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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Meet Russell Martin's glamour WAG as star tipped to become Rangers boss prepares to check in
Famous 90s pin up Lucy Pinder could be coming to Glasgow. Rangers fans have been eager to know who their next manager will be since the search for a new boss was launched at the end of February. Now, the name on everyone's lips is former Southampton manager Russell Martin who sees himself tipped for one of the top roles in Scottish football. The man Rangers want to be their next manager comes off the back of a spell with Southampton that saw him achieve the highs of promotion to the Premier League – as well as the lows of being sacked while rock bottom of the table. With Martin, 39, it is more than fair to say that fans could be in for an interesting ride. After a brief loan spell at Rangers in 2018 during his playing career, he's no stranger to the game north of the border. And if he does head to Glasgow, he could be bringing along his glamorous other half, who many fans will recognise as Martin is currently dating former lads' mag icon Lucy Pinder. Previously, he was married to bodybuilder Jasmine Martin, who he shares three children with, but they went their separate ways in 2023. Russell and Lucy went public with their relationship in August, as Lucy shared a sweet snap of them in Brighton, where Martin was receiving an honorary degree in his hometown. Here's everything we know about the potential latest Rangers WAG... Glamour model Pinder was a regular in magazines such as FHM, Nuts and Loaded in the early 2000s. She appeared topless in Nuts Magazine and frequented FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list on several occasions. In 2007 she was 92nd, in 2006 she was 35th and in she made the top 20, placing 16th. Also in 2007, she was voted "the best boobs in the world" by Ralph Magazine. TV & Film In September 2007, Pinder appeared as a contestant on a 'WAGS and Glamour Girls' edition of The Weakest Link. Lucy appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, alongside Ulrika Johnson, La Toya Jackson, Tina Malone, Tommy Sheridan and Coolio, however she was the first housemate evicted on day eight. She also appeared regularly on Soccer AM, where she sported a Southhampton top. In 2012, Lucy traded reality TV for movies and turned her hand to acting where she played her first supporting role in the comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves. She starred in the Age of Kill with Martin Kemp in 2015, and supernatural thrillers Suburban Fairytale and Fanged Up. In 2016, she then made her Bollywood debut with the action drama film Waarrior Savitri. The glamour model then had a small role in the American film Sharknado 5: Global Swarming in 2017. Her most recent role was in 2023, where she played Louise in Nightmare on 34th Street. Relationship history In 2016, Lucy was reportedly dating Captain America actor Chris Evans, with one newspaper claiming she was "smitten" with the Marvel star. Although their relationship was never confirmed, Pinder was spotted enjoying a day date with Evans at Disneyland in January 2015. She was also linked to Vikings actor Elijah Rowen in 2019 after they were spotted looking cosy together at the British Photography Awards. In August this year, Lucy shared snaps of her and Martin in Brighton together on her Instagram story, confirming their relationship. Lucy is a diehard Southhampton fan and the pair are said to be a match made in heaven. A source told The Sun: "She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan. Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more. They're a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton. They're mad for each other.' Podcast In 2019, Lucy launched a podcast called Smashing Sundays. She presents the show with her flatmate Beth Granville. The description reads: "Lucy Pinder (model and actress) and Beth Granville (comedy writer and actress), talk about the quintessential British Sunday. Finding themselves single in their mid 30s after decade long relationships meant the end of the weekend had the potential to be rather a lonely affair; until they made the decision to move in together and make their Sunday's smashing. "With a different guest comedian, actor or musician each week, they discuss their most awful and most smashing Sunday's to date: they range from staying in bed all day eating toast wondering what on earth to do with the rest of their lives to dating disasters to going to a sleepover at Hampton Court getting merry on mead." The podcast hasn't released any new episodes since 2022, despite it still being in Lucy's Instagram bio. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Premier League cult hero aiming for golf glory as he attempts to qualify for The Open - a year after injury heartbreak
Former Premier League star Jimmy Bullard is hoping to compete in The Open and will take part in the qualifiers as he hopes to land a berth at Royal Portrush this July. The cult hero, 46, who played for Fulham, Wigan, and Hull City, hung up his boots in 2012 and is a keen golfer. The former Soccer AM host is a scratch-level player and runs his own Youtube golf channel, Golf Life, which has over 335,000 subscribers. Bullard competed in five of the now defunct EuroPro tour events between 2014 and 2016 and is targeting a spot at golf's oldest tournament this summer. Announcing his attempt to qualify in a video on his channel, Bullard said: 'Done my back [last year], played too much golf so I've got to manage that. 'But I think that's just a one off to be honest. I don't really get injured do I? Quest for The Open, yes. But a quest to make me a better golfer. 'I feel like the game of golf, I've got to the ceiling of what I know. All my scores are like level par, one-under, I've reached my ceiling. 'How do I get to the next level shooting four, five, six under? Is it available to me with my ability? I don't know. But I feel I've come to the end where I need a coach. I've exhausted all the stuff I know.' Regional qualification begins in June at 15 courses across the country, with around 2,000 hopefuls taking part. At least 16 will be granted entry to the tournament. Bullard was left on the verge of tears after he was forced to pull out of qualifiers last year because of a back injury. He has received high praise from a number of golfers including Lee Westwood, Ewen Ferguson and former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. 'Very little you have to work on,' Montgomerie told Bullard in a recent video. 'You've got great hands. You've got good speed. When you talk about 111, 112 miles an hour club head speed – that is PGA Tour stuff, never mind Champions Tour stuff. 'If you're asking the question to me – who hopefully knows a little about the tour – I'm telling you, you are plenty good enough to compete with the legends of the Champions Tour. Already. And that's without the next three years of giving it loads of graft.' Bullard, who played for Fulham, Wigan, and Hull, hung up his boots in 2012 and is a keen golfer Bullard was previously banned from the swanky Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, where it costs £92,000 to become a full member, because of his drunken antics. He revealed he took things a bit too far following 'a few drinks'. 'I'm not allowed to go again,' he told snooker legend Stephen Hendry. 'I had a few drinks and I got carried away. I put a Peroni off the first tee and clipped a ball off it. 'It's obviously not the thing to do so I apologise.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League cult hero, 46, to play in qualifying tournament for The Open as he goes for golf glory
PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Jimmy Bullard is swapping the pitch for the pitching wedge was he tries to qualify for golf's oldest major. Bullard, 46, is going to be taking a swing at qualifying for The Open at Royal Portrush this July. 4 Jimmy Bullard is trying to qualify for the Open Credit: Getty 4 Bullard retired from football in 2012 and has shifted his focus to golf Credit: Getty The retired midfielder spent his career playing for the likes of But since hanging up his boots in 2012, Bullard has shifted his full focus onto the golf course. The former Soccer AM host is always out on the course and has managed to whittle his handicap down to play off scratch. While he is also one of the faces of popular YouTube golf channel Bullard did Now he's back fighting fit and has announced his intention to qualify in a video on the Golf Life channel. He said: "Done my back [last year], played too much golf so I've got to manage that. 'But I think that's just a one off to be honest. I don't really get injured do I? Quest for The Open, yes. But a quest to make me a better golfer. Most read in Golf 4 Bullard is a scratch golfer Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'I feel like the game of golf, I've got to the ceiling of what I know. All my scores are like level par, one-under, I've reached my ceiling. 'How do I get to the next level shooting four, five, six under? Is it available to me with my ability? I don't know. But I feel I've come to the end where I need a coach. I've exhausted all the stuff I know.' Rangers star Todd Cantwell spotted at world famous golf course with Sky Sports star and Premier League legend Bullard has enlisted the help of coach Hugh Marr to help him on his journey. The 'Bulldog' will be one of many scratch handicappers who will try their luck at qualification into this year's Open. The Open process sees a field of approximately 2,000 hopefuls whittled down until at least 16 are granted entry to the tournament proper. This year's Open, the 153rd edition of the tournament, will be played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from July 17-20. But regional qualification begins on June 23 at 15 different courses across the UK and Ireland. 4 The Open begins on July 17 Credit: Getty - Contributor
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sky Sports news presenter Rob Wotton has tearful farewell on final show
Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. Sky Sports News presenter Rob Wotton delivered an emotional goodbye to viewers as he confirmed his departure from the broadcaster. Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. But bosses at Sky decided to pull the plug on the popular show where pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith joined Wotton to discuss results, controversies and stand-out performances from the weekends' action. It also featured former ex Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher who provided an insight during 'Ref Watch'. As the Mirror reports, a decision had been made to scrap the show completely, with Wotton announcing his own exit. Wotton joined Sky in 1998 and helped present coverage across all sports. The Football Show became his prime role, while he also regularly presented on Sky Sports News. His final show came on Monday and he delivered a tearful farewell to viewers. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," he said. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Warnock and Smith paid their own tributes to him, while staff and friends gathered at the back of the set to give Wotton a standing ovation. Wotton is the latest departure in a string of exits from Sky. Jeff Stelling, Jimmy Bullard and John Fendley have all exited, along with several high-profile reporters such as Geoff Shreeves. The Football Show follows Soccer AM in being given the axe by Sky chiefs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But workers are thought to be 'bewildered' by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a 'restructure' that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave. Insiders told The Mail that 'the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms". Gallagher's Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a big fan of The Football Show. The German especially enjoyed coverage from ex-official Gallagher in his analysis of refereeing incidents.
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Iconic Sky Sports News presenter given farewell after being axed after 27 years on air
Iconic Sky Sports News presenter given farewell after being axed after 27 years on air Rob Wotton has been a mainstay of Sky Sports for more than 25 years and cut an emotional figure after he presented The Football Show for the final time on Monday Rob Wotton was clearly emotional after presenting on Sky Sports for the last time (Image: Sky Sports ) Beloved Sky Sports host Rob Wotton has bid an emotional goodbye to his audience as he confirmed his departure from the network. Having been a part of Sky Sports for 27 years, Wotton most recently presented 'The Football Show', where he made his final farewell on Monday. However, the higher-ups at Sky have made the decision to cancel the programme from their schedule. The show, which aired every Monday, provided in-depth analysis of the weekend's football action from the Premier League and beyond. Chelsea fan Wotton led the show with insights from pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith. The panel regularly discussed match results, contentious issues and notable performances in what became a weekly staple. 'Ref Watch', a segment featuring ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, was a particularly popular portion of the show. Now, with the show being axed, Wotton has revealed he will be leaving the broadcaster altogether. Having joined Sky in 1998, Wotton became a familiar face presenting across various sports and frequently appeared on Sky Sports News. His last appearance on 'The Football Show' saw him express heartfelt thanks to viewers. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," said Wotton, per The Mirror. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Article continues below Wotton spent 27 years with Sky Sports before his final farewell (Image: Sky Sports ) Both Warnock and Smith offered tributes to Wotton, while colleagues and friends assembled on-set to applaud him with a standing ovation. Wotton's exit is among several recent departures from the Sky team. High-profile figures such as Jeff Stelling, Jimmy Bullard, John Fendley, and Geoff Shreeves have parted ways with the network in recent years. That's following the cancellation of the Soccer AM, as well as a shake-up of the Soccer Saturday cast. A report from the Daily Mail suggested Sky is pivoting to capture a younger demographic by shifting away from traditional broadcasting elements. This is seemingly being done in an effort to embrace social media influencers and YouTube personalities. It's also reported there are those in the company "bewildered" by the direction in which the broadcaster is heading. That would hint not everyone is on board with the manner in which the channel has decided to pivot in its bid for viewership. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Staff have allegedly been taken aback by the recent programming cuts. This comes as the broadcaster goes through a "restructure" that has resulted in seven reporters and presenters departing. Insiders told the Daily Mail: "The changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms." Despite the overhaul, Gallagher's Ref Watch is set to continue in an adapted format on another platform. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a fan of The Football Show. And it's understood he particularly enjoyed Gallagher's insights into officiating around the game.
