.
    It’s travelling the world and pursuing outdoor activities that have piqued his interest.
    Back in February, he was pictured scuba diving in Palawan Island, Philippines.
    Before that, there was a trekking through the ice mountains of Sweden on an excursion that would have appealed to Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
    Then, skiing in the exclusive Austrian village of St Anton am Arlberg.
    A holiday in Mykonos was the ticket to top up his tan, while a retreat in Thailand to brush up on his kickboxing skills was a clearly a must.
    While wine-tasting, smoking cigars, hunting and horse riding are all additional hobbies Bendtner has taken on.
    Skiing is one of Bendtner’s favourite pastimes
    Recently, Bendtner enjoyed scuba diving in Philippines
    Kickboxing classes in Thailand are all in a days work for Bendtner
    Bendtner enjoys wine-tasting with a pal
    Sweet ride
    The high-life wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t have an amazing car.
    Through the years, Bendtner has been seen behind the wheel of some incredible motors, including an £120,000 Aston Martin he wrote off in 2009.
    Amusingly, he was called “brainless” and “insane” for trying to buy a £300,000 Rolls-Royce, when he was released by FC Copenhagen and was unemployed.
    That hasn’t stopped him from splashing the cash on a Porsche Taycan Turbo S – worth around £230,000.
    However, he had the motor seized in 2021, and subsequently lost an appeal against driving convictions to get it back.
    He was seen attending his court hearing last week in a more modest Volvo.
    On social media, Bendtner also shared a snap of a glorious 1988 Porsche.
    Over the years, Bendtner has always loved luxury cars
    Bendtner showed off his 1988 Porsche on social media
    In 2021, Bendtner’s £230k Porsche Taycan Turbo S was seized by authoritiesCredit: Getty
    Amazing Wag
    Ladies man Bendtner moved on from former flame Philine Roepstorff, who reportedly hooked up with Spider-Man Tom Holland, with another stunning model.
    The object of his desires is blonde stunner Clara Wahlqvist – a former Miss Universe Sweden winner.
    And she certainly knows how to make him happy.
    Back in January, she jumped onto Instagram to wish him a happy birthday, while calling him “my favourite person”.
    Accompanying her sweet message was a collage of photos of the pair looking loved up.
    Clara has joined her beloved on many of his high-jinx jaunts.
    Former Miss Universe Sweden winner Clara Wahlqvist is Bendtner’s girlfriend
    Bendtner and Wahlqvist are smitten with one another
    As travel companions, Bendtner and his Wag are joint to hip
    And last year they became proud dog parents to a regal looking Doberman.
    Could she be the one who tamed Bendtner and convince him to settle down?
    Small screen fame
    Although he is reportedly working towards his coaching badges, Bendtner is happy to take advantage of his fame in Denmark.
    Going down the route of the Kardashians, he appeared in a reality TV show called Bendtner & Philine that followed his life and former romance with the Danish beauty.
    Astonishingly, it ran for two seasons before they split up.
    Bendtner then teamed up with Amazon Prime to present Nicolas Pranker – a show where he went undercover to prank mates and members of the public.
    One hilarious moment saw the funny man convince someone off the street to help him steal a TV.
    Bendtner has launched his own prank show on Amazon Prime in Denmark

    Game boy
    During lockdown, and with his career at a crossroads, Bendtner turned to gaming.
    He said it gave him a connection with the outside world, but it also prompted him to set up a business.
    His addiction to Counter-Strike influenced a decision to set up his Prosapia eSport team.
    Bendtner said: “When the coronavirus came and I was bound by isolation, I started playing Counter-Strike.
    “It gave me a sense of connection to the outside world.  My knowledge and interest started to grow.
    “I learned about the esports industry, and the impact it has on young people who are working very hard to reach the top.
    Read More on The Sun
    “That’s why I founded Prosapia eSport, so that my employees and I can help young and promising talent reach their goals.
    “But most importantly, the Counter-Strike game brings me joy.”
    After finding solace in video games during lockdown, Bendtner launched a eSports team
    Cigar-smoking Bendtner is loving life after retirement More

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    Ronaldinho’s car collection includes a £1.6m Bugatti Veyron, £264k Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a £271k Lamborghini

    BRAZIL legend Ronaldinho may have been hit financial woes, but he still had a car collection to fall back on.The Ballon d’Or winner, now 43, had some of his fleet seized back in 2018 after he failed to pay a fine accrued by a charity organisation under his name.
    Through the years, Ronaldinho has showed off a stunning car collectionCredit: Instagram @ronaldinho
    Ronaldinho owns an amazing £1.6m Bugatti VeyronCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Police in Brazil raided his family home in Porto Alegre, and secured two BMWs and a Mercedes Benz.
    It is not known if they were returned, however they are just some of the impressive motors the ex-Barcelona star has been seen behind the wheel of.
    Bugatti Veyron, £1.6million
    Karim Benzema is a fan and so is Ronaldinho.
    This £1.6million supercar is a collectors’ item that appreciates in value through the years.
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    It’s the fastest road legal car in existence, able to hit a top speed of 267.86 mph.
    Only 450 are in existence.
    Rolls-Royce Cullinan, £300,000
    The second-most expensive car in Ronaldinho’s collection.
    Sports stars including boxer Andy Ruiz Jr and Cristiano Ronaldo are proud owners of the prestige Cullinan.
    Most read in Football
    Weighing 2.6 tonnes, this Rolls-Royce doesn’t lack power.
    Its 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine means the giant motor is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.
    A Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the most expensive in Ronaldinho’s car collectionCredit: Instagram @ronaldinho
    Hummer, from £86,000
    In the late 1990s and early 2000s, any celebrity worth their name in salt owned a Hummer.
    Tupac Shakur had one, hotel heiress Paris Hilton and basketball legend Dennis Rodman all owned the massive army-style truck.
    Incredibly, it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who lobbied to have the truck made street legal after seeing a convoy of Humvees heading to a military base in Oregon, while he was filming Kindergarten Cop.
    When Ronaldinho played for the Catalans, he used to cruise around the streets of Barcelona in his.
    A Hummer was part of Ronaldinho’s amazing car collectionCredit: Handout – Getty
    BMW X5, from £66,230
    One of the cars seized by authorities, the X5 is a midsize SUV that was first released in 1999.
    Comfortable and luxurious, it is seen as sporty runner.
    Capable of a top speed of 155 mph, it’s no slouch.
    The X5 can hit 0-60 seconds in 5.3 seconds.
    This BMW X5 was one of the cars seized in a police raid on Ronaldinho’s homeCredit: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd. (Golders)
    Lamborghini Aventador, £271,146
    Aventadors are still doing the rounds among Premier League’s elite, and with Brazilians especially.
    Man Utd winger Antony recently saw his towed away from outside his home.
    While sports stars including Deontay Wilder and Sergio Aguero have had their models wrapped.
    Ronaldinho had his in his favourite colour… yellow, just like the Brazil national team.
    Ronaldinho’s Lamborghini was suitably in a yellow – like Brazil’s team coloursCredit: Instagram @ronaldinho
    Ferrari 458, from £155,263
    Being a skilful player in his prime who boasted loved showboating, it’s no surprise a flashy Ferrari 458 has been part of his car collection.
    An absolute beauty in design, it does come with a hefty price tag.
    Mesut Ozil, Louis Saha and Mario Balotelli have all rocked this supercar.
    Capable of a top speed of 202 mph, it’s certainly nippy.
    A flashy Ferrari 458 is one of Ronaldinho’s pride and joysCredit: Instagram @ronaldinho
    Porsche 911 Carrera S, £110,000
    Able to hit 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds, this stunning Porsche is another super fast car Ronaldinho has been seen behind the wheel of.
    The brand has been loved by Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, so he’s in good company.
    Again, Ronaldinho’s was in yellow – surely a nod to the Brazilian jersey.
    It’s not known if he has this kept safely in a garage, or has parted company with it.
    It is not known if Ronaldinho still owns his PorscheCredit: Instagram @ronaldinho
    Aston Martin Rapide AMR, £129,992
    In 2019, Ronaldinho became the first person to buy a car at the Riyadh’s Motor Show.
    He splashed almost £130,000 on the prestige motor, which offers the height of luxury and taste.
    Read More on The Sun
    However, it was reported that the Sheikhs who organised the event gifted the World Cup winner the Rapide AMR.
    It just proves it pays to have friends in high places.
    Ronaldinho was reportedly gifted a Aston Martin Rapide AMR More