Scotland assistant Carver extends stay with Lechia
John Carver has signed a new three-year contract with Lechia Gdansk and is set to continue to combine his job with being Scotland assistant after steering the Polish top-flight club clear of relegation after arriving in December. (The Herald On Sunday), externalEverton are considering Ben Doak in a potential move driven by manager David Moyes and Liverpool are prepared to sell the 19-year-old Scotland winger but value him at £30m. (Ben Jacobs on X), externalShould Everton succeed in their bid to sign Liverpool winger Ben Doak, for whom bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town were rejected in January, he would be the first player to directly transfer between the two clubs in 23 years. (TalkSport), externalRead Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
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The Sun
19 minutes ago
- The Sun
I joined Inter Milan after winning a TV competition then won the Champions League and body doubled for Cristiano Ronaldo
JOSE MOURINHO was the last Inter Milan manager to lead the club to Champions League glory. And an ex-pro golfer turned player-manager in the Isthmian League South East Division had a front-row seat after winning a place in the Italians' squad on a TV talent show. 15 15 15 15 And he'd already had a stint as Cristiano Ronaldo's body double. Ben Greenhalgh won the first and only series of Football's Next Star, which aired on Sky in 2010, earning a six-month professional contract at Inter aged just 17. And, only months later, he found himself sitting just behind Mourinho as he masterminded a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final to complete the Treble. Greenhalgh was not part of the matchday squad ,in fact he never made a first-team appearance for Inter. But he DID get a winner's medal at the Bernabeu. Now a player-manager at non-league Margate, Greenhalgh, 33, told SunSport: 'Looking back, it's absolutely mental. To be part of Inter's best season ever is incredible. 'I sat two rows behind the dugout. 'I didn't celebrate much, I almost wish I'd run on the pitch and got even more involved. 'I jumped at the opportunity to take the Champions League medal. We got given about five extras. 'They might have been for players Mourinho cast out who weren't there like Ricardo Quaresma and Marko Arnautovic. Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers 'It's the best story I'm ever going to have in football. It will stick with me forever and I'm really happy about that.' The Champions League final on May 22, 2010 came 401 days after Greenhalgh made his Welling United first-team debut on his 17th birthday. But his stratospheric rise from Bexley to the Bernabeu came from his victory on the short-lived TV talent show. He was actually unaware of the trials when his Kent FA team went for what they thought was a regular training day in London until spotting cameras, Inter coaches and presenter Jamie Redknapp. Out of 20,000 hopefuls, Inter's scouts whittled it down to 40 before a final ten were invited out to Milan. Greenhalgh admitted: 'No one knew what was going on because a show like this hadn't been aired before. It's the best story I'm ever going to have in football. It will stick with me forever and I'm really happy about that. Ben Greenhalgh 'Now those shows are quite nostalgic. 'I don't know why it's never come back because it did really well. One night it beat Strictly for viewers. 'I watched it in Italy, already playing for Inter. People were trying to contact me and find out if I was the winner. 'I remember my Facebook crashed with friend requests.' Redknapp took 17-year-old Ben under his wing, even giving the youngster his mobile number to mentor him. Ironically, Greenlagh reckons his career could have turned out better had he NOT won the show - because Redknapp said his dad Harry would have signed him at Tottenham. 15 15 15 15 15 But the winger would not trade the Inter memories, winning the Champions League and training under the Special One. Greenhalgh, who had Inter kits growing up, said: 'It's pretty surreal given just how monumental Inter Milan are as a football club. 'Meeting Jose was very nerve-wracking. 'He had an unbelievable aura, he was the best manager in the world then. 'He was so respectful to me and put me at ease straight away. 'Suddenly, I was thrown into training with Lucio, Quaresma, Mario Balotelli, Wesley Sneijder, Diego Milito, Samuel Eto'o, Javier Zanetti made everything look effortless at 39. 'I nutmegged Patrick Vieira but it didn't make the show!' But Greenhalgh's opening training session at Inter was not his first time rubbing shoulders with footballing stardom. Because aged just 16, he got a gig as Ronaldo's body double through a football choreographer friend who worked on Nike and adidas adverts. Greenhalgh also played the likes of fellow left-footers Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale, protecting the players from going into tackles and risking injury. Greenhalgh said: 'Cristiano was my idol. No one could shock me as much. It was crazy, he'd just won the Champions League at Manchester United. 'We had a couple of funny moments. 'The media got hold we were in a gym shooting an advert and suddenly about 100 cameramen hovered outside. 'I was dressed as Ronaldo so I ran down the street under an umbrella. All the journalists followed and Ronaldo slipped out the back door unnoticed. 'Doing Ozil was probably the best one because we're similar creative players and used to have kickabouts between sets.' Greenhalgh, though, had to give up his job as 'Ronaldo' because he couldn't abandon training to fly from Milan to Madrid to film more adverts. In the end, he stayed at Inter for 18 months, which included a fruitful loan stint at Como, scoring eight goals in 12 games. Como wanted to make a deal permanent when his extended Inter contract expired in 2011 but Italian football's financial disarray meant the club could not afford to pay him. So he returned to England, joining Brighton in League One. 15 15 15 15 The Seagulls were flying on their progression through the leagues and he could not break into the team and suffered a similar struggle at Birmingham. That saw Greenhalgh drop back into non-league, returning to where it all started at Welling, still only 19. It was a stint at Inverness, though, that ironically launched Greenhalgh into a pro career in a different sport. He added: 'I haven't got John Hughes to thank for much at Inverness for dropping me… but he made me a very good golfer. 'I was on the course every day. I went to Scotland a six handicapper and got down to scratch. 'Back in England, I passed my playing ability test to become a PGA professional. 'I did it for 18 months, won one pro competition, breaking the course record at Addington, which I can cling on to. 'But I couldn't play the big tournaments because of my football matches at the weekend. I was a footballer playing golf.' CAN'T JAV IT Now settled as coach of Dartford's academy and 'building something' as player-manager at Margate - who lost in England's eighth-tier play-offs last month - Greenhalgh wants to keep playing like his body double Ronaldo until he is 40 before climbing up the ladder as a gaffer. But whatever else Greenhalgh achieves - whether as a footballer, coach or golfer - he will always have that Champions League medal, even if an Inter legend comes calling again. Greenhalgh explained: 'Zanetti's partner messaged me five years ago asking if he could buy my Champions League medal off me for the Inter museum. 'I might have made money but I knew I'm obviously never again going to top it so it'd be hard to part with it. 'The Libertines sponsor Margate's kit and this year we've gone Inter Milan style because of my links. 'I want to try and get Zanetti a Margate shirt to put it up in his restaurant. 'Hopefully, it's a good year for Inter Milan and hopefully it's a good year for Margate.' Greenhalgh's final prediction FORMER Inter Milan Champions League winner Ben Greenhalgh believes his old side will be crowned Kings of Europe again. Ex-Inter man and Football's Next Star winner Greenhalgh was sat behind the Bernabeu dugouts as Diego Milito scored twice for Jose Mourinho's side against Bayern Munich to secure a 2-0 victory in the 2010 final. And the Margate player-manager reckons fans are in for a treat on Saturday night. Greenhalgh said: 'It's going to be a really good game of football, a top game. 'If PSG don't score early on, and Inter show the defensive manner in which they play, and how well they are well-packed and well-organised, I think it will frustrate PSG. 'Inter are a team that definitely jump at teams when they're frustrated. They play in that manner and they've got that brilliant fighting spirit. 'If they can antagonise them in that way, which as a fan is good to watch, it's good to watch how well Inter seem to wind other teams up. 'I think if they can manage to let the game go in that manner and stop the attack and threats that PSG have early on, then I think they'll grow in confidence in the game. 'But if they let PSG get too much confidence, I think they'll be tough to come back and beat.' Greenhalgh, though, is confident his old side will come out on top against PSG in Munich. He added: 'I'm going to go for 2-1 Inter Milan in extra time. I think Inter Milan will score first then PSG will need to go on the front foot for the final 15-20 minutes. 'Then I think Inter Milan will do them in extra time. 'Lautaro Martinez has been such a good leader. He reminds me of Diego Milito leading that front line. 'Martinez will be the matchwinner. 'Inter as a club need to win the Champions League to get them back to the good days.'
Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Kyle Walker's relationship with wife Annie Kilner is 'as bad as it's ever been' as couple are barely speaking after his return home from unsuccessful AC Milan spell
Kyle Walker 's relationship with wife Annie Kliner is 'as bad as it's ever been', as the England international ponders his next move following an unsuccessful spell at AC Milan. The full-back, 34, is back in the UK and according to pals is 'barely speaking' with Annie, who is still unable to forgive him and move on from the footballer's affairs with Lauryn Goodman, 34, the mother of two of his six children. Walker hoped his stint in Italy with the seven-time Champions League winners would trigger a fresh start for himself and Annie, 33, Being away from the 'noise' of his sex scandal was a major reason behind his hasty departure from Manchester City in January. But the Rossoneri have declined the opportunity to sign Walker for an extra year, meaning he will now have to find another club with City boss Pep Guardiola indicating the defender has no future at the Etihad, despite having one year left on his contract. And insiders have told MailOnline his inner circle view his stint in Milan as a 'wasted opportunity', not only for his football career but getting his marriage back on track with Annie. A friend said: 'Kyle really enjoyed his time with Milan, especially off the pitch. The full-back, 34, is back in the UK and according to pals is 'barely speaking' with Annie, 33, who is still unable to forgive him and move on from the footballer's affairs with Lauryn Goodman, 34 (pictured), the mother of two of his six children Walker hoped his stint in Italy with the seven-time Champions League winners would trigger a fresh start for himself and Annie (pictured). Being away from the 'noise' of his sex scandal was a major reason behind his hasty departure from Manchester City in January 'Having played under Guardiola for so long, which is exhausting having to meet his lofty standards, he felt the shackles were off when he joined Milan and made the most of his new lifestyle, perhaps eating and drinking what he wouldn't ordinarily consume, as well as socialising more. 'That impacted him on the pitch which is why he didn't perform to the levels he's become accustomed to over the years. 'That disappointed his parents who flew over to watch him for the last game of the season and he didn't even make the bench. 'His family see it as a wasted opportunity as now he's back to square one again.' Walker, who made Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad for summer internationals against Andorra and Senegal despite his unfruitful spell in Italy, could well continue his club career in England, despite fears being based in the UK could trigger more unwanted attention from ex-mistress Lauryn, mother of his kids Kairo, four, and Kinara, two The friend said: 'Kyle is more of a 'home bod' than perhaps he thought so staying in the UK has become more of an attractive option, even if it means he'll be nearer Lauryn. 'This obviously displeases Annie but there's more immediate concerns currently within their relationship which continues to hang by a thread. Insiders have told MailOnline his inner circle view his stint in Milan as a 'wasted opportunity', not only for his football career but getting his marriage back on track with Annie (Walker pictured signing his AC Milan contract) 'They're barely talking and their marriage is as bad as it's ever been.' Walker angered Annie after he was caught out partying with two women last March while getting used to his new surroundings in Milan. He took them to Tocqueville 13, one of the city's most popular nightclubs, where he enjoyed a £5,300 Super VIP extravagance with the pair and partied into the early hours. It all happened just one day after his wife and their children flew back to the UK. Walker has spent the past few months jetting back and forth to his home in Cheshire from Milan in order to see his four children with Annie - Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six and six-month-old Rezon. The pair had discussed relocating to the Italian city and enrolling their kids in local schools should his move work out. But after just 11 appearances in a Milan side which finished in a disappointing 8th place in Serie A, Walker is now on the search for a new club. Speaking earlier this month, City boss Guardiola ruled out Walker making his squad for this summer's Club World Club to be held in the United States next month, as he's no longer part of his plans. The former Tottenham defender, who has won 95 England caps, joined Manchester City for a then English record fee for a defender in 2017, winning an impressive haul of silverware, including six Premier Leagues and a Champions League title.
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
Meet the Champions League final WAGs from PSG ace dating fellow player to Inter pair caught in bizarre cheating scandal
Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player... IT'S the most glamorous fixture on the football calendar - but the glitziest stars will be the ones cheering on from the sidelines. As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to take on Inter this evening, the players' stunning WAGs will be getting dressed up to the nines as their partners prepare for potential Champions League glory. 24 24 24 24 While PSG's roster has included superstars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in recent years, this year's team is full of young, hungry talents ready to make their own names on the world stage. The likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi will be testing themselves at the Allianz Arena in Munich against Inter 's equally impressive side, which boasts stars including Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. But away from the pitch, which of these names are scoring in their love lives too? From doctors to lawyers and even fellow players - as well as a dramatic cheating scandal - we reveal all about PSG and Inter's top WAGs. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. Nitsa Tavadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Brainy Nitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine while her relationship with the Georgian star blossomed. In 2023, they tied the knot at the historic Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, celebrating with Georgian traditions, attire, and customs. Although the couple were introduced by a mutual friend in 2021 sparks didn't fly until a month later. Due to Nitsa's demanding studies, the pair would write to and call each other, and would meet up during their time off or when Kvaratskhelia was on an international break. When Nitsa didn't have lectures to attend, she would go to Naples and attend matches at his former team, Napoli. They made their first appearance at a basketball game between Italy and Georgia and by 2022 they were official. Now, they share a son, Damian, one. Golf Wag Jena Sims 'test drives her bikinis for summer' with fans unable to pick between skimpy outfits Océane Toussaint and Warren Zaire-Emery 24 24 French goalie Océane Toussaint, 21, has been in a relationship with her fellow PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, since 2024. They were first papped together at a Louis Vuitton event in January and later confirmed their relationship at a gala in May. Océane was the first goalkeeper to win the Titi d'Or - a fan award for PSG's most promising academy player - in 2023 and took to social media to share her success with fans. She wrote: 'Very proud to be the first Titi gold keeper, thank you again for all your messages.' During their short time together so far, Océane and Warren have already jetted off for glamorous holidays and were seen visiting Zoomarine in the Algarve. Madalena Aragão and João Neves 24 24 24 Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, has been in a relationship with João Neves, 20, since 2024. Madalena made her acting debut in 2016 when she was just 10 years old in the soap opera Rainha das Flores. The talented actress is also a popular blogger and creator of a YouTube channel, where she shares her thoughts on teenage life and growing up. Since embarking on her new relationship with João it's been go go go. She even moved to Paris to be with him after his move from Benfica to the French giants. The pair have also been quite active on social media, sharing several adorable pics together. In response to one of Madalena's recent Instagram posts, Portuguese actor and model Diogo Amaral replied: 'My favourite couple.' Carol Cabrino and Marquinhos 24 Influencer Carol Cabrino, 32, carved out a successful singing career before her marriage to Brazilian centre back Marquinhos, 31. After he proposed to her underneath the Eiffel Tower, the pair had a civil wedding in June 2016. Together they share three children - Maria, eight, Enrico, six, and Martina, 3 - but tragically, Carol recently opened up about losing her fourth child after suffering a miscarriage. Taking to Instagram to share the distressing news in March, she said: 'I'm going to talk about something that is not very good. 'But I've accepted what happened to me and I've come to share it with you. "I can't get on with my life if I don't come here and explain to you a little of the things that have been happening in my life for a while now.' Alessia Elefante and Gianluigi Donnarumma 24 24 24 Italian bombshell Alessia Elefante, 27, is the fiancée of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, and the couple have been together for over seven years. Alessia is an interior designer and mum to one-year-old Leo, whom she shares with Gianluigi. The Italian pro footballer proposed to her a month after their son was born. They also share a dog named Coco that Alessia has referred to via her Instagram as her 'favourite baby boy' and 'a prince' - before her son was born, of course! Alessia also stands 39cm shorter than her partner who reaches a whopping 6ft5inches. Despite such a significant height difference, the couple seem super loved up and often share photos together on social media. Another little known fact about Alessia is that she's a twin. On May 27, 2024, she took to Instagram to share a birthday pic with her sister Daniela. The caption wrote: 'Since 1998. Love you.' Shocked fans were quick to spot the similarities between the pair. One person wrote: 'I thought there was a mirror in the 1st pic.' Inter Milan Agustina Gandolfo and Lautaro Martinez 24 24 Model Agustina, 29, has two children with Inter's star striker Lautaro, 27, Nina, four and Theo, two. Agus has developed a career as a mumfluencer in recent years, with her candid posts about the realities of motherhood. Alongside her personal updates, she has launched her own lifestyle brand, Coraje, as well as partnering with trendy fashion and fitness labels like Cloter Official and Tropical Sweat. She met her Argentine husband around 2016 when he was playing for local club Racing, at a party hosted by fellow stars Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara. They were initially pals but later fell in love. They had their first child, a daughter named Nina, in 2021 and had a son in 2023. The pair had a lavish wedding in Villa d'Este on Lake Como Italy in 2023 with 120 guests. Agus has three tattoos: one of birds flying on her upper back, a heart on her arm and a quote on her ribs. She also made headlines in 2021 after claiming a Milan restaurant had handed her a menu that didn't have any prices on during a romantic meal out with her man. She claimed on her Instagram story that the practice is sexist - because it assumes the man is going to pay for the meal, not the woman. Kleofina Pnishi and Benjamin Pavard 24 24 Kosovo-born actress and model Kleofina, 30, was elected Miss Provence 2017 and ran in the Miss France competition the following year. But life hasn't always been easy. When she was just five years old, her family fled their homeland due to the war and arrived in France in 1999. She graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication of Aix-Marseille, before meeting Benjamin Pavard, 29, with the pair getting engaged in July last year. Benjamin got down on one knee on the coast of Saranda, Albania, in a beautiful, romantic proposal made special with flowers and candles. Federica Schievenin and Nicolò Barella 24 24 Stunning sports scientist Federica Schievenin, 35, met childhood sweetheart Nicolò, 28, over a decade ago. Like her beau, she has had a passion for sports since a young age thanks to thanks to her dad, who was into motocross. She earned a PT CFT3 certification from the International Sports Scientists Association in 2019 and is now said to be studying nutraceuticals and naturopathy. The pair tied the knot in 2018 and are now parents to four children: daughters Rebecca, eight, Lavinia, five, Matilde, four and a baby son, Romeo. Federica keeps her children's faces hidden on social media, usually with an emoji. Claudia Scarpari and Francesco Acerbi 24 Claudia Scarpari, 38, is the wife of defender Francesco Acerb i, 37, who she met in early 2020. Speaking of their early romance, the glamorous lawyer said she found it "enchanting" to watch him play, but admitted she didn't follow football before they met. However, since falling in love with the defender, Claudia has revealed she had never missed a match, and will always be cheering on her partner. Claudia already has a daughter and a son from a previous relationship, and has had more children with Francesco. Their daughters are named Vittoria, four and Nala, two. On top of being a supportive WAG, Claudia is a successful lawyer and has spoken of the similarities between the couple's careers, explaining they are both "defending and protecting what we believe in". The couple married in early 2025 in Cassina Rizzardi, Italy. Sinem Gündoğdu and Hakan Çalhanoğlu 24 24 Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, and Sinem, 30, grew up together in Turkey before tying the knot in 2017, but their relationship has not always been plain sailing. In 2018, the midfielder sensationally announced the decision to divorce his wife after a "very serious and unforgivable situation occurred". Sinem's response was speedy, and came with another bombshell, as she announced: "I never cheated on you. By the way, I'm pregnant." Fortunately, the couple appear to have resolved their issues and now seem better than ever. Together they have three children: Liya, six, born in 2019, Ayaz, four, born in 2021 and Asil Can, two, born in 2023.
