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      Gareth Southgate was close to Man Utd job but now England’s most successful manager in decades looks done with football

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      HE was England’s most successful manager in half a century and was only a couple of penalty kicks away from being regarded as the greatest of all time.He has represented the Three Lions, as a player and manager, more often than any other man.Sir Gareth Southgate appears unlikely to return as a manager, nor become a consultant, despite the wishes of the FACredit: GettySouthgate has major interests, such as the challenges facing young men in the social media age, which he addressed in his Dimbleby lectureCredit: BBCHe is a knight of the realm, who is respected in wider society to such a degree that he delivered the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture at the BBC last week.Yet, at the age of 54, Sir Gareth Southgate may be finished with football.The former defender was closer than many would believe to becoming Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United.Dan Ashworth, United’s short-lived sporting director, pushed his candidacy strongly and left the club soon after he failed to persuade United’s ownership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Southgate’s advisor Jimmy Worrall also has close links to Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.But the United job was an outlier.If Southgate did look to return to club management, he would be unlikely to land a job at a higher level than his previous club role at Middlesbrough almost two decades ago.Despite leading England to successive Euros finals, as well as a World Cup semi and quarter-final — and despite transforming the once-rotten culture around the national team — Southgate’s stock as a manager has not risen  significantly.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile the FA are keen to employ Southgate as a consultant, that doesn’t appeal to the former manager, who believes his presence on the payroll would not be beneficial to Thomas Tuchel nor any future Three Lions boss.The idea of returning to media punditry is regarded similarly.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ New England chief Tuchel may have criticised the performance of Southgate’s team at last summer’s Euros — although he only really echoed Southgate’s own public comments during that tournament.But Sir Gareth will not be responding in kind. He is too classy and decent to give it back to Tuchel.There is also a feeling that international management, rather than the club game, suited Southgate perfectly.Most great club managers are single-minded football obsessives.Southgate has a more curious mind and the England role allowed him a wider remit, which he relished. The themes he expressed in his Dimbleby Lecture — on the challenges facing young men in the social media age — are dear to him.He helped many England players greatly, as people as well as footballers.And if Southgate headed back into football management any time soon, he would do so without his hugely-trusted No 2 Steve Holland — who is keen to make it as a manager in his own right and is currently the boss of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.Southgate always regarded his England role as a partnership with Holland, believing the pair counteracted each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He may feel isolated in management without Holland’s presence.Southgate’s old sidekick Steve Holland now bosses Yokohama F MarinosCredit: GettyA boardroom job in football isn’t on the agenda either.He may have looked good in a  waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup but, professionally speaking, a tracksuit is more Southgate’s style.So what next, if there is no return  to football?The Dimbleby Lecture — given on  the personal request of BBC director-general Tim Davie — wasn’t his first weighty speech since his exit.Southgate showed during his England reign he is a more effective politician than most politicians. His ‘Dear England’ letter before the Euros in 2021 spoke to the nation better than anyone in the House of Commons could.But there is apparently no chance of a bid for Parliament.Despite being branded as ‘woke’ — an insult which shouldn’t even be an insult — Southgate isn’t party political. He’d probably have more in common with Sir John Major than Jeremy Corbyn.That Dimbleby Lecture championed traditional family values as well as Southgate’s deep respect for the military.He is a quiet patriot, not a raving lefty and not even close friends could tell you which way he votes.As for a  job in business, Southgate is said to be equally uninterested.Unlike many in football he isn’t  an obsessive chaser of the next five-pound note.He doesn’t need to work but equally recognises that even a senior job in industry would only pay a fraction of that on offer in managing a lowly Premier League club. And anyway Southgate is patriotic and old-school enough to have regarded the England job as the pinnacle of his profession.Should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Fighting relegation, as he did unsuccessfully at Middlesbrough in 2009, isn’t currently on his wish-list either.Had Southgate landed the United job he wouldn’t have been a popular appointment among supporters — despite doing the kind of transformative job with England that they are crying out for at Old Trafford.And the sad truth is he wouldn’t be welcomed with widespread jubilation at any top-flight club.His image as an overly-cautious manager is overstated but not entirely untrue.He never played for nor managed clubs which expected to win  silverware and never quite shook off that mindset as expectations rose with England.So what next for a man who is significantly younger than most who have just departed England’s ‘impossible job’?Having succeeded the likes of Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and King Charles in giving that Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth is yet to find his calling, post-England.But should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Flair’s fair for AngeTHERE was much online merriment when a Tottenham legends team — featuring Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon — hammered  AC Milan’s old boys 6-2.The obvious joke, that the veterans could still beat Ange Postecoglou’s first team, was barely even funny because it is possibly true.Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick as Spurs legends beat Milan 6-2Credit: GettyYet the flair of some of those Spurs players of the not-too-distant past also showed that Postecoglou’s devil-may-care style was more in tune with the club’s ethos than most of his recent predecessors.The expectation is that Spurs will wilt in a hostile atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s Europa League quarter-final and that will spell the end for Big Ange.If so, that would be a shame. Spurs might not be very good under Postecoglou but at least they are recognisably Spurs.IT was so sad  to see Scotland relegated from the top tier of the Nations League by virtue of a 3-0 loss at home to Greece.And the poor old  Tartan Army couldn’t even get a drink at Hampden Park.Despite their great national thirst, booze is still banned inside grounds north of the border, as it has been since 1981 — just about the last time the Scots were any good at football.Lennox all HartTHE warm tributes to The Sun’s legendary ‘Voice of Boxing’ Colin Hart — who died on Saturday aged 89 — were rich, poignant and greatly appreciated by his family.Lennox Lewis says he was inspired by Colin Hart’s viewsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIt was especially interesting to read the words of Lennox Lewis and  how he felt driven to win over a sceptical Harty on his journey to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.The media landscape has changed hugely since Lewis and Colin enjoyed their verbal sparring en route to an immense mutual respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are now often too many obstructive PR people between elite  athletes and journalists.As Lewis agrees, that is to the detriment of sportsmen and women, as well as to the media and the public. 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      Liverpool’s secret weapon to sign Semenyo or Kerkez as Prem wonderkid eyed by Inter – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…If Liverpool sell Ben Doak, it could be the trigger for some major arrivalsCredit: GettyBEN & CHERRYBOURNEMOUTH saw their hopes of signing Liverpool teenager Ben Doak soar after Dougie Freedman quit Crystal Palace.Cherries are chasing the 19-year-old Scotland international forward but face a real battle to beat the Eagles.Freedman’s exit as sporting director — revealed on Monday — has given them a massive lift, though, as Doak’s fellow Scot was driving the deal for Palace and is also close to his agent.Kop chiefs are due to decide on Doak’s future this summer after his successful loan spell at Middlesbrough was cut short by a thigh injury in January, but insiders believe he will be sold.Liverpool’s asking price will be close to £25million but Doak would be an ideal bargaining chip in a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo or left-back Milos Kerkez.Freedman has left a list of targets with Selhurst Park boss Oliver Glasner ahead of his departure.They include Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas, Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve and Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg.IRONS EYE RIGGThere could be conflict over Chris Rigg’s valuationCredit: GettyWEST HAM are ready to move for midfield starlet Chris Rigg if he does not make it to the Premier League with Sunderland.Rigg, 17, is keen to play in the top flight and hopes that will be with his local team through promotion.However, the Irons are showing growing interest in the playmaker, who would be an ideal domestic addition to their squad.Rigg was shocked to be left out of the starting line-up for England Under-19s last week, with two young Premier League stars in front of him.Newcastle’s Lewis Miley and Fulham prospect Joshua King took up the roles that Rigg had been holding down.Sunderland will want about £20million, though Hammers see Rigg more in the £10m category.INT-EREST IN DUOJosh Acheampong recently featured for England Under-19sCredit: GettyINTER MILAN sent a spy to watch Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling and Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.The Serie A giants put a man on a mission to Bangor for an England Under-19 game with Wales to see the duo.Acheampong, 18, who is under contract to 2029, can play centre-half or right-back.Dibling, 19, may go to the top bidders if Saints  go  down.OWLS’ NOD TO HENDANE Henrik Pedersen is top of the list to be the next manager of Sheffield Wednesday.Pedersen is currently No 2 to Owls boss Danny Rohl, who is tipped to move on to Southampton in the summer.Rohl can quit Owls for a reduced compensation fee once Saints are officially relegated.The German, 47, missed out on the move previously because Southampton would not pay the approximate £4million top-flight exit fee.Pedersen is popular with the Wednesday heirarchy and has a lot of experience in several countries, from youth level to first-team boss.MOORE TO FORK OUTBramley-Moore Dock will open next seasonCredit: GettyEVERTON are looking for staggering sums to hire the special executive boxes in their new home.The club have offered wealthy fans and local businesses boxes for more than £200,000 a season at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.Many have snapped up smaller deals but some of the most expensive are yet to be filled — at an outfit known as the ‘People’s Club’.GAV ANOTHER GOSOUTHAMPTON will welcome back keeper Gavin Bazunu in the Championship following their relegation — as they expect Aaron Ramsdale to leave.Bazunu, 23, was exiled to Belgium with Standard Liege on loan after a serious injury but is seen as first choice next season.The Republic of Ireland cap lost his place to Ramsdale when he arrived from Arsenal.BIG AL’S WICKED WHISPERWHICH Premier League club are worried they will not be able to sell a RESERVE — who they hoped to move on for £30million?The loyal servant can leave in the next window after waiting in the wings for long enough and only playing a few games.But the anticipated rush for the respected player has not happened and his bosses fear a cheap sale or even a loan to get him out of the door.DAN’S GERMAN PLANLEEDS boss Daniel Farke has sent his top scout to his German homeland to look for Premier League talent.The club’s spies were at Bundesliga matches and second-tier games over the last weekend to check out potential recruits.Farke always thinks there are bargains to be found at that level and Leeds will need new blood if they return to the Prem.ALL IN FOR OLUOluwaseun Adewumi has impressed on loan at DundeeCredit: PABURNLEY face a fight to hold on to Oluwaseun Adewumi when he returns to them from a spell in Scotland.The Austrian Under-21 midfielder has caught the eye with Dundee in a loan spell at Dens Park.The Clarets have already fielded interest in Adewumi, 20.The one consolation is he has already played for two sides this season — for Austrian club Floridsdorfer and Dundee — so cannot move again until the summer. More

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      in Motorsport

      The stunning celebs you forgot were F1 grid girls – from I’m a Celeb legends to soap heartthrob and Ted Lasso star

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      THEY were the stunning models who lived life in the fast lane – both on and off the track.But after going on to become TV stars, reality TV bombshells and even the owner of an animal sanctuary, you might have forgotten these stunning celebs who once posed as grid girls.Katie paid tribute to Eddie who got her involved in F1 as a grid girlCredit: PAEddie was one of the driving forces behind the women being brought into the sportCredit: RexOn the grid, Katie was known as her alter-ego JordanCredit: GettyKatie said his death was a great loss to the paddockCredit: PA:Press AssociationThis week, Katie Price’s fans were stunned to see gorgeous throwback snaps of her with the late F1 boss Eddie Jordan, who has sadly died at the age of 76.The glamour model, 46, became a grid girl under the motor racing legend’s tenure back in 1998 when she was aged just 19.Eddie pioneered the introduction of the glamorous women, and Katie even did a stunt for his team Jordan where she straddled one of the F1 cars. Here, we have a look at the other celebs who gave their blossoming careers a boost as a motoring hostess.Nell McAndrewBack in the 1990s, Nell was known for her outrageous behaviour and incredible modelling shoots, so it’s no wonder F1 snapped her up. Eddie convinced the beauty, now 51, to pose for a sizzling series of photos with one of his F1 cars in 2004.In the snaps, she is seen sprawled out in a yellow bikini over the pricey motor, while in another she channels Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, swishing around with a sword and slick jumpsuit.It’s certainly a far cry from her days now as a marathon runner.Lizzie Cundy says being a grid girl was ‘the best job she ever had’ on Good Morning BritainFellow glamour model Nell posed for a photo shoot with one of Eddie’s carsCredit: GettyShe channelled her best Kill Bill vibes for the fun shootCredit: GettyJodie MarshKatie’s long-time nemesis Jodie Marsh made a special guest appearance as a grid girl back in 2003. The former glamour model, now 46, graced the paddock and track at Silverstone to promote Playstation 2 game Formula One.Jodie made a special apperance as the face of PlayStation 2’s new F1 gameCredit: GettyJodie also knew F1 legend Eddie Jordan from her brief stint as a grid girlCredit: ReutersShe opted to wear a driver’s jumpsuit tied at her waist rather than a classic skimpy skirt, and in her special guest appearance on the track, she planted a kiss on Eddie’s cheek.Nowadays, Jodie has traded her hard partying socialite reputation for a new life running an animal sanctuary. And this week, the down-to-earth star joked she’s “fat but happier than ever”.Keeley HazellKeeley also appeared briefly as a grid girl to promote a video gameCredit: AlamyShe posed for photos with F1 drivers Tiago Monteiro (L) and Christijan Albers (C)Credit: GettyThese days you’re most likely to recognise Keeley as Ted Lasso’s Bex but back in the day, she was a lads’ mag favourite who also turned heads on the F1 track.The 38-year-old made her debut as a grid girl in 2003 at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone – leaving fans delighted.Like Jodie Marsh, she turned up to promote PlayStation’s Formula One game, which saw her perch on the Midland F1 team car. It certainly was a gear change from her usual Page 3 shoots.Gemma AtkinsonGemma was named the face of the British Grand Prix in 2007Credit: GettyThe model told how she was a big fan of the sportCredit: GettyBefore Strictly Come Dancing fame, Gemma, now 40, was unveiled in 2007 as the ‘female face’ of the British Grand Prix.At the time, the Hollyoaks star said: “I’m a massive F1 fan and this is my first time at the British Grand Prix. I’m really excited to be here as the female face of the British Grand Prix.“The atmosphere here at Silverstone is incredible! It is an unbelievable experience and I never imagined I’d get so close to the action. I’m so thrilled to be here.”Just a few months later, she was snapped up for I’m A Celeb and from there her star has continued to rise. Melinda MessengerMelinda doesn’t look back on her time as a grid girl in a positive mannerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdShe posed up with drivers and fellow glamour model Katie PriceCredit: AlamyLike fellow Page Three girls Jodie and Keely, Melinda made an appearance at the British Grand Prix to promote an F1 video game. She wasted no time getting cosy with drivers Ralph Schumacher and Damon Hill in the pits during a practice run in 1998.Melinda became a regular fixture, but she doesn’t look back on the time positively. She told The Sun: “I was willingly exploiting myself, don’t forget. I was quite happy to go and get paid to look glamorous. So that’s a self-exploitation.”Lucy PinderLucy proved a big hit when she posed next to F1 cars back in 2005Credit: AlamyLucy posed up to promote a video game with pal Michelle MarshCredit: Getty Images – GettyLucy, 41, has turned her talents to acting in recent years, but at the height of her glamour girl fame she made a special appearance on the F1 grid.Alongside pal Michelle Marsh, she turned up at Silverstone in 2005.And even the drivers were fans of the beauties, with former F1 champ Fernando Alonso looking delighted while getting a picture with the girls. She also made appearances as a gird girl at the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport back in 2009. Michelle MarshOutsiding of posing for F1, Michelle and Lucy also appeared with bikes for RiskologyCredit: AlamyPage 3 blonde Michelle, now 42, turned up on the track alongside Lucy back in 2005. After being announced as the face of PlayStation’s F1 game, she posed for a series of photos on a F1 car, many showing off her ample cleavage. In a photo of her and Lucy with driver Fernando Alonso, the motor head is seen to peer down Lucy’s top. The pairing certainly proved a hit that year. Olivia AttwoodOlivia wasn’t an F1 girl, instead she posed for Monster at Motorsport eventsShe claims the job saved her life and put her on the path to fameOutspoken Olivia found fame appearing on Love Island back in 2017, but before then she was touring the world as a Motorsport grid girl for Monster Energy.Sadly, she never made it to the prestigious F1 paddock, but isn’t ashamed of her brolly dolly days, claiming it saved her life.Olivia blasted F1 bosses’ decision to axe the grid girls in 2018, saying: “They’re taking the fun, glamour, and extravagance out of absolutely everything – where does it end? If you got a mechanic to hold a brolly over the bike on the track, how boring’s that?”She later told The Sunday Times: “That job saved my life. I travelled the world, it gave me discipline, I met amazing people, so to me, it’d be pretty sad to think someone else wouldn’t get that opportunity.”Lucy Pinder and Michelle Marsh pose with F1 drivers at the British Grand PrixCredit: GettyMelinda Messenger, Katie Price and Emma Noble launched the F1 racing season for team JordanCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Arsenal board has FAILED Arteta and have ‘got what they deserve’ for wasting money, says ex-chief in bombshell interview

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      KEITH EDELMAN was Arsenal’s managing director during one of the most successful and defining periods in the club’s history.Alongside vice-chairman David Dein and legendary manager Arsene Wenger between 2000 and 2008, Edelman oversaw the construction of the Emirates Stadium and departure from Highbury, as well as an iconic recruitment drive that won two Premier League titles – including the 2004 Invincibles.Keith Edelman (right) knows what it takes to succeed at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former managing director helped to build the Invincibles teamCredit: ReutersEdelman helped build title-winning teams with David Dein (left) and Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe also oversaw the construction of the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyAnd nearly two decades on, in an exclusive tell-all interview with SunSport, English businessman Edelman has opened up on:The “failure” of the current board to provide Mikel Arteta with a title-winning squadHow cash-strapped Arsenal worried about paying player WAGES in 2003Why the Emirates will stand the test of time WITHOUT increasing the capacitySelling Thierry Henry because he was “losing his speed”Twenty-one years on from their last title triumph, the Gunners look set to finish second for a THIRD year on the spin following yet another drop-off that sees them 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining.Arteta has been left hamstrung in attacking areas this term after failing to sign a striker in the past two windows, compounded by long-term injuries to forwards Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.Edelman, now 74, knows the value of building a squad capable of challenging for – and ultimately winning – major honours, working on deals for the likes of Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Sol Campbell, Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann and Jose Antonio Reyes during his time.Those six stars were bought for a combined total of around £42.5million, which in today’s money would be around £76million. In comparison, Havertz and Jesus were brought in for £110million.Edelman told The Sun: “I’m quite strategic in the way I see squads being built up and [Arsenal now] haven’t really built a balanced squad. They have failed on that front.“If that happens, you normally fail. You get what you deserve in a competitive environment.“If you look at the wage bill and the playing squad they have, you have to conclude that they’ve spent their money unwisely.“At the end of the day, the board has got to be responsible.”’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal are hoping to announce the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta in the coming weeks, following the resignation of Edu back in November, ahead of a huge summer window.Berta will work alongside current managing director Richard Garlick, co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis and Arteta.It’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.Keith Edelmanformer Arsenal managing director From an era where Wenger ruled the roost when it came to incomings, Edelman continued: “It is clear that the manager now, with all the pressures and all the strains, can’t do everything.“He needs support in building a team and doing deals and transfers.“When I first joined Arsenal, there was one executive who ran one of the big football clubs who said to me: ‘You know, if Wenger doesn’t win the league this year or next year, you ought to fire him’.“He said, ‘It’s no good coming second all the time. You’ve got to win these things’. Fortunately, we did go on to win things.“Quite often people who are running football clubs seem to lose what I call their strategic nous in terms of working out what it is they need to do and how to build the squad.Arsenal’s biggest signings in the past 17 years“There are a lot of people who do it very well. There were some very wily operators like Ken Bates (Chelsea), Martin Edwards (Man Utd), and Daniel Levy.“And then of course, we’ve moved from that to large American organisations who think they know how to do football because they’ve done baseball or American football.“I’m not against all that. I’m just saying it’s a change. It’s different.“But it’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.“It’s extremely important to be really thoughtful and strategic and not be too emotional.“One CEO I knew used to go down to the training ground every day and had his initials put on his training gear, like one of the lads. That’s not what a CEO should do.”In their recent financial report, Arsenal’s wages have risen from £234.8million to £327.8million and posted an annual loss of £17.7million, despite record revenues of £616.6million – up £150million from last year.Those numbers are a world away from Edelman’s time at the club. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in English football, money was tight with little investment – even ahead of their unbeaten season of 2003/04.Arsenal were forced to sell many of their stars under EdelmanCredit: AFPThierry Henry left for Barcelona in a £16million dealCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEdelman explained: “It was a very, very small business at that time. We had some big ideas about building a new stadium but we had no cash at all.“We used to turn over £65million when I joined. It’s a small number. The highest-paid player was on around £1.4million a year in those days.“Late in 2003, we’d sent some guy off to do a property deal. He said to me, ‘They’re not coming up with the right number. I should walk out of the room. I’ll get more tomorrow’.“I said, ‘No, you’ve got to sign the deal tonight because we can’t pay the wages on Thursday’. So yes, it was a bit stretched.”It was this sort of financial situation that led to the Invincibles squad being broken up just a few years after their historic 2004 triumph, seeing the likes of Pires, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry depart and replaced with young, bargain-buy hopefuls with potential.In the aftermath, Arsenal went nine years without lifting a major trophy. Edelman said: “If you’ve got endless amounts of money, as Manchester City had, you could keep a team going longer.“If you win things, you have a lot of world-class players because that’s how you win things. But when they get older, it’s very difficult to replace them. They won’t be world-class forever.“This is what I mean about looking at things strategically. You’ve got to ask the right questions. You’ve got to be probing. I don’t think a lot of people do that.”Henry – who was club captain and 29 at the time – was sold to Barcelona in the summer of 2007 for £16m. The Frenchman cited Dein’s departure and uncertainty over Wenger’s future as the reason.Edelman continued: “The reason Thierry moved on was because he was losing his speed. His game was basically all about speed. And if you lose your speed, then you’re dead.“So, we got money for him despite the fact that he was on the downward trap. It’s like Kevin De Bruyne. Would you have been better to sell him for more money at the end of last year?“Or, keep him and risk that he’d keep going this season?”Edelman is arguably best remembered for the Emirates Stadium, raising around £500million through loans and sponsorship to finance the construction, which was finished on time in the summer of 2006.Nearly 20 years on, there have been calls to increase the 60,704 capacity to compete with the likes of Old Trafford and Tottenham’s billion-pound stadium, something that could prove impossible given the original design and surrounding housing estates.And Edelman argues: “When I go there, I look around and it has stood up terribly well over time.“There are some things that are ageing and need to be replaced, but the fabric of the building is still amazing. It looks like it could have been built two years ago, not 20.“I know everyone wants to go bigger, but when I go to Wembley, I don’t enjoy the experience. You’re too far away from the pitch.”Edelman has landed a new role away from football. He has taken up a position with the country’s leading keynote speakers’ agency, Champions Speakers, to deliver speeches in the business world More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a barmaid at a Premier League club where staff romp in store room at half-time – here’s why I’d never date a player

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      OUR barmaid has worked for a top Premier League football club for seven years – and in that time she’s seen it all. She’s met countless footballers, broken up fights, seen colleagues have sex in a storeroom mid-game and been snubbed by stuck-up Wags.Our barmaid has been pulling pints at a Premiership ground for seven years (stock photo)Some football fans can be great fun at the bar… but not all of them (stock photo)But the 31-year-old loves the job and says the club workers are like a family.Here, she reveals the best place to work and the easiest way to bag yourself a football star lover… if you really want one.’Terrible’ sex with starI wouldn’t touch a footballer with a barge pole. They’re so arrogant and rude and seem to think they’re better than anyone else – I’m yet to meet a nice one.Mind you, I should have known that from the start.Before I worked here I met a footballer in a bar and ended up having sex with him down an alleyway.It was not an impressive experience…..it was terrible sex, as if he was doing me a favour.The Wags are even ruder than their boyfriends.They sit there with their handbags and perfectly manicured nails and treat everyone who works at the club as if they’re something disgusting that they’ve trodden in.But it’s weird because as soon as footballers have retired they turn back into decent people.Football player gets ‘smacked by wife’ during warm up ‘after cheating on her’The ex-footballers often come to the bar where I work – the posh one – and they’re really friendly to all the fans.They never mind doing selfies and having a chat – I think they come for a bit of an ego boost as they’re still hero-worshipped by the supporters.And though I rarely saw a current player drinking, the retired ones often drink like fish!One of them gave me a Christmas card with £100 worth of vouchers.He wasn’t after sex – he was just being generous.But some of the bar staff working here are still desperate to bag a footballer and spend hours getting ready before work.I’ve known a couple of girls get with players but it never lasts… and honestly if that’s what you really want to do, you’re better off in a city centre night club.Bagging a Premier League star is the dream for someOur barmaid says some stuck-up Wags can treat staff appallingly (stock photo)Looking to score When I saw the job advertised for match day staff I leapt at the chance – firstly because I’m a huge football fan and also because I thought it would be the perfect place to find a man.It’s easy to give favoured customers a free pint – you’re serving so many customers, it’s really hard for anyone to keep track.I ended up having a year-long relationship with one man and several flings both with customers and other bar staff.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!A lot of bar staff end up having relationships with each other, after all it’s mostly young people working here – at 31, I’m one of the oldest.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!I’m married now so there’s none of that any more. I actually met my husband on Plenty of Fish, but he’s a huge football fan and enjoys coming along to matches and propping up the bar while I sneak him a few free pints.Staff often sneak off to the store room for a romp during games (stock photo)Home or away?I’d advise anyone looking for a job at a football stadium to firmly state you’d rather work in the “home stands”.You get to know people as they’re often season ticket holders and come to every match.But in the “away” team side people are mostly there for a “day out” in a different city, so they will start drinking on the journey to the stadium and are rowdier.In general, facilities for away team fans are poor and the stewards and police are more heavy-handed.I think it’s a mistake, it sets up an aggressive atmosphere – if they feel they aren’t being treated well then they’re more likely to behave badly.I think being nice and appreciating all the fans would lead to better behaviour.I have noticed recently that clubs are doing more, like giving away fans free cakes and coffee – it’s a good idea.Red card for rude customersI don’t get riled by much. When I was at university in Glasgow I worked in a pub and I’d get men refusing to be served by an English woman. It didn’t annoy me, I’d just think they were the ones losing out as it would take longer to get served.I’m local to the football club, so my accent here isn’t an issue – but I have had men refusing to be served by a woman.I find it crazy that men are so chauvinistic, but if they want to wait it’s no skin off my nose.It does get incredibly busy at half time and people get really impatient, particularly if you need to change the barrel.The one thing that bothers me above all else is when someone starts clicking their fingers at you.If someone does then I completely ignore them – it’s the worst way to try to get served quickly.At the end of the day I’ve got what they want, so they should be polite. If someone is I remember them and “notice” them waiting in line and serve them quickly.If I’m honest, if the bloke is good looking I’m quick to serve them too, even though I’m a happily-married woman with a three-year-old daughter!Stewards are quick to step in if there’s any tension (stock image)Full time at the barI’ve refused to serve people on a regular basis – you can always tell when you need to call time on someone.I’ve grown up around football so I don’t get very intimidated by the men I see and I’m more than happy to tell them they’ve had enough.As soon as someone’s slurring heavily, aggressive or struggling to stay standing I stop serving.I’ve also been known to quietly give someone alcohol-free beer – they never notice!We’re lucky that our stewards are very co-operative and will always defend the bar staff, they’re very protective of us female staff. And I always smile – it’s much harder to be rude to someone who’s being polite to you.Football fans love throwing beer at each other – with no booze allowed in stands now (file image)Cocaine is rife at the club where our barmaid works (stock image)Drug cheatsHaving said I’m not intimidated, there has been a noticeable increase in young men – under 25 – taking cocaine at the football.It’s rife at our club, and worrying. It makes them far more aggressive and out of control. You can tell by their eyes if they’ve been indulging.It worries me as it makes them more unpredictable than just being drunk – they get worked up very quickly.I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the standsThey seem to be looking for fights and people to pick on – it’s a shame, it makes it a different atmosphere. I’ve seen fights break out between them, on occasion I’ve just spoken sharply and told them to pack it in, but other times the stewards have had to step in.We do have the odd drink when we’re serving – it’s thirsty work – but I’ve never seen any of the bar staff get actually drunk or take drugs.Here for the beerThere’s a ban on drinking at your seats which has been in place for years and I agree with, because people used to chuck beer at each other and no one wants to leave a match soaking wet.Generally speaking you have a steady trickle of customers at the beginning of the match, then at half time it goes absolutely bonkers.What I find weird is when people come to the football and then spend the whole time by the bar, watching it on the screens.It’s not as though the beer is cheap or it’s particularly comfortable. I guess they’re soaking up the atmosphere, but it seems like such a waste of money.Some men seem to prefer spending the whole match at the bar (stock image)Football and beer can be a great combo…. up to a point (stock image)Family gamesGenerally speaking, the bar staff get on really well with each other and we go out partying after some of the matches.There’s three generations of one family all working at our club – the granny works in catering – pies are the fan’s favourite – the mum is a bar supervisor and her son works in the bar.You get to know each other and some of the fans really well and it’s friendly – like being in your local pub and enjoying seeing the regulars.But I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the stands!Staff at the huge northern club our barmaid works at love to go out and party together (stock image) More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Dewsbury-Hall proves he does belong in Blues midfield but struggling Sancho just not good enough

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      ENZO MARESCA’S Chelsea showed they can more than cope with the Conference League as they sailed past FC Copenhagen into the quarter-finals.The first half was described by many as the most boring of the Blues’ season, as they failed to register a shot against a team that finished 18th in a below-par group phase.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored as Chelsea beat Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregateCredit: GettyThe result saw the Blues reach the quarters of the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyIn fact, the most interesting part of the first 45 minutes was probably the exceptional travelling support, who got more excited for the warm-ups than the home fans did all night.Thankfully, it didn’t stay that way for long, with a rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd as he evaded a number of challenges before slotting the ball home and opening the scoring.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.This is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Filip Jorgensen – 8His performance was everything it needed to be tonight.While the Dane wasn’t tested all that much in goal he saved anything that came his way and was commanding of his box with the Copenhagen crosses coming flying in.His distribution was also pretty good, with a long throw out to Pedro Neto on the right side of attack being the best example of that.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsTrevoh Chalobah –  6Solid for the Blues at right back tonight.Didn’t blow any socks off as he went about his business.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich But Chalobah was entirely dependable and a strong presence in Enzo Maresca’s side.A slight knock on his performance was that he did give the ball away a few times for a player of his quality on the ball.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Being an ‘old head’ in the side at just 27 years of age must be a strange feeling for Tosin, but that’s what he has been this season and was again tonight.In the game against Leicester I praised him for his leadership skills and taking on the role of organising the defence and he did that once more in this game, albeit with a group of defenders he won’t have been used to playing matches with.His physical presence in the side is much needed and appreciated, and he always seemed pretty composed on the ball too. Chelsea’s best defender on the night.Tosin had a strong game at the heart of defenceCredit: PABenoit Badiashile – 4The Frenchman recently returned from a lengthy hamstring injury and gave a bit of added depth to Chelsea’s defence while allowing Levi Colwill to get a rest.It was his only his second game since the Blues beat Tottenham 4-3 back in December, and he looked a bit rusty from the off with a few lousy passes and a missed opportunity to attack the box and get a goal early on.You could sense the other players getting frustrated with his passing, Sancho in particular who would drop short only for the defender to loop it over his head and out of play.Josh Acheampong – 7With Player of the Season contender Marc Cucurella starting on the bench, Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong had big boots to fill playing in his inverted full-back role.He did it brilliantly though, while looking 10 years his senior and it was a mature, strong and controlled performance from the youngster.He was an attacking threat when progressing the ball, but also came up with some vital bits of defensive play including a huge first half block to stop Copenhagen levelling the tie.Was probably deserving of playing the second half, but was replaced by Cucurella.Josh Acheampong impressed but was hauled off at the breakCredit: GettyMoises Caicedo – 7You get the sense he was waiting an age for the chance to put in a big tackle as he has been walking a yellow card tightrope in the Premier League of late.He enjoyed it when he did, and was his usual combative self while showing flashes of the player we know he can be with the ball at his feet and linking up well with those around him.Was given a standing ovation for his performance when he was replaced by Reece James for the final 10 minutes.Enzo Fernandez (c)  – 5Was often on the ball in the first half, but not at his brilliant best with a few passes going astray as he looked to create attacks and progress the ball as we have seen him do this season.Nonetheless, was always an option in midfield and is a player that youngsters like Josh Acheampong will really appreciate as something of a safety net, knowing how technically secure he is.Was subbed at half-time for Cole Palmer after struggling to find his feet a bit in midfield.Enzo Fernandez failed to get a hold on the midfield battleCredit: GettyTyrique George – 5Tyrique is starting to look like he’s really settling in here, and with each passing game he seems to be growing in confidence and showing the fans here more of the brilliant player we saw in the academy.Was intelligent and bright on the right-hand side, not looking out of place one bit and causing some real problems with his rapid feet and dribbling ability.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8One fan I spoke to at half-time referred to him as ‘Kiernan the friendly ghost’ and it was pretty tough to argue with him…But it was he who came to the fore when Chelsea needed a goal to put their nerves at ease, jinking through the Copenhagen defence and slotting the ball into the net with aplomb.What followed was actually a very good second half performance, in which he looked far more composed and confident on the ball.Jadon Sancho – 2Chelsea’s on-loan winger from Man Utd was back in his preferred position on the left tonight, having played the last few games on the right with Nkunku in his place.As much as his playing style can be entertaining and he has proven already this season he has been a real creative asset, bagging five assists in his first six games, he has not been good enough of late and you sense he is really missing Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu as a target for him to aim at.It’s been far too long since he added a goal or assist to his tally, and was a pretty early substitute with Nkunku coming on in his place.His highlight was a shot on target before coming off, which believe it or not was his FIRST of 2025. It’s March…Jadon Sancho had a stinker on the wingCredit: EPAPedro Neto – 4For my money was pretty unfortunate not to win a penalty in the first half, but it was much the same story for Pedro that we saw against Leicester at the weekend.A lot of hard work and no just reward was the tale of the game for the Portuguese winger deputising as Chelsea’s number nine, it would’ve been nice to see him let a shot or two loose from the edge of the box.Enzo Maresca will almost certainly be counting down the days to have Nicolas Jackson back it his disposal, which will also give him the option of playing Neto out wide where he is undoubtedly best suited.SUBS:Cole Palmer (Enzo Fernandez, HT) – 5It was more of the same of what we have seen from Cole Palmer this season when he was introduced at half-time for Enzo Fernandez.His quality is undeniable, there is no doubt in my mind the sun will shine on him again soon, but for now it’s more good touches with no end product.That’s 10 games without a goal or assist for a player who would usually accrue about one, if not more, per GAME before this spell.Some would argue he was a little selfish at the end of the game as he could’ve passed the ball off to Genesis Antwi, but you can understand his desire to break this duck.Cole Palmer endured a frustrating second halfCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella (Josh Acheampong, HT) – 6Was his usual self when he came on to replace the youngster, offering a bit more dynamism to the Blues and a bit more of a goal threat.Always offers a run from deep and creates chaos when his side attack on the left.Christopher Nkunku (Jadon Sancho, 65) – 5Didn’t make a massive impact after his introduction, but did create a few chances and offered more of a threat to Copenhagen than what Sancho did, though he also played a more central role.He is another of Chelsea’s front line that would be more effective with Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu fit and available for selection.Reece James (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6Came on to a loud ovation from the home support after scoring in the first leg of this tie to help send Chelsea through.He didn’t have an awful lot of time to make a real difference, but looked comfortable going both ways in the Blues’ midfield.It will be interesting to see if both he and Marc Cucurella start the game vs Arsenal at the weekend.Genesis Antwi (Pedro Neto, 89) – 5Came on in the right side of attack as the fourth officials board went up to signal he’d get five minutes of playing time.Made a great run down the right giving an option to Cole Palmer who could’ve teed him up for a go at goal, but Chelsea’s main man went for the confidence boosting goal and failed to beat the keeper.Don’t think he actually touched the ball after coming on, but good for a young lad to get on the pitch nonetheless. 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      ‘There was blood everywhere’ – Inside Kenilworth Road riot, where ‘freelance’ hooligans turned Luton into war zone

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      IT WAS one of English football’s bleakest nights and one of its most significant occasions.The Kenilworth Road riot — before, during and after an FA Cup quarter- final between Luton Town and Millwall on March 13, 1985 — was a hideous orgy of disorder which had profound ramifications for the English game.The 1985 Luton riot occurred before, during and after a 1984–85 FA Cup gameCredit: PAFans stormed the pitch after Luton beat Millwall 1-0Credit: GettyIt was halted by Millwall fans for 25 minutes and ended with a frightening riotCredit: AlamySeats in Kenilworth Road were destroyedCredit: GettyFormer Luton gaffer David Pleat spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: RexForty years ago today, Millwall’s infamous Bushwackers firm were joined by a band of ‘freelance hooligans’ from Chelsea and West Ham.Luton’s home ground became dangerously overcrowded, sparking a series of violent pitch invasions as an entire town was turned into a war zone.Eighty-one people were injured, including a policeman who had to be resuscitated after being knocked out by a concrete slab.A knife was thrown at Luton keeper Les Sealey. Hundreds of seats were ripped out and used as missiles. Billiard balls were hurled into the directors’ box, before a pitched battle raged between hooligans and police.David Pleat, who managed Luton that night and for 12 years over two spells, told me: “The victims of the violence — many of them either very young or old — were treated in the players’ tunnel. There was blood everywhere. The scenes were horrific.”“Outside, homes, pubs and shops were vandalised. Carriages on a train carrying travelling fans had ceilings torn out and, according to police, were left “looking as if a bomb had gone off”.In that spring of 1985, English football was entering its lowest depths.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Luton riot would be swiftly followed by the Bradford City fire, in which 56 supporters perished, and the Heysel disaster at the European Cup final in Brussels, when rioting by Liverpool fans and a crumbling stadium caused the deaths of 39 people — mainly supporters of Juventus.As a result, English clubs would be banned from all European competitions for five years.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionPoliceman and dogs were deployed onto the pitchCredit: AlamyPolice with batons out tackled fans invading the turf in 1985Credit: AlamyThen manager Pleat has included details in his new autobiographyCredit: GettyFor many years before, football supporters had been treated like animals and far too many acted accordingly.Pleat recalls that Margaret Thatcher’s government was already “waging war” against the battered national sport, scapegoating football for society’s ills.And after the Kenilworth Road riot, Thatcher found a willing ally in Luton chairman David Evans. The soon-to-be Tory MP introduced a ban on away fans from his club’s stadium, as well as an ID card scheme which the prime minister sought to have introduced for supporters nationwide.It was only after the horrors of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster — and the subsequent Taylor Report which deemed the scheme unworkable — that the national ID card project was abandoned.Anyone who watched football from behind fences in the 1980s would have experienced dangerous overcrowding and been in little doubt that the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters at Hillsborough could have happened to fans of any club.After Lord Chief Justice Taylor’s intervention, all-seater stadia were made compulsory in the top two tiers of English football.Along with the advent of the Premier League, the game and its venues would be transformed.Police and fans battled during Luton vs MillwallCredit: GettyThe aftermath of the riots brought huge changes in English footballCredit: AlamyLuton’s away-fan ban ran from 1987 until 1991. Many clubs banned Hatters supporters in a tit-for-tat.And Luton were thrown out of the League Cup for one season after refusing to back down.Football supporters were societal pariahs in the 80s. And Luton — the riot’s victims — would become hated inside the sport.Pleat damningly describes the late Evans as “a visionary in his own mind” and “a lapdog for Mrs Thatcher”. He added: “Evans was not a good person and Luton became widely hated because of his actions.”On the 40th anniversary of the riot, the details sound difficult to comprehend.The match was not all-ticket, although matches very rarely were.The trouble was premeditated and organised, yet police were unprepared — despite the sight of thousands of known hooligans congregating at London’s St Pancras Station four hours before kick-off.Bedfordshire’s force had no horses, with reinforcements arriving from Cambridgeshire only after serious disorder had flared.Soon-to-be Tory MP David Evans was the chairman of Luton Town at the timeCredit: RexAway fans were banned from Kenilworth Road from 1987 until 1991Credit: GettyStadium overcrowding was a huge problem in the 80sCredit: RexThe overcrowding was dangerous and, in Pleat’s words, the arrangements were “completely chaotic”.But the English domestic game, now the envy of the world, was unrecognisable four decades ago.Conditions at most stadiums were appalling, violence was rife, overcrowded terraces endangered lives, fans were herded like sheep, barked at by police dogs, and watched matches from behind barbed-wire fences or within cages.David Brown, a 59-year-old Hatters supporter who attended the Millwall match as a teenager, said: “You would go to away matches in those days and be terrified.“I remember going to Newcastle in the 80s and being scared to open my mouth for fear of being beaten up.“Last season I went to St James’ Park for a 4-4 draw and Newcastle fans couldn’t have been friendlier.“When you think of the conditions you’d watch football in back then, you wonder why we bothered going.“I’d seen other serious outbreaks of hooliganism — but nothing like the Millwall riot.”Stewards were asked to clean up Luton’s ground the day after the riotCredit: GettyThose who complain about the ‘sanitisation’ of the modern match-going experience tend to conveniently forget how bad things were in the ‘good old days’ of the 70s and 80s.English football was a powder keg. The Luton riot was the night it truly exploded.The Kenilworth Road End, which was supposed to house travelling Millwall fans, became overcrowded as their numbers had been seriously swelled by supporters of rival London clubs.Kick it upfield, I’ll blow the final whistle, then run for your life.Referee told goalkeeper SealeyBrown later worked with a Chelsea fan who had been at the Kenilworth Road riot and admitted to becoming a ‘freelance hooligan’ because “we all wanted to have a go at Luton”, whose own hooligan fringe had been involved in violence at grounds in the capital.By 7pm — 45 minutes before kick-off — a gate had been forced open, leading to crushing, with hundreds of fans invading the pitch and goading Luton supporters in the opposite Oak Road End of the ground.Remarkably, the game kicked off on time but after 14 minutes there was a further pitch invasion, which led to a 35-minute delay.Soon after, forward Brian Stein scored the only goal of the tie for top-flight strugglers Luton against Millwall’s Third Division promotion chasers, with Pleat admitting “we all feared the worst”.Luton Town executives John Smith and Millwall chief executive Tony Shaw met with Sports Minister Neil MacFarlane to discuss the violent clashes in 1985Credit: PABut referee David Hutchinson, a policeman himself, was determined to finish the match. Just before the end, with Sealey about to take a goal-kick, Hutchinson told Sealey: “Kick it upfield, I’ll blow the final whistle, then run for your life.”And all 22 players sprinted for the relative safety of the dressing rooms.For Pleat, reaching an FA Cup semi-final should have been a career highlight.Instead, that achievement was utterly tarnished.The next day he was dragged into an emergency meeting in Parliament — with Luton’s bosses, as well as FA chiefs, grilled and urged to get their house in order.Yet Millwall would be fined a measly £7,500 — a punishment overturned on appeal.Kenilworth Road had been trashed and Evans used the opportunity to ban away fans, to build several executive boxes on the site of the vandalised Bobbers Stand, to install a controversial plastic pitch, as well as introducing the away-fan ban and ID card scheme.Millwall boss George Graham led his players off and later told Pleat he wanted to leave the South London clubCredit: PABrown said: “Evans used the trouble for his own political means. He gave a rabble-rousing speech at the next Tory party conference and, at the next election, he was elected an MP.“The away-fan ban made Luton very unpopular — but the hypocrisy of Evans was that wealthy away fans who could afford the executive boxes were still welcome.”Millwall’s manager that night was George Graham, a friend of Pleat’s ever since they had faced each other in an England v Scotland schoolboy international in 1960, through to their time as rival managers of Tottenham and Arsenal, to the current day, with both men now aged 80.Pleat said: “Before kick-off, George used the stadium’s loudspeaker to urge the Millwall fans to get off the pitch. “We were the last two people inside Kenilworth Road that night and George then told me he wanted to leave Millwall. “They won promotion that season but the following year he was off to Arsenal.”Pleat claimed: “A third of Luton season-ticket holders stopped going to matches after the riot, never to come back.”Thirty-one people were arrested for the violence, appearing at Luton Magistrates Court the next morning.But with Hatters fans waiting outside, at least one Millwall supporter — who had been fined, then freed, for his part in the riot — lost his bravado and refused to leave the courthouse for fear of reprisals.Pleat said: “People forget how dark a place English football was in back then.“The Bradford and Heysel disasters would come soon after.“Now supporters can enjoy matches in decent conditions — but back then, it was a very different game.” Just One More Goal — The Autobiography of David Pleat is available from Biteback Publishing. More

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      Fresh twist in Kyle Walker’s troubled marriage as estranged wife Annie makes major change in new business venture

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      KYLE Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner has used his name professionally for the first time.The model, 31, referred to herself as Annie Walker to plug her jewellery range.Kyle Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner has used his name for the first time professionallyCredit: SplashThe 31-year-old referred to herself as Annie Walker to plug her jewellery rangeCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunHer Instagram post reads: ‘Demure. Founded by Annie Walker & Sophie Haynes’Credit: InstagramHer Instagram post, shared on Saturday, showed her wearing a diamond bracelet, and read: “Demure. Founded by Annie Walker & Sophie Haynes.”Sources said the move is a significant thawing in relations between her and the England and Manchester City love rat, 34.But tensions remain after we told how AC Milan loanee Kyle was pictured with two models, a day after Annie and their four boys visited him in Italy. A source said: “Annie was far from happy and made her feelings clear. Kyle denies anything went on and says he was asked to give the girls a lift.“He’s clearly put himself in a difficult situation given his reputation.”It’s the lack of thought for Annie and how it might look that’s caused the upset.”Despite the pictures, he and Annie are said to be working through their issues and are “in the best position” they have ever been. There is even talk they are intent on establishing themselves as a brand.They met when Annie was 15 and wed in November 2021.The marriage fell apart last January after Kyle was exposed for fathering a second child with Lauryn Goodman.Kyle Walker party girls revealed as globe-trotting models – and lift lid on how star is enjoying his new life in MilanAnnie filed for divorce last August. But insiders claim the divorce is purely financial and will see her take a large share of his estimated £27million fortune. It is possible they will remain in the same home beyond the formalities.A source added: “Kyle’s move to Italy has given the family time to take stock. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and it’ll either bring them closer together or confirm what many around them have thought for a long time.”The marriage fell apart last January after Kyle was exposed for fathering a second child with Lauryn GoodmanLove rat Walker is on loan with Italian giants AC MilanCredit: GettyWalker fathered two children with his ex LaurynCredit: Alamy More