4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Chelsea line up shock Jobe Bellingham transfer as Man Utd eye goalkeeper – latest exclusives from The Sun’s Alan Nixon
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 BellinghamRexBlues co-owner Todd Boehly would love to buy BritishGetty
TODD 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.
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.
Pears, 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 radar
Brighton battle Belgians for Miller
BRIGHTON 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.
SNSLennon Miller might be set for a major move in the summer[/caption]
Angus Leeds way for Toffees
ANGUS 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 gear
CHRIS 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 future
TEEN 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.
RexWalsall are tipped to come back in for Hindolo Mustapha[/caption]
Swans look overseas
SWANSEA 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 puff
WHICH 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 spy
DIRECTOR 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.
RexJosh Dacres-Cogley is already being eyed by Orient[/caption]
Brotherham?
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 hook
BLACKBURN’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.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on My wife and I couldn’t stop arguing and were utterly miserable until we realised we were battling the same condition
ALLEN and Julie Redfearn have been married for 11 years.
They lived in blissful harmony until the occasional argument turned into daily bickering in 2023.
Julie and Allen Redfearn started bickering constantly about 18 months agoAllen and Julie RedfearnThey then realised they were actually both battling the same health conditionAllen and Julie Redfearn
It got to the point that they’d spend every evening miserably sitting at opposite ends of the sofa.
After months of being at each other’s throats, they made the life-changing realisation – they were both secretly battling the same health condition.
Here, coach driver Allen, 54, from Halifax, Yorkshire, who has two daughters from a previous relationship, tells their story.
‘What the hell is wrong with me?’
Ever since we first got together, Julie and I always got on really well.
We shared the same sense of humour and really enjoyed each other’s company.
But about 18 months ago, things started to change between us.
I thought we had a strong relationship where we could deal with anything, but now I felt that bond was crumbling.
We were constantly sniping and blaming each other for things.
There seemed to be a cycle; one week Julie would be moody, emotional and irritable, and the next I’d be all over the place. It was almost as if we were mirroring each other.
At the time, I thought my mood swings were simply a reaction to how Julie was behaving. I thought she had the problem, but she noticed that I was acting oddly too.
I’d always prided myself on being very fit and active. I was in the Army when I was younger. I had also worked for the West Yorkshire Police and I used to play football regularly.
But at this time, my energy levels had hit rock bottom. Julie was the same.
Where before we’d both been very active, exercising, going out, doing things and socialising together, we now spent hours slumped on opposite ends of the sofa, mindlessly watching Netflix and eating takeaways. Or, we’d squabble over what we wanted to watch.
This was never a problem before, because we’d always compromise, or choose something we both liked.
It ended with Julie storming off to the bedroom. I just sat there stewing and fuming, thinking, ‘I’ve had enough, should I just pack my bags and leave?’
I was no longer in the mood for a movie and I slept on the couch that night.
We didn’t speak until the next morning. This was becoming a regular occurrence.
We never got as far as having a full-blown, heated argument. I’m not the type to flare up that much. I’d rather just say, ‘Let’s leave it there’.
For a split second, I thought perhaps, ‘She’s trying to poison me!’
Allen Redfearn
Also, we’d met at a time in our lives where we both felt we were done with fiery rows and all that nonsense.
Instead, we would both retreat and there would be a frosty atmosphere. Some days you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.
That felt terrible, because I’m actually a very affectionate person. So is Julie.
Before, we would hug, hold hands and do things like stroke each other’s arms when watching TV.
I found the lack of affection really difficult and there were moments I’d think, ‘What’s the point, why am I even here?’ It seemed we were more like lodgers than husband and wife.
One time I came home from work and Julie said, ‘I’ve made your tea, but you probably won’t want to eat it’.
I said, ‘Oh what’s wrong with it?’ My daughter shook her head and said, ‘Don’t eat it’.
It was meat and mash that had been in the slow cooker for too long. I took two mouthfuls and said, ‘I am so sorry, but I can’t eat it’.
Julie’s a fantastic cook, but that day her mind wasn’t on the cooking. For a split second, I thought perhaps, ‘She’s trying to poison me!’
Usually, we’d have a laugh about something like that. But Julie wasn’t in the mood to see the funny side.
Allen used to think that the male menopause was ‘nonsense’SuppliedAllen and Julie RedfearnHe admits it took him a while to realise he was actually going through it[/caption]
If we did go out, it was separately. And the intimate side of our relationship was also going downhill.
I’d always had a high sex drive and now our love life was becoming virtually non-existent.
Julie was often tired and she didn’t seem that interested anymore, which I took as rejection.
Communication between us was at an all-time low and we’d both get really grumpy and irritable with each other.
Things went from bad to worse. I felt snappy, forgetful and argumentative.
Like a lot of men, I bottled things up and never expressed what I was feeling.
It got to the point where I would complain to my brother rather than talk to my wife.
‘We didn’t trust each other’
I was low in energy and had problems sleeping. I put on weight and was feeling breathless, which was diagnosed as late-onset asthma.
I was given two different inhalers, which I had to use three to four times a day.
I’d never cried at movies in my life before – and now I’d burst into tears watching something. I would sit there thinking, ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’
At one point, I even thought I was having a breakdown. I started to question the whole relationship.
It’s not that we didn’t trust each other. That was never an issue. It was just that we clearly weren’t making each other happy and I couldn’t understand where it had all gone so wrong.
I thought that Julie had changed and that’s what was affecting me.
We both agreed things couldn’t carry on like this. So, we made a point to sit down and talk properly to each other. We even got the kids involved and made it a family meeting.
We’d never done anything like this before. Having the kids there really helped us to see things more objectively.
They were quite blunt and pointed out that I was being moody and grumpy too.
It wasn’t just Julie who was having mood swings. We both were.
I felt physically and mentally exhausted a lot of the time and I could see this was having an impact on my relationship
Julie Refearn
We wanted to work out a way to move forward. We still loved each other and didn’t want to split up, but there was obviously something else going on.
It turned out that Julie was perimenopausal. As well as mood swings and low energy, she had also been experiencing other symptoms, including brain fog, weight gain, anxiety and her hair was falling out.
One of her friends suggested this could be something to do with coming up to menopause, so about six months ago she went to see her GP, who told her she was perimenopausal and gave her some information to read up about it.
He explained perimenopause is the phase leading up to the menopause, when progesterone and oestrogen start to gradually decline, and this shift in hormones was causing her symptoms.
Julie was prescribed HRT. But this didn’t work for her.
What did work was upping her dose of fluoxetine, a type of antidepressant (SSRI), which she’d been taking since her 30s to help with PMT (premenstrual tension).
She was also prescribed a low dose of propranolol (a beta blocker) to help with her anxiety.
Julie also started to look into what else she could do in terms of changing her diet and lifestyle.
In addition, she started taking Health & Her Perimenopause Support Supplement (£21.99 for 60 capsules – healthandher.com), which contains vitamins B6, B12, C and D, magnesium, iron and zinc, red clover, wild yam, sage, maca, ashwagandha, lavender, ginseng and ginkgo biloba.
‘I thought the manopause was a load of nonsense’
Knowing that Julie was going through perimenopause came as a relief because it explained why she had been going through all these emotional ups and downs.
In an effort to improve our health, we decided to change our diet by cutting out processed foods, drinking less alcohol and only cooking from scratch.
I used to drink about 10 to 20 pints of beer a month, and Julie would enjoy her Prosecco.
We also got a dog and started walking for an hour every day and going for longer walks at the weekends.
After a few months, we both started to feel a lot better. Julie was a lot calmer, but I still had emotional symptoms.
She thought that perhaps I was going through some mid-life changes of my own and said it could be the ‘manopause‘.
I didn’t have a clue about menopause before, let alone manopause! I thought it was all a load of nonsense.
As far as I was concerned, Julie was the one with perimenopause and there was nothing wrong with me.
'Manopause' – what is really going on?
THE male menopause, also referred to as the andropause, or manopause, is the term sometimes used to describe common mid-life physical and emotional symptoms experienced by many men when they reach their late 40s and 50s.
“‘Manopause’ is a broad way of describing a variety of mid-life changes that men may experience, which can leave men not feeling themselves,” says Dr Nathan Spence, senior NHS doctor and lecturer at Oxford University.
“Symptoms may include low energy, restless nights, fluctuating sexual desire, emotional changes, low motivation and trouble concentrating.”
Research shows that over half (55 per cent) of British men are suffering from three or more symptoms of andropause (male menopause, or manopause) and 82 per cent have at least one symptom, even though more than two thirds (78 per cent) have never heard the term ‘andropause’.
Of the 1,000 men (aged between 40 and 55) surveyed, 65 per cent reported experiencing low energy levels, problems with sleeping (30 per cent), weight gain (30 per cent) and muscle and joint pain (30 per cent) along with hair loss (27 per cent).
One in four (25 per cent) lost their sex drive, while 20 per cent had experienced erectile dysfunction, poor concentration and short-term memory issues (20 per cent).
So, what are the potential causes?
“Some of these changes may be linked to a gradual decline in testosterone levels which start decreasing in men by one per cent a year from their 30s,” says Dr Spence.
“By their late 50s, men may have lost up to half of their testosterone levels compared to their 20s. This hormonal shift doesn’t happen as abruptly as in women, but it may still cause some physical, mental, and emotional challenges that deserve attention.”
Other causes may include lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of sleep and exercise, drinking too much, and also psychological factors including stress, depression and anxiety.
“Raising awareness is vital, because these symptoms don’t just impact men – they affect their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life,” says Dr Spence.
“The survey revealed that nearly half of men find it difficult to communicate with their partners, and many said their changes negatively impact their work life, with some even leaving their jobs due to mental well-being challenges.
“Men often feel they need to ‘tough it out’ or dismiss these changes as part of ageing, but understanding that these changes may be linked to andropause can empower them to seek support and solutions.”
When Julie suggested I take supplements, I thought, ‘There’s no harm in trying’, so I started taking Health & Him Andropause + Testosterone Support Supplements (£21.99 for 60 capsules).
I don’t know whether this is a coincidence, but after only two weeks, I stopped having to use my inhalers. This was incredible.
I stopped feeling breathless and, after about a month, I felt much more balanced emotionally. It sounds a strange thing to say but I feel like I’ve had a complete attitude change.
I’d always been quite level headed in the past, but it now feels like I’ve gone up another level.
As Julie and I were both much calmer, we could actually talk and listen to each other.
We started laughing and having fun again. Even the kids have noticed.
When my youngest daughter had an issue at school recently, instead of being furious, I just thought, ‘What’s done is done, we all make mistakes when we’re younger’, and talked to her calmly. She couldn’t believe it.
Looking back to this time last year, my relationship with Julie has improved dramatically.
This includes our sex life. When we weren’t getting on before, I would feel rejected if she wasn’t in the mood, but I have a better understanding of what she was feeling.
Our relationship right now is very rewarding. We’re communicating well and doing things together. In many ways we’ve become even closer.
Sex is no longer such a big deal. It’s only part of our relationship, so I no longer stress about it and the times we do connect now I enjoy it more, because we feel close again.
My advice to any couple going through what we went through is to consider that there may be underlying midlife health issues that need to be addressed.
And, if there are dietary or lifestyle changes you can make, or a supplement that may help, don’t dismiss it.
Julie, 47, shares her side of the story.
‘I didn’t recognise myself anymore’
I didn’t realise I was going through perimenopause until I went to the doctor.
I’d become this person I didn’t recognise anymore. I would get anxious about silly things that never bothered me before, like going out in the car at night.
Some days I would feel really overwhelmed at work and my memory was rubbish compared to what it used to be.
I had less energy, I’d lost interest in exercise and the weight started creeping on.
Where before I could just cut back on carbs for a week to lose a few pounds, this wasn’t working.
When the GP gave me some info to read up about perimenopause, I seemed to tick all the boxes – brain fog, depression, weight gain, restless legs, hair loss, anxiety.
I felt physically and mentally exhausted a lot of the time and I could see this was having an impact on my relationship.
Allen was being grumpy and irritable too, but I just didn’t have the energy to take on board how he was feeling.
The family are far happier now both Allen and Julie have treated their symptomsAllen and Julie RedfearnThey say they are also back to having sex after a long dry spellSupplied
All couples have moments when they don’t get on, but for us it seemed like we were veering off in two separate directions.
It was obviously very worrying, because we’d never been like that before.
We’d always had a laugh, but now everything was deadly serious.
I was going through all these changes and this made me feel more self-conscious.
When you don’t feel that attractive, you’re low in energy and all you want to do is put your jim jams on and go to bed, it’s hard to feel sexy!
This was no reflection on Allen or how I felt about him. It was more about my own insecurities, low mood and energy.
It took about a month after seeing the GP and taking medication to start feeling calmer.
Eating healthier, taking supplements and walking regularly also helped.
I had more energy, I was sleeping better and my hair had stopped falling out. It’s grown back and I think the nutrients in the supplements really helped with that.
Our sex life is back on track too. Allen is much more relaxed about things and there are no expectations.
Just knowing that we both love and care about each other is so important. So, when things do happen it’s even more special.
When you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, it’s easy to become a bit self-absorbed and forget to look out for your partner.
But men also experience changes as they get older. We’ve both learnt a lot and as a result our relationship is stronger and closer than ever.
How to combat 'manopause'
Dr Nathan Spence, senior NHS doctor and lecturer at Oxford University, offers the following advice:
Recognise that what you’re experiencing is valid and common.
Open up to someone you trust – e.g. a partner, friend, or healthcare provider.
Your GP can help to identify whether lifestyle changes, mental health support, or other treatments are needed.
Simple steps like prioritising exercise, particularly strength training, improving sleep habits, and eating a balanced diet can significantly help.
“While eating a healthy, varied diet is important, it can be tricky to get all the nutrients you need to support your mid-life health,” says nutritionist James Davis .
“This is where taking supplements can help.”
Nutrients that can help to reduce the severity of symptoms include:
Testosterone. Zinc helps to support normal testosterone levels in the blood. Combined with B6, it also helps to contribute to protein and glycogen metabolism.
Energy. Vitamins B6, B12, C, riboflavin and pantothenic acid support energy production and reduce tiredness.
Strong muscles. Vitamin D helps maintain muscle function.
Mental wellbeing. Vitamins B6, B12, C, folate, and biotin help maintain psychological balance.
Hair and Skin Health. Biotin and zinc support healthy hair, while copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation and vitamin C aids collagen formation for skin health.
Vision Maintenance. Vitamin A, riboflavin, and zinc promote healthy vision.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Popular budgeting app used by thousands of customers to CLOSE – full list of alternatives
A POPULAR budgeting app used by thousands of savvy spenders is closing down.
The Moneyhub app is set to shut down for all customers on August 14, 2026.
New customers can no longer sign up for a Moneyhub subscription
In a statement published on its website, the fintech company announced: “We will continue to support users, as we do today, until Moneyhub is decommissioned in August 2026.
“In line with our terms and conditions, all personal data will be securely deleted from Moneyhub systems once the app is closed.”
Devastated customers have taken to social media and online forums to share their sadness.
One person posted onX(formerly Twitter): “I’ll be sad to see Moneyhub close. Not sure any of the rivals are as good.”
Another user said on Reddit: “Dammit I just moved to this recently.I just want a wealth tracker without any budgeting.”
The Moneyhub app utilises open banking technology to securely link all your bank accounts, savings products, investments, and credit cards, providing a comprehensive view of your income and expenses in one convenient location.
The app also categorises your finances into savings, as well as areas of spending, such as bills, food and drink and shopping, while enabling you to set budgets to manage your finances effectively.
It also offers helpful features like overspending alerts and the ability to set future financial goals.
However, the service is not free, costing £1.49 per month or £14.99 annually.
New customers can no longer sign up for a Moneyhub subscription.
The app will remain accessible to existing customers for the next 18 months, provided they log in at least once every 90 days to keep their account active.
After this period, all accounts will be automatically and permanently closed on August 14, 2026.
Consumer expert Martyn James said: “Sometimes, the number of financial apps out there can seem overwhelming, and it’s perhaps inevitable that some will close over time.
“But don’t be put off from using open banking apps. There are loads of great businesses that can help you save, take advantage of offers and discounts and orgainse your finances.
“I used Hyperjar to save money and get benefits and cashback from my savings. But there are loads of apps out there that can save you a packet with a bit of smart spending.”
How can a budget help me?
Finances are different for everyone, but there are some budgeting tips that can work for us all.
Firstly, by keeping on top of your bills and credit card payments you will avoid late payment fees.
Not only will this leave you with more money to spend, but it could also benefit your credit rating.
Making your payments on time shows credit reference agencies that you’re good at managing your money, so it’s likely to help improve your score.
This, in turn, could reduce your bills in the future as you may get better deals on credit cards, loans and mortgages.
What other budgeting apps are available?
There are plenty of other money management apps available to help you budget and save effectively.
While most apps are free to use, some may offer optional subscription upgrades for additional features.
Here, we have outlined several other money-saving apps on offer that function in a similar way to Moneyhub.
Snoop
Snoop allows you to link your bank accounts and credit cards, providing you with a personalised digital assistant to help you manage your budget more effectively.
The app highlights potential savings opportunities, such as switching to a cheaper utility provider, and offers tailored insights to optimise your spending.
You can also set up alerts to help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
Snoop is free to download on smartphones via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
For those seeking enhanced functionality, Snoop Plus offers additional features through a subscription priced at £4.99 per month or £39.99 a year.
The ‘Trends’ feature helps visualise spending habits and track progress against monthly targets.
‘Pots’ are sub-accounts for specific savings goals, with options for scheduled transfers and interest.
Monzo Plus and Premium accounts also offer personalised spending targets and additional features
The app also allows for transaction round-ups to boost savings.
Emma
The Emma app is a free financial management tool available on iOS and Android.
It allows you to view all your accounts, including current accounts, savings, credit cards, loans, investments, and even pensions, in one place.
Emma automatically categorises your spending, and you can also set your own budgets to track progress and identify potential savings.
The app provides regular updates on your bills and spending, giving you a comprehensive overview of your finances.
Alternatively, the app’s Plus plan, priced at £4.99 per month or £41.99 annually, provides customers with greater flexibility.
This includes the ability to link more than two bank or credit card accounts, alongside the option to set regular bill reminders.
Regular banking apps
It’s worth exploring the budgeting tools available within your banking app.
Most banking apps provide spending alerts and even round up your daily transactions, making it easier to monitor your expenses in real time – although we recently revealed Santander is axing some of its alerts.
Many also categorise your spending, offering a clear breakdown of where your money is going and highlighting areas where you could cut back.
Additionally, these apps often allow you to set monthly spending budgets, notifying you as you approach your limit to help you stay on track.
For instance, the free NatWest app features a spending and budget tracker that categorises your outgoings and enables you to set budgets, helping you keep a closer eye on your finances.
Similarly, Barclays’ free app offers spending alerts to help you manage your balance effectively.
It also allows you to set spending limits and apply caps on your contactless payments for added control.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on ITV legend, 73, reveals how he went from being a hospital porter to presenting greatest title clash in history
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.
PAUL COOPERElton Welsby is one of football’s most iconic broadcasters[/caption]
Welsby was the face of football on TV in the 1980sRex Features
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.
“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.
GettyWelbsy was the presenter for Arsenal’s iconic win over Liverpool in 1989[/caption]
GettyThe straight shootout at Anfield saw Arsenal win the league[/caption]
AlamyWelsby worked in a hospital before starting his career in sport[/caption]
The 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.
“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.”
GettyWelsby was good friends with Liverpool manager Bob Paisley[/caption]
Paisley had told Welsby he was going to sign Graeme Souness for The RedsRex Features
When 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.
He 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.com
Welsby said he enjoyed working Jack Charlton more than anyone elseSportsfileElton Welsby’s Game For A Laugh is out now
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Strictly favourite teases engagement to model girlfriend after two years of dating saying ‘I’ll hope she’ll say yes!’
A STRICTLY Come Dancing show favourite has teased his engagement to his long-term girlfriend.
The BBC One star, 27, admitted he “hopes she’ll say yes” when he pops the question to his stunning partner, 23.
PAA Strictly Come Dancing pro has teased his engagement to his long-term girlfriend[/caption]
InstagramStrictly’s Nikita Kuzmin has admitted he hopes model girlfriend Lauren Jaine ‘says yes’ when he pops the question[/caption]
GettyThe Ukraine-born dancer is hugely popular in the BBC show[/caption]
The pair were spotted stepping out together at various events – one of which was TheTina TurnerMusical Gala, also attended by Strictly starLayton Williams.
In October, Nikita whisked Lauren away on a romantic trip to Iceland for a birthday trip and she gushed the holiday was “the best birthday present in the world.”
Now the Ukraine-born dancer has opened up on plans for an engagement.
He said: “Yeah, we’ve definitely talked about the future.”
Talking of a marriage he said: “I hope one day she’ll say yes!”
Nikita added to OK! Magazine: “We just saw a video of a wedding in South Africa and got emotional watching it.
“So, why not?”
The love-struck dancer, who is in the midst of his Midnight Dancer tour, shows his affection for his partner, often commenting on her posts with love heart Emoji icons.
He previously uploaded a video of Lauren watching some fireworks with the words: “Always calling her pretty because I don’t know how to spell gorjus.”
STRONG BOND
Back in 2023, a source told The Sun of the pair’s blossoming connection.
They said: “Nikita and Lauren have been dating for months and seem to have an amazing connection.
“The pair have tried to keep their romance under the radar but they have been attending events together and are really enjoying each other’s company.
All your Strictly Come Dancing winners
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
“They have been spending a lot of time together and even went on holiday together in the summer.
“Things are progressing and Nikita is very happy with his new romance.
“Lauren joined Nikita and his parents at Saturday’s live show and he was chuffed to have her in the crowds supporting him.
“His Strictly co-stars also think they are a great match and are rooting for the pair.”
Since finding romance, the couple jetted off to Croatia, with Lauren sharing snaps of them on the plane and beach, as well as a sun-soaked trip to Dubai.
They have also enjoyed a string of dates together in London.
InstagramThe pair made their relationship official in 2023[/caption]
PANikita told how they have ‘talked about the future’[/caption]
SplashLauren is a model and university graduate[/caption]
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Luke Humphries takes a tumble and loses shoe as Belgian Darts Open clash with Mike De Decker turns into nightmare
LUKE HUMPHRIES lost his shoe and the match against Mike De Decker in Belgian.
The World No1 took a tumble on his way up the ramp and his shoe flew off in the process to leave fans in laughter.
XLuke Humphries falls[/caption]
PDCDe Decker celebrates victory over Luke Humphries[/caption]
One said: “Luke Humphries losing his shoe & falling up the stairs onto the stage hahahahaha.
“The Euro Tour just keeps giving in the most spectacular ways.”
Another added: “This never happened with the trusty Slazengers, bring them back!!”
One joked: “If the shoe was on the other foot, Mike de Decker would be laughing too haha.”
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Inside Maura Higgins’ rocky romances from frosty fallouts with Love Island lads to Pete Wicks cheating swipe after split
MAURA Higgins has suffered more than a few rocky romances since finding fame on Love Island.
Despite admitting she would love to have a family, Maura insists she “doesn’t need a man” – and isn’t shy in cutting exes out of her life.
Maura Higgins pictured at the Brit AwardsSplash
The model has brutally snubbed former boyfriends after their relationship ends – and even thrown digs at those who crossed her.
Here we take a look at her relationship history with Towie, Love Island and Strictly stars.
Pete Wicks
GettyMaura and Pete went their separate ways last month[/caption]
Mauradidn’t hold back in throwing shade at her ex Pete Wicks, 37, days after their relationship ended.
She accused him of being unfaithfulon Valentine’s Day when Maura was asked where Pete was, and was filmed replying: “I don’t know, probably cheating.”
Pete shared a joke about it with his Kiss FM co-star Olivia Attwood at the Brits on Saturday.
Referring to Olivia as his “work wife,” he added: “But, he’s not far away, he’s over there actually. It is a little bit weird because it feels like I am…”
Without missing a beat, Olivia chimed in: “Cheating?” Before the two collapsed into fits of giggles. She then quipped: “Not the first time, I might add.”
Pete then shamelessly replied: “Because… I have never done that.”
Chris Taylor
InstagramMaura’s friendship with Chris Taylor developed into a romance[/caption]
Maura enjoyed a brief romance with Chris Taylor after their friendship blossomed in 2021.
Speaking on Celebs Go Dating, Chris said: “I became friends with Maura, and then… yeah, like, we were mates for ages, and then it kind of progressed into other things.”
Confirming it had been a serious relationship, Chris confessed that he loved her but didn’t believe that the feelings were mutual.
Dating coach Anna Williamson remarked: “It sounds very painful,” to which he replied: “It was.”
Chris concluded: “It’s not fun for me, being vulnerable and open. I feel comfortable around the agents talking about it. It doesn’t make it any easier.”
Curtis Pritchard
Curtis and Maura famously met on Love Island in 2019Rex
Love Island fans were cringing when Maura, as host of The Games, came face to face with her ex Curtis Pritchard, who was competing on the show.
The pair had to film an exit interview – and it was VERY awkward.
Curtis had said previously of Maura: “I’ve seen her a couple of times and she’s completely blanked me!”
When he appeared onLove IslandGames, which Maura co-hosted, there was no escaping a reunion.
Before going on air they were recorded in awkward silence before Curtis asked how Maura’s family were.
When the began filming, Maura said: “Long time no see Curtis, yeah I’m good thanks, how are you?”
She went on to ask Curtis why he didn’t choose a different co-star in the recoupling.
“I didn’t follow my balls,” said Curtis.
“I didn’t follow my gut.”
Maura then teased that Curtis “still has no balls”, to which he responded, “You would know!”
He then acted like he’d been knifed in the chest as he shouted “savage”.
The I’m A Celeb star hit the headlines this week for a kiss with Danny Jones
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Teenager charged over ‘murder’ of Glasgow schoolboy
A TEENAGER been charged in connection with the alleged murder of schoolboy Amen Teklay.
The 15-year-old died after being found seriously injured on Clarendon Street in Glasgow’s Maryhill on Wednesday night.
AlamyAlan MacGregor Ewing- Commissioned by The Sun- Commissioned by The Sun
A 14-year-old been charged in connection with his death.
He is due to appear in court tomorrow.
Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson said: “Our thoughts remain with Amen’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“I would also like to thank the community for their support so far. Our investigation continues and I would ask anyone, who may have information which could help us and who has not yet come forward, to please contact us.”
Superintendent Christopher Stewart said: “We are continuing to support Amen’s family and continue to engage with the local community affected by this incident.
“There will continue to be a visible policing presence in the area and I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach a local officer – they are there to help.”
More to follow…
For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun.
Thescottishsun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on AFL Draft 2025: ‘Rare’ talent Cody Curtin looms as WA’s top draftee as key position monster
The teenager looming as the top West Australian pick in this year’s draft is familiar to footy fans. Cody Curtin is the younger brother of Adelaide midfielder Dan, but this is a player with a ‘rare’ talent.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on WA Labor’s Kent has narrow two-party preferred lead, with State election counting to continue
The result in Kalgoorlie remained too close to call on Sunday afternoon, with incumbent MLA Ali Kent of WA Labor just 394 votes ahead of the WA Liberals’ Rowena Olsen on a two-party preferred basis.
