Latest news with #DionDublin
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Homes Under the Hammer star Dion Dublin can demolish his £1.2million mansion to build new luxury five-bed
Homes Under the Hammer presenter Dion Dublin has been given the green light to demolish his run-down mansion and build a series of luxury homes. The ex-Celtic and Manchester Utd forward, 56, splashed out £1.24million on a mansion in the upmarket village of Caldy, on the Wirral Peninsula, in Merseyside last year with his wife Cheryl. He had originally planned to renovate the run down property with Wirral Council giving him the go-ahead to take the house back to its former glory. But after some investigations Dublin decided to level it and start from scratch after the Aston Villa striker said the 'poor physical condition' of the 1930s building meant it would be cheaper and easier to build a new property. The new house will include a cinema room, large kitchen diner with pantry, plus games and play rooms for the couple's five-year-old daughter Ruby on the ground floor, and five en-suite bedrooms and a laundry room upstairs. New gate pillars will be installed at the entrance but the existing large hedgerows will be kept 'to retain the natural sense of enclosure which is enjoyed', the application says. There will be off road spaces for at least three cars, including electric vehicle charging and cycle parking, and a 715sqm garden accessed via a tiled terrace and steps. Specialist bat boxes will also be installed on the outside walls after four different species of the protected animal were sighted either emerging from the eaves of the house or foraging in the garden during surveys last summer. Bats are a protected species under UK law and it is illegal to kill, possess or handle them without a licence or to cause them harm or disturb their habitat in any way. Experts visited the property and a special bat licence would be needed if any of the mammals are discovered. The plans also state that the replacement home would not overlook or create any 'loss of privacy issues' to existing neighbouring properties. The application that has now been given the green light and the family claim the new house better reflects the family's 'needs and aspirations.' It has been designed in order to 'create a quality new living environment' while maintaining 'a sympathetic appearance within the street scene,' it says. The plans also state that the replacement home, which has impressive views over the River Dee estuary and north Wales and is just five minutes' walk to the nearest beach, would not overlook or create any 'loss of privacy issues' to existing neighbouring properties. Dublin, who moved into punditry and television work after retiring from football, previously revealed how he was asked to present Homes Under the Hammer when the BBC discovered he had set up a building firm after he finished playing. He said: '(They) said, '"Do you fancy walking around an empty house in Salford and telling us what you think of it?" And that's basically what happened. The new house will include a cinema room, large kitchen diner with pantry, plus games and play rooms for the couple's five-year-old daughter Ruby 'I walked around an empty house in Salford with a cameraman, had a look around and I said what I would do if it was mine. They liked it and there you go, that's how I've got onto Homes Under the Hammer.' Dublin, who married wife, Cheryl, in 2017, is also currently a director at former club Cambridge United. During his playing days he also had spells with Manchester United, Coventry City and Aston Villa before retiring and moving into broadcasting. Wirral Council said: 'The proposed development for the erection a replacement dwelling is not considered detrimental to the character of the wider street scene and is acceptable in terms of scale and design. 'The development is also not considered to have an adverse impact on the amenities which the occupiers of the neighbouring properties can reasonably expect to enjoy and provides sufficient residential accommodation for the enjoyment of future occupiers.'
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Joe Thompson's funeral hears he was 'beacon of hope'
Former footballer Joe Thompson has been described as a "beacon of hope" at his funeral, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their who died last month aged 36, twice recovered from cancer during his playing career, which included more than 150 appearances for Rochdale service at St Marks Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester was packed earlier as mourners, including family, fans and former players gathered in the sunshine to celebrate his Thompson read a message to the congregation from his late brother Joe, who said he was "a lover of life, not a victim". His family had invited everyone to attend the funeral, where screens had been erected to broadcast the service outside for those who could not get into the Aston Villa and Man United striker Dion Dublin and Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge were among those to Sam Chanda told the congregation "Joe was known for his incredible kindness... not only by his loved ones but [also by] strangers"."He was more than just an amazing footballer. He was a beacon of hope who always put those around him first." he Thompson's widow Chantelle said her late husband was her "soulmate... my rock... and my everything". "He was unbelievable with what he went through," former Manchester United academy product Danny Webber said of Joe Thompson."I was better for knowing him."Former Manchester City defender Keith Curle, who managed Joe at Carlisle United, said he was a "wonderful human being".White doves were released at the end of the service as Gabrielle's Dreams was 12-year-old daughter Thailula said her late father had been "such a great role model for me""What a life we have had together," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Joe Thompson funeral: Dion Dublin and ex-Man United youth stars pay respects to former football who died aged 36 after cancer battle
Dion Dublin was among the figures associated with Manchester United in attendance for former academy player Joe Thompson's funeral, as his family and loved ones gathered to pay their respects. Thompson, who came through Man United 's academy revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time last year. He was found to have stage four lymphona - a type of blood cancer. He had previously been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and recovered before the cancer returned four years later. He went on to recover a second time before calling time on his career in 2019. His funeral in Worsely, Greater Manchester, was attended by a number of former team-mates, friends and figures from the club. Dublin was joined by former Red Devils defender and Premier League winner with Leicester City Danny Simpson, as well as former Rochdale player Simon Ramsden and Danny Webber, who came through the ranks at Old Trafford. Thompson's family in fact invited anyone who wanted to pay their respects to attend the service in Worsely, with hundreds arriving on the day, and asked for donations to be made to charities supported by the former player. Danny Simpson came through the ranks at Old Trafford before winning the title with Leicester Thompson's playing career included spells at Rochdale, Tranmere, Southport, Bury and Carlisle United, before he retired in 2019. Fans from clubs that he played for were among those in attendance on Monday, with Rochdale's co-chairman Simon Gauge also at the service. 'He had a real zest for life. Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad - he was a wonderful man,' said Gauge. Thompson became a regular pundit on MUTV following his retirement and held an ambassadorial role, along with working as a motivational speaker and life coach.
BBC News
14-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tottenham's 'ludicrous defending' has 'become a habit'
Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin has criticised Tottenham's "incredibly poor" defending and organisation against Wolves, which saw Ange Postecoglou's ship four goals and fall to their 17th Premier League defeat of the on Match of the Day 2, Dublin said: "Tottenham made it very easy for them indeed. Their defending and organisation was incredibly poor. It was schoolboy stuff."I have no idea what they were doing in certain situations. At times, they just needed to clear the ball and give their teammate the chance to get up the pitch. It was their reactions as well, there was zero pressure on the ball."Conceding an own goal, which had nothing to do with any of the Wolves players at all, is just so poor."There was just no communication but, when you keep doing that, it starts to become a habit. If you aren't held accountable for your actions, it becomes a habit."Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy agreed, stating that "ludicrous defending" has happened "too many times this season"."It is never the same player though, so that shows the mentality is wrong in their defending and their organisation," he added. "It is ludicrous defending."I think that they play so off the cuff at times and that is why their fans are so frustrated at the moment." Catch up on Match of the Day 2 here
The Guardian
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The FA Cup needs a dose of Dion Dublin's energy
You have to hand it to Dion Dublin. The energy that the former footballer brought to Homes Under the Hammer – a British property show in which the giant striker navigated the innards of (mostly) tiny, decrepit terraced houses – was sensational. You might have thought that Dublin would have lost his zest after explaining to the viewer where the stairs went ('up to the bedrooms') for the 7,854th time, but in a world where recently retired players struggled for both purpose and opportunity, we respected Dublin's chutzpah as he rolled up his sleeves and took on a new challenge with such enthusiasm. Just like trying to sell those houses, selling that show to the viewer wasn't easy. But Dublin showed up, and we watched. Watching this English football season unfold has been a lot like watching one of those Homes Under the Hammer episodes. Television presenters, pundits and pre-match montage creators have done their best to channel their inner Dublin in an attempt to create drama, narrative and jeopardy out of the footballing equivalent of a caravan (no stairs to the bedrooms, alas) that has just had its tyres slashed. The Premier League title race is effectively over (as is the WSL), the relegation places are all-but sewn up and now we are reduced to getting excited about which oil, gambling or USA USA USA private equity-backed clubs will make it into Bigger Cup next season. Football Daily can barely contain its excitement, our palms red raw with all the rubbing. After the euphoria of Saudi Arabia's Dan Burn's Milk Cup final victory, the FA Cup was seen by many as the last great domestic hope, a place where big guns and Big Money went to die, the last bastion for romance, magic and the hope of something better. But then Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace lasted all of 38 minutes before the visitors had the game won. Brighton 0-0 Nottingham Forest lasted – regrettably – 120+ minutes before the Tricky Trees scraped through their third penalty shootout of this year's competition. Aston Villa steamrolled Preston and despite a brief moment where Bournemouth had Manchester City on the ropes, Pep Guardiola's brave boys romped to victory to secure the fourth semi-final berth – their seventh in a row. Forest v City and Palace v Villa is certainly not the least interesting FA Cup semi-final lineup in recent years, but it also feels inevitable now that City will lurch to yet another Wembley triumph. At least Dion will be on hand to remind Kevin De Bruyne and co where the stairs are. Other presenters and pundits will do their best to bring some much-needed Dublin-esque gusto to proceedings – as will Forest, Palace and Villa – but just like Mitchell and Webb's very own property programme, it might be in everyone's interests to hurry this one along and just give the FA Cup to Manchester City now. Hurrah! I asked him if he could do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke. He responded 'callate la boca' which I think means 'yes' in Spanish' – Andy Murray gets two decent gags into the caption while posting a picture with Lionel Messi at the Miami Open tennis tournament. Slightly confused by Friday's News, Bits, Bobs (Football Daily – full email edition) item re a USA USA USA consortium takeover of Leyton Orient, leading to an American football franchise in East London. Will Orient be playing gridiron or football?' – John Lawton. I don't usually watch things like the FA Cup draw but I was so amazed to witness the filling of pointless TV time. Five teams, four balls in a bag. Joe Hart picks one then two. The draw is complete at this point with no home advantage on the line. But no! The third ball is dramatically withdrawn from the bag followed by the fourth as if the tie was undecided and a whiff of excitement. Still it was a surprise that Joe didn't drop any balls or spill the bag on the floor, as was his goalkeeping style. Well done Joe' – Nigel Sanders. I am not sure that Newcastle United can really claim to be 'leaving' St James' Park for a stadium in Leazes Park. The reason being that these two parks are right next door to each other [a move next door is still a move, isn't it? – Football Daily Ed]' – Stephen Rankin. Send letters to Today's prizeless letter o' the day winner is … John Lawton. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we have them, can be viewed here. Listen up! Max Rushden is joined by Lars Sivertsen, Seb Hutchinson and Sanny Rudravajhala to look back on the FA Cup in the latest Football Weekly podcast. Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The England international had a successful appendectomy after experiencing severe abdominal pain. Ouch! Beth Mead struck twice as Arsenal eased past WSL strugglers Crystal Palace, while West Ham ended Chelsea's winning streak at home by earning an unexpected 2-2 draw. Club World Cup latest: after León were removed due to Fifa multi-club ownership rules, a playoff between LAFC and Club América is being considered to decide the extra place. Why them? Why not! Andrea Berta is the new Arsenal sporting director, replacing Edu who departed in November. 'I am thrilled to be joining in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,' trilled Berta. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Tottenham will contest a 'friendly' Norf Lah'n derby in Hong Kong this summer. Steve Evans has barrelled through the door marked Do One at League One side Rotherham after a 4-0 home defeat to Crawley. Fun and Games in South America dept: A referee in Peru defended himself against a pitch-invading, (plastic) bottle-wielding coaching assistant – by kung-fu-kicking his assailant to the floor. The incident occurred after referee Luis Alegre had waved a red card towards the Magdalena bench in their Copa Peru tie against Sport Huaquilla. And finally: Norway's Bryne FK – Erling Haaland's first club – rewarded goalkeeper Jan de Boer with four trays of eggs after his player-of-the-match display against Bodø/Glimt. And doesn't he look delighted! Goal of the weekend came in the National League South, where Weston-super-Mare's Luke Coulson scored from his own penalty area against Hornchurch. With the hosts 3-2 down in stoppage time, keeper Mason Terry went up for a late corner – but the ball instead dropped to Coulson, who hoofed it from the penalty spot all the way upfield, where it rolled into an empty net. Even better, the late goal completed Coulson's first career hat-trick. Both clubs asked on some Social Media Disgrace or other whether this was the longest ever goal from an outfield player. We're no experts, but it looks like a couple of miles, at least. 'It's a comedy show, to be honest,' said Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon. 'Clear it from their own box and it bounces in … but Weston have got a good side. They're excellent at the top end of the pitch.' And, on this evidence, the bottom end too. Get your WSL weekend review. Right here! 'Wolves gave me that joy back. The player I am now and the happiness I'm feeling, it's because of them.' Matheus Cunha gets his chat on with Thiago Rabelo, revealing how life at Molineux has rebooted his career after struggling at Atlético Madrid. Andy Brassell on Marco Rose, who paid the price for a lack of attacking ambition at RB Leipzig with Jürgen Klopp looming cheerily over his shoulder. Orsolini alla Bologna? Thanks, but we just ate. Ah, it's flying Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini, knocking on the Italy door again. Nicky Bandini explains. More coaches and athletes should follow Gareth Southgate's lead as role models for society's 'lost boys', writes Cath Bishop. Preston's local delicacy, the butter pie, is a bit like their football team: traditional, uncompromising, and a bit beige. Jonathan Liew takes a bite. Pep Guardiola's decision to bring on youngster Nico O'Reilly changed the game for Manchester City at Bournemouth, writes Ben Fisher. Jonathan Wilson recalls City's fight with the league over finances … in 1906. Weekend talking points from the FA Cup, EFL and beyond over here. And you can test your knowledge of English football mascots, from boilers to dinosaurs, in our quiz. 1 December 2006: There was a new mobile phone on the market, kids. Yes, others were available but the Nokia N73 was among the first to allow users to watch TV – including live football. That looks like a blurry José Mourinho to us, but we can't for the life of us work out which match he is overseeing. It has a very European flavour, even though the player in view looks like he's wearing a Blackburn kit.
