Professional Player Magazine Issue 23

issue 23 • november 2018

JOSHUA BUATSI

ASMIR BEGOVIC We speak with AFC Bournemouth’s goalkeeper about his foundation, giving young people greater access to play sport

Professional Player’s Luke Nicoli caught up with one of the hottest prospects in the boxing world

ADIDAS Pushing boundaries with their latest football boots

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

PLUS The Psychology behind England’s Penalties

Showcase their luxury collection for AW18 and reveal an exclusive tribute to an icon with a limited edition sneaker

13 of the best infinity pools in the world Craig Mitch Supernova Protein

The lightning Bolt How the fastest man in the world is making a career in football #TogetherwithLCFC

#TogetherwithLCFC

#TogetherwithLCFC

#TogetherwithLCFC

#TogetherwithLCFC

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The Mercedes-Benz VIP Programme.

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Mercedes-Benz of Leeds 155 Gelderd Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS12 6BZ 0113 201 5227 Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

www.mercedes-benzofleeds.co.uk

Offering access to a wealth of members-only privileges.

For more information, please contact Robert Murray on 0113 201 5227.

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The Mercedes-Benz VIP Programme.

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Mercedes-Benz of Leeds 155 Gelderd Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS12 6BZ 0113 201 5227 Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

www.mercedes-benzofleeds.co.uk

Offering access to a wealth of members-only privileges.

For more information, please contact Robert Murray on 0113 201 5227.

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ROOMS & SUITES

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R E S TA U R A N T S & D I N I N G

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S PA & W E L L N E S S

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MEETING & BUSINESS

STEP CLOSER TO THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS

AS THE RISING STAR IN ANTALYA, AKRA IS LEADING THE WAY WITH ITS NEW GENERATION HOSPITALITY CONCEPT, URBAN SOCIAL. SURROUNDED BY THE STUNNING TURKISH BEY MOUNTAINS AND THE DISTINCTIVE BEAUTY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, AKRA PROMISES DELUXE SERVICES AND A FAR-REACHING APPEAL.

EVENTS & WEDDINGS

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K I N G S T R E E T TOW N H O U S E

G R E AT J O H N S T R E E T

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E L E V E N D I D S B U RY PA R K

D I D S B U RY H O U S E H OT E L

W W W. E C L E C T I C H OT E L S . C O M

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Welcome

Welcome to Professional Player the only magazine that is an established credible concept for you, the players.

Issue 23 credits

Founder Peter Etherington peter@theprofessionalplayer.co.uk Business Development Director Gina Wade-Taylor gina@theprofessionalplayer.co.uk 07715 974816 Photography Mark Kirk markykirkphoto@gmail.com 07817 531324 Creative Stephen Bishop - Rowtype stephen@rowtype.co.uk James Cunningham - Rowtype james@rowtype.co.uk 01782 538600

Cover Photo Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Shutterstock

Fashion & Image Consultant Harriet Byczok harriet@harriet-byczok.com

At this moment in time Football just doesn’t seem important and indeed the Leicester City Players and fans not to mention the family are rightly in mourning and probably will be for some time. Words cannot do justice to the outpouring from the football world of just how highly regarded Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was held.

For people outside of Leicester we are now hearing not just what he meant to the club but what he has done for the city of Leicester in Hospitals, Schools etc. This is a man who with all his wealth was firmly caring about the people of Leicester working with them helping them and most importantly doing all this with a big heart. He didn’t create all these unbelievable opportunities and give his money to the organisations of Leicester for publicity or to show his wealth. He did this because that was how the man was made. I think that anybody involved in Football around the world must be touched by this man. The fact that his family are now saying that ‘the project will continue with the support to the club/fans and city’ again means that this man has given his family huge values on how life should be lived.

Many people have said to me that Leicester City FC will now be their second team just because they share and feel the pain of the club that Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has built.

Features Journalist Emma Harrison harrison_ej@hotmail.co.uk Contributors Anthony Bunn, Luke Nicoli, Euan Reedie, David Fearnhead, ThinkBDW, Marky Kirk Photography, Matt Fearnon, 20Five Ltd, Adgenda Media, Cube Marketing, Shutterstock, Emma Harrison, Bobbi Brown, Flannels Published by O7 Media Ltd Bartle House, Oxford Court, Manchester, M2 3WQE. Designed & printed by Rowtype Printers Ltd sales@rowtype.co.uk www.rowtype.co.uk Terms and conditions: The Professional Player is solely owned by O7 Media Ltd. All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of O7 Media Ltd. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. The publishers cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of any material, solicited or unsolicited.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or those of the advertisers.

Perhaps other owners and chairman of Football clubs around the world should take a look at what he has done and look at replicating it. It’s not just about money for the club it’s about caring and helping the community that the club is based in.

Our thoughts are with you all in Leicester. #TogetherwithLCFC

Peter Etherington

Founder of Professional Player.

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Features

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22 Usain Bolt 28 Joshua Buatsi 32 Allez Les Bleus!

35 The Shankly Hotel 38 Asmir Begovic 40 Craig Mitch

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68 Infinity and Beyond!

76 Adidas 81

Supernova Protein

100 All or Nothing

Regulars

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50 Men’s Fashion 105 The Other Half 114 Women’s Fashion 15

RIP

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

What’s Up?

Professional Player’s take on who’s saying what in the football world of social media Kasper Schmeichel #Family #TheBoss

Trick or Treat

Sight for Sore Eyes

Christian Fuchs Retweeted Ryan Murrant

That was the toughest of games to watch, hard to sing, hard to talk, everyone tearful throughout.

A surreal experience, a wonderful football club. The picture: Solidarity. Vichai’s Blue & White #lcfc army

Jonathan Walters

I’ve dressed up as you this year

@robert_huth #TrickOrTreating #doppelganger

Charlie Austin

Wake up in the morning and the trampoline has left the garden and blocking the road

Peter Crouch

A star is born is one of the best films I have seen for such a long time. So much so I lent @ladygaga one of my suits

James Maddison

Boss I know you would have been proud of us today That 3 points was for you.

#LCFCFamily Kyle Walker

There are moments in life that are more important than football.

Whilst I’m happy with the win tonight, my thoughts, prayers, and feelings go out to all involved in the tragic accident the other night. Leicester must stay strong and come together as one, like I know they will RIP

Kelechi Iheanacho

May the good Lord accept your soul rest on boss

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Jonas Lössl

Happy Halloween

Héctor Bellerín

Christian Fuchs

It’s not a costume, it’s a lifestyle

Wayne Rooney #tbt

Blood Thicker than Water

Fame at Last

Countryfile

Elliott Bennett

My late nan and grandad were looking down on us today. Always dreamt of winning at Stoke after playing in her garden and hearing the ground as a kid. So much heart in this team

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

15 years ago this day, we won the tournament dedicated to my late father‘s memory Blessed, as I was also voted tournament‘s Best Player that #FCPyunikthis year

Jordan Nobbs

Ciaran Clark Empty....@kevinbridges86

No better feeling than wearing this shirt ....Thanks to all the fans supporting us in our journey

#lionesses

My Captain, My Captain

Theo Walcott

Rafael da Silva

Not good result but a great felling play against my bro after all this years in football. ready for Love you bro Tuesday now Champions league.

Wayne Rooney

Always great to catch up @edsheeran. Another unbelievable concert

#luckynumber4 #godsplan #family #famille #blessed

Wayne Rooney

My toughest opponent.

Congratulations to John Terry on a brilliant career

Héctor Bellerín

Played together since we were 8 years old. We used to 1v1 in his grandmas garden for hours. Yesterday together on the same pitch in the @premierleague.

Life is amazing.

@MarcNavarro7

What a career you’ve had John Terry It was honour to play alongside you and against you. One of our country’s best ever defenders... a true legend.

Mohamed ELNeny

Happy Birthday Diego Armando #Maradona..

Definitely a #LEGEND

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Why players with a sports injury should be able to request an Upright Open MRI scan

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FEATURE

Medserena Upright MRI

If you’ve picked up a sports injury or had a concussion, you may be required to have an MRI Upright Open MRI scans are not routinely offered in the NHS or even privately but they offer consultants and their patients a better view when the joint, spine or neck is put under natural weight-bearing pressure.

This is performed either standing up, sitting down or in a specific sports posture, such as, flexing the neck, crouching or twisting – allowing the scan to be carried out in exactly the position that pain is experienced. All coils (antennae), even the head coils for brain scans are designed to allow the patient to sit upright and clearly see outside the system so removing feelings of claustrophobia.

So, why is this type of scan not offered more routinely especially when it is available to all NHS, health-insured and self-pay patients?

It would appear that the answer to this is simply that very few consultants know about it and rely on traditional MRI scanners where patients are scanned lying down. Traditional MRI scanners require patients to slide into a narrow tunnel or tube which many people find uncomfortably hemmed-in, cramped and can induce anxiety or panic. Importantly, showing

joints and the spine in natural weightbearing positions such as sitting, standing, crouching, twisting is simply not possible.

Indeed, some conditions may be underestimated or may not even be seen at all in a traditional tunnel MRI scanner.

For claustrophobic patients, even an ‘open’ MRI scanner still requires you to endure the machine very close to your face as you have to lie between two magnetic poles, often referred to as a ‘double doughnut’ format.

The distance between the upper and lower poles varies, but is typically only around 38 - 43 cm - and you would still have the upper part of the scanner directly in front of your face, as the system is only open at the sides.

Medserena Upright Open MRI centres in London and Manchester offer patients a state-of-the-art MRI examination that even allows you to watch TV or DVD, on a large screen while your scan progresses.

The staff at Medserena Upright MRI Centres are also specially trained in dealing with claustrophobic patients. And, if required, a relative or friend can stay with the patient in the room.

With increased awareness many more patients will benefit from this type of scan.

Some will have had a conventional MRI scan but their condition may not have been properly diagnosed and they still suffer from pain. And others will be claustrophobic or anxious about the idea of going through an MRI ‘tunnel’.

Further info: www.back-pain-mri.com and www.fear-of-mri.com Medserena Upright MRI would be delighted to arrange for you to visit either of their scanning centres to view a live scan in progress and to sit in the scanner (without having an MRI) in order to learn about why this type of MRI is so much better for patients and their consultants. We have expert radiographers and radiologists who can explain in detail how this type of MRI scan works and its benefits. Please email sally@starfishpr.london if you’d like to arrange a visit.

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Giuseppe Zanotti & Michael Jackson Estate partner for the

GIUSEPPE TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON sneaker A black diamond and ruby-studded pair of sneakers is being auctioned to benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

Las Vegas, August 30, 2018 - The Estate of Michael Jackson together with Giuseppe Zanotti announces the launch of ‘Giuseppe Tribute to Michael Jackson’, a limited edition sneaker available in selected stores from mid-October. At the Michael Jackson Diamond Celebration in Las Vegas in honour of what would be Michael’s 60th birthday, Paris and Prince Jackson initiated an auction for “Number One,” a one-of-akind, ruby and diamond studded pair of shoes, to benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Mr. Zanotti was at the event to present the exclusive style.

The final bidding for “Number One” will take place as part of Julien’s Auctions Icons & Idols Auction, live at the Hard Rock Café in New York on November 9-10, 2018.

“Number One” will be the only pair of the 2,000 pieces limited-edition numbered sneakers to be encrusted with approximately 120 genuine black diamonds (108 carats) and approximately 55 rubies (18 carats). Expected to raise a minimum of $30,000-$50,000 at auction, the mid top sneaker is an exceptional piece that testifies to Giuseppe Zanotti’s longstanding admiration for the singer for whom he created several custom-made pieces.

The remaining 1,999 “Giuseppe Tribute to Michael Jackson” pairs will be available in selected Giuseppe Zanotti stores worldwide and on giuseppezanotti.com and the limited edition collection will also be sold exclusively at Flannels in the UK. Each exclusive sneaker will be numbered in sequence. The style will be available in three different colors: black, white, and silver and will feature Swarovski crystals on the fasteners and Michael’s name engraved on the buckle. The word “Tribute” will feature in bright red Swarovski crystals on the right hand side of the sole. The exclusive collaboration will be accompanied by its own unique packaging: black boxes and fabric bags highlighted with Michael Jackson’s initials.

GIUSEPPEZANOTTI.COM/UK

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TRIBUTE

ABOUT GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI. Giuseppe Zanotti is an Italian luxury footwear and fashion designer known for his sculptural, jeweled heels and fashion forward sneakers.

Through his eponymous label, Giuseppe Zanotti, the Italian-born Zanotti manufactures and distributes women’s, men’s and children’s shoes as well as small leather goods, handbags, jewelry and ready-towear. Available in 75 countries worldwide, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are a red-carpet favorite, inspired by and connected to the world of film, music and art.

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g n i n t h g i l ? e Can c i w t e k i r t s t l Bo Just over a year ago, Usain Bolt ended his illustrious running career at the World Athletics Championships in London. But rather than take a well-trodden retirement route into coaching or the commentary box, the eight-time Olympic champion is bidding to make his mark in another sport: football. Euan Reedie reports on the 32-year-old’s progress to date, which includes a brief and indifferent stint at Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners.

All pictures courtesy of Central Coast Mariners

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COVER FEATURE

Usain Bolt

I

t is often said that a sports star will die twice, the first time at retirement. So when Usain Bolt ‘died’ in August 2017, it just had to be a spectacular demise, didn’t it? The greatest and most charismatic sprinter of all time was never likely to bow out quietly.

But he could never have imagined in his worst nightmares that he would have limped, quite literally, to the finish line.

The Jamaican superstar had been bidding to end his glittering career at the World Athletics Championships in London with more gold medals to add to his 19 global championship successes.

But he could only manage bronze in his penultimate race – the men’s 100 metres – before shockingly pulling up injured in his final event, the 4x100m relay.

He then had to endure the ignominy of being helped off the track by his team-mates, barely able to stand upright and hobbling after tearing his hamstring.

Thankfully Bolt put his catastrophic climax into cheerful perspective when he said: “For me, I don’t think one championship is going to change what I’ve done. I remember after losing the 100m, someone said to me, ‘Usain, no worries, Muhammad Ali lost his last fight also, so don’t be stressed about that’.

“I’ve proven myself year in, year out, throughout my whole career. I was saying goodbye to everything. I almost cried. It was close, but it didn’t come.”

While Bolt supressed the tears, his legions of fans were left mourning the loss of a sporting icon.

And despite achieving things most mere mortals can only dream about, how would Bolt cope with the dreaded ‘r’ word: retirement?

What would he do to replace the incomparable exhilaration of competing and succeeding with the eyes of the world upon him?

How would he ward off the feelings of depression and emptiness that can often bedevil top athletes when they suffer their first unwanted ‘death’?

Bolt was never likely to succumb to such afflictions given his effervescent demeanour.

And anyway, he already had exciting plans in place to channel his energies into another one of his sporting passions: football.

An ardent Manchester United fan, he had constantly expressed his desire to play for the

Red Devils even before he hung up his running shoes.

That was always a wildly fanciful notion for even the seemingly superhuman Bolt, however.

But undaunted, earlier this year he made strides towards a new career by training with German giants Borussia Dortmund, South African club Sundowns and Norwegian side Stromsgodset.

Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze, who scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, enthused: “I think [Bolt] can make it. He is a sportsman and he has a lot of abilities that are important to be successful in football too.

“It was very interesting to have Usain Bolt here. Just to meet him in person and to see an athlete from a different kind of sport come here to try to play soccer.

“But he did quite well. I have to admit that I expected him to be worse.”

No less a judge than Vicente del Bosque, who led Spain to World Cup and European Championship glory in 2010 and 2012 respectively, backed Bolt to succeed.

Speaking to the Olympic Channel in September, he said: “To start playing professional football at the age of 32 isn’t normal. But he has won a lot during his 32 years of life and he has earned the right to say: ‘Hey, I want to be a footballer’.

“For a team that counter-attacks hard and transitions quickly into open space, sure [he would fit in]. It would be possible, of course.

With space, he could be a very good footballer.

“He could be a full-back that covers a lot of space, but it depends, because it’s not just about covering 100, or 60 or 70 metres of

the pitch. It’s about doing it many times over and that requires stamina which I don’t know whether he has or not – although I’m sure he has prepared.

“Without a doubt as a full-back, with his back towards the crowd and the touchline, that’s where he would be most useful.”

No-one could have predicted where Bolt’s embryonic footballing odyssey would take him next, however.

In August, just two months after fulfilling a lifelong ambition to grace his beloved Old Trafford where he captained a World XI during Soccer Aid 2018, Bolt landed in Australia.

The land Down Under is anything but a footballing hotbed, but the Jamaican announced that he had agreed an “indefinite training period” with A-League outfit the Central Coast Mariners.

Explaining his surprise decision, he said: “For me, we got offers from teams in Spain, France and stuff like that. But for me it would be harder because you have to learn a new language. It wasn’t in the top division.

“But Australia is somewhere where I enjoy coming. I’m just here to make them [the Mariners] proud and to make myself proud.”

Insisting that his attempted career switch to a club based north of Sydney was not a gimmick, he added: “People are always going to say what they want to say. Just like when I was in track and field, people would say a lot of things about me but I always proved them wrong so it’s just another moment for me to prove people wrong.

“As I said, I’m not setting any standards, I’m just working, pushing myself and when I feel like I’ve done enough, I’ll ask the coach: How do I look?’ What do I need to work on?

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COVER FEATURE

Usain Bolt

“Do you feel like I can continue this? Do you feel like I need to push more? What can I do to be better?’. That’s my focus, I don’t care what people say.”

Whatever his current shortcomings on the football field, Bolt believed his proven ability to perform under pressure would prove vital.

“As you’ve seen throughout the years, I’m cool under pressure. That’s one thing if you’ve seen me over the years. I think my ability to understand very quickly and to learn the game is something that I’m very good at.

“I think I see the game very well. I have to work on the basic skills; I think I’m good at control and stuff like that. But there are things that I need to learn and that’s why I’m here.

I’m excited for the opportunity.

“As long as you get fit in football, I think it’s relatively easy, that’s how I look at it. I don’t know yet. With track and field in the early season when you get fit, no matter what’s going on during the season every training session you’re dying.

“But watching the guys and being to different teams I’ve seen, as long as you’re fit, it’s relatively easy with the running. So as long as I get my body in good shape and I get my body under some mileage, I should be fine.”

In terms of his footballing credentials, Bolt started out as a goalkeeper at primary school, before moving to centre-back, left-back and then left wing.

By the end of his high-school career, his electric pace was being harnessed in his new role as a centre-forward.

Bolt continued: “For the last probably three years of my career, I played six-a-side with all my friends twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that’s something I’ve always done. I’ve always watched football; everyone knows I’m a massive Manchester United fan, so I watch a lot of games to stay abreast with what’s going on.”

Why is it so important for him to become a professional footballer after all he has achieved in athletics?

“Because it’s something I want. I like new challenges; I challenge myself in track and field and I did extremely well. I got to the top and I decided it was time for me to walk away.

“Football has always been something that’s a passion of mine, that I enjoy, even when my coach at a professional level would say: ‘Don’t play football, you can’t be playing football in the middle of the season’. I still would play because it’s something that I enjoy. Now that I’m retired and I had the opportunity to play with a top team and to show what I can do, it’s something I want to do to challenge myself.”

In an interview with me for Gulf News in the UAE four years ago, Bolt summed up his skyscraping philosophy thus: “Anything is possible; I don’t think limits.”

It is an approach he still determinedly adheres to, despite having made the impossible possible countless times.

Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, explained: “I daydream all the time about big things. One of my biggest things is to play for Manchester United so I think that could be my biggest dream. You can’t get bigger than that, even if it was just for five games, one game it would be a dream come true.

“Because as I said, I’m a massive fan.”

Bolt made his eagerly anticipated Mariners debut on August 31 through a 20-minute substitute appearance in the 6-1 thrashing of a Central Coast select side.

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Anything is possible; I don’t think limits.

Playing as a wide forward, Bolt had a few touches, came close to scoring in stoppage time and was confident enough to run at opposing defenders. But he was clearly short of peak fitness, sometimes lost possession and didn’t always read where his teammates’ passes were going.

Both Bolt and Mariners coach Mike Mulvey rated his performance as “okay”, although pundits such as the former Manchester United and Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich stressed the former athlete still had much improvement to make.

Bolt seemed to have taken these comments on board, however, when he scored two goals in Mariners’ 4-0 friendly win over Macarthur South West on October 12.

Of his first professional football start, Bolt enthused: “Dreams become reality through hard work. My first start and scoring two goals, it’s a good feeling.

“I’m happy I could come here and show the world I’m improving. I’m keen to be a Mariner, to play my best and get into the team.”

It seemed as if Bolt had confounded the odds again, then, and was well on his way to achieving his footballing ambitions.

But after weeks of negotiation with Mariners and speculation over his future, Bolt officially rejected the Mariners’ offer of an A-League contract on November 2.

The club announced that, despite having been in discussions with several “promising” potential commercial partners, the club and Bolt had amicably concluded a deal would not be struck.

Bolt had been weighing up an offer of a reported $150,000 deal – some way short of the $3m he was said to be expecting.

“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners owners, management, staff, players and fans for making me feel so welcome during my time there,” said Bolt, who also turned

COVER FEATURE

Usain Bolt

down a two-year contract from the Maltese champions Valletta FC in October. “I wish the club success for the season ahead.”

“Despite the fact that we could not come to an agreement that would continue Usain Bolt’s football journey with the Central Coast Mariners, we’ve been thrilled to have the Olympic champion sprinter and world record holder as part of our club for these past eight weeks,” Central Coast Mariners owner, Mike Charlesworth, said.

Bolt’s fleeting spell in Australia could best be described as ‘mixed’.

He undoubtedly impressed many people at the Mariners – and in Australia as a whole – with his charm, determination and humility.

“The best thing about Usain Bolt is he’s so humble,” said Ross McCormack, the Scottish Aston Villa striker who is on loan at the Mariners, after Bolt’s second game.

“He’s fitted in well with the lads. From my first day even to where he is now, the transformation is huge.”

There were also critics of the legendary Jamaican, however.

Marcus Babbel voiced his concern – not in “100 years” would he make it as a pro, said the Western Sydney Wanderers coach – while former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou asserted it would be “very, very difficult” to change careers at such a late stage.

The former Republic of Ireland striker, Andy Keogh, was even more scathing in his assessment.

Keogh, who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League, said Bolt “had the touch of a trampoline”.

“It’s nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing in the A-League, that’s not for me,” Keogh told Off the Ball.

“For me, he’s not going to be able to make it [as a footballer].

“He’s shown a bit [of potential] but it’s a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league.”

While his club career lay in tatters, the Jamaica FA president Michael Ricketts offered Bolt encouragement about the prospect of a Jamaica national team call-up.

“Usain has a special attribute in his speed,” he told ESPN FC. “If he can add a little bit of skill, some flair, he could supplement this Jamaican team.

“The players would certainly welcome someone like Usain. I have had informal discussions with some of them and they are excited at the prospect of playing with Usain.

“If he can make the transition from being a superstar on the track to being a good enough football player, then we will certainly call him up.”

Where Bolt’s meandering footballing quest takes him is anybody’s guess.

Will he enjoy a long-lasting second coming?

Or will his transition to another sport end as miserably as his incomparable running career did?

Sportspeople everywhere will be hoping that a lightning Bolt really can strike twice to give them reassurance that only one death is inevitable.

FAMOUS GAME-CHANGERS While Usain Bolt is hoping to make his way in the beautiful game, here are five former footballers who have attempted their own sporting reinvention with various degrees of success.

Fabien Barthez

Curtis Woodhouse

Grant Holt

Paolo Maldini

Julian Dicks

The flamboyant former Manchester United goalkeeper, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, ventured into the world of motorsport after he hung up his boots in 2007.

The former England under-21 international and Sheffield United midfielder hung up his boots and entered the boxing arena after “falling out of love with football”.

The former Norwich City striker has revealed his childhood dream to compete at Wrestlemania after making his in-ring debut last month.

Arguably the greatest defender of all time, the Italy and AC Milan legend won almost everything you can imagine in a glittering 24-year career.

A renowned hardman of football, and West Ham United legend, Dicks never did anything by halves.

Footage of Holt winning a 40-man Royal Rumble went viral as the ex-Wigan hitman performed a flying kick at one of his opponents.

In June 2017, eight years after he hung up his boots, he entered a tennis doubles event at an ATP Challenger tournament in Milan.

He has since competed in several series, including the prestigious 24 of Le Mans.

Barthez’s remarkable career transformation hit a high in 2013 when he became French GT Champion alongside Morgan Moullin-Traffort.

He made his boxing debut in 2006, in a welterweight contest, beating Dean Marcantonio on points after knocking his opponent down twice.

To date, Woodhouse has fought 31 times, winning 24 (13 KOs) and losing seven.

The 37-year-old hung up his boots in August after a season in non-league with Barrow and is now coaching in the Canaries’ academy.

Maldini’s tennis career lasted just 43 minutes, however, as he was beaten 6-1, 6-1 in the first round.

And when he had to call time (he once owned a pub too) on his career in 2000, he tried golf.

Sadly, he got frustrated about his own ability, breaking a few clubs along the way, and a long-standing knee injury meant he gave up that short-lived dream.

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Boxing clever He has a university degree, an Olympic medal and happens to be managed by Anthony Joshua. Professional Player’s Luke Nicoli caught up with light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi, undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in world boxing…

You moved to England from Ghana at the age of nine, Joshua, so do you have many recollections of your early childhood?

I can vividly remember going to primary school in Ghana and the weather being so hot. I was always wearing shorts and slippers and even when I was outside kicking a football around with my friends, it was in those slippers! The fact that we spoke English at school certainly helped when we moved here to Croydon, in fact it was key to a much smoother transition. Culturally there was a big difference though and certainly the weather was very different. I remember arriving here in the August and by November it was snowing – it was the first time I had ever seen snow! But I soon learnt to embrace my new life; there were more opportunities for us as a family and I knew I would be handed a better start to life from an educational point of view, and I maintained my studies up to university level.

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You graduated with a degree in Management with Sports Science at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, so was a career in boxing necessarily what you had in mind?

It was 100 per cent what I wanted to do, but it was still important to receive a good education and I was always mindful that was one of the reasons why we came to England in the first place.

As I got older and the boxing became more of a possible career opportunity, I still needed to be stimulated mentally and that’s why I took the degree. I saw it as a mental challenge and I studied while I was competing. I wanted to show that boxers can be educated too.

INTERVIEW

Joshua Buatsi So when did you start to take boxing seriously?

I would have to give it everything just to be in with a shout of winning a medal.

I started boxing competitively at the age of 15 but it wasn’t until I became number one in the country [Joshua is a two-time ABA champion] that I realised that I could really take my career to the next level. When you are younger, you are always facing boys of the same age, but here I was at the ABAs and I was fighting men much older and far more experienced than me. By the age of 21 I had won my first national title, which was a massive moment in my career progression.

I was developing my skillsets, showing more maturity and, as such, I repeated my success the following year. I also qualified for the Olympic Games in 2016 so my career path was taking shape in front of me.

You achieved that, winning bronze, so what was it like when that medal was put round your neck?

You’d clearly made rapid strides in a short space of time…

It was a two-year cycle from ABA champion to appearing in the Olympics and usually it’s a process that takes much longer. But I had momentum with me and that carried itself into the tournament in Rio. I didn’t know what to expect from the Olympics, whether I could medal or not, but it was always the intention to give it my best shot and that meant total dedication in the build-up to the tournament. In the January of 2016 I moved up to Sheffield, as our training camp was at the English Institute of Sport, and although training was Monday to Thursday, with the weekends your own to travel home, I stayed up in Sheffield and training additionally from Thursday to Sunday, such was my desire to do well.

It was a surreal moment and even when I watch it back on YouTube I find it hard to comprehend just what I’d achieved in such a short space of time. It was tangible reward for the journey I’d taken, not just in boxing, but in life. I was this small boy who had left his home in Ghana and now I was on a podium with a medal around my neck. It was such a proud moment when the Union Flag was raised at the ceremony and as I stood there I thought of all the support and fantastic coaching I’d received, thanks to National Lottery funding. I also thought of my family and friends, and I thought of the people back in Ghana. I hope they were proud too.

You turned pro last year.

Was that a natural career progression and how did you find the change?

now it was time to test myself at a whole new level. While I found the pace slower, you have more rounds to lose, so it’s a whole different ball game. You’re wearing different gloves, there’s no headgear and given the quality of opposition, every round is dangerous. It’s also my living now, it’s how I make my money, and that’s exactly the same for the guy I’m fighting, so the stakes are always high and the pressure is always there.

Anthony Joshua is your manager – that’s some name to have on your CV… When I looked around, I looked to see who had done this journey the best way; that person to look up to, to respect, to learn from, both inside and out of the ring, and it’s impossible to look beyond Anthony Joshua.

As I said, I’m looking to take my career to another level, which means becoming world champion, and I have the perfect team around me now to achieve that. I’m with the right team at the right time; Anthony has set the blueprint for me to follow, Eddie [Hearn, promoter] chooses my fights,

It felt the right time after nine years as an amateur. I’d reached the pinnacle and

What was your Olympic experience like then?

It’s strange because although there’s plenty of euphoria back home when Team GB does well, you’re wrapped up in a bubble, with your sole focus being on your own individual performance. I was under no illusions that although I’d done well back home, I would now be facing the best of the best. In the light heavyweight category there were also some guys with way more experience than me, some who had fought not only in London 2012 but also in Beijing in 2008, so

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Finally, hailing from Croydon, are you a Crystal Palace fan?

and my trainer [Mark Gillespie] knows when I should fight, so that leaves me to focus solely on my boxing and to become the very best I can be.

At the time of writing, you’ve had eight pro fights and eight wins. After your last fight at the O2, Eddie said you’re the best prospect in world boxing.

That’s some statement…

Obviously that’s nice to hear but I can’t control what other people say; all I can control is what I do inside the ring and it’s been a case of so far, so good, although I know there is still much work to do. What has helped me is being on these bills such as the O2 as it’s a totally different environment to what I’ve been used to in the past. These are vast arenas, in front of thousands of people, and it gives you a taste of what could be to come.

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You’re wearing different gloves, there’s no headgear and given the quality of opposition, every round is dangerous.

It’s also my living now, it’s how I make my money, and that’s exactly the same for the guy I’m fighting, so the stakes are always high and the pressure is always there.

I like to follow all the local teams, but the gym where it all started for me is just 100m from Selhurst Park and I recently visited the Gloves not Gunz project in Norbury, which is run in partnership with the football club. I was with Aaron WanBissaka and we spoke of our experiences and how, if you work hard enough, you can achieve great things. I’ve also done something similar with the academy players at West Ham and it’s important to give something back. While I haven’t been a professional for long myself, I feel I have a responsibility to be a positive role model and the more well known I become hopefully even more kids will be inspired by me.

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ALLEZ LES BLEUS! Was 2018 the greatest Ryder Cup ever?

1991, 1999, and 2012 were all memorable but nothing had come close to crowd atmosphere at Le Golf National.

In an exclusive interview for Professional Player, David Fearnhead speaks to ‘Mister Ryder Cup’ himself Pascal Grizot, and gets the inside story on how golf’s most alluring event came to France.

An hour’s drive west of Paris lies the picturesque golf course of Le Prieuré. Had you visited in 1978 you might have been greeted by an interesting sight. A ten-year old boy putting on a green which was illuminated by car headlights.

This is no retelling of The Legend of Bagger Vance. It is merely the level of obsession which one young french schoolboy had for the game of golf.

“I started when I was ten,” recalls Pascal Grizot, President of the 2018 Ryder Cup. It is this highly-engaging and likeable Frenchman

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who shouldered the responsibility for the golf event that even non-golf fans find themselves watching. “Because I was a border I couldn’t finish school before Saturday afternoon. So my Grandmother, who had a small house on the course, used to use her car to light the green for my putting. I was a golf fan, and I haven’t lost the passion.”

It’s a passion he’s sustained for over 40 years, and one which brought the Ryder Cup to Paris.

In sport the title of legend, or hero, is over-used.

So often it is applied solely to the professional

players of the game, but every once in a while there is someone whose love for the game is greater than his own personal ambition. Pascal Grizot is such a man.

“I love Win/Win deals. If it is good for France but not good for the Ryder Cup this is something I couldn’t do. I can’t spend ten years of my life as a volunteer doing something that was only good for my country and not good for the development of golf. Of course, it’s a great honour for France to host such a fantastic event – for only the second time on

INTERVIEW

Pascal Grizot

the continent. Playing the most famous golf tournament in the world so close to a capital city like Paris, it will be something special for the spectator experience.”

Like all great things it probably began as a pipe dream, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could host the Ryder Cup in France.’ Perhaps that’s how it started, as something in the wind. However, Pascal was no casual dreamer. Behind the jovial manner and bespectacled friendly face is a highly successful businessman. He had all the necessary skills to turn this dream into a reality, but first he had to sell the idea to his fellow countrymen.

was very hard to find space for park and ride services.”

participation has grown from 27,000 to 30,000 within the last decade.

Thankfully four available sites were secured and they were very much needed. Paris 2018 has broken all records when it comes to ticket sales. 43% of tickets have been sold to fans from France, smashing the previous record of 37% of home fans when Scotland hosted the Ryder Cup at

It’s this targeting of the youth to secure the future of the game where France is leading the way. Part of their Ryder Cup commitment was to build 100 compact golf courses all over France.

These smaller courses require less investment than a full 18-hole development, meaning both the time to play the course and the cost is less prohibitive for young golfers who want to try the game.

“We want to democratise golf in France,” says Pascal. “We have the tools to do that. I don’t know if we have a secret, but for the last 5 years we’ve organised in every club a Ryder Club for young players.”

“Since the beginning the most important thing was first to convince the French Golf Federation (FFgolf) that hosting the Ryder Cup would be good for the growth of the game in France.

Second we had to convince the state as you can’t organise such a big competition without the total support of the state. It was quite difficult because golf still has this elitist image in France, but when we talked with them they really understood why we wanted to host the Ryder Cup. It was not to organise a nice event. The first reason was to support the development of the game, and when they understood that reality they decided to back our bid. I believe we won because we had a strong commitment from the state.”

A key part of his approach was to get the members of FFgolf to invest not only ideologically but financially. At the General Assembly in 2009 members voted in favour by 83% to increase the licence fee of €46 by €3, which would go directly towards the organisation of the Ryder Cup. “In those years we found 17 million euros.

That money came not from very prestigious companies, but from all the golfers in France and I think it was one of our biggest assets.”

Le Golf National was the natural choice for hosting the event. It’s been the home of the L’Open de France since 1991 and is a favoured destination on the European Tour. Every hole appears to be a natural amphitheater, gifting the course an almost stadium-like atmosphere.

Whilst being so close to Paris has obvious attractions, it also brought with it inherent difficulties when hosting an event as large as the Ryder Cup. “As you can imagine, usually you have never more than 100 people playing the National, but now we had 50,000 spectators and approximately 6,000 staff. When you have that many people attending such a big tournament you need to organise a transport plan. For security reasons it was impossible to reach the course by car, but Paris is very urban and it

Playing the most famous golf tournament in the world so close to a capital city like Paris, it will be something special for the spectator experience.

Gleneagles in 2014. In fact demand for tickets was so high that organisers were forced to increase the numbers.

“At the beginning they wanted to limit the spectators to 51,000 for the 3 match days, but we managed to increased those numbers by 3,000 on Sunday, and 2,000 on Saturday,” says Pascal.

The Ryder Cup effect has not only been reflected in ticket sales. Whilst golf participation numbers all over Europe are on the decline, particularly in youngsters, France has bucked the trend.

Overall membership has increased, and youth

“My son is a good example.

He’s a big football fan, but from the first time he played in the Ryder Club event at his home club he became a big fan of golf. He has realised the spirit of the Ryder Cup. He was playing in a team with other kids just like him.

I think it is something special when your first tournament is a team game. It makes it easier for young kids to play golf. Also with the French Ministry of Education we have created a small book for young kids between 8 and 10 where they can learn how to play golf. We have more than 50,000 kids who have been educated by this little book.”

That Ryder Cup spirit is a big part of Pascal’s love for the game. Since 2010 he’s attended every one of the biennial tournaments. It’s a period where Europe have dominated, winning three of the last four tournaments. Though for Pascal, the best memories are not so much about who lifts the trophy on Sunday.

“Of course I wanted Europe to win for my friend Thomas [Bjørn, European Captain] and all the players I know, but I think each time the best memory is on the Friday morning. If you’ve never attended a Ryder cup match you can’t imagine the passion you can feel on that first tee as the first ball is struck. It is something really exceptional that you really can’t find in any other tournament.”

The course was altered very little from the one played on for the French Open. “We increased the size of three greens, 1, 11, and 15 to increase the number of possible pin positions.

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The course is very appreciated by the players, so we have no reason to change anything.”

The Americans too were complimentary about the course, and Pascal reveals some of the US team did try to negate the European Tour players home advantage by playing the course ahead of the tournament. “First Justin Thomas came to play the French Open and two weeks before the British Open in July part of the American team came to play the course for the first time, players like Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, and Tony Finnau.

Perhaps it’s not so remarkable that Justin Thomas was the standout American, having been blooded in competition on the Albatros course by playing in the French Open. He was the only American to have played competitive golf on the course before the Ryder Cup, and it showed. Thomas went on to take 4 wins in 5 matches. He claimed the scalp of Europe’s postman Ian Poulter and he twice got the better of Rory McIlroy, most importantly on Sunday’s singles as the first match out. Only the miracle team of Molinari and Fleetwood denied him the perfect sweep.

France certainly turned on the charm as hosts as players were be treated to a gala dinner at the Palace of Versailles - something normally reserved for royalty and visiting heads of state.

However, it was the fans who were best served in Paris.

16 jumbo screens and two spectator villages made it the most fan friendly of Ryder Cups. France used the Ryder Cup to showcase itself as a golf destination.

“I think France was a golf destination at the beginning of the 20th Century because many British people built courses on French soil. Unfortunately we have lost this advantage because countries like Spain and Portugal have really created golf destinations with many golf courses in the same area. This is not the case in France.”

“We do have a huge advantage in that Paris is a favourite city of all the tourists in the world and now they know, because of the Ryder Cup, as an extra to all what the tourist can do, they can also play golf.”

Rather than copying Spain and Portugal who have created purely golfing holiday destinations, France is looking to build on it’s already successful tourist locations. “When you come to Bordeaux you know that you can do a wine tour but we also want to sell the fact we have golf courses around Bordeaux.

The same with Arles, Avignon, Normandy with Deauville, the same with areas like Biarritz. I think, because of the Ryder Cup, tourists to France will understand they can also bring their golf bags.”

As for French footballers, Pascal says it would be “fantastic” if some of those who’ve taken up golf whilst playing in England would return to play golf in France.

The 2018 Ryder Cup was played at Le Golf National www.golf-national.com/en/

GET THE WINNING LOOK… TEAM EUROPE In recent years what the teams wear has taken on as much significance as an FA CUP Final suit or the launch of next seasons shirt. For the 2018 competition Team Europe had the home advantage combining the golfing heritage of Scotland with state of the art Swedish design.

When Europe win they do so wearing Glenmuir. The Scottish clothing company has provided the official uniform of every European Team since 1987 – the year that ended the Americans 13-0 unbeaten home record. For the 2018 Ryder Cup, as an Official Licensee they have launched a dozen choices of golf shirt designs and some very fine knitwear.

The traditional bright blue of Europe is there, but there’s also some french flair with the use of navy and bright pink for those wanting to make more of a statement on course. Moisture wicking performance fabric also ensures Team Europe will stay looking good. In 2014 Glenmuir proved so popular with golf fans that their tent at Gleneagles was 60% sold-out of stock by the first day. On that occasion Europe went on to record a comfortable 5 point victory over the US. www.glenmuir.com/shop-online/ryder-cup-range

Golf wetsuits of the past used to inhibit the natural swing.

They felt bulky, heavy and restrictive. Not great if you play golf in a country where rainy days on the course are an inevitability. Thankfully the Swedes have come to the rescue. Technological advances in fabrics have made a difference, but Galvin Green went the extra yardage to ensure should the rain fall and the wind blow in Paris, it was be advantage Team Europe. They benefitted from wearing the most advanced waterproof and windproof garments in golf. Galvin Green is the leading manufacturer of weatherwear in golf, and for the 2018 Ryder Cup they even recruited a new member to their design team, European Team Captain Thomas Bjørn.

The result is a stylish waterproof outfit that is not only breathable but thanks to clever design featuring multiple points of adjustment, the jacket and trousers fit as well as a bespoke suit. Bjørn played on 3 winning Ryder Cup teams and is a huge Liverpool fan but thankfully he resisted the urge to go all red. Team Europe’s wetsuits are classic navy with a lighter European blue and flashes of white. The trousers even come with a nice touch of having the symbol of Ryder Cup trophy on the left leg. www.galvingreen.com/ryder-cup-2018

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FEATURE

Shankly Hotel

Bill Shankly might be a hero on Merseyside but it was in Preston, Lancashire that he first made an impact. In 2019 his name will once more be proudly associated with the city as The Shankly Hotel Preston opens its doors. David Fearnhead speaks to Christopher William Shankly Carline, Grandson of Bill Shankly and the visionary behind its creation.

F

ew football men if any have so pierced the national consciousness as Bill Shankly. His is a name which has transcended football and time itself. Born into a mining family in what used to be the West of Scotland coalfields, Shankly would build a dynasty in the North West of England. Liverpool F.C. may have been founded in 1892, but its true genesis was 1959 with the arrival of football’s original warrior poet.

Shankly with his colourful turn of phrase, expert use of metaphor, and deep socialist beliefs transformed Liverpool into European football royalty. It was Shankly who laid the foundations for the Liverpool which dominated English football for the best part of two decades. It was Shankly who changed Liverpool’s kit to all red. It was Shankly who took a mediocre second division club from Merseyside and forged them into what we see today.

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FEATURE

Shankly Hotel

PNE It was 30 miles north of Liverpool in Preston where he would first make his name, not as a manager but as a player. Speak the name of Bill Shankly here and you’ll be greeted with the phrase, ‘He’s our Bill Shankly, we had him first.’

Shankly played for Preston North End in the same era as Sir Tom Finney and was frequent in his praise of the genius winger, “I’ve said that Tommy Finney was the best I’ve seen and I’d bracket Pele, Eusebio, Cruyff, Di Stefano and Puskas up there with him.”. When asked in the 1970’s how then England winger Tony Currie compared to Finney, his response was classic Shankly, “Aye, he compares all right,” replied Bill. “But then Tom is getting on for 60 now.”

as the great man himself. The founder has more reason than most to protect the Shankly name.

He’s Christopher William Shankly Carline, Bill Shankly’s grandson.

“I can’t really remember the time when I first realised my Grandfather was somebody,” says Chris, 36. “I had to piece together who he was in my head because unfortunately he passed away six months before I was born, but he knew that my Mum was pregnant and said, “This time it’s definitely a boy.”

A love of football was passed on in the blood.

Even as a first team professional Shankly would come and watch Preston’s junior side, and the emerging Finney. As Finney recalled he was often there to offer an encouraging word. Shankly reached the 1937 Cup Final with Preston only to see them lose at Wembley, but the following year they again made it to the final and this time took home football’s oldest trophy. That year Preston would also finish 3rd in the league. It was to be the height of Shankly’s playing career. The day after his 26th Birthday, prime age for a footballer, Britain declared war with Germany. The Second World War would rob him of his peak years. Shankly was 33 by the time it ended and with it the best of his playing days were now behind him.

What makes the Shankly brand unique is that it isn’t one, at least not a brand you’d think of in the modern corporate sense. Shankly is a family business, which carries the same ethos

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“It was something I was worried about because I could have gone somewhere and given it to a Hilton or someone and said there’s a bit of a niche and we’ll licence it to you, and we could have made a few quid, but it’s always been my baby. I had the idea 20 years ago when I was quite young and still growing up. It was something I used to like dreaming about. It was only when my Nan, Nessie, passed away and we were clearing out the house that we realised she’d hoarded literally everything that ever belonged to him. In the paperwork I’d come across a telegram from the Beatles to my grandad wishing him good look in the 1965 FA Cup Final. Scouting notes on top players who later became stars, handwritten training schedules for the first team at Melwood. It was unbelievable stuff. It was hairs on the back of your neck stuff, and I thought people need to see this.”

Just two of the items on display at Shankly Preston will be his 1938 FA Cup Winners medal and the shirt he wore in the final.

Shankly was a man of the people, for the people, not for him the cold and austere world of the museum. “His statue at the stadium says, He made the people happy. So hospitality was a nice way of doing it. We get people in and give them an amazing experience.”

COMING HOME Shankly retired from playing professional football whilst still captain of Preston North End in March 1949 to take up the job of manager of Carlisle United. Some 70 years later the name Shankly is coming home. The old postal office, a grade II listed building dating from 1903, is having a £15 million upgrade to convert it into the cities most iconic and luxurious hotel. The 64 room hotel will be the sister property of the esteemed Shankly Hotel Liverpool and in addition to the 325 bed accommodation; will feature amongst other things a spa, a roof top terrace and function rooms. Rooms will not be your standard hotel boxes. Jacuzzi whirlpool baths are standard, whilst others have occupancy for up to 24 people.

THE BEATLES

“I’ve been into football since as early as I can remember. I go home and away with Liverpool, it’s been my life to be honest.” Indeed over the course of our interview most of the conversation was steered towards football.

Liverpool’s nearly season under Brendan Rodgers, Dietmar Hamann – Jan Molby’s heir apparent, Marcus Babbel, Henchoz and Hyypiä…

Though Chris is just as passionate about the hotel. It’s a passion born from football and honouring his Grandfather’s legacy. It’s also clear he’s not in it to make a quick buck. He reveals there’s been interest from as far away as Dubai to use the Shankly name, but it’s a name you don’t give away lightly. “There must be a connection,” he insists. Hence the second hotel to bear the Shankly name being in the city Bill Shankly had his biggest success as a player.

A centrepiece of the hotel will be their themed restaurant. Named ‘The Carriage’ it will bring that luxurious art deco style of a first class rail carriage symbolising when Bill Shankly first signed for the club in 1933. “My Grandfather signed his football contract with Preston North End whilst travelling in a first class carriage between Carlisle and Preston. It was very fitting to use the name of “The Carriage”as this is where his journey to Preston began,” says Chris.

LEGACY “With the Hotel, the big aim for me was to do something so that all those individual stories, all his legacy, never gets forgotten about by any generation of fans. Long after I’m gone I want those stories to continue being told. I want that love which I see in people’s faces when I say Bill Shankly’s my Grandad. The hotel is in many ways the vehicle for us to do that because it tells his life story. It tells you who he was as a person.”

“There’s so many stories of people knocking on his door and him inviting them in for something to eat. I’m forever getting stories about fans

FEATURE

Shankly Hotel who wrote to him begging for tickets to the Cup Final and the next thing they know tickets arrived in the post. Stories about fans travelling around on the trains for matches, and going to be chucked off for not having tickets and my grandfather saying, “Don’t throw them off in the middle of nowhere - I’ll pay their fares.”

“Through this journey I’ve realised not only the impact he had, but realised why he had that impact,” says Chris.

Though growing up as the grandson of Bill Shankly there were things only his family knew about the legendary man of football. Little things that appear to have followed on in the genes.

“When Liverpool lost, my Grandad used to do one of two things, he’d either clean the cooker or mow the lawn. That was his mechanism for dealing with it. I didn’t know that story until I was a teenager. We’d lost to Leeds on the Good Friday at Anfield. I was always a nightmare to be around when Liverpool had lost. I got home and I couldn’t settle, so I walked into the kitchen and something just compelled me to start cleaning the hob. My Mum walked in and went white. I said, “What’s the matter? Is something wrong?” and she proceeded to tell me that story about my Grandad.”

“I was incredibly close to my grandmother Nessie Shankly. She used to say that everything about me was him, the way I walk, my mannerism, even the way I think, to the extent where she’d get quite emotional over it. I would sit and listen to her stories about him. In many ways the hotel has been a great experience for me because so many fans would come up and tell me stories about him. It’s allowed me to fully understand who he was as a person and the impact he’s had on people. People absolutely love him.”

PROTECTING THE NAME By 2011, Liverpool was on the up having been already crowned European Capital of Culture a few years earlier. It finally brought to a conclusion Chris’ long held dream. He decided it was time to try and turn that dream into a reality.

“I just thought to myself, this has to happen.

You can either do something about this or you’ve got to stop dreaming about it,” says Chris, who was then working for Liverpool City Council. He told a mate who worked as a development officer for the council about his idea of a Shankly Hotel in Liverpool. He too

immediately saw the potential, but without any capital to invest Chris needed a backer. His friend on the council offered to introduce Chris to some potential investors. He could put him in a room with them, but it was up to Chris to pitch them the idea.

“I met with developers and hoteliers, and every single one of them, bar one, wanted to do it with me, but I would go away and do the due diligence and think are they right for my Grandad’s name going on it. I had a very set vision of how I wanted it to look, how I wanted it to feel, how I wanted it to operate and if they didn’t tie in with that ethos then they weren’t right. Yes, I was pitching for investment, but I was also interviewing them as candidates. I was getting a feel for how they operate. I wouldn’t go into business with anyone where the end product would not operate in my Grandfather’s image.”

SUCCESS Shankly Liverpool turned 3 years old in August.

It’s currently the highest grossing hotel in Liverpool with an occupancy rate of 97%. The national average is 77%. Its success comes from a wide demographic of guests. They don’t court just one type of clientele. Rather, the Shankly philosophy is to tailor a stay specifically for their guests. It’s one of the reasons why Chris insists people booking should always ring their reservations team.

“Not only will they get a better price, but we’ll put together an itinerary for you so you can get the best out of your stay with us. We don’t want it to be a faceless exercise like booking online. That’s not what we are about at all.

Lawrence and Katie Kenwright are incredibly visionary, the Signature team find ways to make the hotel experience continuously unique and the combination of the Shankly and Signature DNA has meant that we offer something for everyone. It is how we have achieved this incredible success.”

Shankly Preston is due to open its doors in June 2019, and has already taken its first booking for a wedding.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” admits Chris. “Millions of people have great ideas everyday but not many people convert them because they don’t believe they can do it. It won’t always work but at least you know you tried.”

“We must have done about 20 meetings and none of them were right and the temptation must have been, yeah lets just go do it, but I couldn’t do that.” It was then he met with Signature Living’s Lawrence Kenwright, another son of Liverpool who was already in the hotel business.

“We hit it off from day one, we were on the same page. They were different. Everything was about the guest experience. It wasn’t just a bed for a night, and for me that’s Shankly. That’s what he’d do. Three weeks later things were up and running. The Signature Living DNA was essentially the Shankly DNA. Create experiences for people and send them home happy. That is all my grandad wished for at the end of every game – to send the people home happy.”

In keeping with the philosophy Chris has also reached out to local businesses in Preston.

“When we landed I didn’t want people in Preston thinking we were just going to grab everything. So I invited everyone to stakeholder events saying, “l want to work with you, we want to hand some of the benefits to you as well.”

And for those who wonder what Bill Shankly would make of all this, Chris has a surprising answer.

“I always say I think he’d love it, because when I see guests having a great time, I love it. I regularly get guests in the hotel getting emotional speaking to me. He means that much to them. And if there is a group of girls on a hen do who don’t know anything about Bill Shankly, who he was, what he stood for. They might think who is this fella? Who is all over the walls?

And then they might stop and read a paragraph, or they might read more, but when they leave they will know who Bill Shankly is.”

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Charity begins

at home

AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic tells Professional Player about his foundation that is providing young people with greater opportunities to play sport

It’s hard to believe but almost ten years have passed since Asmir Begovic was handed his first taste of top-flight football. A fresh faced youngster, he made his bow in the colours of Portsmouth, but can now look back on over 300 appearances in a career that’s also taken in spells at Stoke City, Chelsea and now AFC Bournemouth.

Yet despite being one of the most highprofile keepers in the Premier League, there is also an alluring modesty about him.

Respectful and courteous too, Begovic is appreciative of the status that now affords him and when you dig a little deeper into his background, it’s easy to understand why.

Born in Trebinje, in the former Yugoslavia, Begovic’s family fled a country in the throes of a bitter three-year civil war which saw almost 58,000 soldiers killed and civilian casualties topple the 38,000 mark.

The Bosnian War also brought about the first cases of genocide since World War II, leaving the region on its knees until hostilities ceased in January 1995. The Begovic family found refuge in Germany

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areas e th lf se y m r fo n e se e I'v g and in y la p re a n re d il h c re e wh so the s, u ro e g n a d n e ft o re a they laying aim is to get children p better and learning in a much environment. before moving to Edmonton, Canada, when Asmir was ten.

He had been sheltered from the unspeakable atrocities that afflicted his homeland but with age comes consciousness and having returned for a family funeral in his early twenties, he saw first-hand the hardships that had plagued what is now Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Today, some 23 years since gaining independence, the scars remain and the country’s infrastructure at the mercy of

an economy still in its infancy. And so the Asmir Begovic Foundation was born; set up five years ago with the aim of providing sporting opportunities for children in an environment where facilities are primitive to say the least.

“As a Premier League footballer I appreciate that I’m in a very fortunate position and having had a difficult upbringing myself, this has been my opportunity to give something back to the communities that have supported and encouraged

INTERVIEW

me throughout my career,” Begovic told Professional Player’s Luke Nicoli. “My country is still finding its feet, so in many places the sports facilities for young people are very basic or non-existent.

“There is, however, a desire and a passion for sport there, so I really wanted to help support the local communities, so they can build facilities that are well equipped and safe. I’ve seen for myself the areas where children are playing and they are often dangerous, so the aim is to get children playing and learning in a much better environment. The children deserve better and with the foundation’s support, we can help them enjoy their sport.”

On the back of a highly successful charity launch event while still a Stoke City player, Asmir’s foundation soon had the finances in place to complete the first project – a play area, incorporating a football and basketball court, at a school for children with special needs in Mjedenica, Sarajevo.

Since then, a sports complex has been opened in Srebrenica, a school for children with special needs in Tuzla, and the AB1 goalkeeping camp in Sarajevo.

“We’ve had great feedback, which is very encouraging,” Begovic reflects. “There are youngsters, of varying ages and ability, playing football and other sports too. I’ve seen first-hand on my trips back home the passion these kids have for sport and the positive effect it’s having on their lives.”

With England now very much his adopted home, having lived here since joining Pompey in 2003, Asmir’s foundation has also helped children in the UK. Redgate Clayton FC in Newcastle, Staffordshire, now boast improved facilities, while in the south of the country, the foundation has helped the Stepgates Community School in Chertsey raise money for a new swimming pool, likewise the Mary Hare School for deaf children, in Newbury, who are in the process of refurbishing their pool and changing facilities.

“In England, it’s a reverse of what’s happening in Bosnia, really,” adds Asmir.

“In my homeland, the kids all play outside, but the facilities are poor; here, the facilities are already in place, but we need to get the children active again. It’s been about renovating the facilities and getting the children away from their computers and making the most of their local community.

“Every child should at least be given an opportunity to play sport, so if the foundation can help in that respect, in both countries, then it will all be worthwhile.

If we can also keep young people off the streets and away from the dangers of crime, then that will be another positive achievement.”

Longer term, Begovic would like to open a hub facility back home, with the ultimate aim of producing homegrown players of the future, but like any foundation or charity, ABF relies on public funding.

There are a number of fundraising activities on their agenda – the highlight being the annual ABF Golf Classic at the Burhill Golf Club.

“Obviously these projects can’t all be funded by me, and I’m lucky to have a great team around me working for the foundation. To help raise funds, we have had An Evening with Goalkeepers, at Stamford Bridge, featuring Petr Cech, David James and myself; a gala dinner at Stoke City that raised £50,000; and our annual golf classics, the third of which takes place next spring.

“The golf days are proving particularly popular; we have a really fun day where companies or individuals can enjoy a round of golf with a VIP footballer, a spot of breakfast and lunch, and then participate in the charity raffle which is the highlight of the day. It’s a great occasion and we are now taking bookings for next year’s event.”

Begovic’s main focus, of course, remains his football and maintaining the fine form he’s shown between the posts for the Cherries.

Now in his second season on the south coast following the move from Chelsea, there’s been a seismic shift in terms of club stature, but certainly not ambition.

Asmir Begovic “Obviously it’s a different club in terms of status and facilities but it’s fantastic being part of this project at Bournemouth,” he says as the talk turns to football. “It’s a great club, a great culture instilled by the management, and the fans are loyal and very supportive. We’ve got a close group of team-mates and we’re all aspiring to take the club to the next level.

“We’re conscious of the really slow start we made to last season, so this season’s start has been very pleasing. Now we have to keep it going. We can’t take anything for granted because it’s such an unforgiving division but I’m confident we can have a good season and improve year on year.”

For the Cherries’ ambition also read Bosnia & Herzegovina. The side performed miracles to reach the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil and now Begovic has his sights on the Euros in 2020.

“I had a little rest during the recent international break but now I’m good to go for the Nations League,” he adds. “It’s an interesting concept which gives more meaning to what were previously friendly games but our main focus is on trying to qualify for Euro 2020 – and we’ll be going all out to achieve that goal.”

If your would like to get involved in the ABF Golf Classic in 2019, or to support the foundation, please visit www.asmirbegovicfoundation.com/ contact-us

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INTERVIEW

Craig Mitch

E H T O T IN N E D S ' N LIO

Growing up, was the entertainment business something you always had on your radar?

I took part in a modelling competition when I was 10 at my local shopping centre and the reward was a twoyear modelling contract. Off the back of that I became an extra in TV adverts, and also appeared in the BBC drama ‘Baby Father’ - and that’s when I got my first real taste of the industry. While I was only young, I enjoyed the acting, the creative aspect of the industry, and my interest grew from there, although my mum always made sure my education came first.

So what happened next?

After secondary school, I went to sixth form college and then on to university, where I studied for a degree in marketing. It was while I was at uni that I took my first presenting steps with a friend, Suave, having set up the music blog ‘Mitch and Suave’. Initially, it was all about featuring underground acts, often people we already knew or had an association with, and one of those was a certain Jesse J who we interviewed just before she blew up. That was her one and only interview in the public domain at the time so we gained a following off the back of that. At first, the focus was on building up content for the blog but then we started to see YouTube taking off around 2010, 2011 and so the blog evolved more as a visual entity. The record labels then started coming to us, offering us their bigger acts, and everything took off from there. We had a presence at The Brits, the Capital FM Summertime Ball, some of the UK’s biggest music events.

Kebabs, Lads and Shinpads came next was football something you wanted to explore more?

P

resenter Craig Mitch became a household name following his work with the England team at this summer’s World Cup. It’s been some journey for the one-time child model and blogger as Luke Nicoli discovered...

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I wanted to bring back the fun days of Soccer AM, when Tim Lovejoy was presenting it. I had already worked with the team at Copa90.com and so the idea was to produce a weekly show for the duration of Euro 2012. It was hosted on the GRM Daily music platform and was the first of its kind online. I worked alongside my good friends Suave and Poet and we managed to attract a number of footballers onto the show for its duration. Given the content, it attracted a really strong following and my football presenting career took off from there.

Football vlogs and channels are widespread now. You mention it taking off around 2010, 2011, so what was the catalyst?

I would say following the inception of Copa 90; with the FIFA-related content they had, likewise Spencer

INTERVIEW

Craig Mitch whole Lions Den experience for me. He was always very supportive of what I was doing and is a big visionary in terms of creating positive media relationships. I owe him a lot.

What did you make of the World Cup?

Owen, KSI… and as we know, anything KSI touches blows up anyway. Around three or four years ago the hits started to get ridiculous and YouTubers really started to cash in.

However, everything has a shelf life and I think only those with a strong personality or good production skills are able to build and maintain the really big followings. It’s all about creating a package that people can relate to and utilising the flexibility that you don’t necessarily get on TV.

the ball, you just know something’s going to happen. He’s got a real direct approach and it was mind-bloggling that he never got picked for Germany at the World Cup this summer. I was in Russia at the time when the news broke and I just couldn’t believe it. I bet Joachim Low wishes he’d picked him now.

Was football always a passion of yours as a kid?

I was already doing some presenting work for Premier League Productions so the FA were aware of me. They pitched to me a concept in which fans could get a real insight into the England camp during the World Cup and they wanted me to front it. It was all about the viewer getting to know the players better; what they were doing, what they were thinking, and the response from the FA was very positive. This kind of thing had never been done before but Gareth Southgate was really supportive and that swung it for us.

The players, too, could relate to me, to what I was doing, and they knew that there was no agenda like there might be if they were talking to a more traditional journalist. They really opened up as a result and it proved to be a big success.

I was always into football and as my dad’s from Tottenham, I have been a Spurs fan from a young age. My first memories of going to White Hart Lane were to watch the likes of David Ginola, Teddy Sheringham and Jurgen Klinsmann in the 1990s. I also used to enjoy playing, but never to a serious level. I was a right-back for my school, Bishop Douglas, where I was very much in the mould of Kyle Walker! I was an attacking full-back, trouble was I had the pace to get up the pitch but not the lungs to get back!

Who would you say is your all-time favourite player?

I would have to say Jermain Defoe. I grew up watching him and it was good to see someone who comes from East London representing at the very highest level. I could relate to him in that respect and I also loved the way he played; he was – and is – so direct and still has that selfish streak that all the top strikers have. It was one of the best bits of business Spurs ever did when we pinched him from West Ham.

And what about current players. Who gets you off your seat?

Leroy Sane. He was electrifying last year as City won the title and whenever he picks up

You famously hosted The Lions Den for the FA in Russia. How did that come about?

You even had Gareth on there that was a real coup!

He is a special person, an amazing guy. Once we’d got the green light for the show he invited us up to St George’s Park to meet the players, the staff, so they were all aware of what I’d be doing and that definitely helped by the time we went out to Russia. I already had that relationship, that trust, and win, lose or draw, Gareth was happy to provide us with one player a day once the tournament got underway. And yes, like you say, he also took part which was one of the highlights of the

It was fantastic being on this journey with the England team. We didn’t know how the show would develop because you are so dependent on the team’s success, so getting to the last four of the competition was a fantastic achievement by the boys and ensured we always had positive content to put out.

There are no negatives to take from the whole experience but the only thing I missed out on was the euphoria building back home. I could see the fan parks, the beer flying everywhere, and would have loved to experience that too.

When you’re with the team in the hotel, you’re living in a kind of bubble – but I wouldn’t have swapped it for the world.

So what are you up to at present and where do you see yourself going in future?

I’m still working with England and I present on a weekly show for Premier League Productions called Kick-Off, which is shown around the world. I’m also working online for JD Sports, visiting plenty of Premier League clubs with Stevo the Madman, and all the time I’m building up my live experience and endeavouring to perfect my craft. Longer term, I want to move up the ranks, to work for one of the big networks like Sky or BT but to also do so on my terms and bring that to the table. There’s definitely scope for the online era to crossover – and with the likes of Netflix and Amazon coming to the party now, it’s only going to grow.

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Architectural Plants and Blue Forest at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May

Let’s be honest, first impressions count. We can have the most impressive property, filled with all the latest gadgets and the finest interior design, but if the surrounding gardens have fallen into disrepair - or, indeed, are non-existent - it can leave our homes looking tired and neglected, writes Luke Nicoli

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Just as fashion and interior design are constantly changing, so are horticultural trends, and Architectural Plants lead the way. “We’re trying Architectural Plants already boast a number of highout new things all the time – we enjoy the challenge profile clients, due to its long-standing reputation and of creating something different,” Guy points out. ever-simple underlying ethos. “All you need for a great “A lot of our stock is homegrown, so you won’t find garden is a great design, and that’s what we offer time it anywhere else in the country. We have trees after time,” explains Managing Director, Guy Watts. that we have nurtured for over 20 years, as well as “Whether you’re after a whole new garden, or simply many tropical varieties that we have imported from need a few well-placed, impeccably sculpted trees overseas. Our designs are totally bespoke, which to make your current space your own, we offer bold, means they can’t be copied. This is part of the unique designs. There’s always a twist, a final magic reason our client base continues to grow touch, which you won’t find anywhere else.” so quickly.”

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Guy, a keen football fan with Tottenham Hotspur tendencies, boasts his own sporting prowess, having become a Guinness World Record holder as part of a two-man team that rowed across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Mauritius.

“We broke two records: the first pair to row between the two countries and, as a result, the fastest – in 112 days,” he reveals. “The preparation took two years; we were training for 12 hours

Wherever you are in the UK, we can visit your home and then send you designs and photos via e-mail, so everything can be agreed without you making a trip to us”

a day and it was completely different to anything we had done before – we headed out into the unknown.”

It certainly seems that this sporting discipline and desire to succeed has contributed to Architectural Plants’ success. “My past achievements have inevitably led to the natural affinity

I have with successful sportsmen,” Guy says. “Personal relationships are hugely important to us. It’s about developing long-lasting relationships; we not only want to create gardens that are an instant source of pride, we also want to continue to offer consultation for many years, as the garden matures and flourishes.”

To find out more, visit www.architecturalplants.com or contact Guy directly on 07887 766300 or e-mail guy@architecturalplants.com Twitter @ArchiPlants | Instagram @archiplants

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INTERVIEW

Lee Pottle

SWEET HOMES Euan Reedie speaks to Lee Pottle of My Property Helper about how he is helping to educate young footballers about the benefits of putting their money into bricks and mortar to help secure their futures.

“I feel like I’ve got the best job in the world,” Lee Pottle says.

That is some statement, but Lee’s passion and pride about his business during an engaging 30-minute interview emphatically endorse his bold declaration.

A property expert with 23 years’ experience in the industry, Lee has run ‘My Property Helper’ for the past 18 months, a property-sourcing company that helps buyers find properties.

in love with the values they represent – and am available to help professional players to educate them about property,” Lee says. “We’ll be travelling the country for the next year trying to mentor young adults and get them to think about their life after football. Through LAPS, I’ve been asked to support a Luton Town careers advisory day. We have attracted interested from football agents across the nation to support them with finding property for their players.

“It’s like a property PA service where we understand our buyers’ buying requirements, whether they’re moving home or looking for an investment,” he explains. “We will identify the right properties, we will arrange all [the buyers’] appointments. We will negotiate the offer and then provide a concierge service where we can oversee the sale.”

“It’s all gone a bit crazy recently and we’ve had an overwhelming response to our services.”

Until recently, Middlesex-based ‘My Property Helper’ had been primarily focused on the firm’s local residential markets, as Lee has referral partners with estate agencies across London who refer buyers to his service.

Lee believes his unique selling point is that he “genuinely loves football” and cares deeply about the welfare about young and up-and-coming footballers.

Now, however, Lee is also busy helping young footballers and other professional sportspeople through the minefield of buying property.

He has teamed up with Life After Professional Sport (LAPS), an organisation that aims to find professional athletes full-time work when they retire.

This is a cause close to Lee’s heart because, as he jokes, “I am a failed footballer”, although he swiftly adds that “I actually feel like I’ve won” given the success and enjoyment he has experienced in the property business.

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Lee admits he was “angry at football” after the devastation of having his lifelong dream shattered, but he soon channelled this disappointment into carving out a new career as an estate agent.

He proved so successful that he was able to buy his first house aged 18 and now he is eager to preach the benefits of property investment at an early age to callow young footballers.

“I’ve become a partner of LAPS – I have fallen

After all, he used to be one of them, with the same hopes and dreams – and headaches and hassles.

However, he recognises that not everyone has the wherewithal and support to start a new career after football as he did (his mother helped him get his first job as a junior negotiator at an estate agents in Harrow).

Lee points to pervasive pitfalls of the profession such “as 60 per cent of players becoming bankrupt” within five years of playing and escalating depression and divorce rates.

He is helping one footballer, who played for some lower league clubs in England and who had a nine-year gambling addiction which accounted for most of his £200,000-a-year salary.

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“It was a real eye-opener,” he says. “Footballers are in such a privileged world and some of them have the wrong people around them and don’t have influential people in their life that will support them and give them advice about what to do with their money.

“I’ve got a player right now that we’re helping to try and find a new home. He was going to spend £1,100 month on a car. [laughs]. It’s ridiculous.

You don’t spend £1,100 a month on a car. You spend it on four or five mortgages and get a really good return on your investment for that, which is going to get you a 10 or even 15 per cent yield.

“If they look after their mind where they can play football freely, enjoy it, hit their targets and goals and impress their manager, then they’re maybe going to get in the first team, which in turn will earn them more money.

“They can still buy their liabilities like their cars, their watches and their phones. But I want to try and introduce them to some common sense and some life skills from which they will see some financial rewards in the future.

BUY TO LET

“I would love to provide opportunities for players who have a passion for property working for My Property Helper and almost give them a full-time job as a selfemployed person.”

“Our company will protect them. We will provide a concierge service where we can oversee the sale, so they can simply not worry about anything other than playing football. I bought my first property at 18 years of age and there’s no reason why they can’t do the same.”

JOINT VENTURES

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY PROPERTY HELPER, VISIT WWW.MYPROPERTYHELPER.CO.UK, EMAIL HELP@MYPROPERTYHELPER.CO.UK OR CALL 020 8429 6161.

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Lee, whose 11-year-old son Jamie has been on the books of Queens Park Rangers for four years and who also runs his daughter Chloe’s girls’ U9s team, is clearly not one to rest on his laurels.

“Our aim is to change the way property is bought. We want to have helpers all across the UK mentoring buyers,” he says. “I have a gentleman’s agreement in place with a guy now who is still playing professional football. He’s coming to the end of his career and done all his financial exams and now raises mortgages for footballers.

Lee insists emerging footballers should consider property “a priority over liabilities such as cars, holidays and other luxuries with great memories”.

“In our visits, we aim to listen to footballers and hear their plans for the future. We can give them free advice and have so much experience and enthusiasm to help out these young adults and reduce the risk of bankruptcy and depression.

“We will then make sure we find them the right home or investment that’s compatible with their budget with longevity in mind.”

He reveals that he has already conceived “a vision of the future” for his firm which would tap into the “entrepreneurial skillset” of some footballers.

“If I’d met him four or five years ago – he’s 28 now, had a good career and coming to his peak, but has always earnt good money – we could have invested some good money into some good properties that would have given him tangible assets that he could one day refinance. He could have become really obsessed about maintaining them and looking after them, refinancing them and building more to pass down to his children.”

“They are great fun but, in essence, cost you money,” he says.

“Property can also be fun and is also a luxury to own, but if bought at the right price, this could create some valuable equity that allows you to have the nicer things in life a lot cheaper.

He says if a player is interested in using his services, he or one of his team will go and meet him, understand his budget and help him source legal representation.

Affable, empathetic and dedicated, you could not wish for a better mentor helping you with the often daunting task of buying property than Lee Pottle.

With him by your side, it really is a case of homes sweet homes.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Infinity and Beyond

Infinity and Beyond From glistening beach-front lagoons to exquisite pools with a helping of wildlife on the side, enjoy a relaxing dip with a view as Emma Harrison rounds up 13 of the most beautiful infinity pools in the world.

Four Seasons Safari Tanzania Take a break from your Tanzanian adventures and cool off in the Four Seasons free-form infinity pool that overlooks the Serengeti plains and a watering hole where majestic elephants gather. With sunbeds and bar service, it’s an idyllic setting from which to watch a glorious sunset or admire a brilliant blue sky. www.fourseasons.com/serengeti

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Infinity and Beyond

Amankila, Bali Indonesia Stretching from hilltops to a private beach, the Amankila resort lies within reach of atmospheric temples and artisan villages in a desirable cliffside position overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali.

Its spectacular infinity pool that cascades in three tiers down the hillside is reminiscent of a rice paddy and is the ideal place to destress and float your cares away. www.aman.com/resorts/amankila

Hotel Caesar Augustus, Capri Italy Steeped in history and perched high up on the cliffs overlooking the sea, the Hotel Caesar Augustus has got to be one of the most stunning hotels in Europe. The views are unparalleled, guests can admire Mount Vesuvius and the Capri landscape all from the comfort of the hotel. The infinity pool is a double-tiered showstopper that overlooks the Bay of Naples. www.caesar-augustus.com

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Grace Santorini

Infinity and Beyond

Santorini Carved out of a clifftop, this seven-level boutique hotel is a shimmering minimalist marvel and one of its highlights surely must be the spectacular serpentine infinity pool which is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Totally instagrammable! www.gracehotels.com/santorini

The Mulia, Bali Indonesia You will be spoilt for choice at The Mulia which has four delightful pools to choose from. The star of the show has to be the resorts awardwinning beachfront infinity pool which makes you feel like the Indian Ocean is just a few strokes away.

This elegant pool also incorporates a Balinese-inspired statue tower overhead, a swim up bar and day beds where you can rest your weary head after a cocktail or two. www.themulia.com

Condado Vanderbilt, San Juan Puerto Rico Perched majestically above the Atlantic Ocean and featuring panoramic views, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has been Puerto Rico’s premier oceanfront hotel for nearly a century. The Spa Tower features an infinity pool with a sundeck with an exceptional vista.

Guests can also enjoy the hotels private beach and full-service spa. www.condadovanderbilt.com

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Infinity and Beyond

Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast Italy Situated on a cliff-top, the Belmond Hotel Caruso features a heated infinity pool which is set at the highest point above the hilltop town of Ravello and overlooks the Bay of Salerno. It is one of the Amalfi’s most romantic boltholes thanks to incredible style and character. www.belmond.com

Nayara Springs Costa Rica Offering all the amenities of a 5-star hotel, Nayara Springs is a jewel in Costa Rica’s crown. Not only does it have gourmet dining, an awardwinning spa with outdoor treatment bungalows, it also has two oversized infinity edge pools that merge into the lush forest where you can spy hummingbirds, toucans and macaws as you swim laps. www.nayarasprings.com

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PHOTO: ATGIMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Infinity and Beyond

Marina Bay Sands Singapore Love a dramatic skyline? The Marina Bay Sands rooftop infinity pool is the one for you and happens to be the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. Located on the 57th floor of this iconic hotel, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Singapore whilst you immerse yourself in the warm lapping water. www.marinabaysands.com

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur California If you are looking to take a break away from it all with nothing but breath-taking views of Big Sur, starry nights and a wood-burning fire for company, then the Post Ranch Inn which is surrounded by Californian Redwoods is for you. It is ideal for those who want to have a ‘back to nature’ break without having to camp!

There are two heated infinity pools in the grounds – one lined with seaweathered jade and a stainless steel one. www.postranchinn.com

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Infinity and Beyond

Huvafen Fushi Maldives

At night the infinity pool at the Huvafen Fushi transforms from a beach-front infinity pool to a magical sparkling haven. Sink into the black water and be uplifted by the twinkling underwater lights as they illuminate the black water. www.huvafenfushi.com

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Infinity and Beyond

Silversands Grenada Whilst it doesn’t open until November, the Silversands resort in Grenada is already making waves to those in the know. Its sleek modern architecture is a departure from traditional Caribbean style resorts and one of the highlights will be the resort’s 339foot infinity pool - the longest in the Caribbean, which will extend onto the shimmering sands. Definitely one to watch! www.silversandsgrenada.com

St Regis Mauritius Set in the breath-taking location of Le Morne and surrounded by lush green vegetation with marvellous views over the Indian Ocean waters, the St Regis which is nestled on the soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon create a true sense of luxury and makes an idyllic escape for guests. The infinity pool at the exclusive St Regis Mauritius Villa (along with its three private heated plunge pools) is the perfect way to cool down after a stroll along the beach. www.marriott.com

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FEATURE

adidas football boots

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4MIDABLE adidas: Kicking the opposition into touch, since 1949.

s well as providing any number of classics for a number of sports and the street, ADIDAS has a justifiably lofty reputation in the world of football, too. Names such as Copa Mundial, Predator, Tango, Samba, Beckenbauer are interlinked with the history of the sport – and the latest releases of three stripes football boots pushes the boundaries and the brand’s reputation.

Professional Player’s Anthony Bunn takes a look at four stunning football boots from Die marke mit den drei streifen from their new Team Mode drop.

1.TEAM MODE

PREDATOR 18+.

The 2018 remix of this iconic football boot boasts a classic Predator colour scheme in black, red and white.

And you may also have noticed by now that this is the current boot of choice for Paul Pogba – so, if it’s good enough for someone who bossed a World Cup Final…..

And now wonder when you look at the spec…….

The Predator 18+ features a Purecut Laceless system which gives players from the Premier League to the park maximum surface control. Meanwhile, the Forged Knit integrated midfoot structure creates medial and lateral stability. Add on a full length BOOST™ midsole providing energy return with every step, and you have a serious football boot on your hands. Well, feet!

The Predator 18+ looks great, and it feels great, too.

A Primeknit Sockfit Collar, a layer of Control Skin, and an Anatomical Supper ensures that you’ll get a super-supportive and comfortable fit.

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FEATURE

adidas football boots

1.TEAM MODE

X18+

Find speed that you never thought you possessed……

Featuring new innovations designed to maximise speed, just like the new Predator 18+ boots, these boots will leave your marker floundering, seeing flashes of striking yellow, black and blue in the distance. Currently worn by players such as Gabriel Jesus and Luis Suarez these were created to unleash the speed of the game’s most dangerous players. Including you.

Designed to provide stability and support at high speed, the X18+ has a laceless upper that locks down the mid-foot and a low-cut Claw Collar construction that secures the foot in place. Ultra-lightweight in feel, the Skeletal Weave allows for responsive touch, whilst the ultra-soft Speedmesh offers a controlled touch without restricting the movement of the foot.

Want more details? Here goes…….A supremely snug and stable fit comes from the Speedframe outsole and the 3D Moulded Heel, designed to lock the foot in place during acceleration, making this a serious boot for the fleet-footed amongst you.

Find speed that you never thought you possessed……

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2.TEAM MODE

COPA18

The latest colourway in the COPA franchise sees the new Team Mode COPA18 arriving in a stunning silver, blue and red version. Originally launched at the same time as the Mundial, this is a bold re-enaction of a boot that has over outclassed oppositions all over the world for the last 38 years.

But it’s changed a bit since it’s inception in the late 1970’s…….

The Team Mode COPA18 benefits from the most advanced performance materials, combining a Leather Embossed Vamp and innovative Sock Construction System. It features a premium K-leather upper and X-Ray Vamp Cage to deliver close control by reducing slippage. A Compression Fold-Over Tongue provides improved supportive fit and stability.

Foam pads are a feature of the Comfort Internal Construction features foam pads whilst the new Ortholite Sockliner offers an enhanced cushioning experience for unmatched comfort.

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FEATURE

adidas football boots

2.TEAM MODE

NEMEZIZ 18+ Featuring an Agilitybandage with Torsiontapes technology, this new blue and white colourway can be currently seen being rocked by the likes of Alvaro Morata, Jesse Lingard and Roberto Firmino. And players with personality need a pair of football boots with personality.

Designed to enhance the performance of the game’s most agile players, the latest NEMEZIZ has a dual-lock collar that secures the ankle and allows for explosive change of direction. All that, whilst an Agilityknit 2.0 interlocking yarn structure provides the soft direct touch and a lightweight feel that your feet want, need, and deserve!

Designed to enhance the performance of the game’s most agile players,

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Super, Natural They say that life is all about getting the balance right.

Jermaine and Laura Beckford are all about that. And so is their new company. Be it as a professional footballer and dad or entrepreneur and mum, their company SUPERNOVA LIVING is all about being the very best that you can be.

It’s 7pm and I’m in Victor’s in Hale and the sun is disappearing from view in this bustling Cheshire town. After a long day of meetings, you wouldn’t expect the level of effervescence and bubbliness that Jermaine and Laura Beckford greet me with. Perhaps they’ve been regularly taking a wonderful, advanced vegan protein powder with organic adaptogens that they themselves have developed and now brought successfully to the world of health, lifestyle and fitness?

Supernova Living’s organic, natural, protein powders are based on just what The Beckford’s needed for their own lives. Here, they spoke to Professional Player’s Anthony Bunn about how they get the balance right, in and out of business.

Nah, that stuff only happens in dreams. Doesn’t it?

The next ninety minutes or so leaves me in no doubt that the Beckford’s are a really lovely, happy couple, and that they have the utmost belief in their new venture – Supernova Living. And that belief is completely justified.

Jermaine and Laura have now been married for seven years, after meeting in Leeds at a time when Jermaine was scoring goals for fun during his five seasons at Elland Road before joining Everton in the Premier League. Laura meanwhile, was working within the media industry, including presenting on GMTV, all whilst setting up a successful children’s casting agency that is now in its thirteenth year.

It’s now more than eleven years since they first met, and they have put their experiences, knowledge and dreams together, and Supernova Living is the result.

“

The aim is to let you become the very best version of yourself. Naturally. With no unnecessary chemical additions, these are the real deal.

”

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Supernova Whilst there are many protein powders out there, you may want to ask yourself if there are any quite like those produced by Supernova Living? The Beckford’s aim and dream of producing “the most advanced, natural, powerful protein powder” is now on sale. It’s a powder aimed at not only replenishing muscles, but aimed at benefitting the whole body AND the mind. With stunning marketing visuals and luxe packaging, these are thoroughly modern products based on ingredients that have hundreds of years of medicinal usage.

So, just how did they get the idea for the company?

“We’re both massively into health and fitness”, starts Laura, before continuing “and I noticed that Jermaine felt tired after training and often had an afternoon nap at home. But we’ve got two kids now, and so that soon went out of the window.

I was the same. I’m both a mother of two children, a wife, and also a businesswoman.

It was absolutely shattering, and I’m a person who usually has tons of energy. Jermaine noticed this too. I see myself as a really healthy person, yet even with a near vegan, sugar-free, wheat-free diet I felt shattered every day around mid-afternoon.”

Jermaine adds, “…and Laura’s circle of friends and her business network were saying exactly the same thing, too.

And the protein shakes that I was taking after football training saw me

experiencing stomach problems, so I knew exactly where Laura was coming from…”

“We both needed energy, but wanted it naturally in a world where twenty four hours in a day is never enough”, adds Laura.

The Beckfords started researching. Really researching. But what they wanted and needed - incredible adaptogens allied to protein – wasn’t out there in one quick-fix.

“So, we made it ourselves!”, Jermaine remarks, with a huge smile on his face.

Laura adds...

“Supernova Living products give you great energy, but in a balanced way. That’s a key word in whatever we do - balance. We wanted to produce a protein powder that is great if you’re doing the school run, if you want something to fill you up until mid-morning or even lunchtime. Something to power you for the day.

And as Jermaine needs something after training, it’s a brilliant pick-me-up without the sugar downer for him.

Sleepy afternoons and lethargy are a thing of the past in our house, and the great thing is that our family get the benefits of this!

Time spent together is quality time as we have the energy for it to be so. Our kids have noticed a huge difference in us”

It’s obvious there’s no senior/junior partner here, nor even good cop/bad cop. Supernova Living is not just a company to The Beckford’s, but a way of life, and an extension of a partnership originally forged far away from business. There’s a glow about the Beckford’s.

They look stunningly/sickeningly healthy, and it’s clear from their voices and mannerisms just how excited they are about their company, often interrupting each other in excitement when talking about Supernova Living. So, when Jermaine comments that “It’s great, because we have worked on it together ... as well as bringing out products we have the utmost faith and belief in, doing it together means more, too”, Laura interjects straight away with “Yes, working on Supernova is the new Date Night for us, ha, ha!”.

Based in the north west, in Ormskirk, their aim was to develop an advanced vegan protein powder, that was so much more than just protein. It’s a way of life, a mindset, helping you to develop physically, mentally and emotionally.

Supernova Living products aren’t there to replace food, but they are a superb alternative to sugary snacks. And after using them myself, even my weary, fifty year old body is now feeling the effects – and I actually feel a lot more alert, especially when on the road for much of the working week and ferrying kids around at night and over the weekend.

As someone who is forever on the move and forever feeling emotionally, mentally and physically tired, I’m all for any help on offer.

I know about the benefits of proteins, but adaptogens? I asked, just how do adaptogens help me?

“Ha, ha, well, “states Laura, “they are a group of herbal ingredients that help to keep your body in balance. They improve your adrenal system, calm you down, and help to reduce stress and anxiety and boost your energy.

The best thing is that they really do work!”

Jermaine credits Laura with showing him the holistic light when it comes to nutrition and looking after himself. The goal poacher lived on fast food and sugary drinks, relying on his natural fitness and athleticism to get him through games and training. But as he agrees, he needed not only a new diet, but also a “new mindset and lifestyle”.

Jermaine and Laura first started Supernova by first experimenting with the powders they had at home that they already added to smoothies.

Add in to that mix a healthy helping of

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sourcing the most effective superfoods on the planet – and you have a product that isn’t a fad or here-today-gone-tomorrow, but one that is based on hours and hours of research and passion.

Months and months of what Laura calls “Brainstorming, experimenting, adapting, trialling and testing”, has now seen a number of Supernova products hit the shelves.

Ah, the products. Stunningly packaged, Supernova products are, quite simply, powerful plants that can elevate your mind and body. The aim is to let you become the very best version of yourself. Naturally. With no unnecessary chemical additions, these are the real deal.

The 00 Naked Protein Powder is what is says that it is. Naked. There are no ‘natural’ or artificial flavours or sweeteners, just a pure, neutral taste of plant proteins, organic brown rice and pea protein with added benefits of bioavailable adaptogens to balance hormones, increase focus and endurance and keep your gut happy with naturally found prebiotics in agave inulin. Basically, tons of ace stuff and no hidden nasties. Get your zing back.

The 01 Women’s Protein Powder is flavoured only with raw organic Peruvian cacao for a smooth chocolate flavour. Sounds simple?

Well, it also comes with all the benefits of the superfoods adaptogens, organic brown rice and fermented pea proteins creating the protein base, with a full amino acid complex, including the nine essential ones that our bodies can’t naturally make but are essential for vital bodily functions.

Supernova Living simply listened to what women wanted: More energy, clear complexion, feeling fuller for longer, reduce stress, balance hormones, no more bloating!

The company wanted its 02 Man’s Protein Powder to take men’s protein powders to the next level. That’s why it is flavoured only with raw organic Peruvian cacao for a smooth chocolate flavour but with all the benefits of superfoods too, and made for men to keep up with a demanding fitness regime.

Once again, organic brown rice and fermented pea proteins create the protein base with a full amino acid complex. “We want a protein product to give us more endurance to reach

personal goals, more concentration, 20g of hypoallergenic protein, reduce inflammation, and that has a great taste!”, they shouted.

Supernova Living listened.

And the three Supernova protein powders also come in a handy-mega sachet format, too. So, you can throw them in your bag, your lunchbox, your purse/wallet, your suitcase (especially good with regards to jetlag)...

But Supernova is also about people, not just products. And after spending time with the Beckford’s it’s clear that this is a long-term business, and very, very personal to the pair.

“Yes, of course we want it to grow and grow”, comments Jermaine, “but like the products themselves we want growth to be natural and organic, not forced. We’re amazed at how brilliantly received Supernova has been so far.”

not about pounds, but positivity and plaudits.

Laura agrees...

“It’s important for us to show our own children that you can help others and also work on things that you love. We couldn’t simply open a business for opening a business’ sake. We had to believe in it 100%, and for it to be something hugely personal to us”.

Jermaine takes this up…

“And it’s about getting results, too. We want to improve people’s lives, just as ours have improved. Me? I’ve been scoring goals, getting superb fitness results in training, and have really high energy levels” is Jermaine’s description for what Supernova Living products offer him. And as they have been passed by Informed Sport it’s fine for all sports people to enjoy without fear of worrying about ‘banned’ substances, too.

Laura continues...

“I think so many women get caught up in such a fast-paced lifestyle and often forget to look after themselves in the madness. This powder is designed to look after you and to be the best version of yourself, everyday, easily.

I can always tell if I have forgotten to take my Supernova one day.

I definitely have more energy, my immunity has definitely improved and my mindset is consistently positive.

One of my favourite quotes is “Be the change you wish to see in the world” so that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

Brilliantly received is an understatement: The first batch sold out in rapid time; the protein powders are on the shelves at the brilliant Planet Organic; and as well as making huge waves amongst the health, fitness and wellbeing industry, Supernova Living products are also on the radar of the beauty sector too – with The Telegraph’s Beauty Editor recently giving the 00 Naked Protein Powder a rave review and Metro putting the company’s Travel Sachets on their Hot List.

It’s clear that with Supernova Living, you aren’t simply buying a product, but you’re also buying into the mindset of a couple who swear by what they do. As well as being great company, The Beckford’s are very impressive, especially when talking about Supernova Living. It’s clear that they are both intelligent and savvy, but at the heart of what Supernova Living is all about, I get the feeling that it’s

Supernova Living takes the old to meet the very modern, to make a great now. A result of two likeminded individuals meeting in Leeds, eleven years ago.

The last word goes to Jermaine...

“How do we see Supernova Living developing?

We’re confident we will stay innovative and have so many products in the pipeline to meet the demands of the modern lifestyle. As Laura said earlier...we want people to be the very best that they can be.”

SUPERNOVA LIVING www.supernovaliving.com @supernova.protein hello@supernovaliving.com

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T H E SOUN D OF

experience

The Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old is a rare sight. It has been maturing in the finest ex-sherry and bourbon casks on the shores of the Sound of Islay since 1978.

This year we knew it was ready. Ready to bottle.

Ready to release. Ready to delight.

But with only 100 bottles of this exclusive whisky left globally, you’ll have to move fast if you want to experience it yourself.

Contact our fine whisky expert now to discuss this exceptional opportunity.

Call Julieann Fernandez on 07584 681128 Julieann.Fernandez@distellinternational.com

Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old.

ÂŁ1800

Discover the Sound of Islay.

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TOGETHER WITH

KING STREET TOWNHOUSE & HARVEY NICHOLS MANCHESTER LAUNCH THE

ULTIMATE LUXURIOUS PACKAGE ‘STAY & SHOP’

Luxurious, exclusive and indulgent... raise a toast to this brand new experience brought to you by King Street Townhouse Together With Harvey Nichols, Manchester.

The ‘Stay & Shop’ package is based on two people sharing a room and includes: • Overnight stay in a Cosy room at King Street Townhouse with breakfast the following morning • Champagne Afternoon Tea at King Street Townhouse on either your day of arrival or day of departure • £100 Harvey Nichols Gift Card in your room

• Harvey Nichols Style Concierge At Your Service, offering the ultimate personal shopping experience (for up to two hours) • A complimentary cocktail at the Harvey Nichols Second Floor Bar and Brasserie to celebrate your new purchases

*Subject to availability. Offer available throughout 2018.

• £50 towards dinner for two in The Tavern at King Street Townhouse on the night of your stay • 12 noon check-out the following day Price: Sunday to Thursday £400* Friday and Saturday £450*

King Street Townhouse, located within the upper King Street Conservation Area of Manchester city centre, is an impressive Italian renaissance building, designed by local architect Edward Salomons and originally built in 1872 for the Manchester Salford Trustees Bank. The Eclectic Hotel Collection respectfully expanded on the allure and unique qualities of this historic building with a baby grand hotel providing the need for new contemporary accommodation in the area.

Also available...

At Your Service In Association With Harvey Nichols, Manchester Exclusive Harvey Nichols in-store services available to all our hotel guests on request: • Style Concierge (in-room style consultation) • Same day hotel delivery • Out of hours shopping • Garment alterations • Guest gifting

TO BOOK:

Call 0161 667 0707 or book online at: www.kingstreettownhouse.co.uk KING STREET TAVERN | 40 BEDROOMS & SUITES | ALL DAY DINING BAR, RESTAURANT, LOUNGE | MEETING & EVENT SPACES | SOUTH FACING TERRACE WITH VIEWS OF THE TOWN HALL | INFINITY SPA POOL | NEW ‘THE CELLARS’, SCREENING ROOM AND WINE CELLAR PRIVATE DINING Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

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TOGETHER WITH

GREAT JOHN STREET HOTEL & ROSSO RESTAURANT LAUNCH THE

ULTIMATE DECADENT PACKAGE ‘INDULGENT SUITE RETREAT’

Raise a glass of Champagne and toast to the hottest NEW collaboration in town. From Manchester’s sexiest hotel and the city’s swankiest restaurant comes the most sought-after experience in the city… Indulgent Suite Retreat; Great John Street Hotel Together With Rosso.

Escape reality and adorn yourself in 5-star service with this decadent, luxurious and totally Eclectic package: The ‘Indulgent Suite Retreat’ package includes: • One-night stay in an Eclectic Grand Suite at Great John Street Hotel with breakfast the following morning • Afternoon Tea at Great John Street Hotel (day of arrival or departure)

• Cocktail, beer, glass of House Wine or Champagne in the Oyster Bar at Great John Street Hotel • Addison Lee car to Rosso • An indulgent, three course dinner* at Rosso

• Then, ‘begin’ the night as you please exploring Manchester…

Price: Sundays to Thursdays £400** Fridays to Saturdays £450**

Only a stone’s throw from Manchester’s most exclusive shopping areas, restaurants and theatres, Great John Street Hotel is the city’s most luxurious townhouse hotel with unique, individually designed bedrooms and suites alongside stylish lounges such as the ground floor Oyster Bar and the southfacing Rooftop Lounge and Playground.

A favourite amongst Manchester’s elite and city dwellers, Great John Street Hotel is a city centre haven perfect for relaxation and play…

Rosso, Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant, stands proudly at the top of the prestigious King Street and is well known for its excellent Italian food, great service and electric atmosphere. Decadent, luxurious and steeped in history, Great John Street Hotel and Rosso form the perfect, decadent, Eclectic partnership.

TO BOOK:

Call 0161 831 3211 or book online at: www.greatjohnstreet.co.uk *Drinks not included. Gift card for £50 per person. **Subject to availability June 2018 to September 2018

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London's only non-stop live music venue where in-house musicians take centre stage and only play songs requested by the audience!

Located in a listed Victorian basement, The Piano Works can be found hidden in the heart of Farringdon.

Enter The House of Song, write your music requests on request slips and hand to your waiter or the musicians to be performed.

Drink from a classically strange selection of cocktails and hand selected wines, eat from a dinner menu or selection of bar food, tip a human jukebox, sing your heart out and dance to your favourite songs from dusk ‘til dawn.

Part bar part restaurant part concert part party.

The audience decides the repertoire in the #HouseofSong!

Drink Sing Eat Dance and Tip a human jukebox! pianoworks.bar 92

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113-117 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3BX Hello@pianoworks.bar 0207 278 1966 Pianoworks.bar

Drink, Eat, Dance & Tip a human jukebox! #HouseofSong!

London’s only non-stop live music venue, where their in-house multi-talented musicians take center stage and only play songs requested by you!

The Piano Works can be found hidden in the heart of Farringdon in a listed Victorian basement. Enter down to the basement and you’re instantly hit with a resounding atmosphere! Live music is performed on stage in the centre. Write your music requests on request slips and hand to your waiter or the musicians, then listen out for it to be performed, it’s guaranteed you will be up dancing.

Drink from their freshly made signature and classic selection of cocktails and hand selected wines, eat from a dinner menu or selection of bar food, tip a human jukebox, sing your heart out and dance to your favourite songs all night long. I highly recommend “The Piano Works” #perfectnightout

Gina x

Professional Player

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THE SOUND OF

precious time

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Stop. Listen carefully and you’ll hear it…

There, absolutely nothing. It’s the sound of peace, of escape, of ease.

It’s the sound of hundreds of years of history in every drop. The sound of a journey worth taking.

Discover the Sound of Islay.

{ Bunn-na-ha-venn }

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Family Back in 2015, Professional Player spoke to Amy Dickinson, wife of professional footballer Carl.

Fast-forward three years and Anthony Bunn talks to her husband about his recent move to Yeovil Town, focusing on the difficulties of having to move away from the people he loves to play the sport he loves.

I’ve just spoken to Amy Dickinson, just a couple of months into the current football season, at a football meeting at the Stoke City academy.

My son is there and so is Amy and Carl’s. Her husband, Carl, signed for Yeovil Town this summer after leaving Notts County. His two year contract sees him moving to and now living in Yeovil whilst Amy and their two young children, Zac and Lola, remain at their family home in Staffordshire.

It’s a massive change for The Dickinson’s. Whilst at Meadow Lane, Carl had a journey of under an hour into training – now, he’s a three and a half hour drive away from home. Moving around isn’t new to Carl and Amy, and those players and their partners reading this article who have experienced similar will probably be knowingly nodding as they read it, too. For example, back in 2010, Carl signed a season-long loan with Portsmouth just as Amy was due to give birth to their first child.

So, back to this summer: I asked Carl about his time at Notts County. What were the highlights of his time there?

“I was buzzing when I signed for Notts County.

It’s a club with loads of tradition and history, and I thought what a strong squad we had, with loads of experience”. Carl continues, “We did pretty well and I loved being part of a dressing room that was

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INTERVIEW

Carl Dickinson on a high. They were a great set of lads”.

Dickinson’s no-nonsense, wholehearted defensive displays and quality set piece deliveries made him a favourite with Magpies’ fans. But a ten-game losing streak saw the manager who signed him (John Sheridan) lose his job. New managers often bring in new ideas and new players, and Dickinson admits to being “totally gutted” that he wasn’t involved in the squad for the Play Offs at the end of last season.

“Yeah, I thought I had a really good season”, he states, before adding “and although I’d sometimes be in and out of the team, I thought I’d performed well. It hurt not being in the team going out on the pitch trying to get to Wembley….”

County were beaten over two legs by Coventry City in the Play Off semi final, and the heartache of that was confounded for Dickinson when he wasn’t offered a new deal by the club.

“I hadn’t been involved with the squad for five or six weeks, so I kind of thought I’d be getting bad news in the back of my mind. But it’s still a shock and hurtful when it finally happens.”

After a career that had seen the defender playing in the Premier League for Stoke City and also for the likes of Watford, Portsmouth, and Port Vale, plus several loan spells during his career, it’s obvious that moving clubs wasn’t something new for the player. But moving home without his family would be. This summer was a period of massive insecurity, as he didn’t know where his career would take him next.

“This was a new scenario for me, as I was worried about what was going to happen.

Would anybody want me, and if not how am I going to look after my wife and kids?”, explains Dickinson. It was a time of huge uncertainty.

But with over 430 games under his belt – and experience of playing in all four leagues – offers soon came in for his services. But it was a meeting with Yeovil Town manager Darren Way and his number two Terry Skiverton that convinced him to move west.

“I was excited about how they wanted to take the club forward and their enthusiasm and passion for wanting me to go there. They also offered me a two-year deal; something that any player in League Two over the age of 30 would say is a massive thing! I felt genuine excitement about the club and the move……”

The only potential drawback was the small matter of 179 miles separating Huish Park from Dickinson’s family home. The player admits there were a number of long conversations with Amy about his career, the future, and the family…..and as he states “we knew it would be difficult, with me being in Yeovil and the family being back home…..it’s not ideal, but we were determined to make it work!”

The new Glovers’ left back has also had to give up some part-time coaching that he was undertaking with Derby County’s under 14 team, something he admits that he was “really enjoying. I was learning more and more each week, and Darren Wassall and the Derby academy staff were amazing with me. They knew I had to do this though….who knows, maybe one day I could go back?”.

Rather than being with his family in Staffordshire, home for most of the week is a “nice house in Yeovil”. Long distances are nothing new to Dickinson as when at Watford, he made the decision to commute into training every day with a team mate also based in Stoke.

But as Amy states“this made him massively tired in the afternoons, and wasn’t doing him any good at all”.

So, to his new living arrangements…..

“I share the house with three others lads from the club. They don’t keep the house as tidy as I do!!!”, he says laughing, before adding “but they do sometimes cook me a nice meal as I’m a terrible cook and can only make about three things. But I’m the one that does all the cleaning and hovering!”.

The thought of Carl Dickinson wearing the marigolds or an apron is one that many attackers probably couldn’t picture in the minds.

But I ask him, what’s it like being so far from home?

“I’ll admit, it can get really boring at times. At Notts County, I could train and get back for the school run and do stuff with the family. Anyone would miss watching them play football, go swimming or gymnastics….so that is difficult.

What I do now is finish training and have a coffee and go and chill with the lads. It’s a lot different.”

Most of Carl Dickinson’s contact with his beloved family comes through Facetime. Every morning before they go to school and every night before they go to bed they’ll be Facetiming each other.

“It’s really hard”, he admits, “as most of the time they ask when I’m coming home. But they know that any chance I get to come back and see them, I’m straight in the car. Whether that’s after an away game that’s closer to home or whether we’ve been given a day off – I’ll always try to get home and do something with them. Any time I get with them now is extra special!”.

This mainly lands on weekends, and so the Dickinson’s go and watch their daughter Lola at Gymnastics or their son Zac playing for Stoke City youngsters where he’s part of their academy. I usually see the Dickinson’s there – often without Carl - as my son is also at Stoke’s academy , albeit he’s one year older. As Carl states “Zac absolutely loves it there, and while I love watching his matches, I do miss watching him train during the week”.

Zac being older than Lola means that at first he found his dad being away a little bit more difficult than his sister. As Carl notes, “Lola is a bit too young to fully understand at the moment that this is what I have to do. But what it does mean is that we always make the most of the time we spend together”.

You won’t find a nicer family than the Dickinson’s. Down-to-earth and hugely likeable, it’s a huge compliment when I say that they are just a ‘normal’ family. But in the fast-paced, glamorous world of professional football, it’s worth noting that for many players and their families they often have to make huge sacrifices: disrupted Christmases, and missing birthdays and anniversaries, living in digs and hotels, are all commonplace within the game. But as I type this, Dickinson has just scored a free kick in his team’s 6-0 away demolition of Newport County, and Yeovil lie fifth in the Division Two table after an excellent start to the season. Carl Dickinson and his new club: fitting together like a hand in a glove(r).

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ACADEMY WORKSHOPS

Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa FC Professional Player

Academy Workshop U18s

Currently unbeaten at Home for 5 Months 98

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U18s Professional Player visited us recently and delivered a very interesting and worthwhile workshop to our U18 Youth Team

Lost 2nd least away from home (behind winners Chelsea)

last season

ACADEMY WORKSHOPS

Aston Villa FC

U18s

Conceded the least goals away in the South U18 Premier League 2017/18

T

he Aston Villa Under-23, formerly Aston Villa Under-21 and Aston Villa Reserves, are the most senior youth development team of Aston Villa and compete in Premier League 2 of the Professional Development League and the Premier League International Cup in the 2016–17 season. The team were part of the FA Premier Reserve League since its foundation in 1999 and were winners of the 2011-12 Premier Reserve League South title, the last in that format. The team plays its home games at Villa Park and Bescot Stadium. Aston Villa also have an academy side that competes in the Under-18 division of the Professional Development League and the FA Youth Cup annually.

“Education and Welfare staff in all clubs are constantly looking to give players as much information as possible, in a number of ways, in order to help to prepare them for life within and out of football.

Professional Player visited us recently and delivered a very interesting and worthwhile workshop to our U18 Youth Team and covered areas such as Career Ending Protection, Agents, Looking After Finances, Prenuptial Agreements and Insurance.

U18s

11 different goalscorers last season (7 so far this season)

I would recommend the organisation to all clubs who deal with U18-23 players.”

Paul Brackwell

Head of Education U18s

13 U18s made competitive appearances for the U23s last season.

One individual made 9 appearances.

Professional Player are booking workshops up and down the country. If you would like your academy to benefit from this complimentary services then Total by all AVFC scholars please contact was 35 appearances gina@theprofessionalplayer.co.uk IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE BAND PERFORM CONTACT ALEX@PIANOWORKS.BAR

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I would only wave my new scarf if we scored!

When I visit St. James’, I still get the same sense of euphoria I got when I was a boy. It’s an incredible place and a wonderful club.

TV WINNERS There’s one football documentary that has been on everyone’s lips over the last few weeks…..

All or Nothing: Manchester City was a fly-on-the-changing-room-wall look at last season when The Blues cantered to the Premier League trophy.

Here, Professional Player’s Anthony Bunn talks to the programme’s Senior Assistant Producer JONATHAN SMITH about the logistics of making the documentary, the people behind and in front of the camera, Pep, the players, FA Cup heartache, and a much-loved kitman.

Tell us about yourself, and what are you career highlights so far?

How did you get to work on All or Nothing ?

How did I get where I am today? I got here the same way everyone else does in media production – talent, hard work and luck! I’m a firm believer you need a hefty dose of all three to make it in this game and that theory has worked well for me so far.

A good friend of mine, Rob Darlington, who was the Line Producer on AoN, approached me after we’d worked together on a job in Asia earlier in the year. Rob knew what I could do and that I was as football mad as he was so when I got the call, I never really gave it a second thought.

At the risk of stating the obvious, All or Nothing: Manchester City has without a doubt been the pinnacle of my career to date.

I remember suffering a little from Imposter Syndrome when I first started on All or Nothing (AoN) but I remember speaking to the Director of Photography and swapping notes on our previous conquests and we both came to the conclusion that this project was on another level to all of our previous work.

Do you support a club – if so, who and tell us a bit about your football-supporting background….

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For my sins I’m a die-hard Newcastle United fan, black and white through and through. I still remember my first game – Blackburn at home, we drew 0-0 and I cried because I said

If you are a football fan, was this a benefit to working on the show.

Yes, of course, especially in my role. As the Senior Assistant Producer, my role was an editorial one, so I had to have a good understanding of the game in order to make sense of what was going on and how everything would knit together in terms of the narrative. It was absolutely essential.

As the Senior Assistant Producer, I was effectively a conduit between the Writer based in Manchester, and the Edit who were based in Barcelona. It was my job to keep on top of what we’d shot and think about how that could be used in post, before it reached the edit. I also advised on what we needed to shoot going forward, based on what we had already.

For example, we were conscious Claudio Bravo was becoming a penalty-saving hero for City, but we hadn’t previously had any material of him practising penalties in training, there just wasn’t any justification for doing so at the time.

But then a subplot began to develop thanks to his cup heroics throughout the season and it became clear we needed this material, so we started focusing solely on Bravo saving penalties in training.

I’ve seen the other AON’s – I particularly love the ones on the Arizona Cardinals and the All Blacks. Did you want to stay true to the format?

From what I remember, we were never told to match the format of previous AoN’s per say, it was more about going in hard on the exclusive access we had and building the kind unique stories that could only Manchester City could provide. I think it helped because ours was the first AoN to be focussed on football, and although we felt pressure as you might expect, it never really came from Amazon because we were breaking new ground with what we were attempting to achieve.

For me, the primary aim was to lift the curtain up on the world’s most popular sport and show the fans what really goes on behind the scenes.

Tell us about the process of getting AoN up and running…….

To be honest, the process goes back further than a lot of people realise. I remember

INTERVIEW

Jonathan Smith having several conversations with, Diego Gigliani, who works in the upper echelons at Manchester City, and I seem to recall him saying they’d been discussing this for some time before the cameras finally rolled in in October. I know Diego was raised in the USA and clearly has connections stateside, so I imagine it was a case of perfect timing that he and City wanted to explore this option just at the time when Amazon wanted to expand the All or Nothing series.

So how did it come to fruition?

That’s a question for Diego to be honest.

I do know that Mediapro, the production company Amazon worked with to produce the series, played a big part in this. They were the company who hired us all and put the structures in place for us to really hit the ground running when principal photography began in October.

Did Man City have a big say in how it came out?

City had the sort of say you’d expect any client to have on a big project like this. Ultimately, we were dealing with information of an extremely sensitive nature, so we were constantly aware of what we were shooting, how the City top brass might react to that and therefore what would eventually end up on the cutting room floor.

But to be honest, the club cut out very little and to be fair, I half expected them to cut out a lot more, but I’m glad they didn’t because I felt we’ve given viewers a really genuine, honest illustration of Manchester City.

Diego Gigliani played a huge part in getting it off the ground, arguably more so than anyone else at the club from my point of view. But everyone had to be on board. CEO Ferran Soriano was well aware of our presence too and there’s no doubt he had a big say in us being there. I know Pep, the staff and the players were behind the project from day one, albeit with understandable caution initially.

How accommodating was everyone?

We never spoke with the owners directly, but to be honest, everyone at the club was very accommodating and that obviously comes from the top. You’ve got to understand that nothing like this had ever been attempted before, but after a few weeks of getting to know them all and vice versa, we became completely comfortable with each other, at least from my perspective. The players especially have understandably very negative views about the behaviour of the British press and I think we were almost tarred with that brush initially.

But after spending so much time together, they began to trust us and knew that ultimately all we wanted to do was lift the lid at City and show the club for what it is.

What are your views on Pep after making the show, and have these changed?

My views on Pep have certainly changed. Before working on the series, I had as much of an appreciation of Pep and his methods as anyone else, based purely on his results, anecdotal evidence and the books by Martí Perarnau, but what I witnessed on AoN was something else entirely. As fans of the show will know, he seems to understand football in the way others don’t. From his detailed monologues on how to dismantle Arsenal to his lightning-fast reflexes on the half-time tactics board, he’s clearly an incredibly driven individual. But what struck me most was his humility. He readily accepts he doesn’t have all the answers, he’s not perfect and he’s not the ‘special one’. But what he does have is supreme focus and unwavering trust in his well-established backroom staff, who he knows can exceed in areas in which he cannot.

I always think a successful team has a great backroom staff. I loved Brandon the kitman in AON…..have you turned him into a star?

Indeed. Perhaps the greatest success of AoN is that it’s make heroes out of those who had previously been in the dark. To be able to give them their 15 minutes of fame is hugely rewarding. From the groundsmen to the laundry ladies, football is built on these

working class heroes. I haven’t seen Brandon since we finished the series so I’m not sure how much it has changed him, if at all, but we did identify him very early on as a big character within the club.

Was the friendship between players and staff as genuine as it came over?

100%. We were of course only there for one season, so it’s difficult to gauge how deep these friendships are, when players move on to other clubs for example. But certainly whilst we were there, you can feel the love between the players and staff. You’ve got to remember, especially with City, everyone is against them, everyone is waiting for them to fall – rival clubs, the broadcasters, the press – but this binds them together even more, in a way that they may not bond if they were an innocuous mid-table side.

Were you ever told “NO ACCESS, SORRY!” Probably, but at the risk of sounding boring, I honestly don’t remember. Certainly we didn’t miss anything big. I do remember when we filmed some of the leadership meetings in the boardroom, especially when the Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak was present, we’d often only be allowed in for say half of the meeting.

But I’d imagine the second half would just have been spent talking about the club’s finances in more detail. We never missed out on access – we knew about Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Aymeric Laporte, for example, and we were never excluded from those types of conversations. >>

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What was your favourite part of making the series and which do you feel is the standout clip from the series?

Perhaps selfishly, I wanted City to be the first team to win the quadruple, and for us at AoN to be a part of that, but actually, when they were knocked out of the FA Cup at Wigan, that is when the series became really interesting. As the crew, we’d never experienced defeat all season, so going into CFA (City Football Academy) the next morning put us all on edge I think.

I was dying to see how City would respond and to be honest, I think if they had just gone on and crushed everybody and won all four cups, it actually may’ve been a bit dull, I’m glad the series had its highs and lows.

The standout clip for me has to be David Silva’s final interview where he talks about his son. Of course his son was born extremely prematurely and we knew this at the time, but we didn’t really know how to handle it. In many ways, because it’s such a personal issue, and one that is infinitely bigger than the sport we were covering, we had talked about just ignoring it. That said, his absence from the team was noticeable, he’s of course one of the captains and a big influence in the team. We took the decision to respect David’s privacy and app roach him gradually and only when we knew that Mateo had made a full recovery.

Whilst working in Mediapro’s offices in Spain, David invited us to Madrid where he and the national team where training, to give one last interview and talk about Mateo. As a recent father myself, I was relieved to see Mateo was in good health but I was also comforted to see David and his family enjoying life again after an agonising few months.

How intrusive could you be?

Touching on an earlier question, the players were conscious of us acting like the

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press, so we were very conscious to this and therefore very keen to make sure we never overstepped our boundaries, which I don’t think we ever did. But even that aside, it’s not professional in this game to be ‘intrusive’. You can still shoot what we need and ask the right questions without being invasive or forward.

Do you feel that AON could have been improved in any way?

Yes of course, we haven’t shot the best piece of TV ever made, but I firmly believe there is no out there who has done what we have done to the same standard. The sports ob doc genre is about to blow up right now and All or Nothing: Manchester City will take some beating. That said, you can always improve and we were no exception. There were things myself and others pushed for editorially which never materialised. That said, would the show have been more or less successful? We’ll never know. What we do know is we’ve been part of an amazing series which everyone is extremely proud of.

It was an early, offline cut of Episode 3 and myself and DOP Mike Staniforth looked at each and said, “This thing is

going to win awards”.

Now, it’s far too early to say whether or not we were right about that, it’s been out for just over a month, but we knew then it was special.

Are you surprised it went down so well, and why?

At the risk of sounding arrogant, no, I’m not surprised in the slightest. I remember watching the very first cut. It was an early, offline cut of Episode 3 and myself and DOP Mike Staniforth looked at each and said, “This thing is going to win awards”.

Now, it’s far too early to say whether or not we were right about that, it’s been out for just over a month, but we knew then it was special. We hadn’t seen anything until that point and I think we were all so relived that the edit in Barcelona had the same vision for the project as we had in Manchester. So from then on, I was confident that as long as we stayed on that track and gave football fans a realistic, authentic, access all areas experience, we’d be onto a winner.

What are your personal plans for the future?

I’m currently enjoying a much-needed break with my family. I’ve spent eight months away from my fiancée Hasena and our two-year-old son Nolan, so being back in the North East with them has been a long-awaited timeout.

That said, I’ve just this week begun to look for work again and I’m excited by what the future may hold.

Jonathan can be contacted at enquiries@jonathansmith.tv.

Sport Psychology

Sport Psychology at the World Cup:

England’s Penalties

At the 2018 World Cup, England managed to succeed where they had previously failed before: beating Columbia in a Penalty Shootout. A factor that enabled them to achieve this was Sports Psychology; Southgate and his coaching team educated the players on how to perform successfully under the ‘pressure’ of penalties, using psychology to ‘own the process’.

‘Owning the process’ refers to

players understanding what they have control over and what they cannot affect: you control where you kick the ball, you cannot control where the goalkeeper dives. When speaking with players, I refer to this as ‘controlling the controlables’ so that they think about what they can do, rather than what is out of their hands.

For the England team during penalties ‘owning the process’ meant that the players took control over their preparation leading up to taking their penalty. This included how they behaved walking up to take it, what they thought about, where they were going to aim, and how they placed the ball, just to name a few. This process is called a ‘pre-shot routine’ and is the process that the player rehearses and repeats prior to performing an action. An example of a pre-shot routine is Cristiano Ronaldo: the power stance that he adopts before taking a free kick and the heavy breaths he takes prepare him to perform.

This routine is used in training and in matches; so that the player follows the same steps irrespective of the circumstance they are in. The benefits of a pre-shot routine are that it focuses the mind on the situation and reduces anxiety or the feeling of ‘pressure’.

Replicating a true match experience in training is very difficult, but there are factors that can be used to enable a more accurate match experience. The England players mentioned that they practiced penalties after training sessions when they felt fatigued. In a real penalty shootout the players would have already played for 120 minutes, therefore practicing after a training session when tired was closer to the true event. Practicing under ‘match-like’ conditions is key to successful performance.

used effectively in a partnership with physical In addition, a few England players admitted training, (i.e. avoiding overtraining or to use the that they already knew where they were going night before a game to prepare for competition). to put their penalty even before they stepped up to take it. This preparation meant that a player A pre-shot routine can be applied to a variety of was not preoccupied thinking about where they game situations, and also off the pitch, such as should aim whilst taking the penalty. They had having a process to get ready for the game. The already decided where it was going and therefore pre-shot routines have been taught to players they were not second guessing themselves; their in the academy at Bolton Wanderers to develop heads remained clear and they could focus on their free-kick and goal kicking techniques. their routines effectively. This also plays a part These techniques are just a small part of the in a players ownership of the situation; know psychology programme that is offered, where what you are going to do and stick to it. the emphasis throughout the programme is on ‘controlling the controlables’. Psychology at Imagery can be incorporated into the pre-shot Bolton is a cornerstone of a performance mindroutine. This visualisation enables the player set and overall positive wellbeing. to ‘see’ the successful shot before they actually take it. The use of imagery is a very effective Psychology is still a relatively new topic within technique that can benefit physical performance.

Professional Football, but the benefits of psychology are being realised more and more, as Mental Imagery has been used in other sports its acceptance increases. Psychology has much for years but it is still relatively new to football. more to offer in football and it can give you A classic study into imagery by Ekert (1989) that key piece of information that examined the use of imagery enables you to reach that next level in training to improve performance in basketball. of performance.

They compared a group of players who physically If you’d like to know more about practiced free-throws (group psychology for you, 1), against a group who both physically practiced and used Please contact me via email: mental imagery training to Sport@ryanpelling.co.uk visualise taking free-throws (group 2). Those players And check out my Instagram: who combined physical and @RPsportspsychology mental training (group 2) improved their performance

By Ryan Pelling Ref: Eckert, L.A. (1989). “The Effects of Mental more than group 1.This Imagery on Free Throw Performance”. Kinesiology, result shows that using Trainee Sport & Exercise Sport Studies, and Physical Education Master’s imagery can improve physical Psychologist Theses. 3. performance and can be

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GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI DESIGN

Autumn/Winter 2018

giuseppezanotti.com/uk

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The Other Half FASHION • BEAUTY • WEDDINGS • HOLIDAYS • JEWELLERY

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Other half How The

lives!

H

ello lovely ladies, hope you all had a great Halloween and Bonfire night with the family. Can’t believe we are almost in December, where has this year gone? #2018

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EASON

It’s the festive season to get partying, so lets go glam and sparkly with Bobbi Browns party collections of utter luxury and glam makeup collection.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING AND RECEIVING... So we made a list (and checked it twice) of the kinds of get-gorgeous gifts that we would love to unwrap this holiday season. Inspired by the twinkling lights of New York City during the holidays and dazzling looks designed for party-hopping, this festive Autumn&Winter Collection Prepare for the transitional months with these ten essentials collection offers everything you (and everyone on your gift list)

Perfect Palettes PARTY GLOW EYE & LIP PALETTE Because too much sparkle is never enough for the holidays, we’ve created this collection of shimmery and metallic eye shadows, plus a sparkling lip gloss, that’s perfectly sized to take your party look to go.

Includes: Eye Shadow in Grey, Cream, Metal (Metallic), Golden Silver (Sparkle) and Pink Opal (Shimmer), Mini Lip Gloss in Pink Sugar.

RRP: £26.00

SMOKEY CRYSTAL EYE SHADOW PALETTE/STARLIGHT CRYSTAL EYE SHADOW PALETTE Inspired by the sparkling holiday season, this pair of eye shadow palettes features eight shades ranging from vivid mattes to eye-catching metallics and sheer shimmers to high-impact glitter. Starlight Crystal Eye Shadow Palette offers soft glowing options accented with glints of sparkle for day to night looks, while Smokey Crystal Eye Shadow Palette includes a range of rich hues to achieve show-stopping smokey eyes.

Starlight: Eye Shadow in Let It Glow (Shimmer), Ice Castle (Sparkle), Daydream, Gold Mine (Metallic), Karat Cake (Metallic), Ablaze (Metallic), Silent Night and Smoke.

I can finally say the British summer didn’t disappoint this year but after months of summer dresses and sandals its time to transition into the colder climate.

Smokey: Ivory, Sugar Plum (Chrome Metal), Pink Bubbly (Sparkle), Ice Storm (Metallic), Silver Starlight (Sparkle), Pale Rose, Black Diamond (Chrome Metal) and Hot Chestnut.

RRP: £35.00

Little Luxuries NUDEST NUDES LIP GLOSS KIT From minimal makeup to something more dramatic, this five-piece set of pale pink, sparkling champagne and soft buff glosses works with every holiday party look.

Includes: Mini Lip Gloss in Nude, Honeysuckle, Nougat, Pink Beige and Mini High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle.

RRP: £32.00

Harriet Byczok

LIP CRUSH MINI CRUSHED LIP COLOR KIT What’s better than one luscious, pigment-rich Crushed Lip Color?

Five of them in sweet, little sizes. With its weightless formula, soft matte blotted-down finish and balm-like feel, this is a lip color you’ll crush hard on. Keep lips hydrated and kissably soft for days with these bare to bold shades.

Includes: Crushed Lip Color in Regal, Ruby, Lilac, Bare and Babe.

RRP: £39.50

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is a London based stylist for Red Carpet, Editorial, Advertising and Film.

Previously a freelance assistant Harriet had worked for Vogue Italia, Elle and Vogue Russia.

Her career break came when she was asked to style A-list celebrities. Her name quickly gained notoriety within the fashion and celebrity industries with her clients being featured on numerous best dressed lists.

Harriet has gone onto style celebrities for BAFTAS, Golden Globes and the Emmys.

With nine years in the industry Harriet has received worldwide recognition being interviewed with publications such as the telegraph, whowhatwear.com and doing a live interview with the Daily mail.

Harriet has a strong vision for both menswear and womenswear. With the years in the industry and a regular at London Fashion Week she has a wealth of fashion knowledge and an experienced eye for styles that work. With a background in both red carpet and editorials she has an ability to recognise what trends are relevant and the pieces you should invest in that will last seasons.

Its never easy leaving the summer days behind and during the transitional months where the weather wont make its mind up you don’t want to invest in the wrong pieces with winter around the corner.

Harriett rounds up the ten essential picks for the transitional months for Autumn/Winter fashion must haves from page 110.

Here are some pieces perfect for the transitional months that can also be kept in your winter wardrobe with a few layering tricks.

Harriet

Leather trench

1

Emma Harrison shows us 13 of the most beautiful infinity pools in the world, from glistening beach-front lagoons to exquisite pools with a helping of wildlife on the side or to enjoy a relaxing dip with a view, so if you’re heading away for a sunny Christmas break and need some inspiration take a look at pages 67 to 73.

Trench coats have been popular for years with an abundance of trenches on sale every season its so exciting to see an updated version. This leather trench is not only a trend but also timeless.

Great to throw on during the transitional months with bare legs, a denim skirt and jumper and perfect over your layered winter knits and jeans. This is one of the most practical pieces for your wardrobe that will be great for autumn, winter and spring.

100% LEATHER TRENCH

£995 |

whistles.com

112

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year from everyone at Team PP. Love

Stylish

Autumn Accessories The nights are starting to draw in as a new season approaches, but there has never been a better time to revamp your décor. Emma Harrison rounds up the most stylish accessories for your home this autumn.

Gina x

for your home Giuseppe Zanotti Design

Christian Lacroix Frida’s Garden Cushion - Grenade

Professional Player

Bring the outside in and add a designer edge with this delightful ‘Frida’s Garden’ cushion from Christian Lacroix. Printed with a luscious tropical foliage design, this cushion is filled with images of butterflies and lizards with a water colour stripe border in pink and yellow.

Like to change things up? Simply turn it over to showcase a slightly different yet unique tropical design.

£90 |

amara.com

Autumn | Winte r Wome n ’ s Collection

Missoni Home Santafe’ Seattle Cushion

CELESTE CRYSTAL

Extravagant, colourful and oh so chic! Add a unique print to your interior with the Santafe’ Seattle cushion from Missoni Home. With a repeating Greek key pattern, this extravagant cushion features an array of colours, which means it is an ideal accompaniment to accessorise to any sofa, chair or bed.

£352 |

STRETCH VELVET BOOT WITH FLOWERS CRYSTALS

amara.com

RAINA

TISHA

SUEDE BOOT WITH CRYSTALS AND CHUNKY HEEL

LAMINATED STRETCH FABRIC BOOT

£640.00

£1,060.00

£1,060.00

Albedo Hill red swivel armchair with side table Combining the old-fashioned charm of crimson red tufted velvet upholstery with a strikingly modern design, this swivel armchair will make an eye-catching addition to any luxury home.

It features a swivel base and generous seat, with an enveloping back that curves to create the armrests. The standout element of this chair is the addition of a small side table in black which is ideal for resting that all-important glass of champagne!

£2505 |

artemest.com

The collection presents a new interpretation of the intrinsic style that has continuously set the brand apart. Whilst seemingly contradictory and irreverent, the new designs have a distinctly consistent approach, which provides the defining characterictics for the collection.

124

Black takes center stage this season, embellished by detailing in electric blue, purple and mirror-effect silver and gold, highlighting subtle reflections. Modern stretch materials feel

130

108 106

GIUSEPPEZANOTTI.COM/UK

sophisticated and elegant.

Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

118 113

TWINKLING LIGHTS DAZZLING NIGHTS 107

AUTUMN & FESTIVE SEASON

Party Collection

‘Tis the season for giving. And receiving... So we made a list (and checked it twice) of the kinds of get-gorgeous gifts that we would love to unwrap this holiday season. Inspired by the twinkling lights of New York City during the holidays and dazzling looks designed for party-hopping, this festive collection offers everything you (and everyone on your gift list) needs to make skin glow, lips shine and lids sparkle, all wrapped up in pretty packages. While picking up our sparkling stocking stuffers, revelry-ready palettes and delightfully decadent sets for family and friends, you may just be tempted to snap up something for yourself, too.

Gorgeous Gifts HIGHLIGHT & GLOW HIGHLIGHTING POWDER DUO Capturing the magic of the holidays, we’ve translated the traditional snow globe into a glam compact that reveals its scintillating side with a light shake. Once the glitter settles, open it up to discover an eye-catching pair of deluxe-sized shades of our cult-fave Highlighting Powder, a pearl-pigmentinfused luminizer that can be worn individually for a subtle sheen or layered to create a more intense glow.

Includes: Highlighting Powder in Bare Glow and Opal Glow RRP:£35.00

TRAVEL BRUSH SET Our top five tools come housed in an ultra-chic clutch perfect for taking on holiday travels or in a taxi en route to the next party. With full-size heads and travel-friendly handles, these brushes are designed to achieve flawless makeup application anywhere, anytime.

Includes: Full Coverage Face Brush, Sheer Powder Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush, and Dual-Ended Brow Definer/Groomer.

DAY TO NIGHT MASCARA DUO RRP: £32.00

RRP: £69.00

MINI SHIMMER BRICK Our bestselling Shimmer Brick in Bronze comes in a glam holiday compact so you can take the sun-kissed glow with you.

RRP: £19.50

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Perfect Palettes PARTY GLOW EYE & LIP PALETTE Because too much sparkle is never enough for the holidays, we’ve created this collection of shimmery and metallic eye shadows, plus a sparkling lip gloss, that’s perfectly sized to take your party look to go.

Includes: Eye Shadow in Grey, Cream, Metal (Metallic), Golden Silver (Sparkle) and Pink Opal (Shimmer), Mini Lip Gloss in Pink Sugar.

RRP: £26.00

SMOKEY CRYSTAL EYE SHADOW PALETTE/STARLIGHT CRYSTAL EYE SHADOW PALETTE Inspired by the sparkling holiday season, this pair of eye shadow palettes features eight shades ranging from vivid mattes to eye-catching metallics and sheer shimmers to high-impact glitter. Starlight Crystal Eye Shadow Palette offers soft glowing options accented with glints of sparkle for day to night looks, while Smokey Crystal Eye Shadow Palette includes a range of rich hues to achieve show-stopping smokey eyes.

Starlight: Eye Shadow in Let It Glow (Shimmer), Ice Castle (Sparkle), Daydream, Gold Mine (Metallic), Karat Cake (Metallic), Ablaze (Metallic), Silent Night and Smoke.

Smokey: Ivory, Sugar Plum (Chrome Metal), Pink Bubbly (Sparkle), Ice Storm (Metallic), Silver Starlight (Sparkle), Pale Rose, Black Diamond (Chrome Metal) and Hot Chestnut.

RRP: £35.00

Little Luxuries NUDEST NUDES LIP GLOSS KIT From minimal makeup to something more dramatic, this five-piece set of pale pink, sparkling champagne and soft buff glosses works with every holiday party look.

Includes: Mini Lip Gloss in Nude, Honeysuckle, Nougat, Pink Beige and Mini High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle.

RRP: £32.00

LIP CRUSH MINI CRUSHED LIP COLOR KIT What’s better than one luscious, pigment-rich Crushed Lip Color?

Five of them in sweet, little sizes. With its weightless formula, soft matte blotted-down finish and balm-like feel, this is a lip color you’ll crush hard on. Keep lips hydrated and kissably soft for days with these bare to bold shades.

Includes: Crushed Lip Color in Regal, Ruby, Lilac, Bare and Babe.

RRP: £39.50

3 109

Giuseppe Zanotti Design

Aut um n | W inter Wo men’ s Collecti on

CELESTE CRYSTAL STRETCH VELVET BOOT WITH FLOWERS CRYSTALS

£1,060.00

RAINA

TISHA

SUEDE BOOT WITH CRYSTALS AND CHUNKY HEEL

LAMINATED STRETCH FABRIC BOOT

£1,060.00

The collection presents a new interpretation of the intrinsic style that has continuously set the brand apart. Whilst seemingly contradictory and irreverent, the new designs have a distinctly consistent approach, which provides the defining characterictics for the collection.

Black takes center stage this season, embellished by detailing in electric blue, purple and mirror-effect silver and gold, highlighting subtle reflections. Modern stretch materials feel sophisticated and elegant.

110

Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

£640.00

SHEENA SUEDE BOOT WITH CRYSTALS AND CHAINS

£1,835.00

JOANA LEATHER CUISSARD BOOT WITH ZIPS

£1,280.00

GIUSEPPEZANOTTI.COM/UK

111

Autumn&Winter

Prepare for the transitional months with

I can finally say the British summer didn’t disappoint this year but after months of summer dresses and sandals its time to transition into the colder climate.

Harriet Byczok is a London

based stylist for Red Carpet, Editorial, Advertising and Film.

Previously a freelance assistant Harriet had worked for Vogue Italia, Elle and Vogue Russia.

Her career break came when she was asked to style A-list celebrities. Her name quickly gained notoriety within the fashion and celebrity industries with her clients being featured on numerous best dressed lists.

Harriet has gone onto style celebrities for BAFTAS, Golden Globes and the Emmys.

With nine years in the industry Harriet has received worldwide recognition being interviewed with publications such as the telegraph, whowhatwear.com and doing a live interview with the Daily mail.

Harriet has a strong vision for both menswear and womenswear. With the years in the industry and a regular at London Fashion Week she has a wealth of fashion knowledge and an experienced eye for styles that work. With a background in both red carpet and editorials she has an ability to recognise what trends are relevant and the pieces you should invest in that will last seasons.

112

Visit: Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

Its never easy leaving the summer days behind and during the transitional months where the weather wont make its mind up you don’t want to invest in the wrong pieces with winter around the corner.

Here are some pieces perfect for the transitional months that can also be kept in your winter wardrobe with a few layering tricks.

Harriet

Leather trench Trench coats have been popular for years with an abundance of trenches on sale every season its so exciting to see an updated version. This leather trench is not only a trend but also timeless.

Great to throw on during the transitional months with bare legs, a denim skirt and jumper and perfect over your layered winter knits and jeans. This is one of the most practical pieces for your wardrobe that will be great for autumn, winter and spring.

100% LEATHER TRENCH

ÂŁ995 |

whistles.com

1

Fashion Autumn & Winter

Collection

these ten essentials

2

Platforms

If like me you need a bit of height but impractical stilettos aren’t suitable for real life platforms are the day-time shoe for the heel wearer. Platforms are actually surprisingly comfortable and work all year round. During the autumn pairing your platforms with socks and a long dress or skirt is a fab style trick, for winter with tights and they also work with your summer dresses when the season comes around.

If you already own platforms whip them out, if not I love these Giuseppe Zanotti ones.

The black means it goes with almost everything so more wearable and the subtle pink pattern makes them more fun.

VELVET ‘BETTY” SANDAL WITH PLATFORM £690

|

Platforms are actually surprisingly comfortable & work all year round

giuseppezanotti.com

Turtle neck jumper They are warm they are cosy they are also incredibly fashionable. Audrey Hepburn was one of the first stars to give them the hollywood appeal and now street style regulars are showing us that there are cleverer ways of wearing one rather then just with your jeans.

When Autumn mornings are freezing and then by lunch time its sweltering the turtle neck is a style saver. I personally love wearing mine under a slip dress that is too formal too wear on its own or over a long skirt during September/ October but the styling possibilities are endless.

You’ll be getting your wear out of it when the temperature drastically plummets and it doesn’t have to be just for casual settings, with leather trousers and heels it works for a night on the town. A cashmere version like this Vince piece is super soft and will see you through many seasons if you look after it properly.

VINCE TURTLE NECK CASHMERE JUMPER

£320 |

flannels.com

113

Autumn&Winter 4

Collection White Shirt

Wardrobe staples never change and are the vital pieces you can layer up with all your other bits. You can never go wrong with a white shirt, is there anything more versatile? The great thing with a white shirt is the styling options are endless so investing in one is a smart choice. There are so many on the market so experiment with what style suits your present wardrobe. This Marni bow neck blouse is a cute option. Great to add a little detail with the bow poking out over your knitwear in the winter and would look fab with jeans and a blazer for the slightly warmer days.

£700 |

MARNI TIE NECK BLOUSE

flannels.com

Ankle boots are your best friend whatever the season.

Ankle boots

Ankle boots are your best friend whatever the season. They never go out of style and are the perfect way to make any outfit look its best which makes it obvious why they are so popular.

They can be worn with practically anything and every fashion week we are finding new ways to wear them.

Wearing your boots tucked into leggings or under your flared jeans seems to be the most favourable way this autumn/ winter and street style stars cant get enough of them. Instead of investing in a safe round toed option I would recommend opting for these Jimmy Choo’s to update your footwear, the modern slanted top detail is worth showing off.

JIMMY CHOO HELAINE 100 SUEDE IN BLACK

£695 |

jimmychoo..com

Jumpsuit Finding the perfect jumpsuit is your essential shopping goal.

When dresses aren’t as practical for this climate it has the same appeal of just throwing it on. Jumpsuits come in many shapes and styles and no matter what height or shape you are its all about how you roll the sleeves and legs to keep the silhouette slimming. Jumpsuits are relaxed and comfortable but Ganni is one of the keep you looking fashionable without making an effort at all. Ganni is one hottest brands of the hottest brands right now taking Scandi style to another level and this right now taking jumpsuit is a great way to join the cool Ganni club.

Scandi style to another level

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GANNI - CLARK JUMPSUIT TOTAL ECLIPSE

£185 |

oxygenboutique.com

6

Fashion Autumn & Winter

Corduroy If you are looking for the perfect trouser in more fashionable territories corduroy trousers are trending hard. Since Prada sent her corduroy suits down the runway a few seasons ago designers cannot get enough of it. Without a doubt corduroy trousers will make more of a style statement then other options and give more of a out of the box wow factor. The texture is perfect for winter. Most celebrities have given launching their own fashion line a go but when style icon Alexa Chung does it people take notice. So if you want to look like fashions it girl but at a more reasonable price point these Alexa Chung corduroy trousers are a great place to start. If Pink is a bit daunting for you to wear during the colder months and corduroy isn’t your thing then try this suede cocoa pair by iconic luxury label Amanda Wakeley.

8

7

7 ALEXA CHUNG POCKET DETAIL WIDE LEG TROUSER £325 | oxygenboutique.com 8 AMANDA WAKELEY SUEDE FLARE £1195 | amandawakeley.com

A brand beloved by celebrities

9 Just because you can never have too many

bags….

With the new season approaching if you are looking to treat yourself with something a little different than a black tote I urge you to consider this Tyler Ellis mini box bag. A brand beloved by celebrities even a couple of my clients have carried one on the red carpet.

TYLER ELLIS AVA MINI BOX BAG

£2420 |

farfetch.com

Jeans Skinny jeans might be over and its actually a great thing. For years they took up most of the market and it was getting to the point that whether you liked them or not that was all there was available. As a jean lover I was bored of finding ways to make outfits match my skinny jeans so its brilliant that now more styles are taking over stores. For a while we thought wide leg jeans would never see the light of day but celebrities are embracing this style and you should to. Jeans will forever be popular so this autumn give these 7 of All Mankind a try.

LISHA FLARES IN STARGAZE BY 7 FOR ALL MANKIND -

£190 |

harrods.com

115

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1

3

FIRST LOVES OF

AW18 AUTUMN

6

4 5

1. SAINT LAURENT Opium Heeled Boots £1,210 23247203 2. FENDI Logo Wool Cape £1,100 66024605 3. FENDI Logo Backpack £1,600 75842703 4. SAINT LAURENT Embossed Kate Shoulder Bag £1,495 70426399 5. OFF WHITE Over Knit Jumper £759 - 66059001 6. GUCCI Patent Web Mules £540 23004701

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7. GUCCI Fake Logo T Shirt £370 65021201 8. VALENTINO Logo Rockstud Candy Bag £1,982 71541903 9. SAINT LAURENT Military Mini Skirt £859 57415316 10. SAINT LAURENT Fur Parka £2,200 66054316 11. JIMMY CHOO Bea 100 Heels £595 23356930 12. OFF WHITE Off Logo Belt £125 75844613 13. FENDI Taped Logo Joggers - £429 57800303

Available in store and online at www.flannels.com

125 117

GIRLS WUI T NU TM ER A N EDIT

1. FENDI Girls Monster Eyes Hooded Sweatshirt £375 31217906 2. GUCCI Girls Tiger Logo Sweatshirt £235 61105899 3. GUCCI Girls Butterfly Sweatshirt £250 61104506 4. GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Girls Sparkle High Top Trainers £390 09136310 5. GUCCI Children Girls Low Top Ace Glitter Trainers £200 03338311

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DOLCE & GABBANA Girls All The Lovers T Shirt £95 29101306

BURBERRY LONDON Girls Gina Jacket £155 61503006

BURBERRY LONDON Girls Cashmere Scarf £210 71549604

GUCCI Girls Web Cuff Zip Sweatshirt £270 61105918

BURBERRY LONDON Girls Coat £329 29707904

GUCCI Girls Loose Patch Jeans £315 61001618

GUCCI Girls Fake Logo T Shirt £110 61423406

FENDI Girls Felpa Queen Sweatshirt £275 31217803

FENDI Girls Logo Leggings £105 30006240

Available in store and online at www.flannels.com

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Revitalash AVA I L A B L E

H A RV E Y

RevitaLash® provide a range of dependable brow, lash and hair beauty products that boost confidence, enhance natural beauty and revitalise the mind, body and spirit.

N I C H O L S

AT

M A N C H E ST E R

DOUBLE-ENDED VOLUME SET PRIME / VOLUMIZE / AMPLIFY

REVITABROW® ADVANCED Eyebrow Conditioner

CONDITION / STRENGTHEN / ENHANCE An original, Physician developed eyebrow conditioner addresses the visible signs of eyebrow aging due to chemical and environmental stressors, overgrooming and styling products, leading to healthierlooking, more luxurious brows.

What It Does: This awardwinning serum features proprietary, scientifically advanced technology to protect against breakage, while improving flexibility and shine, resulting in more beautiful looking eyebrows.

Award-winning RevitaLash® Cosmetics Volumizing Primer and Volumizing Mascara come together in this convenient, 2-in-1 lash primer and mascara duo designed to prep lashes and enhance volume, creating gorgeous, richly pigmented, luxurious lashes.

What It Does: Our double-duty, doubleended product features RevitaLash® Cosmetics Volumizing Primer and Volumizing Mascara to provide colorintense conditioning ingredients that allow for buildable application, creating dramatic length and volume to natural lashes.

HI-DEF TINTED BROW GEL SCULPT / ENHANCE / CONDITION A multi-tasking, unisex, eyebrow setting gel that helps sculpt, control and shape eyebrows for immediate, lasting, and dramatic results.

REVITALASH® ADVANCED Eyelash ConditionerAwards CONDITION / STRENGTHEN / ENHANCE An original, Physician developed lash conditioner addresses the visible signs of eyelash aging due to chemical and environmental stressors, leading to healthier-looking, more luxurious lashes.

What It Does: This award-winning and categoryleading serum features proprietary, scientifically advanced technology to strengthen lashes and protect against breakage while improving flexibility and shine, resulting in dramatic looking eyelashes.

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What It Does: Our breakthrough tinted brow gel conditions and tames unruly brows while sculpting and defining shape for more defined, beautiful eyebrows.

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STEP CLOSER TO THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS For an unforgettable wedding celebration, Akra offers you a variety of space and concept halls. While offering 9 different options for weddings, we add special value and elegance for this special evening, which you can choose from any of them depending on the number of guests. While you and your guests have a wonderful evening, the staff of Akra will be responsible for the perfect organization of a professional team holiday.

We offer 4 different options in the concept design of the “Banquet Hall Side”, “Banquet Hall Athena”, “Garden” or “By the Pool” for the celebrations that host many destinations in particular. For a more modest but less luxurious wedding, “Laden”, “Palmiye”, “Cedar”, “Penthouse Terrace” or “Asmani” restaurants will open doors for you.

WWW.AKRAHOTELS.COM

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STEP CLOSER TO A BETTER YOU WITH OUR SPA & WELLNESS Conducted by The LifeCo, spa and detox treatments include a range of therapies, including programmes to address daily healthy eating and detox, weight control, energy and immune system, diabetes control, and heart and circulatory health. There are also anti-ageing therapies, anti-stress programmes, and SPA programmes that provide total indulgence!

The AkraFit sports centre and indoor swimming pool is on the S floor of the Hotel. With state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym, programmes include fitness, training, cross-fit, spinning, yoga, swimming, Pilates, and Zumba. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools. AkraFit is open between 06:00 and 22:00.

We offer three-month, six-month and annual membership packages.

WWW.AKRAHOTELS.COM

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RETREAT. RELAX. REVITALISE. Discover the Spa at King Street Townhouse

H

idden in the depths of the charming King Street Townhouse, is a city centre oasis and the haven you’ve been dreaming of to indulge in that much needed respite. Let the peace and serenity of The Spa by Saving Grace wash over you for a nourishing, mind and body restoration. With signature Eclectic interiors, soothing atmosphere, and expert therapists, the intimate treatment rooms are a blissful addition to your stay, bringing the perfect combination of relaxation and luxury.

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For the ultimate unwind, take advantage of the sensational packages and gift yourself with a well-deserved pamper. Try the 90 minute ‘Face and Body Sensation’ - focusing on the full body, to include foot and scalp massage, and mini facial - and feel maximum rejuvenation as this treatment allows tension to drift away and uncover a calm, new you.

For those with a fuller itinerary book a 30 minute treatment from the Express Menu and find yourself rebalanced as your stresses melt away sooner.

“LET THE PEACE AND SERENITY OF THE SPA

BY SAVING GRACE WASH OVER YOU FOR A NOURISHING, MIND AND BODY RESTORATION”

Complete your visit to paradise with a dip in Manchester’s first Infinity Spa Pool, perfectly positioned on the 7th floor of the hotel.

Something’s missing? For added sparkle, let our bar team deliver a crisp cool cocktail to reward your hard morning’s work. While waiting for your drink to arrive, soak up the beautifully evolving Manchester skyline and breath-taking views of the iconic town hall, then clear the mind with an utterly refreshing stop in the steam room. Before heading back to reality, take a moment to lay in the all-important relaxation room for a moments peace and a final detox. Just you, and the view.

DISCOVER MORE:

www.kingstreettownhouse.co.uk 0161 667 0707 115 125

Stylish

Autumn Accessories The nights are starting to draw in as a new season approaches, but there has never been a better time to revamp your décor. Emma Harrison rounds up the most stylish accessories for your home this autumn.

for your home

Christian Lacroix Frida’s Garden Cushion - Grenade Bring the outside in and add a designer edge with this delightful ‘Frida’s Garden’ cushion from Christian Lacroix. Printed with a luscious tropical foliage design, this cushion is filled with images of butterflies and lizards with a water colour stripe border in pink and yellow.

Like to change things up? Simply turn it over to showcase a slightly different yet unique tropical design.

£90 |

amara.com

Missoni Home Santafe’ Seattle Cushion Extravagant, colourful and oh so chic! Add a unique print to your interior with the Santafe’ Seattle cushion from Missoni Home. With a repeating Greek key pattern, this extravagant cushion features an array of colours, which means it is an ideal accompaniment to accessorise to any sofa, chair or bed.

£352 |

amara.com

Albedo Hill red swivel armchair with side table Combining the old-fashioned charm of crimson red tufted velvet upholstery with a strikingly modern design, this swivel armchair will make an eye-catching addition to any luxury home.

It features a swivel base and generous seat, with an enveloping back that curves to create the armrests. The standout element of this chair is the addition of a small side table in black which is ideal for resting that all-important glass of champagne!

£2505 |

126

artemest.com

Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

Autumn Interior accessories

Kelly Hoppen by Resource Decor Marlow Occasional Chair Vadit Lemon Chartreuse tones were one of the top trends in both fashion and home accessories for autumn and winter and this sumptuous velvet chair with high gloss lacquer legs by Kelly Hoppen doesn’t disappoint. Taking inspiration from the striking retro furniture silhouettes of the Mid Century, this designer occasional chair takes chartreuse velvet upholstery with tapered high gloss wooden legs which creates an architectural contrast to the sumptuously soft upholstery above.

Deep double button detailing adds distinction to the design as stepped arms and a contoured cushion promote an unsurpassed level of comfort.

£1270 |

houseology.com

Armchair Welcome Back by Damien Langlois-Meurinne Reminiscent of an open shell, this stylish armchair is the epitome of modern French chic design thanks to designer Damien Langlois-Meurinne who is also a renowned interior designer throughout France. C’est magnifique!

€4950 |

theinvisiblecollection.com

L’Artisan Parfumeur Intervalles Candles Light up your living room (or indeed any room in your home) with this beautiful trio of three scented candles with glass holders from luxury fragrance house Penhaligons.

These pretty candles capture light whilst evoking the scents of nature as it passes from dawn into night.

£155 |

penhaligons.com

Bethan Gray upholstered bed This luxurious velvet respite is a refined masterpiece suited for both ornate and minimalist bedrooms. An intricate weaving of femme and classic design, the subtle curve of the channel-tufted headboard is a testament to impeccable workmanship and showcases an adoration of craft by luxury designer Bethan Gray.

£2098 |

anthropologie.com

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Kate Spade Elsie Table Lamp in Dark Turquoise Sculptural in form and imagined with a striking, contemporary colour palette, this Kate Spade table lamp is the epitome of timeless glamour. Make it a focal point on a side table, drinks cabinet or mantelpiece. Its bold turquoise tone is so striking and combines effortlessly with the high sheen silver base and stem.

Stylish

Autumn Accessories

£425 |

luxdeco.com

for your home

Ralph Lauren Isabel Cocktail Shaker Shaken, not stirred – channelling your inner Bond or Bond girl is easy with this stunning cocktail shaker and strainer by Ralph Lauren.

Bringing together sleek stainless steel and a faceted crystal cup mouthblown and hand-cut

by Hungarian artisans, the Isabel cocktail shaker is a stunning essential for any well-appointed bar.

£295 |

luxdeco.com

Cox London Sapling Floor Lamp with chair and lamp It is a light, installation or art?

Perhaps this unique designer lamp from Cox London is all three?

It features a free form forged bronzed iron stem with vine like branches curling around with twigs and buds.

£2930 plus VAT |

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coxlondon.com

Autumn Interior accessories

Boyd by Resource Decor Lunar Chandelier Steel Resin Shade Large

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? That’s not an easy question, but our new favourite has to be the Zelda mirror

by OKA. This divine statement piece will life a bare wall or will make a darker room feel more spacious.

You can picture a glamorous Hollywood film star keeping one of these art-deco inspired mirrors in their 1930s style dressing room.

The heavy wooden frame supports a bevelled border made from heavily distressed antique glass – sumptuous on so many levels!

This chandelier will be a talking point with visitors thanks to its beautiful array of intricate crystal droplets which create a free-flowing and glistening focal point once the pendant is lit.

Deconstructing classic chandeliers, this steel resin designer pendant light features a dome shaped shade with gloss white exterior. We love how this takes a modern twist on conventional chandeliers to create a radiant and luxurious design.

£1589 |

OKA Zelda Mirror

houseology.com

£1375 |

oka.com

Serpentine Siren Rose by Timothy Oulton With a silky touch and rich colour in Siren Rose, the Serpentine is a Chesterfield-style design with elegant contours, giving it a softer, more feminine silhouette. This sofa is giving us major Hollywood vibes thanks to its glamorous sheen and sumptuous material and the gorgeous rich jewel tone is the ideal shade to take you into autumn.

£4175 |

timothyoulton.com

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Stylish

Autumn Accessories for your home

Linley Cocktail Box The LINLEY Cocktail Box is handcrafted in hand dyed charcoal veneers of ripple and straight sycamore highlighted by mother of pearl dots. The interior is lined in bleached anigre and features a glass mirror etched with classic cocktail recipes for inspiration.

Making cocktails will be a breeze with this set which contains a cocktail shaker, four martini glasses, four shot glasses, four olive sticks, four magnetic coasters, silver ice tongs, silver cocktail swizzle stick and silver spirit measure. A chopping board and knife are housed in a secret drawer at the base of the box.

£17,995 |

Dualit Four Slot Classic Toaster in Limited Edition Rose Gold Finish Sometimes a cup of tea and some tasty toast is just what you need after a hard days training, but this Dualit Limited Edition Rose Gold toaster means that you don’t have to compromise on style when reaching for those creature comforts.

£499 |

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davidlinley.com

Elephant Paperweight by Katharine Pooley Crafted from shagreen and sterling silver, this elegant elephant paperweight from British designer Katharine Pooley is ideal for keeping your important papers in order (or perhaps your copies of Professional Player magazine?!)

Inspired by religious and cultural symbol of Asia, this majestic piece makes an eye-catching decorative item for your desk.

£1,680 |

katharinepooley.com

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S E E N T H E # N E W RO S S O Y E T ?

R O S S O R E S TA U R A N T & B A R Manchester 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BG Book a Table - 0161 832 1400

www.rossorestaurants.com

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The Mercedes-Benz VIP Programme.

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Mercedes-Benz of Leeds 155 Gelderd Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS12 6BZ 0113 201 5227 Visit: theprofessionalplayer.co.uk

www.mercedes-benzofleeds.co.uk

Offering access to a wealth of members-only privileges.

For more information, please contact Robert Murray on 0113 201 5227.

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