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Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Martin Compston's football career before Line of Duty actor made career switch
Scottish actor Martin Compston, best known for his role as DS Steve Arnott in the hit BBC drama Line of Duty, is a former professional footballer, having even had a stint with Aberdeen Before his acting career took off, Line of Duty star Martin Compston was a professional footballer. The Scottish actor is now best known for his role as DS Steve Arnott in the hit BBC drama. The 41-year-old is set to lace up his boots for Soccer Aid at Old Trafford, with kick off on Sunday evening at 7.30pm. Compston will line up for the Rest of the World against England, with former Italy star Leonardo Bonucci among his team-mates. However, Compston was also a pro footballer in Scotland before focusing his energy on becoming an actor. In his early football career, he had stints with Aberdeen and Morton. The Line of Duty actor even played two senior matches for Morton at the end of the 2001/02 season, but without much success. His first appearance resulted in a 4-0 defeat against Alloa Athletic, while his second – another 4-0 defeat, this time against Queen of the South – saw Morton relegated from the Scottish Second Division. On Si Ferry's Open Goal podcast, Compston previously discussed his brief football career. He explained that he was first spotted while playing in a Scottish underage cup final against a Celtic side which included future Man Utd star Darren Fletcher. After a stint with his hometown club, he was signed by Aberdeen where he played alongside future Premier League ace Dean Windass. Compston even captained the Aberdeen youth team for a short period, but the actor knew when his time was up at the club. "I remember I was captain at a game and one of the top scouts came down, and we got beat off an East Kilbride select," Compston said in 2019. "I went, 'That's that f*****!'" After his stint at Aberdeen, Compston found himself back at Morton in the Scottish Second Division. "It just wasn't a good time to be at the club," the actor admitted. "They'd just gone down to the second division and we were struggling. "It was a mad time. We were full-time the YTS [Youth Team Scholarship] players. There was only three or four of us cleaning 40 pairs of boots and cleaning the stadium. "The first team were coming in training at night. There was a lot of hanging about. I felt more like a cleaner than a football player. "I made my debut when I was 17," Compston recalled. "We were away to Alloa. I knew they were only going to pitch me in if we were well up or well down. "I felt terrible, Alloa were winning 2-0 with 40 minutes left and they put a third one in and I was like, 'You beauty.' "The last game of the season, we had to win to stay up and we were playing Queen of the South who had to win to win the league. It was a sell-out, 14,000. The atmosphere was unbelievable." However, the day didn't go entirely smoothly. "There was some b******... at half-time, I knew I was going on. So I'm spraying balls about," Compston said. "It smashed somebody and he's run on and rugby tackled me. The stewards were just all laughing. It was nerve-wracking. It was Scottish second division football but it's like, 'You've done that.'" Compston began acting during his football career after he secured a role in Ken Loach's film 'Sweet Sixteen' while still with Morton. "It worked out perfect," Compston explained. "I'd just finished my exams and I'd got my Morton contract. The auditions were at the end of the year. "I went to [Morton manager] Peter Cormack and asked if it was alright to miss a couple of days of pre-season. We filmed it in the close season. He said, 'You're a fit boy, you'll be fine.' I finished filming and went back to Greenock Morton. "I remember being gutted because in the programme notes, the players were asked who's their favourite actor and not one of them said me. I thought one of them, for a joke, would throw my name in there!" Despite Loach being impressed by Compston's acting ability, the director advised him to stick to football. However, the Line of Duty star didn't heed that advice and auditioned for a Heartbeat spin-off called The Royal. He had been sent the wrong script but still got the part and from then on his mind was set. "That was a big wake-up call," Compston said. "They don't know who I am. They hadn't seen Sweet Sixteen. To get that, I said, 'OK, I'm alright at this.' "Morton weren't going through the best of times. I was driving up the road one day, passing Cappielow [Greenock Morton's stadium] and I just went in and said [to manager Dave McPherson], 'I think I'm going to give this acting a crack.' He said, 'Sorry to lose you,' but I didn't find it too hard to be honest."
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Soccer Aid 2025 announce late call-up for Brazil legend, 53, just hours before kick-off
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRAZIL legend Rivaldo has been announced as a stunning late addition to the Soccer Aid 2025 lineup. The 53-year-old legend, who last graced the pitch professionally back in 2015, is making a sensational return for the charity event. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Rivaldo has been announced as a late call-up for Soccer Aid 2025 2 Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will also be involved Wearing the blue and black kit of the Rest of the World team, Rivaldo's return is one that adds to the growing importance of the game. Fans are already buzzing with excitement at the thought of seeing the Ballon d'Or winner back on the field. Brazilian Rivaldo, whose dazzling footwork and lethal finishing made him one of the greatest players of his generation, has kept a relatively low profile in the football world since his retirement. But now it seems the urge to play again - especially for a cause like Soccer Aid — has proved too strong to resist. One fan on X said: "I swear, if a similar announcement of Totti appears on here, last minute, I will lose my head. You've been warned." Then another one read simply: "This is so cool as a real legend will be playing. The stage is set for a thrilling evening, as Rivaldo prepares to line up alongside global superstars like Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and Michael Owen. With all eyes on the legendary striker, Soccer Aid 2025 is set to be one for the history books. England ended their SIX-YEAR wait for a win at Soccer Aid 2024 at Stamford Bridge which raised £15million. Let's just hope that Rivaldo's fitness holds up and he can help raise more the charity game. But the big question is, can he still deliver that signature Brazilian flair?
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Soccer Aid 2025 announce late call-up for Brazil legend, 53, just hours before kick-off
BRAZIL legend Rivaldo has been announced as a stunning late addition to the Soccer Aid 2025 lineup. The 53-year-old legend, who last graced the pitch professionally back in 2015, is making a sensational return for the charity event. 2 Rivaldo has been announced as a late call-up for Soccer Aid 2025 2 Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will also be involved Wearing the blue and black kit of the Rest of the World team, Rivaldo's return is one that adds to the growing importance of the game. Fans are already buzzing with excitement at the thought of seeing the Ballon d'Or winner back on the field. Brazilian Rivaldo, whose dazzling footwork and lethal finishing made him one of the greatest players of his generation, has kept a relatively low profile in the football world since his retirement. But now it seems the urge to play again - especially for a cause like Soccer Aid — has proved too strong to resist. READ MORE NEWS One fan on X said: "I swear, if a similar announcement of Totti appears on here, last minute, I will lose my head. You've been warned." Then another one read simply: "This is so cool as a real legend will be playing. The stage is set for a thrilling evening, as Rivaldo prepares to line up alongside global superstars like Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and Michael Owen. With all eyes on the legendary striker, Soccer Aid 2025 is set to be one for the history books. Most read in Football England ended their SIX-YEAR wait for a win at Soccer Aid 2024 at Stamford Bridge which raised £15million. Let's just hope that Rivaldo's fitness holds up and he can help raise more the charity game. But the big question is, can he still deliver that signature Brazilian flair? World XI team and coaching staff Here is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025... Team: Tony Bellew (Former boxer) Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer) Tobi Brown (YouTube star) Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor) Bryan Habana (Former rugby star) Dermot Kennedy (Musician) Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer) Gorka Marquez (Dancer) Nadia Nadim (Footballer) Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star) Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer) Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer) Harry Kewell (Former footballer) Big Zuu (YouTube star) Noah Beck (Actor) Carlos Tevez (Former footballer) Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler) Robbie Keane (Former footballer) John O'Shea (Former footballer) Maisie Adam (Comedian) David Trezeguet (Former footballer) Nicky Byrne (Singer) Kheira Hamraoui (Former footballer) Asim Chaudhry (Comedian) Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer)
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sam Thompson QUITS Soccer Aid as he pulls out following injury hours after coming face to face with Louis Tomlinson
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Sam Thompson has been ruled out of playing in this year's Soccer Aid, escaping an awkward on pitch encounter with Louis Tomlinson. The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33. who is now dating Sam's ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Sam Thompson pulled out of Soccer Aid today Credit: PA 3 He was spotted smiling at Louis Tomlinson during training on Thursday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Sam completed his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid Unicef, running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester Credit: Splash But due to injuries sustained during Sam's epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike. A source said: 'Sam is gutted he can't play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts. 'He's still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won't be able to compete on the field.' The source added: 'There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse. 'Their every move will be watched so it's a relief in some ways they won't be on the pitch together.' Sam and Louis were pictured training this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams are preparing for the match. Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury will be managing at England team, assisted by Harry Redknapp, while ex-Mcmavetee United legend Peter Schmeichel will be in charge of the Rest of the World team. Sam will play a 'ceremonial role' in Sunday's match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands. On his absence, England teammate Mo Farah said: 'If Sam's unable to play that's a shame but we're still proud of him for his efforts and what he did for UNICEF. 'He'll still be with us and part of our team on the day.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Sam Thompson QUITS Soccer Aid as he pulls out following injury hours after coming face to face with Louis Tomlinson
Sam Thompson has been ruled out of playing in this year's Soccer Aid, escaping an awkward on pitch encounter with Louis Tomlinson. The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33. who is now dating 3 Sam Thompson pulled out of Soccer Aid today Credit: PA 3 He was spotted smiling at Louis Tomlinson during training on Thursday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Sam completed his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid Unicef, running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester Credit: Splash But due to injuries sustained during Sam's epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike. A source said: 'Sam is gutted he can't play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts. 'He's still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won't be able to compete on the field.' The source added: 'There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse. READ MORE ON SOCCER AID 'Their every move will be watched so it's a relief in some ways they won't be on the pitch together.' Sam and Louis were pictured training this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams are preparing for the match. Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury will be managing at England team, assisted by Harry Redknapp, while ex-Mcmavetee United legend Peter Schmeichel will be in charge of the Rest of the World team. Sam will play a 'ceremonial role' in Sunday's match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands. Most read in Showbiz On his absence, England teammate Mo Farah said: 'If Sam's unable to play that's a shame but we're still proud of him for his efforts and what he did for UNICEF. 'He'll still be with us and part of our team on the day.'
