Jordyn Smith’s sliding doors moment came when she was just four years old. Taken to TaeKwonDo classes by her dad, Darren, who feared the red-haired youngster would be bullied for her hair colour, after her fourth and final free session with Central Academy in Carronshore, the ultimatum was made.She had cried for the three previous visits together, another tear-stained taster session and they wouldn’t go back.“Something changed in me that night,” says Jordyn, just minutes before the taxi arrived to take her on a journey which should, all being well, reach Tokyo and the Olympics in two years time. “I could have given up. At first I didn’t enjoy it because of the loud shouts and noises but I decided to keep going after that fourth night.”It was make or break. That night and that decision made along the road from the family’s Carronshore home at Central Academy has shaped not just Jordyn’s path in life, but that of the Smith … [Read more...] about INTERVIEW: Olympic hopeful Jordyn Smith goes from Falkirk district’s Central Academy to Tae Kwon Do Team GB in Manchester
Manchester
Albion could face Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool in last three games
ALBION could face Premier League champions-elect Manchester City, as well as Manchester United and Liverpool, in their last three matches of the season. A revised date for the Seagulls’ rearranged visit to the Etihad Stadium has been complicated by City’s involvement in the Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool. The semi-finals are set aside for April 24 and 25, with the second legs on May 1 and 2. Albion’s home campaign at the Amex ends against Manchester United on May 5. Their closing fixture is at Anfield eight days later. They were originally scheduled to visit the Etihad last weekend, which clashed with the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The postponed clash against Spurs at the Amex has been rearranged for Tuesday April 17 (7.45pm), three days after the Seagulls’ trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. The match, which will be screened live on Sky Sports, was due to be staged on Friday April 20 … [Read more...] about Albion could face Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool in last three games
New play brings to life interviews with friends of Manchester Arena bombing victim
A PLAY focusing on interviews with eight friends of a Manchester Arena bombing victim is coming to the Brighton Fringe almost one year after the tragedy that claimed 22 lives. #BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo was named after a hashtag that trended online across the globe just hours after 29-year-old Martyn Hett’s death was announced and Martyn’s infamous tattoo on his calf of Coronation Street’s Deirdre Barlow. The play is produced with the full support of Martyn’s family and is created from original transcripts of interviews with those who knew Martyn best following the devastating attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22 last year. His bereaved friends explored what it is to “be more Martyn” and take the audience on a journey from the cobbles of Canal Street in Manchester to his “legendary” Eurovision parties and his love of pop divas. Adam Zane, artistic director of Hope Theatre Company, which will … [Read more...] about New play brings to life interviews with friends of Manchester Arena bombing victim
Manchester United confirm Zlatan Ibrahimovic to leave the club
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy and could make his debut for the Major League Soccer side this month, US media reported on Thursday. The Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated both reported Ibrahimovic had inked a deal with the Galaxy shortly before Manchester United confirmed the Swedish star had been released from his Old Trafford contract. Sports Illustrated said Ibrahimovic’s move to California would be officially announced in a full-page advertisement in Friday’s edition of the Los Angeles Times. MLS rules allow clubs to sign three designated players who are not subject to salary limits, a rule introduced when David Beckham arrived in the league in 2007. However, because the Galaxy have already signed their designated players for the 2018 season, Ibrahimovic’s salary will be limited to around $1.5 million according to the Sports Illustrated report. That represents a fraction of the reported £19 million ($26.8 million) a season … [Read more...] about Manchester United confirm Zlatan Ibrahimovic to leave the club
100,000 Rangers fans invade Manchester
Scottish giants Rangers 'invaded' Manchester yesterday when an estimated 80,000 supporters descended on the city from around the world. Ten of thousands of them could not get into Eastlands to see the UEFA Cup Final — which Zenit St Petersburg won 2-0 — but they brought the centre almost to a standstill as they partied in the build-up to the game. Fans from as far away as Australia joined the lucky minority who took up the official 13,000 ticket allocation and black market prices went above £1,400 close to kick-off. Out in force: Rangers fans gather in Manchester It was estimated that the Scots poured £25million to the local economy, with pubs packed and hotels within a 20-mile radius of the city full up. Those who did not find a way into the ground watched the game on giant screens but after winning praise for their behaviour throughout the day trouble flared later. Strong support: Rangers fans are in good spirits before the clash Police reported just eight … [Read more...] about 100,000 Rangers fans invade Manchester