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LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.
Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.
Starting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.
He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following sesaon in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.
At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.
Dubbed ‘Lee from football‘ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.
Speaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.
He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.
He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.
‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”
Now 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.
Among the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.
It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.
He had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!
Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.
” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”
The business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.
He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.
But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.
“I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.
“I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.
“I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”
Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.
Ex-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.
He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.
Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.
He finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.
Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.”
TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales.
Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.
But drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results.
He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weight-in until these scales have had calibration.
“I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it.
“Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event.
“Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.”
Price later scaled 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.
Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct”
The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.
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Promoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.
“Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference.
“I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.
“The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”
Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.
“Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.
“I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.
“It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”
ALL English eyes were on Harry Kane this week as he bagged a brace in Bayern Munich’s Champions League grudge match against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso’s side were the latest ones to make Kane’s wait for that elusive first major title of his career when they ended Munich’s decade of domestic supremacy last term.
Kane’s double on Wednesday night inspired Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win in the Champions League last 16, putting them in good stead for advancing past their German counterparts in Europe’s elite competition.
But irrespective of what happens in next week’s second leg, there seems nothing that can prevent that German title medal going round his neck within a few weeks.
Bayern are eight points – effectively nine given their hugely better goal difference – clear of Leverkusen with 10 games to play.
And their remaining opponents including six of the bottom eight and only Mainz and Leipzig in the top six.
It means Kane is on course to lay that bogey – and think about the OTHER main club goal of his career.
That would be for him to overhaul Alan Shearer’s Prem record tally of 260 goals – and potentially set a mark that might NEVER be broken.
Kane scored 213 goals in 320 top flight games for Spurs before his £100m move to Bavaria in 2023, meaning he is just 47 goals behind Shearer’s tally – set in 441 appearances for Blackburn and Newcastle.
Despite his impressive stats at Bayern, with 57 goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances and 73 in 78 matches in all competitions, Kane is not universally popular, being questioned over his contribution outside the 18-yard box and in the “big” games.
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Last month, claims that he might be available this summer if a club matched his £67m release clause were not denied.
That looked to open the door to a Prem return. So where could Kane, who turns 32 in July, go?
A return to N17 would be the dream of Spurs fans – even if the club splashed out £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.
Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record scorer in his final season at the Lane, ending on 280 goals from 435 games as he went past Jimmy Greaves’ mark.
Many Spurs fans remain convinced they would have been playing Champions League football this season if the club had put faith in Ange Postecoglou working his magic with Kane in the side – even if that would have risked him leaving for nothing last summer.
Kane was desperate to land silverware with Tottenham – he spent nearly two decades at the club and will always be “one of our own”.
But Kane also felt let down by Daniel Levy when his proposed move to Manchester City fell through in 2021 and it is unclear if he would consider a return to the club while the current hierarchy are in place.
Or if Spurs would be willing to meet that asking price.
Unthinkable, surely.
Kane knows how Sol Campbell is remembered by Tottenham fans after he walked out on the club to join the Gunners in 2001 – and even if it was not a direct swap he would risk destroying his reputation.
But one of the most famous pictures of the young Kane was him wearing an Arsenal shirt and celebrating the “Invincibles” and their 2004 triumph – when the Prem was won at White Hart Lane.
He was also on Arsenal’s books as a youngster, released after a year in their academy at the age of nine and who was then picked up by Watford before joining Spurs in 2004.
Despite that, Kane has always insisted he grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs-supporting family.
And Arsenal supporters loathed him with a passion when he scored goal after goal against them – accusing him of all sorts of nefarious activities because he was so streetwise on top.
Yet Arsenal’s need for a proper No 9 has become a running joke in the game – even more than previously this season.
There is no better authentic line leader than Kane, even into his early 30s.
Can you imagine how much delight there would be from the Gooners if that happened?
When Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2023, the spectre of Kane following him into Stamford Bridge left many Spurs fans suffering nightmares.
Barely 18 months on and Pochettino is long gone.
But Chelsea’s need for a totemic central striker who can also be a creator supreme has not gone away.
The new Chelsea transfer approach under Todd Boehly has been focused on young players, long-term deals and potential future sales value.
That would not be a situation with Kane, who has maybe four seasons at the top level left in his locker, with little or no sell-on value even after a couple of campaigns.
While it is hard to envisage Kane wearing Arsenal’s red shirt, the animosity towards Chelsea from Spurs fans is nowhere near as strong – even if it is arguably even deeper the other way, with many Blues supporters viewing Tottenham as their REAL rival.
United wheeled out the big guns to try to lure Kane on at least two occasions in the past.
Gary Neville’s infamous golf course video interview caused major issues at boardroom level in N17, with anger through the roof.
Both times, despite the opportunities, Kane refused the invitation – making it clear that he was committed to Tottenham first time round and then effectively choosing City on the next occasion.
That Kane would consider going to a United in a state of utter flux now, if he does want to leave Germany, is even harder to imagine.
But United’s need for someone who really could make a difference is unquestioned, with fans looking at Rasmus Hojlund’s statistics and shaking their heads at the Dane.
Likewise for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, landing Kane would be a game-changer.
Remember how Robin van Persie was signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season “present” to fire United to the title.
They have not won it since but if Kane has got the silverware monkey off his back at Bayern, he might be able to work the oracle at Old Trafford.
THOUSANDS of Irish people are among millions in Australia being warned to evacuate as Cyclone Alfred makes landfall.
The tropical cyclone has started to hit eastern Australian and has brought torrential rain and record-breaking waves.
The region 285km east of Brisbane is rarely hit by typhoons, with the cyclone now unexpectedly slowing over the Coral Sea.
Around four million live along the 400km stretch of coastline, with thousands of Irish people to feel the worst of the storm’s impact.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Sarah Scully said: “We’re already seeing gales developing on the coastal fringe.
“There have been very large waves and powerful swells. That’s generated by Alfred lingering in the Coral Sea and creating a whole lot of wave energy.”
She also confirmed that a 12.4 metre wave was recorded on the Gold Coast south of Brisbane.
This is the largest wave ever recorded at the monitoring station.
Cyclone Alfred was initially forecast to make landfall this evening but is now expected to arrive this evening or early Saturday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia warned the impacts of the cyclone will be “dangerous and life-threating”.
They said: “Tropical Cyclone Alfred is moving towards the southeast Queensland coast, with the far western edge beginning to reach the coast from about Coolangatta to Ballina.
“Alfred is a category 2 cyclone, and is forecast to maintain this intensity as it continues to approach the southeast Queensland coast this afternoon and during Thursday.
“The centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast early Friday morning, most likely between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.”
They continued: “Heavy rainfall is forecast for southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales from Thursday.
“Heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threating flash flooding may occur near and south of the cyclone centre as Alfred approaches the coast late on Thursday and persist into Friday.”
ALFRED is expected to land as a Category 2 storm early on Friday morning near Brisbane.
Residents of Australia’s third-largest city, which is home to 2.5 million people, have been urged to evacuate if they are near coastal areas or flood-prone areas.
Forecasters have warned that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could bring winds of up to 155kph and Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said total rainfall from the event could be as much as 800mm in some regions.
The storm will continue hitting other parts of Australia throughout the day.
The Bureau of Meteorology currently lists the areas from Double Island Point to Grafton as “warning zones”, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Byron Bay.
Experts warned that Cyclone Alfred may be worst felt in areas south of the storm’s eye, along tourist beaches from the Gold Coast to northern New South Wales.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged residents to “bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time”
Residents in the area are being urged to now evacuate if possible, and stock up on food and sandbags.
Some towns have already been exposed to “well over” 200mm of rain since the storm began.
Senior government minister Jim Chalmers warned: “There’s a lot of people in harm’s way here. We’re talking about something like four-and-a-half million Australians.
“It’s rare for a cyclone to be this far south and to threaten such a huge population area.”
The Irish Australian Support Assosiation of Queensland has offered assistance to any Irish expats or holidaymakers who need it during the cyclone.
The association have closed their office due to the impending cyclone.
In a social media alert to Irish people in the area they said: “Due to Cyclone Alfred, the IASAQ Office will be closed until further notice.
“However, our team will still be working remotely and available to assist anyone in need “
“If you require support, please don’t hesitate to reach out: info@iasaq.com.au, 0432 087 328.”
There are an estimated 7,600 Irish people living in the Greater Brisbane area, as of the 2021 Census carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
This figure is now expected to be higher due to an influx of emigration as more than 10,600 moved to Australia last year.
The NSW authorities have also issued a new evacuation warning asking residents to leave before 7pm.
This is for those living in parts of Port Macquarie, Settlement Point, Condong, South Murwillumbah and Leycester Creek.
A statement said: “You should evacuate to stay with family, friends or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding.
“If you are unable to find accommodation, evacuation centres have been set.”
Millions are being warned over power outages as Queensland premier David Crisafulli said the figure has now risen to 100,000 homes between Queensland and New South Wales.
He told ABC 7.30 that “there will never be enough generators to plug the holes” and the number has risen rapidly “so that gives you a degree of how large that scale is”.
He said: “We have prepositioned generators in some of the key areas. The moment it is safe, they will be turned on to some of those key infrastructure.
“The real work is reconnecting so you can get permanent power supply.
“Overnight we saw it packed a punch.”
Brisbane Airport has suspended operation as of Thursday afternoon, with public transport across the city stopped.
More than 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales have also shut.
And many residents have spent the past three days fortifying their homes with sandbags, tying down loose furniture and stocking up on food and water.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese urged the public to “be sensible”.
He said: “This isn’t a time for sightseeing or for seeing what it’s like to experience these conditions firsthand. Please stay safe.”
He added: “When nature does its worst, Australians are at our best. We rally. We lift each other up. We look out for our neighbours.”
DUBLIN refs, Dublin media, or just plain old ridden rock solid by Dublin.
The first-ever instalment of the League of Ireland in 1920 was Dublin-centric with all eight teams from the capital, which has been a bone of contention for those outside the Pale ever since.
Ironically, the football split which coincided with the War of Independence was over a Belfast bias in the IFA.
But the move to a Dublin HQ and League of Ireland just transported the suspicions of favouritism 90 miles south for the fans of new teams who joined over the years.
Everyone knows it is all bs. Sure it was a Waterford man who called the league the FAI’s “difficult child” — not ‘problem child’ as has become the common perception.
Besides, even if there was an aim to screw the non-Dub clubs, traffic is so bad here to even meet to conjure such a plan.
Nevertheless, the ‘Dem up in Dublin’ rhetoric is all part of the fun and helps give the League of Ireland some of its madness.
I was in Longford in 2005, struggling to keep a poker face when then-Cork City chief Damien Richardson delivered his infamous “ridden rock solid” rant, which took aim at a Dublin official after a shock FAI Cup exit. It is the classic of the genre.
Or Ruaidhrí Higgins asking if Conan Byrne’s comments at a Derry City-Shamrock Rovers game last season were made as he would see his fellow Dubs back home.
Then-Candystripes boss Higgins knew full well that former Shelbourne and St Pat’s ace Byrne was not singing Kumbaya on the Rovers coach home, but his comments circled the wagons.
And why should a manager not use any trick he can?
Still, the LOI roll of honour is Dublin-centric. Sixty-two of the 102 titles have gone to the capital and only Dundalk split the ‘big four’ of Rovers, Shels, Bohemians and St Pat’s.
Sure, there have been dynasties for Cork, Waterford and Dundalk but there was always a feeling that the demographics meant Dublin would dominate if Dublin got its act together.
That is what has happened in the past few years.
Whether it was the crowds post-pandemic, excellent community work, greater promotion or increased coverage, it’s been boom time.
Success on the pitch naturally meant regular sell-outs could have become more of a Dublin-thing. But they have not.
Derry City are at capacity most weeks and Drogheda United desperately need a new stadium to cope with demand.
Title pushes and cup wins have contributed. Sligo Rovers are on that road too with attendances up.
Cork City, Galway United and Waterford are all rapidly playing catch-up having been in the First Division recently.
You just have to look at this year’s early league table.
Last season, the top three were all Dublin teams and, despite their slow start, Bohemians were many people’s — myself included — tip to make a jump this term.
But after four games, three teams are unbeaten and two of them are league-leading Waterford and Drogs a spot behind, with Dublin-based champs Shels the other.
That is likely to change in the next month as the league that never settled down last season settles down.
But it is not beyond the Pale to assume the Dublin stranglehold is threatened.
A DETECTIVE from the NYPD has sparked outrage after pole dancing in her underwear and performing in a strip club for a rap video.
Melissa Mercado, an officer in the Special Victim’s Unit in the Bronx switched out her uniform for a lacy black bra and thong to dance in the raunchy music video for hip-hop artist S-Quire.
The viral video for his song ‘Doin’ That’ features the NYPD cop twerking around a pole, giving the rapper a lap dance, and crawling on the floor of a strip club, while being showered in dollar bills.
As the 28-year-old debuted her curves for all to see in the NSFW video, S-Quire ogled the veteran officer, who has been with the NYPD for seven years, while spitting X-rated bars.
The lyrics include lines like: “A** is thick. Just want to smash it quick” and “I like the way she doin that, the way she sliding up the pole”.
Mercado’s identity only came to light when the video went viral with 1.4 million views in a month and she was recognised by fellow officers who have slammed her for her actions.
Even S-Quire was unaware of the beauty’s profession, telling the Daily Mail that he knew her only as Honeybee, her nickname and social media handle.
The rapper from Long Island whose real name is Phabian Winfield said: “I didn’t know what she did for a living.
“She doesn’t seem like a detective. When you think of detectives, you think of Special Victims Unit on the TV.
“This is interesting. I’m kind of blown away. I don’t know what to say about Honeybee at this point.”
He explained the pair met through the production company for the video and that they filmed it in early 2022 at Club Vanity in Queens.
Since the detective’s identity has come to light, current and former NYPD officers have blasted her for her off-duty hobbies.
One detective told the Mail: “I really don’t understand why this woman would do something that dumb.
“We are supposed to be held to a higher standard as role models.”
“I have no words,” another disgusted detective said.
Eric Saunders, a lawyer and former NYPD officer told the Mail her actions are “inconsistent with the values and professional standards the public expects from law enforcement – especially those entrusted with investigating sensitive cases involving special victims.”
He called for the police department to review her conduct, caseload and fitness for duty as he feared a decline in public confidence in the force.
It is unclear if the detective, who has since taken down her social media, is at risk of losing her job as a result of the steamy video.
But a source from the police union told The New York Post that the $144,000-a-year grade 3 cop’s actions “really have nothing to do with her as an employee, as an NYC detective.”
“She’s not wearing NYPD paraphernalia. Nothing in the video says she’s a detective,” they added.
The source noted that she would have to flag to the NYPD that she is performing for money as a side gig but that “nothing she does in the video is the department’s business.”
Others including fellow officers have defended her actions.
One source said that the detective is “respected by her peers” and has made some impressive arrests.
“If being in a video does not hinder her job as a detective, who cares,” another viewer said on X.
Neither the NYPD nor Mercado have issued a comment on the video.
But it is not the first time one of New York’s Finest has been caught out in a raunchy video.
In 2021, rookie cop Vera Mekuli was filmed giving a lap dance to a married superior officer at a Christmas party.
The then 26-year-old issued an apology stating she did not know the lieutenant was married but that the video would not have caused so much backlash it were a man dancing.
After the video went viral, an investigation was launched and 44th Precinct Lt. Nick McGarry was booted to Transit District 12.
No official disciplinary action was taken against the rookie but a year later she made headlines against after “interfering with her brother-in-law’s drink-driving arrest” leading to a suspension.
HIPPERSONS Boatyard found on the Broads is a unique floating holiday park – and it’s been named one of the best in the UK.
The self-catering, holiday destination in Beccles, is known for its quirky houseboats and pods on the river.
The holiday park has been awarded the title of the best ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’ by the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025.
The judges said: “The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home.”
Hippersons Boatyard has six different spots on the river which include three houseboats called Swallows, Amazons, and Coot Club.
The other two are floating pods named Secret Water and Wild Cat Island.
Secret Garden is the only land accommodation that has a private deck with a fire pit and a Swedish eco wood fired hot tub.
One described the Secret Water pod as “a little gem” in a TripAdvisor review. Another said their stay was the “the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.”
Someone else said: “The boatyard is really well placed a short walk from the historic centre of Beccles (but no road or town noise!).”
One of the biggest lots is the Wild Cat Island floating pod and you have to access on a floating ramp which bobs up and down with the tide.
All of their houseboats sleep up to four, and they have four pet friendly holiday homes too.
Each the pods and boathouses includes a private rowing boat for exploring the Broads National Park.
Guests can also add a Sparrows and Amazons experience packages for some organised activities.
The package includes a guided kayak and canoe tour, paddle boards, and a pedal boat are all available for hire.
There are also self drive boats you can take out for the day to explore more of the Broads.
There’s also a dinghy demonstration and the owners will help you make the best out of the river when you visit depending on the tide.
The cheapest cabin is the Swallows and Coot Club, which can be booked for £360 for three days.
The market town of Beccles is well-known for a great place to explore the Broads National Park.
Nearby attractions include the Beccles Lido, where you can book a slot and swim in the outdoor pool.
There are also lots of riverside paths for walking and cycle paths too.
Here’s more about the Beccles Lido which has been undergoing refurbishment.
And the beautiful Norfolk village with bright red poppy fields and a renowned pub.
All of these holiday parks have incredible waterparks
The Seashore holiday park in Great Yarmouth is part of Haven’s holiday portfolio and is just by Norfolk’s beach. It is known for its ‘excellent’ amenities The one indoor pool area offers a range of water activities, from casual splashing to serious swimming sessions A smaller pool is also available for younger kids to play in. The real fun is at ‘The Shore’ waterpark, though — with two 11-meter-high tyre flumes towering over the entire area, Tidal Twist and Coastal Cyclone.
The Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is Scotland’s biggest indoor waterpark, and it features two water flumes, a giant tipping bucket, a tots’ pool and water features One of the flumes has neon lights and three crystal-clear sections, so you can wave to your family while travelling down But it doesn’t end there. The other interactive flume allows you to time your ride and try to beat the fastest time of the day.
As with Craig Tara, this is called ‘Splashaway Bay’. The indoor pool area at Hafan Y Môr features a lazy river, a multi-lane waterslide, tipping buckets and separate swimming lanes. There is also a wave machine and many water features. Little ones also have their area here, with a tots’ pool and slide The Adventure Village at Haven’s Hafan Y Môr features 4×4 off-roaders, segways, pedalos and more.
The wrestling world has been abuzz ever since the iconic heel turn of John Cena at the Elimination Chamber. With the announcement coming before that Cena will be stepping down from the ring at the end of 2025, the heel turn opened up a multiverse of possibilities and all of them can be equally astonishing. […]
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