Latest news with #AlanHansen
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Netball Super League Grand Final: Five things we learned from a record-breaking day at the O2 Arena
The 2025 Netball Super League Grand Final served up things never seen before. A first-time winner and a record crowd were just two aspects of a day at the O2 Arena that brought netball fans together for a spectacle of epic proportions. Advertisement If you weren't one of the people inside the legendary venue, here are five things you should know about London Pulse's win over Loughborough Lightning. 1. You can win something with kids None of London Pulse's players were even born when Alan Hansen uttered the immortal words 'you can't win anything with kids' in 1995. In fact, the 2025 champions had the youngest side of all eight teams in the Netball Super League this season. Their usual bench of Darcie Everitt, Sophie Kelly and Gracie Smith have an average of 18-and-a-half with the latter the youngest ever Super League player at just 16 years old. Advertisement It was a statistic not lost on head coach Sam Bird as she toasted her team's first victory. 'We are fearless, if you are good enough you are going on and that showed with Gracie,' Bird said. 'Our philosophy to trust talent is paying off. 'To win the league with the youngest team shows where we can go from here. My immediate thought was we are winning this next year. This is the foundation of the team.' 2. NSL 2.0 reaches new heights With the Grand Final always tantalisingly close, the decibels inside the O2 Arena in London climbed higher and higher. They reached ear-splitting levels as the majority of fans in the Arena cheered a Pulse win. Advertisement There was still heavy Lightning representation among the 9,326 supporters in attendance, a record for an NSL event and the biggest netball crowd in England since 2002. The ambition of moving to a Grand Final venue bigger than any before well and truly paid off. Now, the aim is to see attendances continue to increase across the board as NSL 2.0 gathers pace. Loughborough Lightning head coach Vic Burgess said: 'It's been great to see people turning up to big games, and great to see the broadcasting has opened up more opportunities for people to watch netball and get involved in it. 'To have the opportunity to play in such a big arena, the girls love it, the thrive off it and I think more of these is only better.' Advertisement 3. Gibson bids farewell with fairytale ending The Grand Final was not only about the competition on the court, but also provided the chance to say goodbye to one of the NSL's longest servants in Jodie Gibson. The defender had returned to Loughborough Lightning for the 2025 season, having also represented Manchester Thunder, London Mavericks and Severn Stars across 15 years in the league. A Commonwealth gold medallist and two-time NSL winner, Gibson's career may have ended in defeat but she still believed it was the perfect final chapter of a fairytale. 'When I first stepped on a court for Northern Thunder in 2009, we were in Bury Leisure Centre where I used to do my school swimming lessons,' she said. Advertisement 'There were maybe 5-600 people there, maybe less. Sixteen years later, I have just finished my career at the O2 Arena. 'I was here watching Usher recently, and now I am here playing on the court in front of all of those people, it's a dream come true.' 4. Defensive trio shine brightly There's something about threes, with London Pulse claiming all the silverware on offer this season – the NSL Super Cup, the League Leaders' Shield and the NSL trophy. Pulse's defensive trio of Halimat Adio at goal keeper, goal defender Funmi Fadoju and skipper Zara Everitt at wing defence have been crucial to their side's success. Advertisement Losing head coach Burgess even revealed that her Lightning side were set up to try and combat the box defence that Pulse execute so well. Fadoju was named Player of the Final and produced a league-high number of interceptions, deflections and gains across the season. Adio sat one place behind Fadoju for deflections, while Pulse's defence made up the top three for pick-ups across the league. All three tasted the pain of Grand Final defeat in 2023, and that experience, as well as several years playing together, helped power them to a clinical victory on Sunday. 5. Ready for next year? With Bird already laying down the gauntlet that her team can win again next season, the fighting talk for the 2026 campaign has begun. Advertisement It comes as the signing window opens for clubs on Monday, allowing them to begin negotiating re-signings and transfers. Burgess has expressed her desire to keep the Lightning squad that reached a fifth-straight Grand Final together. With the introduction of two-year contracts as part of NSL 2.0, there is greater clarity for some players. But, for everyone else, a summer of intrigue and excitement begins again. To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, 70, looks fit and healthy as he enjoys sun-soaked stroll with his wife at exclusive Barbados hotel
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen showed no effects of the illness that led to his two-week hospitalisation earlier this year, as he enjoyed a leisurely stroll along on the beach with his wife in Barbados. The 70-year-old and wife Janet, soaked up the sun at the exclusive Sandy Lane Hotel on the west of the Island on Tuesday, six weeks after he grabbed headlines with his appearance at Anfield - as his old side were presented with the Premier League trophy. The legendary Reds defender, who won eight top-flight titles on Merseyside, was hospitalised last June as he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged. Almost a year later, Hansen had the honour of handing Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk the Premier League trophy and remained on the pitch as the Reds celebrated their record-equalling crown. Liverpool fans reacted to the sight of the jubilant Hansen alongside Van Dijk with joy, with many expressing their delight at his improved condition. 'Great to see Alan Hansen looking so happy. Easily the best defender of my lifetime,' one user on X wrote. Another said: 'Brilliant to see Alan Hansen looking so well - true club legend.' A third wrote: 'Amazing to see the legend that is Alan Hansen presenting the trophy especially after his illness and what a humble way for another future legend in [Van Dijk] to lift it together in front of the Kop. YNWA.' 'That's great to see Alan Hansen looking so well,' said another Reds supporter, while a particularly relieved fan remarked: 'Got to say it's good to see Alan Hansen looking so well.' In addition to eight top-flight titles, Hansen also won three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Reds across a glittering stint from 1977 to 1991. Last June Hansen was hospitalised as he was 'seriously' ill and he remained there for two weeks before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. In March he accepted his MBE from Prince William. The Scot received an outpouring of love when people heard of his situation last summer. Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight to hearing he had been discharged, describing it as 'the best news ever'. After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live. He subsequently joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC. During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself. He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool. In October, the 69-year-old made an emotional return to Partick Thistle where he launched his illustrious career. In March, Hansen was formerly made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liverpool trophy lift was everything I dreamt of - but most exciting moment could come soon
It has been another emotional week for Liverpool. The trophy lift on Sunday and the parade on Monday were incredible moments for the football club, before the city was stunned by events that followed on Water Street afterwards. Advertisement The scenes at Anfield and across the city streets were special for Liverpool supporters, who finally got to see their team lift the Premier League title in person. In this week's fan jury, our writers look back at some of the key moments in a glorious campaign and what it felt like to experience the trophy lift in person at Anfield. READ MORE: Darwin Nunez sends four-word Liverpool message as transfer uncertainty continues READ MORE: Florian Wirtz has made the right decision choosing Liverpool - Supporters will fall in love James Noble Within a weekend in which Liverpool's strength of spirit again came to the fore, Sunday fulfilled dreams. Virgil van Dijk lifting the Premier League trophy at a full Anfield was a moment 35 years in the making. Advertisement Alan Hansen fittingly presenting the trophy, and the presence of so many other legendary figures, reinforced the day's eternal nature. Preceded by that classy double guard of honour, the draw with Crystal Palace neatly reflected key components of the Reds' campaign, too. I'll almost always start a season believing that Liverpool can win the league, but I can't say I expected 2024/25 to produce a title. Third place felt a reasonable expectation. Arne Slot soon had optimism on the up as he took the reins from Jürgen Klopp with assurance and positivity. Evolution offered continuity and freshness, with Ryan Gravenberch a serene revelation in his new No.6 role. Liverpool moved with efficient consistency as Arsenal and Manchester City stumbled. Advertisement The statement Old Trafford triumph. The strong response to the Nottingham Forest defeat. The comeback win against Brighton. Darwin Nunez's late double at Brentford. The five league games, and 11 points, in 15 February days. So many crucial foundations for the subsequently blissful spring days. That Tottenham game, that final whistle – spine-tingling. A season dreamed of for so long. The most exciting part may yet be what it leads to. Rhys Buchanan It's been a beautiful yet strange last month or so with all of the peril removed from our collective shoulders. Following the explosive celebrations at Spurs in April, the party has rolled up and down the country, culminating in the joyous scenes we saw inside the ground and around the city across the weekend. Advertisement All of our expectations for this campaign were always tempered and realistic in the wake of Klopp's departure, though I think even early on in the season, Slot's clinical and calm presence did shift them slightly. The manager made a lot of tough decisions early on and constantly tweaked the formula to win us games. He certainly laid down some early statements as well, even his discontent with the Forest defeat showed just how high his expectations for this team were. I also think the leaders within our squad Virgil, Salah and even the likes of Robertson can take credit for just how smooth this transition has been. I could barely see the trophy lift through the flames, red smoke and confetti from my seat in the lower Anfield Road on Sunday, but it was absolutely everything I'd dreamt of for a lifetime and more.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years
GARY LINEKER revealed the blunder he made for the very first time - in his last-ever Match of the Day show. Lineker, 64, bowed out from the programme on Sunday night at the end of the Premier League season. 4 4 He had planned to stay on presenting FA Cup matches and front the World Cup coverage next summer. But the legendary broadcaster walked away from the BBC for good following an anti-semitism row and fall-out with Beeb bosses. And Lineker admitted he made a glaring error as he closed his final show - and one he had never done before. Towards the end of the show, there was an emotional montage of friends, colleagues and team-mates paying tribute to the departing host. The likes of Alan Hansen, Paul Gascoigne, Ian Wright and Lineker's three sons all contributed then after a special message from Andrea Bocelli, Lineker had welled up and was understandably finding it difficult to keep it all together. So much so that when he went to talk through the final Premier League table, he fluffed his lines. Lineker could be heard scrambling around trying to find the piece of paper with the script to talk through the table - but with no joy. And that meant he had to make it up as he went along - and did so with his brilliant charm and ease. Choking back tears on the live TV show, Lineker said: "I don't know if I can speak. I'll try. "For one last time, here's the Premier League table." Then came a pause as he rustled through the papers, before continuing: "And I can't find the copy. "So I tell you what, you can just read it for yourselves because it doesn't matter. "Liverpool won the league as you can see, the teams that qualified for the Champions League are Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle. "Villa and Forest will also play European football next season. "Let's have a look at the bottom of the table - it's the first time I've ever ad-libbed this. "Ermm, the bottom three are going down as they do tend to do at the end of the season. "One of those teams is, of course, Leicester which is not really how I wanted to finish." Lineker's mishap prompted sniggering laughter from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. 'I WAS STRUGGLING' And when the trio reconvened for their The Rest Is Football podcast, the ex-Leicester striker addressed the gaffe. Lineker explained: "When they played the montage, I was struggling, especially when I saw my boys. "Thankfully, that wasn't the last clip because I'd gone at that point and needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show. "It's weird, isn't it? I presented it for 26 years and I always finish with the Premier League table and then a closing line. "But for the first time ever, because of everything that was going on, I completely lost what we call the copy, the written form of what I read out over the tables. "That's written by the subs and it needs to be accurate - you can't make any mistakes. "For the first time in 26 years, I couldn't find it and it wasn't there, so I just bust which was a bit different." Lineker was gifted with a couple of presents by Shearer and Richards before making a thank-you speech to end his final appearance on the show, which was closed by Bocelli performing and a series of the season's highlights. Somewhat ironically, the final game of Lineker's long stint was his beloved Leicester losing with their relegation already confirmed - nine years after he opened Match of the Day in his underpants following their 5,000-1 title win. 4 4
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Liverpool fans rejoice at Alan Hansen 'looking so well' after recent health scare - as legendary Reds defender presents Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk at Anfield
A happy and healthy Alan Hansen grabbed the headlines on Sunday as Liverpool were presented with the Premier League trophy at Anfield. The legendary Reds defender, who won eight top-flight titles on Merseyside, was hospitalised for two weeks in June as he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged. Almost a year on, the 69-year-old had the honour of handing Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk the Premier League trophy and remained on the pitch as the Reds celebrated their record-equalling crown. Liverpool fans reacted to the sight of the jubilant Hansen alongside Van Dijk with joy, with many expressing their delight at his improved condition. 'Great to see Alan Hansen looking so happy. Easily the best defender of my lifetime,' one user on X wrote. Another said: 'Brilliant to see Alan Hansen looking so well - true club legend.' A third wrote: 'Amazing to see the legend that is Alan Hansen presenting the trophy especially after his illness and what a humble way for another future legend in [Van Dijk] to lift it together in front of the Kop. YNWA.' 'That's great to see Alan Hansen looking so well,' said another Reds supporter, while a particularly relieved fan remarked: 'Got to say it's good to see Alan Hansen looking so well.' In addition to eight top-flight titles, Hansen also won three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Reds across a glittering stint from 1977 to 1991. Last June Hansen was hospitalised as he was 'seriously' ill and he remained there for two weeks before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. In March he accepted his MBE from Prince William. The Scot received an outpouring of love when people heard of his situation last summer. Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight to hearing he had been discharged, describing it as 'the best news ever'. After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live. He subsequently joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC. During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself. He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool. In October, the 69-year-old made an emotional return to Partick Thistle where he launched his illustrious career. In March, Hansen was formerly made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
