Latest news with #Stockport-born
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Nathan Aspinall's private message to wife about darts retirement after Luke Littler claim
Nathan Aspinall's private message to wife about darts retirement after Luke Littler claim Nathan Aspinall has shared exactly when he plans on walking away from darts, after weighing in on Luke Littler's future in the sport ahead of the Premier League Finals Night Nathan Aspinall says he wants to retire at the age of 45 (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Nathan Aspinall has openly revealed his intentions to bow out from darts at the age of 45. Currently 33, the Stockport-born star, who goes by the moniker 'The Asp', ranks ninth in the PDC Order of Merit with earnings amounting to £496,000 over two years – an amount he looks to significantly enhance before retiring. Speaking with SportsBoom, Aspinall said: "45, and I'm off. "I've said to my partner if that's me, it is 45. If it's earlier than that, and we start making golfers' money and I've got 30 million in the bank – happy days, I'll be off sooner. But I don't think it's going to happen that quick. But yes, 45 is when I'd like to bugger off." With his 34th birthday approaching this July, Aspinall has just over 11 years to pursue financial security and clinch a victorious finish at the PDC World Championship – having narrowly missed out twice. Aspinall reached the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament in both 2019 and 2020, where he faced defeat to Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen respectively. Aspinall's resume also boasts second-place finishes at esteemed events like the Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix, Premier League, and World Series, reflecting his consistent high performance on the darting circuit. Despite not clinching a World Championship, Aspinall has certainly made his mark in other prestigious darts competitions. For instance, he took home the 2019 UK Open with a 11-5 win over Rob Cross and triumphed in the 2023 World Matchplay by beating Jonny Clayton 18-6. Aspinall will go for Premier League glory once again on Thursday (Image: Getty ) With aspirations running high, Aspinall is aiming to bag his first Premier League title on Thursday night as he prepares to take on world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the semi-finals at London's O2 Arena. Should he emerge victorious, Aspinall will go head-to-head with either Luke Littler or Gerwyn Price in the final. His ambitions come amidst recent comments suggesting that young sensation Littler might retire in just five years due to his early dominance – including a historic win against Van Gerwen in January that saw him become the youngest-ever PDC World Champion at just 17. However, Littler has dismissed any talk of retirement, saying (via the Express): "I don't know where he's got that from – don't worry, I'll be here in 10 years. It's crazy to even think about retiring. Luke Littler hopes to retain his Premier League crown (Image: PA ) "If I win 16 world titles like Phil [Taylor], I'll retire, but I'm not even thinking about retirement at the minute – the money is there to be won, especially the World Championship, but not only that. Everything has gone up. "It is all about what you're feeling, and I'm sure I'll be here for a long time." Littler, the reigning champion of the Premier League, is set to defend his title as he returns to the O2 tonight (Thursday). The 18-year-old secured his place at Finals Night after leading the league with a tally of 27 victories and just 10 defeats this season. Article continues below He will be aiming to capitalise on his impressive form to secure the grand prize of £275,000.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Pep Guardiola confirms Man City stance on Phil Foden after star's admission
Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City will offer Phil Foden their full support after he opened on his mental and physical struggles following a difficult season Pep Guardiola has assured Phil Foden that he's ready to do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health both physically and mentally. The Manchester City midfielder has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal after sending a plea to Thomas Tuchel about needing a rest. The 24-year-old has been a shadow of the player that was named FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Player of the Year last season and has admitted that he's been plagued by an ankle injury and mental burn-out. Guardiola has named Foden in the squad for a final-day visit to Fulham from which City need a point to guarantee Champions League qualification - and that the Stockport-born academy graduate will be going to the Club World Cup in the United States next month. But the City boss said: 'Phil is family for us. He's come from being a baby boy from the academy to be a star with us. We want to help him, that's the most important thing. He needs rest - and it's going to happen after Sunday. 'Step by step he comes back and we want to help him. I don't care about his performances, I want him to feel good and the rest will come. In principle, he will come to America.' City moved into third place by beating Bournemouth on Tuesday night and their superior goal difference means a point at Craven Cottage is likely to be enough to take them back into the Champions League. Guardiola insisted he was joking when he suggested after the 3-1 win over the Cherries that he would quit the Etihad if new sporting director Hugo Viana attempts to build a bigger squad this summer after seeing City's season undermined by injuries. But he did admit that his players are now facing a make-or-break game that will have consequences for the future. Guardiola said: 'I was laughing when I said that - I'm not going to quit. But the expression is the same: I don't want players at home when the team is playing. 'Everyone needs the chance to compete. Injuries, if they happen, are a big problem but we expect next season to be different. In the last three weeks or a month, four or five players sitting at home is not healthy for any of us, for the club, me, anyone. The club knows it and agrees with me, we're going to find the best way for all of us. 'This is by far the biggest game of the season. It's really important and Fulham are an exceptional team. Wow, it will be a tough game. 'If we don't get it (the result) then I will tell you afterwards what will happen. We must also think about what happens if we are in the Champions League.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. 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. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aspinall reaches play-offs and Littler sets record
Nathan Aspinall secured the final Premier League play-off spot while Luke Littler set a new seasonal points record in Sheffield. Englishman Aspinall defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-2 in the quarter-finals to eliminate the seven-time champion. Meanwhile, table-topping world champion Littler averaged more than 114 as he broke his own points record, reaching 42 after earning two in thrashing Stephen Bunting 6-1. Aspinall, 33, had finished in fifth, one place below qualification, in the previous two seasons. But he will join Littler, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price at the London finale on 29 May after beating Van Gerwen, the only player who could stop him going through. The 36-year-old Dutchman, without a nightly win in the whole 2025 campaign, misses out on the play-offs for only the second time in 13 years of competing. World number eight Aspinall has confounded critics who opposed his inclusion in the eight-man competition, having been ranked 11 when the picks were made. His inclusion was questioned by fellow players Mike de Decker and Dave Chisnall amid suggestions his popular walk-on song Mr Brightside helped his case. The Stockport-born player has battled online abuse over his participation, as well as recovering from injuries and dartitis to reach the final four. "I came off social media because of the abuse I was getting," said 'The Asp' after his second nightly win, in Aberdeen a week ago. "I'm not being exaggerated here, but it ruined my life for a month, not just my life, my family's. It was horrific. " Aspinall has also come back from elbow, wrist and back injuries, along with tackling dartitis - a condition where players have a mental block when it comes to throwing on the stage. Missing out on qualification seals a miserable campaign for Van Gerwen, whose last nightly win came back in April 2024. The three-time world champion had seven victories and two runner-up spots from his previous 12 campaigns, with his last Premier League title in 2023. "This is probably one of the hardest Premier Leagues I have ever played in - not in terms of players, but in terms of myself," Van Gerwen admitted. His cause was not helped when missing the ninth event of the season in Berlin with a shoulder injury sustained while trying to put a shirt on. Every Thursday, the eight players go head-to-head in a straight knockout tournament. So, each player will be entered at the quarter-final stage, before moving to the semi-finals and then a final. These matches are all played over the best of 11 legs (or games of darts). Players take home points from each of these rounds. The winner of the night gets five points, the runner-up three points, and each semi-finalist wins two points. All eight players are re-entered into the tournament for the next round on the following Thursday. The players meet each other once at the quarter-final stage from weeks one to seven, and then again in weeks nine to 15. The matches in weeks eight and 16 are played based on position in the league at that point. The four players at the top of the table by the end of night 16 qualify for the final play-offs, which take place on Thursday, 29 May. Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall are through this year. The semi-finals of the play-offs are played over 19 legs, while the winner is crowned in a final match played across the best of 21 legs.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Foden could ask to be left off Tuchel's latest England squad because of mental and physical struggles
Manchester City attacker Phil Foden wants to take some time off to recover from the mental and physical strain he has been dealing with. The 24-year-old could ask to be left off Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad as the Three Lions prepare to take on Andorra in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Senegal in a friendly in June. Foden was the PFA Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term, but has grossly underperformed for Man City this season. He might need some time away to recover. Foden said (via The Mirror): 'It's been a frustrating season for me. I have had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It is one of them. 'Sometimes, there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season, I have struggled a little bit. 'Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left off the season before, because I know what I am capable of doing and the quality I have. 'Obviously, it is a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner. 'It is something we have to speak about with the club and national team to see if it is better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back, how I want it.' Foden's honesty about his struggles is commendable, and time away is the right move for his well-being, but his England career could be slipping away. For all his talent, Foden has not delivered on the international stage. His England performances do not have the same spark he shows in a Manchester City shirt. The Stockport-born star had two unremarkable showings in the last internationals in March. This absence (even if justified) opens the door for a host of hungry contenders. Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Marcus Rashford are all challenging for his starting berth. The competition for places is relentless. England's attacking midfield and wide roles are arguably more stacked now than they have ever been. A few weeks off might help him reset, but it could also prove costly. Foden's spot is no longer guaranteed. He will return, no doubt, but whether that return is to a starting XI shirt or a spot on the bench remains to be seen.
Sunday World
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
‘Easy elegance' – Michelle Keegan showcases sun-soaked summer collection
FOR EVERYONE | New mum Michelle Keegan says she's done chasing trends and knows her own style, and her new collection is giving easy elegance for summer 2025. Michelle wears Michelle Keegan x Very crochet sequin tank €58 and crochet sequin trousers €78 'A denim skirt, fake Burberry tights, patent flats, and a white Nike hoodie,' she recalls, when quizzed about her more questionable teenage outfits. 'Why my mum let me leave the house like that, I don't know!' she laughs, speaking from her elegant Essex home. These days, fashion faux pas are a distant memory. The Coronation Street alumnus is not only at the top of her game style-wise — she's also embracing a major new chapter. In March, she and husband Mark Wright, welcomed their first child, Palma Elizabeth Wright, into the world and the star is relishing her role as a new mum. Knit bandeau embellished side dress €70 Tailored waistcoat €45 and bermuda shorts €36 Knitted striped shirt €58 and striped trouser €58 (below) . But even amid the sleep-deprived chaos of new motherhood, the starlet hasn't missed a beat. Her just-launched 44-piece summer collection for is her most sun-soaked and swoon-worthy to date. 'We were planning it back at Christmas,' reveals the fashion icon excitedly. 'We look at catwalk trends, colours, fabrics — and then create pieces that work in real life. That's always the goal.' This season, that goal translates to breezy crochet co-ords, sheer knits, linen separates, and that one strapless yellow maxi dress that's already poised to sell out. 'It's just so easy,' says the down-to-earth star. 'With a tan, some flip-flops, a little bag — you're done. I'm also obsessed with this oatmeal linen trouser set — it comes with a crochet boob tube. It's that easy elegance I always go for.' The challenge was creating a range that appealed to everyone, but as usual, the Stockport-born actress has nailed the brief with day-to-night styling to pieces that suit every age. 'My cousin's 16 and wears the range, and so does my mum. That's what I love about it,' she says, adding: 'We've designed it with everyone in mind.' Printed shirt €38 and trousers €38 Tailored waistcoat €45 and bermuda shorts €36 The Ten Pound Poms star has also undergone a style evolution, truly leaning into what feels good. Gone are the days of fast fashion splurges; now, it's all about a carefully curated capsule wardrobe. 'Wide-leg trousers, great jeans, basic tops — then I elevate it with accessories, a jacket, a belt. I feel comfortable in my own skin and I know what suits me. I don't follow trends blindly anymore — I just wear what makes me feel good,' Michelle says. Asked to describe her own personal style, the actress says: 'Simple, comfortable, and feminine. I used to cha Accessibility, she insists, is also key. 'I've never been someone who's into full designer looks,' she says. 'I have a few designer bags I've collected over time, but honestly, I'm a high street girl. I always have been.' Whether she's dressed down in a tracksuit and topknot – could we love her any more?— or dressed for awards season in floor-grazing gowns and statement earrings, the star's authenticity is a breath of fresh air. 'At home it's all about comfort,' she admits. 'I need something I can lounge in — but also throw on trainers and run to the shop.' Bandeau crochet knitted top €36 Crochet bandeau midaxi €105 Bead detail midi dress €64 Even as she juggles acting, designing, and nappy changes, the star of Netflix smash hit Fool Me Once remains as authentic and grounded as ever. 'I wouldn't call myself a style icon,' she says modestly, 'but it honestly means the world to see people wearing the collection. I spot it on the street all the time — and sometimes I'll ask for a photo! I get so excited.' As for her own fashion muse? 'Rosie Huntington-Whiteley — she's the dream. Everything she wears is just timeless. So classic,' she gushes. Much like Michelle herself, then. You can shop the full collection now which is available exclusively at
