Latest news with #ex-LeedsUnited
Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
John Giles' family life with wife and children as he retires from punditry
John Giles has called time on his career as a pundit. The Ireland football legend has graced Irish screens and airways for many decades, being respected as one of the best analysts in the land. The ex-Leeds United ace was a mainstay of RTE's football analysis from the 1980s until he stepped away from TV work in 2016. He has been a key component of Newstalk's football coverage for more than twenty years, and on Off The Ball on Thursday night, he reflected on his career analysing the game's top players. He said: "I was really lucky. I fell into the television. Eamon [Dunphy] helped me a lot in that. "When you're doing the job I was trying to do, you have to watch all the matches. You can't make it up as you go along. "I think it got to the stage where I was getting a bit stale trying to watch as many matches as I could and it became hard work. "Football has never been hard work to me, I have always loved it but there are so matches. "Even in the summer now, you see the teams over in America [for the Club World Cup]. "I have had a good run of it. I am 84, nearly 85. "I have enjoyed it. I loved playing. I fell into to the television, I had no intention of doing that when I was actually playing the football. "No complaints whatsoever." Here's everything you need to know about the football great: John Giles was born in Dublin on November 1940 and is 84 years old. He kicked off his career with Manchester United, making over 100 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Leeds United. During his time in Manchester, he bagged an FA Cup and then had a remarkable run with Leeds under Don Revie, where he clinched two First Division titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup. He also made it into the PFA Team of the Year. His English playing days concluded with West Brom, followed by a brief stint with Philadelphia Fury, and finally ended his playing days with Shamrock Rovers, securing an FAI Cup. Giles tied the knot with his wife Anne way back in 1966. She is the sister of former Irish sprinter Paul Dolan. The couple have four sons and two daughters together. Two of Giles' sons previously played for Shamrock Rovers. His sister Kay was married to England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles. Giles first graced the RTE airwaves in 1986, marking the start of a highly respected broadcasting career. He remained a fixture for the national broadcaster for three decades, signing off after Euro 2016. He still worked for Off The Ball until announcing his retirement on June 26, 2025.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing 'signs former footballer' for 2025 series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info As Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 season is just around the corner, rumours swirl about more celebrities joining the line-up - with a Premier League legend the most recent to be linked with the much-loved BBC programme. The latest speculation suggests that ex-Leeds United ace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink might trade football boots for dancing shoes as a contestant on the celebrated dance show. At 53 years of age, the Dutch former footballer is poised to join the roster of sports stars who have hit the Strictly dance floor, hoping to clinch the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Previous footballers who have graced the dance floor include Robbie Savage, Alex Scott, and Tony Adams. (Image: Getty Images) Hasselbaink took up a coaching role within the England national football team setup in 2023 but stepped back in August following Gareth Southgate's resignation. Now seemingly with time to spare, the rumour mill suggests that he could be slipping into something sparkly for this year's Strictly. A source quoted by The Sun said: "Jimmy has a huge fanbase from his years playing in the Premier League and is a very likeable character. Show producers are always keen to book a retired footballer as it gets footie fans tuning into the series and becoming unlikely fans of the show. Jimmy has a competitive edge and is going to get his head in the game." Requests for response from Jimmy's representatives and the BBC were reportedly made by The Mirror. Other celebrities rumoured to be stepping out on this year's dance floor include Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – famed as Nitro – and former Big Brother housemate Yinrun Huang. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are all confirmed to make a comeback for the 2025 season - marking its 23rd run. Yet, after tumultuous times, show insiders are reportedly anxious over the possibility of new controversies. Strictly has faced challenges with its reputation recently, dealing with allegations of professional dancers being physically aggressive towards their celebrity partners. Celebrity contestants themselves have faced accusations of improper conduct, reports the Mirror. (Image: BBC) Reports earlier this year indicated that BBC executives are haunted by a "terrible, terrible fear" of additional scandals tarnishing the series further, prompting measures to improve the show's image, potentially influencing future casting decisions. To ensure a scandal-free 2025 series, the BBC is rumoured to be considering options that are seen as safe bets. Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan are among those in the running, alongside Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla. Names like Georgia Toffolo and Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts, are said to be in discussions for participation. Also being eyed is Dani Dyer, known for her stint on Love Island and recent nuptials, and ex-Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan is believed to be a top pick for show executives. "There is a terrible, terrible fear among those high up that these awful things are going to keep happening and the show will be brought into disrepute again and again," one well-placed BBC insider has told MailOnline. "With that in mind, they are taking no chances." (Image: BBC) The insider continued: "There will be stringent checks, and asking around, and digging into potential stars' backgrounds to make sure that they're not choosing anyone who might damage the show. For years, there was the whole Strictly "curse" where the contestants and professionals kept having affairs. But that stopped. "Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. There have been other issues in the past couple of years, though. What's been even more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie have been from their own stable of stars. Going forward, those at the top want a wholesome image to shine through. No more scandal – just joy." The report came after 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick, who is known for playing Jay Brown in the BBC soap EastEnders, was forced to issue a grovelling apology after footage was reportedly uncovered showing him making derogatory comments about the people of Blackpool. Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Moment motorbike-riding yobs swarm man on quiet London street in broad daylight… but it's not all as it seems
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the moment a gang of motorbike-riding yobs swarmed a man in central London in broad daylight - but all was not as it seemed. The dramatic incident on Adam Street near Waterloo Bridge on Thursday saw the target eventually flee in a Range Rover as passersby stood open-mouthed. 9 The motorbike thugs surrounded a man as he left the Adelphi building Credit: Supplied 9 He then makes a getaway in a waiting Range Rover Credit: Supplied 9 His driver can be seen thumping one rider with a bat Credit: Supplied However, the 'victim' was actually actor Theo James - and his getaway driver ex-football hardman Vinnie Jones, on set of the second series of The Gentlemen. The footage, shared with The Sun, was filmed from an office building across the street by a big fan of the Guy Ritchie-produced Netflix series. She told us: 'I was visiting my friend in his office - it was about half nine or 10. There were a couple sections of the street barricaded off and suddenly a film crew appeared. 'There were a couple of us watching at the window and I started filming. 'I recognised it was Theo James straight away. I was like 'this is exciting - oh my God!'' In the footage, the director can be heard shouting 'action' before James, 40 - who plays lead character Eddie Halstead - emerges from the Adelphi building with three other actors. Suddenly, half a dozen thugs on motorbikes arrive from both directions as James dashes towards a waiting Range Rover and driver Vinnie Jones, who plays Geoff Seacombe. The ex-Leeds United, Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder, 60, then attacks one rider with a bat, before the car speeds off around the corner. Further footage shows the crew focusing in on Jones thumping the thug with the bat, causing him to fall backwards off the bike. Brit acting legend admits he wants to play James Bond saying 'the world's gone crazy' if Amazon casts a US star for 007 And more video shot from the ground sees one of the riders doing a wheelie in front of James. The witness, 26 - who did not wish to be named - went on to tell The Sun: 'It was all very quick, but it was cool to watch. 'You could hear some bangs and motorbikes revving - and it grabbed everyone's attention. 'My friend's seen a few things being filmed before around there. He said 'they're definitely filming something', then I saw the mic at the side of the road, then I saw Theo James.' She added: 'I watched the first season and loved it - I love Theo James and Vinnie Jones, they're really funny. 9 Theo James stars in Netflix gangster series The Gentlemen Credit: AP 9 James and co-star Vinnie Jones (right) on the show Credit: Christopher Rafael/Netflix 9 Jones was previously a professional footballer before becoming a Hollywood actor Credit: Getty 'I read that Maya Jama's gonna be in the new series too, which should be good.' The Gentlemen is a spin-off of the Ritchie-directed 2019 film of the same name, which starred Charlie Hunnam, Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant and Colin Farrell. The TV show, which also features Skins and Pirates of the Caribbean actress Kaya Scodelario, follows James' Eddie after he inherits his family's estate only to discover that it's home to an enormous weed empire, dragging him into the criminal underworld. James - who also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie - is currently among those leading the race to become the next James Bond. According to Coral, fellow Brit Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, is top of the betting, however, James this month overtook former favourite Henry Cavill, 42, to take second place. 9 James, who returns for season two, is among the stars being tipped to play James Bond Credit: AP 9 Jones with Joely Richardson during season one Credit: Netflix
The Irish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Moment motorbike-riding yobs swarm man on quiet London street in broad daylight… but it's not all as it seems
THIS is the moment a gang of motorbike-riding yobs swarmed a man in central London in broad daylight - but all was not as it seemed. The dramatic incident on Adam Street near Waterloo Bridge on Thursday saw the target eventually flee in a Range Rover as passersby stood open-mouthed. 9 The motorbike thugs surrounded a man as he left the Adelphi building Credit: Supplied 9 He then makes a getaway in a waiting Range Rover Credit: Supplied 9 His driver can be seen thumping one rider with a bat Credit: Supplied However, the 'victim' was actually actor The footage, shared with The Sun, was filmed from an office building across the street by a big fan of the Guy Ritchie-produced Netflix series. She told us: 'I was visiting my friend in his office - it was about half nine or 10. There were a couple sections of the street barricaded off and suddenly a film crew appeared. 'There were a couple of us watching at the window and I started filming. READ MORE NEWS 'I recognised it was Theo James straight away. I was like 'this is exciting - oh my God!'' In the footage, the director can be heard shouting 'action' before James, 40 - who plays lead character Eddie Halstead - emerges from the Adelphi building with three other actors. Suddenly, half a dozen thugs on motorbikes arrive from both directions as James dashes towards a waiting Range Rover and driver Vinnie Jones, who plays Geoff Seacombe. The ex-Leeds United, Most read in Showbiz Further footage shows the crew focusing in on Jones thumping the thug with the bat, causing him to fall backwards off the bike. Brit acting legend admits he wants to play James Bond saying 'the world's gone crazy' if Amazon casts a US star for 007 And more video shot from the ground sees one of the riders doing a wheelie in front of James. The witness, 26 - who did not wish to be named - went on to tell The Sun: 'It was all very quick, but it was cool to watch. 'You could hear some bangs and motorbikes revving - and it grabbed everyone's attention. 'My friend's seen a few things being filmed before around there. He said 'they're definitely filming something', then I saw the mic at the side of the road, then I saw Theo James.' She added: 'I watched the first season and loved it - I love Theo James and Vinnie Jones, they're really funny. 9 Theo James stars in Netflix gangster series The Gentlemen Credit: AP 9 James and co-star Vinnie Jones (right) on the show Credit: Christopher Rafael/Netflix 9 Jones was previously a professional footballer before becoming a Hollywood actor Credit: Getty 'I read that Maya Jama's gonna be in the new series too, which should be good.' The Gentlemen is a spin-off of the Ritchie-directed 2019 film of the same name, which starred Charlie Hunnam, The TV show, which also features Skins and Pirates of the Caribbean actress Kaya Scodelario, follows James' Eddie after he inherits his family's estate only to discover that it's home to an enormous weed empire, dragging him into the criminal underworld. James - who also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie - is currently among those leading the race to become the next James Bond. According to Coral, fellow Brit Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, is top of the betting, however, James this month overtook former favourite Henry Cavill, 42, to take second place. 9 James, who returns for season two, is among the stars being tipped to play James Bond Credit: AP 9 Jones with Joely Richardson during season one Credit: Netflix 9 Kaya Scodelario and James, who both received praise for their performances Credit: Rex
