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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I haven't cut my hair for 313 days and it's Man Utd's fault… it's a nightmare but I'm planning perfect ending
ASK any Manchester United fan how the last 12 months have been supporting the team, and they will tell you in no uncertain terms how bad it has been. But for Frank Ilett, the Red Devils' poor form has quite literally been an increasingly heavy burden weighing on his head. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 14 Frank Ilett is the Man Utd fan behind The United Strand account Credit: Supplied 14 He has gone viral for not cutting his hair until the team win five games in a row Credit: Supplied 14 Frank is now well over 300 days into the challenge Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 He exclusively told SunSport how his hair takes hours to dry naturally and with a hair dryer Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 He has resorted to hair bands and curl cream to try and keep his 18cm hair off his face Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 Frank recently hit 200,000 followers on Instagram Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand That's because back on October 5, 2024, Frank set himself the challenge of not cutting his hair until United won five games in a row. But with United struggling to even put two wins together last season, Frank, the man behind The United Strand, is now over 10 months - or 313 days - into his challenge. Speaking exclusively to SunSport, the 29-year-old who lives in Spain told us about the hairy challenge his ever-growing barnet represents, saying: "It's been a very tough summer. "It's been very hot, especially here in Spain, where I am at the moment, it's absolutely boiling. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Roo what? Wayne Rooney makes Premier League 2025/26 predictions with shock Man Utd tip "That's been the biggest difficulty for sure. And then even things like when I shower, having to dry my hair in the heat in the heat and then having to use a hairdryer next to my head is too much. "It naturally takes hours to dry... I've been using a headband to try and keep it off my face. "I recently tried some curl cream, and that seemed to calm it down a bit, which is great, but obviously it takes time to do those things, whereas this is how it is more naturally." Frank previously spoke to SunSport in March - just as his challenge was really growing out - when he had just hit 60,000 followers on his Instagram page alongside the millions of views he had received. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK But Frank is now also bearing the weight of being a mini-celebrity, having appeared on outlets such as Sky Sports, BBC and CBS, all while his Instagram page has boomed to more than 200,000 followers. Curl cream companies have approached him to use their products, and fans have asked him for autographs around Old Trafford when he visited at the back end of last season, including the thrilling Lyon clash in the Europa League. EXCLUSIVE: I trained with an EFL team - I almost fainted and the drills were so complex, it's a far-cry from Sunday League Frank, who jokes the description of his fame should be used "loosely", explained: "I have had a few companies that have got into contact with things like curl creams and there are a few more talks with other hair brands. "There are a lot of barbers who do get in contact. They would love to be involved in some way, but it's tough to know what day (cutting it off) that will be... "Every interaction I've had has been positive. I'm living in Spain, where I don't think as many people know me, but there are still a few who come up to take photos with me, and when I visit England it's a different world. "I went to the United-Lyon game - seriously the best game I've been to live and I'm not sure it will ever be beaten - and I reckon while I was there I probably took over 200 photos with different people." At the latest measurement, Frank revealed his hair is 18cm long. However, that is still not long enough for the perfect ending Frank is planning when he is eventually able to say goodbye to his now iconic curly locks. Frank told SunSport he has been raising money for the charity MindUK, even doing an ice bucket challenge earlier in the summer. When United do eventually manage to win five games in a row, he aims to cut it off at Old Trafford and plans to donate the money raised from his freshly sheared hair to the Little Princess Trust. 14 Frank revealed his hair has been a real struggle to live with in the heat of Spain this summer Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 He has shared videos of his hair taking hours to dry naturally Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 Curl cream companies have approached him to help calm his hair down during the challenge Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 The time it takes to manage his hair has made it a real struggle to deal with this summer Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand Also speaking about the reaction of his loved ones to his challenge, he explained: "Everyone's just supportive and laughing along with everyone else. "Nothing has changed there, they know I'm committed until the end and so they have to be too… "That's been the plan [to donate to charity] for quite a while, if it gets long enough. But believe it or not, it isn't long enough to donate yet. "At the moment, my hair is 18cm long and it has to be at least 25cm to 30cm to be able to donate it. But either way, I'd love to raise some money for charity. "I've been raising money for MindUK, but when it gets nearer the time, I'm going to do something. I think it's going to be the Little Princess Trust. "I think the perfect ending would be to cut it at Old Trafford." Frank believes United have had a positive summer, with big money spent on the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha being what was "needed at the moment". He has also backed Diego Leon and Benjamin Sesko to come good, but emphasised the need for fans to give them time to grow, as they are far from the finished article. That being said, a new midfielder and goalkeeper would be very welcome additions to the squad, according to Frank. However, Frank is not a Baleba in Carlos Baleba, at least not for the reported asking price of over £100million, while he also feared Gianluigi Donnarumma - who United sources have now categorically ruled out a transfer for - would be another Andre Onana, who he describes as "not being good enough". 14 Frank is using his platform for a good cause Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 He has been raising money for charity, including MindUK Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 He revealed once his hair gets long enough he plans to donate it for charity Credit: Instagram / theunitedstrand 14 Frank is planning to get it cut off at Old Trafford and will donate any money raised to the Little Princess Trust Credit: Getty The main issue for Frank is getting players out, with United yet to make a single permanent sale, with players only departing on loan or by free agency. But Frank believes the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount can be shining lights in the upcoming season, urging Ruben Amorim to give Mainoo a run in the team while also predicting Mount to be the most improved player in the squad from last season, if he stays fit. In terms of the season, Frank believes this United team won't be title challengers, but should be pushing for European football again. He said: "I'm optimistic, but my realistic prediction would be sixth. I think if we come any lower than that, it's another failure. "And I think if we can do any better than that it would be unbelievable compared to last season. "Obviously these things take time, but yeah, I think realistically Europa League places are probably what we should be aiming for as a stepping stone..." On Amorim, Frank added: "If we came seventh, there's an argument there (to keep him). But if we finish 15th again then it's not happening and it's not gonna work in the Premier League. "I really like Amorim, but I do think my one criticism of him - the same of Ange [Postecoglou] when he was at Spurs - is this obsession with one system. "I don't think one size fits all is possible in football. I would like to see different ideas. I completely get it's the main system, but it would be nice to see every now and then, 'oh hang on a minute, we're doing something different for this game'." United start the season against Arsenal, who Frank reckons are beatable on the opening day at Old Trafford despite his expectation for them to be a tough customer. If you want to donate to The United Strand's JustGiving page for MindUK, CLICK HERE.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Former Premier League star scores ‘goal of the season contender in August' in Carabao Cup clash vs Birmingham
The goal was not enough to win the game HAMER-ED IN Former Premier League star scores 'goal of the season contender in August' in Carabao Cup clash vs Birmingham A FORMER Premier League star may have already wrapped up the goal of the season. Gustavo Hamer found the net from the HALFWAY line in Sheffield United's Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City. 4 Gus Hamer scored from near the halfway line for Sheffield United Credit: Sky Sports 4 Birmingham City stopper James Beadle could not keep it out Credit: Sky Sports 4 The goal was not enough to earn the Blades passage to the second round Credit: PA 4 Jay Stansfield's late strike restored Birmingham's lead at St Andrews' Credit: Alamy Hamer, 28, latched onto a loose ball in the 72nd minute, took it forward a couple of yards in the Blues' half and unleashed a powerful shot. The Dutchman's effort caught out James Beadle as the ball flew into the net, as the goalkeeper failed to get back to save it. Fans were left stunned on social media with many backing it for an award at the end of the season. One posted: "That shot was out of this world." READ MORE ON FOOTBALL TRANSFER SHOCK Cops probe gun plot linked to £64m Gyokeres signing after double shooting A second wrote: "Goal of the Season contender in August, simply Gus Hamer." A third commented: "Swear this guy only scores bangers." A fourth said: "Keeper was not even that far off his line, that technique is ridiculous." Another added: "Goal of the season already." SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN The wonder-goal had cancelled out Kyōgo Furuhashi's 5th-minute opener in the game to drag the Blades level. However, it would not inspire the visitors to victory as the hosts restored their lead in the 87th minute. EXCLUSIVE: I trained with an EFL team - I almost fainted and the drills were so complex, it's a far-cry from Sunday League Jay Stansfield fired in from the edge of the box to send the West Midlands side into the second round of the tournament. The Blues have been drawn at home again to face League One side Port Vale in the next round. The Blades have stumbled out of the blocks this season, having also lost their first Championship game of the season against Bristol City. They demolished the Robins in the playoffs last term with two 3-0 wins home and away but lost 4-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday. The defeat saw newly appointed manager Ruben Selles conduct a raging team-talk on the PITCH after full-time.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Premier League star scores ‘goal of the season contender in August' in Carabao Cup clash vs Birmingham
The goal was not enough to win the game HAMER-ED IN Former Premier League star scores 'goal of the season contender in August' in Carabao Cup clash vs Birmingham Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Premier League star may have already wrapped up the goal of the season. Gustavo Hamer found the net from the HALFWAY line in Sheffield United's Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Gus Hamer scored from near the halfway line for Sheffield United Credit: Sky Sports 4 Birmingham City stopper James Beadle could not keep it out Credit: Sky Sports 4 The goal was not enough to earn the Blades passage to the second round Credit: PA 4 Jay Stansfield's late strike restored Birmingham's lead at St Andrews' Credit: Alamy Hamer, 28, latched onto a loose ball in the 72nd minute, took it forward a couple of yards in the Blues' half and unleashed a powerful shot. The Dutchman's effort caught out James Beadle as the ball flew into the net, as the goalkeeper failed to get back to save it. Fans were left stunned on social media with many backing it for an award at the end of the season. One posted: "That shot was out of this world." READ MORE ON FOOTBALL TRANSFER SHOCK Cops probe gun plot linked to £64m Gyokeres signing after double shooting A second wrote: "Goal of the Season contender in August, simply Gus Hamer." A third commented: "Swear this guy only scores bangers." A fourth said: "Keeper was not even that far off his line, that technique is ridiculous." Another added: "Goal of the season already." SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN The wonder-goal had cancelled out Kyōgo Furuhashi's 5th-minute opener in the game to drag the Blades level. However, it would not inspire the visitors to victory as the hosts restored their lead in the 87th minute. EXCLUSIVE: I trained with an EFL team - I almost fainted and the drills were so complex, it's a far-cry from Sunday League Jay Stansfield fired in from the edge of the box to send the West Midlands side into the second round of the tournament. The Blues have been drawn at home again to face League One side Port Vale in the next round. The Blades have stumbled out of the blocks this season, having also lost their first Championship game of the season against Bristol City. They demolished the Robins in the playoffs last term with two 3-0 wins home and away but lost 4-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday. The defeat saw newly appointed manager Ruben Selles conduct a raging team-talk on the PITCH after full-time.
The Guardian
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Danny Röhl does one as Wednesday's woes get ever deeper
Back in the 1880s, when Sheffield Wednesday were known simply as The Wednesday, the staunchly amateur club had a little problem. Having just won the FA Cup for the first time in 1896, the club then forgot to apply for the following season's competition, missing the deadline entirely, which meant that most of their cup-winning side were rather cheesed off, threatened to leave and start their own professional club, Sheffield Rovers, where players would be paid for their performances. The next few months for Wednesday were something of a shambles and in scenes that will be familiar to anyone that has played Sunday League, the club struggled to find enough players to put out a proper side, culminating in a 16-0 defeat to Bolton-based Halliwell FC in January 1887, a match in which Wednesday could only field 10 players. A few months later, an emergency meeting was held between players and president John Holmes, after which the club turned professional. The players were paid and The Wednesday were saved. It won't be the tiniest crumb of comfort to Sheffield Wednesday fans that the hat-trick of suffering existential crises due to poor admin, not paying players and staff properly and failing to have enough players for a full team is well ingrained into the club's history. In case you hadn't seen, the Owls are again in trouble. After a chaotic summer dominated by financial issues (failing to pay all the squad's wages for the third time in four months in June) manager Danny Röhl has now left the club by mutual consent, 12 days before the start of the Championship season, with first-team coaches Sascha Lense, Chris Powell, Neil Thompson and Sal Bibbo all following through the door marked Doing One. They aren't the only departures. While Djeidi Gassama was sold for actual money to Rangers, Josh Windass, Michael Smith and Callum Paterson have all departed for free, with the club unable to bring in any new senior arrivals owing to their transfer ban until January 2027, enforced after the repeated failure to pay players' wages. Wednesday could face further disciplinary action from the EFL, a possible player walkout, longer transfer embargo, plus a fine and a points deduction if the situation continues. Despite his exit, Röhl had been generally beloved by Wednesday supporters, having rescued the club from relegation to League One in his first campaign and leading Wednesday on an unlikely playoff push last season. 'This summer has been difficult and, in the end, the club and I came to the mutual decision to part ways,' posted Röhl on various Social Media Disgraces. 'Even during the difficult moments and setbacks, I have always continued to feel the support from everyone. We achieved a miracle together and that will always be something truly exceptional. I wish everyone associated with Wednesday my very best. I will never forget you.' Wednesday currently have just 16 first-team players listed on their website, although to what extent those players are actually contracted to the club, including captain Barry Bannan, remains unclear. Wednesday's owner, Dejphon Chansiri, is willing to sell and has received offers from at least two US consortiums, but neither has met his valuation. The Thai businessman's tenure has been littered with problems: from the late payment of tax bills to points deductions, to a broken boiler unable to provide hot showers for the players at Hillsborough and even a threat to ban anyone who attended the stadium in a fake shirt. It's fair to say Chansiri is not flavour of the month. With pay day for July due this week, it remains to be seen if any of the remaining players and staff will stick around for the opener against Leicester City, recently relegated from the Premier League of course – a match which now feels as daunting as Wednesday's 10-man trip to Halliwell in 1887. Just like they did nearly 140 years ago, here hoping one of England's grand old clubs can somehow navigate this latest mess and spread their wings again. 'Sarina's got rhythm. She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can't believe it. Her face when they brought him out was a picture. She was busting out some moves and singing away so that was a special moment' – England defender Esme Morgan on Sarina Wiegman's unlikely duet, one of many magic moments from the Lionesses' Euro 2025 homecoming party in central London. I was intrigued by Lucy Bronze's quote in yesterday's Football Daily – 'I've been through a lot of pain, but that's what it takes to play for England.' Does this mean that all us fans who have watched the England men's team play in a tournament are therefore eligible to be capped?' – John Kyle. I was interested to hear that Morgan Gibbs-White's contract extension 'underlines the ambition of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, whose vision for European success and sustained Premier League progress continues to shape the club's future' (yesterday's Football Daily, full email edition). Presumably this is a different Evangelos Marinakis from the one who gave up a controlling interest in Nottingham Forest?' – Guy Stephenson. I agree with Mick Beeby: no more drums in football grounds (yesterday's Football Daily letters). Do something useful at tea-time, start a petition' – Arthur McAra. The best response to the infuriating drummer is contempt. Brentford fans' immediate reaction to an opposition drummer is to chant: 'We don't need a drum. We don't need a drum. We're Brentford FC, we don't need a drum'' – Russell Wallman. If you have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … John Kyle. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here. A joyful edition (if you're of an English persuasion, admittedly) as the Women's Football Weekly team reflect on the Euro 2025 final. And the Football Weekly pod squad also have a mailbag edition too. The story of England's Euros triumph, as depicted by David Squires. In a bid to improve communication between match referees and VAR officials based away from the stadium, the Scottish FA has sent refs to chat with aviation experts. 'These top people who help train pilots were talking to us about communication in the cockpit in very, very difficult situations, very much under pressure,' cheered Willie Collum, the SFA head of refereeing. 'Pilots, it's life or death – people would say it's life or death in football as well,' Collum added. Has he not seen the new season of The Rehearsal? Some Hillsborough survivors and family members of victims have called for Keir Starmer to reconsider his appointment of the former Sun editor David Dinsmore as the government's permanent secretary for communications. Morecambe have been suspended from the National League with immediate effect as concern mounts regarding the future of the 105-year-old club. João Félix has ended his second underwhelming Chelsea stay, joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. 'I'm here to have fun and win together,' he trilled after signing a two-year contract. Chelsea will invest said recouped wedge to sign versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, and are also pursuing a €70m move for Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons. Nottingham Forest have agreed a club-record deal for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye and are also interested in Fulham flyer Adama Traoré. Eddie Howe is not giving up on Newcastle keeping hold of Alexander Isak just yet. 'He is still our player. He's contracted to us,' Howe tooted. 'We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.' Everton have followed Chelsea and Villa in selling their women's team to a parent company, Roundhouse Capital, in order to comply with PSR regulations. And with three days until Hertha Berlin kick off the season against Schalke, the team have been told to change their home kit. 'The DFL informed us the stripes on the front must also be repeated on the back,' sighed the club. Nigeria have completed 'Mission X' by winning their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations, despite going 2-0 down to hosts Morocco in the final. In the latest newsletter, Osasu Obayiuwana looks at how the Super Falcons got the job done. More England Euro 2025 content, you demand ask? We deliver! From Zurich Tom Garry writes on Sarina Wiegman and how her laser focus, calm character and human touch helped elevate her team to greatness. Jonathan Liew praises the 'Proper England' mantra that led to undiluted commitment and individual sacrifice from the players. Sophie Downey dishes out player ratings. Nines for Hannah Hampton, Michelle Agyemang, Chloe Kelly and Wiegman, naturally. Murshida Uddin and Eze Obasi give their flowers to Jess Carter, who showed courage and grit to emerge triumphant after racist abuse during the tournament. Will Unwin pens an ode to Lucy Bronze who has written herself into folklore with her fearless performances despite a fractured tibia. Nick Ames congratulates the host country Switzerland on delivering a high-wire act despite their modest football infrastructure. And in today's Rumour Mill: is Gianluigi Donnarumma looking to leave Bigger Cup winners PSG for … Manchester United? Jimmy Hill, no less, scores Fulham's second goal in the 1958 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, Munich disaster survivors Bill Foulkes and Harry Gregg unable to prevent him scoring. The game ended 2-2 at Villa Park, United winning the replay 5-3 at Highbury, only then losing to Nat Lofthouse and Bolton in the final. Hill would never play in the final, and Fulham had to wait until 1975 to reach the Wembley showpiece. They have still never won the trophy.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Champions League star forced to wear shirt with HANDWRITTEN number after awkward blunder
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FOOTBALLER was forced to wear a jersey with his number scribbled on it in PEN during a Champions League clash. The bizarre scenes happened in a qualifier between The New Saints and Shkendija after Rory Holden was left covered in blood. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The moment officials took matters into their own hands Credit: S4C 2 Holden returned to the game with a pen written squad number Credit: S4C Midfielder Holden's original kit was soaked in claret during Tuesday night's first-leg tie at Park Hall. The incident prompted referee Rob Hennessy to order him off the pitch just before half-time. But in a moment of pure Sunday League chaos, TNS didn't have a proper backup kit with his name or number on it. So a staff member grabbed a ballpoint pen and scrawled '18' on the back of a white-and-green shirt to get him back on the pitch. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RALF FEAR Ex-Man U boss Rangnick rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after botched op Holden, who starred in last season's historic Europa Conference League run for TNS returned to action wearing the makeshift top. TV cameras caught the bizarre moment the number was inked on the sidelines. Thankfully the hand written number on the back of the shirt wasn't needed for long. The whistle blew for half-time moments later and he reappeared for the second half in a standard printed jersey. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Holden was subbed off in the 80th minute with the match ending in a goalless draw. TNS made history last season as the first Welsh club to reach the group stage of a European competition. Man Utd flop Angel Di Maria in tears as he returns to former club a year after transfer postponed due to death threats But this time, they made headlines for a very different reason. The return leg kicks off in Skopje next Tuesday (July 15), with a tie against either FCSB of Romania or Andorra's Inter Club d'Escaldes awaiting the winners.
