thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Girl embraces condition causing fluffy hair that makes her 'look like Einstein'

A ten-year-old with a rare genetic condition which means her locks are impossible to brush has embraced her fuzzy `` baby hair '' .
Shilah Madison Calvert-Yin , from Melbourne , Australia , has had a halo of fluffy hair since she was a baby .
She was born with uncombable hair syndrome - a condition where her hair shafts are heart-shaped and missing a protein that makes it sit straight .
Growing up , Shilah , who was often teased by bullies who said it looks like `` she 's stuck her finger in a power socket '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Einstein , once cut off her own hair out of frustration - but now she embraces her unique do .
Mum Celeste , 39 , set up an Instagram on Shilah 's behalf in 2017 , which has more than 15,000 followers , to `` show other children there 's nothing wrong with being different '' .
Shilah said : `` I get teased a lot and called 'fluffhead ' at school - it 's not nice .
`` I personally like it now but at the same time I hated it - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just say I ca n't see ! ''
Teacher Celeste added : `` A lot of people reach out to us through social media now who had no idea what it was and they thank us for giving them answers .
`` Comments have been both supportive and ugly , but we are happy to be spreading awareness and being part of a community that reaches all over the world . ''
Celeste knew her daughter was different when she was just three months old .
She said : `` Her brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should but this weird fuzz started to come through and grow straight up .
`` It was like nothing you 'd ever seen before .
It did n't seem to calm or settle , but I did n't really think anything of it until people started to make comments . ''
Celeste said people will often try to touch or take pictures of Shilah without asking .
She said thoughtless people will frequently say `` it looks like she stuck her finger in a power socket '' .
`` Early on it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and touch her and pull her hair , '' the mum said .
In 2014 Shilah took part in a Jurassic Park-themed excavation activity for kids at their local shopping mall , and donned a lab coat .
`` A stranger likened her to Doc Brown from Back To The Future which even though it 's my favourite film , I never considered , but she did look exactly like Doc or Einstein , '' she said .
`` It has now become a sort of in-house joke . ''
As Shilah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fragile , and would get matted overnight .
Detangling would reduce Shilah to tears and leaves it very short at the back , and the rest of her hair does n't grow past her shoulders .
Aged four , Shilah became fed up with her hair not all pulling back into a ponytail and cut off the shorter parts that did n't reach .
It took over two years for Shilah 's hair to grow back , and she wore a headscarf to hide it .
Celeste said : `` I was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she was sick of her hair sticking straight up but when she cut it short it the opposite happened and it became more spiky .
`` That 's the only haircut she 's ever had . ''
Hairdressers do n't know what to do with her delicate locks , and some have suggested she go to a salon which specialises in Afro hair , with her mum saying : `` These hairdressers still gave her the best experience as they were able to help manage it by styling it into cornrows and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Shilah was n't diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome until she was seven-year-old , and it was spotted by a dentist .
Celeste said : `` Her dentist was concerned about how weak her teeth were and the anaesthetist who was scheduled with Shilah was the one who noticed her hair and told us about uncombable hair syndrome . ''
The doctor had done a study on genetics and abnormalities and knew all about UHS , but had never met a child with her condition .
`` I was shocked , teary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was an answer to all those years of questions , '' said Celeste .
`` What were the chances , out of all the doctors in Melbourne , that we would meet this one ?
`` She told us she had never heard about anyone in Australia with it and never expected to meet a child like Shilah - she 's one-in-a-million . ''
The condition develops in childhood and children affected have light-coloured hair with a silvery sheen , while it also causes weakened enamel , porous bones and brittle fingernails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you hear doctors talk about cell mutations but fortunately Shilah has only broken one bone in her life and now we are careful about her bones and teeth . ''
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Shilah Madison Calvert-Yin was first diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome when she was seven despite her mum Celeste noticing something was different at three-months old
Girl embraces fluffy hair caused by rare condition that makes her 'look like Einstein'
A ten-year-old with a rare genetic condition which means her locks are impossible to brush has embraced her fuzzy "baby hair".
Shilah Madison Calvert-Yin, from Melbourne, Australia, has had a halo of fluffy hair since she was a baby.
She was born with uncombable hair syndrome - a condition where her hair shafts are heart-shaped and missing a protein that makes it sit straight.
Growing up, Shilah, who was often teased by bullies who said it looks like "she's stuck her finger in a power socket" and others who said she looked like Albert Einstein, once cut off her own hair out of frustration - but now she embraces her unique do.
Mum Celeste, 39, set up an Instagram on Shilah's behalf in 2017, which has more than 15,000 followers, to "show other children there's nothing wrong with being different".
Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS)
Shilah said: "I get teased a lot and called 'fluffhead' at school - it's not nice.
"I personally like it now but at the same time I hated it - especially when there's wind. Let's just say I can't see!"
Teacher Celeste added: "A lot of people reach out to us through social media now who had no idea what it was and they thank us for giving them answers.
"Comments have been both supportive and ugly, but we are happy to be spreading awareness and being part of a community that reaches all over the world."
Celeste knew her daughter was different when she was just three months old.
She said: "Her brown baby hair had fallen out as it should but this weird fuzz started to come through and grow straight up.
Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS)
"It was like nothing you'd ever seen before. It didn't seem to calm or settle, but I didn't really think anything of it until people started to make comments."
Celeste said people will often try to touch or take pictures of Shilah without asking.
She said thoughtless people will frequently say "it looks like she stuck her finger in a power socket".
"Early on it was quite nasty because kids wanted to run up and touch her and pull her hair," the mum said.
In 2014 Shilah took part in a Jurassic Park-themed excavation activity for kids at their local shopping mall, and donned a lab coat.
Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS)
"A stranger likened her to Doc Brown from Back To The Future which even though it's my favourite film, I never considered, but she did look exactly like Doc or Einstein," she said. "It has now become a sort of in-house joke."
As Shilah got older her hair became dry and fragile, and would get matted overnight.
Detangling would reduce Shilah to tears and leaves it very short at the back, and the rest of her hair doesn't grow past her shoulders.
Aged four, Shilah became fed up with her hair not all pulling back into a ponytail and cut off the shorter parts that didn't reach.
It took over two years for Shilah's hair to grow back, and she wore a headscarf to hide it.
Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS)
Celeste said: "I was more distraught than she was, she decided that she was sick of her hair sticking straight up but when she cut it short it the opposite happened and it became more spiky.
"That's the only haircut she's ever had."
Hairdressers don't know what to do with her delicate locks, and some have suggested she go to a salon which specialises in Afro hair, with her mum saying: "These hairdressers still gave her the best experience as they were able to help manage it by styling it into cornrows and keeping it out of her face."
Shilah wasn't diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome until she was seven-year-old, and it was spotted by a dentist.
Image: Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS) Celeste Calvert-Yin / SWNS)
Celeste said: "Her dentist was concerned about how weak her teeth were and the anaesthetist who was scheduled with Shilah was the one who noticed her hair and told us about uncombable hair syndrome."
The doctor had done a study on genetics and abnormalities and knew all about UHS, but had never met a child with her condition.
"I was shocked, teary and excited at the same time - finally there was an answer to all those years of questions," said Celeste.
"What were the chances, out of all the doctors in Melbourne, that we would meet this one?
"She told us she had never heard about anyone in Australia with it and never expected to meet a child like Shilah - she's one-in-a-million."
The condition develops in childhood and children affected have light-coloured hair with a silvery sheen, while it also causes weakened enamel, porous bones and brittle fingernails.
Celeste said: "You panic when you hear doctors talk about cell mutations but fortunately Shilah has only broken one bone in her life and now we are careful about her bones and teeth."
Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Thief leaves kids 'gutted' after stealing family's Christmas reindeer lights

A mum said her two young children are 'gutted ' after a thief stole Christmas reindeer decoration lights from their front garden in Liverpool .
Samantha Carroll said her Leo , three , and two-year-old Sienna are upset and asking why the ‘ naughty man ’ stole their reindeer which was outside their home in the Norris Green area of the city .
The theft happened early on Sunday morning just before Samantha 's partner , Peter , set off for work , the Liverpool Echo reports .
Samantha , 32 , said : “ My fiancé was at work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were missing when he went out .
“ Later on we had Amazon Alexa set up to put the Christmas lights on .
So I said 'Alexa , turn on the Christmas lights ' .
“ When I do that my little boy runs to the window to watch the reindeer light up .
And he said 'no reindeer ' .
“ So I walked over and noticed the two big ones were missing ” Samantha posted about the theft on Facebook , saying : `` Absolutely gutted and fuming .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reindeer from my garden . ''
Samantha checked the CCTV camera on her house and saw that just after 5.30am , a man riding a bike had gone into their front garden .
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain .
We are raising funds for Save the Children UK , so it can buy gifts for some of the country 's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families .
Every penny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Christmas appeal will make a difference .
It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open .
Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school .
• Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10 • Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020 , Save the Children , 1 St John ’ s Lane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales ( 213890 ) , Scotland ( SC039570 ) and IOM ( 199 ) She said : “ Now my little boy keeps saying 'naughty man stole reindeer ' .
We 've still got the little one but we 're a bit wary about putting that back out . ''
She said : “ My fiancé has actually ordered a bolt to go on to the wall .
So if he puts the other one out he can chain it to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Merseyside Police but said that she doesn ’ t hold out much hope that the thief will be caught or the reindeer returned .
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain .
We are raising funds for Save the Children UK , so it can buy gifts for some of the country 's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families .
Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open .
Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school .
• Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10 • Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020 , Save the Children , 1 St John ’ s Lane , London , EC1M 4AR .
The Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England and Wales ( 213890 ) , Scotland ( SC039570 ) and IOM ( 199 ) She added : “ We only bought them last year .
It was a treat for us but I was more disappointed and gutted for the kids .
“ We decorated the house for the kids , it 's all for them.
” A spokesperson for the force said two Christmas reindeer had been reported stolen from the front garden in Norris Green between 5.30am and 6am on Sunday .
Anyone with information can DM @ @ @ @ @

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Lee Grimsditch, Lorraine King)

Little Leo, three, and Sienna, two, are upset and asking why the ‘naughty man’ stole their reindeer which was outside their home in the Norris Green area of Liverpool
A mum said her two young children are 'gutted' after a thief stole Christmas reindeer decoration lights from their front garden in Liverpool.
Samantha Carroll said her Leo, three, and two-year-old Sienna are upset and asking why the ‘naughty man’ stole their reindeer which was outside their home in the Norris Green area of the city.
The theft happened early on Sunday morning just before Samantha's partner, Peter, set off for work, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Samantha, 32, said: “My fiancé was at work that day - he didn't notice they were missing when he went out.
“Later on we had Amazon Alexa set up to put the Christmas lights on. So I said 'Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights'.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
“When I do that my little boy runs to the window to watch the reindeer light up. And he said 'no reindeer'.
“So I walked over and noticed the two big ones were missing”
Samantha posted about the theft on Facebook, saying: "Absolutely gutted and fuming. Some absolute scruff has stole my two big reindeer from my garden."
Samantha checked the CCTV camera on her house and saw that just after 5.30am, a man riding a bike had gone into their front garden.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo) Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain. We are raising funds for Save the Children UK, so it can buy gifts for some of the country's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families. Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid's Christmas appeal will make a difference. It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open. Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school. To support: Call: 0800 8148 148
Visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk/mirror
Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10
Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020, Save the Children, 1 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR. The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales (213890), Scotland (SC039570) and IOM (199)
She said: “Now my little boy keeps saying 'naughty man stole reindeer'. We've still got the little one but we're a bit wary about putting that back out."
She said: “My fiancé has actually ordered a bolt to go on to the wall. So if he puts the other one out he can chain it to the bolt.”
Samantha has reported the theft to Merseyside Police but said that she doesn’t hold out much hope that the thief will be caught or the reindeer returned.
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain. We are raising funds for Save the Children UK, so it can buy gifts for some of the country's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families. Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid's Christmas appeal will make a difference. It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open. Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school. To support: Call: 0800 8148 148
Visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk/mirror
Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10
Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020, Save the Children, 1 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR. The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales (213890), Scotland (SC039570) and IOM (199)
She added: “We only bought them last year. It was a treat for us but I was more disappointed and gutted for the kids.
“We decorated the house for the kids, it's all for them.”
A spokesperson for the force said two Christmas reindeer had been reported stolen from the front garden in Norris Green between 5.30am and 6am on Sunday.
Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC quoting reference20000725884.


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Martin Bashir's 'lost evidence didn't delay' Babes in the Woods killer's capture

Martin Bashir 's 'lost evidence ' did not delay the capture of the Babes in the Woods killer , the police have said .
Victim Karen Hadaway 's mum Michelle claimed Bashir took blood-stained clothing worn by Karen on the day of her murder and lost it .
Murderer Russell Bishop had walked free from his trial in 1987 after Karen and her friend Nicola Fellows , both nine , were found murdered in Brighton 's Wild Park the year before .
The roofer was finally found guilty of the murders in 2018 , when DNA evidence from other clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to justice .
Michelle questioned whether Bishop could have been convicted earlier had it not been for Bashir allegedly losing the clothing , but police have denied this would have made a difference .
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said : `` The reality is that although we are aware of this matter , it had no material impact whatsoever on the investigation then or later , or on the 2018 prosecution , and caused no delay .
`` All forensic evidence needed had been already obtained from the clothing in 1986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence which only became accessible many years later due to advances in forensic technology and which was crucial in securing Bishop 's eventual conviction . ''
Michelle had claimed that in 1991 , Bashir persuaded her to hand over Karen 's clothes as he told her he was making a BBC documentary about the mistakes in the case .
Bashir subsequently lost the clothes , it 's claimed , and when Sussex Police launched a cold case review in 2004 following improvements in DNA techniques , the clothing remained missing .
Michelle told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of Karen 's clothes could have seriously affected the hunt for my child 's killer . ''
The reporter told the family that new DNA techniques could provide a forensic breakthrough , according to the Daily Mail .
Michelle said the programme never aired and when she found the note years later she tried to find out what happened , and Bashir allegedly said he could n't remember meeting her .
She said he had `` taken advantage '' of her grief .
`` [ He ] has never shown any remorse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Bashir is a rogue journalist and it is unbelievable that he is still employed by the BBC . ''
Ian Heffron , Nicola 's uncle and a retired police officer , had said both families had been `` clutching at every straw '' and saw the clothing as potentially `` very important evidence '' .
He said : `` Bashir ran for cover and never came back to us .
`` In the end we had to give up on it .
He must have done something with the clothing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelf to gather dust ?
To say the least , I was bitterly disappointed that somebody of his stature , who could have helped us , very badly let us down .
Bashir 's actions to my mind were very unprofessional .
I think his agenda was himself . ''
Michelle spoke after the news that Bashir will be investigated by the BBC over his 1994 Panorama interview with Princess Diana .
Diana 's brother Earl Spencer says Bashir showed him fake bank statements wrongly claiming to show two courtiers were being paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure the interview .
The BBC has appointed former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson to investigate the claims .
Mirror Online has contacted representatives for Martin Bashir for comment .
A BBC spokesperson said : `` IIn 2004 the BBC said this about this issue : 'We have only recently learned that these items may have been in the possession of Public Eye in 1991 .
`` 'We have made extensive inquiries to track them down but without success .
`` 'We will continue to look into this . '
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any progress was made with these inquiries . ''

Martin Bashir was accused of delaying the capture of Babes in the Woods killer Russell Bishop after he lost the blood-stained clothing given to to him by one of the victim's mums, but police have denied this
Martin Bashir's 'lost' evidence 'did not delay' Babes in the Woods killer's capture
Martin Bashir's 'lost evidence' did not delay the capture of the Babes in the Woods killer, the police have said.
Victim Karen Hadaway's mum Michelle claimed Bashir took blood-stained clothing worn by Karen on the day of her murder and lost it.
Murderer Russell Bishop had walked free from his trial in 1987 after Karen and her friend Nicola Fellows, both nine, were found murdered in Brighton's Wild Park the year before.
The roofer was finally found guilty of the murders in 2018, when DNA evidence from other clothes from the scene and the victims brought him to justice.
Michelle questioned whether Bishop could have been convicted earlier had it not been for Bashir allegedly losing the clothing, but police have denied this would have made a difference.
Image: PA) PA) Image: PA) PA)
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "The reality is that although we are aware of this matter, it had no material impact whatsoever on the investigation then or later, or on the 2018 prosecution, and caused no delay.
"All forensic evidence needed had been already obtained from the clothing in 1986 and stored separately, including the DNA evidence which only became accessible many years later due to advances in forensic technology and which was crucial in securing Bishop's eventual conviction."
Michelle had claimed that in 1991, Bashir persuaded her to hand over Karen's clothes as he told her he was making a BBC documentary about the mistakes in the case.
Bashir subsequently lost the clothes, it's claimed, and when Sussex Police launched a cold case review in 2004 following improvements in DNA techniques, the clothing remained missing.
Image: PA) PA)
Michelle told The Sun : "I believe the loss of Karen's clothes could have seriously affected the hunt for my child's killer."
The reporter told the family that new DNA techniques could provide a forensic breakthrough, according to the Daily Mail.
Michelle said the programme never aired and when she found the note years later she tried to find out what happened, and Bashir allegedly said he couldn't remember meeting her.
She said he had "taken advantage" of her grief.
"[He] has never shown any remorse for the loss," Michelle added.
Image: PA) PA)
"Bashir is a rogue journalist and it is unbelievable that he is still employed by the BBC."
Ian Heffron, Nicola's uncle and a retired police officer, had said both families had been "clutching at every straw" and saw the clothing as potentially "very important evidence".
He said: "Bashir ran for cover and never came back to us.
"In the end we had to give up on it. He must have done something with the clothing. Did he just put it on a shelf to gather dust? To say the least, I was bitterly disappointed that somebody of his stature, who could have helped us, very badly let us down. Bashir's actions to my mind were very unprofessional. I think his agenda was himself."
Image: BBC) BBC)
Michelle spoke after the news that Bashir will be investigated by the BBC over his 1994 Panorama interview with Princess Diana.
Diana's brother Earl Spencer says Bashir showed him fake bank statements wrongly claiming to show two courtiers were being paid by security services for information on Diana to secure the interview.
The BBC has appointed former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson to investigate the claims.
Mirror Online has contacted representatives for Martin Bashir for comment.
A BBC spokesperson said: "IIn 2004 the BBC said this about this issue: 'We have only recently learned that these items may have been in the possession of Public Eye in 1991.
"'We have made extensive inquiries to track them down but without success.
"'We will continue to look into this.'
"We are consulting our archived records to see if any progress was made with these inquiries."


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Diogo Jota admits "something is missing" for him at Liverpool

Diogo Jota has opened up on his delight at playing for Liverpool , but admits `` something is missing '' - not being able to experience the Anfield atmosphere .
Liverpool sign Jota from Wolves in the summer transfer window , spending £35million on the 23-year-old Portugal international .
Jota was signed to play second-fiddle to Sadio Mane , Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah .
But the Portuguese has made such a positive start , with 11 goals in 17 appearances for the Reds , that Jurgen Klopp has had to alter his formation to accommodate Jota .
The 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit with the Liverpool fans , but due to the coronavirus pandemic , Reds supporters are yet to see their new signing in action .
And it seems Jota is saddened by this fact as much as the Anfield faithful .
`` I think football without fans is strange , '' Jota told The Athletic .
`` Obviously , when you play for a club like Liverpool , who have one of the best atmospheres in the world , it just feels like something is missing .
`` We have a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the players about the things we are really missing .
`` Feeling the Anfield effect is the thing I am looking forward to the most .
I ca n't tell you how much .
I 'm just not able to get that feeling yet .
`` But I hope that soon I can have it .
Football without fans is nothing . ''
This is n't the first time Jota has talked about not getting to experience the Liverpool atmosphere , which he says makes him feel `` bitter '' .
Jota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first signed at Anfield , I was asked what my feeling was and I said for it to be perfect , I had to play in a full stadium to have that even more special feeling .
`` It feels bitter not being able to feel the atmosphere of Anfield .
`` I try not to think about a long future .
I came here to do my best , I did n't aim for anything in particular and when that is the case , there are no disappointments or surprises .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams in the world , if not the best , so I have to take advantage of that .
And looking ahead , if I am focused , I know that I will have many opportunities .
`` Liverpool have great players and I came here to be one more and help to win titles - especially because I do n't have as many as they do ! ''
Will Liverpool win the Premier League again this season ?
Have your say here .
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Liverpool signed Diogo Jota from Wolves in the summer transfer window, and so far he has proven to be the deal of the season, having netted 11 in 17 appearances
Diogo Jota feels "something is missing" for him at Liverpool after "bitter" admission
Diogo Jota has opened up on his delight at playing for Liverpool, but admits "something is missing" - not being able to experience the Anfield atmosphere.
Liverpool sign Jota from Wolves in the summer transfer window, spending £35million on the 23-year-old Portugal international.
Jota was signed to play second-fiddle to Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
But the Portuguese has made such a positive start, with 11 goals in 17 appearances for the Reds, that Jurgen Klopp has had to alter his formation to accommodate Jota.
The 23-year-old's fine form means he's a hit with the Liverpool fans, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, Reds supporters are yet to see their new signing in action.
Image: LFCTV/YouTube) LFCTV/YouTube)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
And it seems Jota is saddened by this fact as much as the Anfield faithful.
"I think football without fans is strange," Jota told The Athletic.
"Obviously, when you play for a club like Liverpool, who have one of the best atmospheres in the world, it just feels like something is missing.
"We have a lot of these conversations with the staff and even with the players about the things we are really missing.
"Feeling the Anfield effect is the thing I am looking forward to the most. I can't tell you how much. I'm just not able to get that feeling yet.
Image: PA) PA)
"But I hope that soon I can have it. Football without fans is nothing."
This isn't the first time Jota has talked about not getting to experience the Liverpool atmosphere, which he says makes him feel "bitter".
Jota said in November: "When I first signed at Anfield, I was asked what my feeling was and I said for it to be perfect, I had to play in a full stadium to have that even more special feeling.
"It feels bitter not being able to feel the atmosphere of Anfield.
Image: PA) PA)
"I try not to think about a long future. I came here to do my best, I didn't aim for anything in particular and when that is the case, there are no disappointments or surprises.
"I'm in one of the best teams in the world, if not the best, so I have to take advantage of that. And looking ahead, if I am focused, I know that I will have many opportunities.
"Liverpool have great players and I came here to be one more and help to win titles - especially because I don't have as many as they do!"
Will Liverpool win the Premier League again this season? Have your say here.
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--French hunter jailed for killing Brit restaurant owner on bike ride in the Alps

A French hunter who accidentally shot and killed a British restaurateur as he cycled in the French Alps has been jailed .
Marc Sutton , 34 , who is originally from Caerphilly , Wales , was hit by a bullet fire by the 24-year-old while cycling down a popular route high in the Alps in October 2018 .
The hunter , who has not been identified , admitted firing the fatal shot , which he said was intended for a wild boar .
He was jailed for a total of four years but as three of them are suspended he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hunter has also been banned from owning a gun for five years and from hunting for ten .
According to French broadcasters France3 , the hunter broke into tears as the sentence was handed down .
Two other hunters , the father of one who had been on the hunt , and that man 's wife , were all given suspended jail sentences ranging from six to 18 months for concealing evidence .
A court heard that they changed hunting logs to make it appear as if they had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also put up signs after the shooting warning of a hunt to make it seem as if they had taken safety precautions .
Mr Sutton had lived in the Haute-Savoie region of France for four years with his partner Jo Watts .
The couple owned two restaurants , one of them vegetarian , and were well-liked by customers and known by locals .
After Mr Sutton 's death tributes poured in for `` nice chap '' Marc on social media , with one shocked pal saying he was a `` top lad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full '' .
Miss Watts paid tribute to a `` kind , happy , loving man '' saying they had shared nine happy years together .
Mr Sutton was heading down a steep but popular cycling route near his home when he was shot and killed by a rifle bullet at around 6.50pm .
An investigation found that he had been wearing high-visibility clothing and that visibility was good at the time .
Investigators blamed a catalogue of safety failings by the `` largely inexperienced '' hunting party , including them failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunt in the area .
Prosecutors said the party also failed to nominate a person to be in charge of the hunt , had not established a clear area for their hunt , were hunting within 500ft of homes and had not completed the proper paperwork .
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain .
We are raising funds for Save the Children UK , so it can buy gifts for some of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals to hard-up families .
Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid 's Christmas appeal will make a difference .
It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open .
Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school .
• Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10 • Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1 St John ’ s Lane , London , EC1M 4AR .
The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales ( 213890 ) , Scotland ( SC039570 ) and IOM ( 199 ) Investigators added that the hunter had not angled the shot towards the ground as is required , but had instead fired straight .
This led to the tragedy because when he missed the shot , the bullet was able to travel far enough to hit Mr Sutton , who had unknowingly cycled into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lawyer for Mr Sutton 's family , described the hunters as `` pathetic and pitiful '' and called the sentence `` balanced ... in the circumstances '' .
He added that Mr Sutton 's death was not caused by hunting but `` delinquent hunters who observed no safety rules '' .

Marc Sutton, 34, who is originally from Wales, died after he was shot by the unnamed 24-year-old as he cycled down a popular route in the French Alps in October 2018
French hunter jailed for shooting dead British restaurant owner on bike ride in the Alps
A French hunter who accidentally shot and killed a British restaurateur as he cycled in the French Alps has been jailed.
Marc Sutton, 34, who is originally from Caerphilly, Wales, was hit by a bullet fire by the 24-year-old while cycling down a popular route high in the Alps in October 2018.
The hunter, who has not been identified, admitted firing the fatal shot, which he said was intended for a wild boar.
He was jailed for a total of four years but as three of them are suspended he will be locked up for a year.
The hunter has also been banned from owning a gun for five years and from hunting for ten.
Image: Internet Unknown) Internet Unknown)
According to French broadcasters France3, the hunter broke into tears as the sentence was handed down.
Two other hunters, the father of one who had been on the hunt, and that man's wife, were all given suspended jail sentences ranging from six to 18 months for concealing evidence.
A court heard that they changed hunting logs to make it appear as if they had not been in the area at the time.
They also put up signs after the shooting warning of a hunt to make it seem as if they had taken safety precautions.
Image: Facebook) Facebook)
Mr Sutton had lived in the Haute-Savoie region of France for four years with his partner Jo Watts.
The couple owned two restaurants, one of them vegetarian, and were well-liked by customers and known by locals.
After Mr Sutton's death tributes poured in for "nice chap" Marc on social media, with one shocked pal saying he was a "top lad" who exemplified "living life to the full".
Miss Watts paid tribute to a "kind, happy, loving man" saying they had shared nine happy years together.
Image: Facebook) Facebook) Image: Facebook) Facebook)
Mr Sutton was heading down a steep but popular cycling route near his home when he was shot and killed by a rifle bullet at around 6.50pm.
An investigation found that he had been wearing high-visibility clothing and that visibility was good at the time.
Investigators blamed a catalogue of safety failings by the "largely inexperienced" hunting party, including them failing to put up warning signs of a hunt in the area.
Prosecutors said the party also failed to nominate a person to be in charge of the hunt, had not established a clear area for their hunt, were hunting within 500ft of homes and had not completed the proper paperwork.
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain. We are raising funds for Save the Children UK, so it can buy gifts for some of the country's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families. Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid's Christmas appeal will make a difference. It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open. Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school. To support: Call: 0800 8148 148
Visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk/mirror
Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10
Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020, Save the Children, 1 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR. The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales (213890), Scotland (SC039570) and IOM (199)
Investigators added that the hunter had not angled the shot towards the ground as is required, but had instead fired straight.
This led to the tragedy because when he missed the shot, the bullet was able to travel far enough to hit Mr Sutton, who had unknowingly cycled into the fatal line of fire.
Frédéric Noetinger-Berlioz, a lawyer for Mr Sutton's family, described the hunters as "pathetic and pitiful" and called the sentence "balanced... in the circumstances".
He added that Mr Sutton's death was not caused by hunting but "delinquent hunters who observed no safety rules".


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--ADVERTORIAL: 6 amazing people who show why we should ALL know more about disability football

No sport brings out more joy and emotion or reaches a broader section of society than football – and the game is at its beautiful best when it comes to para and disability football .
Whether it ’ s powerchair players or the visually impaired , amputees or those playing with Asperger 's , opportunities are opening up across our four home nations like never before .
While Covid might be making life tricky right now , the good news is that disability football is only set to grow once through the other side - thanks to one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From grassroots through to elite level , BT is committed to changing the lives of millions across the UK through football and technology by investing not only in the men ’ s and women ’ s teams , but the para and disability squads that perform on the global stage .
Its 4-3-3 strategy is backing our FOUR home nations to focus on the THREE areas most in need of support - grassroots , women ’ s and disability football – with THREE commitments to make a meaningful difference by improving skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In line with International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December , BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of para and disability football in the UK - raising awareness , increasing support and inspiring future talent .
You can join in by using # DiscoverDisabilityFootball .
To encourage you to get involved , here we meet six characters involved in disability football who are already proving an inspiration ...
There are few bigger thrills for a goalkeeper than saving the winning spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Dylan McCready knows only too well .
The 26-year-old stopper was the hero as Glentoran Inclusion lifted the George Best Community Cup in 2016 , and it was a reminder of just how far he ’ d come in the sport .
Diagnosed with autism at the age of seven , Dylan struggled with communication skills and became anxious in large social settings .
It led his dad , Colin , to seek an environment that could encourage Dylan and other youngsters with similar conditions to build confidence , self-esteem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends .
Dylan started in disability football at Belvoir Blades Disability Football Club in the city and with the support of his coaches discovered a flair for goalkeeping .
As his confidence grew , his talent between the sticks shone .
“ He never misses training , has come on leaps and bounds and has even come out of his shell a wee bit , ” Colin says .
“ Disability football has changed Dylan ’ s life in such a positive way .
He ’ s focused , gaining confidence all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loves ” Dylan was selected to play in the IFA Disability League and cup competitions , and continued to progress as mighty Glentoran took over running the Belvoir Blades .
When his boyhood heroes Linfield started a disability team of their own six months ago , he jumped at the chance to move across the city to play for the club he supports .
It might be a team game , but Dylan has also picked up several individual awards along the way , the latest being the Football For All Player of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richly deserved , ” Irish FA disability & inclusion manager Alan Crooks says .
“ I have watched him develop over the years into a top goalkeeper.
” '' I was drawn to amputee football because it meant putting the prosthetic to one side , ” Rebecca Sellar explains .
“ To play when I felt most vulnerable felt strange at first , but I wanted to push myself and learn more about being independent . ''
Having been born without a right fibula , Rebecca has been a single-leg amputee since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hip pain as a result .
But the 28-year-old who lives near Edinburgh , and is also a tennis international and coach , was determined her disability wouldn ’ t prevent her playing sport .
`` It got to the stage where I was finding it difficult to walk anywhere , '' she says .
`` I did n't have anything I could get out and do without suffering for it the next day .
I was standing doing the dishes one day and I was shaking with fatigue .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'we have to change direction here , something has to give ' .
That was when I tried football . ''
Rebecca won her first cap for Scotland 's amputee team in 2017 - where at one time she was the only woman on the squad .
“ I 'm so proud that I actually got to wear the kit and play for this country , '' she says .
“ Football helped me become more resilient , happier , and determined to overcome challenges .
My team-mates all have slightly different stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are like family.
” The Scottish FA is also on a journey to create a structure for para football to rival its mainstream equivalents .
As well as backing the amputee teams which bring genders together , it ’ s supporting the national deaf , cerebral palsy and Powerchair squads .
Last year it created Scottish Para-Football , which became the World ’ s First Affiliated National Association dedicated to people living with a Disability .
Not many footballers look back on an 8-0 thrashing with fond recollections , but for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would end 23 years later by playing in back-to-back World Cup finals .
The captain-turned-coach of England ’ s partially sighted squad hung up his futsal boots for the final time last year , but now aged 44 looks forward to encouraging the next generation to follow in his footsteps .
“ In my last game I played with a 16-year-old , ” says the county council worker from Preston .
“ My job now is to bring young people through the system to have the experience I had – and maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve had aspirations of turning professional , starring for Glentoran as a teen before , with failing eye-sight , he was diagnosed with cone dystrophy , a rare eye condition where colour and detail is lost .
“ I was struggling to see the ball in the air and had to hold books a little closer in the classroom , ” he says .
From there he moved to study at Loughborough College and was spotted to play for the England futsal team in 1995 .
Used to playing five-aside , the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed out a stern lesson .
“ We thought we were good players – they were mind-blowing , ” he adds .
Made captain in 1997 and inducted into the hall of fame in 2007 , Steve played in nine World Cups and nine European Championships , the pinnacle being the World Cup finals of 2017 and 2019 .
“ It was the highest finish I could have achieved , ” he adds .
“ I ’ d have loved to have won , but we ’ d already started bringing the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed I thought it was the end of the world and I ’ d never play again .
But I can flip that on its head now because being partially sighted has meant I played As he steps into the role as head coach he ’ s also hoping to go one better on the world stage .
The dad-of-two was recently named in Queen ’ s Honours list and is looking forward to picking up his MBE for services to para and disability football in the spring .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But I ’ ve always believed that as much as I want to develop players , I need to develop people first.
” When Garmon is breaking up opposition attacks in his role as a holding midfielder for Henllan FC , he just looks like any normal 12-year-old enjoying his football .
To a large extent that ’ s true , but Garmon is also playing with sight akin to night vision and for years has been mastering the technique that allows him to thrive in mainstream football .
Determined that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends like any normal child , Garmon ’ s dad , Gerwyn , signed his five-year-old son up to Kinmel Bay FC 's Visually Impaired Group .
Garmon spent four seasons honing his football skills , and with the patience and dedication paying off , Gerwyn , started an Under 10 ’ s team in their local village , Henllan FC .
It ’ s not always straightforward .
There are times when Garmon finds it challenging to gauge the position of the ball in flight .
However , he ’ s developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in his team to the point where he was and recently honoured at the annual FAW Grassroots Football Awards .
“ I would like to congratulate Garmon on his achievements over the past few seasons , ” says FAW Trust technical director Dr David Adams .
“ His attitude , dedication and development within the game is truly inspirational , and this has not only been recognised by his peers and coaches , but by a national judging panel of experts .
“ Our inclusive approach to football in Wales has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disability accessing mainstream football , and our level one coach education course has recently been updated to include a ‘ Football for all ’ module that is designed to give football coaches and teachers ideas and practices for the inclusion of disabled football players , whether in mainstream or impairment-specific sessions.
” When it comes to being team players , Bev and John Challinor would be top of any league .
Take a trip to Spennymoor FC and Sunderland fan Bev will be cleaning up muddy boots and making hot cuppas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carrying out the coaching duties .
Both BT staff members are part of the 4-3-3 squad , a volunteer support group made up of other BT colleagues working to encourage grassroots involvement , and firm believers that sport should be totally inclusive and open to everyone – and so the next goal is to set up a disability team at the club .
“ I already enjoy setting up get-togethers for the parents , Christmas parties for the kids and keeping the coaches organised , ” Bev says .
“ Covid has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us as a family .
It ’ s a shared interest we can all do together.
” “ Bev makes my life a lot easier , keeping me in check , noting down goalscorers or who is coming on or off ” says John , who has been coaching for 15 years and helped the couple ’ s two boys , 19-year-old Luke and 10-year old Aston , progress through the ranks .
The launch of the disability side is the next step to push that inclusivity one step further .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , ” John says .
“ It ’ s football for all and a great opportunity to bring more players onboard.
” “ It was quite a special day for me , ” Marcus Harrison explains .
“ I managed to score both goals , then the final penalty – and I won the golden boot .
My best day ever in football.
” Marcus is an England Powerchair international and reliving the moment last year when the Three Lions finally defeated France to win the European Championships after fighting back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on penalties .
It was sweet revenge as two years earlier Marcus and England had finished third in the World Cup , having twice been beaten by the French – and it underlined the resilient spirit the 22-year-old has displayed throughout his life .
Born with congenital muscular dystrophy , Marcus refuses to be limited by the condition .
Although he needs 24/7 care , he lives in his own flat and has earned a degree in science & football from Liverpool John Moores University .
“ I ’ ve three brothers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always pushed me to be as independent as I can be , ” he says .
“ My dad has taken me everywhere for football .
He ’ s my biggest supporter and was quite emotional after we won the Euros.
” Greenbank Sports Academy in Liverpool provided the environment for Marcus to progress from boccia to Powerchair hockey to football .
“ I loved it from when I first started , ” he says .
“ I found the skills I had from hockey transferred across really well .
I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport and have met some of my best friends through football.
” Having played for Everton and Bolton , Marcus is now with West Brom .
The highlight being a runner-up finish in the 2016 Champions League as Marcus won player of the tournament .
“ That was a big confidence boost , ” he says .
“ I ’ ve gained confidence along the way and I think it was part of the reason I ended up studying at university.
” BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK raising awareness , increasing support and inspiring future talent .
Find out more at www.bt.com/homenations .
Join us and show your support using # DiscoverDisabilityFootball

Meet some inspiring people who are part of the reason para and disability football is set to become even more popular in the future
6 amazing people who show why we should ALL know more about para and disability football
No sport brings out more joy and emotion or reaches a broader section of society than football – and the game is at its beautiful best when it comes to para and disability football.
Whether it’s powerchair players or the visually impaired, amputees or those playing with Asperger's, opportunities are opening up across our four home nations like never before.
While Covid might be making life tricky right now, the good news is that disability football is only set to grow once through the other side - thanks to one of the most ambitious sponsorship strategies in UK football.
From grassroots through to elite level, BT is committed to changing the lives of millions across the UK through football and technology by investing not only in the men’s and women’s teams, but the para and disability squads that perform on the global stage.
Its 4-3-3 strategy is backing our FOUR home nations to focus on the THREE areas most in need of support - grassroots, women’s and disability football – with THREE commitments to make a meaningful difference by improving skills, raising profiles and enabling innovation.
In line with International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of para and disability football in the UK - raising awareness, increasing support and inspiring future talent. You can join in by using #DiscoverDisabilityFootball.
To encourage you to get involved, here we meet six characters involved in disability football who are already proving an inspiration...
DYLAN McCREADY, Goalkeeper, Linfield disability team, Belfast
There are few bigger thrills for a goalkeeper than saving the winning spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out – and it’s a feeling Belfast’s Dylan McCready knows only too well.
The 26-year-old stopper was the hero as Glentoran Inclusion lifted the George Best Community Cup in 2016, and it was a reminder of just how far he’d come in the sport.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of seven, Dylan struggled with communication skills and became anxious in large social settings.
It led his dad, Colin, to seek an environment that could encourage Dylan and other youngsters with similar conditions to build confidence, self-esteem, general fitness and a new group of friends.
Dylan started in disability football at Belvoir Blades Disability Football Club in the city and with the support of his coaches discovered a flair for goalkeeping. As his confidence grew, his talent between the sticks shone.
“He never misses training, has come on leaps and bounds and has even come out of his shell a wee bit,” Colin says. “Disability football has changed Dylan’s life in such a positive way. He’s focused, gaining confidence all the time and enjoying playing the game he loves”
Dylan was selected to play in the IFA Disability League and cup competitions, and continued to progress as mighty Glentoran took over running the Belvoir Blades. When his boyhood heroes Linfield started a disability team of their own six months ago, he jumped at the chance to move across the city to play for the club he supports.
It might be a team game, but Dylan has also picked up several individual awards along the way, the latest being the Football For All Player of the Year 2020. “It is richly deserved,” Irish FA disability & inclusion manager Alan Crooks says. “I have watched him develop over the years into a top goalkeeper.”
REBECCA SELLAR, footballer, Scotland amputee team
"I was drawn to amputee football because it meant putting the prosthetic to one side,” Rebecca Sellar explains. “To play when I felt most vulnerable felt strange at first, but I wanted to push myself and learn more about being independent."
Having been born without a right fibula, Rebecca has been a single-leg amputee since the age of one, suffering severe back and hip pain as a result.
But the 28-year-old who lives near Edinburgh, and is also a tennis international and coach, was determined her disability wouldn’t prevent her playing sport.
"It got to the stage where I was finding it difficult to walk anywhere," she says. "I didn't have anything I could get out and do without suffering for it the next day. I was standing doing the dishes one day and I was shaking with fatigue.
“That was the moment where I thought, 'we have to change direction here, something has to give'. That was when I tried football."
Rebecca won her first cap for Scotland's amputee team in 2017 - where at one time she was the only woman on the squad.
“I'm so proud that I actually got to wear the kit and play for this country," she says. “Football helped me become more resilient, happier, and determined to overcome challenges. My team-mates all have slightly different stories and we all bounce off one another. We are like family.”
The Scottish FA is also on a journey to create a structure for para football to rival its mainstream equivalents.
As well as backing the amputee teams which bring genders together, it’s supporting the national deaf, cerebral palsy and Powerchair squads.
Last year it created Scottish Para-Football, which became the World’s First Affiliated National Association dedicated to people living with a Disability.
STEVE DALEY, head coach and former captain, England partially sighted team
Not many footballers look back on an 8-0 thrashing with fond recollections, but for Steve Daley it started an international journey that would end 23 years later by playing in back-to-back World Cup finals.
The captain-turned-coach of England’s partially sighted squad hung up his futsal boots for the final time last year, but now aged 44 looks forward to encouraging the next generation to follow in his footsteps.
“In my last game I played with a 16-year-old,” says the county council worker from Preston. “My job now is to bring young people through the system to have the experience I had – and maybe even better.”
Born in Belfast, Steve had aspirations of turning professional, starring for Glentoran as a teen before, with failing eye-sight, he was diagnosed with cone dystrophy, a rare eye condition where colour and detail is lost. “I was struggling to see the ball in the air and had to hold books a little closer in the classroom,” he says.
From there he moved to study at Loughborough College and was spotted to play for the England futsal team in 1995. Used to playing five-aside, the international debut was in Barcelona and the Spanish handed out a stern lesson. “We thought we were good players – they were mind-blowing,” he adds.
Made captain in 1997 and inducted into the hall of fame in 2007, Steve played in nine World Cups and nine European Championships, the pinnacle being the World Cup finals of 2017 and 2019.
“It was the highest finish I could have achieved,” he adds. “I’d have loved to have won, but we’d already started bringing the next generation through.
“When I was diagnosed I thought it was the end of the world and I’d never play again. But I can flip that on its head now because being partially sighted has meant I played
143 international games. Now, I’m a bit wiser, I’m thankful.”
As he steps into the role as head coach he’s also hoping to go one better on the world stage. The dad-of-two was recently named in Queen’s Honours list and is looking forward to picking up his MBE for services to para and disability football in the spring.
“It’s a great honour,” he says. “But I’ve always believed that as much as I want to develop players, I need to develop people first.”
GARMON EDWARDS-JONES, midfielder, Henllan FC, Denbighshire, Wales
When Garmon is breaking up opposition attacks in his role as a holding midfielder for Henllan FC, he just looks like any normal 12-year-old enjoying his football.
To a large extent that’s true, but Garmon is also playing with sight akin to night vision and for years has been mastering the technique that allows him to thrive in mainstream football.
Determined that he would be able to play with friends like any normal child, Garmon’s dad, Gerwyn, signed his five-year-old son up to Kinmel Bay FC's Visually Impaired Group.
Garmon spent four seasons honing his football skills, and with the patience and dedication paying off, Gerwyn, started an Under 10’s team in their local village, Henllan FC.
It’s not always straightforward. There are times when Garmon finds it challenging to gauge the position of the ball in flight. However, he’s developed to be one of the most competent players in his team to the point where he was and recently honoured at the annual FAW Grassroots Football Awards.
“I would like to congratulate Garmon on his achievements over the past few seasons,” says FAW Trust technical director Dr David Adams. “His attitude, dedication and development within the game is truly inspirational, and this has not only been recognised by his peers and coaches, but by a national judging panel of experts.
“Our inclusive approach to football in Wales has seen an increase in boys and girls with a disability accessing mainstream football, and our level one coach education course has recently been updated to include a ‘Football for all’ module that is designed to give football coaches and teachers ideas and practices for the inclusion of disabled football players, whether in mainstream or impairment-specific sessions.”
BEV & JOHN CHALLINOR, volunteers and coaches, Spennymoor FC, Bishop Auckland
When it comes to being team players, Bev and John Challinor would be top of any league.
Take a trip to Spennymoor FC and Sunderland fan Bev will be cleaning up muddy boots and making hot cuppas, while husband and Liverpool supporter John will be carrying out the coaching duties.
Both BT staff members are part of the 4-3-3 squad, a volunteer support group made up of other BT colleagues working to encourage grassroots involvement, and firm believers that sport should be totally inclusive and open to everyone – and so the next goal is to set up a disability team at the club.
“I already enjoy setting up get-togethers for the parents, Christmas parties for the kids and keeping the coaches organised,” Bev says. “Covid has made us realise how important football is to us as a family. It’s a shared interest we can all do together.”
“Bev makes my life a lot easier, keeping me in check, noting down goalscorers or who is coming on or off” says John, who has been coaching for 15 years and helped the couple’s two boys, 19-year-old Luke and 10-year old Aston, progress through the ranks.
The launch of the disability side is the next step to push that inclusivity one step further. “I’m really looking forward to it,” John says. “It’s football for all and a great opportunity to bring more players onboard.”
MARCUS HARRISON, England Powerchair footballer, Liverpool
“It was quite a special day for me,” Marcus Harrison explains. “I managed to score both goals, then the final penalty – and I won the golden boot. My best day ever in football.”
Marcus is an England Powerchair international and reliving the moment last year when the Three Lions finally defeated France to win the European Championships after fighting back from 2-0 down in the final to triumph on penalties.
It was sweet revenge as two years earlier Marcus and England had finished third in the World Cup, having twice been beaten by the French – and it underlined the resilient spirit the 22-year-old has displayed throughout his life.
Born with congenital muscular dystrophy, Marcus refuses to be limited by the condition. Although he needs 24/7 care, he lives in his own flat and has earned a degree in science & football from Liverpool John Moores University.
“I’ve three brothers and three sisters, and mum and dad always pushed me to be as independent as I can be,” he says. “My dad has taken me everywhere for football. He’s my biggest supporter and was quite emotional after we won the Euros.”
Greenbank Sports Academy in Liverpool provided the environment for Marcus to progress from boccia to Powerchair hockey to football.
“I loved it from when I first started,” he says. “I found the skills I had from hockey transferred across really well. I’ve always been competitive, enjoyed playing team sport and have met some of my best friends through football.”
Having played for Everton and Bolton, Marcus is now with West Brom. The highlight being a runner-up finish in the 2016 Champions League as Marcus won player of the tournament.
“That was a big confidence boost,” he says. “I’ve gained confidence along the way and I think it was part of the reason I ended up studying at university.”
BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of Para & Disability football in the UK raising awareness, increasing support and inspiring future talent. Find out more at www.bt.com/homenations. Join us and show your support using #DiscoverDisabilityFootball


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--ADVERTORIAL: 17 things you didn't know about para and disability football

Think you know your football ?
Well , how much do you know about para and disability football ?
The mainstream stars might grab the headlines , but the beautiful game is full of talent and tales at all levels .
Be it Powerchair warriors , amputee teams , the visually impaired , or those playing with cerebral palsy , football is presenting more opportunities for more of us to play than ever before .
BT is here to help .
Committed to changing the lives of millions across the UK through football and technology , it is investing not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s teams , but also the para and disability squads .
In line with International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December , BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of para and disability football in the UK raising awareness , increasing support and inspiring future talent .
You can join them and show your support by using # DiscoverDisabilityFootball .
There are 17 different national para and disability teams playing across the four home nations .
To celebrate this and help people # DiscoverDisabilityFootball , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not know about disability football .
Ready to kick-off ?
Here we go… 1 .
Powerchair football ( above ) is four-aside played on an indoor pitch over two halves of 20mins with a much larger ball than your regular Size 5 .
The goalposts are 6m apart and don ’ t need a crossbar because the players take a leaf from Pep Guardiola ’ s book – and keep the ball on the deck !
2 .
Former Liverpool , Swansea City star and Wales international Joe Allen isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His older brother , Harry , lost his hearing after contracting meningitis as a three-year-old , but has gone on to star for the Wales Deaf Futsal team .
Joe has become an ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss Cymru and even attributes some of his own success to his sibling , saying : “ When we were younger , Harry was actually a much better footballer than me .
I think it was playing with him that really helped me in my career.
” 3 .
Sticking with family connections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clyde , East Fife and Stenhousemuir , brother Jonathan is one of the most decorated footballers with cerebral palsy in history .
He ’ s represented Team GB in three Paralympics and is Scotland ’ s record cap holder and goal scorer .
4 .
Charlie Fogarty ( above right ) was an academy player at Birmingham City before a serious traffic accident resulted in a brain injury .
He ’ s fought back to be an international player on Northern Ireland ’ s cerebral palsy squad .
Awarded an MBE in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams to share his motivational story with their academy players .
5 .
Last year the Scottish FA created Scottish Para-Football – the world ’ s first Affiliated National Association dedicated to people living with a disability .
Aileen Campbell , now the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government , said : “ Scotland is leading the way globally in creating pathways for people to participate in football and fulfil their potential.
” 6 .
Unlike the usual four years between major football tournaments , the men ’ s partially sighted futsal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukraine have won the past three editions , defeating England in the 2017 and 2019 finals .
7 .
Belfast ’ s David Doherty ( above ) was a player at the first disability club set up by the Irish FA in 2003 .
Now a coach he ’ s recently helped set up ( and even came up with the name for ) the disability section of Greenisland FC – the Greenisland Bears .
David says : “ From the first session we could see the positive impact it had on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , kicking footballs and just having great fun !
” 8 .
4-3-3 isn ’ t just a tried and trusted formation used by your favourite Premier League teams .
It ’ s also the name of BT ’ s new sponsorship strategy for football in the UK – namely FOUR home nations , THREE key areas to support ( including disability football ) and THREE commitments to make a meaningful difference , by improving skills , raising profiles and enabling innovation .
9 .
In blind football , teams are permitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a penalty is awarded .
Imagine that law being introduced to the Premier League… 10 .
Blind footballers also have to shout ‘ VOY !
’ before making a tackle , so the player in possession is aware .
Spectators are asked to stay quiet so the players can hear the rattle of the ball and verbal instructions from coaches and sighted guides .
11 .
When the inspirational Rebecca Sellar from Motherwell made her debut for the Scotland amputee team in 2017 , she was only female on the squad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ international and professional tennis coach .
She says : “ Football helped me become more resilient , happier , and determined to overcome challenges.
” 12 .
The Ray Kennedy Cup is an international football tournament held annually in Copenhagen for players with Parkinson ’ s .
The competition is named after former Liverpool hero and three-time European Cup winner , Ray Kennedy , who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson ’ s in 1984 at the age of just 33 .
The 2017 competition also saw a women ’ s team take part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roll-ins are as acceptable as throw-ins in cerebral palsy ( CP ) football ( above ) .
It ’ s played seven versus seven and there are also no offsides .
14 .
A fulltime disability football development officer has been employed by the Irish FA since 1995 .
To date over 1,000 coaches have successfully completed disability specific coach education courses in Northern Ireland .
15 .
Newly-appointed head coach of the England partially sighted futsal team Steve Daley ( pictured above with the England squad ) made his international debut in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowing out in the World Cup final .
Next spring he ’ ll be collecting an MBE for services to disability sport , one of only a handful of footballers in the New Year ’ s Honours list alongside the likes of Manchester United ’ s Marcus Rashford .
16 .
A series of inspiring documentaries on para and disability football will hit our screens in 2021 .
Aired on BT Sport , the first film will focus on the gripping stories behind the England blind men ’ s football team .
17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar 11-aside format with no changes needed to the pitch size or duration .
However , referees must raise a flag as well as blowing the whistle to give a visual clue that the game should be stopped .
BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of Para & Disability football in the UK raising awareness , increasing support and inspiring future talent .
Find out more at www.bt.com/homenations .
Join us and show your support using # DiscoverDisabilityFootball

There is far more to the world of para and disability football than you may realise
Think you know your football? Well, how much do you know about para and disability football?
The mainstream stars might grab the headlines, but the beautiful game is full of talent and tales at all levels.
Be it Powerchair warriors, amputee teams, the visually impaired, or those playing with cerebral palsy, football is presenting more opportunities for more of us to play than ever before.
BT is here to help. Committed to changing the lives of millions across the UK through football and technology, it is investing not only in the men’s and women’s teams, but also the para and disability squads.
In line with International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of para and disability football in the UK raising awareness, increasing support and inspiring future talent. You can join them and show your support by using #DiscoverDisabilityFootball.
There are 17 different national para and disability teams playing across the four home nations. To celebrate this and help people #DiscoverDisabilityFootball, we’re revealing 17 things you might not know about disability football.
Ready to kick-off? Here we go…
1. Powerchair football (above) is four-aside played on an indoor pitch over two halves of 20mins with a much larger ball than your regular Size 5. The goalposts are 6m apart and don’t need a crossbar because the players take a leaf from Pep Guardiola’s book – and keep the ball on the deck!
2. Former Liverpool, Swansea City star and Wales international Joe Allen isn’t the only footballing international in his family. His older brother, Harry, lost his hearing after contracting meningitis as a three-year-old, but has gone on to star for the Wales Deaf Futsal team. Joe has become an ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss Cymru and even attributes some of his own success to his sibling, saying: “When we were younger, Harry was actually a much better footballer than me. I think it was playing with him that really helped me in my career.”
3. Sticking with family connections, while Nicki Paterson has played professionally for Clyde, East Fife and Stenhousemuir, brother Jonathan is one of the most decorated footballers with cerebral palsy in history. He’s represented Team GB in three Paralympics and is Scotland’s record cap holder and goal scorer.
4. Charlie Fogarty (above right) was an academy player at Birmingham City before a serious traffic accident resulted in a brain injury. He’s fought back to be an international player on Northern Ireland’s cerebral palsy squad. Awarded an MBE in 2019 he now visits Premier League and EFL teams to share his motivational story with their academy players.
5. Last year the Scottish FA created Scottish Para-Football – the world’s first Affiliated National Association dedicated to people living with a disability. Aileen Campbell, now the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, said: “Scotland is leading the way globally in creating pathways for people to participate in football and fulfil their potential.”
6. Unlike the usual four years between major football tournaments, the men’s partially sighted futsal World Championship is held every two years. Ukraine have won the past three editions, defeating England in the 2017 and 2019 finals.
7. Belfast’s David Doherty (above) was a player at the first disability club set up by the Irish FA in 2003. Now a coach he’s recently helped set up (and even came up with the name for) the disability section of Greenisland FC – the Greenisland Bears. David says: “From the first session we could see the positive impact it had on the kids. They were running around, kicking footballs and just having great fun!”
8. 4-3-3 isn’t just a tried and trusted formation used by your favourite Premier League teams. It’s also the name of BT’s new sponsorship strategy for football in the UK – namely FOUR home nations, THREE key areas to support (including disability football) and THREE commitments to make a meaningful difference, by improving skills, raising profiles and enabling innovation.
9. In blind football, teams are permitted to concede five fouls per half. Anymore and a penalty is awarded. Imagine that law being introduced to the Premier League…
10. Blind footballers also have to shout ‘VOY!’ before making a tackle, so the player in possession is aware. Spectators are asked to stay quiet so the players can hear the rattle of the ball and verbal instructions from coaches and sighted guides.
11. When the inspirational Rebecca Sellar from Motherwell made her debut for the Scotland amputee team in 2017, she was only female on the squad. The multi-talented 28-year-old is also a tennis international and professional tennis coach. She says: “Football helped me become more resilient, happier, and determined to overcome challenges.”
12. The Ray Kennedy Cup is an international football tournament held annually in Copenhagen for players with Parkinson’s. The competition is named after former Liverpool hero and three-time European Cup winner, Ray Kennedy, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 1984 at the age of just 33. The 2017 competition also saw a women’s team take part for the first time.
13. Roll-ins are as acceptable as throw-ins in cerebral palsy (CP) football (above). It’s played seven versus seven and there are also no offsides.
14. A fulltime disability football development officer has been employed by the Irish FA since 1995. To date over 1,000 coaches have successfully completed disability specific coach education courses in Northern Ireland.
15. Newly-appointed head coach of the England partially sighted futsal team Steve Daley (pictured above with the England squad) made his international debut in 1995 and played for 24 years, bowing out in the World Cup final. Next spring he’ll be collecting an MBE for services to disability sport, one of only a handful of footballers in the New Year’s Honours list alongside the likes of Manchester United ’s Marcus Rashford.
16. A series of inspiring documentaries on para and disability football will hit our screens in 2021. Aired on BT Sport, the first film will focus on the gripping stories behind the England blind men’s football team.
17. Deaf football is played in the familiar 11-aside format with no changes needed to the pitch size or duration. However, referees must raise a flag as well as blowing the whistle to give a visual clue that the game should be stopped.
BT are on a mission to transform the profile and understanding of Para & Disability football in the UK raising awareness, increasing support and inspiring future talent. Find out more at www.bt.com/homenations. Join us and show your support using #DiscoverDisabilityFootball


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Queen cancels gift-giving ceremony for staff and won't hand over Christmas puds

The Queen has cancelled her annual Christmas gift-giving ceremony for staff for the first time in her reign .
The Monarch normally buys a small gift for every member of the royal staff , which she personally hands over to thank them for their work during the year .
In the past , employees have been treated to photo frames and champagne flutes .
The sweet trinkets are given along with a Christmas pudding .
However amid the royal family 's new Covid-safe Christmas plans , the Queen has been forced to scrap this year 's ceremony - however it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given their presents , just not from the Queen , reports the Mail .
The Palace 's official Christmas party has also been cancelled .
A source told the newspaper : `` It ’ s a great shame but inevitable and the right thing to do .
`` The staff will still receive a gift from the Queen as usual but there will be no special moment with Her Majesty .
It ’ s as much a disappointment for her as it will be for them , as it ’ s a hugely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And like offices around the country there will be no Christmas parties at Buckingham Palace or any of the royal residences this year .
It ’ s the way it has to be . ''
The news come as it 's announced the Queen and Philip will break with 33 years of tradition and not travel to Sandringham for Christmas .
Instead , they will spend the day in Windsor Castle , where they spent both lockdowns , away from their family .
Royal sources told The Mirror the 94-year-old Queen made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ditch the family meet-up , after consulting palace doctors and the rest of the family , including Philip 99 .
Even though restrictions have been eased and people are allowed to form 'Christmas Bubbles ' of three households , people are being urged to make sensible choices .
Chief medical adviser Professor Chris Whitty last week warned against physical contact with elderly relatives over Christmas .
He said : “ Don ’ t do stupid things .
`` Would I encourage someone to hug and kiss their elderly relatives ?
No I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The Queen is acutely aware of the need for caution throughout the crisis and the Christmas period is no different .
“ The Queen and The Duke are fortunate to spend Christmas with their family every year .
“ They understand that their family will have competing demands over the Christmas period and are content to have a quiet festive season this year .
“ Like everyone they hope things will get back to normal in 2021.
” A Palace spokesman added : “ Having considered all the appropriate advice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.
” But the couple are expected to see other members of the family , which is likely to be outside in a socially distanced manner due to restrictions .
They will also chat to relatives via Zoom on the day itself .
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to spend the day with Kate 's family , while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend it in America , where they are now living .

The Queen and Prince Philip will spend Christmas Day away from Charles, Camilla, William, Kate Middleton and the rest of their family - and Palace staff will also have to go without their royal festive traditions
The Queen has cancelled her annual Christmas gift-giving ceremony for staff for the first time in her reign.
The Monarch normally buys a small gift for every member of the royal staff, which she personally hands over to thank them for their work during the year.
In the past, employees have been treated to photo frames and champagne flutes.
The sweet trinkets are given along with a Christmas pudding.
However amid the royal family's new Covid-safe Christmas plans, the Queen has been forced to scrap this year's ceremony - however it's believed the staff will still be given their presents, just not from the Queen, reports the Mail.
Image: Getty) Getty)
The Palace's official Christmas party has also been cancelled.
A source told the newspaper: "It’s a great shame but inevitable and the right thing to do.
"The staff will still receive a gift from the Queen as usual but there will be no special moment with Her Majesty. It’s as much a disappointment for her as it will be for them, as it’s a hugely special time of the year.
Image: Youtube/Buckingham Palace) Youtube/Buckingham Palace)
"And like offices around the country there will be no Christmas parties at Buckingham Palace or any of the royal residences this year. It’s the way it has to be."
The news come as it's announced the Queen and Philip will break with 33 years of tradition and not travel to Sandringham for Christmas.
Instead, they will spend the day in Windsor Castle, where they spent both lockdowns, away from their family.
Never miss a Royal moment Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Queen, Charles, William, Kate, Harry, Meghan, George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and the rest of the family. We'll send the best Royal news directly to your inbox so you never have to miss a thing. Sign up to our newsletter here.
Royal sources told The Mirror the 94-year-old Queen made the decision to “lead by example” and ditch the family meet-up, after consulting palace doctors and the rest of the family, including Philip 99.
Even though restrictions have been eased and people are allowed to form 'Christmas Bubbles' of three households, people are being urged to make sensible choices.
Chief medical adviser Professor Chris Whitty last week warned against physical contact with elderly relatives over Christmas.
He said: “Don’t do stupid things.
"Would I encourage someone to hug and kiss their elderly relatives? No I would not.”
A Palace source said: “The Queen is acutely aware of the need for caution throughout the crisis and the Christmas period is no different.
“The Queen and The Duke are fortunate to spend Christmas with their family every year.
“They understand that their family will have competing demands over the Christmas period and are content to have a quiet festive season this year.
“Like everyone they hope things will get back to normal in 2021.”
A Palace spokesman added: “Having considered all the appropriate advice, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.”
But the couple are expected to see other members of the family, which is likely to be outside in a socially distanced manner due to restrictions.
They will also chat to relatives via Zoom on the day itself.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to spend the day with Kate's family, while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend it in America, where they are now living.


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Man Utd face missing the boat on Mauricio Pochettino as Real Madrid circle

Manchester United could be pipped to Mauricio Pochettino 's signature by Real Madrid , it 's been claimed .
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the out-of-work Argentine , who was relieved of his duties as Tottenham manager last November .
United tried to appoint Pochettino as their chief following Jose Mourinho 's dismissal in December 2018 but ended up giving the job to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
The United brass ' eagerness to install the former Southampton manager at the Old Trafford helm has n't waned , despite Solskjaer guiding the club back to the Champions League last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing the race for his services to Spanish champions Real Madrid .
According to Marca , Los Blancos have identified Pochettino as the man they want to replace the under-pressure Zinedine Zidane .
Get the latest Man Utd news straight into your inbox !
Manchester United are looking to plot their path back to the top .
And you can keep track of their journey by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter !
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have missed out on Jadon Sancho in the summer , but he still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market with Donny van de Beek , Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani all arriving .
But their start to the season has been a mixed bag , with a home defeat to Crystal Palace and a 6-1 thrashing by Spurs at one end of the scale , and a tremendous 2-1 win over PSG in Paris at the other .
The question now is whether they can find the right balance ?
From the latest news to the agenda-setting stories , get it all in your email inbox .
Signing up is simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
Real president Florentino Perez is said to be a big admirer of the 48-year-old , whose management and playing styles has drawn plaudits from many .
Perez is also said to be contemplating appointing Real 's second all-time leading goalscorer , Raul , as Zidane 's successor .
Pochettino , 48 , has been out of work since he was sacked by Tottenham last November and is itching to get back in the dugout .
`` I always feel ready to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pochettino said during a recent appearance on Sky Sports .
`` I love football , it ’ s my job .
“ It ’ s not a stress when you are working , it ’ s not a stress to go into the training ground , it ’ s not a stress to prepare the game , it ’ s not a stress to compete .
“ My hair is long , look .
I hope to cut it when we start working again to work .
“ I am looking forward again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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Manchester United are long-term admirers of Mauricio Pochettino but are at risk of missing out on his services
Man Utd face missing the boat on Mauricio Pochettino as Real Madrid circle
Manchester United could be pipped to Mauricio Pochettino's signature by Real Madrid, it's been claimed.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the out-of-work Argentine, who was relieved of his duties as Tottenham manager last November.
United tried to appoint Pochettino as their chief following Jose Mourinho's dismissal in December 2018 but ended up giving the job to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The United brass' eagerness to install the former Southampton manager at the Old Trafford helm hasn't waned, despite Solskjaer guiding the club back to the Champions League last season.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
But they could end up losing the race for his services to Spanish champions Real Madrid.
According to Marca , Los Blancos have identified Pochettino as the man they want to replace the under-pressure Zinedine Zidane.
Get the latest Man Utd news straight into your inbox! There's never a dull moment at Manchester United, and as the second half of the season mounts, it's more chaotic than ever. Keeping track of it all has never been simpler. Get all the latest transfer news and agenda-setting stories delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for the Mirror Football newsletter! Just put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
Real president Florentino Perez is said to be a big admirer of the 48-year-old, whose management and playing styles has drawn plaudits from many.
Perez is also said to be contemplating appointing Real's second all-time leading goalscorer, Raul, as Zidane's successor.
Pochettino, 48, has been out of work since he was sacked by Tottenham last November and is itching to get back in the dugout.
"I always feel ready to get back involved in the game," Pochettino said during a recent appearance on Sky Sports. "I love football, it’s my job.
“It’s not a stress when you are working, it’s not a stress to go into the training ground, it’s not a stress to prepare the game, it’s not a stress to compete.
Image: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
“My hair is long, look. I hope to cut it when we start working again to work.
“I am looking forward again to being involved in the game.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-02--Britney Spears’ heartbreaking TV tears over Justin as she begged host to stop

With their Disney smiles and double-denim dressing , Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were the couple of the Millenium .
When the teenagers started dating in 1999 , Justin , it was said , was a grounding force for Britney and protected her from the seedy underbelly of the showbiz world .
“ Justin had his head screwed on so straight , and he rescued her from that world , ” a source told Rolling Stone in 2008 .
“ He became the great force in her life , but it started a pattern - she began to look for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who control her.
” At the time , she was one of the biggest stars in the world while Justin was a member of NSync , but according to another insider , Britney - who turns 39 today - did n't care who was the bigger star .
“ She wasn ’ t competitive about attention , ” the source said .
“ She just wanted to be in love with him.
” But it all came crashing down in February 2002 when Britney and Justin parted ways amid rumours she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to have unfolded backstage at Saturday Night Live , where they were both performing , leaving Britney devastated .
Justin retaliated with his breakout track , Cry Me A River , which featured a Britney look-a-like .
They lyrics heavily insinuated that Britney had betrayed him and in a US TV interview , she opened up about his accusations .
`` I think everyone has a side of their story , to make them feel a certain way .
I 'm not technically saying he 's wrong .
But I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the then 21 year old told ABC 's Diane Sawyer .
Asked what it was that she 'd done , the singer kept her answer vague , explaining : `` I was upset , I was upset for a little while .
I think we were both really young .
And it was kind of waiting to happen .
I will always love him .
He will always have a special place in my heart .
He 's such a great person . ''
Britney revealed that Justin did call her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would never have retaliated so publicly .
She added : `` I don ’ t want to judge him or anything like that ‘ cause that ’ s the way he had to deal with what happened , and that ’ s fine , but I just… '' I know that if I was in a relationship and something happened , I couldn ’ t really go there .
But it ’ s all good .
Let ’ s talk about something else . ''
Britney had previously declared that she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justin blew that out of the water on the Howard Stern show when he admitted they 'd done the deed .
She confirmed it was true but argued that she thought she and Justin would be together forever .
`` I think in reality , if you really know in your heart of heart that you are gon na be with that person , forever , and you really think that , with all of your heart , and you 're in four , or five years , you know , into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen , '' she said .
`` You know , I mean , I , you do n't go around sleeping around with people .
I mean , I really thought that I was going to be with him or the rest of my life .
I did . ''
But the star 's feelings flooded over when he was asked about the initial split .
At first Britney tried to smile through it , but after conceding that it 'was pretty rough ' , her emotions got the better of her and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked how it felt to lose Justin , she managed to say , `` Yeah , it was kind of weird .
Weird .
Hello .
Um , oh my goodness , '' before breaking down .
Unable to stop her sobs , she begged Diana Sawyer to move on .
`` I 'm embarrassed .
Can we stop ? ''
she pleaded .
In the years that followed , Justin 's anger mellowed , and he later told Marie Claire that their extreme existence as teen stars had been the key to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best - that goes without saying .
We have n't spoken in 9 or 10 years , '' he said .
`` `` We were two birds of the same feather - small-town kids , doing the same thing .
But then you become adults , and the way you were as kids does n't make any sense .
I wo n't speak on her , but at least for me , I was a totally different person .
`` I just do n't think we were normal ; there was nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way too much time being the biggest thing for teenyboppers .
`` And I mean that about everybody : Backstreet Boys , N*SYNC , Britney , Christina [ Aguilera ] .
We could literally go , 'Oh , man , let 's go to Bali , ' and we 'd be on a plane to Bali .
We were little kids with big toys .
You do the math - that 's not going to last . ''

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were love's young dream until it all went dramatically wrong in 2002
With their Disney smiles and double-denim dressing, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were the couple of the Millenium.
When the teenagers started dating in 1999, Justin, it was said, was a grounding force for Britney and protected her from the seedy underbelly of the showbiz world.
“Justin had his head screwed on so straight, and he rescued her from that world,” a source told Rolling Stone in 2008.
“He became the great force in her life, but it started a pattern - she began to look for guys to help her get away from the people who control her.”
Image: Reuters) Reuters)
At the time, she was one of the biggest stars in the world while Justin was a member of NSync, but according to another insider, Britney - who turns 39 today - didn't care who was the bigger star.
“She wasn’t competitive about attention,” the source said. “She just wanted to be in love with him.”
But it all came crashing down in February 2002 when Britney and Justin parted ways amid rumours she had been unfaithful.
Their split is said to have unfolded backstage at Saturday Night Live, where they were both performing, leaving Britney devastated.
Justin retaliated with his breakout track, Cry Me A River, which featured a Britney look-a-like. They lyrics heavily insinuated that Britney had betrayed him and in a US TV interview, she opened up about his accusations.
Image: Getty) Getty)
"I think everyone has a side of their story, to make them feel a certain way. I'm not technically saying he's wrong. But I'm not technically saying he's right either," the then 21 year old told ABC's Diane Sawyer.
Asked what it was that she'd done, the singer kept her answer vague, explaining: "I was upset, I was upset for a little while. I think we were both really young. And it was kind of waiting to happen. I will always love him. He will always have a special place in my heart. He's such a great person."
Britney revealed that Justin did call her to warn her about the look-a-like but insisted she would never have retaliated so publicly.
She added: "I don’t want to judge him or anything like that ‘cause that’s the way he had to deal with what happened, and that’s fine, but I just…
"I know that if I was in a relationship and something happened, I couldn’t really go there. But it’s all good. Let’s talk about something else."
Britney had previously declared that she wouldn't have sex before marriage, but Justin blew that out of the water on the Howard Stern show when he admitted they'd done the deed.
She confirmed it was true but argued that she thought she and Justin would be together forever.
"I think in reality, if you really know in your heart of heart that you are gonna be with that person, forever, and you really think that, with all of your heart, and you're in four, or five years, you know, into the relationship, I mean, stuff can happen," she said.
Image: YouTube) YouTube)
"You know, I mean, I, you don't go around sleeping around with people. I mean, I really thought that I was going to be with him or the rest of my life. I did."
But the star's feelings flooded over when he was asked about the initial split.
At first Britney tried to smile through it, but after conceding that it 'was pretty rough', her emotions got the better of her and she started crying in heartbreaking scenes.
Asked how it felt to lose Justin, she managed to say, "Yeah, it was kind of weird. Weird. Hello. Um, oh my goodness," before breaking down.
Unable to stop her sobs, she begged Diana Sawyer to move on. "I'm embarrassed. Can we stop?" she pleaded.
In the years that followed, Justin's anger mellowed, and he later told Marie Claire that their extreme existence as teen stars had been the key to their undoing.
Image: YouTube) YouTube)
"I wish her the best - that goes without saying. We haven't spoken in 9 or 10 years," he said.
""We were two birds of the same feather - small-town kids, doing the same thing. But then you become adults, and the way you were as kids doesn't make any sense. I won't speak on her, but at least for me, I was a totally different person.
"I just don't think we were normal; there was nothing normal about our existence. We spent way too much time being the biggest thing for teenyboppers.
"And I mean that about everybody: Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, Britney, Christina [Aguilera]. We could literally go, 'Oh, man, let's go to Bali,' and we'd be on a plane to Bali. We were little kids with big toys. You do the math - that's not going to last."