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Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
'I'm ready to go' -- Max O'Leary desperate to make Ireland debut
Once Bristol City's season ended with a play-off defeat to Sheffield United, Max O'Leary took a couple of weeks off. He needed the rest. The goalkeeper knows all about the exhausting schedule of England's second tier, having played 125 consecutive Championship matches for the Robins. It is something, Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson acknowledged when naming the squad a few weeks ago. Goalkeeper Max O'Leary during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile 'This June window has been tough or tricky for Ireland in the past. I would guess the reason is that, after a long season like the Championship, playing two games every week and a lot of matches at the end of the season, players are tired, both physically and mentally,' said the Icelander. All the same, the Bath-born custodian was more than happy to cut his holiday short and join up with the Ireland squad. Given that Caomhín Kelleher had to take time out of the camp to finalise his move to Brentford and with Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers both injured, there's a sense that the stars could align for O'Leary to make his Ireland debut, something he has craved for some time. Goalkeepers Max O'Leary, left, and Josh Keeley during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile 'Of course, it's something I've wanted to do. I've been around a while now and seen a few managers. Hopefully, I'll get my opportunity,' O'Leary said earlier this week. If his chance does come, it will more likely be in Luxembourg on Tuesday night rather than against Senegal tomorrow, but O'Leary insists he is ready. And it has been a long road for the 28-year-old to get to this point. It took him a while to establish himself as the No. 1 in Bristol (left), going out on loan to National League clubs as well as Shrewsbury Town in League One. But once he was given his chance, he grabbed it with both hands. 'Hopefully. I'm ready to go, and if I get that chance, I'll be happy to take it. It's something I've wanted to do, and I've put in the hard work. Goalkeeper Max O'Leary during a Republic of Ireland media conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile 'This is just another thing to tick off, and it would be a great honour,' he says. 'I have definitely matured as a goalkeeper, and you get into a rhythm of playing, especially with the volume of games in the Championship, you get to know your body. 'And I feel like I have done well over that longer period of time. Obviously, there are going to be mistakes in there with so many games, but the consistency I am really happy with.' Liam Manning, who managed Bristol to the play-offs this season, has had the utmost faith in O'Leary, and the goalkeeper says that it was just about having the patience to know his chance would come. Goalkeeper Max O'Leary during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile 'It is all about timing sometimes. I had to bide my time and be patient, went out on a few loans. I know I wasn't ready to make that step up. 'So, I just had to be patient and wait for an opportunity, just try and take it and stay in. To be fair, I had been in for five or six games when I went in first, picked up a little knock and missed the rest of the season. After that, I think I got in after 15 games and played the rest of the season. 'Nigel Pearson was the manager at the time, and he just said, 'go and express yourself, you are going to make mistakes. I don't care. I am going to back you'. And I think just having that confidence to try and express myself and help the team when I can really helped at the start and just carried it on.' His international teammate Jason Knight was made Bristol City captain last season, and O'Leary reckons that added to his game. 'I think for him, it was a big step up at the beginning of the year, being made full-time captain. 'To see him grow into that role has been really good. I think he's been a bit more vocal around the Ireland camps, and he's really stepped up on the pitch for us this year at club level. I know he can bring those performances here as well.'
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Joe Thompson's tearful widow pays tribute to ‘my soulmate, my everything' at ex-Man Utd starlet's funeral
Several big names were in attendance at service ACE'S FAREWELL Joe Thompson's tearful widow pays tribute to 'my soulmate, my everything' at ex-Man Utd starlet's funeral Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOE THOMPSON'S tearful widow paid tribute to 'my soulmate, my everything' at the ex-Manchester United starlet's funeral. The Bath-born midfielder tragically died last month aged 36 following his third battle with cancer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 The funeral of former Manchester United starlet Joe Thompson was held on Monday Credit: Splash 12 The ace tragically died aged 36 after a third battle with cancer Credit: Splash 12 Dion Dublin was among the star names in attendance Credit: BackGrid 12 Danny Simpson paid tribute to his former teammate Credit: BackGrid 12 Thompson's tearful wife hailed her 'soulmate' Credit: BackGrid 12 Scott Sinclair was spotted at the service in Worsley, Great Manchester Credit: Splash Thompson, who retired from football in 2019 after spells at Rochdale, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April 2024. And fans were left in mourning when he passed away in April, with former side United leading the tributes. On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life in a touching ceremony at St Mark's Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester. Former United players in the form of Dion Dublin and Danny Simpson were present at the service. While pals including Scott Sinclar and Wes Brown also attended. Thompson leaves behind wife Chantelle, daughter Lula, 10, and youngest child Athena Rae, 3. And in a tearful moment, his partner paid tribute to her 'soulmate.' As reported by the BBC, Chantelle said: 'He was my soulmate, my rock, and my everything. 'I don't know who I am without him.' Brother Reuben noted: 'What a day. I knew it would be an amazing turnout.' Joe Thompson's career stats Those numbers in full: Rochdale, 2005-2012: 157 games, 17 goals Tranmere Rovers, 2012-2014: 32 games, 4 goals Rochdale (loan), 2012-2013: 7 games, 0 goals Bury, 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals Wrexham (loan), 2014-2015: 1 game, 0 goals Southport (loan), 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals Carlisle United, 2015-2016: 17 games, 1 goal Rochdale, 2016-2019: 39 games, 4 goals Pastor Sam Chanda added: 'He will be missed by so many people, but mainly by Chantelle and his two beautiful daughters. 'Joe was known for his incredible kindness, not only by his loved ones but also by strangers.' Hundreds of fans also attended the funeral, with many donating to charities in honour of Thompson. Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge was present too and said: 'He had a real zest for life. 'Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man.' Following Thompson's death last month, Manchester United led the way with tributes. A statement read: 'A man who epitomised our club's values. We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. 12 The funeral took place at St Mark's Church Credit: Splash 12 Scott Thomas was pictured at the funeral Credit: Splash 12 Wes Brown was also spotted arriving Credit: BackGrid 12 Thompson enjoyed two spells with Rochdale Credit: Rex Features 12 He retired from football in 2019 having beaten cancer twice Credit: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh 12 Tributes were paid up and down the country following his death last month Credit: Getty 'A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time.' Thompson, who came through the ranks at United before leaving in 2005 without making a senior appearance, enjoyed two spells at Rochdale – playing 196 times in total. Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year. Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016. However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later. Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to return to action just nine months after playing his previous match. What is Hodgkin lymphoma? HODGKIN lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK. Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. Slightly more men than women are affected. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients per year. It is more common as you get older, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 75. In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making a person more vulnerable to infection. Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes. This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include: Night sweats Unintentional weight loss A high temperature (fever) A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness Persistent itching of the skin all over the body Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS. He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he scored a crucial goal after coming on as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season. It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One. The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019. After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved into the world of public speaking. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the "aggressive" lymphoma was already at stage four. It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep. And although it "hurt" him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again. He said: "It's far from ideal and it's come back quite aggressive, so stage four. "The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I've had previously, but the issue for me this time is it's gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard. "You've only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible. "That's where I'm at so I've got to lead from the front. I'm going to need cavalry and I'm ready for them to rise up and we'll just get through it again, and then we look at the future."
Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
John Cleese: I don't have a house or car — I've given my flat to my wife
For a man whose financial security was famously imperilled after a costly divorce from his third wife nearly 20 years ago, John Cleese has not lost his silliness or, it seems, his generosity of spirit. His bruising separation from the psychotherapist Alyce Faye Eichelberger in the mid-Noughties burnt a £15 million hole in his pocket, meaning that a gentle retirement was no longer on the cards. From his famously embittered-sounding Alimony Tour in 2011 up to his present punishing work schedule, he is still mending his finances. But that didn't stop him recently signing over the lease to what he says is his only remaining property — a flat in Chelsea — to his fourth wife, the 53-year-old Bath-born jewellery designer Jennifer Wade. 'The third
Arab News
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Soccer-Former Rochdale midfielder Thompson dies at 36
DUBAI: Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died aged 36 after a long battle with cancer, the English fifth tier club said on said Thompson died peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma for a third time in April last year, five years after retiring from professional a form of blood cancer, had reached his lungs after he overcame the illness twice during his playing days. The Bath-born player began and ended his career at Rochdale, making three separate spells at the club.'We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality,' Rochdale said in a statement.'He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.'Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time.'Thompson came through Manchester United's academy, having joined it at the age of nine, before playing for Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United.'A man who epitomised our club's values ... A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time,' Manchester United said in a statement.
Reuters
18-04-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Former Rochdale midfielder Thompson dies at 36
April 18 (Reuters) - Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died aged 36 after a long battle with cancer, the English fifth tier club said on Friday. Rochdale said Thompson died peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma for a third time in April last year, five years after retiring from professional football. Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, had reached his lungs after he overcame the illness twice during his playing days. The Bath-born player began and ended his career at Rochdale, making three separate spells at the club. "We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," Rochdale said in a statement. "He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. "Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time." Thompson came through Manchester United's academy, having joined it at the age of nine, before playing for Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United. "A man who epitomised our club's values ... A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time," Manchester United said in a statement.
