Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares67 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are Manchester United fans wearing black against Arsenal in the Premier League today?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are hosting Arsenal in a huge Premier League clash TODAY. Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit 14th in the league, and are closer to 17th than they are to the Champions League spots.Man Utd fans have a history of protesting against their ownersCredit: ReutersThe team have also been knocked out of the FA Cup following last weekend’s penalty shootout loss to Fulham and their European hopes hang in the balance after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in Thursday’s Europa League last-16.A lot of the internal and external blame for the club’s demise that has seen them go more than a decade without a league title has been laid at the ownership. Majority owned by The Glazer Family since 2005, with Joel and Avram heading the group, they have since changed the structure with the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group last year, taking over the football side of things. Ratcliffe has issued hundreds of job cuts to aid with United’s crippling finances. READ MORE IN MAN UNITEDWhy are Manchester United fans wearing black against Arsenal in the Premier League today?United supporters are expected to don out black today ahead of the match in their latest installments of protest against the club’s ownership. Supporter group ‘The 1958’ is planning a demonstration against Glazer family control and part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.They will march to Old Trafford before the game, beginning at 3.15pm GMT from the Tollgate Pub near the stadium. It will go down to United’s Trinity monument and Old Trafford’s Munich Tunnel.The organisation hopes it “could be one of the largest ever protests” at the club.Most read in Football“The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model,” The 1958’s spokesperson Steve Crompton said in a statement on Tuesday.“The club is facing financial armageddon. Debt is the road to ruin. Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave at the current plight of one of the world’s greatest football institutions which is being brought to its knees and in many ways becoming a laughing stock.”Crompton added: “The club is going backwards and it’s likely to get even worse. We urge fans to rise up, unite and join us at 3pm on Sunday as we march to the ground and protest against the despised Glazers and the club’s deliberate assault on fan culture.”Amorim has supported the fan demonstrations, in which he said: “For everybody in our club it’s a really tough moment.” “It’s everything at the same time. The only thing I can do, and our players, is perform well and win.“People have the right to protest. I think it’s a good thing to do that. It’s part of our club. Everybody has a voice.“But our job and my job is just to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they are amazing.” More

    • 200 Shares67 Views

      in Soccer

      Rachel Yankey reflects on Chloe Kelly’s Arsenal return and her visit to Lauren James’ old school

      by

      RACHEL YANKEY wants Arsenal to remain a happy hunting ground for Chloe Kelly, with the forward back amongst the goals. And the Gunners legend hopes the club can return to trophy glory in Europe. Rachel Yankey hopes Chloe Kelly can continue shining for ArsenalCredit: GettyOn March 7 Yankey and Ian Wright took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ Biggest Ever Football Session event at Lauren James’ old school in TwickenhamAlong with fellow Gunners icon Yankey hopes to encourage more girls to participate in footballYankey, who took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ fourth Biggest Ever Football Session on Friday, was speaking before Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool. Today the Gunners host the Reds in a quarter-final duel with the Cup remaining one of their strongest chances of silverware this term. The clash comes seven days after Kelly, 27, netted her first league goal this this year during Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat of West Ham .It was also her first since sealing a January loan move from Manchester City in pursuit of more game time and a spot in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros.  Read More Football StoriesYankey, 45, has fond memories of Kelly’s early days as a senior Arsenal player. The versatile winger, who won 22 trophies during her 15-year Gunners career, was on the pitch when she made her first Arsenal debut at 17 in 2015. In July that year Kelly scored during a 3-0 League Cup match defeat of Watford. Yankey, who also netted in that game, said: “I remember her as a youngster coming through and the potential that she had. Most read in Football”It was clear to see that she’s talented.”She’s made the move because she wants to get into the England team (for the Euros).”And I hope that she can get into that England team and perform because we all know what a fantastic player she is. “Chloe with a smile on her face playing football is where I see her at the moment. “If she’s happy, then that’s a good thing.”With Kelly cup tied her Gunners pals hope to reach this year’s FA Cup semis ahead of a WSL trip to Everton on March 14. While the forward cannot feature in today’s encounter she can play in the Champions League quarters as well as the Gunners’ last seven WSL fixtures this term. The team are set to face Real Madrid in the contest’s last eight with the first leg away on March 18.And Yankey, who helped Arsenal become the first English club to win the Women’s Champions League in 2007, hopes the team can triumph in Europe again. The former England play, who has 129 caps,  added: “We saw from the Lionesses’ Euros win, if you win a major tournament or if you win a Champions League or the league, success brings you an audience. “For me, historically, Arsenal Football Club is the biggest in women’s football, so they need to win something.”Before today’s match and ahead of International Women’s Day Yankey paid a visit to Lauren James’ old secondary school in Twickenham. Along with fellow Gunners icon Ian Wright, Yankey ran a football session encouraging girls to get involved in the sport.Last year 475,000 girls took part in similar events in 5,000 schools across the country.This year’s session took place a week after the FA’s launch of the Made for this Game campaign which aims to provide more chances for women and girls to participate in football.”If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.Rachel Yankey James, who began her senior career at Arsenal in 2017 before joining Manchester United a year later and then switching to Chelsea in 2021, is one of the most high profile players in the WSL. Since her return to London almost four years ago, the forward has won three league title with the Blues and two FA Cups.  In 2023 James was part of an England side that competed in a World Cup final for the first time in the team’s history with the team narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Since that final was played in Sydney Australia she is one of five players from Black and mixed race heritage to have featured for the Lionesses. The other players are Brighton and Tottenham forwards Nikita Parris and Jess Naz and Man United and Gotham defenders Gabby George and Jess Carter. Yankey hopes events like the Biggest Ever Football Session will encourage  more girls from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds getting involved in the sport.  Yankey said: “If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.”Sessions like this give girls the opportunity to get involved and that’s why it’s so important.”Aside from playing football Yankey hopes to see more girls get involved in other aspects of the sportCredit: Action Images – ReutersBy 2028 the FA hopes to have 90 per cent of schools providing girls with equal opportunities to play football in curricular and extracurricular set-ups.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd beyond encourage more girls to play the game, Yankey hopes the FA’s efforts can influence them to get involved in the sport in other ways. She adds: “We need to make sure we educate the young girls, their parents, and everybody, that football and sport can be so powerful in helping people in different ways in their life.” More

    • 225 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Huddersfield Town sack manager Michael Duff and appoint club legend to replace him for rest of the season

      by

      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have sacked manager Micheal Duff after losing four of their last five games in League One.The Terriers announced the departure of the 47-year-old in a club statement.Huddersfield Town have sacked manager Michael DuffCredit: GettyHuddersfield are currently seventh in League One, some 10 points off the automatic promotion places.The Yorkshire club were only relegated to the third tier last season.Huddersfield owner and chairman Kevin Nagle said: “This is not a decision that I have taken lightly. “I really like Michael as a person and I know how diligently he has worked for the Club since he was appointed as Head Coach in the summer, so we’ve all been desperate for him to succeed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“However, our results on the pitch since the turn of the year have simply not been good enough. “It is true that we’ve had an unprecedented injury situation to contend with, particularly recently, but I believe that the resources we have available are capable of more than the four wins we’ve registered in our last 15 games.“I feel we must make this change now to reignite our challenge for promotion. I want to thank Michael, and I wish him all the best for the future.”Duff took over at the John Smith’s Stadium in May last year, replacing Andre Breitenreiter’s who left by mutual consent following the club’s relegation.Most read in FootballHuddersfield have lost four of their last five League One gamesCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Barnsley and Swansea manager had been given a three-year contract on his arrival.Huddersfield have now announced that club legend Jon Worthington will step in as interim boss until the end of the season.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashWorthington, 41, made over 190 appearances for the club during his playing days and has been a coach with the Terriers since 2019.The retired midfielder will take charge of his first game against Crawley Town on March 15.He said: “Huddersfield Town is my Club, and I’m honoured to be coaching the first team between now and the end of the season.“We have 10 important matches to come with plenty of points remaining to play for and every possibility still open to us.”As it is each day, my full focus and energy will be spent doing whatever I possibly can to help our Club be the best version of itself.“In that time, my goal is to repay the faith and trust that Kevin Nagle, Jake Edwards and Mark Cartwright have shown in me, and give Town supporters pride in their team and Club. “See you all at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.”Worthington previously acted as interim manager for four matches last season, losing twice and winning twice.Jon Worthington will take charge of Huddersfield for the remainder of the season More

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki Alsheikh

      by

      EDDIE HEARN joked that he is “totally finished” now Dana White has entered the boxing business with Turki Alsheikh. UFC boss White and Saudi supremo Alsheikh finally announced their long rumoured boxing venture together. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alsheikh and Dana WhiteFrank Warren with Turki Alalshikh and Eddie HearnCredit: Matchroom BoxingIt will be spearheaded by the TKO group that owns and controls the UFC and WWE – and now has a foot in the boxing world. Alsheikh has spent the last two years using his deep pockets to help turn boxing around by spending huge sums to make the best fights happen. And he even offered enough to get rivalling promoters like Hearn and Frank Warren to do business together. But now White has teamed up with Alsheikh – fans online have goaded that boxing’s old guard will soon be yesterday’s news. READ MORE IN boxing When SunSport put this to Hearn, he said with his trademark Essex grin: “Totally finished! Yeah. “We did have a business before Saudi Arabia and obviously we’ll continue to have some.”But we’ve loved being involved with Riyadh Season and His Excellency, it’s been hugely beneficial for us and the sport and our fighters and we expect that to continue.”It is unclear yet what TKO’s boxing league will look like – with even Hearn in the dark about the sport’s new players. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I’ve known about it for probably over six months and kind of waiting for an announcement but don’t really know anything about the format of it.”I saw some aggressive things said in the press release about one belt and all this kind of stuff but we’ll see how it plays out.”When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?TKO announced they will look to host “four large scale super-fights” across 2025 and 2026 as well as building up-and-coming talent. And after a recent turnaround in working with his rivals, Hearn opened the door to breaking bread with White & Co. He said: “If it suits us, if it suits our fighters, and if we’re asked to be, yeah, definitely consider it.”I mean, I think it’s great that Dana White’s getting involved with boxing. TKO is a great company, he’s a great promoter.”I think it shows you where boxing’s at, I don’t believe boxing’s broken. “I think we can always work on improving it but no, I think it’s exciting to see what kind of structure it’s gonna deliver.”Canelo Alvarez, 34, and Terence Crawford, 37, are set for a super-fight in September in Las Vegas, rumoured to be promoted by TKO. And after ESPN did not renew their contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable, TKO could be headed to the sports network. Hearn said: “I think in the press release said about building stars and building talent, so is it lesser known fighters?READ MORE SUN STORIES”I mean, it looks like they’ve got the ESPN deal from Top Rank which is obviously massive. “And that can build stars, so listen, they’re smart guys. I’m sure they’ll come up with a structure that has potential.”White and the TKO group announce their boxing venture with Turki Alalshikh More

    • 250 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I spent ages just looking at him’ – Playing vs Cristiano Ronaldo is my career highlight says star-struck Chelsea ace

      by

      IT doesn’t matter how big of a star you are already, when you line up against one of the greats you’re bound to be taken aback.That’s certainly the case for Chelsea ace Romeo Lavia, who has revealed that his career highlight to date was playing against Cristiano Ronaldo.Romeo Lavia has revealed the highlight of his career so far was playing against Cristiano RonaldoCredit: YouTube/Rising BallersLavia faced Ronaldo in a Premier League clash between Southampton and Man Utd in 2022Credit: GettyLavia, 21, signed for Chelsea from Southampton last season after a transfer battle between the Blues and Liverpool.And since then he has played in huge Premier League matches against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as making his debut for the Belgian national team prior to the switch.But despite the huge achievements in the defensive midfielder’s short career so far, he still reckons lining up against Ronaldo is his highlight to date.Harking back to Southampton’s 1-0 defeat to Man Utd during the 2022/23 season, Lavia recalled what it was like to see Ronaldo come on as a substitute for the Red Devils in the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Rising Ballers, he said: “I think [the highlight of my career] is probably playing against Cristiano Ronaldo. Definitely.”That moment, I remember it as if it was yesterday. When he came onto the pitch it was like time stopped.”I wasn’t focused on the game anymore, I was just looking at him for a good two minutes.”Adding: “In those two minutes, I’m thinking of all the goals I’ve seen on TV, all the times I went on YouTube to watch his clips, everything he’s won.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m like ‘That’s him’, you know? I was buzzing.”Lavia and Ronaldo only shared the St Mary’s surface for 29 minutes, but it was enough to leave Lavia starstruck while staring at the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Wayne Bridge recalls ‘unbelievable’ fight between two Chelsea teammates which left one KO’d Unfortunately for Lavia, he couldn’t get hold of his hero’s shirt after the game, with Ronaldo already promising it to one of his Saints teammates. “I tried, I tried [to swap shirts], but I think he already promised it to one of the other players, it was already all done. So unfortunately, I didn’t get it”, he explained. Now Lavia is trying to leave his own legacy in the game, with the weight of his £58m price tag still sitting on his shoulders.The former Manchester City academy star has seen his time in West London hampered by injury.Issues with both his ankle and hamstring ruled him out of all but one league game for Chelsea last term.While he has managed just 10 league appearances this season too as he battles with another hamstring problem.Lavia’s time at Chelsea has been interrupted by injuriesCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      Georgina Rodriguez risks wardrobe malfunction in low-cut outfit as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wag heads to Paris fashion show

      by

      GEORGINA RODRIQUEZ risked a wardrobe malfunction thanks to her low-cut outfit during Paris fashion week. Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-time partner stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025 fashion show in France. Georgina Rodriguez risked a wardrobe malfunction at Paris Fashion WeekCredit: RexGeorgina stunned in a low-cut outfitCredit: GettyShe stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025Credit: GettyGeorgina almost burst out of her low-cut leather topCredit: APGeorgina’s leather outfit in fullCredit: GettyChappell Roan, left, next to Georgina Rodríguez and Martina StoeselCredit: GettyShe almost burst out of her low-cut leather top which was accompanied by a black jacket and skirt. Georgina also posed next to Argentine performer Tini Stoessel and American singer Chappell Roan. Model Georgina was recently a guest at the Saudi Arabian Formula E. She lives in Riyadh with Al-Nassr star Ronaldo and his five children. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Ronaldo last year fuelled secret marriage rumours after referring to Georgina as his “wife”. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star was honoured twice during the glittering Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December.During his acceptance speech, Ronaldo dedicated the gong to Georgina – who stunned with her eye-catching outfit – and his son Cristiano Jr.Ronaldo said: “It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”Most read in FootballInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodriguez and Ronaldo have been together since 2016 and have two children together – Alana Martina, 7, and Bella, 2.She is also a doting stepmother to his other three kids – twins Eva and Mateo, 7, and Cristiano Jr, 14. The loved-up pair have never publicly declared they are married, with Ronaldo’s slip of the tongue sending the rumour mill into overdrive.Ronaldo turned 40 in February and has set his sights on making Portugal’s 2026 World Cup side. Georgina and Cristiano Ronaldo at the Globe Soccer Awards in DecemberCredit: RexThe couple have five kids togetherCredit: instagram More

    • 250 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea line up shock Jobe Bellingham transfer as Man Utd eye goalkeeper – latest exclusives from The Sun’s Alan Nixon

      by

      SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Chelsea have joined the fight for Jobe BellinghamCredit: RexBlues co-owner Todd Boehly would love to buy BritishCredit: GettyTODD BOEHLY is lining up a bid for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham as Chelsea look to sign English.England hero Jude’s kid brother could be sold by the Black Cats this summer.German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are already on his trail.The Blues have decided to enter the chase, though, and are willing to top offers to bring the 19-year-old into the Premier League.Chelsea have been busy signing players from all around the globe under  billionaire Boehly and his US investment group. Now they want a strong domestic presence in Enzo Maresca’s squad.Ex-Birmingham whizkid Bellingham is in England’s Under-21 set-up and one of the better players emerging, so he fits the bill perfectly.Jobe moved to the Stadium of Light in 2023 for £3million and has already been linked with a string of Premier League side.During the summer, Jobe signed a new deal at Sunderland keeping him tied at the club until 2028.Sunderland hope to win promotion and make a go at keeping him. But a sale looks certain if they fall short.Moving to Bundesliga side Dortmund worked wonders for Jude,  while Jobe may be happy to go his own way and play in the top flight here. Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also interested in Bellingham.However, Chelsea joining the race is being seen as a game changer.He could join Cole Palmer and new Brazilian wonderkid Willian Estevao in a new-look midfield next season.Could Jobe be as good as Jude?Jude and Jobe Bellingham are both Birmingham academy products with glowing Championship records.Red Devils have taste for Pears MANCHESTER UNITED are  looking for a home-grown keeper to join their squad next season — with Blackburn’s Aynsley Pears on the shortlist.Specialist scout Tony Coton has been watching the experienced Championship stopper.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevillePears, 26, was previously at Middlesbrough  like dad Stephen, who ironically started his career at Old Trafford.United want a seasoned pro to compete for Andre Onana’s No 1 slot, though realistically he would be a reserve and play in cup ties.Turkey’s Altay Bayindir has been overlooked by both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, while Tom Heaton’s time may be up.Blackburn keeper Aynsley Pears is on Man Utd’s radarBrighton battle Belgians for MillerBRIGHTON and Belgian sister club Union Saint-Galloise are working on a deal for Motherwell’s exciting young midfielder Lennon Miller.The Seagulls see Miller, 18, as a  long-term prospect who may not be ready for the Premier League next season.So Saint-Galloise could buy the Scotland Under-21 star —  for around £7million — and bring him through before a switch to Albion. He also has major interest from Celtic.Lennon Miller might be set for a major move in the summerCredit: SNSAngus Leeds way for ToffeesANGUS KINNEAR plans to take some of his Leeds backroom team with him to Everton.Kinnear, 47, is set to join Toffees as CEO in a major move by the new American owners.But there is trouble brewing over the  number of Whites staff he wants to follow him across the Pennines in the summer.Kinnear could take two or three key allies in his behind-the-scenes switch and that may anger Championship title favourites  Leeds ahead of a huge season of their own.FA get their Brass in gearCHRIS BRASS will leave Nottingham Forest for a senior  post at the FA.Brass, 49, holds a major recruitment role at the club, having previously worked as a coach.Now he has been headhunted by the FA and  the Prem club are looking internally to replace him.Walsall have Hind sight for the futureTEEN talent Hindolo Mustapha is wanted by promotion-chasing Walsall for next season.Crystal Palace midfielder Mustapha, 18, almost joined the League Two side in the  winter window — and they plan another loan bid.The Sierra Leone-born ace hit a belter against Arsenal Under-21s last week.Walsall are tipped to come back in for Hindolo MustaphaCredit: RexSwans look overseasSWANSEA will search abroad for a new coach after firing Luke Williams two weeks ago. Caretaker Alan Sheehan has some support but the Swans’ hierarchy are keen to explore foreign markets for a fresh face in the dugout.Whistleblower out of puffWHICH EFL referee is facing the axe because of his fitness levels?The official has raised red flags with some recent displays, which have been called alarming and get worse the longer the game goes on.The fear is that the whistler runs out of puff because of his lack of ability to cover the ground.And he may live up to the song “You’re not fit to referee” next time he is assessed.Prest into action as an accidental spyDIRECTOR Peter Ridsdale spied on Preston’s FA Cup quarter-final rivals Aston Villa — by accident! The former Leeds supremo was in London on EFL business last month and took in Villa’s 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace  — BEFORE the two sides were drawn together.O’s eye Josh DEFENDER Josh Dacres-Cogley has been targeted by Leyton Orient for next season. The Bolton right-back, 28, will be out of contract at the end of June.Josh Dacres-Cogley is already being eyed by OrientCredit: RexBrotherham?TWINS Cole and Dylan Williams, 17, are checking out Rotherham as they prepare to leave Airdrie. Celtic also fancy the midfielders but they are keen on England for a quicker route to first-team football.Hyam off the hookBLACKBURN’S Dom Hyam will not be punished for an elbow on Norwich keeper Angus Gunn last weekend. The EFL’s Key Match Incidents panel decided to take no action — and insiders say the pair were later seen laughing over the incident. More

    • 238 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      ITV legend, 73, reveals how he went from being a hospital porter to presenting greatest title clash in history

      by

      ELTON WELSBY was the face of football on TV in the 1980s, long before the days of satellite TV and the Premier League rebrand.He was the presenter of arguably the greatest top-flight game of them all — when Liverpool met Arsenal in the final game of the season on Friday, May 26, 1989.Elton Welsby is one of football’s most iconic broadcastersCredit: PAUL COOPERWelsby was the face of football on TV in the 1980sCredit: Rex FeaturesThe Gunners needed to win at least 2-0 at Anfield to beat Liverpool to the title.Welsby handed over to Brian Moore for his famous Michael Thomas “it’s up for grabs now” as the Gunners dramatically won 2-0 to snatch top spot from under the noses of their great rivals.Elton, 73, is now happily retired but has been persuaded by good friend Gary Cook to write his autobiography, Game For A Laugh.He said: “Gary invited me on to his retro podcast a couple of years ago and we just seemed to hit it off straight away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“For over an hour-and-a-half I told him a load of my stories and by the end of it Gary told me I had to write a book so that others could share these great old tales.”It is easy to understand how a meeting between the two ended in this autobiography.Welsby is captivating company, with so many memories of a golden age of the game before wall-to-wall football became the diet of the TV fan.So often we are reminded of iconic players and games via internet clips — most of which we have seen a hundred times.Most read in FootballWelbsy was the presenter for Arsenal’s iconic win over Liverpool in 1989Credit: GettyThe straight shootout at Anfield saw Arsenal win the leagueCredit: GettyWelsby worked in a hospital before starting his career in sportCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe magic of Game For A Laugh is these are FRESH stories on giants of football — including some of Elton’s genuine friends such as Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, George Best, Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson.Welsby reflected on how he arrived in the football media,He said: “When I left school I went to work for Royal Insurance in Liverpool but hated every minute of it.One of football’s greatest commentators – Barry Davies – set to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame“I had to get out so I went and worked at Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool as a porter. I’d been there about 12 months and really loved it.“But one day I was wheeling a patient past the hospital shop and saw the Liverpool Weekly News.“I’d never heard of it. So I bought it, went into the porters’ room, had a cup of tea and noticed there was something like eight pages of sport.“I needed a vocation and I saw this as a perfect step. So I wrote off to the managing editor, a guy called Ron Carrington, and the reply back was almost immediate.“I went for an interview and was amazed to get a response within 48 hours, saying, ‘Come and join us’. That was my start in journalism, which was in 1970.“I did four years at the Liverpool Weekly News but then Radio City was starting up in 1974 and I applied there.“Ultimately, moving to Radio City caught the attention of Paul Doherty at Granada TV, and I joined Granada in January 1978.”Welsby accepts that journalists’ access to top bosses and players in the 70s and 80s was hugely different to today. But having their trust was paramount.He added: “There were no mobiles but if I needed a line for Radio City, I’d simply ring one of the Liverpool players at home. “Bob Paisley became a close friend. If Liverpool were playing away, he’d ask how I was getting to the game and tell me to jump on the bus with them.“And because Liverpool were more successful during that period than my beloved Everton, I was with them virtually 24-7.“Bob would tell me stuff that he shouldn’t have told me. I could have sold so many of Bob’s stories to the nationals and earned quite a bit of money.“But that was never my way. I was on the coach because Bob trusted me. He was a dear, dear friend.“We were on our way back from a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough in 1977 and I was sat in my usual place at the front of the bus.“Bob would often wear his slippers and at some stage during the journey he’d plonk himself next to me.“I said to him, ‘The Boro lad Souness looked good’ and without flinching he replied, ‘Yes, we are going to sign him’. Bang! Just like that.“That story would have been a major exclusive on Radio City but I just had to sit on it. That’s how it was then — I never betrayed a confidence.”Welsby was good friends with Liverpool manager Bob PaisleyCredit: GettyPaisley had told Welsby he was going to sign Graeme Souness for The RedsCredit: Rex FeaturesWhen ITV got exclusive rights to top-flight football from 1988 to 1992, Elton never missed a game presenting The Match.It started in October 1988 with Everton against Manchester United and Welsby was there right through until the last game ITV showed, a 2-0 win for Liverpool over Manchester United, which confirmed Leeds as champions.And then there was the greatest finish ever to a top-flight season — until Aguero, anyway — as Arsenal’s win at Liverpool clinched the title on a famous Friday night, with Welsby presenting alongside his studio guest, Bobby Robson.In the mid-1980s, after World of Sport had disappeared from our screens, ITV retained a results service programme and Elton anchored the show.He added: “When I got back from the 1992 Euros, I got a call from my Granada boss, Doherty, telling me ITV had lost exclusivity to what was then First Division football. “But he wanted me to carry on at Granada so all I really lost was the Sunday afternoons doing The Match.”Welsby talks fondly about the icons he worked with.He said: “I go back to my radio days with Bill Shankly — they broke the mould with Bill — nor will there ever be another Brian Clough, who I worked with on numerous occasions.“The fact I came through unscathed is a great tribute to my relationship with Cloughie. He never ever had a go at me.“But the guy I enjoyed working with the most would be Jack Charlton.“People would often ask how Jack and I got on so well because we’re chalk and cheese. It didn’t matter, we just hit it off.”As far as his first love Everton are concerned, Elton was sitting on the bench next to manager Howard Kendall when they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985 — providing the interview on the final whistle with Toffees’ jubilant boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was the best night of my life. Nothing could ever eclipse that as an Evertonian, or as a professional.” GAME FOR A LAUGH, Elton Welsby’s autobiography by Elton Welsby & Gary Cook, is available from eltonwelsby.comWelsby said he enjoyed working Jack Charlton more than anyone elseCredit: SportsfileElton Welsby’s Game For A Laugh is out now More